Book Review: Offside by M.G. Higgins

(Click image to take you to Goodreads)

Format: e-arc

Publishers: Darby Creek

Published: 28th January 2013

Pages: 112

Genre: YA

Main Characters: Faith

Date Read: 25th - 27th January 2013

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Netgalley:

Between finishing late school projects and looking after her brothers and sister, Faith Patel barely has time to play soccer. And when she's at practice, surrounded by girls who can afford to play in club leagues, she doesn't even feel like part of the team. So when Coach Berg starts to give Faith extra attention, she feels . . . really special.
It might be crazy, but suddenly Faith has a crush on her coach. Can she keep her head in the game? The situation gets worse after Faith's frenemy Caitlyn decides that Faith's getting special treatment. Will Caitlyn tell the rest of the team—and make Faith into a total outcast?
 

With me I love films that are sport based so when I came across this book I thought I would try it and see if I liked it as much as sport films but unfortunately that wasn't the case here.

The cover is simple but it does tie in with the story but for some reason I don't like it, it just doesn't scream out 'read me'.

When I fist started this book I really did think I was going to enjoy it and then when things started to build up I thought here we go but nothing really came of it making me feel disappointed. I really did think I knew what was going to happen next but I kept getting it wrong which usually I like to be kept guessing but in this case I just didn't find what actually happened believable. I think that the reason that it didn't really get going was because the book was a bit too short  and therefore not giving the story enough time to progress.

I felt that the characters didn't get enough time to develop either. The main character Faith seemed like an okay character to start with but then as I got further into the book I felt she was easily lead into thinking something that she never seemed to feel before and also she seemed a bit selfish. There was some other side characters but we didn't really get to know them that well.

Overall I felt it had loads of promise at the beginning but I just thought it fell a bit flat.

 

Changing Covers #11

Hi everyone welcome to my new weekly feature which all about covers that change either in the middle of the series or even when the series had finished. (The covers will mainly be UK changes but also from the USA.) I decided to do this feature as there has been so many cover changes it's hard to keep up.

I am not sure if anyone has done this particular feature so feel free to let me know so I can start linking it up to them. It is similar to other features that are out there but I'm hoping that this is different enough.

 

 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

 

US (HB)         UK (HB)               UK(PB)

 

 

With these cover changes I'm not so sure I have a favourite as they are all beautiful in their own way and I don't think any of them should have been changed.

Usually here in the UK the books usually go straight to paperback so I was surprised when I saw the hardback copy and I didn't actually know until I went on Goodreads that this wasn't the hardback the US had.

I love the colours on each of the covers, I love the blue against the black and white on the US cover but I also love the purple tones on the UK hardback (which looks even better up close) and I also love the red on the UK paperback copy as it adds a bit of danger.

What you can't tell on the UK paperback copy is that there is more detail in the actual cover that you can't see properly but let me tell you it looks effective.

I also love the font of each of the titles although the two UK covers are pretty much the same but the US cover is different and I love the Daughter Of part of the font as it looks elegant.

I have no idea if any of these covers are tied into the actual story as I haven't read the book yet but that will change soon as I have a copy of the paperback copy which again looks better in person.

 

 

So that's my thoughts on these cover changes, let me know in the comments below of your thoughts on these covers.

 

Teaser Tuesday #56

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:

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

"You can be Jet if you want," I said brusquely, trying to get us back on track and cover up my troubled feelings. After all, this wasn't Sydney's Therapy Hour. "But we are not posing as a couple again."
"Are you sure?" he said. His tone was lighter now, turning him back into the Adrian I knew. "Because I've got a lot more terms of endearment to use. Honey pie. Sugarplum. Bread pudding." - Page 146
 

I am loving this book more than the first two in this series and I'm not even halfway through yet! I found it really hard to pick a teaser I wanted to share as there are so many but I settled on this one as it was funny but most of this particular chapter could have been used.

