Celebrating Debutantes 2016: Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco (Movie Cast + Giveaway)

Hi guys! For today, I am sharing with you the movie cast made by Kerri for her debut novel Stalking Jack the Ripper. We're also giving away a pre-order of Stalking Jack the Ripper - open internationally!

Audrey Rose Wadsworth — is our badass Victorian heroine. As a lord’s daughter, she’s been groomed to be an obedient young lady, but has her own ideas about how a lady may act. When she’s not attending high teas or dress fittings, she’s secretly studying cadavers in her uncle’s forensic laboratory. Once the Ripper begins his murder spree, she’s determined to stop him any way she can. Her ultimate goal is to save other women from such a dark fate, no matter what their status in society is.

Aditi Rao Hydari would be perfect because she was born into two royal lineages, is elegant yet fierce, and just screams Audrey Rose to me. Place a scalpel in her hands and add some Victorian finery, and my main character would spring to life!

Thomas Cresswell — is Audrey Rose’s infuriating partner-in-forensic-loving-crime. He’s mysterious, comes from an equally good family, and harbors plenty of dark secrets of his own. He’s charming and arrogant and constantly goading Audrey Rose into either giving him a kiss, or fighting society restrictions. Most days Audrey Rose can’t decide if she wants to kiss or kill him more.

Douglass Booth would make a great Thomas because there’s something about his smoldering look that can light even the most determined girl’s heart on fire. I think he’d be able to pull off the witty banter and get away with some of the more “impolite” things Thomas says while pushing his own societal boundaries.

About the Author:

Photo credit: Kelli Maniscalco @ Dogwood Lane

Kerri Maniscalco grew up in a small town just outside of New York City where her love of the arts was fostered from an early age. In her spare time she reads everything she can get her hands on, cooks all kinds of food with her family and friends, and drinks entirely too much tea while discussing life’s finer points with her cats.

STALKING JACK THE RIPPER, her debut YA gothic horror, is coming September 20, 2016 from JIMMY Patterson/Little, Brown. It’s the first in a new series and incorporates her love of forensic science and unsolved history.

Find Kerri: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Tumblr | Pinterest

Book Description:

Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion...

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget

Buy links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

Giveaway

What's up for grabs: Pre-order of Stalking Jack the Ripper
Scope: International!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Treat yourself to a complete #CelebratingDebutantes2016 experience. Click the image below for the full schedule and links to the posts!

Celebrating Debutantes 2016: The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye (Review + Giveaway)

Today, I'm featuring one of the debuts that I patiently pined for since 2015 and that I enjoyed reading this year. Stick around for a giveaway at the end.

My Thoughts:

I have always wanted to got to Russia. But now, instead of Moscow, I want to walk the streets and bridges of Saint Petersburg and possibly, live there for the rest of my life. I am completely enamored with the time period and the land, with its marvelous architecture, fashion and palpable culture. The detailed description of food, particularly the bread and the pastries, left my mouth watering and craving for dessert. The switching from French to Russian and back again by the characters reminded me so much of my own country, wherein we speak English and Filipino and oftentimes mix them.

The magic in the book was ancient and almost forgotten by the public. The source of the magic was briefly explained, coming in the form of an enchanted hollow, which was the center of all magic in Russia. Instead of the typical take on magic, wherein individuals were born with it, in The Crown's Game, individuals served as "vessels" for the magic. The situation was that there were never supposed to be two enchanters at a time; the magic was never supposed to be shared.

Vika was one of the enchanters, hailing from Ovchinin island. Her power was more focused on the elements and nature. I found her determined, ambitious and mischievous. But she was not without faults: her curiosity often got the nest of her. She was intelligent, a true visionary who delivered picturesque and stunning magical works. Her magic has always been a part of her, defining her. I loved that she didn't shy away from the weird looks, the terror that people show her because of her magic.

Nikolai was the other enchanter. He was born on the Kazakh steppe and was found by Galina at a young age. His dramatic past transitions into a colorful life in Saint Petersburg. He was multitalented and resourceful, making opportunities where there were none. I loved how he rose up, despite the struggles, the obstacles and the limitations. He was the perfect gentleman. Together with Pasha, the tsesarevich, he could be a bit reckless.

Vika and Nikolai were pawns in an old game, set up against one another. But instead of going head on against each other, squeezing out the life force and hope out of each other, the opposite happened. They were drawn towards each other's personalities and power. They were the two halves of a whole. Two souls set apart from society, who found companionship, understanding and comfort in each other. I enjoyed reading about how they slowly fell and began to care for one another. It was a scenario of self-preservation and logic versus the workings of a good heart and the sheer gravity-like pull of feelings.

The plot was a tapestry of colorful elements. Different kinds of relationships and connections were tackled in the book, from familial relationships to friendship. The factor of having a battle to the death raised the stakes. There were twists and turns in the novel that could and could not be guessed. The ending was beautifully done, bittersweet and touching and enough of a blow on a booklover's heart. Overall, it was entertaining and well paced.

