Reading in between the lines.

Guest Post - Jessica Yinka Thomas

2012-02-18T13:22:00.001Z

Hey guys! :D Today I am welcoming to the blog dear Jessica Thomas *waves*, the author of the quirky novel "How Not To Save The World" - the review of which can be found here.

Today she's here and has kindly offered to do a guest post for the blog and all you readers! :D

& this guest post is a special one, as Jessica has given us all on tips on the do/don't of novel writing! I'm sure we can all take something away from this, and if the end result means we can write a novel like Jessica's then it'll be worth it right? ;)

Be sure to leave any comments below for Jessica :)

About Jessica Yinka Thomas .

Jessica Yinka Thomas is a novelist with a background in interactive toy design and social entrepreneurship. As managing director of the Center for Sustainable Enterprise at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, she has authored several award-winning academic articles. Jessica has worked as a designer of interactive educational toys, as the director of a social enterprise business plan competition and as a program manager for a community development nonprofit. Jessica’s writing highlights her twin passions for technological innovation and for creating significant social change through entrepreneurial ventures. Growing up in West Africa and traveling around the world has provided her with a rich background from which to draw in her writing. She lives in Arlington, VA with her husband, Jeff Forbes and their son Xavier. Jessica enjoys knitting in the winter and competing in triathlons during the summer. She holds a BS in Engineering from Stanford University and an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. How Not to Save the World is her first novel.

About How Not to Save the World.

Remi Austin is a fundraiser for the African Peace Collaborative (APC), a conflict resolution nonprofit founded by her late mother. Frustrated by her inability to raise funds and faced with the imminent closure of the APC, Remi turns to a life of crime to keep her nonprofit afloat.

From Sydney, to Tokyo, Geneva and Cape Town, Remi transforms from a fundraiser too shy to speak during staff meetings into a daring international art thief who must stop a war from breaking out and figure out how to save herself from a life behind bars.

With the help of her best friend, a designer and inventor who creates gadget-packed gowns, Remi eludes a dashing insurance agent and a terrifying stalker, all while redistributing the wealth of the world, one work of art at a time.

Dos and Don’ts for writing and publishing a first novel.

Don’t go backpacking in Australia while reading Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, and decide in a sun-drunken stupor to write a novel, particularly if you’re an engineer with a background in toy design. Because ten years later, you might look back on the thousands of hours and the dozens of drafts and think about all the episodes of Survivor you could have watched instead.

Do start small, with short stories or maybe a travel blog. But be as consistent as you can possibly manage. For example 750words.com is a great website and practice that can get you writing 750 words on a daily basis. That’s 100 days to a complete first draft. It may be crap, as was my person experience. But that still counts as a draft!

Don’t let yourself get distracted from your writing practice by the Housewives of Beverly Hills or any other metropolitan area, even if Shoshonarama is about to get divorced, again. She’ll be fine and might even get her own show.

Do explore creative ways to increase your writing productivity. I recently discovered a fantastic app called Dragon Dictation. It’s a voice recognition application that translates your speech into text. I get my 750 words in on the drive to and from work every day, but only at red lights.

Do write anywhere and everywhere. Much my writing practice involves idea generation and so I’ll make notes about dialogue, character development, and settings just about anywhere. The woman who runs my fitness class is probably frustrated that I will often type on my phone in between sets. She probably thinks I’m texting my friends, but it keeps me distracted during the bicep curls and keeps me writing!

Don’t apply to be on a reality TV show in the middle of your first novel because you think it will give you more visibility and hey, could provide inspiration for your novel. It’s a huge time suck and a long shot.

Do plan for a long road. But it doesn’t have to take 10 years of writing and 25 drafts like it did for me. Walter Mosley’s This Year You Write your Novel is a fantastic short book about how to complete a novel in 12 months.

Don’t try to publish your first novel 2 weeks after you first son is born, just because you have “time off” from work. Take it from me. Just don’t.

Do publish your novel before your first child is born or after all your kids have left for college. It requires many, many hours of aggressive marketing and shameless self-promotion. An ability to connect your novel to any topic of conversation and to instantaneously produce your business card is very handy too.

Finally, don’t give up! And stop watching so much reality TV :)

Some awesome tips from an awesome author! So thank you so much for stopping by the blog with your insight into the how to of novel writing! :) Be sure to check out Jessica's novel "How Not To Save The World" and check my review of it here and have a good weekend ;)

How Not To Save The World - Jessica Thomas; Review.

2012-02-18T13:21:00.000Z

Book Details.

Paperback: 312 pages

Publisher: lulu.com (16 Sep 2011)

Language English

ISBN-10: 110505005X

ISBN-13: 978-1105050053

Book Summary.

How Not To Save The World is a fast-paced thriller about one woman's quest for social justice. Remi Austin is a fundraiser for the African Peace Collaborative, a nonprofit focused on conflict resolution. Frustrated by her inability to raise funds and faced with the imminent closure of the organization founded by her dead mother, Remi turns to a life of crime. The novel follows Remi on a high-speed chase around the world as she eludes a dashing insurance agent and an elusive stalker. With the help of her best friend, a designer and inventor who creates gadget-packed gowns and her Harvard-educated brother who is serving time in prison for a crime he did not commit, Remi stays one step ahead of her pursuers and keeps her nonprofit afloat. From Sydney, to Tokyo, Geneva and Cape Town, Remi is transformed from a shy fundraiser to a daring international art thief. Remi must stop a war from breaking out and figure out how to save herself from a life behind bars.

Links To Buy.

Buy It On Amazon.

Rating.

Review:

Firstly, a thank you to the author for sending me this for review, and I'm glad she did because this book took me on a sweet roller-coaster of a ride and I loved every moment of it.

Remi is the sort of character that you can't help but love as you go along on her journey. With a soft heart, and a mission in life, Remi continues the fundraising for the African Peace Trust her mother started, and while things don't go exactly as planned when she can't raise enough funds to keep it afloat, she turns her hand at crime and this is where the fun begins.

I like, first off, that this all starts with the APC and her determined nature in keeping it going - this alone sets Remi apart for me, as a girl with a goal is one to be feared and Jessica creates her character in a manner that will leave Remi rebounding and jumping back up and at the world after every hit she takes.

Making use of the basic but effective 5 senses, we come to hear about Remi's adventures as she travels from exotic country to country, see her view of the world as she trudges on through, sense the bends around the corner yet still be surprised when they jump out at as and taste the excitement and romance in the air, always something to look forward to ;)

While we start the journey with Remi being a shy, and reserved character, we see how her determination brings out the creative girl in her as she cultivates her lies to gain what she must - a modern day, female Robin Hood if you will who steals from the rich, to help the poor. How can you not love her?!

Add in a dashing of gowns and dressing up to hide the inner-thief in Remi, and you have all you need to settle into the world that Jessica has created with Remi leading the way for us. While it's a fun light read, with the right amount of stress when called for, we can all take away something from the book - (no, not how to steal artfully) but rather there are virtues deep within us, such as belief, faith, a kind heart and a skilful hand that can help us make a difference ;)

Great plot - check. Loveable character - check. Romance - check. What more could you need?

The Catastrophic History of You and Me - Jess Rothenberg; Review.

2012-02-06T15:43:00.000Z

Book Details:

Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: Penguin - Razorbill (2 Feb 2012)

ISBN-10: 0141334479

ISBN-13: 978-0141334479

Book Summary:

Brie's life ends at sixteen: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart - "literally." But now that she's in heaven, Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend knows a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost - and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul who's been D&G (dead and gone) much longer than she? and who just might hold the key to her forever after. With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on? but how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

Links to Buy:

Buy on Amazon.

Rating:

Review.

Thanks firstly to Penguin for sending me this gorgeous book to review *thumbs up.* When I opened the package for this, I did indeed squeal shamelessly for the cover was beautiful, loved the title *I mean come on, does it get any quirkier than that?* and I knew I was in for a fluffy read and wasn't disappointed.

Since the title is indeed a mouthful and quite a bit to write every time I have to mention the book, between you and me, let's shorten it to TCHYM, yes? :) *Saves us all some precious seconds we could otherwise use to eat pie.*

TCHYM is refreshing in it's storyline, effective in its narrative and heart-warming in it's characters. The blurb states "I was fifteen years old when I died of a broken heart." In a YA sector full of books about the supernatural being and animals from the other world, this lands you in the basic of all stories - heartbreak.

Rothenberg creates a beautiful story here, as she brings to us the character of Brie *cue the many cheese themed jokes*, fun, happy, beautiful and your average teen girl who's living and loving life - until it all ends in heartbreak and she's transported into heaven, or in her case, "A slice of heaven". I've only ever read one other book where everything happens from heaven and that was "Elsewhere" by Gabrielle Zevin, so it was nice to see Rothenberg take on this idea and give it her own spin. We continue to follow Brie and her cute antics as she learns to adjust to adjust to the 5 stages of death, ranging from denial, anger, bargaining, sadness and acceptance - and who better to help her through the stages than the mischievous Patrick - resident lost soul. Slowly, as friendships build, and families fade, we follow Brie and Patrick's journey with mellow heart as they finally end up where they belong.

Rothenberg brings everything to the story that makes it a worthy read; humour and sarcasm in the form of Patrick, character development and teenage angst in the form of Brie and a twist in the novel coming in the shape of Larkin. Yet this book shouldn't be written off as just being a fluffy summer type read, as within the depth of the book Rothenberg brings home the idea of identity and accepting who you truly are - which leaves a sob hanging in your throat.

I loved the simplicity of Rothenberg's style and how it was so easy to read; I started this on a cold morning at 7am on the train on the way to Uni, and was hooked, by the time I had to get off an hour and a half later, I found myself nearly halfway into the book and didn't want to stop. Her fluidity urges you to drop everything you're doing and continue reading. Another unique quirk which always begs for points in my opinion, is the creativity of the song titles she had at the beginning of every chapter which acted as an indicator almost to signal what was coming up ahead and sets the mood. Song lyrics ranging from the classic "Take another little piece of my heart now, baby" to the likes of Miley Cyrus "it's the climb". Mixed in there are some of my all time favourites like Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Police, Billy Joel, Bonnie Tyler, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Timberlake and The Fray (a sure way to bring me to tears). This indicates to me the effort Rothenberg went through to hand pick songs for each chapter and shows an ulterior sense of musical sensibility which I highly approve of ;)

Bringing it all together, the music notes, the emotions of love and heartbreak, friendship, loss, acceptance, it's a beautiful story wound together by great writing that won't let you tear away from the book, and will place a smile on your face by the time you finish. *content sigh* I just wish it was longer. A great piece by Rothenberg as her début novel and I eagerly await reading more of her work.

Guest Post - Paige Dearth

2012-02-04T16:23:00.001Z

Hey guys, hope you're all keeping warm on this cold Saturday afternoon, but I have a nice little post from author Paige Dearth :) I recently did a review on her book "Believe Like A Child" - the review for which can be found here.

Today she's kindly decided to join us and contribute a guest post with information and snippets about herself and her book which can be found below. So wrap up warm, and dig in! :)

Paige Dearth - Author Post.

Since I was young I made up stories in my mind. It was my ultimate escape from my rough upbringing. While most children make up stories that bring them joy, my stories were always dark. These stories, darker than my real-life, helped me to cope.

Believe Like A Child is a graphic novel. It’s written in a sexually explicit manner so that readers feel the horror of child abuse, sexual exploitation and rape. There is nothing pretty or light about these subjects. However, while the subject matter is harsh, the novel is written so that readers can enjoy a fast paced suspenseful thriller with a sturdy narrative.

I like reading dark, dramatic fiction novels, stories that makes your guts twist, keeping you on the edge of your seat and making you come back for more. It’s like watching a horror movie and putting a hand over your eyes with your fingers spread out like the feathers of a peacock because you don’t want to see what will happen next, but you can’t stop yourself from looking.

Believe Like A Child was written as a compelling dramatic thriller. However, there is a point to this work of fiction that is worth mentioning. The narrative describes the real horrors of child abuse and how one act of abuse can, and often does, continue throughout a person’s life. A young victim becomes vulnerable because of their need to validate themselves as a normal person. It is so easy for the abused to go from one horrible situation into another.

After reading my book, my hope is that readers will better understand that exercising simple kindness to those in need can be impactful. Kindness doesn’t have to cost money rather it’s an emotional investment.

Alessa, the protagonist of Believe Like A Child, craves these moments, small acts of kindness. They are integral to the story and how she manages to survive on her own. Like Alessa, we all need and want people to care about us. It takes little effort to reach people in a way that matters. I hope Believe Like A Child leaves my readers with an acute awareness of the power they hold. The next time you are in a store, at work, standing in line at the bank or wherever, and you see someone with that look of sorrow, and we all know that look, just reach out with a pleasant smile or a nice compliment. It’s in those moments that we can help people instead of pretending that we don’t see them. Remember, that person could easily, so easily, be you.

SOME DIRT ON PAIGE DEARTH:

Born and raised in Plymouth Meeting, a small town west of Philadelphia, Paige Dearth was a victim of child rape and spent her early years yearning for a better life. To escape the unwanted attentions of her molester, a pedophile uncle who lived with the family, she married at the age of nineteen and moved with her new husband to Chula Vista, California. After two years of marriage during which she struggled to make ends meet, she became pregnant, only to discover that her husband was a heroin addict. Paige waited for the birth of her daughter and when the baby was just eight months old, moved back to Pennsylvania. With no formal education or money to fall back on, she courageously set out to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and make it whole once more.

Living through the fear and isolation of her youth, Paige developed the ability to create stories that would help her cope and finally put them to use by embarking on a series of novels. Believe Like A Child, the author’s debut offering, is the darkest version of who she could have become, had fate not intervened in the nick of time. It presents a fine balance between what lives on in her imagination and the evil that lurks in the real world.

Author Interview.

1. Why did you write this novel?

Believe Like A Child is a graphic novel. The reason I wrote it to be so sexually explicit is because I wanted readers to feel the horror of child abuse, sexual exploitation and rape. There is nothing pretty or light about these subjects. However, while the subject matter is harsh, the novel is written so that readers can enjoy a fast paced suspenseful thriller with a sturdy narrative.

