Teaser Tuesday #45

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! To find out more about the books click on the picture which will take you to Goodreads.




My teasers:

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

Jack gagged, a deep, harshly liquid sound. An instant later, a sudden jet of bright red blood boiled from his mouth to splatter onto the icy rocks. Alex screamed just as Mina let out a sudden high yelp-
And a second later, the pain had Alex, too. - Page 25




Slowly, carefully, Alex dropped to her knees, the cold earth biting through her hiking pants. Ellie didn't move a muscle. Wordlessly, Alex followed the girl's horrified gaze-and then her blood turned to slush.
No, she thought. No, please, God, I'm not seeing this. - Page 71


Started off a bit boring and I couldn't get into it but once certain things start happening it gets a lot more interesting and now I am looking forward to see what happens next.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #53

It's Monday What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey in which we plan our reading week!
(Click on images to send you to Goodreads)

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

A Soldier's Secret by Marissa Moss

Becoming A Butterfly by Mia Castile

Die For Me by Amy Plum

 

 

Currently Reading

 

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

Only just started it but I'm not sure what to think about it yet as things are only just starting to happen so hopefully it will pick up soon.

 

 

Reading Next

 

Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile

 

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

I actually haven't got this book but I am hoping to have it by the end of the day so I will make sure I start it sometime this week and I for one can't wait to read it.

 

 

So that is what I am planning on reading this week leave me links to your posts and I'll come take a look.

 

Book Review: Die For Me (Revenants #1)

Die For Me (Revenants #1) by Amy Plum

 

Format: Paperback

Publishers: Harper Teen

Published: 10th May 2011

Pages: 341

Main Characters: Kate, Vincent

Date Started: 24th October 2012

Date Finished: 28th October 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.
 

I have wanted to read this book for ages and I have had it for awhile too but I have only just gotten around to reading it. Now that I have read it I wish I picked it up sooner as I really enjoyed reading it.

This cover is just stunning and it's one of my favourite covers. I love all the patterns around the edges as it makes the cover stand out. What I never really noticed before is the location of the cover which I think has something to do with it being so small but I don't think that matters too much.

I really enjoyed this book as there was times when I was smiling ear to ear. There was some very sad moments that nearly had me in tears which I think is good as my emotions was pushed to the limit. I loved that it was a different kind of paranormal book as I haven't read about these kind of paranormals before and I did find it very interesting. There are still things that I'm still not sure about but I'm sure as the series continues it will be cleared up. I did get a bit confused as to what was happening at times which did annoy me. I have ideas on what I think is going to happen next and i am looking forward to see if any of them happen.

I loved all the characters in this book. Kate and her sister was going through a huge transition and trauma so they was both very sad to start with but they both dealt with it in different ways. Vincent I loved from the very start and he also bought out the best in Kate and she bought out the best in him and I can't wait to see if there relationship continues to grow.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I hope I continue to do so with the next book.

Book Review: Becoming A Butterfly (The Butterfly Chronicles #1)

Becoming A Butterfly (The Butterfly Chronicles #1) by Mia Castile

 

Format: e-book

Publishers: Entwined Publishing

Published: 22nd May 2012

Pages: 276

Main Characters: Lacey, Chase, Henry

Date Started: 23rd October 2012

Date Finished: 25th October 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

16 year old Lacey was never the center of attention, unless she was tripping, stammering, or being deposited into a pool by the local popular kids. All she wanted was to fit in, until one night when everything changed.
Jade and Tasha, her two best friends, helped her create an online personality that was everything she wanted to be - and it was only the beginning. In doing so she attracted the attention of Henry, her lifelong crush and next door neighbor. Unfortunately it was Farrah, her online personality and not herself, he was interested in.
She also attracted Chase the brooding, quiet, anti-social new kid of Brownsburg High School, who easily figured out her secret and blackmailed her. They forged a friendship that was both unique and complicated.
Lacey must decide if revealing herself to Henry and her entire school as the cool, charming, and funny Farrah is worth possibly losing him forever, and she finds herself needing to make an even harder decision than she ever thought possible. When did the lines between truth and lies get so blurred?

Becoming a Butterfly is a story about coming of age and finding yourself when you never knew you were lost.

