Book Review: Talon (Talon, #1) by Julie Kagawa

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Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository

Format: Paperback

Publishers: MIRA Ink

Published: 15th January 2015

Pages: 445

Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy 

Main Characters: Ember, Garret
Date Read: 1st May - 1st June 2016

Rating Given:

Synopsis:‘There are a dozen soldiers hiding in that maze. All hunting you. All looking to kill you.’
To the outside world Ember Hill is an ordinary girl, but Ember has a deadly secret. A dragon hiding in human form, she is destined to fight the shadowy Order of St. George, a powerful society of dragonslayers.
St. George soldier Garret is determined to kill Ember and her kind. Until her bravery makes him question all he’s been taught about dragons.
Now a war is coming and Garret and Ember must choose their sides – fight to save their bond or fulfil their fate and destroy one another.
‘The first in a new series, Talon leaves readers perfectly balanced between satisfaction and anticipation’ – BookPage
‘Kagawa knows just how to end a first volume for maximum cliff-hanger drama’ – Booklist
‘A strong, promising start to the Talon Saga’ – Publishers Weekly

I received a copy from MIRA Ink in exchange for an honest review.

This cover is stunning it is so eye catching I just fell in love with it the moment I got my hands on my copy. The image of the cover is beautiful but let me tell you it still doesn't give the cover the justice that it deserves. The physical cover is matte and glossy in parts and then add to that the texture it gives off the look and feel of the dragons scales. There is nothing that I don't love about this cover.

I was a bit wary about reading this book as I haven't read one Julie Kagawa's books that I have loved yet but I was hopeful that this one would change that as it sounded so good however, it was another book of hers that I didn't love. Another thing that was putting me off reading this book was the length it was so long that it intimidated me. I was right to be intimidated as it was too long as a lot of the story dragged and not needed. The romance side of the story was a bit of a slow burner and I never quite got the connection between the characters but there was times when I thought they where cute together. I loved the dragon side of the story as I haven't read many books that have used them but this is different to the ones that I have read before and in some ways it was a good thing but other parts where too unbelievable. The ending was left on a huge cliff hanger that has left me wanting more.

I wasn't quite sure about most of the characters as a lot of them came across as untrustworthy. Ember was a sweet character for the most part but there was a couple of moments that she stood up for herself. Garret I wasn't too sure about for a lot of the book but because this book had alternating POV's it was a little easier to warm to him. Ember's brother Dante I liked for a part of the book but for the most part he wasn't as nice as what he came across. Riley, Embers other love interest I didn't really like but he did have his moments.

Overall, I was left disappointed as it just didn't live up to my expectations or the cover but because of the ending being left so open it has made me want to continue on with this series.

Book Review: Unrivalled Beautiful Idols, #1) by Alyson Noel

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Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository

Format: Kindle

Publishers: MIRA Ink

Published: 10th May 2016

Pages: 368

Genre: YA, Contemporary Romance, 

Main Characters: Layla, Aster, Tommy, Madison
Date Read: 23rd April - 26th April 2016

Rating Given:

Synopsis:From #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël comes the first book in the Beautiful Idols series. With mystery, suspense, and an insiders-only look at Los Angeles that echoes Gossip Girl’s racy and real New York, fans of Pretty Little Liars and readers who crave pulse-pounding romance will love Unrivalled.
EVERYONE wants to be someone.
Layla Harrison wants to be a reporter.
Aster Amirpour wants to be an actress.
Tommy Phillips wants to be a guitar hero.
But Madison Brooks took destiny and made it her own a long time ago.
She’s Hollywood’s hottest starlet, and the things she did to become the name on everyone’s lips are merely a stain on the pavement, ground beneath her Louboutin heel.
That is, until Layla, Aster, and Tommy find themselves with a VIP invite to the world of Los Angeles’s nightlife and are lured into a competition. The prize, or rather the target? Madison Brooks.
Just as their hopes begin to gleam like stars through the California smog, Madison Brooks goes missing. . . . And all of their hopes are blacked out in the haze of their lies.

  I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I do love the simplicity of the cover I especially love the black background there is also a white background floating around and I actually don't know which I prefer as they both look good. What's really bee bugging me about all the covers is the spelling as I never know which to use as even the covers have different spellings with it being either Unrivalled or Unrivaled.

