Book Review - Once Upon A Curse

Title: Once Upon A Curse
Author: E.D Baker
Series: Frog Princess (book 3)
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Release Date: 4 Oct 2004
ISBN-13: 978-0439810883

Synopsis
Many years ago a slighted fairy placed a curse on a beautiful young princess--a curse that caused her and all her female descendants to turn into mean, ugly witches if they ever touched a flower after turning sixteen. Now, Princess Emma, who is about to turn sixteen herself, is determined to break the spell once and for all. Emma travels back in time to the day the curse was placed on her ancestor in the hope of preventing the curse from being cast. Unfortunately she isn't successful in her efforts, but she does learn how to break it. Armed with this knowledge, Emma returns to her own time full of hope. But disaster ensues and Emma is about to give up completely--until true love shows itself in the most unexpected place of all. 


My Review
I'm getting through these really quickly, they are really easy reads. This is book 3 in the series. Emma has been told for years about the family curse, any female over 16 in her family must stay away from flowers. Years ago Princess Hazel insulted a Fairy who cast the curse on her, now Emma's Grandmother is a bad tempered, mean spirited old witch, and has been for a few years, but now it's worse - her fun loving friendly aunt Grassina has been turned bad. Instead of the helpful jolly Aunt she is used to Emma now has to deal with moods, moaning and mean tricks. Everyone thought her gran was bad, but Grassina is much worse.
Determined to find a way to break the curse Emma sets off on an adventure with Prince Eadric and L'il. She travels back in time, hoping to prevent the curse from ever happening. She meets her ancestors and sees time unfold before her. Although she doesn't stop the curse she does find how to break it - but this brings a whole new set of complications. Only weeks away from her 16th Birthday Emma knows time is running out.
Another quick read. I love Prince Eadric's devotion to Emma and his willingness to do anything for her and her Kingdom. A strong bold knight with a sense of justice and a deep love for the Kingdom. I loved the new characters - Emma's ancestors. Millie the princess is lovely and a perfect companion, Hazel is spoilt and ill tempered but the sort of person you love to hate. She's like a combination of all the mean girls you met in school, the ones that got away with everything because they were 'cool', but then got what they deserved in the end - oh sweet justice! hehe
Aunt Grassina turning bad did make for a good storyline but I must admit I missed her warm presence throughout the book, it was like a friend going away. 
I liked this one better than book 2, the pace was better and more exciting, but book 1 is still my favourite.


My Rating
I would give this book 8.5/10. Magical, exciting read.

Giveaway - Signed copy Oriana's Eyes

I have something special for all of my followers thanks to the lovely Celeste Simone!

Celeste Simone is the author of Oriana's Eyes. A great new YA Fantasy Dystopian.

As a pureblood Winglet, Oriana isn’t supposed to look at a half-blood much less speak to one. Half-bloods are the lowest of all races at Odon’s University, because they are half Winglet and half Finlet. But when the half-blood, Dorian, locks eyes with her in the hallway, Oriana can't help being intrigued by his daring nature. It isn't long before Oriana sneaks out to the garden in the middle of the night to talk to him and discovers there's more to the University and Odon than she imagined.

The more Oriana runs into Dorian the more she finds herself succumbing to her emotions, something that those around her continue to suppress. Dorian seems to know a way out, but it won't be easy. When Oriana is finally able to escape the University, her life grows even more perilous. She discovers the truth behind Odon and the history of her world. The more she learns the more secrets arise and Oriana finds 

herself at the very center of the action. If she can overcome her greatest fears, she might just be able to break free and be the last hope at defeating Odon.

I read this book and really enjoyed it, you can read my review here. I highly recommend it.

 

 So what's up for grabs? Celeste Simone is offering a signed copy of her book to one lucky winner!

So how to enter?

To enter put your details in the Linky List below, that's it, simple as that.

Here are the rules: 

1) Competition opens Sunday 21st August
2) Competition closes on Sunday 28th August Midnight GMT
3) Enter your Name, E-mail and Blog Link in the Linky List Below (email will be hidden)

-If you do not have a blog simply enter your facebook or twitter page link in the blog box.
4) You Must be a Follower to enter!
5) One Name will be selected at random from the list.
6) Contest open US only
7) Winners will be contacted by e-mail
8) Winners will have 3 days to reply or another winner will be selected.

Spread the word and have fun.

