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.

Changing Covers #3

 

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

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

 

 

First Published            Old UK                  New UK

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

 

When this series was first published it had a completely different look and I didn't like it I wish the new UK covers where released first as I much prefer them. Here in the UK there was a offer for the first one when you bought a different book so I jumped at the chance but then they changed the covers here in the UK (Old UK) but I wasn't too fussed about that as they didn't look that different. The when the last one came out and it was completely different I was gutted as I thought they could have at least waited until they was all released before changing them because now the last book in this series sticks out like a sore thumb!

I think that I will try and get the red covers eventually as they are my favourite but I think this won't happen for a few years yet unless there is an offer on them.

 

So that's my thoughts on these cover changes. Do you agree? or do you prefer the older one? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

Book Review: Phoenix by Jennifer Mason-Black

Format: ebook

Publishers: Musa Publishing

Published: 11th May 2012

Pages: 45

Main Characters: Tucker

Date Started: 27th November 2012

Date Finished: 27th November 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Would you recognize hope if you looked into its eyes?

At sixteen, Tucker has nothing but the clothes on his back, the bruises on his ribs, and the truth about what happened between him and the band teacher. He left home looking to escape his memories, but all he’s found on the road are new bad ones to take their place.

Then he meets Gabriel, a beautiful hustler, and Kelsey, a fire-obsessed girl with a head full of fairy tales. After Gabriel rescues him from a pair of drunks looking for a fight, Tucker’s happy to join him in the abandoned factory he calls home. All he must do in return is help keep Kelsey safe.

But Kelsey’s not what Tucker thinks she is, and safety isn’t what she needs from him. To help her, he’ll have to face the secret he’s been running from, and the flames she’s running to find.
 

This is another Musa Publishing book that I have read and it's another one that was enjoyable. I am really pleased that I am giving books that I normally wouldn't know about a try.

I love this book cover  as it's simple yet very eye catching. I love the feather which does tie in with the story and I also love the colours of it as it makes it stand out. I love the patterns that are also on the cover as this was needed other wise it would have been too plain.

Phoenix was another short book for me which I did enjoy but it was a bit too confusing for me. I was immediately drawn into this story and wanting to find out what was going to happen next which it was like that throughout the book even the end I was still left wanting more. For most of the book I just didn't understand what was happening as it seemed to start at the end and then went into the story and then went back to the end. I do think this story would have been better if it was longer so that things could have been explained better. I loved that Mason-Black told some very heartbreaking issues but it was tackled in a honest way which I don't think is done enough.

As well as the story being confusing some of the characters was also confusing as I didn't know where they where coming from. Tucker was a nice character who had been through some very tough times yet he was still standing which makes him a strong person. It did take a few pages before we actually knew his story though which was a bit annoying. Kelsey was the most confusing character as I didn't understand who she was but then again neither did Kelsey it wasn't until the end when things got cleared up a bit but I still wanted to know more about her. Gabriel was a mystery that even when the book ended I am none the wiser I just didn't get his part in the story.

Overall a very hard hitting, and gripping book that just needed explaining a bit more.

 

Teaser Tuesday #49

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




My Teasers:

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

I hope Bea got away. I saw her running. I saw Alina, Maude, and Bea running. I hope Alina got away, too. I try calling out Bea's name, but my voice is blanketed by the dust and I start to cough. I must be alive if I'm coughing, right? - Page 143. (ARC copy so quote may differ to final copy.)
 

 Started of a little too slow for me as well as it being a bit hard to understand what was going on with the characters. It has now started picking up with a bit of action as well as things getting explained.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #57

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

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

 

Destined by P.C & Kristin Cast 

Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile

The Trouble With Nightingale by Amaleen Ison 

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

 

Currently Reading

 

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

It seems like a good book but so far it has been a bit slow however things are starting to happen so I'm sure it's going to be even better.

