What a week...

This week has been so jam-packed. I had an art coursework deadline that I just about made, I'm moving house so today I had to have the day off school to help my mum but the good news is that I read two books which will be reviewed shortly.

You know that feeling you get and you know you're running on empty...I'm at that point so I've going from hyper to sleepy to hyper again and I am exhausted.


But onto happier things. Those books I read...Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins and The Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin. They were both amazing and I am looking forward to writing their reviews. Which will hopefully be up either tomorrow, if I find the time to write them, or saturday.

Considering that I dropped off of the reading world a few cover releases escaped my notice and I was over the moon to see them. Here are a few for your viewing pleasure:

Apollyon (Covenant #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I was wondering what the cover would look like and I love the colours they have chosen. Cannot wait to read the third one, christmas seems so far away now.

Unbreakable (Unravelling #2) by Elizabeth Norris



This cover looks amazing and I like that this time they have four different people on it instead of two like the last one. Can't wait to read it considering I loved the first.

Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy #2) by Wendy Higgins



Loved the first and I'm sure I will love this too when it comes out. It will look great with the other and they switched the colours because on the first she was in a red dress and there was a black background.

So there you have it. My week in one little blog post. How have you guys been??



Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Date Read: November 17^th, 2012

Date Published: May 3^rd, 2011

Publishers: Harper Collins

Format: Paperback

Pages: 487

Blurb: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series--dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

Review:

This book has been sitting on my shelf since 2011 and I only picked it up this month. I wish I’d read it sooner because it was absolutely amazing. From page one it had me and I couldn’t stop until I’d reached the end. And what an ending it was. Badly need Insurgent but I have to wait until Christmas. I’ve read books before about people being separated into groups of people but this was so different which made it even better. It was imaginative and I could picture the world as I read the words. (Love the cover as well, don’t know why they felt the need to re-do it for the UK, just use the US version as it relates more to the story, I managed to get my copy before they changed it though).

When you turn sixteen you have to choose which faction you want to be in. It is Beatrice (Tris)’s turn to decide whether she wants to be Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful) or Erudite (the intelligent). Her life changes dramatically and she has to learn to adapt to what she has chosen. The initiation process will challenge her and push her to her limits. Her secret threatens to destroy her. But as she finds herself growing closer to someone it could get better. There are twists and turns that are unexpected and there is terror.

Beatrice was an amazing character. I loved seeing the world through her eyes and experiencing what she felt. She was a conflicted character who had a lot to deal with. I couldn’t do half the things she did in this book. What I loved about her was that she was brave when she could have crumbled and she was kind. A plus is that she didn’t complain too much and that is what made her a great heroine. No one likes to listen to someone moan all the time. Boy, she can kick ass when she wants to.

Now let’s talk about the love interest, Four. Aww, what a sweetie! He made me want to hug him and never let him go. I’ve read reviews where people have called him a “bad boy” but honestly he isn’t. Only once does he show any indication of being that and it’s when he’s drunk. The other times he is just doing his job as an instructor and it’s aimed at everyone, not just Tris. I definitely have a crush on him (I should probably stop crushing on all these fictional characters but they are just so perfect). He is a hero but he has his fears and one broke my heart because you felt his sadness. They are perfect for each because they are so similar.

All the other characters in this book had their place and I loved them. Even the bad guys because they were so evil I loved them because they were the perfect Villain. Every character is in the book for a reason, there’s no “let’s create another character just for the hell of it” because having a character who does nothing for the book and story is just pointless. So well done Veronica!

Overall this book amazed me. I loved every page and I was never bored. There’s just the right amount of romance, a heap of action which is always good and unexpected turns that I didn’t see coming. I can’t fault this book and I look forward to reading the rest and any other series that she writes. And for those who haven’t read it yet, you better hurry!

Review: Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris

Date Read: August 2^nd, 2012

Date Published: June 7^th, 2012

Publishers: Harper Collins

Format: Paperback

Pages: 445

Blurb: 24 meets the X Files in the biggest teen blockbuster of the summer…

STOP THE COUNTDOWN. SAVE THE WORLD…

Leaving the beach, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit head on by a pickup truck.

