Book Review: Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Book Name: Just One Day
Author: Gayle Forman
UK Release Date: 2013
UK Publishers: Definitions (Random House)
Summary:
When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

Praise for Gayle Forman:

'Read it and weep.' Daily Mail

'Moving and heartwarming.' Guardian

'A book that makes you feel truly grateful to be alive.' Irish Independent

Review:

 

I seriously did not think I was going to enjoy this book because it's based on adventures across Europe, but I actually really did. In fact I didn't even like it. I loved it!

The writing in this book is brilliant! I never felt like there was anything wrong with the writing, it flowed, showed off the emotions of Allyson and the descriptions of each place she went; England, Paris, New York, Boston, Amsterdam was so clear and wonderful that you almost felt that you were there. Until you realise you're not there and then you're left disappointed.

The whole idea of just getting on a train to Paris is crazy, but it worked in this book. It gave me a thrill and seeing Willem and Allyson, or LuLu as he calls her together was like watching Christmas lights being turned on at Christmas, seeing fireworks on bonfire night. It was beautiful and magical. I just kind of wished that they worked it out because they are special when they're together, and I know she see's him at the end, but they need to be together NOW!

My only problem with this book was actually nothing to do with the writing or the characters or anything that included Gayle Forman. The main problem was the editing. You can clearly tell that the editor hadn't done a good job on this book. There were so many mistakes, such as words being the wrong way round, words missing like 'to' and 'the' and there was even an extra " after the person had finished speaking, and it did get on my nerves. But I tried not to think about it too much.

Overall, I give this book a 4.5 Stars! It's definitely one of my favourite contemporaries that I've read, and I was so sure it was going to get the full 5 Stars which is why I wanted it to succeed because only two contemporary books have 5 Stars. I knocked this down by .5 Stars because of the editing. However, I would highly recommend this book. Beautifully written.

Quote:

'Moving and explosive. Your emotions will be all over the place.' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

Book Review: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

                                                          
Book Name: Maybe Someday
Author: Colleen Hoover
UK Release Date: 2014
UK Publishers: Simon and Schuster
Summary:

Sydney is living in an idyllic bubble - she's a dedicated student with a steady job on the side. She lives with her best friend, has a great boyfriend, and the music coming from the balcony opposite hers is fast becoming the soundtrack to her life.

But when Sydney finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her, her bubble bursts. The mysterious and attractive man behind the music, Ridge, gives Sydney hope that she can move on and they begin the write songs together. But moving on is harder than she expects, Sydney can only hope...

Maybe someday...

Praise for Colleen Hoover:

'I can't recommend it highly enough. Read this book. Live it. Love it. Allow it to take over you heart. It's an unforgettable journey that every reader should take. 5++ Star!' aestasbookblog.com

'Hoover is one of the freshest voices in new-adult fiction, and her latest resonates with true emotion, unforgettable characters and just the right amount of sexual tension.  kirkusreviews.com

Review:

I've heard such amazing things about Colleen Hoover and it's only made my desire to read her books grow and grow. And I got paid. Which led to me buying Maybe Someday. It arrived two days late. I read it.

First off I would advise everyone, and I mean EVERYONE to go into this blindly. Don't read reviews, don't even ask your friends what they thought of it because you will get spoiled. Just buy it and read it. And then you can gush with all your feelings and Fangirl all you like.

The prologue starts out with some awesomeness.

I just punched a girl in the face. Not just any girl. My best friend. My roommate.

I mean c'mon. All I could think was 'What has this girl done to get punched in the face?' I came up with many different ideas before I carried on reading.

She called her fat
She ate the last bar of chocolate
She "borrowed" her makeup
She kissed her boyfriend

Yeah, she didn't kiss her friends boyfriend. She slept with him, many times over the two years of Sydney and Hunter had been together. And just having that as a prologue made my stomach flutter with excitement. Who doesn't love a good bitch fight.

However, the story isn't about a girl who found out her boyfriend and friend have been having an affair. It's so much more than that.

It's a story of a girl finding out what exactly love is and how talented she really is when it comes to song writing. It's also a story about not judging everyone and how far you'd really go to not become someone or something you hate.

Colleen warped me into Sydney and Ridges world and I could've stayed there forever. You're met with secrets, friendship and a lot of flirting.

