Last year, I didn’t post any reviews here though I had read a few books that I wanted to highlight. I was drifting into darkest corridors, writing only when I felt like crying my heart out. Sharing my emotions through poetry has really helped me to gather my strength. I am thankful to all my blogger buddies for their love and support.
This year one of my resolves is to read more and post the reviews. Here are some FIVE STAR reads!
‘Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver’ is a wondrous fantasy that connects with realism at many levels. Trust, love, respect, courage and struggle are intrinsic parts of the plot. The struggle to weave spring – the season of hope and light is a profound symbol of survival in this world, replete with strife.
Erith has inherited the magic of weaving the seasons, and an eye for color from her mother, Dania. She has a tremendous responsibility as the seasons couldn’t change without her presence. Despite the doubts about her talents, Erith completes her first tapestry and is ready to deliver the change of season but Winter King is indignant and she is caught between the rancor of the charmed and the mistakes of human beings who forget their place and think that they are more powerful than the forces of nature.
Peach has a knack for creating a stunning situation to grab you into it, making you one of the characters standing there, watching how they will handle the crisis. The prologue prepares you for an incredible action, as terror unleashes from page one, but there are many soft moments in this multidimensional story. The growth of Erith is phenomenal, as she learns to acknowledge her talent and gathers confidence.
You have to read this book slowly to savor the poetic style of writing, as the words rise to request a halt and chew the expressions like “blood bloomed, bright as a summer rose,” “her veils an opalescent mist,” ice-spanked finery,” and many more. The imagery like “embers whirled like fireflies past the moon’s face” delighted my heart. Whether it is the description of Winter Palace or the legend of Nelithi, the Spring Princess or Autumn Prince, Peach excels in conjuring a perfect world, worth visiting. I would highly recommend this book – a symphony of seasons.
‘Protective Instinct’ is a fast-paced, intriguing thriller with a multi-dimensional plot. It was difficult to put it down and I raced through it just like its non-stop action. When bestselling author Sebastian Bartoli’s friend devises a plan for him to disappear to a secluded location, I had my doubts. Familiar with York’s writing style, I couldn’t trust anyone and could figure out the sinister designs around him. The suspense mounts with Morgan’s entry – has she been planted? Is she really what she seems to be?
Wow! It only proves to be the tip of the iceberg. There is much more that lies buried and York handles it masterfully! I bet it is not easy to predict what lies ahead when Max Fontana makes his dramatic entry. Once again, I slipped off my seat, eager to know whether he was a truthful man and what his real motive was.
I was awe-struck by Morgan’s character – so different from the traditional female protagonists – independent planner, decisive, adventurous and a survivor with outstanding values. Other characters are drawn with brilliant strokes and fit into the story so well, as the shades of gray and black mingle to define them.
This book is a riveting read that keeps you invested till the last page. Highly recommended.
‘And Then You Were Gone’ is a powerful comment on bullying. The immediate effects may not be visible; the victim may put up a brave front but emotional scars can mar a person’s personality.
A single mother raises her daughter with immense love. Her life centers around Sophie, who has a childhood friend – her playmate, and they find happiness in the little joys of life. However, growing up brings along unseen burdens that may prove to be challenging for teenagers. Sophie’s peer group shapes her into a different kind of person.
A combination of realism and fantasy, the story flows well. It conveys some subtle messages, and highlights the importance of sharing your thoughts and emotions. Isolation makes you more vulnerable. Nick is eager to help but Sophie chooses Tristan, thereby slipping deeper into the abyss that was inescapable. The ending stunned me. I didn’t expect it.
Logan handles the mother-daughter relationship astutely, giving space to each other. The helplessness of a doting mother stands out, as Sophie draws into her shell. I would like to recommend this novella to teenagers as well as parents who want to raise responsible and sensitive children.
Thank you. More reviews are coming soon.
Here is the Amazon link for my new poetry book.
For more poetry, hang out with Hues Of Hope
When digital devices invaded into our lives and living rooms, people thought books would lose their significance. Debates were organized to discuss and create awareness and a new generation of readers cropped up. Smart phones became their books and that was probably the turning point in the habits of readers.
reviews, as they take a book like a stranger who passes by. Characters don’t inspire them, as they look at them from imaginative perspective. They don’t dwell on their fictitious troubles, which are dismissed the moment they close the book. They don’t have any TBR list and read whatever they come across. They have a few favorite authors though.
Then there are readers who approach a book like a friend. They fall in the third category. Reading is an experience for them; they connect with characters, feel the emotion of each one, savor the words and highlight what touches them. They are committed readers, in no hurry to finish a book. They choose their books carefully and don’t like to go outside their genre. Their reviews are critically framed, inclusive of good and bad aspects of author’s style and characterization.
Emotional Shadows 