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Showing posts from February, 2016

The Boston Ranter

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I have to admit, when I started reading this book, the profanities and expletives had me almost stopping midway. I had an urge to write back to Laydon stating my inability in reading and reviewing. But I didn't. The sole reason was a book by an Indian author where words from a regional dialect were generously used. Every culture, every place has its own unique language and dialect. I realized this when I started reading the Boston Ranter's rantings yet again.  The story is a fictional memoir. Hence, the vignettes are sketches from a life set in Massachusetts. As I kept reading, I realized each segment to be a reflection from the protagonist's life.  The language used, is definitely not everybody's cup of tea. But the narrative is humourous. Laydon's vignettes give a view of his zanny life. And yes, due credit is to be given to him for sticking to the local flavour of the region to which he belongs. To sum up, the book is for those who can look beyo

Hawaiian Homecoming

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First, there is a heartbreak, thereafter starts the process of Healing, and what is needed next is a homecoming. Libby's Hawaiian saga comes to an end with this book (why do I feel there is more up her sleeve!!!). The story starts exactly from where it stopped last. The beauty of reading all three books is the continuity which has not wavered even once. This book is also mainly about Kayla and Jay. Wish I could divulge more, but then, I would be giving away the beauty of this story. However, let me assure those who start with this book, that this book also has the qualities to be read in isolation. Those who have read the previous two books in the series will agree that Libby has a way with words. She ensures that her language and descriptions succeed in evoking imageries in the mind. This book is all about how love will find a way.Yes, it has adult content but inspite of that, the simplicity and feelings emoted by Kayla and Jay will touch your heart. The confus

IA: Initiate

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The book initiates the readers into a new world, the world of a thirteen year old boy. And believe me, the world is nothing like the one in which we presently live. The story concept is unique. The theme revolves around a place called Exclave. The plot shifts between the past and present, but sadly, the link between the two is actually understood only much later. Notwithstanding that, the story per se has a life of its own. John writes in a manner that appears disjointed yet self-explanatory. Yes, the setting is new, the characters are not very simple, still, his narrative style is contagious, as in, you would not like to put the book down. The characters are identifiable because they behave like the ones who can be found everywhere. The teens are well, as any teenager should be. This book aptly brings out concepts of friendship, family, innocence, power and the like. The best part is, inspite of it being disjointed at few places, the storyline through the portrayed

The Rest Of My Life

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There is something in a love story, which seems next to impossible, but keeps you wanting to know more. This is one book which I will remember for the rest of my life. The story is about a damsel in distress and her so-called knight in shining armour. Both have a not-so-glorious past and are confused about the future. Do I sound confused? Well, some love stories are complicated and this book falls under this category. However, let me assure you there is a happy ending. Sheryl has a flair for imageries. Her descriptions are vivid and language is simple. The book has a generous dose of adult content but majority of it are in minimal dosage with relevance to the story. A few elaborations could have been avoided, but then, that is my perception. A writer, however, knows best. Protagonists are real. Insecurities, pain, heartbreak, joy, are all part and parcel of love stories. The way Sheryl has shaped up her characters is truly praiseworthy. She has ensured that this story

Cat In The Flock

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I read this book after I finished reading the second one, and I must say, I was not at all disappointed.  The plot has a life of its own. In fact, both the books in Lisa's Dreamslipper series can be read in isolation. Hence, any reader who reads them separately will have no difficulty in understanding the plots. Like the second book, the story revolves around a theme which has relevance in every age and at every stage. There are hidden skeletons in almost every closet and nothing should be taken at face value. The writing style is amazing; you cannot stop once you start reading. Lisa ensures that her descriptions are vivid but never over the top or out of place. The language is very simple. Yes, dreamslipping is a concept that many may have doubts about its very existence, however, as a student of psychology myself, I definitely think  it is possible to slip into other people's dreams.  Cat is a lovable character, and this book truly brings out the hows and

Secrets Of Smart Parents In Raising Smarter Kids

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Being a parent and desire to be a hands on working mother, I could not stop myself from reading this book from start to finish. I am definitely impressed with the author for the research she must have done while writing this book. Kavitha has stuck to the concept of smart parenting for raising smarter kids. And she has done justice to it throughout. Today's generation is miles ahead with respect to tech know how. Give them a gadget and they will revert back with its features within an hour or so. Her tips and tricks in handling tech savvy kids are really appreciable. The author's writing is not an advisory that is entirely boring, but instead, it is a guide for betterment. The statements have clarity and concepts are backed with logical reasons. The sentences are simple to understand and no description is out of place.  I only wish, the author had included personal anecdotes and a few additions to the layout for greater visual appeal. These would have ma

Bette Davis Eyes

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Bette Davis Eyes was a lovely song I had heard, hence, the title did pique my interest. The story is short and makes for a very quick read. Mothers always say, never trust strangers. Same is the backdrop for the plot of the story. For the answers to who, what, where, why, when and how, you need to get your own copy! Trust me, the story is worth a read. Mickie plays with words to create an aura of horror throughout the story. And yes, hats off to her for penning a short short story. Believe me, writing short stories is not always easy. However, if only there had been a bit more elaborations at some places, the impact would have been much better. Mickie is an artist, and this is evident from her descriptions of characters and places. The characters have a significant role to play. Yet, it is Nelly and her antagonist who steal the show. I found the transition from one scene to another at a few places to be too fast and a little disjointed. But since I believe that every author ha

