Wednesday 30 November 2011

And For Your Information by Denise Deegan

For Review: Hachette Books Ireland
Published: 8 September 2011

From Goodreads: Everyone thinks they know who I am - ditzy Sarah, who cares more about appearances than she does about anything real. And yeah, I do care about what people think of me. Take my friends Alex and Rachel. We all go to Strandbrook College, Dublin. We're supposed to be best friends. But Alex and Rachel - they're really close. They tell each other things that they would never tell me. I try not to mind. And then there's Simon. He's my sort-of boyfriend but we hardly see each other. And when we do, I feel like he doesn't really 'see' me, you know? Everything's such a mess right now. My dad left us to be with Her; my mum is really angry all the time; and my brother Louis, he just doesn't care. I guess that's why the shoplifting started. It makes me feel good. In control. I just want everything to change. And it does. The day I got caught ...

This is just one of those books that really got under my skin. I just can't stop thinking about it.

This is the second book in the Butterfly series - following on from And By The Way - and this time we get Sarah's story. I was surprised by how much I loved Sarah - she was the weaker of the three characters for me in the first book but here she really grows - becomes absolutely adorable and I could help but completely loved her.

I must say the synopsis is just a tad misleading - I went into this not realising just how much of an emotional roller coaster it would be. I'm not sure I've sobbed my way through a book quite like this for a while.

When Sarah is caught shoplifting she is forced to see a therapist and complete community service at a home. It is here she meets Shane - someone who opens her eyes to the kind of person she want to be.  I ADORED Shane. Honestly, I fell completely in love with him and I think anyone who reads this will too. He's just so selfless and caring - always thinking about other people - I'm not sure many people in his situation would be the same. I think Sarah's has a lot to do with this - I think meeting her helps him to overcome his anger to a certain extent but I also think it just gets him back to the person he was before.  And I admired Sarah for her decision - how brave she is to invest in the relationship and give that much for someone - I think that Shane gives her the courage to be who she wants to be and that gives her the courage to change the relationships around her. Plus they are just so incredibly sweet and caring with each other.

One of the things I really love about these books is that it's not just about the person narrating the story. We still get to find out what is happening in Rachel and Alex's life. Life changes in a major way for Alex, Rachel and Mark seem to have some troubles, we get to see Louis in a completely different light  - and I have to say I think I am starting to love him.

I can't wait to read the third book and am really looking forward to Rachel's story. Plus I want to catch up with Alex and Sarah to see how they are doing. I love these characters - it's a strange thing to admit but I really miss them now I've finished reading.

I really loved this one - even if it did nearly destroy me!

Tuesday 29 November 2011

And By The Way by Denise Deegan

For Review: Hachette Books Ireland
Published: 28 February 2011

From Goodreads: At Strandbrook College, we are Kids Of. Kids of diplomats, media stars, musicians, artists, actors, oh, and wealthy people who aspire to all of that. I'm the kid of a rock star. Means nothing to me. When Mum died, six months ago, I didn't just lose her, I lost my dad -- to work. The only thing he does now is annoy me. He hires people like 'The Stylist' who wears bullets in her belt and makes him look like a hobo. Seriously. But 'The Rockstar' isn't the only person who drives me mad. There's David McFadden, a guy in my class who could have helped but didn't. Now, it's too late. I don't want his help. Because I'm not going to trust anyone, love anyone, rely on anyone. That way I'll never be hurt again. If only I could solve the problem of Rachel, my best friend, who won't let me pull back just like that. Even David McFadden won't stay out of my face. But I'm not going to fall for his blue eyes, his windswept hair or the plaited leather on his wrist. And when he says he wants to help, I'm sure as hell not going to listen...

There is something about this book that really draws you in.  I became really invested in the story and the characters.

We meet Alex six months after her mother has died.  She's adamant that she doesn't want anyone - believes if she 'doesn't do close' she wont get hurt.  But David McFadden refuses to let her push him away - and she starts to believe that maybe she can let people in again...

Alex is a very complicated character.  She is intensely private, refuses to let anyone close - and you can truly see just how completely lost she is.  Her father has buried himself into his work to cope with losing Alex's mum - and is never there.  You can really feel Alex's resentment toward her father - and I completely understood why she pushes him away.  She's kind of fierce and I really loved her for it.

