Torn Review

Torn is of course the sequel to Switched by best selling author Amanda Hocking.  If you're interested, you can read my review of Switched here.  To read my review of Torn, please click here which will take you to Wastepaperprose, where I also post reviews.

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine , that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on...hence the title. This week's pick is Defiance by C.J. Redwine.  Here's the synopsis:
  
"Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making."

I do love a good book with a strong female heroine and this one sounds very good and it's a fantasy to boot!  I've heard a lot about this book for some months now and I'm definitely looking forward to reading it.  Funnily, I've only just realised that Logan's surname is McEntire which may or may not be a nod to YA author and C.J.'s friend Myra McEntire. Just saying. 

Defiance is published in the US on 28th August and the UK on 6th September.  

Pure Review

Pure is of course the eagerly anticipated sequel to Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout and let me tell you something...if you haven't started this series yet or indeed read ANY of Jennifer's books...then...GET THEE TO A BOOK STORE/ONLINE BOOK STORE IMMEDIATELY.  If you're interested, you can read my review of Half Blood here.  To read my review of Pure, please click here which will take you to Wastepaperprose, where I also post reviews. 

Letterbox Love (#4)

Apologies for the lateness of this post but I've been working all weekend and I had to go to the sorting office and pick up several parcels today anyway (from last week) which contributes to the haul.

As always, Letterbox Love is a weekly feature that I'm hosting on the blog and basically, the idea came out of a discussion with other UK book bloggers about the need to do a weekly meme with more of a British feel to it.  Therefore, Letterbox Love was born and the logo was lovingly designed by Dark Readers.  Letterbox Love is a way for us to share the books that come through our letterbox, galleys and e books (through our electronic letterbox - see what I did there?!) and any other bookish goodies that we want to tell you about.  Letterbox Love is intended to showcase upcoming books and build up some excitement for them as well as let you know what is available out there.  It is not about competing with other bloggers or boasting of any kind (c'mon, we're British and we don't do drama!)

So, without further a do, here's what I got this week...

 Review Books

Soul Fire by Kate Harrison

This is the sequel to Soul Beach, a book that I want to read but haven't managed to yet! Sounds like a good Summer read (because it has a beach in it).

The Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

I've heard of this book from US bloggers and am glad that it's being published in the UK! This is a two book series inspired by the Edgar Alan Poe story of the same name.

The Book of Lies by Mary Horlock

I've not heard of this one before but it's set in Guernsey.  I'll probably look around for reviews before deciding whether or not to jump in and give it a go.

The Anti-Prom by Abby McDonald

I'm pretty sure this originated in the US but I'm glad to see it being published in the UK.  Sounds like a fun read.

Wake by Amanda Hocking

I'm almost finished with the Trylle series and have really enjoyed it so I'm keen to try out more of Amanda's work.

Fated by Alyson Noel

I have to be honest and say that I'm very behind with Alyson's other series as somewhere along the line, I lost interest but I'm VERY excited about this book as it features Native Indians.  Hoorah!

Review Books

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

 This sounds like a historical but inside the front cover is a map with lands I have never heard of therefore it must be a fantasy.  It reminds me a little of The Man in the Iron Mask (starring Leonardo DiCaprio) but the boys in question are not related, at least not from the outset.

Serpent's Kiss by Melissa De La Cruz

 I've never read any books by Melissa although I'm sure I have one on the shelves. This is the second book in the series and I believe it's about witches.  

Metawars by Jeff Norton

This book came as a complete surprise as I've not heard of it before now but it looks super interesting!  I think it's about uploading yourself into a virtual world and I definitely want to read this. 

Thank you publishers!!!

Books Bought

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

This cover is beautiful and I'm interested in the story as it's about mermaids.  I will admit to being slightly scared though since reading The Vicious Deep which I was a bit disappointed with and the fact that Of Poseidon has mixed reviews.  I'm definitely going to give it a go though.

Gilt by Katherine Longshore

I'm quite excited by this one as it's a historical set in the time of Henry VIII.

E-Books

Caribbean Cruising by Rachel Hawthorne (Bought)

I can't remember where I saw this now but I know it was on another blog.  I love the idea that it's a YA story set on a cruise ship.  I'm obsessed with cruising at the moment as I'm dying to go on one for my next holiday!  I thought it would be a perfect Summer read.