The Conscience

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When I started reading this book, it was 11 pm and by the time I had finished, it was 3 am the next day. Yes, the book is lengthy but definitely unputdownable.  The story is all about people and their conscience. Some people listen to their inner voice and some don't. Yet, it is conscience which succeeds in bringing out the best in a person. Also, it is the inner voice which helps a person choose and make a choice. However, the resultant consequences may be actions that can be good, bad or bit of both. If I say that Karma and conscience are linked, I won't be wrong. The narration is beautiful. In fact, it keeps you really engrossed. Its like becoming a part of the story without realizing. There are places where Martin leaves a clue and this makes the story even more engaging. Simply put, the story has a soul of its own which definitely reaches out to a reader's heart. The story brings out human emotions in a very realistic manner. There is pain, desperation,

The Sabbath

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When I started reading this book, I had a feeling that there was an uncanny resemblance to a story called Afterlife. What sets this book apart is the treatment given to the storyline. Sabbath, as the dictionary states, refers to the something being stopped. The plot of this book deals with a similar concept. And I must say that the entire story revolves around the concept chosen. The storyline is well crafted and forces you to think of consequences that might happen if the fictional element turns into reality. The narration is gripping, yet, I personally noticed my attention wavering a bit, hence a star less. However, I must compliment the authors for narrating a story with not only a powerful mesage, but also in hinting at a sequel.  The best part about this book are the characters. They are not picture perfect, have their flaws, and still are endearing. Yes, they succeed in bringing out different facets of relationships, the importance of families and the need to st

Sapphire Hunting

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Sapphire Hunting is all about the beauty of energy and its appreciation in different worlds. Yes, the story is set in different worlds. It definitely has a unique plot but sadly, it took me sone time and few chapters to understand the actual storyline. Maybe, physics has been my handicap, hence the delay. The author has a wonderful ability to describe things. Even routine stuff have been elaborated in various ways. However, too much of descriptive words have overshadowed the storyline. Still, I am sure, the next attempt by the author would take care of this. All the characters have a distinct role to play in the book. They are well written. On a lighter note, the description has definitely helped in better understanding of the individual plot! There is humour, there is friendship. The characters emote and sometimes are poker faced. They do succeed in value additions to the book. To sum up, the author has attempted to create a unique story. Yet, somewhere down the li

The Busy Woman's Guide To Writing And Finishing Your Novel

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When I started reading this book, I did not know whether I should simply smile or squirm in my seat. This book was a gentle reminder to the author in me to get going. Jokes apart, this book is a perfect help and the 'Go To' guide for new writers as well as experienced ones. The manner in which it is written is to get across a point without beating around the bush. There are no complicated statements whatsoever. Each chapter ends up offering something new to the reader. Yes, there might me a few tips and tricks suggested that you may already know. However, these act as gentle reminders that there is a lot of work to be done with no scope for excuses. Anita uses simple language to make her thoughts clear. She offers practical tips for people to adopt and implement in their lives. It is true, every woman has a story to share and every woman is busy, be it as a homemaker or as a working woman. Yet, there is always the need for a gentle push towards penning down personal

Medieval to Modern – Writing Fairy Tales In The Modern World: Sharon Ashwood

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Cinderella in the restaurant kitchen? Big Bad Wolf in black leather? Many, many romance readers adore fairy tales and there’s nothing more delicious than a reworking of a favorite old story into a modern setting. These books are just as much fun to write as they are to read, but doing a good job takes some thought and a light hand. To pull off a modernized story, it’s more than just a wardrobe change and adding smart phones. As with any other book, an author needs to create a fresh, emotional adventure that will make the reader feel as if they’ve never heard that fairy tale before. That means bringing a unique perspective to the story as well as all the tools of a writer’s craft. A romantic tale, wherever it’s set, is a story about two lovers and they must have all the desire, courage and humanity the writer can give them. As a writer, we need to make our version sparkle. This will lift what we do from a retelling to a reinvention. There are also many choices to make. Any story th

An Excerpt: Enchanted Warrior (Camelot Reborn)

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Huge hands grabbed her from behind, pulling her backward until she collided with a rock-hard chest. Tamsin inhaled, about to scream, but a palm clamped over her mouth. A moment later, the man’s free arm grasped her middle. Tamsin lunged forward, but his grip was an iron bar. Her next move was to kick back, aiming for the man’s knee. She missed, catching only his shin with the soft sole of her boot. He grunted and pulled her against him so tightly she could barely breathe. “Don’t,” he said, the word clipped and cold. Tamsin froze, going utterly still. Whoever this was, his psychic shields were so powerful he’d been completely hidden from her scan. After fretting about evil creatures stalking witches, she was too scared to reach for her magic. Every instinct warned her this stranger would not tolerate further defiance. This was a professional. A predator. A true threat. She knew it on a level so primitive it was coded into her DNA. Her obedience seemed to work, because the hand cl