Sunday 30 June 2013

TBR Orphans Challenge Update 6


I failed miserably this month in trying to read a book that has been in my tbr-pile for more than 3 months. I blame all my cool new books for not picking up Made To Be Broken or another book that's been on my shelves for some time.

I hope I have more luck in July and manage to get some orphans read.

Friday 28 June 2013

Forsaken by the Others - Early book Review


Forsaken by the Others (H&W Investigations #5)
by Jess Haines


What is it about:
The Others–vampires, werewolves, things that go chomp in the night–don’t just live in nightmares anymore. They’ve joined with the mortal world. And for private investigator Shiarra Waynest, that means mayhem…

Have a one night stand with a vampire, and you can end up paying for it for eternity. P.I. Shiarra Waynest, an expert on the Others, knows that better than most. Yet here she is, waking up beside charismatic vamp Alec Royce with an aching head…and neck. Luckily, Shia has the perfect excuse for getting out of town–namely, a couple of irate East Coast werewolf packs who’d like to turn her into a chew toy.

On Royce’s suggestion, Shia temporarily relocates to Los Angeles. But something is rotten–literally–in the state of California, where local vampires are being attacked by zombies. Who could be powerful enough to control them–and reckless enough to target the immortal? Following the trail will lead Shia to a terrifying truth, and to an ancient enemy with a personal grudge…


What did I think of it:
I will confess I have been looking forward to this book for a long time, because I knew there would be zombies in it! So I was very happy when I received an ARC from Jess Haines.

And the zombies are awesome!

Not just the zombies either btw, the whole book is a winner.

The story is cool and action-packed. After a slow, but enjoyable start that had Voodoo Bride drooling (Royce!) the story gathered speed and from there on out it was a cool thrillride. Shia manages to find trouble without even looking for it and soon she has to use all her wit to survive.

There are conspiracies, danger at every corner, cool new characters and zombies galore. I especially liked the vampire Jimmy Thrane and his coterie/gang of misfit vampires. I hope they'll be in future books as well.

The ending was even more shocking and frustrating than the ending of book 3 (Deceived by the Others) in my opinion and I'm already yearning for book six to find out what happens next.

If you haven't started this series yet: you should. This is a great and fun series with lots of intense action and cool characters.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome Urban Fantasy read with zombies.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Official release date: 2 July, but already available now at bookdepository.

Thursday 27 June 2013

On McPig's Wishist - White Space

Those of you who followed me over last week to All Things Urban Fantasy or read my raving reviews of Ashes and Shadows might not be surprised that this book is high on my wishlist:


White Space
by Ilsa J. Bick


Ilsa Bick’s WHITE SPACE, pitched as The Matrix meets Inkheart, about a seventeen-year-old girl who jumps between the lines of books and into the white space where realities are created and destroyed – but who may herself be nothing more than a character written into being from an alternative universe, to Greg Ferguson at Egmont, in a two-book deal, by Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency (NA)

Expected publication: February 11th 2014 by Egmont USA



Wednesday 26 June 2013

Insomnia - Book Review


Insomnia (The Night Walkers #1)
by J.R. Johansson


What is it about:
Her eyes saved his life.
Her dreams released his darkness.

After four years of sleeplessness, high school junior Parker Chipp can't take much more. Every night, instead of sleeping, he enters the dreams of the last person he's made eye contact with. If he doesn't sleep soon, Parker will die.

Then he meets Mia. Her dreams, calm and beautifully uncomplicated, allow him blissful rest that is utterly addictive. But what starts out as a chance meeting turns into an obsession; Parker's furious desire for what he needs pushes him to extremes he never thought he'd go. And when someone begins to terrorizing Mia with twisted death threats, Parker's memory blackouts leave him doubting his own innocence.


What did I think of it:
This is a cool read.

I will confess I expected this book to be scary (Parker sees other people's nightmares and such after all) but I can't say it was. Not that that was a bad thing. This is a really cool and intriguing story even without scary stuff.