The Crown's Game was a sweeping fantasy with a breathtaking view of old world Russia, that highlights the classic elements of magic, starcrossed lovers and tragedy. I highly recommend this to readers of fantasy and romance, to readers of historical novels who are looking for a specific time period and to readers who are interested in old world Russia.

Rating:

About the Author:

Evelyn Skye was once offered a job by the C.I.A., she not-so-secretly wishes she was on "So You Think You Can Dance," and if you challenge her to a pizza-eating contest, she guarantees she will win. When she isn't writing, Evelyn can be found chasing her daughter on the playground or sitting on the couch, immersed in a good book and eating way too many cookies. THE CROWN'S GAME is her first novel. Evelyn can be found online at www.evelynskye.com and on Twitter @EvelynSkyeYA.

Book Description:

Hardcover, 399 pages
Published May 17th 2016 by Balzer + Bray

Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.

Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip-smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.

And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love…or be killed himself.

As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear—the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.

Giveaway

What's up for grabs: Paperback of The Crown's Game
Scope: Philippines

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Treat yourself to a complete #CelebratingDebutantes2016 experience. Click the image below for the full schedule and links to the posts!

Celebrating Debutantes 2016: Fear the Drowning Deep by Sarah Glenn Marsh (Author Interview + Giveaway)

Hi guys! For today, we are featuring one of the nicest authors that I know and one of the first authors that I ever contacted for Celebrating Debutantes 2016. It was a bit of a mistake - I thought her book was coming out from January to June, so emailed her way back. Anyway, stick around for a swag pack giveaway later on.

*** 

What or who inspired you to write Fear the Drowning Deep? The inspiration for Fear the Drowning Deep came from something I read in the news: an article about a rare shark that had been spotted by fishermen (near Japan, if I recall) and it got me thinking about all the strange creatures in the ocean. It seems to me that people spend more time wondering about space, looking up, than they do wondering about what’s in the waters below us--way deep down, in the darkest places we can't see or reach...and the idea for Fear was born!

What kind of historical research did you do for the book? My research process was a bit unusual. For one thing, I found some great books first published in the 1800s on Manx mythology (mainly dealing with fairies and the Islanders’ customs and lore surrounding them), and read those/took notes! I also ordered some Manx history books directly from the Isle–I don’t recommend this though, unless you want to spend a TON on shipping!

I also went to YouTube to look up videos of the Isle of Man TT. This is a famous motorcycle race (for those who aren’t as enthralled by motorcycles as I am!) and my awesome biker dad had mentioned it to me several times growing up. Anyway, bikers from around the world flock to the Isle of Man for this big race around the island each year; it’s actually been happening since the early 1900s! Anyway, I watched videos of the TT to get a sense for the Manx landscape and the accents of the Manx people reporting on the race!

Could you tell us a bit about the historical period wherein Fear the Drowning Deep is set? What made you decide on this specific time period? Fear the Drowning Deep is set in the early 1900s--to be specific, 1913. This particular year felt right to me for Bridey’s story for a number of reasons. First, it was a year after the sinking of the Titanic, an event which confirmed Bridey's worst fears about the ocean. Second, this was a time in which there was very little technology on the Isle (relative to other places in the UK, which were quicker to adopt new tech as it became available). This was also a time when many on the Isle still upheld rich old traditions, and some still believed in the existence of fairies. All these things combined made 1913 on the Isle of Man feel like a distinctly magical time in which to set my story!

Could you tell us about the tasks, responsibilities and competencies of a witch's apprentice? Bridey herself would tell you that being a witch's apprentice is dirty work; her employer, Morag, hasn't swept her hearth in at least a decade. Sometimes, her duties involve going to the beach, even though that brings her much closer to the sea than she can stand. She's also always on the lookout for things that might please Morag--sea glass, driftwood, a piece of string; the witch's moods shift as swiftly as the wind. On the best days, being a witch's apprentice involves drinking tea and talking about the moon and mythical krakens.

What were the difficulties that you encountered while writing Fear the Drowning Deep, if any? How did you deal with them? Without getting too spoiler-y, writing the Big Bad in this book freaked me out! Also, Bridey’s so scared of the ocean that I often felt terrible about the things I was subjecting her to! In fact, I'd say that was the most difficult part of writing the book overall; I came to love all the characters (okay, okay, maybe not Mr. Gill...), and I often felt bad about ruining their lives (something I've since gotten over in my subsequent books...consider yourselves warned ;)). I dealt with it by writing an ending that was satisfying to me, and that I hope will be the same for readers!

What is your favorite part about writing your debut? Researching the mythology, definitely. I had a great time learning about and shaping what Bridey would be up against in her fight to save her town!

Have you been to Isle of Man? Could you share with us some of the places there that are highlighted in your book? I wish! I haven't been to the Isle of Man yet, though it's absolutely a goal of mine.

