Book Review: Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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Format: Paperback (Review)

Publishers: Hodder

Published: June 2014

Pages: 368

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Thriller, Mystery

Main Characters: Sam, Carson

Date Read: 1st March - 6th March 2014

Rating Given:

Blurb:  

What if you had the chance to start again...but only if you promised never to look back? Samantha is popular, rich, and seemed to have it all...until the night she and her best 'frenemy' Cassie disappeared and only Sammy resurfaced, with no recollection of who she is or what happened. Sammy's a stranger in her own life - a life she no longer wants any part of. Losing her memory is a chance to start again. Then Sammy begins receiving mysterious notes warning her about that night, urging her to not look back. But she can't let it go. As she starts poking around in her past she begins to remember...and something sinister begins to surface.

I am so thankful to Hodder for sending me a copy of this book for review as I loved every minute of it.

When I first saw that us in the UK have a different cover to America I was gutted as I loved the American version. It wasn't until I read the book that I felt ok with the cover as it is in keeping with the book so much so it looks like it could be a part of a scene in the book.

This book was such a compelling read that even when I flicked to the last page to see what happened (yes I do that) I still thought it was someone else who hurt Sam I was that drawn into it. I haven't read many thriller genres but the couple that I have (including this one) I have loved I should really try more thrillers and I haven't read any of Jennifer's books that wasn't paranormal and I still loved it. I loved everything about this book the way in which we got learn everything the moment Sam learnt something new. I loved all the twists and turns that you will never see coming especially when you find out who did it. Even though there wasn't a huge focus on the romance side but what we did have was so sweet and I just wanted them to be together from the moment they was in the same space. It was great to see that it was also about learning who your true friends are which I thought was a great addition. I felt the ending was perfect in the way it wrapped things up but then still made it believable in the way that not everything was perfect in her life.

I loved most of the characters although not all of them was good. Sam was a great character but she wasn't always that way as before her accident she was completely different and it just goes to show what you can do differently if you had another chance. I loved that you never really know if she is a sane person yet you feel so sorry for her. I also liked that even when things got difficult she never gave up. I absolutely loved Carson he was so understanding and very forgiving and for most part so sweet. Her brother Scott was definitely one of my favourite characters as he was so funny but he also had a caring side and he always looked out for Sammy just like Carson. There was a lot of mean girls in this story who wasn't very nice but that was how Sam was before everything had happened to her. I really didn't like Del he was so annoying and you just know he was lying about his relationship.

Overall if you love Pretty Little Liars this one is for you as it is surrounded in mystery that you will never know what to think.

Book Review: Hidden (The Avena #1) by Marianne Curley

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Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Bloomsbury Children

Published: 14th March 2013

Pages: 336

Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance

Main Characters: Ebony, Jordan

Date Read: 20th February - 24th February 2013

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Ebony has always known that she is different. Her violet eyes mark her out, and her protective parents have kept her in a gorgeous valley, home-schooled, safe from everything—almost as if she’s being hidden. But she’s changing: glowing, getting more and more beautiful, and stronger than anyone knows. Ebony can’t stay hidden for ever, and when she meets complicated, intense Jordan, something explodes inside her—something that can be seen from the heavens; something that changes everything. Ebony is a stolen angel, concealed on Earth. Now the heavens have found her, they want her back.

Fans of Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush Saga and L.A. Weatherly’s Angel series will adore Hidden. Full of irresistible romance and breath-taking suspense, this is a sensational start to a brilliant new series. Get ready to be swept away by this spellbinding story of eternal love.
 

When I was sent a email from the publishers over at Bloomsbury about this book I just knew this was going to be one of those books that I would love.

I love this cover as it is so eye catching. I also love that you know what your going to get from just looking at the cover. The use of colour within this cover has been used very well as it makes the title of the book stand out.

