Book Review - Rani & Sukh

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Synopsis
'Man, she's wicked like one of them Bollywood actresses . . .'
Sukh reckons Rani is the most fanciable girl in school. She's got just the kind of look he goes for . . .
Rani can't stop thinking about Sukh either. Talk about fit. Beautiful amber-brown eyes, like pools you could jump into . . .
But Rani is a Sandhu, and Sukh is a Bains - and sometimes names can lead to terrible trouble . . .
A powerful and gripping novel that sweeps the reader from modern-day Britain to the Punjab in the 1960s and back again in a ceaseless cycle of tragedy and conflict. 


My Review
I had been told by many people over the years that i should read this book as it was apparently fantastic and right up my street. I finally managed to find a copy, and settled down to read. I was a bit confused by the Prologue, but it did make more sense once i had read more of the book. From the beginning of Chapter 1 though i was hooked, it started off a bit like a typical teenage novel, boy likes girl, girl likes boy but neither has the courage to approach the other, until one day when it all changes. But thats where it stops being typical story. Sukh is a Bains and Rani is a Sandhu, neither know it when they start to date, but their families have a very violent history, going back to the 1960's when Sukh's uncle was killed and Rani's Aunt committed suicide over a relationship. Resulting in both families hating each other. From here everything gets very difficult. Rani's dad is a strict Sikh father, believing in the old traditions that his daughter should be disciplined and have nothing to do with boys until her arranged marriage so she already has to hide her relationship with Sukh, but the revelation of the history makes it all the more risky. The story is fast paced and shows different sides to all relationships, and how feuds can get out of hand. I really felt for the main characters, the whole world really is against them, but they find strength to stay together. I cried whilst reading and especially at the end i was in floods of tears. The author really captures all the emotions and made it come to life.
I am so glad i finally read this book, it is up with my top reads now, would definitely read it again. It has quite a bit of Sikh religion in it, but not so it's jumping down your throat, just enough to support the story, and i found it quite interesting. A definite must read.

My Rating
I would give this book 10/10. Truly fantastic - find a copy now! :D 

Book Review - Capt Hook: The Adventures of a Notorious Youth

Synopsis
Arriving at Eton amongst the blue-blooded students, James Matthew is different from his peers in style and presence, yet determined to make a name for himself. The school is divided into two groups: The Collegers - the upper class bullies and The Oppidans - who get tormented by the former. James is instantly put into the Oppidan category, but soon turns the tables on others. Paired up with a fellow student, whom he nicknames 'Jolly Roger' he takes on a dangerous persona that precedes him throughout his school years and beyond when he decides to set sail on a ship with a dangerous crew to points unknown. Turning the tables on the bullies and seeing the world in a whole new perspective carries him to places outside reality.




My Review
I was really looking forward to this book, I love all things Peter Pan and Captain Hook, so i htought this would be a treat, so I sat down to enjoy a good read, however within the first 30 pages i was bored, I hate giving up on books though so tried to persevere, I got to page 75 and was still bored out of my mind and frustrated. I then began to skim read for the next 20 pages and by only reading 4/5 sentences on each page i could still tell exactly what was going on, the problem was i still didn't care. I then began to skip ahead Chapters, and I could still figure out the story line, but couldn't make myself care, so in the end I have to confess, I just gave up, put it down and picked up my next book. The writing was very old fashioned, which I don't have a problem with as I read a lot of classics and older books and  am fine with it there, but in this book, it just sounded like they were trying too hard and wanted to be posh. The story seemed silly to me - James (Capt Hook) doesn't have red blood but yellow, which causes panic in all his fellow students, and pupils can dish out punishment like whippings to other pupils and there was no mention of teachers knowing about it or stopping it, even when the screams rang through the hallways. I was just very bored and couldn't make myself get into it. Very disappointing

My Rating
I would give this book 0.5/10 half a point for illustrations, the cover is attractive and some pictures inside.

