Becky's Barmy Book Blog

Cover Reveal - Strangely Normal

2013-04-29T18:00:00.000+01:00

Title: Strangely Normal

Author: Tess Oliver

Book Description:

A unique summer job lands eighteen-year-old Eden Saxon into a lifestyle completely different than her own. She becomes a companion for nineteen-year-old Finley King, the daughter of a rock legend. Finley suffers from severe anxiety, and her father fears her being alone. Eden leaves her loving, but wildly dysfunctional, parents and dreary apartment and enters a world where no luxury is overlooked. She instantly adores Finley and her charming, quirky personality. The whole situation has only one flaw– Finley’s older brother, Jude. Jude King is cocky, arrogant and irritating. Unfortunately, he’s also completely irresistible.

Eden realizes she’s underestimated the depth of Finley’s problems, and suddenly her dream job turns out to be a lot more than she’d expected. Eden soon finds herself in over her head . . . and her heart.

About Tess Oliver

Tess Oliver is a teacher and writer who lives in California with her husband, kids, a small pack of pampered dogs, and the recent addition of three ridiculously cute pygmy goats. She loves horses, chocolate and Jane Austen books. She has a BS of Nutrition Science, and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction. She is also an author published by Barron's Educational Publisher.

Website: http://www.tessoliver.com/
Blog: http://tessoliverauthor.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tessoliverauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4178161.Tess_Oliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tess_Oliver

Teaser:

He placed down his pencil and walked across the floor toward me. The crackling energy I’d felt between us the night before when he’d stood over my bed returned now and grew with hot intensity as the space between us disappeared. I was not the only one noticing the sudden charge in the atmosphere between us. He stopped directly in front of me, and even with loud music bouncing off the walls, I could hear the unnaturally fast rhythm of his breathing.

He hesitated a moment and then his hand came up slowly and brushed the hair off my face. His fingertips had only grazed my cheek, but I felt the sensation of his touch through my entire body. He looked back at me as if he’d smoothed his hands over every inch of my skin. The air between us heated and what had started out as a casual session between an artist and his subject had somehow erupted into something completely different.

Book Review - Ink

2013-04-28T23:04:00.002+01:00

Title: Ink
Author: Amanda Sun
Series: The Paper Gods (book 1)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: 25 Jun 2013
ISBN-13: 978-0373210718

Synopsis
I looked down at the paper, still touching the tip of my shoe. I reached for it, flipping the page over to look.
Scrawls of ink outlined a drawing of a girl lying on a bench.
A sick feeling started to twist in my stomach, like motion sickness.
And then the girl in the drawing turned her head, and her inky eyes glared straight into mine.

On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.
Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive.

My Review
I recieved this book from Mira INK publishers - so thanks very much to them. I actually won it in a competition, it came with 2 other books - both of which I was desperate for, this one I hadn't heard much about but at the time I wasn't really bothered. It's been sitting on my pile for about a month. I know the release date isn't for another couple of months but I was on my way out the door the other day and wanted to take a book with me and this happened to be at hand.
And I have to say I am very glad they sent me this copy, I really enjoyed this book, it's different, fresh and allows you to explore a whole other culture.
Set in Japan, Katie - an english girl has had to move to live with her aunt following her mother's death. Struggling to fit in a new school, a new culture and a whole new country things were never going to be easy. She's started to make friends though and is trying really hard to learn the language but then she meets Tomohiro, he's strange, mysterious and everyone says he's bad news. But Katie is drawn to him and that's when things start to get weird.
I don't really know much about Japan but I am curious and I love to learn about different cultures, I wouldn't mind visiting Japan one day and this book gives you a real feel for the culture and some of the language. The imagery in the writing too had me visualising some beautiful scenery - especially during the blossom picnic in the park.
Katie is a very likeable character who I think most of us can relate to, she is an outsider looking in, struggling to fit in - it's a situation a lot of us have been in, but what I really liked about Katie is her bravery, she is determined to fit in, make a good life for herself and she won't step back when things get difficult. She never gives up and even if that leads her to trouble she still drives ahead.
Her friend Yuki and Tanaka offer a bit of lightness to the story, they are the ones behind her trying to get her to have fun, helping her to fit in and making sure she has friends around her.
Tomohiro is the tall dark stranger, mysterious and definite bad boy aura, but then you know there is more to him and that he will be a big part of the story. Tomo has a power - whenever he draws the pictures seem to come to life off the page. The Ink holds a magic for him and somehow Katie makes it stronger. But with no idea how powerful the Ink is, or what they can do with it, they are headed for danger.
This story has the romance element running through it, but mainly you focus on the power of the Ink and the legendary history behind it. I was desperate to know more about the legend throughout and what it all meant, I got hooked into the book and didn't want to put it down.
I really liked all the references at the culture and the way it built the world around you. I also loved the Kendo part - the martial art. I take JuJitsu so recognised some of the language and terminology. We don't use sticks in our fighting but there were other similarities. I even started to pick up some of the language.
I think this will be a big release this year, it's sure to wow it's audience.
I'm really looking forward to more from Amanda Sun and desperate to know what happens in book 2. Shame it's so far away as technically this book isn't even out yet.

My Rating

Book Review - Chosen at Nightfall

2013-04-27T03:00:00.000+01:00

Title: Chosen at Nightfall
Author: C.C Hunter
Series: Shadow Falls (book 5)
Publisher: St Martin's Griffin
Release Date: 23rd April 2013

ASIN: B009LRWJIE

ISBN-13: 978-1250012890

Synopsis

When Kylie’s most powerful enemy returns to destroy her once and for all, there’s only one way to stop him—to step into her full powers and make a stunning transformation that will amaze everyone around her. But her journey won’t be complete until she makes one final choice…which guy to love. Should she choose to the werewolf who broke her heart but will give anything to win her back, or the half-fae who ran from their attraction before they had a chance? Everything she’s learned at Shadow Falls has been preparing her for this moment - when her fate will be revealed and her heart claimed forever.

My Review

This review may contain spoilers from previous books in the series.

Oh my goodness! It's here and I'm so psyched. I'm a huge fan of this series and even a member of C.C Hunter's 'street team' - so I help with promotion, and generally act like a fangirl :D. I was actually supposed to receive the book last month but as life often does, things happened and I never got it, but I was sent an e-copy on release day instead so I didn't have to wait for it.

I downloaded it as soon as possible and got stuck in, totally frustrated when I had to put it down to go to work. This week has been quite hectic and I had to snatch minutes to read so this book, and actually my reading in general ended up being put aside (I wanted to enjoy it fully) I had an evening in last night and got over halfway through, then finished it this evening. I didn't want to put it down at all, When I read this series I get completely absorbed in it and I swear it feels like I'm actually at Shadow Falls.

This book is once again told from Kylie's perspective, but it's the last one. I was a bit sad knowing it would be her last book but also excited to see what was to come. Kylie feels like a friend, one I don't see very often, but the sort you know will always still be there if you want them.

Her problems are certainly mounting up, family issues, she's being stalked by another ghost - this one dripping blood and rather menacing and she still hasn't decided which guy to give her heart to. Going into this book I was 100% Team Derek, he was the right one for her I was sure. Lucas was a total a*** and deserved a good punch in the face - I just didn't like him, but within 100 pages of this book I came to really like him and actually started to switch sides. Hunter wrote him so hurt and vulnerable and sorry. He seemed like a lost and injured puppy, and so desperate to get Kylie back, you could practically feel the waves of his love flowing off the page. The small gestures, the wide eyes, the sad apologies, she made him so damn loveable. I couldn't believe I was switching sides, but i did. That's right I am now totally Team Lucas. Wow - they're words I never thought I would type!