 

 

Reading Next

 

League of Strays by L. B. Schulman

 

Phoenix by Jennifer Mason-Black

 

Love Sucks by Sage Collins

 

 

 

 

So that's what I'm planning on reading in the next week. Let me know or leave links to what you're reading below.

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Half-Blood (Covenant #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Format: Paperback

Publishers: Spencer Hill Press

Published: 18th October 2011

Pages: 281

Main Characters: Alex, Aiden

Date Started: 20th November 2012

Date Finished: 23rd November 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.
 

This was my first book that I brought of Jennifer's but I started The Lux series first but once I started that series and loved it I knew I had to get a move on and read this one and I'm glad I did as I loved it.

This cover is stunning and it's one of my favourite covers. I love the patterns and the flower as well as the colour as it stands out. Now that I have read the book I can see where this would come from although it's not a huge point of the story it still ties in nicely.

To start with I was a little confused as to what was going on and also I found it hard to pronounce some of the words. There was a guide at the beginning for some of the words which I liked as I was able to know how those words where pronounced unlike other books which do this at the end, there was still some words I wasn't sure on though. Even though I was confused the book did start of with a bang and there was always something going on which I loved to see. There was also some forbidden romance thrown in for good measure which I can't wait to see how things turn out on that front. I did feel like this book was very similar to Vampire Academy which in turn made it a bit predictable. Although I found it similar to VA I actually preferred Half-Blood as I wormed to it quicker than VA. Also I was told that was the case so I was expecting it and I'm not sure I would have noticed it straight away. This book definitely played with my emotions as there was some very sad scenes but also there was some funny scenes which I loved about Half-Blood.

 

Alex was a very strong and feisty female character which I love to see in the female lead role. I loved her sense of humour. There was also a softeer side to her which was also nice to see as it made her more relatable. I loved Aiden he was such a great male character that as soon as he was introduced to him I fell for him. I also really liked Caleb he was such a great friend to Alex and it was nice to see their friendship bloom through out the book. Then there was Seth who I am not sure what to think of him as he seemed like a funny guy but also the bad guy which I love but this time I preferred Aiden.

 

Overall the start of this series sure packs a punch and I loved it and I'm looking forward to see where the whole story leads to in the coming books.

Book Review: The Trouble With Nightingale by Amaleen Ison

Format: ebook

Publishers: Musa Publishing

Published: 20th January 2011

Pages: 38

Main Characters: Millie

Date Started: 22nd November 2012

Date Finished: 22nd November 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

When eighteen-year-old Millie Scrubbings moves to new digs on East London’s Nightingale Estate, she believes she’s finally closed the door on a childhood dictated by strangers. But overnight, her peaceful high-rise turns bonkers, and a series of grisly murders leaves Millie frightened and more helpless than ever.

Millie must accept her lead role in rescuing Nightingale from its descent into anarchy, or risk all Hell breaking loose.
 

I was asked if I wanted to review this book by a review cordinator and it sounded really good so I said yes. I didn't even realize how short the book was until I went to read it.

The cover is a bit simple but I don't mind as I find it rather eye catching and that's all that's needed for the covers. I also like that everything that is only the cover ties in with the actual story.

 This is a very short book but it is still action packed and it just goes to show that less is more and some books over pack them. It did start off a bit confusing as it was like we was just thrown into the deep end without explaining the whys and hows but the further I went into it the more things got explained. I loved all the different creatures and they was described so well that I could picture them. Even though I liked that it was short I still wish that it was a longer book as i think if it was it could have easily have been a 5/5 book even an epic book.

I don't think we got a real feel for the characters as there just wasn't enough time to invest in them. Millie seemed like a feisty character and I would have liked to have gotten to know her even more as I think she could have been a very strong character. There was another character that I liked and that was Fabian as he was a funny character but again I felt like we could have done with more time to get to know him even better.

Overall I really enjoyed this book I just wish there was more of it.