The Next Always (The Inn at Boonsboro Trilogy Volume 1) by Nora Roberts (Bought)

I'm a huge fan of Nora Roberts and while I don't review her books, I most certainly do read and enjoy them.  I've heard good things about this new series and so I thought I'd give it a go.

Apologies again for the delay but I do hope you'll leave me a comment with a link so I can check out your Letterbox Love posts.  Hope you all had a good week! :)

Waiting on Wednesday

 

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine , that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on...hence the title. This week's pick is The Program by Suzanne Young. Here's the synopsis:

"SLOANE KNOWS BETTER THAN TO CRY IN FRONT OF ANYONE.

With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in.

AND THE PROGRAM IS COMING FOR THEM."

I love the dystopian feel to this book but also the fact that it deals with a subject matter that is relevant NOW.  It sounds like society doesn't know how to deal with the suicide epidemic so they've come up with this "brain rinsing" procedure as a cure-all but the sacrifice sounds a little too great to me - yeah your kid doesn't have depression anymore but hey, they're not exactly your kid anymore either.  I think it sounds super interesting either way and I'm definitely intrigued to read it.  I'll admit that whilst I have Suzanne's other books, I haven't started reading them yet although I've only heard good things.  This is definitely going on my wish list.   

The Program is published in April, 2013 with no news as of yet of a UK release.  Here's hoping! 

Pretty Bad Things Review

I would love you forever if you go over to Wastepaperprose and read my review of Pretty Bad Things by C.J. Skuse.  Thank you :)

Fifty Shades Darker Review

“Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.”

Warning, this is a very adult book and one that is aimed at over 18’s. 
This review does contain adult material.

I. Cannot. Put. These. Books. Down.  For real.   Hands up who immediately downloaded this book THE MINUTE you finished Fifty Shades of Grey? Um, yeah.   That was me too.  I have to say that Fifty Shades Darker is my favourite of the trilogy so far as it is the most romantic (think Twilight New Moon but without the Volturi and impending suicide).  You may recall that at the end of book one, Ana broke things off with Christian as she didn’t think she could partake in THAT kind of relationship although it’s broken her heart to let him go.  She’s fallen for him and she wants and needs more but is Christian Grey capable of more? That is the question.   For me, the romance started when they thought they had lost each other.  Cue shitloads of angst, Ana stops eating (no change there then) and Christian is too far gone to let Ana walk away from him, at least not for the reasons she has given (leaving him unfulfilled etc) and so guess what?!   He’s going to try and compromise and WOAH that is a big step for him and something he has never considered before.  I never said it was going to be easy though as Christian has a battle on his hands and has to face his inner demons in order for him move forward. 

Fifty Shades Darker enables us to learn more about Christian’s fucked up past and basically how this has shaped the man he is today.  Mrs Robinson is still looming in the background (someone that Ana quite rightly does not take kindly to) and this is definitely a cause of tension between her and Christian. 

I’m pleased to see the character development in this book and I love how Ana stands her ground and isn’t going to be pushed into doing something she doesn’t want to do.  She’s a strong young woman and kudos to her for that.  Christian is sexy, there’s no doubt about it but it’s not just his power and success that make him attractive.  I actually think it’s his vulnerability that does it for me.  Admit it girls, we just want to fix him and be the one to make it all better for him.  Ana definitely helps him and Cyndi Tefft (a fellow author) commented that she loved the way Christian’s fear of being touched is used to portray the growth of trust in their relationship and I have to agree! 

I’m pleased to see the return of the flirty e mail exchanges and how Ana continues to challenge Christian on multiple levels.  Let’s face it, he NEEDS that and it’s the one thing that’s really got his attention.  Plus it’s sexy as hell ;)

Overall, this was a great sequel and just as highly entertaining as the first book.  Yes, one touch from Christian has Ana experiencing multiple orgasms and yes Christian has to be one of the most perfectly flawed yet sexy men EVER and Ana never eats despite having all this amazing sex (WTF Ana?!) but you know what? It’s FANTASY and I’m definitely OK with that.  Fifty Shades Darker brought Christian and Ana closer than I thought possible and I can’t wait to see them take the next step in Fifty Shades Freed.

Fifty Shades Darker was published in April, 2012.  To find out more about E.L. James and her books, please click here to visit her website.