To be honest with everyone I never knew about this book until a few weeks ago when the author was talking about the second book to this series. I actually asked if I could review the second one not realizing that it was the second until she asked if I had read the first one which she also sent me and I'm so grateful that she did as I really enjoyed this book.

There's not much going on in the cover but because I love black and white together I in turn love this cover. I don't see that the cover resembles what the story is about which I would have liked it even more if it had done. The title's font should have been done a bit more simpler as it is hard to tell what the title actually says.

From the moment i started this book I knew I was going to really enjoy this book as I was hooked by the first couple of pages. It was a great quick read as usually when I read e-books I take a lot longer to read but somehow I read this a lot quicker than the hard copy book that I was reading at the same time. One of the things that I loved about this book is that this not just a contemporary romance but it was also a coming of age novel which was beautifully written. I did find it a bit predictable in places but there was something that happened that did shock me which I just wasn't expecting.

Lacey started of as someone who wouldn't do or say anything that was out of place but during the book she grew into a stronger person. What seemed to make her stronger was when she made up her own alter ego Farrah but her alter ego also made her change in bad ways too. There was times when she did annoy me though as she just couldn't open her eyes but overall she seemed like a sweet girl. Chase I loved he had me smiling for most of the book but like Lacey there was times when he annoyed me but I think that was mainly at the beginning. Henry I grew to like him as at first he seemed like a jerk.

Overall a very moving book that I would recommend everyone to read. Now I need to get on with the second book which I'm sure will be just as good as this one.

Cover Reveal: Blood Bound by Keshia Swaim

Today I am pleased to say that I have been invited by the publishers over at Spencer Hill Press to reveal the cover for Blood Bound by Keshia Swaim. I must admit I haven't read anything by this author but I am looking forward to do so in the future as this book sounds really good. The difference between this cover reveal to the other cover reveals is that we can vote on our favourite cover so yes there are two books to reveal!

So here's the book covers:

 

 So with you being able to vote I'm not going to say which I prefer but I have already voted!

At the bottom of this post you will find the voting form :)

 

Here is the synopsis for Blood Bound:

 

Starting college a year early is hard. Starting fae college and learning to protect the world from the Unseelie is harder.
Brielle Reed has always been an over-achiever, but this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew. Between her crash course in fae politics, struggles to control her new mind-reading ability, training sessions with the demanding Dr. Schwartz, and discoveries about the father who is still a mystery to her, Brielle finds herself longing for a chance at a normal life.
But she may not get that chance. Or chance at a life at all, for that matter.
 

For information on Keshia Swaim click below:

Goodread | Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

 

Which design do you prefer, the one with the hand or the one with the girl on the cover?

• Hand
• Girl

Freeblogpolls

More polls: Memira

Book Review: A Soldier's Secret

A Soldier's Secret: The Incredible True Story of Sarah Edmonds, Civil War Hero by

Marissa Moss

(May contain spoilers)

 

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Abrams & Chronicle Books

Published: 1st September 2012

Pages: 400

Main Characters: Sarah/Frank,

Date Started: 17th October 2012

Date Finished: 23rd October 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

The story of Sarah Emma Edmonds, who masqueraded as a man named Frank Thompson during the Civil War. Among her many adventures, she was a nurse on the battlefield and a spy for the Union Army, and was captured by (and escaped from) the Confederates. The novel is narrated by Sarah, offering readers an in-depth look not only at the Civil War but also at her journey to self-discovery as she grapples with living a lie and falling in love with one of her fellow soldiers.

 

 

I received an email from Abrams & Chronicles (thanks for sending me the book) if I wanted to read this book and even though it's not my normal kind of book it sounded interesting so I thought I would give it a try and I'm glad I did.

 

The cover doesn't exactly draw me in but once I had read the story the cover explained itself. It's the title that actually drew me in so I'm glad it's in the centre of the book and bold making it eye catching.

 

I loved that this story was based on a true story as it gave the book more meaning and making the journey all the more remarkable. From the moment I started this book I was hooked and was intrigued to find out what was going to happen to her. The thing that I didn't like at the beginning was that if you never knew the title you wouldn't know the secret. We don't even find out her real name or even the background story of why Sarah poses as a man until a few chapters into the book. It's a very remarkable story that makes me think how lucky us women/girls have it today compared to back when this book was set. It is an action packed book as you would imagine a book set in the civil war would be and this book certainly paints a very vivid picture. Even though it was a depressing story of war there was still times when I would laugh out loud but then there was times when I felt for her especially the things she had to endure. I did find the book a bit repetitive as it was mainly fighting/disguising/ill/recover which was pretty much repeated throughout the story which did get a bit annoying. I loved that after Moss finished the story she also explained where she got her information from and also a couple of things that she made up which was the one thing I wanted to be true so it kind of breaks my heart to know that that never happened.

