BOTM #6

Here's the book that I have read in March:

• Slide by Jill Hathaway
• Pieces of Us by Margie Gelbwasser
• Ascend by Amanda Hocking
• White Witch by Trish Milburn
• Interrupted by Rachel Coker
• Fury by Elizabeth Miles
• All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
• Starters by Lissa Price
• Fated by Alyson Noel

And the book of the month goes to...

Ascend by Amanda Hocking

This month was a hard one as I had a couple of five star books that I loved I also had a re-read but I thought I wouldn't add that one as it wouldn't be fair to the new ones that I have read.

The reason why I ended up choosing this book was because I loved everything about it, I loved it from the very start all the way up to the conclusion of the series.

It was a stunning book that I would definitely recommend to anyone who hasn't read this book or even this series. The series starts off slow but by this one I fell in love with it if ever  'save the best to last' was fitting it would be for this series.

To see my full review check it out here.

What was everyone else's book of the month? Do you agree with mine? Or do you disagree?

Book Review: Fated (Soul Seekers #1)

Fated (Soul Seekers #1) by Alyson Noel

Format: Paperback (arc)
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Published: 24th May 2012
Pages: 440
Main Characters: Daire, Dace, Cade, Paloma
Date Started: 25th March 2012
Date Finished: 29th March 2012
Rating Given: ***

Goodreads:
Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter’s sanity, Daire’s mother sends her to live with the grandmother she’s never met. A woman who recognizes the visions for what they truly are—the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker—one who can navigate the worlds between the living and dead.

There on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it’s when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. Now Daire is forced to discover if Dace is the one guy she's meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

I loved Alyson Noel's other series The Immortals so when I heard about this series I thought it sounded just as good and definitely worth a read.

It starts out with Daire having an 'episode' where everyone thinks she has gone crazy but when her Grandmother finds out about them she knows that she isn't going crazy but is actually a Soul Seeker giving her powers that she never even knew she had and because of this she is sent to stay with her Grandmother so get ready for the role she was born into.

I found it was slightly confusing at the beginning and I just never really understood what was happening. Throughout the first half of the book I was going through stages of either loving it and thinking it was one of the best books that I have ever read to hating it as it was boring with nothing exciting going on. After hitting the halfway mark I found it settled into a great book with twists and turns that I was expecting which I think is a great thing to happen in books.

I wasn't sure what I really thought of Daire's character as she seemed nice enough at the end but at the beginning she was a bit selfish and very annoying as well as being mean to the people who loved her the most but she did grow throughout the book into a more descent person which I was pleased about I just hope she stays like that in the next book.

Dace was a great sweet and kind boy which I found a great quality in him but I always felt like he was going to change into his evil twin brother. I think that maybe it will happen in the next book but I sure hope that this doesn't happen.

Paloma is Daire's Grandmother who I loved I think she could well have been one of my favourite characters but this could have something to do with her reminding me of my Nanna.

Cade was a strange character as he did seem nice on the surface but he is the bad twin and some of the things he did when he thought no one was looking was awful so it was hard to trust him but also as hard to hate him.

Overall a good start to what I am hoping will be a great series I just wished that it had picked up pace a lot sooner than what it did do. I am looking to where this story is going and I can't wait to see what is going to happen.

Follow Friday #16

Follow Friday is a weekly event hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. This is a great way to discover new blogs and make new friends! This weeks featured are Alluring Reads and Justin's Book Blog.

Q: Do you read one book at a time or do you switch back and forth between two or more?

I try and switch between two books which is usually one book and one ebook. 

Sometimes I can prefer one of the books that I'm reading so I would spend more time reading that particular book but I do try splitting my time.

It can be confusing at times especially if they are similar stories but apart from that I love reading the two as it gets more books read from my mountain of tbr books although for some reason it gets bigger rather than smaller wonder why that is ;)

Book Cover: The Immortals Rules

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

I love this cover in the way that it uses only a few colours but the colours that are used complement each other beautifully. I would never have thought about using blue and red together but maybe this has more to do with the shade of the colour. With it being a dark blue it makes the red pop in a way it wouldn't have if it was a lighter shade. The blood running down the face from the eye looks so effective and was what first drew me into it, it looks creepy and gives me a feel for what is to come from the book.