I myself am a very bad sleeper, so I could relate to Parker who tries everything to get some real sleep. His attempts may be questionable at times, but his despair is so well written I thought his behaviour was believable.

There were some minor things that bugged me, but overall this is a really suspenseful and enticing read. I will confess I sniffed out what was happening long before Parker had even a clue, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment in the story.

The ending tied up some storylines, but also left a lot of things open, not in a frustrating way luckily enough. I will put this book on my keeper shelves and I'll keep an eye out for the next book.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool and enjoyable Paranormal YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Tuesday 25 June 2013

Ink - Release Day Review

Today is the release day of Ink, so I'm reposting my review of Ink today:


Ink (The Paper Gods #1)
by Amanda Sun


What is it about:
--I looked down at the paper, still touching the tip of my shoe. I reached for it, flipping the page over to look.

Scrawls of ink outlined a drawing of a girl lying on a bench.

A sick feeling started to twist in my stomach, like motion sickness.

And then the girl in the drawing turned her head, and her inky eyes glared straight into mine.--

On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.

Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive.


What did I think of it:
This is a very cool read.

I loved the Japanese setting. I'm a big fan of Anime series like Azumanga Daioh, so I was really excited to read a YA book set in Japan. It gave the book a fresh feel and I loved reading about the customs and the way of life in Shizuoka.

Katie is a fun heroine, I did shake my head over some of her actions, but mostly she's likeable and resourceful. Her friends were fun as well, and my only complaint about them would be that they didn't get much screen time.

And then there is Tomohiro of course. He's mysterious and dangerous. At first I thought Katie was crazy for trying to discover his secrets, but he started to grow on me and soon I could understand why Katie was trying to get to know him.

The story itself is intriguing and full of mystery, danger and betrayal. Katie gets a lot of trouble thrown her way and she will have to figure out what is going on and who she can trust to survive.

All in all this is a surprisingly fresh and unique YA read and I very much enjoyed reading it. I will most certainly keep an eye out for book two. The trouble however with getting my hands on an Advance Reader Copy is that I'll have to wait a long time for the next book.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and intriguing YA read set in Japan


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Monday 24 June 2013

Teasing on a Monday - So Close to You

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week I'm teasing you a day early ;-)


"A security breach? Who was it?"
"I..." he hesitates. "I left the Facility before the suspect was apprehended."
(page 132, So Close to You by Rachel Carter)


Saturday 22 June 2013

A Winner!


Sadaf Habibi won my Grimspace giveaway!

congrats.

Thanks to all people who participated.

Friday 21 June 2013

The 5th Wave - Book Review


The 5th Wave (The Fifth Wave #1)
by Rick Yancey


What is it about:
After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.


What did I think of it:
I'm a sucker for post-apocalyptic settings and although I prefer apocalypses that feature zombies and other man-made horrors The 5th Wave sounded promising enough I was willing to overlook human-looking aliens.

And let me say: Wow!

This is an amazing read.

Forget I ever grumbled about human-looking aliens, Yancey spins such a convincing and gripping tale I didn't even for one moment question the technicallies of this story. I even almost didn't mind the present tense.

Instead I let myself be pulled in the grim future world Yancey created. A world where nothing and no one can be trusted and where all the certainties you ever knew are torn away.

The story switches between Cassie and a couple of other characters and while Cassie's story was emotional and had me totally engrossed, I was even more drawn into the story of a boy who is called Zombie. He's enlisted in an army that will fight the alien invaders and the things he and his squad members encounter took me by surprise a few times.

Overall this is a really cool post-apocalyptic tale that left me yearning for more. I'll definitely be getting my trotters on the next book in this series.

Why should you read it:
It's a great Post-Apocalyptic YA read with aliens.



Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Thursday 20 June 2013

Assassin's Gambit - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


Assassin's Gambit (Hearts and Thrones #1)
by Amy Raby


What is it about:
Vitala Salonius, champion of the warlike game of Caturanga, is as deadly as she is beautiful. She’s a trained assassin for the resistance, and her true play is for ultimate power. Using her charm and wit, she plans to seduce her way into the emperor’s bed and deal him one final, fatal blow, sparking a battle of succession that could change the face of the empire.