And killed.

Then Ben Michaels, resident stoner, is leaning over her. And even though it isn’t possible, she knows Ben somehow brought her back to life…

Meanwhile, Janelle’s father, a special agent for the FBI, starts working on a case that seems strangely connected to Ben. Digging in his files, Janelle finds a mysterious device – one that seems to be counting down to something that will happen in 23 days and 10 hours time.

That something? It might just be the end of the world. And if Janelle wants to stop it, she’s going to need to uncover Ben’s secrets – and keep from falling in love with him in the process…

Review:

This book is just amazing and unique. I don’t think any other words would work well enough for this book. I just fell in love with the blurb and from the start of the book I wanted to know more. The pages drew me in and never let me go until the last word. I LOVED the sci-fi twist because I am a massive sci-fi fan. I guess that is also what makes it awesome. And the fact that it includes talk about crime and the FBI as I like the CSI and Criminal Minds shows as well.

When Janelle Tenner is hit by a truck she knows she is dead because she feels it. But when her eyes open she sees Ben Michaels leaning over her and she realises he may have something to do with her coming back. She needs to know what he did and how but he won’t tell. She’s never even spoken to him before now. But when strange things start happened with her dad’s new FBI case she knows something is wrong. People are turning up dead and burned by radiation. A note is left saying something that Janelle must figure out. There are only 23 days left before the world ends and she has to stop it.

This book was intense and awesome. This is something new and interesting and Norris is a great writer. She knows how to make you feel happy, angry and sad all within a few chapters. She even brought me nearly to tears at one part. She knows how to create great action scenes and a tense atmosphere by making chapters short and showing the count down getting shorter and shorter. I think this may even be one of my favourites for 2012.

Not only is the actual idea great but the characters are pretty top-notch too! Janelle was an awesome heroine because she was funny, witty and made me feel for her. I understood her and her ways and I got why she felt what she felt in this book. She is a strong character and won’t let anyone boss her about (pretty much like me). He dad is pretty cool as well and he has a strong influence over her. She wants to be the hero and she becomes one.

Ben...I loved him. He’s the stoner, or so his label says he is, but he is much more than that. He’s smart, funny and super cute because he cares for Janelle. His secret is great and contributes a lot to the story. Janelle and Ben have a great connection and I’m rooting for them. But not only were the main characters amazing but the others were just as good. Elijah and Reid, who are Ben’s friends, were different and interesting but it was Alex that I loved, who is Janelle’s best friend. He had me laughing lots and later in the book when a major event happens you know, deep down, that you didn’t see it coming. That when you think it through you wouldn’t have seen it.

The ending of this book....heart wrenching but also awesome. I felt like I wanted to cry at the same time and smile because it set up the next book perfectly but made me what things to end differently. I’ve loved reading this book and I enjoyed it so much. It was a journey and I look forward to the next one.

Review: Changeling by Philippa Gregory

Date Read: July 24^th, 2012

Date Published: May 29^th, 2012

Publishers: Simon & Schuster

Format: Hardback

Pages: 261

Blurb: Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl
Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days.    

Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape.    

Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon.     

The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. And look for a QR code that links to a note from the author with additional, detailed information about the setting and the history that informed the writing. With Philippa Gregory’s trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past—and its salacious scandals—vividly and disturbingly to life.

Review:

This is the first book I’ve read from Gregory and I thought it was good. Nothing amazing, but just good and I will tell you why in this review.

I’ve never read a historical YA book before so it was odd to read a book set in the 1400s but I enjoyed it. The writing is amazing and kept me interested in the events taking place. There was everything I like in a book, which includes danger, adventure and a bit of romance, but I never connected with the characters and I have no idea why. Maybe it was the religion that came with them and considering I don’t believe in that stuff it bored me a little. Although I did enjoy the bit about the crazy nuns (you’ll know it when you read it).

