Worlds Of Ink And Shadow by Lena Coakley

Worlds Of Ink And Shadow by Lena Coakley
Release Date - January 5, 2016
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 352 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne. The Brontë siblings have always been inseparable. After all, nothing can bond four siblings quite like life in an isolated parsonage out on the moors. Their vivid imaginations lend them escape from their strict upbringing, actually transporting them into their created worlds: the glittering Verdopolis and the romantic and melancholy Gondal. But at what price? As Branwell begins to slip into madness and the sisters feel their real lives slipping away, they must weigh the cost of their powerful imaginations, even as their characters—the brooding Rogue and dashing Duke of Zamorna—refuse to let them go.

Gorgeously written and based on the Brontës’ juvenilia, Worlds of Ink & Shadow brings to life one of history’s most celebrated literary families.

There are some books that should be read by everyone. Worlds of Ink and Shadow is one of those books. It has a little something for everyone regardless of what you're looking for. If you're a fan of classic literature, fantasy, mystery, forbidden romance or well crafted worlds this is a book you should read. You'll find all of this, and much more, within it's pages.

This novel is a celebration of the Brontës in a very fitting fashion. There is the ethereal, mystical quality to the writing that a lot of their novels had. It's atmospheric and vivid. The settings of the Brontë's novels inspired the settings in this story. From the moors that would becomes the setting for Wuthering Heights, to the beautiful city of Verdopolis, they can be found within these pages. The Brontës themselves had short lives that are often viewed as tragic. It's that same ethereal quality that hovers around the Brontës that lends itself naturally to this blending of fantasy elements with real life inspiration from their lives. This is what grounds the novel and cements the reader within it's pages. There is an attention to detail, and research, that allows the more fantastical elements to blend seamlessly into the narrative.

The mysteries of the fantasy elements of the story are what pulls you into this world. The hows and whys of the Brontë's ability to cross over into their created worlds is something that not only is explored, but is the central focus of the story. It may not be a mystery in the truest sense of the word but it is a captivating part of the story and the one I felt was the most well developed.

The most striking part of the story is how it'll speak to all readers. Who hasn't fantasized about stepping into a created world? Who hasn't gotten lost within the pages of a book, captivated by a world so life like that it implausible for it not to really exist? This novel embraces that notion and offers up wish fulfillment reading for those of us who have ever wondered what if. In so many ways this is a story of not just the Brontës but reading itself, and the power words have to transport people into different, breathtaking, magical worlds. Words really are magic, and Lena Coakley reminds us of that within these pages.

This novel gives a love story fit for the Brontës. Tragic with it's longing, heartache, and doomed ending. The kind that a hopeless romantic like me could not help but swoon over. Plenty of readers have been captivated by characters and put themselves into the story. This element again offers a sort of delicious wish fulfillment while never distracting from the main story. The romance is only a secondary plot, but it's one that captivated me.

A novel that is infused with as magic, wonder, and atmosphere. It sweeps you away into it's world effortlessly. It's a love letter to the Brontës, readers, and the power books have to transcend the page and speak to us on a deeper level. It's a novel that celebrates stories and those who love them.

Waiting On Wednesday ....... Worlds Of Ink and Shadow

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 Worlds of Ink and Shadow: A Novel of the Brontës by Lena Coakley

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne. The Brontë siblings have always been inseparable. After all, nothing can bond four siblings quite like life in an isolated parsonage out on the moors. Their vivid imaginations lend them escape from their strict upbringing, actually transporting them into their created worlds: the glittering Verdopolis and the romantic and melancholy Gondal. But at what price? As Branwell begins to slip into madness and the sisters feel their real lives slipping away, they must weigh the cost of their powerful imaginations, even as their characters—the brooding Rogue and dashing Duke of Zamorna—refuse to let them go.

Gorgeously written and based on the Brontës’ juvenilia, Worlds of Ink & Shadow brings to life one of history’s most celebrated literary families.

This book caused quite the stir on the HCC Frenzy Presents event that bloggers recently attended. We all pretty much left there wanting to to read this one. The Bronte siblings combined with magic is automatically going to appeal to book lovers! Very excited to read this and luckily we don't have too long to wait.

Expected release date - January 5, 2016

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).

This week I had a package of awesome from Harper Collins Canada.

Undaunted by Ronnie Douglas (goodreads)
Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley (goodreads)

The personalized copy of Worlds of Ink and Shadow was a delightful surprise! It was one of the books I was excited about after the HCC Frenzy Presents event, and I love the Dumplin' sticker! The other book was a surprise but it sounds like it could be a sexy NA read!

A huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada (and Suman in particular) for these reads!

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

@HCCFrenzy Presents Event - Fall 2015/Winter 2016

I was recently invited to the Harper Collins office in Toronto to attend a blogger event where they'd be spotlighting some of their upcoming fall and winter titles. The event was hosted by the lovely ladies behind HCC Frenzy, which handles the young adult titles for Harper Collins Canada. Be sure to follow them on Twitter, and Tumblr as they are awesome!-*

Amazing Glass Sword decorations

It was beyond surreal to be invited to an event like this, and I am extremely thankful to all of the ladies who made the event possible, and Suman for her general awesomeness.