All our favourites still feature - Della, Miranda, Steve, Perry, Burnett and Holiday with some other neew members thrown in.

Kylie must also choose where she wants to ultimately be - with her newly found grandfather and others like her or at Shadow Falls, the only place that has ever felt like home.

You can really feel Kylie's uncertainty, but also her desire to make everything right - this girl is a fighter and I love her feisty attitude.

Really, this book was everything I hoped it would be and more, it had romance, action, humour, drama and just general awesomeness. I was hooked throughout every page and desperate to know more.

It also answered a lot of questions from the series and ends really well.

I am sad that this is the end for Kylie's story, but super excited to see what will come with Della as we start to follow her on her journey.

My Rating

FF (119)

2013-04-26T18:01:00.001+01:00

Follow Friday is an opportunity to discover and follow other book related blogs! Want to join? Check it out at Parajunkee.

This week's question feature is I’ll Tumble for YA

Q: Is there a song that reminds you of a book? Or vice versa? What is the song & the book?

My Answer: I love books that come with playlists from the author at the back. Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine for example, I have a whole playlist for the songs she recommended. So in that way yeah. The one I always think of is 'Ghost Town' by Shiny Toy Guns. It's weird and a bit heavier rock thank I usually like but it's cool. I also like 'The Geeks Were Right' by The Faint.

But my favourite song that I associate to a book is 'Iridescent' by Linken Park. This fits perfectly to 'The Hunger Games' it basically tells their story, the loss, the devastation, the helplessness.

Love this weeks question! May find some great music from it too. :D

Happy Hopping & Blogging. :D

Book Promo- Nimpentoad

2013-04-23T22:25:00.004+01:00

Synopsis

Nimpentoad is a high fantasy early chapter book. Nimpentoad’s shorter length (4,100 words) and stunning artwork resonate with kids who prefer a faster, highly-illustrated alternative to the traditional chapter book.

The unlikely hero is bright-eyed Nimpentoad, a furry little creature who’s been victimized by the bigger creatures of the ancient forest one too many times. Nimpentoad convinces his fellow Niblings to make a perilous journey to a castle where they hope to find refuge—if they can just evade and outwit the ravenous goblins, trolls, rhinotaurs, and other perils that stand in their way. With teamwork, perseverance, and Nimpentoad’s leadership, the Niblings overcome these menaces and learn important lessons.

Author Info

Nimpentoad was co-authored by debut authors Henry Herz and his 11- and 13-year old sons, making the story especially interesting to parents. The book has reached as high as #1 in the Kindle Best Sellers large print science fiction & fantasy category. The artwork was a semi-finalist in a Warner Bros. contest judged by art directors from The Hobbit movie, with the book being featured on The Hobbit movie’s website. Nimpentoad has won strong endorsements from published authors and eighty-three 5-star reviews on Amazon.

Links

Website: www.nimpentoad.com

Blog: henryherz.wordpress.com

Twitter: @Nimpentoad

Book Review - Return to the Hundred Acre Wood

2013-04-22T23:04:00.000+01:00

Title: Return to the Hundred Acre Wood
Author: David Benedictus
Publisher: Egmont Books Ltd
Release Date: 5 Oct 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1405247443

Synopsis
It was eighty years ago, on the publication of "The House at Pooh Corner," when Christopher Robin said good-bye to Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. Now they are all back in new adventures, for the first time approved by the Trustees of the Pooh Properties. This is a companion volume that truly captures the style of A. A. Milne-a worthy sequel to "The House at Pooh Corner" and "Winnie-the-Pooh."

My Review
I have always loved Winnie the Pooh, the books are full of charm and humour and so sweet. We held a WtP event at our library last weekend and when I was requesting books to promote it, I saw this listed and immediately requested it. i was curious what it would be like and whether it would live up to the original.
This book does carry a certain amount of charm, the illustrations are fabulous and really quite faithful to the original style. The writing was very close, at times it didn't quite read right and I didn't chuckle as much as I wanted to but I did laugh out loud at some points.
David Benedictus did a very good job with what must have been a very hard task. He had a lot to live up to. A.A Milne has been treasured for so many years, they're some big shoes to fill.
The actual outline is quite sad for someone like me who has grown up with WtP. The idea is that Christoper Robin has come back for the summer holidays. He's gone away to school and left WtP and friends behind. He enjoys a summer with them, but the closeness and freedom of fun is missing. He is growing up and growing apart from his childhood friends. You can tell he still cares for them and enjoys seeing them, but you can tell he is starting to drift away, and that loss of innocence and fun is quite sad. I know we all go through it but there's just something about reading it, especially between such an iconic pair as Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin. That's the sort of magic and pairing you expect to last forever. I think that is the spark missing from this book, which of course doesn't reflect badly on the author at all, it is just the way of life and David handled it brilliantly.

This collection of stories are all sweet and funny, Eeyore is my favourite character to read still, his gloomy pessimism is done just right and makes me laugh. Piglet is still shy and nervous but proves that small can be mighty. And Pooh Bear is his usual charming self, he makes me laugh so much, his little honey addiction is so sweet.

Overall this is a charming collection, done well by the author but just wasn't quite as magical as I expected.

My Rating

Chosen at Nightfall Release

2013-04-22T21:42:00.003+01:00

Tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd April) marks the release of 'Chosen at Nightfall' by C.C Hunter. Book 5 in the 'Shadow Falls' series.

Isn't it pretty!!!!! :D

I am so excited about this book, I am a huge fan of the series and am always desperate for more. I've got an e-copy of the book ready to read and am going to get stuck in as soon as I've finished on my laptop tonight. I feel like it's going to be a late night - I just know I will be hooked in minutes, and won't be able to put it down until I have finished.

Here is a note from C.C. Hunter:

-->

It’s been a long journey of self-discovery for Kylie, and her life has taken some weird turns even I didn’t predict. She learned to talk to ghosts, she fell in love and was betrayed, she fought for her friends, and met her father and his family. She learned her parents made mistakes, but she also learned to accept and love them anyway. Now, she faces the biggest challenge ever. In order to survive, and to save a loved one, she not only has to accept her powers, but she has to embrace them.

On April 23^rd, the wait is over. You will be able to read Chosen at Nightfall for yourself. Who will Kylie choose to give her heart to once and for all? Can she save her friends and keep them safe? And what’s with the appearing and disappearing sword? All those questions and more will be answered. But just to offer you a few more teasers. In Chosen at Nightfall, Kylie. . .

1. …nearly kills Lucas twice.

2. …has another boy become interested in her.

3. …acquires another stalker.

4. …is accused of having an affair with an older man.

5. …has an unwanted guest crawl over a bathroom stall when she’s trying to do what you do in a bathroom. Talk about bad timing!

6. …gets kissed by two guys.

7. …finally makes a choice of which boy she loves.

8. …is forced to kill someone to save someone she loves

9. …tells a human that she’s a supernatural.

10. …gets caught buying a pregnancy test.

And to give you a better feel for what’s in store in Chosen at Nightfall, here is the extended version of the video:

http://youtu.be/Xbcm7HIlIFA

Make sure you grab yourself a copy tomorrow!!!

Book Review - Battle Royale

2013-04-21T22:12:00.001+01:00

Title: Battle Royale
Author: Koushun Takami
Publisher: Gollancz
Release Date: 10 May 2007
ISBN-13: 978-0575080492

Synopsis
a class of 42 junior high school students are taken to a deserted island where, as part of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are electronically collared, provided with weapons of varying potency, and sent out onto the island.

