Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts

24 June, 2022

Debdatta Dasgupta June 24, 2022 0

#BookReview :: Skyhunter (Skyhunter #1) by Marie Lu  - #Dystopian #YAFiction @Marie_Lu @MacmillanAudio @librofm

Book Summary of Skyhunter:

Marie Lu's Skyhunter takes place in a dystopian world where the only free nation is Mara, while other nations are under the control of the tyrannical Federation. To dominate other nations, the Federation creates and controls monster-like humans called Ghosts, who attack and destroy their targets.

Despite the Federation's repeated attempts to take over Mara, they have not succeeded due to the nation's formidable skyhunters, warriors with special abilities who defend their land from the Federation's attacks. Talin, one of the skyhunters, is mute but determined to protect her people, even when she is assigned to care for a rogue soldier named Red.

As Talin gets to know Red, she realizes that he might be the key to defeating the Federation once and for all. With the help of her friends, Talin embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the truth about Red and his past, and to use his knowledge to take down the Federation.

Throughout the novel, Marie Lu expertly crafts a thrilling and action-packed narrative that explores themes of oppression, resistance, and sacrifice. Talin's character is particularly compelling, as she overcomes her disability to become a formidable warrior and leader - especially when her life takes a turn that she had never expected. As she rises up to the situation to serve her nation, she has to find her footing with her new partner and take on missions that are dangerous and yet maybe Mara’s only hope.

The dynamic between Talin and Red also adds an emotional depth to the story, as their relationship evolves from mistrust to partnership.

With enemies both within the borders and outside it, will Mara be able to save her friends, family, and her nation?

Talin is an interesting character. With her past trauma and her present, where she is tested almost everyday - you can’t help but want her to win, if only to give her a break from all the hurdles that life has thrown in her path. She is definitely strong, and in rare occasions, her sense of humour shines through. But her most endearing quality is that of love and humanity. She loves from the core of her heart and we see that in every relationship she has. Whether it is her mother or her striker friends, and eventually with Red, she cherishes each of them and almost lives for them. Red is equal to her in almost every way. A quick learner with a loving heart is what Red is. He has lived through his share of trauma and yet that hasn’t affected his capability to love.

The world building could have been better. I wanted to know more about the different cultures and I kept wondering why only the federation was looking for the technology left behind by the Early-Ones. Adena with her inventor’s mind (or others in her nation) never looked for other technologies to advance her own? How does the federation link minds with certain ‘soldiers’?

However, the action, the fast paced narration and the different relationship dynamics keeps the pages turning and the readers entertained. Skyhunter is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Narrator Natalie Naudus has done an excellent job bringing Talin and her adventures to life in this audiobook.

ALC received from Libro.fm

Get a copy of Skyhunter from:

Goodreads * Amazon.in * Amazon.com * Libro.fm

Quotes from Skyhunter:

“Aren't we all always searching for someone to understand us?”
“Our pasts matter because they created us, helped mold us into who we are.”
“It is always the gentle ones I fear for the most, those willing to bare their hearts, who grieve for others and feel happy for others' happiness.”

Other Book Reviews:

23 January, 2021

Debdatta Dasgupta January 23, 2021 0

#BookReview :: The Wrath of the Hellfires (Vikramaditya Veergatha #4) by Shatrujeet Nath - #Fantasy #VV4 @shatrujeet

It's been an excruciating wait for the final instalment since The Vengeance of Indra ended with so many questions in the readers' minds.

Vikramaditya is under attack from all ends - and his trusted council of nine is no longer the strong team that it once was. With the Asuras and the Devas preparing to mount their final assault, Vikramaditya needs his trusted band backing him up. Instead, Ghatakapara is missing, Kalidasa has left Avanti to join the Hunas and Vararuchi is laying his claims to the throne. With spies on the lose within the palace, a rebellion brewing within Ujjayini, Hunas just around the corner, Vikramaditya is overwhelmed from all quarters. Will the discord between the humans prove to be their downfall? Will Vikramaditya be able to fend off the Devas and the Asuras for good? Or will everything come crumbling down as the Devas and the Asuras leave the human world desolate in their quest for Veeshada's dagger?

The Wrath of Hellfires is an epic conclusion to an epic tale. The author masterfully weaves all the threads of the different aspects of the plots and characters together to tell a tale that inspires hope. As the story pick up from where The Vengeance of Indra left off, we see many aspects of all the different strategies and conspiracies coming to a high before the climax. Each character, and I do not mean only Vikramaditya and his council of nine, played their roles while living up to the values that we readers associate with each of them. I do have to mention though that I was expecting a little more drama with regards to the resolution of a couple of conflicts.