After reading that synopsis and add to that the fact that it's been written by Alyson Noel I was really excited about reading this book however, it fell short so I was left feeling disappointed. This was such a hard book to read especially with 4 different POV's which I felt was far too many for this particular book. There was a bit of romance in this story but I just didn't feel any of it was real there wasn't a moment when I believed in any of the relationships. For me this book took far too long for something to actually happen, yes we find out in the prologue that something major happens yet it isn't until the end when everything catches up to that particular scene. There was moments when I thought things was going to improve but not even the ending made me want to continue the series. 

I don't think there was one character that I loved all the way through and maybe that was why I couldn't get into the book. I thought I was going to like Layla but the further I went into the book the more she changed into not a nice person. Tommy I actually liked for most of the book but then like Layla he changed it just took longer for him to change. Aster I didn't like from the very beginning I felt she was a bit of a spoilt brat most of the times. Madison had moments when she was a little likeable but for the most part she was annoying. All of the characters where hypocrites and none of them gelled well.

Overall, I was expecting so much for this book but in the end it just wasn't for me. It says that it was for fans of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars which I'm a huge fan of but in the this book didn't work as well as those particular TV shows. 

Book Review: Playing With Fire (Tales of an Extraordinary Girl, #1) by Gena Showalter

Format: Paperback

Publishers: Mira Books

Published: 1st January 2011

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance

Main Characters: Belle, Rome

Date Read: 16th March - 23rd March 2014

Rating Given:

Blurb:
Twenty-four-year-old barista Belle Jamison dreams of a better job and a decent love life. Until a crazy scientist spikes her mocha latte! Suddenly Belle can wield the four elements--earth, wind, fire and water--with only a thought. Coffee too hot? No problem. Hair in need of a blow-dry? Done.Gorgeous government agent Rome Masters has been sent to neutralize Belle. But he's not the only one after her. Together they must outrun the rogue agents on their trail and find a way to control her powers. There's just one problem: the sparks Belle and Rome generate are even hotter than the ones flying from her eyes--and with her future on the line, now is the worst possible time to fall in love....

I only bought this at the beginning of the month but with it being a Gena Showalter book I knew I couldn't wait a moment longer, plus I had been after this book for years but could never find a copy but it was well worth the wait.

This is the more updated book cover which I am so pleased I bought as this one far outshines the original book cover. I love the fact that it is in keeping with the book and even with the title. I also love the use of colours as the use of orange and blacks give the effect of fire which I felt shined when I looked at it from the corner of my eye.

I decided I needed to read a Paranormal Romance book as for what seems like ages I haven't read an amazing Paranormal book so who better to read that a book by Gena Showalter! Showalter has done it again and made me fall in love with the world that she created and gave me a much needed Paranormal Romance boost. As soon as I started this book I was completely drawn into this book and I couldn't wait to read the next chapter. I loved the different take on the paranormal as for most part (that I know of) was not born what they where but created which so different to me in a book but in film I would say its along the lines of X Men which I love. The attraction between the two main characters was sizzling so much I could feel it through the pages. I felt the ending was perfect as there was no huge cliff hanger and if I find the second book as hard to find I won't feel like I'm missing out on something.

Most of the characters in this book was great the only ones I wasn't a fan of was the bad guys which goes without saying. Belle is one of my favourite ever female characters as she was such a strong and independent person that gave as good as she got, but she was also the funniest female character ever as I was in stitches with some of the things she came out with (or did). Usually the male characters are my favourite characters but in this case Belle wins which was a huge surprise to me. Even though Rome wasn't my favourite in this book I still loved him. There was moments that I wasn't quite sure to trust him but in the end him very trust able as he did a very selfless thing that had my heart in my mouth. Tanner was a close second favourite in this book as he was hilarious but there was times that had me feeling sorry for him. I would have loved to have seen more from Tanner.

Overall I absolutely loved this book and I look forward to reading the next book in this series or any book by Gena Showalter for that matter!

Book Review: Crossing the Line (Pushing the Limit, #1.5) by Katie McGarry

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Format: Kindle

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 1st April 2013

Pages: 67

Genre: Contemporary Romance, YA

Main Characters: Lila, Lincoln

Date Read: 26th May 2013

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Katie McGarry captivated readers with her "riveting, emotional"* Young Adult debut, Pushing the Limits. In this gripping novella, she tells the story of Lila and Lincoln, who discover that sometimes it's worth crossing the line for love...