Letterbox Love (#3)

Letterbox Love is a new weekly feature that I'm hosting on the blog and basically, the idea came out of a discussion with other UK book bloggers about the need to do a weekly meme with more of a British feel to it.  Therefore, Letterbox Love was born and the logo was lovingly designed by Dark Readers.  Letterbox Love is a way for us to share the books that come through our letterbox, galleys and e books (through our electronic letterbox - see what I did there?!) and any other bookish goodies that we want to tell you about.  Letterbox Love is intended to showcase upcoming books and build up some excitement for them as well as let you know what is available out there.  It is not about competing with other bloggers or boasting of any kind (c'mon, we're British and we don't do drama!)

So, without further a do, here's what I got this week...

Review Books

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

This is a review book and finished UK copy which came the same week as my finished hardback that I'd pre ordered MONTHS ago (see below)

The Girl Who Could Silence The Wind by Meg Medina

I've seen US bloggers talk about this book and the US copy has a beautiful cover (as does the UK cover).  I had no idea that Walker were publishing this so it comes as a nice surprise!

Shift by Kim Curran

One of the debut books from Angry Robot publishers and as a time travel fan, I'm really curious about this one (OK, it's not technically time travel but still!)

Fire City by Bali Rai

This book looks interesting as I love a good dystopian.

Dissing You Already: Young, Loaded & Fabulous by Kate Kingsley

This one was a surprise as I've not heard anything about it. 

Emma Hearts LA by Keris Stainton

Whilst I have all of Keris' books, I have to admit that I've not read them yet but I love Keris online so I'm definitely going to read this :) 

Review Books

Blackwood by Gwenda Bond

One of the first books from Angry Robot and I'm excited to sample what they have to offer!

The Selection by Kiera Cass 

This is a review copy.  You will note that I already have a hardback of The Selection which was pre ordered some months ago.  The UK release date is always behind.  In this case, I will pass the book on to my sister.

The Third Day, The Frost (Book Three of The Tomorrow Series)

This is another series I have not read and so this is one for the library unless another book blogger desperately wants it and has of course read the rest of the series. 

The Circle by Sara. B. Elfgren and Mats Strandberg

This is a curious little book that originates from Sweden if I'm not mistaken.  I'm definitely intrigued but I'm frightened that it sounds too much like The Secret Circle.  I'll let you know!

The Spook's Blood (Book Ten) by Joseph Delaney

I have never read any of this series and so this is one for the library unless another book blogger desperately wants it and has of course read the rest of the series.

Review Books

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

I absolutely LOVE when publishers send you something special, and I'm not just talking about the book.  It was a nice surprise to receive a couple of postcards and a small bottle of Port labelled "Poison".  If you don't hear anymore from me, then I'll guess we know what was REALLY in the bottle ;)  Also, just so you know - Books + Alcohol = WIN!

Thank you so much to all the publishers!

Books Bought

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

As mentioned above, this is my US hardback to go with the rest of the collection.  I'm holding off reading it at the moment as I want to re-read City of Fallen Angels which I forgot to review at the time (doh!)

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

I actually have the UK copy of this entitled Deadly Hemlock and had forgotten that I'd pre ordered the US hardback months ago.

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

I can't believe I still haven't read this yet.  I just wanted the hardback so I hope it's good!

E-Books
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (Bought)
I've already got a finished hardback of this but I saw that the kindle version was only 99p so I snapped it up!


Fever by Dee Shulman (Bought)
I saw this book mentioned on my friend Sarah's blog Feeling Fictional and as a huge time travel fan, I knew I had to give it a go!

Immersed in Pleasure by Tiffany Reisz (Bought)
I got this recommendation from Pam over at Bookalicious who said it was better written than Fifty Shades of Grey so I thought I would investigate ;)

Breathkept by Saundra Mitchell (Bought)
I heard twitter mutterings about this and whilst I still haven't read her books (although I have them) this was cheap so I bought it. 


Writing for Love by Chrissie Manby (Bought) 
Another recommendation from Twitter, this is a how to book but I'll take any advice I can get!

Hollowland (The Hollows #1) by Amanda Hocking (Free)
I downloaded this as I know at some point Amazon will take it down and start charging for it.  I like Amanda Hocking's books so far so I thought I'd give this one a go.


