Friday 31 January 2014

Book Review - Burning Bright

Title: Burning Bright
Author: Tracy Chevalier
Publisher: Harper
Release Date: 4 Feb 2008
ISBN-13: 978-0007178360

Synopsis 
Poet, artist, and printer William Blake works in obscurity as England is rocked by the shock waves of the French Revolution. Next door, the Kellaway family has just moved in, and country boy Jem Kellaway strikes up a tentative friendship with street–savvy Maggie Butterfield.

As their stories intertwine with Blake’s, the two children navigate the confusing and exhilarating path to adolescence, and inspire the poet to create the work that enshrined his genius.


My Review
Every month in the library we hold an 'Open Book Group' session, which basically means that we advertise the book we are going to read and then anyone who comes into the library can request a copy and come along to the discussion meeting. The staff take it in turns to run the session, this month it was my turn and I was given this one.
I've never read Chevalier before and can't say I've ever really wanted to, but I was told that I might enjoy this one and that it was a fairly easy going read.
I left it to the last minute to read, basically starting it at 9pm Thursday night when the meeting was on Friday. I must admit I was exactly captivated and by 10:30 I had put it down for a break, eager to do something else!
Knowing I had to finish it I then ending up staying up until 1:30 in the morning slogging through it.
The mention of a circus in this book was one thing that made me a bit more inclined to read it, I really like things to do with the circus in books, especially more old fashioned style stories but I was disappointed with it, the circus is actually more of a back setting to the story, a place for a few characters to meet and interact for a while but it isn't actually that relevant in my opinion. Which considering the picture on the front is a bit misleading.
The story is set in 1792 and follows the Kellaway family as they move from Dorsetshire to London, it's a very different place and at first they are over-whelmed but they soon find themselves getting use to the hustle and bustle of the town. We have Mr Kellaway who makes wooden chairs for a living, his wife, his son Jem and his daughter Maisie. Considering Jem is supposed to be a teenager he came across to me as a bit weak willed and quite young in spirit, he seemed like a right pushover, I kept waiting for him to do something to prove himself but it never really came. 
The redeeming feature of the book is Maggie, a young girl from London who befriends the family, especially Jem. She has a wicked personality and really lights up the story, she brings a real spark to it and makes it much more exciting. I liked her easy spirit and quick easy speech.
Although the book is based on William Blake's life he too seems like a secondary character, and not all that important - parts of his poetry are quoted throughout the book which helps set the scene a little, but actually got a bit irritating after a while, I found myself skimming them.
The book jumps from scene to scene and never really delves into any given situation so I felt a little bit disconnected throughout, I never really felt involved with the characters or that I cared that much about them.
When I finished the book I wondered what the point was - it didn't really ever go anywhere, I was waiting for something to happen to make it all worth while but I was left feeling a bit deflated.
I found out that The Astley circus and the building that Blake lived in really did exist and that a couple of the scenes in the book were based on real life events - this made it seem a bit more relevant and made me appreciate the book a little bit more. But I think there should be a page at the back of the book to let you know this, make it more general knowledge without having to look up info online.
I fully admit this is not my normal sort of read and I would never have chosen it otherwise, but I am always willing to try different things and have found some gems before, it just wasn't meant to be this time.

My Rating
   

Thursday 30 January 2014

Book Promo - The Curse of Betrayal


The Curse of Betrayal

Blurb: 

Ryder has finally decided to take her life into her own hands, but things don’t always turn out as they seem. Ollie and Ari have made a pact that leaves Ryder alone until she ends the curse and chooses her soul mate.
With her knights absent, Ryder becomes independent, seeing things in her visions that force her to question the curse—and herself.
As strange things happen at Demi God Academy, Ryder realizes everything comes back to her. She must use the power growing within her to protect her new friends in ways she never imagined possible. But as new threats surface, she may not be strong enough to protect them all.

In book two of A Curse Books, Ryder discovers what it really means to be Eurydice.


