Book Review - City of Ember

Title: City of Ember
Author: Jeanne DuPrau
Series: Book of Ember (book 1)
Publisher: Corgi Childrens
Release Date: 6 Jan 2005
ISBN-13: 978-0552552387

Synopsis
Many hundreds of years ago, the city of Ember was created by the Builders to contain everything needed for human survival. It worked - but now the storerooms are almost out of food, crops are blighted, corruption is spreading through the city and worst of all - the lights are failing. Soon Ember could be engulfed by darkness-But when two children, Lina and Doon, discover fragments of an ancient parchment, they begin to wonder if there could be a way out of Ember. Can they decipher the words from long ago and find a new future for everyone? Will the people of Ember listen to them?

My Review
I have had this book on my shelf for absolutely ages, I found it in my local discount bookshop and thought it was worth a try. I knew there was a movie too and it sounded good so I picked it up. I actually ended up watching the film sometime last year and rather enjoyed it although there were a few things that didn't quite add up- a few plot holes, but overall it was enjoyable. But still I didn't read the book. Then last week my mum saw the DVD on my shelf and asked if we could watch it, I didn't enjoy it as much the second time but still thought it was a fairly good story, so I decided it was time to dig the book out. 
I kind of wish I hadn't, maybe if I had read the book first or even left it a bit longer after seeing the movie I might have enjoyed it more, but as it was I found the book very slow. It starts off pretty much identical to the film and I got straight into the story, but it went downhill from there. 
The world is set up well and is very well described, Jeanne DePrau has a was with imagery but the story itself was just lacking for me.
I kept waiting for a bit of excitement, something to get my heart pounding and the story moving, but it was just Lena trying to solve the mystery of the paper she found, and she certainly struggles with that. 
Although only 269 pages it seemed longer and yet there didn't seem to be that much content. I know there is a second book and I am slightly curious as to what becomes of them all I don't think I will be reading it. I just wasn't overly inspired by it. 
Who knows, maybe the film influenced me and I would have enjoyed this book better if I didn't have that version in my head, but as it was I have to say, although it's a very rare confession from me, but the movie was better.

My Rating

    

Book Review - Department 19

Title: Department 19
Author: Will HIll
Series: Department 19 (book 1)
Publisher: HarperCollinsChildren'sBooks
Release Date: 31 Mar 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0007354450

Synopsis
Jamie Carpenter's life will never be the same. His father is dead, his mother is missing, and he was just rescued by an enormous man named Frankenstein. Jamie is brought to Department 19, where he is pulled into a secret organization responsible for policing the supernatural, founded more than a century ago by Abraham Van Helsing and the other survivors of Dracula. Aided by Frankenstein's monster, a beautiful vampire girl with her own agenda, and the members of the agency, Jamie must attempt to save his mother from a terrifyingly powerful vampire.

My Review
I saw a copy of this in my local book shop ages ago and decided I would buy it. It was on sale and sounded like the sort of thing I would enjoy, but it has sat on my shelf ever since. Until I knew Will Hill was going to be at YALC, then I decided I had to try to read it so I could meet him.
I only started it the day before the convention as I had to finish the book I was already reading and I only got 100 pages into it, but in that first 100 pages I was hooked, the characters seemed to come to life off the page and I immediately felt connected and wanted to know more. 
I met Will Hill and he was very nice, friendly and we had a brief chat. He signed my book and I got a picture with him. It was awesome, and I knew I wanted to read the rest.
Unfortunately I have had a bit of a block lately, I just haven't been able to concentrate on reading, and it's not this book. I even tried re-reading some of my favourite books, and books from series I know I love, but nothing was working. 
However I had a break through yesterday and seem to be getting back into my reading swing, so I sat down tonight (as I had an evening in) and finished this book. I have also read 100 pages of book 2 already. :)
Department 19 is a secret organisation that trains operatives to hunt down supernatural beings, mostly vampires. Jamie thought he was an ordinary boy but when his dad is killed and his mum goes missing he starts to question everything and then he meets a large man named Frankenstein who introduces him to the Department and all it involves. His life changes for ever.
This book mixes fantasy with history and folklore. Dracula and Van Helsing appear in the story and play a vital part in the events. I liked the mix of old legends and new, it works really well and makes you feel like there is more to the story, more to discover. That the characters actually have a history. It somehow made it feel more realistic and believable. 
I think my favourite character is Larissa though, she is a vampire but also way more than that and she plays an important role in Jamie's life. She has a no nonsense attitude and puts on a tough front, but you do see her moments of weakness and doubts and how she fights through them, which just makes her all the more kick ass. 
There is quite a lot of violence in the book and also a fair bit of gore - descriptions of blood and guts. So younger readers should be aware. But although I am a bit of a wimp, I didn't find it too bad, in fact I was kind of captivated, totally hooked into the story, so it didn't bother me as much.
I am glad I picked up this book, and I can't wait to find out what happens to Jamie and the others.