2. What did you hope to accomplish by publishing your novel?

To become a respected author that is known to write stories that entertain and captivate my readers. I like reading dark, dramatic fiction. I am able to imagine the worst of the worst and know there is a readership that can appreciate this type of novel. One that makes your guts twist, keeping you on the edge of your seat and making you come back for more. It’s like watching a horror movie and putting a hand over your eyes, with your fingers spread out like the feathers of a peacock because you don’t want to see what will happen next, but you can’t stop yourself from looking.

Believe Like A Child was written as a compelling dramatic thriller. However, there is a point to this work of fiction that is worth mentioning. The narrative describes the real horrors of child abuse and how one act of abuse can, and often does, continue throughout a person’s life. A young victim becomes vulnerable because of their need to validate themselves as a normal person. It is so easy for the abused to go from one horrible situation into another.

After reading my book, my hope is that readers will better understand that exercising simple kindness, to those in need, can be impactful. Kindness doesn’t have to cost money rather it’s an emotional investment.

Alessa, the protagonist of Believe Like A Child craves these moments, small acts of kindness. They are integral to the story and how she manages to survive on her own. Like Alessa, we all need and want people to care about us. It takes little effort to reach people in a way that matters. I hope Believe Like A Child leaves my readers with an acute awareness of the power they hold. The next time you are in a store, at work, standing in line at the bank or wherever, and you see someone with that look of sorrow, and we all know that look, just reach out with a pleasant smile or a nice compliment. It’s in those moments that we can help people instead of pretending that we don’t see them. Remember, that person could easily, so easily be you.

3. Who is your intended readership?

Adults who enjoy reading gut wrenching, dramatic, fast paced fiction. As I said before, the novel is sexually explicit and intended for the mature reader. The narrative is constructed with gripping and suspenseful moments that are meant to pull the reader along, almost against their will. The novel will appeal to men and women who enjoy a good tale.

4. When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I was 22 years-old I was with a friend who loved to listen to my stories. She told me I should write a book. While the thought appealed to me, I had no idea how to go about writing a novel. After I finished my college degrees, I had the confidence I needed to write, but was busy earning a living and had little time to invest in writing.

As I got older the desire to write increased. I talked about writing my first novel for many years then I read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne (thank you, Rhonda!). I finally sat down and wrote my novel. It took me three months to write the novel and nine months to edit, reedit and edit again.

5. How did you research your book?

The majority of the novel is based on my imagination, some from my life experiences and where I needed to obtain more detail, I surfed the web, reading random articles on various topics to gain insight and ideas.

6. What surprised you about the writing process?

The amount of time it took to edit the novel. I’ve read it at least nine times. I had it professionally edited and a friend read it twice before publishing. The process was very, very long. I’ve learned a lot from publishing the first novel and already have ways of expediting the editing process for the novel I’m currently writing.

7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love reading novels in several genres. A few of my favorite authors are: John Saul, James Patterson, Danielle Steel and V. C. Andrews. I also enjoy Stephen King novels and I just loved Misery and Thinner. The first novel I ever read was A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford, this is my all time favorite novel ever! I also enjoy Alice Sebold and Patricia Cornwell.

I love to go on vacation, exercise and read novels on the beach. Cooking is one of my passions. I get satisfaction from creating new recipes through trial and error. My husband is the guinea pig for my new creations.

8. Are you working on another novel?

Yes! I am very excited about my next novel. This novel is based on a father who physically abuses his wife and two children. When the first born daughter is old enough, realizing her mother can’t protect them, she decides to take matters into her own hands…

I have several books lined up, just waiting to be written. I’m living my dream.

So I'd just like to say thank you to Paige for stopping by the blog and contributing her in depth posts and also for giving me the wonderful chance to read and review her back! Once again, be sure to check my review of her book here and grab yourself a copy!

- Sahina

Believe Like A Child - Paige Dearth; Review.

2012-01-28T22:16:00.000Z

Paperback: 426 pages

Publisher: Createspace (22 Jun 2011)

Language English

ISBN-10: 1461105676

ISBN-13: 978-1461105671

Summary:

Alessa is just seven years old when her uncle rapes her for the first time. As the years pass, his sexual appetite becomes more voracious and his perversion more twisted, until the abuse has become almost a daily ritual, with the unspoken involvement of the girl’s mother.

At the age of sixteen, after the death of her only friend, Alessa finds herself at the mercy of her real-life monster, with no relief in sight. She flees her home to escape this hell, only to find herself descending into a more dangerous one. Alone and helpless in the streets of North Philadelphia, she encounters more human predators who want to take over her life and devour her. About to hit rock bottom, Alessa manages to break away from her new tormentors and finds refuge in a shelter for homeless and abused women.

Wherever she goes, however, trouble keeps seeking her out, until she meets three people who change the course of her life forever. Though Alessa’s bittersweet journey is perpetually fraught with challenges, she does, nevertheless, manage to find fleeting moments of joy along the way. But as she begins to settle down, a ghost from the past comes to haunt her again, threatening to destroy the very foundation of her small world and plunging her back into an abyss of despair, until she makes her final bid for escape.

Link to Buy:

Buy on Amazon.

Rating:

Review:

This is one book I know I won't forget. If that sounds like a negative premise, then let me just tell you this - this is the kind of story that'll stick with you and change how you might look at things from then on.

Paige got in touch with me, and offered me to review her book and after her touching e-mail, there was no way I could say no to a story that needed to be told. Some people write for fun, for money, for joy; and then there's books like Paige's which are written to inspire and are stories that need to be told. I'm glad I read her book and I write this review in the hopes that more people will be encouraged to take this roller coaster of a book and feel inspired after reading it.

The book is Page's real life story, and she paints a picture for us of the trouble, turmoil, abuse and neglect that she went through. She faced hurdle after hurdle in her life, only to overcome them and now stand at the brink of life where she can look back and be proud of the journey she has come on.

The opening page alone is one that captures your attention and from there on, despite the experiences that you see Paige suffer, you know you can't put the book down, simply 'cause if it's hard to read, how much harder is it for the person that went through it all?

This is a in-you-face kind of book, with nothing held back - which makes me admire Paige even more, for she wasn't afraid of telling her story, with the knowledge that the worst was behind her. With poised and fluid writing, and descriptions that allow you to stand in her shoes, her writing was one that allowed you to take everything in all at once and feel the overwhelming emotions of fear, anger, love, hate, everything that Paige's character inspires in you.

For her courage, for the unbelievable story of bravery and inspiration, and for the bold truth that this book is, I highly rate and admire Paige and her story and thank her for sending me her book, and hope that she will take this review as a statement and testament that her dreams have already come true :)

Tickets to The Blackpool Tower - Giveaway!

2012-01-28T16:03:00.000Z

Yes yes yes people! This time I'm back with a new giveaway, and this time it's four tickets (valid until 31st December 2012) to The Blackpool Tower! How amazing is that?!

Confused as to where and what it is? Scratch your head no further, check out the helpful links below!

Days Out In Blackpool

Blackpool Dance

^^ Hit those to links to see the whole host of activities you can take part in! :D

Need further convincing? Here's some gorgeous pictures of some of the great things and places you can see.

All you gotta do to win these tickets is leave a comment below with your name to count as an entry!

I'll pick winners from a hat on February 27th :)

Go go go!

Introducing THE PAGE TURNERS!

2012-01-24T21:41:00.000Z

Hey everyone, hope you can give just a few seconds of your time and hit up this link HERE where I'm just briefly introducing a new vlog page a friend and I have set up, and would love if you all could click the link and hit subscribe to our youtube page and spread the word :)

Thanks!

Cinder - Marissa Meyer; Review

2012-01-24T20:26:00.000Z

Book Details:

Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: Puffin (5 Jan 2012)

ISBN-10: 0141340134

ISBN-13: 978-0141340135

Summary:

A forbidden romance.

A deadly plague.

Earth's fate hinges on one girl . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She's reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen - and a dangerous temptation.

Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth's future.

This is not the fairytale you remember. But it's one you won't forget.

Links to Buy:

Buy on Amazon.

Buy at Waterstones.

Rating:

Thanks firstly to Puffin books for sending me this book to review (:

What can I say about Cinder? - It was different, and that's an understatement.
Surrounded these days by YA titles that revolve around wolves, vampires, fairies and other unknown creatures of the land, stories about robots and other beings have been left on the back burner. Yet Meyer picks it up, dusts it off the shelf and brings it into our world with her amazing book Cinder.

I loved the cover design and the title alone, and the book was even better. Set in, for once not a typical London base or anywhere predictable, we start our journey off in the hectic and futuristic place that was China, and we follow our main character Cinder, who yes indeed, is half human and half cyborg (how awesome is that?!) on her journey.

It's highly reminiscent of Cinderella in how she lives and works alongside her step mother and two step sisters but we find something new and refreshing in Meyer's story telling ability as we step into a world where a deadly plague is killing off people on a daily basis and so far there's no clues on how to stop it. Following which, people are also under threat from an attack from the Lunar realm of the moon - at such a time, what's a girl to do?

Yet we see how Cinder's character rises to the challenge, with her quick wit, sarcasm and determination - very different from the Cinderella you were expecting. Yet under the hard exterior, lies a common girl, and Meyer's ability to convey that was beautiful - we aren't left hardened at the fact that she's a cyborg, but instead as readers we can see deep down that she really is a human and has fears, desires and dreams like we all do. I liked that about Meyer's character and give props to her in how she conveyed that easily. She's different from the typical YA heroines you may have encountered ;)

Add a dash of romance to the action and everything was set and ready to drool over. While Prince Kai may have been a little too watered down for some people's taste, who desire a strong man who leads the way with no nonsense, but you can find something within his soft self - such as the kindness he radiated, and how down to earth he was. You can see why Cinder fell for him the way she did, when many of us girls would probably swoon at him too ;)

Dead people, plague, threat of war, tension, action, romance - it's all there, wrapped up in a perfect little package that you'll love once you pick up and open and get sucked into the world that Meyer has cultivated. I loved Cinder, and can't wait to see what Meyer has in store for us and Cinder in the next book (:

Grip - A Memoir - Nina Hamberg; Review

2012-01-21T21:35:00.002Z

Book Details:

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: Route One Press (8 July 2011)

Language English

ISBN-10: 0982754701

ISBN-13: 978-0982754702

Summary:

"Set in San Francisco in the 1970s, Grip: A Memoir of Fierce Attractions is the true story of how a teenager fends off an armed intruder with only her wits, then goes on to become the toughest female martial artist in her karate school and an early advocate for women’s rights. Yet in private this five-foot fighter forms one disastrous relationship with men after another. Ultimately, Nina Hamberg finds her real battle is an internal one. She has to bond with a different kind of man and allow herself to be vulnerable. Winner of the Maui Writers Conference Rupert Hughes Award and the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association Book Award for “Best Memoir,” Grip reads like a novel. It is by turns riveting, funny, poignant and wise."

Links To Buy:

Amazon

Rating:

Long overdue but still a review that I've had trouble writing, simply because it's hard to describe the profound effect that this book had on me and how real it was. I was contacted by Nina to read and review her book and she kindly sent me a copy over and while it's been ages since I posted a review, I've always had this on my "to be posted" list, as soon as possible and I have finally gotten around to writing the review for this in the hopes it does the book justice.

The book is a memoir, and while I specified that I don't do anything outside of fiction books, I made an exception for Nina's book, simply 'cause she took the time and initiative still to contact me and the story intrigued me - and I'm glad I gave this book a chance.

Dark and at times disturbing, this book definitely has an edge to it, but you can't help but continue on this amazing journey that Nina's flowing writing takes you on. The plot is based on her true encounters and woven deep into the plot are issues that I think people need to read more about, concerning independence, confidence, change and a brutal honesty and story of finding ones true self - you won't be able to catch your breath when reading Nina's story.

She brings to life her experiences, with gritty and realistic writing that leaves you amazed at the powers of sheer human will and dedication. I read in another review that "strength is not the absence of vulnerability and feeling safe takes more than just a self-defence class. Despite her feminist views, Nina finds herself still in the grip of her own sexuality -- whether it is to use it to her advantage or disadvantage. This isn't just a book for women. " I can't help but totally agree with that comment, and it's displayed so clearly in Nina's story, that despite writing about issues that people may label as having a feminist agenda, I guarantee that even men and find something to relate to within this book.

The feelings of powerful emotion aside, the book was definitely one that you couldn't put down. I started reading this a few weeks ago during my Christmas break and hadn't been able to put it down since - and whenever I did, I was always itching to pick it back up. No it's not the kind of story that will keep you laughing from page to page, but instead it's one that, aptly, will keep you gripped within the powerful narrative of the book and the flow of ideas and emotions. After finishing the book, I sat there speechless for a few minutes, just soaking in what I had read and so glad that I was given the chance to read this memoir.

This is a must read for anyone, and be ready to be blown away by the book. Thank you once again Nina for giving me this book :)

WINNERS OF THE LONDON DUNGEON TICKETS!

2012-01-03T18:15:00.000Z

Hey guys, as you saw in my previous post, I hosted a mini competition to win tickets to visit the London Dungeons! Thank you to everyone who entered, there were a lot more entries then I imagine which is amazing :D

So thank you to everyone who took the time to enter :)

I have indeed chosen the winners and .. here it comes..

The winner of 2 adult and 2 children tickets to visit the London Dungeons are..

CHERYL MERTON!

*Throw confetti in air*

Congrats Cheryl, I've got your details and have sent an e-mail out to you :)

Thanks again everyone for joining in! :D

Hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and New Year!

- Sahina

London Dungeons Free Tickets Competition.

2011-12-15T18:20:00.004Z

So.. I'm hoping you have been lured in by the title of this post, and interested in grabbing yourself a pair of awesome tickets to visit the London dungeons! By the end of this post, if you stay dedicated enough to read this, you'll have your chance at doing exactly that ;) So.. you want to win? Well read on and find out how..