Lila McCormick first met Lincoln Turner when tragedy struck both their lives. But she never expected their surprise encounter would lead to two years of exchanging letters-or that she'd fall for the boy she's only seen once. Their relationship is a secret, but Lila feels closer to Lincoln than anyone else. Until she finds out that he lied to her about the one thing she depended on him for the most.

Hurting Lila is the last thing Lincoln wanted. For two years, her letters have been the only thing getting him through the day. Admitting his feelings would cross a line he's never dared breach before. But Lincoln will do whatever it takes to fix his mistakes, earn Lila's forgiveness-and finally win a chance to be with the girl he loves.

When I saw this free on Amazon I jumped at the chance at getting it as I loved the other two books in this series I needed to see what would happen in this book. I'm glad I did get it as I loved it.

I prefer this UK cover over the other cover. I love the way in which the wall takes up all of the cover it adds texture to a book and I have always loved that about a book. I looks interesting even if there isn't actually anything there.

I loved this book from the moment that it started although there was times when it was far too predictable. I do wish that it was longer so I could get to hear more about these two characters as their romance was so sweet and I would love see more. I loved that for some of the book was letters between Lincoln and Lila they really told a lot about each of them in such a short space of time.

Lincoln I absolutely loved as he was a great character he was so sweet even when he was going through a lot. Lila was nice enough but I did feel like she overreacted a bit. It did take me awhile to actually remember who Lila was and I'm still not sure I remember much about her things came back to me when we hear about Echo.

Overall I loved this book but the other two books in this series was better but I think that has more to do with them being longer, if this was longer I think it could have been just as epic as Pushing the Limits.

Book Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington + Blog Tour: Interview

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Format: e-arc

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 1st February 2013

Pages: 288

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Main Characters: Chelsea

Date Read: 1st February - 7th February 2013

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can’t keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she’s ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there’s strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she’s done. If only she can forgive herself.
 

Every month Mira Ink send out a newsletter of books to be released and when I saw this one it had me intrigued so I thought I would try and get a review copy from Netgalley which I'm so pleased they accepted my request as it was a very good book.

 This cover was one of the reasons why this book intrigued me as the tape across the girls mouth is very different and made me want to know what was the reasoning behind this which I think a book cover should do.

Speechless is a very different book as I haven't read anything like it which I like as books that are similar storylines are predictable but this one not so much. I love that even though the title is called Speechless and the girl doesn't speak it still has a lot to say as it tackles quite a few hard hitting topics. When I fist started it I thought I wasn't going to like it but after a few chapters it really picked up to the point I didn't want to put it down and also had me thinking about it long after I finished. There was a bit of romance in this book and for once I didn't mind that it wasn't the main focus. There was a few things that I felt could have been wrapped up at the end but apart from them I was happy with the ending.

 

Chelsea started off annoying and I just didn't like the way she was but when her actions turn into trouble she really does grow as a character and I really do feel like her vow helped her to do so as well as some new friends. Asha was one of her first friends who I thought was so sweet and was there for Chelsea. Sam started off not really liking her but we do find out the reason why and it is completely understandable and it also made him seem like a better person because of it. There was also a few other characters that wasn't in it that much but when they were I loved them which where Andy and Noah. Chelsea also had a different friend at the beginning called Kristen and even before anything happened I never liked her as she just wasn't what you would class as a friend.

 

Overall a very different book that's out there that has you thinking about how you would react in certain characters situations.

Speechless Book Trailer

 

Interview with Hannah Harrington

What is a typical writing day for you?

I don’t really have a typical writing day. Sometimes I’ll write a few thousand words, sometimes it’s only a few hundred. Sometimes nothing at all. I try to go with the flow on that!

How hard was it to get your book published?  Have you got any tips for aspiring writers?  

The process is different for everyone. I felt like things sort of fell into place for me, and there’s certainly an amount of luck that plays into it. My advice for aspiring writers is: Finish something. Whatever it is, don’t give up on it halfway through and start something else—work through it to the end. Have people you trust who will give you honest and constructive feedback. And look for an agent. Agents are necessary!

Who is your favourite character in Speechless?