My Rating

     

AudioBook Review - The Eyeball Collector

Title: The Eyeball Collector
Author: F.E. Higgins
Series: Tales from the Sinister City (no.3)
Publisher: MacMillan Children's Books
Release Date: 6th October 2009
ASIN: B002SQH7KU

Synopsis
When his butterfly-collector father is swindled to within an inch of his life, a vengeful Hector leaves the city of Urbs Umida in pursuit of a fiendish villain with a glass eye. The trail leads to Withypitts Hall, a forbidding Gothic mansion as warped as its inhabitants and their secret schemes. Soon Hector finds himself embroiled in mysterious deeds more poisonous than his worst imaginings, but every twist and turn brings him closer to his revenge . . .

My Review
This is another book that I have had on my shelves for years but never got round to reading so when I needed something to listen to next in my car and I saw this on the shelf at the library I thought I might as well listen to it instead.
The narrator wasn't bad, he wasn't as gripping as some of the others I've heard and he did a really silly accent for one of the characters which threw me off everytime he spoke but other than that he does quite a good job.
This story follows Hector as he journeys to try and get revenge on a man with a glass eye. This man blackmailed his father and ran his company into the ground. Having to give up his business and his precious butterfly collection pretty much finishes Hector's Dad off, so Hector want to make this man pay for what he has done. His journey takes him to the South side of the bridge, life is harder over there and he ends up in a house for abandoned boys with lots of other kids, sort of street urchins. But then he bumps into the mysterious man with the glass eye and Hector takes his chance and ends up going back with him to Withypitts hall. But is revenge the best idea, as more strange events and mysteries occur Hector starts to wonder if this is what he really wants.

To be honest this book had a pretty good concept and was good enough to make me want to know how it ended but I wasn't hooked. I kept realising that I had lost focus and missed a bit of the story but I was never bothered enough to go back and listen to it again and I don't think I missed that much of importance. For me the story was just a bit too drawn out, I kept waiting for some action or revelation from Hector but it didn't come. He also has a phrase that he says when something goes wrong which at first was quite sweet but then it just got a bit annoying to me. 

The ending wasn't bad and pulls everything together and finishes off the story but I just wasn't hooked. It was fairly amusing and the characters are well written - they certainly have great personalities. This just wasn't for me in the end.

My Rating

 

AudioBook Review - The Lunatics Curse

Title: The Lunatics Curse
Author: F.E Higgins
Series: Tales From the Sinister City (No. 4)
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books; Unabridged edition
Release Date: Book - 2 July 2010, AudioBook - 4 April 2013
ISBN13: 9780312566821
ASIN: B00C6SY6C2 

Synopsis
The town of Opum Oppidulum is home to the freezing Lake Beluarum and its rumored monster. On an island at the center of the lake is an asylum; no one has ever escaped it. So how will Rex, whose father, Ambrose Grammaticus, has been imprisoned there under false pretenses, prove that Ambrose is not insane? And if Rex can free his father, will his evil stepmother drive them both to madness?  

My Review
I read the 'Black Book of Secrets', Book 1 in this set years ago for a Book Day at work and really enjoyed it, as the other books have come out I have bought them but never actually got round to reading them, so when I was looking for something to listen to in my car- I always like to have an audiobook for when I'm driving round as the radio is so annoying most of the time, I saw this on the shelf and thought why not! It saves me time actually reading it as my TBR pile is so huge.
We follow the story of Rex who lives with his father and stepmother, that is until his father goes 'mad' and gets carted off to the asylum across the lake. But not everything is as it seems and when Rex discovers a dark and dangerous plan he must try to help his father and discover the truth of what really goes on in the asylum. 
When this first started I wasn't convinced I would like it, but the person narrating the audiobook was doing a good job and had a nice voice so I decided to stick with it for a while and I slowly started to get into the story. Rex is quite willful and resourceful and I liked his character, he can also be a bit impatient. We also meet Hildred a young girl come to work at the asylum as the cooks assistant, she was my favourite character, she has a sort of witty sarcasm and honesty about her that you can't help but like, she's good for Rex too and keeps him in line.
This story is quite dark in places but more creepy than scary, I was mostly just intrigued to find out what would happen next. I did keep expecting there to be more though, not sure what but just more. More detail, more information, more story. It felt like we only ever really brushed the surface and the ending was a bit weak in my opinion, but I did enjoy it overall. 
Although this is book 4, the stories don't have to be read in order, they are all set in the same area and sometimes cross mention characters but they don't actually follow on form one another as far as I can tell.
I am quite glad I listened to this in the end as some of the names he read out were very long and strange and I may have got a bit confused had I actually been reading it, and it added another dimension to the story, the narrator sets the scene more with his tone of voice and pauses. 
I wouldn't ever re-read it but I am glad I heard it. 

