Amazing '13 Secrets' Giveaway Goodies

If you have followed my blog for a while, you will have seen the reviews I did for Michelle Harrison's books - 'The 13 Treasures', 'The 13 Curses', and 'The 13 Secrets', and you will know I loved them.

Anyway I decided to email Michelle Harrison and tell her how much I loved her work, and invited her to do a Guest Post, unfortunately she has too much work and writing to do a Guest Post, but she was really friendly and encouraging and so she sent me some goodies to giveaway instead.
I wish I could keep them for myself as they are so cool, but I promised to do the Giveaway so here it is:

 

Up for grabs is;

• A copy of her newest book 'The 13 Secrets'
• 13 Limited Edition Cards, each has a picture of one of the charms on it. On the reverse the cards describe what properties each charm offers like healing, knowledge, disguise, courage etc.
• A Key Charm in a little red bag. The Key is one of the charms in the story, it is the Key that will open any door.

If you want to know more about her or her books check out her website.
I think you will agree this is a lovely little prize pack, and all you have to do to enter is put your details in the Linky List below.
There are no extra points for advertising this Giveaway, but I would appreciate any posts or tweets you can do. :D

Here are the rules: 

1) Competition opens now (Thursday 31st March)
2) Competition closes on Thursday 7th April Midnight GMT
3) Enter your Name, E-mail and Blog Link in the Linky List Below (email will be hidden) and you don't have to have a blog to enter, however -
4) You must be a Follower to enter!
5) One Name 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.

So what are you waiting for?

Taylor Swift Concert

This is totally un-book related, but I am so excited and still hyper from last night. I went to the O2 Arena in London and saw the legendary Taylor Swift, and she was AMAZING!!!
One of the best nights ever.

here are a couple of pics:

She was so good and I sang my heart out with her. She is so sweet and humble.
I have over a hundred photos but these were a couple of my favourites.



Also if you love Taylor Swift she has been nominated for the Academy of Country Music Awards for Entertainer of the Year so please head over to www.voteacm.com and vote for Taylor. She deserves to win. :D


That's about it, I will probably have a book post up later, but wanted to share my excitement with all of you.

Teaser Tuesday: Ninth Grade Slays

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: Ninth Grade Slays (Vladimir Tod) by Heather Brewer

"They hated him and had ever since the first grade for no particular reason as  far as Vlad could tell."

Page 22

"Vlad wanted very much to be brave enough to kiss her pretty lips. He wanted to be. But he wasn't."

Page 201

 

What are your teasers?

Book Review - Eighth Grade Bites

Title: Eighth Grade Bites
Author: Heather Brewer
Series: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
Publisher: Puffin
ISBN-13: 978-0141334066

 Synopsis
Vladimir Tod has a secret. His mother was human, but his father was a vampire...

With no idea of the extent of his prowess and no one to teach him, thirteen-year-old Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and enlarged fangs. And when a strange substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown.

But then he realises he has a much bigger problem. He’s being hunted by a vampire killer who is closing in . . . fast!

My Review
I love the cover of this book and want one of those hoodies. That is really why I picked the book up, plus I thought the title sounded quite funny.
Vlad Tod is 13 years old, struggling with school, 2 brainless bullies, an unrequited love, homework, the loss of his parents and oh yeah, the fact that he is half vampire. His dad was a vampire and his mother was human, they were killed in a freak accident a few years before and Vld now lives with 'Aunt' Nelly.
Vlad is a great character, he is just coming to discover his powers and their extent so although he doesn't use them very much, he has some awesome tricks, but what I really liked about Vlad was his sense of humour, quick wit and thoughtful personality. He has to hide blood capsules in his food and he feeds off bags of blood as he doesn't want to hurt anyone.
His best friend Henry knows all about his secret, a Vlad bit him when they were 8 years old and have been friends ever since. Henry is great and totally accepting if not still slightly grossed out by his best friend.
'Aunt' Nelly, isn't actually his aunt but was a close family friend but she treats Vlad like a son, and they have a loving, caring bond, and she is great, she has a laugh with him but also knows when to draw the line. She is a nurse and so has access to bags of blood and sneaks them home before the expired bags are thrown out. Not at all squeamish or freaked by Vlad's condition, she makes him feel normal.
Vlad's English teacher mysteriously goes missing and a strange substitute teacher turns up, and he takes an interest in Vlad. Who is he and what does he want. With the secret threatening to break out and Vlad worried that he is being hunted, it all comes to a very exciting climax, and not everyone is who they seem to be. 
Mr Otis (the substitute) is a strange character, at times I found myself liking him, then I would think he sounded dodgy and dangerous, I couldn't decide who's side he is on.
This is actually a very short book and therefore quite a quick read, but it is exciting and action packed and sets a good stage for the rest of the series.
The writing style flows well and will leave you wanting more.

