Saturday, May 11, 2013

Oxford Shadows by Marion Croslydon *Tour+Review+Giveaway*


Words can not begin to describe how excited I am to be a part of this tour! I loved the first book in this series entitled Oxford Whispers a link to my review can be found here. Keep in mind that this is the second book in the series, so if you haven't read book one... hurry and pick yourself up a copy because your missing out!
Book Details
Title: Oxford Shadows
Author: Marion Croslydon
Series: The Oxford Trilogy
Pages: 300 (paperback)
Release Date: May 6th, 2013
Event organized by: AToMR Tours
Source Of Copy/Format: the tour- ARC (e-book format)
Buy Links: | Amazon | Smashwords |
My Rating: 4/5
When death is a new beginning and love an old curse.

Still recovering from her last tango with the afterlife, Louisiana-born Madison LeBon struggles not only with her life as an Oxford postgrad but also with her budding love for Rupert Vance, aristocrat extraordinaire. One thing is certain, though: she won’t run away from her powers anymore. From now on she’ll face the music …

… literally!

When a sixteenth-century ghost makes an appearance during a classical concert Madison attends and threatens her boyfriend’s family, she sets out to explore the dark mysteries of the Tudors, even if that means confronting their most royal and homicidal character.

Her plans take an unexpected turn when her voodoo heritage catches up with her. With horror, she understands what her fate was always meant to be.

The question now is: Can Rupert be part of it?
 
My Review
I have been a fan of The Oxford Trilogy from the very second I read Oxford Whispers. I loved everything about the book and I knew I had to read the second book the day it released. I was overwhelmed to find out that it was releasing so soon after I finished book one. Now I have to wait until sometime next year to read the ending to this terrific series. *sobs* I don’t want it to end but at the same time I’m dying to find out the conclusion. I am rooting for a happy ending with Rupert and Madison being happily together forever without so much drama... but only time will tell I guess. *sigh*
 

Writing Style:
I love the flawless way Marion Croslydon interweaves the past with the present-day in her novels; bringing both together fills in voids within the plot while introducing new circumstances. I also adore how she incorporates genuine historic elements into her storytelling, giving her novels a realistic edge. She is a master at plot twists and will keep you guessing right until the very end. The moment you begin to read her writing, you will never look back. You will be plagued by the desire to read more immediately.


My Opinion:
I was impressed that this book picked up directly after the first one. It made the story easier to follow. Significant circumstances from book one were mentioned at relevant times, to refresh your memory and tie both books closer together. I wish more authors did this because sometimes certain situations can slip the reader’s mind.


I think Oxford Whispers was an excellent sequel to Oxford Shadows. However, in some respects it was not as good as the first. (Hence my slightly lower rating) This book didn’t have as many scenes that took place in the past life of the spirits. To me that was the best thing about book one because it opens up the story more and shares intimate details of the main characters lives. Also, parts of this book seemed a bit rushed due to the lack of details. The ending was a massive cliff hanger that truly upset me, mostly because of the uncertainty it left behind. These factors did not ruined the book for me, just left me a bit disappointed.


Okay, so I elaborated on my dislikes let me proceed to what I enjoyed. The most important factor in a sequel is how well it pairs with the previous novel, consistently is key. Oxford Whispers gets an A+ in that department. No confusion, no void in time, no random out of place moments… just perfect! The spirits are even more driven this time around with the motive of love and revenge. The new danger that Madison is faced with shocked me because this time, it’s not just a spirit. The relationship between Madison and Rupert is more developed and breathtaking, it seems like they can stand the test of time. (Maybe…I hope anyway)


I will be reading the next book, if you can’t already tell. I have grown to love Madison. I have an idea of what will happen in the next book and I’m as excited as I am fearful. With the new dangers Madison will face, I hope she finds the strength in her powers to defeat them. My only other wish is for her to be happy, preferably with Rupert of course. lol. I can't help it, they are meant to be together!

A Giveaway
First prize: signed copy of Oxford Shadows + Oxford University T-Shirt
Second prize: signed copy of Oxford Shadows + $10 Amazon gift card
... and  3 people can win an ecopy of Oxford Shadows
All are International

Direct link:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0dd00129/

*This is a tour wide giveaway, all prizes have been provided by the author*
About the Author

In addition to being an author, I work as an entrepreneur, wife and mother-of-one but spend a good deal of time with books, DVDs and listening to my mp3 player; all for the sake of inspiration, of course.

My debut series, The Oxford Trilogy, has been a blast to write because I can indulge in my favorite types of music: Country and English rock.

My main goal as a writer is to make readers dream bigger and cause their hearts to beat a little faster. Since my writing is all about sharing dreams and stories, I love connecting with fellow readers and authors.


Contact Marion Croslydon:



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