Manda's Movements

Waiting on Wednesday (49)

2012-02-01T18:23:00.000+10:00

Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost
Night Prince, Book 1
Publication Deets: June 26, 2012 by HarperCollins

She’s a mortal with dark powers...

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude... until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire...

He’s the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all — but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him – a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

So, yeah, I don't really care what is going on in this story. All that matters is that it's about Vlad, finally!! He's my most favourite character from Night Huntress (which a lot of people will agree with me on) so it's about time we get to learn more about Dracula.

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill on Breaking The Spine.

A Year In Photos - Day 31

2012-01-31T21:30:00.000+10:00

Woops I missed a day yesterday! The weather has been crap on a craptastic pile of crap lately so I've had to use a lot of pics from last year until I can get out again. Sorry to those that can't stand spiders but ones like this fascinate me. That's a fly he has there so they have their uses too. He got a bit camera shy the little fella.

In My Mailbox (64)

2012-01-29T13:00:00.000+10:00

Looks like I've gone all adult this week!

The Iron Duke (Iron Seas, Book 1) by Meljean Brook
Firelight (Darkest London, Book 1) by Kristen Callihan

NetGalley:

Royal Street (Sentinels of New Orleans, Book 1) by Suzanne Johnson

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren. Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

A Year In Photos - Day 29

2012-01-29T09:26:00.000+10:00

Twice voted Australia's cleanest beach, Palm Beach is certainly not living up to it at the moment.

Book Review: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

2012-01-28T22:30:00.000+10:00

Title: Between Shades of Gray
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Published: March 22, 2011 by Puffin
Excerpt | Buy It Now

One night fifteen-year-old Lina, her mother and young brother are hauled from their home by Soviet guards, thrown into cattle cars and sent away. They are being deported to Siberia.

An unimaginable and harrowing journey has begun. Lina doesn't know if she'll ever see her father or her friends again. But she refuses to give up hope.

Lina hopes for her family.
For her country.
For her future.
For love - first love, with the boy she barely knows but knows she does not want to lose . . .
Will hope keep Lina alive?

Set in 1941, Between Shades of Gray is an extraordinary and haunting story based on first-hand family accounts and memories from survivors.

Stalin. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons is one of my favourite books and this sounded like it was going to be just as heart-wrenching and moving. I was not disappointed. It did take me a little while to be drawn in as I was expecting things to be worse at the beginning. Once Lina started getting to know Andrius though, I became hooked and knew at some stage I would become a blubbering mess. I'm not sure about everyone else, but for me I only ever hear about how crazy and cruel Hitler is and nothing about Stalin. Between Shades of Gray gives you a look at how things were for people on the other sides of things.

Pure Evil. Set in World War 2, we are taken on a journey with a fifteen-year-old Lina who is forced from her home with her family and made to travel a third of the way around the world cramped into cars, trains and boats. People die from sickness, soldiers and even by their own hands just to escape the evil people who control their lives. Lina is incredibly strong throughout the entire novel. I can't say how I'd expect to act if put into her position but I can't imagine I would keep it together as she did.

Sickening. The cruelty she and her family experiences at the hands of the Russians is beyond comprehension. This has left me feeling extremely selfish for all the things in my life that I take for granted. Tears were resting in my eyes from the horror that man can inflict on others. And it sickens me that it wouldn't take too much for this sort of thing to happen in the world again. Life is short and you can never know what tomorrow will bring.

Lasting Impression. This novel have leave an impact on you in one way or another and will hopefully make you appreciate what you already have. When people say "things could always be worse", World War 2 is the definition of it.

Rating: ★★★★☆ I loved it!

First Lines:

They took me in my nightgown. Thinking back, the signs were there—family photos burned in the fireplace, Mother sewing her best silver and jewelry into the lining of her coat late at night, and Papa not returning from work. My younger brother, Jonas, was asking questions. I asked questions, too, but perhaps I refused to acknowledge the signs. Only later did I realize that Mother and Father intended we escape. We did not escape.

Favourite Quote:

I scanned the group. Faces spoke to their future. I saw courage, anger, fear, and confusion. Others were hopeless. They had already given up. Which was I? (Chapter 10)

A Year In Photos - Day 28

2012-01-28T22:00:00.000+10:00

This cicada had the most beautiful rainbow reflections through it's wings.

A Year In Photos - Day 27

2012-01-27T22:00:00.000+10:00

This is what I woke up to. The rain here has been crazy and while we got a day free on Australia Day, the torrential rain set in, in the early hours of the following morning. Personally, so long as no one's house goes under, I love floods. We live on a flood plain so the houses are built up and the flood will bring everyone out on to the street which normally never happens. This time though the water receded before most people woke up.

***Sorry about the photo quality, took them with my iphone.***

A Year In Photos - Day 26

2012-01-26T21:00:00.000+10:00

Waiting On Wednesday (47)

2012-01-25T20:00:00.000+10:00

Touching The Surface

by Kimberly Sabatini

Publication Deets: September 4, 2012 by Simon Pulse

Life altering mistakes are meant to alter lives…

When Elliot dies for the third time, she knows this is her last shot. There are no fourth-timers in this afterlife, so one more chance is all she has to get things right. But before she can move on to her next life, Elliot will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed.

As she pieces together the mistakes of her past, Elliot must earn the forgiveness of her best friend and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever.

Not only is this a paranormal novel, so therefore automatically making me interested, it also sounds like it will get it's readers thinking about the mistakes they've made and that it's ok to seek forgiveness, especially from themselves. Can't wait.

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill on Breaking The Spine.

A Year In Photos - Day 25

2012-01-25T19:30:00.000+10:00

The area I live in has been pounded by rain since the weekend leading to big seas and flooding. The rain has stopped (for now!) and the beach is absolutely covered with debris. I took this about an hour ago at Palm Beach, QLD.

A Year In Photos - Day 24

2012-01-24T22:30:00.000+10:00

These sorts of things can make you think 'What's the point?'.

Book Review: Pure by Julianna Baggott

2012-01-24T13:45:00.000+10:00

Title: Pure
Author: Julianna Baggott
Series: Pure, Book 1
Publication Details: February 8, 2012 by Grand Central Publishing
Excerpt | Pre Order

We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .
Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .
There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

Too Many POVs. Reading the description above, I thought Pure would be an exciting adventure story told from Pressia's and Patridge's point of view. This is true except the story is missing the exciting part and is told from four POVs! I'm all for different POVs but four is really pushing it. Every time it switched to the two lesser characters, El Capitan and Lyda, the story lost momentum. I did really like El Capitan and honestly believe a story told just from his point of view would've been better but it didn't fit in smoothly with Pressia and Patridge's telling. Every time Lyda's name popped up on the top of the page I groaned internally and skimmed the pages. I didn't miss anything by doing that either.

Too Many Words. Pure could've done with more vigorous editing to cut out large chunks of unnecessary narration. To put it simply, there were too many words! The idea behind Pure is very unique and intriguing, it's just that the execution was poor. This story should've taken half the pages it did. It's told in third-person, present-tense which is my least favourite narrative mode. Even though I've grilled this novel, I did kind of enjoy the last 100 pages when some parts of the story started coming together.

Read The Excerpt. I don't like giving bad reviews as it's each to their own when it comes to reading so I'll advise this: If you think you may like Pure, read the excerpt provided in the link at the top. The pace that's set in the first chapter stays that way throughout so it's a good indication of whether you'll like it or not. This book just wasn't for me.

Rating: ★☆ Not for me

Will I Be Reading The Next Book? Definitely not

First Lines:

Pressie is lying in the cabinet. This is where she’ll sleep once she turns sixteen in two weeks—the tight press of blackened plywood pinching her shoulders, the muffled air, the stalled motes of ash. She’ll have to be good to survive this—good and quiet and, at night when OSR patrols the streets, hidden.

Pure Series

Pure
Fuse (out 2012)
The New After (release TBA)

I received a galley of Pure from Grand Central through NetGalley for review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Year In Photos - Day 23

2012-01-23T21:45:00.001+10:00

Taken during an electrical storm late last year. Whenever one hits we unplug everything, bring the dogs inside and get the candles and lamps ready. I always get a little excited with the pure energy I can feel in the air.

Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to really get out and take some new shots. I damaged my hand on Saturday, spend Sunday at my dad's and today with my granny for her birthday and now it's back to work tomorrow. Plus, the weather has been terrible most of the weekend. Here's hoping for some fine skies soon or at least some spare time!

A Year In Photos - Day 22

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000+10:00

MELBOURNE THEMED WEEK

The walk along the Yarra River

A Year In Photos - Day 21

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000+10:00

MELBOURNE THEMED WEEK

Flinders Street Station through the window of my favourite Melbourne store, Dangerfield.

A Year In Photos - Day 20

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000+10:00

MELBOURNE THEMED WEEK

Street lamp outside Parliament House Melbourne

Book Review: Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

2012-01-19T20:15:00.001+10:00

Title: Half-Blood
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Covenant, Book 1
Published: October 18, 2011 by Spencer Hill Press
Excerpt | Buy Now

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.

Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Why All The Fuss? I was curious why all the bloggers were raving about this Half-Blood book which I'd never heard about outside book blogs and Goodreads. When I discovered there was a prequel, Daimon (free download), I thought I'd give that whirl before buying the book. I loved it from the first word to the last and ordered Half-Blood straight away. The story carries on exactly where the prequel finishes off, right in the middle of Alex fighting for her life. Alex is one hell of a heroine, just like the kick-ass girls found in the best urban fantasy books.

Normal. Yet, Not. She's caring but strong, witty but loving, determined but loyal. And while being all these things, she's still just a teenage girl who, despite having all the out-of-this-world stuff in her life, seems completely normal. Besides her, there's a mega-hunky boy who I adore, a supportive best friend (who isn't a conventional one as he's a guy), the life-long enemy and a seriously messed up family. There's also her destiny that she has to contend with. Armentrout approaches all of these from an original perspective and I love every one of her characters!

Read It!. The only reason this lost half a star is because quite a few things reminded me of the Vampire Academy series. I won't go into it though because I don't want to give away anything and I don't want to bias anyone's opinions as I really did love this and believe it should be read by everyone. Armentrout knows exactly how a YA book should be written: with a steamy romance and a thrilling story to back it up. Read it!

Rating: ★★★★☆ I loved it!

Will I Read the Next Book? Yep, definitely. Going to pre-order it.

First Lines:

My eyes snapped open as the freakish sixth sense kicked my fight or flight response into overdrive. The Georgia humidity and the dust covering the floor made it hard to breathe. Since I'd fled Miami, no place had been safe. This abandoned factory had proved no different.

Favourite Quote:

"I'd be super-pissed in the afterlife if I died a virgin in this craphole." (Alex, Page 2)

Covenant Series

Half-Blood
Pure (out April 3, 2012)
Deity (out November 6, 2012)
Apollyon (out 2013)

A Year In Photos - Day 19

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000+10:00

MELBOURNE THEMED WEEK

Buskers on Bourke Street

A Year In Photos - Day 18

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000+10:00

MELBOURNE THEMED WEEK

The Crown Casino fire display

A Year In Photos - Day 17

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000+10:00

MELBOURNE THEMED WEEK

St. Paul's Cathedral

Book Review: Halflings by Heather Burch

2012-01-16T17:00:00.000+10:00

Title: Halflings
Author: Heather Burch
Series: Halflings, Book 1
Published: January 17, 2012 by Zondervan
Excerpt | Buy Now

Split.

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret---and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys' powers, as well as her role in a scientist's dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

Questions. I loved Halflings at the start. Mace really drew me in with his insight into what was happening to Nikki at the time. You know straight away that Halflings was going to be an emotional rollercoaster ride for all the characters. While it started out good, my patience started to wear thin as the story progressed. Nikki changed her mind constantly and asked a million questions along the way, though at the end I felt like we weren't really given enough answers. When a certain animal died, I didn't think I could finish the book because it seemed unnecessary and too cruel. Killing animals is not the way to win my heart.

Mystery. I liked all three of the boys each with their own unique personality. I would've like to have seen more of the softer side of Raven and the stronger side of Mace. Vine didn't get enough page time so it would've been nice to see more into his personality. I switched back and forth with enjoying Halflings and being frustrated with it. The times Nikki and Raven were together and whenever Nikki stood up for herself were the parts I loved. The mystery surrounding who Nikki is still intrigues me though I don't know that I need to read another book to find out the answer.

Raven. As it stands, I have mixed emotions about Halflings but I did still like it. The basic concept of the story seems interesting, it just needs to be made clearer what exactly it is. Raven was my favourite character and I hope Nikki and him get together as a couple. Mace was just too indecisive for my liking but maybe that's why him and Nikki suit each other. Either way, it looks like the next novel will definitely have some fireworks if Nikki can decide who she wants most.

Rating: ★★★ Give it a go

Will I Read The Next Book? Maybe. I'm still on the fence.