As for places that are highlighted in my book, certainly: while Port Coire, Bridey's hometown, is purely fictional, I situated it about five miles from the very real town of Peel. One of the awesome things about the town is Peel Castle, which was built in the 11th century by the Vikings. There's a supposed spectral black dog (known in Manx Gaelic, the language of the Isle of Man, as the "Moddey Dhoo") roaming the ruined castle, which is open to tour in the summers!

To the south of Peel town, there's the Calf of Man, an island that's home to a large colony of seals!

Another special place on the Isle is the Fairy Bridge, a stretch of road where it's customary to stop and greet the fairies (or "Mooinjer Veggey" as they're known in Manx!); it's considered unlucky not to greet them! Oh, and did I mention that Manx fairies aren't sweet like their English counterparts? Instead, they're quite tricky and fearsome!

Thank you!

About the Author:

Sarah Glenn Marsh is the author of the YA fantasy Fear the Drowning Deep from Sky Pony Press, the forthcoming Reign of the Fallen fantasy duology from Razorbill (Penguin), as well as several forthcoming children's picture books. An avid fantasy reader from the day her dad handed her a copy of The Hobbit and promised it would change her life, she's been making up words and worlds ever since. She lives in Virginia with her husband and her tiny zoo of four rescued greyhounds, a bird, and many fish.

When she's not writing, she's often painting, or engaged in nerdy pursuits from video games to tabletop adventures.

Find Sarah: | Website |

Book Description:

Hardcover, 304 pages
Expected publication: October 4th 2016 by Sky Pony Press

Witch’s apprentice Bridey Corkill has hated the ocean ever since she watched her granddad dive in and drown with a smile on his face. So when a dead girl rolls in with the tide in the summer of 1913, sixteen-year-old Bridey suspects that whatever compelled her granddad to leap into the sea has made its return to the Isle of Man.

Soon, villagers are vanishing in the night, but no one shares Bridey’s suspicions about the sea. No one but the island’s witch, who isn’t as frightening as she first appears, and the handsome dark-haired lad Bridey rescues from a grim and watery fate. The cause of the deep gashes in Fynn’s stomach and his lost memories are, like the recent disappearances, a mystery well-guarded by the sea. In exchange for saving his life, Fynn teaches Bridey to master her fear of the water — stealing her heart in the process.

Now, Bridey must work with the Isle’s eccentric witch and the boy she isn’t sure she can trust — because if she can’t uncover the truth about the ancient evil in the water, everyone she loves will walk into the sea, never to return.

Giveaway

What's up for grabs: Swag Pack including signed bookmarks, postcards, stickers, and a book-inspired necklace
Scope: International!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Treat yourself to a complete #CelebratingDebutantes2016 experience. Click the image below for the full schedule and links to the posts!

Celebrating Debutantes 2016: The Last Cherry Blossom by Kathleen Burkinshaw (Author Interview + Giveaway)

Hi guys! This is the fifth feature for #CelebratingDebutantes2016! Maricar and I are posting alternately from August 5 all the way to September 30. Keep coming back for more features and giveaways. It's listed in the main Celebrating Debutantes page, which you can access by clicking the post over here >>> (top right). Today, we are featuring a dramatic and heart-wrenching historical novel, from a young girl's point of view - The Last Cherry Blossom..

Good morning, Kathleen! Thanks for taking the time to drop by.

Hi Precious! Thank you so much for having me on your blog! :)

Did you encounter any challenges in writing The Last Cherry Blossom? How did you deal with it? Because the main character, Yuriko was based on my mother, it took me a while to figure out how to describe her as a 12-year-old, not the person I knew as my mom. So once I began describing Yuriko as a fictional young girl in Japan, it was easier to then sprinkle some of my mother’s personality traits in the mix.

The other challenge for me was the order of events in her life. I would get bogged down in the details and forget that there is some fiction in this book, so that the exact events did not have to happen in the same timeline as in her life, or even be in the book at all for that matter.

I have read that the story is loosely based on your mother's firsthand experience. Aside from this, what kind of research did you do for the book to flesh out the story world of Yuriko? I spent many, many, many hours reading books written about how WWII affected the people in Japan. There were some books that had diaries of older people during the years that Japan was at war. Japan had been at war since 1937 with China. So by the time that Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, the Japanese people had already been at war for four long years. By reading these accounts, I was able to get a better understanding on how the Japanese viewed their Emperor and the lengths some would go to support him. I researched newspaper headlines, radio show slogans, and propaganda poster copy.

My family visited the Hiroshima Peace Museum last year. We also honored my mother at the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for Atomic bomb victims. Being there in person and standing on the same ground that my mother and others experienced such horror and destruction, broke my heart. I tried to use that emotion for Yuriko’s reactions when I was doing revisions.

