Book Review - Infinity

Title: Infinity (Chronicles of Nick)
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Publisher: ATOM
ISBN-13: 978-1907410215

Synopsis
Teenager Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is renowned. But his whole world is suddenly turned upside down on the night his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters - immortal vampire-slayers who risk everything to save humanity - and he quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one that's filled with all kinds of evil. However, before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students start turning into flesh-eating members of the undead. Nick knows he's in real danger and he soon has a lot more to deal with than starting high school: he's under pressure to hide his new friends from his mother and his chainsaw from the principal while trying to impress the girl he has a crush on, all without getting grounded, suspended...or killed.
 
My Review
This is the first book by Sherrilyn Kenyon I have ever read, it was recommended to me by a colleague and I thought it sounded quite good. 
It is an easy read, i finished it in a day and dud get sucked into it.
NIck seems like an ordinary teenager, sarcastic, defensive, moody and sometimes shows a caring side. Until one night his friends try to kill him, and Nick gets saved by a mysterious man with extreme powers, he is then thrust into a world filled with Vampires, demons, monsters, Zombies and Werewolves, and has his eyes opened to great powers and terrible fights.
The writing style flows well and the story is fairly fast paced.
I have to say, Nick spends a lot of his time either getting injured, or apologising to his mother for worrying her. I love his character, and laughed out loud at his sarcasm and wit, his one line retorts really made me giggle.
I have to confess though that i was a little confused at places, what sort of demon is Caleb, is he good or bad, who and what is Simi and at points there were so many characters fighting over Nick and the events of his future that i couldn't follow who was good or bad, and who i wanted to win. And the whole Zombie thing confused me a bit, at one point they were fighting the 'live' zombies then the next the 'dead' ones and then there were just zombies everywhere and i had to figure out whether they were evil undead or mind zapped teenagers.
A lot of the unanswered questions i would guess were deliberate and would be answered in later novels, but although i have a vague curiosity and will read the next book at some point, i wouldn't rush out to get it. I'm hoping when i do get it that it will clear things up and i will enjoy the series more, as i feel this has potential to be really good, but it's not quite there yet.
Maybe people that have read the 'Dark Hunter' series would enjoy this more as they would know more about the characters and settings etc, as this is set as a prequel. 
Overall a little disappointing, but i did enjoy it, and the moments that made me giggle puts the rating up, as i love a book that can make me laugh.

My Rating
I would give this book 7/10. A shaky start, but enjoyable and easy to read, worth a try and a must for fans of the 'Dark Hunter' series.   

100 Followers!!! Prize Giveaway

WOW! I have reached 100 followers, this is soo cool, Thank you to everyone following my blog, I can't believe I have reached this milestone and it's all thanks to you!

To celebrate this epic occasion I am going to hold a Super Giveaway!

There are some fantastic books up for grabs in this giveaway. They are all books that I ended up with two copies of, I loved them that much I bought them twice. hehe.

So here are the prizes:

 

• Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy (paperback)
• Skulduggery Pleasant: Playing With Fire by Derek Landy (paperback)
• The Fledgling Handbook by P.C & Kristen Cast (Hardback)
• Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr (Hardback)
• Gideon The Cutpurse by Linda Buckley-Archer (paperback)
• Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine (paperback)

To know more about each book, click on the title listed above and it will take you to Amazon.

I also have 3 posters up for grabs - one for 'Lies' by Michael Grant, one for 'Cherub' books by Robert Muchamore and one for 'Beast Quest' by Adam Blade.

So how to enter?

To enter put your details in the Linky List below, then two names will be drawn out at the end. Yes that's right 2 winners!!  Each winner will get two books and a poster each. The first name pulled out will get first choice of prizes.

Here are the rules: 

1) Competition opens now (Sunday 30th January)
2) Competition closes on Sunday 6th February Midnight GMT
3) Enter your Name, E-mail and Blog Link in the Linky List Below (email will be hidden)
4) You must be a Follower to enter!
5) Two Names will be selected at random from the list.
6) Contest open INTERNATIONALLY!!! :D
7) Winners will be contacted by e-mail
8) Winners will have 3 days to reply or another winner will be selected.

Good Luck Everyone. 

