Need I say more?

I am CRAZY EXCITED for this movie as I loved the books like crazy!  If you're one of those people who haven't read the books in The Mortal Instruments Series yet, what are you waiting for?!   GO GO GO!!  And if you're interested, my review is here.

Hunting Lila Review

“17-year-old Lila has two secrets she’s prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she’s been in love with her brother’s best friend, Alex, since forever.

After a mugging exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust—her brother and Alex. They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they’ve found them.

In a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realises that she is not alone—there are others out there just like her—people with special powers—and her mother’s killer is one of them…”

I have to confess that Hunting Lila has been sitting on my shelves for almost a year without being read and honestly, it has a lot to do with the cover.  I don’t think it stands out that well and to me, it looks a lot like an adult book.  Having now read it, I have no idea how the cover correlates to the story and the main character hardly ever wears shoes, let alone heels.  If it weren’t for friends raving about Alex (one of the main characters) I might never have picked this one up and I’d have missed a gem of a story.  I’m astounded by how good the story is and so the old adage ‘never judge a book by its cover’ totally works in this case! 

Everyone knows that I’m not always a huge fan of British books.  It has nothing to do with the writing I hasten to add but when I was 18 I lived in the US for just over a year and my dad says it changed me.  Anyway, this book very quickly changes setting from London to California and I can live with that!   Lila is the main character and I thought she was fantastic.  Her voice had the right amount of snark without going over the top and she was very likeable.  Her ability is something special but she has to keep it a secret from everyone and I do mean EVERYONE, a fact that is killing her (figuratively speaking).  After three years away from Alex, she finally sees him again and nothing has changed from her side.  She’s still in love with him but he just sees her as Jack’s little sister, right? Hmmm....maybe not but how is he going to tell Jack about how he feels?  Hell, come to think of it, how is he going to tell Lila? And what will happen when he realises that the organisation he works for is hunting down people with special abilities just. Like. Lila?

Hang on to your seats as it’s a hell of a ride.  Reading this book is like hanging on for dear life to a dinghy that’s hurtling through the white water rapids.  For reals.  Been there, done that.  There’s non stop action and the tension is insurmountable.  You’ll be dying to know what happens and you know what?  YOU’RE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO READ THE BOOK!  I swear it reads like a movie and I understand the film rights have now been sold so fingers crossed we see this up on the big screen some day.  It could even work as a TV series really and I think the CW network is crying out for something like this. 

As a little bugbear (besides the cover), I didn’t like the way “mum” was used throughout the book especially as Lila was born an American and lived there for years before moving to London and then going back to California.  Even the characters who never left the US are saying “mum” instead of “mom” and that really got on my nerves!  I understand it is something to do with the fact that it has a UK edit but still, that little detail bothered me.  Not enough to ruin the story though as I LOVED it and the idea of being in love with your big brother’s best friend your whole life totally floats my boat. 

What can I say about Alex – he’s like the perfect man.  He works for the military (men in uniform anyone?),  he’s good looking and has a hot body (obvs), he LISTENS to Lila and respects her opinion, he can read her like an open book without her saying a word, he has been hellbent on protecting her since childhood and is still doing it, he’s smart, he rides a motorcycle and....the list is endless.   He’s totally swoonworthy that’s for sure and I’m adding him to the literary boyfriends list IMMEDIATELY.  You know what though...I also kind of have a soft spot for Lila’s brother Jack.  He’s also military, smart, protective, good looking and fit but he’s a little bit more hotheaded shall we say.  I’m hoping that we learn a little bit more about Jack in the next book.

So, in conclusion I’m really, really glad I read this book, I totally loved it and I can’t wait to read the sequel which I just happen to have in my hands. Bonus! 

Hunting Lila was published on 5th August, 2011.  The sequel Losing Lila is out on 2nd August, 2012.  To find out more about Sarah Alderson and her books, please click here to visit her website.

Letterbox Love (#10)

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) 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!)

I've had an AWESOME week for books, made good by a little surprise I got in the post and a trip to the UK Simon & Schuster offices.

Review Books

Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I wasn't expecting to get this and you should have seen my reaction when I opened the package!  I'm a HUGE Jennifer Armentrout fan so I'm ridiculously excited to read this and I know I'm going to have to pretty soon as I won't be able to help myself.

Rift by Andrea Cremer

I loved the Nightshade series and whilst I'm not sure I can forgive Andrea for something that happened in the end of Bloodrose (I don't want to say out loud and spoil it for those who haven't read yet) I still want to read Rift.

Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Again, I wasn't expecting this and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this series so much.  I CANNOT WAIT to get started on this and feel it may have to be my next book ;) 

Envy by Elizabeth Miles

I picked this up at the Simon & Schuster offices as I enjoyed Fury and am interested to find out what happens next.  

Fated by Sarah Alderson

I've just recently finished reading Hunting Lila and Losing Lila (if you haven't picked them up yet, they come HIGHLY recommended by me and my reviews are coming soon) and so I knew I had to read Fated and picked up a copy from Simon & Schuster which Sarah kindly signed as she was there!  BTW yes, she's lovely :)

Witchstruck by Victoria Lamb

Described as a "betwitching new series" I like the sound of this one.  It's a historical/paranormal and obviously it's about witchcraft. 

