ARC Review: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Title: An Ember in the Ashes
Author: Sabaa Tahir
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Published: June 4th 2015
Page Number: 400
Rating: 4/5

Summary:

What if you were the spark that could ignite a revolution?
For years Laia has lived in fear. Fear of the Empire, fear of the Martials, fear of truly living at all. Born as a Scholar, she’s never had much of a choice.

For Elias it’s the opposite. He has seen too much on his path to becoming a Mask, one of the Empire’s elite soldiers. With the Masks’ help the Empire has conquered a continent and enslaved thousands, all in the name of power.

When Laia’s brother is taken she must force herself to help the Resistance, the only people who have a chance of saving him. She must spy on the Commandant, ruthless overseer of Blackcliff Academy. Blackcliff is the training ground for Masks and the very place that Elias is planning to escape. If he succeeds, he will be named deserter. If found, the punishment will be death.

But once Laia and Elias meet, they will find that their destinies are intertwined and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.

In the ashes of a broken world one person can make a difference. One voice in the dark can be heard. The price of freedom is always high and this time that price might demand everything, even life itself.  

REVIEW

 

I'm definitely not a fantasy reader, but with An Ember in the Ashes picking up incredible reviews describing it as a fantasy set in an ancient Rome like world, I knew I had to read it. And Sabaa Tahir did not disappoint.

 

Most fantasy books start off small, slow and drag on forever and ever, but not this. Literally from page 1 there was action that had me gripped. The descriptions had me picturing the scenes in my head, and I felt like I was watching the movie. Within 3 chapters my mind had been blown. The characters of Laia and Elias were great and very relatable, although Elias did sometimes get on my nerves, but I'll talk about that later. What I found so fresh about the book was that it was very intense and certainly memorable. I would not want the live in that world, trust me, no one would.

 

One thing Sabaa Tahir does extremely well is character development. In the beginning, Laia was very loyal to her family, but scared. She didn't know what was going to happen, she knew that she needed to help her brother even if one part of herself was reluctant. However, by the end of the novel the Laia we read about in the beginning was certainly not the same girl. Her character growth was so great to read. She went from being a girl to being a woman and took on everything she could to save her brother. And it was the same with Elias. Yes, he's grown up being this incredible, intelligent fighter, but he grew as a person. He accepted the differences, he became stronger, although I do have one major problem with him, and that was his underestimating of Helene. He often questioned her abilities and his sexism just got on my nerves. But it's part of that world.

 

The ending certainly left off on a cliff-hanger, but luckily for us, Sabaa recently announced she had signed another contract for a second book. And I am looking forward to it!

 

 

I was sent an ARC from the publishers for an honest review

 

 

Buy the book (Waterstones) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

Books I'll never read | Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday was created by GingerReadsLainey

 

 

 

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

 

My edition is signed by Becca since I met her last year in November, but I honestly have no desire to read it, or her other book Black Ice. The premise of Hush, Hush isn't something I like, but maybe one day I will give it a try, but I doubt it.

 

 

Looking for Alaska & Paper Towns by John Green

 

Honestly? I just dislike John Green's writing style and characters. They're always the same and I actually think he has zero idea how to write a decent, likeable character. I'd rather leave those two alone and dose them with petrol and set them alight.

 

 

Dirty Deeds by Karina Halle

 

I will never pick up another book by Karina Halle. I read Dirty Angels and was completely offended by it all. Her writing wasn't anything special either. Just no, no, no, no, no!

 

 

This Girl by Colleen Hoover

 

Slammed should have been a stand-a-lone. I honestly don't know why Colleen wrote 3 books when there wasn't a storyline in Point of Retreat, so to continue it with This Girl makes completely no sense.

 

 

 

What books will you never read?

Let me know in the comments.

Interview with Katie Cotugno

Katie Cotugno stormed the YA charts with her debut novel How to Love, which was greatly received. And now she's back with her second YA book 99 Days, which happens to be the perfect beach read.

