Follow Friday---11---

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. It is an amazing and fun way to get to know a LOT about your other blogger friends. Hats off to Rachel for this mind-blowing meme and also the questions she comes up with every week. I am certain I will never stop posting this weekly meme. Its one of my most favorite!!

This week's question is---
Q) In light of the Summer Solstice. Also known as the Midsummer.....lets talk about faeries. What is your favorite fairy tale or story that revolves around fae?
I used to love reading fairy tales when I was a kid, as in I would read the same story everyday and never get fed up. Even now, occasionally, when I am bored with the usual books, I happen to read them for the fun of it. I remember that for my 9th birthday, my dad got me a customized copy of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast in which instead of the main princess's name, my name was printed. I was overjoyed!! :D
But my favorite fairy tale would be Rapunzel. I adore that book!!!
As for a story that revolves around fae, there is one in particular written by Isobel Bird in the series called Circle of Three. I can't recall which book in the series because there are 15 books and I read them all some time ago. Oh wait!! I got it- In The Dreaming (#5) . I absolutely LOVED the series. You all should check it out.

A fab question once again. Thanks PJ! What about you?? Leave a link and I'll stop by. :D

Xoxo <3
Mia

Review---Sunset (Pact Arcanum #1)

Hey everyone!!!  I LOVED THIS BOOK!! It is such a huge book with so much to say that I am sure I haven't done the book justice with this short review. I could actually come up with pages and pages of stuff to say, but I didnt know for sure if that would be ideal. So I put all my enthusiasm into this review and I hope that, even though its not so big, you guys get the point about how wonderfully awesome this book is.

Sunset by Arshad Ahsanuddin is the first book in the Pact Arcanum series. It is amazing how the author has taken the concept of vampires and turned it into something completely different from the usual vampire books. And when I say "completely different" I mean, not the stereotypical blood-drinking, super-fast, afraid-of-sunlight kind of vampires. Yes, the book, to a certain extent has all of that but also so much more. It is a very well written book!! What I liked most about the book is its hypnotizing, overpowering sense.  The story is so gripping that you cannot but finish the book soon. It was honestly so difficult for me to pry myself apart from the book. Everytime I picked up my e-reader,and started reading,  I could feel myself being sucked into the story. I wasn't aware of anything in my surrounding during these blissful moments of reading.

 The story is set in the future in year 2040, when vampires live among the humans in a hidden society. There are three races in the hidden society- Daywalkers, Nightwalkers and Sentinels. The nightwalkers are typical vampires. The Daywalkers are those who have reclaimed their souls. The Sentinels are soldiers who have been trained to kill vampires. All the three races have been in war against each other for thousands of years with one main motive- world dominance. I loved the action scenes in the book. The descriptions felt so real, almost like they were really there and not just fiction.
Thank You Arshad, so much for sending me the book. I enjoyed it completely!! Can't wait to read the next book. I will most probably cheat and cut through my entire TBR pile and read the 2nd book next.

Ratings - 5Stars

What do you guys think of it?? Is there anything more I could possibly do to make my reviews more better and informative. All views will be accepted warm heartedly.

Xoxo <3
Mia

Review---Storm Born by Richelle Mead (Graphic Novel Issue #2)

The long awaited 2nd issue has claimed to be as intriguing and exciting as the previous. I am so happy to review it!! :D

Where the first issue ended with entry of an elemental gentry- one that, in appearance looks something like a big, towering mass of ice blocks -the second begins with the action sequence that is bound to follow when Eugenie Markham is faced with a creature from the Otherworld. Like I mentioned before, this issue is as suspense-filled as the first. You can't help but jump to the next page when you are done with the current page and obviously its even more difficult to put the book down until you are done reading. Luckily for all of us obsessed readers, it only has around 25-30 pages and you can, very conveniently finish it in one sitting.
As always, Eugenie is successful in defeating all the creatures- that have ever dared to face her -which there are a few in this issue too. Even after facing a couple of small creatures and getting as exhausted- physically and mentally -as ever, it still doesn't stop Eugenie from being ever ready to help the abducted teenage girl Jasmine. That "case| is still the main event in this issue (and also in Eugenie's mind).  She also learns what it means to be betrayed. What is bothering her more is that, she actually cared about this betrayer and still can't get him out of her mind. She trusted him so easily without thinking twice and now she regrets it.  Will her small mistake cost her BIG?? Read the next issue to find out.
Meanwhile her stepdad is as helpful as ever. Even though, he isn't very keen on sending her,to rescue the girl, he understands that she is as stubborn as he was and will stop at no cost to protect the unknown girl.
Once again, I would like to cheer for Richelle Mead. Hip Hip Hurray!!!!!! She, most definitely, is the best author ever.
My sincere gratitude to the publisher (Patrick) of Sea Lion Books for sending me this issue also. I can\t thank you enough.

Rating- 4star

What do you guys think??  You must read it.