David is a breath of fresh air.  He's just lovely - I wanted to squish him!  I love that he wouldn't let Alex push him away, that he understands what she's going through as he's been there himself, but also in how he actually talks to Alex - listens to her, knows her.  The connection between them feels genuine.

I loved the relationship between Alex and her dad - how it evolves.  How he comes to understand that he really needs to be there for her.  She does lose herself there for a while - but she has a lot to deal with.  I also loved her friendship with Rachel and Sarah.  Even when Sarah is a bit annoying at times it is obvious that these three are really good friends and are completely there for each other. 

There is a lot happening in the story - more than I expected -  and that is what make this great.  I went into it expecting one thing and got so much more!  I'm really looking forward to  And For Your Information - I can't wait to see what is next in store for them all.

Monday 28 November 2011

I want to read that...

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

From Goodreads: A powerful debut novel about a young Marine's return home from Afghanistan and the new life and love he finds while fending off the ghosts of war.

When Travis Stephenson returns home from Afghanistan, his parents are on the brink of divorce, his brother has stolen his girlfriend and his car, and nightmares of his best friend getting killed keep him completely spooked. But when he runs into Harper Gray, a girl who despises him for trashing her reputation with a middle school lie, life actually starts looking up. As Travis and Harper see more of each other, he starts falling for her and the way through the family meltdown, the post-traumatic stress, and the possibility of an interesting future begins to emerge.

His sense of humor, sense of his own strength, and incredible sense of honor make Travis an irresistible and eminently lovable hero in this fantastic and timely debut novel.


Yep - this sounds SERIOUSLY awesome!  It's published June 2012.

Saturday 26 November 2011

In My Mailbox (119)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review:



The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale
Fated by Sarah Alderson
Smoulder by Brenna Yovanoff

Massive thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending these for review.
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I also went to a blogger's Party at Atom.  A massive thanks to Atom for organising this (and inviting me!) - it was a great evening.  We got to meet CJ Daugherty and Sarra Manning, got a preview of the 2012 releases and had some lovely food.  Plus there was a goodie bag:



Trapped by Michael Northrop
Night School by CJ Daugherty
The Witch of Turlingham Academy by Ellie Boswell
172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad

And they had a selection of books we could choose from so (as usual) I couldn't resist...



Perfect by Sara Shepard
Unbelieveable by Sara Shepard
Wicked by Sara Shepard
Killer by Sara Shepard
Killing Mr Griffin by Lois Duncan
Don't Look Behind You by Lois Duncan
Quarantine by James Phelan

Thanks Atom!

Bought:



Saving June by Hannah Hannigton
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson
The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs
Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies
Captivate by Carrie Jones (Audio)
Entice by Carrie Jones (Audio)

I hope everyone had a great week:)

Thursday 24 November 2011

Reaper by Rachel Vincent

From Goodreads:  Tod Hudson was a typical teenager. He liked girls, sports, food and tolerated his younger brother, Nash. In fact, he had his whole life in front of him--and due to his bean sidhe heritage, it was going to be a very long life indeed. And then the car accident occurred.

Suddenly Tod's future wasn't so sure, and he had to make a choice. Life... Death... or something Between....

An ebook exclusive Soul Screamers series novella.


If you are a fan of the Soul Screamers series you really need to read this!  I really enjoyed it and I loved having the story told from Tod's point of view.  If I hadn't been in love with him before reading this I definitely would have been afterwards.

The story is a prequel in the sense it takes place before Tod becomes a reaper.  We get to see what he was like, plus we get to see Nash as a 15 year old and we learn of Sabine.  I've heard it's best to read this after at least the third book in the series and I would have to agree.  I read it between books 3 and 4 and it seemed to fit perfectly.

There's quite a surprising revelation in this story that I really didn't see coming but in retrospect makes so much sense.  I won't go into details here -  it makes you see Tod in a different light but I do wonder if it's been kept a secret all this time.

I love this series - I love this world.  And damn I love Tod!  How did he sneak up on me?  Because I was a major Nash fan at the beginning of this series but somehow Tod has completely won my affections! 

A great addition to the series - I look forward to more of these novellas.