 

Book Review: Butterfly Kisses (The Butterfly Chronicles #2) by Mia Castile

May contain spoilers.

 

Format: e-arc

Publishers: Entwined

Published: October 2012

Pages: 168

Main Characters: Lacey, Chase, Lana

Date Started: 2nd November 2012

Date Finished: 22nd November 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads;

Everything changed for the Baxter sisters last spring. Lacey blew it with Henry her lifelong crush, only to discover a blooming relationship with her best friend, Chase. While he picked her up and put her back together, they grew closer over the summer. Now that school has started, he’s found popularity thanks to his band Cate’s Ashes, and he’s hiding secret phone calls and text messages. Plus, did his ex-girlfriend just appear out of the blue at his show? Forcing Lacey to wonder if he’s over the feelings he pronounced for her at the beginning of summer. Add to the tension, a realization and secret of her own to keep about her worse enemy. Lacey vows to be the bigger person and keep Byron’s revelation, but what will it cost?

Meanwhile, as Lana tries to find herself again after her suicide attempt, she’s befriended by the school’s resident bad girl, Britt, and new chicano boy, Tomas, in the same week. Britt offers unconditional acceptance that Lana didn’t realize she craved, while Tomas brings out the best in her, and makes her feel alive again. Britt is dangerous and daring, while Tomas exudes security and safety. Vices come easily when you are already addicted to something you crave, and Lana muddles through figuring out who she wants to be.

With their parents constantly arguing, and their dad moving into the guest bedroom, the pressure on the girls may explode destroying them all. Is there a place for happiness when their world is crumbling around them?
 

I actually had this book before the first one as I didn't know this was the second book. When I did finished the first book I didn't see where it could go next and what did happen I never expected.

This cover is pretty much the same as the first one but what is white in this one was black in the first. I did actually prefer this one as there is more black in this one making it stand out a bit more.

With the first one I was into it straight away but this time it took a little while longer to get into but once I was into it I really enjoyed it. There was a lot more romance in this book which I liked as I always love a good romance in my books. This time around we also got to see things from Lana's point of view which was nice to see where she was coming from and how she was coping from the aftermath of book one. For most part I could kind of guess what was going to happen but then there was things that I just didn't see coming. One of the shocks was so unbearable I was in tears as it was so heartbreaking and now I don't know how I will get through the next book but I will have to read it just to find out what happens next.

Lacey was a bit immature in the first book but I really felt she grew into herself a lot more which was nice to see. Even though we didn't get to know Lana much in the first book we did find out how she was back then to how she was now and she has also grown up a lot since then. I love Chase just as much (maybe more) as I loved him in the first he is so sweet and really funny. I really enjoyed the relationships between the two sister grow as well as some new relationships with both friends, new friends and boyfriends.

Overall I preferred the first one and this was just a bit too heartbreaking which had me thinking about it long after I finished it.

 

Changing Covers #2

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

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

 

 

UK (Old)            UK (New)          Film Tie-in

 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

 

 

With this series it took me a long time before I even wanted to read this series and that has everything to do with not liking the old UK covers. I just found them ugly and I know your not supposed to judge a book by it's cover but I did (still do) and it wasn't until everyone kept telling me to read this series that I finally caved. I am glad I did cave but once the series was finished and I had them all they go and change the covers which I much prefer. The new UK covers are simple but beautiful I wish I had these covers and I probably will get them at some point. Although now that the films are coming out they go and change them again to tie in with the film but I do love this particular one as it's more eye catching. With only one film out at the moment the other covers are yet to change but if they are anything like this tie in one then I will probably get these versions.

 

 

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

Book Review: Destined (House of Night #9) by P.C & Kristin Cast

May contain spoilers if you haven't read the first 8 books.

 

Format: Hardback

Publishers: ATOM

Published: 25th October 2011

Pages: 325

Main Characters: Zoey, Stark, Stevie-Rae

Date Started: 10th November 2012

Date Finished: 20th November 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet - which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together - if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow...