Book Review - I Am Number Four

Title: I Am Number Four
Author: Pittacus Lore
Publisher: Michael Joseph
ISBN-13: 978-0718156473

Synopsis
John Smith is not your average teenager. He regularly moves from small town to small town. He changes his name and identity. He does not put down roots. He cannot tell anyone who or what he really is. If he stops moving those who hunt him will find and kill him. But you can’t run forever. So when he stops in Paradise, Ohio, John decides to try and settle down. To fit in. And for the first time he makes some real friends. People he cares about – and who care about him. Never in John’s short life has there been space for friendship, or even love. But it’s just a matter of time before John’s secret is revealed. He was once one of nine. Three of them have been killed. John is Number Four. He knows that he is next . . . 

My Review
When i first heard about this book I really wasn't that interested, nine aliens on earth being killed by other aliens, yeah right, but then the hype around the book grew and the film was announced. I saw the trailer and thought it looked pretty good, but if a film is based on a book I always have to read it before i can see it. Therefore when I received an ARC copy I was really pleased. I had to put it on hold to finish something else first, but as soon as I could I grabbed it, and I am so glad I did. Whilst reading i sometimes forgot John was an 'Alien' and it didn't seem strange, I came to really like him as a character and was cheering for him throughout the book. I love Henri - who is John's guardian, a great father figure and teacher and a very deep character.
Although set on earth, you hear about the other two planets, 'Lorien' where the nine came from and Mogadoria, where the beast like monsters that are hunting them came from. Lorien really came to life for me, you get a history of their planet mixed in with the story and it feels real, and i can sort of see why Henri wants to go back one day.
The story is really well written and flows easily of the page, it is exciting, moving, breath-taking and adventurous. I was literally on the edge of my seat whilst reading this and had me lauhging out loud, gasping, and even crying a bit too.
I would definitely recommend this book, it is one of the best books I have read recently.
It is obviously set for a sequel and I can't wait for more.
I'm looking forward to seeing the film even more now, but as I've enjoyed the book so much I may be disappointed, oh well, I'll have to wait and see! ;D


My Rating
I would give this book 9.5/10, exceptional read, grab a copy now, read it before you see it.

Book Blogger Hop: January 28th-31st & Follow Friday (2)

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books and is an awesome way to for book bloggers to interact and find each other. Such a wonderful idea! There's a new question every week that all the participating blogs have to answer. 

This week's question comes from Aliyah who blogs at Des Absurdités:

 

 "What book are you most looking forward to seeing published in 2011?  Why are you anticipating that book?"

My Answer: This is so hard, there are so many fantastic books coming out this year, but if I have to pick just one, i think i would go for 'Forever' by Maggie Stiefvater, i absolutely loved Shiver and Linger and can't wait to read more.

And isn't the cover pretty!!

 From Amazon:

  In SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they foughtto be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in

What are you looking forward to?

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, go back later and join the fun!  This is a weekly event!  And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added

If you've stopped by my blog from the hop, welcome, it's great to have you here, please feel free to look around, and follow. I will then visit you in turn. :D     

Follow Friday 



Follow Friday is an opportunity to discover and follow other book related blogs! Want to join? Check it out at Parajunkee.

This week's question comes from Marie of Mission to Read

What is/was your favorite subject in school?

I really enjoyed school, most of the time anyway. My favourite subjects were English, P.E & Drama, if I had to pick one of these I would say Drama, i still love acting, but don't get to do it anymore. I would love to find a local Drama group I could join and get back into it. I just loved the chance to be someone else and do something different and bring enjoyment to others too.

What's your favourite?

 

I also need to ask all you wonderful Bloggers for some help. I have entered a competition on Facebook on 'Creative Writing Now' Page, However i need people to 'like' my entry. The entry with the most 'likes' by 11th Feb wins a prize. If you are on Facebook please go to this link and press like. Thank you all very much :D

Update & Help

Hi,

January is flying by and I'm on my 16th book of this month.

I'm currently reading 'I Am Number Four' by Pittacus Lore, and yes this will be released in cinemas as a blockbuster movie in a couple of weeks, so far I am loving this book and really looking forward to the film.


I am so happy to now have 93 followers, but I'm hoping to reach 100 soon. When i do I will have a super massive Giveaway, so please encourage people to follow for the chance to get some awesome prizes.



Now, please head over to 'Down The Rabbit Hole', Amber who blogs there is working on a 'Super Secret Project' and needs help. If you have any Bookmarks promoting books that you no longer want, she would love to have them. Head over here to read her blog post for more information. Thanks. :D

Teaser Tuesday: I Am Number Four

TEAser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as 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 any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others!

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles!

My Teasers: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

'"You've been warned," I say. "You have till the end of the day."

I turn to leave.

