30 November 2011

November RAK Wrap Up

Sent

So this month I only got around to sending one book out. I sent Lovely Bones to Rebecca Emin@Rebecca Emin: Ramblings of a Rusty Writer.


Received

I also received a book from Rebecca Emin which was her own novel called New Beginnings which I have already read and loved to see my review go to Book Reviews page.

BOTM #3

Here we go again it's time for my Book Of The Month, so here is the books that I have read in November.
  • Forbidden Mind by Kimberly Kinrade
  • My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey
  • Farsighted by Emlyn Chand
  • Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
  • New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin
  • Crave by Melissa Darnell
And the book of the month goes to...
                                     

                                                                  
So this month was a little bit harder as I really enjoyed most of my books that I had read. When narrowing it down to books that I rated 5 stars I was left with My Love Lies Bleeding and Crave but in the end I went with My Love Lies Bleeding.
The reason why I had to pick this book was because I loved it so much I would want to give it more stars than I usually give a book. I can't wait to read the rest of this series. To see my review go to Book Reviews. Check out my review here.

Book Review: Crave (The Clann #1)

Crave (The Clann #1) by Melissa Darnell

Format: e-arc
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Published: 25th October 2011
Pages: 416
Main Characters: Savannah and Tristan
Date Started: 20th November 2011
Date Finished: 30th November 2011
Rating Given: *****


Netgalley:
Forbidden to Love
                           Doomed to Fail
Savannah Colbert has never known why she’s so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It’s as if he’s a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she’s destined to fail.
For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back… different, and suddenly he can’t stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just
from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences…

Bloodlust.    Magic .    Forbidden secrets.

The only reason I wanted to read this book was because I was looking for a book to request from netgalley (very much addicted to that site) and I saw this front cover and so I just had to give it a try. After getting my request accepted I read what it was about and got really excited to read it. It took me awhile to start this book as I had a load of other books to read but then I kept looking at reviews for it and got a little nervous to read it as there was a lot of mixed reviews. That there is my lesson learnt just because one person doesn't like a book doesn't mean I won't as I loved this book.

From the moment I started this book I just knew I was going to fall in love with it and I wasn't mistaken as I found myself loving and understanding the two main characters which I find a huge help when reading a book. I was nearly always on the edge of my seat thinking what is going to happen and telling Savannah don't you remember anything they told you (which I always do in TV but never in books). Then the ending happened and I was like you just can't end there as it is a huge cliffhanger especially if you read the little teaser for the next book.

Savannah's character I really felt for through out this book. She had a group of friends that she loved especially Tristan that is until the fourth grade where her friends all turn on her which hurt but not as much as Tristan turning on her. What she never knew was why they where told to stop seeing her until one day she gets ill in which she never had before when she wakes up she finds out her whole childhood was a lie as now she is a half vampire half witch. The main and most important rule for her is to stay away from Tristan!

I just felt so sorry for her thinking no one likes her even her dad which isn't the best of relationship until we find out more towards the end of the book so I would hope to see her relationship with her dad grow in the next book. She is a tough character with the way she copes with everything that is thrown at her and I hope she continues to grow as a character through out the series.

Tristan I start off not liking until the author changes to his point of view and we get glimpses of what he has to go through and what he feel and then I just love him more and more as the book goes along and can't wait to see what the future hold between these two main characters.

I do like the new friends she made especially Anna as you could tell she had Savannah's best interests at heart and would do anything for her even go ask help from who she thinks as the enemy. Although they seem to be great friends I found by the end they where starting to make Savannah feel guilty about spending time doing the thing she loves nearly the most I hope that works out in the next book though.

I felt it was similar to the Twilight Saga but I didn't mind as I loved this book just as much if not more I just hope it continues to get better with the series and I can't wait to continue with them.

29 November 2011

Book Review: New Beginnings

New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin

Format: Paperback, ARC
Publisher: Grimoire Books
Publishes: 23rd January 2012
Pages: 168
Main Characters: Sam, Chloe
Date Started: 28th November 2011
Date Finished: 29th November 2011
Rating Given: ****


Goodreads:
Sam Hendry is not looking forward to starting at her new school. Things go from bad to worse as the day of truth arrives and all of her fears come true... and then some.

With her new friends and interests, will Sam finally feel able to face the bully who taunts her, and to summon up the courage to perform on stage?