Book Review - Ooh La La Connie Pickles

Synopsis

Connie Pickles is fulfilling her destiny. She's in Paris, and she has big plans. She will fall in love with someone other than William. She will find her long lost grandparents. She will become tres chic. But sometimes even destiny doesn't go to plan . . .


My Review
The second part in the series, again set out as a diary with quick short readable chapters, this time Connie Pickles is in France on a school French exchange, well that's where she's meant to be. At first Connie and her friend get on teh wrong coach and end up in Belgium. I laughed out loud at this, it is something i would be likely to do. After then being transferred to France things don't get much better, she is paired with a goth girl with no respect for rules, and a rocky family situation. Connie's observations on the different members of the families made me laugh, Durant really gets the teenage honesty. But Connie isn't there just to have fun, she wants to find a nice French boy and be reunited with her Grandparents, no one said this would be an easy trip. With hurdles at every turn and her heart still pining for William, her best friend since infant school, and now going out with her next door neighbour, she struggles with her lovelife. The author makes France sound like a fantastic place and obviously did a lot of research of the local places. A very good read, ideal for holidays again as short and snappy. Considering i mainly picked it up because the title seemed quite funny, i wasn't disappointed. Compared to the first book, i'd definitely say this one was much better. 

My Rating
I would give this book 7/10. A good read, with plenty of laughs.  

Book Review - Cross Your Heart Connie Pickles

Synopsis
Welcome To The World Of Connie Pickles. Connie Used To Be The Only Sensible Person In Her World. But Now Her Life Is Spiralling Out Of Control. Her Mother Refuses To Fall For The Right Man, William Is Acting Strangely And Connie's Own Heart Is In Tatters. So With A Little Help From Her Friends, She Sets Out To Solve The Eternal Mysteries Of Love, Money, French Things (including Kisses) And Incredibly Uncomfortable Underwear.

My Review
I have never read anything by this author before, but had reda reviews saying she was like Louise Rennison who i love, so I thought I would give it a go. Now, she was nowhere near as good as Rennison, but in her own way it was very readable. There was definitely some laugh out loud moments. Connie and her best mate are determined to find her mum a suitable man, but the only possibilities are Connie's French teacher, her ex-husband, and the new guy in town who runs the chemist, but maybe Connie wants him for heself. Match-making is harder than it sounds, especially if you have no experience of love. Durant captures the reactions of teenagers very well in this book, such as a first crush, disgust at 'old people's' fashion sense and the boredom of school. The book is typical teenage fiction, ideal for reading on holiday, the chapters are quite short so you can dip in and out. It is written in the style of a diary and has a lot of raw emotion like a diary would. didn't make me cry came close but not quite, but i did laugh out loud quite a bit.


My Rating
I would give this book 5.5/10. It was an enjoyable read, good for an afternoon off, but i wouldn't really read it again.

Book Review - Annan Water

Synopsis
Michael first sees Annie one morning on the banks of Annan Water, when he is out exercising two horses from his parents stables. That first impression of her never leaves him. She triggers in him a desire to get to know and understand her and in doing so, to understand himself. Complicated by the fact that he is haunted by the tune and words of a song about the Annan Water, he finds there is no easy answer to the way he must go: to get to know Annie seems as impossible as interpreting the words of the song. Michael's parents make endless demands on Michael's skill as a rider and his innate sympathy for horses. (They had become a dealer's yard, not a family'). Coupled with this he finds himself totally at odds with his companions and teachers at school. Which way should he turn, what does he really want from life, and what does the song mean.


My Review
This is quite a simple read, at only 180 pages it is quite short and only took me a couple of hours. The story is a coming of age story. young Michael can't get on with school and loves being with the horses, but is it what he wants to do with his life. His family has suffered tragedy in the past when his little sister was thrown from a horse and killed and so he feels he cannot walk out on his parents, but then he meets Annie who is unusual and striking and he can't help but want to spend time with her. Kate Thompson obviously knows a lot about keeping horses and show jumping, it is very well written and you can tell a lot of research went in. The relationships between the characters including the horses is very good and it feels like you know them. However about 20 pages from the end of the book things start to come to the climax, when Annie runs away late at night, Michael tries to get to her, but to do so he must cross the Annan river, but the current is strong and his horse can't keep up, I was disappointed with the ending as it isn't really resolved. The horse turns up drowned, but Annie and Michael are never found and you don't find out if they survived or not. To me this is really frustrating, i need closure in my books.