Wednesday 23 November 2011

I want to read that...

Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris

From Goodreads: Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she’s opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn’t possible, Janelle knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her reincarnation, and Ben’s possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI-agent father’s files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what’s right in front of her: Everything that’s happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben’s sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she’s going to need to uncover Ben’s secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl’s fight to save herself, her world, and the one boy she never saw coming.


I've seen this described as a cross between 24 and The X Files so YES PLEASE! It really does sound rather good don't you think?

It's published April (US) and June (UK)

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Crossed by Ally Condie

For Review: Puffin
Published: 24 Novemeber 2011

From Goodreads: Rules are different outside the Society.

Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky-taken by the Society to his certain death-only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices everything to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.

Narrated from both Cassia's and Ky's points of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever...


Having really enjoyed Matched I was very excited to read Crossed. And just like Matched, I found myself completely gripped.

This time we get the narrative from both Cassia and Ky and this works amazingly well. Again I found myself falling in love with Ally Condie's writing - it's not action packed and intense in that sense - it's very character driven and intense instead. It's very much about the characters internal journey and I think that is what keeps me gripped.

In Matched I found myself really rooting for Xander. I felt as if Ky represented life outside of the Society for Cassia - a different kind of life - and I wasn't sure if she liked him or the idea of him. By giving us the story from Ky's point of view too she made me fall in love with him. That's not to say I'm not still rooting for Xander - even though he wasn't physically present in very many scenes his presence is still felt heavily in the novel - BUT I think I am now rooting for Ky too. I have no idea how this will all turn out for the three of them but I am desperate to find out!

I also like how similar the narrative style was for both Cassia and Ky. Usually I would want a very distinct difference but in this instance I liked how similar they felt - it made me understand why they were attracted to each other - what the basis of their connection was. There is a subtle difference though. Cassia is very hopeful - maybe even naive - she truly believes she can find a solution and change things. Ky on the other hand is more interested in finding happiness now. He's seen the bad of both sides and doesn't believe that either will be the answer. I think where Matched was Cassia's story this one really is Ky's. It's about his journey - about him getting to where he needs to be - both physically and emotionally.

We are also introduced to some new, and interesting characters. I loved Indie - and have to say I think she could be right about the Pilot. Eli and Hunter are great too and I loved Vick.

I am so looking forward to the next installment. We found out some very interesting things in this one and I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. Also I'm very intrigued about that ending - who exactly was she going to meet? Is it Ky or is it someone else? 


Saturday 19 November 2011

In My Mailbox (118)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren



Review:

To Be A Cat by Matt Haig
This sounds really cute!

Sea Hearts (but will be called The Brides of Rollrock Island) by Margo Lanagan
This sounds seriously good!  Plus the cover is awesome!

The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis
I love the sound of this one! 

Bought:

Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke
I love the sound of this!  Shape shifting dragons?  Yes please!

Balefire by Cate Tiernan
This is all four books in one volume.  I like the Sweep series so I thought I'd give this a go too.

Boys, Girls and other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman
I've heard mixed things about this one but am looking forward to seeing what I think.

Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors
I've been looking forward to getting this for a while.  Sounds great!

Awake at Dawn by C C Hunter
The sequel to Born at Midnight - which I still need to read.  Love the covers for this series!

The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge
I am ashamed to say I have never read this.  I love this hardback version.

Hope you all had a great week:)

Thursday 17 November 2011

Eve by Anna Carey

For Review: PGUK (HarperCollins US)
Published: 20 November 2011

From Goodreads: Where do you go when nowhere is safe?

Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth’s population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school’s real purpose—and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust... and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.


I'd been looking forward to reading this one for a while so I was really pleased to be offered a review copy. And I am pleased to say it lived up to my expectations.  I really am starting to love dystopian fiction!

I really liked the characters in this one.  Eve is great as the story's narrator.  I found myself automatically liking her - and growing to like her more and more as the story progressed.  She's not always perfect - in fact one mistake she makes has rather devastating consequences - but that just makes her more real.  I adored Arden - she's prickly but underneath all that she obviously cares a great deal.  And Caleb is just lovely.  He's really kind and nice - and it doesn't surprise me that he manages to win Eve's trust.  It's not just Eve, Caleb and Arden that have a strong impact though - many of the other characters we meet throughout the story do too - or at least they did for me.