 

 

Question One -  What is 99 Days about? 99 DAYS is a smart, sexy summer romance about a girl who comes back to her hometown the summer before college to face the mess - and the boys - she left behind. Molly spent her senior year at boarding school after she confessed to her mom, a novelist, that she'd cheated on her long-time boyfriend Patrick with Patrick's brother Gabe - and her mom turned around and wrote a bestseller about it. Now Molly's got 99 days, the length of one summer, to try and make things right, but it's definitely not going to be easy. The novel explores first loves, second loves, girl friendships, betrayal, and the double standards we hold guys and girls to when it comes to sex and romance. 

 

Question Two - What inspired you to write 99 Days? I think love triangles get a bad rap, and I wanted to see if I could write one in a way that was fresh and honest and unusual. 

 

Question 3 - Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? I never try to come at a book from a position of wanting to communicate a message - mostly I just want to invent interesting characters and tell a story people want to read. But I guess if 99 DAYS has a message, it would be that nobody's perfect. 

 

Question 4 - Did you read as a child, if so who did you most look up to? I read a ton as a child! I loved Judy Blume and Ellen Conford and Sweet Valley and the BSC books. I read everything. 

 

Question 5 - What are some of your current favourite reads? I'm reading The Likeness by Tana French right now and I'm obsessed with it. It makes me want to stay up late and rush to the end, except not because then it'll be over. 

 

Question 6 - We know 99 Days was recently released, but are you currently working on something new? I am! My third book is a tragic romance set against the backdrop of the teen-pop factory in 1997 Orlando. 

 

Question 7 - Did you learn anything from writing your book/s and what was it? I hope I'm learning to be a better writer with each book! And I think the process of writing 99 DAYS taught me to be a bit more gentle with myself as I'm going along.

 

Question 8 - What advice would you give to aspiring authors? Read everything! Write everything. Press on a little at a time. 

 

Question 9 - Do you have anything specific you'd like to say to your readers? Thanks so much, you guys! I am so humbled and awed by you all. 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Katie Cotugno went to Catholic school for thirteen years which makes her, as an adult, both extremely superstitious and prone to crushes on boys wearing blazers. She routinely finds herself talking about the romantic endeavors of characters on TV shows as if they actually exist in the world.

Katie is a Pushcart Prize nominee whose work has appeared in The Iowa Review, The Broadkill Review, The Apalachee Review, and Argestes, as well as on Nerve.com. Her first novel, HOW TO LOVE, is out now from Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins. 99 DAYS will follow next spring.

The great loves of Katie's life include child's pose, her little sister, and mozzarella and honey sandwiches. She lives in Boston with her husband, Tom.

Twitter | Website

 

 

 

ABOUT HER BOOKS

 

 

This is a love story. But it’s not what you think. This is not a first kiss, or a first date. This is not love at first sight. This is a boy and a girl falling in messy, unpredictable, thrilling love. This is the complicated route to happiness that follows. This is real. This is life. This is how to love.

BEFORE:

Reena has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember. But he’s never noticed her, until one day… he does. They fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town, leaving a devastated – and pregnant – Reena behind.

AFTER:

Three years later and there’s a new love in Reena’s life: her daughter Hannah. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again.

After everything that’s happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer again?

 

 

 

 

 

Molly Barlow is facing one long, hot summer--99 days--with the boy whose heart she broke and the boy she broke it for . . . his brother.

Day 1: Julia Donnelly eggs my house my first night back in Star Lake, and that's how I know everyone still remembers everything. She has every right to hate me, of course: I broke Patrick Donnelly's heart the night everything happened with his brother, Gabe. Now I'm serving out my summer like a jail sentence: Just ninety-nine days till I can leave for college and be done.

Day 4: A nasty note on my windshield makes it clear Julia isn't finished. I'm expecting a fight when someone taps me on the shoulder, but it's just Gabe, home from college and actually happy to see me. "For what it's worth, Molly Barlow," he says, "I'm really glad you're back."

Day 12: Gabe wouldn't quit till he got me to come to this party, and I'm surprised to find I'm actually having fun. I think he's about to kiss me--and that's when I see Patrick. My Patrick, who's supposed to be clear across the country. My Patrick, who's never going to forgive me.

 

 

Review: Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Title: Alice in Zombieland
Author: Gena Showalter
Genre: YA Paranormal/Romance
Publisher: Mira Ink
Published: October 5th 2012
Page Number: 404
Rating: 5/5

Summary:
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….

