Book Review - Changeling: Zombie Dawn

Title: Changeling: Zombie Dawn
Author: Steve Feasey
Series: Changeling (book 5)
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Release Date: 6 May 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0330517898

Synopsis
The last instalment in the chilling "Changeling series" - in which Trey must face down the evil vampire Caliban in their most fearsome encounter yet. There will be evil spirits, zombies and complete and utter devastation in London! Will werewolf Trey and his cohorts triumph or will the world be turned to darkness forever?

My Review
I love the Changeling books and think Steve Feasey is great, you can read about when I met him here.
None of this will influence my review though. :D
When this arrived in the post fresh from Amazon I was so excited I have been waiting for it for what seems like forever. It's the last book in the series so I knew it would be packed with excitement and danger. I was slightly surprised by how small it looked at only 280 pages it's thin compared to the other books in the series, but saying that it is packed out and full of adventure. 
Trey is back from the Netherworld and trying to feel like he fits in. He doesn't want to spend his life looking over his shoulders for demons and vampires, but i doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon. Lucien, Tom, Trey and Alexa learn of a plot concerning Caliban and his sorceress Helde. A zombie army could be emerging and they have to stop it before the world is taken over. With the appearance of old friends and enemies the group are up against it. Can Trey fulfill the prophecy and put an end to it all for good, it's a lot to ask from a teenage boy, but being a werewolf does help!
I was so happy to be back into Trey's world, I slipped right back in as if being welcomed home. Tom still stands as one of my favourite characters - he's gentle, kind, honest and caring but with a hard fight in him and a willingness to do anything for the greater good. There to cheer them up when down and there to kick them up the butt when they need it too. 
I like that we see Alexa grow as a sorceress in this book, I could really get a sense for her future.
Lucien is great and mysterious as ever, and Trey is everything you can identify with, a lost boy looking for a place to fit in, but willing to risk everything to help his friends. His emotions are raw and easily shown and this helps you to connect to him - makes him feel more real.
The zombie plot is well done and got my spine tingling. I could picture the scenes and i was holding my head in protection. Feasey doesn't play on the traditional 'brains' cry which is over done but gives a new exciting angle.
I really enjoyed this book but am sad the series is over. The ending did wrap up a lot of things but I do feel there are some things that have been left open. It didn't feel like a definite ending (here's me hoping he will revisit it in the future) although that's not likely.
If you love werewolves, vampires, magic, zombies, adventure, action and mystery then this book is for you. Well written and with great pace I read it in one go and loved every minute!


My Rating
I would give this book 8.5/10 a graat adventure that will keep the pages turning and have you on the edge of your seat. But I wanted more and felt some other things could be wrapped up, I'm sad to see them go.
   

Book Review - Wings: A Fairy Tale

Title: Wings
Author: E.D. Baker
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Release Date: Reprint edition Sep 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1599903804

Synopsis
Tamisin has always recognized that she's a bit odd and doesn't quite fit in. Her appearance and the fact that she sees things others don't has always set her apart.
But she's shocked when she suddenly grows wings and is kidnapped and taken to a world where goblins and fairies exist. She'll soon learn that many things, even love, aren't all that they appear to be at first.
 
My Review
I bought this book about a year ago in an Amazon sale, it got shoved on my shelf and forgotten about. When browsing my shelves friday for my next read I came across this and decided to give it a go. The beginning is very similar to the book by Aprilynne Pike by the same title, high school girl unsure of who she is, doesn't fit in, then suddenly grows wings - although I have to say Pike does it a lot better. Up to there though this is where the similarities end, and the stories take on very different routes. 
Tamisin has always been able to see goblins, but now they are showing up more often and they seem to be very interested in her. Jak turns up at school, he is cute and friendly, but does he have a hidden agenda. When Tamisin gets carried through a Gateway into the fey world by a group of goblins, Jak follows and sets out to rescue her, but their journey takes them to places they never thought they would see and meet creatures they had only dreamed of.
I have to admit that bits of this book seemed very slow and I would put it down for a few minutes, but then would be intrigued enough to know what happens that i would pick it back up. In the end it really came to a point of just trying to finish it.
The story is fairly well written, but I didn't feel particularly connected to the characters, I was sort of interested in the two main characters, but the rest I couldn't really care about.
This book also plays on an adaptation of Shakespeare's Midsummer Nights Dream, including Titania, Oberon and others into the story line. Just seemed like a poor adaptation.
This book isn't all bad, it does have some good action scenes and some of the descriptions are well detailed. I could really picture the forest of magic flowers, it sounded beautiful, but overall I was left feeling disappointed with the book.