My Rating
I would give this book 8.5/10, very good book, left me wanting more. :D   

Book Title Quiz.

A little bit of fun, found this on 'Must Love Books' and thought I would have a go. :D

I will only answer using titles of books I have read this year.


Describe yourself: Young Blood
How do you feel: All American Girl
Describe where you currently live: Inside
If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Across The Universe
Your favorite form of transportation: Night Star
Your best friend is: Claire de Lune
You and your friends are: The Meaning Of Life
What’s the weather like: Furnace
You fear: Infinity
What is the best advice you have to give: Boys Don't Cry
Thought for the day: Never Bite A Boy On The First Date
How I would like to die: Love You To Death
My soul’s present condition: Awakened

Hehe had some fun there. Is a bit trickier than you would think. Give it a go :D

10 Good Things on a Monday (7)

Ten Good Things on a Monday is a fancy meme hosted by Nice Nina @ Brush Up on Your Reading!

Here's how it works:

1. Think of a particular group of good things you want to make a list on, does not necessarily have to be about books, e.g. your current book wish list, or your favorite book foods (you know, foods you love to eat while reading, if you're like me), or your favorite girly names, whatever you can think of, as long as it makes you feel good.
2. If you have no ideas for a list, you can always visit my blog post to check out my theme for that week and you can take a cue from my list.
3. Post your list on your blog, grab that cute ARGH button above and put it on your post too, so we'd know you're doing this meme.
4. Leave the link for your post on my own 10 Good Things post for the week, if you see others doing it, comment too and let's share our good things with everybody.
5. Everybody goes through the whole week happy!

This week I am going to do my top 10 favourite sports.


1) Trampolining -I do this twice a week and am a trained coach, I love the freedom of flying in the air.


2) Diving -I do this once a week and I take to the water like a fish


3) Swimming -I don't go as much as I used to but Swimming lengths is a great way to de-stress for me.


4) JuJitsu - I do this once a week and although always come home covered in bruises, I'm fascinated.


5) Gymnastics - I used to do it as a kid and my biggest regret in life is when I quit. Really want to find a club I can join again


6) Zumba - not sure if it's technically sport, but it's so much fun.


7) Ice Skating - I've never actually done it but have always wanted to, and It's one of the few sports I will watch, so beautiful


8) Netball - I loved this at school and have looked at some clubs


9) Dance - Any type really, but would love to do Swing Dance or Ballroom especially


10) Cycling - I like a good bike ride. Don't actually own a bike at the moment though :(




I hope your all feeling active and ready to leap into action now. :D
What sports do you do, or enjoy watching?

ARC Book Review - The Flight of The Silver Vixen

Title: The Flight of the Silver Vixen
Author: Annalinde Matichei
Publisher: Sun Daughter Press


This book was sent to me as an ARC, it is currently only available on e-reader, but as I don't own one, I received the pdf file. This e-book is available to buy on amazon and is going to be released in paperback in the near future. My review will be totally honest, but I thank the author for offering me the chance to read her work.

Synopsis
The Flight of the Silver Vixen is an all-girl space adventure that is at once an action-packed thriller and an exploration of philosophical themes.
It begins with a group of wild teenagers from an all-girl planet hijacking a spacecraft and accidentally warping to the other side of the galaxy.
It proceeds through deadly battles with space pirates to a landing on another all-girl world where we rapidly discover that something much darker than mere pirates is threatening civilization on many planets.
 