I just could not get enough of this book. And the biggest bombshell for me was when I found out Ridge was deaf. I know no one was expecting it because the back blurb doesn't say that, and it normally would, which is great because it's becoming a normal thing. And, Sydney, just treating him like a normal person meant so much to me because we shouldn't treat people who are unique any different than we would want to be treated ourselves.

Overall, I just absolutely adored this book. There were a few problems, but they were minor and didn't really take away from the book, only added to it! And the way that we could listen to the songs that were written as we went along seriously helped me to get in the mood for the writing and story. I cannot recommend this book enough! 4.5 Stars!

Quote:

'Colleen writes with such elegance that you're warped into the characters world and feelings. Beautiful.' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

Book Review: Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

   Book Name: Burn for Burn
   Author: Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
   UK Release Date: Published in 2012
   UK Publishers: Simon and Schuster
   Summary:

Lillia used to trust boys, but not after what happened this summer. And she'll do anything to stop the same thing happening to her sister.

Kat's over the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes made at her expense. It all goes back to one person - he ex best friend - and now it's payback time.

Four years ago, Mary left town because of a boy. Now that she's back, she's going to make him pay.

Three very different girls who want the same thing: revenge, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they've each had a taste.

 

Praise for Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian:

'This book has what every girl wants in a summer.' Sarah Dessen, Author of Along for the Ride.

'This book was as beautiful.' Goodreads

 

Review:

I decided to pick this book up after April Brooks stated that she absolutely adored the book. I actually thought that I wouldn't like it that much, but I turned out to absolutely love it! All three girls have completely different personalities, but I do feel like in the first chapter of each girl they all had the same voice. I didn't feel like I had changed to someone else's POV. After that it became more clear.

The writing style is so great and it makes it easy to connect with the characters. The book also had me in tears because I can connect with Mary having been bullied for years about my weight, and like her I always took it on the chin even though on the inside it hurt.

Did I feel like this book was any bit predictable?

Definitely! Of course this book was going to be predictable it's about getting revenge and I think most people knew that it wasn't going to end well. But the way the characters dealt with it was realistic and that's what you want: something that makes your heart flutter, but has that realistic element.

I would highly recommend this book. I gave it a 4/5 Stars and it thoroughly deserved it! I cannot wait for book 2: Fire with Fire.

Quote:

'This book is like a rollercoaster. You're never going to know if you're going up or down.' bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

Character That Deserve Their Own Books

Now I have so many favourite books. Different genre's, different characters, different settings. But sometimes I love them that much that I over work my little brain and start thinking about sequels that could be written, companionship novels, or even novellas written in my favourite characters POV. And in these five books they were no different.

5th - Levi from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

This book was really good. Cath was quite annoying, but there's one character that I love, Levi. He made me smile, laugh and he's such an adorable book boyfriend. Rainbow also stated in an interview that she wasn't finished with these characters, so maybe she could be writing a companionship novel based on Levi. If not, then write it Miss Rowell! #LeviFans4Life









4th - Tim from Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Jamie is writing a new series based on the Maddox brothers, but I really want a book written in Tims' POV. I wouldn't mind it being set in today's time, but would rather it be about how he met Travis' mother, how they grew to love each other, getting married, having children and also how he felt when she died. It'd be an emotional rollercoaster but one that needs to be written.







3rd - Penryn's mother from Angelfall by Susan EE

Now I'm not sure if Penryn's mother is called named in the book. But she is such a character. She's crazy, but she comes across really funny and I definitely want a book based on her! She's kind of a killer, but can easily defend herself and has some of the most weirdest past times, but I love her. Move of Penryn and Raffe because your mother is out and about! SUSAN WRITE A NOVELLA OR SOMETHING. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'LL EVEN BEG!







2nd - Cole from Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Cole and Alice is perfect for each other, but I want to see what Cole's upbringing was like. When he first saw a zombie? When he started to fight them? How he met Frosty, Bronx, etc? All these questions are unanswered and we need them. Cole also has an awesome personality so it'd be awesome to have a book based on him.






1st - Sophie and Gideon from The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

AHHHHH! Sophie and Gideon are the definition of P E R F E C T. No joke. At first I hated both Sophie and Gideon, but over time I came to love them and watching their romance bloom was so special to me. It was like an actual movie playing in my mind. Also I feel like there was a lot more to come from them and if I'm honest I cannot live with Sophie and Gideon. Fan Fiction does not do it! Only Miss Clare can work her magic!