Who here has been to London? Raise your hands? .. erm.. scrap that.. Hmm.. well London.. where in the world do I start?! London has been listed countless times, as one of the best cities in the world. And they're not wrong there. There's hustle and bustle, the streets are alive with people, pavements overflowing with quaint shops to big chain stores looming over you.. and train rides to take you to any part of London you want. Markets from Portebello Market to Camden Market, to suit every artistic and creative desire you wish. Or endless chains of Starbucks and cafe's for you to enjoy a lovely day out. Who wouldn't love London?!

I've lived an hour, at most, away from central London itself all my life, and only recently since starting University, I hadn't really had the chance to explore the beautiful city with many attractions. But now I have. My University is situated right in the centre of one of London's busiest areas and I'm surrounded by it - and I love it.

The cathedrals around the area, the short walk to Oxford Street - teaming at this time of year, with people buying gifts. Another short train ride away is Leicester Square, which is again alight festivity and decorations. It's amazing, especially on a cold Winter's night, wrapped up warm, and taking in the sights. It's truly magnificent.

And there are endless amounts of activities for every person, from extreme shopping, down to a quiet afternoon sitting at a cafe or a cute little bookstore - you can find it all, just a stone throw away. If you haven't visited London, and ever get the chance to, then you must check the place out. No matter where you're from, you'll find yourself seeped in history and culture, as well as the modern twists, all found in one place, the heart of UK - London.

So here's what I have to offer you guys...

I have, a prize family pack, which includes up to 2 adults and 2 children, which is valid for the London, Edinburgh, York and Blackpool venues, tickets to go visit London dungeons! :D

Also, be sure to check out the links to some other great places you can view and explore in London! :)

Here's what you gotta do to enter..

Fill in the entry form HERE there's 1 required entry, and the rest are for additional points! :)

Competition will close in about 2 weeks, so be sure to enter by December 31st! and good luck!

London Dungeons Free Tickets Competition - Entry

2011-12-15T18:19:00.005Z

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I HAVE RETURNED!

2011-12-14T18:26:00.000Z

I know most of you probably didn't realise I was gone.. *awkward silence* haha but it's true that I did take a little break from blogging. Those who may follow me on twitter or facebook will know that I started Uni in October, and since then I have been piled under work and extra activities and such, so much that I didn't have time to update my blog. I didn't want to post anything saying "I'm not here for a while" in the hopes that people will continue to check the blog and I am glad to see that people have! :D Which is great, so thank you to those people :)

Now, currently I am on Christmas Break for a month, and while I still do have some work and things to do, I have spare time in between to catch up on all my books and reviews! :) I'm been fortunate enough, that over the time I have been absent from here, amazing authors and publishers have still sent me some great books for review and I'm about to do them justice by reviewing them now.

I have a couple of blog tours lined up too, as well as a giveaway for a book and and and, a fantastic chance to go visit the London dungeons! How amazing is THAT! The competition will be run here on the blog in a few days, so be sure to keep checking the page! :D

Anyway, final bit before I run off to do some reading, stay tuned on the page for some reviews, giveaways, blog tours and author tid bits, and I hope you're all having a great break! :)

- Sahina

"Dead Inside" blog tour! :)

2011-11-02T17:25:00.000Z

How many times have we heard that the world is going to end? Countless times and countless scenarios have been envisioned as to what will happen when the world is about to wheeze it's last breath. Yet what will happen when Zombies take over? Has anyone thought about that? No? Well it's about time you did.

In the hauntingly beautiful graphic image book published by the awesome Abrams and Chronicles, "Dead Inside" is a collection of notes, letters, images and last words dealt by those who have been plundered by the dead. The letters and notes piece together a world that has been plagued by the dead, who have come back to drag those remaining alive. Little kids drawings, hurried scrawls, last words, amongst so many more others, have been left for us to find in this book, each displaying what could be the final moments of a persons life.
Creepy right? This book is perfect for Halloween so be sure to get your teeth into it on this link and get your own copy!

To give you an insight to the awesome-ness that is this book, check out some pictures that reveal what someone's last words might have been.

Thinking of it now, what would be the last thing you'd want to say before the world was taken over or ended? Words for loved ones? A message of return? Leave any comments below! :)

"Undead" Signed Copy Winner!

2011-10-16T16:51:00.000+01:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the Undead tour giveaway for a gorgeous signed copy of Kirsty McKay's book "Undead"! I had a lot of entries and drawn from the lucky number generator was Lisa Richards!

*Throws confetti*

Haha congrats to Lisa, an e-mail has been sent your way, be sure to respond within 48 hours otherwise a new winner will be picked :)

Thanks again everyone, will be posting new giveaways soon! :D

Win a Kindle and B&N Gift Cards at the Amaranth On-Line Launch Party!

2011-10-03T17:17:00.004+01:00

Amaranth, book one of Rachael Wade’s Resistance Trilogy (for which you can check my review here) is a new paranormal fantasy romance series, is available in print beginning today.

Check out a free excerpt below and don’t forget to add it to your to-read list on Goodreads.

I felt the car slowing, then he glanced into the rearview mirror and gently steered the car off to the side of the road, putting it in to park. The only sound now was of crickets outside.

I shifted my body in my seat and looked around, confused. All I could see around us was the field and some trees, along with a breathtaking number of stars above us. The moon was full against the dark sky. The humidity began to suffocate me, but the silence that now filled the car demanded my attention.

“What’s wrong?” I practically whispered.

He sat casually in the driver’s seat and placed one arm on the armrest, then turned to look at me. “Do you always have to know what I’m thinking? I thought you were so good with silence.” He flashed his signature killer smile. “Please do explain.”

“It’s different. I don’t know. Your silence makes me uncomfortable. But in a good way. I mean, I want to know what you’re thinking. All the time. I don’t feel that way around other people. And you don’t exactly wear your emotions on your sleeve.”

“I don’t?”

“No.” I paused. “But you reveal a lot when you’re thinking.”

He didn’t break his stare, just motioned with his hands for me to continue.

I shrugged. “I mean, your silence says a lot. I can see you processing your thousands of thoughts ... see you analyzing them. But I can’t see the thoughts themselves. It makes me curious. Makes it harder to be quiet with you. I constantly want to hear you.” I realized I was rambling, so I waited for him to respond.

“That sounds like it’s frustrating for you,” he said. “Especially since I told you that your thoughts are transparent to me.”

“To say the least.” I laughed.

“If it makes you feel any better, I only meant I can see you’re genuine. It’s proof that you act and think exactly as you feel. And I like that.” He reached out in the darkness, and I felt him take my hand.

“Okay, but ... why did you stop again?”

“You’re relentless.”

“You’re dodging.”

“Well if you really must know, seeing you get all worked up about that song made me think about how crazy I am about you, that’s all.” He leaned toward me across the armrest, lifted his head slightly to peer at me, his faint smile making an inexcusable assault on my lungs. “And just think, it’s only a twenty-first-century rock band. What would you say if we listened to Mozart or Beethoven? I don’t know if I could handle an outburst of that proportion.”

“You wouldn’t have to.” I swallowed nervously, suddenly aware of his intention. “Beethoven? That expression of love can’t be verbalized.”

I knew it was coming, but his face being this close to mine was something I hadn’t had time to get used to. Each time his skin had touched mine before now, in even the minutest of ways, I became faint. Now the proximity of his mouth was making my heart pound straight out of my chest. I had never felt this way about anyone. It terrified me.

“You’re right,” he declared, nodding. “It’s only felt.” He leaned in farther, placed his hand on the side of my face, pulling me toward him. I didn’t flinch, as I so often did when Andrew touched me. Instead, I welcomed him. I was fiercely aware that the instant his mouth touched mine, I was no longer my own. He would love me or break me, the choice was his.

He slid his hand underneath my hair around the back of my neck. His fingertips glided over my skin, giving me goose bumps. Nope, definitely not the same chills Andrew gave me.

“Breathe, Camille,” he whispered. “I won’t bite.” He chuckled softly. “But I would like to kiss you.”

I let a small breath escape my unreliable lungs as I nodded. The soft collision of his lips on mine shocked me with a jolt of pure electricity. My thought of a moment before had been correct. There would be no more war permitted in my mind’s battlefield, for I had surrendered to being made his immortal captive.

Our lips parted and I lifted my hand to graze my fingers across the scar on his forehead. Looking into his eyes, my fresh existence inhaled, desperate for its first breath of air.

“Camille? You all right?” He sounded winded. No words yet.

“Camille. Talk to me. Are you all right love?” He looked concerned now.

Still nothing.

“Camille?” He grasped the sides of my face.

Finally, an alien on a new planet, I made my attempt at communication with the beautiful creature in front of me. “What are you?” I gasped, my eyes locked on his.

“Uh ... excuse me? What?” His look of concern turned to confusion.

“No human being can possibly have this effect on someone,” I repeated, still fascinated with my new discovery. “What are you?”

He backed away slowly, leaned back in the driver’s seat. “Camille, I didn’t know kissing you would ...” He hesitated at my smile, took a deep breath. “I mean, I didn’t know a human being could have that effect either.” He leaned back toward me, relaxed again. “You have no idea how good this feels.”

I laughed, more comfortable now with my foreign acquaintance. “Believe me, you couldn’t possibly be more surprised than me right now.”

Sounds great right?! Believe me when I say it is! Congrats to Rachael firstly for releasing her print copy of this, must be awesome to see your book finally printed on paper! So hope you all check out the launch party and win yourself some goodies! :)

Also, don't forget to enter the "Undead" signed book giveaway, running INTERNATIONALLY till October 15, so hit THIS link and enter with a few easy clicks! :D

In My Mailbox #8

2011-10-02T20:59:00.001+01:00

This awesome awesome feature was started by the kick ass Kristi over at The Story Siren; and IMM is where you post weekly, monthly, (daily even?) for whatever great books you've brought, been sent as gifts, or won or borrowed from the library and showcase what noteworthy books you're gona dive into :) Oh also! - Be sure to leave a link at the bottom in my comments to your IMM so I can prowl around and admire what chyuuu guys got ;)

Also, don't forget to enter the "Undead" signed book giveaway, running INTERNATIONALLY till October 15, so hit THIS link and enter with a few easy clicks! :D

Stealing Phoenix - Joss Stirling Review.

2011-10-02T16:48:00.002+01:00

Book details:

Paperback: 272 pages

Publisher: OUP Oxford (1 Sep 2011)

Language English

ISBN-10: 0192756583

ISBN-13: 978-0192756589

Summary:

This is about getting you out...I'm stealing you.

Phoenix belongs to the Community - a gang of thieves with paranormal powers. Yves Benedict - an American student visiting London - is her mark. But Yves turns out to be more than just a target. He is her destiny. Her soul mate. But the Community owns Phoenix's past and it wants her future too.

Links to buy:

Buy on Amazon.

Buy it at Waterstones.

Rating:

My review:

Thanks first and foremost to Oxford Uni Press for sending me not one, but two copies of this gorgeous book, one for review and one for a giveaway for you guys! After reading this review be sure to look out for the giveaway for this! :D It may have to be UK only since I’m paying for postage but we’ll see how I feel (:

Analysis of plot:

Anyway, prior to this was the first book, “Finding Sky” which revolved around a special family and their powers, and focussed on the relationship of Zed and Sky. I loved loved loved the first book by Stirling, it was beautifully written with well rounded characters, and I was anticipating eagerly to read the follow up to it which is this book, Stealing Phoenix.

In this novel, it doesn’t follow Zed and Sky, but instead another member of Zed’s large family, his brother – Yves. I originally thought that nothing could match the Sky & Zed relationship from the previous book yet I was wrong – I loved them more if that was possible.

Set in my beautiful home city of London where Yves comes to study, where his two brothers also are residing. Here, he meets the mysterious Phoenix, who also posses magical powers and is a Savant like he is – and they’re soul mates. Sounds cheesy right? I assure you, it’s far from it. Yet the character of Phoenix isn’t a free soul, she’s being controlled by a gang and seers who use her powers to steal as she can freeze time (how awesome is that?!) which allows her to take her steals quickly and efficiently. Her next target was the unsuspecting Yves yet little did she know that he was “the one for her” and when they both encounter each other in a mugging that doesn’t go quite as Phoenix plans, Yves ends up losing something much more important than the iPhone she was after, instead he loses his heart ;)

Twisted and pitted against each other despite being soul mates, Stirling takes both characters on a journey where they fight against the odds to be together and Stirling’s writing matches the beautiful fluid writing he displays so easily in his work. It’s so easy to get caught up in his writing as he creates such realistic imagery, especially when set in London, details are hard to describe as London is such a lively city. Yet Stirling’s writing captured the essence of not only the place, but brought the characters to life in the city itself. It was magical ;)

Analysis of characters:

Not just in finding Sky, but in this book too, the character were all so.. real, despite the fact that they have paranormal powers, they’re emotions, actions, manners, they’re all real. They’re flawed and I like that too, it makes it more believable. A particular favourite feature of Stirling’s writing for me is the fact that his heroines are strong willed too, they don’t settle for what’s handed to them, instead they know how to stand for themselves and this I saw most in Phoenix’s character who wasn’t defined by the guy she was with, but more by her own personality. A huge thumbs up for that. *points thumbs up*

Overall:

I definitely loved this book and I’m glad Oxford Uni Press sent this to me, ‘cause I devoured it so quickly but it took me a while to write up the review so I can get it just right! Nonteless, anyone who enjoyed Finding Sky, or just want a story that will leave you with a smile on your face, then pick this up. It’ll steal your heart ;)

Also, don't forget to enter the "Undead" signed book giveaway, running INTERNATIONALLY till October 15, so hit THIS link and enter with a few easy clicks! :D

"Undead" Blog Tour - Kirsty McKay’s Top Five Zombie Flashmobs & Signed Giveaway!