Review Books

Wentworth Hall by Abby Grahame 

This is billed as a Downtown Abbey for Young Adults and is set in 1912.  I'm curious about it for sure.

Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff

This one arrived out of the blue and is a feudal Japanese, steampunk dystopian tale.  I'm not entirely sure about it but the cover is beautiful.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan matson 

I heard a fellow book blogger friend rave about this book and how it made her cry.  It sounds like a perfect Summer read to me.

Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink 

I'm sure some people will be shouting at the computer screen right now but I've not read any of this series yet.  I hear it's good though and some of my fellow book blogger friends are fans.

Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas 

I've been wanting to read this book since I first heard about it.  It's about an assassin who gets caught and is offered a deal in exchange for her freedom - to represent a prince in a fight to the death contest.  There's a touch of romance in there too and it sounds AWESOME.  There are a couple of novella's from this series knocking around too.

Love at Second Sight by Cathy Hopkins

I'm quite excited to read this one because whilst I've not read any of the author's other books (they're usually a little too young for me), THIS one sounds right up my street. Soulmates, past lives, psychics and cemeteries - YES PLEASE.

Books Bought

A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young

Whilst I do have the first book, I haven't read it yet but as usual I end up buying sequels before reading the original *sigh*.  I've only ever heard great things about the books though so I'm looking forward to finally reading it soon.  I mean, it's an ANGEL book, what's not to like?!

E-Books

Chosen Ones (Lost Souls) by Tiffany Truitt (Bought)

This is a dystopia with a beautiful cover.  It sounds interesting so I'll give it a go!

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines (Bought)

I've heard of Abbi Glines but have not read any of her work yet.  I loved the sound of The Vincent Boys and as always, I only ever see positive reviews for her work so I thought I'd give it a go.  If I like it, then I know the sequel is already out now. 

Wanderlove by Belle Mallory (Bought)

You can't go far wrong with a book that costs 77p and has five star reviews.  It sounds like a past life/soulmates thing only this time, the guy doesn't want her to find him and immediately I want to know why!  

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky (Bought)

I've finally caved and bought the book I've been umming and ahhhing over for a long, long time.  With the imminent movie release, it's always better to read the book first and that's what I intend to do.

So, there you have it.  A truly AWESOME week for books and like I said, I'm going to have to get started on Deity immediately.  I would have started yesterday but I'd been awake over 24 hours and I couldn't read ANYTHING (Soooo frustrating).  As always, leave me your links and I'll take a look :)

Frostfire Blog Tour: Women in Fantasy

Firstly, if you haven't heard of Zoe Marriott, do yourself a favour and look her up.  She is a UK based YA writer of Daughter of the Flames, The Swan Kingdom, Shadows on the Moon (which I reviewed here) and her newest novel Frostfire.  I'm very pleased to welcome her to the blog today as part of the Frostfire tour to talk about women in fantasy.  Take it away Zoe...


One of the questions that I get asked quite frequently when I'm out and about at my regular shenanigans - sometimes by people with puzzled, slightly pitying expressions - is why I write books for young adults. Why *fantasy* for young adults?


Unfortunately the law prevents me from offering the truly appropriate response to such questions (a karate chop to the face) so I've gotten quite good at gently explaining to people that I LOVE YA novels! I love fantasy! And I want to write what I love. I aspire to be the best YA writer that I can be, because I believe - truly believe - that writing the books I do, books in which young woman and their emotional and physical journeys, and heroism both dramatic and personal, are treated as important and worthwhile, is the vocation I was born for.


Of course, the reason I can say all this, and what's more prove it via the kind of characters I chose to write about? Is that I'm standing on the shoulders of giants. Of a generation, two generations, of groundbreaking fantasy writing by some seriously badass ladies about some seriously badass girls. As a youngster growing up I had access to the kind of literary role models that my mother could never have dreamed of. I didn't have to make do with reading about the lone female character in Tolkien over and over or trying to imitate Jane Eyre (great as Eowen and Jane are). I had...well, these guys!


1) Alan/Alanna of Trebond from Tamora Pierce's The Lioness Quartet.


Go find a dictionary. Go on, I'll wait. Now look up 'Badass' in the dictionary. See that picture of a grumpy-looking redhead? Yep, that's my girl Alanna, the classic fantasy badass heroine. Alanna's father intended to send her off to a seminary to be whipped into a proper lady by a bunch of nuns. Fate worse than death. So she swapped places with her twin brother, forged a bunch of paperwork, and went off to become a knight instead, disguised as a boy. AND SHE PULLED IT OFF. It was not easy. She not only had to overcome the fact that she was generally smaller and not as strong as her fellow 'pages' in training at the castle, but cope with her first period, falling in love with boys that were no good for her, and finally 'coming out' to everyone as a woman. She did it through incredible determination and hard work, through never giving up, and through generally being the smartest person in any given room. Along the way she becomes what someone in the books calls 'a fulcrum of destiny' - a person on whom the entire of history can turn. By the end of the quartet no one, even the people who hate her for defying their expectations, can deny her worth. If anyone needs a role model for how to go about changing their life? Alanna of Trebond is the one.