My Review
This was my first offered ARC and I was so excited when I received the email asking little old me if I wanted a chance to read a new book. I did have some reservations as I am not really a sci-fi fan, but I didn't want to miss out on something good. I read Beth Revis' Across the Universe and loved that, and so thought I would try this book too, maybe I will become a Sci-Fi fan.
A group of Teens decide to steal a new, state of the art space ship and take it for a joy ride, to avoid capture they enter a crease in the ether and end up travelling to the other side of the universe. Landing in an unknown environment, they have to decide whether to try and head home or to explore. What they find is a planet full of danger.
This book is like no other I have ever read. For one thing, men do not exist and never have existed. There are just different types of females, I have to admit here that I was slightly confused by the different terms separating the different types of women, blondes are one type and I think seen as the lower form, a bit simple at times, Brunettes are seen as the warriors or the thinkers, more intelligent. But then there are also 'mascul's' which are beings with fur on their faces and a tendency for aggression and fights to the death, they are seen as monsters.  There are also others but I'm afraid I got a little bit lost with it. 
The team on the stolen ship 'The Silver Vixen' consists of the Royal Princess Mela a young blonde who has turned rebel, a young Captain named Antala who turned rogue and struck out for adventure, brunette Chinchi and some blondes who seem to be there to serve drinks and refreshments but end up being more useful that planned, and some other brunettes.  They each play their parts well and become a great team working together through whatever is thrown at them.
I was very intrigued by this book, it starts with the spaceship being stolen and so throws you straight into the action. Once on the other side of the universe they end up in more trouble and adventure than they ever imagined. 
I loved Captain Antala, she is so strong willed and full of the joy of life and what mischief she can get up to, but she is also very intelligent and a real quick thinker, very strategical and logical. She has some great action moments and I would love to own her hover bike, it sounds awesome.
Hunted by 'Space Pirates' the team end up getting split up and they meet a whole host of other characters and end up in some troublesome situations. The Princess Mela was also a great character, thrown back into the role of leader she stands strong for her team but also shows the young vulnerable side to her.
The book has some amazing technology I would love to have, the hover bikes as I mentioned before, they also have little ear piece communicators that can translate any language so they can understand what is being said and can then translate their language back, therefore allowing conversations with foreigners - This would make holidays and trips so much easier, don't you think.
The writing style flows well and the plot is great, but I did get confused as to who was what throughout the book. There is an index of characters at the end which I found useful and also of words used that is specific to the language in the story. This did help a lot.
The story also doesn't come to a full conclusion, I felt myself really getting into the book when it was over and clearly set for a sequel, I don't mind when books do this, but I felt slightly that this book was working it's way to something big and then just ended - left me hanging and feeling slightly annoyed, I wanted more, I ws now a part of these people's lives and I want to know what happens to them.
I think if you are a fan of Sci-Fi, space travel adventures then you would love this book. It is a thrilling tale of how a prank gone wrong can set off a whole new series of events with some life changing consequences.
I hope I haven't been too negative here, because it was a good book, and I did enjoy it, I just think it wasn't entirely my sort of read.
I am grateful for having the chance to read and review this up-coming novel and wish the author every success, clearly one to look out for if you like the genre.


My Rating
I would give this book 7/10, a certainly different sort of read, one that I think many will enjoy, I liked parts and was confused by others. So overall an interesting story with some great characters.
 

Book Review - Radiance

Title: Radiance
Author: Alyson Noel
Series: Riley Bloom
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Release Date: 4 Feb 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0330526913

Synopsis
Riley Bloom died, aged twelve, in a car crash with her parents and her beloved dog Buttercup. Her sister Ever survived – but that’s another story. Riley must let go of Ever and all the things that tied her to life – and discover what she’s meant to be in the afterlife. Riley is a soul catcher. That means helping the unhappy lost souls who stick around in the human realm to move on – and find their own place, over the bridge, in the great hereafter. With her spirit guide, Bodhi, and Buttercup by her side, Riley embarks on an adventure that will take her around the world – sending ghosts back where they belong, until she can finally make it there herself. 