Book Review - Dragon's Breath

Title: Dragon's Breath
Author: E.D Baker
Series: Frog Princess (book 2)
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Release Date: 3 Nov 2003
ISBN-13: 978-0747563402

Synopsis
Emma and Eadric have no sooner turned back into humans (from being frogs) than Emma's mother is in a panic, Aunt Grassina is distracted because she's found her true love turned into an otter, and Emma's magic is so out of control she sends herself to the dungeon by mistake. The neighboring kingdom has chosen this moment to attack, and if Emma can't get Grassina's mind back on protecting the kingdom, life as they know it in Greater Greensward will be in peril. From underwater sea monsters to fire-breathing dragons, this witty pair of young friends manages to sweet-talk, cajole, and race their way to victory. But when it looks as if everything will finally work out, disaster strikes, and Emma finds that magic is not enough-it takes real bravery and a strong, new friendship to succeed. 

My Review
Emma and Eadric are humans again and must help Grassina to get her true love back. Haywood was turned into an otter years before by Grassina's mother. She didn't think he wasa  suitable suitor for her daughter so thought this was the best way to get rid of him. She made the recipe for the cure deliberately difficult so he wouldn't be able to turn back. But now Grassina has found him again she is determined not to let him go. So with Emma and Eadric's help they set off to find four magical items needed to turn him back.
This book seemed slightly slower than the first, it was more detailed and deeper explained. There was a lot of back story involving the curse and Grassina's mother which was quite detailed and slowed the pace of the story quite a bit.
Eadric seems to do nothing but eat and whine in this one. But Emma goes from strength to strength. I liked her a lot more in this book. There was a lot of action scenes and exciting twists but they were in between the slower parts so the book just seemed to drag a little bit. 
However saying that it is only 292 pages so it still didn't take me that long and overall the plot line was good. I love the devotion between Haywood and Grassina, and the twist at the end was very good.
Overall it is still a good book and worth a read, it's just a bit slow in places. You may find yourself skimming bits.

My Rating
I would give this book 7/10. Good storyline but a little bit slow in places.  

Book Review - Destined

Title: Destined
Author: Morgan Rice
Series: The Vampire Journals (book 4)
Release Date: 2011

ISBN13: 9780982953754

 

Synopsis

Caitlin Paine wakes to discover herself back in time. She finds herself in a cemetery, on the run from a mob of villagers, and seeks refuge in the ancient cloisters of Assisi, in the countryside of Umbria, Italy. There, she learns of her destiny and her mission: to find her father and the ancient vampire Shield needed to save mankind.
But Caitlin’s heart still pines for her lost love: Caleb. She desperately needs to know if he has survived their trip back in time. She learns that her mission requires her to go to Florence, but if she wants to pursue matters of the heart, she must go to Venice. Caitlin is overwhelmed at what she finds. 

Caitlin is not the only one who can travel back in time: Kyle soon arrives, too, and is determined to hunt her down and kill her once and for all. Sam, too, arrives, determined to save his sister before it is too late.

Caitlin finds herself up against true evil, Rome’s ancient vampire coven, and the most powerful vampire coven that ever existed. Surviving will demand all her skills, as she finds herself battling for her very life. She will have to sacrifice more than ever, if she is to save the one she loves…. 

My Review
this may contain spoilers from the previous books in the series.
I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Devastated at Caleb's death Caitlin has traveled back in time to save him. She ends up in Venice in 1790, the streets are overcrowded, the people flood the street and hygiene is unheard of. Split during the time travel Caitlin is searching for Caleb eager to start where they left off. Along the way she runs into a host of familiar faces including Polly, Tyler, Taylor and Blake. When Caitlin finally finds CAleb it's not how she imagined and then she finds herself drawn to Blake she isn't sure what to do.
Kyle has also followed her back, determined to finish her off once and for all. Once more he causes havoc and destruction throughout in his quest for power.
Caitlin must track down her father and find the special shield before it's all too late.
I have literally read this in the last couple of hours, I couldn't step away from it. I haven't moved from my spot on my chair, just read it all through. 
I love the authentic old feel of the story. 1790 Venice seemed really realistic and I could really vision the overcrowded filthy streets. I loved the re-appearance of Polly, she is one of my favourite characters, so bubbly and sweet.
There are some really touching moments, some heart-breaking moments and some breath-taking ones. Awesome fight scenes and action packed. Had me gasping and sitting forward in anticipation.
These books just keep getting better, Morgan Rice has really got something good here. I love these books. 
I'm going to have to go and try to get book five now because the ending has got me on tenterhooks. 
Epic! That's all I can say.

My Rating
I would give this book 10/10. Awesome - full of love, loss, adventure. Twists, turns and suspense. Truly amazing! try it, really, find the series and read - you won't regret it.     

Book Review - The Frog Princess

Title: The Frog Princess
Author: E.D Baker
Series: The Frog Princess (book 1)
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Release Date: 2 Sep 2002
ISBN-13: 978-0747560746

Synopsis
Princess Emeralda isn't exactly an ideal princess. Her laugh sounds like a donkey's bray rather than tinkling bells, she trips over her own feet more often than she gracefully curtsies, and she hates the young Prince Jorge whom her mother hopes she will marry. But if Emeralda ever thought to escape from her frustrating life, she never expected it to happen by turning into a frog! 