"Or what?" he yells behind me. I don't acknowledge it. Let him dwell on the answer.'

Page 39

'The large beast has returned, the one with the red eyes and enormous horns. Drool mixed with blood falls from razor-sharp teeth so large they can't be contained within it's mouth.'

Page 79

 
What's your teasers?

Book Review - Across The Universe

Title: Across The Universe
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Puffin
ISBN-13: 978-0141333663

Synopsis
Amy has left the life she loves for a world 300 years away Trapped in space and frozen in time, Amy is bound for a new planet. But fifty years before she’s due to arrive, she is violently woken, the victim of an attempted murder. Now Amy's lost on board and nothing makes sense - she's never felt so alone. Yet someone is waiting for her. He wants to protect her; and more if she’ll let him. But who can she trust amidst the secrets and lies? A killer is out there – and Amy has nowhere to hide . . .  

My Review
The first time i saw this book and read the blurb i showed no interest at all really, Sci-Fi space adventures really aren't my thing, but the more i thought about it the more it seemed appealing, and then i saw lots of reviews throughout the blogging world and everyone was saying how fantastic it was, i decided it would be worth my time. I did have to stop part-way through so i could read some books for a book-day at work, but to be honest i was grateful for the distraction. I don't know if it was because the book was so hyped up that my expectations weren't met or simply that it wasn't my thing but for the first 100 pages i was really bored and considered giving it up on more than one occasion.
Although saying that, i think the break did the world of good, i came back to it in a different mind-set, prepared not to like it, and i admit i started to enjoy it a lot more.
Amy is cryogenically frozen on board the ship 'Godspeed', with her parents and other citizens from earth, all of whom are considered useful. They will journey to a new planet, the flight will take 300 years, when they arrive they will all be unfrozen and will help to rebuild civilisation on the new planet. Amy is the only non-essential, the only person without a person, only there because her parents got permission to bring her. However, Amy is unfrozen 50 years too early, the shock nearly kills her, but once awake she sets out to find who unplugged her, and as others start getting unplugged too and dying, she has to find out before it's too late.
Elder is Seventeen, he is being trained by Eldest to be the next leader. The ship is kept running by a small society, they have farms, hospitals, fields etc, and it all needs to keep running, and bringing in new generations so there is someone to unfreeze the people when they arrive at the planet. Elder teams up with Amy to discover who is behind the brutal unplugging's. Everything on the ship is not what it seems.
I loved the different personalities, Amy is a free spirit, passionate about life and what is right, strong and independent, but still human with moments of weakness and a desire for her parents.
Elder started off a bit annoying to me, a bit like a puppy doing everything it's master says, but he comes out of his shell as the story progresses and i found myself growing to really like him, and hoping he got what he wanted.
Eldest scared me a bit, he had a multi-personality, one moment friendly granddad, the next he was an angry psychopath. He was a great 3dimensional character and i could understand why he was the way he was.
Overall i did enjoy the book, it wasn't as good as i thought, but i am definitely glad i read it. Maybe i am more clever than i thought, but i did manage to solve the mystery about half way through the book and so wasn't surprised by the big revelation towards the end, but still enjoyed reading to see how it was revealed.
The ending is clearly set for a sequel and i must admit I am looking forward to it's release. 

My Rating
I would give this book 8/10. Grab a copy and give it a go, you'll be pleasantly surprised.  

Book Review - Tripwire

Title: Tripwire
Author:Steve Cole & Chris Hunter
Publisher: Corgi Childrens
ISBN: 978-0552560832

Synopsis
Got you. The sight of the bomb hit Felix like a punch in the guts. Just twelve minutes remaining on the clock . . . He was going to have to move fast.
Following a devastating terrorist bomb attack on Heathrow airport, Felix Smith is determined to avenge his father's death.
He successfully becomes a member of the Minos Chapter, a secret service full of gifted under-age recruits. His speciality – Bomb Disposal. Felix and his fellow recruits are now the ultimate spooks – trained to fight terror with terror. The timer is ticking . . . 