REVIEW

This is honestly one of the best YA books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I've always been a fan of Alice in Wonderland, so I started to look for re-tellings and came across this. The reviews were decent and I had never read a zombie book before, so I was killing 2 birds with 1 stone. I was hooked from the very first page.

Alice has had this extremely terrible thing happen in her life and while she's struggling with it, she's also not letting it affect her whole life. She's somewhat turning the negative into a positive, and I found it so fresh in YA fiction. Gena's characters are so iconic, they're dangerous and fun, and very relatable. I couldn't tell you how many times I laughed out loud because of Kat and he one-liners. She's hilarious!

Gena Showalter isn't just good at writing characters and romance - which literally had my heart beating rapidly. Cole, oh dear, Cole. Be mine, please - but she writes some amazing action scenes. I wasn't just reading a fight scene, I was in that fight scene with the characters watching from the side lines. It's incredible! I wanted more and more and more of this story, I was left feeling empty once I finished the book.

And that's what shows that Gena Showalter knows exactly what she's doing!

 

Buy the book (Waterstones) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

Debut Novels | Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday was created by GingerReadsLainey

 

 

 

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

 

I honestly think that Cassandra Clare is a genius, she can do no wrong for me. City of Bones is her introduction to the incredible Mortal Instruments and I think it's one of her best books. I'd have never gotten into reading if it wasn't for this book. THANK YOU CASSANDRA!

 

 

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

 

I love Katie McGarry, but Pushing the Limits is easily my favourite book by her, and it was her debut novel. It's beautifully written, with a deep meaning. I was compelled by it.

 

 

Slated by Teri Terry

 

Slated is mind-blowingly good. It's intense, fast paced and filled with action. I honestly thought that Teri Terry had written and published a few books before this, but she hadn't. I'm still mind blown over this series.

 

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

 

I think everyone has read Gayle Forman's first book, If I Stay. It was made into an incredibly stunning movie, but the book is just as good. It's a slow read, but still very haunting. It's glued to the back of my eyelids.

 

 

 

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

 

This is a 2015 Debut, and I can easily say it's a great read. The premise is new, fresh in the YA genre and I know it's going to break a lot of hearts. Just stunning!

 

 

 

What are some of your favourite debut books?

Let me know in the comments.

 

Review: The Heir by Kiera Cass

Title: The Heir
Author: Kiera Cass
Genre: YA Dystopia
Publisher: Harper Collins
Published: May 7th 2015
Page Number: 352
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary:

Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought.

REVIEW

 

I really enjoyed The Selection Trilogy. It was a fast-paced, quick read with an adorable romance, so I knew that I wanted to read The Heir. However, I was left a little disappointed.

 

We follow America's daughter, Eadlyn and we quickly realise that she's all about herself. She's beautiful, strong, intelligent, so she says. And honestly? I didn't like it. She put herself first over everyone else, she constantly acted like a three year old. She sucked the fun out of this book. But despite the fact that Eadlyn was a character I wanted to slap across the face, the story was still very fun and easy to read.

 

The world we were introduced to in The Selection is nothing like it used to be, it's better. Although I did miss the action from the attacks that happened in books 1,2 and 3. Kiera wrote an extra story of a selection with boys, and that is it. There wasn't anything new to the world or characters, but like always, Kiera Cass wrote these incredible boys and this time it's a fight between 3: Kile, Hale and Erik. Each other them are different. Kile has known Eadlyn his entire life, Hale is one of the selected who's a charmer and Erik is just a translator for Henri, but could easily be the man beside Eadlyn.

 

And that is the beauty with Kiera Cass's male characters, she leaves you wanting more of them. Plus she writes them so distinctively that you're never confused. You know who each guy is that you can root for them solely on the fact of being themselves. The twist with Ahren - Eadlyn's Twin -  was great and totally unexpected.

 

I'm definitely going to read the 5th book when it's released next year, I just hope there a little more than we got in The Heir. Maybe an actual romance or some action. Who knows?

 

 

 

Buy the book (Waterstones) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

Shadowhunters TV Show Casting | Discussion

If any of you guys are like me, then you'd know that I am not the only one who is highly anticipating the Shadowhunters TV Show based off the incredible book series by Cassandra Clare. The Mortal Instruments introduced us to some iconic characters as well as a lot of kick ass action.