 

Frank/Sarah was a great character as she was so brave I just couldn't imagine seeing the things that she did without my stomach turning. She seemed more like a man than any of the male characters. I enjoyed seeing how she overcame certain situations and some of them even made me cringe. She just seemed to me like she was born in the wrong century as she wouldn't have had to go through half the things she did do today. There was a few other characters that was in this book book but they where mainly men who didn't know that she was a woman. My favourite character aside from Frank/Sarah was Damon as he was really funny but also he just seemed genuinely a nice guy. Jerome I liked and could see why Frank/Sarah fell for him but he did annoy me a lot. What makes me want to read about these characters more than I have before is that where real people in real situations.

 

Overall an inspiring read and one that I would definitely recommend to anyone.

Book Cover Talk: Crewel

This week's book cover that I am talking about is...

 

Crewel by Ginnifer Albin

 

Like I seem to say every week the moment I saw this cover I wanted to read it then I saw the paperback version and I hated it, it's completely different to this version which I can't get enough of.

I am so glad I was able to get a hardback copy of the book as it's even better than this picture as it's got a metallic finish to it.

i love the abstract look of it as I'm not even sure what is happening within the cover which I feel makes it look even more alluring.

All that I can tell from the cover is the face the rest I have no clue what anything is. It looks like hair for the most part and then the rest looks to me like colours which i think makes it look beautiful.

I love all the different colours as they all seem to work well together. Like I said some of the colours have a metallic sheen making them stand out even more. What you don't see from this picture is the back cover which continues much the same as the front minus the face which makes me want to look at the back just as much as the front.

Another thing that you don't see is that under the dust jacket is just plain green with an imprint of an hourglass which may not sound interesting but it has be thinking about what is going to happen within the story.

The font of the title is simple but with the curves around it makes it look less than simple which I think makes it look eye catching. Also inside the dust jacket the title is the same but this time in pink which you would think that the green of the background wouldn't go with the brightness of the pink but I think it does.

The only thing about the cover is I don't know whether it matches the story as I haven't read it yet but I'm hoping it does as I prefer the covers to have a meaning.

Teaser Tuesday #44

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! To find out more about the books click on the picture which will take you to Goodreads.




My teasers:

A Soldier's Secret by Marissa Moss

Just a minute there." The recruiter stops me as I lean over to dip the pen in ink. "You can't enlist."
I freeze. Can he tell? I'm wearing a shirt, vest, and trousers as usual, my curly hair cut short except for a lock that insists on falling over my forehead. I brush it away nervously and meet the man's eyes. I've been passing for nearly three years now, but every new encounter still brings with it the same fear. I take nothing for granted. The key thing, I remind myself, is not to reveal anything, to act as normal as possible. - Page 1



I know I usually use two teasers when reading the one book but I have used a longer teaser this time to make up for it as I don't want to give too much away. This is actually the first lines from the book which I though set up the story the best. I have near enough finished this book and I am really enjoying it.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #52

It's Monday What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey in which we plan our reading week!
(Click on images to send you to Goodreads)

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

 

Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost 

 

 

Currently Reading

 

A Soldier's Secret by Marissa Moss

Not my normal kind of book but it's very interesting and I am really enjoying it.

 

 

Reading Next

 

Becoming A Butterfly by Mia Castile

 

Die For Me by Amy Plum

I have had this for awhile now so thought I should read it and I've heard great things about it so I'm looking forward to reading it.

 

 

So that's what I'm planning on reading this week let me know what you're reading or leave me a link to your post and I'll get back to you.