As the ruler of a country on the brink of war and the son of a deposed emperor, Lucien must constantly be wary of an attempt on his life. But he’s drawn to the stunning Caturanga player visiting the palace. Vitala may be able to distract him from his woes for a while—and fulfill other needs, as well.

Lucien’s quick mind and considerable skills awaken unexpected desires in Vitala, weakening her resolve to finish her mission. An assassin cannot fall for her prey, but Vitala’s gut is telling her to protect this sexy, sensitive man. Now she must decide where her heart and loyalties lie and navigate the dangerous war of politics before her gambit causes her to lose both Lucien and her heart for good.


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This was a really nice read.

I will confess I had my doubts at first. An assassin who falls for her victim... It sounded like it might be an unbelievable and forced romance. But when a friend with similar tastes told me she really enjoyed the book I decided to give it a try.

And I'm glad I picked this book up, because it's very different from what I feared.

Vitala's actions are very believable and the romance developed at a realistic pace. The intrigue and action that's going on is also very well written and romance and action intertwine in a natural way. All in all this is a really intense adventure with a sizzling romance at the heart of it.

The one negative thing was the resolution of the romance. There are some barriers that were removed very abruptly in my opinion. I would have liked this book even more if the ending had been stretched out a bit and things had been resolved a bit more believable.

That aside this is a very decent and enjoyable Fantasy Romance and I will keep an eye out for other books by Raby.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable Fantasy Romance read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Wednesday 19 June 2013

Judging Books


Today I'm over at All Things Urban Fantasy judging books by their covers.

Come over to say hi and to tell me if you agree with me or not.



Tuesday 18 June 2013

Teaser Tuesdays - Across The Universe

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


I have always loved rain, but, looking up at the plain metal ceiling, I think I will not like this ship's version of rain. It reminds me, once again, of how false Godspeed is.
(page 178/179, Across The Universe by Beth Revis)


Monday 17 June 2013

The Dark Unwinding - Book Review


The Dark Unwinding (The Dark Unwinding #1)
by Sharon Cameron


What is it about:
When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his remote English estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of childlike rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she has grown to care for—a conflict made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a mysterious student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as they know it.


What did I think of it:
This is a cool read.

The writing is a bit static at times, but that only adds to the mood and atmosphere of this steampunk(ish) tale.

I liked Katharine as a lead character. She's a heroine who wants to do the right thing, but who's very aware what the consequences will be for herself if she does. The conflict this creates for her makes this book a very interesting read. I will confess there were several times I wanted to kick Katharine though, especially in the first half of the book.

And then there are the other characters: Katharine's uncle Tully is a wonderful character and the people he surrounds himself with are intriguing and fun. I loved getting to know them.

The story itself is slow paced, but I really liked it. At times this story and its mood reminded me of the Gothic romances I liked reading years ago and this might have added to my enjoyment of the book.

The romance part of the story was very toned down in my opinion. I wouldn't have minded if that part of the story had been fleshed out a bit more, but overall this is a really cool and intriguing read.

The ending frustrated me a bit and set itself up for a sequel which will be out in September. You can be sure I will get my trotters on it to see what's next for Katharine.

Why should you read it:
It's an atmospheric Steampunk YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Friday 14 June 2013

The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things - My Mock Cover

Ann Aguirre held a contest to make a mock cover for her upcoming Young Adult Contemporary Romance The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things.

I'm proud to tell you I won the contest and my mock cover will be on Ann's website until the real cover will be made. And the reveal of that cover will be right here on my blog!

How awesome is that?!

So here's my mock cover and the official blurb for The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things:


The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things
by Ann Aguirre


Sage Czinski is trying really hard to be perfect. If she manages it, people won’t peer beyond the surface, or ask hard questions about her past. She’s learned to substitute causes for relationships, and it’s working just fine… until Shane Cavendish strolls into her math class. He’s a little antisocial, a lot beautiful, and everything she never knew she always wanted.