Playlist:

Trying Not To Love You- Nickelback
The Story of Us- Taylor Swift
Going Through Changes- Army of Me
Wherever You Go- Ron Pope
Stronger- Kelly Clarkson
TroubleMaker- Olly Murs
Show Me What I’m Looking For- Carolina Liar
Grenade- Bruno Mars
I Hate That I Love You- Neyo feat Rihanna
Say Something- A Great Big World
A Little Bit Stronger- Sara Evans
Wounded Heart- Jude Johnstone
Your Guardian Angel- Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Safe and Sound- Taylor Swift
Break Even- the script
Broken- Seether
Fighter- Christina Aguileraa
Freewill- Rush

Author Bio: 

Taylor Lavati is a twenty-something year old author who enjoys writing young adult and new adult fiction. She operates her blogs, while obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. When she’s not writing, she’s reading. She currently resides in Connecticut with her dog, Beau and fiance, Christopher.

Links:


Buy links to The Curse of Betrayal coming soon. Published on February 3rd, so will be available then. Can preorder a paperback on my website, www.taylorlavati.com.

Wednesday 29 January 2014

Book Review - Fall of Night

Title: Fall of Night
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: The Morganville Vampires (book 14) 
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Release Date: 2 May 2013
ISBN-13: 978-0749012663

Synopsis
Claire never thought she’d leave Morganville, but when she gets accepted into the graduate program at MIT, she can’t pass up the opportunity. Saying good-bye to her friends is bittersweet, especially since things are still raw and unsettled between Claire and her boyfriend, Shane.

Her new life at MIT is scary and exciting, but Morganville is never really far from Claire’s mind. Enrolled in a special advanced study program with Professor Irene Anderson, a former Morganville native, Claire is able to work on her machine, which is designed to cancel the mental abilities of vampires.

But when she begins testing her machine on live subjects, things quickly spiral out of control, and Claire starts to wonder whether leaving Morganville was the last mistake she’ll ever make...


My Review
I'm so close to the end and I am excited, nervous, happy and sad all at once. I just can't believe it's all going to end. 
So book 14 is finished and I just don't know what to feel, that was one heck of a book. Just woah!!! OK, I have to catch my breath.

Right here goes, I was a bit nervous about this book, we have entured outside Morganville before - once and it was a great story, but this time it was just Claire and it felt kind of final, at least before it was the group and we knew they would go back. So I didn't know what to expect and if I would like Claire outside of Morganville. Turns out I shouldn't have worried, and I should know to trust Caine by now because this book was totally awesome, in fact I think it's one of my favourites in the series. Yeah I missed the whole feeling and setting of Morganville but this created so many new and awesome opportunities and some great new characters too. I really liked Jesse and Pete they were like Eve and Michael in attitude but again not a substitute for the real things but still kick butt.
It was interesting to see how Claire reacted in a new place - she got used to being rather important in Morganville but now she's just one of many in a big place and I liked to see her vulnerable side back - it was slightly reminiscent of the Claire from the early books, but you could still see how much she had grown and developed. 
Shane is just amazing, a total douche at times but totally well meaning and he really has grown through the series and it's great to see so many different sides to him. 
I really liked how Caine mixed the two worlds together and brought the whole storyline round, I didn't guess at any of what she planned and it was very exciting to read. Seeing everything come together and in such an explosive way.
I seriously can't even form a sensible review here I'm just blown away. If you haven't read this series yet I highly recommend it, you seriously have to do it. Grab book 1 (because this has to be done in order!) and get reading.

My Rating
    

Sunday 26 January 2014

Book Review - Bitter Blood

Title: Bitter Blood
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: The Morganville Vampires (book 13)
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Release Date: 6 Nov 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0749012809

Synopsis
For years, the human and vampire residents of Morganville, Texas, have managed to co-exist in peace. But now that the threat to the vampires has been defeated, the human residents are learning that the gravest danger they face is the enemy within…
Thanks to the eradication of the parasitic creatures known as the draug, the vampires of Morganville have been freed of their usual constraints. With the vampires indulging their every whim, the town’s human population is determined to hold on to their lives by taking up arms. But college student Claire Danvers isn’t about to take sides, considering she has ties to both the humans and the vampires.
To make matters worse, a television show comes to Morganville looking for ghosts, just as vampire and human politics collide. Now, Claire and her friends have to figure out how to keep the peace without ending up on the nightly news… or worse.