My Rating
I would give this book 5.5/10 - some good parts but overall disappointing. 

Book Review - Ravenwild

Title: Ravenwild
Author: Peter J. Plasse, Mike L. Longnecker (Illustrator)
ISBN-13: 978-0983340010

Synopsis
Returning home from another grueling shift of E.R. work, Dr. Blake Lee Strong comes across a downed motorcyclist and stops to help, but little does he know that his world and that of his family will soon be turned upside down. Duped into being transported to another planet called Inam'Ra, Dr. Strong and his family are thrust into a medieval world populated by Trolls, Gnomes, Elves, Dwarves, Humans and other alien beings. An epic odyssey begins as the Strong family fights for not only their own survival, but also for the continued existence of the citizens of Ravenwild.  

I was sent this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
My Review
I was sent this book by the author as an ARC, It was the first offer I had ever received and I was so pleased. The book sounded interesting and the artwork looked incredible so I accepted it in no time. It arrived a few days later and I opened it with much excitement. Unfortunately I was in the middle  of another book and couldn't dive straight in. It lay on my shelf and I kept staring at it, so when I finally finished my other read, I grabbed this one excitedly.
The story is set in two worlds, our world - Salem, Connecticut, and in the magical world of Ravenwild. A rogue wizard turns up one day and convinces Dr Blake, his wife Jessica, and their children (Stephanie, Orie & Jacqueline) that his world of Ravenwild is in terrible trouble, there is a massive war breaking out and many lives will be lost. He tells them he can transport them to this magical place so they can help to fix the situation. But they are harder to convince than he thought they would be.
Circumstances mean that the family gets madly split up, Stephanie journeys across and meets Prince Erik, Her parents follow and end up with a band of gnomes, Orie then goes after them with his two friends Gracie & Ryan, and Jacqueline follows last with her cat Cinnamon. They all end up in different areas of the world, lost, alone and in the middle of a war, they must each use their knowledge, wits and resourcefulness to survive.
This story is split into a lot of scenes and events and there is a very big cast of characters, whereas some books I have read that have a big cast I have got completely lost in and struggled to know who was who, I didn't in this book. Each character is relevant to the story and progresses the events on. The story flows well and the characters are well created and thought out. I knew who each one was and felt like I was a part of each of their journeys, the only down side i could find that two of the characters had similar names - Doreen and Dorin, but they played very different roles and so it wasn't too confusing. 
I have a head for stories that progress from many different angles, as I like to see how each character got to where they are, seeing it from different points of view, I feel gives an extra layer to the story, as events don't just affect one or two characters, but everyone involved. However if you are not used to this it may be slightly confusing, as it can be a lot to take in. I did have a couple of scene shifts where I thought 'wait where am I, who are these people.' but would pick it up again within a couple of sentences. For me, it was great.
This book contains pages of illustrations, both of characters and scenes from the book, It also has a map of the world in the front of the book. I love books with world maps in, it makes me feel a bit more involved. The illustrations are great and very detailed. They bring a whole new dimension to the story.
I am a lover of fantasy fiction, and this had everything - wizards, gnomes, trolls, elves, flying horses, romance, war, magic, and so much more.
The story is quite fast paced, there are a few slower scenes such as war meetings between the gnomes or trolls. But they are important to the story as they always reveal something that helps later on.
It was longer than I originally thought it would be, at 495 pages and fairly small writing, you are definitely getting a lot with this book. But as I said before it is quite fast paced and the story carries you through, that it doesn't feel that long.
My favourite characters were Gall the gnome, he has a true heart and caring nature, but a bit of cheekiness too. I love Forrester the troll, he is like a dopey older brother, annoying and sarcastic but always there to pull you through in times of trouble. Jacqueline is sweet too and I love her quick mind, she has a way with animals and a resourcefulness. 
The author has created a whole new world that will whisk you away into adventure.
Overall it's an exciting book that I think will do well in the future, it was certainly refreshing to have a break from all the vampires and angels that are out at the moment, and get back to magical fantasy.
I have seen it written that this will be a trilogy, I liked how this book was summed up and it did bring things to a nice close, but I'm glad there will be more, I always like to know what happens next.