We've had a movie. That flopped completely and honestly? I didn't particularly like it. The casting was a little off and the actors didn't bring our iconic characters to life. So when it was announced we were getting another chance, but this time as a TV Series, I was hesitant. Not because I didn't think it'd work, but because I wanted it to be done correctly. And since we've been slowly, but surely getting the casts I thought I would talk about them all and give you my opinions.


Clary Fray played by Katherine McNamara

I'm honestly so happy with this casting. Katherine McNamara was on the Disney Channel Original movie Girl vs Monster, and let me tell you, not only is she a great actor but she had a killer voice. I can definitely see her portraying Clary fray in a way that will not only do the series justice, but will make us fans happy.

Some people have expressed how worried they are because her hair is still a little on the blonde side and not red enough, but this is her natural hair colour and it's beautiful. Especially for Clary.




Jace Wayland played by Dominic Sherwood

Most of you will know Dominic from the Vampire Academy Movie, where he played the gorgeous character of Christian Ozera. And while the VA movie completely sucked, Dominic Sherwood's acting did not. He honestly was the better part of the movie, and I am sure he will portray Jace in a way that we'll love.

Fans of The Mortal Instruments have expressed their worry that he'll be a dark-haired Jace Wayland, but if you've seen him in Taylor Swifts 'Style' music video, then you would know that his hair is more of a dark-ish blonde, and still works for Jace.



Simon Lewis played by Alberto Rosende

Robert Sheehan was actually the casting of the movie that I loved. He was perfect. Or so I thought. When Alberto Rosende was announced I was so happy. I've never seen his acting, but his looks are literally spot on with Simon Lewis, and that is without glasses on. I definitely think he is one of my favourite castings and what some people may not know is that Alberto is a Cancer Survivor. His casting and newly found fan-base will be a
great way to spread the word about checking yourself over.

So far all comments on the Shadowhunters Facebook page have been extremely positive, they love this casting just as much as I do. I cannot wait to see him on the show.


Isabelle Lightwood played by Emeraude Toubia

I didn't like the movie Isabelle, so I was open to anything, but I was more than happy with the casting of Emeraude. She's beautiful and definitely had that innocent yet fierce look about her. I've not seen anything she's starred in since they're Spanish (don't quote me on that), but I trust the casting team enough to know that she wouldn't have been cast if she couldn't act.

Once again, the fans on Facebook love this casting just like me and I'm excited to see how she'll portray Isabelle. Welcome to the team, Emeraude!




Alec Lightwood played by Matthew Daddario

Kevin Zegers was way too old to portray Alec, and his acting totally didn't live up to par, so I wasn't sure if I'd like the TV Show casting. Alec isn't exactly a favourite character of mine, despite his sexuality. However, the casting team did a great job and I really like this casting. Matthew has had a few small roles in some movies such as Delivery Man and When the Game Stands Tall. He also happens to be the brother of Alexandra Daddario who portrayed Annabeth in the Percy Jackson Movies.

Most fans have commented on the fact that his eyes aren't blue. But there are a thing called Eye Contacts.



Luke Garroway played by Isaiah Mustafa

I have to be honest with everyone. When I first saw this casting I wasn't too fussed, not because of his skin colour, but because I've only seen one of the TV movies he was in and I his acting didn't stand out. However, the casting has been growing and growing on me, and I'm definitely looking forward to how he portrays Luke. Luke is described as a cool, calm and collected character with a rage buried underneath the barriers and I have hope that he'll do it decently.

I also want to take the time to actually say something to the Shadowhunter Fandom. I am actually disgusted with some of them because they were racist towards the casting. It's belittling and extremely unmoral, Cassandra Clare and the casting team were happy with their decision and his audition, so take that on board before you comment abusive things because he's not how you pictured Luke.


Valentine Morgenstern played by Alan Van Sprang

Everyone has screamed nothing but positive things about Alan
and his acting. He played an evil, vicious King on the TV Series Reign - which I have not seen - but I am excited to now watch the show. His look is spot on, and I honestly hope that they won't make him wear a white wig, even though Valentine is described as having white hair. He has the look and I'm sure his acting is great!



