In My Mailbox #20

Sorry i haven't been here the past few days, i've been surfing down at the local beach with some friends of mine!

In My Mailbox is a a meme started by Kristi over at The Story Siren, if you haven't heard of her (you must have been living in a blogging cave!) go rectify your mistake NOW!

.

FOR REVIEW

None

BOUGHT

Splintered - A.G. Howard
Eternally Yours (Immortal Beloved #3) - Cate Tiernan
Deity (Covenant #3)  - Jennifer L. Armentrout

LIBRARY

Reached (Matched #3) - Allie Condie
The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2) - Michelle Hodkin

OTHER
Received a 1958 copy of The Hobbit from my father, i am literally so stoked to have such an old copy of this book.

So what's in your mailbox?

Imo xx

The Darkest Minds

TITLE: The Darkest Minds

AUTHOR: Alexandra Bracken

SERIES: The Darkest Minds #1

PUBLISHER: HarperCollins

PAGES: 496 (paperback)

            MORE INFO

Note: An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

It wasn’t so long ago that I read Brightly Woven and absolutely loved it, so I came into The Darkest Minds with high expectations for Alexandra Bracken and her latest novel. Needless to say, this second time author delivered on almost all fronts for me.

In a frightening new world where most of the children die from a deadly and mysterious disease, those that survive are suddenly developing frightening powers; mind control, telepathy, telekinesis…these are only some of the possibilities. Sixteen-year-old Ruby struggles to hide her abnormality from the rehabilitation camp in which she works, yet when the truth comes out she has no choice but to flee for her life and join a group of kids desperate to find their one last chance at safety – a haven called East River.

Bracken has a very noticeable ‘show not tell’ writing style, in The Darkest Minds we are thrown straight in there with little to no backstory to help us. In a way this is very refreshing, as it allows the reader to ease themselves into Ruby’s world and slowly put things together piece by piece of our their accord. Of course this can also be rather disconcerting, and it requires the reader to pay rather close attention to ensure that they understand everything that is going on around them. A few times I found myself not getting a certain reference, and in my confusion I’d have to read backwards in order to comprehend what was happening. This wasn’t, however, a constant problem and I definitely commend Bracken for recognising that her readers do have some modicum of common sense.

In much the same way this idea also applied to Ruby, though the story is told from her point of view it is not until you are fully immersed in the novel that you begin to get fragments of her heart-breaking tale. This ensures that you must be patient to get the full story, and whilst at times it was difficult it definitely pays off in the end. Ruby herself is simultaneously fascinating and confusing, particularly at the beginning when you have no idea of her history or personality. Though occasionally I would find something I didn’t like about her she still didn’t fail to engage my interest, and it was her character coupled with the mysteries and abilities of those she travelled with that really captured my attention during the novel.

In Brightly Woven it was the romance that really melted my heart, yet I’m afraid to say that Ruby and Liam didn’t quite have the same appeal. For me it seemed to appear as if from thin air – the couple going straight from routine, friendly interactions to completely head-over-heels in love. Now, this would have been fine had there been a slow build up beforehand, yet to my eyes it seemed to jump straight from one side of the river to the other without the stepping stones in between. That said, Liam was a likeable love interest and character and the romance certainly didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the novel as a whole.

A wonderful start to a new series, The Darkest Minds is a novel I think most dystopia fans would definitely enjoy. The plot certainly finishes on an interesting point for me, and I can’t wait to see how Alexandra Bracken develops the ideas created here in future novels.

New Releases this Month

August has been a pretty busy time both in terms of publishing and the real world. For starters, how could i dare forget the Olympics, something that only finished a couple of days ago and is hands down the greatest sporting event of all time? I hope you guys got in on some of the action, i certainly did!

But, of course, this is not a sports blog, it's a BOOK blog. And there's some fabulous new releases coming up in the next couple of weeks, some of which include:

They look great, huh? I might have a couple of pre-orders out on some of these...

Have an awesome week,

Imo xx

Struck

TITLE: Struck

AUTHOR: Jennifer Bosworth

SERIES: Struck #1 (prequel available)

PUBLISHER: Farrar, Strauss and Giroux

PAGES: 373 (Hardcover)

             MORE INFO

An exciting premise with a healthy dose of originality, Struck is the latest offering in YA dystopia. Though the novel was certainly good enough, it didn’t quite live up to its potential and I struggled to get through the middle third of the book.

The prologue of this novel is the hook; it draws you in with one simple sentence: ‘My name is Mia Price and I am a lightning addict.’ Like many others I expected this revelation to be explored in the novel much more than it actually was, especially since it is perhaps the most important point in the whole plot. Instead, we get the barest of information before Mia is thrown into this tug of war between the two cults – The Seekers and The Followers – whilst I much would have preferred to find out why on earth Mia is able to survive being struck by lightning and what could have driven her to discover this. To say I was confused is an understatement, and I can only hope that if there are future books Bosworth will go into this more thoroughly.