Shane Cavendish just wants to be left alone to play guitar and work on his music. He’s got heartbreak and loneliness in his rearview mirror, and this new school represents his last chance. He doesn’t expect to be happy; he only wants to graduate and move on. He never counted on a girl like Sage.

But love doesn’t mend all broken things, and sometimes life has to fall apart before it can be put back together again…


Coming spring 2015.



Draw the Dark - Book Review


Draw the Dark
by Ilsa J. Bick


What is it about:
There are things in Winter, Wisconsin, folks just don't talk about. The murder way back in '45 is one. The near-suicide of a first-grade teacher is another. And then there is 17-year old Christian Cage.

Christian's parents disappeared when he was a little boy, and ever since he's drawn and painted obsessively, trying desperately to remember his mother. The problem is Christian doesn't just draw his own memories. He can draw the thoughts of those around him. Confronted with fears and nightmares they'd rather avoid, people have a bad habit of dying. So it's no surprise that Christian isn't exactly popular. What no one expects is for Christian to meet Winter's last surviving Jew and uncover one more thing best forgotten--the day the Nazi's came to town.

Based on a little-known fact of the United States' involvement in World War II, Draw the Dark is a dark fantasy about reclaiming the forgotten past and the redeeming power of love.


What did I think of it:
I fell in love with Bick's Ashes trilogy and while waiting for the release of the last book, Monsters, I decided to try one of Bick's other books.

And I am glad I did.

Draw the Dark is a beautiful and intriguing story.
The mix of history and the paranormal is done really well and I was drawn into the story from the start.

Christian starts seeing scenes from the past in his dreams and during his waking hours as well. Intrigued and confused by what he sees he starts digging into the past only to discover that there are those who'd do anything to let the past stay buried.

I was very intrigued by the glimpses into the past. Bick used historical fact to create a really suspenseful story of her own. The fact she chose a rather little-known part of history made the story even more interesting.

The way the story is set up makes for some intense reading. Little bits of information are revealed in intervals each giving away a little bit more about what happened so long ago and I couldn't help to keep trying to guess the whole story. The past events have their impact on the present time and I think Bick did a wonderful job of connecting the past and present storylines with each other.

All in all this is a really suspenseful and intriguing read that shines a light on the darker side of human nature and I'll reread this book for sure. I will also most certainly check out other books by Bick.

Why should you read it:
It's a really interesting and intriguing Paranormal YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Thursday 13 June 2013

On McPig's Wishlist - Libriomancer

I love Jim C. Hines' Goblin books, so I'm very curious about this series. Especially because one of the characters from the Goblin series, Smudge the fire spider, is starring in this series as well.


Libriomancer (Magic Ex Libris #1)
by Jim C. Hines


Isaac Vainio is a Libriomancer, a member of the secret organization founded five centuries ago by Johannes Gutenberg. Libriomancers are gifted with the ability to magically reach into books and draw forth objects. When Isaac is attacked by vampires that leaked from the pages of books into our world, he barely manages to escape. To his horror he discovers that vampires have been attacking other magic-users as well, and Gutenberg has been kidnapped.

With the help of a motorcycle-riding dryad who packs a pair of oak cudgels, Isaac finds himself hunting the unknown dark power that has been manipulating humans and vampires alike. And his search will uncover dangerous secrets about Libriomancy, Gutenberg, and the history of magic. . .


Wednesday 12 June 2013

Omens - Early Book Review


Omens: A Cainsville Novel (Cainsville #1)
by Kelley Armstrong


What is it about:
Twenty-four-year-old Olivia Taylor Jones has the perfect life. The only daughter of a wealthy, prominent Chicago family, she has an Ivy League education, pursues volunteerism and philanthropy, and is engaged to a handsome young tech firm CEO with political ambitions.

But Olivia’s world is shattered when she learns that she’s adopted. Her real parents? Todd and Pamela Larsen, notorious serial killers serving a life sentence. When the news brings a maelstrom of unwanted publicity to her adopted family and fiancé, Olivia decides to find out the truth about the Larsens.