It was nice to learn about a different era but it was a little short. I felt that the interesting bit was near the end and I just wish it had been a little longer. Maybe then I could have connected with the characters. I liked Luca and wanted to know more about him. I guess I’ll just have to wait until the next one though. Especially about the whole Changeling thing. I also like his servant/friend Frieze, who often made me smile and laugh and who had his moments in this novel that made him stand out.

I loved the descriptive writing, really made me visualize the settings so that was good but one thing that got to me was how the men treated the women. I really wanted to grab them, pull them out of the book and slap them silly for being so sexist. Especially Isolde’s brother, he got under my skin a bit.

In a way I liked that there wasn’t a lot of romance in the book, like a typical YA novel. Towards the end they were hinting at it which made it realistic because people don’t really fall in love quickly in real life. It takes time. I think Luca and Isolde would be good for each other and Luca disobeying his vows for her would be kinda cute as it would show his strong feelings which I’m sure he will get.

But I guess I’ll just have to wait and see. Overall it was a good book and I will read the next just to see what happens to them all.

Review: Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz

Date Read: July, 2012

Date Published: March 27^th, 2012

Publishers: Harlequin Teen

Format: Paperback

Pages: 371

Blurb: After breaking a centuries-old romantic curse, Emma Connor is (almost) glad to get back to normal problems. Although it's not easy dealing with the jealous cliques and gossip that rule her exclusive Upper East Side prep, even for a seventeen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the pain—especially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close. But something dark and hungry is using Emma's and Brendan's deepest fears to reveal damaging secrets and destroy their trust in each other. And Emma's crash course in überspells may not be enough to keep them safe or to stop an inhuman force bent on making their unsuspected power its own.

Review:

I loved this book even more than the first which I didn’t think was possible. I was wondering what Shultz would do to carry on Emma and Brendan’s story but I shouldn’t have had any doubts that she’d create another great plot to keep me on the edge of my seat. This book took a hold on me and never let me go until the very last word.

Their lives just returned to normal after Emma was attacked and Brendan saved her and they’re happy. But all that’s about to be shattered because someone wants revenge and is out to destroy their true love. This person wants something only they have and will do whatever it takes to get it putting them both in grave danger.

Emma and Brendan are great characters and have the best relationship. It definitely gets stronger in this book so of course I love them more. They love each other so much they’d do anything for each other. Another great character is Angelique, the witch, who is awesome! Her and Brendan make me laugh so much at times because of how much they dislike each other but in this book they find mutual ground. And we find out why she doesn’t like Brendan that much.

Towards the end of this book I was shocked with the way things turned out. So many things happened that I couldn’t believe my eyes. And the person who was doing these things. The tormentor....did not see that coming and their reason for doing those things was interesting.
All in all this sequel was great. I don’t know if there will be another so it’s a trilogy but I wouldn’t mind reading more about Brendan and Emma. There are all the other curses and stories in that Hadrians book for Shultz to choose from so who knows.

Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Date Read: July 2^nd, 2012

Date Published: June 12^th, 2012

Publishers: Razorbill

Format: Paperback

Pages:

Blurb: Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

Review:

Oh, my god. That ending....it made me so happy but then so sad. How can a book be so beautiful and then so devastating. My heart is aching for Adrian. Sydney....WHY? What a great sequel to Bloodlines, carried on the new series beautifully and Mead’s writing is still amazing. AND Dimitri was in it as well!

This book was less about the Alchemists and more about Sydney and the relationships with those around her, including human and vampires alike. And we see Sydney kick some butt as she learns self-defence which includes Adrian *big grin*. There are interesting revelations in this book but I won’t tell as it will spoil the book.

The characters in this series are just as good as the ones in the VA academy. They’re all likeable in their own way and have little things about them that make them stand out as well. Although Sydney and Adrian are my favourite by a long run. They’re just so funny and they have some great moments in this book. Especially towards the end. They’re perfect for each other and I just wish they’d realize it. They make me smile so much my cheeks get sore.

