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Book Review: Prophecy Girl by Faith McKay

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 14:44:00 +0000

Title: Prophecy Girl

Author: Faith McKay

Publisher/format: Kindle Edition

How I got this: Free copy in exchange for fair review from author

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):

Ever since Samantha Winthrop's mother moved them to Lacuna Valley, supposedly in search of better weather, the list of strange questions she has no answers for has been growing out of control.

Does her little sister, Violet, have the ability to make things happen just by "praying" for them? Are Sam's dreams really predicting the future? Is she destined to marry the boy she just met, and what is the mysterious orb that he's guarding? Why does she get the impression that there are dangerous creatures watching from the woods?

While Sam should be focusing on answering those questions, there is one other that makes them seem almost irrelevant: Is her mother planning on killing her and Violet?

Review:

I got a free copy of this book for review a little while back, and have literally just gotten around to reading it. I’m kind of sad about that, because actually, this book is kind of awesome.

It seems a bit typical at the start, Sam’s family have just moved to a new small town, making Sam the awkward new girl at school. However, Sam’s got a few more problems than just that. One is that her father is sick and her mother is abusive, and another is that she seems to have prophetic dreams, and that her little sister only has to wish for something and it becomes true.

Of course, add into the mix that her mother has some sort of plan, and you’ve got yourself an intriguing storyline. It was definitely different to other things I’ve been reading recently, and I very much enjoyed the book. I liked the characters, even if sometimes they felt very familiar, and I liked the idea of the Valley as a place.

Having finished the book I do still have a lot of questions – the answers to which I hope will become clear when the rest of the series is released. One is what exactly Sam’s power entails, another is what her mother is actually planning, and on top of all of that, what really arethe Seasonals?

Basically, having read this, I’m still intrigued, and am looking forward to the rest of the series.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Writing: 4/5

Originality: 3.5/5

Characters: 3/5

My Enjoyment: 4/5

In a similar vein…

Feature and Follow Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 07:08:00 +0000

Q: If you could choose one supernatural being/creature to really exists what would it be and why? ex. fae { submitted by @SeeingNight }

 If you read more or less any book involving supernatural beings, there's always a dangerous side to them!  With that in mind, it's probably better than none of them actually exist!

That said, if I have to choose one, I'd probably go for wizards, because generally in whatever book you read, they tend to be human (and therefore marginally safer than other supernatural beings who are completely without humanity) and because a little bit of magic in the world would be awesome.

What about you guys? What would you choose?

Battle of the ereader: Ipad vs. Kindle

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 03:30:00 +0000

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I know a lot of people who read on their iPads. Admittedly, the iBooks interface is very good, and it does allow for various formats. You can also install Adobe reader and the Kindle app to the iPad, making it a lot more versatile for different titles in comparison with my well-loved Kindle. But despite all that, I personally still don’t often (if ever) use my iPad for reading on.

I have to admit, when I first got my iPad, I had grand designs of using it for reading on, and finally retiring my somewhat battered Kindle. But as I’ve stated above, the Kindle is still the weapon of choice for ebook reading.

The reasons for that are simple. One of them is that my iPad is a fair bit bigger in size than the Kindle, and that doesn’t make it as easy to hold. I have a horrible habit of reading whilst doing everything else, so the fact that my Kindle Keyboard is easily held in one hand it brilliant for me. I have to admit, if I had an iPad mini instead of the larger version that might not be such an issue, but on the model I have, it is.

The second is that I find the screen of the iPad starts to give me a headache when I’m reading on it for too long. The Kindle screen is deigned not to get glare, and it really does make a difference. It’s also the fact that my personal favourite ebook vendor is still Amazon’s Kindle store – and of course, I have mine set up to send directly to my Kindle, so again, it’s a convenience factor.

As I’ve said, there are positives, like the using books from different sellers, which can be more difficult on Kindle, and being able to easily read eARC copies that aren’t in the mobi format used by Kindle. Plus the extra stuff you can do on an iPad is always useful! I actually use mine more than my laptop when I’m off moving around or not going to be at home!

Basically, whilst I had ambitions ofusing the iPad for everything, I think for me it turns out my ‘normal’ ereader is actually superior for the purpose of reading, but my iPad does make a handy back up!

What about you guys? Do you read on your iPad, or do you prefer a designated ereader? What about the Kindle Fire? Does anyone have any experiences with those? Let me know!

Top Ten Tuesdays - Bookish Goals for 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 02:30:00 +0000

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Top Ten Tuesdays is a regular feature hosted by the lovely people over at The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s theme is Top Ten Bookish Goals for 2013.

1. Update my blog more!

I feel like I’ve been flagging where my blog’s concerned to the end of this year! I think that’s due to a number of factors, including not quite having as much time to read and blog as I previously did, and struggling to think of original material.

2. Find more time for reading

Reading is what relaxes me. I think it doesn’t, but it really does. And I think I need more time to myself to just sit down quietly and read.

3. Get through my TBR pile!

My TBR pile is out of control. I have so much stuff loaded onto my Kindle that’s gone unread thus far, and I really need to get through it all before I allow myself to buy anything else!

4. Promote my blog more

I was getting so good at this, but my bout of blogging apathy seems to have undone all of my good work, so I really need to get back into it properly!

5. Try and read for enjoyment as well as to deadlines

I know this sounds mad, but I find that I’ve kind of lost sight of in recent months – probably adding to my reading apathy. I’ve taken on a lot of books that maybe I wouldn’t have read if they hadn’t been on offer, or if I hadn’t been offered them for review, and I think I need to step back and just read what I want for a bit!