 

 

 

Book Review: The Paladin Prophecy (The Paladin Prophecy #1)

The Paladin Prophecy (The Paladin Prophecy #1) by Mark Frost

 

 

Format: E-ARC

Publishers: Random House

Published: 25th September 2012

Pages: 560

Main Characters: Will

Date Started: 2nd October 2012

Date Finished: 18th October 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Will West is careful to live life under the radar. At his parents' insistence, he's made sure to get mediocre grades and to stay in the middle of the pack on his cross-country team. Then Will slips up, accidentally scoring off the charts on a nationwide exam.

Now Will is being courted by an exclusive prep school . . . and is being followed by men driving black sedans. When Will suddenly loses his parents, he must flee to the school. There he begins to explore all that he's capable of--physical and mental feats that should be impossible--and learns that his abilities are connected to a struggle between titanic forces that has lasted for millennia.

Co-creator of the groundbreaking television series Twin Peaks, Mark Frost brings his unique vision to this sophisticated adventure, which combines mystery, heart-pounding action, and the supernatural.
 

I wanted to read this as soon as I saw it on Netgalley as it sounded like an intriguing book and I wasn't wrong.

The cover I was not a big fan of as I didn't get it but now that I have read the book I understand it that bit better. I don't like that there isn't much going on I think it needed something to make the book stand out.

From the moment I started this book there was a lot going on but by the middle it got a little too much so much so I got a little bit lost. Although I did loose my way during the middle of the book it did slow down towards the end which was more like the beginning which I was happy about. This book is a very different book one that I haven't read this kind of story before. Even though this was a unique take on a sci-fi/fantasy genre I just didn't find it believable enough which is a shame as I think books need to be believeable no matter what kind of book it is. The ending also left me guessing as well as wanting more and I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next. I did like that I never knew what was going to happen next and there was a shocking thing that happened at the end that I just didn't see coming.

There was quite a few characters but only one main character who was called Will. Will is a very clever boy but always had to hold back which I think was the reason why it took a little while to warm to his character. The more the book went on the more we found out about him and all these new things he found out about himself made him a stronger person. I didn't find him a believable character like other books that I have read. He was told a list of rules by his parents in which he had memorized and we get to see them and how he uses them in different situations. The only thing about these rules was that they wasn't in any order and we didn't get to see them all but what I didn't know was a list of the rules was at the end of the book which I think should have been at the beginning so that us readers know they where.

Overall there was a lot of thing happening in this book but sometimes it was a bit too much but apart from that it was an intriguing book well worth a read even if it is a bit too long.

Showcase Sunday #19

 

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly Meme that I am taking part of. This weekly meme is hosted by Vicky over at Book, Biscuits and Tea and for more info click on the SS image which will take you straight to the blog. Click on the titles of the books to take you to Goodreads.

 

 

Books mentioned

Books Swapped
Love Story by Jennifer Echols
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Books Bought
Possess by Gretchen McNeil
Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

So that's what I read this week leave me a link to what you received and I will take a look.

Follow Friday #20

 

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 blogs are Kinx's Book Nook and Shelf Addiction.

 

 

Q: When you step out of your USUAL genre what do you like to read? Best books in that genre?

 

 

Answer: My usual genre is Paranormal Romance which I do love but I have been trying a few other genre's to mix it up. Now that I am looking into other genre's I find the best is Contemporary Romance which I wouldn't have tried before as I used to just stick to my usual genre as I knew that I will most likely love that book. Now every Contemporary Romance book that I have read I have rated it no less than four stars!

I am finding it really hard to pick a favourite book from that genre so I am going to pick one of my first books that I read from my new genre which is...

 

 

(Click on the image to take you to goodreads)

I loved this book and the rest of this series it's just beautifully written and it tackled some serious issues. I will always be grateful to Simone Elkeles for introducing me to a brilliant new genre. I haven't read many books in this genre so if anyone has some idea's of books that I would like please let me know :)

 

Book Review: Mystic City (Mystic City #1)

Mystic City (Mystic City #1) by Theo Lawrence

 

 

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Corgi

Published: 11th October 2012

Pages: 397

Main Characters: Aria, Hunter, Thomas

Date Started: 10th October 2012

Date Finished: 17th October 2012

Rating Given: *** 1/2

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

For fans of Matched, The Hunger Games, X-Men, and Blade Runner comes a tale of a magical city divided, a political rebellion ignited, and a love that was meant to last forever. Book One of the Mystic City Novels.

Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.
 