Xoxo <3
Mia

Follow Friday---10---

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View. Its a fun way to get to know more about fellow bloggers. Every week, a different question is chosen.

 This week's question-
Q) Genre Wars!! What is your favorite genre and which book in that genre made it your favorite?
Umm....that's a really tough one. I like books of all genres but to choose any one best out of the lot, I would pick- PARANORMAL. Yes, I am another supernatural freak. I became a serious, obsessed fan after I saw The Van Helsing movie when I was in 6th grade. But that wouldn't answer the other part of the question as to which book got me hooked onto the genre. So........I guess I will give all the credit to R.L Stine partly and Twilight partly. I used to adore reading Goosebumps and Fear Street books (Still do!! but  not the Goosebumps so much.) all the time. I recall getting so many books altogether from the library when I was a kid. But the thing is I can't actually call them "paranormal", so Twilight receives the rest- 50% - credit. Then there is also The Vampire Diaries series (DAMON!!! *sigh*) and The Vampire Academy series (Dimitri!!!) which will always ensure that I stick to the genre. :D :D

What about you?? Are you a Vampire-Werewolf  fan like me??? Leave a link and I'll surely stop by. :)

Xoxo <3
Mia

Review---Storm Born by Richelle Mead (Graphic Novel Issue #1)

Yes, I've been AWOL for a LONGG time (unfortunately again!!). It perhaps may seem to all of you that I'm disinterested in blogging. But NO, that is certainly not the case, I've never been so addicted to anything as much I am (and always will be) to blogging. I have always enjoyed the freedom of expressing my bookish thoughts here, with all of you. I am currently shifting to a different country, so packing and other errands take up most of my time. And I cannot take a one month leave from blogging because I have promised quite a few publishers/ authors to review their book. So here's one of the best that I've read!!!

One word- FANTASTIC!!! Yes, this book deserves all the praise. I've never seen a book so beautifully portrayed, with pictures and speech bubbles, as a graphic novel. True that, this is the first graphic novel I ever read (unless you count Archie's Digest :P) and yet I was able to see how each picture has been illustrated carefully to deliver the message.

All the credit goes to the publisher of Sea Lion Books and also Storn Born, for getting me hooked onto graphic novels. When Patrick at Sea Lion Books asked me if I would like to review the first issue, I was ecstatic!!!!! Being obsessed with the Vampire Academy series, I was overjoyed at the fact that I would be reviewing a book by Richelle Mead (She is theeeeee best author ever!!!!! Long live her and all her books. )

I would like to thank Patrick for sending me the first and second issue and also for being so patient as to wait so long. Thank you so much!!!!!

Storm Born follows the life of Eugenie Markham, a Dark Swan called Odile,named by her stepfather because of the form in which her spirit travels in the Otherworld (cool huh????). She is responsible for banishing all evil from the face of the earth by sending them to the Otherworld. Tiresome work, isn't it?? But you know what?? Strong and wilfull, Eugenie is perfect for the job. She is illustrated as a warrior with fierce looking tattoos on her neck and arms.Her character has been made very considerate and brave! She lives with Tim, her rommate, who earns a living by reading poetry and is a total flirt.We also meet her stepdad, Dean who is very protective of her and cares about her just as her real father would. He has retired from work and his main hobby is shamanism. Her mom, being aware of all choses to ignore it.In this issue, Eugenie has to deal with the abduction of a teenage girl, Jasmine. Her brother Wil believes that she has been kidnapped by a Gentry (another term used for a faerie). Now its upon her to risk her own life by travelling to the Otherworld and rescuing Jasmine.

This issue comes to an end with the suspense that follows after the entry of a "creature". I absolutely enjoyed reading this graphic novel and once again would like to thank the publisher for sending it to me. I have already read the 2nd issue.  Its review will be posted soon after this one. 

Rating- 4 Stars.

You all MUST read this book. Let me know, what you think.

Xoxo <3

Mia 

Press Release of Pariah (A series of graphic novels by ARON WARNER)

This is the info for the press release of PARIAH. It was sent to me by the publisher and I am overjoyed to be posting this info on my blog. Its an honor. :D :D