First Lines:

Fangs sank into Nikki Youngblood’s leg, setting her skin on fire. A scream gurgled in her throat, but she willed herself past trees smeared by her jarred vision. Her jacket snagged on a branch. No, no, no . . . She jerked free, casting a glimpse backward at the gnarled faces behind her.

Favourite Quote:

"You mean sometimes we glimpse the bigger picture?"
He nodded. "Exactly. It is in those moments our character is defined. What do we do with what we've seen? Who do we become when we realise our path encompasses so much more than we imagined?" (Chapter 13)

Halflings Series

Halflings
Guardian (out September 2012)
Risen (out 2013)

I received a galley of Halflings from Zondervan through NetGalley for review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Year In Photos - Day 16

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000+10:00

MELBOURNE THEMED WEEK

One of my favourite shots from when I visited Melbourne recently.

In My Mailbox (63)

2012-01-15T09:40:00.001+10:00

My first IMM in a month and I've finally bought some books that I've wanted to read for ages.

Bought:
Silver-Tongued Devil (Sabina Kane, Book 4) by Jaye Wells
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Across the Universe (Across the Universe, Book 1) by Beth Revis
Switched (Trylle Trilogy, Book 1) by Amanda Hocking
Half-Blood (Covenant, Book 1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

For Review:
Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin
Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test, Book 2) by Aimee Carter

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a link to your IMM!

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren. Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

A Year In Photos - Day 15

2012-01-15T07:00:00.000+10:00

It's a rainy old day on the Gold Coast today. Not too good for getting nice photos but water droplets are always pretty.

A Year In Photos - Day 14

2012-01-14T18:05:00.000+10:00

Another seagull pic. Had a bit of fun playing on Photoshop with this. Hoping to get out tomorrow to take some new pics!

A Year In Photos - Day 13

2012-01-13T21:01:00.001+10:00

I was so stoked when I saw this picture. I love how sharp his wings are and there's nothing that says 'beach' quite like feeding hot chips to a seagull.

A Year In Photos - Day 12

2012-01-12T20:26:00.000+10:00

I love the look on my girl, Sasha's face here. It makes me smile every time.

A Year In Photos - Day 11

2012-01-11T20:00:00.000+10:00

Is there any better time of day?

Waiting on Wednesday (46)

2012-01-11T18:32:00.000+10:00

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu
Series: Glitch, Book 1
Expected Publication: August 7, 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

I love Dystopians and this sounds like a really suspenseful one! If the possible love triangle is done right, I could see this on my best of 2012 list. Love the covers colours too.

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill on Breaking The Spine.

Book Review: The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

2012-01-10T21:26:00.000+10:00

Title: The Faerie Ring
Author: Kiki Hamilton
Series: The Faerie Ring, Book 1
Published: September 27, 2011 by Tor Teen
Excerpt | Buy Now

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.

Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.

Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…

Homeless. I instantly felt for Tiki as we're thrown headfirst into what a day in the life of a homeless orphan in a late 1800's London would've been like. It gave a sense of reality to a story that is obviously fantasy. Like, maybe if you left your mind open to the impossible, it could all have been true. Tiki has a clear idea of her priorities and her self-made family always comes first even if she has to risk getting thrown into jail to keep them alive. She has a kind though misguided soul. As for Rieker, he's a mystery that unfolds as the story progresses.

1870's. The century this is set in really intrigues me, as while they have modes of transport and basic candles to provide light, without having the technology to make a phone call, everything boils down to how fast they can run or ride a horse to arrive in time before something huge happens. It's so different to our world today. I love that we get a fairy tale ending even though there is still so much more of Tiki's life to be told. Hamilton has barely scratched the surface.

Creative. I could imagine this novel being illustrated and toned down to be a childs story due to it's creativeness. We've got the bad guys and the good guys and the ones that you aren't quite sure which side of the fence they fall, making it all the more fascinating. This is a really exciting adventure that takes us all over London and even into Buckingham Palace. There are twists and turns, some surprising, some undisguised but all thrilling. I'm looking forward to stepping back into Tiki and Rieker's tale and learning more about who they are. And by the way, there's a map. ;-)

Rating: ★★★★☆ I loved it

Will I Read The Next Book? Yes. I'll be pre-ordering it!

First Lines:

"You wouldn't be here pickin pockets, would you?"
Tiki jumped as the dark figure loomed over the corner where she sat, pretending to be half-asleep. Thick, black hair hung low over the figure's forehead, shadowing his eyes.

Favourite Quote:

"I realize that I can't go on as I have. Not trusting. Not caring. It's time for me to regain my life and deal with the past." (Rieker, Chapter 29)

The Faerie Ring Series

The Faerie Ring
The Torn Wing (out 2012)
The Tara Stone (out 2013)
The Endgame (out 2014)

A Year In Photos - Day 10

2012-01-10T19:24:00.000+10:00

A simple fly becomes something fascinating when seen up close.

A Year In Photos - Day 9

2012-01-09T19:00:00.000+10:00

Sunrise over Currumbin Beach

Book Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

2012-01-08T22:32:00.000+10:00

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: Lunar Chronicles, Book 1
Published: January 3, 2012 by Feiwel & Friends
Excerpt | Buy Now

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Cinderella. Cinder is a unique novel that feels familiar at the same time. It's set in the future after World War IV where the world's powerhouses have come to a peaceful alliance. There's only one thing that can threaten that, the strange people that live on the moon. They are a race that has evolved from a colony of humans sent there many years ago who now have strange powers including the ability to manipulate a human's mind. Everyone fears them including Cinder. She's been fitted with mechanical parts to save her life and as such, is not treated as if she is human anymore. Enter a storyline loosely based on Cinderella.

Loss. Cinder was adopted by a man who shortly after died, leaving her to her evil step-mother and two step-sisters. Sound familiar? There's many references to the fairy tale throughout but in the most unconventional way. One of the step-sisters, Peony, is actually nice to Cinder and is the closest thing she has to a friend. An incurable disease spreading it's way across Earth infects Peony, turn Cinder's life into a fight to find her a cure before it's too late. A chance meeting with Prince Kai brings about feelings she never thought to have and he drags her into a world she never thought to be apart of.

Enticing. While I really enjoyed Cinder, there was always a level of detachment to the main characters. I never really felt what they felt or got too emotional over their decisions making it hard to give this a perfect score. The fairy tale element definitely piqued my interest once I knew it was there and that was the main part that kept me reading til the end. Also the conversations between Kai and Cinder. As I've read that the next 3 novels in the series will each be based on other fairy tales, I know I'll want to find out what happens in them too. I hope Cinder will get a happy ending as should be expected.

Rating: ★★★★ I really liked it

Will I Read The Next Book? More than likely. I want to see Prince Kai's reaction when the truth is revealed.

First Lines:

The screw through cinder's ankle had rusted, the engraved cross marks worn to a mangled circle. Her knuckles ached from forcing the screwdriver into the joint as she struggled to loosen the screw one gritting twist after another.

Favourite Quote:

"What? I can't buy you a gift?" he asked, in a tone that nearly stopped the electric pulses in her wiring.
"No. Not after I've ignore six of your comms in the last week. Are you dense?"
"So you did get them!" (Chapter 30)

Lunar Chronicles

Cinder
Scarlet (out 2013, inspired by Little Red Riding Hood)
Cress (out 2014, inspired by Rapunzel)
Winter (out 2015, inspired by Snow White)

I received a galley of Cinder from Macmillan through NetGalley for review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Year In Photos - Day 8

2012-01-08T14:07:00.000+10:00

I had heaps of fun photographing the alien-like faces on these flowers and it seems the ants love them too.

Reading Challenges for 2012

2012-01-07T20:34:00.000+10:00

I've been kinda slack in deciding what challenges to do this year but I shall now commit to the ones below!

The Story Siren

Debut Author Challenge - 20 books. Well this is a given because I always participate as I think it's really important to support those authors just starting out. There's so many amazing ones! My original post is here.
My list of possible reads for 2012 are:

Everneath by Brodi Ashton REVIEW
Cinder by Marissa Meyer REVIEW
The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams
Slide by Jill Hathaway
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Queen of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard
Above by Leah Bobet
Innocent Darkness by Susanne Lazear
Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe
Mystique by Shari Arnold
Halflings by Heather Burch REVIEW
Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Croak by Gina Damico
Gravity by Melissa West
Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge - 21-30 books. Perhaps the most important challenge of them all. I buy so many books that I'm convinced I will love and then when they arrive and have been slotted into a place on the shelf, are forgotten about. It's time to get my 'read' pile bigger than my 'to be read' pile.
Hosts:
Evie from Bookish - http://www.evie-bookish.blogspot.com @SeoEvie
Nicole from All I Ever Read - http://www.nicoleabouttown.com/ @Nicoleabouttown
Bonnie from Hands and Home - http://www.handsandhome.ca/ @HandsHomeBlog
Donna from Book Passion For Life - http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.com/ @BookPforLife
Caitlin from WatchYA Reading - http://whatchyareading.net @caitlingss
Rie from Mission To Read - http://missiontoread.com/ @missiontoread
Vicky from Books, Biscuits & Tea -http://booksbiscuitsandtea.blogspot.com/ @alouetteuette
Christa from Hooked On Books - http://christashookedonbooks.blogspot.com @ChristasBooks
Jenna from Fans Of Fiction - http://fansoffiction.blogspot.com/ @fansoffiction
Angel from Mermaids Vision - http://mermaidvision.wordpress.com @mermaidvisions

What I've Read:

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong REVIEW
The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton REVIEW
Forsaken by Jana Oliver
Forbidden by Jana Oliver
Grave Witch by Kalayna Price
Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh

Book Chick City

Zombie Challenge - 6 books. I love zombies and anything that encourages me to read more of them is welcome.

Outpost by Ann Aguirre
Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook
Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennardd

Chick Loves Lit

Sophomore Reading Challenge - 10 books. I love reading debut novels but sometime I forget to get around to reading the sequels because there are always more debuts to discover! This challenge will keep me on track and make sure I'm not left wondering in 2013 why I haven't read the second book yet.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Outpost by Ann Aguirre
Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton
A Million Suns by Beth Revis
Dreamless by Josephine Angelini
Until I Die by Amy Plum
Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
Shatter Me #2 by Tahereh Mafi
The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

Chick Loves Lit

Completely Contemp Challenge - 6 books. I never read enough Contemp books sticking to the tried and true fantasy/paranormal genre but it's time I branch out a bit and read those novels everyone raves about as I know I must be missing some beauties!

2 contemporary books published in 2010

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

2 contemporary books published in 2011

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys REVIEW
Saving June by Hannah Harrington

2 contemporary books published in 2012

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
Don't Breathe A Word by Holly Cupala

A to Z Challenge

It doesn't look like the normal people are hosting it this year and it's a pretty loose challenge anyway but I still want to do it as while I never get through the entire alphabet, it encourages me to read something different every now and then.
26 Authors - read 26 books, each author's surname starting with a different letter of the alphabet
26 Titles - read 26 books, each title starting with a different letter of the alphabet
I'll fill in each letter as I read them

Authors:
A - Armstrong, Kelley - The Gathering REVIEW
B - Burch, Heather - Halflings REVIEW
C
D
E
F
G
H - Hamilton, Kiki - The Faerie Ring REVIEW
I
J
K
L
M - Meyer, Marissa - Cinder REVIEW
N
O - Oliver, Jana - Forsaken
P - Price, Kalayna - Grave Witch
Q
R
S - Sepetys, Ruta - Between Shades of Gray REVIEW
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Titles:
A - Angel's Blood - Nalini Singh
B - Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys REVIEW
C - Cinder by Marissa Meyer REVIEW
D
E - Everneath - Brodi Ashton
F - Faerie Ring, The - Kiki Hamilton REVIEW
G - Gathering, The - Kelley Armstrong REVIEW
H - Armentrout, Jennifer L. - Half-Blood REVIEW
I
J
K
L
M
N
O - Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout REVIEW
P - Pure by Julianna Baggott REVIEW
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

2012 Reading Challenge

Amanda has read 3 books toward her goal of 100 books.

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3 of 100 (3%)

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2012 Reading Challenge - 100 books. Same amount again and as I got so close last year, I think I can do it this time!

A Year In Photos - Day 7

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000+10:00

Book Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

2012-01-06T21:40:00.000+10:00

Title: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux, Book 1
Published: December 6, 2011 by Entangled Publishing
Excerpt | Buy Now

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Instant Love. This is one of those novels that you love from the first page. It was hard not to relate to Katy instantly. In fact, any Young Adult book blogger could relate to her. She's sad when her internet connection is down, gets excited when packages come in the mail and looks forward to when she can post next. If you haven't guessed yet, Katy is a book review blogger! She feels less than perfect, considers herself boring and is stuck with an interfering mother that she loves. It's that interfering mother that pushes her to meet her neighbours which changes the course of her life.