Rebecca Emin was kind enough to ask if I would like to read her book as a RAK and I agreed straight away. When I went to read what it was about I got a little bit nervous as this a completely different kind of genre that I have read before and I had said I would do a review so I was nervous it would not be my cup of tea, however I needn't have worried as I really enjoyed it.

This book is about a young girl at the age of 11/12 going to a new school where she encounter's a bully, but Sam doesn't know what to do or who to turn to.

I found that I connected with Sam straight away as from the front cover it reminded me of one of my cousin's who is around the same age, so I always pictured her as Sam. I didn't like that I pictured my cousin in this role as me and my family would be devistated if she was to go through what Sam had to go through. So I found myself crying at all the bullying parts and smiling and laughing with her happy moment, which there was quite a few moments being happy it was only the school days when she was upset at least she had Chloe there to give her the support she needed.

There was a few questions in the story that I would have liked to have been answered.

I liked both Sam and Chloe but I didn't really get Anna as she actually witnessed quite a lot of things that happened but never said anything to anyone, I know Sam said not to say anything but wouldn't the right thing be to tell their teacher, and how the teacher never saw anything I will never know but I guess that is very true to life as bullies don't want to be found out.

What I really enjoyed about this book was that it was set in England to all the culture refrances I understood and actually knew who they was talking about.

I really enjoyed this book especially after reading a book that was nearly 900 pages long I needed a short book to read which this was. It was a bit of a heavy subject matter but one that needs to be talked about more and I definitely commend Rebecca Emin on the sensative way in which she wrote her book and I would definitly recommend other people to give it a try and they might be pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable the book was even if it is about bullying.

28 November 2011

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #6

It's Monday What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey in which we plan our reading week!







                                           
                                                 Currently Reading

                                        Crave by Melissa Darnell

                                                       New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin

Reading Next

Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

I am enjoying Crave and I am nearly finished so I can't wait to start Darker Still. I am yet to start New Beginnings but when I do I don't think it will take me long to read as there isn't many pages and then I can finally start Firelight I have had this for a while now and I really want to read it.

27 November 2011

Book Review: Inheritance (Inheritance #4)

Inheritance (Inheritance #4) by Christopher Paolini

Format: Hardback
Publisher: Doubleday/Random House
Published: 8th November 2011
Pages: 860
Main Characters: Eragon, Saphira, Roran, Arya, Nasuada, Murtagh
Date Started: 12 November 2011
Date Finished: 27th November 2011
Rating Given: ***

Goodreads:
Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

This is the much-anticipated, astonishing conclusion to the worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.

It has been quite a few years since we last heard from Eragon and Saphira and finally we got the fourth and the last of the series and I was so excited about it and just couldn't wait to get my hands on it but I was a little bit disappointed.

First of all this book is far too long at 860 pages it was a bit too much for me especially when some of the story dragged a bit. The bits that dragged was really bad and felt like giving the story 1 star but then there was a lot of parts that was so entertaining that I wanted to give it 5 stars which was why I went halfway with 3.

I liked that before we even got into the story there was a brief history of what has happened in previous book, however I didn't think that it was enough as I found myself wondering what they was on about in certain places and even who some of the characters was. I don't think it's a series I could have re-read before reading this one as like this book there is a lot of pages to read.

I also liked that at the end of the book we got a pronunciation guide which we have had in all the books which really does help with some of the really difficult and words that we have also not heard of before. I do wish we got it at the front because by the time you get to the guide it is a little bit too late at least by this book we know where it is so we can go straight to the back before we start so we know how to pronounce the words.

I found the battle scene's was done really well and the last battle was brilliantly done and I was always on the edge of my seat just wondering who was going to survive or what was going to happen with the injured. One of the death's in the last battle was actually surprising I wasn't expecting that person to die.

I loved the way Eragon had grown as a person in this and the other books I would loved to have seen him grow in the future. I also love his relationship with him and Saphira it was beautiful to watch them bond even more. I found myself feeling sorry for both of these characters by the end of the book but I won't spoil it for anyone else plus this could just be me.

Overall I would have loved more to the ending where we went more into the future of their lives and less in some other places. What would have been even better was if it was split into two books as it would have been easier to read. I loved parts and hated parts but all in all it was a descent end to the series.