When I first started this book I actually wasn't too sure about it as for some reason I couldn't get into it but then all of a sudden I was so into the book I couldn't put it down. Even though the beginning wasn't all that I still couldn't put the rating down as the rest of the book was epic and I loved it so much I just had to give it 5/5. For most of the first half of this book there was hardly any paranormal activities going on and a lot of things that did happen could be explained as anything but paranormal. Angel's is one of my favourite mythical character and this was no different but I did like the different take on them. With the romance side there was a bit of a love triangle and usually I can pick a side but this time I couldn't throughout the book I was liking one of the guys then the other in the next chapter which hardly ever happens to me. The ending was left on a bit of a cliff hanger and it was one I just never saw coming.

Ebony's character I liked as she was sweet but also she wasn't a gullible person so it did take her awhile to believe anyone. Jordan I started off loving as he seemed like a nice guy with a bit of edge but there was times when I didn't like him and I'm not sure I am going to like him in the next book. I loved that we got to read from both Ebony and Jordan's point of view as I felt it gave a better understanding to both characters. There was also another character called Nathaneal who I didn't actually like to start with but by the end I loved him and I do wish we could have read from his point of view too.

Overall I loved this book even if I couldn't get into it at start. I would say to anyone reading or planning on reading this book to stick with it as you won't be disappointed.

Book Review: The Vincent Boys (The Vincent Boys #1) by Abbi Glines

 

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Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Hot Key Books

Published: 3rd January 2013

Pages: 257

Genre: YA/New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Main Characters: Ashton, Beau 

Date Read: 16th February - 20th February 2013

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Beau Vincent is rude, bad, and dangerous to know. So, why can’t good girl Ashton Gray keep away from him? She already has the perfect boyfriend – her town’s local Prince Charming, Sawyer Vincent. But Sawyer is away for the summer, and in the meantime Ashton is bored, and the head between her and Beau is undeniable – as well as irresistible. Ashton is about to unleash her bad girl – but what will she do when Sawyer comes home? And how will Sawyer react when he returns to find his girlfriend in the arms of his best friend – and cousin?

The Vincent Boys is a sexy, exciting and enjoyable romp through one steamy Alabama summer.
 

I have heard so many great things about Abbi Glines and I have slowly been getting her books. I am eternally grateful to Hot Key Books for sending me this book to review as I now know I need to hurry up and get every book by Abbi Glines.

There are quite a few different book covers for this series and to tell you the truth I love them all and I can't pick a favourite but I do like the guys in this cover especially the one in the vest.

From the moment I started this book I fell in love with the story and the characters. When reading the blurb I wasn't sure that this would be a storyline I could agree with but Glines really made me feel for the characters in a way that I understood where everyone was coming from. Usually I love a bit of action but the more Contemporary Romance books I read the more I don't feel like I need any action. The love story is so cute but at the same time sizzling hot and also heartbreaking and I loved every minute of it. The only thing about this book is that it is meant to be aimed at the YA audience but some of the content is far from YA but I really didn't mind this as I felt it was more believable than any other YA book.

As I said I love the characters especially Beau I just fell for him the very first second we met him. He is one of those lovable bad boys (although I wouldn't say he is that bad) who is in love with his cousin's girlfriend. He doesn't think he is good enough for her which makes me love him all the more. Ashton seemed like the good girl but she was hiding her inner bad girl and when she came out I found she was much more likable. With Sawyer I thought he was sweet to start with but he does do a few things that wasn't so sweet and made me go off him but in the end I understood where he was coming from.

Overall my first Abbi Glines book is one of my favourite books that I have read so far this year and I know it won't be my last. I can't wait to find out what Sawyer's book has in store for me and I hope we get to see more of Beau as I just love him.

Book Review: Blood Prophecy (Drake Chronicles #6) by Alyxandra Harvey

May contain spoilers from the first 5 books.

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Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Bloomsbury

Published: 14th February 2013

Pages: 496

Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance

Main Characters: Lucy, Solange

Date Read: 1st February - 10th February 2013

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Solange Drake will not claim her birthright; she will not be queen as vampire tradition dictates. But change always comes at a cost . . .