My Rating
I would give this 5/10, the end let it down, otherwise it would have scored much higher.

Book Review - Love, Lies & Lizzie

Synopsis
Author Rosie Rushton tackles Jane Austen's most famous novel, Pride and Prejudice, retelling the story with a contemporary twist. Her teenage Lizzie Bennet and sisters are still hunting for boyfriends, but with all of the advantages of modern technology: mobile phones, laptop computers and blackberries.
Rushton has been faithful to the original storyline, cleverly transferring the Regency courtship into the traumas of 21st-century teenage search for romance. The most significant change is that the Bennet's are wealthy - since Mrs. Bennet inherited a bundle from a third cousin. This Mrs. Bennet is still as outrageously unrefined as ever, using her new money to social climb through Meryton's better families. The five Bennet sister's personalities are all updated cleverly. 


My Review
I was slightly hesitant to read this as after studying Pride & Prejudice at school, i was not a fan of the story, but this book is surprisingly good, it maintains the main plot lines of the story and the charcters names fit, but it is updated wonderfully. If i had been made to study this at school i would have been quite happy. The girls are updated fantastically and all have great personalities, Jane is outspoken and thoughtful, Jane is shy but knows where her life i headed, Lydia is the party girl always in trouble and Katie her twin is the total opposite, desperate to be accepted but completely out of the circle. Mrs Bingley is still uptight, but made into a modern snob, and James Darcy is still irresistible. These books are great, especially if you are struggling with the complexity of Austen's work, this would be a great help. 


My Rating
i would give this book 7/10 well written and good fun. Give it a go.

Book Review - Teen Idol

Synopsis

Everyone loves Jen Greenley. But being the world’s best listener doesn’t always get you too far. Until Jen’s asked to look after ‘Lucas Smith’ – better known as Luke Striker, Hollywood’s most famous teenage movie star, who’s coming to Clayton High School to research a new role.

Can Jen keep Luke’s identity a secret? And can she manage not to lose her heart to the most gorgeous guy on the planet? Let’s face it – Jen’s starring in her very own Mission Impossible! Or is she?


My Review
Another Meg Cabot book off my list, again I was looking forward to this book and got into it really easily. Jen is the girl everyone goes to for advice, if anyone is upset- she goes to comfort them, if your having relationship trouble - talk to Jen. but is being the schools counsellor substitute really what she wants. When Jen is asked to look after the new kid for two weeks she agrees, but it's not that simple, the new guy is no other than Hollywood sensation 'Luke Striker' the most popular teenage boy in the world, going undercover at the school as Lucas Smith to research a new role. But it's hard trying to keep his cover whilst trying not to fall in love with him, and noticing a good friend in a whole new light. Luke makes Jen think more about her role in life, does she want to be the kind sympathetic ear all her life, helping but not really making a difference, or does she want to use her status to affect change. The characters are great, i could relate most of the characters to people i really knew when i was at school. Although predictable in places, it is really well written and easy to read.


My Rating
I would give this book 9/10, a definite must read! Go on, find a copy :D

Book Review - Hatter M Volume 1: The Looking Glass Wars

Synopsis
Put to rest any delusions or disinformation you have of the tea-guzzling madman of faux literary history and prepare to expand your consciousness as the saga of Hatter Madigan and his relentless search for the lost Princess of Wonderland unfolds in Volume 1 of the Hatter M graphic novel series! In Frank Beddor's bestselling The Looking Glass Wars, Royal Bodyguard Hatter Madigan was ordered by Queen Genevieve to take Princess Alyss and leave Wonderland after a bloody palace coup staged by the murderous Redd. But while escaping through the Pool of Tears (the portal connecting Wonderland to our world) crushing centrifugal force pulled them apart, and Alyss was lost. In this first volume of the geo-graphic parallel adventure trilogy, Hatter finds himself in Paris, France in the year 1859 shockingly separated from the child he had been sworn to protect. Hatter must now embark upon a non-stop quest, crisscrossing the globe for 13 years in search of his lost Princess.