2) Sophie Hatter from Diana Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle, Castle in the Air, and House of Many Ways.


Sophie is another girl who was born into a certain role in her fantasy world. As the oldest of three daughters, she knows it's her fate to fail earliest and worst if she ever sets out to find her fortune. So instead she stays home, being practical and sensible, and looking after everyone but herself, to the point where she starts to fade into the wallpaper and become invisible even to herself. And then one day a witch walks into Sophie's family hat-shop and curses her...and suddenly she is set free of all expectations and let loose on the world. Sophie is the kind of woman that when she wakes up in the morning and her feet hit the floor, the Devil winces and says: 'Crap. She's up'. She stomps around poking her nose into everyone's business, dragging out secrets in clouds of dust, muttering rude things, making a huge mess and then tidying things back into a better order, and eventually wins everything she ever wanted in the first place - adventure, magic, and love. I confess that I've many a time wished I was as forthright and fearless as Sophie Hatter. The world would be a better, and certainly better dusted, place...


3) Harry/Harimad-Sol from Robin McKinley's The Blue Sword


Harry Crewe (original name 'Angharad', but don't call her that or else) is another classic badass heroine. She's shipped off to a foreign land after her father dies, and is almost immediately kidnapped by the apparently insane King of a embattled, occupied nation whom her own people have oppressed for a century. He tells her, rather crossly, that his magic sixth sense says she's supposed to be useful somehow, and to do what she's told. Instead of curling into a small ball and weeping, she decides to make lemonades from these lemons. She ends up with a magical sword, an awesome warhorse, and a band of fiercely loyal friends who would follow her to Hell and back (and pretty much do). But the best thing about Harry is that she makes mistakes. ALL THE TIME. She fumbles and doubts herself and messes up and half the time feels like she doesn't know what she's doing at all - but on the strength of her intense bravery and sense of what is right, she pulls everything into place in the end.


4) Periwinkle from Patricia McKillip's The Changeling Sea


Peri isn't anyone special on the surface. Her life is about as far from glamorous as can possibly be imagined. Her father was a fisherman who drowned. Her mother is so shattered by her husband's loss that she doesn't know if Peri's there or not. Peri avoids starvation by scrubbing floors in the local little inn, and her raggedy clothes and ratty hair make her the target of mean jokes at worse and indifference at best. But one thing Peri does have is strong feelings - feelings about the sea that stole both her mother and father in different ways, that relentlessly eats away at her tiny island home, and gives her no peace from her grief. So one day Peri curses the sea. And somehow in the chaotic fury of her feelings, the curse works. All the magical bindings of the ocean begin to come undone, bringing sea dragons and magicians and selkies, and the King and his tormented son. And all this gives Peri the chance to finally escape her rage and sorrow and decide who she will be - and it turns out that is someone pretty exceptional after all. Peri's single-minded, stubborn survival is turned from tragedy to triumph, and she transforms everyone around her in the process. Inspiring.


5) Chloe Saunders from Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers Trilogy


Oh Chloe! You, with your titchy stature and blondeness and shyness, are really not anyone's idea of a badass heroine. Not even your own. But you are! You really are! Your kindness, bravery, and refusal to let even outright terror and utmost peril force you to act in ways that go against your conscience (even when certain other people are acting in ways so infuriating that I personally would want to bash them in the head) are already enough to be going on with. But you also refuse to be part of a love triangle and kick that whole thing neatly and sensibly to the curb - and then make it very clear to your boy of choice that while you may be quiet and shy, shouting and bullying from him will NOT be tolerated, thank you very much! Finally, you are a necromancer so powerful that when someone asked you to raise a single person from their grave, you raised the whole graveyard. Chloe, I love you. I wish there were many more like you out there.


6) Irene, Queen of Attolia, from Megan Whalen Turner's The Queen's Thief Trilogy


Queen Irene - known mostly in the books as simply Attolia, after the country she rules - is a little different to other heroines on this list. She's never the main character in the trilogy. In the first book, she's seen as a pure antagonist, and a fairly terrifying one at that. In the second book she does something so appalling to Gen, the lead POV character of the first two books, that you honestly want her to die for a little bit. But somehow I love her anyway, and it's because, bit by bit, the author reveals to us the steely will of this character, her history as an abused political puppet who cleverly fought back, and the deep, vulnerable heart within that she tries desperately - and successfully - to conceal from everyone because she knows the merest hint of it will probably get her killed and plunge her nation into cataclysmic civil war. Irene is one of the most interesting characters that I've ever come across. From one point of view she's definitely the villain. From another point of view (one which pays less attention to her gender) she's a fierce warrior who is willing to do anything to keep her country together and the throne out of incompetent hands. Definitely a heroine you want to stay on the right side of...