If they are in the wrong part of the island at the wrong time, their collars will explode. If they band together to save themselves a collar will explode at random. If they try to escape from the island, they will be blown up. Their only chance for survival lies in killing their classmates.

Criticized as violent exploitation when first published in Japan - where it then proceeded to become a runaway bestseller - Battle Royale is a Lord of the Flies for the 21st century, and a potent story of politics and survival in a dog-eat-dog world.

My Review
When the Hunger Games first game out and I talked to my friend about it she told me it sounded an awful lot like a Japanese story she had read. She told me the basic outline and I agreed their were similarities but it didn't bother me. It seems she wasn't the only one to think it the internet exploded with people saying Hunger Games had 'ripped this story off' etc. Having never read this I couldn't judge.I love the Hunger Games and always will but I decided I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
I requested this book from the library quite a while ago and even once it had arrived I didn't pick it up. My friend warned me that it was quite gory, and as a wimp it put me off. It remained in my tray at work, but when I had 15 minutes to pass yesterday I picked it up.
Now to get the whole Hunger Games thing out of the way - apart from the fact a group of children are put together and told to kill each other - that is where the similarities end. The books are very different and stand very well on their own two feet. For one in the HG everyone knows what is going on and the people going into the arena are trained and have warning, in this the kids are just thrust in with no warning at all, and it's more friend against friend as they are all from the same class. This is brutal!
This book is very gory, although I had been warned I was still shocked and put off in places by the level of gore. Takami has no problem describing all sorts of horrendous wounds, guts and blood included in detail. I actual found myself trying to look away in some places and skimming other really violent bits. The deaths themselves seem to be in more detail than necessary, nothing is left to the imagination, yet all the images formed in my mind and made me cringe. I certainly couldn't watch the film of this, the images conjured in my head were bad enough without seeing them played out in a film.

Basically the Government randomly selects a class of students and sends them on a 'field trip' but it's a cover, all of the students (classes average at 40 pupils) are knocked out and taken to an island. Once there they are all given a backpack which contains some basic survival equipment and a weapon. These weapons range from a fork to knives and various guns. They are then told that they must kill each other and only one student will be left alive. To ensure they comply they are all fitted with a metal collar which tracks their movements and can be detonated to kill any of them. As the 'Program' takes place more areas on the island become out of bounds drawing students out of hiding and force them to face off.

There are main characters - Shuya, Naroki and Shago are pretty much the 'protagonists' but I liked that they didn't tell all of the story. Many chapters are told from other students points of view. Some of them get multiple chapters and a more developed story whereas others appear just to be killed.But it gave everything a more rounded perspective and I liked getting to see other points of views.

I did get slightly confused with the names - as there were so many characters, a lot of which you only see briefly I got a bit lost with who was who, and a lot of them had similar names like Yoku and Yoka. But I kind of just glazed over their names at times and tried to keep up more with what was happening.

It took me a while to get into the story, it starts on the bus on the way to their 'field' trip and Shuya is describing who is on the bus. This is set out almost like a 'register' of students, he describes who is sitting where, names and class number, but with so many being described and introduced I couldn't keep up with who was who at that point, and of course being at the beginning of the book none of them were really relevant so I wasn't particularly interested at that point. But once they get to the actual island it started to pick up pace.
I can't really say that I enjoyed the book, it's too gory and disturbing for that, but I appreciate the writing and think it was well done. It was a 'good book' but for me just a bit too dark and disturbing. I wanted to know more about why the government ran this program, what was behind it, and how come with so many pupils disappearing over the years - why did they not suspect anything. Trust me, if I knew kids disappeared on Field Trips to go into the program I would avoid all field trips at all cost. This just seemed really random and I would have liked more to explain the purpose of it.

I quite liked the ending there were certain characters I wish had escaped throughout and one late death that I was really saddened by, but overall I liked the end.
At 617 pages this book is quite hefty and I was worried it would take me a long time, but it didn't at all. I had to do it over 2 days as i couldn't read it too late at night, but apart from that I pretty much whizzed through and I wanted to know how it would turn out.

I can understand why it was hyped up, it is well written, gripping and very involved. It will certainly get your heart pumping.

My Rating

I don't think I can actually rate this book, I did find it compelling and gripping but I'm not sure I exactly 'enjoyed' it, it was too gory and brutal for that. I certainly didn't 'love' it, but then it's too well written to be classed as 'Average'. So in this sense I am in a bind. So on this occassion I will just leave it with a simple summary.

"Compelling read that will have you turning pages and gripping your seat, packed with action and writing that will certainly have your blood pumping, but also very violent and gory. Not for the faint-hearted!

Book Review - Bunheads

2013-04-20T22:41:00.000+01:00

Title: Bunheads
Author: Sophie Flack
Publisher: Atom
Release Date: 1 Mar 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1907411274

Synopsis
As a dancer with the Manhattan Ballet Company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward is living her childhood dream. She gets to be up on stage in front of adoring crowds every night. And while she might not be a prima ballerina yet, she's moving up the ranks and surely if she works hard enough she can make it happen.
But devoting her whole life to ballet leaves very little time for anything else: friends, family, school have all fallen by the wayside. Hannah doesn't mind, until a chance encounter in a restaurant brings Jacob into her life. He's cute, he plays guitar and he's offering a whole future that Hannah never considered. And now she must choose between her lifelong dream or what could be the love of her life...

My Review
I saw this on the blogs a lot last year and thought it looked interesting but never did anything about it. Then on Thursday someone dropped it in to our library, it wasn't our copy which was why I hadn't seen it before. So instead of sending it back to it's home branch I decided I would borrow it first.
I had a rare evening in last night, so I finished the book I was already halfway through and then opened this one.
This isn't my usual read but I enjoy taking a break and reading something different like this. I was sure I would enjoy it and I wasn't disappointed. I read about 220 pages last night, I stayed up to about 12.30 but then my eyes were getting too heavy to read. I didn't want to put the book down but I had to. So I finished it in my lunch break today.
Hannah is 19 years old and training with the Manhattan Ballet Company. She's wanted to be the Prima Ballerina since she was five and has devoted her life to dance. After years and years of hard work she is still just a background dancer, but she's starting to get noticed more and promotion could be within her reach. But then she meets Jacob on a rare night off, he's cute, polite and funny, and has a 'real' life. Hannah has to decide what is more important to her, starting a relationship or dedicating herself to dance. The ballet has always been her first choice, but is it worth it.
This is a great novel to just lose yourself in, I became totally immersed in Hannah's life and wanted to know more. There is a lot of ballet terminology in the story, but I did know what most of them meant, having read other books and seen films with ballet in so I wasn't hindered at all.
Hannah is really likeable and her personality really shines off the page. It was quite cool to read too as it sort of gave you an insight into the crazy life of professional dancers, to backstage, rehearsals, costume, performances and yes even diets. They certainly don't have it easy, I'm not sure I would have enough dedication to go all the way.
Hannah introduces us to everyone in her life, the group of dancers she hangs out with, including super rich, slightly bitchy Zoe - Hannah's biggest competition but oldest friend. Her dance teachers, wardrobe, physical therapy and stage hands. I like how they all play a very different part in her life but help make everything so much more realistic. I loved how the girls interacted, both as 'friends' and as 'dancers' and how they would change depending on where they were.
They could all be very self-centered at times, but that's the way that life is, to get ahead you have to be 100% involved and willing to give up everything around you. I liked how Hannah's internal struggle was written, I could totally empathise with her and I wanted her to be happy.