The way in which it has only used a close up of the face also looks effective as I don't think it would give off the same feel if it was the whole body. Also the shadowing on the face continues on with the creepy feel of the cover.

When I first glanced at this cover I wasn't sure that I actually liked it as it looked like it was grainy and not what I would think a good enough finished version, but the more I look at it the more I think it gives the cover more texture to me it looks like suede I would love to see an actual final copy to see what it looks like in the flesh.

The title has been kept simple like the rest of the cover but what makes it stand out is the colour and the way in which it looks like it is shining it looks so effective.

Usually the series title isn't used on the front of the cover and if it is used it's not as noticeable as the actual title but because of the symbols that are used instead of the letter it really makes it stand out but it is still in the background as it doesn't shine like the title.

I can't wait to read this book, (which I do have from Netgalley) I hope it's as good as the cover.

What do you think about this cover? Do you agree or disagree with me, let me know your thoughts

Teaser Tuesday #17

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

My Teasers:

Fated by Alyson Noel

Bolting through the crowd, pushing, screaming, shoving, shouting for everyone to get out of my way. Vaguely aware of Vane calling after me-his fingers grasping, pulling me close to his chest, urging me to stop, to turn, to not be afraid.  My body sags in relief as I lift my face to meet his. Wondering how I'll ever explain my sudden bout of craziness now that everything's returned to normal again, only to gaze past his shoulder and find the crows replaced with something much worse-thousands of bloodied, severed heads hanging on spikes that fill up the square. Their gruesome mouths yawning into a terrible chorus that calls out my name-urging me to listen-to heed their warning-before its too late. One voice in particular rising above all the rest, its grisly battered face bearing an eerie resemblance to one in a crumpled old photo I know all too well. - Page 17

A good start but very confusing but things are starting to get explained so here's hoping that I will enjoy it even more.

                   Tomorrow Land by Mari Mancusi

Shoulda just stayed hidden and let her die, he berated himself. He knew as well as anyone it did no good these days to help people. Or even animals for that matter. Look what happened to Spud when he'd tried to save that puppy he found in the alley two weeks ago. Picked up the little wiggly thing and bam! Zombie gets the jump on him.
Yes, these days, it was every man-and dog-for himself. That was the only way to really survive. - Pages 20 & 21

Again this book has started of quite confusing but unlike Fated I have only read the first couple of chapters so I am hoping it will tell us a few things soon as it has the potential to be a really good book.


Both books are arcs so quotes could be different to final copy.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #22

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

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Starters by Lissa Price

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Currently Reading

Tomorrow Land by Mari Mancusi

Not a bad start but it's very confusing but with me not being to far into it I think it will start to explain things throughout the book.

Fated by Alyson Noel

Again I am not that far into this book but what I have read sounds interesting so I will be looking forward at what is going to get uncovered.

Reading Next

Gift by Andrea J. Buchanan

Mortal Kiss by Alice Moss

 I have had Mortal Kiss on my shelf for a while now so I thought I best get it read as it does sound good. To be honest I can't remember what Gift was about but I'm sure it sounded good otherwise I wouldn't have requested to read it.

That's what I am planning on reading this week. What are you guys reading?

In My Mailbox #23

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









I actually went a whole week without requesting anything on Netgalley but I did get some hard copies:

Burn Mark by Laura Powell

I received this as a review copy from the lovely publishers Bloomsbury. It sound really good so I am looking forward to reading it.

Fated by Sarah Alderson

This book I received as a swap which I was so pleased about as it sounds like my kind of book and I also have another of Sarah Alderson books still to read so here's hoping I like her style of writing!

Endure by Carrie Jones

Another book that I received from Bloomsbury (I seem to love their stuff). I have read the others in this series and I believe this is the last in the series so I am looking forward to seeing how it is all going to end.

Immortal City by Scott Speer

This is another book that I received for reviewing but this time by Scholastic which this will be the first time I review a book for them but I have read others by them and loved them so here's hoping I will like this one.