7) Laura Chant from Margaret Mahy's The Changeover


Laura is another heroine who may not seem all that heroic at first. She's an ordinary schoolgirl, torn between persuading her mum to let her dye a blonde streak in her her hair and getting a boyfriend like her friend says she should, and clinging to the comfortable safety of her world as it is: Laura, her mum, and her little brother, struggling and scraping to get by after Laura's father left, but happy and normal above all, static. But Laura has one uncomfortable talent - a talent for seeing things other people don't. Like Sorenson Carlisle, the boy at school who seems to be a boring goody-two-shoes prefect on the surface, but whom Laura is convinced is some kind of witch. Like Carmody Braque, the strange man in the junk shop who managed to lure her little brother into getting his hand stamped with a disturbing image of Carmody's face... When Laura's brother falls suddenly and horribly ill, Laura realises that no one else will be able to understand the uncanny nature of that stamp on his hand, and that it's up to her to do something if she doesn't want to watch him die. So she reaches out to the strange boy from school, and finds herself dealing with a complex, tricksy young man who has many more secrets than she could have realised, and may need her help too, in a completely different way. Laura has to make a perilous, irreversible transition that will change her forever in order to save her family, but along the way she changes in many other ways as well, and realises that no life, no matter how happy and simple it seems, can stay the same forever.


With heroines like these, it's really no wonder that I grew up to love YA fantasy so much! And no wonder that being a badass in whatever way I can is a personal mission of mine, either. My greatest hope is that reading more great YA fantasies will ensure the next generation - of boys and girls - takes up that mission too. 


Thank you Zoe for adding a TON of books to my list that I need to check out!  Frostfire was published on 5th July, 2012.

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 Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi. Here's the synopsis:

"Perfect for the fans of Shatter Me who are desperately awaiting the release of Unravel Me, this novella-length digital original will bridge the gap between these two novels from the perspective of the villain we all love to hate, Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.


In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of. . .

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow."

I only have five words for you....

FOR THE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, this is me so naturally I can't say everything in just five little words.  I know I'm supposed to love Adam and I kinda do but Warner is this tortured soul who just needs the love of a good woman and that...well it kinda does something to me.  I *NEED* this book like woah and I want to say to Tahereh - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for writing this book from Warner's perspective.  If I could pre-order it now, I totally would. Destroy Me is published on 2nd October, 2012 with Unravel Me scheduled for early 2013.

Insignia Review

“More than anything, Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. For years, Tom’s drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible.

Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone’s been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he’s offered the incredible—a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom’s instincts for combat will be put to the test, and if he passes, he’ll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War Three. Finally, he’ll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom’s always wanted—friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters—but what will it cost him?

Gripping and provocative, S. J. Kincaid’s futuristic thrill ride of a debut crackles with memorable characters, tremendous wit, and a vision of the future that asks startling, timely questions about the melding of humanity and technology.”

I adore dystopian novels and I really love the book cover but when I found out that the main character of Insignia by S.J. Kincaid was a fourteen year old boy, I have to admit that I wasn’t sure this was the book for me.  How wrong I was.  I loved this book so much and days after reading, I can’t stop thinking about it! All I want to do is dive back into that world and hang around with Tom and his friends to find out what happens next.

What can I say about Tom Raines?  Personally, I think he is adorable and I want to adopt him as my baby brother.  Tom is a 14 year old boy who’s a little shorter than average and riddled with acne.  But he’s super smart, a ridiculously good gamer and not shy at going for the kill – all of which gets him noticed by the military who want to whisk him away and train him to fight interstellar wars. With a deadbeat father and a crappy home situation, he doesn’t really apply himself academically speaking and so this is his chance to make something of himself.  I loved seeing Tom grow both literally and figuratively speaking throughout the book.  He wants to do something that matters and feels he has found his purpose in life which helps his confidence soar.  What I love most about Tom though is that he started off graciously full of flaws and definitely not the arrogant, sexy, mysterious bad boy I’m used to seeing in YA novels, which makes for a welcome change! He is just a normal teenage boy and it’s refreshing to see someone’s personality shine through regardless of what they look like.

The subject matter of Insignia, namely being war and conflict with other countries is somewhat dark but Tom and his “Doctor of Doom” partner Vik (as well as his other friends Wyatt and Yuri) bring humour to the book.  Wyatt reminded me a little of Hermione from Harry Potter in that she is incredibly intelligent but lacking in social skills.  I think she has a little crush on Tom and I’m surprised that it didn’t go any further than an occasional hint but I’m wondering if this will be explored in the rest of the series.  As for her best friend Yuri, I thought the concept of him being “scrambled” because he could potentially be a Russian spy was hilarious.

Now, I don’t want you to go thinking that military academy is a walk in the park for Tom though as it’s not without challenges, bullies and teachers out to make Tom’s life a living hell.  Couple that with not always knowing who the bad guys are and the fact that you have a neural processor (computer chip) embedded in your brain, a lot can go wrong.  And it invariably does.

I read Insignia over the course of several nights because I wanted to take my time with it.  I didn’t want to devour it in one sitting and really, I don’t think it’s that kind of book.  I can tell you though that every day; I looked forward to my evening reading time and I enjoyed every minute of it.  This book definitely has both boy AND girl appeal and would make an AMAZING movie. 

Insignia is a fast paced, futuristic thriller that I would describe as War Games meets Hackers meets The Last Starfighter. Thankfully, it is part of a trilogy *fist pumps* and I am salivating for the next instalment!

Insignia is published on 10th July, 2012 in the US and 2nd August, 2012 in the UK. To find out more about S.J. Kincaid, please click here to visit her website.

