BOTM #5

February is now coming to an end so here is a list I read this month:

• The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers
• After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel
• Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
• Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
• Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different by Karen Blumenthal
• Dark Angel by Eden Maguire
• Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
• Torn by Amanda Hocking

And the book of the month goes to...

The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers

In the end there was only one winner for this month as this was by far my best and favourite read of this month (I did start it in January but more days read in February). This was an out-standing book that I would recommend that anyone who hasn't read it or not sure about it to go for it you won't be sorry as it's an amazing book. This book is that good that is already a contender for my book of 2012 an amazingly thrilling book. For my full review click here.

Book Covers: The Demon Trappers Series

The Demon Trappers by Jana Oliver

Forsaken #1

Forbidden #2

Forgiven #3 (Released UK 1st March 2012)

Foretold #4 (Released UK August 2012)

I can't believe how long it's taken me to talk about these covers as they are one of my most favourite covers out there and I am so pleased that they are the UK version as usually our covers aren't as good as the American ones.

The first thing that drew me to these covers was the pattern near the title as it looks so striking and also it is raised and I love it when a book has texture as I always end up stroking them.

The patter and title aren't the only thing textured the whole cover is, I can't say exactly what it feels like but it seems similar to a suede feel which I love. When reading my book I end up stroking it all the time I know that might sound weird.

I like the way that each of the first three have a dominant colour and the choices of colours are beautiful and not too bright as that wouldn't match the actual story. When using these colours without the dark background these colours would actually be classed as bright but they was used very cleverly.

I think the edging was done beautifully as well as it looks like smoke but in a coloured form I think it just really sets the whole cover off.

I love the way that each of the books have a scenery at the bottom which I don't think you can tell at first but the more you look at the books the more you can tell this. The scenery then gives you a picture of where the book is set which I think was a good idea as I like visuals.

I love the way that they have kept the covers very similar as then you know they are a part of this particular series. The only one that doesn't seem to follow the same pattern is the last one and I am not sure what I think about it as there is something off about it. I think this could be because it doesn't have the same coloured pattern its more bold and I liked the white maybe if the others was the red as well then maybe it wouldn't stand out as much. There also seems to be more colours going on in the background but maybe because its blue and orange maybe it is a symbol of the battle of the good verses evil that I am sure is going to come to a head in the last one which by my reckoning Foretold is the last one so maybe that's why it's different.

Book Review: Torn (Trylle Trilogy #2)

Torn (Trylle Trilogy #2) by Amanda Hocking

Format: Paperback (arc)
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: 28th February 2012
Pages: 291
Main Characters: Wendy, Finn, Loki, Tove
Date Started: 22nd February 2012
Date Finished: 28th February 2012
Rating Given: ****

Goodreads:
When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself--that she's a changeling switched at birth--she knows her life will never be the same. Now she's about to learn that there's more to the story... She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined--and they'll stop at nothing to lure her to their side.

With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to marry a powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who's strictly off limits...and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.

Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she's ever wanted...in both worlds.

I read the first in this series and I wasn't expecting to be sent the next book but I was really pleased that I was given the chance as I enjoyed the first one and was curious to see what was going to happen next. What I didn't expect was to enjoy this one so much more than the first.

The story picked up right from the end of the first one which I was happy about as I didn't want to miss what happened when Wendy returned to Matt.

I really enjoyed this book from the moment it started and I loved that we got to see that there are two sides to every story! Although you never know quite who to believe until closer to the end but I still wasn't sure on a couple of the characters which I am sure will get sorted out in the last of the trilogy.

Wendy was a much better character by the end of this book as you really do start to understand the things that she has and is going through which is why she can be annoying so I can forgive her for that. Finn does mess her around a bit even though she is being a bit selfish he could give her a bit of slack! I really start liking her when we see her interaction with some of the other characters that we didn't see much of in the first one and it really did make her a more likable character. She was also starting to be a stronger character that didn't let everyone walk all over her and I can't wait to see how she continues to grow in the final instalment.

Finn was more annoying in this one as he was quite mean to Wendy, I know he had his reasons but there is no reason to be nasty about it, it's no wonder she gets so angry at him. He isn't in this one as much as the first one and I found that when he wasn't in the book it was loads better I think that was because Wendy wasn't as annoying when he wasn't around. I did like the scene between him and Wendy towards the end as it did show a connection and it makes me think it's these two who belong together even if I don't want them to as they bring out the worse in each other.