Olivia ends up in the small town of Cainsville, Illinois, an old and cloistered community that takes a particular interest in both Olivia and her efforts to uncover her birth parents’ past.

Aided by her mother’s former lawyer, Gabriel Walsh, Olivia focuses on the Larsens’ last crime, the one her birth mother swears will prove their innocence. But as she and Gabriel start investigating the case, Olivia finds herself drawing on abilities that have remained hidden since her childhood, gifts that make her both a valuable addition to Cainsville and deeply vulnerable to unknown enemies. Because there are darker secrets behind her new home and powers lurking in the shadows that have their own plans for her.


What did I think of it:
When I read the description of Omens I was sold. It sounded so cool I knew I had to read it.

And then Jeffe managed to get hold of an ARC of Omens for me!

I started on Omens as soon as I could and let me say: Wow!

I was hooked from the start and if it hadn't been for work and other things that really needed to be done I would have finished Omens in one sitting. It's so good!

The paranormal elements in this book are very toned down and although present they're not the focus. Instead this is a really intense, dark and suspenseful mystery. Are Olivia's parents really serial killers or are they innocent? What happened all those years ago and who is trying to stop Olivia from finding out the truth? What's going on in Cainsville? As one question gets answered more questions arise. I was totallly engrossed in the story and trying to anticipate what might happen next.

I loved getting to know Cainsville and its inhabitants I will confess. It's a strange town with lots of secrets and it was intriguing to slowly discover more about what was going on in Cainsville and how it was connected to Olivia and her parents.

And Gabriel! He was such a cool character. I really enjoyed the scenes where Olivia and Gabriel work together. There's a lot of distrust between them and it was cool to see their relationship develop throughout the story.

The ending was both satisfying and frustrating. Some important things are resolved, but there were many things I was left wondering about and I have a long time to wait until the release of the next book. But this story is so good I don't mind the frustration, knowing Armstrong and her writing I know I'll get my answers in one of the next books in this series.

All in all I fell totally in love with this book. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. I will most certainly reread it and I'm already eager for the next book in this series which will be preordered as soon as it's possible.

Why should you read it:
It's an amazing, suspenseful Thriller with a paranormal edge.


preorder:
Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Published: 20 August 2013

Tuesday 11 June 2013

Teaser Tuesdays - The Dark Unwinding

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


It was playtime, and I was watching my uncle from a billow of worsted and a cushion on the floor. Lane stood at his workbench, a lean shadow in the gas glow, silent as he painted the last of the dragon scales with the cleaning sponge I had brought him.
(page 127, The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron)


Monday 10 June 2013

Forever A Lord - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


Forever a Lord (The Rumor #3)
by Delilah Marvelle


What is it about:
Lady Imogene Norwood lives a sheltered life of quiet respectability and routine...until she debuts at her first Season. There among London's elite she meets the wild and broken Lord Atwood. And the very shy English rose suddenly realizes that a little chaos might just be what her heart desires.

Lord Nathaniel James Atwood doesn't believe true love exists. Since scandal tore him away from his family at an early age, he has spent his life fighting for what he wants. That attitude has made him a rising star in bare-knuckle boxing, and now leads him back to London to reclaim the life that was stolen from him. But upon meeting the innocent Imogene, his beliefs are trounced...as guarding his heart against her proves to be the fight of his life.


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a really nice read.

I wil confess I had expected this book to have a little more bite so to speak, but it turned out to be a rather sweet Historical romance.

Imogene and Nathaniel are instantly attracted to each other, and although they take their time to confess their feelings, it's a certainty from the start. It was nice to read their developing romance. Both are characters I could connect with and they were a cute couple.

The boxing was very interesting to read. It was clear that Marvelle did her research and she describes the training and fighting very well.