This may come as a surprise to people, but my favorite character is Andy. I felt like he was one of the most vital characters, even if his role isn’t the biggest. He really gives Chelsea a needed dose of reality, and he doesn’t sanitize her actions. I always find it fun to write the character who doesn’t parse words and is more blunt about things. Not only is it entertaining, but I think it’s a voice that the reader needs to and wants to hear.

What you are working on now/next...

I am working on a third novel. It’s too early to go into detail about it, but it will be another contemporary young adult!

Book Review: Dare You To (Pushing the Limits #2) by Katie McGarry

Format: e-arc

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 7th June 2013

Pages: 304

Main Characters: Beth, Ryan

Genre: Contemporary Romance, YA

Date Read: 16th - 24th January 2013

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Netgalley:

Beth’s the bad girl that no-one wanted, not even parents.
Ryan’s the high school hero that everyone wants a piece of – even if no-one knows the real him.
Their paths should never have crossed – now they’re each other’s only life line.

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk’s mum they’d send her mother to jail. So seventeen year old Beth protects her mum at all costs. Until the day she can’t. Suddenly sent to live with her uncle in a small town Beth’s now stuck with an aunt who doesn’t want her, and at a school that doesn’t get her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn’t go anywhere near a girl like Beth. . . .

Ryan Stone is gorgeous, a popular jock and the town golden boy—with secrets he can’t tell anyone. Even his friends. As Ryan and Beth dare to let each other in, they’re treading on dangerous ground – and the consequences could change their worlds forever.
 

As soon as I saw this was up for review on Netgalley I jumped at the chance to request it so imagine my delight when I was excepted and then the further delight when I loved it.

So far I have only seen the US version so I don't know what the UK one will look like I do hope it's better than Pushing the Limits.

When I was about to start this book I was a bit dubious as to whether I would enjoy it as much as I did the first one but for the most part I did. Like Pushing the Limits, Dare You To follows the two main characters by swapping points of views which I love when books do that as I always want to know what the other person is thinking. What I really did love about this book is that I never knew what was coming next. I love the way that the chemistry between the two main characters played out as it was really sweet and tender but there was also other times when the passion just sizzled off the page. I am used to reading about the girl being the softer one but this time it was the boy that had the much softer personality which I found a refreshing change.  This book had me on such a roller coaster ride which had me feeling sorry for everyone but also had me laughing.

I loved all the characters and I loved that we also got to see characters from the previous book. In Pushing the Limits we found out a bit about Beth but not like we do in this one as we see a softer and even girly side to her. She does have some deep cemented issues to a point where she hardly trusts anyone but we can see where she is coming from with those trust issues. I love Ryan he was so sweet but he was also going through his own family issues so we did get to see other sides to his personality.

Overall I loved this book but I would say that the first book just has the edge but definitely a highly recommended sequel. I also read the first two chapters of the third book and if they are anything to go by it's going to be epic!

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

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 5th October 2012

Pages: 331

Main Characters: Jazz, Lucia, James

Date Started: 19th January 2013

Date Finished: 25th January 2013

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

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

Playing by the psychic underworld's rules has cost.

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

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

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

And how high a price is she willing to pay?
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

May contain spoilers from There Iron Fey series

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 6th January 2013

Pages: 416

Main Characters: Ethan, Kenzie

Date Started:5th January 2013

Date Finished: 11th January 2013

Rating Given:

 

 

The Blurb from Goodreads:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 5th October 2012

Pages: 260

Main Characters: Dash, Lily

Date Started:24th December 2012

Date Finished: 26th December 2012

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 4th January 2012

Pages: 266

Main Characters: Rose

Date Started: 21st December 2012

Date Finished: 23rd December 2012

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Format: Paperback (arc)

Publishers: Mira Ink

Published: 5th October 2012

Pages 404

Main Characters: Alice, Cole

Date Started: 7th October 2012

Date Finished: 10th October 2012

Rating Given: *****

 

The Blurb from Goodreads:

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

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

Her father was right. The monsters are real….