In My Mailbox #7

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that is hosted by The Story Siren. This is where we show what we have either bought or was given throughout the week gone by.








In my mailbox this week:
  • Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey - I can't wait to read this book as I loved the first one so much. I got this on a swap from readitswapit.
  • New Girl by Paige Harbison - I got this from netgalley as it sound like it is going to be a good read.
  • HUSHED by Kelley York - Another one from netgalley which also sounded good and it has had some good reviews.

25 November 2011

Follow Friday #7

Follow Friday is a weekly event hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. This is a great way to discover new blogs and make new friends! This weeks featured are The Book Addict and .Books and Beyond.




Q:  It's Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. so we want to know what you are Thankful for - blogging related of course! Who has helped you out along the way? What books are you thankful for reading?


A: Well first of all Happy Belated Thanksgiving to everyone that celebrates Thanksgiving as with me being from the UK I don't celebrate this holiday.
Now as for bloggers I am thankful to all my followers, thankful for them following me, thankful for any help they have given me and I am thankful for all the blogs that I visit as it helps me in some kind of way to make my blog even better.
As for the books that I am thankful for well the first and most thankful is as you may have seen in an earlier post is The Twilight Saga as this series got me back into reading in a big way and I would have never have known what I wanted to do with my life as now I know I definitely want to work in the book creating business. I am also thankful for the Harry Potter series as I think it's great that we was in the time when it was created and to be a part of a legend is awesome!
The most important that I am thankful for is my mum as she is a great support in what I want to do and without her I wouldn't be able to drive myself forward to get the kind of jobs I want and also I know I would definitely not have half the books I do today.

22 November 2011

Teaser Tuesday #2 & Top Ten Tuesday #6

Teaser Tuesday #2

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

My Teaser:
Crave by Melissa Darnell


"Then again, no girl, normal or otherwise, seemed to mess with my thoughts quite like Savannah did. So maybe I was just desperate to find any reason besides my own weakness to blame for the crazy hold she had on me.
At least she made algebra interesting." - Page 33.
(E-ARC so could be different from the finished copy)


I have picked an early quote as I am not far into it and I don't want to go looking for any other quotes as I don't want to spoil it for myself I haven't even read the last page (yet). I am really enjoying Crave and I never thought I would because of all of the bad reviews it has been given I guess it just goes to show you should always try it out for yourself as you never know you might like it like I have done many a time.

                                                                                                                                                                  

Top Ten Tuesday #6


It's Monday What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish in which we plan our reading week!


This weeks topic is: My top ten authors I would want to be at my table on Thanksgiving. (Even if I am from the UK and we don't celebrate Thanksgiving I am still going to do it.)
  1. Cassandra Clare - She is the author of one of my all time favourite series and she gave us Jace and Will need I say more!
  2. Alyxandra Harvey - I have only read one of her books but already I am in love with the world she has created so I would love to ask her questions.
  3. Stephenie Meyer - And the reason behind this well I will give you two words Edward Cullan!
  4. J.K. Rowling - I would love to her her thoughts on Harry Potter the books and the films.
  5. Roald Dahl - Obviously this would be if he was still alive but I would love to meet the guy who created some of the best children's books.
  6. Becca Fitzpatrick - Love her Hush, Hush series and Patch!
  7. Simone Elkeles - She is one of my favourite non-paranormal authors so I would to meet her to ask her loads of questions.
  8. Rachel Caine - I love her Morganville series and I would just love to ask her questions on this series.
  9. Richelle Mead - I just adore her books.
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien - Again this would be if he was still alive as I would love to know what he made of the films and plus how did he create such a fascinating world just loads of questions that I will never find out!

20 November 2011

In My Mailbox #6

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that is hosted by The Story Siren. This is where we show what we have either bought or was given throughout the week gone by.








In my mailbox this week:
  • New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin this was a RAK from Rebecca Emin (more on that in the RAK round up)
  • Entice by Carrie Jones this was a swap from Lesley over at goodreads UK Swap Shop
What's in your mailbox this week?

19 November 2011

Book Review: Farsighted (Farsighted #1)

Farsighted (Farsighted #1) by Emlyn Chand

Format: ebook
Publisher: Blue Crown Press
Published: 17th October 2011
Pages: 218
Main Characters: Alex, Simmi and Shapri
Date Started: 12th November 2011
Date Finished: 18th November 2011
Rating Given: ****



I was asked by the publisher to review a book from Emlyn Chand and after reading what it was about I thought I would give it a try and I am glad I did.