My Review
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I loved the character of Riley in the first Immortals book, she was cheeky and spunky and quick witted, just a great personality, so I couldn't wait to read her own series.
Riley has moved to 'Here' where the time is 'Now', she can manifest anything she wants, she is with her family again, but it's not free 'living' she has to go to school to find out what her job will be, that's right it's not an easy ride in after life, you have to work for your merits. Riley is assigned the job of 'soul catcher', she must go back to Earth and convince other ghostly spirits to cross the bridge and leave the world behind. Riley jumps at the chance, if it means going back to Earth and all she left behind. But she must also realise it's not all fun and games as she imagined, Life on earth is never the same once your dead.
Riley is still the loveable yet slightly mouthy 12 year old we met in 'Evermore', but now she is discovering where her new destiny lies. With only Buttercup her adorable golden Retriever beside her she faces big decisions, and I have to say I enjoyed how the story evolved, it was like you were experiencing all of the things just like Riley. She is assigned a guide 'Bodhi' but is not happy, what she faces is the dorkiest guy she has ever met and he has an attitude to match, talk about personality clash. Together they have to banish 'the Radiant Boy' a very stubborn ghost causing havoc in an old castle, scaring visitors and refusing to leave.
I liked Bodhi, he clearly isn't all he seems and proves first impressions can often be wrong, I came to like his dry humour and how the two of them worked together.
The descriptions were very detailed and I loved the idea of this evil ghost refusing to move, but was slightly freaked by some of the tricks they pulled. For a young ghost, he was seriously advanced. 
The story is quite short at only 178 pages and took me just under 2 hours to read, but that time flew by and I read it in one go, I was immersed. And looking forward to reading book 2 'Shimmer'. Riley really lights up the page, and I look forward to her growing more as a character and person as she moves through her ghostly life.

My Rating
I would give this book 8/10. A short but sweet story.  

Book Review - Night Star

Title: Night Star
Author: Alyson Noel
Series: Immortals (book 5)
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Release Date: 3 Mar 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0330528115

Synopsis
Haven still blames Ever for the death of her boyfriend Roman, no matter how hard Ever’s tried to convince her it was an accident. Now she’s determined to take Ever down…and destroy Damen and Jude along the way. Her first step is to tear Ever and Damen apart—and she has just the ammunition to do it.

My Rating
I caved, I went straight down to my local supermarket and bought a copy as I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. I have heard a lot of negative reviews for these books as they go on, and I can understand slightly, the story does seem to be repeating itself a little bit, Ever and Damen think they work out how to be together again, but then something comes to stop them in their tracks and they have to rethink. If you look at it that way, then yes they get a bit tedious, but I think they offer so much more too.
Ever and Damen have a new obstacle in their way, Haven, she has turned to the darkness and power and will do anything within her ever growing powers to stop them. Haven blames Ever completely for everything that has gone wrong with her life whether it was her fault or not, and now decides to get her own back, but Ever is ready for her and won't be beaten easily, at least that's what she thought until she learns of some secrets from Damen's past. Secrets he has worked hard to keep hidden. Can Ever trust him again or will she turn her back on him.
Some reviews I have read say that Ever doesn't grow as a character, but I disagree, She has come through mny hardships and refuses to give up and she comes to accept who she is more in this book. Yes she still has her lost and hurt moments, and she still makes some stupid mistakes, but that is life, it just makes the book more realistic.  I love her strength and determination.
Jude plays a bigger part in this book and I found myself really feeling for him. I love him as a character and wish I could put my arms round him, he deserves so much better than what he's put through. I love him and want to see more.
Miles plays a bigger part too, and I love how he is growing as a character, he very often makes me laugh and is so sweet and honest, I can't help but smile when I read through his parts.
Haven is a great baddie, but she also got on my nerves a bit, she was so consumed with greed and rage she was totally removed from the sweet cupcake eating girl we first met. I did spend some of this book hoping someone would just finish her off already and get on with it.
Overall this book was jut as well written as the others and I was just as hooked in. I read it in about 3 hours. It did feel a bit like a set up for the next and final book, but it also revealed a lot of Ever and Damen's past and more about the characters. I'm sad I'm going to have to wait so long for the next book. I really want to know how it all ends. I'm still entranced and hope there are others out there like me too. Immortals series rocks!!!

My Rating
I would give this book 8.5/10, not as good as the others but still very good and still as addictive. Bring on the next book.  
 

Quote Love (2)

Quote Love is a new meme hosted by 'Midnight Twilight'. It's kind of like Teaser Tuesday from Should Be Reading, but with this one you can choose any quote from any book, not just the one you're currently reading. The quote can be thought provoking, or funny, or just really powerful, it's all up to you which kind of quote you choose.


Here is what you have to do to participate:
1) Choose one of your favorite quotes.
2) Post the quote, and write what you like about it.
3) Make sure to put the title and author so if someone else likes the quote they can check out the book.
4) Post your link on Midnight Twilight's Post.

So here is my quote for the week:

Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. — Dr. Seuss

I think this sums up a lot of life, I like a quote you can relate to, and I'm always trying to focus on the positives. Treasure the memories you will have made and can look back on the good times. 