There was a couple of new characters in this book which I loved more than the older ones and one of them was Loki. He was a great character as he had the characteristics that I love in my leading me. He was cocky and arrogant but he was also funny as well. I loved the build up of chemistry and a bit of banter between him and Wendy. He is the one I would love her to end up with as I think they would be a great partnership but I'm not sure this is going to happen. At the beginning he was one of the characters I didn't quite trust but by the end I did and I hope we get to see more of him in the next book.

The other new character was Duncan who is a tracker but I do have such a soft spot for him he is actually one of my favourite characters he is so sweet but he is also funny and caring he better be in the last book as I think I would be upset if he wasn't.

Tove I am not sure about he seems like a great character but something that he said towards the end of his short story that put me off him as I don't trust his motives but I hope I'm wrong as he was such a sweet character in this book.

Overall I loved all the twists and turns as it kept me entertained and I can't wait to read the last book I think it has the makings of being EPIC!

Teaser Tuesday #13

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





My Teasers:

Torn by Amanda Hocking

"Princess, I'm not..." She squeezed her eyes shut and pressed her fingers to her temple. "Princess."
"I'm sorry. I'm not trying to argue with you," I said.
"No, Princess, I..." She reached out, grabbing the back of the couch to catch herself.
"Elora?" I rushed over to her and put my hand on her back.
"Elora, what's wrong?"
Blood seeped from her nose, but it was no simple nosebleed. It was like an artery had opened up. Her eyes rolled back in her head, and her body went limp. She collapsed, and I barely caught her in my arms.
"Help me!" I shouted. "Somebody! Help!"  Page - 208

I have actually finished this book now but I thought I would use a quote from the book as it was really good and I wanted to share it with you.

                         Forgiven by Jana Oliver

There was a grunt from the lieutenant and then the shut behind him. Staring up at the ceiling, all Beck could think of was Paul's daughter, of her bitter tears and his unrelenting fury. How sick he'd felt when she'd told him what she'd done.
It was best he had no idea where Riley Blackthorne was hiding. The way he felt right now, he'd hand her over to the demon hunters himself. - Page 21

Not started this book yet but I will be doing some time today so I thought I wouldn't go too far in the book to get a quote so that I didn't ruin it for myself.


Both books are arc copies so may differ to final version.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #18

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




                                                            Finished Reading

                                                  Dark Angel by Eden Maguire

I wasn't too pleased with this book I was expecting so much more from it but I think that was because I loved the cover so much. To view my full review click here.

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

This book took such a long time to get into this book however when you get past the halfway point it's so addicting and it's really a great book. To see my full review click here.

Currently Reading

Torn by Amanda Hocking

I am really enjoying this book far more than what I did the first and that one wasn't even a bad book either. Really looking forward to finding out what is going to happen next.

Reading Next

Pieces of Us by Margie Gelbwasser 

Was supposed to start this last week but I ended up getting the flu so I wasn't in the mood for reading but now I am getting better I feel the need to read :)

Forgiven by Jana Oliver

I am so excited to read this book as I love this series and the last one was left on a cliff hanger that I hope gets sorted out.

That's what I am planning on reading this week whats yours?

In My Mailbox #19

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.









Again I have not bought any books this week but I did get some swaps and review books.

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

I got this book thanks to Goodreads UK Swap Shop group which I am so pleased about as I have been after it for a while and I am very much looking forward to reading it.

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

I received this from readitswapit. It's not a book I heard of until I see it on the list of books they had to swap and it sounded really good so I thought I would give it a try.

Forgiven by Jana Oliver

I was sent this to review by Macmillan Children's Books which I was pleased about as I love this series and I can't wait to get stuck into it.

I received a couple of books via netgalley this week.

Torn by Stephanie Guerra

I also got - I Got My Dream Job and So Can You by Pete Leibman.

So that's what I received this week what arrived in your mailbox?

Book Review: Illuminate (Gilded Wings #1)

Illuminate (Gilded Wings #1) by Aimee Agresti

Format: e-arc
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publishes: 6th March 2012
Pages: 528
Main Characters: Haven, Lance, Dante
Date Started: 12th February 2012
Date Finished: 23rd February 2012
Rating Given: ****

Netgalley:
When ambitious and brainy Haven lands an internship and moves to the city to chase her dreams, mysterious things start to happen, and a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking coworkers seem to be at the root of it. When she uncovers their evil agenda, she must figure out how to halt their malicious plan and save prom night!

