ARC Review: Time's Convert by Deborah Harkness

Title: Time's Convert
Author: Deborah Harkness
Genre: Adult Paranormal
Publisher: Headline Books
Published: September 25th 2018
Page Number: 480
Rating: 1/5

Summary:

On the battlefields of the American Revolution, Matthew de Clermont meets Marcus MacNeil, a young surgeon from Massachusetts, during a moment of political awakening when it seems that the world is on the brink of a brighter future. When Matthew offers him a chance at immortality and a new life, free from the restraints of his puritanical upbringing, Marcus seizes the opportunity to become a vampire. But his transformation is not an easy one and the ancient traditions and responsibilities of the de Clermont family clash with Marcus's deeply-held beliefs in liberty, equality, and brotherhood.

Fast forward to contemporary London, where Marcus has fallen for Phoebe Taylor, a young employee at Sotheby's. She decides to become a vampire, too, and though the process at first seems uncomplicated, the couple discovers that the challenges facing a human who wishes to be a vampire are no less formidable in the modern world than they were in the 18th century. The shadows that Marcus believed he'd escaped centuries ago may return to haunt them both - for ever.

REVIEW

 

Time's Convert was my most anticipated book of 2018. I was very lucky to receive one of very limited Advanced Reader Copies of the book and as soon as the proof came I dove straight in. The All Souls Trilogy told the story of Diana and Matthew on their quest to solving the mystery behind Ashmole 782. Time's Convert follows Matthew's son, Marcus and his girlfriend Phoebe while they go through their journey to be together.

 

Initially I really enjoyed the first few chapters I read. I loved being back into a world I knew and loved so much and seeing scenes with Diana and Matthew made my heart warm. However, I started to realise that what I thought would have been a story was starting to lag and feel like a diary entry. The story is told in 3 ways; Marcus' story of his childhood and how he got into the army and fought in the war. We then have Marcus' current story while being away from Phoebe and then lastly we have Phoebe's story while she goes through her transition. With this in mind I kept reading on in hopes Deborah would create a plot twist that would change the story but nothing ever came. It continued on the diary format, living each day as they came doing very basic things that Mundanes would do despite them being Vampires.

 

The one big thing that knocked me for six was the writing. The All Souls trilogy was filled with beautifully descriptive writings that captured the scenes and characters so well but everything in Time's Convert felt very simple. According to someone I spoke to on the book, Deborah said in an interview that the writing would be different because Marcus is 24 years old. However, that made zero sense to me because while Marcus was 24 years old when he was changed, he's actually over 200 years old so that doesn't really count as an excuse to the writing being lazy.

 

With the writing being lazy and choppy I decided to eventually DNF the book at page 207. I truly tried to conquer my way through the novel but I just couldn't force myself to do it. I was starting to dislike our main characters and I truly do not care for the storyline. I actually find it difficult how Deborah can carve a trilogy out of this because Time's Convert just purely feels like an after thought. As for now I'm happy to leave the All Souls series where it is. At the moment 2 episodes of the TV series have aired and I'm not liking the adaptation that much either. So maybe once the full series has aired I'll write a series review and give my full thoughts because I have a lot.

 

 

Thank you Headline for sending me an exclusive ARC to honestly review.

 

 

 

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

Book Review: Goddess by Laura Powell

Book Name: Goddess
Author: Laura Powell
UK Release Date: 2014
UK Publishers: Bloomsbury
Summary:

Strikes. Starvation. Riots. Britain is at breaking-point and Aura is blind to it all.

The Cult of Artemis is the only home she’s ever known. Enclosed in its luxury lifestyle, the unrest gripping the country seems to belong to a distant world. Her dream is to serve the Goddess and taking a vow of chastity and obedience seems a small price to pay. But days before Aura is due to be initiated as a Priestess, she meets Aiden, the rebellious son of a cult insider, whose radical ideas and unsettling charm force Aura to question everything – and everyone – she knows.

Review:

I received a copy off Bloomsbury to review. That does not affect what I think AT all!

I'm going to start off and say that I did not like this book at all. I got kind of confused of it's genre. It's a Greek Mythology/Fantasy, but I kind of thought it was trying too hard to be a Dystopian and that confused me. It got lost about half way through, and it was obvious Laura Powell couldn't recover it!

The book also kind of led me on a bit. The summary suggests a lot of riots and so I thought there would be a lot of rebelisation. There was some, not enough though. The book lacked in it and it could've done a lot with the whole premise. Characters could've caused problems. Secrets could've been exposed. Some were, but they weren't shocking!!

I kind of got lost with the writing as well. It never really flowed and kind of hit a dead end for me. I got about Seventy Percent through and gave up because I could not force myself to carry on. I really wanted to like this book, I really did. I just guess me and Greek Mythology does not work.

Overall I gave this a 2/5 Stars!

