Sunday 31 August 2014

Sunday Overview #3

This is a weekly post that I put on to let you know what's been happening recently and what I have planned out for the following week.
 
This week has been a rather eventful one - again! I have so much homework to catch up on. My head is spinning with everything that needs to be done. I have a special study in Ancient Egyptian religion to complete and an oral presentation about The Sapphires movie on the characters' journeys of self-discovery just to name two of them. Luckily I have this week off to get them all under way.
   
 
What's been happening this week?
 
Social Media (continued) book blitz (cover reveal + excerpt)
Top Ten Tuesday #1: Books I Really Want To Read But Don't Own Yet
 Waiting on Wednesday #3:  The Death of Lila Jane
Cover Reveal: Night of Pan + Walled + Like

 
 
Reviews:
 
 


Read (including reviewed books above):
 



What Books Did I Pick Up?:

Bought:



For Review:



Amazon Freebies:



Library:



What's coming up this week?

Top Ten Tuesday #2 (Tuesday the 2nd)
Waiting on Wednesday #5 (Wednesday the 3rd)
Cover Reveal: Still Me (Wednesday the 3rd)

Reviews:
Period 8
Everything Leads to You

What I Plan on Reading:
Everything Leads to You
Shadow and Bone
Calling California

Saturday 30 August 2014

Review: Melt

Melt by Selene Castrovilla
 
Title: Melt
Series: none
Author: Selene Castrovilla
 
Published: Last Syllable Books; 2014*
328 pages, kindle edition
 
Source: Jen Halligan PR
 
Rating: 2.5 stars
 
Description (from Goodreads):

Melt is a brutal love story, set against the backdrop of The Wizard of Oz. Sixteen year old “good girl” Dorothy just blew into the small town of Highland Park – where the social headquarters is Munchkinland (Dunkin’ Donuts.) There, she meets Joey – a “bad boy” who tells no one about the catastrophic domestic violence he witnesses at home. Can these two lovers survive peer pressure, Joey’s reputation, and his alcoholism? And then there’s his family's secret – about to be unleashed.

Told in dual first person, Joey's words are scattered on the page - reflecting his broken state. Dorothy is the voice of reason - until something so shattering happens that she, too, may lose her grip. Can their love endure, or will it melt away?


My Thoughts:

 


2.5 stars

Before I start let me admit that I may or may not have enjoyed this more if I went in expecting a contemporary romance in verse. I was not expecting that at all. Why wasn't I? Well, maybe because the description implies a Wizard of Oz retelling and this certainly isn't one - naming a character Dorothy and creating a plotline that is supposedly a "journey like a metaphorical Yellow Brick Road" does not count. I feel cheated.

I also want to point out the I don't read verse books for a reason. I am not a fan of poetry. Sure I love poetic writing, in fact, I love poetic writing when it is in the right sort of book. I do not want to read books that are written in this choppy lines thing however. It gives me a headache and brings back my nightmares about
Shatter Me. I had no idea this book would be dictated in this way or I would not have accepted a review copy. I don't want to have to write a negative review just because this sort of books is a personal peeve of mine.

Getting to the actual book... the plot was just a little too dull for my liking. It wasn't until about the 60% mark that it picked up some pace, but even then it wasn't exactly riveting. The characters were the only real highlights for me. I enjoyed their heartiness and they were easily loveable. The romance would have been better if it hadn't been another case of insta-love. I am so sick and tired of that rubbish but that is a rant for another time.

Overall, I am disappointed that this wasn't a book that grabbed me. I had already marked it as a possible new favourite and I am really disheartened. For fans of verse it might be worth a shot but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.

Note: a copy was provided courtesy of Selene Castrovilla and Jen Halligan of Jen Halligan PR in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given or taken during this process.
 
 *Release: November 6th, 2014

Friday 29 August 2014

Cover Reveal: Walled

Cover Reveal of Walled:
 
Title: Walled
Series: The Line, #1
Author: Anne Tibbets
 
Publisher: Carina Press (HQN)
 
Genres: new adult, dystopia
 
Links:   Goodreads
 



Description:

 Freedom means brutal choices.Rebel lovers Naya and Ric have survived one year in hiding, raising Naya’s twins from infants to toddlers in the shadow of the brutal Auberge dictatorship.  They’re alive, and they’re together, but the city is crumbling around them and the haunting memory of Naya’s dark days on The Line have never fully left them. Living in isolation won’t be an option forever.