Letterbox Love (#9)

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) 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!) Sadly, this week a fellow blogger has had a negative comment about Letterbox Love on their blog.  I'd love for you guys to weigh in on this - do you like Letterbox Love? Do you think it's a good idea?

Anyway, let me tell you what I got this week...

 Review Books

Rebel Heart (Dustlands) by Moira Young

This is of course the sequel to the bestselling Blood Red Road and a book I *still* need to read!

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowan

I was really excited to get Dark Kiss, one because I'm such an "angel girl" and two because I'm curious about the writer.  Michelle also writes as Morgan Rhodes and is the author of Falling kingdoms, a YA book coming in December 2012 that I definitely want to read!

Torn by David Massey

A little while ago, I put a request out on Twitter for YA war books and I'm pleased to say that this is such a book that comes out in August.  What's interesting is that I meant world war one and two books and that's what I thought this book was about however after reading the synopsis, I think this is set in more modern times.  I still want to read it though as the main protagonist is a medic and there is a love story attached :)

Insignia by S. J. Kincaid

I've actually already read this and I'm ECSTATIC to have a quote from me inside the finished UK paperback.  This book was AWESOME and y'all need to read it.  Look out for my review really soon.

Angel Dust by Sarah Mussi

I was lucky enough to meet Sarah this week and this is a signed, finished copy of her book which is out really soon.  Another angel book yes but this is set in London.

Lance of Truth (Pendragon Legacy) by Katherine Roberts

This book is the sequel to Sword of Light, a fantasy set in the time of King Arthur.  I haven't read the first one yet but it sounds right up my street so to speak!

 

Review Books

Jepp, who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh

This is a book coming in October about Jepp who is a dwarf and it sounds a little weird but I'm so intrigued.  I can't help thinking of Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones whom I just LOVE and so I'm going to give this one a go!

 

Angel Dust by Sarah Mussi

This ARC was sent to me just before the recent Hotkeybooks launch where I picked up a finished copy so I had Sarah sign this and I'm going to give it away on the blog sometime in the near future.

Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner

I've never read a Sally Gardner book but I can tell you that the lady herself is fascinating to talk to.  Maggot Moon is written through the eyes of a young man with dyslexia and I know it's set in the fifties around the time of the race to get to the moon.  It sounds like an interesting read and I've heard some great early reports about it. 

 

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke

This book came out of the blue and I'm not sure if it's my thing.  I like the paranormal aspect but it has a steampunk feel to it and I'm not sure how I feel about that. 

Tempests Fury by Nicole Peeler

I was surprised to get this book as it's number five in the series and I've never received, read or reviewed any of the others.  I'll probably have to pass this one on to someone else or donate it to my local library. 

A World Between Us by Lydia Syson

I was lucky enough to meet Lydia this week at the Hotkeybooks blogger event and got her to sign my copy of her book that comes out in October.  I'm excited about this book because it's a war book and there is a romance AND the main character is a nurse.  This book has my name all over it. 

I was ecstatic to receive this sampler of The Raven Boys, signed by Maggie herself and little "Love Maggie" keyring.  I'm a massive fan of Maggie Stiefvater's and so I'm adding this to my keys immediately and I can't WAIT to read this book!!!!!

THANK YOU PUBLISHERS!!!!!!!!!

Books Bought

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

I saw this on another book blogger's website and decided that I had to read it.  I bought the US hardback (of course) and I had to read it immediately.  OMG I loved it and I'll be posting my review soon.  If you're after a fabulous contemporary read, this is the book for you!

Stolen Night by Rebecca Maizel

I saw this in Foyles this weekend and HAD to buy it, especially as I don't think it's supposed to be out for another 5 days or so.  I'm a bit upset that it's not a hardback and doesn't match the first book but the cover is still very pretty and I'm so intrigued to find out what happens to Lena.

Sacrifice by Melinda Metz and Laura J. Burns

This is the sequel to Crave and whilst I haven't read it yet, I saw the sequel and bought it.  This is what I do.  I know.  Say nothing. 

E-Books

Ascend by Amanda Hocking (Bought)

I have this in paperback but the kindle book was less than a pound so I bought it as I have the rest.

Easy by Tammara Webber (Bought)

I'm intrigued by this book as it's marketed as a mature young adult or new young adult book which means that the characters are college age.  

The Boy who Sneaks in my Bedroom Window by Kirsty Moseley (Bought)

I bought this kindle book based on three things - 1. The awesome title 2. the fact that it features a girl's brother's best friend (LOVE THOSE STORIES) and 3. the sheer number of positive reviews. 

So, there you go!  I got a lot of review books because I went to the Hotkeybooks launch but I also bought a bunch of books too.  Leave me your links and let me know how you feel about Letterbox Love.  Thanks guys :)

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 Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger.  Here's the synopsis:

"Vane Weston should have died in the category five tornado that killed his parents. Instead, he woke up in a pile of rubble with no memories of his past—except one: a beautiful, dark-haired girl standing in the winds. She's swept through his dreams ever since, and he clings to the hope that she's real.