When I came across this book I just fell in love with the cover that I just had to try and get it and I didn't even look at what it was about and I was so pleased when I was accepted to read it.

This book is a tale of two halves for me. The first half of this book was so boring and I just couldn't get into it I thought I was going to have to stop reading this book and I don't do this very often which was probably why I continued and I am really glad that I did as the second half of this book was so gripping I didn't want to stop reading it.

In the bad half I felt there was too much being told that didn't need to be told maybe if it was shortened it would have been on one of my all time favourite lists. It just seemed a bit mundane as I knew it was a paranormal book but in the first half I had no idea where that would come into the story. There was flashes nearer the halfway mark where I thought it would pick up but it would then go back into a slow mode again.

About halfway through though it did pick up pace there was so much mystery I had no idea of how everything was going to turn out. It was fast pace from there on out something just kept on getting added to the mix. There was so many parts towards the end where I found myself smiling it was just so sweet especially the end.

At the beginning I didn't really like Haven she just didn't feel like a strong female character she was very naive as well. I felt like I knew something was up with the hotel before she did she was just very annoying. But then halfway through kicked in and so did she as a strong independent girl. I ended up routing for her and I can't wait to find out more about her in the books to come.

I loved Lance from the beginning and you just knew he liked Haven but she was too blind to see it. He was sweet, smart and strong all what I like in my male characters. I just wish we had more of him maybe in the next book.

Dante I loved at the beginning but then he had a dip and from then on I didn't know what to think of him I just hope we get to see better things from him in the books to come.

I loved the take on Heaven and Hell it was well written that I could really imagine what these people/creatures where like.

Overall a very slow start but keep with it and you should end up loving it just as much as I did!

Film Review: New Moon

New Moon
(May contain spoilers)

Director: Chris Weitz
Writers: Melissa Rosenberg (Screenplay), Stephenie Meyer (Novel)
Stars Characters: Kristen Stewart/Bella, Taylor Lautner/Jacob, Robert Pattinson/Edward
Cinema Release Date: 20th November 2009
Recently Watched (DVD): 23rd February 2012
Rating Given: ***

As a book this was always my least favourite out of the series and there is no change for the film. With me already seeing this DVD a few times I found myself skipping some of the more boring scenes which there was a lot of. I hated the beginning which I skipped until she started spending time with Jacob but I really love the end of the film when Edward comes back on the scene.

Not only was the film not as good as the first one but the wigs was terrible in this one you could really tell they was wigs especially Alice's. The make-up for the vampires was rubbish too, as they looked too pale I know they are supposed to look pale as they are vampires but I just think it was too much they looked ill especially Edward.

The acting kind of picked up in this one but there were times when it was just terrible especially the part where Bella doesn't want Edward to be killed it just didn't feel right. What I also didn't get was Jasper's accent in this one he had the right accent the kind that you imagine him having but if I remember rightly he didn't have this accent in the first one or is this just me?

Overall another good effort at keeping it similar to the book but like the book this was not my favourite of the trilogy.

Book Review: Dark Angel (Dark Angel #1)

Dark Angel (Dark Angel #1) by Eden Maguire

Format: Paperback
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Published: 4th August 2011
Pages: 398
Main Characters: Tania, Orlando, Daniel
Date Started: 19th February 2012
Date Finished: 22nd February 2012
Rating Given: **

Goodreads:
Tania's heart belongs to Orlando. Nothing can rip them apart. Until the seduction begins in a flurry of glamour and magic, music and parties all orchestrated by the mysterious and mesmerising Zoran, an iconic rock star who has retired to a remote ranch in the nearby mountains. And there Tania meets the dark side. Can she resist temptation?

This was a case of cover lust and I just had to have it but the story just didn't live up to the cover which was such a shame.

It had such a slow start to the book I just wanted it to hurry up and get started but it never really picked up enough for me to give it a higher rating than what I have already given it. I was also very confused as the lead character would be thinking of one thing while doing another thing so it just kept jumping around. It wasn't until nearer the end when we get told what was happening to her that you could understand what was going on but this was just too little too late.