Farsighted is about a blind boy called Alex who has the ability to 'see' the future plus other similar abilities that could help him. He happens to see the future of Simmi and he will do all he can to protect her with a few bumps and bruises along the way.

With this book I found it a little bit different to what I am used to reading as usually the main characters are like superhuman but this time they are just kids with abilities that either help or get in the way it doesn't give them super strength and they have to practice hard with the abilities they where given.

What I didn't get with this story was Alex he was blind I know but usually when people are blind their other sense are hyper aware but he seems to be 'blind' in what is going on around him just by listening to what other people was saying could have maybe stopped all the aggro he went through. As I guessed about his dad right from the beginning which we see the way Alex does but maybe he is just a real teenager boy that doesn't listen to what is going on around him. I did find his relationship between him and his mother really sweet and loved that nature of Alex, but then he would be angry/sulking and I would want slap up side the head.

Simmi did seem sweet but I didn't like the mixed signals that she gave towards Alex no wonder he was so angry all the time. I don't think we got to know her character as much as Alex but maybe we will find out more about her in the next books.

I actually preferred Shapri's character out of all of them as she was the funniest, liveliest, and just had more interesting things going on around her. I did feel sorry for her and her power I guess it would be easy to just think the people you love are still alive when they are actually dead especially when you can still see them! I also felt a little bit sorry for her with the unrequited love part of the story as you could just tell she had a soft spot for Alex but he just never really noticed her only Simmi.

I loved the love triangle between Simmi-Alex-Shapri as usually it's two guys that the girl can't decide over I hope we see more of this in the next books but I have a feeling that another name might be added.

Overall a great start to the series and I can't wait to find what is going to happen next!
Goodreads:
Alex Kosmitoras’s life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to “see” the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future.

18 November 2011

Film Review: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (Film)

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
(May contain spoilers)


Director: Bill Condon
Writers: Melissa Rosenberg (Screenplay), Stephenie Meyer (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Robert Pattinson/Edward Cullan, Kristen Stewart/Bella Swan and Taylor Lautner/Jacob Black
Release Date: 18th November 2011
Date Watched: 18th November 2011
Rating Given: *****

 (Thought I would do a little review for the film Breaking Dawn which I think I might do a regular book into films reviews as there is plenty of them.)

At the beginning of the year I had gone of the whole Twilight Saga franchise so I wasn't looking forward to it. Fast-forward to November and many many posters and trailers later and I am really excited to go see it so much so I pre-book the tickets (me, mum and little sis) for the opening day second showing as it was at 12.30 so kids where still at school and knew it wouldn't be as many plus the later showing from 4 onwards where sold out!

As soon as it was time to go I was getting all excited and I was not let down!

It was brilliant, which I was really surprised at as not all the films in this Saga haven't been that good or even well acted but that is all change in this film.

Well we start with the lead up to the wedding which was a bit like the book with the part where the guys are getting ready for the bachelor party which I found really funny just like the book. There was bits before that, that I don't think was like the book but just as good and could imagine it fitting in well with the book.

The Bella nightmare was a bit different but still a bit gory well compared to the previous films which I really liked.

The wedding it self was in a slightly different location but still was stunning. I loved her wedding dress Kristen looked beautiful. As for Rob well just as yummy ;) I loved seeing the guys in their suits. The whole wedding scene was so beautifully made that I got shivers and close to tears it was just so good.

As for the honeymoon I found it very well made and the aftermath actually made my mum laugh out loud. Rob looks really good through out the honeymoon scene. I have always liked Rob but he was never my favourite in the looks but in this scene I changed my mind ;)

I loved the way we got to see more of what Jacob goes through just like the book we even get to hear them talking when they are werewolves it was very well done.

Throughout Bella's pregnancy they made Kristen look so ill the cgi was done so well as it looked realistic. The birth scene was really good and has a lot of blood my mum was asking me does she die? it was on the edge of your seat stuff. As while Bella is going through the aftermath of the birth there is a little fight which I loved as there isn't as much fighting as Eclipse but still great.