6. Finish off some series!

One of my worst reading habits is starting a series, loving the first book or two then never finishing it! This year, I really want to clear some off my list!

I think that actually kind of covers everything for me right now – what about you guys? What are your reading goals this year?

Book Review: Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 17:08:00 +0000

Title: The Sea of Tranquility

Author: Katja Millay

Publisher/format: Atria Books, eARC

How I got this: Netgalley

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):

I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.

Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.

Josh Bennett’s story is no secret: every person he loves has been taken from his life until, at seventeen years old, there is no one left. Now all he wants is be left alone and people allow it because when your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, the mysterious new girl at school who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But the more he gets to know her, the more of an enigma she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding—or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a rich, intense, and brilliantly imagined story about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

Review:

The book hangover I am going to have from this book is going to be an impressive one! When I was offered a copy of this book for review purposes via Netgalley, I wasn’t sure. Then I literally thought “why not?” and downloaded it. Let me just clarify that this was one of the best book decisions I’ve made in a good while.

I honestly can’t explain the love I have for this book. This book completely blew everything I thought it would be out of the water, and swept me away completely. This is genuinely one of the first books in a very long time that I’ve literally sacrificed my social life to read.

I’m not going to give spoilers in this review, because you need to read this book to truly understand it, and you need to read it NOW. All I’m going to say is that Nastya and Josh have instantly become some of my favourite protagonists, and I think they’ll be staying with me for a while. It’s one of those situations where you’d love a sequel because seeing the characters again would be awesome, but you’re kind of scared it would ruin the magic.

I think it was helped by a brilliant supporting cast, who seemed real if for their imperfections and the way that Millay describes them.

Honestly, I genuinely loved this story, and I really, really recommend it to pretty much anyone, because I think it’s one of those books that really sucks you in and makes you think. Definitely worth it!

Overall rating: 5/5

Writing: 5/5

Originality: 4/5

Characters: 5/5

My Enjoyment: 5/5

Feature and follow Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:26:00 +0000

Q: What New Years Blogging or Writing resolution have you placed on yourself?

For me, this is fairly simple. I need to start updating my blog more regularly again! Towards the end of last year a lot of things started happening to get in the way of my blogging - and I actually miss it! So this year I'm planning to get back into the swing of things properly, and keep Hey, Tara updated!

What about you guys? What are you planning to do next year?

Book Review: Broken by A E Rought

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 03:30:00 +0000

Title: Broken

Author: A E Rought

Publisher/format: eARC, Strange Chemistry

How I got this: Netgalley

Challenges:

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):

Imagine a modern spin on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein where a young couple’s undying love and the grief of a father pushed beyond sanity could spell the destruction of them all.

A string of suspicious deaths near a small Michigan town ends with a fall that claims the life of Emma Gentry's boyfriend, Daniel. Emma is broken, a hollow shell mechanically moving through her days. She and Daniel had been made for each other, complete only when they were together. Now she restlessly wanders the town in the late Fall gloom, haunting the cemetery and its white-marbled tombs, feeling Daniel everywhere, his spectre in the moonlight and the fog.

When she encounters newcomer Alex Franks, only son of a renowned widowed surgeon, she's intrigued despite herself. He's an enigma, melting into shadows, preferring to keep to himself. But he is as drawn to her as she is to him. He is strangely... familiar. From the way he knows how to open her locker when it sticks, to the nickname she shared only with Daniel, even his hazel eyes with brown flecks are just like Daniel's.

The closer they become, though, the more something inside her screams there's something very wrong with Alex Franks. And when Emma stumbles across a grotesque and terrifying menagerie of mangled but living animals within the walls of the Franks' estate, creatures she surely knows must have died from their injuries, she knows

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As you guys know, I’m a sucker for rewrites, and this was one of my favourites. I have to admit, I had no idea how a modern spin on Frankenstein would work. It’s one of those stories that I couldn’t see the concept of working properly anywhere but in the original tale. But this really does, and not only that, but this was my first introduction to zombie-ish love stories, and whilst the idea used to gross me out, I might actually be a convert.

I liked the characters in this. I was worried that Emma was going to be somewhat depressive, the typical female protagonist with someone in their life who had recently died. However, she really wasn’t. She was actually fairly gutsy when she got going, and I liked the way she seemed to grow naturally through the book after meeting Alex.

In all fairness, Alex was pretty good as a character too. I liked his confusion, and the way he dealt with his own conflicting feelings, as well as his feelings for Emma. I liked the way he really stood up for her – I definitely had an Alex-thing by the end – a good strong male lead, ideal for swooning over!

Overall, I enjoyed this one, definitely worth reading!

Overall rating: 4/5

Writing: 5/5

Originality: 4/5

Characters: 4/5

My Enjoyment: 4/5

Top Ten Tuesdays - Books I Resolve to Read in 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 10:14:00 +0000

Top Ten Tuesdays is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s theme is Top Ten Books I Resolve to Read in 2013! Happy New Years, everyone!

1. The rest of the Study series by Maria V Snyder

This is a bit of a cheat. But I loved the first book when I bought it in last year’s 12 days of Kindle sale… then got so distracted by everything else I bought I haven’t actually read the rest yet…

2. Oppression by Jessica Therrien

This is the longest standing title on my ridiculous TBR pile, and I have no idea why I haven’t actually started reading it yet!

3. Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Again, I loved the first one, counted down until this one was released… and still haven’t gotten around to buying a copy.

4. Blue Sky Days by Marie Landry

I loved the sound of this one – I was so excited when I won an ebook copy in a giveaway, then proceeded not to get around to reading it!