My Review
My goodness the weeks are flying by, I just haven't had much time to read recently and it's no fault of the book, I've just been snowed under. 
So I got out of the groove a little bit with Morganville and in places this started to feel a little bit slow, the plot line of the last couple of books had rounded off and this one started on the next 'chapter' of their story and I wondered where Caine would take it. Don't get me wrong - she does a fabulous job but it feels like she is setting up something bigger to come which means there is a bit more backstory/filling. But when you get to the last third of the book - it all becomes worth it. Talk about explosive endings - my word does she know how to pull you in, shake you up and spit you out again. 
So, things in Morganville have taken a turn for the worse - vampires have regained their freedom to hunt, humans are trying to fight back and Amelie seems to have lost all signs of sense and reason. Could this be a very bloody end to the town? For once Myrnin is the only one that seems to talk sense - scary I know hehe, but can Claire and her friends help him to bring the town back or will this be it for everyone. With a returning enemy and a host of new troubles this book does have it's very exciting moments. 
The longest book in the series so far it still packs a lot in. I actually laughed out loud at this book, and also screamed in frustration when I thought we were going to lose one of my favourite characters - actually make that twice!
I am desperate to get my reading time back, I still love this series and can't wait for the next installment, but at the same time I know I only have 2 books left and I don't want it to be over. ahh conflicting emotions. Rachel Caine has got me completely hooked.

My Rating
     

Friday 24 January 2014

FF (151)


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

This week's question feature is
Words Fueled by Love
 

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?

My Answer: Soooo many!!! But here are just a few:

- Cress by Marissa Meyer

- Unhinged by A.G Howard

- The One by Kiera Cass

- Shattered by Teri Terry

- Taste of Darkness by Maria V Snyder

What are you waiting for this year?

 

Happy hopping and Blogging!

 

Release Blitz - Hidden Magic



When Jenny has the opportunity to spend the summer with her sister, a small slice of freedom is all she's really hoping for when she has the opportunity to spend the summer with her sister. Instead she finds something else altogether: electricity.
That's what Jenny feels when she looks at Arram. She knows he’s drawn to her too, but the mage-in-training does his best to hide it.

Stung, Jenny turns to Arram's former best friend, Jack. But Arram and Jack's rivalry is much darker than Jenny suspects, and so are Jack's intentions. Soon she's caught in a mystery of old murder, ancient prophecies, and magic hidden where no one has thought to look.

When Jenny uncovers a secret magic, she is offered two choices. Arram wants her to do the safe thing. Jack wants to show her the easy way out. Whatever Jenny decides, her life will irrevocably change.

Either way, freedom may be the one thing Jenny can never have.

Excerpt

Jack put his finger to his lips and motioned toward an empty bedroom across the hall. Not knowing what else to do, she went in, her heart thudding against her ribs. “Jack,” she whispered. “What are you doing here? How did you get in?”

“What? No welcome home kiss?” His voice was mocking.

Trying to keep her voice steady, she said, “So Arram was right. You do want to kidnap me after all.”

“Kidnap you?” Jack looked horrified. Underneath the horror though, Jenny could see that his eyes were sparkling with mischief. “I should have known Arram would fill your head with something stupid like that. No, you wonderful, impossible girl, I’m here to rescue you.”

About Melanie Crouse
Melanie Crouse is the author of Hidden Magic,  coauthor of the book Alchemy and the CEO of the craziest household in the Western Hemisphere. Lately, both of those full-time jobs have collided, creating chaos on a colossal scale. Which is just the way she likes it.