Audra is real, but she isn't human. She's a sylph, an air elemental who can walk on the wind, translate its alluring songs, even twist it into a weapon. She's also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect him at all costs.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra has just days to help Vane unlock his memories. And as the storm winds gather, they start to realize the greatest danger might not be the warriors coming to destroy them, but the forbidden romance growing between them.

Set amongst the desert airstreams of Coachella Valley in California, LET THE SKY FALL is about two teenagers broken by their pasts, divided by their futures, and bound by love."

So, you must know by now that one way to sell a book to me is to use the words FORBIDDEN ROMANCE and I'm sold.  I mean seriously, just take a look at that last paragraph above and tell me you don't want to read this?! But seriously, I like the story idea too including the idea of elementals which isn't exactly original but is still cool.  I've known about this book for a while but this is the first time I've seen the cover.  I love it.  I believe some people in the US have read an ARC and the feedback is positive so far.  I have no idea if it will come to the UK but that won't stop me.  I'm hitting pre-order as soon as I can.  Let the Sky Fall is published in March, 2013.  

Letterbox Love (#8)

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

Tall, Thin and Blonde by Dyan Sheldon

I believe this is an older book, repackaged to look more modern.  I've not read any of Dyan's books before but I'm willing to give them a go. 

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

I'm SO, SO excited to receive this book as I'm a HUGE time travel fan and have been wanting to read this book since I first heard about it!! 

The Out of Office Girl by Nicola Doherty

I think this is an adult book and I'm not sure how I got on the list for it.  I'll probably give it to my sister although I do like the idea that it's set in Italy.  

Muddle and Win by John Dickinson

This one sounds a little young for me so I will be passing it on to someone who will appreciate it.

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol

I don't really think this is for review, it's more a sample of the rebranded classic.  Again, I have a little girl in mind who might just like this.

Never Fall Down by Patrica McCormick

I'm not a huge fan of issue books but we'll see if I get round to this one.

Now is Good (AKA Before I Die) by Jenny Downham

I really loved this book and this is the repackaged version as the film is coming out soon.  I think I might just have a contest for this ;)

Frostfire by Zoe Marriott

What can I say about Zoe?!  She's a great author and a lovely lady. I believe this is the sequel to Daughter of the Flames which I need to get on and read!

How to Save a Life by Sarah Zarr

VERY excited to have this book.

Thank you publishers!!!

  

Books Bought

 Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

I've had this on pre-order for FOREVER and I thought it wasn't going to be shipped until later in the year so I'm glad it got here a lot sooner!  I was so excited to get it, I've already read it and I really liked it :)

I haven't bought any e books this week and have just finished reading Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers which was published on my birthday (7th June, 2012).  Let me just say that it was phenomenal and if you're looking for a good historical with a supernatural twist (just a slight one) then this comes HIGHLY recommended from me.  So, what did you get this week? As always, leave your links and I'll take a look :)

Anew WINNER

So, you may remember that a little while ago, I posted the cover for AWRY (the sequel to ANEW) and held a contest to win a copy of Anew.  I'm pleased to announce that the winner, chosen at random is:

Michelle @ Book Briefs

Congratulations Michelle!!   The winner has been notified and if she does not respond within 48 hours then a new winner will be chosen.  Thank you to everyone who entered and if you haven't read the book, I urge you to as it's amazing and as if you needed further proof - the series just sold the TV/film rights *squee*

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 Archived by Victoria Schwab. Here's the synopsis:

"Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous—it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption."

The first word I can think of is WOW.  I am IN LOVE WITH A CAPITAL 'L' with the plot for The Archived which sounds fresh, original and very clever.  The cover is gorgeous and by the way, hallelujah for no headless girl in a pretty, floaty dress.  Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against those covers but I like it when the cover reflects what the book is about and I think this cover looks mysterious and eerie.  I'm a big fan of Victoria's and I really enjoyed her debut novel The Near Witch which I reviewed here.  She is a beautiful writer and I have a very good feeling about The Archived. Like most people, I'm dying to get my hands on a copy and this has to be one of my most anticipated reads for 2013 at this point.  As always, it's way too early to comment on international rights but the US release is 2013 with no exact date as of yet. 

Letterbox Love (#7)

 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

Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

 You have no idea how surprised and excited I was to receive this book as I am DYING to read it.  In fact, I'm reading it next because I just can't wait any longer.  I'm a HUGE fan of Jennifer's writing and I swear to God, I would read ANYTHING she writes.  I'm wondering actually if she has written any adult books and I'm going to try and find out. 

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

I'm not sure why this was sent to me, especially as I read and reviewed it ages ago so I'll either have a contest or give this to my sister.

Snow White & The Huntsman

I just saw this at the cinema as a treat for my birthday and I really enjoyed it!  I didn't mind looking at Chris Hemworth for 90 minutes either ;)  The best thing about this book is that there is a pull out folder and I'm going to use it for writing inspiration :)

Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson

I've not tackled this series yet but I hear it's very good so this will have to wait until I've read the first one!

Thank you publishers!!!

Books Bought

Shadows Cast by Stars by Catherine Knutsson

This book is a dystopian about a girl who is both a healer and a seer (YES PLEASE) and I've wanted to read this one for a while now.  So much so, that I pre-ordered it ages ago and this is the pretty finished hardback. It is sold as "Incorporating the traditions of the First Peoples as well as the more familiar stories of Greek mythology and Arthurian legend" which quite frankly, sounds awesome.

