Monthly Reading Wrap Up | July 2015

July has been a very good reading month for me so far. I've had a few days off from reading just to watch my TV Shows and Movies, I've also taken a few days off due to suffering with a severe headache that made me lose concentration. However, I have found 2 of my favourite books of the year this month, which is a massive bonus.

Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines - 4 Stars

This was an incredibly quick, cute, steamy read. The characters were great, Blaire really had me rooting for her and I was pleasantly surprised by what happened, drama or not!

Never Too Far by Abbi Glines - 4 Stars

Never Too Far was a good sequel, but I did sometimes get a little bored. However, Abbi Glines does write great romance. So swoon worthy!

The Young Elites by Marie Lu - 5 Stars

Okay. This book was freaking epic! Adelina is a character that despite being an antagonist you completely root for her. She's twisted, dark and creepy, yet one fierce bitch! I honestly could not believe all those droppings of plot twists, left, right and centre. Too good. TOO GOOD!

Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider - 3.5 Stars

This book started off so well. I was hooked! The characters were great, relatable and completely lovable, however, things started to go down hill after 250 pages. It became a little predictable and the romance moved a little too quickly for my liking.

One by Sarah Crossan - 5 Stars

Oh, how beautiful this book was. A book written in verse about conjoined twins. So beautiful, so poetic. It was heart-breaking, yet inspirational. A truly phenomenal story or family, love and loss. I always find myself wanting to go back and re-read it.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz - 4 Stars

A LGBT book that I can completely recommend. It follows to Mexican characters in the 1980's, who befriend each other and find out the secrets of the universe. It's intelligently written with wit and drama. I simply adored it!

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater - 2 Stars / DNF'd

The Prologue and Chapter 1 were great, but everything fell flat from there. If you like slow moving stories then you may like it, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Remix by Non Pratt - 2 Stars

I didn't like this book at all! The characters were generic, childish and acted like spoilt brats. The book, despite being set in a music festival included hardly any music. It was more 98% getting drunk and having sex & 2% music. Also everyone likes to cheat on each other.

Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren - 3 Stars

This story had me split. Some chapters I LOVED, but others I HATED! The 2 authors have completely different writing tenses and it all became mumbo jumbo. It's Generic New Adult at its slightly average taste.




What books did you read this month?
Let me know in the comments.

Reviews, no more!

Picture used from @LovelyReads on Instagram

 

A few weeks ago I entered my depressive state and started thinking about stopping blogging for good, but then I listed my least favourite reasons of being a book blogger and there was only one thing: writing up book reviews.

 

Book reviews are not at all easy to write, in fact they are very time worthy. A review may take me up to 2 hours to write, whereas in that time scale I could've written up 3 or 4 other blog posts. And the real truth about book reviews are that they are the least viewed/watched. People are scared to read a review in case they are spoiled, which I understand, because no one likes being spoiled on a book.

 

So this morning I woke up to an eye opening blog post from Queen of Contemporary - Bye, bye reviews! In the post she discussed that writing book reviews are seen as being a "real" book blogger, but in fact, is not.

 

So from now on, I am shaking the book blogging core and bringing my own way of introducing you guys to great books. Every 3 months, I will be posting up specific book recommendations from the books I have read during that time period (Dystopian, Fantasy, Contemporary and New Adult Recommendations). Each and every genre will have their own recommendation posts, which I hope everyone will like.

 

Writing book reviews doesn't show our love for books, our love for books come from our hearts and my heart is brought out while writing about any book, whether that be in a book tag post or a book recommendation post. But just know, I am so happy about this change! And I hope you welcome it with open arms.

ARC Review: The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

Title: The Book of Life
Author: Deborah Harkness
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Headline
Published: July 15th 2014
Page Number: 592

Summary:

 

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

 

I met Deborah:

 

The lovely, Caitlin from Headline Publicity was nice enough to invite me to attend the Publication event for The Book of Life. It was on the 4th July. I had such a great time at the even. I fangirled with other bloggers about the book and we all got a bit tipsy (Some didn't.) Then we had a Q&A with Deborah where she answered some great questions and to end the night there was a raffle with some awesome prizes. Everyone that attended took home a Glamour gift bag and a signed copy of The Book of Life.

 

 

 

 

Review:

 

I must say this is going to be one of the hardest reviews to write, because this is the conclusion to the trilogy. However, there will be spoilers in the spoilers section.

 

Now if anyone knows me, A Discovery of Witches, which is the first book in this trilogy is one of my all time favourite books. This is one of my all time favourite series. It's addictive. However, this one wasn't my favourite of all three books. And that's why my star rating is undecided because I can't decide between a 4 Stars or a 5 Stars.