There was one thing that bugged me in this story and that was the scandal that drove Nathaniel from his family. It might be historical correct, but I thought it would have been wiser to use some other scandal than the one that was used. It's difficult to explain why without giving spoilers, but I'm wondering if I might be the only one who was left with a bad taste in my mouth when the scandal was revealed, especially in the light of how it was resolved.

That aside this was an enjoyable read and I might even pick up another book by Marvelle when I'm in the mood for a nice, uncomplicated historical romance.

Why should you read it:
It's a sweet Historical Romance


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Friday 7 June 2013

Grimspace Giveaway

There's a lot going on at the moment in the writing world and it's focused on SciFi.
I'm not going to recap here, but I can advice you to read up at the blogs of Ann Aguirre and Jess Haines for more info.


What I am going to do is show support by giving away a copy of Grimspace by Ann Aguirre. One of the best SciFi books I ever read.
(If you already have Grimspace and you win, you can also pick one of the other books in the series.)

So if you live somewhere the bookdepository ships to you can enter by:
- leaving a comment telling me what book you really enjoyed reading lately
- leaving a way for me to contact you

I'll pick a winner on the 20th of June

The Circle - Book Review


The Circle (Engelsfors #1)
by Sara Bergmark Elfgren and Mats Strandberg


What is it about:
One night, when a strange red moon fills the sky, six school girls find themselves in an abandoned theme park, drawn there by a mysterious force. A student has just been found dead. Everyone suspects suicide. Everyone - except them.

In that derelict fairground an ancient prophecy is revealed. They are The Chosen Ones, a group of witches, bound together by a power, one which could destroy them all. But they soon learn that despite their differences they need each other in order to master the forces that have been awakened within them.

High school is now a matter of life and death. Because the killing has only just begun.


What did I think of it:
This was a cool read.

This book is told from multiple viewpoints, but although this sometimes annoys me, it wasn't the case here. There's lots going on and the use of multiple viewpoints only added to the suspense. I had my favorite characters of course and those I liked less. Knowing that any of them could be the next to die, made for some intense reading.

Although this is a Paranormal Young Adult story, it felt really realistic. I got caught up in the story right from the start and had a hard time putting it down.

There were some minor annoyances. I did think the girls were very gullible at times. Trusting someone, just because that person said he/she could be trusted for example, but it never got to the point where I got too annoyed.

I liked that the story was set in Sweden. Overall it didn't really make a difference for the story, but the small things like the school celebrating Santa Lucia, the farm where one of the girls lives, added flavor to the story.

The book doesn't have a cliffhanger ending, but there's enough left open that I really wondered what would happen next and I'm going to get my trotters on the next book somewhere in the future for sure.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Paranormal YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Thursday 6 June 2013

On McPig's Wishlist - Thornhill

I really loved the first book in this series and I'm looking forward to reading book two. I'll probably have to wait until November for the UK paperback, because the US Hardback that releases in September is a bit too expensive for me.


Thornhill (Hemlock #2)
by Kathleen Peacock


Mac can’t lose another friend. Even if he doesn’t want to be found.

The ripple effect caused by Mac’s best friend Amy’s murder has driven Mac’s new love, Kyle, to leave Hemlock and disappear from her life forever. But Mac knows that Kyle plans to enroll in a rehabilitation camp, where he can live with other werewolves. She refuses to accept his decision, especially since the camps are rumored to be tortuous. So she sets out in search of Kyle with a barely sober Jason—and Amy’s all-seeing ghost—in tow.

Clues lead Mac to find Kyle in a werewolf den in Colorado—but their reunion is cut short by a Tracker raid. Now Mac and Kyle are trapped inside the electric fences of Thornhill, a camp for young werewolves. As she devises an escape plan, Mac uncovers dangerous secrets buried within the walls of Thornhill—and realizes that the risk to the people she loves is greater than ever before.


Expected publication:
September 10th 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books
November 7th 2013 by Simon & Schuster UK

Wednesday 5 June 2013

The Panopticon - Book Review


The Panopticon
by Jenni Fagan


What is it about:
Fifteen-year-old Anais Hendricks is smart, funny and fierce, but she is also a child who has been let down, or worse, by just about every adult she has ever met. Sitting in the back of a police car, she finds herself headed for the Panopticon, a home for chronic young offenders where the social workers are as suspicious as its residents. But Anais can't remember the events that have led her there, or why she has blood on her school uniform...