Book Review - Claire de Lune

Title: Claire de Lune
Author: Christine Johnson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
Release Date: 5 Aug 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1847389282


Synopsis
Hanover Falls hasn't had a werewolf problem in over one hundred years. But when people suddenly start dying in Claire Benoit's town, panic spreads fast. At Claire's sixteenth birthday party, the gruesome killings are all anyone can talk about. Claire, however, is more interested in the fact that the gorgeous Matthew Engle keeps chatting and flirting with her as if she's the only girl there. But that night, she discovers something that takes away all sense of normalcy: she's a werewolf. As Claire is initiated into the pack of female werewolves, she must deal not only with her changing identity, but also with a rogue werewolf who is putting everyone she knows in danger. Claire's new life threatens her blossoming romance with Matthew, whose father is leading the werewolf hunt. Now burdened with a dark secret and pushing the boundaries of forbidden love, Claire is struggling to feel comfortable in either skin. With her lupine loyalty at odds with her human heart, she will make a choice that will change her forever...  

My Review
I heard about this book a long time ago and decided I wanted to read it, and I have to admit I have had it in my locker at work since November, I had forgotten all about it until I had a sort out yesterday afternoon and found it. I immediately looked at it and thought 'oh yeah, I wanna read that!' So I grabbed it and brought it home. 
The story instantly pulled me in, I was intrigued about how the story would pan out and what twist the author would bring to another Werewolf story.
Claire turns sixteen and has a party, but she doesn't know most of the people, they are only there because she has her own pool, all but her best friend Emily, and Matthew, the school hottie who Claire has liked for a long time. The party ends suddenly when a sighting is reported of a werewolf right outside. Claire doesn't mind, Matthew promises to call her, plus Claire is tired and her hands are itchy, she has a weird rash and it's spreading round her ears too. The next day her mum tells her the truth, she is really a werewolf, and now she has turned sixteen she will begin to change. A whole new world opens up for Claire, but she's not sure she really wants it. Especially as Matthew's dad is in charge of the hunt to get rid of all werewolves. Life just got complicated.
I really liked this story, Claire's struggle is moving and I enjoyed seeing how she developed and adjusted to her new life. Her mum was a bit of a puzzle at first but i came to like her. 
The descriptions in this book are great and it really felt like I was sitting there seeing it all and experiencing it.
Claire and the other wolves need to discover who the rogue wolf is and try to stop the killings before they are traced back to them. The book is set up so you think you know who the rogue wolf is, but then changes suddenly and the attention is switched. This was cleverly done and I felt slightly foolish for being so sure of my judgment only to get it totally wrong.
Claire de Lune is a story of trust, growing up, magic, love and seeing the beauty of the person inside you. It's not about what you are, it's about what you do. Anyone can make a difference.
Truly magical and enchanting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I sat down intending to read for about an hour and ended up sitting for 2 and a half hours and finishing it.

My Rating
i would give this book 9/10 very well written and totally addictive.    

Book Blogger Hop: March 25th - 28th

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 Mina who blogs at Mina Burrows:

 "If you could physically put yourself into a book or series…which one would it be and why?"

 

My Answer: Oooh this is really a tough one, there are so many books it would be great to leap into. I think I would pick, 'Eragon' by Christopher Paolini, I have always been entranced by that book and would love to fly on a dragon and meet the elves.

 

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 Rebecca from Confessions of a Page Turner

 

Give us five BOOK RELATED silly facts about you.

My answer:

1) My current TBR pile is about 120 books big, and I keep adding more to it, I'm addicted.

2) When I read I go into the story, someone can be talking to me and I won't realise.

3) I always check how many pages a book has before I start reading, just so I know what I'm aiming for and can judge roughly how long it will take me to read.

4) I can tell if a book will be good by it's smell!!! yep thats right, if a book smells 'right' it will be a good story. I can also tell where the book came from by it's smell. I admit it - I'm a freak!!!

5) I am against e-books, I like a PROPER book in my hand, one i can flick the pages of, smell the pages, see it in it's physical form looking all pretty. not these silly computer files. (don't mean to offend anyone here, just my opinion.