Possessed by a vengeful twelfth-century witch, Solange commits heinous crimes against the vampire tribes that she pledged to empower. Motives are questioned. Trust is broken. The treaty between the Drakes and the Helios-Ra is under threat. Solange must escape the folds of memory and time and fight for the fate of the royal crown - and win. Her destiny, and her heart, depends on it.
 

I was sent this book by the publishers over at Bloomsbury which was a nice surprise as I had really enjoyed this series so I wanted to see how it was all going to end, however, I felt a little let down by it.

I know that these UK covers are pretty much the same yet each one has a main focus which some I have liked and some I haven't and this one falls in the don't like category as it didn't look as realistic as some of the other one.

With this being the final book I was expecting it to be epic but I just felt it was lacking until very close to the end when there was a battle but even that ended abruptly. Throughout this series there has been a huge romance theme but this time around I didn't feel like there was much in that department which I really missed. I found out in this book that it was kind of based around the story of Snow White which I felt was a bit over used and then I felt stupid as it wasn't until it finished that the 7 brothers clicked! There was some really funny moments that I am used to seeing in this series but there was also some more heartbreaking moments which isn't usually in them but I didn't mind them too much as I felt they was needed to bring some closure to the story. I kind of liked the ending but I did feel like there was still some unanswered questions so I would have liked it if it went further into the future.

I have always loved the characters in this series and this was no difference. A few of the characters did have a slight change in personality. Nicholas used to be my favourite character but he wasn't in this one as much as the others and when he was he had changed but not in the good way although I get the reason behind the change. Lucy is just as funny and fierce as the other books she just never gave up. I have never really liked Solange and this book never really changed my mind but she did have more fight in her than the previous books. I loved that we had a chapter on the other girls that have had a book before but I don't think it was enough and I would have preferred to have chapters from the brothers too as I really missed them.

Overall I felt a little disappointed with a slow start but towards the end it improved.

Book Review: The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead

May contain spoilers from the previous books.

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Format: Paperback

Publishers: Penguin

Published: 12th February 2013

Pages: 416

Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance

Main Characters: Sydney, Adrian

Date Read: 26th - 31st January 2013

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.


Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.
 

As soon as I knew this book was coming out I just had to have it so I was over the moon when the wonderful publishers over at Penguin said I could review a copy and I was even more delighted by the story it was brilliant.

I haven't been a huge fan of these covers and this one is no different the only part I do like is the font with the flowers around it, it makes the title stand out even more.

I LOVED this book and it is definitely my favourite of the three!
There was loads of things happening in this book with loads of twists and turns that kept me on my toes. From the moment I started this book I was hooked and just wanted to read more and more and I just didn't want it to end. There was a lot of will they-won't they moments between Sydney and Adrian that had me laughing at one point and then in the next breath I was heartbroken. In this book there was a lot more magic involved which I enjoyed especially the battle towards the end. I also loved the ending as it wasn't a major cliff hanger but enough of one to leave me begging for more.

I felt that Sydney really came into her own in this book as she dealt with everything that was going on around her. She seemed to have a more fighting spirit which was nice to see. Adrian I have also loved but somehow I love him even more as he is just so funny but we also see his caring side and also he is very protective it was just really nice to see. Most of the other characters that have been in the previous two books didn't have much of a roll but what we did see of them they have also grown into better characters. We also got to see a few new characters with the main one being Marcus Finch who I kind of liked but he has nothing on Adrian.

Overall I adored this book and I can't wait to find out what is going to happen in the next books especially (if goodreads is to be believed) the next one which is not only from Sydney's point of view but also Adrian's (insert scream here)!

 

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.

Book Review: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 5th October 2012

Pages: 260

Main Characters: Dash, Lily

Date Started:24th December 2012

Date Finished: 26th December 2012

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

I've left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you dont, put the book back on the shelf, please.

Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions? Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.
 

 I have been after this book for a while now and I was really happy that I was given it for review from the lovely publishers at Mira Ink and yes I enjoyed it but I was a little disappointed.

I love the cover as it just looks like a photograph from a moment in time which I find very eye catching. I love that the title looks like a street sign and it fits in well with the rest of the cover.