5. Basically anything by Jennifer L Armentrout

I’ve heard so many good things about this lady, but I’ve never actually read any of her stuff. I know, I know, really need to rectify that!

6. The Vampire Diaries series by L. J. Smith

I’ve been working my way through the TV series on Netflix and loving it, but I can’t help but feel I’m cheating by watching the series when I haven’t read the book!

7. Easy by Tammara Webber

I’ve heard so many good things, and this one really appeals to me, so hopefully when I do get around to it, I’ll enjoy it!

8. Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff

Again, I was so excited… and I’ve never read it!

9. The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon

I mistakenly read the first of the second trilogy of these books, and resolved the read this edition which contains the entire original trilogy… only that just hasn’t happened yet!

10. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

I’ve heard so many awesome reviews of this one, and it sounds right up my street!

So what are you guys planning on reading in 2013? Have you read any of my resolved reads? Let me know!

Book Review: The Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Title: The Obsidian Mirror (Chronoptika 1)

Author: Catherine Fisher

Publisher/format: Hodder Children’s Books, eARC

How I got this: Netgalley

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):

Jake's father disappears while working on mysterious experiments with the obsessive, reclusive Oberon Venn. Jake is convinced Venn has murdered him. But the truth he finds at the snow-bound Wintercombe Abbey is far stranger ... The experiments concerned a black mirror, which is a portal to both the past and the future. Venn is not alone in wanting to use its powers. Strangers begin gathering in and around Venn's estate: Sarah - a runaway, who appears out of nowhere and is clearly not what she says, Maskelyne - who claims the mirror was stolen from him in some past century. There are others, a product of the mirror's power to twist time. And a tribe of elemental beings surround this isolated estate, fey, cold, untrustworthy, and filled with hate for humans. But of them all, Jake is hell-bent on using the mirror to get to the truth. Whatever the cost, he must learn what really happened to his father.

Review:

The first thing I have to comment on with this book is the cover – I really like the choice of colours, and now I’ve read the book, I think it actually fits the story pretty well. I’ve never actually read a Catherine Fisher before now, but I definitely don’t think this one will be my last!

The story follows wild-child Jake in his search for his missing father, his godfather Oberon Venn in his mission to get his wife back and various other colourful characters with their own individual goals. I loved the way that Fisher managed to balance such a cast and make all the characters three-dimensional and easy to remember.

The storyline contains elements of fairylore and a more sci-fi theme, namely, time travel. I’m going to admit, I’m normally a little worried about books with time travel – I’ve found very few where it’s been used particularly effectively. However, in this book I wasn’t left feeling lost, and I think I actually understood what was going on throughout!

I’ve been left with a lot of questions after reading this novel – mainly about Gideon and the Shee (fairies) and where they fit into the grander scale of things, so I’ll definitely be picking up further books in the series to find out!

I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy, and doesn’t mind if it’s aimed at a slightly younger audience! Definitely worth picking up.

Overall rating: 4/5

Writing: 5/5

Originality: 4/5

Characters: 5/5

My Enjoyment: 4/5

Feature and Follow Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 07:09:00 +0000

Q: What book do you think everyone should read? If you could gift the entire population with one book?

This is actually really difficult! I feel like I should pick something really intellectual, or a classic or something - I think I'll have to be boring though and go with the whole Harry Potter series (Yes, I'm cheating!) because I think it's a book more or less everyone can find something enjoyable in!

Book Blogging Resolutions!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 10:07:00 +0000

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So, every year I try and plan to do a few more things in terms of my reading. As some of you know, I’m not planning on participating in any challenges this year, purely because last year I got fed up with them – mainly because either I forgot to update my lists, or hosts gave up on them etc.

However, the things I’ve decided to try and do next year aren’t really challenges, so much as they’re bookish resolutions, which I will hopefully be able to say I’ve completed by this time in 2013!

1. Clear out my ridiculous TBR pile

I think all book bloggers are guilty of having an insane TBR pile – but mine is verging on uncontrollable! I’ve stopped requesting/accepting review copies for the time being, and am trying not to buy any more books until I’m done with the ones I already have – but even having said that I haven’t been able to resist the goodies in Amazon’s 12 days of Kindle!

2. Finish up series that I have started and haven’t managed to finish.

I so often start a series, really love it, and then still manage to never actually finish it. It’s even starting to annoy me – so this year I intend to try and finish the following series:

- The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

- The Study series by Maria V Snyder

- The Dark Heavens series by Kylie Chan

And even then, if I’m honest, there’s probably more!

3. Get back to regular blog offerings

Yeah, since finishing University and starting a full time job, I’ve lost a lot of my reading time, let alone blogging time. I have to admit, I’ve been struggling for ideas with content, and kind of lost my blogging mojo along the way. I’m hoping to encourage myself back into a regular pattern and get back to blogging, because actually, it’s something I usually really enjoy!

So what about you guys? What are your resolutions for this year? Are your TBR piles out of control?

Let me know!

Book Review: Flash Point by Nancy Kress

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 02:20:00 +0000

Title: Flash Point

Author: Nancy Kress

Publisher/format:Razorbill, eARC

How I got this: Netgalley

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):

Reality TV meets a chillingly realistic version of America—and the fame game is on!

Amy had dreams of going to college, until the Collapse destroyed the economy and her future. Now she is desperate for any job that will help support her terminally ill grandmother and rebellious younger sister. When she finds herself in the running for a slot on a new reality TV show, she signs on the dotted line, despite her misgivings. And she’s right to have them. TLN’s Who Knows People, Baby—You? has an irresistible premise: correctly predict what the teenage cast will do in a crisis and win millions. But the network has pulled strings to make it work, using everything from 24/7 hidden cameras to life-threatening technology to flat-out rigging. Worse, every time the ratings slip, TLN ups the ante. Soon Amy is fighting for her life—on and off camera.