There is a touching little scene between Jacob and Renesmee which was well done as it explains things with the imprinting thing.

The way it ended was so good but just to warn any of you who are yet to see it just wait a bit after they start putting up the names as there is a bit with the Volturi which really sets up the next book.

Overall I absolutely LOVED this film even my mum ans sister loved it and they where both awwing and laughing out loud and in my mum's case she was also crying, surprised I never actually I think it's because I don't like crying at the cinema's. This film is definitely one of my favourite films I have seen all year and I can't wait to be able to see it again and again and I definitely can't wait for the next and final film bring on next year!!

I think I might have to re-read Breaking Dawn!

Follow Friday #6

Follow Friday is a weekly event hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. This is a great way to discover new blogs and make new friends! This weeks featured are Books & Barks and .Lauren's Book Bag.






Q: Letter to Santa: Tell Santa what books you want for Christmas!


A: Well the main book I have asked Santa for is Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare, and I can't wait to read it. I already know Santa got me the Lee Evans autobiography which I hope I enjoy better than the other autobiographies that I have read. I also asked for Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon as I have been after it for so long. There is such a long list of books that I wanted for Christmas I didn't really know which books to ask for but I finally settled on these as I don't want to break the Sledge!

15 November 2011

Teaser Tuesday #1

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I have Teaser Tuesday on a few other blogs and I have always wanted to do one myself but for some reason or other I never got around to it until now.

My teaser is from Inheritance by Christopher Paolini:

"Come now," said Galbatorix to Murtagh. "Join Eragon, and let us see which of you is the more skilled." - Page 671
I can't wait to read more of this book just so I can find out myself what is going to happen before and after this quote was said.

14 November 2011

The Hunger Games Official Trailer 2012 HD



Here is a look at the official trailer for The Hunger Games. By looking at the trailer it looks like it is going to be just as good as the book as I got shivers from it just like I did with the book. Can't wait!!

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #5

It's Monday What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey in which we plan our reading week!

I haven't posted a reading update for a couple of weeks so I thought I would do one today.

 

                                               

                                               Currently Reading
                     
                                Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

Emlyn Chand
I think I might be reading Inheritance for awhile with it being a really long book but hopefully I can get it finished within the next couple of weeks as I have far too many books to read but that's the way I like it.

Reading Next

Crave by Melissa Darnell
I said I was going to read this book a couple of weeks ago but I got distracted by other books but hopefully when I finish Farsighted I will try and read it again.


Last week I read My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey and Forbidden Mind by Kimberley Kinrade.

13 November 2011

In My Mailbox #5

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that is hosted by The Story Siren. This is where we show what we have either bought or was given throughout the week gone by.








This week in my mailbox I recieved:
  • Die For Me by Amy Plum . This was a book swap from Lindsey over at Goodreads in a group called UK Swap Shop.
I also had some Tesco clubcard vouchers to spend to I got:
  • Inheritance by Chrisopher Paolini
  • Fury by Elizabeth Miles

11 November 2011

Follow Friday #5

Follow Friday is a weekly event hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. This is a great way to discover new blogs and make new friends! This weeks featured are Mother Load and The Book Nympho.





Q: Question: In light of 11.11.11 and Veteran's Day tell us about your favorite solider and how he or she is saving the world. Fictional or real life.


A: Well I would have to say my grandad even though he is no longer with us he was in the Navy back in World War 2 so he did in part help us have the world we live in today. My grandad always celebrated Poppy Day even when he was to ill to remember he would still remember the days he was in the Navy and always tell us stories. He is no longer with us as he died this year but at the grand old age of 90 so I hope that can give hope to the soldiers out there today. I will always remember my grandad but I will especially remember him on this day. (I will try and find a picture of him in his Navy outfit and post it later he was so proud of that photo)

I thought I would also put in a fictional character to be a bit lighter as Poppy Day is supposed to be a celebration. I seem to read more books with warriors but I did read a book recently called Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel and the soldier in this was called Captain Bram Griswald, I loved his character he was a zombie but he wanted to help both humans and zombies.