Now for some shameless advertising. My best friend has set up a blog and needs followers. Her blog is called 'Kitties & Cookies', it is an awesome blog featuring cute little kitties and some awesome recipes. She is currently taking part in an alphabet cooking challenge - one dish for every letter of the alphabet. Head over and show her a little love please, and suggestions for recipes welcome. :D

 

 

Book Review - Cicada Summer

Title: Cicada Summer
Author: Kate Constable
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
ISBN-13: 978-1741758283

My Synopsis
Eloise has recently lost her mother, and her get-rich-quick dad has moved them to his home town to turn the derelict family mansion into a convention centre. Eloise has stopped speaking and is something of a lost soul, but she feels an immediate bond with the old house, and begins spending all her time there. When she meets a 'ghost girl' who may or may not be from the house's past, events take a strange - and ultimately dangerous - turn.

My Review
I originally requested this book because I had read 'The Chanters of Tremaris' series by this author and thought they were one of the best series I had ever read. This book is aimed at a slightly younger audience but I was intrigued by the blurb and sometimes i like a nice easy read. I read this in about 2 hours today. Eloise's mother has died and now Eloise doesn't speak and her father always seems to be busy. He has decided to move back to his childhood home to reconstruct a large house. Leaving Eloise with her gran he jets off to make business plans. Eloise feels an instant connection to the house and as her gran never leaves the house and isn't bothered about what Eloise does, this leaves a lot of time for exploring. When Eloise goes down to the old house by herself she sees a 'ghost girl', but after more visits she realises she can talk, touch and play with this other girl. Eloise knows she has merged into a different time, but is glad of the friend in an otherwise lonely existence. 
I found this book slightly strange, I was wondering about who this girl was and how she got through the time slip. The gran is very strange, almost completely against taking Eloise in, then agreeing to it and then ignoring her. Her dad irritated me, never there and never once did he ask if his daughter was happy or what she wanted, and seemed to almost like that she didn't talk as it meant he could carry on doing what he wanted.  I felt sorry for Eloise, no wonder she stopped talking, people had clearly stopped listening.
I did love the descriptions of the paintings that Eloise creates in the book they sounded truly magical and wished I could see them for real.
This story is really a discovery of who you are and what you are willing to give others in life as well as give yourself. Strength comes from within, and sometimes imagination can be a great gateway to unlimited possibilities.
A story of magic and mystery, love and trust. Will capture the imagination and paint images with giant brush-strokes on your mind.
Not my favourite, but glad I read it.

My Rating
I would give this book 6.5/10 A nice read, but felt like it had something missing.   

Book Review - Dark Flame

Title: Dark Flame
Author: Alyson Noel
Series: Immortals (book 4)
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
ISBN-13: 978-0330520614

Synopsis

Once it seemed being immortal was a gift to Ever Bloom - now it's a curse. And she's a danger to herself.

Ever has been dabbling in Magyck - seeking to explore her own powers, hoping to find a future for her relationship with Damen. But she's not in control - in fact, the magyck has bound her eternally to her immortal enemy, Roman. Whenever he's near, she feels his heartbeat, his breath, his blood racing in her veins. Ever is in deep - and the one person who might be able to help her must never find out what she's done . . . 

My Review

I am still charging through this series and still really enjoying it. I had heard a lot of people saying that the series seems to drift off a bit by book 4, but I didn't find this, I was still hooked in and begging for more.

Ever is determined to get the antidote for Damen from Roman, but she knows it won't be easy. Calling upon magyk to help she thinks it will be easier, but when the spell goes wrong it makes things so much worse. Ever learns that every action has a reaction, and sometimes those reactions will come back to bite you.

Damen isn't in this book as much as it is more Ever's struggle, but when he is I can't help but swoon, he really is the perfect boyfriend, so supportive and loving, no matter what Ever does he is still by her side ready to love her. There was a couple of times when I was almost wishing he would shout or storm at her, but really you've got to admire his strength and commitment.

Roman develops into a more complex character, I never liked him, but I begin to feel sorry for him as you learn more about his past. 

Haven turns into a complete b***h though. she always was a bit paranoid and temperamental, but now she knows she has power, she becomes a monster, determined to be the one in the spotlight for a change, but still convinced everyone is out to hurt her or ruin her life, this makes for a very dangerous character. I really didn't like her and was wishing ever would just kick her butt and tell her to get over herself.

