Friday, January 12, 2018

Author Interview + Giveaway- The Shadow of Darkness by Priyanka Baranwal

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: 

GOODREADS / AMAZON (IN) / FLIPKART / POTHI

BUY PRIYANK'S FIRST BOOK, IT'S NEVER TOO LATE: 


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. 



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