All Over You by Emily Snow

When I reach the door to Lucas's dressing room, I waver and try to gather my thoughts. This will be simple, I tell myself. I'll go in there, ask him what he's looking for, and I'll be out in a matter of minutes. Simple...right. - Kindle Location 248-50
 

I'm not enjoying this as much as The Indigo Spell but I am liking it.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #64

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)

 

Blood and Snow by RaShelle Workman

Devil's bargain by Rachel Caine

Offside by M.G. Higgins (No review click title for Goodreads)

Dare You To by Katie McGarry (No review until April click title for Goodreads)

 

 

Currently Reading

 

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Not read much yet but what I have read I am enjoying.

 

Last Bitten by Lauren Ash

Liking it so far but again I haven't read much.

 

 

Reading Next

 

Blood Prophecy by Alyxandra Harvey

I was going to start this last week but when The Indigo Spell arrived I changed my mind.

 

All Over You by Emily Snow

This was free on Amazon so I thought I would see if the series is worth getting into.

 

 

So that's what I'm reading this week, let me know in the comments below what your reading or link me up to your post.

Book Review: Blood and Snow (Blood and Snow #1) by RaShelle Workman

Format: Kindle Book

Publisher: Polished Pen Press

Published: 6th June 2012

Pages: 53

Main Characters: Snow,

Date Read: 24th - 25th January 2013

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Snow White lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her dad, stepmother, and her cat, Gatsby. Her entire life she's been teased for her fairy tale name, and the fact that her seven best friends happen to be guys whose names begin with the same letters as the seven dwarves.

Everything changes two months before her sixteenth birthday. She's bitten by The Hunter, and transformed into a revenant--not quite human, not quite vampire.
 

I found this book on the Amazon Kindle freebie and I thought that it sounded good enough to give it a try and with it only being a short book I thought that it would be a nice quick read and I do love a fairytale re-telling.

As well as liking the sound of the title the cover really drew me into wanting to read the book as I think it's very eye catching.

With this only being a series of short books this really does need to capture your interest straight away which it kind of did but it did take awhile to actually get to the point of the story which was a shame but maybe the next book will be better. I loved the idea of having the re-telling involving vampires but I did feel disappointed with the vampire side not coming until very close to the end. Instead of a book I felt like it was one long chapter just getting us introduced to everything and everyone.

I didn't feel like we had a good enough introduction to some of the characters. Snow White seemed nice but I don't think there was much to her character as of yet. Her seven best friends I really liked as they were funny and I would like to get to know them a bit better. Another friend of Snow was Cindy who I didn't really like she seemed a little too selfish but I'm hoping that will change in the next few books.

Overall I did like it I just felt it needed to be a bit longer so things would get explained a bit better.

Showcase Sunday #28

 

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.

No vlog this week as I only got a couple of physical books the rest are ebooks.

 

Books For Review

 

Parallel by Lauren Miller

Dead To You by Lisa McMann

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

 EARCS

The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding

Out in Blue by Sarah Gilman

 

Kindle books bought/gifted

 

Hidden Gem by India Lee (free on Amazon)

A Demon Made me do It by Penelope King (free on Amazon)

Rippler by Cidney Swanson (free on Amazon)

All Over You by Emily Snow (free on Amazon)

A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter (free on Amazon)

A Chance for Charity by S.L.Baum (free on Amazon)

Blue Hearts of Mars by Nicole Grotepas (free on Amazon)

Wicked Fate by Tabatha Vargo (Gifted/Won from Author)

Thirst by Claire Farrell (free on Amazon)

Beyond by Willow Rose (free on Amazon)

Serenity by Willow Rose (free on Amazon)

Indelible Love - Emily's Story by D.W. Cee (free on Amazon)

The Iron Butterfly by Chanda Hahn (free on Amazon)

Sweet Blood of Mine by John Corwin (free on Amazon)

Season of Lies by Monica Shaughnessy (free on Amazon)

Last Bitten by Lauren Ash (free on Amazon)

 

 

Book Review: Devil's Bargain (Red Letter Days #1) by Rachel Caine

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 5th October 2012

Pages: 331

Main Characters: Jazz, Lucia, James

Date Started: 19th January 2013

Date Finished: 25th January 2013

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

What's the price of a deal with the devil?

Playing by the psychic underworld's rules has cost.

Jazz Callender's whole life just got turned upside down. Her friend Ben's been convicted of a crime he didn't commit, and Jazz is determined to clear his name, even if it means enlisting the help of dark forces.