My Review
I had read the books by Frank Beddor and loved them, i came across this graphic novel in the library so thought i would have a look. I must admit i'm not a fan of graphic novels, but the artwork in this is very good, but i found it a bit confusing as to what was going on. If i hadn't already known the story from the novel, i think i would have given up, but as i had, i could just about work out what was going on. But for what it was, it was worth a look.


My Rating
I would give this 4/10, too confusing for me, but if your into graphic novels or loved the novels it's worth a look.

Book Review - Vampirates bk 2-5

Book 2 - Tide of Terror: 

Connor Tempest may only be fourteen but he's taken to the life of a pirate like a duck to water. But his loyalties are divided between his shipmates and his sister. Grace isn't finding the pirate life so appealing. She cannot shake the feeling that all is not well on the vampirate ship she left behind. Sidorio may have been expelled from the vampirate ship but his dark deeds are just beginning...

My Review

This book carries on perfectly from the first, the twins are once again re-united, but this doesn't make them particularly happy, Grace feels she should be back with the Vampirates and doesn't like her brother being a pirate, it's too dangerous, especially when his friend gets killed in a raid, Grace begins to panic and so convinces her brother to take leave to the 'Pirate Academy' where they can learn more about the future in a Safe environment, but things aren't all they seem there either. I loved the plot twists and turns and the pirate academy sounds great, sign me up please. The twins are really starting to grow up, but also become there own person. A great read left me begging for more.

My Rating

I would give this book 9/10, a fabulous read, arrgggh me hearteys!   

And so...

Book 3 - Blood Captain:

For Connor, these are testing times aboard notorious pirate ship, The Diablo - not least when Captain Wrathe's obnoxious nephew Moonshine joins the crew. And, as things reach breaking point, Connor finds himself crossing a line from which there is no return. Meanwhile Grace and Lorcan journey to Sanctuary, a mountain retreat presided over by vampirate guru, Mosh Zu Kamal. If anyone can heal Lorcan's blindness, it's Mosh Zu, but he's more interested in Grace. Combatting danger on all sides, Grace realises her fate is inextricably bound up with the vampirates...

My Review

Things start to get really exciting in this book, Grace travels to the mysterious Sanctuary where they seem more interested in her than in healing Lorcan, Connor is back on board the Diablo but having to put up with Moonshine, and then committing an act he can never go back on, makes him doubt his future as a pirate. Lorcan and Grace get closer, but something is keeping them from saying how they feel, Grace also meets Johnny, another vampire with a great sense of humour, but is he there for her, or just passing through. I love the new characters, Johnny was probably my favourite, but Mosh Zu is great too, and Moonshine is the stroppy teenager we all know. Another great part of a fantastic series.

My Rating

I would give this book 9/10. Keep up the amazing story.

Book 4 - Black Heart:

There's a new ship of vampirates roaming the seas, leaving a trail of fear and devastation in its wake. When a high-profile pirate is slain, the Pirate Federation takes decisive action and begins training up a ship of dedicated vampire hunters. Amongst the dynamic crew is young pirate prodigy Connor Tempest. Meanwhile, Connor's twin sister Grace enjoys a bittersweet reunion with their mother, Sally, who has some important and shocking news for her daughter. As Grace uncovers the truth about her family's past, she realises that she and Connor face a daunting and uncertain future

My Review

This is where things start to get really exciting, Sidorio is taking the seas by storm with his crew of renegade Vampirates, but someone is trying to play him at the game, enter Lady Lola, a high class Vampirate with a ship of all women Vampirates, with their signature Black Hearts that all the ladies have painted over their eye, and the card they leave on the bodies of their victims is a Queen of Hearts playing card, but unlike normal, it is painted red.

