Book Review - The Archer at Dawn by Swati Teerdhala + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kunal and Esha are working together as rebels on a rescue mission to take back what's theirs. They attend the upcoming Sun Mela to infiltrate Vardaan's court. Kunal pretends to be a dedicated soldier to protect the king. Esha becomes an adviser to Prince Harun and uses her cover to seek allies for their cause. Together Esha and Kunal will try to rescue the lost princess Reha. However, as the Sun Mela begins, secrets and a dangerous force are waiting for them. It causes them to doubt their loyalties to each other and their cause. Will Esha and Kunal be able to succeed in their mission?

I enjoyed reading the second novel as we get a more in-depth view of each character. We see Kunal struggle between his loyalties to the rebels, his solider friends, and to the family, he never knew he had. We see Esha as a complicated woman who wants to avenge her family but, she is sacrificing herself to her old promise. In this book, Kunal and Esha's romantic relationship isn't on display as much as the first book. This book mostly focused on the other characters which I enjoyed. I felt like this book did move a bit slow because I couldn't wait to see what happens but, the ending made it worth it. I can't wait to read the final book!

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

 

Series: Tiger at Midnight (Book 2)
Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (May 26, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062869248
ISBN-13: 978-0062869241

Praise for THE TIGER AT MIDNIGHT

“Thrilling, entertaining, and beautifully written, this is one adventure YA fans won’t want to miss.” —Buzzfeed

“[A] vibrantly imagined South Indian–inspired trilogy opener...Teerdhala adds plenty of surprises to her finely limned characters to produce a lush fantasy.” —Publishers Weekly

“Teerdhala’s debut, immersed in Indian fantasy, features two compelling protagonists who must question their loyalties and decide what they’re willing to sacrifice for the chance at a new future. Fast-paced action and a budding romance between emotionally layered characters make this a promising start to a gripping new series.” —ALA Booklist

“[A] lush blend of folklore, fantasy, and romance.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Set in a fantastical South Asia, this combination of romance, action, and magic will appeal to fans of Sabaa Tahir and Renée Ahdieh. A strong choice for YA fantasy shelves.” —School Library Journal

“Cat-and-mouse maneuvering between assassin Esha and reluctant soldier Kunal will hold you in tantalizing suspense in this searing debut exploring love, loss, and destiny. The Tiger at Midnight is as alluring and fearless as its characters.” —Stacey Lee, award-winning author of Outrun the Moon

“A deliciously twisty cat-and-mouse story that had me racing through the pages. I love stories that challenge their protagonists’ beliefs, and both Esha and Kunal face complex, heart-breaking decisions in their journey to discover both themselves and each other.” —Natasha Ngan, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Paper and Fire

“Follow Esha and Kunal on a dangerous journey through lush jungles and bustling cities, where the stakes are life and death, and victory comes at a terrible price. Teerdhala has written a masterful debut full of breathless twists and turns and a romance to ignite the senses.” —Axie Oh, author of Rebel Seoul

Romantic intrigue and electric action fill the gripping sequel to The Tiger at Midnight, a world inspired by ancient Indian history and Hindu mythology. Perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Victoria Aveyard.

A stolen throne. A lost princess. A rescue mission to take back what’s theirs.

For Kunal and Esha, finally working together as rebels, the upcoming Sun Mela provides the perfect guise for infiltrating King Vardaan’s vicious court. Kunal returns to his role as dedicated soldier, while Esha uses her new role as adviser to Prince Harun to seek allies for their rebel cause. A radical plan is underfoot to rescue Jansa’s long-lost Princess Reha—the key to the throne.

But amidst the Mela games and glittering festivities, much more dangerous forces lie in wait. With the rebel’s entry into Vardaan’s court, a match has been lit, and long-held secrets will force Kunal and Esha to reconsider their loyalties—to their countries and to each other.

Getting into the palace was the easy task; coming out together will be a battle for their lives. In book two of Swati Teerdhala’s epic fantasy trilogy, a kingdom will fall, a new ruler will rise, and all will burn.