10 November 2011

Book Review: My Love Lies Bleeding (Drake Chronicles #1)

My Love Lies Bleeding (Drake Chronicles #1) by Alyxandra Harvey
(a.k.a: Hearts at Stake)

Format: Paperback
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 22nd December 2009
Pages: 256
Main Characters: Lucy, Nicholas, Solange and Kieran
Date Started: 8th November 2011
Date Finished: 10th November 2011
Rating Given: *****

Goodreads:
The Drakes are rather different to your usual neighbours. They are vampires and some of the members of the family date back to the twelfth century. One of the children, Solange, is the only born female vampire known and, as such, she poses a direct threat to the vampire queen.

Her best friend Lucy is human, and when Solange is kidnapped Lucy and Solange's brother, Nicholas, set out to save her. Lucy soon discovers that she would like to be more than just friends with Nicholas. But how does one go about dating a vampire?

Meanwhile, Solange finds an unlikely ally in Kieran, a vampire slayer on the hunt for his father's killer . . .
I have never really fancied reading this book but recently I have gone on a YA kick and saw that this has some good reviews so I thought I would give it a try what I never expected was how much I loved this book.

As soon as I opened this book I fell in love with it as I was drawn to the character's and the world around them which usually takes me at least a couple of pages for a five star or a couple of chapter's for a less rating but this book got me straight away right until the last page and I even wanted more pages I didn't want to finish it but I couldn't put it down.

Lucy or should I say Lucky (her real name but doesn't like it so goes by Lucy), is such a fun character she is really funny and I love the banter she has with Solange's brothers especially Nicholas. She is what all lead characters should be as she is likable, fun and a fighter. She is definitely one of my favourite female character's out of all the books I have read. Lucy is the human in this story and is best friends with Solange and has been for most of their lives. She knows that the Drake family are a family of vampires and doesn't seem to mind.

Solange is a born vampire and when her 16th birthday she will turn into a fully fledged vampire, however it's not as simple as it sounds. She is supposedly a part of a prophecy in which the first female born vampire would be the queen so naturally not everyone is happy about this and will go to any lengths to stop her turning. Solange is not as feisty as Lucy but she seems nice enough and would do anything to protect her family and Lucy.

I love Nicholas even though in my opinion we don't get to know about him as much as what I would have liked so I hoping we will in future books.

The relationship between Lucy and Nicholas is one of my favourites ever! They are so funny together and take digs at each other but you can just feel the chemistry between them I just wish there was more of them together maybe in future books.

I didn't get the same kind of connection between Solange and Kieran I just wanted to get back to Lucy's chapter so we could have more Nicholas.

I loved the start of this series and I hope they get even more better with each book.

I can't wait to get the next book!

Book Review: Forbidden Mind (Forbidden #1)

Forbidden Mind (Forbidden #1) by Kimberly Kinrade

Format: Ebook
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
Published: 6th September 2011
Pages: 132
Main Characters: Sam and Drake
Date Started: 8th November 2011
Date Finished: 9th November 2011
Rating Given: ****


Goodreads:
She reads minds.
He controls minds.
Together, they might get out alive.

Sam thinks she's months away from freedom. After spending her life in a secret school, rented out to the rich and powerful as a paranormal spy, she is ready to head to college like any normal eighteen-year-old.

Only Sam isn't normal. She reads minds. And just before her big going-away party, she links to the mind of a young man who changes everything.

Drake wasn't raised as a 'Rent-A-Kid.' He was kidnapped and taken there by force. But his exceptional physical strength and powers of mind control make him very dangerous, especially to Sam.

When they meet, Sam is forced to face the truth of her situation, and to acknowledge that not all is as it seems in her picture-perfect world. For what awaits her on her eighteenth birthday isn't a trip to college, but an unexpected nightmare from which she may not be able to escape.

To survive, they must work together.

But will their powers be enough to save them before it's too late?
I hadn't seen or heard about this book until I was asked by the author Kimberly Kinrade and when I read what it was about I was intrigued. I am really glad I was offered to do a review for this book as I really enjoyed it.

At first I was really confussed to what was going on so I didn't think I was going to enjoy it as much as what I did do.

This was a very different story to what I have read before which I liked because I am so used to the same kind of books so this was a refreshing change. It is about an organization called Rent-a-Kid that is full of children with paranormal gifts think X Men but with evil head teacher. Sam has the ability to read minds and thinks that now she is going to be turning eighteen she will get to leave but the organization has other idea's.