My Rating

    

Book Review - City of Fallen Angels

Title: City of Fallen Angels
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Mortal Instruments (Book 4)
Publisher: Walker
Release Date: 1 Sep 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1406330335

 Synopsis
The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She’s training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.
But nothing comes without a price.
Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her—his mother just found out that he’s a vampire, and now he’s homeless. When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

My Review
I nearly didn't go on to this one, after struggling a bit with book 3, but that one ended quite well and I was intrigued so I decided to give it a go. 
Within a couple of hours I had read through to page 250 and was really enjoying it, I had to put it down for the night though but looked forward to picking it up the next day.
I found myself still liking it until the last 75 or so pages, then I felt like it just started to get silly. Just when things are resolved something else springs up and takes over. Jace now spends most of his time moping or feeling sorry for himself - he plays the martyr card very well and I want to tell him to get on with it and sort something out instead of moaning, 'I'm not good enough for you' - pull yourself together man, either resolve your issues or accept that she loves you anyway, flaws and all for goodness sake. 
Clary was a bit better in this book and started to fight more for what she wanted but she still irritated me a bit.
I got the whole Valentine plot and he was a good bad guy - you were never quite sure if he was all bad or just misguided, but in this book you had so many potential bad guys I just found myself not caring anymore and hoping that one of them would do something to get it all over with.
I loved the Simon plot again - he has definitely become my favourite character, I don't know why but I seem to connect with him, and although he has it hard and things really suck for him, he still puts his friends first - no matter what. That boy has a big heart and a pretty good wit.
This one was better, the plot was much more enjoyable and the pacing carried me along, but for me this is all just getting drawn out a bit too much. 
I've just had book 5 come in at the library and part of me thinks I've got this far so maybe I should finish the series, but then I'm clearly not really enjoying them that much, so maybe I should give up. I feel bad if I read it knowing I won't enjoy it and then giving a bad review. I would much rather be positive, but for me this series is clearly not clicking so I may throw in the towel now.
I am going to try the Infernal Devices spin of sequel series though as everyone tells me they are so much better.

My Rating

      This was almost a 'Really Enjoyed It' rating, as I sailed through the first half of the book, but I struggled at the end so it pulled it down.

Book Review - City of Glass

Title: City of Glass
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Mortal Instruments (Book 3)
Publisher: Walker
Release Date: 22 Jun 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1406307641

Synopsis
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.
As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

My Review
After finishing book 2 and having really enjoyed it I was quite looking forward to this one. I wanted to know what would come of Clary's mum and Valentine's plot. So I got stuck right in. At 543 pages this one was 100 pages bigger than the previous 2, so I was looking forward to an action packed book. 
I started off quite well, I liked Simon's part and the explosive beginning with the portal, but for me it went downhill after that. I found my attention starting to wander, but I persevered. But I got to page 300 and very nearly gave up. Clary seemed to be a bit whiny, life wasn't fair, it was all too hard, she seemed to have lost some of that kick ass spark that she had. It re-appeared in moments but she started to annoy me. Jace does the dark and brooding thing too well, I just wanted to tell him to get over himself. In an online vote last year he was announced as the Hottest YA Male, the 'Book Boyfriend' we all want - well, there must be something wrong with me because I just don't see the appeal, he's just an arrogant jerk, sure he has his softer side but it appears all too rarely.
There was so much build up in this book, padding and information, I just wanted it to get on with it. BUt the last 80 pages it did pick up a bit again, the big battle was some very good writing and had me gripped once more.
After wanting to give up at about half way, I then finished and actually wanted to read the next book. What is it about this series that keeps me reading, I feel like I'm not enjoying it that much and then something happens that pulls me back in. There is something captivating about the world and the characters.
I'm just hoping the next book gets better again. I shall persevere for now.