You don't find out until nearer the end what is actually up with Zoran so leading up to this just led to more confusing not knowing where it was going.

I didn't really like the lead female character Tania she seemed very clingy for most of the book until nearer then when she actually got some fire in her belly and actually act out. I didn't really see any good qualities to her apart from with Grace and Jude. She let everyone just walk all over her. I didn't get her parents they was always leaving her in the house alone when she is only a teenager and it's a place where a lot of wildfires happen it just didn't make sense. Even when her Mum had a bad feeling about leaving her still left her I just didn't really see any point of them in this story.

Orlando bugged me for most of this book and like everything else he picked up you guessed it near the end! There's not much to say about him other than he was annoying and quite a lot of the time a jerk I just didn't get the attraction between Tania and Orlando.

Daniel I actually liked until the end he seemed sweet and kind and that he cared about Tania so I won't say any more on him as I will end up giving it away and I'm not going to do that to you.

At one point I thought I bought a arc copy of this book as there seemed to be a lot of mistakes for a final copy. One for example all the way through the book they spelt her name Tania but at one point it went to Tanya but then back again in the next sentence.

There was parts where I thought I was going to really fall in love with the book as sometimes things was happening and I was on the edge of my seat there was a few of these highs but just not enough.

I thought that the ending was quite good as it seemed to wrap everything up and tied with a bow so I didn't think there would be another book but from Goodreads I have seen that there is at least two more books but I just don't know where it will go from there and I don't think I will be continuing with this series.

Overall I thought there was a lot of potential for this to be a great book but in the end it just never lived up to the potential.

What does everyone think am I right or was I way of the mark let me know what you think...

Book Covers: Revenants Series

Revenants Series by Amy Plum

Die For Me #1

Until I Die #2

I have Die For Me on my shelf which is just waiting for me to read it but I do hope that the story is just as beautiful as the cover.

The actual reason why I wanted to read this series was because of the cover as it's so beautiful!

I love the colours that have been used in both these books as it has just been left simple which I think it definitely needed with all of the patterns going on in the cover as well.

Talking of the patterns it's my favourite part of the cover as it looks so delicate. I love the way that in book #1 it goes into the dress it makes it look like it was supposed to be a part of the dress. With book #2 the patterns seem to be the most dominate role of the cover which I do like it's just that I prefer the way it was interweaves with the dress in the first one.

Book #1 seems to have a more of a fancy font but it's not too fancy which is what is needed so that it doesn't over power the cover. In Book #2 it looks more plainer but I think this has to do with this book having more patterns so it would have just looked too cluttered.

Top Ten Tuesday #9

Top 10 Tuesday is a weekly meme by The Broke and the Bookish. Every Tuesday everyone involved in the TTT will make a list of that weeks topic.



This weeks topic is: Top Ten Books To Save If My House Were Abducted By Aliens (or any other disaster struck)

This is a real toughie as I have quite a few favourites and most of them are series so what I will have to do is class the series as one otherwise this list would never end!

Here goes nothing!

1. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare: My all time favourite series that I just couldn't go without!
2. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare: Another favourite of mine and I can't leave Will behind!
3. The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers: Technically I would be saving my laptop for this one until I got a hardcopy of it but I just have fallen in love with it and it is up there with Cassandra Clare books.
4. Drake Chronicles by Alyxandra Harvey: I haven't even caught up with this series yet so I would have to save them all just so I knew what happened with all the Drake's!
5. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick: This series I would have to save as they are my all time favourite book covers that it would be a crime for them to be destroyed!
6. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles: I love this series and it was the series that made me venture into knew genre's. It just has to be saved!
7. Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles: Again I love this series and it would be a crime to be left behind!
8. The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine: I love the series and the covers enough said!!
9. The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead: Another favourite series of mine and I would make sure the last one was there as the cover was different to the rest of them and it's beautiful.
10. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Stunning series and even though the last one wasn't as good it's still one of the best series around and it always gets a reaction.

I love all these books and I would just have to save them as they are well worth the risk! There is also a lot of books that I haven't even read yet and maybe I would try and sneak them with me as well!!