My Review
This is another book that has been on my TBR pile for a very long time. I finished Princess Diaries part 3 whilst in my lunch break at work and had left book 4 at home, so I grabbed this from my tray and sat down with it. 
I was halfway after 40 minutes so decided to bring it home with me to finish.
Princess Emeralda or Emma as she likes to be called is a real princess, although she doesn't act like one, her laugh is loud and invasive, she is clumsy and ungraceful. And she doesn't want to marry the man her mother has chosen for her. Her aunt is a Green Witch who is quite powerful, but Emma seems to make a mess of any spells she casts.
When out hiding from her suitor, Emma walks to the swamp, whilst there she runs into a frog. Shocked when it speaks to her she runs away. But the next day she is curious and goes back. The frog asks her for a kiss explaining he is a Prince under a witches curse. At first she doesn't believe him but then her mother announces that she is organizing Emma's wedding to stuck up Jorge, so Emma figures there isn't much to lose and so kisses the frog. This doesn't work out as planned either - instead of turning the Prince back, Emma ends up as a frog. Together they set out to find a way to break the spell.

I've only read one book by E.D Baker before and didn't really like it, but in this one I really liked her writing style and voice and felt myself pulled into the story. I knew a bit about the story before hand but not a lot, so I went in with an open mind.
I liked Emma, she was someone that I felt you could relate too. Not sure of herself or what she is meant to be. Always feeling like she is letting others down but with an inner strength. The Prince is quite full of himself at first but shows a deeper side and starts to soften towards Emma, and becomes really caring. 
Their adventures are quite exciting and there are many twists and turns. 
A very easy read, children would love the magic and adventure and those slightly older would appreciate the love story. A great read. I am going to read the rest of the series now. I am hooked.


My Rating
I would give this book 9.5/10 full of magic, mystery, romance and humour. A great read.

Book Review - The Princess Diaries Third Time Lucky

Title: Third Time Lucky
Author: Meg Cabot
Series: Princess Diaries (book 3)
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Release Date: 1 Jun 2007
ISBN-13: 978-0330482073

Synopsis
Mia's got everything a girl could possibly want. She's a princess and she's got a boyfriend! But that's where it all goes wrong. Because Kenny is just not the guy she really wants. Michael's the one she's loved forever but he's going out with someone infinitely cleverer than Mia. Someone who can clone Fruit Flies, for heaven's sake! Will the story end happily ever after for the Princess of Genovia?
 


My Review
Again this is going to be a mini review. Too many in the series to do detailed reviews - you'll be bored if I write about all of them!
Mia finally has a boyfriend but it's not at all what she expected, the boy that loves her is not the one that's stolen her heart. She finally admits that Michael is the one for her, but he turns up at school with Judith, a senior who's just as intelligent and into computers and Michael. Mia realises that she has no chance against such a girl. Should she stick with the boy she's got or follow her heart.
On top of that she's got her final exams, she's still struggling with Algebra and the Princess lessons are still taking over. Her mother is now living with her Algebra teacher happily married and very pregnant.
These books just keep getting better for me. The characters seem to be really growing and coming to life in the books. I liked the way Cabot handled the love issues - keeping it fresh and funny whilst heartwarming. 
Mia is really growing up and becoming a real princess. Lilly always makes me laugh she is so radical but completely harmless. A bit full of her self, but very caring of others too. 
Can't wait for more.


My Rating
I would give this book 8.5/10. Funny, easy to read and fresh. 

Quote Love (22)

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:

"I have always imagined that paradise will be some kind of library."
--Jorge Luis Borges

I love this quote. I work in a library and it is a sort of paradise - all those worlds surrounding you. All those friends waiting to greet you. 

Enjoy your weekend!

Book Review - The Princess Diaries Take Two

Title: Take Two
Author: Meg Cabot
Series: The Princess Diaries (book 2)
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Release Date: 1 Jun 2007
ISBN-13: 978-0330482066

Synopsis
14-year-old Mia Thermopolis is still coming to terms with the fact that she's a princess - and heir to the throne of Genovia! But when she announces on national TV that her mum is pregnant by her algebra teacher and plans to marry him, a right-royal fuss results! For now Mia's dreadful old Grandmere is all set to plan the year's biggest society wedding, with every A-list celeb invited, from the Reagans to Phil Collins. But will the bride and groom turn up?