As a heroine, Mia took a while to grow on me. Not that I hated her, but for a while I just felt indifference. One thing that really annoyed me was her ability to take massive leaps and do crazy things when everything could have been sorted with a conversation or some openness from her and the other characters. They were all just too uptight, especially Jeremy, who’s big ‘secret’ I called way in advance. He chose to be deliberately vague when warning her about the Waste, when the truth would have saved time and been way more effective.

A big theme revolving around the plot is this idea of religion, and how the two cults are trying to stop the incoming apocalypse. They both have vastly different ideas of how this ought to be done; yet one thing they have in common is that they need Mia. Rather than being concerned or angry, I just felt vaguely irritated by these two warring factions. One brainwashes its members, whilst the other blackmails and intentionally keeps secrets. In my mind they are both just as bad as each other, and I think Jeremy was completely right when he said to avoid either of them.

This book has been getting quite a lot of hype in the book blogging circle, and for most I would say that Struck is an enjoyable read that is by far not the worst YA novel you could pick up. Though its originality seems to be lost the more pages you turn, I will be keeping an eye out for more of Bosworth’s books in the future.

The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window

TITLE: The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window

AUTHOR: Kirsty Moseley

PAGES: 256

PUBLISHER: Createspace

FORMAT: Kindle Ebook

          MORE INFO

A light read, this novel is a cute – if superficial – tale for those who are secret romantics at heart. However, don’t go into it expecting any too deep, as you will surely be disappointed.

The book is centred around our love struck young couple; Amber and Liam. Liam is a typical playboy who has secretly been in love with his best friend’s sister for years, and whose presence has become a surprising source of comfort for her in the night. Amber is a self-described shy young woman who is still haunted by the terrible acts that she suffered at the hands of her father.

So much promise, yet what we get is a tangle of messy writing and clichés.

First off, this book desperately needs an editor. There are mistakes littered throughout the novel that could have been picked out in just one read. The constant reuse of words such as ‘ass’ and that stupid pet name ‘Angel’ also grated on my nerves, and in general the whole book needs a complete rewrite to refine the language and polish it up.

Another thing that really annoyed me was the stereotype used in this novel and how every single woman featured was sex-driven, brainless and obviously had no sense of decency. They were incapable of retaining any shred of dignity, and instead throw themselves upon Liam and Jake as if there was no tomorrow. Even Amber’s own best friend is guilty of this, and all Amber does is laugh it off as if it’s completely acceptable. Which no, no it is not.

Even Amber contributes in her own way, being such a modest good girl who just can’t help it if all the boys want her. That’s another ridiculous cliché used in this book; that every single male in her school has a crush on her and she’s completely oblivious. If anything she’s just as bad as the rest of them, deliberately seeking attention whilst spouting excuses along the way.

Right, venting over, let’s get onto the good parts. For older tweens and some less experienced readers, they will probably find this book quite enjoyable and the romance sweet. It is a very simple read, and is there just for enjoyment and not for the mind-boggling of our delicate brains. In some ways the qualities that Liam shows are admirable, and for a leading YA hero he really isn’t half bad. He doesn’t try to play the brooding, tormented hottie that won’t let anybody close. He loves Amber and shows it, regularly, and it is a breath of fresh air when surrounded by all these insufferable alpha jerks.

For a debut novel, The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window is an acceptable offering that many people enjoy. Though it may be your cup of tea, I can think of several other kindle gems that I would recommend.

Timepiece

TITLE: Timepiece

AUTHOR: Myra McEntire

SERIES: Hourglass #2

PUBLISHER: Egmont USA

FORMAT: ARC

          MORE INFO








Note: An ARC of thsi novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

A bit of a change-up from the first book in this series, Timepiece is the action packed sequel to the popular Hourglass. Though many may lament the loss of Emerson as the narrator, this book is just as romantic and exciting as the first.

The time space continuum is practically a mess after Emerson’s actions in the last book, and the whole Hourglass team are trying to prevent the ramifications from destroying life as they know it. But what they don’t know is that several groups – including Jack Landers – are racing to find a legendary object called the Infinityglass, and if they don’t reach Jack first then they are all in serious trouble.

Building on the foundation provided by the previous book we now begin to get a larger glimpse into the world of time travel. It was fascinating learning about all of the concepts explored in the novel, but at the same time completely mind boggling. Though they appear to make sense at times I found myself having to take a break just to figure everything out, and the complete overload of complex information was just too much for my frazzled brain. This is certainly a book that makes you think, and if that isn’t quite what you’re looking for than maybe I would avoid this novel.

