Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: The Violet Hour by Brynn Chapman @rrsmythe @NereydaG1003



Welcome to my tour stop for The Violet Hour by Brynn Chapman! I was first introduced to Brynn's writing last year when I read Boneseeker, which I very much enjoyed. It's one book that has stuck with me. So, I've been looking forward to reading her newest release. You can check out all of the usual info, my review, and the giveaway below...

The Violet HourThe Violet Hour
Brynn Chapman
YA Romantic Historical Fantasy
ebook, 300 Pages
April 11th 2015


Secrets.

Allegra Teagarden, a musical prodigy, flees her father’s dominance and abuse while touring in pre-civil war Charleston, South Carolina. Plagued by depression over her mother’s suicide during their previous visit, she escapes in an effort to piece together the details behind her mother’s mysterious demise.

Secrets.

Down to her final coin, Allegra happens on Charleston’s Fancy, the first southern amusement park, which is searching for musicians for its orchestra. At first, the park seems her salvation; but she quickly realizes she has traded the dominance of her father, for the even more terrifying madness of the owner, Silas.

And more secrets.

Allegra meets the dashing Brighton LeFroy, Fancy’s engineer and pyrotechnics master. His shabby clothing cannot conceal the brilliant mind beneath. The musician’s whisper he is a witch, is obsessed with storms, and is rumored...to fly. And despite the danger, despite her own misgivings, Allegra is inexplicable drawn to him.

She ventures to his reclusive home on Fire Isle during a thunderstorm and together they seek to unravel an ancient mystery.

My Review

I was immediately immersed into Allegra's world from the first page of The Violet Hour. The beginning is set with such desperation and despair as Allegra and her friend, Sarah, try to find a safe haven as they escape the clutches of Allegra's cruel and controlling aristocratic father. The the first time Allegra lays eyes on Brighton. The instant chemistry and the dark mystery that surrounds them both... Well, it was quite intense and even more so as the story progressed.

Allegra and Brighton were both fabulous characters. They had both experienced deep loss and serious pain, so they were somewhat tortured souls, although Brighton more so. Allegra still felt innocent in many ways, as she should have been. They were light and dark and fiery and temperamental, igniting together, but also together becoming calm. There were plenty of villains who were a little on the insane side that created quite a contrast and darkness to the story. And then there were the loyal friends who added pieces here and there.

The plot is mysterious from the beginning. I knew there was something going on that would be on the unbelievable scale in some way, but that the author would also somehow explain. It was quite interesting and something that was definitely unique. I loved how she weaved love of family and friends, slavery, intellect, scientific advancement and the political uphevil of the time through the story.

The Violet Hour was a dark, mysterious, but also hopeful tale of two people who find each other without realizing that they each held the answer to what the other was seeking. It was about friendship, the good and bad that can be family, a passionate love, and facing, if not escaping, evil. I'd recommend it more to NA readers due to some of the content, but definitely to readers who enjoy stories more of paranormal nature and romance.


Content: There was quite a bit of innuendo, some heavy kissing, and a few fade-to-black scenes between married couples.

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host for the purposes of this tour, which did not affect my review in any way.

About the Author

Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love—not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. She also writes non-fiction and lectures on the subjects of autism and sensory integration and is a medical contributor to online journal The Age of Autism.


Tour-Wide Giveaway
YA Bound Book Tours

36 comments

  1. Ronna R Smythe6/1/15, 7:29 AM

    Thank you so much for reading!! brynn

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  2. Zonell Conant6/1/15, 1:07 PM

    Love the review, very helpful

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  3. wow this looks to be one of those electrifying reads you can't put down once you start it!

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  4. Linda Szymoniak6/1/15, 1:27 PM

    Congratulations on the release - love the cover.

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  5. Cathy French6/1/15, 2:27 PM

    I can imagine that being a pediatric therapist would be very tough but rewarding. Wish the author much success.

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  6. Ronna R Smythe6/1/15, 2:47 PM

    thank you..hope you enjoy it..brynn

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  7. Ronna R Smythe6/1/15, 2:47 PM

    I love it too!!! it looks like kahleesi LOL

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  8. Ronna R Smythe6/1/15, 2:47 PM

    thank you. yes...writing is MY therapy lol brynn

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  9. You do such a fabulous job at pulling readers in! Plus both of those characters were mysterious, but also connectable. That can be so hard to do. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  10. Thanks! :) I've still been thinking about this one...

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  11. It is. Lol! I hope you get a chance to read it.

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  12. Now that I've read it I can say that the cover fits the story, so I'm glad that you like it!

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  13. I think she's got a rather interesting background, especially for an author. You can see how it comes through in her writing though with how so many things actually fit together and can be explained. Thanks for stopping by, Cathy!

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  14. Ronna R Smythe6/1/15, 3:08 PM

    thank you. i do love them both as well!!

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  15. Ronna R Smythe6/1/15, 3:10 PM

    i always try to add science to the writing...

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  16. How could you not? They're pretty irresistible. :)

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  17. Deanne Patterson6/1/15, 3:38 PM

    I was also born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. I now live in Central PA but miss Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. My favorite genres are suspense and anything historical and fantasy too. I really would love to read this !

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  18. I liked the review, thank you.

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  19. Ronna R Smythe6/1/15, 4:30 PM

    very cool my stomping grounds. Hope you are able to pick one up

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  20. Ronna R Smythe6/1/15, 4:31 PM

    thank you for stopping and i thank wishful endings for hosting us

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  21. Wow I love to read spelled sound liked awesome book. Thank you for sharing on here.

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  22. It was a crazy, magical ride. :) If you like The Wizard of Oz or Alice in Wonderland or retellings of those, then I'd definitely recommend it.

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  23. It shows, which I appreciate. I can be a little analytical, so I like things to fit together. :)

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  24. I hope you like it, Deanne. I didn't mention the setting enough, I think, but I definitely felt like I was in Charleston during that era in parts.

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  25. Thanks, Rita! I hope you get a chance to enjoy it too. :)

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  26. You're welcome, Brynn! Thanks for being so active. It makes a big difference to have the author stop by.

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  27. Ronna R Smythe6/1/15, 5:49 PM

    thats our job!!! shame on those who dont lol

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  28. oooooohhhhh, this sounds wonderful! Great review Tressa

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  29. I love this cover. Looking forward to finding out the significance.

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  30. Ronna R Smythe6/2/15, 4:27 AM

    i knew as soon as i saw the picture it was THE ONE !!

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  31. Ronna R Smythe6/2/15, 4:28 AM

    thank you for stopping. the paper back will hopefully be out before the tour is over

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  32. I'm sure I will lol

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  33. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  34. Megan McDade6/7/15, 2:39 AM

    I think this book sounds good. I love any books set in the south and am intrigued by the mysterious plot. Thanks for bringing this book.to my attention.

    Megan @ http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.co.uk

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  35. Natalie Carlson Brown6/7/15, 11:44 AM

    I like "dark and mysterious"! It sounds cool too that the characters have experience pain and loss. I think it just deepens their personalities. Which is cool. :)

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  36. I like the cover and the excerpt. This sounds like a good story.

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