Hello, guys! Today on the blog, we have author Priyanka Baranwal, who has written It's Never Too Late, but today, we're going to talk about her latest, The Shadow of Darkness, book #2 of the same. So without much ado, let's get to know the book and the author. Also, Priyanka has kindly offered to give away one copy of her book to one lucky Indian reader, so make sure you take part in the giveaway at the end.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Maya
fought two criminals one night and saved herself and her five year old
daughter, Sejal, she thought the worst was over. But was it really? Or, there
could be something worse than the worst? The childhood trauma that little Sejal
did not deserve resulted in nightmares, trust issues and bizarre habits. Even
after thirteen long years, the night continues to haunt and debilitate her
senses with its magnificence, and as if it wasn’t enough, an encounter with the
remains of past slips her deep into a treacherous darkness.
Sejal has
a loving family, a comfortable life yet disappointment is the
only thing now echoing inside her. Will its shadow ever leave her side? Then we
see a shining light in the dark brooding sky – Kartik. Is he the answer to her
quest of peace? Will Sejal be able to find love, strong enough to fight all
odds and bring her out from the darkness? Will the light of hope win over its
foes?
The Shadow of Darkness holds answer to every question.
BOOK TRAILER:
BOOK LINKS:
AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
Hi,
Priyanka! Welcome to The Readdicts Book Blog. We’re happy to have you here and
we hope you have a fun time answering our questions!
·
Tell
us about your book.
My book ‘The Shadow of Darkness’ (It
ends where it was started) is the story of self-discovery in the darkest of
times. It’s main theme is to convey that with love and hope, we can win any
challenge.
My protagonist is a college going
student, Sejal. She is beautiful, intelligent and a sensitive person. She has a
lovely family, and a best friend. Loves to watch movies and going out. She is
like any other girl but her story is like no other.
She was traumatized in her childhood,
when she was merely five year old.
In ‘The Shadow of Darkness’, the story leaps
forward thirteen years later where Sejal is now eighteen years old. She has
grown as has the trauma but in modified versions. While she still has nightmares,
she can deal now better with people and relatives who still try to evoke the
painful memory. Sometimes she wins, sometimes it’s hard. Readers would
definitely relate to her challenges.
I have put Sejal in her teenage years
and have done the best of my research to portray how a person, who was inhumanely
traumatized in her childhood, might deal with her issues in later years.
You know, Sarika? Memories fade but
scars make their presence feel at some point or another. Scars can be on the
body as well as on the soul and The Shadow of Darkness is the story of a scarred
soul.
But for me, Sejal is not a victim. She
is a survivor instead, fighting with her issues in daily life and finding
strength in family and friendship is something we all need and do. And then
comes Kartik, her male counterpart. Each time they meet, things never remain
the same. Even as their creator, the chemistry growing between them was very
interesting to watch. If there is any other couple I personally like apart from
Maya and Rajat, it’d doubtlessly be Sejal and Kartik. Their interactions are actually
very refreshing on a natural take.
But things turn dark when the past
brutally decides to confront Sejal having been encouraged by the ugly emotion
called revenge. After that, the story takes turn in ways that readers will find
it even more engaging. Throughout the story and since the beginning, the
readers will find the immense magic of love and affection. Kartik is one
character to invoke inspiration, courage and pure love.
At the end, I’d say that ‘The Shadow of
Darkness’ is a book that will help create awareness about the silent monster
called Childhood trauma. Life is good and meaningful despite of failures and
disappointments,. And above all, it tells us that with love and hope, anything
is possible.
·
What
inspired you to write your book?
My first book, It’s Never Too Late! I
had portrayed Maya’s struggle and aftermath from her perspective but for Sejal,
I had to share her story too. She was the minor that time and also the second
biggest recipient of the brutality of the attack. And when a child gets
traumatized, the repercussions can be horrible! The child sure grows into an
adult but the trauma stays. If not treated on time, the memories can haunt
forever. It’d be unfair on my part to not to lend focus on Sejal. So the idea
was all along since the time of writing my first book.
Childhood trauma is not unusual. People
just don’t talk about it because they are either unaware of it or they feel
ashamed of the episode. But I’ll say, they should talk! They should not let
cases of abuse such as physical, and sexual abuse etc. hide behind the walls.
We are in a greater need to slice open this matter now. Because one of my
characters from my upcoming novel Diya says,
Sharing
helps!
My protagonist, Sejal, finds it
difficult to share her issues with parents but she does it with her best
friend, Diya. Sharing with friends comes easy some times. And when love comes
along your path, miracles happen. Kartik is a character to fall in love with.
·
Tell
us why readers should pick up your book.
Okay! I’ll give you five reasons not to pick ‘The Shadow of Darkness’.
1.
If
you have already won all the challenges in life.
2.
If
you don’t believe in family and friendship.
3.
If
love is a waste emotion for you.
4.
You
hate reading.
5.
If
you don’t wish to stay abreast with the knowledge called Childhood trauma and
don’t wish to help someone (or yourself, in case) suffering from it.
Now I’ll give you 5 reasons to pick it up.
1.
Because
it talks about a subject that’s a taboo – Childhood trauma – and once you know
about it, you will feel closer to human emotions.
2.
Because
the book proves the magic of love; that with love comes indomitable hope. Put
them together and you can do anything.
3.
Because
it’s very foundation is based on the strongest of emotions such as family and friendship
4.
Because
it’s a book that will encourage you to find hope in yourself when things look
unfavourable.
5.
Because
it can be the next best book to read
·
Why did you decide to
write on childhood trauma and how impactful do you feel your book would be in
creating awareness about the topic?
Not only Sejal’s story but at the end of the book, you will find
a gist on Childhood trauma too. Since Child Abuse is an immense epart of
childhood trauma, I have also talked about its nature, types, symptoms and
especially, how to deal with it or how to help someone deal with it. If you go
through the description, you will understand many nuances of the subject. I
have also debunked around 21 myths related to childhood abuse.
I have done my research pretty well which can be understood by
the Reference section.
In a way, the book is a mixture of fiction as well as
non-fiction since it tells a story and lays facts.
·
Did your own childhood
play an important role in writing the book?
I had a happy childhood.
So that made me understand its importance and how a kid would feel when it
isn’t happy. The contradiction sure helped me.
Thank
you for your lovely questions. Your visitors can get in touch with me on my
pages:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Priyanka Baranwal has authored It’s Never Too Late...to fight against your
biggest enemy: Fear. She loves
reading, writing, blogging, poetry, playing Guitar, music, travelling, and
jogging. She is also the owner of Pick’A
Book Club - For Kids which she runs from home. The club has been founded in
order to instil love for book reading in kids. The Shadow of Darkness is her second book.
Priyanka currently lives in Bangalore.
To know
more about her likes and interests, you can connect with her on:
AUTHOR LINKS:
GIVEAWAY:
One copy of the book is up for grabs, and the rules are very easy:
*Enter by filling out the Rafflecopter form below.
*If the form doesn't load, go here.
*The giveaway is open for residents of India only.
*Once the winner is picked, they will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond, or else, we'll be compelled to pick a new winner.
*The book will be shipped by the author.
I hope you enjoyed the post and are looking forward to reading Priyanka's book! Happy reading, and thank you for stopping by.
Wishing Priyanka Baranwal all the best for her book!
ReplyDeleteInteresting book. All the best Priyanka Baranwal.
ReplyDelete