Book Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

 
      Book Name: The Host
      Author: Stephenie Meyer
      UK Release Date: Been out since 2009
      UK Publishers: Sphere
       Summary:

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Praise for Stephenie Meyer

'A Vigorous blend of romance and science fiction.' Entertainment Weekly

'Stephenie Meyer is an amazing phenomenon. Out of the brightness of her mind and spirit comes the illuminated darkness of her stories. For no matter how much pain her characters suffer, Meyer infuses the tales with light and hope.' Orson Scott Card, author of The Ender Saga

'Simply Virtuosic.' Time

Review:

 

Of course, after Stephenie's Twilight series, I did NOT want to read this book. The writing and editing in the Twilight Saga was quite bad and I could not connect with the book at all. However, I watched the film about two weeks ago and became addicted to it! The film certainly had it's plot holes, but it was still an enjoyable watch. So I ended up ordering the book. And it was incredible.

 

One of the things I hated in the film was the development in the relationship between Wanda and Ian, but luckily the book had that. Not only that, but other small characters had some great storylines, some which I was not expecting.

 

The book starts off slowly, but after a couple of chapters it really picks up. But for me it picked up as soon as she was found and taken into the cave. The description of the cave was incredible, it was so much more than I expected and I felt like I was in this cave; this room Melanie/Wanda was kept in. What I also loved about the book was how it interacted with Melanie. Using hers and Wanda's voice, it worked! I didn't think it would, but it did and I'm glad it came across so well.

 

Like before I did state that Stephenie's writing was not do great in Twilight, but the writing in this book was amazing. It helped me connect with the characters, and I felt I wasn't reading a Adult Sci Fi, but just a great book that had an amazing plot. And that is why I gave it a 5/5 Stars!

 

My Quote:

 

'A truly elegant novel with so many characters to love.'

Book Review: Wonder by R J Palacio

         Book Name: Wonder
         Author: R J Palacio
         UK Release Date: Been out since 2011
         UK Publishers: Corgi
         Summary:

My name is August.

I can't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.   

 

Praise for R J Palacio

'Has the power to move hearts and change minds.' Guardian

'It wrecks emotional havoc.' Independent

Review:

 

First off I'd like to say that this book should be on every schools syllabus. It shows that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but by what's inside. I also believe that a lot more people would be understanding to people being different if they read this book. It's life changing.

 

At first, I will admit that I was scared going into this book because everyone has loved it and there's always that chance of you being the only person who hates it, but I never. I loved it! The book follows a ten year old boy called August and he has facial anomalies. The story follows him going to school and making friends and enemies. It also targets the topic of bullying and was dealt with so wonderfully.

 

The book not only followed August, but  it followed his sister Via. His two best friends, Jack and Summer. Miranda, Via's ex best friend and also Via's boyfriend; Jason. With their POV, it doesn't say anything much about their lives, but how they are affected by August and the people around them and it really was heart warming. I admit. I cried. I couldn't stop crying because I am just an emotional person, but this book did change my life. It taught me that I shouldn't try and fit in, if I was born to stand out.

 

I give this book a 5/5 stars!

 

 



Book Review: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

       
         Book Name: A Discovery of Witches
         Author: Deborah Harkness
         UK Release Date: Been out since 2011
         UK Publishers: Headline
         Summary:
   
It begins with absence and desire.
             It begins with blood and fear.
                It begins with a discovery of witches.

A world of witches, Daemons and Vampires.
A manuscript which holds the secrets of their past and the key to their future.
Diana and Mathew - The forbidden love at the heart of it.

 

Praise for Deborah Harkness

'A vast, sexy, historical romp of a novel. There's no doubting Harkness' vivd imagination.' Daily Mirror

'This might just be a Twilight for the tweedy set.' Entertainment Weekly.

Review

I absolutely love this book. It's the book that got me into reading. And it's also the book that I cannot stop reading. In fact I've read the book twenty times now and still I enjoy the plot, characters and the twists. Deborah's writing style certainly isn't anything special, but for me I was hooked. It was my addiction. My 'Crack Cocaine' as words said by my friend Lainey. Sure people have had problems with this book because of the whole 'Twilight' comparison, but there's a massive difference. Well, two differences. One, it's written more maturely and also edited better. Second, it's an adult fantasy book. Not a YA.