Was it difficult to slip into a young girl's mind to retell the story? What were the pros and cons of narrating a tragic story from a child's perspective? At first, yes. But once I focused more on how I might have reacted to those situations at 12-years-old, it became much easier.
Pros- more honest reaction, most likely to say what they are thinking
Cons- I had to be careful that Yuriko, didn’t act or say things as if she had the same knowledge or understanding that an adult would.

What is the message that you want readers to pick up from The Last Cherry Blossom? That nuclear weapons should never be used again on any country for any reason. Each person under the famous mushroom clouds of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, or child.


If you could write a story in a different genre. What genre would it be and what would it be about? Perhaps a fantasy novel based on a Japanese fairy tale. :)

Thank you, Kathleen!

About the Author:

Kathleen Burkinshaw resides in Charlotte, NC. She’s a wife, mom to a daughter in college (dreading the reality of being an empty nester-most of the time), and owns a dog who is a kitchen ninja. Kathleen enjoyed a 10+ year career in HealthCare Management unfortunately cut short by the onset of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Writing gives her an outlet for her daily struggle with chronic pain. She has carried her mother’s story her whole life and feels privileged to now share it with the world. Writing historical fiction also satisfies her obsessive love of researching anything and everything.

Find Kara: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Blog

Book Description:

Hardcover, 240 pages
Published August 2nd 2016 by Sky Pony Press

Following the seventieth anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, this is a new, very personal story to join Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes.

Yuriko was happy growing up in Hiroshima when it was just her and Papa. But her aunt Kimiko and her cousin Genji are living with them now, and the family is only getting bigger with talk of a double marriage! And while things are changing at home, the world beyond their doors is even more unpredictable. World War II is coming to an end, and Japan's fate is not entirely clear, with any battle losses being hidden fom its people. Yuriko is used to the sirens and the air-raid drills, but things start to feel more real when the neighbors who have left to fight stop coming home. When the bomb hits Hiroshima, it’s through Yuriko’s twelve-year-old eyes that we witness the devastation and horror.

This is a story that offers young readers insight into how children lived during the war, while also introducing them to Japanese culture. Based loosely on author Kathleen Burkinshaw’s mother’s firsthand experience surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, The Last Cherry Blossom hopes to warn readers of the immense damage nuclear war can bring, while reminding them that the “enemy” in any war is often not so different from ourselves.

Giveaway

Thanks to Kathleen and Sky Pony Press for this giveaway!
What's up for grabs: Copy of The Last Cherry Blossom + Bookmarks
Scope: US and CA

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Treat yourself to a complete #CelebratingDebutantes2016 experience. Click the image below for the full schedule and links to the posts!

Review: These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas

Book Description:

Paperback, 298 pages
Published February 9th 2016 by Swoon Reads

England, 1882. Evelyn is bored with society and its expectations. So when her beloved sister, Rose, mysteriously vanishes, she ignores her parents and travels to London to find her, accompanied by the dashing Mr. Kent. But they’re not the only ones looking for Rose. The reclusive, young gentleman Sebastian Braddock is also searching for her, claiming that both sisters have special healing powers. Evelyn is convinced that Sebastian must be mad, until she discovers that his strange tales of extraordinary people are true—and that her sister is in graver danger than she feared.

Reviewer's Copy: Paperback

Source: Purchased

My Thoughts:

Reading the first chapter was like stepping into the countryside of England. The photograph of it in my mind was vivid and full of color, scents and noise. The power of words was strong and palpable as the writing duo molded the setting and time period with very specific details, ranging from the obvious to the subtle, from minute to the grand. These Vicious Masks unfolded into a wellspring of power play, pretentious displays and miracles and scandals. I thoroughly enjoyed how the duo fleshed out the culture, practices and customs, and societal workings of the Victorian era.

I found the writing fluid, in such a way that I could not pinpoint which sections were written by Shanker and which sections were written by Zekas. The amount of humor and sarcasm injected into the story was one of the reasons why I loved These Vicious Masks. It was not typical of historical fiction and it made me love the book more.

Evelyn was an inspiring rebel, walking over the careful folds and curves of society. She blended into the crevices of rules and expectations, only to come out, leaving these rules trampled in her wake. I found her rule-breaking a breath of fresh air. I am used to battles between elites but from time to time, rebels with their own fire power surprise me. She was a caring sister, loving Rose enough to go against all odds. Stories that draw on the facets of sibling relationship make me want to wish for a sibling of my own.

Evelyn interacted with opposites Mr. Kent and Mr. Braddock. Mr. Kent was full of life and equally full of surprises. He was a perfect gentleman of an esteemed family. He also happened to be funny and witty. In my mind, I baptized him as a specimen of the endangered guy species. Mr. Braddock was his polar opposite - cold, distant, a bit rude, shrouded in mystery and misunderstood. He was a walking question that no one had the answer to. His sarcasm and humor was darker. He was quick on his feet and had a knack for getting into trouble. But he was fiercely loyal and went out of his way to help people. Evelyn's conversations with these two gentlemen were thoroughly entertaining. Banter with Mr. Kent tended to be light, teasing and flattering, giving Evelyn a hint too many of his concern and feelings for her. While conversations with Mr. Braddock bordered on confrontational, always peppered with aired out doubts, suspicions and assumptions.