To start with I was really enjoying this book but I felt once it got to the half way point it started going down hill. The beginning was cute and fun and I loved where the story was leading too. I found myself laughing out loud for most of the book even when it started going down hill. I didn't like the first meeting of Lily and Dash as it just didn't feel right or even believable. There was also other things that happened which was unbelievable. I was very much disappointed with the ending as I felt that there was a lot of unanswered questions making me feel like there should be another book but I don't think there is. I think that this book would be better suited as a film which I wouldn't mind watching.

The characters was alright but I didn't like them all the way through. Dash seemed like a smart guy but he wasn't that likable throughout the book but there was times when I did like him. Lily was alright but there was times when she would act like a spoilt brat. I only got the chemistry between them when they hadn't met but once they did I just didn't believe it. The side characters was a lot more interesting especially Boomer he was so funny and really sweet too.

Overall the beginning was really good I just wish the ending was as good but it just fell a bit short for me.

Book Review: Confessions of an Angry Girl (Confessions #1) by Louise Rozett

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 4th January 2012

Pages: 266

Main Characters: Rose

Date Started: 21st December 2012

Date Finished: 23rd December 2012

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

This is a story about ROSE. About the occasional panic attack and being fourteen in the suburbs without a mobile phone. Read it and weep Rose's first year at Union High isn't exactly going to plan. Her family's broken, her supposed best friend's going boy crazy and Rose is so far behind socially that she might as well be moving backwards. Until her brother's friend Jamie offers her a ride home - and a way into the world of his popular clique - if only it weren't for his perfect cheerleader girlfriend. Now Rose is learning how to climb the wobbly high-school social ladder, while struggling to hang on to what matters the most...
 

When this book was up for review I thought it sounded like a book that I would enjoy and although I never enjoyed it that much I still thought it was a good read.

I do like the cover but I don't think it's the best cover. I do think this one is better than the American version as i prefer the font on this one as it's very eye catching.

For most of this book I was thinking I would be rating this between 2-2.5/5 but towards the end it picked up which has made me want to read the next book to find out what is going to happen next. The beginning was rather slow and I didn't find that she was that angry but when she was I could understand where she was coming from. There was a bit of a love interest which was interesting to see what was going to happen between them but I would have liked more chemistry as it was quite believable enough for me. I actually didn't know that this was apart of a series until I finished the book which was lacking in answers so I thought I would look on Goodreads to see if there was anymore which there was which in another reason why I didn't rate it any lower.

I only liked the main character Rose as she seemed like a nice person that was dealing with a lot. The other characters I didn't really like as they all seemed to use her or let her down including her friends and family. I hope that in the next book the other characters are better than in this one.

Overall a decent book that was just a bit too slow with only one likable character but once you get into it, it does pick up.

Book Review: Lullaby (Watersong #2) by Amanda Hocking

May contain spoilers from the first book!

Format: Hardback (arc)

Publishers: St. Martin's Griffin

Published: 27th November 2012

Pages: 290

Main Characters: Harper, Gemma

Date Started: 13th December 2012

Date Finished: 18th December 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Harper only wanted a safe, normal life. But when her younger sister Gemma runs off with a dangerous clique of beautiful girls, Penn, Thea, and Lexi, everything changes. Vowing to get her sister back no matter what the cost, Harper must face dangers unlike any she's ever experienced. Fortunately, she has Daniel by her side, a gorgeous guy who's devoted to helping her find her sister—and who's immune to the girls' dark powers.

While Harper searches for her sister, Gemma struggles to adjust to her new life. Gemma's powers are growing by the day, and the longer she lives with her new "sisters," the harder it is to resist entering their magical world. It's a realm both dark and beautiful, and where she's plagued by strange hungers and unspeakable needs. Just as she's drifting far away from her old life, Harper and Daniel find her...but no one can deny how much she's changed. All she wants is to return to her family and the mortal world, but how can she do that when she's become something else entirely—and will they still love her once they learn the truth?