My Review
This book is going to be hard to review, as I had to read it for Book Day at work and i hated it. Now, this seems like a extreme reaction but i really did, and it is of no way reflecting the book. Let me explain: As a story the plot is good, the characters are all very realistic and it's quite exciting to read. Any other person may read this and give it ten out of ten. The only reason i hated it, is that i never read these sort of stories, for me, hearing about terrorist attacks is bad enough on the news without reading fictional versions, it's just horrific and rather depressing. That is why this is so hard to review, if i was judging it on my interest i would give it about 2/10, but if i judged it through writing plot etc, i would have to give it something like a 7/10.
I must admit i came to really like Felix, he was a great character, intelligent and really good at what he did but not cocky or self obsessed as a lot of teen boy characters are shown. The story develops well and the plot moves quickly which helped me to get through this book quicker than i normally do with books i struggle with.
The book is really well researched, one of the writer's is an actual bomb disposal expert, and it really shows, for me this partly worked as it sets the scene up and details the bombs etc well, but on the other hand he uses a lot of terminology that  i didn't understand and so found myself skimming these paragraphs, hoping he would just get on with it.
This would be great for people that like action, bomb, adventure stories, probably aimed more at boys. By all means, if you think this is a story for you, read it, it is good if you are into that sort of thing, i only disliked it as i really don't like these sort of things. 


My Rating
for the first time ever i will do two ratings:
Quality of book: 7.5/10 - as i have said it is well written and could be a great read for someone
My opinion: 2/10 - just not my sort of thing!
 

What's Your Status? 22/1/11

This meme is hosted by Butterfly Feet Walking on Life.

I am to post what I've finished in the past week, what I'm currently reading and where I am in the book/s, what I plan to read next, and possibly what I want to buy/get.

I like the idea of this, so thought i would join in. :D

Finished This Week:

 Vampire Knight Vol.1 by Matsuri Hino

Never Bite A Boy On The First Date by Tamara Summers

Trash by Andy Mulligan

Inside by Julia Jarman

Currently Reading & How Far:

Tripwire by Stephen Cole - Page 8 (just started)

Across The Universe by Beth Revis - Page 104

Next On My TBR (To Be Read) Pile:  

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore 

 

Book Review - Inside

Title: Inside
Author: J.A. Jarman
Publisher: Andersen 
ISBN-13: 978-1842709771

Synopsis
Aged seventeen, Lee is inside for a crime he has
committed. And he soon finds out that prison is not the holiday camp he's heard about. Warned to 'play by the rules' he has to decide whose rules - the screws' or the other cons'. 
Life in a Young Offenders Institution is about survival. But the real struggle is inside Lee himself. Is he destined to be a 'career con' or can he choose to change his life?

My Review
This was another book I had to read for Book Day at work, and I must admit it is not my sort of thing and i wasn't looking forward to it. Lee is sent to a Young Offenders Institute after being charged with theft and assault, he soon learns that it won't be easy in there. There are so many rules both from the 'screws' (Officers) and the 'Cons' (fellow inmates). There are gangs, fights, arguments, rules, lying and loneliness. Lee realises he has to keep himself out of the spotlight if he wants to survive and maybe shorten his sentence, but trouble seems to have a way of finding him.
I must say this book was well written and was very believable, the setting seemed so realistic, and was obviously very well researched.
Although Lee has committed some serious crimes, you still feel sorry for him, you can tell he is trying to make an effort and really regrets his actions, but with the pressure of other cons, he can't show a soft side. As i was reading this, i kept hoping Lee would catch a break, would get moved to another place, someone would see him for who he really is, but of course he didn't, just like real life, no one ever catches a break.
I hated Lee's mum in this book, she totally abandons him, and yes, he hasn't been the ideal child and he has caused her pain, but i hated how quickly she turned her back on him, i suppose a lot of Young offenders go through this, and a lot of parents have to turn away because they can't cope with it anymore, but it was still hard to read. It makes me appreciate all i have.
The book was fairly short and the plot flowed well, there was a variety of characters which helped bring it to life and  overall i enjoyed the book a lot more than i thought i would.
I think it is supposed to be aimed more at boys, as it is told from a teenage boys point of view, and i think that is why the author has decided to publish it as J.A Jarman, instead of Julia Jarman, as boys are more likely to pick it up if they think it is written by a man.  And it works in a way, as whilst reading, it makes it feel like Lee is really talking to you.

My Rating
I would give this book 7.5/10. Worth a read.  

Follow Friday (1)

As there is no Blogger Hop this week i thought i would join in with the Follow Friday fun.

Follow Friday is an opportunity to discover and follow other book related blogs! Want to join? Check it out at Parajunkee.

This week's question comes from Logan

"Who do you cheer for?"

Well, i don't really support any sports teams, i would rather take part in sport than watch it. However i cheer for YA authors, mass support and encouragement and crazy fan girl squeals should i meet them :P. That counts right?