2011-09-28T15:01:00.008+01:00

Hey hey guys, today we've been lucky enough to be blessed with a post from the kick ass author Kirsty McKay who published her awesome book "Undead" - the review of which can be found here.
Anyway, today she's promoting her book (which you can have a chance of winning at the end) and she's sharing what happens with Zombies take over ;) So sit comfortably and enjoy below as I pass you over to Kirsty! :D

Planking is over. Owling is just too random. Want to meet friends, get some fresh air and have some really cool pics to put on Facebook? Try a Zombie Flashmob.

Hi, I’m Kirsty McKay, author of UNDEAD, a new novel about – amongst other things – zombies. And to celebrate the unleashing of UNDEAD in the UK, I thought I’d pick my Top Five Zombie Flashmobs and Zombie Shuffles to share here.

We kick off with a local effort - well, local to me in Boston, Massachusetts. This onslaught of the walking dead takes place annually, and goes right by the Diesel Café, where, fact fans, I wrote a big fat portion of UNDEAD. (Although I never saw them at the time, otherwise I might have choked on my Raspberry Lime Rickey.)

Check out the survivor at 1.22 – the guy with the ripped shirt. He really wanted an excuse to show off those abs, huh? One false move with that chainsaw and he won’t be looking so pretty.

And now back to the Mother Country. Any Friday or Saturday night in London’s Leicester Square can look a little like a zombie apocalypse, but these good folks decided to take it up a notch. The first section of the film confirms what I’ve always suspected: the best bit about going out is getting ready beforehand. Check out that make up! Kudos for attention to detail, guys! They tried to break the world record for horde-size, but didn’t quite make it – where were you all at, Brit Zoms? Nevertheless, a good time was had by all, as is evident by an UNDEAD Hokey Cokey. Good times.

Cape Cod is one of my favourite places in the world. The endless beaches, the rolling dunes, the inviting waves. Nothing to break the idyll, apart from the occasional Great White Shark.

Oh, and the UNDEAD. This is a flash mob on the beach, Halloween 2010. The real fun starts about fifty seconds in. What I particularly love is the little bloke in the white shorts on the left. He looks like he’s thinking, ‘Crap. I wish they hadn’t put me at the front. Must. Remember. Steps.’

London again, but this time the one in Ontario, Canada. What I like is how normal it seems. If I go down to Victoria Park of a Sunday afternoon, is this what I’ll find? Very chilled, those UNDEAD Canadians. And get all that plaid flannel! Canuck zombies clearly favour the lumberjack shirt, and I have to say I’m right there with ‘em.

And finally, it’s Leicester, England. I’ve chosen this one mainly because it was reported on by Al Jazeera - you know, the channel that you associate with wars and terror and general bad stuff? Kind of gives this sh*t a whole new level of authenticity, doesn’t it?

But then again, these are very cuddly and somewhat self-conscious UNDEAD, the kind you’d invite home for a conciliatory arm around the shoulder and a cup of tea. When all’s said and done, it’s worth watching just to see the grief they give the silver-painted Living Statue bloke. Something extremely gratifying about that, I think we can all agree. Go you zoms!

So that’s it, my lil’ zombinos! Thanks for sharing my tour of all that’s good in Zombie Flashmobs, and big love to Sahina for hosting me. Now y’all better hurry out and grab a copy of UNDEAD for tips on how to survive the apocalypse whilst still keeping a smile on your face.

And don’t forget to check out my Facebook page, Twitter and website for more about zombies, UNDEAD and me, and come and see me present FRIGHT NIGHT with authors such as Charlie Higson, Darren Shan and William Hussey at Bath Kid’s Literary Festival on Friday September 30^th

[Links are: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kirstymckaywriter

Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/Kirkybean

Website http://www.kirstymckay.com/

FRIGHT NIGHT http://www.bathkidslitfest.org.uk/events.aspx?y=2011&d=30092011]

So I hope you guys enjoyed that, I mean come on, zombies (chomp chomp) and videos and flashmobs, what more could you want?! Thank so much to Kirsty and the amazing people at Chicken House Oublishing for getting this treat sorted; it’s my first blog tour post and I loved it! Thanks to the different and stylist ideas of these amazing people ;) So be sure to grab your copy of “Undead” or, how about this.. you win it? ;)

YUPPP you heard right! Kirsty and again ChickenHouse have been generous to offer a signed copy of “Undead” YES SIGNED! For a giveaway and the giveaway is international so everyone can enjoy!
Giveaway ends on October 15th!
So, to win, all you gotta do, is fill in the form HERE and can do little extra for extra entries and I will randomly pick a winner and will e-mail you! So go go go go!

Signed "Undead Giveaway" Entry Form.

2011-09-28T14:55:00.000+01:00

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In My Mailbox #7

2011-09-26T18:48:00.001+01:00

PS. You may have to put the volume up a little higher, not sure what happened with the mic but it's ultra quite so put the volume up up up! :)

Oh also! - Be sure to leave a link at the bottom in my comments to your IMM so I can prowl around and admire what chyuuu guys got ;)

Winners of the Amaranth giveaway!

2011-09-21T20:11:00.000+01:00

Hey hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates recently on the blog, I have sadly been hit my the common cold (I know, something so minor took me down, it's embarrassing, I know) but I've powered through and I'm back on!

I've got some reallyy exciting things lined up for the blog, including 2 giveaways! (woot woot) as well as some guest posts, author interview, and I'm also participating in my first blog tour! (I'm super duper excited!)

Anyway, I know I also haven't done my IMM for this week (well weekend that's gone) I took my usual pictures of my books and things but my brother who left for Uni earlier that week took my camera wire by accident with him (booo) so I'm stuck without a way to upload things. However, I'm getting a new laptop for Uni this weekend so I shall perhaps to a vblog for 2 weeks worth :) So be on the loook out :D

So, I recently had an international ended giveaway hosted for 5 e-book copies of Rachael Wade's awesome book "Amaranth" andddd the giveaway has now closed, thanks to everyone that entered! :D

The winners have been chosen and contacted by me so guys check your e-mails, there's your giveaway prize in there! :D

Now that I'm coming back to life and full health, I'll be sure to bring the updates I had planned for the blog on to it sooon, but for now my gorgeous nephews are downstairs and I love spoiling them so *grabs gifts down the side of desk* I'm off to spoil them! :)

Catch everyone later, hope you're all good! :)

The Betrayal - Jerry Jenkins

2011-09-17T20:18:00.002+01:00

Book details:

Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (August 17, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1414335830

ISBN-13: 978-1414335834

Summary:

Detective Boone Drake has just masterminded the most massive sting in Chicago history, bringing down the heads of not only the biggest street gangs in the city but also the old crime syndicate. The story is the biggest in decades, and the Chicago Police Department must protect the key witness at all costs. Despite top-secret plans to transfer the witness ahead of his testimony before the grand jury, an attempt is made on his life. And the person suspected of leaking this information may be one of the CPD’s own.

Links to buy:

Buy it on Amazon here.

Buy it at Waterstones here.

Rating:

My review:

Firstly thanks to Tyndale publishing for being awesome and sending me an ARC of this book; the crime and thriller aspect of this book piqued my interest and I couldn’t wait to read it. Trust, betrayal, framing, it all came with this book and add in a sense of humour to rival the worst situations, you’ll find yourself wanting to unravel this mystery long after it’s finished ;)

Analysis of plot:

Despite my main interest being YA fiction, I have a special cosy spot for thriller and action packed novels (which stems from my love of CSI, The Mentalist, John Grisham Books) and I was happy to get a book based on detective skills when this came through.

We are drawn into the story, at first, with a plot where our main hero Boone Drake has been shot at, almost killed, doesn’t know who he can trust yet with the quirky writing from Jenkins, we find that Drake is still having a great month.

Embroiled in the life of the detective from Chicago’s gang enforcement section of the Chicago Police department, we are taken on a rollercoaster of a ride where Drake is trying to figure out the essentials as to what is going on in his life and why he’s being shot at amongst other mysteries. The twists and turns of the book “The Betrayal” will have you wondering what is coming next and who is doing what to whom.

Analysis of characters:

Jenkins lets his outlet of characters come in various forms yet the main one we as readers come to love and admire is obviously detective Drake. As we see him diving in front of bullets to save others, we feel like reaching out to save him, such was the clarity in which Jenkins wrote to engage the readers. You want to be Drake’s friend, at time you want to slap him, yet ultimately as he tries to untangle his girlfriend and vindicate her for the being wrongly framed, you want more than anything for him to succeed and fall into her arms with a happily ever after.

I loved Drake’s character; for you get further into the book you come to realize that he as a person isn’t just a tool in the department to help a bigger cause, but also that he alone represents truth, justice and reliability.

Overall:

The story is full of love, intrigue, twisting plots, and of course betrayal. Jerry Jenkins does not disappoint. While Jenkins is a Christian writer and man himself, and there were undertones of that which could be seen in the novel, yet it did nothing to flaunt it in your face, for which I appreciate ;)

Sheenah Freitas Interview

2011-09-16T21:33:00.002+01:00

Hey hey guys, soooo look what I have for you all today! :D Recently I read and reviewed an awesome book, book 1 in the new The Chosen Chronicles by Sheenah Freitas who has been awesome :) Click the link for the review btw ;)

Anyway, she very kindly took some time out and answered some questions as well as throwing some of her own in, for the blog so that readers can get an insight into her work! :D so without further ado, grab some popcorn and settle down to listen to what she has to say ;)

As a young writer, did you get a lot of support or did people brush you off?

Some people did brush me off. I think nearly everyone says that they want to pursue an artistic career at some point in their life whether that be author, actor, musician, or artist. But I got a lot of support from the people that mattered: my family and my creative writing teacher in high school seemed to have an interest in my work.

Do you have any pets?

My family has four dogs! It can get crazy in the house at times and I own a rabbit. His name is T-Rex and he devours carrots.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I get bits and pieces from everyday life. There might be a house that we drive by that I find fascinating and try to incorporate it into my story (like Renee’s house) or perhaps someone is walking a certain way that I think would be interesting for a character. But most of my story ideas originate from dreams.

When you're not writing, what are you doing?

Reading. I love to read and unfortunately I haven’t been doing a lot of it recently (but I’ll get there!) I’ve also taken up sewing and from time to time I’ll draw a picture. If I’m not doing any of that then there’s a good chance I’m spoiling my bunny or baking.

What sort of things, influence your mood when writing, or can you write without distractions?

I generally need to write in complete silence most of the time. Sometimes I’ll turn music on to help me get through a scene (I like to listen to adventure/battle instrumentals when writing fight scenes) or to help block out the world around me to help me focus.

Are the characters you create in your stories drawn from real life or your own imagination?

Mostly from my imagination! I’ve had family members speculate if a certain character was influenced by them and I have to say, that if they did, it was purely a subconscious thought. When I do draw from real life, I try to draw from strangers that I see out on the streets, though I do admit to stealing names from people I’ve heard of, but never officially met.

Is there any advice you’d give to those aspiring to write their own stories ?

Write at every little moment you can. I often had to write around my insane schedule when I was in high school and the times that I could write ranged from 5 minutes to 15 minutes most of the time it seemed. It’s critical to keep a notebook or paper and pen with you at all times. And read a lot of books. Believe it or not, they’re a great way to learn how to write; they were my first writing teachers, after all.

What’s the best, easiest, hardest and worst part about writing?

The best and easiest part, for me, are writing the characters. It just feels natural to me to develop and work with them. I love writing out their backstories and making their profiles. The hardest part is knowing when to stop and telling myself that what I have before is publishable, because trust me, every author wants to keep tweaking even after it’s been published. The worst part of writing is grammar! Me and grammar never got along. I have no idea how to use a comma properly and I’m sure the start of this sentence should’ve been: Grammar and I. I’m just glad I have a patient editor for those sorts of things.

Do you like Mexican food? (random question) haha! Favourite food? (:

Actually, I really don’t care for Mexican food. I tolerate it. My favorite food is definitely Korean, though I’m torn between a couple of dishes right now. One is a dish where beef is marinated in a soy sauce concoction and fried. It’s surprisingly sweet and I find it addicting and the other is japchae, a rice noodle dish.

If you weren’t into writing, what other career path would you pursue?

Probably a baking career, though I did seriously consider a medical career before failing Chemistry miserably. That failure inevitably led me to pursue writing, which was only a hobby until then.

What’s your opinion on the e-book vs print copies argument?

I remember hearing about the rumors of ereaders a while back and how they were going to take over the world within a year or two. And that was like five or six years ago maybe? I didn’t believe that ebooks would take over the world and I still don’t now. Yes, ebooks are great because most of the time they’re cheaper than their print counterpart and sure they save trees, but I think people will always gravitate toward print copies. There’s something intimate about holding a book and I love the smell of a brand new book, though I might love the smell of a musty book that’s been sitting in an attic far more. There are pros to both: one makes taking 10 books easy and one is easier to add notes and annotations to if need be.

Finally, what’s your favourite book? :D

That’s such a difficult question! The Gargoyle or Memoirs of a Geisha. I think it’s one of those two.

So there we have it! If you wana contact Sheenah be sure to check out her blog and twitter, links shown below :)

Website: http://sheenahfreitas.com

Twitter: @SheenahFreitas

So thank youuuu to Sheenah for being so awesome and kind to take time out to answer these questions, and be sure to check out her book, it's awesome, you know you want to pick it up ;)

In My Mailbox #6 & Thoughts on 9/11.

2011-09-11T20:24:00.001+01:00

So, this week's IMM is rather a small but still an amazing one for me (: Which is good 'cause I have an insane amount of books I need to get through in the next few days haha so I'm glad to present a rather smaller but prettier IMM for this week! :D

My books this week came from Abrams Publishers as well as Oxford Uni Press and these were the beautiful treats I found in my mailbox. I was so kindly given 2 copies of "Stealing Phoenix" - by Joss Stirling. It's the 2nd book, the first one was "Finding Sky" which I LOVED! (Review of which coming up soon) so I was so psyched to get a review copy of the next book! :D With the extra copy, I'll be holding a giveaway on the blog, so be sure to stay tuned in to be in with a chance of winning this amazing book ;) Isn't the cover just gorgeous? *nods head* haha. Right and thennnn by the kick ass people over at Abrams publishing, they sent me a review copy of the new book "Misfit" by Jon Skovron. I had previously gotten the NetGalley to this from them but they kindly sent me a review copy of the book and I'm glad they did 'cause the book sounds awesome :D

That was it for the books this week, and I stuck by my book buying ban and managed not to splash out which is a little sad for me but life goes on 8-) Anyway, apart from books, this week some of my giveaway prizes started to come through :D & the first of which were 5 pretty little signed bookmarks I got from Abigail Ann Writing (thanks to them!)