Enter James, a stranger with a mysterious offer. If Jazz pledges to work for The Cross Society, a shadowy secret organisation, he'll help her save Ben.

But as she's thrust into a world of psychic powers and dangerous magic, Jazz isn't just bargain for her friend's freedom. She's bargaining for her soul too.

And how high a price is she willing to pay?
 

I had actually not heard of this book until I saw it in one of the Mira Ink's newsletter so I jumped at the chance to review it. Then I found some mixed reviews which put me off reading it which it shouldn't have as I really enjoyed it.

This book has been out for a few years but with a different cover which I wasn't a fan of and I was so glad that this was the new cover as I think it looks stunning. Although I do think it looks a bit too similar to her Morganville books (in the UK) so it would be easy to confuse them but the spine is different which can stop the confusion.

As soon as I started this book I was hooked with loads of action kicking it off it was hard not to be drawn into the book. It wasn't just the start but the whole book had something going on making it a thrilling ride. There was also  some romance but this time it was a slow builder unlike other books where it's instant attraction and it surprised me that I liked this kind of romance too. I never knew what was going to happen next and I liked the hint of paranormal however I was expecting a bit more from that side of the story but maybe in the next book it will have more focus on the paranormal. What I never realized was that this was not a young adult book but more of an adult book (as the main character was about 34!)which before this I had gone off but now it has got me wanting to read more adult books. I would have liked to have given this book five out of five rating but I have read some books that was a bit better but not by much.

Jazz was not the sweet girl that I have been a bit used to as she was such a strong fighter she was even the one that had to come to the rescue which I'm definitely not used to but it was fun to see but we also see a vulnerable side to her. Lucia is another strong female character and very much similar to Jazz. I loved to see how their friendship evolved. James Borden I loved he was one of my favourite characters as he was more like the damsel in distress but he also had a edge to him. I loved the banter between James and Borden I hope we get to see more of that in the next book. There was also some other characters that was a great addition to this book including Manny and Pansy.

Overall I found this a great start to the series and I just can't wait to read more from this series and Rachel Caine.

Changing Covers #10

Hi everyone welcome to my new weekly feature which all about covers that change either in the middle of the series or even when the series had finished. (The covers will mainly be UK changes but also from the USA.) I decided to do this feature as there has been so many cover changes it's hard to keep up.

I am not sure if anyone has done this particular feature so feel free to let me know so I can start linking it up to them. It is similar to other features that are out there but I'm hoping that this is different enough.

 

 

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

 

Hardcopy (US)              UK Edition 1        UK Edition2   

 

 

 

When this first came out I loved the cover but then realized this wasn't the edition us in the UK was getting I was disappointed especially after I saw it. Then this year (2013) they have gone an had a change of cover and this time I am so happy that they changed it.

I love the colours on both the Hardcover copy and the second UK copy as they have both kept the some kind of tones in there covers which I know the first UK edition has kept the same tones but not as much as the others. Also the two that I like have also got the use of the title especially the second UK cover which I like when the title can tie in with the cover. (I haven't read this book yet so I don't know if the cover ties in with the actual story.)

Out of all three my least favourite is the first UK cover as the illustration just doesn't work and I just don't lie it.

Out of the three my favourite cover has to be the second UK cover as the font of the title grabs my attention over the other two.

 

 

So that's my thoughts on this cover changes let me know in the comments below what your thoughts on this cover changes are.

 

Teaser Tuesday #55

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:

Devil's Bargain by Rachel Caine

Jazz fought off an adrenaline-hot wave of dizziness and went to where Borden sat crumpled against the wall. He was probing his bleeding mouth and looking dazed.  - Page 17
 

Dare You To by Katie McGarry

He enters the foyer and Beth's lips twist into that evil smirk. What the hell did I walk myself into? - Kindle location 1650-51 (Arc copy so teaser may differ to final copy)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #63

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)

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Persistence of Vision by Liesel K. Hill

 

 

Currently Reading

 

Devil's Bargain by Rachel Caine

I'm enjoying this so far but I haven't read much of it as of yet.