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

ARC Review: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

   Book Name: We Were Liars
   Author: E. Lockhart
   UK Release Date: 15th May 2014
   UK Publishers: Hot Key Books
   Summary:

We are liars
We are beautiful and privileged
We are cracked and broken
A tale of love and romance
A tale of tragedy
Which are lies?
Which is the truth?
You decide

Praise for E. Lockhart:

'Thrilling, beautiful and blisteringly smart, We Were Liars is utterly unforgettable.' John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars

'Spectacular.' Lauren Myracle, author of Shine

'We Were Liars may be Emily's best book. And that is saying something, because Emily is without a doubt one of the very best fiction writers writing today.' Maureen Johnson, Author of The Name of the Star

Review:

It's extremely difficult how to tell you what this book is about because it is a YA Contemporary with hints of Mystery, but what I can say is that whatever you do. Lying may just be the best option, well in this case anyway.

Page 5 was without a doubt the best page in that entire book for me. The metaphor was gripping and beautiful and saddening all in one and it's one of my favourite metaphors without a doubt.

Then he pulled out a handgun and shot me in the chest. I was standing on the lawn and I fell. The bullet hole opened wide and my heart rolled out of my rib cage and down into a flower bed. Blood gushed rhythmically from my open wound, then from my eyes,
my ears,
my mouth.

At first I was like 'What. The. Heck?!' but I understood after. It describes how she's feeling about what's happened and how it feels for her in the sense that she may not recover from this. It's beautiful, yet sad. Perfectly described in the situation.

Another thing I loved about the book was that the chapters were short even thought they may focus on the same day. It worked well because another mystery would unfold or Cadence would remember something.

However, there were quite a lot of flaws in this book. The writing is probably one of the major factors that I disliked. At most times it was okay, but it got into the point where it'd be like

and I saw Gat,
and I saw that rose in his hand,
and in that one moment, with the sunlight from the window shining in on him,
etc, etc, etc.

It became too much and sometimes it felt like it was a more important point to the story than it actually was. My biggest hate in this book, however, was the fairy tale re-tellings. They side tracked me away from the actual storyline and if anything they were extremely boring and didn't actually have to be in the book.

Overall, I did enjoy my time taking part in the #WeWereLiars read-a-long. It was great fun and I read a full book something I haven't done in a while due to a reading slump. Anyway, I gave this book a 3/5 Stars! It was good. Could have been a bit less predictable, but other than that and the faults I had with it, it was a fun short read.

My Quote:

'Beautiful and mysterious: one thing something should never be. But works.' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

Book Review: Irresistible Enemy by Mary Costello

   Book Name: Irresistible Enemy
   Author: Mary Costello
   UK Release Date: March 17th 2014
   UK Publishers: N/A (Penguin Books Australia)
   Summary:

Cassie Bowtell adores her idyllic life in the bush and after a chance encounter by the roadside, even her love life is looking up. So when a housing estate is planned right next door to Cassie's beautiful rural property, she vows to fight it with everything she has.

Wealthy businessman Hart Huntingdon can't stop thinking about the mystery woman he met in the country. And then he discovers Cassie is the one of the people responsible for holding up his plans and doing her best to turn the locals against him.
With both of them firmly believing they are in the right, Cassie and Hart are soon locked into battle, a battle every bit as fierce and passionate as their growing obsession with each other. But sometimes love has a way of bringing happiness where it's least expected…

Review:

 

I received an E-Arc copy of this book via NetGalley. This does not affect my review in any way!

 

 

I'm a massive lover of Contemporary/New Adult (it's a mix of both) and I've read quite a few of them, but for me, this one was lacking behind any of the ones I have read. We are introduced to both Cassie and Hart out in Diggers Creek where Hart nearly knocks over Cassie, she's stopped because of an animal stepping out onto the road. Cassie thinks Hart is gorgeous and Hart thinks Cassie is just average looking with big eyes. Which is such a cliché. People have been writing these sort of fiction for years, and I've read a few of them.

 

The big thing that off put me in this book was that I felt that there was no connection with any of the characters. I didn't feel for Cassie when she was left in Diggers Creek that was being taken over by a fire. I didn't feel for her when she meets Claudia, Hart's interior designer. I just never had a connection with the characters. Which is unknown to me in these genre books, I get them feelings in Fantasy or Sci Fi, never NA/Contemporary.

 

Another reason why I disliked this book was because  I felt the romance was a bit forced. They were friends which was great! Then in the space of a minute they were lovers, it just didn't flow properly. Maybe if it had happened in another chapter then it might of worked. I also found Hart to be quite stupid for a business man when it came to his feelings. He thought Cassie was average with big eyes that he liked. Then he'd say 'All I need is her, she's beautiful.' and he'd go right back to thinking that she was average. GRRRRR! MAKE. UP. YOUR. MIND!

Lastly I think the writing in this book was very poor. The book didn't flow and I sometimes found words being thrown in for the sake of it! The characters would never use words like that and it got on my nerves. In perspective, the reason why I believe there was no connection to the characters was because of the writing. To describe it in one word: simple.

 

However, I did enjoy the animal part of the book. It was great to have a character that cared for them. But overall, I didn't enjoy this book. 2 Stars!