I also liked the concept behind the novel - a virus that's killed off most of the population, the way the girls are segregated and raised to fear men,  and the true fate that awaits them.  It all feels rather chilling actually - both the purpose of the school and the reality that awaits them outside of it's gates.  One small niggle though is that I don't fully understand the logic behind educating the girls to such a high standard if their fate is already sealed?  But perhaps there are reasons we don't know yet.

I'm very interested to see how this progresses and am really looking forward to Once when it's published.  I have a few ideas about the real reason they seem to be so interested in Eve - I'm not convinced it's for the reason they think it is - I don't think they would be that intent on finding her if it was.  But I guess I'm just going to have to wait to find out!  Roll on 2012!

Wednesday 16 November 2011

Did You Know? Some Book News...

I've had quite a bit of book news emailed to me lately so I thought I'd do a collective post for it all.


Random House have acquired 4 new dystopian novels to be published 2012 -2013.  Here's the press release:

Random House Children’s Books has acquired four new debut dystopian novels for publication in 2012 and 2013. RHCB’s exciting wave of near-future titles, all acquired by Ruth Knowles, include:

Starters by Lissa Price, an American screenwriter, publishing in April 2012, is an action-packed thriller set in a world where eternal youthfulness can be had – at a price. One girl has the ability to bring it all tumbling down . . . RHCB acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Heather Shapiro at Baror International and will be launching globally alongside Random Inc for a truly international campaign.

A post- apocalyptic Los Angeles is the setting for Struck by Jenifer Bosworth, publishing in July 2012. After the city is devastated by an earthquake, Mia Price finds herself in the middle of a power struggle between two fanatical cults; one that wants to save the world and another that wants to destroy it. RHCB acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Alex Webb of the Rights People, acting on behalf of FSG.

Sangu Mandanna’s debut The Lost Girl publishes in early 2013 and centres around Eva, a feisty teen girl who technically has no true identity of her own. Eva is forced to abandon everything she's ever known and loved, finding herself torn between two worlds. RHCB acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Sarah Malloy of A.M. Heath acting on behalf of the Elizabeth Kaplan agency.

And finally, children’s librarian Emma Pass, releases ACID in early 2013. This action-packed novel introduces us to Jenna Strong, a truly kick-ass heroine who is serving time in an all-male prison for the murder of her parents. Set one hundred years in the future in a Big Brother style society; Britain is now under the control of ACID – a terrifying all-seeing police force. RHCB acquired world rights from Carolyn Whitaker of London Independent Books.

Ruth Knowles, Commissioning Editor comments, ‘Dystopian fiction is a much-talked about genre, particularly with the release of The Hunger Games movie next spring. We have acquired some fantastic futuristic thrillers that we know will appeal to this audience, and are confident that RHCB will have some of the most exciting novels in the genre. The worlds within them are very different from each other, but all completely hook you in from the first page and do not let go.’

The all sound AMAZING! Can't wait!

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I'm a little late sharing this as I think it's already started but Guardian Teen Books and Random House have partnered on a interactive story you can access online.  Here is the info I was sent:

Guardian Teen Books has partnered with Random House for a new interactive, serialised story called Root - a fast-paced thriller set in the shadowy world of computer hacking and espionage. Every weekday for six weeks a new chapter will be released on guardian.co.uk/teen-books. The content will be directly influenced by readers’ contributions, such as their ideas for characters' personalities and skills.

The heroine Molly Root is a 15 year old computer genius whose friend Danny is killed after being caught stealing priceless data from a ruthless global corporation. Now she's in over her head. So far Molly Root's mission to get to the bottom of her best friend's murder has taken her on a perilous trail across London. Her key lead is a dodgy police detective - and her attempts to expose his shady contacts are testing her ingenuity to the limits.

