Book review - The Summoning and The Awakening

The Summoning - Kelley Armstrong

What is it about:
From Kelley Armstrong's website: Chloe Saunders sees dead people. Yes, like in the films. The problem is, in real life saying you see ghosts gets you a one-way ticket to the psych ward. And at 15, all Chloe wants to do is fit in at school and maybe get a boy to notice her. But when a particularly violent ghost haunts her, she gets noticed for all the wrong reasons. Her seemingly crazed behaviour earns her a trip to Lyle House, a centre for 'disturbed teens'. At first Chloe is determined to keep her head down. But then her room mate disappears after confessing she has a poltergeist, and some of the other patients also seem to be manifesting paranormal behaviour. Could that be a coincidence? Or is Lyle House not quite what it seems...? Chloe realizes that if she doesn't uncover the truth, she could be destined for a lifetime in a psychiatric hospital. Or could her fate be even worse...? Can she trust her fellow students, and does she dare reveal her dark secret?

What did I think of it:
One of the best YA (Young Adult) books I've read the last couple of years. Great characters, a good story and there's even a mention of my favourite kind of monster. The bratty behaviour that puts me off of most YA books, is almost non-existent, so that's a good thing too. I must confess I ran to the bookstore to get the next book in this trilogy as soon as I read this one.

So before telling you why you should read this book I go on to:

The Awakening - Kelley Armstrong

What is it about:
Well, I can't tell very much about it without spoiling the first book for you, so just read what 'The Summoning' is about again. This book continues the story about Chloe and her ghost problems.

What did I think of it:
I thought the second book in this trilogy was even better then the first! The story keeps getting more exciting, there was some major character developement, more of my favourite monsters and lots of action.

Why should you read these books:
Because this is a great story, fit for both young adults and adults alike. And for a limited time you can read the first book online for free here
How cool is that!?

One warning and a contest:
After you read both books you'll have to wait for the third book of this trilogy until april 6th! I've been waiting impatiently for it since finishing 'The Awakening', but I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
And if you're impatient you can try one last thing to get hold of book three earlier then april 6th: Go here and enter the contest where one of the prices is an advanced Reader Copy of 'The Reckoning', book three in 'the Darkest Powers Trilogy'

Bookreview - Boneshaker

Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

What is it about:
At the start of the Civil War, a Russian mining company commissions a great machine to pave the way from Seattle to Alaska and speed up the gold rush that is beating a path to the frozen north. Inventor Leviticus Blue creates the machine, but on its first test run it malfunctions, decimating Seattle s banking district and uncovering a vein of Blight Gas that turns everyone who breathes it into the living dead. Sixteen years later Briar, Blue s widow, lives in the poor neighborhood outside the wall that s been built around the uninhabitable city. Life is tough with a ruined reputation, but she and her teenage son Ezekiel are surviving until Zeke impetuously decides that he must reclaim his father s name from the clutches of history.

What did I think about it:
This book has it all: steampunk, zombies, pirates and a great story!
If there's one thing I could say against this book is that is doesn't have enough zombies, but as it's something I think of almost every book I read, I can't say it's a real negative point of this book. The book is very well written and I liked Briar from the start. I didn't really like Ezekiel, but because of the great and fastpaced story it never came to a point that not liking him became a problem for me.

Why should you read it:
It has zombies! It's Steampunk! It has pirates!

Book Review - Something's Alive on the Titanic

Something's Alive on the Titanic by Robert Serling

What is it about:
From the coverblurb - A band of brave men and women dare to venture where, years earlier, another salvage mission was mysteriously wiped out. ... What they find inside the legendary sunken tomb is the awesome, terrifying fact that they are not alone.

What did I think of it:
A very decent horror/thriller story where the writer actually did his research about Titanic, without it turning into a history lesson. The characters are well written and vary from likeable to despicable and their actions fit their personality.

Why should you read it:
This a great book for lovers of horror/thriller stories as well for people with an interest in Titanic.