For me this book is my all time favourite and the third and final book in the series is my top most anticipated read for this year. It ends. My journey with the characters end this year, and I am no way near ready. To be honest, I don't think I ever will be.

Now I know that Vampires aren't my thing, but this book was and I want to tell you my journey of reading this book. I know it's boring, but just read!

I bought the book in 2011. I paid £3.85 for it in Tesco and when I got home threw it into my draws and forgot about it until a month later. That day I decided to try and read it and I was hooked. The first chapter was hard to get into, but I grew to like it. The characters were interesting and it was my first every witch/vampire book. Anyway, I had read a lot of it and because I really wanted to finish the book I decided to fake that I was 'ill' so I could stay home and read it. Did my mother believe me? Yes. I act, so acting ill was easy for me. And I stayed in bed all day with a cup of tea and read the book. All the twists making me change positions on my bed; lying on my stomach, on my side, sitting straight up. It was never ending and when I finished the book I was disappointed that I had nothing more of it. I wanted more, and so I re-read the book two days later. And then re-read it again a week later.

So, yes. This is my all time favourite book. 5/5 stars!

Fierce by Clarissa Wild - Cover Reveal

I was luck enough to participate in this cover reveal and I am so excited for this book to be released. It looks like a really good New Adult book and I hope you guys will love it. All links are below.

 

 

Title: Fierce

Author: Clarissa Wild

Publication Date: January 27th 2014

Genre: New Adult Romance

Synopsis

Fight for your dreams. Fight for your life. Fight for love.

Nerdy girl Autumn Blakewood is the prime example of a goodie two-shoes. She studies every night, is never late for class, and always follows the rules. She has never felt the need to step out of her comfort zone. That is, until she meets Hunter.

Hunter Bane is a cocky, confident bad-boy, who's nothing but trouble. He’s a dangerous distraction to everyone around him. Sexy and strong, Hunter enjoys the swooning effect he has on women. Especially those who aren't used to attention, like Autumn.

Autumn finds it hard not to give into Hunter’s advances, even though it all seems like a game to him. Trying to understand him is impossible, because he shrouds himself in mystery.

What she doesn't know is that Hunter has more baggage than anyone should have to carry. When she discovers he's in an illegal frat club to save the one person that matters to him, Autumn realizes this could mean the end of her undeniable connection to him. Even their lives are at risk.

But it's too late to turn back now ...

Add to Goodreads

 

 

Excerpt

 

When he comes up the steps his gaze is already set on that one empty spot beside me. I’m squeezing my legs together, as he sits next to me. My instinct is to scoot far away, but I can’t; there’s nowhere to go. I feel watched, which isn’t strange, considering his gray eyes are practically trying to penetrate my skin. Anger is seething inside him, I don’t have to look at him to know; I can feel it flow out of him like a radiator that’s burning up.

God, I want to die.

He keeps staring at me, as if he has nothing better to do. My heartbeat is rising, and I’m starting to feel really sweaty. I don’t know why he’s doing this, but it’s freaking me out, and I don’t like it one bit.

"Don’t you have to pay attention?" I say, avoiding his eyes.

"To You? Yes."

His words make my insides broil.

"The teacher has already started talking." I point to the front, but Hunter doesn’t even flinch. His eyes are still on me like a hawk zooming in on his prey.

"I don’t care."

I swallow, gathering the courage to turn my head and look at him. The moment my eyes make contact with his I’m drowning. Drowning in amazement. Drowning in fear.

Fear of the unknown.

"But your grades …" I stammer.

He snorts, and a smile curls the corners of his mouth while he shakes his head. "Yeah, right."

And all I can do is stare.

If looks could kill, I would be dead.

He looks so damn handsome when he smiles. It’s like everything around us fades, and all I ever want to see is that smile. It just makes me feel good. But when the smile disappears, so does my mood. The darkness falling over his face unsettles me. In his eyes I see the hurt, the worries, the insomnia. Sleepless nights have worn down his face, making him look saggy and dull. But I know there’s so much more inside there. Endless stories and an undiscovered world I’m intrigued by.

I want to know what’s in there. Inside him. Why he’s so angry and sad at the same time.

A sudden overwhelming feeling to grab him and hold him tight takes me aback.