That's my books that was in my mailbox this week what was in yours?

 

Film Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

(May contain spoilers)

Director: Gary Ross
Writers: Gary Ross (Screenplay), Suzanne Collins (Screenplay, Novel), Billy Ray (Screenplay)
Stars/Characters: Jennifer Lawrence/Katniss, Josh Hutcherson/Peeta, Liam Hemsworth/Gale, Stanley Tucci/Caesar Flickerman, Wes Bentley/Seneca Crane, Elizabeth Banks/Effie, Woody Harrelson/Haymitch, Lenny Kravitz/Cinna
Cinema Release: 23rd March 2012
Date Watched: 23rd March 2012
Rating Given: ****


When I first heard about this book being made into a film I was so excited as it's one of my favourite books. When the release date kept getting closer and closer I was starting to get a bit worried about it as a lot of the book is Katniss thoughts but seeing the trailers I was quite impressed.

I absolutely loved the film it was a great adaptation from book into a film better than some films that was first books it could have gone so wrong but it never did.

I loved that there was extra scenes that wasn't even in the book it made it a bit easier to understand and it was nice to see the games getting sorted out it added a great touch that I actually wished was in the books. I think this would have worked better because it had Collins who knows what these people was thinking rather than someone who had no idea and just guessed what would have been happening.

Although it was easier to understand there was bit's that did confuse my mum who hasn't read the books and I had to explain some things while driving home so only then did she get the meaning of everything. My sister who I also went to see it with found it predictable and she also hadn't read the books. I found some of the scenes not portrayed as good as what they could have and some of my favourite bits from the book was not in the film which I was a bit disappointed about.

The part with Rue was done so beautiful all three of us was crying it was just so touching.

The casting I kind of loved as they was casted perfectly I couldn't imagine anyone else for any of the characters the did a wonderful job at portraying characters that we all know and love. I think that maybe Peeta could have looked different but he too did a great job at acting him I eventually believed him.

Overall a great film with a few minor casualties.

Book Review: Starters (Starters #1)

Starters (Starters #1) by Lissa Price

Format: e-arc
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 13th March 2012
Pages: 352
Main Characters: Callie, Blake
Date Started: 17th March 2012
Date Finished: 22nd March 2012
Rating Given: ****

Netgalley:
A major book for spring 2012—Starters is the first in a high-concept, two-book, futuristic thriller teen project by newcomer Lissa Price—a tremendous bestselling author in the making. Every major publisher wanted this book on their list.
    Callie lost her parents when the Spore Wars wiped out everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty. She and her little brother, Tyler, go on the run, living as squatters with their friend Michael and fighting off renegades who would kill them for a cookie. Callie's only hope is Prime Destinations, a disturbing place in Beverly Hills run by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man. He hires teens to rent their bodies to Enders—seniors who want to be young again. Callie, desperate for the money that will keep her, Tyler, and Michael alive, agrees to be a donor. But the neurochip they place in Callie's head malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, and going out with a senator's grandson.
It feels almost like a fairy tale, until Callie discovers that her renter intends to do more than party—and that Prime Destinations' plans are more evil than Callie could ever have imagined. . . .

The first thing that drew me in to this book was the cover as I absolutely loved it, it's one of my favourites so I knew I had to try it. When I read what it was about I found it sounded very interesting and was glad that I had requested to read it.

It started off a little slow and confusing. Nothing interesting was happening but the more I kept reading it the more things started to happen and the more I got hooked to it. At one point it kind of reminded me of The Host by Stephenie Meyer which I didn't mind as I enjoyed that book as well plus this one was done in a different way.

I loved the fact that by the end you're not quite sure who you can trust as so many things happened at once which gives me the feeling that something huge is going to happen in the next one to make me change my mind on who to trust.

Callie's character is a strong girl which she needs to be as she has her sick younger brother to look after and they are also living on the street. I could definitely understand why she did the things that she did as it was the only way they could survive. Everything she does is for her brother which is such a selfless trait that it is admirable.