I will say I was disappointed with the ending, I mean, it was good for Hannah and she does have plans but they were not what I expected after reading the book. I really wanted her to find another way round things. I'm trying not to give too much away. I can see why Sophie Flack did it and it does make sense, I guess I'm just used to fairytale endings and fantasy ideas - that anything can work. Thinking about it, this ending was the only real option but in my mind, she finds a way.

Overall a very enjoyable read that had me hooked. Really glad I picked it up and I really liked Sophie's writing style - I will be looking out for more by her.

My Rating

Book Review - When You Reach Me

2013-04-20T22:16:00.000+01:00

Title: When You Reach Me
Author: Rebecca Stead
Publisher: Andersen
Release Date: 6 Jan 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1849392129

Synopsis

Miranda's life is starting to unravel. Her best friend, Sal, gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The key that Miranda's mum keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives:
'I am coming to save your friend's life, and my own.
I ask two favours. First, you must write me a letter.'

The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realises that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she's too late.

My Review
I saw a review for this on on a blog I follow a lot 'Girls Heart Books' which said they had used it with a book group and it spurred a lot of discussion. As I run a book group I thought I would request it from the library to give it a try.
My first reaction to finishing this book was 'What?!' I honestly had no idea what I had just read. I was confused and not entirely sure what the point was. But let me go back a bit.
The storyline is set in 1978/79 and follows the story of Miranda. Miranda is a 6th Grader who absolutely loves the book 'A Wrinkle in Time' which I will confess right now that I have never read it. She constantly re-reads the story but I'm not sure she particularly understands everything in it, the time travel seems to confuse her a little bit.
Miranda starts to receive mysterious notes which know things they shouldn't be able to know.
I have to admit to being confused throughout the book, I couldn't see where it was going. It was set up as a 'mystery'- with Miranda trying to find out who sent the notes, what they meant, why her friend stopped talking to her, what it's like to grow up, and what to do with the notes. But to be honest I wasn't particularly curious, I was just waiting for everything to come together but then when it did I didn't particularly care.
Saying that I didn't hate the book or anything, it was fairly easy to read and quit short. The characters each had their own charm, some I liked more than others. Marcus I found the most interesting, but it just seemed to drag a bit and jump off on random information.
It all comes down to the question of time-travel. I've said before I'm not a fan of time-travel in stories and I have to be really interested and it has to be done in a certain way to captivate me and this just didn't.

There is a sub-plot to the story, Miranda's mother has been chosen to appear on the Pyramid Game on TV. I have actually heard of this and quite enjoy it. Basically it's a word association game where you get given words and have to guess what associates them. Miranda helps her mum practice and I enjoyed their easy relationship, and it was a fun input in the book but it didn't really seem all that relevant to the actual story apart from the link with one of the letters.

Maybe if I had read 'A Wrinkle in Time' I would have enjoyed it more, maybe it just wasn't my sort of read but I just didn't get it. It just left me feeling confused and a bit deflated.
The chapters would make interesting discussion as each one is a 'category' like off the game show, e.g 'Things you hide', 'things that are yellow', etc. I can see my book group coming up with funny things to fit.

My Rating

FF (118)

2013-04-19T10:24:00.002+01:00

Follow Friday is an opportunity to discover and follow other book related blogs! Want to join? Check it out at Parajunkee or at Alison Can Read

This week's question feature is Words Fueled by Love

Q: If you could hang out with any author (living) who would it be and what would you want to do?

My Answer: Oh my, so many authors come to mind, J.K Rowling, Malorie Blackman, Rachel Caine, Derek Landy, Suzanne Collins... It's so hard to pick just one. There are so many incredible authors. I think I would ultimately choose J.K Rowling though, Harry Potter has been such a big part of my life growing up and I still treasure the stories and even the movies. So I would have to hang out with J.K, talk about Potter, maybe get some hidden insights from her, and just have fun, and maybe talk about other things as well.

Happy Hopping & Blogging. :D

Book Review - Fractured

2013-04-18T23:26:00.000+01:00

Title: Fractured
Author: Teri Terry
Series: Slated (book 2)
Publisher: Orchard
Release Date: 4 April 2013
ISBN-13: 978-1408319482

Synopsis
How do you know where to go when you don't remember where you came from?

Kyla's memory has been erased,
her personality wiped blank,
her memories lost for ever.

Or so she thought.
Kyla shouldn't be able to remember anything. But she can - and she's beginning to realise that there are a lot of dark secrets locked away in her memories. When a mysterious man from her past comes back into her life, she thinks she's on her way to finding the truth. But the more she learns about her history, the more confusing her future becomes...

My Review
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book from 'Books With Bite'. Thank you so much! I have been eagerly awaiting this book since I finished book 1 last year.
Fractured starts where Slated left off, you are straight back into the heart of the action and into Kyla's world once more. It was like returning to an old friend, a friend who needs your help, needs to take you along as she discovers more about her past and her future.
Something is wrong with Kyla's Levo - it's no longer controlling her levels properly, she's starting to feel and think more, more things that she can't possibly know or remember.
As it has been so long since I read book 1, I will confess to being slightly confused with a few things but Teri Terry gives plenty of subtle hints and references to events that it soon started to come back to me. I began to remember the characters, events and of course my love for the story. And I couldn't wait to know more.
I started this in my lunch break on Tuesday and managed to read about 70 pages in about 45minutes, I was devouring the book! But then I had to go back to work for the afternoon and then trampolining in the evening, I was itching to pick the book up again but just couldn't. It was like Kyla was calling to me from the pages. It was torture. I didn't get to pick it up again until after work today, and it felt like a long delay, but I knew I had the evening ahead of me to get stuck in - and I did!!!
A few hours later and I've finished it, but in a way I wished I hadn't - because now it's over! And I won't get the next part for another whole year!!! I miss it already. I may have to go back to Slated and read both of them again, but then I have so many other books to read... *definite book hangover* I certainly can't start another book tonight, this one is too firmly in my head.
This book returns many of the characters from book 1, but also introduces others. Mainly Cam and Nico. Both of these two are a bit of a mystery. You're never quite sure which side they are on or what exactly they want. Nico is a great character, a real mix of creepy, caring, ruthless, determined and at times almost kind. It keeps you on your toes.
Cam I must admit to liking for parts of it, there were niggles in my brain but I never expected the truth (I won't tell you if he ends up being a hero or villain as I don't want to ruin it, but I was surprised!)
Kyla is of course still the main character, but you see real change and growth in her in this book. You learn more about her past but also see how she copes with it all, you see how it changes her and I love that she fights for what she thinks is right and tries to correct her mistakes. I love her strength and courage but also her insecurities.
At 420 pages this book is a good length for me, but may look big to others, but trust me it doesn't ever feel long, in fact- it flies past, the plot and pacing are so exciting and gripping that you just tear through the pages desperate for more.
I was trying to think if there was anything negative I could say about this book but honestly nothing comes to mind. I suppose I missed Ben a bit, he does still feature but in a very different way from the first, but everything that happens to him has a purpose so I can't really grumble about that and I have a feeling he will play a bigger part again in book 3.
So really this is just another WOW, these books are just incredible.