The main contrast between Timepiece and Hourglass is the change in narrator, and whilst Kaleb was certainly an enjoyable character I found myself liking him slightly less than Emerson. However, he was sweet, caring, intelligent and witty, and McEntire could certainly have chosen a worse character to swap with. I especially enjoyed how having his POV meant that we could get a closer look at Lily and her abilities, and also how they played a part in the greater scheme of things.

I couldn’t properly review this novel without mentioning the romance, and what a cute one it is too! Straddling the fine line between love and potent dislike, the exchanges between Kaleb and Lily are always hilarious and filled with tension. One thing that struck me was how very different their relationship was compared to Michael and Emerson’s; a sizzling inferno compared with the epic love of fairy tales. Nevertheless, it was all I expected and was enough to satisfy my inner hopeless romantic.

A thrilling new addition to this most unique of series, Timepiece is definitely one for fans of Ms McEntire. It didn’t bore or disappoint, and I shall undeniably be looking forward to the next book, Infinityglass.

Tomorrow Land

TITLE: Tomorrow Land

AUTHOR: Mari Mancusi

SERIES: None

PUBLISHER: NLA Digital

PAGES: 281 (ARC)

         MORE INFO






Note: An ARC of this novel was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

In the not so distant future, rabid beings roam freely and the majority of mankind has been wiped off the face of the Earth. A chilling view at possible events, Tomorrow Land is an entertaining new novel from author Mari Mancusi.

Four years before, a series of events leading up the apocalypse caused Peyton Anderson to choose her family over Chris Parker, the boy she loved. Now emerging from a bunker into a devastated world, Peyton struggles to survive – and reconcile her feelings for her ally, Chris. Peyton was likeable enough; she seemed smart, extremely capable, and had a clear idea of what was happening and what she should do. Physically ‘enhanced’ by her father into what she calls ‘Razor Girl’, she’s the perfect zombie fighting machine who isn’t afraid to get down and dirty.

The main story is told from Peyton and Chris’s point of view, though there are occasional flashbacks scattered throughout the book. These chapters are important in setting up how and why the apocalypse happened, but after a couple I found myself getting the general gist and skimming the rest when they popped up. Not to say that they weren’t useful, however, as it really brought to light how much these characters – especially Chris – have changed. One thing I especially liked about the dual narrative was the opportunity to look inside Chris’s head, and see how he, and the world, have changed whilst Peyton was locked up in the bunker. It’s also a great way to understand these roiling emotions that tear at him, and how they have shaped the person he has grown up to be.

The plot, when you stripped it down to its bare bones, was actually rather intriguing. The whole story behind this apocalypse and Peyton’s father’s secret studies was certainly unique and was enough to catch your attention in parts. However, it was the addition of other, meaningless information that bogged it down. Take, for instance, this AIDs injection which had inspired a whole new teen movement, or even the confusing, unneeded technology that was just empty words. It was stuff like this that slowly abraded my opinion of this book, and I hope that the author makes an attempt to cut it back for whatever her next project is.

The pacing was a bit of a let-down, as was the rather clumped distribution of events. The first third of the book was rather slow, and even when it did pick up it seemed to be too uneventful for a group of kids travelling across a zombie infested land. The romance was, if anything, slightly aggravating. It was based on a whole lot of angst and mistrust, and everything else was just a tool to provoke even more tormented feuds. Sure, when they were actually civil to one another it was endearing, but when they just argued for the sake of it I really started getting annoyed. I felt like there was a whole load of stuff between them that didn’t have an actual purpose, and it could have been removed for a much more easy-flowing and interesting read.

A hesitant three stars, Tomorrow Land is an enjoyable read that sadly does not quite live up to the full potential around it. Perhaps not the best release this year, this tale of romance and adventure may be on to be borrowed and not bought.

The Calling

TITLE: The Calling

AUTHOR: Kelley Armstrong

SERIES: Darkness Rising #2

PUBLISHER: HarperCollins

PAGES: 326 (Hardcover)

       MORE INFO

I must admit to not being the biggest fan of Ms Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. In fact, I read the first book, attempted the second, and then just threw my hands up in complete defeat. Fortunately, her second series Darkest Powers certainly did not have that effect, and can I just get a big ‘aw’ for Chloe and Derek anyone? Love ‘em. Whilst this new series may not quite have the same…spark as the previous, it’s still a great new addition to the world of Darkness Rising.