If you guys had to pick 5 favourite characters that you wanted to have a separate book/novella, who would they be and why? Tell me!

Top 5 Book Couples

So one of the aspects I enjoy in all my books are relationships. I'm not a lover of Insta-love, but once it is developed really well and I love the characters I can't help but feel like I'm watching two people fall in love. No matter their gender.


5th. Wanda and Ian from The Host by Stephanie Meyer -

I feel like I could always read the story of Wanda and Ian over and over. The DVD is good, but the book takes it's time to show how their trust and attraction changes. Ian tries to kill her at the beginning, but over time he begins to appreciate her seeing her for who she truly is. She's not a monster and we all know it, but seeing Ian's feelings change makes my heart flutter and together they are a perfect book couple. Their story always leaves me with tears in my eyes because Ian held her. Her parasite self and still thought she was beautiful. To be honest, who could not love Ian and Wanda?  


4th. Echo and Noah from Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry -

I must admit that at first I didn't like Echo. I thought she was a really annoying and selfish character, but over time I got to know her and why she felt like she did. But for me it was always better when she and Noah were together. They bounced off each other. They completed each other and I always loved their love/hate relationship. But what I loved most was their trust and friendship. Noah trusted her with his secret and so did she and for me I felt like that was when their relationship truly began. I also loved that they never gave up on each other and tackled every obstacle that came their way. They're one of my favourite couples.  


3rd. Eleanor and Park from Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell -

Eleanor and Park is my all time favourite contemporary book. Rainbow Rowell is the queen of contemporary, but the reason Eleanor and Park isn't higher on my list is because they didn't last. That is the premise of the book: First love never lasts and it does take you on an emotional roller coaster. What I loved about their relationship was how it came to be. They bonded over comics and music while traveling to and from school. No YA book has been developed like that. Did I think they were perfect together? No, I didn't. But that's what made me love them even more. They didn't match.  


2nd. John and Liv from The Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl -

The Caster Chronicles is not a very good series, but there are only a few characters I have a connection with and only four people who are couples that's I love and they are Link and Ridley and John and Liv. Of course, John and Liv are my favourite. John is a Hybrid. Part Caster, part Incubus, he's kind of dangerous in his own way. And Liv is kind, caring and British. Together they did not suit, but she changed him. The development of the friendship and romance changed them both and reading it was something special. I've even started to write John and Liv Fan Fiction because I want to see them in London. Maybe Kami and Margaret will write a series about them, who knows.

And taking the first spot for my all time favourite book couple is..... 


1st. Sophie and Gideon from The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare -

When I was introduced to Sophie I immediately loved her. She was witty, sarcastic and stood up for herself which was shocking because she was a maid. Just seeing her love/hate relationship with Will really helped me understand her character because was may have hated him but deep down she loved him as a relative or a friend. For Gideon, when he was introduced I hated him. His father was a horrible guy, so was his younger brother and I expected him to be the same, but he was a bit different. Cassandra is probably my favourite for relationships. She develops them so nicely and this was no difference. Through out the second and third book we're given scenes where their connection builds and it irritates me because he wants to say 'I love you' but won't because he's seen as quite important and she's a maid. But the one sentence that completely got to me and made me smile was:  "I see it," Gideon said in a low voice. "I am not blind, and we are a people of many scars. I see it, but it is not ugly. It's just another beautiful part of the most beautiful girl I have ever seen." I mean, how can that not make you smile? I re-read it and I just think of how perfect they are for each other. They're like a very sweet dream and I'd never get tired of them. And that's why I cannot wait until 'The Last Hours' trilogy because they will hopefully be in it.   So that is the list of my Top 5 Book Couples. What did you think? Who are your top 5? Let me know. 

Book Review: Shattered by Teri Terry

  Book Name: Shattered (Slated #3)
  Author: Teri Terry
  UK Release Date: 6th March 2014
  UK Publishers: Orchard Books
  Summary:

When you don't know who you are, how can you decide who you want to be?