My Rating

Captive Spirits Book Blast

2013-04-18T03:00:00.000+01:00

Captive Spirits

Aztar is a planet where no one remembers a time of peace. Fear of those who wield a mystical cruelty holds people as CAPTIVE SPIRITS. All that remains is the waning belief in a savior who will someday come to restore peace to a blood soaked land. Zmeria, an ancient text recovered, brings a Prophecy to life. The leaders of each Region come together with a plan to reunite Aztar's divided people and make way for their savior. They arm themselves with the recently discovered revelation of peace long past. A dream is born and legends revived as Aztar’s people determine to fight the evil and Reclaim Aztar. The Evil’s grasp is strong on the CAPTIVE SPIRITS of Aztar. Leaders know this battle to free the will and spirit of the people will not be easily won. They decree a King must be chosen. One man of the entire world stands out from the rest. Si, the firstborn son of the house of Volcum, is well known for valor and victories in battle. A kingdom must be established. As the center of his kingdom, Si Volcum decreed an ancient, long deserted castle far to the north that contained the lost records of Aztar’s forgotten glory. He accepted his chosen bride, Alexis, unseen from a house as old as his own. Si ruled and the land prospered for fifteen years while evil silently waited. The King did not know when evil struck it would be personally against him or that the price would be so high. The people of Aztar chose well in their King. Si will not hesitate. The King will pay the price. From his love and chosen path, the Saga of Aztar begins with the legend of her first King, Si Volcum. “Reclaim Aztar,” will be their battle cry.

Amazon * Amazon Kindle * Barnes & Noble

Author M.A. Adair

Mary A. Adair is an Amazon best selling author of Native American Romance. CAPTIVE SPIRITS is her first Young Adult Fantasy. It is the beginning to a Young Adult Fantasy series that can also be enjoyed by all adults. Mary's other works include Passion's Vision and Passion's Price, both are Best Selling Native American Romance. Mary did extensive research on several Native American tribes in the time period of her books. One of her many sources for learning about the rich Native American culture of that time period was a book written in the mid. 1700s by one of her husband’s ancestors, James Adair. PASSION'S VISION, a story filled with romance, excitement and danger. This story features James Fitzgerald, an agent in the court of King George II and New Moon, sister to Chief Dancing Cloud. PASSION'S PRICE is a poignant love story with a twist of humor. It is a next generation story filled with adventure and determination as well as self-realization and of course Romance. PASSION’S PRICE continues with James's and New Moon's daughter, Golden Dawn.

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Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/30/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Adventures at London Book Fair

2013-04-15T23:10:00.003+01:00

Soory, this is going to be quite long, if you just want to see pictures, scroll down. I won't judge you...

Today I attended the London Book Fair. I know I'm not a publisher or illustrator or any of those professionals. I'm not even an author... yet!
But after talking to some members of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) I decided it could be an interesting day. I booked the tickets a while ago and started to plan in preparation.
I made sure I had business cards printed - both for this blog and to promote me as an aspiring author. I wrote out some simple pitches for my novels and had them ready in a little folder. I knew the chances of getting to hand them out were practically zero but I wanted to make the effort just in case.
Turns out I didn't hand any out, but at least I have them ready for another occassion.

We made it in good time though and got to Earl's Court for about 9:40. I had planned the day so we could attend all of the talks/seminars we wanted to and the first one was at 10. When we walked in, we thought we would have to check in (email said to collect badge holders?) we didn't see anything for this, and asked an assistant where we should go and she told us to go in, so we headed up the stairs, came to the bag search area and people to scan our badges then walked in, simple. Or so we thought.
We found a giant floor plan - but that was zero help, it only had the stalls marked on it, we wanted conference rooms.
After walking round for ages looking lost we finally went up to the info desk and was pointed to a sign for 'Thames Room', helpful, I should have guessed seeing as I was looking for 'Old Press Office'. But we made our way upstairs and found the right room and got seats just in time.

This was the view from upstairs:

The first talk was 'Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover', which looked at book design and marketing and the process books go through. They also showed us some examples of good and bad covers and talked through what should be on a cover and why. It was really interesting. Probably not relevant to me at this point but interesting none the less.

After that we had 30 minutes until the next talk so we went for a little look round, which turned into a hunt for some food, as by now we were both hungry. (Let me say - there was some good food, but boy do they raise those prices!!!)

Next we went to 'Reading Outside the Box' which was a discussion panel consisting of authors Matt Haig, Chris Priestley and a lady from Picadilly Press (think she was from the Editorial department, but not sure.) This was probably the highlight of my day, the panel discussion was fab, all three had an ease about them and a good sense of humour. They discussed the idea of literary and genre lead fiction, traditional ideas of where a book fits on the shelf - how we see books and in turn their authors.
The talk was recorded to be put up as a podcast if you want to go to London Book Fair website and listen I think you can.

After that we had another half an hour until the next talk so we decided to see if we could find out where the 'Author Lounge' was, as we had a talk there in the afternoon and it was a tight turn-around to get there. After being shown it on the map - despite me staring at said map for at least 10 minutes without seeing it, we went and got some quick lunch and then went back up for our next talk 'Books as Brands' we sat at the back knowing we would have to sneak out early to get to our next talk.

There was a panel there doing a discussion, someone from Egmont UK, and I can't remember who the other 2 were (sorry). They were talking about books that can become a 'brand', something they can market and sell etc, luckily the actual discussion finished early and just left question time, so we sneaked out and got a bonus half hour so we could look round a bit on the way to the Author Lounge.

The Author Lounge - oh my goodness! We pictured this nice roomy space with chairs and a speaker and generally a nice place - oh no, it was a small enclosed space with a few benches in a row, three speakers at the front and so many people squeezed in, I finally know what it feels like to be a sardine. We were there early and still ended up standing at the back wedged in. The talk was 'How to get a Literary Agent' which was one of the main things we wanted to visit, as my mum and I both have stories we would like published one day we know we need an agent, so this was what we were waiting for right? Hints and tips to get us in? Actually no - the people just basically talked about what they do for a job and told us agents want to find 'books that will sell'. Well, this wasn't news to us. After 15 minutes stuffed in the hot crowd, feet aching, back hurting and generally getting annoyed we ducked out, and decided not to go back for the last talk we had planned as it was back in that same place.

So we now had about an hour and a half to have a proper look round. There were literally thousands of stands showing everything from digital publishing (Kindle, Createspace - ebooks etc) Audio books, foreign language books, art, education, children's, book products like bookmarks. Just so much and a lot of them were very cool looking.

You couldn't really talk to any of the people on the stalls as they were there to get books sales/licensing/publishing stuff, but it was cool to look round. Here are some pictures i took.

Usborne was one of the coolest areas, this was just part of their 'wall', i think they had a giant hot air balloon on a bit of it.

Scholastic had a Hunger Games Poster!!!

Simon & Schuster had an awesome Mortal Instruments picture and one for 'Zom-B' by Darren Shan

Little Tiger Press was very cute, look at those faces. :D

Lemony Snicket has a new book coming out!!! Gonna be good, love the purple cover. I then saw a giant display for his books. ------->

So overall it was a good day and I'm glad I went. Totally knackered afterwards though.

I bumped into 2 of my fellow SCBWI members, but missed the rest which was a shame. I saw Teri Terry and Candy Gourlay sitting in the same talk as me, but didn't get time to say hi.
I did however find someone else in the crowd:

Look, it's Wally :D

Book Promo - The Fallen Stars

2013-04-14T03:00:00.000+01:00

The Interview

[BE]: Today I'm welcoming back YA Paranormal Romance Author, Stephanie Keyes. Stephanie is the author of The Star Child series, which includes The Star Child and The Fallen Stars. Stephanie, you've just released your second book. How does that feel?

[SK]: It's a very special time for me. I really enjoyed writing The Star Child, but I wrote the original book six years ago. The Fallen Stars was written over a twelve-week period last summer, so it's fresher for me.

[BE]: What do you like the most about the second book?

[SK]: The first book was really about developing the character of Kellen St. James. That continues in this book, however, Calienta, his love interest, really needed to move to the next level. I enjoyed getting to write from her perspective.

