Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey

Review copy: Bloomsbury. Published 5th July 2010

From Goodreads:
The action and romance continue as the Drakes face a new vampire with a 200-year-old grudge.

It’s been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix barely survived the French Revolution. Now she’s made her way back to the living and she must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who left her for dead the day she turned into a vampire. That’s if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is as sweet as the revenge she seeks.

The clans are gathering for Helena’s royal coronation as the next vampire queen, and new alliances are beginning to form now that the old rifts of Lady Natasha’s reign have started to heal. But with a new common enemy, Leander Montmarte—a vicious leader who hopes to force Solange to marry him and usurp the power of the throne for himself—the clans must stand together to preserve the peace he threatens to destroy.

This second adventure in the Drake Chronicles—told from both Logan’s and Isabeau’s perspectives—has all the same butt-kicking action, heart-pounding romances and snarky humor that readers loved in Hearts at Stake, as well as exciting new revelations about the vampire dynasties to keep readers coming back for more.

I really do enjoy this series. I was really looking forward to Blood Feud and it didn’t disappoint at all! Again we get a dual narrative: this time from Logan and Isabeau’s point of view.

I really took to Isabeau. She is a very strong character, with plenty of attitude, and I found her incredibly likeable. I loved the flashbacks to her life during the French Revolution as it really gave a great insight into her character.

Logan is rather sweet and witty. Nicholas is still my favourite Drake but I really enjoyed spending time with Logan. I think the dual narrative worked slightly better having it from the ‘couples ‘point of view. I was also pleased that we still got to see the other characters, especially Lucy! I love her character and like the way she was present in the story through conversation or thoughts even when she was not in the scenes.

I thought this instalment was much more humorous that the first and was better for it. It also has loads of action and vampire shenanigans! I just love the world Harvey has created and think there is room for many more instalments. One for each brother perhaps? I absolutely cannot wait for Out For Blood when it’s released!

I want to read that...

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

From Goodreads: Freak. That’s what they called seventeen year-old Donna Underwood in high school after a horrific fey attack that killed her father when she was just a child. Her injuries and rehabilitation resulted in magically enhanced strength, thanks to the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. As a child of the alchemists, she is both blessed and cursed with a magical heritage that doesn't leave much room for boys, parties and homework. Now, after ten years of wishing for a normal life, she finally has to accept her role in the centuries-old war against the darkest outcasts of Faerie: the Dark Elves. Aided by a gorgeous half-fey dropout, Donna must race to save her best friend’s life - even if it means betraying one of the world’s greatest secrets and confronting the very thing that destroyed her family.

Well, I think this one looks rather fantastic! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the cover! It's published by Flux in Feb 2011. Can't wait!

Review and Giveaway: Seriously Sassy - Crazy Days by Maggi Gibson.

Review Copy: Puffin. Published 1st July 2010
From Amazon: ‘I’m gonna use my fame and money to make the world a better place . . . OK?’ Life is seriously good for Sassy Wilde – she’s had her first kiss, she has the two bestest bezzies ever and her rock-chick dreams are on the verge of coming true. But just as everything's set to take off, her new boyfriend starts acting weird - and then the record company turns Sassy’s world upside down! Sassy feels like giving it all up – until a real disaster strikes. Now's not the time for Sassy to pack away her guitar, cos her talents are needed more than ever . . .

How fabulous is this book? It is so much fun and very witty. I loved Sassy! She is really sweet, somewhat melodramatic perhaps and has the marvelous ability of getting herself into the most ridiculous (and hilarious) situations. But you can't help but love her.

There are a whole cast of great characters, even the pet hamster plays a role. I really liked the story too - a really good message about helping others. It didn't matter at all that I hadn't read the other two books in the series, it was really easy to pick up what had happened previously. However, based on how much I enjoyed this one I would recommend that you read all three!

A really, really fun story that had me laughing out loud! I think the series will really appeal to both younger and older readers. Great fun!

Sound good? The lovely team at Puffin have offered a set of all 3 books to one lucky winner.



THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

In My Mailbox (45)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Purchased:

The Passage by Justin Cronin

For Review:

Seriously Sassy: Crazy Days by Maggi Gibson. Published: Puffin, July 1st 2010. (Already read this one and it's fab! Check back tomorrow for a chance to win the series!)

Trash by Andy Mulligan. Published: David Fickling Books, October 12th 2010.

Noah's Castle by John Rowe Townsend. Published: October Mist Publishing, March 22nd 2010.

Don't Know Where, Don't Know When (The Snipesville Chronicles, Book 1) by Annette Laing. Published: Confusion Press, August 20th 2007

From Netgalley:

Past Midnight by Mara Purnhagen.

Star Crossed by Jo Cotterill

For review: Red Fox, 27 May
From Goodreads: 'You did WHAT?' screamed Mari. 'You turned down the cutest boy ever? Are you crazy?' Fliss isn't exactly outgoing. But on stage she really comes alive. And this summer, she's playing Juliet opposite her dream Romeo - Tom Mayerling. If only she could tell him how she feels! But unless Fliss finds some inner confidence, she's going to miss her chance with Tom. Because someone else has her eyes on Fliss' role - and her leading man...

This is a sweet book and I enjoyed it. I really liked the central character Fliss. She’s very nice and wants to do the right thing, even when that means letting someone walk all over her. For me, the story was more about her learning to have confidence and stand up for herself than the romance between her and Tom.

As for the other characters I really liked her friend Mari. She had attitude and I really liked that – she was definitely not afraid to stand up for herself! I also liked Fliss’ mum and could understand where she was coming from. She had to really struggle to raise Fliss and she desperately wants a better life for her daughter - even if that means sacrificing Fliss’ dreams. I liked how the relationship between the two developed, how they started to understand each other better and learn from each other.

As for Tom – he was okay. He kind of annoyed me a bit but he was sweet towards Fliss. I just didn’t feel that invested in their relationship which was a bit of a shame. But it’s a minor quibble. There were just more interesting elements to the story for me but that may have been because I’m older than the intended audience.

Overall - A light, fun read that will really appeal to younger teens. I really liked the Romeo and Juliet backdrop and think other readers will too. A really cute read.

You can check out Jo Cotterill's fab website by clicking here. She has a great 'Top Five' section and I have to say I agree with Number 3 of her leading men! Although I think I might have him listed higher... To check them out click here.