The Calling begins right were the last book left off; with Maya, Rafe, Daniel, Corey, Hayley and Nicole on a helicopter heading away from the forest fires that are ravaging the forest around Salmon Creek. Armstrong certainly gets points for not letting up on the action, every page is a mix of adrenalin and suspense that continues right up until the last page. Add that to promising open-ended finale – and the suggestion of a meeting between Maya and Chloe – and I am certifiably pumped for The Rising.

There isn’t an amazing amount of plot development in this instalment, instead the author tends to focus on character development and working out what exactly is happening around there. I, for one, am glad for the reprieve and the chance to understand more about these characters and the experiments being done by these ‘companies’. If anything, this only makes sure that both the reader and the characters are prepared for the showdown that should be the last book.

There were some interesting little things on the side-lines though; the mixed theories about Serena’s death was one in particular that popped up a lot, and also allowed us to see another – frankly disturbing – side of Nicole that I hope doesn’t last. Daniel was his usually charming self, as usual, and this new setting (where they are basically stripped to the basics) was a real eye opener when it comes to the bond and trust between him and Maya. Though I still don’t want this to become a love triangle, at least if he is the other corner I won’t be face-palming all the time at the heroine’s stupidity.

Kelley has a real talent for creating in-depth three dimensional characters, and though their series is technically over even just a reference to Chloe and her gang leaves me with a thrill, almost as if she’s a personal friend of mine. The Darkness Rising series begins to weave these two groups together, and as these bonds are made stronger in The Calling it leaves you with a real sense excitement for the awesomeness that will come.

A well written bridge to the last book in the series, The Calling is a mix of adventure, mystery, action and an education of sorts. If you haven’t read the Darkest Powers series I would highly recommend you do so before The Rising, if only so you can appreciate the true meaning behind the world. A well earned four stars from me!

April Releases

So, here's a summary post of the major releases that have come out this month :)





I'm currently reading Unraveling and The Calling, and they are soooo good! Of course, in only a few more days Insurgent is coming out, which i have been waiting for since the day Divergent graced my bookshelf.
Oh, before i get, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONNY! May your day be filled with rainbows and sparkles!!

Have an awesome day,
Imo

Night Beach

TITLE: Night Beach

AUTHOR: Kirsty Eagar

SERIES: None

PUBLISHER: Penguin Australia

PAGES: 324 (ARC)

         MORE INFO

Note: An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

There are so many amazing things to say about this book, yet when I come to write them down all the think of is ‘wow’. A completely unique story of obsession and creativity set against the eerie backdrop of the ocean, this is one story that provides new hope for Australian authors.

I was on tenterhooks with Abbie at first; she seemed quite plain, not particularly likeable, but not overly unlikeable either. In fact, when her obsession with Kane came out to play I was caught between feelings of sympathy and just plain pity at this utterly hopeless lost cause. But, over the course of the story my preconceptions began to wear down. There is a depth to Abbie that slowly emerges, an inner strength that belies her appearance. Even the way she looks at the world is different, how she traces the light with her fingers and sees hidden meanings that are only visible to her. Abbie’s obsession is slightly nauseating, yes, but it seems to be a way for her to vent her passion in a world that entraps her, and as you came to see more of her the novel only became more captivating.

Eagar is a master at characterisation; every character is well rounded and overwhelmingly real. Perhaps the most poignant part of it is that Eagar does not twist things to make her story easier, she includes their problems, their flaws, and every emotion is expressed with such vehemence that you almost feel as if you know these people yourself. Nothing is hidden or glossed over, and Eagar isn’t afraid to include some slightly touchy subjects that many authors avoid and work them seamlessly into her plot.

Kane, a mystery wrapped in an enigma and the focus of our main character’s obsession. On the surface he is every twenty-something year old guy I’ve ever known; reckless, egotistical, and with an unquenchable thirst for life. Managing to create an exact representation of this is certainly impressive, and Eagar is a rarity in that she does not change Kane to make him more likeable. What really struck me the most was the accuracy with which Eagar managed to portray Kane and Abbie’s relationship. Unlike in a book, or a movie, 90% of the time the guy of your dreams does not like you back, he probably doesn’t even know you exist. The longing that Abbie feels resonates somewhere for every person who reads this, and that is why I think this book is so powerful.

Many reviewers seem to comment of the language of this novel, and I can’t help but agree with them. It’s artistic but not nonsensical, wielded with a rare skill that gives every sentence an impact. The descriptive parts of this book are clear and effective, creating a potent image that enhances all the emotional aspects of the scene. Above all it suits Abbie and fits in perfectly with her personality, not striving for a maturity or a voice that she does not possess. This is exactly the kind of way I feel books should be written, and I can only commend Eagar for having achieved this.

