Showing posts with label Sarwat Chadda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sarwat Chadda. Show all posts

Saturday, 8 December 2012

Review: Two and Twenty Dark Tales: Dark Retellings of Mother Goose Rhymes - Anthology

In this anthology, 20 authors explore the dark and hidden meanings behind some of the most beloved Mother Goose nursery rhymes through short story retellings. The dark twists on classic tales range from exploring whether Jack truly fell or if Jill pushed him instead to why Humpty Dumpty, fragile and alone, sat atop so high of a wall. The authors include Nina Berry, Sarwat Chadda, Leigh Fallon, Gretchen McNeil, and Suzanne Young.

Visit the Month9Books website for more information about the anthology

I thought I'd include a list of the short stories included in the anthology and the author they were written by for your information:
  1. As Blue as the Sky and Just as Old - Nina Berry
  2. Sing a Song of Six-Pence - Sarwat Chadda
  3. Clockwork - Leah Cypress
  4. Blue - Sayantani DasGupta
  5. Pieces of Eight - Shannon Delaney with Max Scialdone
  6. Wee Willie Winkie - Leigh Fallon
  7. Boy and Girls Come Out to Play - Angie Frazier
  8. I Come Bearing Souls - Jessie Harrell
  9. The Lion and the Unicorn - Nancy Holder
  10. Life in a Shoe - Heidi Kling
  11. Candlelight - Suzanne Lazear
  12. One for Sorrow - Karen Mahoney
  13. Those Who Whisper - Lisa Mantchev
  14. Little Miss Muffet - Georgia McBride
  15. Sea of Dew - C. Lee McKenzie
  16. Tick Tock - Gretchen McNeil
  17. A Pocket Full of Posy - Pamela van Hyckama Vlieg
  18. The Well - K.M. Walton
  19. The Wish - Suzanne Young
  20. A Ribbon of Blue - Michelle Zink
Review:
I think everyone must be familiar with at least one Mother Goose nursery rhyme, children have been reciting these rhymes in the playground for hundreds of years so even if you don't realise it I'm sure you'll recognise some of them. In the Two and Twenty Dark Tales anthology some of today's most popular YA authors have come together to look at the dark side of these nursery rhymes and give us their own take on them in the form of short stories. These short stories cover a whole range of genres ranging from historical to futuristic dystopian, from modern settings to fantasy lands and everything in between. The stories also range from fairly light hearted with a hint of romance through to downright creepy and with a touch of horror thrown in for good measure.

Personally I enjoy reading anthologies as a way to try out new to me authors. I was particularly interested in this anthology for Karen Mahoney's story called One for Sorrow though and I enjoyed it as much as I was expecting to, I love Karen's writing style and the story had a fab twist at the end. As with any anthology, particularly one with twenty different stories in it, there were some tales I really loved and others that I wasn't so keen on. What did surprise me was how many of the Mother Goose rhymes that I didn't actually recognise - thankfully each story starts with the rhyme it was based on because I have to admit that there were some stories I wouldn't have had a clue about otherwise. I think my main problem with the anthology was how short each story was, I know I should probably have expected that considering how many different stories are included but every time I started to really get into a story I'd reach the end. There were a couple of stores that I didn't enjoy because the author didn't have enough time to complete the world building needed to tell the tale, these stories had a lot of potential though and could have been wonderful as a full length novel or even a longer novella.

In spite of my problem with the length of some of the stories there were still some that really stood out as memorable and didn't get lost amongst the crowd. I'm not going to talk about each individual story in this review (although you can see my opinion about them all in my status updates on Goodreads) but I will mention that my favourites (along with Karen Mahoney's One for Sorrow) were Sing a Song of Six-Pence by Sarwat Chadda, Boys and Girls Come out to Play by Angie Frazier, I Come Bearing Souls by Jessie Harrell, Tick Tock by Gretchen McNeil and A Ribbon of Blue by Michelle Zink.

The good thing about having so many different authors and writing styles is that there is sure to be something that catches the imagination of everyone who picks up the book. I'm sure everyone will have different favourites but I don't doubt there being something that you like in here. One thing I was very happy to discover is that this is a charity anthology and the proceeds from the sale of the first 5,000 copies will be donated to www.yalitchat.org an organisation that works to increase awareness of YA literature. This is a fun anthology full of dark little stories that are quick and easy to read and include the occasional shock ending. You'll never be able to look at your favourite nursery rhymes in quite the same way again!