Also I am going to use this post to do a bit of promotion, my best friend has just started a blog, it is called 'Kitties and Cookies'. Please click on here to visit her blog and maybe follow. She has a lot of cool things to say and her blog rocks!

Book Review - Trash

Title: Trash
Author: Andy Mulligan
Publisher: David Fickling Books
ISBN-13: 978-0385619011

Synopsis
Raphael is a dumpsite boy. He spends his days wading through mountains of steaming trash, sifting it, sorting it, breathing it, sleeping next to it.
Then one unlucky-lucky day, Raphael’s world turns upside down. A small leather bag falls into his hands. It’s a bag of clues. It’s a bag of hope. It’s a bag that will change everything.
Soon Raphael and his friends Gardo and Rat are running for their lives. Wanted by the police, it takes all their quick-thinking, fast-talking to stay ahead. As the net tightens, they uncover a dead man’s mission to put right a terrible wrong.
And now it's three street-boys against the world...

My Review
I have to admit i had absolutely no interest in this book, but had to read it for Book Day at work. I picked it up this morning with grim determination to read it, and finished it early this afternoon and was very surprised.
Raphael lives, works, sleeps and eats at the Dump-site, his days are passed sorting through the trash, looking for things that can be sold for money. His best friend Gardo keeps an eye out for him and they have become like brothers. One day as a rubbish truck is dumping it's load, Raph things he is lucky to have found a sealed trash bag from the 'posh side' of town, he knows the stuff in there will be more valuable, but what he finds takes him by surprise. He finds a small leather bag, packed with a variety of objects and a wad of money. He shares he money with Gardo, and the boys try to figure out what the mix of items could mean. The boys are interrupted by the arrival of the police, they tell the dump-site kids they are looking for a leather bag, that is very important, so important they will pay a large sum of money to get it back. But Raph and Gardo decide to keep quiet and not hand it in. They want to solve the mystery first. With the help of their skinny friend Rat, they hide the bag, but soon the police are sniffing around again. The boys know time is running out, and with a mass police force after them, they have to use all the survival skills they know.
This story is mainly told from the 3 boys perspective, each boy takes turns to narrate, but it also has chapters by other people, people that played a part in the boys story. I liked the version of narration, it was like the characters were talking to you. I read it quickly and got into the story, i kept trying to guess what would happen next, but i was never right.
There was one thing that annoyed me, a few chapters are narrated by 'Olivia' a 22 year old volunteer who helps the kids at the Dump-site with education. She was a great character, but when we are introduced to her she says something along the lines of- 'the boys have contacted me and asked me to write down what happened, so this is where i start.' Then later on in the book when she leaves, she says - 'I haven't seen or heard from them since the day i left.' This isn't quoted just how i remember it. But if she hasn't seen or heard from them since she left, how did they contact her to write for them. Just felt like he was getting plot points confused. However that was the only niggle i had, and apart from that i thoroughly enjoyed the story.
I felt my heart bleed for poor little Raphael, i wanted to scoop him up, feed him and hug him. Rat was sweet too but with a devious side, and Gardo sounds like a great big brother. The characters are all lovable and exciting and i am glad i read about their adventure.
Give it a go, it is definitely worth it, a nice heart warming, easy to read story.


My Rating
 I would give this book 8/10. A very surprising book, try it :D

Mini Challenge 2011

• This challenge goes from Jan. 1st 2011- Apr. 1st 2011
• Rules: Choose 4 books according to the following guidelines:

1. Something old
2. Something new
3. Something borrowed
4. Something blue
   

• You don't have to pick the books ahead of time! Be creative! While the other categories are self explanatory, 'Something blue' can mean a book with a blue cover, a book with the word 'blue' in the title, a book that takes place at sea...anything you want!

I have signed up to this cool mini Challenge, don't know how i missed it before, but never mind. This looks like fun.

Not sure what books i will use, but will be a challenge. :D

Book Review - Never Bite A Boy On The First Date

Title: Never Bite A Boy On The First Date
Author: Tamara Summers
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
ISBN-13: 978-0007345021


Synopsis
If you think all vampires are brooding, angst and hair gel, this murder mystery, high school romantic comedy will make you think again! Newly-turned vampire Kira has earned a reputation for breaking rules. So when a student is murdered at her high school, all fingers point to Kira. In order to prove her innocence she has to show them that there's another vampire in town. She's pretty sure it's one of three new guys who've moved in recently. Dating three cute boys may be fun, but which one is the murdering vampire? And what if he's the boy she's falling for!? 