My Rating

     
 

Book Review - City of Ashes

Title: City of Ashes
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: Mortal Instruments (Book 2)
Publisher: Walker
Release Date: 7 July 2008
ISBN-13: 978-1406307634

Synopsis
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.
To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

My Review
So book 1 didn't 'Wow' me, I wasn't expecting much more from this one. I was intrigued enough to read it but not desperate to know what comes next. But with not much else to do I sat down and got stuck in, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised, I actually enjoyed this one a lot more than the first one. It seemed to move quicker, flow better and was just overall more exciting. 
The whole Clary/Jace angst started to get on my nerves a bit, it's a bit forced and over the top and drawn out way too long in my opinion. But they work well together when they are not all goggly eyed at each other and for that I'm grateful. When they are fighting demons they totally kick butt.
Simon - now I didn't see much relevance to Simon in the first book so I was really glad he plays a much more important role in this one and I've actually come to really like him, he's a great guy and handles all these situations really well - whatever is thrown at him, and a lot is thrown at him - he handles it and still puts Clary first.
There were still odd parts that felt quite drawn out and over explained but not as much as in book 1 and I got through this book a lot quicker because of it. This one took me less than a day whereas book 1 took me about 4 days on and off.
The world of the Shadowhunters and Downworlders really develops in this book and I had a much more 3D image of it all in my head, it's a place that I think would be very interesting to explore and delve deeper into. 
This series seems to be picking up a bit for me, so maybe it can still live up to it's hype. I'm going to move straight on to book 3 and hope it keeps getting better.

My Rating

     

Book Review - City of Bones

Title: City of Bones
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Mortal Instruments (book1)
Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
Release Date: 2 July 2007
ISBN-13: 978-1406307627

Synopsis
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...  

My Review
I have had these books on my shelves for years, but have never got round to reading them, they were always my 'one day I'll read them' books. Then a couple of weeks ago my dad bought me the DVD of the movie, but I can't watch the film until I have read the books - that is my rule. So out came the book. 
I have heard some truly amazing things about this series so I was hopeful that this would sweep me into an incredible new world and I would be hooked. Unfortunately I wasn't though, don't get me wrong - i did enjoy the book but nothing about it made me go WOW! I will admit that I haven't exactly been in the best of moods lately which can affect the way you enjoy a book I know. But we can only ever review the book as we read them so here goes.
I liked the start, I was intrigued and wanted to know more, the world was introduced well and the characters made you want to get to know them. The revealing of Clary's sight pulled me in and I found myself turning the pages to find out more. Overall I actually think this book is done well - it reveals the world bit by bit, adding more of the magic and mystery to it as you go and makes you feel part of it. 
I liked Clary as a character, she has a fiery determination to her and a fairly sarcastic wit which I liked. 
Jace - now I had heard rumours about Jace - that he was the 'ultimate book boyfriend' and 'totally dreamy' etc etc. But to be honest, I jsut thought he was a smarmy git who needed to get over himself. He really irritated me for most of the book, I only started to warm to him in the later part of the book and even only then a little bit. I just didn't like his attitude and blatant disregard for others. He has his redeeming moments but mostly I'd say he's a bit of a git.
Now as for Simon for the first half of the book I wondered what his purpose was. From what I saw of him I was pretty sure the plot could have progressed just as easily if he didn't exist, but I liked him, he's a bit like a lost puppy but I liked him. I just hoped his part would become more relevant later.
The rest of the characters help to create the world and bring it to life. I really like Isabelle - she's sassy, and Luke is a mystery. 
The world is very well created and the characters do come across as real and the sort of people you could meet. I liked the idea of the different groups and the history behind their organisation.
I wouldn't say that this book was totally amazing, maybe I just missed something that everyone else got with it, but I did enjoy it and am glad I read it. I am curious enough to read the next one and have already started it.

My Rating

 

Book Review - Arch Enemy

Title: Arch Enemy
Author: Frank Beddor
Series: The Looking Glass Wars (book 3)
Publisher: Egmont
Release Date: 1st October 2009
ISBN13: 9781405251938

Synopsis
The battle for Wonderland has come to a head and the Heart Crystal's power has been depleted thanks to King Arch's devastating weapon, WILMA. Imagination has been wiped from the land and the people of Wonderland have lost their greatest asset. Most alarmingly, even Queen Alyss is without her powers as her Queendom hangs in the balance. 