Magnus Bane played by Harry Shum Jr

Okay, this is easily my favourite casting of the series so far. I was still flailing around an hour after he was announced, and I'm pretty sure he is the perfect actor to play Magnus. Harry is a great actor - and dancer - so I know he'll have no trouble bringing Magnus to life. And what is so great about this casting is that Cassandra Clare fan-casted him 3 years ago, so did the Glee cast.

Everyone have been praising this casting, especially since it was such a surprise, one that not even I saw coming! Ps, I want a Magnus vs Alec dance battle.



Jocelyn Fray/Fairchild played by Maxim Roy

I really like this casting. A lot. I always pictured Jocelyn as very intense looking but with a very gentle undertone, and I think Maxim has that look nailed down. Because I live in the UK, I don't really know any of these newer castings, but I've heard great things about Maxim's acting. She's starred in 19 - 2 as a detective and an unknown show to me, called Defying Gravity.

On a side note, Maxim has now got a red tint to her hair.






Hodge Starkweather played by Jon Cor


I know what you're thinking, "When did Hodge get HOT?!" Well, I have your answer.

In the City of Bones movie, Hodge looks to be in his mid to late forties going onto his early fifties. But, actually, he's 36 years old, younger than Jocelyn. Judging on looks, I think Jon Cor is great, but I've not seen him act yet. He starred in American Pie Presents: The Naked mile in 2006 as Trent, which I watched but don't remember enough to say I remember him specifically. He's also portrayed Jake in British TV series, Beaver Falls.





What do you guys think of the castings?
Let me know in the comments.

Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Title: The 5th Wave
Author: Rick Yancey
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic
Publisher: Penguin
Published: May 7th 2013
Page Number: 460
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker.

Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

REVIEW

 

I had heard such amazing things about The 5th Wave, but my hesitance towards reading about Aliens really worried me. I'm not exactly a Sci-fi liker, not too bothered about them really, so I was completely surprised by how much I loved this book.

 

At first I was left confused because us readers aren't exactly sure what's going on, it was mysterious and creepy, and just a little exciting. Cassie isn't a new character in YA fiction, she follows a line after Katniss Everdeen, Tris Prior and Clary Fray. But the difference between Cassie and Katniss is that Cassie is extremely likeable. She's kick-ass, but still has the understand undertone. She knows loss, she knows life.

 

Rick Yancey's writing is extremely beautiful and detailed and I found myself adapting his writing style to my own writing, which is something that only happens once in a while, mostly in a good book. He writes so well, with the description that isn't too much or too little. He's mastered it perfectly. In fact, that's what I loved so much: there was something for everyone. However, I had one big problem with the story that knocked the book down by .5 stars. Insta-love. No reader likes Insta-love. No one. And while I liked both Evan and Cassie together, I also hated the way they fell in love. It wasn't just quick, it was extremely quick. I still ship Evan and Cassie though.

 

I honestly cannot recommend this book enough, and there's a movie coming out with Chloe Grace Moretz starring as Cassie. I cannot wait, it's going to be action packed and definitely a box office hit. It hits cinemas in January 2016.

 

 

Buy the book (Waterstones) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

Favourite Summer Covers | Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday was created by GingerReadsLainey

 

 

Second Chance Summer & Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

 

If sunbathing on decking and ice cream don't scream Summer, then I'd find you incredibly weird. The only thing more summery than those is the beach, which I happen to dislike. Both covers are absolutely beautiful, and I'm looking forward to reading them in the next 2/3 months!

 

 

 

I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

 

Do I really need to say anything? The cover is bright yellow and has a painting of the sun. How much brighter could it get?

 

 

 

The Last Summer of Us by Maggie Harcourt

 

This cover is easily one of my favourites of 2015. It's beautiful, and the tone is so perfect for a summer in Wales. I literally cannot wait to read this book soon, hopefully I can read it while I'm on a little road trip myself.

 

 

 

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

 

A guy kissing a girl on a bike in an open field? Perfect summery cover. The way it's been edited portrays it as a very happy summer book, but with that little touch of home comfort.

 

 

 

What are your favourite summer covers?

Let me know in the comments.