 

Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Another book that I'm reading and enjoying.

 

 

Up Next

 

Blood Prophecy by Alyxandra Harvey

Looking forward to reading the last in the series although I will be sad to see it come to an end.

 

Blood and Snow by RaShelle Workman

I found this free on Amazon and it sounds so good I thought I will try and read it this week.

 

 

 

So thats what I'm planning on reading this week let me know (or leave links) in the comments below.

 

 

 

Book Review: Opal (Lux #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

May contain spoilers from the other books in the Lux series!

Format: Paperback

Publishers: Entangled Tenn

Published: 11th December 2012

Pages: 382

Main Characters: Katy, Daemon

Date Started: 12th January 2013

Date Finished:17th January 2013

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.
 

This book took ages to arrive and when it did I thought I would be picking it up straight away but for some reason I never but now I kind of wish I put it off a bit longer so I could read the book straight away.

I love this series covers but out of the three that are out now this is my least favourite but I do like that it's from a scene in the book.

I wouldn't say this one is my favourite from this series but it's not bad enough to go down in rating as I still thoroughly enjoyed the book but Onyx was slightly better. There was so many twists and turns in this book that I just didn't know what was going to happen next which in this case I didn't mind. As well as twists and turns there was also loads of action that had me on the edge of my seat. With the romance side the chemistry between Katy and Daemon just sizzles of the page with loads of will they-won't they moments leading to some very funny scenes. As for my emotions well they was just all over the place but for the most I would be smiling at certain moments which doesn't always happen but that ending had me in tears I need to know what is going to happen in the next book now!

The characters are pretty much the same as in the previous books with slight differences in some cases and then in others complete personalty change. Katy seems to have a more darker edge to her but it makes her more of a fighter and stand up for what she wants. Daemon is actually the only one who is the same as he is still the annoying, arrogant guy that we all know and love but he does show more softer sides to him.

Overall this book is still the page turner that we have all come to know and love with an ending that makes you cry out NOOOOO.

Showcase Sunday #27

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.

 

No vlog this week as I only got a couple of physical books the rest are ebooks.

 

 

 

Books for Review

Physical Books

The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

Earcs

Deadly Offer by Caroline B. Cooney

Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian

The Next Forever by Lisa Burstein

 

Books Bought

Kindle Books

Enlightened by Devyn Dawson

Leopard Moon by Jeanette Battista

Chasing Nikki by Lacey Weatherford

Pyxis by K.C. Neal

Wings of Arian by Devri Walls

Sound Bites by Rachel K. Burke

Airel by Aaron Patterson and Chris White

Enigma by Aimee Ash

Thoughtless by Jacqueline Gardner

Intuition by J. Meyers

 

So thats everything I have received this week let me know in the comments below what you received or leave a link to your post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Persistence of Vision (Interchron #1) by Liesel K. Hill

Format: earc

Publishers: Tate Publishing

Published: 29th January 2013

Pages: 386

Main Characters: Maggie

Date Started: 8th January 2013

Date Finished: 15th January 2013

Rating Given:

 

 

 

The Blurb from Goodreads:

In a world where collective hives are enslaving the population and individuals have been hunted to the verge of extinction, Maggie Harper, and independent 21st Century woman, must find the strength to preserve the freedom of the future, but without the aid of her memories.

After experiencing a traumatic time loss, Maggie is plagued by a barrage of images she can't explain. When she's attacked by a creep with a spider's web tattoo, she is saved by Marcus, a man she's never met, but somehow remembers. He tells her that both he and her creepy attacker are from a future in which individuals are being murdered by collectives, and Marcus is part of the rebellion. The collectives have acquired time travel and they plan to enslave the human race throughout all of history. The flashes Maggie has been seeing are echoes of lost memories, and the information buried deep within them is instrumental in defeating the collective hives.

In order to preserve the individuality of mankind, Maggie must try to re-discover stolen memories, re-kindle friendships she has no recollection of, and wade through her feelings for the mysterious Marcus, all while dodging the tattooed assassins the collectives keep sending her way.

If Maggie can't fill the holes in her memory and find the answers to stop the collectives, the world both in her time and in all ages past and future will be doomed to enslavement in the grey, mediocre collectives. As the danger swirls around her and the collectives close in, Maggie realizes she must make a choice: stand out or fade away...

