Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Book Review + Intl. Giveaway : In The Shadow Of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

In The Shadow Of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

My Rating: 3.75 of 5 stars

Publication date:  April 2nd 2013 by Amulet Books 
 Blurb:  In 1918, the world seems on the verge of apocalypse. Americans roam the streets in gauze masks to ward off the deadly Spanish influenza, and the government ships young men to the front lines of a brutal war, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort, but she herself has never believed in ghosts. During her bleakest moment, however, she’s forced to rethink her entire way of looking at life and death, for her first love—a boy who died in battle—returns in spirit form. But what does he want from her?

Featuring haunting archival early-twentieth-century photographs, this is a tense, romantic story set in a past that is eerily like our own time.


My Review:


**I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book from Abrams And Chronicle Books U.K in exchange for an honest review.**

Words CANNOT explain how I felt while reading In The Shadow Of Blackbirds.It is quite a unique novel of the YA historical fiction genre,I'll hand you that.But the entire story is like a bumpy roller-coaster ride,with its sharp turns and frequent highs and lows.After finally being able to put down the book,my mind was all jumbled up with my mixed thoughts.There were parts where the story did not proceed the way I wanted it to,but were good nonetheless.But my possessiveness got the better of me and during those parts I felt like taking control of the plot and guide it the way I wanted it to go.

But even then I felt that the author did a wonderful job in writing the book,despite the fact that some things did not turn out the way I wanted them to be.With black and white photos from around the same era the story was set in at the beginning of each chapter,this author really knows how to bring a story to life.

So overall,after considering both the pros and cons of my mixed feelings,I've decided to rate this book 3.75 out of 5 stars.Mixed feelings equals a mixed rating! :)

But one thing's for sure.This book will definitely win the hearts of fans of YA historical novels like The Diviners or The Masque Of The Red Death. I just hope that there's a sequel to this book with an ending which will satisfy my disappointment of the ending in this one.


Giveaway:

Abrams U.K has generously offered a copy of In The Shadow Of Blackbirds for me to give away to one INTERNATIONAL winner.Enter via the form below and please check the TERMS AND CONDITIONS on the form.Giveway starts at 15:58 EST time (New York)
Good Luck!!! :)

10 comments:

  1. Sorry you didn't like the ending but this book seems otherwise really good! i can't wait to try it.

    ♥ Karielle Stephanie @ Books à la Mode

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sometimes endings leave you completely hanging, but your review and the in-depth description of the author on your other entry have really piqued my curiosity.

    How she decided to go for a historical novel, with a very tough period of history that could read as dystopian... seems like this book can be read only for the descriptions and the world building that it'd have! I'm gonna be keeping an eye out for this book when it comes out for sure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right!The worldbuilding and descriptions themselves made the story a whole lot interesting.Hope you enjoy it! :)

      Delete
  3. Thanks for the giveaway..:)
    I sometimes felt that I've been into the book so much even if it have flaws.. When that happens, I present the good and bad sides of the book, and let my reader be intrigue and figure the book out for tehmselves.>:D

    ReplyDelete
  4. This seems awesome. I loved THE DIVINERS and I've seen nothing but five stars for this book--and while you had some lows, there were clearly some highs. Totally preordered, but the giveaway is awesome- thanks for that!

    ReplyDelete
  5. This certainly sounds an interesting read and one which really apeals to me, as i love Historical fiction (as well as YA). Thank you for such an insightful and detailed review, of a book that i shall definately be adding to my to-read list immediately! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi!

    I am not used to read books based in historical events, so this book can be a great opportunity to start.

    Thanks for the giveaway!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hope i would get a chance to read this book. I've seen horror movies but have never read one.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love books with photos in them!!! I guess it's the child in me, haha.

    This book definitely seems different that's for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have not read it yet .. but I liked your review ... and describe the history
    almendra in the rafflecopter

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for commenting!You are absolutely about to make my day! :)
I really appreciate feedback from my readers on every single one of my posts but please keep in mind that Daydreaming Bookworm is an award free zone. I used to accept blog award tags before but now I really don't have the time.Sorry!