Adrian was really smart in this book and it made me love him even more than I already did. And the car that he gets...I think I melted a little when I read that. A beautiful yellow mustang *sighs dreamily*, I’d prefer mine black but still....Anyway, onto Sydney, who is just as great in this book as she was in the first and in VA. She’s a lot more fun in this book and I like that side of her, it’s shows she can let loose a little. I also liked the fact that she’s becoming more comfortable around the moroi, makes her more endearing as a character.

I’m really looking forward to the next book to find out what happens between Sydney and Adrian because the ending of this book was kinda cruel and made me feel strong feelings towards Adrian at the time. This series is just as good as VA and Mead is making me fall in love with her world all over again with new and old characters.

Review: Partials by Dan Wells

Date Read: June 25^th, 2012

Date Published: February 28^th, 2012

Publishers: Balzer & Bray

Format: Hardback

Pages: 468

Blurb: The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials--engineered organic beings identical to humans--has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic-in-training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws have pushed what's left of humanity to the brink of civil war, and she's not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will find that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them--connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

Dan Wells, acclaimed author of "I Am Not a Serial Killer," takes readers on a pulse pounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question--one where our humanity is both our greatest liability and our only hope for survival.

Review:

Science fictions books are one of the hardest to write. There are so many questions that must be answered within plots that sometimes aren’t. The reader has to be so submersed within the story that they are convinced it is real. Dan Wells has done this and so much more. He has created a story that we believe in and characters that are so realistic that we relate to them and root for them during their hardest times. Even when it seems that there is no hope.

Kira Walker is a plague baby. She grew up in a world with hardly any people due to the RM virus that wiped out the population. They have the Partials to thank for that, genetically engineered beings, used to win the wars, which turned on their creators. But, as the rules become harsher, Kira begins to wonder if what she has been told is correct. Was it the Partials fault? Do the people who rule really care about her? Do the Partials act the way they used to or do they want peace?

Embarking on the journey with her, a journey for the truth, Dan Wells weaves a plot full of mystery with twists and turns, and creates characters who act as we would in their situation, which makes them all the more relatable. But be warned: This book is not for those who do not enjoy complex descriptions about DNA structures or scenes where military language is used frequently.

Nevertheless, this book will grab hold of the reader and you will be so immersed that when it is over you will never look at the world the same. You will wonder whether all of this could happen and what we would do if it did.

This book is a must read for any sci-fi addict and it will blow readers out of the past and into the future with the fast pace, gruelling action sequences and enough scientific talk to make science fiction lovers fall head over heels for a book that is truly out of this world.

Review: Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Date Read: June 25^th, 2012

Date Published: May 24^th, 2012

Publishers: Razorbill

Format: Paperback

Pages: 144

Blurb: The drama and romance continue in this 144-page full-colour graphic novel adaptation of the second Vampire Academy novel, Frostbite, which was overseen by Richelle Mead and features beautiful art by acclaimed British illustrator Emma Vieceli.

Review:

I remember the first time I read this series in January. It seems a world away and I still remember everything like it was yesterday. Rose's story is something amazing and when I read it the world Mead created seemed so real that I had to remind myself it wasn't. Every emotion you can ever think of is in this series and that's what makes it so relatable, what makes the characters so human.

The artwork in this graphic novel is once again amazing and portrays the characters perfectly. If this series was ever made into books they should follow the graphic novels because they hold all the necessary information without overloading the readers.

I'm beginning to love graphic novels because it's like reading a movie right in front of you. And to tell the truth, I always wanted to read a comic book but felt I’d be too much of a dork to go out and buy one so these will have to do.

I'm sure that in the future i will re-read the whole series because it's one of those stories that will never grow old and will always surprise you even though you've already read them. I can honestly say that this series is one of my favourites based on the character, who are so bad ass and who i love dearly, the twisting plots that never fail to make me shocked and because of Richelle Mead, an author who has created a world so real that the reality will never be good enough for the readers. This series is simply one of a kind.

Review: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Date Read: June 21^st, 2012

Date Published: June 21^st, 2011

Publishers: Harlequin Teen

Format: Paperback

Pages: 341

Blurb: 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 Connor, 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.