*New Adult futuristic dystopian fantasy
 

I was contacted by the author of this book asking if I wanted to join her blog tour and to review her book which I thought it sounded like something that I would enjoy and I'm glad I accepted as it was a very enjoyable read.

 I like the cover as I like that the person on the front is tied into the story but it doesn't really say much about what the story is about.

When I first started this book I was really confused as to what was happening it even got to the point of me wanting to stop reading it, but, I continued on through and it got so much better that I didn't want to put it down. Things do get explained and then there would be other questions thrown into the equation but these ones didn't make the story confusing. There was still unanswered questions at the end of the story which i can't wait to find the answers in the next book. I loved that there was always something happening which started from the moment I read the first page as it made for a thrilling book. I did find some things was predictable but then there was other times I just wasn't expecting certain things to happen. With the romance side of the story it was very much a slow build up with loads of will they-won't they making me feel for both of these characters. I loved the ending as it has left me dying to know what happens next.

Maggie was the character everyone loved and I kind of understood where they was coming from as she was thrown into this situation and only wanted to help everyone but I did feel as though she was a bit too believing in what was happening. I loved Marcus he was such a sweet guy trying to hide the way he felt and the things that had happened to him made me feel so sorry for him. There was some other character that gave a bit of light relief to the whole story and I loved them for it.

Overall a confusing start but a great story building that has left me wanting more.

Changing Covers #9

 

Hi everyone welcome to my new weekly feature which all about covers that change either in the middle of the series or even when the series had finished. (The covers will mainly be UK changes but also from the USA.) I decided to do this feature as there has been so many cover changes it's hard to keep up.

I am not sure if anyone has done this particular feature so feel free to let me know so I can start linking it up to them. It is similar to other features that are out there but I'm hoping that this is different enough.

 

 

First Published               UK Published

 

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

 

With these covers they have not long since changed and when I first saw Spellbound I really liked the cover, however when I received it I wasn't sure about it as it looked a bit empty. When I saw that us in the UK was getting a new cover at first I wasn't happy (as that was back when I never had a copy) but when I saw the cover I really liked it. I love the dress and the way it has been positioned as it adds the look of texture which I love. I also like the way that there is a background which I feel the first published book lacks. I feel that both of the covers tie in well with the actual story which I like when the covers do that.

Overall I do like both of the covers but I just prefer the overall look of the new UK book.

 

 

So that's my thoughts on this cover change, what do you think? Do you agree with me? Or do you disagree? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Teaser Tuesday #54

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:

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Then he opened the door and slipped out. The wall of chairs crumbled, spilling out across the floor. Kind of ironic how they fell upon themselves, just like my whole life was collapsing onto itself. - Page 81
 

Persistence of Vision by Liesel K. Hill

Marcus rested his head against his forearms and cried. Sometimes it was the only thing a man could do. - Kindle Location 5837 (May differ to final copy as this is from an arc)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #62

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)

 

Hollowland by Amanda Hocking

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

 

 

Currently Reading

 

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

As soon as I started it I was enjoying it just as much as the other two in this series.

 

Persistence of Vision by Liesel K. Hill

I was confused to start with but now I am really enjoying it and it's less confusing.

 

 

Up Next

 

Devil's Bargain by Rachel Caine

I have had this book for ages now and with it being a review book I thought it was time to get it read.

 

Dare To You by Katie McGarry

I received this for review from netgalley and now I just can't wait to read it, I just hope it's as good as Pushing the Limits!

 

 

So that's what my week of reading is looking like, let me know what you're reading or leave links in the comments below.