Playful Banter. She becomes best friends with one of them, Dee but Daemon is a complete douche to her so she returns in kind. This is the side of Katy I love most. Something that really endears me to a person is the ability to have playful banter with them. That's exactly the side of Katy that comes out around Daemon when he's having one of his 'nice' mood swings. Every other time though she tells him what she thinks without sugar-coating it. All those things you wish you could say but choose not to, to keep the peace instead.

Kiss Kiss. As you may be able to tell, this leads to things becoming a bit heated between Katy and Daemon and we all know some kissing is the best way to finish the argument, right? Honestly, I have NEVER read a hotter kissing scene in a YA novel, EVER. I was wishing for the book to magically change into an adult novel it was so hot! It kinda stumps me with how it's going to stay PG (just) in subsequent novels. Now, beyond these two there's an interesting story evolving with how Katy is going to be affected by all the craziness her alien neighbours bring into her life.

But really, I'd be thrilled with just the sexy scenes! I've got a serious crush on Daemon. This novel delivers on all levels and doesn't leave you unsatisfied at all. Thank God the wait between books isn't too long!

Rating: ★★★★★ It was amazing!

Will I Read The Next Book? Definitely. Nothing could keep me away from it!

First Lines:

I stared at the pile of boxes in my new bedroom, wishing the Internet had been hooked up. Not being able to do anything with my review blog since moving was like missing an arm or a leg. According to my mom, “Katy’s Krazy Obsession” was my whole life. Not entirely, but it was important to me. She didn’t get books the way I did.

Favourite Quote: (well one of them)

Daemon followed me home after school. Literally. He tailed me in his new Infiniti SUV. My old Camry, with its leaky exhaust and loud muffler, was no match for the speeds he wanted to go.
I'd brake-checked him several times.
He'd blown his horn.

It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. (Chapter 19)

Lux Series

Obsidian
Onyx (out May 2012)
Opal (out December 2012)

Check out Jennifer's blog for heaps of excerpts from her upcoming novels! Click here to head over!

A Year In Photos - Day 6

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000+10:00

The Surfers Paradise cityscape.

A Year In Photos - Day 5

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000+10:00

Almost time for this flower to start the day.

Waiting On Wednesday (46)

2012-01-04T20:56:00.002+10:00

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Lux, Book 2

Expected Pubblication: May 2012 by Entangled Publishing

Oh wow I really can't wait for this. Obsidian was amazing. I love Katy. I love Daemon. I love all of them. This series is a must-read for all YA book bloggers out there for how easy they'll relate to Katy. Gah!! Need. Now!

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill on Breaking The Spine.

A Year In Photos - Day 4

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000+10:00

My brother caught this beautiful Yellowfin Tuna yesterday fishing from his jetski. Personally, I think he's crazy!

*Sorry to the squeamish!*

A Year in Photos - Day 3

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000+10:00

A low off the east coast of Australia generated large waves and closed beaches. As typical during these sort of swells, Currumbin Surf Club goes for a swim.

Book Review: The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

2012-01-02T22:21:00.000+10:00

Title: The Gathering
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Darkness Rising, Book 1
Published: April 12, 2011 by Harper
Excerpt | Buy Now

Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.

Mysteries. I love the mysteries surrounding Maya and her secluded little town located in what sounds like a stunning island. It's very clear what Maya is to us readers and so we get to go on her thrilling journey of discovering the truth for herself. The story starts with a very dramatic scene that really sets the tone for the rest of the novel. Kelley takes us from one incident to the next keeping the story flowing and the excitement high. There are some great characters and my favourite is the cougar Marv. I really want to know more about him because there has to be a back story there. There's also a lot other things that still need answering.

Unsuitable. There are 2 main boys in Maya's life though there isn't a love triangle. I'm totally siding with Daniel and barely interested in Rafe. I know Daniel shouldn't even be an option with how clear Kelley makes it that Maya is not interested in him but he's so good to her. I'd love them to have one of those friendships that is purely platonic until one day they wake up and realise they want something more. Rafe just seems...unworthy. Maybe he'll grow on me but for now, I wish he didn't take up so many pages.

Expectations. It felt a little weird where the story ended as if at least the first two novels were written as one book but they decided to just stop it there because it reached the page quota. In book 2, hopefully it won't be too hard to catch back up to where this one ended and it doesn't just continue as if there was never a break. I did have high expectations because it was my first Kelley Armstrong book and all I've ever heard about her was fantastic things. While really good, I wanted to be wowed so I'll be basing my opinion on her as a storyteller when I read her other books.

My Rating: ★★★★ I really liked it

Will I read the next book? Probably

First Lines:

Serena stood on the rock ledge twenty feet above the lake, singing in a voice known to bring tears to the eyes of everyone who heard it. Everyone except me.
"For God's sake, Seri," I said, "just dive already."

Favourite Quote:

I hardly ever come to the lake anymore. When I did, it was to talk to her, which seems weird, since this is the place she died. But it was the place she loved best, too, and if I sat very still and closed my eyes, I could hear her laughing, here her singing. (Maya, Page 92)

Darkest Powers Series:

The Gathering
The Calling (out April 10, 2012)
The Rising (out 2013)

A Year in Photos - Day 2

2012-01-02T08:30:00.000+10:00

There's nothing better than the beach. Especially at sunset.

A Year in Photos - Day 1

2012-01-01T20:09:00.000+10:00

There's something so free and beautiful about bubbles. Their moments are fleeting but oh so enjoyable.

Well Wishes, Winner Announcement and New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-01T16:30:00.001+10:00

Of course there's nothing else that should be written first except for HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I hope you celebrated it in style and those still to witness the ridiculous amount of fireworks that accompany this day, I hope you are currently having a fantastic time (and not reading this haha).

As I've been AWOL since before Christmas, I hope all those who celebrate it had a day full of eating, drinking and being merry and it passed with a small amount of drama. Because really, what's Christmas without at least a little drama, right?

On to more fun things, I'm here to announce the winner of the 2011 YA Debut Author Giveaway. This was a little different as I had to add in those who entered when I had a google doc form up to those who entered through rafflecopter. Random.org chose the number 29 which landed on....

REA

Rea's Reading and Reviews

An email will be in your inbox soon to follow up with deets.

Now as it is a new year and frankly, I enjoy making a bunch of resolutions to then reflect on when the year nears its end to see how I went, here is my list. The reason I enjoy them is pretty much the reason others hate them. I know I won't accomplish them all. I aim for about half of them and in doing that, I feel like the year wasn't a waste and in those small ways, I've bettered myself.

Without further ado, here's my resolutions!

Post a 'photo of the day' feature at least every other day to keep things realistic which will have my own photos used in it.
Pick up my guitar again (and maybe buy an electric one as I'm not a huge fan of the acoustic)
Cook a few of the recipes from Grandma's Best Recipes that I got for Christmas
Continue to travel overseas and if time permits, visit a country I haven't been to yet
Visit another state that isn't Queensland or New South Wales (I'm hoping for Western Australia)
Learn Japanese
Say 'yes' instead of 'no' when friends ask me to hang out
Finish paying off my car (I'm pretty sure this won't happen as there's still $13000 to go but I like to dream big sometimes)
Get a boyfriend (it's been far too long but that happens when you're comfortable with your own company)
Save $5000 'just in case' money for emergencies
Enter a photography competition
Take more photos of things I wouldn't normally capture (and use in 'photo of the day')
Get a telephoto zoom for surf photography
Do something I've always wanted to do like swim with the dolphins, snorkelling, sky-diving etc
Buy tickets and make plans to attend 70000tons of Metal again in 2013

There's a bunch of other things I'd like to do like learning more about photoshop, finally reading 100 books in through the year or just finding happiness in general but those are things that will either happen or they won't depending on where life takes me.

Leave any comments about your own resolutions below as I'd love to hear them! For me and most people I know, 2011 wasn't a kind year so I'm looking forward to a year that will turn things around for everyone and bring about some of the best times of our lives so far!

Book Review: Reign Fall by Michelle Rowen

2011-12-23T21:53:00.001+10:00

Title: Reign Fall
Author: Michelle Rowen
Series: Demon Princess, Book 3
Publication: January 2012, self-published
Excerpt

Prophesies, demon slayers, dragons, homework… It’s going to be a hell of a week!

It’s been a dangerous ride for Nikki Donovan since she first learned she’s a demon princess. And the ride isn’t over yet!

She’s just found out that her best friend is a demon slayer in training, one who doesn’t know that Nikki is exactly the prey she’s sworn to hunt. Nikki’s demon king father has signed her up for lessons in how to master her erratic half-demon powers, and that’s on top of her regular homework! Also, she’s torn between two boys—Rhys, the faery king she’s prophesied to marry, and Michael, a Shadow whom she’s forbidden to love.

To top it all off, a dark force is haunting Nikki, something mysterious and evil that wants the demon princess dead…but who — or what — is it?

Secrets. I was beyond happy when I found out Michelle was going to finish her Demon Princess series and even happier when she asked for reviewers. This has been a favourite YA series of mine since I read the first two books mid last year and I have to say I loved this as much as the others. I liked the way Michelle had mini recaps of the previous books sprinkled through the first couple chapters to bring me up to speed without being annoying about it. A lot of secrets are revealed and those that were previously kept in the dark are now finding out the truth. One of my most waited developments happens near the end but we won't know the consequences of it until book 4.

Rhys. In Reign Check, I wasn't entirely sure who I loved more out of Michael and Rhys until near the end where I leaned towards Rhys. Reign Fall has now got me completely in love with him. Rhys is totally swoon-worthy. He's confident and true to himself but still cares about Nikki and tries to do what he believes is right. Michael was a bit of an ass and rather selfish when it came to Nikki. He's meant to care about her and yet, he doesn't trust her enough to ask for help until it's too late? That's not how a boyfriend should act. It seems it goes both ways though because as much as Nikki tries to deny it, Rhys is getting under her skin (and I hope he stays there).

Stands Tall. Reign Fall has survived the dreaded "filler" cliché of being an in-between book and stands tall on it's own merits. As we discover that the secrets of the shadows may lead to the prophecy about Nikki coming to pass, the final book Reign Storm is going to go off with a bang. Personally, I can't wait to attend the party!

Rating: ★★★★☆ I loved it!

First Lines:

It’s not easy being best friends with a demon slayer.
Not when you have a secret like mine.
In the hall by our lockers, Melinda looked…upset. Seeing her so unhappy made me unhappy. The first day back to school after the winter break was turning out to be worrisome and first class hadn’t even started yet.

Favourite Quote:

Our teacher, Mr. Crane, gave me a questioning look as I slunk in through the door five minutes late, interrupting him in the middle of whatever he’d been saying.
“Nice of you to join us, Ms. Donovan.”
“Happy to be here,” I replied easily, earning a couple laughs from the back row. I wasn’t normally a smartass, but it still came easily to me. (Chapter 2)

Demon Princess Series

I received an ARC Galley of Reign Fall from Michelle Rowen for review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Waiting On Wednesday (45)

2011-12-21T19:32:00.002+10:00

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Series: Divergent, Book 2
Expected Publication: May 1, 2012

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Divergent was hands down, my favourite book of 2011, so there's no denying that I am abso-freaking-lutely excited for this. Nothing more to say.

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill on Breaking The Spine.

Click the image to enter. Only 8 more followers needed for a second winner to be added!

Book Review: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

2011-12-20T21:22:00.000+10:00

Title: Hallowed
Author: Cynthia Hand
Series: Unearthly, Book 2
Publication: January 1, 2012 by HarperCollins Australia
Pre Order | Aussie Readers Buy Now

Clara Gardner knew that as a part angel she would one day have to fulfill her purpose, rescuing Christian from a forest fire...what she never considered was what might happen if she were to fail.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend Tucker, Clara must deal with the repercussions of what happened the day of the fire as the two boys vie for her heart. And, as she is drawn further into the world of angels and part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain after a shocking revelation, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning...

Curveball. So, it took me a little while to get into the rhythm of things with Hallowed. I actually wished I'd had time to skim back through Unearthly to remember all the feelings and thoughts I had during it. After the uncertain start though, I warmed back up to Clara with her honesty and wit. While she's smart, a couple things seemed very obvious like who her vision was centred around and what Jeffrey was up to during the fire. Beyond that, there are many surprises. Someone Clara knows in her past throws a curveball I did not see coming. And I spent almost the entire last 100 pages teary or full-on crying.

Undecided. I loved Tucker in Unearthly and honestly could not see myself warming up to Christian which I know was all in the way Cynthia portrayed him. Now, I don't really know. I feel so much of what Clara feels that it's impossible to ignore her relationship with Tucker but then, Christian seems to always be there. Whether it's in her visions or just needing someone around to not feel lonely, he seems to get her. Plus after the story Clara's mother tells her, I can feel myself becoming more and more curious about why Clara and Christian are meant to be together.

Fixated. This is the sequel I was hoping for. My thoughts will be fixated on Hallowed for days just as it was with Unearthly. Cynthia's talent for making me one with the characters is not something easily forgotten so it's hard now need to shut down that part of myself until I can finally continue the story in book 3. It looks like Clara will be going on an adventure of sorts that I can't wait to join her on.