Grace meets her mother, and realises it is a short stay only, and so asks all about her past, and as she uncovers her families past, she realises her life is about to get far more complicated. Meanwhile Connor has left Captain Wrathes ship and now joined Cheng Li on her new vessel, but this isn't an ordinary ship, they are now Vampirate Hunters, out to purge the sea of evil. There are so many plot twists in this story i was constanly held on the edge of my seat, guessing what was to come and hardly ever being right. I think this is my favourite of the series so far. A definite must read.

My Rating

I would give this book 9.5/10 absolutely superb.

Book 5: Empire of Night

Sidorio, fuelled by grief and revenge, is intent on becoming King of the Vampirates and building a new empire to bring terror to the oceans. He faces growing opposition from both the Pirate Federation, including Vampirate Assassin Cheng Li, and the Nocturnals - the more benign vampirate realm - led by Mosh Zu and Lorcan Furey. Both the pirates and the Nocturnals are forced to raise their game in response to the new and urgent threat from Sidorio and the renegade Vampirates. Twins Grace and Connor Tempest, still ricocheting from the recent discovery of their true parenthood and its explosive implications, are thrust deep into the heart of the conflict. Old foes and allies are thrown together in unexpected ways and, as the stakes rise higher than ever before, Grace and Connor find their alliances shifting in ways no-one could ever have possibly foreseen...

My Review

After enjoying all the other books so much, i couldn't wait to pick this one up. After discovering who their real parents are the twins face a lot of difficult decisions. They find themselves aboard 'The Blood Captain' and 'The Vagabond' under Sidorio and Lady Lola. This book had a lot of tension, and a few laughs in, but took me a bit longer to get into, i couldn't grasp the whole twins drinking blood and letting themselves become bloodthirsty vampires, i trusted their character more than this, i didn't like what Grace  was becoming, reunited with Johnny, she has to decide if she will stay true to Lorcan or share guilty pleasures with Johnny. Don't get me wrong this book was still a good read, but it also felt a bit like the author was going through thinking 'i haven't killed anyone in a couple of chapters, who's next' or 'no one is miserable at the moment what conflict can i put in'. it seemed a bit forced, and a lot of characters were killed off, some i didn't care about, but one towards the end of the book had me in tears, I won't say who as i don't want to spoil it, but it was one of my favourite characters and i was heartbroken. I still can't wait for the next one, as usual there were many twists and turns and heart-stopping moments. But not his best work

My Rating

I would give this book 6.5/10. Still a good story, but not as good as the others. Too many forced deaths.

Book Madness!

Since Friday last week (5 days ago) i have read 8 and a half books, so will be putting up a lot of reviews in a minute. However 4 of the books were from the same series (Vampirates) I have already done a review for book 1, but will do a small combined review for the other 4. This will save a lot of time and effort both in me writing and in your reading my reviews. If anyone wants a more in depth view of any of the books just ask.

I am pleased with how quick i seem to be getting through books, lucky for me all the ones i've picked up have been good. However when tidying my shelves earlier for a bit of rearranging I found at least 30 books I had bought over the last year but never got round to reading. So I'm in for a treat, but more books are published every day that I want to read, it's so hard to choose what to read next!

So look forward to a lot more reviews in the next few days. Happy Reading :D

Book Review - Vampirates: Demons Of The Ocean

Synopsis
Connor and Grace are twins, recently orphaned after their widowed father's death. Rather than being adopted by the town's busy-bodies, they decide to set sail for new pastures in their father's last single possession, his sailing boat. But a vicious storm sees their boat capsize and the twins separated. Two mysterious ships sail to their rescue - each picking up one twin before disappearing into the mist. Connor wakes to find himself on a pirate ship and is soon being trained up with a cutlass. Meanwhile Grace finds herself locked in a darkened room, as the vampirates await nightfall...Determined to find each other, yet intrigued by their new shipmates, the twins are about to embark on the biggest adventure of their life... 