Teaser Tuesday #12

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





My Teasers:

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

I wanted to say, I'm not, I'm a mess, I have to tell you what I saw last night, this place is freakish and frightening and I don't know how we ended up here or how we can get out. I thought of the book's admonition and I just couldn't decide if I could say something or not, so I didn't. - Page 319

                           Dark Angel by Eden Maguire

Or because he's evil and the monsters, the shape-shiffting, the nightmares are true. The green-eyed serpent opens its mouth and hisses. It coils around my body and presses against my heart.
'Tania, are you OK?' Holly asked, laying her hand over mine.
'One thing's for sure,' I whispered. 'Whatever is happening here, you should let Aaron know he had one lucky escape.' - Page 196

Both these books at the minute seem very similar and I'm actually surprised I haven't got a bit confused, even the book covers look similar! They both had started of quite bad as I couldn't get into them but they have both picked up. So far I would say Illuminate is slightly out in front as the suspense in now killing me!

Illuminate is an arc copy so therefore the quote could be different to final copy.

So there's my teasers what are your teasers this week?

It's Monday WHat Are You Reading? #17

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




                                                          Finished Reading
   
                                               Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

I finished Glow earlier this week and I did like it but I did feel a bit disappointed in the characters and some the story. To view my full review click here.

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different by Karen Blumenthal

I really enjoyed this book as it was so informative but in a more simple manner that someone without knowledge would understand. It was very beautifully written and at times very moving. To see my full review click here.

Currently Reading

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

Although it did take well over 100 pages to get into I am now very much hooked and can't wait to see what is going to happen next.

Dark Angel by Eden Maguire

Not read much of this book yet but it has started a bit slow but hopefully it will pick up soon.

Reading Next

Torn by Amanda Hocking

Pieces of us by Margie Gelbwasser

Looking forward to reading both of these books.

So that's what I am planning on reading this week, what are you reading?

Book Review: Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different by Karen Blumenthal

Format: Paperback (arc)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Published: 16th February 2012
Pages: 256
Main Characters: Steve Jobs
Date Started: 16th February 2012
Date Finished: 18th February 2012
Rating Given: *****

Goodreads:
"Your time is limited. . . . have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."--Steve Jobs From the start, his path was never predictable. Steve Jobs was given up for adoption at birth, dropped out of college after one semester, and at the age of twenty, created Apple in his parents' garage with his friend Steve Wozniack. Then came the core and hallmark of his genius--his exacting moderation for perfection, his counterculture life approach, and his level of taste and style that pushed all boundaries. A devoted husband, father, and Buddhist, he battled cancer for over a decade, became the ultimate CEO, and made the world want every product he touched.          Critically acclaimed author Karen Blumenthal takes us to the core of this complicated and legendary man while simultaneously exploring the evolution of computers. Framed by Jobs' inspirational Stanford commencement speech and illustrated throughout with black and white photos, this is the story of the man who changed our world.

I got an email from Bloomsbury asking if anyone wanted to read this and I took awhile to think about it as it's not my usual book but they have sent be books that I have asked for in the past and loved most so I thought I would try it.

I am so glad I agreed to reviewing this book as I was hooked and read it in only a couple of days which usually takes me a lot longer to read my books.

It was such an interesting book that told me all about the history of Apple and if you knew me you would know I love the Mac computer (although I don't have one but I will eventually).

When you look at the guy on the cover he looks like such a nice guy but once reading this book we did find out about his darker side. I was pleased that that was told as sometimes people can gloss over the lives of people who are no longer with us but this wasn't and I actually really enjoyed reading about his more darker side than when he was nice.

The last couple of chapters that was more about the later years of Jobs was actually very moving and also in parts gave me the chills, which I never expected to happen but it was very beautifully written.

Overall a brilliantly, intellectual, and moving book and one I would recommend ANYONE to read!

In My Mailbox #18

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.









I never actually bought any books this week but I did have some swaps and review books.

Slide by Jill Hathaway

I got this book from readitswapit which I have been trying to get a review copy for awhile now so I was really pleased that I was able to get a swap for it and I am very much looking forward to reading it.

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

This was another swap but this time from Jodie over at Goodreads. I was so pleased that I was finally able to get this book I have heard so many good things about it and again I am really looking forward to reading it.

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different by Karen Blumenthal

I received this from Bloomsbury (Ian Lamb) for review purposes and I have actually already read it and I found it very entertaining and the review should be up some time today.