Prepare to fall under the spell of Lullaby, the second book in the Watersong series from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking.
 

After finishing and loving the Trylle series by Amanda Hocking I fell in love with her work and had to read her other series. I enjoyed the first one in this series Wake but I didn't love it and I was hoping that I would like this one more and I did.

I love the covers for this series and this one is no different. I love the colours and the setting as it ties in with the book. I do prefer the cover for Wake but I still love this one.

This book very addicting and I am surprised about that as I love a bit of action in my books but there wasn't much of any in this book but in this case it didn't matter as what was happening had me intrigued. Like in Wake, Lullaby is from the sister's point of view but this time it was a little bit more from Harper's where as Wake was more of Gemma. In Harper's part it was showing her and Alex and Daniel trying to find Gemma. There was a will they won't they relationship happening between Harper and Daniel which I loved as the chemistry was undeniable and there was also a bit of light banter which was a welcome. In Gemma's part it was her journey on becoming a siren with some shocking things happening along the way. The ending was also a little shocking and I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next.

The characters was more likable in this one which I am pleased about. Harper was pretty much the same as she was in the first book but she seemed to loosen up a bit. Gemma was also better than she was in Wake but sometimes she was worse. With having a big bulk of the book from Harper's Point of view we got to see a lot more from Daniel and if it's at all possible I love him even more as he is funny but he is also dependable. Daniel is different from the rest of the boys in this series so I am looking forward to seeing what that is. I don't feel we got to see much of Alex this time around but when he was I loved him just as much as I did in the first book I just hope we still get to see him in the next book but looking at that ending I'm not so sure we will.

Overall a huge improvement from the first book which has me extremely excited to read the next book.

 

Book Review: Echo (Soul Seekers #2) by Alyson Noel

May contain spoilers

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Pan Macmillan

Published: 22nd November 1012

Pages: 396

Main Characters: Daire, Dace

Date Started: 6th December 2012

Date Finished: 12th December 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Daire Santos has already saved her grandmother's life and her soul. But at a cost: the Richter family has been let loose in the Lowerworld. Daire and her boyfriend Dace Richter must work together to find them before chaos ensues and the balance between good and evil is destroyed. As their relationship deepens, Dace's evil brother Cade grows stronger than ever, building his power and forcing Daire and Dace to confront the horrifying prophecy that has brought them all together. It will leave Daire no choice but to claim her true destiny as Seeker, but only by making an unthinkable sacrifice.
 

With me reading and kind of liking the first book in this series (Fated) I thought I would give the second one a go hoping that it would be better, however, for me that wasn't the case... it was worse.

 

I love the cover it's stunning and also Christmasy which being around Christmas it was a fitting cover and the story is around the Christmas time period. I love that the only colours used are blue and white as those two colours are very complimentary of each other.

 

To be honest maybe if I had reread the first book I might have started of on a better footing but I never and I forgot almost everything that happened. There was some reminders of what had happened but it just wasn't enough for me. Although the further it went into the book I didn't need reminders until the very end which I can't even remember that person. With it having a Christmas setting I thought it would have been a more light hearted read how wrong was I it was just so depressing and then there was the ending I think my chin may have hit the floor I wasn't expecting that ending. There was a few moments in the book which did pick up especially towards the end but then the ending just ruined it. Apart from those few moments that I enjoyed the rest of the book I didn't want to continue reading it and there was times when I seriously didn't want to finish it and other times I would just skim the book I just wanted it to end. With the ending being so shocking it has made me want to read the next one but I won't be rushing out to get a copy.

 

I think that if it wasn't for some of the characters I wouldn't have got through the book as they where what made the book worth while even if I didn't like them all. The only thing is about half of the characters was their names I couldn't even pronounce them which was annoying. Daire was my least favourite as for me she was annoying and really I didn't see the point of her. There was times especially the ending that I actually liked her as she was very selfless and I liked her for it. Dace I liked he was sweet and was always trying to protect Daire even if that meant sacrificing his own happiness. There was also some other characters that was in this book that at times made me laugh which was definitely needed.