You can purchase The Archer at Dawn at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Swati Teerdhala

Swati Teerdhala is the author of The Tiger at Midnight series, which has appeared on both Barnes and Noble and Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Novels lists.

After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BS in finance and BA in history, she tumbled into the marketing side of the technology industry. She’s passionate about many things, including how the right ratio of curd-to-crust in a lemon tart. She currently lives in New York City.

        

WEEK ONE - REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS

MAY 25th MONDAY Wishful Endings INTERVIEW

MAY 26th TUESDAY BookHounds YA INTERVIEW

MAY 26th TUESDAY Kait Plus Books INTERVIEW

MAY 27th WEDNESDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW 

MAY 28th THURSDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

MAY 28th THURSDAY Bookish Dream REVIEW 

MAY 29th FRIDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW

MAY 29th FRIDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW 

WEEK TWO - REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS

JUNE 1st MONDAY A Dream Within A Dream REVIEW

JUNE 2nd TUESDAY Bookishaestha REVIEW 

JUNE 3rd WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW 

JUNE 3rd WEDNESDAY Port Jericho REVIEW 

JUNE 4th THURSDAY Reading Adventures of a Book Dragon REVIEW

JUNE 4th THURSDAY The Bookwyrm's Den REVIEW 

JUNE 5th FRIDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW 

JUNE 5th FRIDAY FANFIADDICT REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Book Review - Charlie Hernandez and the Castle of Bones by Ryan Calejo + Giveaway + Spotlight

Photo Credit - Amazon

Charlie Hernandez likes to believe that he just an average run of the mill kid. Never mind that he slays demons and has an encyclopedia-like knowledge base of Hispanic and Latino mythology in his mind. And he is a Morphling, which allows him to manifest into any animal trait found in nature. 

While Charlie is getting used to his new "normal" life, he has to constantly watch out for the La Mano Peluda.  However, when Witch Queen Jo is suddenly kidnapped, Charlie is certain the La Mano Peluda is at it again. Charlie is determined to rescue the queen and keep their alliances intact. Together with his best friend, Violet Rey, they embark on a dangerous magical journey to track down the masterminds behind Queen Jo's capture. As each clue leads the pair into more danger, they are left with more questions than answers.

I started reading this book first as I didn't realize it was the second book in the series. However, while the novel could be read as a standalone, I think it would be better to read the books in order. I thought the novel was an interesting read and fun. I like how the author weaved mythology seamlessly into the story. Personally, I am not well versed in Latin mythology so, some parts of the novel were confusing. However, it was an enjoyable read and I can't read more of his books.

  **Disclosure - I received an unedited free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

About the Book:

Title: CHARLIE HERNANDEZ AND THE LEAGUE OF SHADOWS (Charlie Hernández #1)

Author: Ryan Calejo

Pub. Date: October 23, 2018

Publisher: Aladdin

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 330

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

“This is a perfect pick for kids who love Rick Riordan’s many series, particularly for those eager for mythologies beyond Greek and Roman stories.” —Booklist (starred review)

“A winner for all kids, but it will be especially beloved by Latinx and Hispanic families.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) 

The Lightning Thief meets the Story Thieves series in this middle grade fantasy inspired by Hispanic folklore, legends, and myths from the Iberian Peninsula and Central and South America.

Charlie Hernández has always been proud of his Latin American heritage. He loves the culture, the art, and especially the myths. Thanks to his abuela’s stories, Charlie possesses an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the monsters and ghouls who have spent the last five hundred years haunting the imaginations of children all across the Iberian Peninsula, as well as Central and South America. And even though his grandmother sometimes hinted that the tales might be more than mere myth, Charlie’s always been a pragmatist. Even barely out of diapers, he knew the stories were just make-believe—nothing more than intricately woven fables meant to keep little kids from misbehaving.

But when Charlie begins to experience freaky bodily manifestations—ones all too similar to those described by his grandma in his favorite legend—he is suddenly swept up in a world where the mythical beings he’s spent his entire life hearing about seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Hispanic folklore and into his life. And even stranger, they seem to know more about him than he knows about himself.