He’s having so much trouble in his life right now, even though I have no idea what’s going on. I can see there’s something wrong. And I want to help him get through it. But I don’t come any close. I don’t move one muscle. I’m scared. Scared of what he can do. Scared of his power, and his temper.

In my mind I can still see his bloodshot eyes and the hateful look on his face. He was in that fight yesterday, I’m sure of it. The only question is who was the one instigating it.

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. I can’t ask him. I just can’t get the words to come out. I’m really chicken-shit.

"Something wrong?" he says.

I shake my head.

"Then why are you looking at me like that?"

Hunter inches closer. I instinctively draw back, but he scoots even farther to my side. I’m scared to death he wants to do something to me, and I have no idea what, which makes it even scarier. A devious smile appears on his face, and it’s almost as if he’s enjoying this. Taunting me seems like his way to pass time in class. I don’t like it one bit, but on the other hand I’m excited as hell. He raises his head, and his nostrils flare. I turn my head, my breath hitching in my throat. I can’t look when he’s doing this, entering my private space uninvited. It feels as though his nose is close to my hair, because there’s hot air flowing close to my ear. And then he inhales.

Holy shit.

Is he smelling me?

I’m frozen in place from sheer panic, my heart beating like crazy.

No guy has ever come this close to me.

He lets out a huge breath afterward and chuckles softly. His breath lingers on my ear, and a shudder runs through me.

"I like it," he whispers.

Oh. My. Fucking. God.

My skin tingles where his hot breath brushed over me. My groin clenches, and my clit thumps.

Why?

His whisper does this to me. Just a whisper.

I never felt like this before. I think I just died inside.

Hunter muffles a laugh. It’s like he can smell my fear.

He takes in a sharp breath and moves back to his usual spot. As if what he did just now was the most normal thing in the world. I’m still shaken, my body stiff from the encounter. I feel completely naked, and I know he’s watching me. The look in his eyes is like that of a boy who just did something totally against the rules. And it’s so fucking sexy I can’t stand it.

Want to know more about the Author.

Clarissa Wild is the erotic romance author of the Blissful Series, The Billionaire's Bet series, the Doing It Series and the Enflamed Series. She is an avid reader and writer of sexy stories about hot men and feisty women. Her other loves include her furry cat friend and learning about different cultures. In her free time she enjoys watching all sorts of movies, reading tons of books and cooking her favorite meals.

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Links

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Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

        
         Book Name: Divergent
         Author: Veronica Roth
         UK Release Date: Been out since 2011
         UK Publishers: Harper Collins
         Summary:

Sixteen year old Tris is forced to make a terrible choice. In a divided society where everyone must conform, Tris does not fit.

So she ventures out alone, determined to discover where she truly belongs. Shocked by her brutal new life, Tris can trust no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to both threaten and protect her.

The hardest choice lies ahead.



                                                                  Praise for Veronica Roth:

'Haunting vision of the future.' James Dashner. Author of the Maze Runner Series.

'A heart pounding debut.' Kiersten White. Author of Paranormalcy.

Review:

With this series having such a massive hype surrounding it I was scared to start the book. However, I was in a reading slump on 'Beautiful Creatures' and decided that I wanted to pick it up. I started it at around mid-night and read on until 4am.

The book was addictive. I didn't want to stop reading the book. The characters were brilliantly developed with everyone being completely different to any other, which is hard to do, especially since most books I've read have way too many characters who act the same. For me the world building kind of let this down, but it was still enjoyable.

Every chapter had something new inside it and I was open to learning more about 'Dauntless' which seemed to be a very horrible place for me. But for some reason there was one character that I had a major crush on. And I really don't want to say who, but I will tell you. I had a major crush on...... Eric. Yes, Eric. I have no idea why, but he stood out the most for me and I just liked his personality. I also loved the testosterone in this book. Peter. Four - Tobius. Drew. Al. Eric. Peter. And so many more male characters and for me I think it got on my nerves. That may be because I go to an all boys school and I hate that, but I hated it. However, Christina is amazing! She needs her own story!

All in all. I really did enjoy this book. It was dramatic, action-packed, fast paced, romantic, but not overly done. And the writing was good, not amazing. But good. And that is why I gave this book a 4/5 Stars!