My Rating
I would give this book 9/10, an exciting new read, I'm glad I got the chance to read it. Thanks to Peter & Mike.


   
This book counts towards April's 'Morbid Romantica Challenge' category 'Fairies & Elves' 

Book Review - Evermore

Title: Evermore
Author: Alyson Noel
Series: Immortals (book 1)
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
ISBN-10: 0330512854
ISBN-13: 978-0330512855

Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Ever is the sole survivor of a car crash that killed her entire family. Living with her aunt in Southern California, she's plagued by the ability to hear the thoughts of those around her, and haunted by the ghost of her little sister. She tries to tune everyone out, shunning her old lifestyle as the pretty, popular cheerleader, but somehow she can't hide from Damen, the new guy at school. Stunningly handsome, clever and not a little bit intimidating, there's something about him that doesn't quite add up. Ever realises he's hiding something, but nothing could prepare her for the truth - especially when the truth involves past lives, murderous enemies, everlasting love and the secret of eternal youth . . .
 
My Review
I have had these books on my shelf for so long, so I thought it was about time I got round to reading them, as I had heard such good things about them I was so excited to start.
Ever is 17 and life isn't easy, she has 'powers' that means she can hear peoples thoughts and see their auras, this may sound cool, but it is very wearing and is a constant battle. Before the accident that killed her family Ever was one of the popular girls, well dressed and lots of friends, but now she hides beneath baggy hoodies and cranks up the ipod to drown out the sounds of all the thoughts. That is until she meets Damen, he seems to block out the noise and show her hints of what life could be like again, but there is also a strong hint of mystery, is he really who he says he is, and why is he always disappearing.
I instantly got hooked into the story and drawn into Ever's life, the story is written in first person and so feels like she is really talking to you. I could feel her regret and loss and desperately wanted her life to be easier. I really liked Ever as a character, she's not whiny and moany like a lot of other YA heroins these days, she has her times of doubt and worry, but we all do, she comes across a strong character, with real human tendencies. She has lost so much but tries so hard not to break. 
I think my favourite character was Riley though, Ever's little sister who although is now a ghost, still hangs around and likes to cause mischief. She is so cheeky and sweet and really draws you in.
The story is fast paced and keeps you hooked throughout, I finished this in one day and can't wait to start the next one. Alyson Noel really has a way with words, I am truly drawn into Ever's world. If only there were people like Damen out there, us girls wouldn't have to worry. He's like the dream boy. 
I'm going to wrap it up there so I can start the next book. :D  If you haven't read them I suggest you do the same. Go on, what are you waiting for?

My Rating
I would give this book 10/10, excellent, well written and left me wanting more.    

Book Review - Awakened

Title: Awakened
Author: P.C & Kristin Cast
Series: House of Night
Publisher: ATOM
ISBN-13: 978-1905654840

Synopsis
Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa's House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey. But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there. Being Queen would be cool, wouldn't it? And what about Stevie Rae and Rephraim? The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be ok with their relationship? Does he betray his father or his heart?