 

Overall I didn't really like this book but there was times when it was enjoyable.

Book Review: Dance of Shadows (Dance of Shadows #1) by Yelena Black

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Bloomsbury

Published: 14th February 2013

Pages: 389

Main Characters: Vanessa, Zep, Justin

Date Started: 2nd December 2012

Date Finished: 6th December 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Vanessa doesn’t believe that her sister is a runaway. She wouldn’t leave her family behind without saying a word. The only way Vanessa can discover the truth behind her mysterious disappearance is to follow in Margaret’s footsteps, but to do so she risks her sanity and maybe even her life . . .

Vanessa Adler is one of the talented few to get a place at the acclaimed New York Ballet Academy. Between backbreaking rehearsals for the school’s production of The Firebird she desperately tries to find out what happened to her sister before she vanished. There are rumors that the pressure of performing the lead role, the same role Vanessa is now rehearsing for, drove her mad. Other girls have gone missing too. Can the role be cursed? Vanessa’s new relationship with leading-man Zep only seems to complicate things further. What is he hiding from her and can she really trust him?

Black Swan meets Gossip Girl in this thrilling first book in a new series. Sexy, sinister and full of secrets, readers will be hooked on Dance of Shadows from the first page. Look out for the sequel in 2014.
 

A couple of months ago I received an email asking for reviewers for a new novel called Dance of Shadows which i thought sounded very interesting so I said I would like to review it. I am pleased to say I am so glad that I read it as I loved it so thank you to Emma over at Bloomsbury for sending me a copy to review.

 

I must admit it was the cover that drew me to this novel at first as it is a stunning cover. So far I would say that this cover is the most eye catching cover of 2013.

 

When I first started this book I thought there was plenty of mystery but I just couldn't get into it as it was a bit slow. That didn't last long though as once it got going I was gripped and couldn't wait to find out what happened next. There was so many twists and turns that I never saw coming which I love it when a book can surprise me and this one sure did. I loved that for most of the book I felt it was a mystery book but then towards the end there was a paranormal twist that I would like to see even more of in the coming books. I really found it a different to what I have read and I agree with Black Swan meets Gossip Girl and I for one loved it.

 

There wasn't many characters that I didn't like as I just never knew who was the good guy and who was the bad one making me like everyone. Vanessa seemed like a strong person who was trying to find out about her missing sister. I did find her a bit annoying at times but apart from that she was a sweet character. I am not going to say anything about the boys as I don't want to give anything away but I will say I liked them both. There was also some other characters in this book that I thought was sweet but I didn't think all relationships/friendships was believable.

 

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to continue on in this series which I am sure will only keep getting better and better. A brilliant debut from Yelena Black definitely an author to look out for.

Book Review: League of Strays by L.B. Schulman

Format: arc

Publishers: Amulet

Published: 1st October 2012

Pages: 288

Main Characters: Charlotte, Kade, Nora, Zoe, and Richie

Date Started: 28th November 2012

Date Finished: 1st December 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

This suspenseful debut follows a group of teenage misfits in their delicious quest for revenge on those who have wronged them at their high school. When a mysterious note appears in Charlotte’s mailbox inviting her to join the League of Strays, she’s hopeful it will lead to making friends. What she discovers is a motley crew of loners and an alluring, manipulative ringleader named Kade. Kade convinces the group that they need one another both for friendship and to get back at the classmates and teachers who have betrayed them. But Kade has a bigger agenda. In addition to vandalizing their school and causing fights between other students, Kade’s real intention is a dangerous plot that will threaten lives and force Charlotte to choose between her loyalty to the League and her own conscience.
 

I found that the plot intrigued me which made me really want to read this book so I asked if I could review it and I am thankful for the publishers who sent it out to me.

I'm not fond of the cover I have seen far better covers but I can't think of anything else that could have been used instead.