In her spare time, Melanie likes to play the piano, swim, hike and teach preschool. Whether she has spare time or not, she manages to read prolifically, which probably explains more than it doesn't.

She loves her family dearly, and wishes with all her heart that her teenage children weren't so embarrassed that their mom writes "kissing scenes."

 

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Book Review - Black Dawn

Title: Black Dawn
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: The Morganville Vampires (book 12)
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Release Date: 1 May 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0749040550

Synopsis
Ever since the draug—mysterious creatures that prey on vampires—took over Morganville, the lives of student Claire Danvers and her friends have been thrown into turmoil. Most of the town’s residents have evacuated, but Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael have chosen to stay and fight.Using the city’s water system to spread, the draug have rapidly multiplied. Things in Morganville look grim, especially since vampire Amelie—the town founder—has been infected by the master draug’s bite.

Now, if Claire and her friends don’t figure out how to cure Amelie and defeat the draug, it looks like Morganville will become little more than a ghost town…


My Review
This is the last one that I have read before, this is where I stopped to wait for the rest of the series to come out. Again that was a while ago so I didn't really remember anything about this book so I just carried on. The rest of the series has pretty much been individual storylines, obviously they have all followed on and made more sense if you have read them in order as certain characters reappear throughout and reference back, but books 11 and 12 are linked, book 11 ends on a cliffhanger and book 12 wraps up those particular events. 
The Draug seem to be winning and Claire and her friends are getting more and more desperate to find a way to win, Amelie is indisposed and Oliver is being his usual arrogant self, there is definitely not going to be much help from either of them, or vamps in general apart from Michael of course and I am pleased to say - the extra nutty Myrnin. Yay!
This book is the longest in the series so far at just over 500 pages, it took me slightly longer to read due to other commitments, the story was as gripping as all the others, the storyline just as exciting, if not in fact more so. I just didn't have the time to sit down. But when I did - boy did I charge through those pages.
The books actually feel faster paced now, I think because the town and most of the characters are well established with us there isn't a need to describe them or their surroundings as much as we know them, which leaves us more with what they are doing/facing. Meaning that the book is more exciting and will literally have you flicking the pages, reading so fast - desperate to know more.
I can't believe how much I still adore this series after 12 books and I can't wait now to venture into the unknown of books 13-15.

My Rating
 
   

Katie McGarry Character Interview!!!

If you have followed my blog for a while you may have figured out that I am a major Katie McGarry Fan. I read 'Pushing the Limits' and fell in love with her writing, then I received 'Dare You To' and got swept away all over again. Then I got 'Crash Into You' and I swear my heart skipped a beat!!!

Then I got an email asking if I would like to be part of a tour and I jumped at the chance, so today I have a real treat for you. I have been lucky enough to interview Echo and Noah, the two main characters from 'Pushing the Limits' and who feature throughout the other books too.

Hold onto your hats Mcgarry fans, this is going to be good!!!


Character interview with Noah & Echo:
Thanks for agreeing to talk to me today. It’s an honour to meet you Echo, and you too Noah.  I’m just going to dive straight in with the questions, is that OK?
Echo: Sounds great!
Noah: Just so we’re clear, I’m doing this for Echo.
1)     Echo, what was your first impression of Noah, be honest please?
Echo: Oh, I definitely thought he was a jerk.
Noah: Thanks.
Echo: You made fun of my name.
Noah: Consider it flirting.

2)     And Noah, what do you think of that answer? Anything you want to say back?
Noah: Echo likes to rewrite history and seems to forget the important stuff like how she handed my crap right back.
Echo: Did not.
Noah chuckles: As I said, history rewrite. She even forgets that she broke into school to get a file and I had to save her from getting busted.
Echo’s eyes widen: You broke in and I had to help you out.
Noah just laughs.

3)     So it wasn’t love at first sight then? When do you think you realised that you liked each other?
Echo: For me, it was when Noah used the phone in the main office to let me listen in on my father’s conversation with my therapist. The stuff they were discussing was heavy and Noah was just really strong and just there for me.