I liked Sam's character she seemed a strong person which I think is needed in the lead female. Something happens (won't spoil the surprise) to her that you would never expect. I loved what happened to her as it was very different and because you don't expect it you get the shock factor plus after that you just don't know what to expect, because of what happens it makes her even more stronger and feisty. You rout for Sam right from the beginning until the very end which is needed in any good character.

Drake has similar abilities to Sam in which he can control your mind. Through most of the book you don't see him but 'hear' him through Sam's mind. He like Sam you rout for and you want to know more about him, which I hope we do in the next book. I loved the relationship between Sam and Drake it was really sweet to see how they supported each other through out the book.

What did annoy me about this book was that we never got all of the answer's but I guess like all books we need unanswered questions to make you want to read the next book.

I can't wait for the next book I want to hear more about Drake and hopefully we will get some of those unanswered questions.

Great start to the series I can see this series get better and better!

8 November 2011

Rapture Book Cover

This is the new book cover for the Fallen series by Lauren Kate.
I have loved all the book covers apart from the last one but this one seems to go back to being beautiful book cover again.
This one looks a bit different to the others as this seems lighter than the rest I wounder if that's a good oman for the book or is it wishful thinking?

**100 Followers**

Wow I can't believe it I have made it to 100 followers!
I just wanted to write a HUGE THANK YOU to all my wonderful followers = )

7 November 2011

Book Review: Dearly, Departed (Gone With the Respiration #1)

Dearly, Departed (Gone With the Respiration #1) by Lia Habel

Format: E-ARC
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 18th October 2011
Pages: 480
Main Characters: Nora, Bram, Pamela
Date Started: 25th October 2011
Date Finished: 7th November 2011
Rating Given: ****


Netgalley:
Love can never die.

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid's arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead-or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria-a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country's political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible-until she's nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she's suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting "The Laz," a fatal virus that raises the dead-and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there's no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

In Dearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love.
I had seen this a couple of times while looking through Netgalley but never really fancied it as I don't usually like books with zombie's as usually they are not gory enough or too gory I wanted a happy medium. However when reading other reviews on other blogs I started getting intrigued so much so I just had to put in a request and I am glad I did.

It did start off really slow and I just didn't think I was going to get into it as like other zombie books there wasn't much of zombie's. It wasn't until we meet the zombie's that this book really starts to pick up so much so I found myself wanting to read just another chapter before I stopped reading for the night.

I didn't really start off liking Nora as she was a bit annoying but when she meets Bram she gets more interesting and strong willed which I like in a female character.

Bram I loved from the get go he was a brilliant character even if he was the undead.

I loved the growing friendship between Nora and Bram but because this book was from a few different character's point of view I found that I missed something when it went back to them and I wanted more of these two.

When it was Pamela's point of view I got a bit bored and just wanted to get back to Bram and Nora but by the end I did want to know her and what was going to happen.

Once we hit half way through this book it was so good as it kept me on the edge of my seat right until the very end as it was so thrilling and you just didn't know what was going to happen next.

Overall a great start to the story and now we have the story setting I think we will see this series get better and better. I can't wait to read what is going to happen in the next installment.

6 November 2011

Christina Perri - A Thousand Years (Official Music Video)



Stunning new song for Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1

In My Mailbox #4

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that is hosted by The Story Siren. This is where we show what we have either bought or was given throughout the week gone by.








In my postbox I got Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynne Barns. This was a book swap over at readitswapit.

Other books that I got for reviews over at netgalley are as follows:
  • The Dead of Winter by Chris Priestley
  • Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
  • Warriors of the Black Shroud by Peter Howe
  • On A Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

4 November 2011

Follow Friday #4

Follow Friday is a weekly event hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. This is a great way to discover new blogs and make new friends! This weeks featured are The Magic Attic and SkyInk.net.





This weeks question:
Today's Question is something new, an activity. We want to see what you look like! Take a pic with you and your current read! Too shy? Boo! Just post a fun pic you want to share.

A. I don't have my picture's taken as I hate it I love to be behind the camera so I will share some old photo's of me and when I say old I mean really old. And some picture's that I have taken.

This is one of my favourite pictures of me and my beautiful Nan who is no longer with us :(

Another photo of me and my Nan where am a bit older but we do look like we are having fun :)

My cute Blu this is another oldish photo but I do love it!

One of my photo's although not my favourite as my favourite's had people in it that I needed permission to use.