Sorry this post is a bit late in the day but I'm getting over Gastroenteritis and as such, I've had a busy day catching up with all things life like laundry, food shopping, washing dishes, you know....the exciting stuff.  I do hope you'll leave me a comment with a link so I can check out your Letterbox Love posts.  Hope you all had a good week! :)

Fifty Shades of Grey Review

“When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embark on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds? Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever”

I am going to start this review with a warning. 
This is a very adult book and one that is aimed at over 18’s.  
This review does contain adult material and you have been warned.

So, I’m guessing that you’ve heard of a little book called Fifty Shades of Grey that’s rocketed its way to the top of both the US and UK fiction charts?  Nowadays of course, it’s infamous and there are even talks of a movie deal with Ian Somerhalder expressing interest (OH DEAR GOD, YES PLEASE) although really, this is not a movie that I’d want to watch in public ;)  By now, I’m sure you know that Fifty Shades is based on Twilight fan fiction and was written by a British TV Executive.  It was originally posted online as “Master of the Universe” and thank God they changed the title!

I first heard about the book back in March when there were some mutterings on Twitter from across the pond.  Oh and it just happens to feature BDSM which may as well have been the 'British Driver's School of Motoring' for all I knew.  You will be pleased to know that after reading the book, I am now quite well educated in BDSM (or at least what it is) and I even know what it stands for!  I’d read another review of Fifty Shades that basically tore it to shreds and so I initially decided against reading it but truth be told, one night I got drunk and was messing around with my kindle (Note: that is NOT a euphemism).  I was checking out the book and the device stalled so I pressed the button again and before I knew it, it said I purchased Fifty Shades.  I took it as fate that I was supposed to read the book ;)

I had no idea what I’d let myself in for and there wasn’t even any naughtiness for the first 80 pages or so.  Could it be that there was an actual STORY there?  Well dear reader, yes there is.  Besides all the hype about the erotica, there is a story, there is romance and there is character development.  There’s even a little humour thrown in for good measure with the flirty e mail exchanges (very Brigid Jones like) and I really didn’t mind the inclusion of Ana’s Inner Goddess who acts out every now and then.  I’m not going to say the book was perfect – there were some overused words and I got a bit sick of seeing “oh my” all the time (which incidentally reminded me of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz) but I didn’t let that interfere with my enjoyment of the story.

At first, I was embarrassed to tell people that I’d read the book as it was my own little guilty pleasure but now everyone’s reading it so what does it matter?  I’m not ashamed to say that I really liked it and as with Twilight, I quickly devoured all three books in a matter of days.   What I will say though is that if you’re going to read it in public, use an e reader although I tried and failed at that as I was convinced people were looking over my shoulder and questioning my choice of reading material!

I’ve heard Fifty Shades described as “mommy porn” which personally I find somewhat offensive as I am not a mother, nor do I think it is porn.  It’s also been parodied by Saturday Night Live and Ellen, and ripped to shreds by some bloggers and reviewers and yet I find the desperate need to defend this book, just like I did with Twilight.  Basically, if you didn’t like Twilight, what makes you think that you’re going to like something based on Twilight fan fiction?! I heard one blogger call the book tame and quite frankly, I’m not going to question what goes on in her bedroom but I think it’s a very sexy read.  I loved the book and despite his damaged past and his love of “kinkyfuckery”, I am in love with Christian Grey and I defy you all not to fall in love with him too.

Fifty Shades of Grey was published in April 2012.  To find out more about E.L. James, please click here to visit her website.

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine , that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on...hence the title. This week's pick is Seeking Crystal by Joss Stirling. Here's the synopsis:

"Sparks will fly . . . Passion will ignite . . .

Crystal Brook has always been the dud Savant in her family; paranormal powers just aren't her thing. Dropping out of school with a clutch of 'E' grades and no future, she lives in the shadow of her high-flying sister Diamond. On a trip to Denver, a chance encounter with the dashing Benedict brothers leaves Diamond head over heels in love and engaged to be married. Crystal, on the other hand, is unimpressed by their charms . . . in fact no boy can annoy her as much as Xav Benedict! Back in Venice, their families assemble for Diamond's wedding and a powerful enemy seizes the opportunity to attack. Crystal and Xav must join forces to save their loved-ones, unlocking a secret that, until now, has lain deeply buried ..."