Noah: I knew I was completely a goner when I would have listened to Echo talk about math in the hallway of our school for hours. Being with her—it was the first time since my parents died that I had any sense of peace.

4)     Now Noah, you seem to be a rather intelligent person, I know you’ve had your own share of issues, but why misbehave at school so much; surely education is a way to better things?
Noah: I know that now, but at the time, I was doing what I had to do to survive and that meant living one day at a time, one minute at a time, one second at a time.

It’s not the best way to live. It’s possibly the worst, but, at the time, I didn’t know how to move forward.

5)     Echo, I know this is a tough subject and I don’t want to bring back bad memories, but what was it like for you when you first came back to school? And how did your ‘friends’ react?
Going back to school after the incident with my mom was awful. People would flat out stare as I walked by. They whispered and the worst was when people would laugh.

Lila was great and Grace would be great in private, but that made everything hurt more. All I wanted was to blend into paint, but I always felt like a flashing neon sign when I walked down the hallway.

6)     Did you ever consider running away, or moving to another school for a fresh start? I admire your courage through it all and for sticking it out.
No. At least I had Lila at my old school and if I entered a new school, I’d have no one. I figured people would probably react the same to my scars no matter where I went.

7)     It sounds like you’ve both had a hard time of it, do you think you can have a future together and put all that baggage behind you?
Noah: Hell yes.
Echo: Definitely.

8)     Do you think it’s important to have complete honesty in a relationship?
They both nod. Echo: We both are aware that we have trust issues and the only way we can function is to know that we’re telling each other the truth.

9)     Is there anything you would change about your lives? If you could go back and change anything? Considering your tough starts, I can see the appeal, but bear in mind you might not have met each other if your past had been different.
Echo: We talk about this a lot. Both of us have lost so much and it’s hard not to think about what we’d do differently to change the past. I still hurt over it and I know Noah does too, but thinking about would’ve or could’ve situations only drives us crazy. The past happened. We can’t change it, but regardless, I’m happy now.

Noah: Me too.

I wish you the best of luck and thank you once again for meeting me today.

Oh my goodness I love those two!!!
If you haven't read the books I highly recommend it. Out of the 170 books I read last year, these were definitely one of the best. Right at the top of the list!
Out now:
 

Sunday 19 January 2014

Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop Winner

There were 219 total entries into this giveaway.
The winner was picked using Rafflecopters generator.
The lucky number picked was: 
 
Casey has been emailed and has 3 days to respond. Big Congrats and Thanks go to her. 
She has won 
 
by CC Hunter
book 1 in the Shadow Falls series
from the Book Depository 
 
Congrats to Casey, and thanks to all who entered.   
 
 

Wednesday 15 January 2014

Blog Tour - From Continue


Synopsis

“I saw the dead king…burn,” Raphere whispered to the voices.
“Why would I see such a thing, if not to prevent it.”
Ever since spilling her blood before the Teller of Destiny, Raphere has tried to prove she is not like her mother, a dark sorceress. Some call her Jivasivar–savior; others, assassin. One thing is clear: everyone has a plan for Raphere. Few seem to care about what is best for her, only what she might gain or cost them.
Even the handsome mercenary, who fascinates and frustrates her, has secret plans he doesn’t wish to share. Ever watchful in the shadows, Rant Pae spies on her–probably for her mother, Verisa. Does Rant Pae wish to draw Raphere closer with his distance? If so, he is succeeding.
Searching for her purpose Raphere embarks upon a journey to find the white wanderer Tranquia and the Jivan Tome–the Divine Poem which promised Raphere’s emergence, centuries ago. She must discern friend from foe as all strive to manipulate her for their own designs. Does she have the conviction to be the Jivasivar or is she merely a pawn in a fight for the survival of both ancients and kings?