Masks were donned by all the characters, in different forms. Each event and each conversation revealed a different, deeper layer of the characters. I wanted to think of them as masked attendees at a masquerade ball, only to find out that it was a trial of some sort, and they were forced to shed layers of disguise. Each individual was neither good nor bad. I liked how there was a lot of gray area and blurred lines, generating space for pondering and judgment

The supernatural aspect of the book left me wanting more. The scientific explanation behind the phenomenon was interesting. However, I would have wanted a deeper study on the mentioned phenomenon. In addition to this, the abilities that the characters possessed seemed more magical than scientific to me. For this reason, I needed more convincing.

These Vicious Masks is an atmospheric, entertaining and humorous historical fiction, with a taste of the supernatural and romance. This is perfect for the following readers: readers looking for historical fiction, specifically Victorian era stories, and readers looking for Jane Austen-inspired novels.

Rating:

4.5 Cupids = Obsessive book love.
Almost made it as one of my favorites! I strongly recommend this!

Review: The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough

Book Description:

Hardcover, 329 pages
Published April 28th 2015 by Arthur A. Levine Books

Antony and Cleopatra. Helen of Troy and Paris. Romeo and Juliet. And now... Henry and Flora.

For centuries Love and Death have chosen their players. They have set the rules, rolled the dice, and kept close, ready to influence, angling for supremacy. And Death has always won. Always.

Could there ever be one time, one place, one pair whose love would truly tip the balance?

Meet Flora Saudade, an African-American girl who dreams of becoming the next Amelia Earhart by day and sings in the smoky jazz clubs of Seattle by night. Meet Henry Bishop, born a few blocks and a million worlds away, a white boy with his future assured—a wealthy adoptive family in the midst of the Great Depression, a college scholarship, and all the opportunities in the world seemingly available to him.

The players have been chosen. The dice have been rolled. But when human beings make moves of their own, what happens next is anyone’s guess.

Achingly romantic and brilliantly imagined, The Game of Love and Death is a love story you will never forget.

Reviewer's Copy: ARC

Source: Maricar + Pinoy Book Tours (Thank you!)

My Thoughts:

First of all, I loved the premise, because it was promising and had an entire history laid out for the reader. But the beginning of the book was slow and I struggled a bit upon starting The Game of Love and Death. However, as the story progressed and the game started and the stakes kept getting higher and higher, I found myself engrossed.

Henry was the perfect gentleman, the kind of boy who goes out of his way to ensure that you are safe and out of harm's way. He had a knack for writing and editing and was incredibly talented with music. I liked seeing his almost-martyr side, it pleased, pained and disappointed me. It was such a shocking view of the goodness of humanity enclosed in a single boy. The way he reached out to and took care of Flora touched my heart.

Flora reminded me of myself, because she was ambitious, determined and passionate about the things she loves in life. It was refreshing to read about her, such a unique character who didn't easily bow down under the building pressure of social norms and racism. I really liked how it hurt me to see Flora hurt, in any way. I have become emotionally attached to her. I applaud the author for making me feel drawn to the parts about aviation, as I so rarely read anything about this topic, especially in YA.

Love and Death were interesting characters. It was surprising to see the typically gendered roles reversed. Love was a boy and Death was a girl. They have been running the game for centuries, with their own pain, longing and sacrifices. I liked stepping into their minds, and seeing the story unfold from their points of view. As Love and Death wove the story using their own threads and patterns, the level of risk and danger heightened, bringing an all-new high to the book.

Overall, The Game of Love and Death was a romantic and tragic historical romance that sweeps readers off their feet with the right dose of desperation, tragedies and inspiration. The writing was amazing, and it was one of the reasons why I kept on reading. If you're into tragic love stories and stories revolving around the embodiment of timeless things such as Love and Death, and historical novels, then this is for you.

Rating:

4 Cupids = Strong book love.
I really enjoyed this. I recommend this!

Review: A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd

Book Description:

Hardcover, 400 pages
Published January 27th 2015 by Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins

After killing the men who tried to steal her father’s research, Juliet—along with Montgomery, Lucy, Balthazar, and a deathly ill Edward—has escaped to a remote estate on the Scottish moors. Owned by the enigmatic Elizabeth von Stein, the mansion is full of mysteries and unexplained oddities: dead bodies in the basement, secret passages, and fortune-tellers who seem to know Juliet’s secrets. Though it appears to be a safe haven, Juliet fears new dangers may be present within the manor’s own walls.

