July 11, 2012

Dead Radiance Tour: Review & Giveaway!



Dead Radiance (Valkyrie Series #1)
Author: T.G. Ayer
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal 
Release Date: February 25, 2012

Buy the Book:              Amazon

Synopsis: 

Bryn Halbrook had always seen the glow. But it is only when her best friend dies that she discovers the meaning of those beautiful golden auras - Death. Alone, lost in the foster system, she struggles to understand who she is and why she was cursed with the ability to see the soon-to-be-dead. 

The new foster kid, Aidan, isn't helping any. Mr. Perfect seems to fit in no matter what, making her feel even more pathetic. But when his affections turn to her, Bryn finds him hard to resist. Impossible actually. A mystery himself, Aidan disappears, leaving behind a broken heart and a mysterious book that suggests Bryn might not be entirely human. Bryn stands at the threshold of a journey of discovery. Will destiny help her find herself, find her purpose and her place in a world in which she'd never belonged? 

Review:

Dead Radiance is a fun paranormal YA novel that deals specifically with Norse mythology and the myth of Valkyries. I found the mythology portion of the storyline to be very interesting and fresh from the other mythology fiction out there right now. The myth of Valkyries is really different and I think it was a great pick for a YA fiction novel. The characters are rather flat with no unique personality traits. They seem to be generic in nature with no real identities to set them apart.

The plot itself is interesting and mysterious, but it felt a bit cliched at times. The feelings for the cute bad-boy are a bit stale and the teen angst of not fitting in is nothing new either. I liked that Bryn is a strong female lead and that redeemed part of the plot for me. The underlying themes of self-discovery, courage, destiny, family, and love are all present and Ayer did a good job implementing them into the narrative. The book is a fast-paced story, which makes the book a quick and interesting read. It's great for introducing readers to mythology other than Greek and to some awesome mythological characters. Besides that, it is a fun (if a bit cliched at times) read that most people will enjoy.






About the Author:
I have been a writer from the time I was old enough to recognise that reading was a doorway into my imagination. Poetry was my first foray into the art of the written word. Books were my best friends, my escape, my haven. I am essentially a recluse but this part of my personality is impossible to practise given I have two teenage daughters, who are actually my friends, my tea-makers, my confidantes… I am blessed with a husband who has left me for golf. It’s a fair trade as I have left him for writing. We are both passionate supporters of each other's loves – it works wonderfully… 

My heart is currently broken in two. One half resides in South Africa where my old roots still remain, and my heart still longs for the endless beaches and the smell of moist soil after a summer downpour. My love for Ma Afrika will never fade. The other half of me has been transplanted to the Land of the Long White Cloud. The land of the Taniwha, beautiful Maraes, and volcanoes. The land of green, pure beauty that truly inspires. And because I am so torn between these two lands – I shall forever remain cross-eyed.

Connect with T.G. Ayer:
 Blog

 




*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

4 comments:

  1. This book sounds interesting. Thanks for the giveaway! I'll add it to my to read list!

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  2. This book sounds like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  3. This looks like a great book. Right up my alley! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  4. I enjoyed this book. I had never read a book about Valkyries before so I also thought it was really interesting and good idea. It was the relationship between Bryn and Aiden that I wasn't sold on.

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