Review: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

"Everything, Everything is a novel about first chances. First chance at life, first chance at love and first chance at finding out who you truly are. I absolutely adored it!"

Title: Everything, Everything
Author: Nicola Yoon
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Corgi Children's
Published: August 27th 2015
Page Number: 304
Rating: 4/5

 

Summary:

 

Madeline Whittier is allergic to the outside world. So allergic, in fact, that she has never left the house in all of her seventeen years. But when Olly moves in next door, and wants to talk to Maddie, tiny holes start to appear in the protective bubble her mother has built around her. Olly writes his IM address on a piece of paper, shows it at her window, and suddenly, a door opens. But does Maddie dare to step outside her comfort zone?

 

REVIEW

I had zero idea that this book was being published until I was browsing Goodreads about 3 weeks back and stopped when I saw the beautiful cover. It was eye-catching and simple, yet had an extra dimension to it. And then I read the summary and I knew I had to read it.

 

Everything, Everything tells to the story of two unlikely characters who experience their first chances. Their first chance at life, love and finding out who they truly are. Madeline has lived a recluse life because of her illness and her over protective mother. She's only known life inside her bedroom, reading book and watching everything from her window. Ollie only knows that he dislikes the life he lives, he dislikes the fact his mother won't stand up to his father. So when these two characters came together, they created something worth fighting for.

 

Luckily this story is actually a very quick read. It's not always told in a story, but as documents from Madeline's perspective. Daily feeds of Ollie's family: when they leave the house, when they come back, who they're with. We also get spoiler book reviews that are short and spunky in attitude, it adds this extra dimension not just to the story, but to Madeline's character as well.

 

About 60% into the book I did take a break because I found it to be a little boring, but immediately it picked back up and I found myself really getting more into it. Was the ending perfect? No, I don't think we'll ever get a perfect ending from a book. But it was a satisfying ending that made me smile. I cannot wait for the world to experience this beautiful, beautiful novel.

I received an E-ARC of this book from the Publishers


Pre-order the book (Waterstones) | Pre-order the book (Book Depository)

 

ARC Review: Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

"A thoroughly thought-provoking read."

Title: Vanishing Girls
Author: Lauren Oliver
Genre: YA Mystery
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Published: March 12th 2015
Page Number: 322
Rating: 4/5

Summary:

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it's too late.

REVIEW

 

I've actually never managed to read a Lauren Oliver book, but when I saw that she was writing a YA Mystery book, I knew it was a must have! Many would think that Vanishing Girls is just a story about a girl who's sister goes missing, but it's a lot more than that. Vanishing Girls deal with family tragedy, loss and just how far we'd go for the people we love.

 

The writing is deep and beautiful, but with an undertone of darkness. We see how two sisters can be affected by the things that happen in their lives. From the set up I was invested in both Dara and Nick. I wanted to know their story, why they did certain things they did and why they'd let a relationship get ruined?

 

Character wise you really learn to love them, but I honestly don't know if I loved them or if I loved the way the story was told more. Vanishing Girls is told in different POV's from Dara and Nicks, past and present. We also get newspaper reports and tweets, which was such a modern, fresh idea to bring into a YA Mystery, because it's what us teenagers are into. When we wake up in the morning the first thing we check are our social medias: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. So really seeing the story being told through that was what made it so brilliant!

 

I will admit that this book wasn't perfect. But then again, what book truly is perfect? My problem with this book was the ending. It's not that I didn't like it, because I truly did, but at the same time I felt a disconnection from it as well. Maybe it's because I guessed a little early on, but then again, I do that with all Mystery books and TV shows. However, if you're a fan of Mystery or YA then you'll love then nonetheless.

 

 

A physical copy was provided by the publishers for a honest review

 

 

Buy the book (Waterstones) | Buy the Book (Book Depository)

Books I'd love to see as TV Shows | Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday was created by GingerReadsLainey

 

Geek Girl by Holly Smale

I really think this would make a really interesting teenage show on Disney Channel or Nickelodeon. It's smart, funny and shows diversity in a great way!


Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

There's been rumours of a film for a while, but I honestly would not want a movie. The setting is quite different and definitely suits to a TV Series as they could explore to world and character relationships more. It's funny and kick-ass, I love, love, love it!


Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

We know that ABC Family have ordered a 13 episode series of The Mortal Instruments, but honestly? I prefer the time period of The Infernal Devices. It's beautiful, poetic and still have a dark undertone that would make a perfect TV series.


A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

BBC have required the rights for a TV series and I screamed in excitement. I want on that TV Show! What I love about this series is that there is something for everyone: historical detail, mystery, paranormal powers and a beautiful, yet dangerous romance. Every character is relatable and it leaves you wanting more.


Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

This is a great YA Mystery, but there's still so much to it. In most Mystery shows it focuses more or less on the evidence, while Vanishing Girls deals with the mystery aspect and family aspects, how 2 sisters can become enemies. It's incredible. Beautiful, deep and poetic.


What books to you think would make great TV Shows?

 

Review: Dirty Angels by Karina Halle

Title: Dirty Angels
Author: Karina Halle
Genre: Erotica
Publisher: Headline Eternal
Published: March 9th 2015
Page Number: 352
Rating: 1/5

 

Summary:

 

For Luisa Chavez, a twenty-three year old former beauty queen, a better life has always been just out of her reach. Sure, she’s had men at her feet since she was a young teenager but she’s never had the one thing she’s craved – security. Having grown up in near poverty, her waitressing job in Cabo San Lucas can barely let her take care of herself, let alone her ailing parents. Every day is another unwanted advance, every day is a struggle to survive.

When Salvador Reyes, the depraved leader of a major Mexican cartel, takes an interest in her, Luisa is presented with an opportunity she can’t afford to pass up. She’ll become Salvador’s wife and exchange her freedom and body for a life of riches – riches she can bestow upon her deserving parents. But Luisa quickly finds out that even the finest wines and jewels can’t undo the ugliness in her marriage, nor the never-ending violence that threatens her every move.

Soon, Luisa is looking for an escape, a way out of the carefully controlled life she’s leading. She finally gets her wish in the worst way possible.

As it is, being the wife of Salvador makes her an ideal target for rival cartels and there’s one particular man who needs Luisa as part of his cartel’s expansion. One particular man whose quest for power has destroyed lives, slit throats and gotten him out of an American prison. One particular man who will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants.

 

REVIEW

 

I can honestly say that I didn't have high expectations for this book. I checked up the reviews on Goodreads, and while Karina has some popular books with her audience this series is one that's received a lot of mixed reviews.

 

Erotica isn't a genre I normally read. I have read the 50 Shades Trilogy by E L James and the Bared to You series by Sylvia Day, and I somewhat enjoyed those, but Dirty Angels left me feeling angry and uncomfortable. I understand that Karina was portraying what life is like in a Mexican Drug Cartel, but I couldn't get past the desperation of it all. It felt like most scenes were there to shock readers rather than it actually fitting in.

 

I'm honestly so annoyed with this book and if anything, I don't think the Drug Cartel thing was the worst part of the book. Our main character, Luisa was. She was so naïve and childish, she had no voice. One minute she'd be arguing with Javier and the next he's masturbating over her back and "marking" her.

 

It made me physically sick. Literally.

 

I'd love to have at least one positive thing to say about this book, but I have nothing. Zero. Zilch. Dirty Angels had everything that I hated in a book, and I definitely will not be reading anything else from this author.

 

 

 

Physical copy provided by Headline Eternal for a honest review

 

 

Buy the book (Waterstones) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

 

 

 

 

An Ember in the Ashes - #FantasyIRL Tag!

So today I received my ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) of An Embers in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir from Harper Voyager UK. And inside the parcel were 4 post cards with questions on that us Bloggers and Booktubers had a choice to answer. Like any warrior, I accepted!

CARD ONE

POWER. There are plenty of examples of abuse of power around the world and in AN EMBER IN THE ASHES, the impact of power both on the powerful and the powerless is key.

We all feel powerless sometimes. Have you ever fought against someone in a powerful position and stood up for yourself - if so, how did you do it?

Answer - I think everyone has been in a situation where we feel powerless and I am no different. I used to get bullied a lot in school, I always felt like I had no power because they made me feel weak, worthless. But I fought back in a way that was least expected. I didn't punch them in the face or tell a teacher, instead I continued going to school as myself. Over time they noticed that whatever they were to say wasn't going to affect me and left me alone.