Rating: ★★★★★ It was amazing!

First Lines:

In the dream, there's sorrow. I feel it over everything else, a terrible grief that chokes me, blurs my sight, weighs down my feet as I move through the tall grass.

Favourite Quote:

I did get so wigged out that I sneaked out to his house a couple times in the middle of the night to watch over him while he slept, just in case, I don't know, his comic book collection decided to spontaneously combust. This was dumb and admittedly creepy in an Edward Cullen kind of way, but it was the only thing I could think to do. (Chapter 6)

Unearthly Series

I received a copy of Hallowed from HarperCollins Australia for review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Top Ten Books I Hope Santa Brings

2011-12-20T20:06:00.001+10:00

These will be the books that I haven't gotten around to buying generally because they are too expensive being hardcovers and I won't settle for the cheap paperbacks. Or I've just been lazy. :P

1) The Night Circus - I really, really want the UK hardcover version of this book as it looks incredible.

2) The Scorpio Races - As this will be going up next to Maggie's other books, I need it to match them so once again, I need the hardcover version.

3) Shadow Heir - So technically this isn't out until a couple days after Christmas but Santa would have insider access and I know the shops would have this already in stock waiting to be put out.

4) In The Forests of the Night - Loved the first one but have never gotten around to getting this.

5) Awake At Dawn - See above. I still want to know what happens!

6) Half-Blood - I honestly didn't have any interest in this until recently when all I hear are great things!

7) Between Shades of Gray - I know I'll love it but somehow it makes me not want to buy it in case I don't.

8) Across The Universe - I was unbelievably excited when I first read about this book. Then I never bought it. I'm so weird sometimes.

9) A Discovery of Witches - One of my favourite reads this year. A friend lent me her copy so now I need my own.

10) Mockingjay - Yes I've read it so don't have a heart attack. I was given the dodgy orange paperback version to read but I refuse to put it on my shelf as the others are the hardcover ones. They must match!!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

Click the image to enter. Only 9 more followers needed for a second winner to be added!

In My Mailbox (62)

2011-12-18T11:20:00.001+10:00

Got a bunch of Book Depository deliveries this week. I swear the post office holds onto them until there a few they can deliver at once!

Legend (Legend, Book 1) by Marie Lu
That Old Black Magic (Living in Eden, Book 3) by Michelle Rowen
Shaedes of Gray (Shaede Assassin, Book 1) by Amanda Bonilla
Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

For Review:

Reign Fall (Demon Princess, Book 3) by Michelle Rowen
Thank you so, so much for this Michelle! I never thought I'd get an ending to one of my favourite YA series so I am so looking forward to reading this over the Christmas break.

Netgalley:

Halflings (Halflings, Book 1) by Heather Burch
The Industry by Zoe Foster

Leave a link to your IMM so I can pop by!

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren. Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

If you haven't entered yet, click the image above. There hasn't been many entires so far so the chances of winning are good. I've also got Rafflecopter going now to make things easier.

Book Review: The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

2011-12-17T00:00:00.000+10:00

Title: The Demon Lover
Author: Juliet Dark (Carol Goodman)
Series: Fairwick Chronicles, Book 1
Published: December 27, 2011 by Random House
Excerpt | Pre Order

I gasped . . . or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn’t draw breath. . . . His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked in my breath and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh.

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart.

My Thoughts: In The Demon Lover we live a few months in the life of Callie, an author, who has moved to a strange town for a new teaching job. She finds that the answers to all her personal questions are lying in wait here. I felt as if we really got to know her and I felt all the emotions she was going through. Sometimes I wanted to whack her over the head when she was obviously missing something and then other times I wished I was her, experiencing her life. I felt really sorry for her with how things ended but as this is the start of a series there's always hope and a possible happy ending was certainly hinted at!

I loved Ralph the mouse most of all. He's definitely the coolest character and I hope he gets even more page time in the sequel. My rating swayed a little throughout but by the end, it landed on a solid 4 stars for me. Granted it probably could've been a little bit shorter. Also some more answers along the way would've helped. Some authors give us too much information ruining the surprise. In this case, we don't get enough leaving the reader a little lost and confused. I had the answer to the big puzzle figured out though. I loved that this is for an older audience as Callie is 26 and there are some super hot scenes.

Final Opinion: The Demon Lover is a solid start to a new Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy series. I'm looking forward to reading the next one, The Water Witch.

Rating: ★★★★ I really liked it

First Lines:

"So. Dr. McFay, can you tell me how you first became interested in the sex lives of demon lovers?"
The question was a bit jarring, coming as it did from a silver-chignoned matron in pearls and a pink tweed Chanel suit. But I'd gotten used to questions like these.

Favourite Quote:

I had rebuked him for lying to me, but I suddenly knew that I had lied to him, too. All those things I told him I wanted were lies. I wanted him as he was now—a creature of darkness. (Callie, Chapter 38)

Fairwick Chronicles

The Demon Lover
The Water Witch (out 2012)
Untitled

I received a galley of The Demon Lover from Random House through NetGalley for review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

2011-12-15T13:00:00.000+10:00

Title: Touch of Power
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Healer, Book 1
Publication: December 20, 2011 by Harlequin Teen
Excerpt | Pre Order

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honoured for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader — an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own — is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince, the leader of a campaign against her people.

As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for.

Outlaw. Touch of Power is an amazing adventure story set in an alternate past, mixing high fantasy and romance in a borderline young adult/adult novel. Avry's reality is a post-plague world that has blamed her kind for the sickness, almost exterminating them for the price of 40 gold on their head. This has lead to her being constantly on the run and never being able to care about someone more than just a passing acquaintance. There are other with gifts as well and they fight alongside one of the three leaders trying to take all the land for themselves. All of them want Avry for one reason or another.

A survivor. Maria is very talented author in placing you within the world she creates. I felt like a companion to Avry, travelling the country with her, fighting with her, caring with her, and suffering with her. She's an extremely strong person who even in her weak moments, still gets up to fight to stay alive. She knows what needs to be done and should the need come to give up her life for another, she appreciates being the one who can help them. As she's 20 years old and the man in the story she falls for is older than her, you can understand that this isn't really a Young Adult novel. Anyone under the age of 16-18 may find this a little too adult for their liking.

Map! There's nothing bad for me to say about Touch of Power. It's an exciting, adventure story that is bound to please Snyder's established fans and hopefully grab her a few new ones. I'm so excited for the next book. Love that there was a map of the world provided too. It's all about the extra touches!

Rating: ★★★★★ It was amazing!

First Lines:

The little girl wouldn’t stop crying. I didn’t blame her. She was dying after all. Her lungs were so full of fluid she’d drown in another few hours. Tossing and turning on my thin mattress, I listened to her cries as they sawed through the floor boards and through my heart, cutting it in two.

Favourite Quote:

I was alive. I was in a room. I was naked except for a bloodstained bandage wrapped tight around my stomach. Kerrick lay beside me. And his hand trapped in mine.
Kill. Me. Now. (Chapter 6)

Healer Series

Touch of Power
Scent of Magic (expected January 2013)

Alternate Covers:

Waiting on Wednesday (44)

2011-12-14T18:21:00.001+10:00

The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Selection, Book 1
Expected Publication: April 24, 2012 by Harper Teen

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My need to read this is slowly growing into obsession. It sounds like it'll be full of grin-worthy awkward situations and lots of wow moments. I can't wait!

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill on Breaking The Spine.

Have you entered my 2011 YA Debut Author Giveaway yet? All it requires is for you to tell me what your favourite debut was and to fill in the form! Head here to enter!

Book Review: Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

2011-12-12T10:00:00.000+10:00

Title: Every Other Day
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Series: Standalone novel
Published: December 27, 2011 by Egmont USA
Excerpt | Pre Order

Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human.

And then every day in between . . .She's something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive. . .and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.

My Thoughts: Every Other Day is a very creative novel focussing on a girl who has a mysterious past and a lot of questions about herself. I would hate to live that way not knowing why I acted a certain way but knew I couldn't control it. I didn't connect with Kali as much as I'd liked which may be down to the page count or that there is always something happening to her, making it hard to know who she really is as a person. Getting to know more about Zev would've helped here too.

Every Other Day is an action packed novel that pulls you in. I felt so sad when we lost someone towards the end and the acceptance the dying person had of the situation. I loved how this is set in an alternative world to our own as if everything is still the same with almost the same history, it's just that now there are supernatural creatures to deal with.

Final Opinion: I read this novel a little while ago now and it's still fresh in my memory which is saying something! I'm definitely going to be looking into reading Jennifer's books in the future and I have Raised By Wolves already waiting on my shelf. Even though this is a standalone novel, a follow-up adult novel would be fantastic!

Rating: ★★★★ I really liked it

First Lines:

The decision to make hellhounds an endangered species was beyond asinine, but I expected nothing less from a government that had bankrolled not one, but two, endowed chairs in preternatural biology (one of them my father’s) at the University That Shall Not Be Named. The same government that thought you could train a hoard of zombies just as easily as Pavlov’s dogs.

Favourite Quote:

“Sometimes, there aren't any good choices. Sometimes, making the right one is hard." She blinked and then cleared her throat. "It's funny," she said, "but when you think about it, we're all broken. That's what life does. It knocks you down and it breaks you and you either get back up again, or you don't. You either do things on your terms, or you don't." She grabbed my hand, and I was surprised at the strength of her grip. "You let the bad things win, or you don't." (Skylar, Chapter 25)

I received a galley of Every Other Day from Egmont USA through NetGalley for review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

In My Mailbox (62)

2011-12-11T10:45:00.000+10:00

Got two books I was desperately waiting for. Thank you so much Harper Collins for Hallowed!!

Bought: Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, Book 2) by Cassandra Clare
Review: Hallowed (Unearthly, Book 2) by Cassandra Clare

What did you get this week? Feel free to post a link to your IMM :)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren. Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

Click here to enter to win one of my favourite YA Debut Author Releases this year!

My Top 10 Young Adult Debut Authors of 2011 + Giveaway

2011-12-10T13:00:00.000+10:00

Well it was an amazing year for authors debuting in the Young Adult genre! Some of my all-time favourite books have made their way into this list.
As this is a list based on what I read this year, you may find your favourite missing. If so, let me know so I can read it!
Continue on to the bottom for a chance to win one of these amazing books!

1) Divergent by Veronica Roth

This novel would have to be in my Top 10 books that I've ever read.

Believe the hype. If you've been wondering if you should buy Divergent, stop it. You're wasting time. Valuable time that should be spent reading this. Full Review

2) Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

I had trouble writing the review for this because I didn't know how to do it justice.

It was so much more than I thought it would be. I'm amazed that Cynthia is only a debut author. She has a very clear voice and seems to know exactly where she's going, always. There's no pointless information. Everything is key to that moment or a future event. Full Review

3) Enclave by Ann Aguirre

This was Ann's debut into Young Adult novels and she did an amazing job. I'm also partial to zombies.

Everything about Enclave fits together so nicely, you don't realise just how quickly it's coming to an end. Plenty of action, a strange yet possible world and strong lead characters make Enclave stand out as one of the best releases this year. Full Review

4) Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

I read it because there were so many rave reviews and the cover is gorgeous. I'm so glad I did.

From the moment you start this, you know it is going to be a beautifully told story. Tahereh is a true poet and a master of words. Her sentences are so divinely structured, it's literally impossible to put Shatter Me down. Full Review

5) The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

I absolutely love Steampunk and mixing it with Romance made it a sure winner!

I never wanted to close this book for any reason at all. I loved seeing the personal growth that each character went through from their own POV. Full Review

6) Die For Me by Amy Plum

An addictive, easy read set in the fascinating city of Paris.

Almost immediately I became invested in Kate's story as she was so easy to like and it's hard not to feel something for a teenage girl whose life has changed so dramatically, so quickly. Full Review

7) Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

I didn't think I'd like this as much as I did but this was a rather realistic look at a possible future.

After only a couple chapters I was burning with the need to get outside and feel the sun on my skin which I think is the message Awaken is trying to get across. It's better to live a life with others and their faults that will ignite each of our senses than to live a fake life where everything is dulled and may not even be real. Full Review

8) Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Forgotten is about a girl who forgets her past. Only there's a twist: she knows her future.

London is so lovable. It's difficult for it not to break your heart seeing just how hard she works every day to try to live a normal life and be a caring daughter, friend and girlfriend. Full Review

9) Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
I was lost at the beginning but by the end I was all "Gimme the sequel now!"

I bonded with the main characters as they bonded with each other and all the baddies came out from their hidey holes to throw some excitement into the mix. What I loved most was Ellie and Will's relationship. Full Review

10) Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

I've left this til last because, for a lot of people, it won't make sense me having this on my list as it's considered a 2012 debut. As I'm an Australian, it's made it's way here as it was released in Australia in November. It really is a great dystopian love story and would've listed in 6th place had I kept things in order.