I LOVE this series.  Seeking Crystal is the third instalment (following Finding Sky and Stealing Phoenix, both of which I have read and reviewed on the blog).  Now it's Xavier's turn to meet his soulmate in the form of Crystal Brook.  I don't care that I know the destination, it's the journey that makes it exciting and I can't wait to read all about Xavier and Crystal's journey towards each other.  If this series were in hardback, that would make my day but I'll settle for the pretty paperbacks for now.  


Seeking Crystal is published on 16th October, 2012. To find out more about Joss Stirling and her books, please click here to visit her website. 

 

Narratively Speaking in TOP TEN UK Teenage Literature Blogs

Just in case you hadn't heard, Narratively Speaking was recently selected by Cision (a global media intelligence provider) to be included in this week's Cision's Top 10 UK Teenage Literature Blogs AND Cision's Top 10 UK Children's Teenage blogs on Twitter.  If you want to check out the official links, they are here and here.

This news makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and I want to say a big THANK YOU to all my followers for reading my reviews/articles and for all your comments (which I LOVE).

Letterbox Love (#2)

Letterbox Love is a new weekly feature that I'm hosting on the blog and basically, the idea came out of a discussion with other UK book bloggers about the need to do a weekly meme with more of a British feel to it.  Therefore, Letterbox Love was born and the logo was lovingly designed by Dark Readers.  Letterbox Love is a way for us to share the books that come through our letterbox, galleys and e books (through our electronic letterbox - see what I did there?!) and any other bookish goodies that we want to tell you about.  Letterbox Love is intended to showcase upcoming books and build up some excitement for them as well as let you know what is available out there.  It is not about competing with other bloggers or boasting of any kind (c'mon, we're British and we don't do drama!)

So, without further a do, here's what I got this week...

Review Books

Shine by Jeri Smith Ready (Simon & Schuster)

Changeling by Philippa Gregory (Simon & Schuster)

Thank you publishers!!!

Books Bought

Last Rite by Lisa Desrochers (Paperback)

E-Books
Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnick (Bought)
Immortal Awakening by K.C. Randall (Bought)
A Thief of Nightshade by J.S. Chancellor (Free)


I also have a red card from the Royal Mail telling me that there are two books waiting for me at the post office so I'm going to include those in next week's post. I have no idea whether they are review books or otherwise.

It is my plan to get Mr Linky working on here so you can all link your Letterbox Love posts but in the meantime, I would love you to leave a comment with the link to your post and I will check them out :) Thanks everyone :) 

The Hunt Blog Tour

I'm ecstatic to be part of The Hunt UK blog tour because I finished reading this book a week ago and loved it!  If you missed my review (posted yesterday) click here to read it. Today, I'm going to be giving you Gene's Top Ten Survival Tips for Hepers but before I do, here's a bit more information about the book:

"Don’t Sweat.  Don’t Laugh.  Don’t draw attention to yourself.  And most of all, whatever you do, do not fall in love with one of them.

Gene is different from everyone else around him.  He can’t run with lightning speed, sunlight doesn’t hurt him and he doesn’t have an unquenchable lust for blood.  Gene is a human, and he knows the rules.  Keep the truth a secret.  It’s the only way to stay alive in a world of night—a world where humans are considered a delicacy and hunted for their blood.

When he’s chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity to hunt the last remaining humans, Gene’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble around him.  He’s thrust into the path of a girl who makes him feel things he never thought possible—and into a ruthless pack of hunters whose suspicions about his true nature are growing. Now that Gene has finally found something worth fighting for, his need to survive is stronger than ever—but is it worth the cost of his humanity? "

Sounds awesome right?  Let me tell you that is CHOCKABLOCK full of tension and will have you rooting for Gene like you wouldn't believe.  Gene is human or a Heper as they are known in the world of The Hunt.  Basically, we've been reduced to a delicacy and the hunters will stop at nothing to get their hands on us. Some of us are living among the enemy, people like Gene who has had to learn the rules in order to survive.  Break one just one time and it's game over.  So without further a do, I'm very pleased to present Gene's Top Ten Survival Tips for Hepers:

Top Ten Survival Tips for Hepers

1. Stay out of the sun. 

If you must venture out during the daytime, go in the dawn hours when sunlight is the weakest. Never wear a watch outdoors in the sun – it can leave a tell-tale tan line on your wrist.

2. Don’t smile, don’t laugh, don’t grin. 

Avoid watching comedy movies, reading comics, listening to jokes. From an early age, learn to scratch your wrist whenever you find something humorous. Do this repeatedly; burn it into your long-term muscle memory so that you eventually do it without conscious effort.