What did I think of it:
Talk about a book that is marketed completely wrong!

I picked this book up because it sounded like it would be a Young Adult mystery. Instead it turned out to be a story about a young girl caught in a circle of drug abuse and violence, desperate to break out of it.

Don't get me wrong: this is a really good book, but expecting an intriguing mystery and getting a gritty, realistic story about a girl caught in the system did throw me and it took me a while to get into this book. The story being in present tense and with a Scottish accent didn't help either.

But once I got used to the accent and had let go of my assumptions I really got into the story. Anais is indeed smart and fierce and it was intriguing to read how she keeps herself standing. The story is grim and repulsive at times, but Anais always keeps hope and keeps trying to find a way for herself to survive.

If you're looking for a light read, this is not your book. I also wouldn't advice this book to anyone who is sensitive about the use of the F-word and such. It is an interesting read though and although I was disappointed at first, in the end I was glad I had accidently picked it up.

Why should you read it:
It's an interesting, gritty YA read.


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Tuesday 4 June 2013

Forsaken by the Others Blog Tour -Zombie Interview with Jess Haines


Today I have Jess Haines over for a small interview about zombies!
Read on for zombie mayhem and don't forget to enter the giveaway.

Back in 2010 I interviewed Jess about her first book Hunted by the Others and I asked her how Shia would react when faced with a zombie. Here is Jess' answer:

I imagine it would go something like this:

SHIA: Ew, what’s the smell?

ZOMBIE: …Braaaaaiiiiinnnnssss….

SHIA: Uh, ew? EW!

ZOMBIE: *shuffleshuffle*

SHIA: Oh, sick. Did a piece of you just fall off?? *sprays Lysol* Get away! Shoo! I am so serious. Don’t you touch me!

ZOMBIE: *shuffleshuffle*

SHIA: OH MY GOD, EW! GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF!! *flail!*

…yeeeeeah.


----

Skip to book 5, Forsaken by the Others and to my great joy Shia actually meets zombies!

Jess, can you tell if the above scene represents Shia's reaction to zombies in Forsaken by the Others or did Shia undergo some character growth thoughout the books that make her react differently?

As funny as it is, that's not wholly accurate. I think an excerpt from Forsaken by the Others might tell it best:


The vampires behind me started complaining—some of them blaming Brendan for the stink—but then Sara was stumbling back into me, and I didn’t have time to worry about where it was coming from.
Bloated, discolored fingers with long, jagged nails were grabbing at Sara’s shoulder and arm, dragging her out through the door. By the time I got over my shock enough to reach for her, she was gone.
“Sara!”
She screamed, and I heard wet thumps—she must have been fighting back. Thrane was trying to haul me back while I was tugging at his grip on my collar to get free and chase after her.
“Get out of the way! We need to shut the door!”
“Let go!”
He did. I charged up the stairs and out, though I skidded to a stop at the sight before me, barely registering the sound of the door slamming shut and locking behind me.
Zombies had converged on the alley, dead bodies in various states of decomposition shuffling about aimlessly, save for a few that were still crouched over a red puddle and pile of body parts stained with thick, blackish blood. Trinity. I recognized her kitten heels on the dismembered leg being munched on by one of the monsters.
Sara was struggling and gagging in the arms of a dead man who towered over her, his lips bluish-green and peeled back from yellowing teeth, sunken, milky eyes staring at nothing in particular. He didn’t react to the thumps against his forearms and shins as she beat at him, and it was no wonder why. I doubted there were any nerve endings left to feel anything in that walking corpse.
Some of the zombies turned in my direction, all gaping mouths and hollow or desiccated eyes. My back thudded against the door.
A few started shuffling towards me, their feet dragging and arms slowly raising as they approached.