Then Juliet uncovers the truth about the manor’s long history of scientific experimentation—and her own intended role in it—forcing her to determine where the line falls between right and wrong, life and death, magic and science, and promises and secrets. And she must decide if she’ll follow her father’s dark footsteps or her mother’s tragic ones, or whether she’ll make her own.

With inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this breathless conclusion to the Madman’s Daughter trilogy is about the things we’ll sacrifice to save those we love—even our own humanity.

Reviewer's Copy: ARC

Source: Harper Collins(Thank you!)

My Thoughts:

Warning: For readers, who have not finished The Madman’s Daughter and Her Dark Curiosity, now is the time to turn back. There would be spoilers for people who haven’t read the first two books. You have been warned.

A Cold Legacy manifested the genius of Shepherd’s writing: the lurking darkness, the electric atmosphere of the setting, whether it was on a tropical island, high society London or the Scottish moors, and most importantly, the brilliance and madness of her characters. Though I have never set foot on Scotland, I felt like I just spent a three-week vacation there, and jumped back in time, in the process.

Juliet was mad, brilliant and fierce. As she struggled and moved forward through the problems that she encountered, being threatened, followed and attacked, she became stronger and steadier. Juliet retaliated, in bursts of blood and darkness. For a long time, she thought that Dr. Moreau’s blood and craziness ran in her veins. Watching from the sidelines of Juliet’s life was unsettling, thrilling and heart-pounding. There was never a dull moment. Her way of thinking, coupled with her heritage, was deadly. With Juliet, there were always surprises and shockers.

The love triangle that was so palpable in Her Dark Curiosity was long gone. Juliet was now engaged to Montgomery. However Edward’s presence was like a cloud blocking out the sun. The possibility of the emergence of the Beast was just too dangerous to ignore. Juliet felt a connection to the Beast, since they were both “dark” creatures, and had gone through her father’s hands. They had a deeper level of understanding, empathy and similarities, that Juliet would never be able to share with Montgomery.

The physical, psychological and emotional situation that Edward was in broke my heart into a million tiny pieces. I am always drawn to dark, vulnerable characters, especially the ones that were suffering emotionally. I was sad for Edward and wished that I, myself, could give him a chance to live a normal life. Out of all the characters, aside from Juliet, Edward was the one I felt emotionally invested in. Though A Cold Legacy did not have the "spark" that made me love The Madman's Daughter and Her Dark Curiosity, I still enjoyed it. The ending was not what I expected it to be but nevertheless I found it satisfying and just to end the trilogy.

One of the things I liked about A Cold Legacy was that the minor characters were given a chance to shine. Lucy Radcliffe, Juliet’s socialite best friend, was seen in a different light. Underneath the surface was a bold Lucy who braved the Scottish moors, left her comfortable and luxurious life behind, for love. One of the characters close to my heart, Balthazar, was finally “humanized” while highlighting his origin. Although he was made in a laboratory, he had a pure heart and conscience. The way that his mind worked, as well as his personality, was thoroughly explained.

A Cold Legacy is an atmospheric, chilling, and unpredictable retelling of Frankenstein. Readers are in for a treat with the twists, revelations and surprises. I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy retellings, "old world science fiction," and historical stories.

Rating:

4 Cupids = Strong book love.
I really enjoyed this. I recommend this!

Interested in the series? The reviews of the previous books can be found here:
The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd

Review: Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

Book Description:

Hardcover, 275 pages
Published September 9th 2014 by HarperTeen

Downton Abbey meets Cassandra Clare in this lush, romantic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White.

“I did my best to keep you from crossing paths with this world. And I shall do my best to protect you now that you have.”

Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him.

Kiersten White captured readers’ hearts with her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy and its effortless mix of magic and real-world teenage humor. She returns to that winning combination of wit, charm, and enchantment in Illusions of Fate, a sparkling and romantic new novel perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, The Madman’s Daughter, and Libba Bray.

Reviewer's Copy: ARC

Source: Harper Collins(Thank you!)

My Thoughts:

Illusions of Fate was set in a colonial period alternate world, with a strong vibe of historical fiction. There was a struggle and tension between the Albens and the Melenese. The story world presented a colonial experience that was both a reality and a history for many people around the world.

Finn and Jessamin were two of my most favorite characters. Being both Alben and Melenese, Jessamin was stuck in between, not as dark as her people but not as fair and pale of skin as the Albens. Studying in Albion, made her standout as an outcast. She seemed so out of place yet she was determined to survive. She had a strong spirit and an even stronger dedication to her people. She wanted to finish school and to be a teacher back in her island. Finn, on the other hand, was filled with mystery and charm. In the beginning, I even thought that he was the bad guy. But as the story moved forward, his protective layers and "public face" were peeled off, revealing the true Finn. He was not your typical noble. He was open minded, which seemed too advanced for the period they were in, and had a kind heart.