My Review
This is going to be a sort of mini review as there are so many in the series.
In this book Mia is still having to attend Princess Lessons, she's still failing Algebra and she hasn't got a boyfriend. Her mum is now engaged to her Algebra teacher and pregnant with his child. It feels like life is falling apart for Mia.
She then gets ill just before a big TV interview, she finds out she has a secret admirer and things at school get a bit shaken up. Maybe life can be changed, but is it necessarily for the better?
I actually did enjoy this book more than the first, I think because it's less similar to the film and more of it's own storyline so I was able to get into it easier.
I like Mia's sarcastic wit and Lilly's bluntness. Again written like diary entries so easy to read and quick to finish. I hope the series continues on as strong. 


My Rating
I would give this book 8.5/10. Fast paced and witty. enjoyable quick read.

Book Blogger Hop: August 19th-22nd & FF (31) & TGIF (14)

 
 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 is:

“What’s the LONGEST book you’ve ever read?”
(Note: I’m putting one caveat on this question. You aren’t allowed to say the Bible, Torah, Qur’an, or other religious/spiritual text.)

My Answer: There have been a few hefty tomes, but the only one that springs into my mind at present is 'The Wizard's First Rule' by Terry Goodkind, it's about 1200 pages, doesn't sound like a lot, but it's the first part of a series with 11 books in it and they are all that long. I read them one after the other and it took me a about a month and a half! Is that cheating?


Follow Friday

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

This week's question feature is from Belle Books

  

Q. If you could write yourself a part in a book, what book would it be and what role would you play in that book?

My Answer: I would love to be in so many books, but I think in this case I would be in Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine. I would be Myrnins Lab partner, helping him with his experiments, keeping him sane (as much as that is possible!!!) and helping Claire. I love Myrnin he is my favourite character so that would be EPIC.

TGIF!

This meme is hosted by GReads!

This Friday's Question: 

The Reviews We Don't Write: 

Have you ever read a book and not wanted to review it? Are some books too personal that we want to keep our thoughts our own?

My Answer: There has been the odd book that I really didn't enjoy and I hate being negative so I have considered not writing a review but I like to be honest and share the good and bad so I always do write one. There have also been books that have been sooooo good that I am so hyper I can't write coherently lol, so I have to wait a bit before writing it, but otherwise, no I'll write a review for anything. :D

 

Happy Hopping, have a great weekend everyone!!!  

Book Review - The Princess Diaries

Title: The Princess Diaries
Author: Meg Cabot
Series: Princess Diaries (book 1)
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Release Date: 1 Jun 2007

Synopsis
‘You’re not Mia Thermopolis any more, honey,’ Dad said. ‘You’re Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo. Princess of Genovia.’
A PRINCESS?? ME??? Yeah. Right.
One minute Mia’s a totally normal Manhattan 14-year-old. Next minute she’s heir to the throne of Genovia, being trailed by a trigger-happy bodyguard, taking princess lessons with her bonkers old grandmere, and having a makeover with someone called Paolo. Well, her dad can lecture her till he’s royal-blue in the face, but no way is Mia going to turn herself into a style-queen. And they think she’s moving to Genovia? Er, hello?

My Review
The Princess Diaries is one of my all time favourite films, I have watched it hundreds of times but surprisingly I had never read the books. I know - strange for me. So I decided now was the time. I requested the whole set from the library, I've got the first four so expect loads of reviews coming up. 
Mia thinks she is an ordinary teenager - ok not really ordinary she thinks she is a freak. Taller than the rest of her class, no figure, frizzy hair. Mean girls pick on her and the cutest boy in school doesn't know she even exists. 
Her parents are seperated, but when her dad comes home for a visit her life changes forever, he tells her that he is in fact Prince of Genovia and therefore she is a princess, Mia's life then becomes a series of 'princess lessons', stress, doubt, makeovers and press dealings. She's not even sure she wants to be a princess.
I know books and films do differ from each other a bit, but this was so different I was shocked. For one in the film Mia's dad is dead, but in the book he is very much alive and quite involved in her becoming a princess. Her grandma is tougher and less forthcoming and the bodyguard doesn't have any sense of humour. I hate to say this but I actually prefer the film. The things they changed I think they were for the better. Although I would have liked to have seen Tina in the film, she seemed like a great character.
Maybe if I had read the book before falling in love with the film I might have adored it but as it is, I did still enjoy the book but I felt a bit disappointed. It's strange how much films can affect us. I'm trying to think of them as two different things. If I really just think about the book it is very good.
I will definitely read the rest of the series, I enjoyed it enough for that, I enjoy Cabot's easy writing style and witty comments, her characters come alive on the page. 
So what do you think? Film or book? does the order you read/see affect your view?

My Rating
I would give this book 7.5/10 - I am trying to judge this as if I hadn't seen the film. The book is clever and funny. Princess Mia will take over your heart, but will she take over a country? hehe'