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia's handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more - or possibly less - than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there's something strangely familiar about him...

Will Neferet's true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox's humanity in time to protect him - and everyone - from his own fate? Find out what's destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.
 

I received this book for Christmas in 2011 but because of this series being a love/hate series for me it was hard to even pick it up. Even though it wasn't my favourite book I am glad I read it.

 

I love the covers for this series although now they have had a bit of a change which I'm a bit annoyed about as I have the first 9 books in this cover so the rest will be different which I don't like when that happens.

 

Throughout most of this book I wasn't enjoying it as much as I used to as it was so boring they was just nothing interesting happening. I was having such a hard time that I thought I was going to be rating it 2/5 but the end saved the book. The end was kind of epic compared to the rest of the book as there was so much going on and it was so thrilling to read I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I think if it wasn't for the end of this book I might have given up on this series but now I think I have to continue it as I want to know how everything is going to end. I probably won't get the books straight away like I did with this one I will just wait to find them cheaper. There was abit too many unanswered questions which I didn't like as I was expecting to have some answers with the series coming to an end but I was left with loads more questions. Even though I liked the ending I still feel like these books are unnecessary any more it just feels a bit dragged out.

 

With the characters I didn't really get any kind of feeling towards them which I think might be because they swap the pov around with different characters and then bring in new characters it just gets confusing. Zoey does seem like she has grown up a bit but I feel like she is a bit boring. Stark is still my favourite character in this book but there is something that was happening to him during this book but nothing really come of it. We also see more of the twins on there own which was nice to see how different they actually are.

 

Overall this series is dragging but usually the ending saves it which happened here and then it makes me want to get the next book.

OPAL Book Trailer reveal

Hey everyone so I am delighted to say that I am apart of the book trailer reveal for Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout so here it is...

Doesn't it look like it's going to be an epic book I for one can't wait for December so I can devour it.

For more information on the book and author read on below.
 

Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

No one is like Daemon Black.

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

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

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

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

 

 USA TODAY Bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

Find Jennifer here: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Blog

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for giving me the opportunity to take part in my first ever trailer reveal.

Teaser Tuesday #48

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




My Teasers:

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

My eyes snapped open as the freakish sixth sense kicked my fight or flight response into overdrive. The Georgia humidity and the dust covering the floor made it hard to breathe. Since I'd fled Miami, no place had been safe. This abandoned factory had proved no different.
The daimons were here. - Page 1
 

I have only just started this book so seeing as this was how the book started it was as good a teaser as any. I am looking forward to continuing with this book as I have heard so many great things and it has started of with a good start.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #56

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

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

 

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer 

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

 

Reread both these books in time to watch the film which I loved and I will do a review for the film in a couple of weeks as I don't want to give anything away.

 

 

Currently Reading

 

Destined by P.C. & Kristin Cast

Not too bad a book but I feel like nothing is really happening. Now that I have finished my rereads I will definitely get this one finished this week.

 

Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile

Like Destined I will definitely get this one finished this week. I feel like I have been reading this one for ages yet last week I never even read it.

 

 

Reading Next

 

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I can't wait to start this series I have heard nothing but great things about it so I am sure I will enjoy it too.

 

The Trouble with Nightingale by Amaleen Ison

If you read my post a couple of weeks ago you would have seen that I was planning on reading this but I never got around to it so I'm going to try again.

 

 

 

So that's my week of reading planned let me know what your reading or leave me links to your post so I can take a look.

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga #4) by Stephenie Meyer

May contain spoilers from both the book and the film

 

Format: Hardback

Publishers: ATOM

Published: 4th August 2008

Pages: 756

Main Characters: Bella, Edward, Jacob

Reread Date Started: 13th November 2012

Reread Date Finished: 16th November 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

WHEN YOU LOVED THE ONE WHO WAS KILLING YOU, IT LEFT YOU NO OPTIONS. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?