The secondary characters were also bright and radiant, shining along with the main characters. Sir Bird, an unlikely ally, had become my favorite literary pet. Although wordless, his (not an it as Jessamin would say) eye contact, caws, movements and beak-thrusting-into-the-air could convey so much meaning. Because of this, I found myself amazed with Kiersten White. She was able to "humanize" a crow so effectively. Eleanor was another bright star of the show. She was extremely loyal, smart and fun. She brought color and humor into the story. I just loved reading about her ramblings, her gossips and her plans.

Albion has a highly political society. The hierarchy was apparent, though it was not as detailed as I would have wanted it to be. As the story unfolded, magic's role in the society was emphasized - how it could create both order and chaos, and establish the grounds for changes. Although there were predictable variables in the novel, there were also unpredictable elements and twists.

The writing was smooth and beautiful, as it was in her debut Paranormalcy. White was a good a storyteller. What I liked most about her novels was the humorous tone and wit that were embedded in the pages. Nothing was ever boring in the hands of White. The characters' lines had me thoroughly entertained, cracking up with laughter and smiling. The banter between characters seemed so natural.

I loved that this novel was a standalone but I hated that I would not get to read about Finn more. I would have very much wanted to find out more about his past and how he came to be such a gentleman. Aside from that, there was a specific scene in the book related to the antagonist that troubled me. It remained a question in my head until the very end.

Illusions of Fate was a captivating and humorous colonial period fantasy. With explosions of magic, tragedy, social politics and twists and turns, Illusions of Fate will satisfy readers of fantasy and historical fiction. I recommend this to people who are looking for the following:YA books with humor and wit, colonial-period historical fiction (the likes of The Winner's Curse) and a quick read.

Rating:

4 Cupids = Strong book love.
I really enjoyed this. I recommend this!

Review: Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd

Book Description:

Hardcover, 368 pages
Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by Balzer + Bray

To defeat the darkness, she must first embrace it.

Months have passed since Juliet Moreau returned to civilization after escaping her father's island—and the secrets she left behind. Now, back in London once more, she is rebuilding the life she once knew and trying to forget Dr. Moreau’s horrific legacy—though someone, or something, hasn’t forgotten her.

As people close to Juliet fall victim one by one to a murderer who leaves a macabre calling card of three clawlike slashes, Juliet fears one of her father’s creations may have also escaped the island. She is determined to find the killer before Scotland Yard does, though it means awakening sides of herself she had thought long banished, and facing loves from her past she never expected to see again.

As Juliet strives to stop a killer while searching for a serum to cure her own worsening illness, she finds herself once more in the midst of a world of scandal and danger. Her heart torn in two, past bubbling to the surface, life threatened by an obsessive killer—Juliet will be lucky to escape alive.

With inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this is a tantalizing mystery about the hidden natures of those we love and how far we’ll go to save them from themselves.

Reviewer's Copy: ARC

Source:Megan + Harper Collins International (Thank you!)

My Thoughts:

Warning: If you have not read The Madman's Daughter, skip paragraph 3-5.

Her Dark Curiosity had a mystery edge along with jarring waves of violence this time around. It was more pronounced, more raw and more heart-wrecking. And I thought I loved the first book. I am absolutely in love with the sequel. Her Dark Curiosity's London was a social minefield, very perilous, filled with secrets and dangers in hidden corners and dark alleys, stalked by a monster and manipulated by the powers in their seats. I loved the ambiance.

Juliet was back in London, safe and sound. After months of sailing on sea, alone and broken after Montgomery's betrayal, she was back with Profesor von Stein. He was the same angel sent from heaven who helped her get a job at the university. Although she now enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle, the Juliet nurtured in the island remained strong. She slipped into her secret hideaway, trying to develop a cure for her sickness. She was an intriguing character for sure. Her musings were so fun to read. She was a ball of curiosity, loneliness, longing and spunk.

To be honest, I expected some sort of "comeback," given that this was a trilogy. I was not disappointed. The boy that I was so eager to understand, Edward Prince, came back. Everything I wanted to read about him in The Madman's Daughter was served to me in Her Dark Curiosity. His two sides warred for dominance: the helpless, kind and gentle Edward and the twisted, dangerous and mysterious Beast. They were two sides of a coin, both having feelings towards Juliet and expressing it in their own ways. It was perfectly carried out, this different and quite so literal depiction of two personalities in one body. As Juliet found out more about the beast, she discovered more about Edward, the more she knew about the Beast. Her protectiveness and longing to save Edward warmed my heart. There was just something sizzling between them.

I'm one of the readers who loved the love triangle. After everything that Julie has been through, I can positively say that she was not normal. At all. She was eccentric, special in more ways than one. There was a darkness in her that makes her do crazy things and enabled her to connect with beings like her. Although Edward's alter ego, the Beast lurked beneath the surface, he still remained Edward. He was in love with Juliet and I believe a little part of Juliet cared for him and loved him back, too. Moving on to Montgomery: the knight in shining armor; the typical choice. He was sweet through and through, protective, and a true gentleman. But there would always be a part of him that could never understand Juliet the same way Edward did. Juliet's own self was torn into two: Pre-island and post-island; human and other. The same way, she was torn between two boys: Edward and Montgomery.