I did like Blake he seemed like a kind person to Callie considering they never really knew each other but then something happens towards the end that just turns everything on it's head in a way that I am not sure who Blake as a person really is.

There is some really likable side characters which are so sweet I just hope that doesn't change in the next one. There was also another male character called Michael who I liked to start with but then he does something that made me change my mind about him as it quite a selfish thing to do.

Overall a stunning debut by Lissa Price and I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next in this series.

Book Cover: Of Poseidon

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

I say this every week but I mean it every time I say it that as soon as I see a stunning cover I am drawn to it straight away for the cover alone makes me want or not read a particular book. This book is in the pile of want to read as the cover is just stunning.

I love the way that there isn't really that much going on in the cover but what you can see on the cover makes you think what the book is about and in this case I guessed right I love it when that happens.

The texture of the background I wouldn't say made me think it was under the sea more like the bubbles near the girl gave me this feeling. I still like the background texture as otherwise I think it would be too plain whereas now it doesn't.

It kind of reminds me of a technique that I used to (love) do in my photography course where you reverse the image which would make what was black white and vice-versa. I loved that technique it looked very effective just like this cover does.

The simplicity of the title just adds to the whole overall simplicity of the cover with just a touch of elegance it's very in keeping.

I love this cover and I hope that I will love the actual book.

I can't wait to read it hope I'm not disappointed!

Book Review: All These Things I've Done (Birthright #1)

All These Things I've Done (Birthright #1) by Gabrielle Zevin

Format: Paperback (arc)
Publisher: Macmillan
Published: 6th April 2012
Pages: 352
Main Characters: Anya, Win, Natty, Scarlet, Leo
Date Started: 17th March 2012
Date Finished: 21st March 2012
Rating Given: ***

Goodreads:
Sixteen year-old Anya becomes the head of a mafia family after her parents are both murdered by rival gangs. Although Anya is embrolied in the criminal world, she is determined to keep her brother and sister out of the mafia family, but her father's relatives aren't so keen to let them go. When Anya's violent ex-boyfriend is poisoned with contaminated chocolate – chocolate that is produced illegally by Anya's mafia family – she is arrested for attempted murder and sent to the notorious jail on Manhattan Island.

Eventually she is freed by the new D.A. in town, who believes she has been framed. But this D.A. is the father of Win, a boy at school to whom Anya feels irresistibly drawn, and her freedom comes with conditions. Win's father wants to be mayor, and he can't risk having his ambition jeopardised by rumours spreading that his son is seeing a member of a notorious crime family. Anya knows she risks the safety of her family by seeing Win again, but the feeling between them may be too strong to resist...

I had not actually heard of this book until someone wanted to swap it and it was on their list so I read the synopsis and it sounded good and different to what I have read before, I had to give it a try.

This book is something new for me which I did enjoy but not as much as what I thought I was going to. It is set in 2082 and there is a chocolate ban (could you imagine a world without chocolate? I for one can't) as well as other important living things on a need to use basis (I can actually imagine some of these things happening as we are already have a hosepipe ban in the summer). Anya's family is involved in the illegal chocolate business which she gets caught up in.

To start with I found it quite slow and nothing much was really happening and it wasn't until nearly halfway through when things started to get interesting.

What I love about this book is that when it gets going it is a very thrilling book where I have to read just one more chapter before I can put it down. I also like the fact that I never knew what was going to happen next. Also I liked that I thought I had everything figured out, for example, who was to blame and then everything changes again and again at one point I just couldn't keep up. I for one don't know who to trust in this book everyone seems a bit shady.

For her sixteen years Anya has had to deal with a lot of things and not any good things and because of this she is a strong person but I feel that at times she just acts this way so she doesn't seem weak. I like her character and I rout for everything to turn out in her favour which again doesn't always happen.

I love the style of writing that Zevin has used as to me it feels like more of a journal rather than a book which is probably the reason why I ended up getting so wrapped up in this book it just felt real.

There has been a lot of questions left unanswered which really makes me want to read the next one just so I know what happens next.

Overall a slow start but once it gets going it gets very interesting.