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

         Book Name: Beautiful Disaster
         Author: Jamie McGuire
         UK Release Date: Been out since 2011
         UK Publishers: Simon & Schuster
         Summary:

Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

Praise for Jamie McGuire:

'Forget Edward and Jacob, Travis is out of this world!' Melly

'A great antidote to my shades of grey withdrawal symptoms' J Stephenson

Review:

I will seriously say that I didn't think I'd enjoy this book as much as I did. Being an author on Wattpad, I have read over 30 books that are exactly the same; Bad Boy and Good Girl who just so happen to end up falling in love, however, this book did not disappoint.

I read the first page and I needed more and more and more, and before I knew it I had finished the entire book in about four hours. The characters were brilliant, especially America. She was sassy and definitely a true friend. And the same goes for Shepley. He was a true friend and knew exactly what Travis was doing and tried as best as he could to try and get Abby and Travis together even though it scared him. And of course, there was an irritable character as well; Parker. As soon as I read about him I knew I would dislike him, but I ended up hating him so much that I wish Travis would've just knocked him out.

Also what I loved about this book was that it really opened my eyes as a new adult writer because I can only get better by reading more NA and this book has certainly opened my eyes for some crazy adventures.

Anyway, this book had it's ups and downs (Characters story, not actual book) and was just a great fun read. Yeah, it was over dramatic at times but that added to it's character and I am obsessed with Jamie's writing style; it's beautiful. I've even ordered 'Walking Disaster' which is the same story told in Travis' POV.

I give this book a 5/5 stars!

Top 5 Most anticipated Books of 2014

So excited for these five books. There are more, but on my Booktube channel I am apart of a group called Top 5 Wednesday and I thought I'd add some of the weeks to my blog. Like I said. These are the five books I want now, but sadly, have to wait. These books will also either be a stand alone book/ start to a new series. Sequels or the last book in a series/trilogy.


5. Half Bad (Half Life Trilogy #1) by Sally Green

Summary:

In modern-day England, witches live alongside humans: White witches, who are good; Black witches, who are evil; and fifteen-year-old Nathan, who is both. Nathan’s father is the world’s most powerful and cruel Black witch, and his mother is dead. He is hunted from all sides. Trapped in a cage, beaten and handcuffed, Nathan must escape before his sixteenth birthday, at which point he will receive three gifts from his father and come into his own as a witch—or else he will die. But how can Nathan find his father when his every action is tracked, when there is no one safe to trust—not even family, not even the girl he loves?

Expected publication: March 4th 2014 by Viking Juvenile


4. The Infinite Sea (The Fifth Wave Trilogy #2) by Rick Yancey

Summary:

How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.

Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben, and Ringer are forced to confront the Others’ ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race.

Cassie and her friends haven’t seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate.

Expected publication: September 16th 2014 by Putnam Juvenile


3. Shattered (Slated Trilogy #3) by Teri Terry

Summary:

Yet to be released.

Expected publication: March 6th 2014 by Orchard Books


2. City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare

Summary:

ΕRCHOMAI, SEBASTIAN HAD SAID.

I am coming.

Darkness returns to the Shadowhunter world. As their society falls apart around them, Clary, Jace, Simon and their friends must band together to fight the greatest evil the Nephilim have ever faced: Clary’s own brother. Nothing in the world can defeat him — must they journey to another world to find the chance? Lives will be lost, love sacrificed, and the whole world changed in the sixth and last instalment of the Mortal Instruments series!

Expected publication: May 27th 2014 by Margaret K. McElderry


1. The Book of Life (All Souls Trilogy #3) by Deborah Harkness

Summary:

After traveling through time in Shadow of Night, the second book in Deborah Harkness’s enchant­ing series, historian and witch Diana Bishop and vampire scientist Matthew Clairmont return to the present to face new crises and old enemies. At Matthew’s ancestral home at Sept-Tours, they re­unite with the cast of characters from A Discovery of Witches—with one significant exception. But the real threat to their future has yet to be revealed, and when it is, the search for Ashmole 782 and its miss­ing pages takes on even more urgency. In the tril­ogy’s final volume, Harkness deepens her themes of power and passion, family and caring, past deeds and their present consequences. In ancestral homes and university laboratories, using ancient knowl­edge and modern science, from the hills of the Auvergne to the palaces of Venice and beyond, the couple at last learn what the witches discovered so many centuries ago.
Expected publication: July 15th 2014 by Viking Adult