My Review
I had looked at this book many times over the last few years and never got round to reading it, but lately I have got really inot Pirates and even vampires, so this seemed like the perfect combination. My friend encouraged me to read it, saying it was amazing, and i have to admit she was totally right. The story is very fast paced and immediately pulls you in. Connor and Grace are twins separated after one unfortunate event after the other. When their boat capsizes Connor is rescued by 'The Diablo' a pirate ship, although physically strong and a great athlete, he struggles to accept life as a Pirate, more interested in finding his sister than raiding ships, although constantly told by others that she must be dead, he will not believe it. Grace is rescued by Lorcan Furey from the 'Vampirates' ship, Grace and Connor only knew of this ship through a shanty their father used to sing to them, but never believed it to be real. I loved the Vampirate ship, it is written so you aren't completely sure they are vampires, but you know the ship is sinister and that Grace is in trouble, but also that not everyone is bad. As the twins make friends on each ship, they settle into their life but still try to find a way to be reunited. Grace is given a magic ring that shows her a glimpse of her brother, and knows he is safe. Connor gets visions of his sister and renews his determination to find her. 
I loved the characters in this book, the twins connection is touching, The captains of both ships, although completely different beings are both larger than life and a bit mysterious. Lorcan is sweet and Bart from the Diablo is like the big brother you want, strong and tough but also a big softie. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series and am pleased to find out that there are in fact 6 books in the series so far.

My Rating
I would give this book 9/10. It is an amazing story that will sweep you away. Fantastic  

Book Review - Ghostgirl: Homecoming

Synopsis
Charlotte may have graduated Dead Ed but that's not the end of her story.
Life, for Charlotte, was one bitter disappointment after another. And it seems death isn't going to be much different. Convinced that graduating Dead Ed was her route to the afterlife Charlotte is a little surprised to find she has to complete an internship!
Answering the phones at a help centre for troubled teens isn't proving brilliantly exciting. Until Scarlet calls: a pedicure-gone-hideously-wrong has landed Petula in a coma and Scarlet thinks Charlotte is the only person who can help...

My Review

This book reunites you with all the characters from the first book and a few new ones. I was instantly hooked again, Petula is her usual hateful self, and Scarlett is opening up more in her relationship with Damen. Charlotte has moved on from Dead Ed, but finds herself with her fellow classmates in a call centre for troubled teens, i loved the idea of this and was well written, here we meet Maddy, who seems nice but tries her hardest to ruin things for Charlotte, I could tell right off that she was going to be bad guy, but couldn't figure out why or who she really was. You see a lot more depth to the characters in the books, and i certainly felt a lot closer to Scarlett and Damen, they open up more in this book and lets you see another side to them, a softer side, Scarlet is so determined to do anything to save her sister, although they seem to hate each other a lot of time, it shows that family bonds are stronger than anything. Charlotte is a fantastic character, funny, strong and very true. 

 Even Petula shows a softer more human side, ironically when she is close to death and her soul is in the spirit world. This book had more of moments i loved from the first book, from witty sarcastic remarks, to moving emotional scenes that had me close to tears. 

I would definitely recommend this book, in fact i think it was better than the first one. You would definitely love it, if you are into gothic novels, corpse bride and ghosts. A fun, moving read that will leave you wanting more.

My Rating

 I would give this book 8/10

A great read, definitely worth the time, but has to be read after book 1 as a lot of events tie in. I will also be looking for the sequel to this one too. :D

Book Review - Ghostgirl

Synopsis
Charlotte Usher has always felt invisible at school. But now she has a plan to break into the popular crowd and nothing is going to stop her. Not even death.