Teaser Tuesday #16

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





My Teasers:

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

'Are you still at Holy Trinity?' Mr Kipling asked after a brief pause.
'Yes.'
'I'll come right down and meet you there. Hold tight, Anya. We'll get this sorted out.'
At that moment, the door to the secretary's office opened. 'Found her!' Detective Jones yelled. 'She's on the phone!' Then he turned to me. 'We're going to need to take you down to the precinct for further questioning. Your boyfriend just slipped into a coma. They think he might die.'
'Ex-boyfriend,' I said quietly.
'Anya?' Mr Kipling said. 'Still there?'
'Yes, Mr Kipling,' I replied. 'Could you meet me at the police station instead?' - Page 102

I do like this book as loads of things keep happening and your never sure who it is that has it out for Anya. I just wish that it didn't drag in places.

          Starters by Lissa Price

"Thanks." I leaned in until our heads touched. I wanted so much to stay with this moment, this hard-won truce, but I had to tell him the truth. "I wish I could stay. But I'm just here for a couple of hours. I have to go back to work."
He let go of my hand. "Why?" His eyes welled up.
"Because I'm not done." I put my arms around him and held him tight. "I need you to be brave for me. because once we get through this, we're going to have a home again."
He held on to me "Really?" he whispered, his voice cracking. "Promise?"
It broke my heart.
"I promise." - Pages 54 and 55

I kind of like this book but nothing huge has happened yet which I wish it would as then I think it will be a great book. It's just a bit boring at the minute.


Both these books are arcs so therefore subject to change.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #21

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

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

Interrupted by Rachel Coker

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Currently Reading

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Not a bad start and now things are really starting to pick up in pace lets hope it continues!

Starters by Lissa Price

Decent start to the book although I'm not entirely sure where it is going just yet but I'm not that far into it yet so maybe things will start to happen soon.

Reading Next

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I am still debating on whether I should re-read this book before I go see it on Monday I think it will come down to how fast I can finish up the book that I am currently reading.

Tomorrow Land by Mari Mancusi

Fated by Alyson Noel

That's my week of reading sorted what's yours?

In My Mailbox #22

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









I got a couple of books this week so here goes.

13 To Life by Shannon Delany

I received this book as a RAK from the lovely Elodie at the beginning of the week which also included some bookmarks as well. I was so excited when I found out that this was the book that I was given as I have been after it for ages now so I can't wait to read it.

Thanks Elodie :)

Ally Condie

I received this as a swap from over at UK Swap Shop over at Goodreads. I must admit when this first came out I wasn't that excited about it but when everyone kept raving about it I knew I would end up trying it so now I am looking forward to seeing what the hype is about.

Another week and another week browsing Netgalley. Every week I say to myself that I will stop getting books from here until I have read what I need to get done on there first but alas I just couldn't stop myself.

Tomorrow Land by Mari Mancusi

The Shapeshifter's Secret by Heather Ostler

Yesterday by C.K. Kelly Martin

So that's what was in my mailbox this week what was in yours?

Happy Mother's Day!!

           

Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day especially my wonderful and beautiful Mum who I love so so so much :)

Book Review: Fury (The Fury Trilogy #1)

Fury (The Fury Trilogy #1) by Elizabeth Miles

Format: Hardback
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
Published: 30th August 2011
Pages: 370
Main Characters: Em, Chase
Date Started: 10th March 2012
Date Finished: 15th March 2012
Rating Given: ***

Goodreads:
It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Em and Chase have been chosen.

With this book I am not really sure what to think about it as sometimes I would be enjoying it and the other time's I didn't like it.

This is my first time reading about Furies so I wasn't sure what to expect with them. I did expect to be told about them a lot sooner than when we did learn about them, so all the way until that moment I was trying to figure what and why things was happening. I guess that could have been done so that we know what the character's know but I like to know these things.

Apart from the prologue which was very entertaining the beginning was too slow I was expecting it to pick up pace at one point but then it would slow down again. It wasn't until halfway through when it picked up it's pace and kept picking up momentum.

I wasn't sure about the characters as most of them was acting like spoilt children which made me understand about the Furies coming for them. The only character that I liked was JD he seemed sweet and funny but he was just getting used until the end.