Review:

This is definitely a book for fans of The Hunger Games. As you can probably tell from the synopsis, the premise for this book is very similar to THG – I wouldn’t say that it’s ultimately a bad thing, but it does result in it being very easy to draw comparisons between the two. Unfortunately in this case, I felt a little like it led me to feeling a little like Flash Point was a watered down version of a very popular book.

However, that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book. On it’s own merit, I liked the characters in this book. I liked Amy, and the sense she had of having to take control of her situation. I liked Myra in the sense that I could really grow to dislike her and the way she operated, and I loved the complex layers that Kress manages to create in Rafe, Violet and even Waverly. That’s definitely something I couldn’t complain about.

I also liked the pacing of the story. There was always something going on, and I felt like events moved along well – not only in the “show” world created by Myra and her scenarios, but also with the snippets of this post-collapse world that Kress has created.

However, having mentioned that, I do have to mention that I didn’t feel that the world building was actually as good as it could have been. I didn’t feel invested in the world – why there’s this huge divide between the rich and the poor isn’t ever really explained, as are a few other things. Basically, I felt like I wanted some back story, or some more glimpses at least so I could really feel like I understood what was going on and why.

Another thing that bothered me was Amy’s Phantoms. They seem to be like visions, and are initially introduced into the book in a big way, leading me as a reader to believe they’d really play some role in the story. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case, and at the end of the book I was almost left wondering why they’d been mentioned at all. I’m not sure if there will be a sequel in which the Phantoms will be useful as a plot device, but in the way the book was left, it didn’t seem to be.

Basically, what I’m trying to say is that whilst I did enjoy this book, I did feel that there were certain things that needed to be explored more, certain things (such as Amy’s fashion choices) that needed to be described less, and that whilst the storyline was generally good and enjoyable, I felt there needed to be a few things explained better, or left out all together.

That all said, if you enjoyed THG, or fancy picking up a fairly light, accessible dystopian novel, this is one I’d recommend to you.

Overall rating: 3/5

Writing: 4/5

Originality: 3/5

Characters: 5/5

My Enjoyment: 3/5

Feature and Follow Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 07:06:00 +0000

Q: What have you learned from book blogging that you didn't know before about the publishing industry?

Probably just how much marketing publishers do on books. Before I was into blogging, I never realised how much they try to do to promote, for example sending out ARC copies and even having promo merch etc.

What about you guys? What have you learned about the book industry since you've started blogging? Happy Friday!

Book Review: Enchanted Ever After by Robin D. Owens

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Title: Enchanted Ever After (Mystic Circle 3)

Author: Robin D. Owens

Publisher/format:Harlequin Luna, eARC

How I got this: Netgalley

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):

Magic was just around the corner....

Kiri Palger knew the difference between reality-new house, hard work and not too many friends-and fantasy-the fun she had playing online games. So when the chance to work for the best gaming company in the world came up, giving her a chance to merge business with pleasure, how could she not apply?

Suddenly she has more friends, interesting neighbors and an intriguing love interest. But when the game begins to awaken something inside her, Kiri is shocked by the talents she never knew she had... and an evil she'd never imagined.

Her nice, safe life is imploding around her-and if she takes up the mantle of her powers, it will never be the same again....

Review:

I didn’t realize when requesting this that this was the third book in a series. Probably a bit of bad planning on my part, but the synopsis sounded good, so I thought I’d go for it. I wasn’t actually all that lost, given that I hadn’t read the first two books, and I was glad for that, because this one was actually a fairly enjoyable, if a little surreal, read.

Kiri Palger is the main character of this book – a budding game designer/developer who has just moved to a new home in Mystic Circle. She’s looking to get a job at the HQ of Fairies and Dragons, which is what I imagined to be a World-of-Warcraft-eque MMO style game. To be fair, this was what attracted my inner video game nerd to this book in the first place.

Kiri doesn’t get the job, but does get a job on another project… a much more realistic one.

I very much enjoyed the storyline of this book, but I sometimes felt a little lost when the story ran away from me. That said, I very much enjoyed the characters – they were easily imaginable, especially Kiri herself. I also liked the romance between Kiri and Lathyr, I felt like it worked.

Overall, I enjoyed this, and it’s made me want to go and get the previous two books in the series – I enjoyed the writing mostly, and I definitely enjoyed the storyline – it was original and it generally made my inner MMO nerd pretty happy in the process! Definitely one for anyone interested in gaming or a different take on fantasy novels!

Overall rating: 4/5

Writing: 4/5

Originality: 5/5

Characters: 4/5

My Enjoyment: 4/5

2012 bookish survey!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 16:07:00 +0000

As hosted by Jamie at Perpetual Page Turner!

1. Best Book You Read In 2012? (You can break it down by genre if you want)

I definitely read a lot of awesome books this year, and whilst I’m not going to break this down by genre per say, I’m going to mention a couple of different favourites! A bit of a cheat, but I think that’s allowed! The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin was a favourite, as was Divergentby Veronica Roth and Under the Never Skyby Veronica Rossi… though I think 2013 is probably going to have to feature less dystopian books – for my sanity if nothing else!

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

One that really stands out for me is Everneath by Brodi Ashton. The cover is gorgeous, the hype was huge and the book really just… well, it just wasn’tas gripping and brilliant as I wanted it to be. I’ll probably still read the second one, but this just wasn’t as awesome as I’d hoped.

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012?

Definitely The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. I’m not normally huge on contemporary, especially ones that I have a feeling are going to be really heatfelt and sad, but I completely adored this one!