It's the first day of the rest of Charlotte's life. She isn't going to be invisible any more. And she's not going to stop at just getting noticed, she's determined that she'll be envied! Much to Charlotte's surprise her plan actually seems to be working: Petula, the most popular girl at school has finally acknowledged her existence and her lab partner for the rest of the term is none other than Damen Dylan, school heart-throb and object of Charlotte's desire. It's only a matter of time before she's accepted into their elite circle...that is until, in her excitement, Charlotte chokes to death on a gummy bear.

So, OK, it's the first day of the rest of Charlotte's death - why should that change her plans? 

My Review

I picked this up as i thought it sounded quite funny. The author is new to me, but i got into it quite quickly. the writing style is very good and the pages flow. I finished it quite quickly due to the ease of reading and the story, I was grabbed into this story and although slightly disturbed reading about death, I had to know what would happen. Tonya Hurley takes an interesting view on death and the idea that everyone has something they need ot do before they 'move on'. Once dead you have to be initiated, and pass a course in 'DeadEd', which i found quite funny, and you can't pass this course by yourself, the whole group has to go together. 
Once i got used to the fact that Charlotte was now a ghost, it seemed perfectly normal. It was just normal teenage moods and wants. Thinking that she will be forgotten forever, Charlotte begins to despair, but then she finds out that Scarlett (Petula's little sister) can see her, and an idea forms, that she can use Scarlett to get to Damen, the object of her desires, and Petula's boyfriend. 
I was hooked in this book and got through it very quickly, moving on to book two. The story has a satisfactory ending, but i was left wanting more.  
If you have suffered loss recently then i would not recommend this as it is quite detailed on Death, but if you like a good ghost story, then this would be great for you. 
I was surprised by how much i enjoyed it, and look forward to more by this author.

My Rating 

I  would give this book 8/10, go on give it a go :D

Book Review - Avalon HIgh

S

Synopsis
Avalon High, Ellie's new school, is pretty much what she'd expected. There's Lance, the hunky footballer. Jennifer, the cute cheerleader. Marco, the troublemaker. And then there's Will - the most gorgeous guy Ellie's ever met. She can hardly believe he likes HER.

When Will says he thinks he's met Ellie before, things start getting a little weird. A feeling that grows as Ellie discovers the strange bonds that entwine Will, Lance, Jen, Marco - and herself.

As darkness turns to danger, can Ellie stop the horrific chain of events that is about to engulf them all . . . 

My Review
I am working my way through Meg Cabot's books and so far i really enjoy them, so i picked this one up willingly. It is quite different from her other books though, but even so I must say I did enjoy it. The story is slightly unbelievable but holds a sense of magic that seems to draw you into the story.
Ellie moves to Avalon High as her parents are on a sabbatical, they are both professors of medieval history. When Ellie meets Will the cutest guy in school, he thinks they have met before this sets of a strange series of Events. This story is based on Arthurian legend, on the idea that King Arthur never truly died but comes back as a reincarnation when needed. Ellie doesn't really believe it, but the similarities are there. Will's best friend is named Lance (Lancelot in history) his girlfriend who ends up on cheating on him with Lance is called Jennifer which is English for Guinevere, and then there is the strange family situation including his half brother with a grudge to bear, and what does Will's first initial stand for, why does he go by his middle name, Ellie must solve the mystery and come to terms with the truth in order to save them all. Can it all really be true or is she going mad.
This book was very well written and Cabot had definitely researched her subject well, but didn't bore me with facts. Once I had started I found that I couldn't stop, it is very mysterious and unravels the story whilst keeping you in suspense. Altogether a very good book.

My Rating

I would give this book a 7/10

It was a  good read and I might revisit it sometime, glad I read it once, would recommend it to Meg Cabot fans or people interested in History

:D


Update - The Disney film version was on last weekend. The cast was very well placed and it was a good attempt but they changed a lot of the book and it didn't make as much sense to me as the book did. It's worth a watch to see what you think, but i was sadly disappointed.