 

Like always, I loved most things about this book. The characters are some of my favourite and there was also some characters who appeared and shocked me. It gave me nostalgia feelings, like I was meeting them all over again. Which I kind of was, only they were older. Diana and Mathew are so perfect for each other, but I wanted a bit more Marcus and Phoebe in this book. We got a little, but not enough.

 

As a conclusion, I thought it was done very well. Not every trilogy can end as good as this one. Look at The Hunger Games, that ending was a hot mess. However, Deborah really gave the readers what they wanted and I feel like I can place it away and feel happy with it. But I still want something more from this series. It can't end just yet. I'd like some novellas or something in other characters POV's. Talking about POV's those were very annoying in this book. It constantly changed and I got confused who I was actually reading from until a two of three pages of their POV starting.

 

Another thing I didn't like about this book was the action. Some of the fighting scenes were great and kept my attention. Not all of them did. Especially the last action scene. I kind of got bored with it and felt like Deborah killed specific people off, just because.....

 

However, I still loved it.

 

 

 



 

March 2014 Wrap Up!

So if none of you are familiar with the monthly wrap ups then basically they're just where I blog/vlog about the books I read in that month and what I thought of them. I'll also be doing follow up blog/vlog called a TBR! which is where I show the books I plan to read for the month next.

So in the month of March I really struggled. I've been plagued with coursework and preparing for university has been hard! But I also fell through a reading slump and my eye has been playing up :(

The first book I read this month was 'My Life Next Door' by Huntley Fitzpatrick which I have done a review of. I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a very cute and adorable contemporary read. Huntley's writing style is kind of confusing at times, but her characters and emotion are so great that you can hardly notice it. If none of you know what My Life Next Door is about, it focuses on the female protagonist, Samantha who has been watching over her next door neighbours for years, but what's different about the one night is that Jase Garrett actually comes and talks to her. It then follows them and their crazy, yet different lifestyles; she's rich and alone, while he's hard working and his family are going through a rough time. Overall, I gave this book a 4/5 Stars!





After reading this book I literally fell into the worst reading slump ever! I tried everything. I tried to re-read a favourite and it didn't work. I watch a book to movie adaptation, it didn't work. Nothing worked..........

Until I picked up Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. Ahh! This book is perfect. If any of you have me on Goodreads, you'll know I hated Beautiful Creatures rating it a poorly 2.5 Stars, however, I absolutely loved this book. It carries on from the first book and for some reason Lena has decided to distant herself from Ethan. He's angry and before he knows it she's off on some guys motorbike. But she's not the only one to find a new friend because Marian has a new assistant research called Liv. Ethan does develop feeling for her! And then they vanish. The book ends with Link becoming part Incubus and Lena claiming herself to be both dark and light. Anyway, this book was so fast paced and full of action. I couldn't put it down. Although I must say the last thirty pages before the ending was quite slow paced. But it didn't ruin the experience. 4.5 Stars!

The third book I picked up was Beautiful Chaos also by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. And sadly I hated this book. It became slow paced and dragged out. The storyline didn't really fit the second book all that much either. Lena and Ethan are back together, Link is a complete ass and John and Liv fall for each other. #Confused Yes, I used a hashtag in my review. Overall, I gave this a 2.5 Stars!

I also read the #2.5 novella called Dream Dark which is in Links POV. Now I used to love Link in books 1 and 2, but in book 3 he became so vain. Dream Dark kind of explained why he acted like that and I really enjoyed it! I still believe their new series should be on John and Liv. 4 Stars!




The fourth book I picked up was Broken Silence by Natasha Preston. Natasha Preston is actually a friend of mine from Wattpad and she's an incredible author with her book 'The Cellar' just being released by Sourcebooks. I really would recommend that book as well! Anyway, Broken Silence takes place four years after Silence and Oakley is still living in Australia, but has decided to come back for the trial. However, she's not prepared for Cole to still be madly in love with her. This book is perfect! Absolutely perfect if you're looking for a great contemporary duology. The writing was easy to follow, the characters were full of emotion and gave me heart flutters and the ending made it all the worth while. I gave it a 4 Stars!





I then decided to review The Vintage Girl by Hester Browne, which was sent to me by Quercus. Sadly I couldn't even finish this book because I hated it that much. The writing for weak, the storyline was confusing. 2 Stars!