As well as incorporating suggestions from readers, the story will also be brought to life via several social media platforms. For example, Guardian Teen Books' Twitter and Facebook accounts will be providing behind the scenes updates of how Molly is progressing, along with clips on Audioboo featuring the voicemails that Molly has discovered. This will be accompanied by onsite quizzes and photo puzzles on Flickr.
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I also had an email from the new philanthropic organization called Gone Reading International.  They market a line of gifts for readers and donate 100% of company profits to fund new libraries in the developing world. You can read more about them at http://www.gonereading.com/.  They have some really cute products - personally I'm kind of in love with the Evolution of Reading Tote Bag!  It's awesome, right?




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I've also come across a few book bargains if you are like ebooks.



* Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton is $2.75 on Kindle (US) and £1.71 on Kindle (UK).  For Nook users it's available on Barnes and Noble for $2.99.  I believe Apple and Google are also doing it for $2.99.  I really enjoyed it - you can read my review for it here.



* Kiss for Lula by Samantha Mackintosh is currently free on Kindle (on both Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com)  I really need to read this one promto - it sounds awesome!



* The Shadowing: Hunted by Adam Slater is also currently free on Kindle ( on both Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com).  Despite the cover giving me the creeps (!) it does sound rather good!

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That's all folks:D

2012 Debut Author Challenge

I've decided to take part in the 2012 Debut Author Challenge - I love discovering new authors and this is a brilliant way to find them.  It's hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren and you can click here to sign up &  get more info.

In order to complete the challenge you need to read a minimum of 12 YA or MG Debuts during January 1, 2012 - January 31, 2013.

The debuts I'm thinking of reading are:

1: 15 Days Without A Head by Dave Cousins
2: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
3: Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale
4: Fracture by Megan Miranda
5: The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker
6: The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg
7: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
8: Struck by Jennifer Bosworth
9: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
10: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
11: Starters by Lissa Price
12: Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby
13: Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
14: Tempest by Julie Cross
15: Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom
16: Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

And I'm sure there will be many more that I discover as we get into 2012. And since I have review copies of a few of these there is the chance that I may not be able to control myself and actually wait until 2012 to read them lol.

Books read for the challenge:

1: Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale
2: 15 Days Without A Head by Dave Cousins
3: Lolly Luck by Ellie Daines
4: Everneath by Brodi Ashton
5: Legend by Marie Lu
6: Skin Deep by Laura Jarratt
7: Hollow Pike by James Dawson
8: Wonder by R J Palacio
9: Geekhood by Andy Robb
10: Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry
11: Saving June by Hannah Harrington
12: Shift by Em Bailey
13: Shooting Stars by Alison Rushby
14: Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris
15: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
16:  My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
17: Crave by Melissa Darnell

Tuesday 15 November 2011

Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

From Goodreads: Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he's pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren't enough, now he's depending on Hartley to clear his name. Seriously? Not cool.

But as much as Hartley wouldn't mind seeing him squirm, she knows he's innocent, and she's the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school's resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer's next victim.


This book is seriously good! It's just so funny - and really enjoyable to read. I loved it.

I really liked Hartley - she's funny, likeable, a bit daft but has a great way with words and is a brilliant narrator for the story.  I also really loved her friend Sam - apparently she is trying to censor her swearing and comes up with some great alternatives.  Plus I liked how she was always there for Hartley.

I really didn't like Josh.  He comes across as a bit of a jerk - and then completely proves it about half way through the story with what he says to Hartley.  If I had been her I would have been very tempted to punch him ... or kick him where it hurts.  Hard!  Not that I advocate violence or anything...

Chase on the other hand is just plain gorgeous!  I completely loved him - that scene in the bedroom (yes he was shirtless but no it's not what you are thinking!) was really funny.  And I have to agree with Sam... I think I would have let him continue...  lol.  But, anyway, I loved the interactions between Chase and Hartley - they definitely have chemistry.

The mystery is really good too - I wasn't sure who it was going to be - so I didn't find it predictable at all.  I really do seem to be losing my skills in that department - but in my defence the book is (and I know I keep saying this) really, really funny so that's a great distraction.

A great first installment in what I hope is many more books in the series.  I am definitely looking forward to Social Suicide when it's released.

Monday 14 November 2011

The Hunger Games Movie Trailer



SERIOUSLY how freaking awesome does this look? I am so excited for this film I think I may spontaneously combust before next year!

What do you think? Ridiculously excited like me?