 

Kyla was slated: her mind wiped clean by the oppressive Lorder government. When forbidden memories of a violent past began to surface, so did doubts: could she trust those she had come to care for, like Ben? Helped by friends in MIA, she goes undercover, searching for her past and evading authorities who want her dead. But the truth Kyla desperately seeks is more shocking than she ever imagined.

Praise for Teri Terry:

'A gripping Dystopian debut.' Bookseller

'This series just gets better and better.' Jess Hearts Books

'Sophisicated, intelligent, thought-provoking. Watch out Suzanne Collins and Sophie McKenzie, there's a new writer in town.' talltalesandshortstories.blogspot.co.uk

Review:

Blogger note: This book was sent to me from Casey. Her blog is - http://www.dark-readers.com/

Now I am a massive fan of Teri Terry's Slated trilogy. Probably her biggest fan. Her writing is great and her scenes are tense, and for some reason I just want more from her, which I will be getting since she's writing a new series. However, for me, this book was the most boring one out of all three books.

Slated and Fractured were full of action, and tense scenes. But this book, not only was it smaller than the rest of them, but hardly anything went on. There was maybe one tense scene in the entire book, whereas there were at least 10 each in both Slated and Fractured. Now because I say that Shattered is the most boring one out of them all, it doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it because I did. Like in every book there's a new guy introduced, although this one doesn't want anything romantic wise to do with Riley (Kyla), he's a friend. A true friend.

Through out the book secrets were unveiled, which kept me going, but also there were a few twists and they were characters from Slated, and a little bit from Fractured. And, if truth be told, I kind of thought that one or two of them were very predictable: I had that eerily feeling about them. Like trusting them would be a  mistake.

Overall, I did still enjoy this book. And this trilogy will still be in my Top 3. But for me, the ending was offish. It ended like her new series could take place in that new world, but who knows.

I gave this book a 4/5 Stars!

My quote:

'Secrets. Twists. Murder. What more could you want?' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

Book Review: Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

 
  Book Name: Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children
  Author: Ransom Riggs
  UK Release Date: Published in 2011
  UK Publishers: Quirk Books
  Summary:

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

 

Praise for Ransom Riggs:

 

'Readers searching for the next Harry Potter may want to visit Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.' CNN

 

'Peculiar' Doesn't even begin to cover it. A chilling, wondrous novel.' People 

 

'His premise is clever, and Jacob and the children are intriguing characters.' Booklist

 

Review:

 

When I first heard from JesseTheReader (Booktuber) that Miss Peregrine's was based on vintage photographs that Ransom loved to collect I was immediately intrigued. There's been nothing unique in the Fantasy genre for a while now, and so I took the plunge and bought the book.

 

I absolutely loved the beginning. It was slow paced, but then immediately it went very fast paced, and action packed with her grand father being killed by Hallowglass (Although we're told they're just weird monsters at first.) I also thought the fact that Jacobs friend denied it was interesting because he saw the monster and yet claimed that Jacob was going out of his mind. Surely he must've been freaked out? He was all calm and I'm still considering if his "friend" could be a enemy.

 

What I loved most about the book was the world building. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is set in Cairnholm, Wales (A fictional island.) And as soon as Jacob and his father landed there I was kind of skittish about what would lie ahead. The town was ancient. Old fashioned even. And just the fact that they lived there for a few days surprised me. But if anything, the pictures really made everything a lot worse.

 

Some characters were just...... indescribable.

 



 

These pair had me creeped out! Look at them! Just look at them. They're covered in white. Masks over their faces. All I knew they could've been clown china dolls, but alive.

Overall, this book was brilliant. But due to the romance between Jacob and Emma - Which I think was NOT needed. I gave this a 4/5 Stars!

Book Review: Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter

   Book Name: Through the Zombie Glass
   Author: Gena Showalter
   UK Release Date: Published in 2013
   UK Publishers: Mira Ink (Harlequin)
   Summary:

 

Alice Bell has lost so much.

Family. Friends. A home.

She thought she had nothing else to give.

 

She was wrong.

 

After a new zombie attack, her world gets even stranger. Mirrors come to life and she can hear the whispers of the dead.

 

But the worst? A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do dangerously wicked deeds that are impossible to come back from....