My Review
I had looked at this on the shelf before but never got round to reading it. However it is on our 'Book Day' list at work and so had to read it for that, and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
I don't particularly like the cover, and if i had picked it just on that, i would've never have picked it up. I love the title though, it made me giggle.
When a dead body is found at the school with bite marks on the neck, Kira is looking like the prime suspect, she is a vampire and has bitten before, but this time she is innocent, but she needs to convince her vampire parents of this. There are 3 prime suspects, all boys, and all totally cute. Kira must try not to fall for her suspects, things could get dangerous. 
This book has a great plot idea and i found myself trying to figure out who was guilty all the way through, i also wanted to know why the boy had been killed, trying to figure out why someone would kill a dopey but harmless football player. Kira is a great character, she is so typical teenager, but has great wit and sarcasm and knows how to handle herself. 
I found the vampire family very interesting and they have a great relationship with each other. Even as a reader i found myself being drawn to Daniel and Milo, I can totally understand Kira's problem.
The only bit i didn't like was descriptions of the crazy meals they mix their blood into, as i was reading whilst I ate, it put me off my food a bit, but you kind of have to laugh at it too.
The writing flows really well and is fast paced, i laughed out loud in many places and gasped in shock at others. 
I hope Tamara Summers writes more books, because this one was great.

My Rating
i would give this book 9/10. A great new read, check it out.

Teaser Tuesday: Never Bite A Boy On The First Date

TEAser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as 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 any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others!

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles!

My Teasers: Never Bite A Boy On The First Date by Tamara Summers

"This is precisely the kind of thinking that will get us all staked!" he shouted. "`These new vampires think they can bite anyone they like! They don't remember how the hunters watch for any signs of us! Carless, reckless, selfish-"

Page 44

 

"It was like Rowan and I were the only real, three-dimensional things against a flat background. He must have felt it too, because his awkwardness seemed to melt away. He reached out and trailed his fingers lightly down my cheek to my chin."

Page 85


What's your teasers?

Book Review - Vampire Knight vol.1

Title: Vampire Knight Vol.1
Author: Matsuri Hino
Publisher: Viz Media, Subs. of Shogakukan Inc; Shojo Beat Manga Ed edition
ISBN: 978-1421508221

Synopsis
Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires! Yuki Cross has no memory of her past prior to the moment she was saved from a vampire attack ten years ago. She was adopted by the headmaster of Cross Academy, and now works alongside Zero to guard the Academy's secret. Yuki believes that vampires and humans can coexist peacefully, but her partner has different ideas... 

My Review
To be honest I am not a big reader of Manga, but this was on the list for our 'Book Day' at work so i picked up a copy. 
Vampire Knight is set at Cross Academy, There are two classes: the Day and Night. The only difference between them is a bog one, the Day class is filled with ordinary kids, the Night Class is filled with Vampires. The Day Class has no idea who they share the school with and two students are selected as Guardians to help guard the secret. Yuki & Zero patrol the school as the Night class takes over making sure no students are left wandering about where they could get hurt.
This, like all mangas took me about 30 minutes to read, just a case of scanning the pictures and reading the few bits of writing. I must admit i don't really get into the stories, as there isn't enough to get me hooked, but i can appreciate the skill that goes in to them and i can follow the basic story. 
This book feels like it has potential, i like the idea of the story and am intrigued to see where it goes, but yet saying tht, i don't think i will bother with the rest. I like Kanami as a character, he has the mysterious handsome type thing going on. Zero is too moody and depressed for me, and Yuki is a bit too upbeat - overly perky. Even when she gets attacked by vampires she seems to be smiling.
I can't really say much more about it, I'm not used to reviewing Manga. I think Manga fans would enjoy it, as i say it has a good storyline, it's just that i am not a massive manga fan, i would rather watch the Anime series when it comes out for a lot of Manga's.

My Rating
I would give this book 6/10. Has potential.   