 



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: The Vintage Girl by Hester Browne

   Book Name: The Vintage Girl
   Author: Hester Browne
   UK Release Date: Published in 2013
   UK Publishers: Quercus
   Summary:

When Evie Nicholson is asked to visit Kettlesheer Castle in Scotland to archive the family heirlooms, she jumps at the chance. Evie's passion for antiques means that, for her, the castle is a treasure trove of mysteries just waiting to be uncovered.

But in each heirloom lies a story, and in the course of her investigations Evie stumbles upon some long-buried family secrets. Add handsome, gloomy heir Robert McAndrew and a traditional candlelit gala to the mix, and Evie's heart is sent reeling with an enthusiasm that may just extend beyond the Kettlesheer silver...

 

Praise for Hester Browne:

'Fun and flirty.' Glamour

'Just perfect.... you'll love this book.' Jill Mansell

'Deliciously addictive.' Cosmopolitan

Review:

This is actually my second Hester Browne novel. I recently read The Runaway Princess, which I did enjoy but it was too cliché. So having been sent this one by Quercus to review I was confused. I like her writing, but sometimes if you don't like a first book, you'll not like the second.

I ended up being disappointed with this book. My friends raved about this and I didn't enjoy it. The writing was fine, great even. But I did not get a connection with any of the characters. I found Evie to be very whiny and annoying, her sister Rosie was even worse. In fact I couldn't even finish the book because I didn't like it. That's not saying that you guys won't like it, but it just didn't appeal to me.

Overall I gave this book a 2/5 Stars!

Book Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

  Book Name: My Life Next Door
  Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
  UK Release Date: Published in 2012
  UK Publishers: Speak
  Summary:

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

Praise for Hunley Fitzpatrick:

'A summer romance with depth.' The Boston Sunday Globe

'Jase and Samantha have a heart-warming romance every girl will envy.' Simone Elkeles, Author of Perfect Chemistry

'On par with such authors as Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti.' SLJ

Review:

My Life Next Door has been on my TBR Pile for the last five months, and finally I came around to reading it! My expectations weren't high, I thought this was going to be a great book, but very cliché. However, I was wrong!!

This book is just the perfect summer read. It's filled with personality. There's also a lot of wit and romance, which I thought was so cute. But there was also something missing for me. I have no idea what it is, I've spent the last three days trying to figure out what it is, but I just can't. I know I'm annoyed that Sam never told her mother that Clay was kissing some other woman. Man, that would've been explosive.

For me, there was another problem with this book: the writing. It became confusing in some parts. And it was because of some of the words she used during her sentences, some of them didn't fit. I had to re-read the sentence at least 3 or 4 times. But once it happened 3 or 4 times, you became used to it.

Overall, I did love this book. The characters were all very relatable. The story line was cute, and not all cliché. But I also loved the family theme that runs throughout this book. The Garretts, are just a lovely family. They know each other through and through. And I've never seen that in a book. It's mostly protagonists with divorced parents.

Anyway, due to the writing and there being something missing, I gave this book a 4/5 stars. I need 'What I Thought Was True' NOW!!!

And BTW Jase, if you see this, then here's a present ;)

 

My quote:

 

'Hot guy. Nerd girl. Complete opposites. Falling in love. Now that's my type of story.' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

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

 

 

Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Villains

5. Nick from Fangirl - Now I know you're all thinking, Nick? Are you sure? Well, Yes, I am. Nick is kind of a villain. He could've been the reason Levi and Cath never got together, and he partly stole Caths story, even though they both worked on it. It was a suckish thing to do. So, Nick is in 5th place.

4th. The Headteacher from Alice in Zombieland - She's a headteacher who knows about Cole and his zombie defeating gang and accepts it. She actually helps them. Or does she? Well, no she doesn't. That's why she's on this list. She's a spy for the zombies. She "helps" Cole, Alice and the gang, while giving information to these "zombies". So she's on this list!

3rd. Eric from Divergent - C'mon. Eric was the definition of sexy bad ass dude. And yes, I had a major crush on him, but he is evil! He was ruthless. Yet sexy. He was mean, always challenging what people said, even with him being in a room everyone would know and you could tell he wasn't nice. But still, he was in my heart. And that's why he's third on this list.

2nd. The Dark Sisters from The Infernal Devices - As soon as we were introduced to them I fell in love. The Dark Sisters were, of course, demons. They were horrible to Tessa. Locking her up, trying to kill her and that's why I partly loved them. It's actually a pity they didn't kill Jem because he got on my nerves so much (Cassandra Clare take that as a hint) all he did was ruin my experience with the books. So, yeah. The Dark Sisters are amazing!!!

1st. This is a joint number one. Both from the same book. The Lorders and Kyla's "Dad" from Slated - The Lorders are mean. They will kill you. They will kidnap you. They will set fire to your house. They will make your life a living hell. They already control the world, what more could they want. And Kyla's "Dad" was the worst. Pretending he was lovely, but we always know to keep an eye on the "lovely" ones. He's a bastard. He is evil. He is on the evil side. Can I kill him?

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.'

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!