Review:

I’ve read books where the characters felt they had true love but this is real, honest, true love. It’s the kind that’s in fairy tales and it was beautiful to read. It was just a fun read with characters that I loved almost instantly and a plot that was strong and entertaining.

Emma Connor moves to New York City after almost dying in a car accident and it’s more different than she thought it would be. Not only does she not fit in but she’s already caught the attention of the Vince A’s number one bitch, who happens to have a crush on the guy who has noticed Emma. Brendan Salinger, the guy who is only interested in you in your dreams, who has a model’s looks and is the resident bad boy at Vince A. Emma soon learns that there is a reason she feels so strongly towards him. A centuries old curse is upon them. They are true love incarnate and if they do not defeat the curse it will destroy Emma just as it has before. But with the clock ticking Emma knows she has to figure the curse out or she will die. Who knew true love would come at a price?

I love the idea of this book. I’ve read a few about lovers that have been reincarnated over centuries but this is my favourite so far. Cara Lynn Shultz is a great writer who knows how to tell a story in an intriguing and captivating way. I couldn’t put this book down and I have her to thank for that. I especially liked the fact that there were twists and turns that I didn’t expect, as well as a fast pace. At some bits I was holding my breath because it was that tense.

Another thing that makes this book so good are the characters that are loveable and completely adorable. Especially Brendan and Emma. Those two together made me smile and my insides go all fuzzy. They were great to read and their relationship is so strong. It made me want what they have. Also, the fact that Brendan is hot makes this an even more enjoyable read. Talk about a major crush alert. Anyone who reads this will fall in love with him almost straight away, I know I did. But enough about Brendan, Emma is also pretty cool who has a few surprises up her sleeve that I don’t want to spoil. She’s a character that is real. She’s had a pretty rough time in the past, which can be relatable to readers, but she can also hold her own. She also makes a cool friend who just happens to be a witch. Can this book get any cooler? Angelique is funny, sassy and extremely likable with her quick temper. Did I mention that her dislike of Brendan adds some humour to the book? The things they say to each other sometimes are hilarious.

Overall this book is great. Sometimes it can make you cringe with embarrassment, other times it makes you shake with laughter and sometimes you catch yourself smiling and saying “aww” because it’s so damn cute. It’s tense at times and the pace keeps you on the edge of your seat at certain parts but this book will never fail to make you want more. I know I did as soon as I finished it. So take my advice and pick it up because it’s a fun, light and interesting read that you are sure to fall head over heels in love with.

Review: Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday

Date Read: June 16^th, 2012

Date Published: April 24^th, 2012

Publishers: Harper teen

Format: Paperback

Pages: 277

Blurb: Twittercide: the killing of one human being by another while the victim is in the act of tweeting.

Call me crazy, but I figured writing for the "Herbert Hoover High Homepage" would be a pretty sweet gig. Pad the resume for college applications, get a first look at the gossip column, spend some time ogling the paper's brooding bad-boy editor, Chase Erikson. But on my first big story, things went . . . a little south. What should have been a normal interview with Sydney Sanders turned into me discovering the homecoming queen-hopeful dead in her pool. Electrocuted while Tweeting. Now, in addition to developing a reputation as HHH's resident body finder, I'm stuck trying to prove that Sydney's death wasn't suicide.

I'm starting to long for the days when my biggest worry was whether the cafeteria was serving pizza sticks or Tuesday Tacos. . .

Review:

It’s been a long time since i sat down and read a book. A month exactly due to all the exams going on and in no way did i want to jeprodise my future because of a book (no offence to all those amazing books out there). So i took a break and i actually enjoyed it but i enjoyed reading my first book in a month yesterday in one go. Looks like i still got it in me.

Hartley is back and she's here to solve another case. After finding the would-be homecoming queen dead when she was meant to have an interview Hartley quickly decides that it's up to her to find out who the real killer is with the help of Chase, the guy who kissed her once and if head of the newspaper she works at. Not only is their relationship odd but everytime she thinks too much about things with him it always bites her in the ass. And as she gets closer to finding the killer her life is put in danger. Will Hartley make it this time or will she uncover the secret?