Source: Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Monday, 9 April 2012

Review: Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress - Sarwat Chadda

Varanasi: holy city of the Ganges.

In this land of ancient temples, incense and snake charmers…

Where the monsters and heroes of the past come to life…

One slightly geeky boy from our time…

IS GOING TO KICK SOME DEMON ASS.

Ash Mistry hates India. Which is a problem since his uncle has brought him and his annoying younger sister Lucky there to take up a dream job with the mysterious Lord Savage. But Ash immediately suspects something is very wrong with the eccentric millionaire. Soon, Ash finds himself in a desperate battle to stop Savage's master plan – the opening of the Iron Gates that have kept Ravana, the demon king, at bay for four millennia…

Ash Mistry Chronicles:
Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress
Titles for further books in the series TBC

Visit Sarwat Chadda's website or the Ash Mistry website for further information

Review:
Ash and his sister Lucky are spending the summer holidays visiting their aunt and uncle in India. As a bit of a geek and a history buff Ash has been looking forward to exploring the temples and learning more about the culture but when the family are invited to a party hosted by the eccentric Lord Savage Ash ends up seeing more than he was supposed to. His uncle is offered a job by Savage but Ash is suspicious - some things are just too good to be true and he doesn't trust Savage. After a series of terrible events Ash and Lucky are in trouble and on the run - with Savage and his demon minions chasing them.

Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress is the first book in a new series by Sarwat Chadda and is a fabulous action adventure story sure to appeal to boys and girls of all ages. Our main character Ash is a geeky 13 year old who is slightly on the chubby side and loves playing computer games with his friends. Ash is a reluctant hero who would rather go back to his old life in London than have to deal with Lord Savage and his demons but he steps up to the plate because there is no other option. I loved the relationship between Ash and Lucky, she may be his annoying little sister but he loves her and feels it is his duty to keep her safe. When Lucky is kidnapped Ash really starts to grow up as he fights to save her.

The story is action packed and full of Indian mythology that I found fascinating. I don't know a great deal about the various Hindu gods and goddesses so enjoyed finding out more about some of them. The plot is fast paced, full of gory battles with all kinds of frightening demons and monsters and had me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read Ash's next adventure and would highly recommend this first book to fans of Percy Jackson who are interested in learning more about Indian culture and mythology.

Source: Received from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Sunday, 6 November 2011

Publisher Spotlight: HarperCollins - Winter 2011 & Spring 2012 Releases


I thought it would be fun to start spotlighting new releases that different publishers have coming up over the next few months for us to look forward to.  I'm constantly looking for new books to add to my wish list and thought it would be a nice way of spreading the bookish love with other bloggers.  I'm not sure how regular the posts will be yet but I have quite a few lined up already and we'll see how things go over the next few months.  So in the spotlight today we have . . .


HarperCollins have some fantastic new YA releases in the coming months that I'm very excited about reading!  For more information check out the HarperCollins website.

First up we have Muse by Rebecca Lim, this is the 3rd book in the Mercy series.  I have all 3 books on my to read pile and I really must hurry up and get started on this series!  Muse was released on the 27th of October so you can go out and grab your copy now.  Visit Rebecca Lim's Facebook page for more information.

There's something very wrong with me.  When I wake up I could be anyone...

Mercy is thrust into the excessive world of fashion when she awakes in the body of a troubled Russian supermodel, Irina: bitchy, hot-tempered and known to be dabbling in things she shouldn't, Irina is on the verge of a very public breakdown.

Against the glamorous background of opulent Milan, Mercy continues her increasingly desperate search for Ryan to lead her back to her immortal lover, Luc.  But this time Mercy is aware that her memories and powers are growing ever stronger - and she begins to doubt Luc as The Eight reveal more of her mysterious past.  Are Luc's desires as selfless as her own or does he want her for a more terrifying purpose?

Next we have The Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon, this is a debut I'm really excited about.  It's nearly at the top of my to read pile so keep an eye out for my review coming soon.  This book was also released on the 27th of October & I'd love to know what you thought of it if it's one you've already had a chance to read it.  Visit Leigh Fallon's website for more information.

Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRĂ­s.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.





Coming into 2012 we can look forward to Supernaturally by Kiersten White which will be released on the 5th of January.  I really enjoyed the first book Paranormalcy when I read it earlier this year (read my review here) so I'm looking forward to the sequel.  Visit Kiersten White's website for more information.

A lot has changed since Evie escaped from the International Paranormal Containment Agency with her shapeshifter boyfriend, Lend.  She spends her days at school like a normal teenager, eagerly awaiting the weekends when Lend comes home from college and trying not to be killed by overly enthusiastic soccer players in her gym class.

Evie's world, in fact, has become overwhelmingly normal.  And Evie is shocked to realise that normal can be . . . kind of boring.  Then Raquel appears, asking her to help out at IPCA again.  As Evie dips back into her former life, she learns that things are changing in the world of paranormals . . .

Also released on the 5th of January is Stormswept by Helen Dunmore.  I haven't read anything by this author before but I was sold as soon as I saw the cover then after reading the description & finding the story was about a Mer boy I knew it this would have to go on my wish list!  As this is the 5th book in the Ingo series I guess I'm going to have to start at the beginning though so I've got a lot of catching up to do!  Visit Helen Dunmore's website for more information.

Morveren lives with her parents and twin sister Jenna on an island off the coast of Cornwall.

As Morveren and Jenna's relationship shifts and changes, like driftwood on the tide, Morveren finds a beautiful teenage boy in a rock pool after a storm.  Going to his rescue, she is shocked to see that he is not human but a Mer boy.

With Jenna refusing to face the truth, Morveren finds herself alone at the worst possible time.  Because when the worlds of Air and Mer meet, the consequences can be terrible . . .







Dancing Jax by Robin Jarvis is already available in hardback but as of the 2nd of February you'll be able to pick up the paperback version.  Just in time for the release of the second book in the series Freax and Rejex that comes out in hardback on the same day.  For more information you can visit Robin Jarvis' website.

At the end of a track, on the outskirts of an ordinary coastal town, lies a dilapidated house.  Once, a group of amateur ghost hunters spend the night there.  Two of them don't like to speak about the experience.  The third can't speak about it.  He went into the basement, you see, and afterwards he screamed so hard and so long he tore his vocal cords.

Now, a group of teenagers have decided to hang out in the old haunted house.  Dismissing the fears of the others, their leader Jezza goes down into the basement . . . and comes back up with a children's book, full of strange and colourful tales of a playing-card world, a fairytale world, full of Jacks, Queens and Kings, unicorns and wolves.

But the book is no fairytale.  Written by Austerly Fellows, a mysterious turn-of-the-century occultist, it might be the gateway to something terrifying . . . and awfully final.

********************

Five months have passed since the publication of the devilish book discovered in Dancing Jax.  It is on its ninth reprint and tens of millions of copies have been sold in the UK.  The entire country is now under its evil spell.

Yet a tiny percentage of the population have proven to be immune to the words of Austerly Fellows.  With the critical eyes of the rest of the world turned towards Britain, the Ismus decides to send the children for an intensive holiday camp, where they will study the sacred text and learn to embrace it.

But after the holiday is over, the children are told their stay has been extended.  A barbed wire fence is put up around the site.  And it soon becomes apparent that the place is not a camp and the children are not guests.  They are prisoners of war . . .

On the 12th of February you will be able to get your hands on a copy of The Flask by Nicky Singer.  This looks very different to the kind of book I usually read but it sounds like a very emotional story & I'm really curious about it.  You can find out more at Nicky Singer's website.

Twelve-year-old Jess is grieving for her beloved Aunt Edie, and anxiously awaiting the birth of her twin brothers, when she finds a mysterious glass flask hidden in a desk.  The flask is beautiful to Jess, and soon she starts to believe that it contains a magical life-force.  When her half-brothers are born critically ill, Jess becomes convinced that their survival depends on what's happening to the flask . . .

Through Jess's stunning narration, Nicky Singer explores the meaning of life, and the interconnected nature of all things - in a way which is entirely accessible to young readers.

An unforgettable standalone novel from Nicky Singer, author of the sensational, award-winning FEATHER BOY.