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2012?

Probably Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi… or maybe The Painted Man by Peter V Brett to my fantasy loving friends. I really loved that series!

5. Best series you discovered in 2012?

But there were so many! I’d probably have to start with The Goddess Series by Aimee Carter, and the Across the Universe trilogy by Beth Revis – I’m literally on the edge of my seat for the sequels of both these books!

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2012?

Again, there were a lot of these! I’d probably have to go with Amanda Hocking – I’d heard mixed things, but I think I actually quite like her stuff. Another would have to be Maggie Stiefvater, though I’m still yet to read the Wolvesseries!

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

Again, probably The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson just because I don’t read a lot of really emotional books, but I’ve been a lot more open since this one, and even have Saving June by Hannah Harrington ready to go on my Kindle!

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

Definitely Divergent by Veronica Roth, though I also got through Partials by Dan Wells at high speed!

9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:

I have to admit I don’t often re read books anymore! So there probably won’t be one L

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2012?

Probably Everneath by Brodi Ashton if I’m honest – I loved the cover for that one!

11. Most memorable character in 2012?

Probably Kira from Partialsby Dan Wells, or maybe Tris from Divergent.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

Again, probably The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson!

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012?

Maybe one of the dystopians, because they generally make me feel lucky that a) the world around us is still functioning and b) generally, we can make our own choices. But I have to admit, after speaking with the Bookish Ex, we both started going down the conspiracy route – I guess they’ve made me generally more cynical.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read?

Definitely Divergentby Veronica Roth!

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012?

I always find favourites whilst reading, but I never record them! Maybe that should be a bookish resolution - to get a notebook to do that in!

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2012?

Longest — probably The Blinding Knife by Brent Weeks.

Shortest — I read a lot of little short ones – maybe one of the novellas I’ve read this year?

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

The ending to Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter for ridiculous suspense and oh my goodness! But also the Shades of Gray series, just because really? REALLY?!

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).

Tris and Four from Divergent. I loved these two together! Or maybe Aria and Perry from Under the Never Sky.

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2012 From An Author You Read Previously

Probably The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa, whose work I loved from the Iron Fey Series! I know some people felt it was a little violent as a departure, but I really enjoyed the change.

20. Best Book You Read That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:

Probably the Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks – The Bookish Ex eventually convinced me!

Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2012 (optional)

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2012?

I’ve found so many awesome blogs this year – I can’t pick favourites!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2012?

Probably any of the books I really liked – or really disliked! I try and be respectful in those, but sometimes it’s interesting to discuss exactly why a book didn’t work for you.

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?

Quite probably the one about ebooks versus print books – or maybe the one about why we do and do not comment on other people’s posts!

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog?

I really need to think through the year and jot down favourites – there have been a lot of good ones, but none are immediately springing to mind!

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I’ve been kind of boring this year and finishing my studies! But hopefully I’ll do more in 2013!

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2012?

Realizing I’d broken the 250 follower mark! Thanks guys!

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

For me, in terms of readers it’s my reviews of the Shades of Gray books, which in some ways is fairly depressing! In terms of actual comments, I don’t know!

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

Probably the one about comment love! Who doesn’t love a little comment love?

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

Probably buying second hand paperbacks on Amazon! It can even be cheaper than buying the Kindle Editions!

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I probably did, but I got really lazy at recording it! I definitely completed the Spooktacular Reading Challenge for Halloween. Next year, I’m not actually planning on doing any!

Looking Ahead…

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?

I have like, ten books on my Kindle I haven’t read, but I’ve promised myself I’ll get through them before I’m allowed to buy anymore!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?

Too many to list!

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2013?

I’ve been a bit lapse with blogging lately, and I really hope that in 2013 I can easily get back on the blogging and reading full steam ahead!

Book Review: Tune in Tokyo (The Gaijin Diaries) by Tim Anderson

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:49:00 +0000

Title: Tune in Tokyo: The Gaijin Diaries

Author: Tim Anderson

Publisher/format: AmazonEncore, Kindle Edition

How I got this: Purchased

Challenges: 2012 ebook challenge

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):

Everyone wants to escape their boring, stagnant lives full of inertia and regret. But so few people actually have the bravery to run, run away from everything and selflessly seek out personal fulfillment on the other side of the world where they don't understand anything and won't be expected to. The world is full of cowards. Tim Anderson was pushing thirty and working a string of dead-end jobs when he made the spontaneous decision to pack his bags and move to Japan, ?where my status as a U.S. passport holder and card-carrying ?American English? speaker was an asset rather than a liability.? It was a gutsy move, especially for a tall, white, gay Southerner who didn't speak a lick of Japanese. But his life desperately needed a shot of adrenaline, and what better way to get one than to leave behind everything he had ever known to move to ?a tiny, overcrowded island heaving with clever, sensibly proportioned people that make him look fat In Tokyo, Tim became a ?gaijin, ? an outsider whose stumbling progression through Japanese culture is minutely chronicled in these sixteen howlingly funny stories. Yet despite the steep learning curve and the seemingly constant humiliation, the gaijin from North Carolina gradually begins to find his way. Whether playing drums on the fly in an otherwise all-Japanese noise band or attempting to keep his English classroom clean when it's invaded by an older female student with a dirty mind, Tim comes to realize that living a meaningful life is about expecting the unexpected?right when he least expects it.

Review:

It’s not often I read non-fiction, and when I do it’s mainly on the subject of Japan. Previously, it’s generally been histories, but when this one went onto the Kindle daily deal, I couldn’t resist it – even if it took months for me to finally get to reading it! I have to admit, the main appeal for me is the fact I’d love to do something like this myself one day, having already learned a lot of Japanese whilst in school, and really wanting to travel whilst I can!