June 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      Publicity Contact for Sea Lion Books: David Dabel: 770-696-3452 or david@sealionbooks.com Heidi Johnson: 323-204-7246 or mailto:claricelevin@rcn.com FROM THE MIND OF OSCAR-WINNING FILM PRODUCER ARON WARNER Sea Lion Books Unites Warner, Eisner-Nominated Illustrator Brett Weldele and Writer Philip Gellat to Bring A Unique Group of Beyond-Intelligent Teen Fugitives to the Comic Book World This July. — LATEST NEWS & EVENTS —     Atlanta, GA – June 01, 2011 – They’re not super powered, they’re just super smart. The teen protagonists who lead us through the world of Pariah, a twelve-book graphic novel series from the mind of Oscar-winning film producer Aron Warner and published by Sea Lion Books, are the next generation of heroes in the comic book world. Eisner-nominated illustrator Brett Weldele (The Surrogates) will bring the stories to life in ink, and Philip Gelatt will pen the scripts set in Warner’s world for the twelve books. As buzz builds about this unlikely collaboration and the unique story of Pariah, the series will premiere at San Diego Comic Con on July 20 – 24th.          "I came up with Pariah after reading an article about in vitro genetic manipulation,” Warner says. “We take medications every day without fully understanding how they work. It’s kind of terrifying if you think about it. In Pariah, kids grow up with incredible intelligence as a side effect of modern ‘cures.’ The problem is that they’re so smart, they question everything – even things we hold as sacred. All of our laws, morals, and even physical constraints will be torn apart and re-built. These kids are adrift in every way, equipped with mental tools we can’t even imagine. On top of all of that, they’re persecuted, feared and hated. As if being a teenager didn’t suck enough…”     The Vitros, as the characters are called, are a group of several hundred kids from all over the world who possess beyond-human intelligence produced via genetic manipulation. As teenagers in the process of trying to uncover their identities, they live relatively normal lives, though not without a fair amount of suspicion thrown at them from the fringes of society. When the Vitrosare framed for a deadly explosion at a laboratory that releases a virus on the population, the government systematically begins to round up these pariahs, sending our heroes on the run from the authorities and their lives.     Says Sea Lion's Publisher, Derek Ruiz, "Aron has captured the essence of being a Pariah as seen through the eyes of a group of scientifically created teens. They are a Petri dish of innocent souls infinitely more intelligent than anyone else on Earth. Yet their creation and existence has left them shunned and condemned.”     What happens when the society that created them also tries to destroy them? The Pariahs fight back this July. For updates and additional information join Pariah on Facebook or follow PariahComicBook on Twitter. ABOUT ARON WARNER: Aron Warner is the Academy Award®-winning producer of the animated blockbuster “Shrek” series. Mr. Warner joined PDI/Dreamworks in 1997 working as the producer on the animated film, Antz. He is currently in partnership with director Andrew Adamson in Strange Weather where they and partner Jeff Fierson are developing a slate of live action and animated feature films and television shows. He, producing alongside James Cameron, just wrapped the Untitled Cirque Du Soleil 3-D project, which was written and directed by Adamson. Pariah is his first graphic novel series. ABOUT SEA LION BOOKS:  Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Sea Lion Books LLC is a newly established publishing house which specializes in all formats—hardcover, trade paperback, and mass market and in urban fantasy and young adult genres. Sea Lion Books LLC recent roster of authors include: International Bestselling author, Paulo Coelho, New York Times Bestselling autho rs, Richelle Mead, Richard A. Knaak, F. Paul Wilson and Becca Fitzpatrick plus more to be announced in the upcoming months. Contact David Dabel at 770-696-3452 or David@sealionbooks.com .You can visit Sea Lion Books on the Internet athttp://www.sealionbooks.com . Follow Sea Lion Books online. Twitter, Face Book, Youtube. Copyright 2011, Sea Lion Books. All Rights reserved. All trademarks and titles are the property of their respective owners. The statements contained within this document are considered "forward-looking statements"

After having read Storm Born Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead published by the Sea Lion Books, I've been totally hooked to graphic novels. This one sounds fantastic, don't you think??? :D
Its also published by  Sea Lion Books. I am so in love with this publishing company. It has published some of the BEST books ever.
All of you, please get this books whenever you can. I'm certain, you will enjoy it completely.

Xoxo <3
Mia

R.A.K May Close Up.

Hey Everyone, I know I've been really scarce this week also.I am shifting to a different house and school this month so I've been (still am) busy. Please don't mind my absence. I will try to post at least twice a week. Try not  to miss me :P LOL.
With the end of the month (May) comes the end of another R.A.K session. This month, my first, has been absolutely amazing!! I got so many lovely books thanks to all my wonderful blogging friends. I completely enjoyed making someone's day more happy with the books that I sent them. And, mind you, I sent books to quite a few people (11 being exact). That's quite a good number, right?? Here's what I got in this spectacular month May.

      From Sarah@Workadayreads.

From Lori@Romancing The Darkside

From Heather@Nightly Reading

From Pamela@At Home Between Pages

Thank You so much everyone for sending  me these awesome books.!!!!!! I really appreciate it. Its my first month and i received a really good number of books. Its truly a Random Act of Kindness. "Random Act" because you are making someone's day by sending them books no matter you know the person or not. Its very random as in, you'd do something as sweet as that for a stranger. "Kindness" because, well, as obvious as it is, because it goes to show a great deal of kindness in a person when they take some amount of time apart to make a stranger/friend happy. Thanks a TON to Book Soulmates for this mind-blowing idea.
Can't wait to sign up for June.What'd you get this month?? Leave a link and I'll hop by.

Xoxo <3
Mia