[BE]: Any break out characters?

[SK]: Kellen's best friend, Gabriel Stewart. He had a bit part in book one and I didn't know if he would reappear when I initially wrote him. Well, he's taken on a very large role in the book. I just love him to pieces!

[BE]: Thanks Stephanie! This is book two. Will there be a book three?

[SK]: I just sent book three off to my editor last week. Fingers crossed that they like it!

[BE]: Cool. Now, let's take a look at the book we're featuring today, The Fallen Stars.

The Fallen Stars (The Star Child #2)

by Stephanie Keyes

Paperback, 530 pages| Expected publication: April 12th 2013 by Inkspell Publishing

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | Trailer | Add to Goodreads

When all is lost, he will have to make the ultimate decision.

Kellen St. James was just your average seventeen-year-old prodigy, until he eighty-sixed the Lord of Faerie and proposed to the Celtic Goddess, Calienta. But then everything in Kellen’s life gets turned upside-down when he and Cali end up on the run from a seriously irritated group of faeries. The worst part? They have zero idea why they’re being hunted.

Suddenly, Kellen is stuck in the middle of another prophecy that foresees him turning away from Calienta and embracing the dark. He’ll be forced to take sides in a struggle to claim his birthright, while discovering secrets about his father’s past. Meanwhile, his passion for Cali grows stronger, even as the prophecy threatens to tear them apart.

In the end, will Kellen and Cali survive the fates? When the ultimate power is within reach, which side will he choose?

Also available: The Star Child (The Star Child, Book #1)

Giveaway

Stephanie is running a blog tour now. Check out this cool giveaway!

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Follow the Tour

Want to know where the tour is heading next? Check out the entire schedule here! Click to view the schedule.

About the Author

Stephanie Keyes has been addicted to Fantasy since she discovered T.H. White as a child and started drumming up incredible journeys in her head. Today, she's still doing the same thing, except now she gets to share those ideas with readers!

When she's not writing, Stephanie is also a graphic designer, international speaker, teacher, musician, avid reader, and Mom to two little boys who constantly keep her on her toes. In addition, she's best friend to her incredible husband of eleven years.

Keyes is the author of the YA Fantasy series, The Star Child, which currently includes The Star Child (September 2012) and The Fallen Stars (April 2013), both released by Inkspell Publishing. She is currently hard at work on the third book in the trilogy, The Star Catcher. Embrace the Magick!

Website
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Love a Happy Ending

*Photo courtesy of Kristina Serafini Photography

FF (117)

2013-04-12T22:14:00.001+01:00

Follow Friday is an opportunity to discover and follow other book related blogs! Want to join? Check it out at Parajunkee.

This week's question feature is Mab @ Mab is Mab

Q: We are about to see a lot of posts & tweets about reader conventions, RT, BEA, ALA and many more are starting soon. Which one would you love to attend? Where and why?

My Answer: I've never actually got to go to one, but every year I wish I could be at BEA. It just looks incredible, so many awesome authors and bloggers in one place. I am determined to save up and get there one day but me being in the UK makes it so much more expensive to get there.

But really, any reader convention would be great for me!

Happy Hopping & Blogging. :D

Book Review - Angel In The Ice

2013-04-11T22:45:00.000+01:00

Title: Angel In The Ice
Author: Lisa Grace
Series: The Angel (book 3)
Publisher: Lisa Grace Books
Release Date: 26 April 2012
ASIN: B007Y29VE8

Synopsis
Megan Laughlin has a gift, or what seems like a curse at times—to see angels. Judas, an evil angel enrolled in her high school, tags along with her youth group on their winter-break ski trip.
While in the mountains of North Carolina, an approaching blizzard provides Judas the perfect cover— to up the death count and gather more souls. Meanwhile, Sam fights his drug addiction, Seth discovers his gift, and Megan is confronted by Judas to deliver on her promise. Seemingly harmless temptations have life-changing consequences for the survivors at the resort.

My Review
After finishing book 2 at 7.15 this evening I decided to download the 3rd one, I wanted to know what would come next. 2 and a bit hours later I had finished the book.
Megan has gone on a school trip to the ski slopes in North Carolina, she's thrilled because her boyfriend Seth's school is going to be there too. Finally they will have more time together, but a shadow hangs over them, Jude's threat is surrounding Megan and she can see no way of getting him to leave her alone and she doesn't know what he is planning to do. Sure enough everything starts to go wrong, injuries, avalanches, arguments and fights, no one seems to be safe anymore. But how can Megan and Seth save everyone at once?
This book seemed to fly by, there is so much packed into it, but it didn't seem rushed or over the top.
I have actually really gotten into this series and come to like the characters, I still don't feel as close to them as I do some other characters in other books due to the writing style, but the more I read about them the more 'real' they seem. On that note, the writing is still quite 'tell' instead of 'show', it's obviously her style and to be honest I think I'm getting used to it, it didn't bother me quite as much in this book. It stood out on a couple of occasions but I soon moved past it.
I actually thought this was a trilogy and was surprised when I got to the end and realised it didn't end, but that there were 2 more books to come. Neither of which are out yet. I do still want to know how it all ends so I will be looking out for the next one.
The religious aspect became second nature to me in this book and just a part of the characters, it would still count as 'religious fiction' so if you're not into that it would probably put you off, but I actually enjoyed this one a lot.

My Rating

Book Review - Angel In The Storm

2013-04-11T22:10:00.000+01:00

Title: Angel in the Storm
Author: Lisa Grace
Series: The Angel (book 2)
Publisher: Lisa Grace Books
Release Date: 1st July 2011
ASIN: B005944PEE

Synopsis
Max, Megan’s younger brother, is missing. He’s been sold to human traffickers in New Orleans by the evil angel Judas. Megan is soon arrested and charged with her missing brother’s murder. The only way to clear her name is to find Max. With the help of Johnny, who is a good angel, and her friends, Megan is soon on the run in a desperate attempt to find and rescue Max.

When Judas offers her an impossible choice— how can Megan choose? The battle continues as lives are threatened and lost, not only by the rising waters of a hurricane, but in a climatic confrontation with Judas, and some will not make it out alive…

My Review
This review may contain spoilers from book 1.
This book carries on where book 1 finished, Max is missing and Megan is desperate to get him back, but Jude is doing everything he can to keep her away and cause as much havoc as possible. With her friends by her side Megan is determined to find her brother and bring him home.
Again this book focuses a lot on religion and faith but I knew it would be there and expected it and in fact I quite liked bits of it. As I said in my review of book 1, I am a Christian and am proud of my faith so I actually found myself becomming quite comfortable with it. If you are not religious then you will probably find these books too pushy and preachy but if you are curious about religion, they are worth trying. It really depends on what or how much you want to believe in.
Most of the characters from book 1 are back including some new ones. The book is told from multiple perspectives, in fact most of the characters get at least one chapter, obviously some like Max, Megan and Seth get more than others but they all feature.
The writing was still a bit 'spectator' like, again I didn't feel like I was 'in' the story, but being told it. You are still very much kept on the outside, you are told what's happening and what the characters are feeling, instead of shown or pulled in by them.
But I did read this book quite quickly and found the plot exciting and adventurous. I found myself routing for the main characters and hoping Max would find his way home and everyone else would make it through too.
I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and had to get book 3 to find out what happens next.

My Rating

Book Review - The Funny Thing Is...