 

Showcase Sunday #26

 

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

Review Books
The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines
Nobody's Damsel by E.M. Tippetts (from author)
The Last Minute by Eleanor Updale
Vortex by Julie Cross
Wool by Hugh Howey
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Easy by Tammara Webber

Kindle Books
Dare To You by Katie McGarry (mentioned but not shown)
Branded by Keary Taylor
Awakening by Karice Bolton
Demon Kissed by H.M. Ward
Prince of Wolves by Quinn Loftis
Silver Storm by Cynthia Wright
Darkness Falls by Jessica Sorensen
Jenny Pox by JL Bryan
Blood and Snow by RaShelle Workman
Her Dark Angel by Felicity Heaton
Wait For Me by Elisabeth Naughton
Breathless by Scott Prussing
The Kiss Off by Sarah Billington
The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe (review)
Fall From Grace by Christine Zolendz
Remembrance by Michelle Madow
Here by Ella James
The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen
The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

Book Review: The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1) by Julie Kagawa

May contain spoilers from There Iron Fey series

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 6th January 2013

Pages: 416

Main Characters: Ethan, Kenzie

Date Started:5th January 2013

Date Finished: 11th January 2013

Rating Given:

 

 

The Blurb from Goodreads:

Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

This novel is one of Julie’s books that will have you demanding for the second one as soon as you finish your read.
 

I had read  the first Iron Fey book which I kind of liked but didn't continue with the series but now that I have read this book I will definitely be giving that series another go.

I love the UK cover, I prefer it over the US cover. There is also some parts of it that's embossed which had me stroking the cover while trying to read it. The only thing I didn't like is the If you like... part as it was annoying and I feel that would have been better as a sticker so it would come off.

Even though I have only read the first one of the other series I found that I wasn't lost with this spin off. I was surprised that I was able to keep up with the book but there was times when I was wondering if certain things was said in the other series that I just didn't know about. I would say that if you haven't read the Iron Fey series and you don't want any spoilers then don't start with this book as there was spoilers but for me I didn't mind as I'm the kind of person who reads the last page to find out what happens. It was a bit of a slow start and I wasn't sure that I was going to like it but by the end I was hooked and now I can't wait to find out what is going to happen in the next book. There was plenty of things happening which some of those things I wasn't expecting which I love when that happens. There was a bit of romance in this book but that wasn't the main focus of the book which I didn't mind but I would have liked a bit more to make it a bit more believable. There has definitely been some questions that need answering but I didn't feel as though there was a huge cliff hanger which I am pleased about.

The characters did take awhile to warm up as at the beginning they did annoy me a bit but by the end I liked them and understood where they was coming from. Ethan starts of as this broody, annoying teenager with some serious sister/faery issues. He then starts to show himself in various ways including a strong fighter as well as the softer side to him. Kenzie seemed a bit annoying in the way she wouldn't leave well enough alone but again like Ethan she showed herself in various lights. Even though I didn't know some of the other characters from Iron Fey series I still remembered some of them which also appeared in this book.

Overall I preferred this book to the first book in the Iron Fey series but it has made me want to give that particular series another go as well as the rest of this spin off series.

Changing Covers #8

Hi everyone welcome to my new weekly feature which all about covers that change either in the middle of the series or even when the series had finished. (The covers will mainly be UK changes but also from the USA.) I decided to do this feature as there has been so many cover changes it's hard to keep up.

I am not sure if anyone has done this particular feature so feel free to let me know so I can start linking it up to them. It is similar to other features that are out there but I'm hoping that this is different enough.

 

 

          Hardback                    Paperback 1           Paperback 2        

 

 

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

 

With this set of book cover changes I'm not actually sure which was first published and which is the latest the only one I know is the hardback. I love the hardback edition as at first glance it just looks simple with a plain background and then the title but when you look closely you can see a face in the title which I think looks so effective. The other two you can actually see the faces but you can't see all of them. I don't really understand why the paperbacks have been changed especially when they are pretty much the same idea. With the Paperback 1 I love the colours and my eye is immediately drawn to the title. With Paperback 2 I'm drawn to the eyes but with the title being just beneath it also makes the title stand out. Out of all of these cover changes I prefer the hardback which I have a copy of I just haven't read it yet so I don't know if there is any relevance to the story if any.

 

 

So that's my thoughts on Deliriums cover changes. Let me know what you think, do you agree? or do you disagree? Let me know in the comments below.