Saturday 12 November 2011

In My Mailbox (117)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren



Review:

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
I have already read this and it is AWESOME!  I really, really loved it and now can't wait to get my hands on Requiem!

Massive thanks to Hodder for sending this for review:D

Bought:

Reel Life Starring Us by Lisa Greenwald
I loved both of Lisa Greenwald's previous novels so I had to get this one.  Looks really good!

Sweep Volume 2 by Cate Tiernan
Sweep Volume 3 by Cate Tiernan
Sweep Volume 4 by Cate Tiernan
I read the first few of these years ago when they were first published in the UK.  I really love these US bind ups so I decided to get the whole set.  Volume 5 is released in December and I couldn't resist pre-ordering that one too!

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
I love the sound of this!  Plus the text is red - which is all kinds of awesome:D

Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey
I've heard some good things about this one - and it's by Flux and their titles are usually fab.

Hard Magic by Laura Anne Gilman
'A handpicked team trained to solve crimes the regular police can't touch - crimes of magic'.  Er.. yes please!

English Fairy Tales and Legends by Rosalind Kerven
I couldn't resist this when I saw it come into the shop where I work (and I did try!)

Hope you all had a great week:)

Friday 11 November 2011

I want to read that...

Partials by Dan Wells

From Goodreads: The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic in training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws threaten to launch what’s left of humanity into civil war, and she’s not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will discover that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them—connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

Dan Wells, acclaimed author of I Am Not a Serial Killer, takes readers on a pulse-pounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question—one where our humanity is both our greatest liability and our only hope for survival.


I loved Mr Monster by Dan Wells so I am really looking forward to this one. It sounds AWESOME! It's published February 2012 (US) and March 2012 (UK)

Thursday 10 November 2011

Lauren Kate: Cover Reveals and Sneak Peek.



Here are the covers for Rapture and Fallen In Love - so gorgeous! I love them - especially Rapture!

Plus I have a sneak peek of Fallen In Love for those of you who can't wait! Enjoy:D

Fallen in Love Chapters Amp WEB[1]

Wednesday 9 November 2011

Priscilla The Great: Kiss of Life by Sybil Nelson

From Goodreads:  Hey there! It’s me again, Priscilla, a lean, mean, tween machine. Just when I’m finally getting the hang of my powers, something even more confusing and harder to understand enters my world…boys. That’s right, I can shoot fire out of my fingers and lift a car with one hand, but for the life of me I can’t decode “boy-speak”… and that just might turn out to be the death of me.

I really do love this series.  It's just so much fun!

This installment continues on from Priscilla The Great. Priscilla and her family have had to move from River's Bend to a secret location to protect themselves - which also means moving away from her boyfriend Kyle and best friend Tai. But things for Priscilla never run smoothly and soon she is face to face to Dr. Witheral and again fighting for her life. It's a good job she has superpower's right? And, of course, there is also the issue of boys! She's hardly getting to see her boyfriend and then there is a certain Marco who is causing a little bit of confusion ...

Honestly I know I keep saying how much fun this series is but it really is! I just love it. Priscilla has an amazing voice - she's funny, likeable and manages to ground the story. So much is going on, with all the superpowers and action, she gives it a believability. I also love all the other characters - her brother Josh, the terrible twins! and her dad is so funny with his need to protect her all the time. I also love the action - everything is obviously well planned out - and it's all very exciting. Plus we get pay off for story lines from the previous installment.

I honestly can't wait to get stuck into the next installment, Too Little Too Late - I'm excited to see what's next in store for Priscilla (especially considering that ending!) and I'm looking forward to more Marco!

Sunday 6 November 2011

In My Mailbox (116)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren



Review:

Tempest by Julie Cross
Wonder by R J Palacio
Crossed by Ally Condie
Unleashed by Namcy Holder
In Darkness by Nick Lake
Destined by P C & Kristen Cast
Where There's a Wolf, There's a Way by Lisi Harrison
Lost in Time by Mellissa de la Cruz

Massive thanks to everyone who sent books for review:)

Bought:

Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales
Past Perfect by Leila Sales
Amplifed by Tara Kelly
Happyface by Stephen Emond

Hope you all had a great week:)

Thursday 3 November 2011

I want to read that...