There was no "love at first sight" or "head over heels even though we barely know what makes the other person tick" here. It felt more real. Full Review

Notable Mentions...

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini My Review

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter My Review

Born At Midnight by C.C. Hunter My Review

Clarity by Kim Harrington My Review

Winter's Shadow by M.J. Hearle My Review

GIVEAWAY

How would you like to win one of the books in my Top 10? I hope that was a yes because it's easy to enter! Just do your stuff with the widget below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(I previously had a google doc entry form up so those that filled it in will not be forgotten and have their entry included still)

Book Review: The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

2011-12-09T19:57:00.000+10:00

Title: The Space Between
Author: Brenna Yovanoff
Published: November 15, 2011 by Razorbill
Excerpt | Buy It Now

EVERYTHING BURNS IN PANDEMONIUM ...
...a city in hell made of chrome and steel, where there is no future and life is an expanse of frozen time. That’s where Daphne lives.

The daughter of a demon and a fallen angel, she wonders what lies in store for her. Will she become a soulless demon like her sisters? Or follow in the footsteps of her brother Obie, whose life is devoted to saving lost souls on Earth? All she wants is to find a place where she belongs.

When Obie saves a bleeding, broken boy named Truman from the brink of death and then suddenly goes missing, Daphne runs away to Earth to find him. But on Earth, everything is colder and more terrifying, and Daphne struggles between her demon instincts and her growing–yet achingly unfamiliar–feelings for Truman. As Daphne and Truman search for Obie, they must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in their way. But Daphne also discovers, unexpectedly, what it means to love and be human in a world where human is the hardest thing to be.

Uncertainty. I wasn't really sure what to expect from The Space Between being that I still haven't finished The Replacement. I'm glad I bought it. I really liked the start but then I fell into the same kind of slow drift The Replacement put me in. This time I didn't have any outside distractions and I was determined to finish it so I kept going. As we neared the end I became totally engrossed in the story.

Sorrow. All the mini story lines became entwined. There was obviously a bigger plan at work but what was it? I hated who the bad guy turned out to be and felt incredibly sorry for Daphne. I'm glad things eventually worked out but the last 2 chapters kinda lost me in the unnatural feel I got from it. Sure none of this story is actually real but it seemed too weird even for this world.

Connection. Excluding a bunch of uninteresting chapters, I did enjoy The Space Between. You can really connect with the characters. I know I've felt like Daphne before, lonely but still uncaring not knowing any better and then I know I've felt like Truman being so lost and perhaps, caring too much that it looks like the easiest way out is to take your own life. If you loved The Replacement you're going to love this and if not, see if you can borrow a copy and you might be surprised.

Rating:★★★★ I really liked it

First Lines:

Once, my mother told a whole host of angels that she'd rather die than go back to a man she didn't love.
That was a long time ago, before famine or war or the combustion engine.

Favourite Quote:

"What you have to understand is that this is his life, and he's the one who has to live it. People make decisions, and maybe you don't always agree, but those choices are still their own." (Beelzebub, Page 26)

Book Review: The History of the World According to Facebook by Wylie Overstreet

2011-12-05T18:02:00.000+10:00

Title: The History of the World According to Facebook
Author: Wylie Overstreet
Published: 17 November, 2011 by HarperCollins
Excerpt | Buy It Now

In August 2010, Wylie Overstreet published a satirical article called "If Historical Events Had Facebook Statuses" on the website CoolMaterial.com. Within a month, it had received 3 million views and had been "liked" by 120,000 Facebook users.

In A WORLD HISTORY ACCORDING TO FACEBOOK, Overstreet expands this concept into a full-length history of the world, from its creation up through to the present day, as if Facebook had existed all along and Abraham Lincoln had written a status update about "taking the missus to the theater" on April 15, 1865 and Ben Franklin had done the same alerting his network that he′d signed the Declaration of Independence ("Bring it," replied John Adams). Filled with hundreds of real-life historical figures and thousands of not-at-all-real Facebook statuses, comments, and actions, and parodying Facebook users′ proclivity to over-share and use lazy jargon ("lol," "rofl," "fml," etc.), this is the definitive humor book for our generation.

Adults Only. So, the title pretty much says it all. This is most definitely a parody and only for those with a wicked sense of humour. If you're sensitive about religion, politics, history or pretty much anything else, this book will offend you. Also, it's riddled with swearing and references to sex so best not to touch unless you're in your late-teens or an adult.

FIRST!!1! From the start I was giggling at the most simplest of things. Every major historic event is posted in the newsfeed with "likes" and comments from anyone who benefited or suffered in these events. It starts with The Singularity posting "FIRST!!1!" who then realises "Only one here. Right." and goes on to host the event "Big Bang". The beginning of the universe and then the start of the Earth and creation of it's inhabitants was probably the funniest parts of all. A lull took over during the 10th to 19th Century. It picks up again while dealing with modern history as so much happened. For someone who's sketchy on the details of history, I feel like I've learnt a lot reading this.

Everyone. This book is largely from an American perspective, focussing on the various presidents and notable people so Australians and other countries may have a harder time relating to it, but on the reverse side, Americans may take it a little too much to heart as it doesn't leave any stone unturned. Either way, I think everyone from anywhere who uses Facebook will get a kick out of Overstreet's book. Just come in with an open mind and don't take any of it seriously and you'll have a blast!

Rating: ★★★★ I really liked it

Favourite Quotes:

Neil Armstrong That's one small step for man, one gonad swap for manatee.
Neil Armstrong Dammit autocorrect.
NASA One for the history books, Neil

Auto-Tune > Talent I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your services are no longer required.
Black Eyed Peas like this
Jay-Z -sigh-

I received a copy of The History of the World According to Facebook from HarperCollins for review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

In My Mailbox (61)

2011-12-03T22:05:00.000+10:00

Finally got over to Big W to check out their range (and they always have a better range than KMart) and found some beauties! Just to spread the love, those in Australia can pick up Under The Never Sky now!! I got mine at said Big W.

Bought:
Forbidden and Forsaken (The Demon Trappers, Books 1 & 2) by Jana Oliver
Shatter Me (Shatter Me, Book 1) by Tahereh Mafi MY REVIEW
Bad Blood (House of Comarre, Book 3) by Kristen Painter
Under The Never Sky (Under The Never Sky, Book 1) by Veronica Rossi MY REVIEW
The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff
Blood Red Road (Dustlands, Book 1) by Moira Young

Review:
The History of the World According to Facebook by Wylie Overstreet

Hope everyone had a great week too!

Book Review: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

2011-12-02T20:23:00.000+10:00

Title: Under The Never Sky
Author: Veronica Rossi
Series: Under The Never Sky, Book 1
Published: November 2011 by Pier 9
Excerpt | Pre Order Now
Australians can buy this now. I got mine from Big W.

Exiled from her safe home in the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria finds herself in the outer wastelands known as the Death Shop. If the cannibals don’t get her, the violent energy storms will. There she meets a savage, an Outsider named Perry – wild, dangerous – who is her only chance of survival.

But Perry needs Aria, too, and they are forced into an unlikely alliance that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Adventure. We follow the story of Aria and Perry, two teenagers who couldn't of had a more different upbringing if they tried. I really liked Aria. She's honest and talented without being a cow and she always tries her hardest to do what needs to be done. Perry is broken inside but keeps fighting because he knows it's what the people who rely on him need. He's also rare among his kind for having two superhuman "talents". Both of their mistakes lead them on a path full of tough decisions, constant danger and people getting hurt or dying. I love a good dystopian adventure story. A decent chunk of this reminded me of Patrick Ness' Chaos Walking series with the excitement of never quite knowing what was hiding around the corner.

Believable. I also loved that we got to see the story from both Aria's and Perry's point of view and it never switched at the wrong time and left us hanging. The feelings that develop between them was more believable than some YA novels. I think it's because they hated each other at first for their differences which then slowly grew to tolerance and so on. There was no "love at first sight" or "head over heels even though we barely know what makes the other person tick" here. It felt more real. The supporting characters were fascinating in their own right ranging from a cocky but kind hottie to a boy with the scariest power of them all.

Read It. I almost cried with joy when I saw this had been released in Australia. I'd already pre ordered it but couldn't stop myself from buying it on the spot (thankfully Book Depository cancel orders!). As this is considered a debut for next year, I'm going to suggest that everyone put this on their list if they're doing the Debut Author Challenge. It is very much worth it and even though this is totally cliché, the only thing that sucks is having to wait for the second one!

Rating: ★★★★☆ I loved it!

First Lines:

They called the world beyond the walls of the Pod “the Death Shop.” A million ways to die out there. Aria never thought she’d get so close.

Favourite Quote:

"Are you all right?" he whispered. It wasn't what he wanted to know. Of course she wasn't all right. What he wanted to know was if the together part still mattered to her. Because even though he was confused and sorry and angry, it still mattered to him.
She looked up and nodded, and he knew she agreed. Whatever else came, they'd face it together.
(Page 266, Perry and Aria)

Under The Never Sky Series

Under The Never Sky
Through The Ever Night
Untitled

Winner of The Big Books of 2011 Giveaway

2011-12-01T09:16:00.001+10:00

First I would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who entered and spread the word! I do hope you like my blog and find everything on here interesting enough to keep returning.

As for winners, there will be just one winner as I didn't make it to 300 followers. I'm planning on having some more giveaways in the near future so keep an eye out.

The winner was:

Chelsea from Nebraska, USA!!

(If you happen to see this first, I've sent you an email too)

Once again, thanks to everyone who entered and best of luck in the future!

Book Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

2011-11-30T21:00:00.000+10:00

Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me, Book 1
Published: November 2011 by Allen & Unwin
Excerpt | Buy It Now

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Juliette has been locked away for so long, she doesn't even know what she looks like anymore. Her days are spent dreaming of a white bird with a golden crown, staring at the world outside her window and trying to forget what she did that lead her to where she is. Then something strange happens. She gets a cellmate. Someone who looks familiar but she can't place why. It's the beginning of the rest of her life and while the world is literally falling apart, Juliette finds what she's always wanted.

Beautiful. From the moment you start this, you know it is going to be a beautifully told story. Tahereh is a true poet and a master of words. Her sentences are so divinely structured, it's literally impossible to put Shatter Me down. The love she creates between Juliette and Adam makes you believe in true love. There's no second guessing it as a reader, even as Juliette and Adam second guess how the other is feeling. They know their own love is true, but in such a bleak world, each feels that having the other return their love is too fantastical an idea to entertain. The sexual energy is through the roof even though they never take it too far.

Bewitching. It's hard to do this book justice without having a conversation with you to tell you just how good it is. If I had to describe it in one word, it'd be bewitching. The adventure we go on with Juliette and Adam is exciting and engrossing but when it comes down to it, it's a true love story. I cannot wait for the next book and I'm so glad it's apart of a series.

Rating: ★★★★★ It was amazing!

First Lines:

I’ve been locked up for 264 days.I have nothing but a small notebook and a broken pen and the numbers in my head to keep me company. 1 window. 4 walls. 144 square feet of space. 26 letters in an alphabet I haven’t spoken in 264 days of isolation.

Favourite Quote:

He moves to run a hand through his hair before he changes his mind. Looks down. Looks up. "God, Juliette, I'd follow you anywhere. You're the only good thing left in this world." (Page, 158)

Shatter Me Series

Shatter Me
Untitled (out 2012)
Untitled

Waiting on Wednesday (43)

2011-11-30T19:44:00.000+10:00

Biting Cold by Chloe Neill
Chicagoland Vampires, Book 6
Expected Publication: August 7, 2012

Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans.

Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed. No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.

WANT. NEED. MUST HAVE NOW!!! Anyone who's read the sheer awesomeness that is this series, is going out of their mind waiting for this. Drink Deep gave us so much to think about with where the story is headed, we can start to see the light at the end of Mercy's tunnel but not before she fights the monsters in the dark first.

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill on Breaking The Spine.

Today is the last day to enter the Big Books of 2011 Giveaway!! It's open internationally to wherever Book Depository ships. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!!

Only 20 more followers needed for another winner to be added so spread the word!

Link for Twitter - http://bit.ly/te5gKk

In My Mailbox (60)

2011-11-27T20:17:00.001+10:00

My mailbox has been pretty quiet over the past couple weeks. Still waiting on a couple orders to arrive plus December is a big month for new releases so it's the quiet before the storm and I love storms!

Wild Words from Wild Women 2012 Box Calendar Not a book but it's worth the mention. I got it for when I need a pick-me-up at work plus there's little activities for each day for the quiet times!
Ashes (Ashes Trilogy, Book 1) by Ilsa J. Bick Love the cover and after seeing it at the shops a few times and a quick check on my Goodreads app, I was at the checkout with it.
First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson, Book 1) by Darynda Jones The excerpt was funny, though a little over the top, but it was cheap on pre order so took the plunge.