When a mysterious revolutionary seeks their help to infiltrate  Auberge’s electronic heart and shut it down, it’s an opportunity—it’s risky, yes, but if it works they’ll get out of the city and taste freedom for the first time. Naya needs this. They need this.

Beyond the broken walls of Auberge, Naya and Ric find the paradise they’ve always longed for. But with anarchy reigning and Naya’s children lost amidst the chaos, they’ll need to forfeit their post-apocalyptic Eden…or commit an unspeakable act.
 
About The Author:
Anne Tibbets is an SCBWI award-winning and Smashwords Best Selling author. After writing for Children’s television, Anne found her way to young/new adult fiction by following what she loves: books, strong female characters, twisted family dynamics, magic, sword fights, quick moving plots, and ferocious and cuddly animals.

Along with CARRIER, Anne is also the author of the young adult fantasy novella, THE BEAST CALL and the young adult contemporary, SHUT UP.

Anne divides her time between writing, her family, and three furry creatures that she secretly believes are plotting her assassination.
 
Author Links:
Facebook  |  Twitter (@WriteforDoffee) | Website  | Goodreads

Book Blitz (+ Cover Reveal) of Like

Book Blitz of the Social Media series:

 


 
Social Media is a brand new novella series by JA Huss that will feature one book released every other Wednesday for twelve weeks.

Release dates are:

27th of August - #1 Follow
10th of September - #2 Like
24 of September - #3 Block
8th of October - #4 Status

22nd of October - #5 Profile
 
5th of November - #6 Home
 

Cover Reveal of Like:
 

 Title: Like
Series: Social Media, #2
Author: JA Huss
 
Publication Date: 10th of September, 2014
Genres: adult, contemporary romance
 
Links:   Goodreads  |  Amazon (pre-order)



  Description:

 
#WhatADick
 
Vaughn Asher. I’ve stalked him relentlessly. I shaped and formed my lust into the perfect dirty hashtag…day after day… weekend after weekend. He was my prince. My fairy tale. My fantasy. I gave him the best years of my online life and what did he do for me? Ruined my social media experience one tweet at a time. That’s what.

#Fantastic #BackToNatureFucking


#MissingSomething #You

And now #TheDickWhoIsVaughnAsher thinks he can weasel his way back into this filthy blue bird’s Twitter account? He’s wrong. His public fantasy is about to collide… ah, fuck it. He’s hot as hell, bitches. I need more than a free sample. This time I want it all and I’ll do whatever it takes to get it.
 
 
About The Author:
 
J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favourite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.
 
Author Links:
 
Facebook  |  Twitter Website  |  Goodreads 


Thursday 28 August 2014

Review: Darkness Falls

Darkness Falls (Reveler #1) by Erin Kellison
 
 
 
Description:

Agent Malcolm Rook hunts for people with the rarest of talents — the ability to master dreams. He finds the undeniably gifted Jordan Lane, but she’s wary of mysterious Rook and resists his pursuit as long as she can. When the dreamwaters they enter are too exhilarating to resist, their attraction explodes into passion. But delving too deep stirs a nightmare — one they must defeat together, or be forever lost to darkness.

My Thoughts:

This book was a really pleasant surprise. I picked it up by accident and I don't regret it one bit. It was just so much fun! Sure it was a little... raw? Is that the word? It was just that tad too unpolished, but it had an easy reading style and I flew threw it quickly.

The concept of it, singularly,  was brilliant. We had this entire new dream world to explore with demons, monsters, little boy ghosts and so much more. I loved the creativity. I've never read anything like it before which is always welcomed - a million times better than having to suffer through another clichéd-riddled paranormal romance!

The characters and romance were also very well written. It does have a small case of insta-lust though which is always a big no-no. The couple however were really sweet together. If the author had taken a little more time to develop their relationship it would have been spot on.

Altogether this was an easy story to breeze through with great characters, great romance and a great plotline. There isn't much more you can ask for. If you're into adult paranormal romances I would easily recommend you give this a go.

Note: a copy was provided courtesy of Erin Kellison and Aspendawn Books, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given or taken during this process.


3.5 stars

Review: The Hit

The Hit (The Unknown Assassin #1) by Allen Zadoff
 
Title: The Hit (originally Boy Nobody)
Series: The Unknown Assassin, #1
Author: Allen Zafoff
 
Published: Orchard Books; 2014
352 pages, kindle edition
 
Source: Netgalley
 
Rating: 3 stars
 
 Description (from Goodreads):

Boy Nobody is the perennial new kid in school, the one few notice and nobody thinks much about. He shows up in a new high school, in a new town, under a new name, makes few friends and doesn't stay long. Just long enough for someone in his new friend's family to die -- of "natural causes." Mission accomplished, Boy Nobody disappears, and moves on to the next target.