Night Beach is one of those rare books that should be savoured, only taken out at night when the wind’s howling and the rain is pounding against the roof. An exotic mix of art and romance, the psychological aspects of this book are what make it so enthralling, and I cannot wait to see what Ms Eagar comes up with next.

Goddess Interrupted

TITLE: Goddess Interrupted

AUTHOR: Aimee Carter

SERIES: Goddess Test #2

PUBLISHER: Harlequin Teen

FORMAT: ARC

       MORE INFO







Note: An ARC of thsi novel was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

After reading The Goddess Test last year and finding it somewhat lacking I approached the sequel with a generous amount of apprehension. What drove me to request it from the publisher was the potential I could see in this series, and I am so very glad to say that Ms. Carter seems to finally be acting on it. Though, there still are a few issues that need to be touched up on in preparation for the next book.

Now Queen on the Underworld, Kate has spent a six month long vacation in Greece before finally returning to Henry. However, gasp (!) when she gets back she finds he has disappeared, and she must travel down into the Underworld to save her husband…and the world dun dun dun! (okay, slight overkill, but you get the idea).

One of the best things I liked about her in the first book was the level of maturity she displayed (most of the time) and her ability to keep a relatively calm and logical head when it came to all the stuff going on around her. In this instalment, Kate seems to have retained most of that, although she is still prone to occasional cases of…how should I put it? Girlish wimpyness?

I loved how she was determined to find Henry and go on this epic quest, but occasionally she would come across as a bit self-righteous and jealous, especially around Persephone. One minute, Persephone was a callous whore, and the next Kate was pitying her and trying to justify her actions. Not on. And Ava got much the same treatment, when really Kate should have looked past that one action and tried to see the bigger picture.

The new character of Persephone is truly an interesting one that proves that Carter is either a genius or an idiot. On the surface, she is a very unlikable, rude, selfish woman who I would quite frankly never like to see again. It is very easy to blame her for the trouble that is brewing between Kate and Henry, when truly she appears to just be a catalyst, and this strange and twisted relationship between the three of them is certainly intriguing to read as the plot develops. However, I can’t help but feel that this may just be a plot device to fuel more angst between our main couple, though I hope it is not as it would be rather a desperate attempt to create more heartache.

On the plot; definitely more exciting than that of The Goddess Test. We are given a much broader range of setting, including the opportunity to look at the Underworld and some of the mythology that Carter has adopted. It was also a great tool for introducing some of the history and learning about particular characters, specifically Henry, Persephone, and Kate in her new role as Queen of the Underworld. Then, of course, we were left with that cliffhanger, and all I can say is that I hope Carter creates a truly jaw dropping sequel that will be worthy of it.

This book is deserving of much of the praise it gains, although there are several faults that I hope can be stamped out. Ms Carter definitely has the potential to produce a unique and captivating story, and I am looking forward to seeing what she can do with the final book in this trilogy, The Goddess Inheritance.

Starters

TITLE: Starters

AUTHOR: Lissa Price

SERIES: Starters #1

PUBLISHER: Delacorte

FORMAT: ARC

        MORE INFO

Note: An ARC of this novel was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Starters is the latest addition to the dystopic genre, taking place in a fictional future after the devastating Spore Wars have ravaged North America. In a world where children have no rights and everybody is out to benefit only themselves, this novel is a chilling yet captivating glimpse into the mind of one young girl in such a place.

Callie is the strong point of this novel – strong, independent, and fiercely protective of the brother; the only remaining member of her family. Price’s characterisation of Callie shows her situation in heart wrenching vividness, and it only encourages you to feel even more supportive and endearing of our young heroine. I especially loved the determination she showed when unravelling the mystery around her Ender and the uses they find for her body, and the courage it took to delve into that world when all she wanted to do was turn around and run.

Starters is masterful at inciting adrenalin and suspense; in reality the premise of it seems ridiculous, yet Price has managed to balance it so that it becomes a catalyst for our emotions. The plot of the book grabs you and doesn’t let you go until the that very last page, and as you explore this horrific new world of prime Destinations with Callie and the atrocious things Starters are made to do it really makes for an enthralling tale.

There were a few niggly things that let the book down a touch, though they still don’t take away from its core brilliance. For instance, the history behind this world is not delved into much, and it is hard to see how some aspects of it would have naturally come into being. We are given very little information about the Spore Wars and the ‘why’ of some things, and I can only hope that this will perhaps be expanded on in later book(s).

A wonderful new breakthrough in YA fiction, Starters is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and reading way past your bed time. An astounding success from debut author Lissa Price, I am now eagerly awaiting what she can do with the second book, Enders.  