Awesome right? & thennn I won a signed Justin Thyme bookmark thanks to the lovely Beth at A Little Sun Shy and the bookmark was beautiful, truly.

And following that, it's a wrap up! That's what I got in my mailbox for this week :)

Oh also! - Be sure to leave a link at the bottom in my comments to your IMM so I can prowl around and admire what chyuuu guys got ;)

On a different note though...

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the awful and history-changing event of the 9/11 bombings. I find it hard to believe that it's already been 10 years when I can just remember the day it happened and it seems like yesterday.. such an event can't be forgotten and nor should it be forgotten in the hopes that history NEVER repeats itself. Many lives were lost that day, victims, family, rescuers, all that lost their lives, and those families still affected and haunted by the events - my thoughts and prayers go out to you, in the hope that you can become stronger and we can all unite against things like this happening again. The entire world was shocked and stunned that day and I hope that 10 years on, people remember the compassion and bravery that was displayed that day. RIP to those lost on 9/11.

Numbers 3 : Infinity - Review

2011-09-08T00:37:00.001+01:00

Book details:

Paperback

Publisher: Chicken House; 1 edition (2 Jun 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1906427666

ISBN-13: 978-1906427665

Summary:

Post-Chaos 2029. Adam, Sarah and Mia are living together, struggling with the fame of seeing numbers - the dates when people will die But something is about to tear them apart. During The Chaos, Sarah's young daughter Mia swapped her number for another. Suddenly her powerful new ability makes her a terrifying target. Everyone wants to live for ever...

Links to buy:

Buy it on Amazon.

Buy it at Waterstones

Rating:

My review:

The insanely awesome people at ChickenHouse Publishing sent me this book alongside another one and while this was the 3^rd in a series that I hadn’t yet read, I rushed to a friend who had copies of the first two books. The blurb was awesome that I knew I had to read this series. So armed with the other 2 books which I devoured (reviews for them coming soon) I move onto the 3^rd book and here’s what I thought ;)

Analysis of plot:

Often people complain that the following books to a series are never as good as the first but there have been many books that have proves this myth false and this book was one of them. As much as I loved the first two, especially the first which started off this awesome series, I find myself favouring the third one in the instalment.

Set in the future with the remaining characters of Adam, Mia and Sarah who are living together and trying to ward off the fame that came with knowing the dates in which people die (I know, how awesome is that?!) they’re living life as best as they can, knowing that they can be harmed for simply knowing too much.

I really don’t want to put any spoilers in this so I’ll try and be as vague as possible while urging others to go grab this and the other two books as well! Yet I can surely say that the author Ward, has an amazing knack for handling sensitive topics with child gloves so as not to evoke criticism for heavy handed issues, yet at the same time manages to convey the message that there are things wrong in this world and gets this message across to her readers and such a talent is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

The events, the characters, the depth and the fragility of the novel at times, completely drew me in and I was absorbed in this book, I didn’t want to put it down and that doesn’t happen often ;)

I loved Ward’s writing style, the touch of romance involved, the inclusions of new characters, the intricacy of it all and the way this wrapped itself up with a bomb-shell of an ending. What more could you want?!

Analysis of characters:

Often flawed characters are always my favourite as opposed to picture perfect ones. I admire when authors know that characters who are flawed, and therefore real, are ones that we as readers can relate to more and that was something I saw more closely in the third book. I loved the flaws and imperfections of Adam and Sarah and Mia, and the strong attributes they all displayed, especially newcomer Saul. They’re all real, and I felt it was all real, following them on their journey despite it being set in the future, I didn’t feel like I was missing something.

Overall:

This story is full of love, courage, numbers ;) something you can’t escape. You will, for sure, be dragged in by this whole series so thanks again to ChickenHouse for giving me this book and urging me to read the prior two books – this series will keep me counting for days after ;)

The Chosen One Chronicles - Book 1 - Review.

2011-09-08T00:05:00.001+01:00

Book details:

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 416 KB

Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited

Publisher: Red Willow Publishing (25 July 2011)

Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.

Language English

Summary:

Kaia’s entire life has erupted in flames after an assassin appears and burns her village down. She’s rescued by a god from another planet who requests her help because she’s the descendant of their last saviour. Together with Reeze — the only other survivor from her village and her appointed guardian — they set off on a quest to find the treasures of the gods in hopes of preventing a dire prophesy.

Kaia and Reeze quickly meet the Tueors, a group of people many thought extinct, who are searching specifically for Kaia. Their intention: to protect the truth. As Kaia discovers more about the truth and her family’s past, she also learns of the Tueors’ bloody secret. Will Kaia be the saviour the gods have been waiting for? Or will she let the prophesy come true?

Links to buy:

Buy it on Amazon.

Rating:

My review:

Having been contacted by the author to review this for her, I pleasantly accepted ‘cause I love reading new stories from new authors and I was glad I did so ‘cause I thoroughly enjoyed the tale that the author composed in this beautiful story. It’s not often I read about Gods in stories and prophesies, the only other one being Starcrossed I’ve read by Jospehine Angelini but I’m glad there was more to it in this (:

Analysis of plot:

In this story about Kaia, we are quickly yet expertly indulged into the story where we learn how Kaia’s village was destroyed in a ravaging fire and many of her family and friends were killed. Yet we don’t lose the main character as another survivor by the name of Reeze rescues her, and we see them start on a journey that will change both of their lives.

Following the fire, both survivors find shelter with some unlikely characters which however, adds to the magic of the story as then they are transported into a new world where they meet more delightful characters who add to the context of the story. The journey continues and while it may have started off at a slow pace at first as the author builds the story and its characters, onto the second half we are rushed off our feet as we see the story unfold and without giving much away, I can definitely say the slow pace at the beginning was more than made up for by the later events!

Analysis of characters:

Beyond the storyline though, I loved the character of Kaia! She’s different from the usual girls we see as heroines in novels today, for the author built her up so that she can take pain, she doesn’t complain, she takes what she gets and learns to deal with it, which makes her an admirable character to read about and following her on her journey proves to be that much more amazing. Kaia believes, she absorbs, she questions, she hurts and she moves on, and I love that about her.

Also, while there were two sorts of love interests following Kaia in the story, I found myself drawn to Reeze who we see as the mysterious and serious one. We see him as one of those characters who doesn’t speak much and when he does it’s not the usual lengthy replies I’ve come to view from heroes in other novels, but his affection comes across in the way he acts with Kaia. Actions, here at least, speak louder than words ;) Silent but strong. *thumbs up*

Overall:

Overall, I definitely enjoyed reading this book. The author spins an amazing tale full of love, courage, a good basis on mythology about Gods and such, and she manages to bring it all together with writing that flows. I seriously can’t wait to read the next in the series! So thank you again, so Sheenah for giving me the chance to read and review her story and I urge you all to go pick it up in whatever format you can get your hands on!

"Amaranth" - by Rachael Wade - e-book International Giveaway!

2011-09-06T23:59:00.001+01:00

So my beautiful people, I have returned and I have for you awesome readers a new giveaway! This time it's an international open ended competition and there are extra entries up for grabs! :D

This time I've been very very generously given 5 e-book copies of Rachael Wade's awesome book "Amaranth" - (read my review here) to giveaway you FIVE OF YOU LUCKY READERS! *raise the roof*

So what do you have to do to be in with a chance of winning I hear you ask? It's verryyy simple, just click the form here and be transported into a magical new world where you need to complete in 8 rounds of terrifying stunts to win! .. *just kidding* haha but just click here (for real) and just fill out the simple form :) Extra entries can be found for following me across the world ;) haha.

Main details:

- 5 winners.

- Will win a copy of the 2-book Amaranth

- International; just need a valid e-mail address

- Giveaway ends 19th September

So what are you all waiting for? Go go go go!

Also, be sure to follow Rachael too on these sites:

Twitter @RachaelWade

Facebook Fan Page

GoodReads Author Page

YouTube Video Page

Amaranth e-book Giveaway by Rachael Wade

2011-09-06T23:49:00.002+01:00

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Amaranth - Rachael Wade Review

2011-09-06T22:23:00.001+01:00

Book details:

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 1542 KB

Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited

Publisher: Rabbit Hole Press (27 July 2011)

Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.

Language English

Summary:

Knowledge changes everything… Hoodoo-influenced Southern Louisiana seems like the perfect place for Camille to relocate and escape her abusive past. She didn’t expect to fall in love and plummet herself into the world of Amaranth, a place of exile for reformed vampires. Thanks to her deadly vampire ex-boyfriend, she’s confronted with decisions that not only threaten her life but the lives of her inhuman friends that she has come to love. Entangled in her friends’ quest for freedom, she dives into their realm and faces the threats of the ruler of Amaranth—the mother of all vampires—and her own inner demons. Will she derail her life and make the ultimate sacrifice for the very monsters that interrupted her bumpy path back to sanity—the one she wanted so desperately in the first place? Or will she find a way to escape with her vampire love before it’s too late?

Links to buy:

Buy it on Amazon

Rating:

My review:

Drawn in hopelessly by the already beautiful cover of this soon-to-be-released book, I knew the story would be something that would catch my attention and it did indeed ;) After seeing a lot of people on blogs around me reading and reviewing this kindle version novel with great reviews, I was over the moon when I got in touch with Rachael and she generously provided me with the PDF to this as well as offering her time for an interview and a giveaway! I couldn’t believe it, and with that under my belt, I was already taken in by the book and even more by the time I finished reading it.

Analysis of plot & characters:

Rachael Wade, armed with a new and refreshing idea that is set aside from the cliché vampire tales of today, came at the readers with a burning story with definitely lit up my interest. With a main character who was involved in abusive relations, the story already adds a realistic feel to it as many can sympathise or relate with the downside to dating. Yet as we watch the likeable main character of Camille travel the depths of beautiful Paris and the surprise encounter with a stranger like Gavin, we get the subtle hints that there’s something in the air for her and we are proved right as later on, Rachael adds a touch of romance to the story which is always a plus ;) After meeting Gavin a second time after her surprise encounter, she starts to unearth secrets that change the world around her yet we as readers are taken on this journey with her, as Wade allows us to see the change Camille encounters.

Not only that, but through Rachael’s writing we get sprinkles of romance, suspece, humour (in the form of Joel who I loved) as well as some sadness which doesn’t overshadow the novel but brings more realism to the book. I definitely found myself smiling and feeling a wrench in my heart as I read this and I loved that it brought emotions like that out in me (:

The authors writing technique was an additional bonus to the delightful story as I found myself becoming lost in the world Wade had created and her writing had an exquisite flow to it which allowed me to read uninterrupted. The characters too were built up with enough substance and mystery which allowed readers to get closer and familiarise themselves with a number of characters in the book.

Overall:

What can I say, I loved reading this refreshing tale and I can’t wait for what Rachael has next in this series! Add in the fact that Rachael herself is an awesome and immensely kind person, well I can’t wait to read ANY story she brings out and is definitely someone I’ll be pining to read books on, so thanks again Rachael for being an awesome author and person ;)

As a treat for those who wish to read this awesome book, I haaaveeee for youuu a giveaway of the e-book mentioned above, so 5 lucky winners can win a copy of “Amaranth” as well as wait for it.. an author interview from Rachael herself who was really kindly offered her time to answer questions about her book and herself! :D *make some noise*

So keep your eyes opened as I’m about to post the giveaway very very very soon and will be adding the interview as soon as I send off some questions for Rachael! In the meantime, be sure to hit her up and don’t be afraid to chat with her on the following links:

Twitter @RachaelWade

Facebook Fan Page

GoodReads Author Page

YouTube Video Page

In My Mailbox #5

2011-09-04T23:12:00.004+01:00

So, Sunday, it's that time agaainnnnn, yes yes yes, it's time for *rolls corny music* IN MY MAIL BOX! :)

Here's how my week was, and I'm pretty pleased with the awesome awesome books I got.

So, this weeeek, I got a mixture of books from giveaways (from the totally INSANE amount of giveaways I won - check this post to see what I'm rambling on about) and then I got 1 for review and a gift as well! :D So I'm really pleased considering I wasn't actually expecting anything to come through this week, but come they did and instead of going on about it in my odd-ball manner, I'll let you have a gander through the pictures (I love taking pictures of the books) and be sure to click the links on the titles to see the GoodReads synopsis! :)

First off, I won a signed giveaway for a copy of "In Leah'sWake" over at the kick ass Reading a Little Bit of Everything and the author, Terri (who is SUPER sweet, be sure to follow her on twitter - here) sent me the boook alongside a signed card and I adore getting little notes and card with packages, the personal touches always make me smile and whenever possible, I always send out little notes with packages I send :) Anyway, I got the copy early this week and the cover is booot-eee-fullll so be sure to check out her book and await a review on the blog soon for this amazing book! :D

Following that, I also won the GoodReads giveaway for Kerris Stainton's new book "Jessie Hearts NYC" which I have already read and review will be posted soooon, I did love the cover to it too, and it's a very chick-flick type of book for those that are interested.

Next on my fabulous list of books was this awesome book I've been pining after but just didn't get out and buy 'cause I'm a lazy asss, but I managed to get my hands on a gorgeous hardback copy of "Blood Red Road" - Moira Young thanks to Joyus Reads spontaneous giveaway! She seriously just hosted a random giveaway to the first person who requested whatever book was on her list and I managed to win a copy! It looks so awesome in real, I'm a real sucker for hardbacks so thanks to her for sending this my way!