 

Praise for Gena Showalter:

 

'Readers will love the brave girl trying to reclaim her life...' RT Book Reviews

 

'Showalter has created a promising playground for future story instalments.' Kirkus Reviews

 

'...A zippy story with crossover appeal that highlights the power of guilt, faith and self-confidence.' Publishers Weekly

 

Review:

 

I must admit that after reading Alice in Zombieland I felt empty. I missed the characters that I grew to love, and I also, kind of missed the Zombies that I just wanted to destroy myself. But when I found out that the Sequel was out I jumped up with joy and ordered it straight away.

 

The book starts off with a dream, which I loved because over the time since Alices' parents had died, she'd grown up and become more mature, and just going back to see old Alice was great because we got to see the difference between them.

 

What I loved about this book was that I loved it even more than 'Alice in Zombieland.' It had a lot more action in it, in fact on page 72 there is an amazing battle scene. Zombies are killed and people are hurt, and that's what I loved about it. More gore. Blood. It had me wanting more! More! Also there was a scene that I couldn't help but laugh at (It was Midnight, I was tired.) Alice had texted her Nana about her grade and she replied back with 'WTF, An A?' it turned out that her Nana thought 'WTF' meant 'Well that's fantastic' of course we know better. But just having that realistic element in it really made it better for me. My mom thought 'LOL' meant 'Lots of Love' and that was up until four months ago....

 

Also in this book we are brought on a journey. A journey of destruction. People break up. People are kidnapped. There's a spy. Oh, yeah. There's also two new characters on the good side. Although I hated 'Ronny' she brought that extra jealousy.

 

Overall, this book was fast paced, action packed, full of sexual frustration and just absolutely amazing! That's why I gave it 5/5 Stars.

Can the third book be even better?

 

Talking about the third book - Queen of Zombie Hearts, here's the cover!

 



 

 

Isn't it beautiful? She looks like a bitch, but who cares, there's pink on the cover! pink!

 

My Quote:

 

'An amazing read for both adults and teenagers who just live for the f**king thrill' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

 

 

Book Review: Fractured by Teri Terry

  
    Book Name: Fractured
    Author: Teri terry
    UK Release Date: Published in 2013
    UK Publishers: Orchard Books
     Summary:

 

"With what I did yesterday, I should be dead: zapped by the chip they put in my brain when I was Slated."

Kyla shouldn't be able to remember anything from before she was Slated, but dark secrets of her past will not stay buried. Caught in a tug of war between Lorder oppression and the fight for freedom, her past and present race towards a collision she may not survive. While her desperate search for Ben continues, who can she trust in this world of secrets and lies?

 

Praise for Teri Terry:

'Intelligent, carefully thought through, tense and moreish.' Bookbag

'A gripping thriller, dealing in conspiracy, deceit.' Eastlife

'Sophisticated , intelligent, thought-provoking. Watch out Suzanne Collins and Sophie McKenzie, there's a new writer in town.' talltalesandshortstories.blogspot.co.uk

Review:

 

In the second book, I did not know how Teri Terry was going to beat 'Slated' but she did. There was more action. More tense scenes. More secrets. And More about Kyla's past.

 

I seriously think I am addicted to this series. I could re-read it over and over without getting bored of it and that isn't because of how amazingly written it is. It's because of the characters and the world.

 

In 'Fractured' a lot more happens with Kyla's "Mom." Secrets are found out and there's even a massive betrayal in the family, and if I must say so myself, I guessed it in the first book. He was nice. And we all know it's the nice ones you have to look out for, plus he became shady more and more through out the two books.

 

What I kind of disliked about this book is that we are introduced to a new male character. I mean, we like Ben. He was amazing! He was funny, charming and I really thought that he and Kyla would be an item. But now he's missing and some other dude has come in; Not cool!

 

But even though I didn't want a new guy in, I didn't really dislike him. I disliked that there was a new guy, but certainly not him. He was a vital part in the book, and getting to know him was awesome. Actually, getting to know everyone was awesome.

 

But seriously, if you haven't read 'Slated' and 'Fractured' then go and buy them because they're seriously tense.

 

Once again, I gave this book a 5/5 stars!

 

My quote:

 

'A beautiful sequel to the already amazing 'Slated.' The future better look out!'

Book Review: Slated by Teri Terry

  
    Book Name: Slated
    Author: Teri terry
    UK Release Date: Published in 2012
    UK Publishers: Orchard Books
     Summary:

Kyla's memory has been erased,

her personality wiped blank,

her memories lost forever.