CARD TWO

It's easy to let fear CONTROL your actions - it governs Laia's decisions from the outset in AN EMBER IN THE ASHES. And in reality, the pressures of modern life can be just as difficult to navigate.

We all have moment where we feel out of control of our own lives. What helps you regain control?

Answer - Everyone has suffered some form of loss of control, but I'm very patient and laid back. I stick to what I believe in because that's my opinion and it's not going to change. However, I do get stressed a lot when I lose control and only ASMR Videos can help with that.

CARD THREE

The burden of DESTINY is discussed throughout AN EMBER IN THE ASHES. Regardless of whether you believe in destiny or not, modern life generates its own expectations and pressures - whether from yourself, or your surroundings.

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason and your destiny is laid out for you? What do you think you can do to change your own destiny?

Answer - We control out own destiny's, but don't be surprised if something unexpected pops up now and then, because it can be a change we either want or need.

CARD FOUR

Elias struggles with the motion of FREEDOM in AN EMBER IN THE ASHES - he desperately wants to make his own decisions, as we often do in reality.

Modern life often means doing things we don't want to do (as in fantasy). What do you do to keep yourself feeling positive during a difficult day?

Answer - I honestly don't. Sometimes I take a deep breath, hold it in for 10 and slowly release it. Or I write down how I feel on a piece of paper, read it over and then burn it, letting it free into the world.

NOW FOR A SURPRISE!



Because I am taking part in this tag, Harper Voyager are letting me pick 2 people to win an ARC copy of An Ember in the Ashes. All you have to do is answer the question in the comments below and I will pick a winner 7 days after this post goes live! Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favour. (Giveaway is UK only!)

What is your most anticipated release of 2015 and why?


My review of AN EMBER IN THE ASHES will go live on Monday 1st June.

 

 

 

Review: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

Title: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden
Author: Jessica Sorensen
Genre: New Adult
Publisher: Sphere
Published: August 8th 2013
Page Number: 400
Rating: 4/5

 

Summary:

 

For Kayden, suffering in silence was the only way to survive. If he was lucky, he could keep his head down, do as he was told, and make it through the day. But one night it seemed like his luck-and his life-might finally end . . . until an angel named Callie appeared just in time to rescue him.

Callie has never believed in luck. Not since her twelfth birthday when everything was taken from her. After the worst was over, she locked up her feelings and vowed never to tell anyone what happened. Now, six years later, she continues to struggle with the painful secret that threatens to consume her.

When fate lands Kayden and Callie at the same college, Kayden is determined to get to know the beautiful girl who changed his destiny. Quiet and reserved, Callie still fears letting anyone else into her world. But Kayden is certain that Callie has come back into his life for a reason. And the more he tries to be a part of her life, the more he realizes that, this time, it's Callie who needs to be saved . . .  

 

REVIEW

 

I've actually had a bad experience with a Jessica Sorensen book in the past, so I was very hesitant to start The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden. But I'm so glad that I gave Jessica another shot because I absolutely adored this book.

 

From Page 1, us readers know that this book isn't going to be the happy-go-lucky type, but the tear-your-heart-out type, and I really loved that. The writing immediately captures your attention and drags you into the messy lives of Callie and Kayden. You grow to love all the characters chapter by chapter, and by the end of the book you are completely rooting for them, cheering them on from the side lines.

 

I mentioned earlier that this story was incredibly dark and I have to warn you guys of trigger moments, because the book deals with depression, rape, self-harm and abuse. And while I know these are difficult subjects to bring up in general, but Jessica did a very good job on portraying them. I knew exactly how Callie and Kayden felt because I've been in their shoes before. Not with rape or abuse, but with depression and self-harm. It was one of the darkest times of my life and seeing it through different eyes was so refreshing. So thank you, Jessica.

 

While I loved my time reading Callie and Kayden's story, I have to admit that there were a few times where my eyes rolled and I sighed in annoyance. In places the story became over dramatic, and the fact that everyone around Callie and Kayden suffered from dark pasts just wasn't believable. But I'm still super excited for the next book in the 7 book series.

 

 

 

Buy the book (Waterstones) | Buy the book (Book Depository)