I absolutely loved Divergent by Veronica Roth when I read it earlier this year (read my review here) so if you haven't tried it yet then it's a book I would highly recommend.  I have to say I love the new cover for the paperback version that is being released on the 12th of February, the colours are so pretty that I may have to buy a new copy!  Visit Veronica Roth's website for more information.

For sixteen-year-old Tris, the world changes in a heartbeat when she is forced to make a terrible choice.  Turning her back on her family, Tris ventures out, alone, determined to find out where she truly belongs.

Shocked by the brutality of her new life, Tris can trust no one.  And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to both threaten and protect her.  The hardest choices may yet lie ahead . . . .

She turns to face the future in a world that's falling apart.








Watch out for Slide by Jill Hathaway on the 1st of March, this one sounds really creepy and I'm very curious about it!  Visit Jill Hathaway's website for more information.

Vee Bell hates having narcolepsy.  But collapsing at school is nowhere near as bad as the truth.  When Vee passes out she slides randomly into other people's heads and ends up seeing through their eyes.  So when Vee finds herself in the head of a killer, standing over the body of a cheerleader, she's beyond freaked.

Vee knows that this was no suicide.  And when another cheerleader turns up dead, everyone is a suspect.  Struggling to understand her terrifying and unwanted 'gift', Vee is tangled in a web of secrets, lies and danger . . .

She sees through the eyes of a killer . . .


Now this is one I'm really looking forward to - The 13th Horseman by Barry Hutchison.  Another March the 1st release this has been described as Pratchett meets Python and that just makes it a must read for me.  For more information visit Barry Hutchison's website.

Drake is surprised to find three horsemen of the apocalypse playing snakes and ladders in his garden shed.  He's even more surprised when they insist that he is one of them.  They're missing a Horseman, having gone through several Deaths and they think that Drake is the boy for the job.  At first he's reluctant to usher in Armageddon but does being in charge of Armageddon have to spell the end of the world?

An apocalyptic blend of riotous comedy, heart-stopping action and a richly imagined fantasy adventure.







The 1st of March is a busy day as you'll also be able to pick up a copy of Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress by Sarwat Chadda.  This is aimed at a younger audience than most of the books I read but it looks like a fun story and I like the fact that it is set in India so am looking forward to giving it a try.  You can visit Sarwat Chadda's website for more information.

Ash Mistry hates India.  Which is a problem since his uncle has brought him and his annoying younger sister Lucky there to take up a dream job with the mysterious Lord Savage.  But Ash immediately suspects something is very wrong with the eccentric millionaire.  Soon, Ash finds himself in a desperate battle to stop Savage's master plan - the opening of the Iron Gates that have kept Ravana, the demo king, at bay for four millennia . . .

Breathtaking action adventure for boys of 8-12.  Ash Mistry, reluctant hero, faces ancient demons . . . and comes into an astonishing, magical inheritance.




I love Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series (I read the first 3 books before I started blogging & really need to catch up with the series) and I love well written short stories so I'm really excited about Faery Tales and Nightmares which will be released on the 6th of March.  Visit Melissa Marr's website for more information.

Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments, dark and light, by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr.  Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from under the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to sinister intent - relentlessly.  From the gentle tones of a storyteller's cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favourite characters from Marr's Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with . . . or to fear.  Lush, seductive, and chilling, Melissa Marr's stories revel in the unseen magic that infuses the world as we know it.

An enthralling collection of short stories featuring favourite characters from Melissa Marr's bestselling WICKED LOVELY series.

On the 29th of March we have the release of my most anticipated book of 2012 - The Rising by Will HillDepartment 19 is one of my favourite books of 2011 (you can read my review here) so I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel!  It's already been a long wait for this so March can't get here fast enough for me.  Visit Will Hill's website for more information.

DEPARTMENT 6 IS THE ARMY.
DEPARTMENT 13 IS MI5.
DEPARTMENT 19 IS ALL THAT STANDS BETWEEN YOU AND THE END OF THE WORLD.

After the terrifying attack on Lindisfarne at the end of the first book, Jamie, Larissa and Kate are recovering at Department 19 headquarters, waiting for news of Dracula's stolen ashes.

They won't be waiting long.

Vampire forces are gathering.  Old enemies are getting too close.  And Dracula . . . is rising.