 

She's been Slated.

The government claims she was a terrorist, and that they are giving her a second chance - as long as she plays by their rules. But echoes of the past whisper in Kyla's mind. Someone is lying to her, and nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust in her search for the truth?

Praise for Teri Terry:

'Gripping, chilling and all too real. An unputdownable thriller.' L.A. Weatherly, author of Angel.

'A beautiful, intriguing puzzle revealed piece by dark and sinister piece.' Sara Grant, author of Dark Parties.

'Everything I have been looking for in a book: suspense, mind-bending mystery, romance and just the right amount of science fiction.' lyndsaycummingsblog.blogspot.com

Review:

 

So I bought this on a whim because Emma, a publicist from Templar Publishing told me that 'Slated' was an incredible book, but I also bought it because the cover was so amazing.

 

When I started the book the writing style took a while to get used too, but before I knew it, it was just a part of the book and I flew through it; literally. I had read it within two days and realised that I needed more Kyla in my life.

 

For me the whole premise was really intriguing, but also very realistic because I do believe it could happen in the future, if scientists got a move on. And that was one of the things that really helped with the book because I was imagining it happening to me, but also I found to voice of Kyla to be very well developed and it showed her becoming a different person over time.

 

As well as that I found the world development to be one of my favourite things about the book. It was interesting to see how everything changed: Being on strict rules, slateds being put with people they didn't know as their parents. And it made me feel sad for them, but I was glad that Kyla had a friend like Ben. He was the perfect companion for her.

 

Overall I do believe that this is my all time favourite trilogy. It's realistic. Tense. Elegant. Gripping. In fact, it's everything. There's nothing else I could've wanted in this book; it's perfect.

 

And that is why I gave it a 5/5 stars.

My quote:

'I cannot get enough of this book. It's tense. Gripping. And elegantly written.'

Book Review: Dirty Magic by Jaye Wells

 
    Book Name: Dirty Magic
    Author: Jaye Wells
    UK Release Date: January 2014
    UK Publishers: Orbit Publishers
     Summary:

The last thing patrol cop Kate Prospero expected to find on her nightly rounds was a werewolf covered in the blood of his latest victim. But then, she also didn't expect that shooting him would land her in the crosshairs of a Magic Enforcement Agency task force, who wants to know why she killed their lead snitch.

The more Prospero learns about the dangerous new potion the MEA is investigating, the more she's convinced that earning a spot on their task force is the career break she's been wanting. But getting the assignment proves much easier than solving the case. Especially once the investigation reveals their lead suspect is the man she walked away from ten years earlier—on the same day she swore she'd never use dirty magic again.

Kate Prospero's about to learn the hard way that crossing a wizard will always get you burned, and that when it comes to magic, you should be never say never

Praise for Jaye Wells

'A fresh, magical world full of potion junkies and alchemists that promises to break new ground in paranormal thrillers.' Laurell K. Hamilton

'A sharp, high-speed paranormal thriller.' SciFiNow

'Dirty Magic is like nothing else currently happening in urban fantasy. Grim, gritty, and great.' Seanan McGuire (aka Mira Grant, author of FEED)

Review:

 

First off I must say that I was sent this from the publishers for an honest review.

 

I've never read an Urban Fantasy before, and if I am honest I was scared going into it because I knew from the summary that this was a novel that I wouldn't be all that into because detective novels are something I've always struggled with. But I really did enjoy this book.

 

 

The beginning was really hard to get into, the characters were just living normal, boring lives and it was really slow. I did think it was going to be quite fast paced and action packed from the beginning, but after a few chapters it really did pick up. New characters were introduced, and my favourite protagonist was Morales. He was witty, cocky and just a general guy you'd expect to see in a detective novel.

 

Along the way, I did start to notice that the mysteries became more predictable, however, the first twist did shock me. I had suspected another character: Either her uncle Abe or her boss. It was neither of these people though. It was a character you would least suspect.

 

Now even though I liked the book, I did not love it. There were quite a few typo's: missing words or just unusual sentence structure. And, sadly it did take away from the book. But as for a first book in a crime/urban fantasy series I really do think it got off to a good start and I am certainly looking forward to the sequel Cursed Moon. Especially since the ending of the first book was so incredible.

 

Overall, I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5 stars. 

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.'