Arise by Tara Hudson

Arise is the sequel to Hereafter (a book I bought over a year ago but still haven't read - oops).  I know it's essentially a ghost story and I'm betting that I'm going to love it.  Am I the only person who orders sequels before reading the original?!

Timepiece by Myra McEntire

I LOVED Hourglass and so of course I pre-ordered the sequel as soon as I could.  I get the feeling that I'm going to need to skim Hourglass to remind myself of everything first though which is one of the only reasons I haven't picked this up yet but I'm so looking forward to it!

Blood Promise,  Shadow Kiss and Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

I've grouped these together as really, I just needed to finish off my collection (as I have the others).  I've had a bit of a Vampire Academy week this week actually as I read a book from the series every day.  Previously, I'd only read the first one and now I'm all caught up and have really enjoyed them!  Now I just have the spin off series to start ;)

E-Books

Awry by Chelsea Fine (for review)
I CANNOT WAIT to get started on Awry, the sequel to Anew AKA the book that blew me away this year.    

Naked Writing: The No Frills Way to Write Your Book by Glenys O'Connell (Bought)
I saw this on Twitter and as the Kindle version was only 77p, I thought why not?  I'm an aspiring writer and any help I can get is much appreciated :)

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead (Bought)
I had already ordered this in paperback but it hadn't arrived yet and I was DESPERATE to read it so I bought the kindle version to tide me over.  I couldn't help myself!

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead (Bought)
Same explanation as above, I'm afraid.


This week was a good week for books, especially as a lot of my pre-orders are now being delivered.  I'm so excited to know that Something Like Normal by Trish Doller is on its way as I've been chomping at the bit for that book for a while now! I've thoroughly enjoyed reading the Vampire Academy series this last week though and whilst I'm tempted to get started on the spin off series, I feel like I need a break so I'm picking up Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols.  What are you reading this week?  Feel free to leave me your Letterbox Love links and I'll take a look if I get time.

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 Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans. Here's the synopsis:

"Since her untimely death the day before her eighteenth birthday, Felicia Ward has been trapped in Level 2, a stark white afterlife located between our world and the next. Along with her fellow prisoners, Felicia passes the endless hours downloading memories and mourning what she’s lost—family, friends, and the boy she loved, Neil.

Then a girl in a neighboring chamber disappears, and nobody but Felicia seems to recall she existed in the first place. Something is obviously very wrong. When Julian—a dangerously charming guy Felicia knew in life—comes to offer Felicia a way out, she learns the truth: a rebellion is brewing to overthrow the Morati, the guardians of Level 2.

Felicia is reluctant to trust Julian, but then he promises what she wants the most—to be with Neil again—if only she’ll join the rebels. Suspended between Heaven and Earth, Felicia finds herself in the center of an age-old struggle between good and evil. As memories from her life come back to haunt her, and as the Morati hunt her down, Felicia will discover it’s not just her own redemption at stake… but the salvation of all mankind." 

Just in case you didn't know, Lenore just happens to be an awesome book blogger and I'm so proud of her for writing and publishing her very own dystopian novel.  Not only is Level 2 written by a very experienced book blogger, and it's a dystopian book but I would also classify it as an angel book - in the style of Chandler Bing from Friends - could there BE any more reasons for me to want this book?!  I'm so curious to sample Lenore's writing and I think the plot sounds really interesting.  I'm dying to see how she will keep the story fresh and entertaining, the only problem is that I don't want to wait until January, 2013 when it is published!!! There is no UK release date information available but fingers crossed that international rights are sold.

Letterbox Love (#6)

 

 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

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

This is a beautiful finished hardback copy and if you're wondering about the story, it's a fantasy featuring dragons and has had some amazing reviews so far. 

Touched by Cyn Balog

I'm a HUGE fan of Cyn Balog and I've been wanting to read Touched for the longest time!  Unfortunately I was denied on Netgalley (booooo!) but Cyn was kind enough to send me a copy even though I kept telling her not to because I have it on pre-order!  I'm very grateful however and of course, she signed it for me :)

 

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

This copy of Storm was gifted to me by Brigid as she knows I'm a massive fan of the series (I've already reviewed Storm on the blog) and I would urge you to read it.  I mean what's not to like about 4 hot brothers who can wield the elements?!  I *think* this is an Australian copy although don't quote me on that.  I just like the fact that it's signed! 

  Books Bought

Rapture by Lauren Kate

I love this series and I can't believe this is the last book! I'm almost frightened to read it!  Naturally, I had to buy myself a US hardback to go with the rest of my collection. 

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

I bought this before I knew that Brigid was sending me a signed copy.  I'm tempted to keep it as it has a different cover to the one she sent but I might just send it to my sister who is bound to love it!

E-Books

Unfinished Business by Nora Roberts (Bought)

There was a kindle sale and I saw this for 99p so I bought it as I love Nora Roberts :)

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter (Bought)

I already have this but as it was in the kindle sale, I thought I would get it as I also have the first one on there. 