I also got a couple of galley's over at Netgalley

White Witch by Trish Milburn

I really wanted to read this because of the title as this sounds like this would be my kind of book.

Interrupted by Rachel Coker

This sounded good so I just had to see if I could get it so I hope its going to be as good as it what it sounds like.

So that's what was in my mailbox this week, what did you get in yours?

Book Review: Glow (Sky Chasers #1)

Glow (Sky Chasers #1) by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Format: Paperback (arc)
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: 13th September 2011
Pages: 307
Main Characters: Kieran, Waverly
Date Started: 9th February 2012
Date Finished: 16th February 2012
Rating Given: ***

Goodreads:
What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.

I first wanted to read this book because of the front cover (not this one) and then I saw quite a few great reviews so I knew I just had to try it and I am actually glad that I did even if I didn't like it all the time.

It took a while to get into but I think this was down to the language used as I just didn't get it at first. Also it took a while to be told why they was actually on this journey I would have maybe liked to have heard about this in maybe a prologue first instead of not understanding for quite some pages.

There was a lot of things that was going on which I liked as it kept me interested in the book. I have decided that I like thrilling books and most of this is quite thrilling as you never know what is going to happen next or even who you can trust, as at one point you think you can trust a character and then all of a sudden they can just flip.

I really liked Kieran he was such a sweet guy he always thought he was doing the right things but then everyone would turn on him, I felt so sorry for him. I did feel like he would have been better suited as a female character because I am not used to seeing my male lead character's being so gentle and very emotional which I kind of get because of the things he has gone through. I felt very protective of him and hated it when everyone turned on him. I also felt he was too good for Waverly there was just something not quite right with there relationship!

At first I quite liked Waverly she seemed like a nice, independent girl. She never gave in she was always fighting for hers and the other girls survival. There was a scene with Waverly that did make me very squeamish that I really didn't like but that just has to do with my phobia of needles (makes me squirm just writing the word). Then towards the end I just stopped liking her altogether as I just hated the way she was with Kieran. I know she went through a lot but she didn't understand that so did Kieran! I couldn't believe the way she believed what was said about him and I dread to think how this is going to unravel in the following books.

I hated Seth's character although there was times when I understood why he acted the way he acted but in the end a lot of the characters would have been going through the same kind of things and they didn't act the way he did. I think he has a very evil side to him which I think could come out more in the next books.

I do think Waverly is better suited to Seth as Kieran would be too easy for her to walk all over him and I think Kieran could do way better. I actually think he would have been better suited to Felicity.

Overall I enjoyed all the thrills and spills but I am not sure about how believable the characters are.

Film Review: Twilight

Twilight
(May contain spoilers)

Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Writers: Melissa Rosenberg (Screenplay), Stephenie Meyer (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Robert Pattinson/Edward Cullen, Kristen Stewart/Bella Swan, Billy Burke/Charlie Swan, Taylor Lautner/Jacob Black, Nikki Reed/Rosalie, Kellan Lutz/Emmet, Ashley Greene/Alice, Jackson Rathbone/Jasper, Cam Gigandet/James
Cinema Release Date: 19th December 2008
Recently Watched (DVD): 16th February 2012
Rating Given: ***

In the past I had watched it so many times that I eventually got fed up of watching it and I hadn't watched it for a while now, however, with Breaking Dawn getting released on DVD in March I thought I would watch the Saga over again as it would be quicker than reading the books.

When I first watched this film I loved it I couldn't think of any other film that would be as good as this one well that was until I got fed up with it. This time round however I did really like it but I just didn't love it as much as what I did back then.

At first I thought that they stuck pretty close to the book with only one scene missing but thinking about it this time there is quite a few scene's missing which were my favourite part of the book so I am quite upset that they didn't put them in there. Some of the scene's that are in the book and in the film are cut down quite a bit as well which is such a shame on both these points as some of the best scene's ended up being the worst in the film.

The acting is quite bad in this film that I never really noticed that much but at least they have improved as each film is made.

I found Bella more annoying in the film than in the books as some of the way she said things or did things came of rude and abrupt. I think they should have made her more clumsy in the film as it's quite funny reading about it so I think it could have been funny while watching it.

When I first watched this I loved Robert Pattinson and couldn't think of a better guy to play him but that was before I went off of him (like him again after watching Breaking Dawn he looked very yummy), but while I watching it this time around I couldn't help but think Ed Westwick would have made a brilliant Edward as in the books he is described a lot like Ed.