Then, thanks to the kick ass Amy - (be sure to check out her blog!) I was sent a copy of "The Goddess Test" as my first RAK & I can't wait to get my teeth into this, I've heard such awesome things about it! So thanks to Amy for sending this my way! :D The cover looks amazing too, there's always something about forrests and greenery that I find compelling.. Anyway. moving right alonnggg.

Over on facebook, there was a giveaway running, and though I can't properly remember the name of it, I thinkkk it was something like "What Shall I Read This Month" contest (anyone who knows what it was feel free to correct me!) and I voted for these two books and they randomly sent me these two books as a thank you (I think) for voting. Well, whatever the reason they were popped into my post and I can't wait to read them both, especially "The Obscure Logic of the Heart" which I may warn YA readers, isn't a YA book per-se, more a historical based fiction but great nonetheless. Also, "The Disappearing Spoon" which I believe (since I've not yet read it) is a compilation of stories of love, passion and adventure. More on that once I've read.

& finally, Waterstones sent me a review copy of "Ruby Redfort - Look Into My Eyes" by Lauren Child. Trust me when I say this, that the cover is so awesome yet odd. Like when I opened the package and took the book out, I had no idea which way was the right way up. Why?

This is why. This is the cover to the book. Haha I know, pretty weird right? I think it's quirky and I'm a fan of different types of covers as much as I love the conventional ones. So a thumbs up already for this, hopefully I'll love the book too once I've read it.

Anddd that my friends, is a wrap! That was all I got in my IMM this week, which I'm overjoyed with, so I better get reading reading reading!

Oh also! - Be sure to leave a link at the bottom in my comments to your IMM so I can prowl around and admire what chyuuu guys got ;)

August RAK & Wrap Up!

2011-09-03T01:02:00.005+01:00

I know, I know, I'm late right? It's already a few days into September but I was just waiting on a few things to come through so I could wrap the last month up neatly! :D So, here's what happened in my first full month of blogging!

First things first, I signed up for the totally awesome meme hosted by the awesome girls at Book Soulmates - known as RAK (which stands for Random Acts of Kindness) where out of the greatness of your heart you send a fellow friend or blogger a book they might have been pining and itching after just 'cause you wana make them smile! (Well that's the main reason, the other being you just wana know their address.. not that I did that... awkward?) haha I'm kidding!

Anyway, I signed up for my first month of RAK and here's the bundles of joy I either sent out or received! :D

Sent:

"Amy Rogers Epic Detour" - Morgan Matson | Haley
"Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings" - Helene Bourdeau | Haley
"Fairy Bad Day" - Amanda Ashby | Amy

I hope you enjoy them girls! Thanks for being such awesome people too, which is what prompted me to send something back to both you girls for being amazing! :)

Received:

"The Goddess Test" - Aimee Carter | Amy

Thank you to the kick ass Amy - be sure to check out her blog! I can't wait to get my teeth into this, I've heard such awesome things about it! So thanks to Amy for sending this my way! :D

So that was my first month of RAK! I seriously, truly, honestly, enjoyed doing this and I'm definitely signing up for my 2nd month! So be sure to leave your wishlists behind and I'll see what I can do to work my magic ;)

Now on to the next amazing amazing bit..
Being a new blogger and all, I entered a few giveaways as well as hosting a few of my own which have now closed! But fear not, there shall be many more to come in the upcoming few weeks :) Anyway, I managed to somehow, miraculously, actually win not just 1, not 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, 6 (you're probably getting tired here so let me just get to it) I actually won ELEVEN GIVEAWAYS! How insane is that?!
*make some noise, raise the roof, ect ect*

So, here are some of the kick ass things I've won, some have already come my way, but few are still pending :)

Over at GoodReads, I won a copy of "Jessie Hearts NYC" - Keri Stainton; for which a review shall be posted soooon!

I won "No Use Crying" - Zannah Kearns over at Mostly Reading YA!

A signed copy of this awesome book "In Leah's Wake" - Terry Long from Reading A Little Bit of Everything
(Also, Terry is SUPER sweet, be sure to follow her on twitter - here)

A gorgeous hardback copy of "Blood Red Road" - Moira Young thanks to Joyus Reads spontaneous giveaway!

An e-book copy of "Amaranth" - Rachael Wade; thanks to A Diary of a Book Addict. I'm actually going to be posting a review to this very soon and will have an author interview up along with a giveaway up for grabs so look sharp! (Rachel's also awesome, follow her on twitter - here)

This gorgeous swag pack from the girls over at Book Passion For Life!

& today, I just won the complete Vampire Academy series in e-book format thanks to Forbidden Passions Review - so so so so stoked to get back into this! I LOVE this series and I love re-reading and falling for Dimitri again (team Dimitri!)

And finalllyyy, from a "What am I Reading This Month" competition I managed to win the following two books:

The Obscure Logic of the Heart - Priya Basil

The Disappearing Spoon - Sam Kean

Other SWAG:

Also, I won an assortment of signed bookmarks and swag from Abigail Ann Writing.

As well as an assortment of other swag from Cross Roads Review.

PHEW. & that's it! I know.. insane right?!
Anyway, that's a wrap, and that's the bombshell that was my August!
Roll on September! ;)

Sneak Peak From VMA's For The Hunger Games!

2011-08-29T16:39:00.002+01:00

Hey hey guys (:

So last night, I stayed up to watch the VMA'a live stream around 1am till about 5am I think it was? Anyway, like my bio says, I'm a huge fan (fan being the alternate for obsessed) of Bruno Mars <3 and I stayed up this morning to watch him perform and he was nominated for 3 awards.. more on that lattterrr as I know that's not the reason why you're reading this haha.

Anyway, last night they also premièred a sneak peak into the hugely anticipated The Hunger Game movies which I was totally stoked to see! So, since all the YouTube video's have been swiped out (thanks a lot YouTube) here's the link where you can catch (if you missed it last night) the quick but exciting glimpse of a scene from the movie! :D

(Also, here's a still from the movie of Peeta, who I have a huge crush on and I couldn't be more glad that Josh is playing him; he totally rocks the role!)

Clickity click here to watch it! While I was SO excited to finally see a glimpse of something from the movie, I have to be honest, I was slightly disappointed, simply 'cause I was expecting a little bit more, something other than a forrest scene from within the stadium which we've already seen through pictures. However, the ending to the scene where Katniss runs over the log and pulls out her bow was awesome, and I LOVED the fast paced music and event there.. so I'm hoping there's much much much more of that in the movie!

So if you've watched the link, what did you guys think? :) Excited? Disappointed? Thrilled? Hungry? Hahah leave a comment below if you wish, letting me know what you thought; and stay awesome ;)

Undead - Kirsty McKay

2011-08-28T15:44:00.001+01:00

Book details:

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Chicken House; 1 edition (1 Sep 2011)

Language English

ISBN-10: 1906427879

ISBN-13: 978-1906427870

Summary:

It was just another school trip... When their ski-coach pulls up at a cafe, and everyone else gets off, new girl Bobby and rebel Smitty stay behind. They hardly know each other but that changes when through the falling snow, the see the others coming back. Something has happened to them. Something bad...Soon only a pair of double doors stand between those on the bus and their ex-friends the Undead outside. Time to get a life.

Links to buy:

Buy it on Amazon.

Buy it at Waterstones.

Rating:

My review:

Thanks to the kick ass people at Chicken House publishing for this amazing book they sent my way. First off, I instantly fell in love with the cover, it’s a mixture of gorgeous, bright, vivid red and white and there were indentations on the cover. The pages, when you turn the book, are also red (: That had me smiling, but more about the book! This YA dark humorous zombie novel had me chomping (pun intended) my through and loving it. Amongst witty one-liners and gory scenes, I fell in love with the book.

Analysis of plot:

The book starts off with a situation. A school bus packed with kids, get off at a cafe, teachers included, while our main characters – sarcastic and new comer at school Bobby stays behind on the bus as does the prankster and cool kid Smitty. While hiding away in the sanctuary of the school bus, the two shy away from each other (as kids do when thrown together in awkward situations) until super-it-girl and Candy Couture Loving girl Alice comes storming back from the cafe claiming everyone was dead. And worse than that, she had left her beloved handbag inside (cue broken hearts).

From there on, I knew things were only going to get funnier, and they did indeed to my pleasure! We find the odd mixture of sarcasm, girly hype, and wit blending together to bring forth many smiles from my lips, at the antics from these odd but great array of characters. McKay’s book isn’t geared for pee-your-pants at night time (I hope) but more a light-hearted Zombie comedy which has been missing in the YA market and her fluid writing, coupled with great attention to detail and construction of totally likeable characters with flaws and redeeming features, makes this a great read that will be sure to make you laugh out loud. It’s such a refreshing book in the face of countless others about werewolves, forbidden love, vampires, and such and such and as much as I love those types of books, I was glad to chomp my way through something a little different (:

Analysis of characters:

I loved the mixture of characters McKay created here, how could you not? While they weren’t geared to evoke sympathy, it was more on empathy as you could recognise and familiarise yourselves with Bobby, Smitty, Alive and Peter. Sarcastic, witty and brave Bobby – we all have that friend who’s a wise mouth but with the brains. Blonde, accident prone and superficial (although not in a bad way) Alice, - again, hands up, who knows a ditzy friend? Throw in the hero, one who’s always willing to step up or do stupid things; here we have Smitty and finally, there’s always, ALWAYS going to be a Peter in our lives; nerdy, has-to-be-right, Peter, who you’ll want to take turns strangling between him and Alice. Throw these four totally different personalities together in the shark tank, (like at high school) and you have bait for mayhem ensuing amongst hilarity – which McKay generously delivers with her one-liners and sticky situations. Also, can’t forget, and won’t forget, the giant wearing a carrot costume ;) you have to read it to know!

Overall:

Without giving away too much of what happens within the book, I can say for sure that this Zombie-related novel is definitely something you should pick up to ensure a great laugh at the expense of these loveable kids that McKay has brought together. So go on, get your teeth into it ;)

In My Mailbox #4

2011-08-28T15:04:00.001+01:00

Woo hoo! Over here! *waves* attention caught? YES! - Welcome to another week of IMM! This awesome awesome feature was started by the kick ass Kristi over at The Story Siren; and IMM is where you post weekly, monthly, (daily even?) for whatever great books you've brought, been sent as gifts, or won or borrowed from the library and showcase what noteworthy books you're gona dive into :) Oh also! - Be sure to leave a link at the bottom in my comments to your IMM so I can prowl around and admire what chyuuu guys got ;)

So. I know, I know, it's been a while since my last update, for which I am awesomely sorry! But with fasting and praying this month, I've been a little short on time (and energy) but Ramadan is almost over coming this Tuesday or Wednesday and I hope any followers out there who've been fasting this month had a blessed time! Now that it's almost over, I'll be back to updating weekly, and daily, and I have some amazing giveaways planned, loads of author interviews and reviews to come! So stick with me! :D

Anyway, I've actually missed 2 weeks worth of In My Mailbox, buttt fear not! I shall make up with that. Today I'm going to post my netgalley grabs (which I'm super excited about) and tomorrow or the day after, as I'm still awaiting some great parcels, I shall post another IMM with review copies and gifts I've gotten :) So, here we go, without further rambling on my behalf, here's this weeks IMM! :)

Click title to see summary | Provided by Goodreads:

The Demon Lover - Juliet Dark

Black, White, Other - Joan Lester

Deviant - Adrian McKinty

Guantanamo Boy - Anna Perera

In Trouble - Ellen Levine

Misfit - Jon Skovron

Brooklyn Burning - Steve Brezenoff

The Iron Knight - Julie Kagawa

The Juliet Spell - Douglas Rees

Tris & Izzie - Mette Harrison

So, these are the amazing books I've gotten for review (thanks to NetGalley and their awesome-ness), I'm gona start reading and posting reviews to them all soon! Don't they look drool worthy? *le sigh*

Awesome Giveaway

2011-08-22T21:35:00.000+01:00

Check out the amazing Missy's giveaway at her blog here, and be sure to enter to be in with a chance of winning some of the following awesome prize packs!

Prize Packs

There are going to be FIVE themed prize packs that you can choose from. It's up to you how many you'd like to enter to win, so enter just one... or a few... or all of them! Each one has a specific theme and all the books in the prizes will come brand-spanking-new from Book Depository, which makes each and every one eligible to be INTERNATIONAL.

Prize Pack #1: The Beach Bum Prize Pack All books in this category are beach-related in some way, shape or form. If you win this prize pack, you will get your choice of three books.

Prize Pack #2: Bitten & Smitten Prize Pack These books are all about vampires. Again, I'll list some of my favorites and you will get your choice of three books.

Prize Pack #3: Boys, Boys, Boys Prize Pack Some of my favorite books, all written by male authors. Pick three.

Prize Pack #4: Everything In-Between Prize Pack The books listed here are some of my absolute favorites of the year. If selected, you will choose three.

Prize Pack #5: Surprise Prize Pack This prize is pretty much all about the winner, but with a twist. On the entry form, there will be a place where you will write down your top six books on your wishlist. If you're selected as the winner of this prize pack, I will choose three of those six books to order and send to you.

Bonus Prize Pack: Ultimate Follower Prize Pack Okay, I lied... there's one more prize pack. This one is made specifically for you to show my gratitude. In this prize pack, you will get the following: · Your choice of three books. · Two random ARCs that I have lying around. · A whole bunch of swag - bookmarks, bookplates, charms, stickers, notepads, etc. These will be shipped in two packages. Your choices will be mailed from Book Depository, and the ARCs and swag will be mailed from my place. The ARCs are a total surprise but I will say that they will be recent releases. I will be shipping these in a medium package, and will use the swag to fill the box the rest of the way. The last time I did this, someone got over 50 pieces of swag. So there you have it, SIX PRIZE PACKS! All for you guys because I appreciate all that you do.

So don't forget to check out Missy's giveaway at her blog here, and be sure to enter to be in with a chance of winning some of the following awesome prize packs!

Just a little update!

2011-08-18T14:31:00.000+01:00

Ahh guys, I have some awesome (albeit un-book related) news. So today was the AS and A2 results day.. and for me I was awaiting the grades that would get me into my first choice Uni, LSE to study Criminology and Social Policy. The offer being I get A, B, B at a-levels. And. Today. Was. The. Day.