I thought the plot idea was very good and Ever's struggle was heartbreaking, she really breaks down in this book and feels so trapped and lost, Jude is a great friend and I came to like him more (I wasn't sure in the earlier books) I kind of feel a part of their lives now and want to know what happens next, The end of this book is very dramatic and I have to know where it all leads. It's pay day this week so I may have to cave in and spend some of the little money I have, buying 'Night Star' the next book in the series, as the Library still hasn't got it in stock yet and I can't wait!

My Rating

I would give this book 9/10, very exciting and the ending had me shouting out loud. Give me more :D 

'Inheritance' by Christopher Paolini Announced

OMG!!! I am so excited, just recieved an e-mail with news about book 4 in 'The Inheritance Cycle' by Christopher Paolini. It all started with Eragon, which may I just say is an epic book, then carried on taking us to another worl in Eldest and Brisingr, and now we will have 'Inheritance'



Doesn't it look lovely, So cool, I cannot wait.

Here is a copy of the announcement:

"Just in: Author Christopher Paolini, 27, will wrap up his best-selling fantasy series this fall.
Following Eragon, Eldest and Brisingr, the fourth and final book in the series will be titled Inheritance, it was announced today by Nancy Hinkel, publishing director of Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers.
"The burning questions asked by fans around the world will finally be answered in this last installment," said Paolini in the release. "All will be revealed!"
Inheritance will have a first printing of 2.5 million copies. Look for it on Nov. 8."


So, November here we come!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Help needed for Critique

I first started writing a novel about 8 years ago, set out some plans and started a first draft, but then I had GCSE exams so I put it on hold. I did a bit more about a year later, but then had A-Levels to work towards so put it off again.

Over the last few years I have picked it up and dropped it so many times, that each time I go back to it, I have to re-read what I've already done, and have ended up changing a lot of what I'd already written nearly every time, therefore never really getting any further and having some writing that seems very forced to me now.

In the meantime, last November I wrote a whole other novel and have sent that off to a publisher, I'm waiting to hear back, it's very nerve-racking.
I decided I had got back into writing and I wanted to go back to my original story, I always thought I had something good with it, I just need to make myself focus and get on with it.

But as I have re-written it so many times, I'm not sure it flows right, So, I was wondering dear fellow bloggers, could you read my prologue and give me some feedback on it. I think my story gets stronger as it goes on, but the prologue needs to hook you in, and get you interested. I would be very grateful if you could tell me what you think, but please only constructive criticism.
Thank you in advanced. here it is:

Prologue

‘All Alone’

          It’s strange how a place that had always felt safe, warm and welcoming could all of a sudden feel so dangerous, dark and cold. Nothing had really changed, only now I sat all alone, jumping at every little noise and rustle of the leaves. The trees seemed to be whispering and reaching out, the insects seemed bigger and more menacing. Nothing had changed, but nothing was the same.

         I have lived in the ‘Frightful Forest’ for as long as I can remember, with my mum Sandra and twin brother Luke, it had always seemed so perfect, no one else to interfere and tell us what to do. Our lives to live how we wanted to.

          But then it all went wrong.

         It happened in an instant, we were all sat round the fire eating a bowl of root vegetable broth, when Luke fell sideways and started an ear-splitting scream, then a burst of pure white light shot from him setting a bush on fire, the sparks jumped up and caught me on the leg leaving a few big blisters that sent searing pain up my leg.

Then, just as soon as he had started, Luke stopped screaming and fell unconscious. With the bush fire put out, mum ran over to Luke to see what she could do.

“I will have to leave for help, and take Luke with me, he needs immediate care that I can’t give him.” Sandra said, turning to me. “You will have to wait here Katie, with those blisters on your leg you won’t be able to walk far and I’m afraid Luke needs every second. Do not worry, I will return for you in about five days, stay here, put some of my herbal poultice on your leg, it should clear up in no time, keep out of sight and don’t talk to anyone.”

“But Mum, I want to know what’s wrong with Luke, and I don’t want to stay here by myself.” I looked up at her trying to fight back the tears I could feel welling up inside me.

“My brave little girl, I will be back so quickly you won’t notice I’m gone. I don’t want to leave you, but I must, for Luke’s sake. Just remember everything I taught you. And… I love you”

“I love you too mum, please be quick” I replied trying to keep my voice steady and strong.

         Being on my own didn’t seem bad at first, I rubbed my leg in herbs until the pain went away, did all my normal chores and then got ready for bed, but as the night began to close in, owls stirred and hooted and all the noises of the forest seemed to intensify, knowing I couldn’t sleep I got up and went to sit by the fire, I don’t know how long I sat there just staring at the flames, but I couldn’t look away, and I couldn’t stop my thoughts from focusing on my mum and brother, worrying about whether they would be ok, and thinking over everything I had been through with them.

