**Blog Tour** As I Descended by Robin Talley

I am so excited to take part in the blog tour for Robin Talley's AS I DESCENDED. I get to share my review with you today but first, I wanted to make sure you're aware of all the other stops on the tour and tell you not to miss the giveaway after the review! You're going to want a copy of this for yourself! 

Here is the full tour schedule in case you missed it. Be sure to stop by the other stops for more AS I DESCENDED awesomeness. 

Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

8/29: Fiction Fare - Review

8/30: Bookish Antics - Guest Post

8/31: Sorcery In the Bookshelves - Review

9/1: Such A Novel Idea - Q&A

9/2: Don't Fold the Page - Review

Week 2:

9/5: Lost In Lit - Bookish Inspirations

9/6: A Glass of Wine - Review

9/7: Nicole's Novel Reads - Guest Post

9/8: Rants and Raves of a Bibliophile - Review

9/9: The Irish Banana Review - Top 10

Today also happens to be AS I DESCENDED's book birthday so Happy Book Birthday to Robin Talley and AS I DESCENDED.

Hopefully my review makes you want to run to the bookstore.

As I Descended by Robin Talley
Release Date - September 6, 2016

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

 Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | iBooks | The Book Depository

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Maria Lyon and Lily Boiten are their school’s ultimate power couple—even if no one knows it but them.

Only one thing stands between them and their perfect future: campus superstar Delilah Dufrey.

Golden child Delilah is a legend at the exclusive Acheron Academy, and the presumptive winner of the distinguished Cawdor Kingsley Prize. She runs the school, and if she chose, she could blow up Maria and Lily’s whole world with a pointed look, or a carefully placed word.

But what Delilah doesn’t know is that Lily and Maria are willing to do anything—absolutely anything—to make their dreams come true. And the first step is unseating Delilah for the Kingsley Prize. The full scholarship, awarded to Maria, will lock in her attendance at Stanford―and four more years in a shared dorm room with Lily.

Maria and Lily will stop at nothing to ensure their victory—including harnessing the dark power long rumored to be present on the former plantation that houses their school.

But when feuds turn to fatalities, and madness begins to blur the distinction between what’s real and what is imagined, the girls must decide where they draw the line.

From acclaimed author Robin Talley comes a Shakespeare-inspired story of revenge and redemption, where fair is foul, and foul is fair.

I am one of those people who love Shakespeare retellings. I especially enjoy when an author twists them in unexpected ways. As I Descended not only succeeds as a reimagining of Macbeth but it works as a creepy, boarding school set novel that will leave you unsettled.

Atmospheric is definitely one of the words I would used to describe this book. Robin Talley nails the setting, and tone masterfully. She combines them to create a tense, unsettling feeling that resonates not just with the characters but the reader. Robin Talley's talent is in creating mood and setting and as a result she's created these perfect backdrop for her plot to unravel against.

Along with this being a retelling of a Shakespeare play that is not Romeo and Juliet, a widely diverse cast of characters makes this story feel fresh and new. The diversity extends to pretty much every character in some shape or form (not including the ghosts that haunt these pages) and it is such a natural part of the story. It shows how easily certain roles can be changes while the heart of the story, and its themes remain intact.

The mark of any good retelling is putting your own stamp on the item being used for inspiration. You are not just repeating the original. There has to be something that makes your twist on it unique. Robin Talley loosely takes the themes and pivotal moments of the play and weaves them into a compelling tale of guilt, regret and wasted potential. However, a bit of the darkness of that play is lost, along with a bit of its urgency, because the author stops just short of going full Macbeth with her versions of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. Their hands may have blood on them, but not in the same way as the original and that dilutes the themes, even if just a little. It is still a worthy retelling, and one that has its brilliant moments, it is just one that is imperfect.

Lady Mabeth's infamous 'out, damned spot' scene, I feel, was brilliantly adapted into this retelling. It is a pivotal, unforgettable moment worthy of the original. This Lady Macbeth is just as compelling, just as haunted, just as trouble, and just as ambitious and persuasive as her counterpart. She is a force of nature, and was incredibly written and crafted. She, like the original, steals the show (so to speak) and her descent into madness is breathtaking.

Macbeth's story is always tinged with regret. There is so much wasted potential. Things would have been greatly different if he and Lady Macbeth had been happy with the accomplishments, titles, and status they had. This theme also runs through this version of Macbeth. There is a sense of regret of all the potential lost, and the notion of being thankful for what you do have. Consequences for our actions and being (metaphorically or literally) haunted by the things we've done is something that is the heartbeat of Macbeth's story and it is something that translates to a modern setting easily enough under Robin Talley's talented skills. I believed the guilt Maria and Lily felt for their actions as strongly as I believed their love for one another.