 

 

I also picked up Her Vampire Husband by Michelle Hauf. I've read this book before and I just love it. It's a guilty pleasure. I'm not a lover of Vampires, I hate Werewolves even more, but this one is so good. It focuses on lies and rivalry, but also showing that two complete opposites can fall for each other. If you're not sure what this book is about, it's about a couple who are forced to marry. Blu is a Werewolf and Creed is a Vampire. Blu has been attacked for years and doesn't trust him at first but over time they bond a friendship and then more......I cannot fault this book. It's incredible and somewhat steamy. Also 4 Stars!

The last book I read was Wicked Games by Jessica Clare. The premise really intrigued me. It's about a couple who are brought together by a TV reality show. But there are secrets. She's writing a book about the behind scenes of the show and he's an Olympic swimmer. This book was okay, the writing wasn't too bad, but the premise had promise. The ending was super cute, but the six months later was poor. I wanted more from it. I gave this one 3 Stars!

 

 

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: 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: 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!

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

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

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

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

The hardest choice lies ahead.



                                                                  Praise for Veronica Roth:

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

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

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

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

Praise for Jamie McGuire:

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

I give this book a 5/5 stars!

Top 5 Most anticipated Books of 2014

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


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

Summary:

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

Expected publication: March 4th 2014 by Viking Juvenile


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

Summary:

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

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

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

Expected publication: September 16th 2014 by Putnam Juvenile


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

Summary:

Yet to be released.

Expected publication: March 6th 2014 by Orchard Books


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

Summary:

ΕRCHOMAI, SEBASTIAN HAD SAID.

I am coming.

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

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


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

Summary:

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




          

Bout of Books 9.0 - Goals

For those that don't know what Bout of Books is... here you go:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

There were my Goals:

1. Read 'The Coldest Girl in Coldtown' by Holly Black. Also review that on Youtube Channel.

2. Participate in at least 2 challenges.

3. Read and watch 'Carrie' by Stephen King. Also post review on blog.

4. Get through at least 112 pages of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

However, due to having an exam next Monday I cannot take part in this read-a-thon anymore! I am so sorry, but I need to revise for it and therefore, will not be reading as much. Thanks.

Book Review: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

                                                                                               


         Book Name: Eleanor and Park.
         Author: Rainbow Rowell
         UK Release Date: Been out since 2012
         UK Publishers: Orion
         Summary:

Eleanor is the new girl in town, and with a chaotic family life, her mismatched clothes and unruly red hair, she couldn't stick out more if she tried.

Park is the boy at the back of the bus. Black t-shirts, headphones, head in a book - he thinks he's made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor... never to Eleanor.

Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall for each other. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're young, and you feel as if you have nothing to lose.

                                                          Praise for Rainbow Rowell:

'Heart-warming, romantic and great fun.' Closer.

'Hilarious.' Daily Record.

'An enjoyable read.' Star Magazine.

                                                          Review:

For an eighteen year old boy, I am not, entirely fussed on contemporary/romantic books because I find them really unrealistic and, to be honest, all the same. None of them never stand out because they either follow the bad boy, good girl cliché or the love is always insta
-love, which doesn't really happen in real life. Like, can you really fall in love within two days? My answer, of course would be No!

However, Eleanor and Park was completely different for me. Once I first started it I was taken in with the Eighties and experienced everything Eleanor and Park had. From that awkward first day on the school bus, to the never ending swapping of the comics and mix tapes. But most of all I felt like Rainbow Rowell had taken me on a journey of high school; a realistic journey.

Now most books set in high school follow the cliques where you have your typical Jocks, Cheerleaders, Goths, Theatre Nerds, Etc. But Rainbow Rowell did not. She created her school to be a realistic school where there are no cliques. Yes. You have your typical groups, but they weren't over taking the story. It developed it to become more real and that's why I couldn't put it down.

From the very first page we are taken to the future where you learn that their love didn't last. But if made the book even more better because I was eager to learn how Eleanor and Park came to meet. And how they began to fall for each other.

For me, their journey never got boring. In fact it got better and better and I couldn't help buy smile while reading every page. The book even had me laugh in a few places as well, which only made me fall in love even more. But even though it made me laugh there was also a part where I had tears in my eyes and that was the end.

It was sad to learn that Eleanor had to leave because of her step-father, but it was so great to learn that her life had become so much better after it all. And, if I'm honest I do believe that Eleanor and Park would meet each other again one day. 5 years. 10 years. 20 years. 50 years. No matter how many years would go by they would some how meet again and for that I am sure.

And because of Rainbow's amazing writing style and the journey she took me through I gave this an amazing FIVE STARS. There were no faults for me. Everything was realistic and it felt real, not fake and that made me even more happier.

Rainbow Rowell deserves every success she gets because she is a REAL author.

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