My Review
I read the first two books in the series quite quickly and really enjoyed them, I started this one but for multiple reasons I haven't had much time to read over the last week or so so this got put to the side. I had a day off today so decided to finish it. 
Alyss and Redd are still at war but now they also have a common enemy - Arch. Determined to take over and make Wonderland into a Kingdom he disables the Heart Crystal rendering Alyss and Redd's powers useless. 
Alyss must try to defeat Arch and get rid of Redd before all of Wonderland is lost forever.
I was expecting great things from this book after the first two and I wanted it to answer all my questions and I don't know just be exciting. I have to admit I was a little disappointed. The plot felt very disjointed to me, it would move from one scenario and character to another, back and forth and I found myself losing interest and forgetting what was going on. I would just get into part of it and it would change to something else. Not only that but it felt more complicated than it needed to be, I started to get bored, I just wanted the book to get on with it. Normally I will sit and read a book and look at teh page numbers and be like 'wow I've read over 100 pages already' but with this one I would look and be like 'has it really only been 30 pages!' It just seemed to be really slow and at times I had to make myself keep reading.
Overall the story isn't bad and it does resolve 99% of events and character questions but I just feel like it could have been done a lot quicker and with less interruptions.
Good if you want to finish the series, but a bit disappointing in my opinion.

My Rating

     

Book Review - Seeing Redd

Title: Seeing Redd
Author: Frank Beddor
Series: The Looking Glass Wars (book 2)
Publisher: Egmont
Release Date: 3 Sep 2007
ISBN-13: 978-1405209885

Synopsis
Alyss of Wonderland's rules has only just begun, and already those who prefer chaos to peace are threatening to destroy everything worth imagining. Trailed by newly appointed royal bodyguard Homburg Molly, Alyss is doing her best to keep pace with the non-stop demands of being queen while attempting to evade Molly for a few private moments with Dodge.
Alyss' life is a challenging mix of duty, love and tough decisions, and then a series of phantom sightings set fire to an urban myth of Her Imperial Viciousness' return and have everyone...Seeing Redd.
Has Redd somehow freed herself and her chief assassin, The Cat, from the confides of the Heart Crystal? If not, then who has resurrected Redd's brutal foot soldiers the Glass Eyes and set them loose to attack Wonderland on all sides?

My Review
After finishing book 1 I had to move straight onto book 2, I couldn't wait. 
This picks up right where we left of, Alyss is rebuilding Wonderland after Redd's cruel reign. She is still discovering who she can trust but trying to be a good and fair Queen, whilst at the same time trying to find out if Dodge is the man she remembered him to be. BUt thinks barely start to come back together before Wonderland is attacked once more by Glass-Eye's and everyone starts to panic the Redd is back, once more into battle, Alyss never knew being Queen was such hard work.
What I loved about this book is that it actually splits into quite a lot of side stories and follows other characters - but each of these insights into others lives all add up to the main story. You get to follow Redd and the Cat, Hatter Madigan, Alyss herself and characters such as Jack of Diamonds. This gives you a wider view of the story and the world and I found this much more exciting as you could watch it all come together from every side. 
I would say this book was a bit slower than the first but still a gripping read and very exciting, it also has some unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. 
For a second part of a trilogy it does a great job, it moves the story on nicely, develops the characters well then sets the ending up that leaves you with an explosive storyline for the next book.
I am so glad I finally got round to reading this book and am only cross with myself for not doing it sooner!

My Rating

   

Book Review - The Fault In Our Stars

Title: The Fault In Our Stars
Author: John Green
Publisher: Penguin
Release Date: 3 Jan 2013
ISBN-13: 978-0141345659

Synopsis
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.