I love this series. It's just so darn funny and the characters are amazing. Hartley is a genuine character and you can relate to her so much and she always has you laughing. Since i read the first i knew i wanted to read the second, i just didn't have the time which sucked. But i picked it up and read it in near enough one sitting because it was just that good.

I really liked the plot to this one and i had no idea who the killer would be and even when i found out i was still in shock. I guess that's what is so great about these types of books. They keep you guessing right up until the end when all the cards are laid out on the table. I am really looking forward to seeing what the next will be like because these books just got better.

Chase...He's so funny and cool and just yummy. I'm rooting for him and Hartley to get together and i think they just might. They suit each other so well and he really cares about her so much. They had me laughing my socks off at one point where they were hiding and they were close together in a storage closet. Some of the things Chase says just bring a smile to my face.

If you haven't read any of these books then you need to right away because they are brilliant. I'd definitely recommend any YA lover to try reading some mystery crime YA because it's great and different than paranormal romance. A good different.
I am so excited for the next one and will be on the lookout for any new information.

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Date Read: May 8^th, 2012

Date Published: April 24^th, 2012

Publishers: Harlequin Teen

Format: Hardback

Pages: 485

Blurb: "In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity."Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of "them." The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked--and given the ultimate choice. Die...or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend--a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

Review:

I have to say, I only read the first two Iron Fey books but this book right here was so much better than them. Some people will say “How can you say that?” but honestly, quite easily. This book just had so much more to it. I must admit that with the Iron Fey series it took me forever to read those two books as there was just too much info to digest and it was slow. But this book was fast paced and had a storyline to make me drool. So what makes this book so amazing, you ask? Well, I’m about to tell you.

Allison Sekemoto is unregistered which means she is nearly invincible but it also means she lives a life of stealing, scavenging and hiding in the Fringe of the outskirts of a Vampire City. She and her crew struggle to survive in the day and at night they must hide if they are to stay alive. But one night, when she and her crew go at out night, she knows they’ve made a fatal mistake. When they are attacked by the Rabids, mindless creatures who wander outside the city walls, Allie is faced with a decision. Die or become one of the monsters she has hated all her life. A Vampire. Allie becomes the things she despises the most and is taught by her Sire how to fight and live as one. But when something happens she is forced to flee and joins a band of humans who are searching for a place that may cure the disease of rabidism. She must learn to hide what she really is and that’s hard to do around Zeke, who she is growing closer to. Will she be able to keep her Hunger contained or will she end up killing an innocent?

This book...I don’t know where to begin. Maybe I should start off with the character of Allision. I loved her. Simply because she was a bad ass girl with some crazy moves and ideas. I could relate to her because if I was given the choice to live or die I would choose to live, even if it meant becoming something I hated. She was strong, brave and determined to not let the monster inside her get the better of her. She doesn’t want to be a monster so she tries hard to contain it and cling to her humanity. I was rooting for her throughout the whole novel.
Zeke....I fell in love with him and his ways. His role in the group of humans was to protect them and he did a great job. He blamed himself for a lot of thing but Allie was there to help him. There were times when I just wanted to pull him out of the book and give him a great big hug because he was that amazing and heroic. In a way he was a lot like Allie. And their relationship wasn’t instant. It grew and as it did they did too.
Now onto Kanin, Allie’s Sire. He was one complicated character but I really liked him. I hope we get to see more of him in the next book. When we found out about his past I understood why he was the way he was. I want to know more and I think we’ll get it.

I loved Allie’s commitment to both Zeke and Kanin and that she wanted to help both at the same time but couldn’t. I just know that the next book will have so much more in store for her and Kanin and I hope Zeke appears as well.