About the Author
 

A. H. De Carrasco embarked upon the writer’s journey at a young age, writing illustrated fan fiction for her grade school classmates’ favorite shows. Several decades later, she is publishing her collection of fantasy novels for teenagers and adults. Lately, she writes beside a waterfall as her husband tests his goggles and flippers. Her cats look on in displeasure from the screen door, but purr happily when she writes at her desk.
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General Info:
Book: From Continue

Series: Teller of Destiny #1
Author: A.H. de Carrasco
Genre: Young / New Adult Fantasy
Tour Organized by: Indie Sage, LLC


Purchase Links: 

 
Amazon: http://amzn.to/19VM6r9
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1cSEfV
Nook: http://bit.ly/1lFWBkN
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1cH6PfL
Kobo: http://bit.ly/JL7sLE
GoodReads: http://bit.ly/1aKTVu5

Guest Post-
The Taste of High Fantasy

Grab your fork and knife. 2014 promises to be another smorgasbord for the fantasy reader. I believe fantasy has never experienced such a broad selection of sub-genres as it does today. However, for the fantasy reader this can be seen as a blessing or curse, especially when a reader is trying to find a new author to follow.  Some fantasy genres are as different as night and day, medieval and modern times, or dragons and vampires. Likewise, for the author it can be really difficult to figure out exactly where her novels "fit in." That in itself can be a quest of epic proportions.

On The Level
For time's sake, I could tell you the Teller of Destiny series is pseudo-medieval high fantasy with the elements of quest, court intrigue and heroic fantasy. It also tackles dark and mature subject matters. Oh, dang. My eyes are glazing over, too--and I'm the gal writing this. What a mouthful of specifics! It's almost frightening. But that's basically what my readers can expect from the series, in a nutshell.

So what do all these terms mean? If you would like to learn more about the different sub-genres, I suggest checking these pages out: https://www.worldswithoutend.com/resources_sub-genres.asp http://www.cuebon.com/ewriters/Fsubgenres.html  I guess the best way for me to describe what I write, and for you to decide if it's something you like to read, would be to tell you a little about my background as a reader and what I love about high fantasy.

As a reader and writer, I like almost every kind of fantasy from epic to magic realism. Unfortunately many readers who love urban fantasy, low fantasy, or magic realism won't always get into epic or high fantasy. This is just a matter of taste, for the same reason some young readers love to read the teen witch books by Lynne Ewing but can't finish the (amazing) acclaimed witch trilogy by Libba Bray.

Hmmm... Were you a kid who spit out your carrots? Your peas? So what's the flavor of high fantasy?

The Challenge in Reading Fantasy
I started out reading mythology for kicks as a kid. I moved on to science fiction and high fantasy. I loved the moral struggle of good verses evil and all that's grey in between. I spent my freshman year in high school with my nose in a book, going though all the thick novels in Stephen Donaldson's Thomas Covenant Chronicles (or two trilogies, depending on how you look at them) followed by LeGuin, McKillip, and MZB. I was hooked. But not right away. And I strongly emphasize that. It took real effort. Just like I learned to adore opera, and coffee, and beer. These were all acquired tastes. Once I'd acquired my taste for high fantasy, however, I spent hours staring off into space, going over the plot and emotions of the epic story and characters. I spent as much time thinking the stories through as I did reading them, probably.

Stories are never spoon-fed to the reader of high fantasy. The author expects the reader to "figure it out" and appreciate the wit. In fact, I know many readers who become infuriated when a point is repeated too many times, or if everything is given away in the first chapter. Traditional fantasy expects real commitment, so I learned early on to trust the author and not expect a plot hook by page five. Hah!

Conveying Emotion Through Setting
High fantasy often lets the scene set the mood. If the quest leads our heroes into a dark, musty part of the forest, the author leaves no doubt that danger and death await. If rain has passed over a village or town, it's most likely an Easter egg for the observant reader--symbolic of a spiritual cleansing or change in fortune. As an author, I love to leave these symbols for my readers. I will rework scene after scene to add clues and tidbits. These little gifts are especially rewarding when the subject matter is spiritual or religious in nature. Those with "eyes to see" will find them. It's part of what makes traditional high fantasy a literary undertaking and just plain fun. These extras also make high fantasy books the kind of novels readers return to again and again throughout the years.