The battle scenes were the best part of the book. There were a couple of face offs that were totally epic and will go down as my all time favourite scenes. Pity that I cannot say more than that without giving away spoilers; but let's just say that lightning bolts, hellfires and scimitar were involved. As the plot unfolds, other than the battle scenes, I also loved how the core values of Vikramaditya and his councilors - love, honor, courage and loyalty - were used to influence the final outcome. Vikramaditya's very strong moral compass has always been a highlight in the series and as other characters step up to personify each of these qualities, the book confirms the continuous theme of proving that humans are capable of amazing things when guided by their heart and their determination.

I would also like to put in a special mention for a character with a cameo in the series (in The Conspiracy at Meru) that really made a lasting impression on me. I'll always remember Udayasanga - the Samsaptaka warrior who fought bravely and loyally to the end.

As the series concludes, I am sad to have to say goodbye to some of my favourite characters but knowing I can return to them anytime I want to.

Review Copy received from the Author

Goodreads * Amazon.in * Amazon.com

30 August, 2020

Debdatta Dasgupta August 30, 2020

#BookReview - The Backyard Tales by @anieshabrahma #ChildrensBook #Adventure

Check Out the Book on Amazon

Pippo is the showrunner of The Backyard Tales. Even though Pippo is a cat with a certain power, he is a homebody who loves his 'hooman'. He rarely ventures out and has been trying to ignore the 'summons' that he can feel every night. But when he finally answers the 'call', one thing leads to another and Pippo discovers the world of The Witch. However, to actually find out what The Witch and her gang of oddball creatures were up to, Pippo takes on a magical adventure. When Mia Basu Roy decided to take in a stray kitten, she is ready for a furry friend in her life. She expected some cuddles, little bit of playtime and maybe someone to 'talk' to when things got tough. Little did she know that Pippo has the power to talk back and would lead her on to an adventure of a lifetime.

Welcome to a magical world were animals can talk, where friendships and loyalty are a thing and where Pippo and his human come together to rescue other animals in there neighbourhood. The story explores various characters (both human and animal) and portray their growth together as they discover a different world and begin to understand each other. The bond between Pippo and Mia is such a beautiful one, especially since they are so similar in so many ways, and they bolster each other in ways that can only happen when you are open to possibilities.

You'd think that as a middle aged woman, I'd find this children's book a bit juvenile. That wasn't the case at all. While this book would be ideal for children to learn about friendships, loyalty and also help learn a bit about empathy; this is also a fun and light book that could probably teach a thing or two to grown ups about the animals that surround them.

All in all, a simple and fun story that can take you on an adventure (even better if you are reading it with your kid) for an afternoon and leave you feeling light and happy.

23 April, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta April 23, 2012 13

#BookReview :: The Evernight Series by Claudia Gray - #YoungAdult #Romance #Fantasy

The Fantasy Series includes Humans, Human Vampire Hunters, Vampires and Ghosts. It is initially set in Evernight Academy where Bianca arrives with her parents. It is here that she realizes that her destiny is out her control and falls in love with a human Lucas. Over the four books in the series, Bianca and Lucas faces and overcomes a lot of hurdles against all odds. Slowly we are also introduced the concept of Ghosts and the comparison between Vampires and Ghosts is handled very well.

When I started reading this series, I was aware that it was a fantasy series involving Vampires. But the way the author introduces us to the vampires in the novel is just awesome. The story begins as the story of a girl called Bianca and just when you start to forget that this is a fantasy novel with Vampires, Claudia hits you with it! The relationship between Bianca and Lucas is dark and strong. You cannot help but fall in love with them as a couple because even though they are young and so different from each other, they make it work like there are no differences between them.

There are two other characters in the story that I particularly liked. One is Balthazar and the other is Dana. Balthazar is one of the oldest vampires at Evernight Academy. He is a gentleman, a good friend and loves Bianca even though that love is not reciprocated. Through the series we see him as a stable and dependable character. He and Bianca form a very compassionate relationship, that is different yet similar from Bianca & Lucas's relationship. I couldn't help but love and respect Balthazar. Dana on the other hand is a dynamic character. She is introduced to us as Lucas's best friend and an expert Vampire hunter. When Lucas's own family turns against him, Dana stands by and helps him out showing a trait of fierce loyalty to her friend.

Overall, Claudia Gray manages to keep her readers enthralled with her plot and her flow of writing. This is a must read for all Fantasy novel lovers. I just can't wait to get my hands on her next Novel "Balthazar"!!!

Goodreads * Amazon.in * Amazon.com

15 April, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta April 15, 2012 4

#BookReview :: Farsighted (Farsighted #1) by Emlyn Chand

Alex Kosmitoras (Pronounced Caas-me-toe-rh-aas as insisted by Alex) was born blind and at fifteen he has adjusted to life well enough. Depending upon his other senses, he can get through school, homework – pretty much everything. But he is treated like an outcast, a freak at school because of his handicap. Well, that seems to be like the life of any blind person, right? Only Alex is different. He has visions of present and future! You may say that it is ridiculous – how can a blind person, who has never seen the light of the day, have visions? Well, like everything else, Alex’s visions are also dependent upon his other senses – he hears and feels it rather than ‘seeing’ them. It’s ironic that he should have the ‘second sight’ when he has always been deprived of the first!