Bold choices, and interesting outcomes for plenty of the characters ensure that even Macbeth faithfuls will be surprised by what takes place at Acheron Academy. Plenty of the fates are given a modernized twist that do not lose much of their impact. Robin Talley is obviously a fan of the play, and I think it shows in the care and attention she put into this adaptation.

A creepy, spine-tingling take on Macbeth with a modern twist. If you're looking for something other than yet another Romeo and Juliet retelling this is the book for you.  It is a perfect book to read in October with its ghosts and haunting atmosphere.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I live in Washington, D.C., with my wife, our baby daughter, an antisocial cat and a goofy hound dog.

Whenever the baby's sleeping, I'm probably busy writing young adult fiction about queer characters, reading books, and having in-depth conversations with friends and family about things like whether Jasmine's character motivation was sufficiently established in Aladdin.

My website is at http://www.robintalley.com, and I'm on Twitter and Tumblr.

 LINKS: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

I received a bunch of goodies from the Harper Collins Canada blogger preview that happened recently. I am excited about pretty much all of these titles and cannot wait to read them.

As I Descended by Robin Talley (goodreads)
Every Hidden Thing by Kenneth Oppel (goodreads)
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake (goodreads)
Girl Mans Up by M-E Giard (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada (especially the people behind HCC Frenzy) for the afternoon of bookish fun. Be sure to check out my recap if you missed it.

What bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Cover of As I Descended by Robin Talley (goodreads)

All of the Fall 2016 covers are starting to be revealed, and I am in love with this cover for Robin Talley's newest novel. It suits the synopsis perfectly.

I love the cover scheme here. The moody/atmospheric cover fits with a Macbeth retelling. This is high on my list for Fall 2016 and the cover is just pretty wrapping on an already amazing sounding story.

Cover of Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake (goodreads)

I am a fan of simplistic covers. Less is more usually. I immediately loved this cover when I saw it. It's simple, but eye catching and immediately piques your interest.

This story of three sisters who must fight for a crown is a must read for me, and this cover just makes me all the more excited to have it in my hands.

paperback cover for Anne and Henry by Dawn Ius (goodreads)

I loved this novel, and I loved the hot pink, eye catching cover that was on the hardcover, BUT this paperback cover? This paperback cover is amazing.

These models perfectly capture Dawn Ius' Anne and Henry and it has a modern feel to it that fits the updated story perfectly. It's fun, and that also fits the novel. I am excited to see this one on shelves (and there may just be a giveaway closer to release!)

TV/MOVIE

Penny Dreadful Season 3 Trailer

This trailer gave me goosebumps. From the haunting cover of 'You Don't Own Me' to Victor Frankenstein's proclamation that he wrote 'the bloody book' on sin, each and every single part of this trailer is phenomenal. 

Eva Green is a goddess and I am so excited to see what surprises her storyline has in store for us. I am so excited for more #Ethanessa goodness and my heart is already aching for my tragically doomed Victor. May cannot get here fast enough!

Sexy Outlander Photoshoot

Outlander graced the cover of Entertainment Weekly this past week. Along with a jaw droppingly sexy cover, there were some incredible photos inside.

Here is my favourite....

This photo, which again shows that I prefer the less is more approach, is one of the tamer photos from the shoot, but it's one of the sexiest in my opinion. The way they are looking at each other is sexy. The placement of their hands is sexy. Check out the entire photo shoot, but been aware that some of the shots are perhaps a little NSFW.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Waiting on Wednesday ..... As I Descended

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is As I Descended by Robin Talley

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Maria Lyon and Lily Boiten are their school’s ultimate power couple—even if no one knows it but them.

Only one thing stands between them and their perfect future: campus superstar Delilah Dufrey.

Golden child Delilah is a legend at the exclusive Acheron Academy, and the presumptive winner of the distinguished Cawdor Kingsley Prize. She runs the school, and if she chose, she could blow up Maria and Lily’s whole world with a pointed look, or a carefully placed word.

But what Delilah doesn’t know is that Lily and Maria are willing to do anything—absolutely anything—to make their dreams come true. And the first step is unseating Delilah for the Kingsley Prize. The full scholarship, awarded to Maria, will lock in her attendance at Stanford?and four more years in a shared dorm room with Lily.

Maria and Lily will stop at nothing to ensure their victory—including harnessing the dark power long rumored to be present on the former plantation that houses their school.

But when feuds turn to fatalities, and madness begins to blur the distinction between what’s real and what is imagined, the girls must decide where they draw the line.