Now onto the plot. There hasn’t been a good vampire novel in a while and this took us back to the original vampires. Monsters that needed blood to survive and wanted it and couldn’t stop once they got started. But not only do we have humans and vampires, we also have the Rabids that are more monstrous than the vampires. Vampires can stop themselves but Rabids can’t which makes them extra dangerous.
Everything about this book was thoroughly thought out and there were lots of twists and turns to keep me intrigued. I didn’t want to go to school or sleep because it was so fast paced that I didn’t want to stop and put it down. The descriptive scenes in this book were amazingly gruesome and seemed so real I was sure I’d have nightmares about Rabids coming after me. There were times when my stomach churned in anticipation and I was rooting for the group and Allison to get through this.

This book took a hold of me and wouldn’t let go. I won’t be forgetting this one for a while and I am super excited for the next one. This Vampire book was unique and totally original. I don’t think they’ll be another like it. Anyone who loves Vampire books or is a fan of Kagawa needs to get this and if my review hasn’t convinced you then I don’t know what will. But if you do take a chance with this book I can assure you that it will be everything you expect from Kagawa and more.

Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Date Read: April 30^th, 2012

Date Published: April 6^th, 2012

Publishers: Mira Ink

Format: Paperback

Pages: 296

Blurb: Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

Review:

Holy Mary mother of Jesus Christ!!! Endings like that should be made illegal. So shocking and OMG-face worthy!!! This book was just so amazing. I loved the first but I simply adored the second. So much happened and there were so many emotions running through this book. I loved every second of it. This book is probably my favourite Greek Mythology book to date!! It was just that good.

Kate just spent the whole summer in Greece with her friend James and now she has returned, more ready than ever, to take her place beside Henry in the under world. But when she arrives there is Chaos. The Gods greatest Enemy, Cronos, their father, has awoken with the help of Calliope in revenge for Kate sentencing her to the underworlds. Not only is that happening but Henry is ignoring her, and days before her coronation as well. And when the night comes for her to become Queen Henry is captured and taken away from her. Kate knows she has to do something to save and she will go to any lengths to do this. Even if it means asking the one Woman Henry never stopped loving to help her. Persephone.

This book was just wow. Just as good, if not better, than the first and my heart sinks a little to think that there is only going to be one more as it is only a trilogy. I didn’t want to but this book down even though I knew I had to sleep and go to school. There wasn’t anything I disliked about this book and it was an awesome read.
Kate was as great as ever and I felt so sorry for her in this book. Imagine being in her shoes, meeting the one person that your true love never let go of. It was rough on her and she was strong and did the best she could. Kate is a character you can relate to and there were times when I wanted to tell her to stop being silly and accept the fact that Henry loved her although her kept pushing her. But that’s what everyone wants really...To be told that were loved and to hear it from the person that means the most to us.

Henry...The hottest God of them all. I love him so much and I can honestly say that after finishing this book my crush deepened a lot. Even though he is distant at time you can’t help but love him. I was disappointed that he didn’t want to see her straight away when Kate arrived in the underworld. That broke my heart and I just wanted him to do something.

There were times that I shed a tear for them because it was just so hard for Kate. Especially one scene where Henry and Persephone meet again. Persephone...I didn’t like her in the beginning and she acted exactly how I imagined she would and I just wanted her to leave although near the end I did begin to like her. Kate and Henry’s love for each is put to the test in the book and I was literally grinning like the cat from Alice in Wonderland whenever I got what I wanted in this book.

I do find it annoying that I have to keep flipping to the back of the book to find out what God is which but I really liked the fact that we got to see a lot more of them.

Speaking of Gods, the end of this book was so unexpected. I literally read the last word and wanted to burst into tears because the release date for the next seems so far away. As soon as it comes out I am getting my hands on it as quickly as I can. But overall this book was much more than I expected. I am looking forward to The Goddess Inheritance and finding out what will happen Kate. I really hope Calliope gets what she deserves.

If you have read the first and not the second then go out and get it this instant because you will just devour it and if you haven’t read them at all...Shame on you!!

Review: Shift by Em Bailey

Date Read: April 25^th, 2012

Date Published: May 7^th, 2012

Publishers: Electric Monkey

Format: Paperback

Pages: 304

Blurb: "There were two things everyone knew about Miranda Vaile before she'd even started at our school. The first was that she had no parents - they were dead. And the second was that they were dead because Miranda had killed them."