Book Review - Furnace: Fugitives

Title: Furnace: Fugitives
Author: Alexander Gordon Smith
Publisher: Faber and Faber
ISBN-13: 978-0571259397

Synopsis
I am no longer trapped in the darkness. But the darkness is still trapped inside me. We did it. We cracked the gates, escaped from Furnace. We’re out, but we’re not free. Not yet. Now the whole city is in lockdown ­– the roads sealed, the police scouring every building. And there are worse things here – creatures of unimaginable fury hunting us down. An unholy army, sent by Alfred Furnace himself. Now a war is raging as he tries to bring the world to its knees. I can still feel the warden’s poison inside me. It’s the only thing keeping me alive, but it’s turning me into one of them, into a monster. I don’t know how much longer I can fight it before the rage takes over. If I don’t find a cure soon then it will be me out there tearing this city apart, me feasting on blood. If I ever want to be truly free then I have to travel into the heart of the darkness. I have to find Alfred Furnace before he finds me. We made it out but the nightmare followed us, and soon the whole world will be our prison…

My Review
I read the first 3 books in this series for Book Day at work last year, and met the author. He was a very cool guy, made us all laugh, squirm, cringe and laugh some more. He has an awesome sense of humour. Compared to his personality these books are the complete opposite, they are filled with death, terror and madness. But i love them. These books are a bit like when you drive past an accident, you know you shouldn't be looking, that it's going to be gruesome, but you just cannot look away. 
I requested this book from the library and was so excited when it came in. Book 3 ended on a real cliffhanger and i couldn't wait to start reading. 
Alex, Simon, and Zee have escaped from the depths of 'Furnace' a prison gone bad, where all the inmates are tortured and mutated into monsters. Chaos reins over the city as monsters, fugitives and 'Wardens' are let loose. Struggling to escape from police, the three young boys hide away and try to get out of the city, but soon they realise there are things much worse hunting them. A new type of monster, worse than what was being created inside Furnace is on the loose, and more people are turning by the minute.
This book is so exciting, i literally could not put it down. Everytime i thought they would escape, BAM another obstacle would intercept them, there were so many unexpected twists in this story that i was on the edge of my seat. 
This is something i never thought i would like, but was so surprised, it is a fabulous series, very well written, with great characters and a great plot.
The characters really come alive, i feel sorry for Alex, Zee and Simon and all they have happen to them, and I find Alfred Furnace terrifying, you never physically meet him, he's just a presence and it's almost like he is watching you through the pages of the book, it adds an element of excitement to it. 

My Rating
I would give this book 8.5/10, i cannot  wait for the next and final part in this series which comes out in March :D

A-Z Reading Challenge

This is a challenge hosted by Book Junky over at The Thoughts of a Book Junkie. If you haven't signed up, I suggest you do! 

So... here's how its gonna work... 

Read 26 books this year ( easy right ) 

One for each letter of the alphabet.

As I'm doing other Challenges, i thought why not incorporate them into this one.
Click on the Title to go to my review.

Here is my list so far:

A - Across The Universe by Beth Revis
B - Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James
C - Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
D - Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding
E - Evermore by Alyson Noel
F - Furnace; Fugitives by Alexander Gordon Smith
G - Grave Doubts by Meg Cabot
H - Heaven Sent by Meg Cabot
I - Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon
J - Jungle Vampire by The Beastly Boys
K - Kisses For Lula by Samantha Mackintosh
L - Lula Does The Hula by Samantha Mackintosh
M - My So-Called Life by Joanna Nadin
N - Night Star (Immortals 5) by Alyson Noel
O - Oriana's Eyes by Celeste Simone
P - Piratica  by Tanith Lee
Q - Quest of the Demon by M L Sawyer
R - The Rising Moon by Nilsa Rodriguez
S - Sign Of Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
T - Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
U - Unreliable Life of Harry the Valet by Duncan Hamilton
V - Vampire Knight Vol.1 by Matsuri Hino
W - Wings by E.D Baker
X -
Y - Young Blood by Meg Cabot
Z - Zero Hour by Mark Walden

Almost got a full list. :D

Book Review - Hex Hall

Synopsis
In the wake of a love spell gone horribly wrong, Sophie Mercer, a sixteen-year-old witch, is shipped off to Hecate Hall, a boarding school for witches, shapeshifters and faeries. The traumas of mortal high school are nothing compared to the goings on at "Freak High." It's bad enough that she has to deal with a trio of mean girls led by the glamorous Elodie, but it's even worse when she begins to fall for Elodie's gorgeous boyfriend, Archer Cross, and frankly terrifying that the trio are an extremely powerful coven of dark witches. But when Sophie begins to learn the disturbing truth about her father, she is forced to face demons both metaphorical and real, and come to terms with her own growing power as a witch. 