What advice do you think the present Shia would give the old Shia on how to handle zombies?

I believe she would say stay away from Los Angeles, no matter how much pressure she might get from Royce (or anyone else) to leave New York. As for the zombies themselves, I am pretty sure Present Shia would tell Old Shia that she needs to pack lots of big guns, a machete, and a year's supply of hand sanitizer. Oh, and to brace herself, because the zombies--while gross--are not the biggest problem she's going to have to deal with.

Is there anything the zombies might want to add to this?

Yes, I was given a rather slime-coated and difficult to read note to pass on:

UR BRAINZ. WE R COMN 4 DEM.

Blech. Charming. *sprays Lysol everywhere*

Now that Shia has encountered zombies, do you think there's a possibility that she will encounter a werepig in a future book?

Never say never! ;)

Thanks Jess for answering these questions!



About Forsaken by the Others:
The Others–vampires, werewolves, things that go chomp in the night–don’t just live in nightmares anymore. They’ve joined with the mortal world. And for private investigator Shiarra Waynest, that means mayhem…
Have a one night stand with a vampire, and you can end up paying for it for eternity. P.I. Shiarra Waynest, an expert on the Others, knows that better than most. Yet here she is, waking up beside charismatic vamp Alec Royce with an aching head…and neck. Luckily, Shia has the perfect excuse for getting out of town–namely, a couple of irate East Coast werewolf packs who’d like to turn her into a chew toy.
On Royce’s suggestion, Shia temporarily relocates to Los Angeles. But something is rotten–literally–in the state of California, where local vampires are being attacked by zombies. Who could be powerful enough to control them–and reckless enough to target the immortal? Following the trail will lead Shia to a terrifying truth, and to an ancient enemy with a personal grudge…




Check the blog tour calendar for more cool posts about Forsaken by the Others

Find Jess:
Website: www.JessHaines.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JessHainesAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Jess_Haines
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jesshaines

Enter Jess'awesome giveaways:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Monday 3 June 2013

Allegiance Sworn - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


Allegiance Sworn (The Light Blade #3)
by Kylie Griffin


What is it about:
There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not purebred is virtually powerless. Until a demon leader seeks to unify the races…

With the alliance of the humans and the half-blood Na’Chi forged, the demon Na’Reish prepare for war by seizing human blood-slaves. Captured during a rescue mission-gone-wrong, Light Blade warrior Arek Barial finds himself claimed by a Na’Reishi female who offers him an unexpected choice.

Raised in the elite ranks of a society she abhors, Imhara Kaal lives a dangerous double life as a Na’Reish Clan-leader and an advocate for a caste-free life that honors the Old Ways. Openly rebelling against the Na’Reish would mean her death, unless she can find an emissary willing to present her petition to the human Blade council.

But Arek isn’t about to blindly follow a demon—despite the intense attraction growing between them. And while hatred for the Na’Reish is all he has ever known, Arek must learn to trust Imhara, or risk the destruction of all three races…


What did Voodoo Bride Think of it:
This is a very enjoyable read.

It may be the third book in a series, but it's perfectly readable as a standalone. As far as I understand it these books are connected because of the overall storylines, but each book is focused on a different couple.

The world building was very intriguing. The idea of the different demon clans and castes was interesting and lend itself well for a suspenseful story. The setting alone would have been enough to keep me reading to find out more, luckily the story and romance were really good as well.

I loved the setup of the romance: instead of a vulnerable heroine it's the hero who is put in the vulnerable position and it's Imhara who has the upperhand in their relationship. I loved the interaction between Imhara and Arek. Both have to learn to trust and the tension between them was well written.

It's clear that the things that are happening in the action storyline will have their consequences in future books, but the ending of this book isn't a cliffhanger, it's rounded enough that you can put the book away feeling content about the story instead of frustrated. It does make you curious about what might happen next though.

All in all this is a delicious Fantasy Romance with a really cool action storyline as well. I will try to get my hands on the earlier books in this series, because I want to read more about this intriguing world.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable Fantasy Romance


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