For me the moment I saw this cover I wanted to read it so I was very happy when Corgi (Random House) kindly sent me a copy for me to review (Big thanks to Corgi) I just wish I loved the story as much as I did the cover.

I love this cover and I have even done a Book Talk post about it. I love the way it looks mystical as it matches the title and even the actual story.  There is nothing that I don't like about the cover.

This book has the whole Romeo and Juliet romance going on which I loved that part of the story even though for most of the story I'm (and Aria) not sure who is the Romeo of the story. I found it a very confusing book but this is because Aria is also confused as she has no memory of what is happening which in turn makes for a very confusing book. Even though I understand why the book is confusing, I just couldn't get past it until things started to get cleared up which didn't really happen until close to the end. Once things started to get cleared up it became such a thrilling read that I just didn't want to put it down. I love that there is so many twists and turns I never quite know who is the good guy it led to some shocking moments. I liked that this was a dystopian novel with a paranormal twist which I wasn't expecting.

It took a while to actually like Aria but once I got to know her better she grew on me and I think she will continue to do so in the next book. To begin with she seems like your typical spoilt rich girl but I soon learn she has some hidden depths and she will fight for what she believes in. Hunter I liked from the moment he entered as he was such a strong character especially with the thing he has and is going through. I can't really say much else about the other characters without giving the story away but what I will say is that not everyone is who they seem which makes for (sometimes) an exciting read.

Overall once you get past all the confusion it's not a bad book and I am looking forward to see where the story takes us next.

Book Cover Talk: The Lost Prince

This week's book cover that I am talking about is...

 

 

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

 

This is the UK edition of The Lost Prince which was only just revealed this week and I must admit I love this cover loads more than the US edition which I don't usually feel that way but this cover is stunning.

I haven't read the Iron Fey series well I tried the first one but couldn't get on with it but that was a few years ago now so I am going to give them another try just so I can give this one a try as just from the cover it looks like it's going to be good.

There is a lot going on within the cover but this time I don't mind as I feel like it's captured a moment from the book. Even though it looks like a moment it doesn't actually look realistic which is the only thing I'm not too sure about.

I love that the main focus (well for me) is the tree as all the branches give the whole cover a beautiful effect. I also like that because of the branches it looks more textured when most likely it will be smooth.

I have said on a few other cover but I will say it again I love when not many different colours are used which is like this cover but there is a hint of other colours which i think looks stunning especially the green it looks very mystical.

The font for the title I actually like as it's simple but because of the layout and the different sizes it makes it stand out.

I love this cover and now that I have seen it I can't wait to read this and the series before it.

Teaser Tuesday #43

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! To find out more about the books click on the picture which will take you to Goodreads.




My teasers:

Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

J-
It's an awesome idea to address each other as Romeo and Juliet, star-crossed lovers that we are. I'm so happy I didn't frighten you. I thought telling you the truth-my last name, and who I am-would make you run... - Page 136




My father seems more confused than anything. He shakes his head and says, "You better hope you're telling the truth. Goodnight, Aria."
Then he drags Franklin out of my bedroom by the neck. - Page 240




I have used two teasers for this book as the other book that I am reading I have already used teasers so I thought I would share two from the same book. This book started off so confusing and still is in the fact I don't know who is the good guy but I guess I'm feeling the same way as Aria which is a good thing. I think things are going to start getting explained which I think is going to make this book a lot more readable.

It's Monday What are You Reading? #51

It's Monday What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey in which we plan our reading week!
(Click on images to send you to Goodreads)

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

 

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter 

 

I didn't have the best week of reading as it was my Mum's birthday so I had to get her presents as well as spending the day celebrating with her and the rest of my family.

 

 

Currently Reading

 

Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

It's a really confusing start but I'm hoping once things start getting cleared up I'm sure it will pick up.

 

The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost

A lot of the time this is a very action packed book but there are times when it's dull.

 

 

Reading Next

 

A Soldier's Secret by Marissa Moss

 

Destine by Katherine Polillo

 

 

 

So that's what I'm planning on reading this week let me know what your reading.

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Alive in Zombieland (White Rabbit Chronicles #1)

Alice in Zombieland (White Rabbit Chronicles #1) by Gena Showalter

 

 

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 5th October 2012

Pages 404

Main Characters: Alice, Cole

Date Started: 7th October 2012

Date Finished: 10th October 2012

Rating Given: *****

 

The Blurb from Goodreads:

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real….