         The only thing I really knew about my mum’s past was that she used to be a Healer in service to the great Queen Sarah, she was the one everyone went to with problems, and of course she could always provide a cure. She had never told us why she had left the Queen, but I knew that when she wanted us to know, she would tell us, but if that was true, why couldn’t she help Luke, who else would be able to, he couldn’t die, he just couldn’t.

         At last after what felt like a lifetime, night turned into day again, but even that didn’t bring the usual comfort, after all, I knew that many more nights were to come before mum would be back. The forest felt so big and I was only small, and all Alone.

So that's it. Any feedback you can give would be a great help. It will be a fantasy novel aimed at about age 9+/young adult.
All the above is copyrighted to me. Thanks again in advance for your help.

Waitin On Wednesday - Everlasting

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine where you can post about upcoming books you're looking forward to.

 

I haven't done one of these for ages so thought I would take part today.

 

As I am reading the Immortals series, I think it is only appropriate that the book I am waiting for is:

Everlasting by Alyson Noel - the sixth and final book in the Immortals series. due out in July this year.

The cover is so pretty

Can't wait to get my hands on this. :D

 

What are you waiting for???

Teaser Tuesday: Dark Flame

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: Dark Flame by Alyson Noel

He looks at me, clearly disturbed by my words. "I thought that was a given. Am I wrong?"

Page 72

"My feelings for you are not conditional. I don't judge you. I don't lose patience with you. I don't punish you. I just love you. That's all. Pure and simple."

Page 84



What are your teasers?

Book Review - Shadowland

Title: Shadowland
Author: Alyson Noel
Series: The Immortals (Book 3)
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
ISBN-13: 978-0330520515

Synopsis
Ever and Damen have travelled through countless past lives – and fought off the world’s darkest enemies – in search of each other. But just when their destiny seems finally within reach, a powerful curse falls upon them. A single touch of their hands, a soft brush of their lips will mean death for Damen – cast into the darkness of the Shadowland. But as she seeks to break the curse, Ever meets Jude – a green-eyed, golden surfer boy who understands magick, and understands Ever better than she realises. And she begins to ask a terrifying question: even if you’re immortal, can true love really last forever? 


My Review
Shadowland is the third book in the Immortals series and I'm still loving it. Blue Moon was my favourite so far, and after reading this one still remains so, but that's not to say I didn't enjoy this book, because let me say Wow!
Damen and Ever thought they had overcome the worse and could finally be together, but things just keep getting worse, in order to save Damen from death Ever gave him a special antidote, but tricked by Roman, it took on a whole different affect, meaning the couple can no longer touch, one single brush of skin would mean death for Damen - and eternity in Shadowland, a place of darkness, emptiness, despair and hurt. What does Roman want in exchange for reversing the effects, and will Ever be able to give it to him.
Ever's life seems to be on a downward spiral, but she never gives up hope, and her love is true, even when she questions her own intentions and feelings, you know she acts with her heart and is true to what she believes. She makes mistakes like a normal human, sometimes collosal mistakes, but she refuses to give up which is what i love about her.
Damen is still Damen, only he annoyed me a little in this book, he's trying to atone for 600 years of bad behaviour and is sure that only my getting rid of his entire past will it make things better, but we all know, it doesn't work that way. He keeps pushing Ever away, and at points I felt like screaming at him and telling him what an idiot he was being.
The Twins Romy and Rayne feature a lot more in this book which I am pleased about, I love these two, they are totally creepy and  spoilt, but I can't help but like them.
This book is full of suspense, twists, turns and shocking revelations.
We meet a young man named Jude, but is he what we think, why does Ever feel butterflies whenever he's near, have they met before, and does he hold teh key to the secret of her past, or maybe her future. I loved Jude, but could never quite tell which side he is on, I'm still guessing, but he is great as a character.
The story line is fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat, every time I thought I knew where it was going to go, something else happened to turn me around. And the ending was a real 'Oh my goodness!!!" moment. Cannot wait for the next book. Alyson Noel has done it again, I bow down in wonder and awe. 


My Rating
I would give this book 9.8/10, so nearly perfect, but Damen annoyed me a little bit. :D