Andddddddd.. after many sleepless and anxious nights, and more waiting and even more waiting, I am proud to say that I GOT INN! *does dance* ahhh I managed to secure more than what they asked, with an awesome (if I must say so myself) not just A, B, B they wanted buttt, A*, A, B, B, B, B. (Yes.. I took on 6 a-levels.. I'm crazy like that) and against all odds, as I didn't expect it, I got an A in English Literature!

Totally blew me away that did, as I wasn't expecting to get an A! But that's my news guys, I hope anyone reading this and also got AS or A2 results did as great as they hoped! :)

Hope everyone's chilling and staying awesome ;)

Bedbugs - Ben Winters

2011-08-17T23:39:00.001+01:00

Book details:

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Quirk Books (September 6, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1594745234

ISBN-13: 978-1594745232

Summary:

FOR RENT: Top two floors of beautifully renovated brownstone, 1300 sq. ft., 2BR 2BA, eat-in kitchen, one block to parks and playgrounds. No broker’s fee.

Susan and Alex Wendt have found their dream apartment.Sure, the landlady is a little eccentric. And the elderly handyman drops some cryptic remarks about the basement. But the rent is so low, it’s too good to pass up.Big mistake. Susan soon discovers that her new home is crawling with bedbugs . . . or is it? She awakens every morning with fresh bites, but neither Alex nor their daughter Emma has a single welt. An exterminator searches the property and turns up nothing. The landlady insists her building is clean. Susan fears she’s going mad—until a more sinister explanation presents itself: she may literally be confronting the bedbug problem from Hell.

Links to buy:

Buy it on Amazon

Buy it at Waterstones

Rating:

My review:

Thanks to Quirk books firstly for sending me the ARC of this book (: another awesome read, this time, I couldn’t help shivering at the creepiness this book emanated. So a word of warning should you read this book – Do. Not. Read. It. At. Night. No seriously, the saying “sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite?” – too true in this case.

Analysis of plot:

We start the story off with our main character Susan and Alex who move for various reasons and come upon a cheap apartment for rent, and they snap it up as Susan finds a bonus room to be perfect for her to start painting again. She feels like this is the room, and the house she wants. So after moving in, things start off at a dreary pace for the couple and child as they settle in, happy, meeting their eccentric landlord, and enjoying the new life they’ve built. As far as horror stories, this is pretty cliché right? Happy days, until terror strikes and while this book is no different in that style, it’s different in a refreshing way.

We find the pace picks up as the author Ben Winters introduces the idea that a series of bedbugs have been infesting in many houses in the area. That’s where, it seems the problems all start. One morning, our main character wakes up to find a small dot of blood on her pillowcase, and slowly comes to the conclusion that perhaps their apartment has come under attack from bedbugs.

After a series of events, Ben Winters turns the heat up as creepy events plague the house, one including Susan’s new painting of a couple, and one morning, being found with a series of bug bites all over the paintings face and Susan has no recollection of doing it herself. I can honestly say, Ben Winters has a talent for creepy-ing out events as the description of what happened to the painting has my skin crawling and thinking about it now, it’s doing the same. Such was Winter’s fluid writing throughout, as he set the pace and slowly, so slowly that you didn’t even realise it, he started to creep you out and plant seeds of doubt within your mind – which had me feeling like I had an itch somewhere on my arms. I loved his writing style as it was simple yet it got to you, and made you feel irked out. If you thought that a horror novel including the main villain being bedbugs couldn’t creep you out – you will be proved wrong after reading this.

The book ended .. well I won’t let you in on that secret, let’s just say along with a knack for scaring his readers, Ben Winters also had more than a few secrets up his sleeve which were revealed in the ending to this creeptastic book.

Analysis of characters:

While there weren’t many characters in the story, I found myself taking a liking to the laughable old Louis, the repairman for the apartment that our main characters lived in. An ageing man who smiled, who looked in on the landlady as she was old and fraying, yet with a talent to fix anything with determination. You can’t help but like his eagerness to fix whatever was bothering the tenants and this made me smile as in the end who tried to fix the biggest problem. Shan’t so no more without giving it all away, yet the other characters, such as Susan, her husband Alex and her daughter Emma were well rounded characters who you could easily connect to.

Overall:

I still stand by the fact that this was a creeptacular book. Do not sit in bed at night reading it or else you will find yourself at the mercy of paranoia. I don’t usually, if ever, get scared by a book, the sole exception being The Exorcists which had me reaching for my blankey. Yet this book will make your mind churn with the horrors within and definitely a book not to be taken lightly. Sleep tight people, and don’t let the beg bugs bite.

Waiting on Wednesday #3

2011-08-17T22:14:00.001+01:00

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by the awesome people over at Breaking The Spine, be sure to check them out here. It's all about posting what books you can't wait to be released! :)

So this week, I'm excited about the upcoming sequel to "Firelight" by Sophie Jordan (click to check my review of it) and the sequel being "Vanish". I know many people have already gotten an ARC of the book but I can't wait to read it when it releases! Here's what the synopsis says :) (Plus it helps that there's another gorgeous cover to it.)

Book description - Provided by Goodreads.

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

Expected publication: September 6th 2011 by HarperTeen

So I'm excited for this! (: I loved the first book, so can't wait to get into this. I know people have read

and reviewed it but I won't be checking those in case of spoilers.

What are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Post links below and I'll check it out!

Ash - The Iron Fey Series

2011-08-17T02:11:00.000+01:00

I know most of you have probably heard about/read the amazing Iron Fey Series (which I'm just getting into, I know, I know, I suck) but I was just looking at the beautiful cover to The Iron Knight (due to release soooon!) and the cover for the character Ash. Ash.. Ash..*dreams..*

Okay snapping out of it, sorry, haha but the cover shows the character Ash. & I was just thinking that in my mind, the PERFECT Ash would be played by the character Kevin Mchale - much better known as Artie from Glee. I used to be a huuge fan (and still am) of a band called NLT which was formed before Glee came along, in which Kevin McHale was one of the leader singers. & below, is how he used to look back then. Now.. look at the covert art, and look at his pictures. Tell me you can't see him being the perfect Ash?!

Maybe the main clincher is those AMAZING vivid, and what can only be called "electric" blue eyes. *dreamy sigh* gosh he's beautiful right? (each to their own) haha I've seen the behind the scene shots of when they did the photo shoot for the cover art and the guy they chose to shoot as Ash was pretty.. and did a great job, but I still argue that Kevin Mchale would be the perfect person to cover Ash.

I may be biased though * shameless grin*

What dyu guys reckon? :)

In My Mailbox #3

2011-08-16T22:29:00.002+01:00

So I told myself that I wouldn't buy any more books for the time being.. I'm sure we've all been there, done that, and failed right? *show hands* haha I couldn't help it.. there I was, out today and ended up buying myself these on top.. oh well. Guilty but happy :)

So the first book I got was from my local charity store, Oxfam, and it was this used but in great condition book, "Uglies" by Scott Westerfield. I've heard this floating around and it's mean't to be good so I finally bagged myself a copy for £2 and all for a good cause :) It's a novel, I think dystopian? *thinks* but basically about a girl who lives in a world where once you reach 16, you are surgically made to look beautiful. Something, it seems, every girl wants but this is out of reach for the main character as.. let's not give it all away haha I'll leave it for you and I to find out, so stoked to read this! Will post a review soon when I'm done.

Next, from one of my favourite stores, The Works, where they sell amazing books for such cheap prices, I snagged myself a copy of "Falling" by Sharon Dogar which was on my wishlist and I finally brought it :) & I liked the cover to "Distant Waters" by Suzanna Weyn, so I brought that toooo, both look amazing and I can't wait to get stuck in. Distant Waters was only, *wait for it* .. 99p! Yuppp! Original price £6.99 but The Works do a smashing deal that suits me perfect ;) And "Falling" was part of a 3 for £5 deal :) Moooving on.

Also, as part of the 3 for £5 deal, I gooott, finalllyyy, a copy of "The Iron King" by Julie Kagawa. I have heard SOO many good things about this book and had a NetGalley copy but wanted the paperback and I couldn't believe it when I found it in The Works! I squealed and I'm not even sorry haha.

With it, I got "Mercy" by Rebecca Lim, which again I was so so excited about and this was only 99p.. these crushing prices, I tell you *smiles* but again, the cover to it is beautifullll and I like the idea of the heaven and angels that the book's based on, so again, look for a review for both books soon my fellow friends!

"Looking for Alaska" by John Green is another book that's been on my wishlist but just wasn't looking for fork out the £9 it was at my Waterstones store. However, fear not! Today I spotted this and got it for the 3 for £5 anddd as I couldn't resist a trip to Waterstones, I headed in and brought this 2-book-compilation of "Endless Summer" by Jeniffer Echols. The first book I think is "The Boys Next Door" and I can't remember the other one *looks shifty* haha buttt I'm looking forward to getting my teeth into this summer type read that it promises to be! I've been told Jennifer's books are goood :)

The book "Undead" by Kirsty McKay and "Numbers Infinity 3" are the two books I was sent for review from the awesome people over at Chicken House publishing and I'm most of my way in through "Undead" and it's pretty good. I haven't yet gotten to reading "Infinity" yet 'cause it's the 3rd in the series and I haven't read the other two yet.

Quirk books sent me this ARC beautiful copy of "Bedbugs" by Ben Winters, as well for review and I'm loving it so far! It's quite a creepy story, I think it was aimed above YA but it's great, I'll be posting a review as soon as I finish that. Following which, this morning I got the ARC of "Betrayal" by Jerry Jenkins which is a murder mystery I gauge from the blurb. Soooo, that was it for my week! I know, quite a pile there, 4 for review and I brought 7 of my own. Very very pleased with this weeks haul and I know I'm going to be struggling to get a few reviews done since I'm itching to read my purchases over my review and ARC *sigh* decisions decisions.

Anywayyy, so what did you guys get this week!? Leave a comment, your link, and I'd love to have a look, and whatever you do, stay awesome ;)

Dreadfully Ever After - Steve Hockensmith

2011-08-13T00:37:00.001+01:00

Book details:

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Quirk Books (1 April 2011)

Language English

ISBN-10: 1594745021

ISBN-13: 978-1594745027

Summary:

The story opens with newly married protagonists, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, defending their village from an army of flesh-eating unmentionables. But the honeymoon has barely begun when poor Mr. Darcy is nipped by a raging dreadful. Elizabeth knows the only acceptable course of action is to promptly behead her husband (and then burn the corpse, just to be safe). But when she hears rumours of a miracle antidote being developed in London, she realizes there may be one last chance to save her true love - and for everyone to live happily ever after.

Links to buy:

Buy on Amazon.

Buy it at Waterstones.

Rating:

My review:

Thanks to Quirk books again for sending me this amongst other books! *smiles* .As I came to realise, Quirk books have a knack for taking traditional classics and adding a humorous twist to the tale to spice things up – and this book is no different. Taking the classic story of Elizabeth and Darcy and their married life, Steve Hockensmith creates a tale that involves zombies, love, bravery and hope. Be sure to take a healthy bite out of this book ;)

Analysis of plot & characters:

The book is the third in the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies instalment and despite not having read the other 2 previous books, the background of what happens in them is filled in sensibly in this without rattling readers who’ve read the old ones, yet still providing enough to inform new readers. For which I give a thumbs up. Given the context of the book, you’d think that it was only for lovers of Pride and Prejudice, yet despite the fact that I’m not a total fanatic of the classics, it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I smiled while reading the at time humorous rendition of the two lovers as they fight with the peril of the undead.

The character of Elizabeth is still traditionally the same and despite the twist on the novel, that doesn’t prevent her from being constrained by society’s requirements – which shows that Hockensmith has kept the essentials regarding her character which adds to the novel.

Yet her character isn’t weighed down by chores or boredom as after a light stroll in the park, during which her husband Darcy is bitten on by a random and undead child (which should always be feared!). Readers may come to expect the worse as after this they see Elizabeth constrained to widowhood, a stigma of being a lonely women, yet her character strength inspired me as she rises to the occasion in order to save her husband and not letting death take him.

Despite that, my only criticism that I have to voice is how quickly the end was tied up. I’m not a fan of quick ends, and much rather have a cliff hanger that keeps me thinking “what happens next” and dying of curiosity even if there’s no next book, and not a fan of things being rushed. Sadly to say, it felt like Hockensmith, having finished writing the essentials to the book decided to quickly finish it off.

Overall:

While it was still a tidy and neat ending, I’m never satisfied when I feel it’s just rushed to finish the book. However, even then, the logic hung together to the end and, bizarre as this episode of the life story was, I was glad to have read it (:

Judgement Cove - Chris Godsoe

2011-08-12T22:34:00.001+01:00

Summary:

Steve has heard it all before....

The same empty threats follow every one of his minor run-ins with the law, and every time his parents ultimately decide to give him another chance. But his parents have finally reached their breaking point, and finally make good on their threats to send him to a summer camp for troubled youths. The facility they have chosen for him bears the name of Judgment Cove. There are immediate signs that something is deeply wrong with this place, the counsellors aren't who they seem. Steve has exhausted his options, making Judgment Cove his home for the summer......or longer. He soon realizes that this will be a summer like no other, as he will either become a man.......or remain a child forever.

Rating:

Links:

Find author on Facebook.

Find author on Goodreads

My review:

Thanks firstly to Chris (who awesomely and kindly provided me a PDF copy of his work) and I have to admit I was intrigued greatly about the story after reading the synopsis to the story. Troubled young teenager, camp, a twist – what could be more interesting? I was not to be disappointed, and once I started reading it, I was engaged in the story.

Analysis of plot:

We follow the story of a troubled young teen, Steve, who after many misbehaviours, is sent by his parents to a juvenile centre, called “Judgement Cove.” Upon arriving there, he realises that the place isn’t as it seems and before his very eyes, the centre transforms into something that he hadn’t expected. Steve is trapped – perhaps forever and this means you needs to rebel and find a way out.