I really though I would really enjoy this book but I found it a bit lacking of any interest and i was very disappointed. I am actually writing this review and thinking what to write and it's one of the hardest reviews that I have written. I guess I will start with the good which are that it kept me guessing what was going to happen next but the end was a bit predictable. I felt that this book did have promise as it dealt with some major issues I just don't think they was dealt with in a sensitive manner. Also there was a couple of moments when I thought it was going to pick up and enjoyed those moments but it just wasn't enough. I felt that there was parts that missed a few details as some of the next chapters jumped to another day which did get confusing. There was times when I was literally cringing at the things that was happening. It just wasn't wrapped up well enough for me.

With the characters I never really felt anything for them and I felt that they should have dealt with bigger consequences than what they did do. Charlotte seemed alright but she was easily manipulated by everyone that she was surrounded by. I also didn't like that she felt the need to exaggerate her getting bullied it just didn't sit right with me. Kade was the bad boy but what surprised me was I didn't like him as there was no charisma to him and was surprised how he got people to do his bidding but then again he is a very good manipulator. Zoe was my favourite character in this book she would have been a better lead character as she had more hidden depths to her. Richie was another good character and I wish he was in it a bit more. Nora I thought I was going to like as she seemed very smart but in the end she was the most unclever person and she was just annoying.

Overall I didn't really get on with this book but there was glimpses of a good book.

Book Review: Breathe (Breathe #1) by Sarah Crossan

 

Format: arc

Publishers: Bloomsbury

Published: 11th October 2012

Pages: 373

Main Characters: Bea, Quinn, Alina

Date Started: 23rd November 2012

Date Finished: 28th November 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

When oxygen levels plunge in a treeless world, a state lottery decides which lucky few will live inside the Pod. Everyone else will slowly suffocate. Years after the Switch, life inside the Pod has moved on. A poor Auxiliary class cannot afford the oxygen tax which supplies extra air for running, dancing and sports. The rich Premiums, by contrast, are healthy and strong. Anyone who opposes the regime is labelled a terrorist and ejected from the Pod to die. Sixteen-year-old Alina is part of the secret resistance, but when a mission goes wrong she is forced to escape from the Pod. With only two days of oxygen in her tank, she too faces the terrifying prospect of death by suffocation. Her only hope is to find the mythical Grove, a small enclave of trees protected by a hardcore band of rebels. Does it even exist, and if so, what or who are they protecting the trees from? A dystopian thriller about courage and freedom, with a love story at its heart.

 

 

As soon as I was asked by the lovely publishers at Bloomsbury (thank you so much) if I wanted to review this book I jumped at the chance as I had fancied reading it for a while.

 

I love the cover and one of the reasons why I wanted this book and I know that I will eventually get a finished copy just so I can have the cover on my shelf. I love the cover even more now that I have read and get the significance of the cover to the story.

 

When I first started this book I felt a little lost as I didn't get why the world was in such a way and it wasn't until things got explained that I really started liking this book. As well as being a little lost I also felt it was really slow and I was begging it to pick up with a bit of action which didn't really happen until closer to the end but when it did... wow it was great on the edge of your seat stuff. Even though there wasn't much action there was still loads of things happening with loads of twist and turns in the plot kept me guessing all the way through. At times Breathe did have me playing with my emotions to a point when I was nearly in tears as it was really sad. I am not usually a huge fan of dystopian novels but this one has started to help me get into that particular genre. There was a bit of romance in the book but I didn't find it believable I was expecting more sparks than what there was. There was also a bit of a cliff hanger in which made me really want to pick up the next book now but that book isn't out until next year.

 

With the characters I didn't really like them to start with but I felt they really grew into themselves throughout the book which then took me onto the journey too. Bea was a nice naive girl who was in love with someone that didn't really notice her which made me feel for her. Once she found out what was really going on with the life she was living she really did grow up and want to fight for the course. Quinn was a bit annoying where I wanted to tell him to open his eyes but again when he found out some horrible things he turned into a man rather than the little boy he started out as. Alina seemed a little too cold but when she spent time with Bea, Quinn and Maude she started to melt and I really started to like her. Maude was a little old lady who was a bit mean to start with a bit like Alina but Bea really did change that and I found she was a sweet and caring old lady.