This book did make me laugh out loud – I liked the way that Tim Anderson manages to capture the differences between the Japanese way of life and that of the Western world. He manages to introduce things – like the social gaffes made by foreigners in a funny, but very realistic, way! I also love the way he talks so passionately about his time in Japan, and how frank and honest he is about things, even those he wasn’t so keen on!

The only thing about this book I would give as a warning is that there are a lot of references to drug and alcohol use, so if you aren’t comfortable with either or both of those things, this won’t be the book for you. There’s also a lot of reference to the fact that the author is gay, and the fact is mentioned throughout. This didn’t bother me personally, but there are a lot of comments on Goodreads about that fact – and that some people felt it was overstated.

Overall, I loved the subject matter of the book, and found Tim Anderson to be an enjoyable narrator, even though some of the humour didn’t quite do it for me. A very nice memoir of a few months in modern Japan, and a nice reference for anyone considering doing the same thing!

Overall rating: 3/5

Writing: 4/5

Originality: n/a

Characters: n/a

My Enjoyment: 3/5

Feature and Follow Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:01:00 +0000

Q: Activity! Who do you want to be? If you could choose any character from a book. What do you think that character looks like and what do you have in common?

Probably Alanna from the Songs of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce. Mainly because she was my heroine when I was growing up! I think she's probably shorter than me though, and she's described as being red headed with violet eyes, so we probably look pretty different! I also have to admit, I'm definitely not as brave as she is - so yeah, we are pretty different!

What about you guys? Who do you want to be?

Book Review: Eternal Hope by Frankie Rose

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 02:30:00 +0000

Title: Eternal Hope

Author: Frankie Rose

Publisher/format: Kindle Edition

How I got this: Free copy in exchange for Fair Review from author

Challenges: 2012 YA reading challenge, 2012 ebook challenge

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):

He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me

When your friends go missing and you don’t know if they’re dead or alive; when you tie your soul to the one you love; when you kill to protect and your family suffers, there’s only one thing you can do:

Move to Montana.

Farley Hope is special. She was prophesied to kill the forebears of her bloodline- a race of cold-blooded Reavers, men who steal the souls of the living to gain power. The Quorum had counted on Farley ending her own life in the process, but when Kayden came to her aid and helped save both her and Daniel, he undid their plans. Now the Quorum are displeased, not only with Kayden, but with Farley and Daniel too. Though her father is now dead, Farley’s troubles with the Reavers are far from over. An ancient Immortal, trapped for a thousand years, wants Farley for himself, and he will stop at nothing to claim her.

With secrets that lead to anger and pain, that turn friendship to dust, the group must overcome the problems within their own circle before they have a hope of fighting off the powers that threaten their lives.

Review:

Let me start by saying that Frankie Rose really has delivered in this one. I really thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, Sovereign Hope. Of all the books I’ve had review requests for in the past, it was definitely one of my favourites. I was really, really excited when I got offered a copy of this one for review, and though I got to it later than I’d planned, I definitely wasn’t disappointed!

This one more or less picks up where the first book leaves off, and we’re left back in the capable hands of Farley, Daniel, Tess and the others in their fight against the Reavers and the darkness within. It’s definitely an exciting, anxiety filled ride, and it’s a combination of that and the fact that the characters are all lovable and relatable that makes this book completely addicting!

This one definitely has more Farley and Daniel, for which I am very thankful – I like how their relationship is moving along, and that they don’t ignore the fact that there are various troubles making it not-perfect, and that even if Daniel wants to ignore them, Farley is definitely concerned by them. I like the way that they’re constantly simmering around one another – the charge they seem to be feeling between themselves is even palpable for the reader, which I think is a sign of the good writing. Definitely left me fanning myself a few times – I need a man like Daniel I think!

I also liked the addition of more fleshed out other characters – for example, we see a lot more of Tessa, Kayden and Greyson, though the characters from the first book which are less involved this time around aren’t forgotten, which I think definitely helps with the continuity of the story.

I’m aware this isn’t one of my most coherant reviews, but that’s because I need the third book. Much like the first, this one leaves us on a cliffhanger, and I really can’t wait to see what comes next for Farley and Daniel!

I’d honestly recommend this series to just about anyone – it’s definitely got my love!

Overall rating: 5/5

Writing: 5/5

Originality: 5/5

Characters: 5/5

My Enjoyment: 5/5

Top Ten Tuesdays: Books I'd Like Santa to Bring!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Top Ten Tuesdays is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s theme is Top Ten Books I Wouldn’t Mind Santa Bringing me.

1. Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff

This looks like exactly the sort of thing I would love to read – but at the moment with my full-to-bursting TBR pile, I just can’t justify buying it for myself at the current price!

2. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Again, completely looks like my sort of thing, but I just can’t justify it at the moment!

3. Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

I LOVED the first one of this series, and whilst I’m aware this one doesn’t come out until next year, I’d love it if it appeared under my Christmas tree in the meantime!

4. Fragments by Dan Wells

Another of next year’s releases that I just can’t wait to get my paws on!

5. The Selection by Kiera Cass

This one divided so many opinions, and I still haven’t read it yet!

6. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

I’m determined to finish reading these before watching the movies, but I seem to be picking them up really slowly as and when they go on offer in the Kindle store! So I’d like to have a copy of this one and get on with my catching up!

7. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

I have to admit, I haven’t heard that many great reports about this one, but I enjoyed the first two, and I have a thing for finishing series once I’ve started.

8. Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

So many people have loved this one, and it’s another one I haven’t read! I really need to get my TBR pile under control so I can start buying myself books again!

9. Red Phoenix by Kylie Chan

I literally started this series last year, and I enjoyed the first book, so hopefully I’ll enjoy this one too!

10. The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon

I’ve read the second trilogy, but not the first! So I should really go back and do that – a copy of this would bulk out Santa’s sack nicely!

So what about you guys? Which books would you like to receive in Santa’s sack this year?

Book Review: Billow by Emma Raveling

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Title: Billow

Author: Emma Raveling

Publisher/format:Mandoria Publishing, Kindle Edition

How I got this: Won from Word Spelunking a while back

Challenges: 2012 ebook challenge, 2012 YA reading challenge

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):

It has been six months since ondine Kendra Irisavie arrived in Haverleau, the hidden capital of the water elemental world.

Six months since she discovered her destiny as the sondaleur.

Six months since a series of devastating events left behind their mark.

Now, as she enters the chevalier elite program in her final year at Lumiere Academy, Kendra continues forward on her prophesied journey against the Shadow. Obsessed with what she must do to keep those around her safe, she struggles to balance her powerful magic and the demands of her fate with the challenges of friendship, the complications of romance, and the bonds of family.

Meanwhile, the threat of the Shadow looms larger. Kendra and her friends investigate a series of puzzling human and elemental disappearances in the city of Lyondale and uncover a horrifying tactic used by the Aquidae in the war.

When danger strikes close to home, Kendra must separate the truths from the lies and choose who and what to believe.

Even if it means facing what she fears the most.

Review:

I enjoyed the first book in this series. It had slightly different subject matter, dealing with Water elementals, than other YA books around at the moment, and I could easily relate to the characters in my mind – which is something I feel is pretty important. However, I had a few small niggles with that one – mainly Kendra’s immaturity and attitudes, as well as the seemingly massive imbalance of power between the Ondine and the Aquidae.

This book totally blew that out of the water.

This was definitely a case where the sequel takes everything that’s good about the first book, and leaves all the rubbish behind. I enjoyed Billow so much more than I enjoyed Whirl, and it’s left me hungry for what’s next for Kendra and co.

In this book, Kendra is beginning to really understand what it means to be the Sondaleur– the savior of the Ondine in their ongoing war with the Aquidae. She’s finally getting that she means a lot of things to a lot of people, and that it can’t just be about her and her personal conflicts anymore.

Tristan was still the hot guy in this, though I kind of felt like I wanted Kendra to give Julian more of a chance – and that’s coming from someone who dislikes love triangles! I liked the low simmer between Kendra and Tristan, however, and felt that it worked with the story rather than the love aspect overpowering everything else as sometimes happens in books.

Overall, this was much better, in my opinion, than the first book, and I’d really recommend this series to anyone who feels they’re getting bored with the normal YA subject matter.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Writing: 4/5

Originality: 5/5

Characters: 4.5/5

My Enjoyment: 4.5/5

Feature and follow Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Q: Activity! Who is your to-die-for book crush? What do you think they look like? Add an image to make us all happy.

Oh wow, what a question! I know I'm a sucker for a hot guy in a book! I think for this one I'm going to have to go with one of my old favourites - Prince Ash from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series!

I also have a massive thing for Daniel in The Hope Series by Frankie Rose - and when he looks like this, are you guys really surprised?

Well, I hope that's cheered your Friday up as much as it did mine! Who do you guys crush on? Let me know!

Eternal Hope Scavenger Hunt!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 01:30:00 +0000

Hey guys! Following my involvement in the Eternal Hope blog tour, today I'm a part of the Eternal Hope Scavenger hunt!

Book Information

Title: Eternal Hope

Series: The Hope Series, Book Two

Author: Frankie Rose

Published: October 10, 2012

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Amazon| GoodReads

About the Author:

As a child, I was always accused of being bookish because I wore glasses- big, horrible, ugly ones with too-thick lenses. Those kids, the super smart ones who always know which tender insecurities to poke at in order to provoke

life-long complexes, used to accuse me of reading too many books and that my eyes were going to rot out of my head (their words, not mine!)

The truth of the matter was a little more embarrassing: I used to sit too close to the T.V. That was the reason why I had to wear glasses, but kids don’t really care about small, insignificant details like the truth, and so I was labelled a nerd. The label kinda stuck, and after some sage advice from my awesome nana (nana, you rock!) I decided that if I was going to be abused for my supposed literary obsession, I might as well develop one.

I guess that’s how I got into books and reading at an early age. Since then, I’ve been ripping through books like they’re going out of fashion, which, thankfully, they’re not. Good thing, too, because I’m a writer now, and books are my business!

Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me on my journey- look for your names in the acknowledgements! And a big thank you to you, the reader. I hope you’ve fallen in love with Farley and Daniel just like I have, and that you’ll join them in the next book, Eternal Hope!

Excerpt – Written specifically for the Scavenger Hunt and cannot be found anywhere but participating blogs:

Farley felt her face redden, which was _________ inappropriate. Daniel and Kayden were _______ she was watching, and for once their sparring lacked the flashy showmanship they usually employed to _______ her. For the two of them, nothing _______ beyond the dimly lit parameters of the hangar. Beyond the lunge, beyond the parry, beyond the block.

This was how it would really go down, if they ever meant to do serious harm to one _______. Movements fluid and graceful, there was _________ primal about their circling. Quick _______ of calculating eyes, green and blue, preempting the other’s next move. Kayden’s hair was darkened with sweat, but both their chests rose and fell with __________ regularity. In and out. Slow and steady. The stern, focused expressions on their faces said ____ were in total control.