This book felt more like a set-up to the series so hopefully the next books will be more entertaining as we will know about the Furies.

Book Review: Interrupted

Interrupted by Rachel Coker

Format: e-arc
Publisher: Zondervan
Published: 1st March 2012
Pages: 256
Main Characters: Allie, Sam
Date Started: 14th March 2012
Date Finished: 15th March 2012
Rating Given: *****

Netgalley:
Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.

I thought this cover was sweet and that the book sounded interesting and different to what I normally read so I thought I would give this book a try so I was very pleased when I was accepted.

When I first started reading it and the girl was 13 years old I wasn't sure that it would be a book I liked as I knew it was romance and I just wouldn't have believed the romance at that age. I did however find that she was growing up within the book so as some of the chapters went on she got older.

I had stopped reading a book the other week because I found it a bit too sad and very close to home yet this one in the sadness department was worse and I was crying loads and even throughout the book yet I actually loved it and I think that was down to the beautiful style of writing by Coker.

Allie's character had a lot to go through in her younger life which made her build walls around her so that she didn't hurt that way again so I did understand when she was being mean to some of the other character's whereas usually I wouldn't like these types of characters but I found her likable enough to forgive her. Even though it's not a really long book or even a series I was still able to believe the way she was able to grow up which was nice to see.

I loved Sam's character especially when he was older as he had a great sense of humour and he was also really sweet to Allie even when she didn't earn it. I just wish he was in it more.

I got so attached to all the characters so that when they was sad and crying so was I and when they was laughing so was I. I love to be this involved in a story as it shows just how great it was written.

The time period was around the Second World War and usually you find out about how the guy that has gone to war is going through but with this book we got to see the girls and how each cope in different ways. It wasn't a huge vocal point of the story but it was a great addition t the story.

This book also revolves around faith and loss of faith which isn't something I really like to read about as I'm not sure what I think of that subject matter but it was written in a manner that I never felt like I was being told to believe in a certain way yet it also made me think about what it means to me. Also adoption and death was touched upon in a very delicate way which is needed for all these delicate subject matters.

Overall a truly remarkable debut from Rachel Coker I can't wait to read more books by her. I read this from netgalley so I haven't actually got a hard copy of this book but because I loved it so much I know I will have to rectify that as it was just brilliant!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

                                                   

I have always had a soft spot for the Irish so I thought I would wish everyone a Happy St.Patrick's Day xx

Follow Friday #16

Follow Friday is a weekly event hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. This is a great way to discover new blogs and make new friends! This weeks featured are Reading with ABC and The Fairytale Nerd.

Q: What is the best book you’ve read in the last month? What is the worst book you’ve read in the last month?

Best Books

Ascend by Amanda Hocking

Interrupted by Rachel Coker

I couldn't pick one favourite just yet as these are both Five star ratings and I love them equally for different reasons. I would definitely recommend anyone who hasn't read these books to do so as they do play with your emotions!

I know I keep going on about Hocking's Trylle Series but that's because I love them so much. This is the first time reading Coker but I would read more from her in the future one to look out for.

Worst

Pieces of us by Margie Gelbwasser

This book for me was just had too much bad things happen and not enough good I don't think I even smiled once. I hated most of the characters and the one I did like his chapter was written in a style I hated. Very disappointed I was expecting more!

Film Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
(May contain spoilers)

Director: David Yates
Writers: Steve Kloves (Screenplay), J.K. Rowling (Novel)
Stars Characters: Daniel Radcliffe/Harry Potter, Emma Watson/ Harmione, Rupert Grint/Ron, Ralph Fiennes/Lord Voldemort, Alan Rickman/Professor Snape
Cinema Release Date: 15th July 2011
Recently Watched (DVD): 15th March 2012
Rating Given: *****

This film thankfully picks up right where we left of from the previous film which they kind of had to do as when it was a book it's all in one not in two parts like the film so there couldn't be anything of importance missing in the film otherwise it just wouldn't work.