Book Review - If You Could See Me Now

Synopsis

Elizabeth Egan is too busy for friends. As a reluctant mother to her sister Saoirse's young son Luke and with her own business to run, every precious moment is made to count. But with Saoirse crashing in and out of their lives, leaving both her sister and her son reeling, Luke and Elizabeth are desperately in need of some magic. Enter Ivan. Wild, spontaneous and always looking for adventure, in no time at all Ivan has changed Elizabeth in ways she could never have imagined. But is Ivan too good to be true? Has Elizabeth opened her heart only to risk it being broken again? As for Ivan, he thought he was there to help Luke not Elizabeth -- or himself! 

My Review

I have read most of Cecelia Ahern's books and this was one more on my list. Having read so many of her other books i was really looking forward to reading this book as I find her writing style brilliant and the stories are always so different and quirky. I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed in this book. It is told from the point of view of an imaginary friend named Ivan, but is he really imaginary or has most people lost their belief in magic, friendship and childhood dreams? I loved this whole idea for a story, it is so different from anything else I have come across and got me thinking about my beliefs and attitudes. I really felt for the characters and feel like I went on the journey of discovery with them. Sometimes you just have to lt go, have fun and laugh, embrace the inner child. I was completely gripped from start to finish and would definitely read it again. 

My Rating

I would give this book a 9/10

It is a truly remarkable book and i would recommend it to everyone. It really changes your perspective on life. So find a copy and settle down to an immensely enjoyable read. :D

Book Review - Artemis Fowl & The Atlantis Complex

Synopsis
Young Artemis has frequently used high-tech fairy magic to mastermind the most devious criminal activity of the new century. Now, at a conference in Iceland, Artemis has gathered the fairies to present his latest idea to save the world from global warming. But Artemis is behaving strangely – he seems different. Something terrible has happened to him . . . Artemis Fowl has become nice. The fairies diagnose Atlantis Complex (that’s obsessive compulsive disorder to you and I) – it seems dabbling in magic has damaged Artemis' main weapon: his mind. Fairy ally Captain Holly Short doesn’t know what to do. The subterranean volcanoes are under attack from vicious robots and Artemis cannot fight them. Can Holly get the real Artemis back before the robot probes destroy every human and life form?

My Review
I had become gripped in the world of Artemis Fowl, 'The Atlantis Complex' is number seven in the series and new out. My friend introduced me to them and I read the whole series in a week. I struggled to get into the first book, but once I got going they seemed to get better and better.
The characters in these books are fantastic and I felt myself connect with them, Artemis Fowl is a criminal master mind, yet you can't help but feeling sorry for him, and he really isn't all bad. Captain Holly Short fairy police officer for the LEP is a great character, feisty and always leaping into action without thinking but she is also a loyal friend.
This book starts of in Iceland, where Artemis is showing his new invention to several members of the fairy world. He is trying to stop global warming. This is where i got slightly put off, everything these days has something about global warming in and I'm getting tired of having it shoved down my throat, I was disappointed Eoin Colfer had jumped onto this band wagon, but i persevered with the book, prepared to be lectured. However I was pleasantly surprised the topic is mentioned but not obsessed over.
Artemis is suffering from an illness called the Atlantis Complex which is like a severe form of OCD, paranoia and multi-personality disorder. Eoin Colfer tackles the issue of mental illness head on and doesn't try to shy away, Artemis has to fight his way through and you fight right alongside him.
I really enjoyed this book as it lets you see the different sides of Artemis, and also focuses more on some of the other characters, Foaly the Centaur has a more prominent role in this book, and Butler broadens his horizons, even leaving Artemis' side for a while.
I would say I definitely enjoyed this book, I was gripped by the characters and storyline, and hope that Colfer releases another in this series.

My Rating

I would give this book a 8/10.

it was a very enjoyable read, but not sure I would re-read it again soon. I would definitely recommend it to other readers as it is fast paced and action packed.

Happy Reading :D xx

Reading Now

Have moved onto my next book which is:

'If You Could See Me Now' by Cecelia Ahern


Anyone read this? What's the general opinion?

I will post a review when I am finished.