Ride with Me by Ruthie Knox (Bought)

I heard about this book called About Last Night by an author called Ruthie Knox but I couldn't find it on Amazon (as it's not out yet) and so I bought her first book as it sounded interesting.  This is an adult romance. 

Spark by Brigid Kemmerer (Netgalley)

Do you even realise how happy I was to see this on Netgalley and be accepted for it on my birthday?! I read it in one sitting and LOVED it.  Review to come.

Try not to faint but I didn't actually buy any books or receive any books for my birthday.  I know, I was shocked too!  I'm re-reading Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead at the moment as I remember loving it but I never read any more of the series.  I want to rectify this so I'm going to get the rest of the books (in red) so don't be surprised if that pops up in one of these posts sometime soon.  Please leave me a link with your letterbox love post and I'll try to take a look if I get time :) 

30 Days of Daemon Tour

Hello and welcome to my part of the 30 Days of Daemon Tour which was supposed to be yesterday but unfortunately, the information wasn't sent to me until yesterday which just so happened to be my birthday and I was otherwise engaged!  SO, I know what you're thinking - 30 days of Daemon?  That's soooo not enough and I totally agree, I wouldn't mind a lifetime of Daemon ;)  Anyway, today we have him answering some "Dear Daemon" questions and I hope you enjoy his answers.  


1. Do you sparkle?

Dear You must be like Kat,

No. I don’t freaking sparkle. I glow.

Yours truly,
Daemon


2. Why did you have to be such a douche to Katy? I know you didn't need her in your life but kissing her then saying something like that? Come on man, bad move in my opinion. So why do you want her now? Is it because you can’t have her?

Dear Bad Move,
   
I’m pretty sure I’ve answered this question a million times over. And each time I’m asked it again, I start to twitch.

Yours truly,
Daemon


3. Dear Daemon, What do you think is the most important thing in life?

Dear Good question,

Family.

Yours truly,
Daemon


4. Why are you so adorable?

Dear Aw shucks,
   
Just because I am.

Yours truly,
Daemon


5. Dear Daemon, What is your idea of a perfect first date? (I always wondered what you thought was hot and what wasn't, you know with you being a little bit more than hot) Have a great day ;) From an anonymous girl who finds you tres attractive.

Dear Anonymous girl,

Tres Attractive? I like that. My idea of a perfect first date? Depends. If it was with Kat, I’d want it to be something she enjoyed. So I’d take her to a bookstore. You might think that’s lame, but she’d love that. Maybe do dinner afterward. Maybe do some other things afterward. The perfect date really isn’t what you do but who you spend it with.

Yours truly,
Daemon

Thank you Daemon for being on the blog today, you know how much I adore you ;)

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 Entice by Jessica Shirvington.  Here's the synopsis:

"CONSEQUENCE HAUNTS EVERY CHOICE

Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengeance of exiled angels. Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.

The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed."

I LOVED Embrace, (which is the first book in the series) that I reviewed here and I've been chomping at the bit for Entice ever since.  You'll notice that in the UK the title is Enticed but I prefer the American title and cover which is more in line with the first book and is quite frankly, simply stunning.  The first two chapters have been revealed online recently but I would not recommend reading them, especially if you are a fan of the series as it will only leave you wanting more!!!  

Entice(d) is published on 6th September, 2012 in the UK and 4th September, 2012 in the US.

Letterbox Love (#5)

This week, my boyfriend is moving stuff around the flat and effectively blocked the path to my office thus effectively blocking me from my bookshelves and my laptop.  Seriously. I've finally clambered over everything to get at my books and my laptop but it means that this week's post is late so apologies for that!  

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

Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

This is another series that I have not started yet but I know I will probably love it and kick myself for waiting so long to read it!

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

OMG I have been dying to read this book since I finished Starcrossed and I'm starting it TONIGHT.  No joke. 

Taken by Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This is of course the third book in the best selling series - a series I am behind with I'm afraid so this will have to go on the back burner.   

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

This one is a new paranormal series and sounds interesting.  Whilst I'm not over enamored by the cover, I've heard some good reports about the book and so I'll probably give it a go.

Spy for the Queen of Scots by Theresa Breslin

When I first looked at this book, I assumed that it had been sent to me by mistake.  I had no idea that this was being marketed as a children's book as it looked like an adult, historical book to me.  I'm still not sure if I will read it or not but we'll see.

 

 Review Books

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer

I can't say that I've read any books by Jodi Picoult but I definitely know her name.   Between the Lines is her first YA offering and one that was co written by her daughter.  I started this a little while ago and thought it was intriguing.  I mean, who hasn't wanted a fictional guy to be real?!

The Reckoning by Alma Katsu

I LOVED The Taker and so I'm very excited to read the sequel!  I prefer the US cover though ;)

Book Gifts 

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

This beautiful American hardback copy of Dreamless was gifted to me by the lovely Amber Sweeney (apologies for misplacing your blog details Amber) but thank you so, so much!! 

I didn't buy any books this week but I did book my Summer holiday.  It cost a little more than I wanted to pay and so I'm not sure how many books I will be able to afford for a while!  It is my birthday next week though so we'll see what happens ;)  Leave me a comment with a link so I can check out your Letterbox Love posts and I hope you all had a good week! :)