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….


I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.
I'd tell my sister no.
I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.
I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.
Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.
I'd tell them I love them.
I wish... Yeah, I wish.

When I first heard about this book I just had to read it. One of the main reasons was because the author Gena Showalter wrote it as she has written some amazing books. I haven't read all of her books but the ones I have read I love I am yet to read a book written by Showalter that I don't like as this one is no different I just loved it.

I really like the cover as I love that it's mainly all black as it's fitting to the story as when I think of death I attach black. I also like that they have used the iconic dress that is used for Alice but it's not very fitting to the story as I don't think she even wore a dress like this one used.

From the very moment the book started I was emotionally attached to the book which doesn't happen very often yes I love books from the beginning but not to a point where I am in tears that's happened once before. Even though it was sad in parts throughout the book there was some really funny moments in which I would be laughing out loud. I was so hooked with this book it's one of a few that I have wanted to read in one sitting which I seriously don't understand how people can do that as life just gets in the way.

The characters I loved the two main characters are two of my favourite characters ever. Alice I felt for and for her to get through some of the things she had to go through I still smiling shows so much strength which I love to see in female characters. Cole was just great he was a brilliant bad boy which is something I love in my male characters but we do find out why he is the way he is and my heart just melts. Their chemistry was brilliant and believable I was rooting for them all the way through and I'm sure I will continue to do so. There was also some great side characters that I just loved and one of them was Frosty he was funny but also had a mean streak just like Cole. I also had a soft spot for Kat as she was there for Alice when she needed her and she was also fiery. Kat and Frosty was on-off all the way through the book which I'm sure will continue in the books to come. All the relationships/friendships had great interaction that I hope will continue in the series.

Overall a brilliant read that had me on a roller coaster ride right from the get-go and I can't wait for it to continue. This book is definitely one of my favourite reads of the year so far.

Book Cover Talk: Mystic City

 

This week's book cover that I am talking about is...

 

 

 

Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

 

I say this nearly every week but it's the same with this book as all of the others that from the moment I saw this cover I fell in love with it. It's one of those cover that made me put the book on my wishlist the moment that I saw it and I am so glad that Corgi Publishers sent me a finished review copy and I have just started it.

The actual book cover looks even better than the picture I didn't think that was even possible.

I love the way it looks mystical so that it fits into the title of the book as well they have also put in the city behind the girl which I love. The city backdrop you can't really see on the picture as much as you can the physical book but let me tell you it looks stunning. It does look 3D which gives it a realistic look but with the transparency being faint it looks like a projection which gives it a futuristic feel to the cover. Although I'm not certain of this but I think that the book is set in the future but having only read the first chapter I am not 100%certain.

I love the muted colours but then the backdrop looks like an actual city all lit up it looks so pretty.

There are a lot of book with a profile of one of the characters and this one is no exception but because of the backdrop and then her hair this cover really does stand out. I love the hair it's my favourite part of the book as it looks like her hair is smoking I find it very eye catching. What I find a bit strange is the fact that the girl is solid up top but when you look closer at the hands it looks a bit transparent like the buildings whether that is deliberate I'm not sure.

I think my least favourite part of the cover is the font of the title as it's a little bit too plain for my liking but that isn't a huge deal as when I look closer I can see a light curve but compared to the rest it doesn't stand out. Also I don't like the composition of the title as it hides some of the hair/smoke.

Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

 

Format: Paperback

Publisher: Speak

Published: 4th August 2011

Pages: 372

Main Characters: Anna, Etienne

Date Started: 3rd October 2012

Date Finished: 7th October 2012

Rating Given: *****

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Anna can't wait for her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a good job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. So she's not too thrilled when her father unexpectedly ships her off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair, the perfect boy. The only problem? He's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her crush back home. Will a year of romantic near-misses end in the French kiss Anna awaits?

 

 

I had wanted this book for such a long time and then a couple of months ago I was sent a RAK and I was so happy it was a copy of this book. Even though I have had for a bit now it took me awhile to actually pick it up I just wish I picked it up sooner as I loved every minute of it.

 

I'm not a huge fan of the cover as for me it's a bit cheesy looking. Even though I find it a bit cheesy I still think it's a cute cover I just wish we could see Etienne.