2013-04-11T21:52:00.001+01:00

Title: The Funny Thing Is...
Author: Ellen Degeneres
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
Release Date: 15 Nov 2004
ISBN-13: 978-0743247634

Synopsis
Ellen DeGeneres published her first book of comic essays, the #1 bestselling My Point...and I Do Have One, way back in 1996. Not one to rest on her laurels, the witty star of stage and screen has since dedicated her life to writing a hilarious new book. That book is this book.
After years of painstaking, round-the-clock research, surviving on a mere twenty minutes of sleep a night, and collaborating with lexicographers, plumbers, and mathematicians, DeGeneres has crafted a book that is both easy to use and very funny. Along with her trademark ramblings, The Funny Thing Is...contains hundreds of succinct insights into her psyche, and offers innovative features including:
More than 50,000 simple, short words arranged in sentences that form paragraphs.
 Thousands of observations on everyday life -- from terrible fashion trends to how to handle seating arrangements for a Sunday brunch with Paula Abdul, Diane Sawyer, and Eminem.
 All twenty-six letters of the alphabet.
Sure to make you laugh, The Funny Thing Is...is an indispensable reference for anyone who knows how to read or wants to fool people into thinking they do.

My Review
As you may be aware I am a huge fan of Ellen and was thrilled when my brother bought me this book as an Easter present - a great alternative to eggs!
This book is only 177 pages but packed with anecdotes and funny quips from Ellen. Some are silly and some are sensible and some are just downright ridiculous but this book had me laughing out loud throughout. Ellen's wit and charm really shine through the pages. I actually had to put the book down a couple of times because I was laughing so hard I was almost crying and gulping breathes.
If you are looking for great insights and revelations into her life then you will be sorely disappointed, this book is definitely not a biography, but if you want to laugh and have fun then this book is for you.
This book is kind of like mini conversations, sort of like when she talks at the beginning of each of her shows.
Perfect if you are a fan of the show.

My Rating

Book Review - Angels in the Shadows

2013-04-09T21:25:00.001+01:00

Title: Angel in the Shadows
Author: Lisa Grace
Series: The Angels (book 1)
Publisher: Lisa Grace Books
Release Date: 23 May 2011
ASIN: B0052AI5W8

Synopsis
The difference between vampires and angels? Angels are real.
Fifteen-year-old Megan Laughlin has a gift--or what seems like a curse at times. Megan sees angels and demons.
Megan knows her destiny is to protect her friends against dark angels who try to sway them into situations that can destroy their lives, their souls, and their eternity.
At school, she recognizes Judas, an über popular boy, as an evil angel hell-bent on destroying her and everyone she loves. As Judas spreads horrible rumors and overdoses two of her classmates at a rave, Megan realizes the enormity of his power. While classmates die, Megan, with the help of an angel, Johnny, and a team of friends will face the fight of their lives as they battle Judas.
Megan thinks God hasn't given her any "special" powers, but discovers she has what she needs as she confronts Judas and his seemingly unconquerable power.

My Review
I'm not actually sure where I got this book from, I know that sounds bad but it really is a mystery to me. It's been on my kindle app for ages and I never got round to reading it. I've just searched back through my emails to find out who sent it to me and apologise for the very delayed review but there is no email. I don't delete request emails until they are 'completed' and even then I tend to put them in a folder, so I am stumped.
Anyway, I finally got round to reading it, however long it's been on there. It's not a very long book, I read it in about 3 hours.
From the blurb I knew there would be some reference to God and Christianity etc but I didn't realise just how much there would be. I am a Christian so I of course don't object to talk about God and religion, but this did feel a little bit too preachy. So if a good Christian adventure is your taste then you will love this, but if not, it's probably not for you. The author clearly has very strong beliefs and she puts them across throughout the book, I admire her firm beliefs and I will admit I learnt some things I didn't necessarily know before.
As for the actual storyline, it was well thought out and quite compelling, I wanted to know more and actually read this book in one go. There is enough mystery, adventure and action to keep you hooked and everything moves on at a good pace.
THe voice/narrative grated me a little bit, it was very descriptive and written a little bit like a log, I didn't feel Megan's voice ring out to me, it was more telling me what was happening than showing me. I felt like a spectator, on the outside looking in. It didn't feel like I really got to know Megan or any of the other characters. And in some places the tenses would shift, (not direct quotes) but from 'we sat and talked as the evening passed' to 'If I hadn't have waited then it might not have got worse'. These rare moments do make you feel like she is talking to you as a reader, but they are very out of place and kind of make the story slightly disjointed.
Despite that, I did enjoy the story, as I said before it was very gripping and leaves on a cliffhanger that made me want to dive into book 2, which mysteriously I had on there too and am now halfway through (look for review tomorrow).

Although there were issues with narrative and over preachy, this book was a good read and I must say I enjoyed reading it. So wherever it came from, thanks.

My Rating

Book Review - Devil's Due

2013-04-07T20:29:00.002+01:00

Title: Devil's Due
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Red Letter Days (book 2)
Publisher: Mira Books
Release Date: 1 Feb 2013
ISBN-13: 978-1848451872

Synopsis
Lucia Garza is trapped in a supernatural power struggle. To save a friend she agreed to work for sinister psychic organisation The Cross Society. But after a death threat that almost succeeds, she's starting to think they want her out of the way. Forever.
Worse, as Lucia uncovers the society's most dangerous secrets, she discovers that she's being used as a pawn between two warring paranormal factions. Caught in a battle no-one can win, Lucia's only choice could be to go against long told prophecy to destroy both the Cross Socitey and its sworn enemies. But what are the consequences of defying destiny?

My Review
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
After reading book 1 yesterday I was desperate for more so as soon as I was up today I got stuck in, this book is told more from Lucia's point of view and it was an interesting switch. Jazz, James, Ben and Manny still feature but this time she is the front runner.
These books could almost be classed as detective novels with a hint of paranormal to them, but I still loved them. In fact I think I quite like the whole mystery detective thing, well I do when it's not too gory like this.
Lucia and Jazz have established themselves as a PI business but they still have ties to the Cross Society and their mysterious jobs they send the girls on, but things start to get darker and more dangerous. There is more at stake in this book and you can see the characters grow and adjust to handle with the changes. Jazz and Lucia also get along better in this book and I liked the work/friend relationship between them both and also I liked seeing how they interacted with potential boyfriends.
Everything gets more important, more dangerous and more gripping. This book lived up to all my expectations and then gave me even more.
As I said in my review for book 1 - I love kick butt characters and these two have got it down. They don't let themselves get knocked down, even with illnesses and gun wounds, they're still determined to fight.
Ben features a lot more in this book, in the first one he is not much more than a background character, but he comes to light in this one, now a free man he teams up with the girls. Manny also has a bigger part in this book and I was so pleased about that - he's one of my favourite characters, although you don't know too much about him something just had me rooting for him throughout.
Devil's Due is action packed and exciting and I hardly moved until I had finished it. I read online that this series was originally released in 2006 and that it was only ever 2 parts. I'm glad they decided to re-release them but I want more!
The story does come to a sort of conclusion and I can be satisfied but there are leads that could make a new story and I jsut don't want to leave this world and these characters.
However this series has reminded me why I love Rachel Caine so much and I've got some of her other series still to read so I will have to dip in and fall in love with those.

This book contains drugs, sex and violence. So maybe not suitable for younger readers.

My Rating

Hoppy Easter Giveaway Winner!

2013-04-06T23:11:00.001+01:00

There were 611 total entries into this giveaway. :O

The winner was picked using Rafflecopters Random.Org generator.

The lucky number picked was:154

Jennifer has been emailed and has 3 days to respond. Big Congrats and Thanks go to her.

She has won a choice of one of these books

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy.

Awesome, Kick-ass books written by a truly amazing writer.

(If you've read book 1, this can be changed for any of the others in the series, but paperback only!)