3. Don’t sweat. 

Sweat is a dead giveaway. Because people don’t sweat, not a drop. They remain cool, dry, clean. Only hepers sweat. So don’t do cross-country, football, don’t even play competitive chess. But swimming is fine, because the water hides sweat.

4. Don’t show any emotion. 

Don’t emote surprise, confusion, sadness, despondency. Be careful of frown lines; you might be get away with the occasional frown across your brow, but too many will arouse suspicion. Whatever you do, do not cry. No matter how bad it gets.

5. Don’t forget to shave. 

Every inch of your body - except your head and eyebrows – must be shaved. There cannot be a hint of hair on your arms, chest, legs, even toes. Shave right before you go out at dusk so as to get the closest shave, the smoothest skin. Before you leave the house, scrutinize your body for any shaving nicks. Shaving nicks will kill you.

6. Don’t fall asleep outside.

People can’t fall asleep unless upside down. It’s a physiological impossibility. Falling asleep in class at your desk would be a dead give-away. Never go to sleepovers. Never watch boring movies, or attend long lectures.

7. Don’t wave farewell. 

Never swing your hand side to side with fingers extended upwards. It might feel like a reflex, but you must kill that impulse. It is unnatural. 

8. Never fall in love. 

Whatever you do, do not fall in love with one of them. Because it will weaken your defences, cause you to smile or laugh, to sweat, to show emotion. And most of all, nothing can ever come of it. But your death. You fall in love, you die.

9. Never forget who you are.

10. Burn this list. 

Burn it now. 

Thank you Gene!  The next stop on the tour (tomorrow) is Wondrous Reads so be sure to check it out.  

The Hunt is published on 8th May, 2012 in the US and 10th May, 2012 in the UK.  To find out more about Andrew Fukuda and The Hunt, please click here to visit his website.   Andrew is also active on Facebook and Twitter.

The Hunt Review

“Don’t Sweat.  Don’t Laugh.  Don’t draw attention to yourself.  And most of all, whatever you do, do not fall in love with one of them.

Gene is different from everyone else around him.  He can’t run with lightning speed, sunlight doesn’t hurt him and he doesn’t have an unquenchable lust for blood.  Gene is a human, and he knows the rules.  Keep the truth a secret.  It’s the only way to stay alive in a world of night—a world where humans are considered a delicacy and hunted for their blood.

When he’s chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity to hunt the last remaining humans, Gene’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble around him.  He’s thrust into the path of a girl who makes him feel things he never thought possible—and into a ruthless pack of hunters whose suspicions about his true nature are growing. Now that Gene has finally found something worth fighting for, his need to survive is stronger than ever—but is it worth the cost of his humanity?”

I have to say that I loved the sound of The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda when I first heard about it but it took me several pages to get into it.  Thankfully, once I had settled into Andrew’s writing style, the characters and the world building, I really enjoyed it.  Enough to still be thinking about it days after reading and enough to buy a finished copy for my collection which I think proves to you how much I liked it.

Often in books, we read about vampires hiding among humans so I love the idea that Andrew flips this on its head and it is now the humans that are hiding amongst vampires.  Interestingly enough the’ V’ word is never once mentioned in the book but it’s obvious from the description of fangs, sleeping upside down and blood lust for humans or ‘Hepers’ as they are referred to that, that’s what we’re dealing with.  Personally, I think that perhaps Andrew did not want the reader to bring their preconceived ideas about vampires to the table as he has he tried to put his own individual stamp on the supernatural creatures with quirky behavioural traits like scratching wrists when something is funny for example.  

One of the good things about the vampires in The Hunt is that they are not hot, romantic or sexy in ANY SHAPE OR FORM.  They are monsters with a blood lust unrivalled by any other vampire I’ve read about, mostly because we’re led to believe that Hepers are in short supply and have been hunted almost to the point of extinction.  I should say at this point that for those of you who are thinking that this book is too scary for you, I don’t read scary books and I loved this one so give it a chance!

With regards to the characters, I’ll be honest and say that I wanted more romance but I understand why this couldn’t happen.  Gene is stilted emotionally from trying to blend in with the bad guys so it was very hard for him to express himself, especially without getting caught and one little slip equals game over.   The things Gene has to do to blend in makes you question whether he really has a life at all but his strong survival instinct wins out.  At least for now.