I already mentioned that book 3 in Rebecca Lim's Mercy series was published in October, the really good news is that we don't have to wait too long for the final book in the series.  Fury will be available on the 29th of March!  Now I love series but I hate the long wait between books so this is great news for me, I'm going to have to get started on these books soon so I'm caught up in time for the last installment.

Everything that has happened to Mercy over millennia has made her who she is.

Love.  Vengeance.  Truth.

Hell Hath no fury like Mercy . . .

Fury is the culmination of the spellbinding Mercy series.

An angel searching for answers, for her destiny . . .














Like a lot of people I'm fascinated by the story of the Titanic so Fateful by Claudia Gray really appeals to me.  This is another March the 29th release and it's definitely on my wish list.  You can visit Claudia Gray's website for more information.

The Titanic is the most luxurious ship ever built, but for eighteen-year-old Tess Davies it's a prison.  Travelling as a maid for the family she has served for years, Tess is trapped in their employ amid painful memories and family secrets.

When she meets Alec, a handsome passenger, Tess falls helplessly in love.  But Alex has secrets of his own . . . and soon Tess is entangled in a dangerous game.  A sinister brotherhood has followed him onboard.  And Tess is now their most powerful pawn.

Tess and Alec fight the dark forces threatening to tear them apart, never realising that they will have to face an even greater peril before the journey is over . . .

A tragic tale about falling in love on the world's most infamous ill-fated sea voyage as heroine, Tess, discovers darker secrets that lie beneath the doomed crossing . . .

So what do you think of the upcoming HarperCollins titles?  Do you already have some of these on your wish list?  Which books are you most excited about getting your hands on?

Wednesday, 13 July 2011

Puffin Summer Party - 28th June 2011


I was really excited to get an invite to the Puffin Summer Party a couple of weeks ago, I wasn't too sure what to expect or who would be there but I jumped at the chance to get to mingle with some of the Puffin authors.  I'd arranged to meet up with Sammee (I Want To Read That) & Sophie (So Many Books, So Little Time) at lunch time and we had an afternoon of book shopping planned.  As it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year so far we quickly changed our minds - the underground was unbearable and we couldn't face it a second time!  We made it as far as the big Waterstone's in Piccadilly where we spent quite a few hours hiding in the cafe in the basement.  We still had a great time chatting away but it was so nice to be out of the heat.

The party was held at Banqueting House in Whitehall which was an absolutely amazing building.  I didn't think of taking pictures of the outside but check out the ceiling of the room the party was in below (impressive isn't it!)


We arrived right at the start of the party and after being welcomed by Jayde we soon found a group of other bloggers to chat to.  I don't know about anyone else but I was in awe of the location, the overwhelming number of people and a little star struck by so many fantastic authors all in one place!

Liz, Sammee, Rhys & Sophie

I was a bit nervous about going over and talking to the authors but we had lovely chats with Julia Golding (who was at the event wearing her Eve Edwards hat but I have met before in her Joss Stirling persona), Sarwat Chadda, Helen Grant and Curtis Jobling.  Despite the fact that I wandered around with my camera in my hand for the whole evening I took hardly any pictures (not like me at all I know!) but we did ask Curtis for pictures.  He was the only author that I knew in advance would be there and since I loved the first Wereworld book Rise of the Wolf (you can read my review here if you haven't already seen it) I was really looking forward to meeting him.  Curtis was really friendly and we managed to get some spoilers about the Wereworld series that have me very excited but I'm afraid we were sworn to secrecy so I can't share the news here!

Sophie, Curtis & Sammee
Me, Curtis & Sammee

It was fun spotting different authors amongst the crowds including Alex & Simon Scarrow, Michelle PaverPhil Earle.  We found out later that Melvin Burgess and Charlie Higson were also there but I didn't see them.  I'd like to say a massive thanks to everyone at Puffin for hosting such a great event and letting some of us bloggers tag along!  It was great to meet so many lovely authors & I had a fab time :o)

Who was there:
Jayde - Puffin
The authors we saw & or spoke to:
Alex & Simon Scarrow - Website
Curtis Jobling - Website
Helen Grant - Website
Michelle Paver - Website
Phil Earle - Website
Sarwat Chadda - Website
The bloggers:

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