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa,

a great Vampire series!

(Again if you have read this one, i can change it to a pre-order for book 2)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

I hope you've all read this by now, but if not, now is your chance.

(Again, this can be swapped for any of the trilogy)

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine,

book 1 in the truly awesome Morganville Vampires series.

(once more, this can be changed for any of the books in this series)

And final option is:

Geek Girl by Holly Smale.

An amazing new book kicking off what is bound to be a fab series.
For all those self-confessed geeks out there!

Congrats to Jennifer, thanks to all who entered.

Book Review - Devil's Bargain

2013-04-06T22:46:00.000+01:00

Title: Devil's Bargain
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Red Letter Days (book 1)
Publisher: Mira Books
Release Date: 5 Oct 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1848451568

Synopsis
Jazz Callender is an ex-cop struggling to prove her partner's innocence after he is sent to prison for murder, and she's willing to take whatever help comes along ... but she's about to make a bargain with the devil. Approached by a mysterious, attractive stranger with a check and a business offer, she finds herself plunged deep into a world where nothing is as it seems ... not James Borden, Attorney At Law, who fascinates her even as she doubts his honesty ... not Lucia Garza, her beautiful, brilliant new partner with hidden depths and secrets ... not The Cross Society, who seems to be able to know more about the cases she's being sent to investigate than Jazz does herself. With each new revelation, Jazz and Lucia uncover a world of psychic predictions and unseen forces, and find themselves playing not just for keeps, but for souls ... With lives at stake, Jazz finds that every choice she makes is dangerous ... even the one to fall in love.

My Review
I normally avoid anything to do with devils, I usually find it uncomfortable to read, and very often quite cliched. But I adore Rachel Caine and I got sent this book a while ago to read, then last week I got book 2 from Netgalley so I thought it was time I dived in.
And I am pleased to say I LOVED it, and the whole making a deal with the devil was more of a metaphor, she doesn't actually meet the devil or anything like him, instead she deals with someone who likes to play with power and is very dark and dangerous.
Rachel Caine is the queen of kick-ass characters. I fell in love with Eve and Claire in her Morganville series and now I can add Jazz and Lucia to that list!
Jazz is an ex-cop determined to clear her partner of a murder he didn't commit, but instead she gets pulled into a dangerous world of mysterious ops and dodgy assignments. Within the first chapter she has kicked some serious butt and walked away with no more than a split lip. This girl certainly knows how to handle herself and you can tell you wouldn't want to mess with her, but at the same time Caine manages to write a very likeable person who does have a softer side - you don't see it often but when you do it really works and makes you like Jazz all the more.
Lucia is the other unsuspecting partner in the story, thrown together with Jazz she is the sophisticated business side of the duo, but that doesn't mean she can't take care of herself. The two of them together have a good sense of humour and make a great team. A quote from one my favourite films, Miss Congeniality, fits perfectly here: they both have "sarcasm and a gun" in copious amounts.
The other main player you need to be introduced to is James Borden, he's the go between for Jazz and Lucia and the big company hiring them for whatever reason. He is funny and serious, and sweet and moody and complete softy deep down. There were moments when I questioned his reliability but ultimately I liked him too much to really care if he did turn out to be a bad guy. (I won't tell you either way, I don't want to ruin the story for you)
I'm still not entirely sure how the big bosses/bad guys knew all the information they had, whether they were 'psychic' or not I just don't know, but that confusion keeps you desperate to know more and I hope more is revealed in the second book, but although I did wonder all the way through I also kind of accepted it and jsut went with the story, I was hooked.
The ending as well left me on a 'oh my' and I have to know what comes next so I am so pleased to have book 2 within easy reach.

This is a great new series from Rachel Caine. If you haven't ever read anything by her then you really must, she is an absolute legend!!!

My Rating

FF (116)

2013-04-05T21:21:00.000+01:00

Follow Friday is an opportunity to discover and follow other book related blogs! Want to join? Check it out at Parajunkee.

This week's question feature is Megan @ Book Worm in Love

Q: Have you ever read a book that you thought you would hate — ? Did you end up hating it? Did you end up loving it? Or would you never do that?

My Answer: Yes, but mostly because of book days/ courses at work. Every year at the library we have a book of the year scheme, where staff taking part are sent a selection of books to read, we then all meet up for a day and discuss them, then vote for a favourite.

There have been two books that I was totally shocked by. The first was 'Furnace' by Alexander Gordon Smith. I looked at it, read the blurb and thought 'Oh No!', it looked scary, depressing and just not my sort of thing, but if I do something I do it properly, I had to read the book to have a fair view and choice and I was so surprised that I loved it. If you look back through my blog I ended up reading the entire series, Alexander Gordon Smith has become an awesome contact too, I have messaged him and friended him online and hosted him for promotion posts, he has become one of my favourite authors. So I was so glad I read that book. Sometimes you have to give things a try!

The second one was 'Marked' by P.C & Kristin Cast. At that point I wasn't into Vampire books, I always swore I would never read one. but again in came up in Book of the Year at work so I read it, and I have to be thankful actually, because it introduced me to a whole new genre of books.

So I think it's good to try different things - you might be pleasantly surprised. :D

Happy Hopping & Blogging. :D

Book Review - Saved At Sunrise

2013-04-02T20:45:00.000+01:00

Title: Saved at Sunrise
Author: C.C. Hunter
Series: Shadow Falls (book 4.5 -novella)
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: 2 April 2013
ASIN: B00B8SAI78

Synopsis
Nestled deep in the woods, Shadow Falls is a secret camp where teens with supernatural powers learn to harness their abilities and live in the normal world. But Shadow Falls is facing a problem that could finally expose them to the rest of the world. Humans are showing up dead, and rogue vampires may be to blame.
Camp resident Della Tsang, who’s still coming into her own vampire powers, is assigned to help find those responsible. If she succeeds, maybe she’ll even land her dream job: working for the F.R.U., the enforcers of the supernatural world. But when she sees that her new partner is a hunky shapeshifter, things get complicated. Steve, too gorgeous to be trusted and capable of seeing through her tough-as-nails exterior, knows just how to get under her skin. And only hours into the mission, Della realizes rogue vampires aren’t the only threat she’s facing. If she’s ever going to complete her assignment, she’ll need his help…but learning to trust him will be her hardest challenge yet.

My Review
The Shadow Falls series has become one of my obsessions, I just can't get enough of it, I'm always waiting for news of whats to come and any chance I get to talk about it or recommend it I will take it!
Saved at Sunrise is a novella from the series, it takes place time wise shortly after book 4 and this time is told from Della's point of view. Della has always been one of my favourite characters, I like her feisty toughness and rough exterior, but you just know there is more to her than that and I looked forward to getting to know her more. You certainly get to see her develop as a character and see another side of her which is refreshing and also makes you feel like you know her better, she becomes more relate-able.
Della is being sent on a mission to scout out a group of rogue Vampires, but she's not alone, Steve, the good looking Shapeshifter is sent to accompany her. I wasn't sure how the two would work together but they fit well and have good chemistry. IN fact I realy like Steve, he has a kind of sarcastic, charming humour to him but also a really sensitive caring side. *melt*
Although this is very short there is a lot packed in and it leaves you desperately wanting more, which I am delighted to know will be coming. Not only is Chosen at Nightfall (book 5) coming out later this month but Della is set to have her own series carrying on and I couldn't be more excited!
C.C. Hunter is certainly on my list of favourites and I can't wait for more!

To keep you going though and to convince you to read this book (and the whole series) here is the trailer for 'Saved at Sunrise'

My Rating