As you can imagine, The Hunt is one big ball of tension that doesn’t stop building all the way through the book.  I got to the point where I couldn’t put the book down and the ending will have you blowing out a huge breath from your pursed lips.  Andrew set up the next book VERY WELL and I can’t wait to see what happens next.  Seriously.

The Hunt was an excellent dystopian novel and a fantastic read that I Cannot. Stop. Thinking. About.   I dare you to immerse yourself in the world of The Hunt where no-one is safe and there's everything to play for.

The Hunt is published on 10th May, 2012 in the UK and 8th May, 2012 in the US. To find out more about Andrew Fukuda and his books, please click here to visit his website.   I am happy to report that I am taking part in The Hunt UK Blog Tour and so I would love it if you came back tomorrow to check out Gene’s Top Ten Tips for Survival.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC.

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine , that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on...hence the title. This week's pick is Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes.  Here's the synopsis:

"In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power--brutally transforming their subjects' lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished--and finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past--and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword...

The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?"

WOW, this sounds to me a bit like Game of Thrones YA style and I am all for that!  Throw in some romance and some magic and this shoots to the top of my wish list!  Falling Kingdoms is written by Morgan Rhodes, which is a pseudonym for Michelle Rowan, a prolific writer who has published many books.  I don't know of any UK release but I wouldn't be surprised to see it comes to these shores in the near future.  Falling Kingdoms is published on 11th December, 2012.  To find out more about the book and read the first 30 pages, please click here to visit the website.

Storm (Elementals #1) Review

“Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming . . .”

So, I only heard about this awesome little book called Storm by Brigid Kemmerer yesterday from my very good friend and fellow book blogger Book Angel Emma and when I found out that it was about four brothers who could wield the elements, I knew it was the book for me!  Thankfully the kindle version is available now and I read it in one sitting.

Basically, Becca is a seemingly normal girl at the centre of the school rumour mill and tries to ignore it but the sneers and comments wound her most of the time.  One dark night, she stumbles upon an altercation in a car park, that is to say that Chris (some guy she barely knows from school) is getting the shit kicked out of him and she feels compelled to help (Yes, I know...it’s the GIRL that comes to the rescue!!).  I’m not sure she really thought about the danger she was putting herself in but kudos to her for being a BAMF.  Unfortunately, she then gets caught up in the trouble that seems to follow the Merrick brothers around and ultimately finds out about their tantalising secret.  She has a connection to Chris but "it’s complicated” made further complicated by the arrival of Hunter aka “the new kid” who shows up out of nowhere but is there more to him than meets the eye?  It’s not a straightforward love triangle but like everything else in this book, it’s real and believable – I mean, Becca and Chris didn’t define their relationship and they don’t even know what’s going on between them half the time.  I have to say that whilst Hunter was cute, I was rooting for Chris the whole way (I’m a sucker for the underdog).

I loved finding out about the Merrick brothers and how each of them was so different to one another.  Michael as the oldest was the disciplinarian and father figure, then there’s the twins Gabriel (the fiery one with all the best one liners) and Nick (the peacekeeper) and last but not least, Chris who is the baby brother.  I’m going to take a stab in the dark here and guess that Brigid grew up with a bolshy band of brothers because the banter was so realistic and Gabriel made me LOL at times.  The good thing about the brothers is that they may be HAWT (OK, well they are to me) but they're also flawed and very real.  Naturally, I now want to see them all paired off and it’s possible that we’ve seen hints between Nick and Becca’s best friend Quinn although that could easily have been harmless banter but only time will tell.    I understand that Spark (the sequel) will focus on Gabriel so THAT should be interesting ;)

The good thing about Storm is that although it features four hot brothers who can control the elements, it actually has a good storyline too.  I *LOVED* the explanation given as to how the elementals came to be and it actually all sounds quite believable.  Of course, with any decent story there has to be conflict and that comes in the form of guides who basically take down anyone making trouble.  The Merrick brothers have got to try and be on their best behaviour but with Gabriel around, that aint ever going to happen ;)

I really enjoyed this book and I love any story with romance and brothers *swoon*, so much so that I’d really like to get the paperback for my book collection.  I’m really looking forward to the sequel (I can’t WAIT to read about Gabriel) and of course reading the prequel and novellas that follow.  Storm was an excellent debut novel, fast paced and full of tension and proves to be an exciting start to a new series that should be on everyone’s list.