 

      

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Hollowland (The hollows #1) by Amanda Hocking

Format: Kindle book

Publishers: Self Published

Published: 5th October 2010

Pages: 291

Main Characters: Remy, Lazlo, Harlow, Blue

Date Started: 2nd January 2013

Date Finished; 8th January 2013

Rating Given:

 

 

The Blurb from Goodreads:

"This is the way the world ends - not with a bang or a whimper, but with zombies breaking down the back door."

Nineteen-year-old Remy King is on a mission to get across the wasteland left of America, and nothing will stand in her way - not violent marauders, a spoiled rock star, or an army of flesh-eating zombies.
 

Amanda Hocking is one of my favourite authors so imagine my delight when I see this book on Amazon for free, I just had to get it and I'm glad I did.

I'm not a huge fan of this cover as I don't think it really shows us readers what the story is about. I do like the colours used though, as it makes it look more effective than if it used dull tones.

When I first started Hollowland I was really enjoying it which I was a little bit surprised by as I am not a huge fan of zombie books as they are usually boring but for this one it was anything but boring. I loved that it was a bit gory which had me cringing but I think a zombie book needs to do that. Once I got about halfway through I found it started to get a bit too repetitive making me feel like I knew what was going to happen next. I also felt like it was taking too long to read which is never a good thing as at that point I just wanted to get it finished. What really saved this book was when it got to about 20% left it got really good again but then the ending was such a huge cliff hanger which I don't always mind but with this book it felt like it just randomly ended. There was a bit of romance but it wasn't a huge vocal point of the story as it was mainly about survival but what romance was there was okay but better towards the end. I did feel like out of all Amanda Hocking's books that I have read this was the best start to a series.

Remy was a great female role model who was always fighting for survival of herself and her family and friends. There was times when she annoyed me but apart from that she was one of my favourite characters. Lazlo I found funny and he seemed to take on the 'female' role where he always needed protecting but there was a protective side to him that I liked. Harlow I'm still not sure about as she was sometimes a great fun character but then other times she was very annoying. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of Blue as he was a great character and would do anything for anyone. There was also some other characters that wasn't always in the book but they was great characters that I would hope to see more of in the next book.

Overall a great start but there was a lot of things that I felt wasn't needed. I hope the next book is even better than this one.

Teaser Tuesday #53

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:

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

"Stand down," said the First Lieutenant, and raised his voice, addressing all the faeries watching this little spectacle.
"All of you, stand down! Bow to your prince!"
Uh. What? - Page 158
 

Hollowland by Amanda Hocking

Before I could tell where they had gotten in, Harlow screamed. I looked up to see her being dragged out through the broken window, her fingers desperately raking on the ceiling of the car. - Page 198/Kindle Location 2713-15
 

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #61

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)

 

Ruby Blue by Julie Cassar

The MacKinnon Curse: The Beginning by J.A. Templeton

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

 

 

Currently Reading

 

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

Not bad so far but I don't feel as though it's as good as what everyone else has been saying. Hopefully it will pick up as I'm only 100 pages into it.

 

Hollowland by Amanda Hocking

When I first started this I was really enjoying it but then it started to get a bit too repetitive.

 

 

Reading Next

 

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

Persistence of Vision by Liesel K. Hill

 

 

 

So that's what I have read and planning on starting this week let me know or leave links in the comments below of your reading week plan.

Showcase Sunday #25

 

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.


So this week I haven't done a vlog as I only have ebooks which some don't have covers so I am doing it by listing them.

Kindle Books for Review (all from Netgalley unless stated otherwise):

A Shimmer of Angels by Lisa Basso 
Entangled by Nikki Jefford
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
Persistence of Vision by Liesel K. Hill (from author)
Speechless by Hannah Harrington
Othermoon by Nina Berry
Rapunzel Untangled by Cindy C. Bennett
Hysteria by Megan Miranda
On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

Kindle Books Bought:

Reverence by Shelly Crane (free)
The MacKinnon Curse by J.A. Templeton (free)
The Deepest Cut by J.A. Templeton (free)
Become by Ali Cross (free)
Between the Land and the Sea by Derrolyn Anderson (free)
Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand (free)
Forever Mine by Elizabeth Reyes (free)
Stained by Ella James (free)
Charade by Nyrae Dawn (77p)

So that's all the books I have received this week let me know what you received/link in the comments below.