When his own parents died of not-so-natural causes at the age of eleven, Boy Nobody found himself under the control of The Program, a shadowy government organization that uses brainwashed kids as counter-espionage operatives. But somewhere, deep inside Boy Nobody, is somebody: the boy he once was, the boy who wants normal things (like a real home, his parents back), a boy who wants out. And he just might want those things badly enough to sabotage The Program's next mission.



My Thoughts:

The Hit was one of those books that I know I would have enjoyed a lot more if I had read this when I was younger and going through that "spy kids" phase. I was in love with Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Alex Rider, CHERUB... you know the sort of books where young kids investigate crimes, are into turned spy or secret assassin or something equally epic? Reading this now, however, wasn't much of a thrill - in fact it was awfully tedious, dull and a bore.

The plot started well. It almost reminded me of the television show Elementary because the main protagonist shares the amazing ability to interpret the most minor and subtle of body language just like Sherlock can. It was fascinating to see something as common as your every day school class dissected and interpreted. I never even thought of half of the things that "Benjamin" noticed and I found it quite fascinating.

The rest was a major let down.

The spy side of the plotline could have been better if the author had decided not to venture down the completely cliché path of having his assassin fall in (real) love for the first time and start to question everything he had been taught... blah, blah, blah. We have all seen that scenario played out before. The ending attempted to bring a shocking surprise to hide the clichés but it didn't work too well at all.

It also would've helped if I could of formed any sort attachment to the characters. I could understand why we didn't want to necessarily relate to "Benjamin" because he was supposed to be robotic and emotionless and all that. I didn't mind that so much as it kind of worked out well. The other characters however were awful. I didn't like any of them. They were all too cold, aloof and distant. How we supposed to form attachments to people like that?

This book could have been better and while I didn't hate it, it won't be something I will be picking up again. It had the potential but fell a little short so I will leave it at that.

Note: a copy was provided courtesy of Allen Zadoff and Hachette Children's Books, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given or taken during this process.

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #4

This is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine where bloggers spotlight upcoming releases that they are eagerly anticipating.
 
The book I am most eager for this week is:-
 
The Death of Lila Jane
by Teresa Mummert:

I love the sound of this. It has a simple tone but a great underlying air of mystery. Cannot wait to get my hands on a copy.



 
Description :
 
Freshman year of high school is supposed to be a time to spread your wings; grow from a little girl into a young woman. That's what the adults say anyway. It just meant harder assignments and less time to figure out what college I wanted to get into in four years. I didn't need to add any stress to my life my parents did that for me. They fight constantly and no matter how hard I tried it was never good enough. This year would be different. This year I was going to shed the little girl Lila Jane and
become a woman if it killed me. 

 Be careful what you wish for.
 
Release date: 1st of December, 2015
 
Series: standalone at the moment
 
Publisher: unknown
 
Genres: new adult, contemporary

Tuesday 26 August 2014

Cover Reveal: Night of Pan

Cover Reveal of Night of Pan:
 
Title: Night of Pan
Series: The Oracle of Delphi Trilogy #1
Author: Gail Strickland
 
Date of Release: 7th of November, 2014
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
 
Genres: young adult, historical, fantasy
 
Links:   Amazon (pre-order)
 
Cover Artist: Ricky Gunawan

Description:
The slaughter of the Spartan Three Hundred at Thermopylae, Greece 480 BCE — when King Leonidas tried to stop the Persian army with only his elite guard — is well known. But just what did King Xerxes do after he defeated the Greeks?
 Fifteen-year-old Thaleia is haunted by visions: roofs dripping blood, Athens burning. She tries to convince her best friend and all the villagers that she’s not crazy. The gods do speak to her - and the gods have plans for this girl.
 When Xerxes’ army of a million Persians marches straight to the mountain village Delphi to claim the Temple of Apollo’s treasures and sacred power, Thaleia’s gift may be her people’s last line of defence.
Her destiny may be to save Greece… but is one girl strong enough to stop an entire army?