From acclaimed author Robin Talley comes a Shakespeare-inspired story of revenge and redemption, where fair is foul, and foul is fair.

This was immediately on my list when I heard it was a retelling of Macbeth where both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are female. Add that to the fact that it is a modern adaptation set in a high school and I was obsessed. The cover was just revealed and it has only increased my need to devour this book.

The wait for September is going to be a long one but I have a feeling it's going to be well worth it.

Expected release date - September 6, 2016

2016 Most Anticipated - As I Descended

I've always loved Shakespeare retellings. The most often adapted is, of course, Romeo and Juliet. I love Romeo and Juliet retellings, but I have been dying for someone to write a novel inspired by one of Shakespeare's other works. I've always loved Macbeth so this next novel immediately caught my attention.

The Goodreads synopsis for Robin Talley's newest will immediately make you want to read it. The twist on the Macbeth story and the promise of a female Macbeth ensure it's a can't miss.

Robin Talley's As I Descended, a retelling of Macbeth set at a contemporary Virginia boarding school. It centers around a lesbian couple who set out to dethrone the school's resident Mean Girl, only to find themselves struggling to hang onto their sanity and their lives when they accidentally summon a trio of brutal, manipulative ghosts. 

I cannot wait to see what Robin does with the incredibly promising premise. I also cannot wait to see the gorgeous cover that is revealed for this amazing sounding novel.

Robin was kind enough to share some details about the book, design an ice cream, and share why Macbeth was such an inspiration.

1 Describe As I Descended using only three words.

Rivalries. Hauntings. Secrets. 

2 If someone were to make a signature ice cream in honour of your book, what might be included?

Black licorice, raspberry puree, and lots of lemon.

3 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters, or the world they inhabit.

The boarding school the characters attend used to be a 17th century Virginia plantation house - and not all of its original inhabitants have left.

4 Your novel is inspired by Macbeth. What about the classic tale inspired you to write this particular story?

I've always loved Macbeth. It’s a fascinating character study. Plus, who doesn't get a thrill out of prophetic witches? When I first started thinking about how to translate the story to high school, I immediately pictured a scheming lesbian couple trying to unseat the most popular girl in school. Right away, I knew this was a book I had to write. 

5 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel?

I’d want to travel 50 years in the future to my current city of Washington, D.C., to see how far society will have evolved on social justice and equality. 

6 What 2016 release are you most anticipating?

This is cheating because I've already read it, but Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin is an incredible story about a genderfluid teenager. 

7. If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of As I Descended.

“The Ouija board was Lily’s idea.”


As I Descended will release in Fall 2016. Pre-order links are not available, so be sure to add it to your Goodreads so you remember to snag a copy when it becomes available.

You can also follow Robin on Twitter, visit her official website, and find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!

Are you a fan of Shakespeare? What about retellings? Are you happy that we'll have something from Shakespeare other than Romeo and Juliet inspire a new novel? What about books that involved magic? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Cover of Anne and Henry by Dawn Ius (goodreads)

Super cute right? I helped reveal the cover and think it's fun and eye catching! I love the idea of a modernized version of the story of Anne Boleyn and King Henry, too. I think it's going to be a really interesting read.

As I Descended by Robin Talley (goodreads)

Kelly (from Kellyvision) and I were just discussing that when people do a retelling of Shakespeare it's normally Romeo and Juliet. We expressed how badly we wanted a Macbeth retelling and the book gods listened because Harper Collins is giving us one!

As I Descended is...

a retelling of Macbeth set at a contemporary Virginia boarding school. It centers around a lesbian couple who set out to dethrone the school's resident Mean Girl, only to find themselves struggling to hang onto their sanity and their lives when they accidentally summon a trio of brutal, manipulative ghosts. 

Sounds amazing right? I basically need this book immediately. It doesn't come out until 2016 though.

TV/MOVIE

Into The Woods trailer

I love this trailer. This is the first time we're hearing the singing part of this musical and I am REALLY excited now. I cannot wait to go see this. I am hoping Boxing Day with some friends.

OTHER

Christmas shopping (and other Christmas stuff)

I've officially started my Christmas shopping. I already have 5 people done (my three nieces included) and hope to be done early this year.

I am also taking part in the Secret Santa thing hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Last year was a lot of fun so I am excited to go shopping for that. The Ottawa bloggettes are also hosting a holiday celebration and I am excited to shop for my person for that gift exchange.

I am even looking forward to Christmas music. Everything is still shiny, and happy and magical (ask me again mid December) so I am loving it. I am also loving that there is basically candy cane EVERYTHING right now.

What are you obsessed with this week?