My favourite part of an event like this is touching base with the publishing contacts I've worked with, and getting to mingle with other bloggers. There are always lots of hugs, excited fangirling and general excitement at an event like this. You can't help but feel lucky to be part of this community.

Of course, the other part I love is getting hear about the upcoming titles that the publisher is excited to tell us about. They highlighted eleven upcoming titles that should be one everyone's radar and I am excited to share a little more about each of them with you.

1. Dumplin' by Julie Murphy (goodreads)

We were told that this one will make you want to listen to Dolly Parton, leave you dying to tell everyone you know about this book, and that it's ever better than Julie's debut novel. Needless to say the Harper ladies love this one and I cannot wait to read it for myself. There was also a little cameo by Julie Murphy via recorded video where she talked about the inspiration behind this novel - it sounds so uplifting and inspiring!

Julie Murphy discussing Dolly Parton concerts as research!

2. A Step Towards Falling by Cammie McGovern (goodreads)

This novel stood out because of the potential for discussion that it seems to hint it. Two teens witness something horrible happening, and stand by while it happens instead of helping. Through their punishment they learn about themselves, and about others. It sounds like it could be a novel filled with character growth and the potential for tears!

3. Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch (goodreads)

I haven't read the first novel in this series, and not too much was teased out of respect for spoilers, but this sounds like an incredible series. The world building and set up was praised, and it sounds really intriguing. This sequel promises an action packed follow up to the events in book one, and I am curious enough to check out the first one in the series.

4. A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis (goodreads)

Asylums, murder, and Mindy's writing. That was all I needed to be told in order to be completely sold on this one. A young woman finds herself helping a doctor as an assistant at crime scenes while dealing with personal issues in her past. This historically set novel takes place in one of the most creepiest settings, and promises chills and thrills. One of my personal most anticipated reads of the fall season.

5. This May Sound Crazy by Abigail Breslin (goodreads)

This one sounds like it'll be a big hit with teens. Actress Abigain Breslin offers up advice for teens of the modern age. Written as "essays" she'll cover everything from dating in the time of selfies, loss, Tumblr, and so much more. This was also talked up as one stunning book as the look, layout and many of the other design elements are promising to be very eye catching.

6. The Unquiet by Mikaela Everett (goodreads)

Sci-Fi fans may want to add this one to their reading list. It was mentioned as being for fans of Orphan Black, Fringe and Never Let Me Go. It involves parallel universes, assassins, and murder. It seems like a creepy, unsettling novel and I am definitely intrigued.

7. The Rest Of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness (goodreads)

This has been compared to Buffy but from the perspective of the random kid in the cafeteria. The one who just wants to pass Math class, maybe get their crush to go to the school dance with them, and not have the school blow up before English. In other words, it's the story of the non chosen ones. The people who are average. I got to hear Patrick Ness talk about this one at Book Con this year and left immediately wanting to devour it. It sounds incredible, and poignant. It reminds us that even if we don't end up in the spotlight we still have a story worth telling.

8. Worlds Of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley (goodreads)

Lena Coakley was there to tell us a little about the novel, and the inspiration behind it, as well as having the Harper ladies talk it up. One of them referred to it as the best book she's ever read. If you're a fan of the Bronte sisters this one has to go on your reading list immediately. It blends real life with the fantastical as it examines what it would be like to have your literary creations become real, and is said to offer up a fascinating sibling dynamic.

Who should read this book? Everyone, basically

9. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

The title I am most excited about! This is the sequel to Red Queen, and offers up an action packed follow up of the events in book one. Betrayal, rebellion, decisions, and consequences all await in what I hope is a dynamite follow up to one of my favourite reads of this year. Fun fact - Movie options have already been snapped up and Elizabeth Banks is set to direct.

Best Tag Line Ever. Yes.

10. The Lifeboat Clique by Kathy Parks (goodreads)

This seems like a mix of everything - comedy, drama, survival story. A girl goes to a party with her crush, and her ex-best friend. Awkward, right? A tsunami hits and she survives and is stranded in a life boat with said crush and ex-best friend. The humour is tongue in cheek, and was said to be a little reminiscent of Libba Bray's Beauty Queens. A satire that sounds like it could be a really fun reading experience.

11. This Is Where The World Ends by Amy Zhang (goodreads)

Amy Zhang's writing was a huge selling point here. She wrote this book while attending college classes (her debut was written while she was in high school) which is just impressive. It focuses on two friends, and the aftermath of when one of them goes missing. Sounds like it could be a potentially compelling mystery surrounding what really happened, and if Amy's first book is any indication, one that should definitely be picked up.

What did you do in college? (Side note - LOVE the FNL reference)

The bloggers who attended were gifted some of these amazing titles in swag bags as we left. They were such a nice surprise, and I loved the bags they came in!

A huge thank you to everyone who made them possible. I love, love, love the buttons and my Glass Sword swag in particular.

Which of these titles caught your eye? Any you're dying to read? Any new to you titles that you now want to pick up? Let me know in the comments.