It has been a long time since I last read the book but to my knowledge it looks like they have kept faithful to the books which I am so glad because I feel that this particular book everything is needed to show people what happens without them getting confused. There was some shorter scenes that should have been extended like the battle as this a lot of the up close action I just feel like they didn't do it the same as the book so that the children can watch it which I am not happy about as most of them children would have read the book. I did read the adult version so maybe the version for children was more like the film so if you have read both versions please let me know was the battle scene the same?

With the books of Harry Potter the ending has always been my favourite way of ending a series so I was so pleased when that was kept into the film as to me it shows us a true ending.

I loved this film well actually all of them just as much as the books. I loved that even though it was a dark film there was still some humour which I think is needed in these kind of films. I also found myself close to tears at quite a few points not all of them was the sad parts.

It really does feel like we have watched both the characters and the stars grow up which was nice to seem, it is sad to them all go.

A great ending to a great series in both books and films.

Book Covers: The Treachery of Beautiful Things

The Treachery of Beautiful Things by Ruth Frances Long

Every time I come across this cover I fall in love with it more and more as the title says beautiful and that's what this cover is beautiful.

The main part of this cover I love is the dress which by it's self is stunning but the way in which the flowers that start on the ground and then go up into the dress makes it stand out from other books that include a dress. I love the way that I can get a different view on this part every time I see it. Like the first time I thought it wasn't apart of the dress but then just now I get the feeling like it's a train for the dress as I can just imagine the flowers follow when the girl moves which I think would look beautiful.

The background suits the style of the dress as it's all about the nature. I do like the way the sun is trying to shine through yet it still looks a bit dark which I am hoping is a sign of what is to come from this book.

With the title being plain it doesn't stand out as much as what the dress or even the location does however, I think that if it was any different it would be too much. I do think it needs to stand out a bit more as I think it blends too much into the background whereas it needs to stand out so the reader knows what the book is called.

I haven't read this book yet so I don't know if it matches what the story is about but I do hope that, that's the case as then I think this could be a brilliant read well fingers crossed it is :)

Book Review: White Witch

White Witch by Trish Milburn

Format: e-arc
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Published: 1st March 2012
Pages: 188
Main Characters: Jax, Keller
Date Started: 7th March 2012
Date Finished: 11th March 2012
Rating Given: ***

Netgalley:
Witchcraft Is Her Family’s Business.No One Quits The Family And Lives To Tell About It. “Jax” Pherson has power, enough power to know her future will end in service to the dark coven her father controls.  Unless she can stay hidden in a small community in the mountains of North Carolina.  She must find a way to live without magic and deny the darkness she feels welling up inside her—the same dark power that fuels the covens around the world. All she wants is a normal life.  A boyfriend.  Friends.  Some place to belong, but all too soon Jax’s barely begun new life hangs in the balance when she discovers that the boy she’s attracted to is sworn to kill her kind.  He’s a hunter with good reason to kill everything that goes bump in the night.   Even the most fleeting use of her power is tantamount to signing her death warrant and will bring both hunter and coven down on her.  But can she walk away when her friends are threatened by an old evil?  Something created by the magic of witches? Jax’s only hope of survival is to convince the boy she loves to forget everything he’s ever been taught and help her find a way to fight the covens.  To believe there is some good in her.

As soon as I came across this title I knew I just had to read this book as it looks like the kind that I would enjoy and I wasn't wrong.

This book dives straight into what is going on with the lead female character Jax. With it being a short book I think it needed to start like this otherwise the action would never arrive. Even though it starts straight in there, there is no fight scenes until right until the end but it was something I expected to happen.

I loved that this was a different take on witches as in having them as the 'supposedly' bad guy I say it like that as there are some good ones including Jax. However all the witches do seem to have a dark side so I am never sure on who I am supposed to trust.

I didn't like the way the two character fell in love straight away I would have liked to have seen more of a build up so maybe the book should have been longer so it didn't feel too cheesy.

Jax was a great female character as she was strong and independent which she needed to be so that she could cope with everything that had been thrown at her including her not so nice family!

I liked Keller's character he seemed like the strong and silent type just how I like them. I would liked to have seen more of his funny side as there wasn't enough of that from him.