To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to a werewolf Jacob Black, she has endured a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife to reach the ultimate turning point. her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fate of two tribes hangs.

Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating and unfathomable consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life - first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse - seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed...forever?
 

I just had to reread this book before I went to see the film which I wasn't sure that I was going to make it but I am pleased to say I read it just in time.

This is my second favourite cover of this particular series  as I love the black and white with a hint of red. Again it hasn't nothing to do with the book but I do like that they used it in the film (BD part 1).

As well as the cover being my second favourite this is my second favourite book as I love the humour in this one I found myself laughing at different scenes especially my favourite where Bella and Emmett have an arm wrestle match. I did feel a little disappointed with there being no real action it was a bit anti-climatic. I loved that we got to see things from Jacob's point of view as I always wonder what other people are thinking so it was nice to see. I think this book could have been better with it split into two separate books like the film did it would have been easier to take in everything as I kept forgetting what happened during the beginning while reading the end.

Bella I felt was a bit better in this book as she finally got what she wanted and she was a bit less selfish once she was a vampire. Edward I loved just as much as I did in the first one. I liked Jacob a little more than before too as with seeing things from his side I felt what he was going through. Emmett was his charming self and I just love him as nearly everything that I found funny had him in the scene. I love all the new characters that we was introduced to especially Renesmee she was so sweet and it was nice to see the interaction with her and everyone else. I also loved the relationship between Edward and Bella especially the wedding it was just so sweet.

Overall It was a great end to the series I just wish it was an epic ending.

 

Showcase Sunday #21

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




Books Mentioned

Review Books
Lullaby by Amanda Hocking (St. Martin's Press sent me HB signed for review!)
The Declaration by Gemma Malley (Bloomsbury)
The Resistance by Gemma Malley (Bloomsbury)
The Legacy by Gemma Malley (Bloomsbury)
Echo by Alyson Noel (Pan Macmillan)


Leave links/let me know what you received so I can check them out.

Changing Covers #1

 

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

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

 

Old (UK)                              New (UK)

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

 

So my first post has to be one of my favourite books it just made sense.

The blue cover was the cover that us in the UK was first cover that we had and continued into the next book, however when the third book came out it was completely different and was more like the one next to the blue cover. I never realized the change as I ordered the hardback copy as the UK wasn't going to come out for awhile after and I needed it right away so I knew it was going to be different. I just wasn't expecting them all to be changed and to be honest I have only just realized this! (I'm not the most observant person)

I do love both versions but my favourite has to be the old UK version and I would have liked to have seen the other books in this way. From this picture you can't tell but with the actual book the old UL version has a metallic finish to it which I think makes it stand out more. The new covers do look more dramatic which I guess is needed for a dramatic series.

I have a feeling that once the film comes out there will be another cover change!

 

What do you think do you agree? or disagree?

 

 

 

Book Review: Eclipse (Twilight Saga #3) by Stephenie Meyer

(May contain spoilers)

 

Format: Paperback

Publishers: ATOM

Published: 7th August 2007

Pages: 628

Main Characters: Bella, Edward, Jacob

Reread Date Started: 11th November 2012

Reread Date Finished: 13th November 2012

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob - knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?
 

 I felt the need to reread this series before the film came out so instead of starting with the last one I thought why not reread the whole series?

This cover is one of my least favourites from the series as it's just a broken ribbon. Although I don't feel as though it makes sense to the series I do love the composition as it makes the cover look less plain.

Eclipse isn't my favourite of the series but it's also not my least favourite either so I was a little more excited to reread this one than New Moon. I love that there is a bit of action in this book although that doesn't come until closer to the end. I also love that it makes me laugh especially in a couple of scenes I was laughing out loud. There is more to the romance in this one where it's more of a love triangle and yes I could see the draw to both of them but it was a bit too predictable honestly who else was she going to choose?