At this point, the author, Godsoe uses cryptic and mysterious events which unfold before the readers eyes to show us the way in which Steve can beat the trap he is ensnared it and we as the readers want Steve to triumph. I smiled when I finished this short story, only wishing it was a little bit longer in order to prolong the events and add more spice to it. The build up at the beginning in which the first twist develops, could have been stretched a little more to bring a higher element of tension and mystery, and the same can be said with the ending – simply so that I could read more of it. However, apart from that, I had no complaints with the story.

Analysis of characters:

While the character of Steve starts off as a rebel without anyone to turn to, we find that we can come to like and value his integrity and honour. Without spoiling it for you, I admired how Steve quelled thoughts of attacking his enemy while his back was turned, and even more so in how he took his fate into his own hands in order to do the right thing for himself. Similarly, the addition of his brother’s words in his mind added to the feel of Steve changing, into a better person, before our eyes.

Overall:

While it was a short story, I greatly liked reading it; it had mystery, it had bravery, and an ending twist worthy of any thriller. I just wish it was longer *sigh* but who am I to complain, it kept me occupied and happy. *thumbs up*

Starcrossed - Josephine Angelini

2011-08-11T22:38:00.002+01:00

Book details:

Paperback: 528 pages

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books (3 Jun 2011)

Language English

ISBN-10: 0330529730

ISBN-13: 978-0330529730

Summary:

When shy, awkward Helen Hamilton sees Lucas Delos for the first time she thinks two things: the first, that he is the most ridiculously beautiful boy she has seen in her life; the second, that she wants to kill him with her bare hands.

With an ancient curse making them loathe one another, Lucas and Helen have to keep their distance. But sometimes love is stronger than hate, and not even the gods themselves can prevent what will happen . . .

Links to buy:

Buy it on Amazon

Buy it on Waterstones

Rating:

Favourite quote – “Helen sniffed and stared at him with a tiny smile. He was so sensitive, so quick to pick up on every detail; she couldn’t stop herself from adoring him. There were an infinite number of ways for her to admire this one person, and, because of that, there were an infinite number of ways for her to fall in love with him over and over again. She realised that she wasn’t going to have to give up Lucas just this once and be done with it; she was going to have to give up all the different ways she could have learned to love him every day from that day forward.”

My review:

After finally giving in to the amazing reviews I’ve read about this book, I decided that it was time to take action. Thanks to Rebecca from [insert blog here] I won a competition and was able to choose a book of my chose and I chose Starcrossed. I wondered whether this was the right choice or not, but I shouldn’t have worried about it. It. Was. Perfect.

Analysis of plot:

A refreshing idea amongst the usual YA novels regarding vampires, wolves, or ghosts, this was based on the mythical story of the Gods, and Greek legends. I liked the idea of something different and once I started reading it, while there was some confusion as there were so many Greek characters to remember, I eventually got the drift of it and the inclusion of many characters only enhanced Angelini’s talent in providing in depth detail about the baseline she had constructed her novel on – something I loved about her book.

Also, I found that once I started the book and was few chapters in and Helen, the main character, found out about who she really was, I was slightly put off by how normal and un-phased she was about it all. Granted that she always knew she was different, yet the way that she didn’t question anything, did make me feel a little upset that there wasn’t more to her self discovery. Yet Angelini more than made up for that and when I finished the book all was forgotten!

Angelini wove a beautiful story together, and the connection between Lucas, Helen’s love interest and herself reminded me unashamedly of Twilight – and I say this all in a good way. I loved Twilight, and I loved seeing the same intensity of emotions, protectiveness and Helen’s strong-headedness in Starcrossed. Lucas and Helen’s progression in the book was beautiful and not rushed like some novels are, instead you can see the feelings and emotions of care develop between them. I liked that about the story, and I’m always a sucker for lost causes.

Similarly, I admired the way that the family that Lucas belonged too was constructed, full of different individual characters, each with a talent and they were joined by the bonds of blood which was all carried out in a non-cheesy way. It was admirable and they weren’t all always getting along (especially Hector and Lucas) but that added to the realistic bonds that a family usually maintains.

Angelini used the right amount of romance, action, thriller, and mystery in this novel which flowed beautifully with the novel and urged you to read on – I couldn’t put the book down and again consumed it within hours of starting it.

Analysis of characters:

I loved all the characters in the novel, from Helen’s Dad right down to the evil Creon as they were all constructed with attributes of their own which set them apart, even if most of them were bonded through Greek mythology.

My favourite, (which I know many will agree with) was the character of Lucas. My oh my, he was amazing! While I loved that Helen could hold her own as wasn’t a leaning-type of character who relied on Lucas for everything, I loved Lucas more, simply ‘cause he was the type of guy every girl probably wants and I’m a huge sucker for cliché guys in my books.

Overall:

I totally fell for this book, hook line and sinker. It was a great read and I was smiling along while reading it and laughing out loud at parts and even chewing my finger with tensions. This book had everything I look for in a YA novel and it was definitely a book I’d recommend and I’m pining away for the next book in the series, so glad that it isn’t over ;)

1000 Follower Giveaway!

2011-08-10T19:43:00.000+01:00

You won't believe it, but this amazing blog [which you can check out here is giving away a load of prize packs full of books and even a SWAG pack - with up to 5 winners! How amazing is that?! Yes, nod your heads and push your jaws back up and head over to the awesome blog now, and enter to be in with a chance of winning! :)

Here's a preview of some of the prizes you could win! :)

How AWESOME IS THAT?!

Yup, again, close your mouths people and head over here to enter!

Good luck :)

Waiting on Wednesday #2

2011-08-10T19:18:00.000+01:00

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by the awesome people over at Breaking The Spine, be sure to check them out here. It's all about posting what books you can't wait to be released! :)

This week, although I know it's already been released, there's this book that I can't wait to get my hands on! :)

Book Description - Provided by Amazon.

Ricky Fallon had decided against killing himself — just before slipping off a bridge to his death. Now he's a Cupid in the afterlife, helping people fall in love. The job would be cool if it weren't for the dorky pink bodysuits, his jerky boss, and attacks from joy-sucking shadowy entities called Suicides.

When Fallon discovers a dangerous new breed of Suicide, a terrific battle erupts. To save the girl he's falling for — oh, and prevent total world domination — Fallon uses a secret weapon to kick some serious Suicide butt.

I'm pretty excited to read this! Sounds like a good fun-filled book with pulls of romance ;)

So what book can't you wait for this week?

The Meowmorphosis - Coleridge Cook & Frank Kafka

2011-08-10T02:45:00.001+01:00

Book details:

Paperback: 208 pages

Publisher: Quirk Books (10 May 2011)

Language English

ISBN-10: 159474503X

ISBN-13: 978-1594745034

Summary:

'One morning, as Gregor Samsa was waking up from anxious dreams, he discovered that he had been changed into an adorable kitten.' Thus begins The Meowmorphosis--a bold, startling, and fuzzy-wuzzy new edition of Kafka's classic nightmare tale, from the publishers of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies! Meet Gregor Samsa, a humble young man who works as a fabric salesman to support his parents and sister. His life goes strangely awry when he wakes up late for work and discovers that, inexplicably, he is now a man-sized baby kitten. His family freaks out: Yes, their son is OMG so cute, but what good is cute when there are bills to pay? And how can Gregor be so selfish as to devote all his attention to a scrap of ribbon? As his new feline identity threatens to eat away at his personality, Gregor desperately tries to survive this bizarre, bewhiskered ordeal by accomplishing the one thing he never could as a man: He must flee his parents' house.’

Links to buy:

Buy it on Amazon

Buy it at Waterstones

Rating:

My review:

This was such an odd book when I read the blurb to it after Quirk books sent it to me for review (thanks guys!) The cover intrigued me though and the idea was one that I had never read before so I was curious when I dived into reading it. It was oddly compelling and rather weird at the same time, no doubt thanks to the curious tale of our main character Gregor who turns into a cat. Yes, a cat. Purrr-fect right?

The book is written by two authors yet their writing fits in well with the other and there is a generally good flow to the novel that allows you to read in ease. It’s told in the perspective of Gregor (well really from the point of view of a cat) after he finds himself waking up in bed as a cat. While some may wonder why Gregor seemed so calm after he realised he was a cat, I found it to be quite refreshing not to plunge into a panic driven narrative and enjoyed as Gregor explored what being a cat was and even more so as even as an animal he still continued to worry about his work and how he was going to cope. Gregor’s family seem to accept his transformation but their main concern seeming to be the loss of his earning potential because his job as a fabric salesman had enabled him to support his parents and sister.

Despite all the cat-like interjections dispersed in the book (ear scratching, licking themselves, purring away, all that stuff that cats do on their day to day basis) there were run ins with other characters-turned-cats such as Josef and Franz which made me smile, knowing he wasn’t alone.

A little research told me that this was a re-make of an older book and they’ve given it a fresh new lease of life (which Quirk books has been awesome in doing with many other books) yet this version is geared more towards a younger age group, and teens I’d assume thanks to the tongue-in-cheek humour where a man suffers a mid life (well cat-life) crisis and his eventful run in with the Cat Academy (yes, the Academy of Cats).

A pitfall of this refreshing novel however were a few sections in the book where the author spends a while rambling on about cat-related philosophy yet despite this, the rest of the novel will have you smiling. Praise for Cook's ability to get into the minds of an adorable kitty in such an amusing manner and relay to us normal 2 legged people in such a new and revitalising way.

The writing can’t be faulted and it was entertaining to see the city life through the eyes of Gregor’s cat like form, yet despite how good the novel was, I’m giving it 2* rating simply because it’s not something I’d read again. Despite it being different and enjoyable on some level, it’s not the usual book I’d pick up, and therefore not something I’d recommend to others knowing their preferences in YA novels. However, for those who are looking for a twist in a traditional story be sure to give this a lick.

Rebel Angel Series Giveaway - Winner!

2011-08-10T01:11:00.001+01:00

Hey guys, so the 3rd and final giveaway on my blog has come to a close!

The winner for the awesome Rebel Angel Series giveaway with book 1 & 2 up for grabs is..

DUN DUN DUN

...

HAANNNAAAHHH from Once Upon a Time! Congrats! :D Check your e-mails and soon you'll have the books on the way to you! :D

Thanks to everyone else for the entries, sorry that you didn't win but I will host a new giveaway sooon! :)

Hope everyone's staying cool and funky ;)

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs

2011-08-10T00:09:00.002+01:00

Book details:

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 352 pages

Publisher: Quirk Books (June 7, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1594744769

ISBN-13: 978-1594744761

Summary:

As a kid, Jacob formed a special bond with his grandfather over his bizarre tales and photos of levitating girls and invisible boys. Now at 16, he is reeling from the old man's unexpected death. Then Jacob is given a mysterious letter that propels him on a journey to the remote Welsh island where his grandfather grew up. There, he finds the children from the photographs--alive and well--despite the islanders’ assertion that all were killed decades ago. As Jacob begins to unravel more about his grandfather’s childhood, he suspects he is being trailed by a monster only he can see.

Links to buy:

Buy it on Amazon

Buy it at Waterstones.

Rating:

My review:

It had been a while since I was last excited about a book; and this definitely had snagged my attention. Maybe it was something to do with the 3 chapters they had released for early reading that had me wanting more; or perhaps the promise of a truly creepy story that involved an abandoned house, odd children (come on, don’t kids in horror movies/stories creep you out?) and the idea that this might be one amazing book. Yet despite the good promise of the storyline, after getting the book, I can’t help but be slightly disappointed at the mediocre book which failed to ignite my fire. I wish it was otherwise.

Analysis of plot:

The book told the story of a boy, his granddad and the stories he told him about peculiar children. Following which, one night, our main character, Jacob witnesses the horrific death of his Granddad in the woods behind his backyard – yet the murderer wasn’t a pack of animals as the police claimed it to be. Jacob knew he had seen a monster from his Granddad’s past and after many failures of seeing psychiatrics, Jacob set out to a remote Island his Granddad spoke of in search for answers.

Up until then, the author Riggs has you attuned to every word as the reader starts the journey which promises creepy events and in the end an amazing answer and discovery. Yet after reaching the Island, the story starts to waver as the plot dives down. Despite a few discoveries, there are no major events that bring a gasp to your mouth. Instead, readers are stuck in a loop (every pun intended if you’ve read the book) and the twist in the story, instead of bringing a climax, makes the readers slightly confused.

The trip to the Island provides answers to some of Jacob’s main questions yet his trip brings into focus a past and time his Granddad has left behind yet Jacob becomes embroiled in it, and you can’t help but wonder how a teenage boy from the present time period can get involved into the past. The author’s writing despite being attentive at first, fails to capture the rest of your imagination as the book goes on as despite there being instances of description, I couldn’t find myself literally imagining the sense as they happened.

Perhaps all that could have been bared had the ending been dramatic and empathetic, yet I was sorely disappointed with it and this coloured any good points I had about the book. The ending almost dangles, as a new problem arises with Jacob and the new friends he has made yet that’s it – they set out to solve a problem and this leaves us without any answers, wondering what happens and not in a speculative way but simply asking “so what happened?”

Analysis of characters:

My favourite character was probably the Granddad who appeared for only a bit of the book – that’s saying something. While Jacob was the usual teenage kid, there was nothing special about him and how he behaved. While this may be on the authors attempt to make a realistic character and how he may realistically deal with the events in the book, it failed to impress me still and that’s a shame as I could have seen Jacob as being a tremendous character given the right attributes within the book. The rest of the peculiar children that Jacob comes to befriend, were interest and the talents they had were different and therefore interesting.

Overall:

I give props to the author Riggs for coming up with a supremely hooking and eye –catching storyline yet his execution of the book didn’t bring it up to my standards. This idea could have been amazing and I wish I could feel differently about this book but I was disappointed and that is all. On the other hand, the cover, the chapter layout, the vintage pictures used throughout were gorgeous and the only redeeming quality to this book. I’ll love the book for that, just not for the writing. Thanks to Quirk books however for giving me this for review.