I absolutely hated the cliffhanger as I thought it was a stand alone novel so I thought it was a terrible ending. I have now seen that it is a series which makes the ending less of a blow and more of a normal cliffhanger that we all so love seeing at the end of what could be brilliant books.

Overall I loved that it was easy to get drawn into this world and I hope we get more from this series soon as I am waiting with suspense to what is going to happen next.

Teaser Tuesday #15

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





My Teaser:

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Everything felt hazy-the blackness before her eyes and the blackness of her thoughts. She was breaths away from jumping. She could feel the darkness moving through her.
And then she leaped. She was flying. Falling.
In a flash, she realized she couldn't take it back.
Her lungs were being squeezed to pinpricks. She couldn't breathe. Icy air swirled around her, terror radiating through her body.
She clawed at the nothingness.
She screamed. - Pages 1 and 2

Not too far into this book yet but it is very interesting especially to see how things are going to pan out.


Thats my teaser this week what's yours?

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #20

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

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

Slide by Jill Hathaway

Ascend by Amanda Hocking

White Witch by Trish Milburn (Review coming soon)

Currently Reading

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Not too far into this book yet but so far it's alright it is starting to pick up in pace though so hopefully by the end I will at least like it.

Reading Next

Interrupted by Rachel Coker

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Both these books sound great so here's hoping I will love them as much as what I think I will.

That's my week of reading planned what's yours?

Cover Reveal: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris

This is my very first cover reveal that I have been invovlved in so sorry now if I do something wrong.

I wanted to do this cover reveal because the title had drawn me in and it is by Entangled Publishers, which I have read other books from them and loved them especially the covers.

Now for the cover...

I love this cover especially that dress it's stunning. You can get a real good feeling from this cover to what the book is going to be about which I like in a cover. I really do love the look and sound of this book and is definitely going on my TBR list.

Add to goodreads
Pre-order from AmazonUK

Released: 11th September 2012

Here's a little snippet from the book which I loved hope it gets you going to...

I hear their muffled whispers and understand every Italian word. Every witty comment made at my expense.

It’s like my brain is automatically translating.

I bunch the soft fabric of the dress in my hand and then reach up to feel the ribbon in my hair. I lightly skim my fingers over my chin and feel my lack of zit. I take in the costumes of the crowd, the stench of the animals, and the Italian I can now speak and understand. And suddenly it hits me.

Reyna must have pulled some kind of gypsy mojo.

Maybe this is one of those nifty “change your life” magic scenarios like in the movies. I mean, mostly I’m still expecting to blink and be right back in the midst of overpriced, gaudy tourism, but for now, the gypsy-time-warp explanation is infinitely better than thinking I’ve lost my mind. As I decide to go with that option, I feel my frantic tension melt away.

The growing crowd seems to notice my change in demeanor and begins shooting one another amused looks, but I don’t care anymore. A smile stretches across my face. Evidently, I was wrong earlier; Reyna is a psychic mind reader, because if this is her special brand of bibbity-bobbity-boo, then she made my exact daydream from earlier in the courtyard come to life.

The long red gown, the braided hair, the Italian merchant’s daughter, the time period. I am in Renaissance Florence.

I stare dumbly at the ground, the words and reality sinking in.

I’m in Renaissance Florence!

To talk to Rachel Harris find her on the below links
Website
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

In My Mailbox #21

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









Here's my books that I received this week.

Fated by Alyson Noel

I received this as a swap from RISI, I did try and get it to review but I never heard back so I jumped at the chance to swap one of my books for this one and I can't wait to read it.

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

I was so happy to receive a review copy of Struck from Random House Children's Publishers. I love the cover so much that I hope I love the story just as much.

Witchstruck by Victoria Lamb

I was also sent this by Random House Publishers, although I didn't know I was getting this one as I never asked for it but I am glad I have got it as it does sound like the kind of book I would like to read.

Also I got a few galley's from Netgally

Burn by Heath Gibson

The Watchers by Jon Steele

The City's Son by Tom Pollock

That's what I received, what did you receive in your mailbox?