Storm is part of a planned trilogy and was published digitally on 24th April, 2012 in both the US and the UK.  The paperback is available now in the US and from June, 2012 in the UK (just in time for my birthday, hoorah!)  Spark (the sequel) is published in August/September, 2012.   Just to let you know that there is a prequel available digitally NOW entitled Elemental but this is included in the digital version of Storm as is the first chapter of Spark.  There will be another novella in August, entitled Fearless, all about Hunter.

To find out more about Brigid and her books, please click here to visit her website.

Cover Reveal: Awry by Chelsea Fine (and giveaway)

I am beyond thrilled and excited to reveal the cover of Awry by Chelsea Fine today on the blog which is of course the sequel to one of my favourite books EVER - Anew aka the book I keep raving on about.  Just in case you've missed my previous posts (heaven forbid) my review of Anew is here and my Literary Boyfriend of the Week is Tristan if you want to know more about him then you can, by clicking here. 

Here's the synopsis for Awry:

"Three curses. Two brothers. One love triangle.

 
Sometimes love is meant to be. But sometimes...love is the death of you.

Seventeen-year-old Scarlet has just died. Only, dying isn't unusual for a girl under a centuries old curse that left her semi-immortal.

This time, though, she comes back to her current life instead of awaking in a new one, and she realizes the curse is changing. Together with the immortal Archer brothers, Scarlet must piece together her life and try to break the curse before her impending death comes again.

Chelsea Fine's much anticipated second book of her paranormal trilogy, The Archers of Avalon, is the story of one girl's trials with heartbreak, romance, and destiny."

OMG how I need this book!!!  Like now!!!  I cannot wait to read it and tell you all about it (as spoiler free as possible of course).  Because I love Anew so much, I'm going to offer my lovely followers the chance to win an digital copy of the book.  All you have to do is leave me a comment with your name and e mail address and WHY you want to read Anew.  Simple!  Let's make it INTERNATIONAL and you have until 14th May to leave a comment before a random winner will be chosen. The winner will be contacted by e mail and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.  Good luck everyone! :)

Letterbox Love (#1)

Letterbox Love is a new weekly feature that I'm hosting on the blog and basically, the idea came out of a discussion with other UK book bloggers about the need to do a weekly meme with more of a British feel to it.  If I'm honest, we also wanted to stay out of the drama surrounding The Story Siren right now too.  Therefore, Letterbox Love was born and the logo was lovingly designed by Dark Readers.  Letterbox Love is a way for us to share the books that come through our letterbox, galleys and e books (through our electronic letterbox - see what I did there?!) and any other bookish goodies that we want to tell you about.  Letterbox Love is intended to showcase upcoming books and build up some excitement for them as well as let you know what is available out there.  It is not about competing with other bloggers or boasting of any kind (c'mon, we're British and we don't do drama!)

So, without further a do, here's what I got this week...

Review Books

Adorkable by Sarra Manning (Atom)

Clarity by Kim Harrington (Scholastic)

Timepiece by Myra McEntire (Egmont US)

Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson (Simon & Schuster UK)

Rapture by Lauren Kate (Random House UK)

Thank you publishers!!!

 

Books Bought

The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting (US Hardback)

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (UK Hardback)

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (US Hardback)

The Selection by Kiera Cass  (US Hardback)

Ascend by Amanda Hocking (US Paperback)

I also got this...

The Hunger Games Official Illustrated Movie Companion

E books
Storm by Brigid Kemmerer (Bought)

Nothing but Time by Angeline Fortin (Bought)
Her Best Friend's Brother by T.J. Dell (Bought)
Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley (Bought)
Before by Dawn Rae Miller (Free prequel to Larkstorm on Amazon)
Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer (Free prequel on Amazon)
The Selection by Kiera Cass (Netgalley courtesy of HarperCollins UK)

I should probably point out at this point, that a lot of my bought books were pre-orders and bought when I had money lol.  I hope I'm showing you  that book bloggers buy A LOT of books and don't just rely on advanced copies.  In fact, if I love a book that I've read in advance, I will buy a finished copy of that book.


It is my plan to get Mr Linky working on here so you can all link your Letterbox Love posts but in the meantime, I would love you to leave a comment with the link to your post and I will check them out :)  Thanks everyone :)