My Review
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS (FOR THIS & THE EARLIER BOOKS)
I waited soooo long for this book to come through, I got totally hooked into the series and wanted more. I've got the rest of the series in paperback so didn't want to buy it yet. The request list at the library was long, but my copy came in yesterday. I literally jumped up and down and squealed with joy. I sat down with it this morning and finished it this evening (had to stop to go to work in the middle, was hours of torture). Zoey is recovering with Stark in the Isle of Skye, life is bliss there, but how long will it last. Stevie-Rae is still hiding her bond with Rephraim but finding it harder with every day. Neferet is on the war path again. 
Although it was a long wait between reading Burned and starting this one, I was instantly back into the story and characters, it was like returning to long lost friends, and being welcomed back with open arms. Stevie-Rae is still my favourite character with her southern charm and sarcastic attitude, although Aphrodite is definitely growing on me too, I find myself laughing more at her sarcasm and scathing attitude, she is the one you love to hate.
Zoey is definitely growing up, she seems more sure of herself and has stopped messing about and acting like a spoilt child, she knows she has to be responsible with her powers and draws on the love of her friends and Nyx to help her through instead of being reckless, I liked this side of her and hope it continues.
Neferet was still the crazy loon, but this time so much more over the edge. I'm still loving the books, but kind of wishing someone would just deal with her and get it over with. This book also seemed a little more grown up, Neferet seems to try to get with anyone male that moves and strangely spends a lot of the book with no clothes on. Not sure why. 
I did thoroughly enjoy it and could not put it down, the writing flows well and I found myself being totally submerged in the book. It seemed to lift me up and carry me into the pages.
Awakened sets the scene a lot for the next book, but i didn't feel like it was a filler, just a good, well written book that gets you further into the world. Bring on 'Destined' Cannot wait for it.


My Rating
I would give this 9/10, I remembered what I loved about this series.

 
This book counts towards 'Morbid Romantica' Challenge - March book 'Tormented Hero' - Zoey and friends never have it easy. 

Book Review - Love You To Death & High Stakes

Title: Love You To Death & High Stakes
Author: Meg Cabot
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
ISBN-13: 978-0330519502

Synopsis
Meet Susannah Simon: she's a typical teenage girl, who just happens to be a ghost-hunter . . . oh, and she's also dead-over-heels for Jesse - the sexiest spook ever! But can this girl get her ghost?
In LOVE YOU TO DEATH Suze arrives in California and has barely unpacked when her mediator skills are put to the test. A vicious spirit in her new school is hell-bent on making her life a complete nightmare, but Suze is more than ready to kick some serious ghost butt if she has to.
In HIGH STAKES Suze's new life is looking up - cool friends, pool parties and getting to know Jesse (swoon), but then a desperate spirit asks for her help. Suddenly she's on the trail of a creepy local businessman, who just might be a vampire. Life just got dead complicated. Again. 

My Review
This is a special two books in one which I love as it means I don't have to wait for the next part. 
Suze is a Mediator, she can see, talk to and touch ghosts, she saw her first ghost at the age of two, and has grown up helping the deceased move on. Often getting into trouble, skipping school and brought home by police for trespassing, she sees her powers as more of a curse than a gift. Her mum has got re-married and so Suze has to move from New York to California, to live with her new step-dad and 3 step-brothers. Maybe this will be a new start, somewhere to get away from her Mediating, but this is not the case, California sure has problems.
Love You To Death is the first book in the series, and is really gripping, I was instantly hooked, Suze is quick witted, sarcastic, and funny. I felt instantly connected with the characters and was lost in the world. I finished this story in a couple of hours and went straight into Part 2.
High Stakes carries on more or less straight after the first one ended. Suze has got rid of the malevolent spirit of an ex pupil and nearly trashed the school, she's hoping she can settle down and enjoy life and the sun of California. But life is never that simple. This book had the same quick wit and fast pace that got me hooked. This book takes us away from school, and into a more sinister setting. I could not stop reading, I was literally walking round with my nose in the book. I laughed out loud and gasped in shock.
These books are very well written and flow well. I was hooked into the story and couldn't wait to get hold of the next book. There is such a variety of characters that all come together brilliantly. I can't believe I put off reading this series for so long. If you can, find a copy and give them a go, you won't regret it.

My Rating
I would give this book 9.5/10. Excellent reads and well structured. 




This book counts towards 'Morbid Romantica' Challenge - February book 'Vampire Hunter'. Suze believes she is dealing with an evil vamp as well as ghosts.

Book Review - Infinity

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

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

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