Grave Mercy

TITLE: Grave Mercy

AUTHOR: R.L. LaFevers

SERIES: His Fair Assassin #1

PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin

FORMAT: ARC

         MORE INFO

Note: An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher in an exchange for an honest review.

I’m pretty sure the reason everyone wants to read this books is because of the premise. Nun. Assassins. Do I need to say anymore? Thankfully, the books seems to live up to its enticing synopsis, and I certainly did not come away disappointed.

It’s impossible not to root for Ismae right from the get go. Mistreated from birth due to her survival of an ‘abortion’ of sorts, at the beginning of this book our heroine is a small and fragile bud, only a hairs breadth away from being crushed underfoot. Whisked away to the abbess of St. Mortain, Ismae is inducted into the teachings of the handmaidens of Death, and they gradually build her into a strong young woman who has a clear sense of self. Pair that with her frightening skill at garrotting and poisonous pearls, and she becomes a kick ass heroine who you can’t help but love.

However, at certain moments she would shed her poised exterior and become….well, a wimp. And, unfortunately, most of those moments occurred due to a certain love interest, Gavriel Duval. Now, I liked Duval – he was sensible, loyal, caring (when the occasion arose) and undoubtedly enamoured of our Ismae. I wasn’t expecting to like the romance, but the way it seemed to grow from prominent dislike to shaky alliance to heart-warming love did stir my inner hopeless romantic.

One thing that did annoy me, however, was even when Ismae didn’t like Duval she was maddeningly desperate around him, reduced to a quivering mess whenever he so much as touched her. And then she would wonder ‘oh, what is this I’m feeling?’ (insert swoon here) and remind us of how she skipped all her ‘womanly skills’ classes at the abbey. She was almost too ignorant, and I don’t believe that assassins would really be let loose without some knowledge of these things.

Moving onto the heart of this story – the plot. It’s packed with everything a historical nut could ever want; oodles of political and court intrigue, scandals, murder, monarchs, war…all so interesting, if you’re not me. I loved the aspects of the abbey and Mortain, how he played a part in Ismae’s life and his influence upon Brittany. But, at the court everything seemed to be in such a tangle that a happy ending looked impossible. I got so confused with everybody’s roles that big reveals became inconsequential, and I couldn’t even remember who was who, and what they were doing. The solution to all of this seemed also seemed to convenient, mentioned only in passing when basically 500+ pages had been devoted to stressing about it. Although, I’m not complaining, the rest of the plot and the characters certainly made up for all of it.

A wonderful new read, Grave Mercy is delightful in its uniqueness and the world it encompasses. At 3 ½ stars, this is certainly one series that I am keeping an eye on.

Slide

TITLE: Slide

AUTHOR: Jill Hathaway

SERIES: Slide #1

PUBLISHER: Balzer + Bray

FORMAT: ARC

         MORE INFO

Note: An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Slide was perhaps one of my most anticipated books in early 2012, and I cannot begin to describe how excited how I was when Netgalley offered me a galley for review. A thrilling YA paranormal mystery that includes a mixture of wonderful characters, sizzling romance and an unexpected murder, Slide is a book I would recommend to fans of thrillers and the paranormal.

Vee’s ability is something that instantly captures your interest, if only for the fact that it is completely unique. Though most authors tend to go for the ‘wow’ powers that often include explosions and near death, Hathaway has carefully chosen her character’s ability to perfectly match the plot she has written. Of course, what makes it so interesting is perhaps the mystery behind it. How does it work? How did Vee get it? What else can she do? I was slightly disappointed by the lack of information we are given on this, though I am holding fast in the hope that it will be expanded on in later books.

I have always been the biggest fan of murder mysteries, I can still remember the first time I read And Then There Were None in year 9 English, and five years later it remains the best murder novel I have ever read. Though Slide is nowhere near as genius in its complexity or logic, it still presents an entertaining plot that includes its fair share of twists and red herrings. I admit I had a couple of wrong guesses, but even though I managed to piece it together fairly quickly after that I was content to keep on reading, if only to follow the character’s plot arcs instead.

And they were certainly worthy of my attention, Hathaway’s skill at writing three dimensional characters and their relationships was the highlight of this book for me, and I found myself just as interested in Vee’s personal life as I was in the murders. There are several serious issues skimmed over in here; parent troubles, bullying, bulimia, substance abuse, affairs – and Hathaway’s realistic way of portraying them meant that it didn’t feel overly dramatic or ridiculous. Teenagers are involved in these things, and I always congratulate an author when they are prepared not to shy away from that.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining read. Jill Hathaway already has some wonderful skill in writing, and I look forward to seeing how she develops it in later books. Perhaps it did not exactly rock my socks off, but it kept me reading past my bed time, and that it certainly enough for me.