 

From the moment I started this book I was hooked even if it didn't have the action that I have come to love it just wasn't needed in this very cute read. I loved that it didn't just have the romance side of it but also the relationships between family and friends. I even love the setting of the book as that's not usually something I really pay any attention to but I now want to go visit France which I never had wanted to before this book. I found this book to be a sweet and quick read which I highly recommend.

 

The characters I loved they just made the book that much more entertaining. Anna was a great female character as she was funny and she also cared about everybody but there was times when i thought she was a bit of a hypocrite. Etienne well where do I start he was just so sweet and funny. I don't usually like good guys as the main I'm a bit of a bad boy fan (even if there was times when he was a little bit bad but he just couldn't help the way he felt) but Etienne changed that for me as I just fell in love with him from the moment we was introduced to him. They wasn't the only great characters as there was some side characters which I found just as funny and sweet. With every book there is always a bad character and this is no different it just happens that it wasn't the main characters which I am very thankful for.

 

Overall one of the best contemporary romance I have read this year and I can't wait to get stuck into Lola and the Boy Nextdoor which I have heard that Anna and Etienne appear in.

Teaser Tuesday #42

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! To find out more about the books click on the picture which will take you to Goodreads.




My teasers:

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Part of his world. What, exactly did that mean? "The first thing I want to know is what those things are. I've asked twice, but you haven't said. so tell me. Teach me. What did we just fight?"
Only a single beat of silence this time. Then he uttered one word. Just one. But that one word forever changed my life, as feared. "Zombies." - Page 175 (ARC Copy so quote may differ to final copy)


I love this book I am hooked! It's one of those books that I just need to read the next chapter before I can put it down and before I knew it I'm nearly finished.

The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost

Moments later, the computer turned on. Legs unfolded in back and slowly lifted the machine. The numinous black screen shimmered to life. Legs inching around in almost undetectable increments, the machine shifted until the screen faced the bed.
And it watched Will sleep. - Page 187 (ARC Copy so quote may differ to final copy)


I'm not sure about this book as I like it at times but then there are times I just want to stop reading it. There is loads of things happening which does make the book very intriguing.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #50

It's Monday What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey in which we plan our reading week!
(Click on images to send you to Goodreads)

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

 

The Diviners by Libba Bray 

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (Review coming soon)

 

 

Currently Reading

 

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

 

I only started this yesterday but I am already hooked although very sad which made me nearly cry so I am hoping that it will be a little happier.

 

The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost

 

This is a very intriguing book looking forward to seeing what is going to happen next.

 

 

Reading Next

 

Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

 

Only received this last week but i want to read it as it will be coming out at the end of the week so I need to get a review up soon.

 

 

So that's what I'm planning reading this week, let me know what you're reading.

 

 

 

Showcase Sunday #18

 

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly Meme that I am taking part of. This weekly meme is hosted by Vicky over at Book, Biscuits and Tea and for more info click on the SS image which will take you straight to the blog. Click on the titles of the books to take you to Goodreads.

Books mentioned in vlog:

Review Books
Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

Books Bought
Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Poison Princess by Kresley Cole


So that's what I received this week let me know in the comments below what you received!

Book Review: The Diviners (The Diviners #1)

The Diviners (The Diviners #1) by Libba Bray

 

Format: Hardback

Publishers: ATOM

Published: 18th September 2012

Pages: 592

Main Characters: Evie, Memphis, Jericho, Sam, Theta

Date Started: 25th September 2012

Date Finished: 3rd October 2012

Rating Given: ***

 

The Blurb from Goodreads:

It's 1920s New York City. It's flappers and Follies, jazz and gin. It's after the war but before the depression. And for certain group of bright young things it's the opportunity to party like never before.

For Evie O'Neill, it's escape. She's never fit in in small town Ohio and when she causes yet another scandal, she's shipped off to stay with an uncle in the big city. But far from being exile, this is exactly what she's always wanted: the chance to show how thoroughly modern and incredibly daring she can be.

But New York City isn't about just jazz babies and follies girls. It has a darker side. Young women are being murdered across the city. And these aren't crimes of passion. They're gruesome. They're planned. They bear a strange resemblance to an obscure group of tarot cards. And the New York City police can't solve them alone.

