Blog tour + Review + Character bio + Giveaway: Transcend by Christine Foncesa

Transcend by Christine Fonscesa
pages:
Publisher: Compass Press
Pub Date: September 18th 2012

Synopsis:

All seventeen-year-old composer Ien Montgomery desires is an escape from his family's rigid expectations for his life; someone to inspire his music. When he meets a beautiful violin-prodigy, Kiera McDougal, his life music takes on new life. With her, he imagines a future outside of his parents’ control. That is, until a horrible accident tears them apart.

Sent to die in a sanatorium, Ien’s obsession for Kiera grows unbearable. Tortured by thoughts he can’t escape and the truth of his monstrous disfigurement, he flees, desperate to exact revenge on the people that ruined his life – his parents. But, vengeance is empty. Betrayed by those closest to him, Ien discovers that the price for his happiness may be his sanity.

Set amidst the landscape of New York's Gilded Age, and inspired by Phantom of the Opera, TRANSCEND exposes the fine line between love and madness.

Review:

 A copy was provided by the author for a honest review.

 You can never settle down with one emotion while you are reading Transcend; it's a roller coaster of emotions. Ien has lost everything in the fire. Now, all he wants is revenge. Anger, hatred and rage is all he thinks about. Everyone has betrayed him. His parents. His best friend. His lover. He can't trust anyone. Not the voice inside his head. Not Sister Anne. He just needs his lover, Kiera, back. Then everything will be alright. But it seems there's more to what Ien knows.

Ien, our main character, is shrouded by memories. Ien, for me, wasn't my favorite character. I couldn't get the hang of his emotions and how his mind worked. My favorite character was Jenna. She was a sweet girl that understood Ien. Jenna and Ien are childhoods friend and knows everything about him.

When i first saw Transcend i was captivated by the cover and let me tell you, the inside doesn't let you down. You just have to be patient. At first, i was confused because one chapter would be firs person narrative and the third person narrative. For a while it bugged but i got used to it. I also had some problems with the pace. The first half of the story didn't really excite me but as i got further in the story the pages were flying by. We uncover his past and answers are give. On the other hand,  Christine's writing is subtle, even though, the emotions the words gives off are strong

I am definitely a fan of Christine Fonseca and i can't wait to read more of her works. Although, the beginning was confusing you will not be disappointed when you finish the book .

Find Transcend at: Goodreads/ Shelfari/ Amazon UK/ Amazon US/ 

About the author:  

Critically acclaimed nonfiction and YA author Christine Fonseca is dedicated to helping children of all ages find their voice in the world. Drawing on her expertise as an educational psychologist, her nonfiction titles address issues of emotional intensity, resiliency and giftedness. Her titles include Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students, 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids and The Girl Guide, releasing April 2013.
In fiction, she explores the darker aspects of humanity and delivers gothic thrillers that take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions not to be missed. Recent titles include Dies Irae and Lacrimosa, from the Requiem Series, and the recently released thriller, Transcend.

Find more about Christin Fonseca at: Goodreads/ Her blog/ Her website/ Tiwtter/ Facebook


Character bio:

Thanks so much for hosting a leg of my tour! I’d like to introduce everyone to the main character of Transcend. This is his story, 100% —Ien Montgomery (pronounced E-an):

Born in 1877 in NYC, Ien the second born to John and Katherine Montgomery, one of the wealthiest families in all of upstate New York. Ien is tall and lean, with blond hair and blue eyes. His interest is music and he is a genius level composer. He attends Chadwick Academy for Boys and is expected to matriculate to Yale in the fall of 1875. His heart beacons him to run off to Europe and compose, but with the recent death of his older brother Erik, Ien must now take on the family expectations, which include a business degree from Yale and running the family business when he graduates. Never one to get too involved in the social scene, Ien has met the love of his life in Kiera and wants nothing more than to make music with her forever.

Ien Quote:

My Dearest Kiera,

There are so many things I want to remember about that night. The feel of your lips on mine, the longing they held when we said goodbye, the promise of a life together with you. But, sadly, that is not what fills my thoughts.

(Excert from Ien’s letter to Kiera. Transcend, p.3)

Ien is by far one of the most complicated and layered characters I’ve ever created. Crafting him has been a great experience and one that has taught me much about the art of stoytelling/crafting. I hope you enjoy him as much as I do.

Giveaway! 

 -Open Internationally
- Must be 13 or older
- Ends 16th of October
-The winner will be emailed. You will have 48 hours to reply or another winner will be chosen.

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