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Spellbound (Spellbound #1)

Spellbound (Spellbound #1) by Cara Lynn Shultz

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

Blurb from Goodreads:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Pushing The Limits

Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry

Format: Paperback (arc)
Publisher: Mira Ink
Published: 3rd August 2012
Pages: 392
Main Characters: Echo, Noah
Date Started: 20th July 2012
Date Finished: 30th July 2012
Rating Given: *****

Blurb from Goodreads:

"I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.So wrong for each other...and yet so right.
No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

I had heard a lot of great reviews for this book which made me want to find out what the fuss was about so a big thank you goes out to the Mira Ink publishers for giving me the oppertunity to review a brilliant book.

It was the American cover that I first saw with this book which I liked but I think this one could well be my favourite as I love the colours used which makes it stand out. I would say that it fits in well with the story as the story is about these two nothing else is needed.

This is Katie McGarry's debut novel but what a powerful start to what I (and many other am sure) think will be brilliant career. The writing in this book was just stunning with so much angst I felt like I was there rather than reading it.

It was such a roller coaster ride of emotions and found myself in tears in a lot of parts of this book. It was a very addicting book that had me from the moment it started right until it ended. There was some very strong issues that was addressed in this book and I'm so glad that they where addressed in a careful but beautiful manner. The only bad thing about this book was that it had to end!

As for the characters I loved the two main ones (Echo and Noah) I would go as far as saying they are two of my favourite characters ever. They both had so much to go through that just made them even more likable as it showed a soft side to their characters. The relationship between these two main characters was nice to see grow. There was some other side characters that wasn't always the best of people and then there was some just as good as Noah and Echo. Beth was one and I think we are going to find out more from in McGarry's next book but I am hoping we will get to see some more from Noah and Echo.

Overall this isn't just about love it's also about life and the way that it doesn't always go the way you want. A beautiful novel and I for one can't wait to read more from the hugely talented McGarry.

Book Review: Intertwined (Intertwined #1)

Intertwined (Intertwined #1) by Gena Showalter

Format: Paperback
Publishers: Mira Books
Published: 1st February 2011
Pages: 454
Main Characters: Aden, Mary Ann, Riley, Victoria
Date Started: 1st May 2012
Date Finished: 6th May 2012
Rating Given: *****

Blurb from Goodreads:

There’s something about the new guy at Crossroads High…

Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him:

One can time travel.
One can raise the dead.
One can possess another human.
One can tell the future.

Everyone thinks he’s crazy, which is why he’s spent his entire life shuffled between mental institutions and juvie. All of that is about to change, however. For months Aden has been having visions of a beautiful girl—a girl who carries centuries-old secrets. A girl who will either save him or destroy him.

Together they’ll enter a dark world of intrigue and danger... but not everyone will come out alive.

I had been after this book for a long time and then when I found it on offer I jumped at the chance of reading it, however that was a year ago and it's just been sitting on my shelf and the only reason I can think of for doing that is because there was other books that came out and I just had to read them first now I wish I started this sooner! I have read a couple of Showalter's adult books and did really enjoy them but for some reason I have stopped reading them as I seem to be on a YA kick so I knew that I would love this book and I wasn't wrong. Showalter can create brilliantly addicting worlds that I just get sucked into as I just love her style it doesn't seem she can put a foot wrong.

The book cover isn't that eye catching but I do love the colours and I love the title font as it really does intertwine with each letter which I think matches the title and it also makes it look that bit more interesting. The other covers in the series are similar to this but for some reason look better and I can't wait to have them all on my shelf.

When I first started this book I wasn't sure that I was going to get into it as it was very confusing but once I had a better understanding to what was going on I found that i was able to forgive the confusion and could give it the full five stars that it well and truly deserves. Even though it was confusing things did happen from the moment that it started and continued in that manner until the moment it finished. I think that, that was why I was able to continue with the book at the beginning when I didn't get what was going on I was still enthralled in this particular world.

The main characters I loved straight away I don't even think I have a favourite as they where all equally brilliant. I was so into these characters that I was able to laugh and cry along with them. The relationship between all of them was great to watch and just to see how they grew together I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next with them all as a group and even individually. You just can't help falling in love with them they all seem like strong people who have gone through so much even before they met each other and I can only imagine that it will get worse for them before it gets better.

Overall this was a brilliant introduction to a new paranormal fantasy which has every paranormal creature that you can think of including, Vampires, Shape shifters, Demons, faeries, witches, Goblins, Ghosts and even the occasional Zombie as well as humans with special gifts and I just can't wait to find out even more from this truly magical world.