Evie wasn't just escaping the stifling life of Ohio, she was running from the knowledge of what she could do. She has a secret. A mysterious power that could help catch the killer - if he doesn't catch her first.

The moment I saw the American book cover for this book I was wanting to read it and then when I saw the UK version I wanted it even. So imagine my delight when ATOM said I could review it and they sent me a finished copy I was over the moon. Big thanks to ATOM publishers for letting me review this book as it was a good start to the series.

I love this cover and it looks even better in person especially with as much effort on the inside as there is on the front. One of the reasons why I love it so much is the way in which it is stylized like the 20's which is the setting of the book. I just love it when a cover matches what the story is about like this one does.

I wanted to love this book from the start but I found it was a really slow beginning and it wasn't until at least halfway through when it started to pick up. This wouldn't have been too bad if it wasn't for the length of the book which made me not want to continue with it. Towards the end of the book it really picked up as I was so drawn into the world that Bray created I didn't even want to put it down and could have easily have been a five star book if it wasn't for the beginning. There was times during the slow beginning when something would happen that got me intrigued but then it would go onto something else that wasn't so interesting. The best things during the beginning was very creepy which may sound rather weird but it creeped me out so much which hasn't really happened to me before. It was a very confusing start as I just didn't know what was happening and random things would happen but once things got explained it was a little less confusing. There was a lot of characters with a lot of secrets which did have me intrigued but I felt like there was just too many secrets with little explanations. Even by the end there was still some secrets that needed to be uncovered but there is more book in this series so I expected things will get cleared up by the last book. By the end of the book it was so gripping with all the twists and turns it just had me on the edge of my seat which I love when a book can do that to me.

Like the book I wasn't too keen on the characters at the beginning but by the end I was routing for them although I still don't love any of the characters which is a shame but I hope that will change as the series continues. Evie was a very spoilt and selfish girl at the beginning and even though she was still a little selfish at the end she grew into a better person and I'm hoping that she will get less selfish in the next book as I can't stand selfish characters. Jericho was nice enough but for me he was just a bit too nice. I liked Sam he was a bit of a bad boy as he was a pickpocket but he was funny at times. I felt the romance was a bit rushed towards the end but I am hoping there will be more on that in the next book.

Overall I think the book could have been made into a smaller book. It had a very slow start but when it picked up it was very creepy which I loved. I found it a good start to the series but I have high hopes that the next one will be better.

Book Cover Talk: Carrier of the Mark

This week's book cover that I am talking about is...

 

 

 

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

 

I don't know why I haven't had this one up sooner as I love this cover and I loved the book too, I was surprised that I hadn't talked about it.

There isn't much going on within the cover but what is on the cover really does stand out.

Even though there isn't much going on in the colour department I do like the colours that are used as it's all muted in the background and then the girl having red hair and a blue dress it really makes the girl pop. Seeing as it's been awhile since I read the book I don't remember what colour hair the lead had. Not that it matters to some people but I like the girl on the cover to represent the actual character inside the book.

I love the way that the pattern at the bottom of the cover looks like a continuation of the dress which I seem to be liking in my covers at the minute.

I'm not too sure about the title being slap bang in the middle as it takes away from the beautiful dress. I do understand that your eye is immediately drawn to the title so we all know what the book is called but I would just have liked the composition to have been a little different.  I also don't like that the font looks a bit too plain for me. With there not being much going on in the cover the font could have gotten away with being more creative.

I can't wait to see what the other covers are going to look like in this series I just hope they go in the same direction as they have done here.

 

What does everyone else think about this cover? Do you love it like I do? Or do you not like it? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Teaser Tuesday #41

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! To find out more about the books click on the picture which will take you to Goodreads.




My teaser:

The Diviners by Libba Bray

Ruta struggled to keep her breathing quiet when she wanted to scream with all her might. The stranger's footsteps drummed dully but evenly toward her, and she realized he no longer had his cane. His song echoed in the cellar. This time, he added words: "Naughty John, Naughty John, does his work with his apron on. Cuts your throat and takes your bones, sells 'em off for a coupla stones." - Page 69


This book can be very creepy as you can tell by the teaser I have used. It started off really slow and the only times it was interesting at the beginning was scene's like this one. Now that I am getting closer to the end there is a lot going on and now I hate putting it down.