The Traditional Fantasy Narrative and the Intimacy of Deep Point of VIew
I am a writer who seeks a balance between deep point of view and traditional fantasy's narrative. In many ways, fantasy grew out of folktales or the retelling of fairytales. The pull toward third person distant or "God-view" narrative is strong. But today's readers want to connect with the main character, to empathize with her, and deep point of view accomplishes this easily. However, if the same can be achieved through a carefully crafted narrative, it will always pack a bigger punch for the reflective reader.

The Beauty of Words versus the Simplicity of Emotion
If I have an opportunity to write something beautiful, something expressed in such a way that my reader with think on it, ponder it, and savor it, I will go for that goal without regrets. For some readers it may be too flowery, might slow the pace, or might pull them away from the cathartic experience of being in the heroine's head. And that's okay. Somedays I want to see a romantic movie set in nineteenth century India. On another day, I might want to see the latest psychological thriller. We have different moods. We should allow ourselves different books to read during those moods, too.

Investing in the Story Reaps Rewards
As a reader, after placing my trust in a dedicated writer, I've rarely been disappointed with a well-spun yarn of high fantasy. I may not always like the endings or the fates of certain characters, but I can usually understand why certain things happen. I can respect a writer who has really offered her time to set up a deep story of sorcery, and magic, and social commentary.  I will trust her with the next book, and the next.

As a writer, I strive for the same with controversial subjects and carefully crafted phrases. I strive for the honey on the tongue, the jaw drop, the intake of breath, and the book pressed reverently to the chest. There are no greater rewards!
--A. H. De Carrasco


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday 12 January 2014

Book Review - Bite Club

Title: Bite Club
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: The Morganville Vampires (book 10)
Publisher: Alison & Busby
Release Date: 2 May 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0749008093

Synopsis
  After discovering that vampires populate her town, college student Claire Danvers knows that the undead just want to live their lives. But someone else wants them to get ready to rumble.

There's a new extreme sport getting picked up on the Internet: bare- knuckle fights pitting captured vampires against each other-or humans. Tracking the remote signal leads Claire to discover that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville...


My Review
This is technically a re-read for me, as has been the rest of the series so far. But seeing as I read this book nearly 3 years ago, it feels pretty fresh and almost like a new read.
I had a few days break from reading, just got too busy and I found myself missing the characters, like friends you haven't seen for a while, and when I picked it up again today I instantly fell back into the story and setting.
This book is different from the others for one big thing - it's not just told from Claire's point of view anymore, we now have a few chapters told from Shane's pov and I really liked it, gave the story a fresh feel and was good to get into his head a little bit.
Morganville has faced a lot of dangers up to this point but you can't relax yet, a whole new world of trouble is brewing, this time someone has set up an internet video ring, showing boxing matches between vampires and humans, but there is something more sinister behind it and when Shane gets involved, Claire has to figure out exactly what is happening before Shane and all of Morganville are brought down.
There is a lurking presence of an old character that although is on the outside and you don't really see him, you can certainly feel him there and it's spooky, really sets the atmosphere. There are some new characters too that will really set your spine on edge. 
 
This series is great, with some book series this long it starts to get boring and repetitive, but Rachel Caine has a real talent for keeping it fresh and interesting and I can't wait for more. Now 2/3 of the way through the series I am as hooked as ever and look forward to seeing where she takes us next.

My Rating
 
  

Friday 10 January 2014

FF (150)


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

This week's question feature is
Dandelion Wine Book Blog

Resolutions: Put together your blogger resolution list for all of us to see!

My Answer: I don't really have any. I don't tend to make resolutions, they are too easy to break. Let me think of something

- I could always do with visiting and commenting more on other people's blogs.

- To post regularly

- Try to come up with my own meme or feature. 


What about you, any resolutions? Any ideas I can share?

 

Happy hopping and Blogging!