Now, what did you get this week that's going to make my mouth water? Feel free to leave links :)

Have you entered the Big Books of 2011 Giveaway yet? It's open internationally to wherever Book Depository ships. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!!

The more people that enter the more winners there are so spread the word!

Waiting on Wednesday (43)

2011-11-23T20:18:00.001+10:00

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
All Souls Trilogy, Book 2
Expected Publication: July 10, 2012

Shortly after Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont timewalk to London, 1590, they discover that the past may not provide a safe haven after all. Reclaiming his former identity as poet and spy Matthew Roydon, the vampire falls back in step with a group of radicals known as the School of Night who share dangerous ideas about God, science, and man. Many of his friends are unruly daemonsn - the creative minds of the age who walk the fine line between genius and madness - including playwright Christopher Marlowe and mathematician Thomas Harriot. Matthew, himself, is expected to continue to spy for Queen Elizabeth, which puts him in close contact with London's cutthroat underworld.

Together, Matthew and Diana scour the bookstalls and alchemical laboratories of London where they follow the elusive trail of Ashmole 782 - and search for the witch who will teach Diana to control her powers.

Seriously. CAN. NOT. WAIT. I'll be in Hawaii when this comes out but I don't care. I'll be spending the day at the beach with this attached to my hands and my eyes glued to the pages.

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill on Breaking The Spine. Each week we share a book that we are having a very hard time waiting for.

Don't forget to enter my Big Books of 2011 Giveaway which is open internationally. You could win Divergent, Delirium, Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Drink Deep or whichever from the list you would like!! Click here to enter!

Book Review: Flesh and Blood by Kristen Painter

2011-11-21T21:00:00.000+10:00

Title: Flesh & Blood
Author: Kristen Painter
Series: House of Comarré, Book 2
Published: October 25, 2011 by Orbit
Excerpt | Buy It Now

With the ring of sorrows still missing, and the covenant between othernaturals and mortals broken, Chrysabelle and Malkolm's problems are just beginning. Chrysabelle still owes Malkolm for his help, but fulfilling that debt means returning to Corvinestri, the hidden vampire city neither of them is welcome in.

The discovery that Chrysabelle has a brother could mean reneging on her promise to Malkolm, something that might make him angry enough to loose the beast living inside him. And fulfilling her vow could prove devastating for Chrysabelle — especially when you throw in power hungry witches, dead fringe vampires, and the Kubai Mata.

My Thoughts: I love the story of Chrysabelle and Mal and everything they have to do to earn their freedom. It's a real bad guys versus good guys and every time one of the sides seem to get a step ahead, the other side catches up. Just like with the first book, I'm still wishing there had've been a bit more love action between them. I do like Creek but I agree with Doc that she is Mal's. Although, I can understand where Chrysabelle is coming from having never been in control of her own body and being into both guys but it takes the shininess off her relationship with Mal.

While I liked the switch between POV's in Blood Rights, this time I got a little annoyed with it. All the exciting bits were chopped in half to find out what the other people were up to. Despite this, I loved the pacing of events and didn't get bored at all. The ending for some of our characters left us at a huge cliffhanger and for some other characters it certainly gives us a taste on where Bad Blood will go.

Final Opinion: Almost as good as the first. I just really want Chrysabelle and Mal's relationship to move forward a bit quicker and sorry Creek, you aren't welcome. The storyline continues to be exciting and I can't wait to read the next book which is on it's way in the post now.

Rating: ★★★★ I really liked it

First Lines:

Tatiana needed to die. The thought pushed Chrysabelle on until her shoulders burned and her arms shook.

Favourite Quote:

"Scare you?" he asked from where he walked beside her.
"No." Yes. Like he didn't know. "I hate that silent speed thing. Worst vampire ability ever."
(Mal & Chrysabelle, Page 132-133)

House of Comarré Series

2012 Debut Author Challenge

2011-11-21T18:01:00.000+10:00

As always, the 2012 Debut Author Challenge is being held by Kristi at The Story Siren. To sign up for yourself or get more info click here.

CHALLENGE OBJECTIVE:

To read & review a minimum of twelve young adult or middle grade debut novels between the dates of January 1, 2012 - January 31, 2013.*

*The 2013 extension is so that December Debuts can be read and count toward the challenge.

As with last year, I'm aiming for 20 books. There are always so many fantastic reads by debut authors, it's always best to make a longer list or risk missing out on the best reads of your life! 2011 saw the release of some of my all-time favourite books, Divergent, Unearthly and Enclave.

My list of possible reads for 2012 are:

Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams
Slide by Jill Hathaway
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Queen of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard
Above by Leah Bobet
Innocent Darkness by Susanne Lazear
Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe
Mystique by Shari Arnold
Halflings by Heather Burch
Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Croak by Gina Damico
Gravity by Melissa West
Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Big Books of 2011 Giveaway

2011-11-19T17:03:00.001+10:00

**This Giveaway is now CLOSED**

As we're now getting near the end of the year, it's gotten me thinking about what the big releases of 2011 were. I've made a list of books below mixed with ones I loved and ones I never got a chance to read. All have gotten many rave reviews and currently have a score of over 4 Stars on Goodreads.

I'm giving you the opportunity to win one of these fabulous books!

There will be one book given away to each winner and for every 50 followers Manda's Movements gets up to 500, I will add an extra winner. That's a possibility of 6 WINNERS!

250 - 1 Winner
300 - 2 Winners
350 - 3 Winner etc.

Click on the picture to go to Goodreads and see what the book is about.

Contest Rules:

You must be a follower on Google Friend Connect
Open internationally to where Book Depository ships. Click here to find out if that includes you
You must provide a valid postal address and email at the time of entry
One form completed per person
Closes November 30, 2011 Australian Eastern Standard Time
If you're under the age of 16, please get your parents permission first.
You will win the paperback edition except in the case that the hardcover is cheaper. I'm self funding this giveaway so will need to go with the cheapest option :)
Extra entries will be added for spreading the word via Twitter or Facebook and for following on Twitter or the Facebook page (links in sidebar).

Book Review: Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

2011-11-18T20:17:00.000+10:00

Title: Blood Magic
Author: Tessa Gratton
Series: The Blood Journals, Book 1
Published: May 24, 2011 by Random House
Excerpt | Buy It Now

It starts off simply.

Draw a circle ... place a dead leaf in the center ... sprinkle some salt ... recite a little Latin ... add a drop of blood ...

Maybe that last part isn't exactly simple. Yet somehow it feels right to Silla Kennicott. And nothing in her life has felt remotely right since her parents' horrific deaths. She's willing to do anything to uncover the truth about her family—even try a few spells from the mysterious book that arrived on her doorstep ... and spill some blood.

The book isn't the only recent arrival in Silla's life. There's Nick Pardee, the new guy next door who may have seen Silla casting a spell. She's not sure what he saw and is afraid to find out. But as they spend more time together, Silla realizes this may not be Nick's first encounter with Blood Magic. Brought together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick can't deny their attraction. And they can't ignore the dark presence lurking nearby—waiting to reclaim the book and all its power.

My Thoughts: This book took me 5 months from when I started and eventually finished it. I started reading it just before I took a break from reading and then when I felt like reading again, I found I had no interest in continuing. This may have affected my view on Blood Magic so if you disagree, take this review with a grain of salt.

My expectations for Blood Magic were high. It had a fantastic synopsis with a catching cover and flattering reviews so it was right to think it would be great, yeah? Not the case for me. Something that lead to the rating was that I never really connected with the characters. They felt distant and I couldn't relate at all. Silla was a bit too pushy for my liking. I did like the premise of the story and the events flowed nicely. It just seemed to drag out a bit. There was never any real big bang too. I felt impartial to what was happening to the narrators which is saying something as some pretty bad stuff happens to them.

Final Opinion: The premise of Blood Magic was what kept it afloat but the speed of events and disconnection with the characters was what let it down. I don't think I'll be reading the sequel, The Blood Keeper unless those that share my thoughts of Blood Magic do and enjoy it much more.

Rating: ★★★ Give it a go

First Lines:

I am Josephine Darly, and I intend to live forever.

It is impossible to know who you really are until you spend time alone in a cemetery.

The Blood Journals Series

Blood Magic
The Blood Keeper (out August 2012)

Follow Friday

2011-11-18T20:05:00.000+10:00

Parajunkee.com

Alisoncanread.com

Q: Letter to Santa: Tell Santa what books you want for Christmas.

A: Can I be greedy? Ok, ok, I'll keep it realistic. I really, really want Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson series plus a few others below.

Waiting on Wednesday (42)

2011-11-16T18:56:00.001+10:00

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen
Nightwatchers Series Book 1
Expected June 2012 by Harlequin Teen

No official synopsis yet but here's what Michelle had to say:

In a nutshell, this is about a girl who gets a kiss from her ultimate crush but it’s, as the title suggests, a rather Dark Kiss. She then gets swept up into an world of angels and demons in a city at siege with an unseen evil that threatens everyone who lives there. It’s fun, it’s romantic, it’s thrilling. Currently, I’m contracted for two books in this series. The second book will be called WICKED KISS and it’ll be out in early 2013.

I know without a doubt I'll be reading this. I love Michelle so I'm very much looking forward to it!

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill on Breaking The Spine. Each week we share a book that we are having a very hard time waiting for.

Top Ten Unread Books On My Bookshelf

2011-11-15T18:45:00.000+10:00

So here is a list of the top ten books on my bookshelf that I have been meaning to read forever. Honestly, this should be a top one hundred list but that would get rather boring wouldn't it?

For one reason or another, these books have never made the top of the to-read pile and if they did, they didn't stay there. Some I bought for their pretty covers, some I'm actually scared of reading and some I only want to read because it feels like everyone else has!

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - I have this thing I'm rather ashamed of. I haven't seen any of the movies or read any of the books I should have when I was young. I got this for $4 brand new and was pretty excited about it at the time with grand dreams on reading all those books I missed out on. Sadly, that day is still yet to pass.
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead - She's probably my all time favourite author and I was jumping around the room when this arrived in the mail. Then, I became scared. Scared of not liking it and only thinking "where's Rose?" while reading it. I know most people liked it but I still have that doubt.
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick - I loved Hush, Hush. Why haven't I read this yet? I can't even understand it myself.
Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris - Dead and Gone seriously let me down and now I don't even consider this book when I'm deciding what to read yet. For some reason though, I still think of myself as a big fan.
Fallen by Lauren Kate - This book will probably live on my shelf for eternity. Pretty to look at, but never more important that any other book I could read.
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin - I LOVE the TV show. It only comes in second to True Blood. I bought the books, so excited to read them as the book is always better (except Vampire Diaries) until I saw the size of it. I read the first chapter which took a while in itself and now it lives on my bedside table for when I have 'time'. Which pretty much means never.
Graceling by Kristin Cashore - I bought it for the cover before I even knew what it was about. Actually, I still don't really know what it's about, only that most people have read it and love it.
IT by Stephen King - IT would have to be the scariest movie I ever saw. Ever. I have it there because I want to be scared but I've never been brave enough to actually read it since someone told me it's even scarier than the movie.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan - I bought the box set from Amazon (before Book Depository days) and everyone who lives overseas or at least Australia knows the shipping costs a fortune! So I really wanted to read them. Until I saw the movie. Now they're gathering dust.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini - When I decided to get back into reading seriously about 2 years ago, I had this idea that I would read all the books that would make me a "well-read" person. This is one of two of Hosseini's books that I haven't even opened to the first page of.

Feel free to leave a link to your list and I'll drop by for a visit. :)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

Book Review: Darkness Unbound (Dark Angels, Book 1) by Keri Arthur

2011-11-14T14:12:00.000+10:00

Title: Darkness Unbound
Author: Keri Arthur
Series: Dark Angels, Book 1
Published: September 27, 2011 by Dell
Excerpt | Buy It Now

The fight against darkness rages on for the next generation—in New York Times bestselling author Keri Arthur’s exciting new series set in the world of the Guardians.

Being half werewolf and half Aedh, Risa Jones can enter the twilight realms between life and death and see the reapers, supernatural beings that collect the souls of the dead. But she soon makes a terrifying discovery: Some sinister force is stealing souls, preventing the dead from ever knowing the afterlife.

Reapers escort souls—not snatch them—but Risa is still unnerved when a reaper shadows her in search of someone Risa has never met: her own father, an Aedh priest, who is rumored to be tampering with the gates of hell for a dark purpose. With the help of her “aunt”—half-werewolf, half-vampire Riley Jenson—and an Aedh named Lucian who may have lost his wings but none of his sex appeal, Risa must pursue whatever shadowy practitioner of blood magic is seizing souls, and somehow stop her father . . . before all hell breaks loose.

My Thoughts: This is my first Keri Arthur book, so being Australian (like Keri, which I didn't know beforehand) you can imagine my surprise when she started naming streets I was familiar with in Melbourne. Whenever there's a fantasy novel based in my home country I find it really hard to dislike it because it's so much easier to connect with a character that speaks the same way you do. Regardless, I found the story to be multi-layered and smooth-flowing so I know I would've liked it anyway.