Farley let the darkness wash over her and kept her presence hidden. The confrontation was too ___________ to interrupt. Bare chests, muscled and tanned; silver flashes of metal as their blades sang through the air. Even Cliff would have been impressed. Farley bit her ______ lip as Kayden darted _______ in a sure leap, thrusting out with deadly precision towards Daniel’s throat.

The ______ would have been a killing blow. Would have been, if it had even ______. Daniel sprang back and duck-rolled over the dusty floor, crouching into a defensive pose. With his knife ________, his eyes lifted to fix on Kayden, but they _____ quite made it.

Farley’s heart leapt to her throat. Those eyes, piercing and sharp, fixed on her _______. She swallowed and braced against the wall behind her, trying to camouflage with the _______. Kayden shifted forward, ready to take _________ of Daniel’s distracted position, but the dark-haired boy simply lifted his hand. A wordless gesture:

____.

Kayden stopped.

Robotically, Daniel rose, his _____ suddenly vanished, and dropped the knife into the dirt. Kayden’s apparent confusion only lasted a second; the moment he ________ it - that she was there - was _______. One second he was ________ Daniel’s creased brow, the next he had spun around impossibly quickly and was staring, too. Blue and Green. Farley felt her throat closing up. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

Daniel brushed a hand back through his slightly curling hair, his face trained into a nothing __________. There was ______ he could do to hide the war in his eyes, ______. “So you’re back.”

Silence flooded the hangar. Farley took a moment to _______, pretending not to ______ Kayden’s fist clenching repeatedly ______ the handle of his knife.

“Yes,” she whispered, her voice _______. “I guess I am.”

Now, before this post ends up being Extended any further, I'll link you guys to everyone else participating today:

Brandy @ All the Fun Happens After Dark

Mel & Lana @ Girls Heart Books

And remember hunters, the prizes are listed on the start and end blogs! Good luck!

Book Review: The Psychology of Twilight

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 05:30:00 +0000

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Title: The Psychology of Twilight

Author: Editor – David Klonsky et al.

Publisher/format: eARC, Smart Pop

How I got this: Netgalley

Challenges: 2012 ebook challenge

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):

You’ve read the books. You’ve seen the films. Now get inside the heads of your favorite Twilight characters (just like Edward can!) in The Psychology of Twilight.

Explore the minds and motives of Bella, Edward, Jacob, and more with a deeper look at the series that’s captured the hearts—and psyches—of millions. Find out:

� How Edward and Jacob match up in an evolutionary psychology smackdown for Bella’s—and our—affection
� Whether Bella’s motorcycle-riding and cliff diving in New Moon are suicidal—or her salvation
� Why vampires and werewolves aren’t so different after all (at least psychologically)
� The emotional appeal of love stories like Bella and Edward’s
� Why being a part of Twilight fandom is good for your psychological health

Snuggle up on the closest chaise, and get ready to revisit the Twilight Saga—with some professional help.

Review:

I’m a psychology graduate, and as such, I’m pretty fascinated with more or less anything to do with psychology. When I saw this was available on Netgalley, my inner psychology nerd couldn’t resist, even if actually, I’m not the biggest Twilight fan ever.

This book explores, in a series of essays, the psychology behind several areas of Twilight, including the humanity of the vampires, Bella’s choice between Edward and Jacob and why the Twilight phenomena spread so rapidly.

Overall, the essays seemed well thought out. I liked that there was some referencing (again, psychology nerd) and I liked that everything mentioned did seem likely. It was almost refreshing to see it analyzed psychologically by people with a psychological background rather than online speculation and such.

Personally, I tended to prefer the essays towards the end of the book, which dealt with the effects Twilight has had on people, and why it was so widely enjoyed. I think the reason for this was that those dealing with Bella’s mental state and the comparisons between the Cullens as a family and human families were a lot more speculative, given that it’s all fictional. Somehow, I couldn’t quite get into it, probably because I ended up continually reminding myself that it was fictional. Probably because I have a background in the subject, applying psychology (which normally deals with things that can be proven) to a fictional subject matter was just a little weird for me. But I think that probably is just me.

I very much ended up enjoying this, it was definitely something different, and it was nice to see psychology in a light that wasn’t just reading research papers. Definitely recommended to anyone who enjoyed Twilight even a little bit, and anyone who is interested in Psychology.

Overall rating: 4/5

Writing: n/a

Originality:4/5

Characters:n/a

My Enjoyment: 4/5

Hey, Tara!

Book Review: Prophecy Girl by Faith McKay

Feature and Follow Friday!

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Top Ten Tuesdays - Bookish Goals for 2013

Book Review: Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

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Q: What New Years Blogging or Writing resolution have you placed on yourself?

Book Review: Broken by A E Rought

Top Ten Tuesdays - Books I Resolve to Read in 2013

Book Review: The Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher

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Q: What book do you think everyone should read? If you could gift the entire population with one book?

Book Blogging Resolutions!

Book Review: Flash Point by Nancy Kress

Feature and Follow Friday!

Book Review: Enchanted Ever After by Robin D. Owens

Top Ten Tuesdays - Best reads of 2012

2012 bookish survey!

Book Review: Tune in Tokyo (The Gaijin Diaries) by Tim Anderson

Feature and Follow Friday!

Book Review: Eternal Hope by Frankie Rose

Top Ten Tuesdays: Books I'd Like Santa to Bring!

Book Review: Billow by Emma Raveling

Feature and follow Friday!

Eternal Hope Scavenger Hunt!

Book Review: The Psychology of Twilight

Top ten Tuesdays - Anticipated reads of 2013