Olive used to be the school queen-bee. But that was before her breakdown. Now she's the class loner, and can only watch as new girl Miranda latches on to Olive's ex-best friend Katie. Soon Miranda is talking like Katie, dressing like Katie - even going out with Katie's boyfriend.

And then Katie dies. Everyone seems to believe it was a tragic accident, but OIive isn't so sure. What if the wild rumours are true? What if Miranda really is a killer...?

Review:

This book was amazing. There is no getting away from it. I love books with an edge of mystery and this book definitely had that AND a paranormal edge. There were times I wanted to scream at the main character, olive, to make her see sense and I must say that the ending was shocking but expected. This is definitely a book I will read again sometime in the future.

Olive decided to change her outlook on life after her “incident” which led to her taking pills and becoming the enemy of her ex-best friend, Katie, the popular of the school. But when the new girl Miranda makes her way into the popular group Olive knows something is wrong. Day by day Miranda’s hair becomes as lush as Katie’s and soon Olive begins to notice that Katie is fading away. With the help of her friend Ami, they piece together the facts and come up with the awful truth...Miranda is stealing Katie’s life and it’s in the literal sense. But who will believe Olive, the crazy girl? But when Katie dies Miranda sets her sights upon Olive. Things couldn’t be any worse.

This book blew me away. I was in the shop looking for a new one and I saw this beautiful cover and I knew I had to have it. Its set in Australia as the writer is from there but honestly, it didn’t matter too much. I was intrigued with the characters and the storyline.
Onto the characters first. Olive was a relatable character and I really liked hearing the story from her point of view. Her life isn’t normal, it’s far from it. I guess that’s what I liked about her. She did what she could even though her life wasn’t great. Her best friend Ami had me laughing and later on in the story, when a few truths were let out, I found myself staring at the book with an open mouth. So many things happen to these characters it’s unreal.

Then there was Lachlan. Sigh.....He was great for Olive and I wanted to hit her for trying to ignore him. If I was her I would have jumped at the chance but not Olive. He was there for her and towards the end, when things got crazy, he didn’t leave her like she thought. He was good for her and kinda hot.

Then we have evil Villain, Miranda. She was awful and I kept rooting for Olive to beat her and then when Katie died I knew something bad would happen. Of course, it did and right up until the end of the book I wanted Olive to beat her. Well....I guess you’ll just have to read it to find out what happens.

Throughout the book the truths were revealed and I had to resist the urge to look ahead. It was painful not knowing everything and when I did find out my mouth always dropped open. This book was so tense that towards the end my stomach was in knots. There was so much suspense that I couldn’t stop reading. This paranormal element seemed real. Olive didn’t believe Miranda was what she thought she was. In fact, Olive tried convincing herself that Miranda wasn’t. The ending of this book was not a disappointment and the climax was amazing.

I loved this book so much and I have a feeling that whoever reads this is gonna love it too. Once you start this book you won’t be able to stop.

I'm back.....and it's for real this time!

The past few months have been a whirlwind for me.
I was going to start blogging again all the way back in september but life got in the way. Starting sixth form and getting course deadlines meant my free time was taken up by homework. I can't remember the last book I read and I feel awful about that! I miss it.

But school isn't the only thing that's changed. As you look around this site you'll notice a difference. It's just me running this blog now. For reasons I can't explain I am no longer friends with Katie and we aren't on speaking terms. So I have ended our partnership and it's just me. But that's okay. I'm moving on and I know that juggling school, reading, blogging and a social life will be difficult but I will handle it. I did it in the beginning and I can do it now!

So from now on you will see a new Gina. One that will be dedicated to giving you at least one new review every week. And if I don't then I give you all permission to scold me. I'm serious. I want to get back into what I love doing.
Believe it or not I have missed the blogging world.

So here we go...A new start and I would just like to say sorry for being gone for so long. I promise to never do it again.