The Other Life

TITLE: The Other Life

AUTHOR: Susanne Winnacker

SERIES: The Other Life #1

PUBLISHER: Usborne

FORMAT: ARC

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Note: An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Another addition to what is becoming an alarmingly large zombie/apocalypse genre; The Other Life is an entertaining tale with a few unexpected twists. Perhaps not the most captivating novel I have ever read, it has all the key components of what could potentially become a fascinating series.

What I liked most about Sherry was that she was endearingly normal; she didn’t throw herself around in stupid acts of ‘heroism’ and managed to keep a relatively clear head in what I would consider terrifying circumstances. However, sometimes I felt she was a bit too calm. For instance, when she came out of that bunker for the first time I would have expected a joyous or astounded reaction, when all we got was five minutes of dribble about the sun and long grass. I was particularly looking forward to seeing the psychological impacts of her experiences and how she would deal with them, but though it was definitely present in Joshua I was slightly disappointed by the lack in Sherry.

I do wish that perhaps I’d read this book closer to when the second comes out, as the contents were mainly just an introduction to the world and I would have liked something…more. Just when the big ‘twist’ is revealed and things start to look interesting the book ends, and then you have to wait a year to get into the actual plot. Perhaps this is a good thing though, as I certainly do want to read the sequel and find out how Winnacker intends to extend on what she has begun here.

I wasn’t such a fan of the character development though; after 200+ pages I barely felt any real connection to the characters and had no idea of who they really were. Even the main characters lacked some substance, and this made the book feel less realistic, as if there was more imagery than actual content. The writing was also quite flat and simplistic, and did not lend a hand to the already quite flimsy world the author was trying to create.

In short, this is an enjoyable read that’s great for whiling away a couple of hours on a lazy afternoon. I didn’t exactly love this book, nor did I dislike it, and I would wholeheartedly suggest that some areas be drastically improved for the next title in the series. Though I like where the plot seems to be going I felt that it was lacking and somewhat predictable, and perhaps I will wait to see the next few books in the series before I make a final conclusion.

Allegiance

TITLE: Allegiance

AUTHOR: Cayla Kluver

SERIES: Legacy #2

PUBLISHER: Harlequin Teen

FORMAT: ARC

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An intriguing tale of fantasy and adventure by young author Cayla Kluver, Allegiance is actually my first novel of hers and certainly won’t be the last. Filled with magic, politics and a healthy dash of romance, this is another stunner from a rising star in writing.

At the beginning I was a tad apprehensive of Alera, I had mixed feelings about her and even thought she was a bit stiff. But as I turned the pages and learned more about her real life I came to appreciate her, and the strength she possesses in helping to manage her kingdom. Though she seemed mature to start with I enjoyed watching her own personal growth, and how it came to fit in with the role that she must undertake.

I hate to say this, but all I could think about during most of the book was the author’s age. Now, I am truly impressed that she has this level of skill and talent, and also the drive to get somewhere with it, but I felt it was kind of smothering me, cushioning all of my bad feelings. Moments where the writing was clunky and could have been polished up? It’s okay, she’s only a teenager. A slight undercurrent of tediousness in some parts? It’s okay, she’s…well, you get the picture. Overall I really admired her style and writing, and I certainly feel she has the right to be published, but at times I kind of felt like a kindergarten teacher who has to say that a squiggle and some glitter is wonderful, if only out of guilt.

One of the best things about this novel for me was that Kluver made Alera’s royal life interesting. Normally I skip the parts about all the meetings and ceremonies, but the author made them relevant to the plot and so it was easy to keep reading. With the added political intrigue that is woven in at opportune moments, the whole plot grabs your attention and keeps it firmly on the page.

Generally, I was very happy with this book. Though there were a few creases that can be ironed out with experience, Kluver has thoroughly impressed me and I feel will continue to do so in the future.

Halflings

TITLE: Halflings

AUTHOR: Heather Burch

SERIES: Halflings #1

PAGES: 288 (Paperback)

PUBLISHER: Zondervan

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Halflings is another take on the highly popular angel genre, with certain elements that really interested me but other parts that lacked. Overall it was a nice read to waste a few hours on, yet perhaps not the best thing I’ve ever read.

A strong point for this book was Nikki, our female lead. I was a big fan of her active interest in self-defence and karate; it’s always nice to have a character that can kick ass through proper training and smarts, not a sudden ‘power’ that’s so convenient. Blech. However, at times I found myself increasingly frustrated at how stupid she was being. Take, for instance, when Mace saves her from crashing and she wakes up in a barn with him. After barely freaking out, she suddenly goes all wobbly kneed and doey eyed, which, I’m sorry, is not realistic in any way. Within about five seconds I would have been heading for the hills screaming at the top of my lungs.