I can't believe how much Taylor has changed from this one to the latest one he has buffed up so much and he doesn't look as youthful.

There was moments when I was really enjoying it and smiling away at some of the (cheesy) things that was being said.

Blog Updates

Hey everyone Kate here, just a little note to let you know I have made a few little updates to my blog hope you like them.

As you can see I have changed the background as I found that the photo's that had been using was a little distracting so I went with something simple with nothing too much going on in the background (I seem to be on a blue kick this time round)

I have added another way for you to follow me by using the Linky Follower I thought this would be a good idea for those of you who don't want to use the Blogger follower or the email subscription.

I have also updated my Facebook page so that it co-insides with my blog so if you want to take a look just click on the Facebook owl at the side.

I have also added a few blogs that I visit regularly.

Not too many changes as you can see but if anyone feel I could improve on anything else to make this a better blog (as I'm not getting many comments) please let me know either by posting on here or using my new email which is in the on the side with the profile information.

Thanks

Kate :)

Book Covers: Graffiti Moon

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

I love this cover as it was what attracted me to the book which in this case it was a good idea to judge a book by it's cover.

I love the use of colours as everything black and white but some bright colours in the background which I find fitting for the story as it gives us hope.

The way the title and the authors name looks simple when you first look at it but then when you get a closer look it looks more like graffiti giving it rough edging as again this is very much in keeping with the storyline.

The people in the cover have been kept into the shadows which at first I thought that's all they where but there is a bit of detailing on the.

I seem to have mentioned it a few times but everything about this cover is in keeping with the actual book which I think is a great idea because then you know what you're getting and I don't think many covers have kept the cover similar to what the book is about.

I just love everything about this cover and the story is just as good!

(Check out my review here)

Teaser Tuesday #11

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





My Teaser:

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

The voices of the congregation flooded around her like brackish water, made the room spin. Panic forced its way into every breath she took, and she had to bite back a sob. Being around so many people brought the truth home to her. The girls were hopelessly outnumbered here. They were trapped.
And these people could do anything to them they wanted.
No.
Waverly squared her shoulders. She had to find her mother and the rest of the parents. She had to find a way to leave this ship, no matter what happened.
And she would kill to do it. - Page 108

This book started out a little bit confusing and a bit slow but as you can tell from the quote things are about to get interesting and I for one can't wait to see what is going to happen next!

Arc copy so may differ from final copy.

Taylor Swift - Safe and Sound Official Music Video

Here it is the official video for Safe & Sound by Taylor Swift which is for The Hunger Games. I think it's a beautiful song and I can just picture where it would be in the book so I'm hoping it will be in the film. Hope everyone likes it as much as me :)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #16

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




                                                     Finished Reading
   
                         After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel

Not the best book that I have ever read. It was really hard to get into and I didn't like the relationship between the two main characters. Loads of potential but in the end fell a bit flat. To see my review click here.

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

I really enjoyed this book as it was beautifully written and this time I loved the characters and the interaction between the two main characters. It was a very descriptive book which did take some getting used to but once I did I fell in love with the book. For my review click here.

Currently Reading

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

It started off a bit slow and didn't really understand what was going on or even some of the language used but I have now gotten into it so much so I look forward to reading the next chapter.

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

Not sure what the story is actually about yet but then again I have only read the first two chapters I do hope something happens soon!

Reading Next

Dark Angel by Eden Maguire

I have had this book sitting on my shelf for quite some time now so I thought I should finally get around to reading it. I just hope I love it as much as the cover!

What are you reading this week?

Book Review: Graffiti Moon

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Format: e-arc
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Publishes: 14th February 2012
Pages: 272
Main Characters: Lucy, Ed
Date Started: 6th February 2012
Date Finished: 11th February 2012
Rating Given: ****

Netgalley:
An all-night cityscape moonlit love story.
     Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

I stumbled across this book on Netgalley and it sounded different but in a good way so I knew I had to try it. Then while waiting for it I found a couple of reviews which was good and they wasn't wrong.

This is a completely different book for me as the whole book is the duration of a night I never read a book that doesn't go over at least a week in time which I really liked as I felt like I was getting more of an explanation of what the characters was feeling even though the length of the book is shorter than some books that I have read before. The book was also set in Australia and I have only read a couple of books set in this place.