So there you go some of my favourite pictures going through memory lane is so much fun :)

3 November 2011

Books I'm Thankful For...



The book/series I am most grateful for would have to be The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer.



Why? you ask, well before reading this series I used to read a lot but then stopped for years but when I picked this series up I just had to continue reading and because of this I have read so many more great books which I am thankful for.

I actually hadn't heard of this series until I watched an episode of E! News where they where talking to the cast of the film and I still remember thinking I must give this series a read before the film comes out and I did and I loved them. I was so addicted that I had to go out and by the next one n the series and so on.

I have re-read this series a couple of times and find new things but I also get more and more angry with them and they are actually no longer my favourite books. I may not be as in love with this series as I used to be but I will always be thankful for them!

What book are you most greatful for?

2 November 2011

Book Review: Hades (Halo #2)

Hades (Halo #2) by Alexandra Adornetto

Format: Paperback
Publisher: ATOM
Published: 30th August 2011
Pages: 432
Main Characters: Beth, Xavier, Jake, Gabriel, Ivy, Tuck
Date Started: 25th October 2011
Date Finished: 2nd November 2011
Rating Given: ****

Goodreads:
IS LOVE A GREAT ENOUGH POWER AGAINST EVIL?

Bethany Church believes so- after all, the love of her angel siblings and her boyfriend Xavier saved her from the clutches of hell itself.

But when Jake Thorn returns to town, determined to take Beth away with him, it seems he may be able to destroy everything she cares about.

Will Jake's actions shatter Beth's faith in love? Or can she overcome heartache and betrayal to fulfil her role on Earth?
I couldn't wait for Hades to come out as I enjoyed the first one so much so when it finally came out I just had to read it.

In Hades we start of with Beth and Xavier happily ever after or so it seems...

When Beth gets roped into doing a seance all hell breaks loose literally as we meet Jake again. Although when Beth first sees him it is when he has tricked her into believing he was someone else and then tricks her into Hades.

I really felt sorry for both Beth and Xavier for most of this book as it just shows how strong their love for one another is. I also occasionally felt sorry for Jake but I guess I am just as gullible as Beth!

We get to meet some new characters in this book and for the most part I liked them well Tuck and Hanna as they seemed too nice to be in Hades and I really hope we get to see them again in the next book. We also got to meet Archangel Micheal and again I would have loved to see more of him but I have a feeling this wish will be coming true in the next book.

Sometimes I found myself wanting to through the book though as some of the decision's that Beth made, made me so angry and couldn't believe what she was going to do it was a literal mouth open moment. I wish we got to see the aftermath of Beth's actions but it went straight to the epilogue and everything seemed to be forgiven.

Speaking of the end, I hated the way it ended it just didn't feel right I knew to expect a cliffhanger but this just didn't feel like it was the end of this book.

Although Hades wasn't as good as Halo I am still looking forward to the next book to see what is going to get in the way of Beth and Xavier's romance as there always seems to be something!

1 November 2011

Top Ten Tuesday #5

It's Monday What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish in which we plan our reading week!





This weeks topic is: Top ten books I had strong emotions over.
This could be a book that made me laugh, cry, or got angry over.
  1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling - This book was sad and funny and it was the end of an era which made me sad as well.
  2. Eragon by Christopher Paolini - There was some really sad scenes in this book that had me not just feeling I was going to cry but there was actual tears.
  3. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer - I was very angry with this book I hate to watch this film as well as I remember how angry I was with the characters.
  4. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - This book was so moving you just have to cry. This book also made me very angry in the way it ended I just wanted to throw it across the room as I was disappointed.
  5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - This made me cry so much and really did have a lasting effect on me once I had finished it.
  6. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead - Such a mouth opening moment right at the end that you don't expect which also made me cry!
  7. The Host by Stephenie Meyer - Another sad book for me but it also made me laugh out loud as well it was a good mix of emotions.
  8. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman - It was such a long time that I can't remember what happened but what I remember feeling was outrage and tears I couldn't stand the way this book made me feel and I know I just would not be able to read it again!
  9. Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost - This series always makes me laugh no matter how many times I read them. There is also some moments that make me cry and also get very angry at them.
  10. Entangled by Cat Clarke - This book made me so angry I wanted to throw it across the room!