 
About The Author:
While Studying the Classics in college, Strickland translated much of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Herodotus' prophecies and The Baccahi by Euripides. Living on the Greek islands after college, she discovered her love of myth, the wine-dark sea and retsina.
The Baltimore Review and Writer's Digest have recognised Gail's fiction. She published stories and poems in Travellers' Tales anthologies and the San Fransisco Writer's anthology. Her poetry and photography were published in a collection called Clutter.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gail grew up in Northern California. She raised her children; was musical director for CAT children's theatre; taught music in schools; mentored young poets and novelists; ad introduced thousands of youngsters to piano and Greek mythology. Gail is passionate about bringing the richness of Homer's language and culture to today's youth.
 
Author Links:
Facebook  |  Twitter | Website  | Google+  |  Goodreads 

Top Ten Tuesday #1

This is a weekly event created by The Broke and the Bookish where bloggers post a new "Top Ten" list for the particular week's topic.
 
This week topic is:-
Top Ten Books I Really Want To Read But Don't Own Yet
 
1. Dust City by Robert Paul Weston - I am an absolute sucker for fairytale retellings. They are practically my favourite genre. The description for this (click on the title name to be taken to the GR page where you can read it) blew me away. This book definitely has the highest priority on my TBR list.
 
2. Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - I haven't read any of this author's books before even if I do have all of her books on my TBR list! I own The Naturals though and love the sound of Tattoo but this is the one that grabbed my attention the most. A kickass female zombie/dragon/vampire slayer? Consider this bought already.
 

 3. Talon (Talon #1) by Julie Kagawa - The author's Blood of Eden series is one of my favourites. She has an incredible writing style and her characters are hilarious and epic at the same time. Now she's tackling dragons... I cannot wait for this to be released. *grabby hands*
 
4. Russian Roulette (Alex Rider #10) by Anthony Horowitz - The Alex Rider series was one of my ultimate favourites as a child. I have read each of the nine books numerous times and now have got my younger brother into the series. This story is actually a prequel about Yassen. I cannot say why I am so excited to finally get his full story without spoiling the series for future readers so I'll just say that I am glad that Anthony Horowitz published this. I need a copy!
 
 
 
5. Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas - The third book of this trilogy has just been released so there is a bit of hype circling Goodreads at the moment. I have yet to pick up even the first book yet however. It does sound good and I have numerous recommendations to read it so its about high time for me to submit to the fangirls and give this series a go.
 
6. Charm & Strange by Stephanie Kuehn - I said before that my favourite genre was practically fairytale retellings. The reason I said "practically" is because there is only one genre that I love more and that is werewolf books. This is a werewolf book with an amazing description; that equals an automatic addition to my TBR list! What sold me was the fact that all of my favourite bloggers have rated this either four or five stars. I need a copy of this immediately!
 

7. Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna #1) by Kendare Blake - This series has received a lot of mixed reviews; some reviewers have hated it, a lot have loved it and others aren't so sure - even my non-reading friends have picked this one up and given it go. It does sounds deliciously creepy and right up my alley. I will try to pick up a copy as soon as I can.
 
8. The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons - Honestly, it was the cover of this that drew me in. I love it! Once I read the description and saw that it was a retelling of ancient Greek mythology I was sold.
 

9. Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin - I am honestly picking this one up simply because of who the author is. Her Babysitters' Club series was what got me into reading all those years ago and I would honestly read whatever she wrote, regardless of genre.
 
10. The Giver (The Giver Quartet #1) by Lois Lowry - To be honest the only reason that this is really on my TBR list is because of two reasons. One) it's said to be one of the "first great dystopians" and I want to see what makes it so great. Two) its being made into a movie that will be released soon. I really want to see it and go by a policy where I have to read a book before I see the film!
 
 

Sunday 24 August 2014

Sunday Overview #2

This is a weekly post that I put on to let you know what's been happening recently and what I have planned out for the following week.
 
This week has been a rather eventful one. It was my 16th on Wednesday and school closed earlier for subject selections (next year's). I have a fresh tonne of new homework to work through and hundred decisions to make. Its been busy!
  
 
What's been happening this week?
 
Channel 20Something book blitz (interview + excerpt)
 Waiting on Wednesday #3:  Winter
Reveal of JA Huss's "Secret Project"
Cover Reveal: Follow




  
Reviews:
 
 
Read:
 


What Books Did I Pick Up?:

Amazon Freebies:






What's coming up this week?

Top Ten Tuesday #1 (Tuesday the 26th)
Waiting on Wednesday #4 (Wednesday the 27th)
Cover Reveal: Walled (Friday the 29th)

Reviews:

Death Bringer

What I Plan on Reading:

The Hit by Allen Zadoff
Everything Leads to You by Nina Lacour
Day 21 by Kass Morgan