My Review
I wanted to read this book as soon as i heard of it, months ago, but i had to wait for the UK release date then the order of my copy from the library to come through. But it was well worth the wait.
Sophie Mercer is sent to Hectate (Hex) Hall after she performs a love spell on her friend and it goes horribly wrong. Hex Hall is a boarding school for Witches, Faeries and other magical beings. All of them have done something bad to get in there and have to learn to control their powers. 
Sophie is a great witch, her magic went wrong and dangered others, but she always did it with the best intentions, now she's stuck at Hex, with the 3 most powerful witches out to get her, a crush on the cutest boy who happens to be dating one of the 3, and secrets about her father who she has never known are coming out. Could things get any worse. 
I found myself empathising with Sophie and hoping things would turn out ok.
I also loved Sophie's room-mate Jenna, a young vampire girl, outcast in the school and very sweet-natured. The girl's friendship blossoms and they make a good team.
The plot is very fast moving and exciting, it's got everything, adventure, danger, romance, magic and twists that will leave you gripped to the pages and on the edge of your seat.
I cannot wait until book 2 comes out, it's the start of a very promising series.


My Rating
I would give this book 9/10. A very exciting read!

Book Blogger Hop: January 14th - 17th

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books and is an awesome way to for book bloggers to interact and find each other. Such a wonderful idea! There's a new question every week that all the participating blogs have to answer. 

This week's question comes from Barb who blogs at Sugarbeat's Books:

 

 "Why do you read the genre that you do?  What draws you to it?"

 

My Answer: I love Fantasy/Supernatural books, the escape into a completely different time and place,  somewhere your imagination can escape to. I drift into these books and enter these strange new worlds, and i like to learn of all the different species. I love the wonder of magic and illusion. I also read chic lit, clique novels, characters i can relate too, i can feel a part of their lives.

 

 

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, go back later and join the fun!  This is a weekly event!  And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added

If you've stopped by my blog from the hop, welcome, it's great to have you here, please feel free to look around, and follow. I will then visit you in turn. :D     

 

Book Review - The Legacy

Synopsis
When a Pincent Pharma lorry is ambushed by the Underground, its contents come as a huge surprise - not drugs, but corpses in a horrible state. It appears Longevity isn't working and the drugs that are supposed to guarantee eternal youth are failing to live up to their promise. A virus is sweeping the country, killing in its wake, and Longevity is powerless to fight it. When Richard Pincent of Pincent Pharma suggests that the Underground has released the virus, something has to be done to put the story straight once and for all and alert everyone to the truth. 




My Review
I requested this as soon as i knew it was coming out. I loved book one 'Declaration' and enjoyed book 2 'Resistance' and so was looking forward to book 3. it took a few months before it was released then i had to wait for it to arrive and so the other books weren't fresh in my mind, but i did get back into the story quite quickly. This one starts with a prologue which actually takes you back before the beginning of book 1.
Albert is researching a cure for cancer when his daughter is taken ill, he finds a cure, but it is the ultimate cure, it will heal you of every illness and renew your cells so you don't die of old age either. It looks like he has created a form of immortality.
His assistant is hungry for the formula and the fame that comes with it and so takes the formula and gets rid of Albert.
It then skips to 120 or something years later and back where book 2 ended. Anna has escaped the 'surplus halls' a place where children who were born 'illegally' are sent. She has found that she isn't a waste on society but a valuable human being. She is happily living with Peter, her brother Ben, and her baby Molly.
The Underground are still trying to sabotage Pincent Pharma, destroying drugs, stopping the children from being taken away, trying to restart the circle of life. But one raid on a van of what they think is drugs reveals piles of withered dead bodies, and they aren't the first. Hundreds and thousands of people are mysteriously disappearing, and word gets out of an illness, it seems the drugs aren't working anymore. Pincent Pharma try to cover the catastrophe by blaming the Underground.
Can Anna, Peter, Jude and Sheila uncover the truth before everyone either dies of the disease or gets killed by angry scared people. 
I'm a bit confused about how i feel about this book, i enjoyed parts of it, but at other times it was a bit too political for my liking. The author makes quite a debate about the value of life, and why one person can think that they have more right to live than others. Should we have eternal life on the consequence that no new life can be born. It is an interesting subject but it felt a bit forced. There were a few surprises in the story line that i enjoyed and i found myself trying to figure out who was on what side and what was going to happen. 
One part of my brain was saying, 'this isn't that good, and not at all believable,' but the other part was saying 'keep reading i need to know what happens, this is getting good.' the result was that i couldn't put the book down and was up until 1.30 in the morning finishing it!
I think i was mainly disappointed because i loved book 1 so much and felt they went downhill from then on, but i would say, it was worth finishing and i really liked how it ended.

My Rating
I would give this book a 6.5/10. Worth a try.