When I first picked it up I was only planning to skim the first page to get a feel for the story. It starts with Risa being followed by something she shouldn't know is there and before I knew it, I had to know what the deal was. Her and her friends are all unique in an already unique world and each have something that connects them to each other. Risa is a strong female lead being very loyal and very brave to face the things she needs to. There's a particularly hot scene in this and what goes down is a definite first for me which I wasn't ready for. Let's just say that Keri knows how to make the pages steam.

Final Opinion: Darkness Unbound was a perfect mix of fantasy, mystery, suspense and hot boys. I know for sure I'll be back as I ordered the next one as soon as I finished and I have it waiting for my next to my bed right now. I'm looking forward to reading her Riley Genson books too.

Rating: ★★★★☆ I loved it!

First Lines:

I've always seen the reapers.
Even as a toddler—with little understanding of spirits, death, or the horrors that lie in the shadows—I'd been aware of them. As I'd gotten older and my knowledge of the mystical had strengthened, I'd begun to call them death, because the people I'd seen them following had always died within a day or so.

Favourite Quote:

"Darling girl, all you have to do is suggestively bat those gorgeous eyes his way, and the man won't care if you have monstrous bags underneath them." (Tao, page 93)

Dark Angels Series

In My Mailbox (59)

2011-11-13T14:33:00.001+10:00

I've added a little Christmas touch this week as I did some decoration shopping yesterday. I can't help myself when there's so many shiny, sparkly things around and Christmas is my favourite time of year as it always brings out the best in people! Anyway, on to the books.

I'm on a total Urban Fantasy kick at the moment as you can see below. I've read a lot of good ones lately so I figure that I may as well stick with it while the going's good, you know?

Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 5) by Chloe Neill (REVIEW)
Equinox (The Rosie Black Chronicles, Book 2) by Lara Morgan
Darkness Rising (Dark Angels, Book 2) by Keri Arthur
Flesh and Blood (House of Comarré, Book 2) by Kristen Painter
Grave Witch (Alex Craft, Book 1) by Kalayna Price
Spider's Web (Elemental Assassin, Book 1) by Jennifer Estep
(HoHoHo block $5 from KMart . Their decorations are really cheap this year so if you're in Australia check 'em out)

I've finally gotten Manda's Movements onto Facebook with it's own page, so if you like lurking around Facey, come visit by clicking here. Not much on there yet but would love some visitors :)

Book Review: Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 5) by Chloe Neill

2011-11-10T22:13:00.000+10:00

Title: Drink Deep
Author: Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires, Book 5
Published: November 1, 2011 by NAL
Excerpt | Buy It Now

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.

That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike.

My Thoughts: The novel wasn't perfect but I loved it nonetheless. By the second chapter I was missing Ethan dearly. He leaves a visible gap and I found Drink Deep to not be as funny as the others without the playful banter and generally upbeat mood. But Merit is the reason I keep coming back and it's great to see her as her own person again. She's going through so much emotional turmoil that you could only wish to someday be as strong as she is. Jonah has grown on me a little more now and I didn't realise how much I missed Morgan till he popped in for a visit. As for the main plot line, it was a little too obvious for my liking who the culprit was but the surprise outcome of it made up for that.

If you're scared of reading this because of the ending of Hard Bitten, suck it up and you will not be disappointed. Chloe has always had a plan up her sleeve and you need to read this to find out what it is.

Final Opinion: While not the best of the series, it kept me engrossed and totally happy by the end of it. This is one of those necessary novels that start the ball rolling in the lead up to the climax. The next novel looks to be a very thrilling adventure that I can't have soon enough.

Rating: ★★★★★ It was awesome!

First Lines:

The wind was cool, the fall night crisp. A waxing moon hung lazily in the sky, so low it seemed close enough to touch.
Or maybe it just seemed that way because I was perched nine stories in the air, atop a narrow metal grate that crowned Chicago’s Harold Washington Library.

Favourite Quote:

"How could it not have something to do with you? What else could be responsible for this?"
"Global warming?" I suggested. "Have you recycled today?"

Chicagoland Vampires Series

Some Girls Bite (REVIEW)
Friday Night Bites (REVIEW)
Twice Bitten (REVIEW)
Hard Bitten (REVIEW)
Drink Deep
Biting Cold (out Aug 7, 2012)
Untitled (FAQ state there are 7 currently planned)

Waiting on Wednesday (41)

2011-11-09T18:28:00.000+10:00

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Unearthly, Book 2
Publication: January 2012 by Harper Collins

Clara Gardner knew that as a part angel she would one day have to fulfill her purpose, rescuing Christian from a forest fire...what she never considered was what might happen if she were to fail.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend Tucker, Clara must deal with the repercussions of what happened the day of the fire as the two boys vie for her heart. And, as she is drawn further into the world of angels and part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain after a shocking revelation, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning...

It's getting so close now, I really can't wait! Unearthly was one of my favourite books this year. And once again, I love this Australian cover better than the others.

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill on Breaking The Spine.

Book Review: Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy, Book 1) by Jennifer Estep

2011-11-07T19:16:00.000+10:00

Title: Touch of Frost
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Mythos Academy, Book 1
Published: July 26, 2011 by Kensington
Excerpt | Buy It Now

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy — a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.

But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why—especially since I should have been the one who died. . .

My Thoughts: Doesn't it suck when you expect a book to be better than it is? I know a lot of people loved this but there were a some things I just couldn't get past. First though, let's start with what I loved, that warranted 3.5 stars. I love the general idea of Touch of Frost. No matter how many times I read it, I get so excited when the protagonist has a destiny and is apart of some war that has been raging for centuries. Add into the fold Greek Mythology and it's hard to do wrong by me. I loved Logan. He's hotness personified. Can you get better than imagining him as one of the guys from 300? I also loved how much Daphne grew from start to end. I loved from Chapter 22 onwards when the story finally got fired up. If it all could have been this good, Touch of Frost would now find itself on my favourites list.

On to the bad stuff. I hate too much description. Jennifer took it as far as describing what the rocks looked like for seemingly no good reason at all, so my eyes and my mind would start to wonder every time this happened. The simple fix would be to inject more conversation. More action throughout Touch of Frost would've done wonders too. Another thing was how young Gwen acted sometimes. ToF is aimed at older teens as there is talk of sex and BJs but when it came to Gwen's thoughts of them, her opinion was "yucko". Seriously? She was acting like she was twelve. Time to grow up little child.

Final Opinion: While there was room for improvement, Touch of Frost had an exciting climax and supporting characters that I enjoyed. Hopefully, due to what's happened in ToF, Gwen will mature some and the story will move quicker in the sequel, Kiss of Frost.

Rating: ★★★☆ I liked it

First Lines:

“I know your secret.”Daphne Cruz leaned closer to the mirror over the sink and put another coat of pale pink gloss onto her lips, pointedly ignoring me the way all the pretty, popular girls did.

Favourite Quote:

"Yeah, well, this Gypsy girl happens to have a grandma who can curse you so bad that your dick will turn black and fall off, so watch your step, Spartan." (Gwen, page 29)

Mythos Academy Series

Touch of Frost
Kiss of Frost (out Nov 29, 2011)
Dark Frost (out May 29, 20012)

Book Review: The Name of the Star (Shades of London, Book 1) by Maureen Johnson

2011-11-05T16:27:00.002+10:00

Title: The Name of the Star
Author: Maureen Johnson
Series: Shades of London, Book 1
Published: September 29, 2011 by Harper Collins
Excerpt | Buy It Now

Sixteen-year-old American girl Rory has just arrived at boarding school in London when a Jack the Ripper copycat-killer begins terrorising the city. All the hallmarks of his infamous murders are frighteningly present, but there are few clues to the killer′s identity.

"Rippermania" grabs hold of modern-day London, and the police are stumped with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. In an unknown city with few friends to turn to, Rory makes a chilling discovery...

Could the copycat murderer really be Jack the Ripper back from the grave?

Quick Summary: Rory moves from Louisiana to London when her parents move there for work. As soon as she arrives, someone starts murdering women in such a way, that there's a startling resemblance to the Jack the Ripper murders of the late 1800's. While she's settling into her new school, Rory starts to think that she's seeing things that no one else can see. Before she knows it, she's stuck in the middle of the murders and she may be the key to stopping the killer before he hurts anyone she knows.

My Thoughts: I figured this would be a fairly interesting story but I didn't realise how much so. It actually made me want to learn about the Jack the Ripper murders, so a few times I put this down to do some quick research on wikipedia. And then I laughed when Jerome made a reference to the killings looking like the wikipedia version. Johnson did a fantastic job at smoothly mixing the facts from the past into a present-day paranormal situation.

The one thing I didn't quite get was the motivation of the killer. Why didn't he just go on living his 'life' and forget about the others or go after the ones who were actually responsible? He was a total hypocrite. I did like how complex his character was though. I loved the way the murders were played out and the way the community reacted to such a thing. Also, the references to the original murders and how the media was already playing such a huge role in society over a century ago. My favourite part though, was Rory's Louisiana past. It's one of my favourite states in the US.

Final Opinion: The Name of the Star is an interesting, exciting read that takes the unsolved murders of Jack the Ripper and places them in a modern world with a touch of paranormal. The characters are diverse and likeable and I'm looking forward to the sequel.

Rating: ★★★★ I really liked it

First Lines:

If you live around New Orleans and they think a hurricane might be coming, all hell breaks loose. Not among the residents, really, but on the news. The news wants us to worry desperately about hurricanes. In my town, Benouville, Louisiana (pronounced locally a Ben-ah-VEEL; population 1,700), hurricane preparations generally include buying more beer, and ice to keep that beer cold when power goes out.

Favourite Quote:

"Who do you think goes into the army? Young people. This entire nation was defended by young people. Young people on the battlefield. Young people in aeroplanes. Young people in the headquarters, breaking codes." (Jo, page 260)

Shades of London Series

I received a copy of The Name of the Star from Harper Collins for review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Top Ten Books I Had Strong Emotions Over

2011-11-01T22:01:00.000+10:00

1) The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons – I never realised how emotional I could get about a book until I read this. It's one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful love stories in existence. It's probably my favourite book of all time.

2) Delirium by Lauren Oliver – When I finished this, I couldn't talk. I couldn't even think. I had to go have a shower to wash away the depression I was enveloped in.

3) Divergent by Veronica Roth – I couldn't change a thing about Divergent to make it better. For me it was perfect and I get anyone who will listen to read it too.

4) Girlosophy: A Soul Survival Kit by Anthea Paul – This is a book that every girl should have when going through their teens. It teaches you how to look on the positive side when life becomes hard and how bad experiences will help you to become a stronger, smarter person.

5) The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien – This is the most epic of all stories that really set the bar for all other authors of the high fantasy genre. I loved every second of it and learnt a lot of new words while reading it too. If nothing else, it will teach you endurance. ;-)

6) Moon Called by Patricia Briggs – Moon Called was the start of my love affair with Urban Fantasy. It is my favourite genre today and this book is to be thanked for my introduction to it.

7) Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill – I've only recently just read this but I've never encountered a heroine that I've loved so much! Merit is so completely normal in the way that she thinks and I feel a real connection to her.

8) Tomorrow, When The War Began by John Marsden – I loved this series growing up. It was the first book that I truly loved. I remember bawling my eyes out when terrible things happened and grinning when the kids were just doing normal kid stuff. Being set in Australia, it was easy to relate to.

9) Twilight by Stephanie Meyer – Yeah I loved it. And yeah it got me back into reading. I'll forever be grateful to Stephanie for that.

10) Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte – This book taught me that you can't always like a book. And sometimes that reaches into hate. I couldn't stomach it. I gave up around page 30 because there was nothing I liked about it at all.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

Book Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Book 1) by Laini Taylor

2011-10-31T10:11:00.000+10:00

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Book 1
Published: September 27, 2011 by Little Brown
Excerpt | Buy It Now

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
****
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

My Thoughts: It's been a little while since I've finished this now, and yet it's still hot on my mind! This novel makes me realise that I could never be an author of this calibre because I would not have the ability to create something so imaginative. And almost every element of DoSaB was incredibly unique. I was addicted from the beginning with only the flashbacks losing my complete attention. But once I realised how vital they were, I loved them too. Karou lives a completely different life to those she knows and yet, she takes it all in her stride. No moaning, no attention-seeking. She's a very strong character who still has the same weaknesses as normal people. Guilt, uncertainty, loyalty, love. The "twist" was a little obvious so I don't think it was meant to be a huge surprise given all the hints we had.

Final Opinion: DoSaB was one of my most anticipated releases this year and in no way did it let me down. It's set in beautiful locations, has weird and amazing creatures and a mind-bending plot while focussing on a girl who is strong enough to know what needs to be done. I never finished Taylor's Lips Touch: Three times but I think this may make me give it another go. Bring on the sequel!

Rating: ★★★★★ It was amazing!