In saying that though, I did generally like Mace. He didn’t feel the need to be the classic Alpha Jerk and instead won Nikki’s heart through kind gestures and actually caring for her, something I wish more authors would cotton on to. Even Raven was cute in his own way, trying to be so confident and snarky and yet totally losing his head around Nikki. I’m not the biggest fan of love triangles, but at least Ms. Burch seems to be handling it alright.

I guess what really drew it down for me was that I just didn’t care enough. I wasn’t divested in these characters and their happiness, I felt like I was just floating around above them, barely absorbing what I could have been given. Nothing stood out for me, everything was nice, sure, but I don’t want to spend my money and time on something that’s just ‘acceptable’.

A nice story that’s complimented by sturdy characters and an interesting plot, Halflings might be of interest to those who love to read the angel/demon genre. Though, if you are looking for an outstanding read that will keep you thinking for months, this isn’t it.

Crossed

TITLE: Crossed

AUTHOR: Ally Condie

SERIES: Matched #2

PUBLISHER: Dutton Juvenile

PAGES: 367 (Hardcover)

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Alright guys, I'm back! Despite my preconceptions we actually had an AMAZING time sailing and kayaking down the Coorong (Flerieu Peninsula SA), but don't tell my friends that ;) Unfortunately, i did come down with a bit of gastro the day after i got back (story of my life) so i haven't been able to get on for a couple of days. However, all is right with my stomach once again and so we shall continue...

The middle instalment is Ally Condie’s Matched trilogy, Crossed fell comfortably into the category of ‘okay’. Not exactly the most heart breaking and captivating piece of fiction I’ve ever read, it still carried a good plot with enough to interest you between the pages.

In this book you can see how Cassia has, if not maybe not matured (which she probably has), grown. Her chapters have a more sombre feel, compared to the slightly more relaxed and inquisitive tones that came from the first book. If this is from her missing her old life or her separation from Ky I don’t know, but you can certainly see how she’s changed. As a first we also get some chapters from Ky’s view, alternating between him and Cassia. In these he often wistfully experiences flashbacks, letting the reader learn more about his past whilst seeing how it still pertains to his future.

There was very little on the romance side – I mean, there was very little development when they were together. They often thought of their love for each other, true, and it was very cute and sweet, but if you’re looking for lots of kissing and charged tension this isn’t the book for you. There was also some weirdness going in with Indie that had me confused for a while, at first I thought she and Cassia were becoming friends, then maybe that she was going for Ky. It turned out this isn’t the case, although it turns out there may be a love square forming, yes, that’s right, a triangle just didn’t cut it.

As I found with Matched, Condie’s writing is very artistic; with a lyrical beauty that is both elegant and yet sometimes frustrating. In her thought processes Cassia is often very poetic, but sometimes it was slightly irritating when she went on and on about something when a simple sentence’s description would have been fine. She tries to see the beauty and meaning in everything, yet I just wanted to tell her that it isn’t possible: sometimes a rock is just a rock, move on.

Definitely not the best thing I read in 2011 but still perfectly acceptable, this sequel to the highly popular Matched has delivered in some ways and yet lacked in others. If you loved the first book, I would recommend you read Crossed, but if you err on the side of ‘meh’ maybe find something else more suited to your tastes.

Top Tuesday

As this is the last day of January, i thought i'd give you a list of my top books published in this wonderful month. Early it may be, this year has started off with a bang.

Dazzling, futuristic and strangely echoing Under The Never Sky was the first book i read from 2012, and certainly set the bar high. One for all who enjoy dystopian romance, i am definitely looking forward to its sequel; Through The Ever Night.

Another quick favourite from a debut author, Cinder is a futuristic retelling of the classic fairy tale Cinderella. Filled with romance, intrigue, mystery and, of course, the ball, this is one new release i would recommend to everyone.

The long awaited debut from author Jodi Meadows, Incarnate takes is into a new world of fantasy where magic, dragons and incarnation all exist. An amazing book with wonderful characters and skilled writing, Incarnate was a definite yes for this list.

The conclusion to Andrea Cremers bestselling Nightshade trilogy, Bloodrose is packed with tension and tough choices. Though it might not be the most amazing book i've read this month, it was included because it is memorable in being the final book of the series.

Though i would love to keep on going, time is not on my side and i have to stop there. However, i do have one last surprise for you, the title to the sequel of Daughter of Smoke and Bone (if you haven't already seen it), Days of Blood and Starlight (Coming September 2012). I have no idea how she comes up with these names, but i am so jellous of their awesomeness.



Omnom out,

Imo <l:)>