The sequel was a good canvas for showing the consequences of breakthrough science. As the work of Juliet's father spread its roots into London's soil, the level of danger and suspense increased. Juliet was adamant to stop Dr. Moreau's work no matter what it took. When something much more sinister that the Beast stood on the brink of success, Juliet would realize that there was more to her father's experiments than what she left behind on the island.

Her Dark Curiosity was unputdownable, deliciously dark and heart-pounding. The ending wrecked my heart and left me with hope (false hope)? I highly recommend this to readers of dark fiction who likes romance and is open to alternative old science [Frankenstein, experiments and the like]. I keep on repeating that this might not be a book for everybody but it is certainly a gem.

5 Cupids = Eternal book love.
I will never ever, ever forget this book. I highly recommend this!

Review: The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

Book Description:

Paperback, 420 pages
Published January 29th 2013 by Balzer + Bray

In the darkest places, even love is deadly.

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood.

Inspired by H. G. Wells's classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Madman's Daughter is a dark and breathless Gothic thriller about the secrets we'll do anything to know and the truths we'll go to any lengths to protect.

Reviewer's Copy: Paperback

Source: Bought

My Thoughts:

Upon starting The Madman's Daughter, I had no idea what to expect. The London ambiance was a familiar YA setting for me, so was encountering an impoverished young heroine. But Juliet was unlike any other English heroine I have ever encountered. With a fierce survival instinct and a little bit of darkness in her, she had me hooked to her story. With no parents at a young age, she worked at the college as part of the cleaning crew. A trace of her estranged father drifted to the streets of London. Juliet, always the curious one, went to investigate. The rest was history. Juliet's character was thoroughly dissected and explored. The author did an amazing job with this.

Vivisection, the dissection of living animals, was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to Henri Moreau's mad science. It was all thrilling, horrfying and hardcore-genius to m. In this light, The Madman's Daughter was steampunk-ish, an advanced science in the old world. The products of her father's madness were both horrible and intriguing. Balthazar, one of the creatures, was one of the sweetest characters I've ever encountered. He was like a giant teddybear, gentle and thoughtful. Although he was one of the doctor's experiments, he was as human as any other human could be. I couldn't quite classify him as an animal. He was too innocent.

When it comes to love, Juliet was much more complex. Montgomery, the servant boy that she idolized when she was a little girl, had become an Adonis. With a kind heart and gentleness, he stole Juliet's heart. On the other side of the triangle was Edward Prince, the mysterious and captivating survivor. He was the broken boy that readers loved to understand, pine for and cheer on. To be honest, I was as torn as Juliet. Montgomery was the typical choice but there was something magnetic about Edward that I just couldn't ignore. I wanted to protect him and fix him. I could feel the tug-and-war of their affections and appeal. This would be something that romance readers will look forward to.

The Madman's Daughter was strongly atmospheric with a palpable emotional and sexual tension and a generous amount of suspense, mystery and terror. From character building to the plot, everything was stitched together perfectly. Shepherd blew me away with this hauntingly beautiful debut. I highly recommend this to readers of historical and old science fiction (aka dark science) and romance. If you liked The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, I think this is right up your alley. This is not for the faint of heart.

5 Cupids = Eternal book love.
I will never, ever, ever forget this book. I highly recommend this!

YA Freebie: The Silent Deal by Levi Stack

Today's YA Freebie is The Silent Deal by Levi Stack. It's free on Amazon until August 12th.Doesn't sound familiar? Let me introduce you to this YA historical fantasy with my review.

Why you should read this:

• Original story
• Superb worldbuilding
• Vivid historical background
• Old world fantasy
• Rare YA male narrator/perspective
• Suspense and msytery
• Twists and turns = unpredictable

Get your freebie here!

Book Description:

Paperback, 358 pages
May 2nd 2013

When Viktor and Romulus, two peasant boys, dig too deep into their town’s strange past, they awaken the wrath of a mysterious overlord. As the blood brothers struggle to survive, their search for answers takes them through gambling parlors, bare-knuckle boxing matches, and dark forests full of wild animals and men alike. But even with the help of their friends, can they escape the deathly experiments their foe is creating in Staryi Castle?

Enter the bold lands of the Russian Empire where the colorful characters of The Card Game dwell, from the fortune-tellers and fire-jugglers of the Romani Gypsies, to the dangerous criminals that make up the Thieves World, the predecessor of the Russian Mafia.

An explosive mixture of adventure and mystery, The Silent Deal is a young adult novel that will rip readers through the pages. A perilous journey awaits…

Note: On August 10 to 12, The Silent Deal will be free on Amazon.