Bella was just as selfish maybe even more so in this one and for most part I didn't understand where she was coming from. Edward at the beginning I was actually getting annoyed with as he just seemed far too controlling which wasn't very nice to read. Although he does get better and in the end I understand him. Jacob I loved just as much as New Moon and I really did feel for him for the most part anyway as he did get a bit annoying towards the end but again I understood where he was coming from. I like that we got to see more of the other characters in this one as I think they make the book that much better especially Emmett!

Overall a good book but it did have it's annoying moments.

 

Book Cover Talk: Entwined

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

 

Entwined by Heather Dixon

 

I seem to have a particular taste when it comes to covers that I love. I have chosen a few cover with the elegant big dress and flowers before and here I am again choosing a cover with similar themes and I just love it.

With the others that I liked the flowers turned into the dress but this time it's around the edge of the cover which I think looks beautiful as it looks like it's captured a moment in the book.

This cover reminds me of a fairytale which is why I bought the book as i love my fairytales and when I received it and it said that it was a fairytale retelling I was over the moon as they are my favourite kind of books. This is a re-telling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses which to be honest I haven't heard about until this book was in my possession so I have no idea if this scene is something in the book yet as I haven't read this book as of yet.

The scenery is stunning with a castle in the background and then the grounds that she is walking upon just set the scene and the scene for me looks picturesque. I would have maybe liked to have seen the flowers around the edges as real flowers as then it would be completely realistic but because they're not it just doesn't have the realistic feel to it.

With the dress I can't tell what it looks like from the front but if the back is anything to go by I bet it's a breathtaking dress that I wish I had. I love all the ruffles as it adds texture to the book which you may know by know I love a bit of texture.

I love the font of the title very flowing and elegant just like the rest of the book. I think the font of the author needed to be kept simple as if it too was like the title it would have been too much but maybe it could have been in a different colour as it doesn't stand out as much, it's been overpowered by the rest of the book.

I can't wait to read this book but i just hope the story lives upto the cover as I don't want to have to give this book away I love the cover far too much.

 

What does everyone else think of this cover? Do you agree with me? Or do you disagree? Have you been let down by the story? Or does it live upto the cover?

Teaser Tuesday #47

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




My Teasers:

Destined by P.C. & Kristin Cast

And we walked into a future that was already making my stomach clench and feel like a raging IBS episode was going to hit me at any moment.
Ah, hell. - Page 22

I decided to chose this teaser as I don't feel like it will give anything away which I found hard to find with this being book 9. I also haven't read much of it yet so I don't know what to think about it as of yet.

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

"Ow! OW!" I screamed, frantically hopping up and down in agony while I clutched my hand to my chest. It was broken I could feel it.
Jacob stared at me in shock. "Are you all right?"
"No, dammit! You broke my hand!" - Page 331

Like the first teaser I had problems finding a teaser that didn't spoil anything for anyone hasn't read/seen it. I chose this one because I found it one of the funniest scenes it makes me laugh everytime I read this particular part.

Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile

After a long, awkward moment, we start talking about school, everyone, gossiping a little even, and she, too, asks me about Tomas. Lacey really grilled me the other night. I tell her that we are just friends as my phone goes off in my hoodie pocket. I pull it out, and see that it’s a text from Tomas asking how my house arrest is going. My face instantly reddens, and she begins to laugh. - Page 50

I may still be reading this book but it doesn't mean I don't like it, it's just I am reading a lot of books so I haven't gotten around to reading this one yet but I'm sure that will change as of next week. (Teaser may differ to final copy as this is from an arc copy)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #55

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

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

 

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

 New Moon by Stephenie Meyer 

 

 

Currently Reading

 

Destined by P.C & Kristin Cast

Not read much of this book as of yet but it seems alright although not the best book I've ever read.

 

Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile

I still haven't gotten around to finishing this book yet but that's not because it's bad more that I am reading two other books at the same time.