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

From Goodreads:  "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, numerous, messy. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen year old Samantha wishes she was one of them… until the day Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything.

Jase can sense that his beautiful neighbor is missing something in her sterile home, and as the two fall fiercely in love, his family makes her one of their own.

But when the bottom drops out of Sam's world, which perfect family will save her–and will her perfect love survive?

Set among the haves and have-nots of a coastal New England town, My LIFE NEXT DOOR captures the angst, the heartache, and the raw-nerve emotions of first time love—and biting loss.


How cute is that cover?  And it sounds right up my street!  It's published 2012.

Wednesday 2 November 2011

My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent (Blog Tour: Review and Q&A)

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: 21 October 2011

From Goodreads: Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people’s fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn’t above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.


This series really does get better and better with each book! This one is concentrated a bit more on Kaylee and the fallout from My Soul to Keep and the arrival of a new character,  but there is still plenty of action and I loved the introduction of that certain new character!

Yes, yes I mean Sabine. While I may not have always liked her I absolutely loved her character. I loved how honest she is. We may not always like what she has to say but she is very blunt about the truth, and I really enjoyed the way she complicates things with Nash. I also really like the addiction of Alec, who we met in My Soul to Keep. I really do hope he sticks around because he definitely has the potential to be interesting.

Of course the story is not just about the arrival of Sabine. Strange things are again afoot at their High school - teachers are dying in their sleep and the students all seem to be suffering from violent jealousy. Could Sabine be behind these occurrences or is something more sinister at work?

Tod managed to make me like him even more - I think the scene between him and Kaylee where he tells her what he really thinks about Sabine and Nash is going to be one of my favourite scenes for a long time. He doesn't sugarcoat the truth and I find that very refreshing.

In terms of Kaylee and Nash I surprisingly found myself feeling really sorry for Nash this time. I understand why Kaylee is confused about whether the two of them can be together (and the arrival of Sabine doesn't really help) but I was a bit disappointed that Kaylee is not being there for Nash when he really needs someone. But at the same time I do stick to what I said before - I'm not sure the two of them will get past this - Kaylee seems to need for this to have not happened - to have things the way there were before - rather than trying to build something new. Just my opinion of course - and I have every faith in Rachel Vincent as an author that she could change my mind! And perhaps my love for a certain reaper is clouding my judgement...

So yes,  I love this series to death and can't wait to get my hands on If I Die. I've heard it's a series changer so I am desperate to find out what that means!

---
As part of a blog tour for the release of My Soul To Steal Rachel kindly took the time to do a Q& A:

I love how Kaylee gets stronger with each book. Is it important for you to have a strong female lead?

Yes. That’s the only thing that’s remained the same in every book I’ve written. My leading women make mistakes, but they’re all incredibly strong, in one way or another.

Each new book makes me love Tod more and more. Did you always intend for him to play such a large part in the series or did he surprise you?

Tod was a bit of a surprise. I like him. I think I’ll keep him around. ;)

I loved the addition of Sabine to the series! Is she fun to write and will she continue to play a big role?

Thanks! She’s actually my favourite character to write. And yes, she’s a permanent member of the cast now.

Nash really has had some tough times recently. Do you think he will ever truly forgive himself for what he did?

I think that’s gonna be hard. He’s a good guy, and he feels horrible about everything that’s happened. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t like writing him.

Can you give us any hints for what is next in store for Kaylee, Nash and Tod?

Death. Kissing. Drama. You know, all the good stuff. ;)

---
Thanks Rachel! I'm please to hear Sabine is now a permanent cast member! And more kissing? Please say it's with Tod...

You can find Rachel Vincent at her Website, on Facebook and Twitter.

Tuesday 1 November 2011

Cover Wars



Hardback / Paperback

Amazon have got this up as the Paperback cover. I really love it - it's very haunting and really catches my eye BUT I absolutely LOVE the Hardback cover. It is the main reason for me buying the book - there is just something about it that I can't quite put my finger on but it would win every time!

Also don't you think that they make the book feel completely different?  It took me a minute to realise that the paperback cover was for the same book.

What do you think? Do you have a strong preference? And for those of you who have read it  - which I really need to do and soon! - which suits the story better?

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