Soon, Charlie finds himself in the middle of an ancient battle between La Liga, a secret society of legendary mythological beings sworn to protect the Land of the Living, and La Mano Negra (a.k.a. the Black Hand), a cabal of evil spirits determined to rule mankind. With only the help of his lifelong crush, Violet Rey, and his grandmother’s stories to guide him, Charlie must navigate a world where monsters and brujas rule and things he couldn’t possibly imagine go bump in the night. That is, if he has any hope of discovering what’s happening to him and saving his missing parents (oh, and maybe even the world).

No pressure, muchacho.

About Ryan: 

Ryan Calejo was born and raised in south Florida. He graduated from the University of Miami with a BA. He’s been invited to join both the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Golden Key International Honour Society. He teaches swimming to elementary school students, chess to middle school students, and writing to high school students. Having been born into a family of immigrants and growing up in the so-called “Capital of Latin America,” Ryan knows the importance of diversity in our communities and is passionate about writing books that children of all ethnicities can relate to. His first novel was Charlie Hernández & the League of Shadows.

Simon & Schuster Webpage | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a signed hardcover of CHARLIE HERNANDEZ AND THE LEAGUE OF SHADOWS, US ONLY

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Tour Schedule:

Week One:

8/19/2019- BookHounds YA- Interview

8/20/2019- Savings in Seconds- Excerpt

8/21/2019- Twirling Book Princess- Excerpt

8/22/2019- Country Road Reviews- Review

8/23/2019- Lifestyle Of Me- Review

Week Two:

8/26/2019- Rhythmicbooktrovert- Review

8/27/2019- Wonder Struck- Review

8/28/2019- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

8/29/2019- Aunt Addie's Bookshelf- Review

8/30/2019- The Desert Bibliophile- Review

Week Three:

9/2/2019- The Layaway Dragon- Review

9/3/2019- Random Bookish Banter- Review

9/4/2019- Eli to the nth- Review

9/5/2019- Novel Novice- Guest Post

9/6/2019- Fyrekatz Blog- Review

Week Four:

9/9/2019- Nicole's Novel Reads- Review

9/10/2019- Marshmallow Pudding- Review

9/11/2019- Nerdophiles- Review

9/12/2019- PopTheButterfly Reads- Review

9/13/2019- two points of interest- Review

Book Review - Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss by Rajeev Balasubramanyam

Photo Credit - Amazon

Professor Chandra is an internationally known economist who has been shortlisted for a Nobel Prize. He is a divorced father of three children who he struggles to understand. Recently, Professor Chandra was a victim of a bicycle hit and run. He saw his life's work flash before his eyes before the accident. While recovering from his accident, Chandra decides he will take a break as his doctor recommended. Professor Chandra decides to try and enjoy himself and follow his bliss.

When I first started reading this novel, I wasn't sure what to expect. To be honest, I am actually still contemplating what I reading exactly. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I was able to relate to both Professor Chandra and his children. I feel there were times that our culture makes us think something is better for children when it really causes doubt and issues in their lives. For example, when I was younger like Chandra and his children, our parents rarely gave praises instead they would make negative comments. They did this to make us feel motivated and try harder. When in truth, it just made me feel like nothing I ever did was good enough. Overall, while reading this book I was asking myself what is the story or plot behind this book but I found myself introspecting my own life path. Which lead to a lot of different discoveries about myself and I wonder if that was the goal of the novel all along.

 **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Max at Night by Ed Vere + Giveaway!

Photo Credit - Amazon

A cute story about a little black kitten who is about to go to sleep but can't find his beloved moon to say good night.  Max has many nighttime rituals before going to bed; brushing his teeth, drinking milk and saying good night to the moon. However, tonight Max can't find his moon and goes on a journey to find the moon. Will Max be able to find the moon?

A darling book with gorgeous illustrations. A great addition to your little ones' bookshelves and it teaches about bedtime rituals. My nephews enjoyed reading along to this!

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Max at Night landing page: http://books.sourcebooks.com/maxatnight/

Download the activity kit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx4ZhGcf82dneVdyYlBJUzdNMUk/view?pref=2&pli=1 

Author Links:

Website: http://www.edvere.com/

Twitter: @ed_vere

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ed_vere/

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