His life was set. A loving and coddling mother, a father who is nice to him only when his mom is around, zero friends and the school bully’s favourite target! But everything changes when Simran Shergill arrives in the town and enrolls in his school. She is sweet and empathetic. She befriends him and his life takes a turn. He enjoys having a friend and even has feelings for Simmi and they certainly have ‘CHEMISTRY’ together ;). That is when he starts getting visions and that too visions of someone mortally hurting Simmi. What option does he have other than finding that person and trying to prevent the whole episode? So, Alex along with his dad (oh! did I mention that he has his own secrets?) Simmi, Shapri and Miss Teak, embarks on an adventure that is going to influence everyone around them.

I love the characters in this novel. They are truly lovable. The plot is amazing and so is the flow of the story. Towards the beginning I did feel that it was a bit slow, but later on I realized that the details were necessary for us understand how the characters think and feel and also the dynamics of the relationships. But what I love the most about this book is that at the beginning of each chapter there are one or two lines written that set the mood for the chapters. It’s simply unique and genius of Emlyn!

Review copy received from the Author

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13 April, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta April 13, 2012 2

#BookReview :: Born of Fire (Channeler #0.5) by Heather McCorkle #YoungAdult #Fantasy

I came across the Channeler’s Series through Christine Fonseca’s blog and it immediately caught my attention. So when I saw that the Prequel to the series was available for free on Smashwords, I downloaded it.

The first thing that caught my attention was the name “Born of Fire” and it made me curious. The amazing book cover managed to only increase my interest in the series. I mean – look at it – isn’t it gorgeous? By the time I was done reading the summary of the book and little bit about the series, I was hooked.

Aiden, the protagonist of the series, has special talents. While still in his mother’s womb, he made it very eminent that he was special and powerful. He was hunted even before he was born because of a prophecy. His parents were on the run in order to protect themselves from the hunters. Eventually the hunters caught up to them and they fought valiantly. But in the end it was just not enough! We are also given a glimpse of Aiden’s life with his adoptive family where there’s no love lost. But the last line of book, [“Never. Someday I’ll defeat you.”], gives us an idea about his strong will and character

Heather has managed to put in so much in those few pages that I am simply in awe of it. So much emotion, action, love and betrayal and all in just 33 pages without overwhelming the reader – it is indeed an amazing feat.

Review Copy received from the Author

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07 April, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta April 07, 2012 0

#BookReview :: Lacrimosa (Requiem #1) by Christine Fonseca

To be frank, my first experience with ‘Angels’ wasn’t very good and so I never thought of reading more books about them, until I received Dies Irae & Lacrimosa by this author. Since Dies Irae was a novella, I decided to give it a chance thinking that if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t venture on with Lacrimosa. But Dies Irae managed to change my mentality about fantasy novels based on Angels.

Lacrimosa picks up after three thousand years since the ending that Dies Irae provided us with. Nessy has been a sentinel for five hundred years now and she is one of the best that Mikayel has. She is good at casting out demons but is uncomfortable within a human body. Still she manages to perform her duties well enough until she meets Aydan. Aydan reminds her of the one she loved in her human life. Aydan, now serving Azzaziel, thrives on human soul. He has come to gain a reputation of being the most dangerous UnHoly who stops at nothing. Aydan too is attracted to Nessy immediately as she reminds him of his love, Ella.

Where on one hand Nessy is shown to struggle to complete her assignment because of a minor problem of ‘emotions’ and a big problem of Azzaziel’s presence, Aydan on the other hand struggles with the darkness within that had become only too familiar to him. Well, the only predictable part about this book is where Nessy and Aydan’s attraction.

I liked the characters of Nessy & Aydan very much. Nessy is a smart and kick-ass sort of girl, who is confused at the beginning about why Aydan reminds her of Adam. But then that’s a part of the plot. I also love the darkness in Aydan. I was practically nodding at Azzaziel when he pointed out that Aydan had joined him out of his free will.

Overall, it’s a great read. The language and the flow of the story are smooth. The plot keeps you trapped in its grip. Action & emotion are served with great balance.