 

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

I'm now onto rereading this book which I like a little bit more than New Moon but still not as good as the first.

 

 

Reading Next

 

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

With me trying to get this series reread before Friday I will be mainly focusing on this series rather than starting new books.

 

 

 

So that's what I'm read/reading this week let me know what your reading.

Book Review: New Moon (Twilight Saga #1) by Stephenie Meyer

May contain spoilers.

 

Format: Paperback

Publishers: ATOM

Published: 30th September 2007

Pages: 563

Main Characters: Bella, Edward, Jacob

Reread Date Started: 8th November 2012

Reread Date Finished: 11th November 2012

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning...
 

So with me rereading this series I had to read this one again but this is always the one that I look forward to the least.

Out of the four covers I would say this is my second favourite cover as I love the flower being white with the blood it just looks the most effective.

Like I said this is my least favourite book out of this series as I just think there was far too long and half of it wasn't needed. With me only rereading it I found that I skipped most of the book but I still knew what was going on. There was parts that I loved just as much as the first book but it just wasn't enough to make me rate it any higher. For most of the book I was eye rolling but then the very beginning I enjoyed until that fatal moment then it spiralled from there. There is parts throughout the slow parts where it was really good but it wasn't until about 200 pages left when it picked up making me not want to put it down. I do think this book is better when you read it for the first time but once you read it for a second or even third time it gets a bit too much.

Bella is the most annoying character ever in this book as she is whining for pretty much half of this book which it did get very annoying. I found she was also very selfish and just a drama queen. Edward isn't in this book that much but I did like him maybe not as much as the first one but I still liked him. We did get to see Jacob a lot more in this book and I actually seem to like him more than I did before maybe it has something to do with the film ;)

Overall not a bad book but it was a bit too over dramatic for me.

Book Review: Finale (Hush, Hush #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick

May conatin spoilers!

 

Format: Hardback

Publishers: Simon & Schuster

Published: 25th October 2012

Pages: 454

Main Characters: Nora, Patch

Date Started: 3rd November 2012

Date Finished: 9th November 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean they are fated to be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. Now Nora and Patch must gather their strength to face one last, perilous trial. Old enemies return, new enemies are made, and a friend's ultimate betrayal threatens the peace Patch and Nora so desperately want. The battle lines are drawn—but which sides are they on? And in the end, are there some obstacles even love can't conquer?
 

This series is one of my favourite books so naturally I had to get this book and I'm glad I did as it didn't disappoint.

The covers for this series is also one of my favourites but when I first saw this cover I wasn't completely sold but once I actually got my copy I love it although I would say it's my least favourite from the series.  I love that it matches with the rest of the series but the title is read for the UK one which all the others are white.

I must admit when i started this book I kind of forgot what had happened but the further I went into it it all came flooding back to me. I was actually going to reread the series before I read this book but I just couldn't wait. There was a lot of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting which I loved as it kept me on my toes. I found that it also played with my emotions and nearly had me in tears in a couple of parts. For the first time I actually liked the slow start that we was introduced to but it wasn't long until there was a lot of things happening. With it being the last book I was a bit dubious to how it was going to end as I'm not a big fan of how other books have ended but I for one loved the ending.

Nora went through a big change in the last book and now she kind of changed as a person in this book and sometimes it was for the better but then other times well it wasn't. I found that I wanted to yell at her a couple of times. As for Patch he was his charming self and i love him for it. He had me smiling at some of the things he was saying and also awwing other things. I love the chemistry between Patch an Nora and I just wish we could see more of them as they make such a great couple although there was a few little surprises where they was concerned. I liked the other characters and there is a bit of a surprise where Vee is concerned which I felt came out of nowhere. Marcie I can't say much about as I don't want to give anything away but we do see a better side to her.

Overall I am sad to see this series come to an end but what an end it was and I loved every minute of it.