 

Overall a little slow and confusing to start with but once it got going it had the makings of a really good book and I can't wait to find out what happens next.

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 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 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 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 Review: The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle #1)

The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publisher: Scholastic

Published: 18th September 2012

Pages: 408

Main Characters: Blue, Gansey, Adam, Ronan, Noah

Date Started:11th September 2012

Date Finished: 19th September 2012

Rating Given: ** 1/2

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

The reason why I wanted to try this book was because it was written by Maggie Stiefvater so imagine my delight . Thanks to Scholastic publishers for giving me the chance to review this book. I loved her Shiver series and even though I didn't like Lament I was still excited to try this book, however I felt the same way I did with Lament.

I don't like the cover one bit but that is probably because I am petrified of birds!

I loved the sound of this book and I thought it was going to be interesting but I felt a bit let down by the book. I found it was a unique take on the paranormal. There was far too much background information that I just got lost. Yes a bit of background information is needed as it's the first book but it just made it boring. I am hoping that the next book will have less information and more of a story if not I won't be able to continue. There was times when I didn't even want to pick the book back up as I felt like it was a chore to read. Even though I was bored at time, there was parts that was very entertaining and had me gripped. The ending had a lot of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting which I liked.

I didn't really feel connected to the characters. Blue was funny at times but other times she was a bit annoying. Gansey seemed to have a split personality as one minute he would act like a snob and then other times he seemed sweet and would do anything for anyone. Adam I actually liked at the beginning but then throughout the book I went off him. Ronan was just annoying. Noah was my favourite character but wasn't in it much but there was a reason behind this which I for one never saw coming. I was expecting a bit more romance than what we got if you could even say romance. I think that might change throughout the series.

Overall it was a bit information overload but there was times when I enjoyed it. I will most likely continue with the series in the hope that it will pick up. 

Book Review: Spellbound (Spellbound #1)

Spellbound (Spellbound #1) by Cara Lynn Shultz

Format: Paperback (arc)
Publisher: Mira Ink
Published: 7th September 2012
Pages: 324
Main Characters: Emma, Brendan
Date Started: 2nd September 2012
Date Finished: 7th September 2012
Rating Given: ****

Blurb from Goodreads:

What’s a girl to do when meeting The One means she’s cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn’t been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she’s irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can’t stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma’s been having the oddest dreams. Visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

I had been after this book for a long time so when I saw that it was available for review by the lovely guys at Mira Ink I knew I had to try and get it. I am so thankful that they sent me a copy as it was really good.

With me getting a arc copy they sent me the old cover which I thought I liked until I see it and I really didn't like it so I am happy that the UK has a different version. I do like this one more than the other one but I still don't think it's my favourite ever cover. For me it doesn't tie in with the actual story.

It took me a long while to get into this book I would say it only picked up just under the halfway point but once it did get going I found it a much more thrilling read. I was expecting a lot more magic than what we got but I have a feeling that could come a lot more in the next book and this was more character/world building. I liked that once the story picked up it really made me addicted to it and I couldn't wait to find out what happened in the next chapter especially the last few chapters. I liked the ending but I felt like there was a lot of things cleared up I would have liked it even more if there was a bit more of a cliffhanger. Although if it takes me as long as it did to get the next book I won't feel like I'm missing out as much.

The main female character was called Emma and she was a very mentally strong character as we learn some horrible things happened in her past. As well as her past making me feel sorry for her there was tings that happened in the present that also had me feeling sorry for her. I liked that she stuck up for her family and herself. Brendan started of as one of those male characters that we all love, the bad boy who melts when finding love. I wasn't quite sure about the relationship between the two characters at first as he seemed a bit stand offish but then once you get further into the story I understood why he was the way he was. There was also some side characters that I loved but there was also some that I couldn't stand but I hope we get to see more from them all in the next book.

Overall, a good book that could have been a bit more faster in pace at the beginning. I am very much looking forward to finding out what is going to happen next.