First Lines:

Walking to school over the snow- muffled cobbles, Karou had no sinister premonitions about the day. It seemed like just another Monday, innocent but for its essential Mondayness, not to mention its Januaryness.

Favourite Quote:

She stood across the street from it, daring herself to go up and knock. Suppose the door just opened, she thought. Suppose it creaked open and Issa was there with an exasperated smile on her face. "Brimstone is in a foul mood," she might say. "Are you sure you want to come in?"
As if it had all been some silly mistake. And wasn't it still possible? (Karou, Page 167-168)

This scene had me in tears with the helplessness that Karou is feeling. And yet, she still has that tiny bit of hope that we all seem to cling to when it feels life can't get any worse. There are really so many beautiful quotes in this book worth noting. For more, click here.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone Series

Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Untitled (September 2012)
Untitled

In My Mailbox (58)

2011-10-30T13:36:00.000+10:00

Dearly, Departed (Book 1) by Lia Habel | The Iron Knight (Book 4) by Julie Kagawa

Cinder (Book 1) by Marissa Meyer | Touch of Power (Book 1) by Maria V. Snyder

All winners this week. I'm so excited to finally have Dearly, Departed in my possession! Cinder looks fantastic and Touch of Power was a lovely surprise delivery. The Iron Knight is going to no doubt be amazing.

Feel free to leave a link to your IMM below and have a good weekend!

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren. Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

Book Review: Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy, Book 1) by Kiersten White

2011-10-29T19:11:00.000+10:00

★★★☆ I liked it
Title: Paranormalcy
Author: Kiersten White
Series: Paranormalcy, Book 1
Published: August 31, 2010 by Harper Teen
Excerpt | Buy It Now

Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie’s always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

My Thoughts: I had high expectations. So many rave reviews had me going in believing I would have a fantastic time. While it was a good time, I don't quite agree with everyone else there. I do, however, agree that this was a quick, simple read. I totally didn't realise the time flying by as it was still very engrossing. I was giggling on the first page and quite a few times after. As the story progressed, the laughs were a little harder to come by and by the last 50 pages, I'd forgotten it was so funny to begin with.

I loved how the creatures in this are your typical fairy tale sort. Ugly and mean and some, downright terrifying. Evie, the teenager this is based around, is a likeable character, though sometimes a little too stupid. I would of been asking a lot more questions if I was her. The star of the story for me though was Reth. Don't get me wrong, I do hate the bastard, but whenever he entered the picture, the story felt like it was heading in the right direction. It's all obviously tied around him. Evie is just too stubborn to stop and listen. The ending felt slightly lacklustre too. I wanted a big bang!

Final Opinion: Paranormalcy is a good story with a fantastic cover that will make alot of fans of paranormal YA books happy. For me though, I was hoping for something a little more involved and characters that I connected too. I'm hoping the next book will give me that.

First Lines:

"Wait— did you— You just yawned!" The vampire's arms, raised over his head in the classic Dracula pose, dropped to his sides. He pulled his exaggerated white fangs back behind his lips. "What, imminent death isn't exciting enough for you?"

Favourite Quote:

The gremlin made straight for me, a rabid gleam in its eyes. It leaped into the air and I kicked out hard, sending it sailing down the hall, right into the arms of the containment worker chasing it. "Goal!" I shouted. Dang, I was good. (Page 7)

Paranormalcy Series

Book Review: Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 4) by Chloe Neill

2011-10-26T18:07:00.000+10:00

★★★★★ It was amazing!
Title: Hard Bitten
Author: Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires, Book 4
Published: May 3, 2011 by NAL
Excerpt | Buy It Now

Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals-and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are...tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else.

Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in the heady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society-a world full of vampires who seem ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands...

My Thoughts: Wowza! This book had my emotions all over the place! The relationship between Ethan and Merit really blossoms and so many things are revealed. We learn why Ethan was near Merit when she was attacked as a human, why Celina really has it out for Merit and just how far Ethan is willing to go to prove he cares for Merit. Unfortunately, I came across a humungous spoiler after only reading book 2, so while I may not be as upset as others with the crazy, unbelievable ending, I did shed a tear or two. And that is how this novel ended up getting 5 stars. Get me emotional and you have a fan for life. I honestly can't believe that an author would have the balls to do what Neill did, but in a way, it's left me in denial. It was just too huge. I truly believe that this is just the start of more exciting events which will rectify what's happened. I really hope I'm right!

Final Opinion: It took me some time to stop thinking about Hard Bitten when it was over. It was one of those novels that steal you away from reality and you have to remind yourself that the characters aren't real. It was just that good. All books following it have some serious work to do to impress me. When it comes down to it, I don't want to read anything else until I get the next one and get some answers!

First Lines:

We worked beneath the shine of floodlights that punched holes in the darkness of Hyde Park—nearly one hundred vampires airing rugs, painting cabinet doors, and sanding trim.

Favourite Quote:

"How was the meeting with Tate?" she asked
"Drama, drama, drama. Luc will fill you in. Suffice it to say, Ethan could be in Cook County lockup next week."
"Sullivan may have a heart of coal, but I bet he looks really good in orange. And stripes. Rawr," she said, curling her fingers like a cat.
(Lindsey and Merit, Page 52)

Chicagoland Vampires Series

Some Girls Bite (REVIEW)
Friday Night Bites (REVIEW)
Twice Bitten (REVIEW)
Hard Bitten
Drink Deep (out Nov 1, 2011)
Biting Cold (out Aug 7, 2012)
Untitled (FAQ state there are 7 currently planned)

In My Mailbox (57)

2011-10-23T16:10:00.000+10:00

Pretty quiet week. Just got books that I've already read but needed my own copy as I loved them. :-)

Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 3) by Chloe Neill (REVIEW)
Blood Rights (House of Comarré, Book 1) by Kristen Painter (REVIEW)
Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 4) by Chloe Neill (Review Tuesday)

Hope you all had a great week and feel free to post your link to your IMM.

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren. Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

Book Review: Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 3) by Chloe Neill

2011-10-21T08:18:00.000+10:00

★★★★★ It was amazing!
Title: Twice Bitten
Author: Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires, Book 3
Published: July 6, 2010 by NAL
Excerpt | Buy It Now

Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit, Chicago's newest vampire. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene-and to spy for the vamps while she's at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan's offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission.

Unfortunately, someone is gunning for Gabriel, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She'll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals-not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries-old master vampire.

My Thoughts: There are two things I love most about this series. The first is Merit. She's the best heroine in Urban Fantasy that has ever been created. While I love the other characters, anything could happen to them and I wouldn't be too upset so long as Merit was ok. She grows so much during every book while still keeping her humanity. The other thing I love is that this series could go on forever without becoming boring. The world building has been done in such a way, that there will always be one problem or another for the vampires integrating themselves into the human world. Merit and the other vampires are immortal, a future has been hinted at with the shapeshifters and Merit, and then there is all the other supernatural creatures who are unknown to humans. An infinitesimal amount of books could be made on these things alone.

As for Twice Bitten, it ran me through the gamut of emotions. Reading this in public was probably not the smartest idea considering I was snickering and grinning my face off. The worse time came when a character made me so pi**ed off, I could barely talk to anyone from fear of snapping at them. To say I'm invested is an understatement.

Final Opinion: There isn't one moment when Twice Bitten get boring. It's just go, go, go! I can honestly say that this is one of my most favourite series, if not my absolute favourite.

First Lines:

It was the beginning of Route 66, the spot where “America’s Main Street” began to traverse the United States. Buckingham Fountain, the heart of Grant Park, was named for the brother of the woman who donated the fountain to the city of Chicago.

Favourite Quote:

Catcher snorted. "If we're not playing naked Twister, we're wasting our waking hours."
"Yep," Mallory said as she tugged him down the sidewalk, "that's the love of my life. He's a romantic at heart."

Chicagoland Vampires Series

Some Girls Bite (REVIEW)
Friday Night Bites (REVIEW)
Twice Bitten
Hard Bitten
Drink Deep (out Nov 1, 2011)
Biting Cold (out Aug 7, 2012)
Untitled (FAQ state there are 7 currently planned)

Waiting on Wednesday (40)

2011-10-19T19:10:00.001+10:00

Drink Deep by Chloe Neill
Chicagoland Vampires, Book 1
Published: November 1, 2011 by NAL

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.

That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike.

I've only recently had the pleasure of reading the genius that is the Chicagoland Vampires. November cannot come quick enough.

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill on Breaking The Spine.

Book Review: Friday Night Bites (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 2) by Chloe Neill

2011-10-18T19:12:00.000+10:00

★★★★☆ I loved it!
Title: Friday Night Bites
Author: Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires, Book 2
Published: October 6, 2009 by NAL
Excerpt | Buy It Now

You’d think headlines like that would have provoked the fine citizens of the Windy City to take up arms against us bloodsucking fiends. Instead, ten months later, we’re enjoying a celebrity status reserved for the Hollywood elite—fending off paparazzi only slightly less dangerous than cross and stake-wielding slayers. Don’t get me wrong, Joe Public isn’t exactly thrilled to be living side-by-side with the undead, but at least they haven’t stormed the castle yet.

But all that will change once they learn about the Raves—mass feeding parties where vampires round up humans like cattle and drink themselves silly. Most civilized vampires frown on this behavior, putting mere mortals at ease with their policy of asking a person’s consent before taking a big gulp of the red stuff. However, that doesn’t make good copy for a first-time reporter looking to impress his high society family.

So now my “master,” the centuries old, yet gorgeously well-preserved Ethan Sullivan, wants me to reconnect with my own upper class family and act as liaison between humans and vampires—and keep the more unsavory aspects of our existence out of the media. But someone doesn’t want people and vamps to play nicey-nice—someone with an ancient grudge.

My Thoughts: I'm growing to love Merit more and more. She's just so normal. Ethan started to get on my nerves. I understand the appeal of him but man, the guy can be a douche! He's incredibly manipulating sometimes and well, every time he hurts Merit, it feels like he's hurting me. Still, for all his annoying traits, he has a lot of good ones so I'll never hate him. There's always a reason and as he's always trying to do best by Cadogan, his heart is in the right place. It just sucks that Merit ends up as collateral damage. Friday Night Bites felt kind of like a filler book. Only there to flesh out the story in preparation for the big events.

Final Opinion: This is probably my least favourite of the series (I've read the first 4) as it didn't feel as satisfying which I think was mostly Ethan's fault. While I enjoyed seeing the world Merit grew up in, it made it feel more like Gossip Girl than True Blood and so it didn't quite hit the genius of Some Girls Bite. Most of the things I loved from the first book are still present though. There's still plenty of excitement, deceit and humour so lots to love still. As it is, this series stole me away from reality and I'm not complaining!

First Lines:

"Higher Merit. Bring up that kick. Mmm-hmm. Better."
I kicked again, this time higher, trying to remember to point my toes, squeeze my core, and flutter my fingers in the "jazz hands" out instructor ceaselessly demanded.

Favourite Quote:

"It wasn't a date."
"Whatevs. You're hot for teacher."
"We were in the library."
"Oh, nookie in the stacks. Figures your the type to have that fantasy, grad school and all."
(Page 154, Merit & Lindsey)

Chicagoland Vampires Series

Some Girls Bite (REVIEW)
Friday Night Bites
Twice Bitten
Hard Bitten
Drink Deep (out Nov 1, 2011)
Biting Cold (out Aug 7, 2012)
Untitled (FAQ state there are 7 currently planned)

In My Mailbox (56) A Catch Up Edition

2011-10-16T09:20:00.000+10:00

Another catch up edition, this one ranging over the past month. Blogging has been sporadic lately due to my starting a new job. Things are settling down now, so back to it!

After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel
Bleeding Hearts (Drake Chronicles, Book 4) by Alyxandra Harvey
Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Book 1) by Laini Taylor (one of the best releases this year!)
If I Die (Soul Screamers, Book 5) by Rachel Vincent
Succubus Revealed (Georgina Kincaid, Book 6) by Richelle Mead
The Faerie Ring (The Faerie Ring, Book 1) by Kiki Hamilton
Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, Book 3) by Ilona Andrews
Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels, Book 4) by Ilona Andrews
Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, Book 5) by Ilona Andrews (loved this series!)
Darkness Unbound (Dark Angels, Book 1) by Keri Arthur
Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter, Book 4) by Nalini Singh
Silence (Hush, Hush, Book 3) by Becca Fitzpatrick
Angel Arias (Night Creatures, Book 2) by Marianna de Pierres
Secrets and Shadows (13 to Life, Book 2) by Shannon Delany
Name of the Star (Shades of London, Book 1) by Maureen Johnson

Most Excited For: Daughter of Smoke & Bone - I starting reading it the night I got it
Favourite Cover: Angel Arias - These covers are seriously unique and beautiful to look at
Impulse Buy: Secrets and Shadows - It was only $4!
Reading Next: Probably Bleeding Hearts - These books are nice quick reads when I'm busy

Hope you all had a great week!