Review Copy received from the Author

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06 April, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta April 06, 2012 1

#BookReview :: Dies Irae by Christine Fonseca

This is an introductory Novella to the Author’s Requiem Series…

The author gets to the point and into the plot right from the beginning. It is narrated alternately between Mikayel and Azza. It is really a wonder to read two completely different reactions to human emotions. Mikayel tries to ignore it but cannot and Azza actually feels strengthened by it. But they do not really get much time to deal with it as they come across ‘Jinns’ who are not really in the mood to be sidelined by these angels or to keep the peace. As for Demi, she realizes what she wants and what is right are two complete different things – how she deals with it is really mind-blowing!

Since this is a novella, I was expecting it to be a fast read. And it is! Not only because of its length, but also because of its action packed nature. It is filled with action, emotion and drama! The last chapter has a big surprise waiting for its readers…

It has created a great base for the Series to be built on and I, for one, am going to get my hands on Lacrimosa (Requiem #1) as soon as possible. I am quite sure that it is going to be as intense and dark as the introduction.

Review Copy received from the Author

Goodreads * Amazon.in * Amazon.com

05 April, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta April 05, 2012 0

#BookReview :: Chrysalis Chronicles - The Eyes of the Desert Sand by Edwin Wolfe

“Shnickyrooners and things like that…” A thirteen year old Ethan Fox is different from his friends. He loves to play outdoors unlike his friends who are always glued to their videogames. But the difference doesn’t end just there. Ethan also has no personal memory of himself before the age of eight! He writes mysterious poems in his sleep and Vampires try to kidnap him!!

He has a distinct feeling that his parents are trying to hide something from him but puts it out of his mind temporarily when the FOX family decides to take a break and visit a carnival near the beach. But strange things seem to happen wherever Ethan goes. First he meets a girl, Haley Hunt, with whom he feels a strange connection. Then while exploring the beach with her, Edwin sees a blue rabbit and falls into a Rabbit whole only to discover a whole new world!

As Ethan discovers a new world, where he is famous, we the readers discover it alongside him. A world where vampires, shape shifters, leprechauns, grumplings reside. A world where flowers dance in moonlight, beanstalk is real and plants have to be kept in a pen because they keep changing their places. Also this is the world where Ethan discovers more information that enforces Ethan’s initial doubt that his parents are hiding something. It would be interesting to see how the plot unfurls in the coming books as I personally want to know more about Haley!

Different characters of Ethan, George and Betsy Fox, Haley, Irvin, Gruggins are complimentary to each other. While some help keep the intrigue in the plot, some add to the seriousness and some are simply hilarious! I love reading Irvin’s random ranting. In fact, after finishing the whole book, I went back to read Irvin’s garbled words over again!

(Note: I started off with “Shnickyrooners and things like that…” because it’s Irvin’s signature beginning to one of his ‘normal’ monologues.)

It’s an exciting journey to take because the Chrysalis Chronicles is an enchanting world of its own. It is like Alice in Wonderland meeting Harry Potter. The unique characters and intriguing plot weaves a magical tale that draws in its readers.

Review Copy received from the Author

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03 April, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta April 03, 2012 17

#BookReview :: The Binding by L.Filloon

At the beginning of the story, Lily, comes off as somewhat of a loner – especially since her brother, Lucas, had disappeared on his eighteenth birthday. Eighteenth birthdays seemed to be jinxed for Lily & her family. Two days after her own big day, events unfold in such a manner that it leaves her world upside down. She is attacked by her own ‘missing’ brother only to be saved by a complete stranger who keeps a panther as a pet!

Tharin & Tolan, twin princes, appear in Lily’s life only to divulge information that shocks Lily further. Raised as a mere human, Lily is actually an elf princess who is betrothed to Tharin. Lucas had been initially abducted by the ‘Ange’ and he turned to their side. They explain that they have to take Lily to their ‘land’ Velesi at the earliest in order to keep her safe. Lily refuses to leave without her best friend Julia and so, after Tolan brings Julia with them; their journey begins with their bodyguards – Alorn, Mellis & Phoris. (Who also happen to be cousins).

What happens on the journey? Do they make it safely to Velesi? Those who are saying of course they do – do not be so sure!

Lily is a mix of all the traits that a human can possibly have. She is strong, honest, brave, caring and emotional. She is a character easy to fall in love with. Tharin, the royal prince, is stubborn, moody on the exterior but caring and gentle on the inside. His sense of responsibility and honor knows no bound. Julia is a really strong girl. Even after years of abuse, she has the capability to trust and love. Tolan is the easygoing and more sensitive version on Tharin. Alorn, Mellis & Phoris are all special in their own way. Then there’s also Harlu, Ziri and Mareck! And let’s not forget my favourite Panther – Cessa!

The author has woven a beautiful tale of love, honour and bravery with quite a bit of action, romance and heartache. Anything can happen in this whole new world of Elves, Wizards, Ocres and Shapeshifters. It was really difficult to put down the book once I started with it and really enjoyed the rollercoaster reading experience with Lily & Tharin.

I will be eagerly waiting for the next book in the series…!