My Review
I have had this book on my reading pile for a very long time. I always said I wanted to read it, requested it from the library a couple of times but had to send it back due to other people requesting it. Then I saw a promotion on facebook from the publisher and applied and they sent me a copy. It got added to my pile then forgotten about. I gave it to my teen reading group a couple of months ago and they all read it but I didn't get round to it. 
I think part of me was scared of reading it - sounds silly I know, but I had a very strong feeling it would make me cry and I didn't feel ready for that. But finally this weekend I was drawn to it, I felt like the time was right and I dived right in. Do you ever feel like that about books? That there is a right time to read them? 
Anyway, I started this book just after dinner and raced through the beginning, I had to put it down in the evening to do other things but I was desperate to get back to it. Finally at about 11.30pm I picked it up again and stayed up until 1am in the morning to finish it! I couldn't go to bed until I had read the whole book, I just couldn't walk away from Hazel or Augustus, I felt like I had to hear their story, that I somehow owed it to them to see it through.
I quite liked Hazel, she is very matter of fact and has a great view on life, things simply are that way and it can't be changed, that is until she meets Augustus, then she starts to experience a world of different things and the chance of a bigger future is offered to her. She still knows she is dying, that life can't be infinite, but it can be good.
Augustus though is the one that will melt your heart, he has a very relaxed attitude and a wicked sense of humour, even making fun of his own illness and that of his best friend. He just has that easy charm that you can't help but be endeared to.
The book is written in such a style that it flows past and is really easy to read, you will find yourself getting lost in the pages and suddenly you are halfway through the book with no idea how you got there. It's a serious subject matter but it doesn't make you uncomfortable at any point which is really good. I know some people have objected to books like these, saying they are too depressing or they don't take the illnesses seriously, but I think this book does a great job of portraying teen cancer and really makes you think about life and infinity and friendship and loyalty, relationships and hope. It is great for people to be aware and as I say handles the topic really well.
I didn't cry as much as I expected too, but I did find tears in my eyes and my breath catch, it was a deeper emotion that a flood of tears, it was heart warming yet heart breaking at the same time. A book that stays with you after you have finished it.
I will definitely be trying some of his other books, I like Green's style!

My Rating

     
 

Book Review - Daylighters

Title: Daylighters
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: The Morganville Vampires (book 15)
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Release Date: 5 Nov 2013
ISBN-13: 978-0749012717

Synopsis
While Morganville, Texas, is often a troubled town, Claire Danvers and her friends are looking forward to coming home. But the Morganville they return to isn’t the one they know; it’s become a different place—a deadly one…
Something drastic has happened in Morganville while Claire and her friends were away. The town looks cleaner and happier than they’ve ever seen it before, but when their incoming group is arrested and separated—vampires from humans—they realize that the changes definitely aren’t for the better.
It seems that an organization called the Daylight Foundation has offered the population of Morganville something they’ve never had: hope of a vampire-free future. And while it sounds like salvation—even for the vampires themselves—the truth is far more sinister and deadly.
Now, Claire, Shane and Eve need to find a way to break their friends out of Daylighter custody, before the vampires of Morganville meet their untimely end…

My Review
So this is it, the end of Morganville. I cannot believe it's over, took me longer to get through the series than I planned (a whole month longer) but that wasn't due to the books, just my busy life and work getting in the way. I have really loved being a part of this world and feel like I could walk down the streets and talk to the characters as if I had been there for years. It feels like I have had to say goodbye to friends finishing this series, but I know I can always go back to visit.
So Claire and her friends return to Morganville after their brief stint in MIT. They've returned with an extra person too - Jesse the vampire we met in the previous book, which I was pleased about as I really liked her.But now they are back they are in for a shock- the Daylight foundation has taken over. All the vampires are being held in an 'enclave' although it sounds more like a sophisticated prison camp. The humans finally have the freedom they craved, but just what are the Daylighters going to do with the vamps. Whatever it is Claire knows it can't be good. Not wanting to choose sides she has to figure out what is right and what ultimately will bring about the most peaceful future. 
I read most of this book this morning in one sitting and was totally hooked, it's a bit more moral than the rest, makes you think about what makes one persons life more valuable than another but the book isn't preachy or trying to tell you what to think, it just makes you stop and wander. 
Having read this far, as I'm sure every Morganville fan will agree, it is impossible to choose a side. I love Claire, Shane and Eve, even Hannah Moses is cool and a mix of other background characters would be friendly neighbours. But then I also love Amelie, Myrnin, Oliver, and a host of other vamps. There is no way I could pick one side over the other. 
The Daylighters are written perfectly, they really make my spine tingle and my hairs stand on end. Something about them just leaks a feeling of evil, bad intentions, but they can also charm you and make you think they may have a point. The sort of villain that appears as a friend, would pull you into a hug and then stab you in the back whilst still smiling at you. It's creepy - bravo Miss Caine, splendid writing!
I couldn't wait to find out how it would all end but I didn't want it to be over. I was however left with a feeling of 'completeness', like everything was right. It isn't completely wrapped up, there is some open ends, but they are so well built up that I can picture a future for them and know it's all ok. Enough is brought to a satisfying end that you are more filling in the gaps than writing your own ending which is how I like it. 
This is a series I will always treasure and re-visit and thoroughly recommend to anyone. There is so much to experience and fall in love with that you will count yourself as an honorary Morgnaville resident and never want to leave.

My Rating

    

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

    

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