I loved the way everything was explained as I got the sense of where they were living. Just the description of all of there surroundings and the art was just stunning I could really see the art in my head which I really enjoyed.

The only reason why I couldn't give the book the full five stars (which I was very close to doing) was because the beginning for me was hard to get into and especially because of the style of writing I am not used to things being described in so much depth which some people may love it just was hard to get used to.

I loved Lucy's character she was so funny especially the punch one of the best scene's of the book. She is such a strong female character.

I also loved Ed's character the interaction between him and Leo and him and Lucy was brilliantly funny and emotional. He like Lucy is a strong character with the things he has had to go through you just understand why he is the way he is.

I love the way we get to know what each of the main characters are feeling with some of the story repeating itself but from the others perspective, it could have been annoying but the way it's written just makes sense.

You get a real sense of what these character's about which is kind of a surprise as in some series you still don't get that feeling until the last book.

After reading this by Cath Crowley I must take a look at her other books as this was a brilliantly beautiful written book which I would definitely recommend to anyone who is thinking about reading it to read it now!

Book Review: After Obsession

After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel

Format: Paperback (arc)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Published: 13th September 2011
Pages: 307
Main Characters: Aimee, Alan, Courtney
Date Started: 5th February 2012
Date Finished: 9th February 2012
Rating Given: **

Goodreads:
Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.


Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love-and introducing an exciting new YA voice, Steven Wedel-this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.

I had high hopes for this book it sounded like it had such potential but in the end it just fell flat.

This book was a different kind of book for me which wasn't a good experience. I have watched films/TV with the same kind of theme but done better as it was made more creepier which is the main thing that didn't work for me, for example, the bad guy was called 'The River Man' which as you can see is not creepy.

The other thing that fell flat was the romance side of the book with Aimee and Alan it just happened one minute they couldn't go there and then the next minute they was calling each other boyfriend/girlfriend. Aimee was an alright character on her own and especially with her brother just not with Alan. I didn't like the way she understood about the possession yet she still couldn't forgive Blake yet she could Courtney. Alan again was an alright character and very sweet it just didn't work with the chemistry.

One of the side stories was a bit weird as well with a Cheeto that supposedly looked like Marilyn Monroe even though everyone else thought otherwise it was just a random and pointless part of the story.

What I did like about this book was the possession of some of the village it was written really well but I think it could have been taken further. I did like the action towards the end it really kept you on the edge I just wish there was more of this in the whole of the book.

This book is a stand alone book which I was actually very disappointed with because there was still a lot of unanswered questions and with it being a short book it felt very rushed where they could have took there time and made it into a trilogy it could have been so much better that way.

I haven't read many duet authors the ones that I have one the partnerships worked and another partnership never worked for me and this partnership falls in the never worked category.

Overall it wasn't the worst book that I have ever read but it by far wasn't the best.

In My Mailbox #17

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.









I ordered these books last week and arrived Monday as one of them was a pre-order.

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn

I have been after this for quite some time now so when I had some vouchers to spend I thought I would look to see how much it was and at only £3.99 I had to snap it up. I am very much looking forward to this as I have read Beastly and it's now one of my favourites so I am hoping this will go the same way.

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Again I have been after this for awhile mainly on netgalley but I kept getting turned down which made me want to read it all the more and then when it kept getting great reviews I just knew I had to get it with my vouchers. I just hope its worth the wait!

I also got a couple of books for review.

Chose Ones by Tiffany Truitt

I see this cover on Goodreads and I fell in love with it so I just had to see if I could get a review copy of it. Which I received a e-arc copy of it from Danielle Barclay over at Entangled Publishing. I am really looking forward to reading this book lets hope its as good as the cover.

Torn by Amanda Hocking

I received this in the post the other day and at the time I had no idea where it came from as I knew I hadn't asked to review it (although I wanted to) and I never ordered it. When I emailed Jessica Preeg over at St. Martin's Press (who had sent me the first to review) I found out that because I reviewed the first one I get to review Torn as well and I for one can't wait!

I also got a couple of galley's from Netgalley

Gift by Andrea J. Buchanan

Shayla Witherwood: A Half-Farie Tale by Tamra Torero

What's in your mailbox this week?