LetterBox Love #4

Letterbox Love is a weekly feature hosted by Lynsey on Narratively Speaking

Bought:

(UK Cover) The Gathering Dark By Leigh Bardugo

Received

Throne Of Glass By Sarah J. Maas

The False Prince By Jennifer A. Nielsen

Black City By Elizabeth Richards

Recieved

Got this from the awesome Maureen Johnson at the Cassandra Clare event I attended!

Its a HEAL/ PAINLESS rune Key ring ;)

Thanks to the Publishers who sent me books this week xx

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Review: In Honor by Jessi Kirby

Title: In Honor
Author: Jessi Kirby
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: May 8th OUT NOW!

Synopsis: Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences? (Goodreads)

Review: I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. All I knew was that the summary lured me in; it had the feel of realistic fiction that I crave and an emotional vibe, so I grabbed a few tissues before I began reading!

First off, let me just say that if Kleenex tissues and Simon & Schuster came together and did a little marketing pairing I think they could really make something work!! Because wow-- yes, I am an emotional reader but I have never opened a book where the very first paragraph had my eyes blurred with tears. And that didn't stop until about halfway through the entire book! And of course started up again later on.

Okay enough with the crying... let's get to how wonderful this book really is.

Author Jessi Kirby writes about a young girl who sets off to fulfill her brother's wishes; he had left her in a letter he sent that arrived to her- several days after his funeral. Finn sends Honor two tickets to see a Kyra Kelley concert on the coast of California and asks Honor to tell her all him. To Honor, the idea seemed silly but this was her recently deceased brother and the only way she knew how to deal with his loss... to accompany her on the trip was her brother's not so welcomed friend Rusty. Honor and Rusty set out on a journey to Texas to California; they both struggling with the loss of Finn- a brother and a friend. Along the way the trip leads them to more than just overcoming their grief-- because lets face it, there are many stages of grief of and every person goes through them at a different pace. Along the way they start to find each other and within that they began to find themselves. Reality is an easy thing to oversee when it's clouded with grief.

A beautiful setting and the writing just blew me away. I could almost taste the desert air. This was my first Jessi Kirby Novel, but I'll be sure to read Moonglass now because I loved how her writing had a graceful flow that stayed consistent- with minor subtleties of life's ups and downs throughout the storyline.  

I belief the reason I truly adored this book is because Jessi makes a simple plot and with adorable characters that you want to love right away; well, Honor and Finn at least. Rusty will grow on you! And because death is a familar topic- whether it is personal or someone you know- we all have an experience that is associated with loss; and so we already have a connection with Honor and feel as though as a reader we are on this road trip with her! Every obstacle, every leap, every success, and every emotional breakthrough that Honor goes through... I was there right along with her; In Honor captures a readers heart. 

And although I started to believe that this book wasn't going to end the way I had imagined it would... it didn't actually; it was even better!!

  

I know that I am being very general about this book... but I'm doing that on purpose; I found this book exciting because I didn't know the outcome and it was emotional because I liked to see where Honor's thoughts would eventually take her. So I hope you'll trust me when I say that this is a MUST READ.

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LetterBox Love #2

Letterbox Love is a weekly feature hosted by Lynsey on Narratively Speaking

Received:

Dark Kiss By Michelle Rowen

The Secret Year By Jennifer R. Hubbard

Received:

Free tickets to see Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson in

London from the Awesome Neil at The Devils Library



Received

Perfect Chemistry Series Poster
From the Lovely Trini at Book Lovers Reviews


Thanks Publishers and Bloggers x

 

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Book Review: The Gathering Dark By Leigh Bardugo

Name: The Gathering Dark
Author: Leigh Bardugo
UK Publisher: Indigo - Orion Books
UK Release Date: 21st May
Summary: Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.

Review: You ever look at a book and prey that it's something you've never read before. A story that can take you to a magic, tremendous, incredible, original world and make you not sleep for days because you want to finish it? well then The Gathering Dark By Leigh Bardugo will for fill that prayer.
I had not heard much about this book before I received it. The summary sounded interesting and nothing like I had read before. It was defiantly the case! This book is spectacular. I first opened the book and was sucked in. Why? Because it was straight into the action. Mal The Tracker, Alina the Map maker and the incredible dark "The Darkling".

The plot is amazing. The once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. I think the amount of detail put into this story is mind blowing. This book makes you want to be part of it. It makes you want to be a Grisha. Wear their beautiful Kefta (a colour coded coat they wear) live in the grand little palace and be part of a troubled world that you hoped you could help. I loved the whole being part of a faction so to say for example you could be a Map maker, A tailor, a Fabricator. It's amazing to read about all the different and awesome things they do and what Colour cuffs represent them.

I think its descriptive and effective. Leigh has created word images so vivid that it is almost like watching a movie. You can feel the heat and the cold, You can smell the smells and feel the emotion through the words. I have never come across a book where actual Darkness is the villain in this novel. Because of this I was on edge through out. I loved the characters. Alina is such a brave character that I could not help but love and im sure you guys will too, Mal the best friend of Alina who is so brave and so loveable. And then the Darkling. He has a lot of mystery that you cant help but want to find out and when you do there will be shocking reevaluations.

I can use one word to describe this book and that is "powerful" powerful because its original. Powerful because its eye catching. Powerful because it makes you feel all the emotions that are mentioned in the English dictionary, And powerful because Its made me have a whole new out look and something to look forward to in the future of YA.

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City of Lost Souls Blog Tour: Ask Cassie Clare

Late last week I got offered an amazing opportunity as part of the Blog Tour for City of Lost Souls Blog Tour. I am going to be interviewing Cassandra Clare while she is doing her UK tour when she visits Bath on the 1st of June. I jumped at the chance because you guys all know that next year or the year after Cassandra and her books and MOVIES are going to be huge.

Now this is where YOU come in. My interview will focus around questions about Sebastian. The awesome, sexy and cant help but love bady in the book. I would love some help for this so if you have any questions at all you want to ask Cassie about Sebastian please leave them in the comments section below or YOU CAN TWEET ME @Darkreaders and I'll try my hardest to put as many as I can to her. If you guys look to your left on the blog you will see the tour dates :)

Thanks guys!

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Blog Tour: Outakes from Dreams By Daniela Sacerdoti

Hey Guys So we are last stop on the Dreams blog tour is with ME. We have an awesome Outtake from the book itself!

Expect my review for this awesome book soon! Its out now so go get your hands on it! here is the summary for the book!

You’d never think it could happen to you. You’d never think that one day you’ll stand in a graveyard, rain tapping on a sea of black umbrellas, watching your parents being lowered into the earth, never to come back. It’s happening to me. They said it was an accident. Only I know the truth. My parents were hunters, like their parents and grandparents before them, hundreds of years back, scores of ancestors behind me, fulfilling the same call. I must follow in their footsteps. I am the only one left to keep the promise. I can never give up the fight, this fight that has been handed down to me, thrust upon my unwilling shoulders. I’d rather be buried with my parents, my brave, fierce father and mother, who lived and died by the Midnight motto: Don’t Let Them Roam.

Ever since her thirteenth birthday, seventeen-year-old Sarah Midnight’s dreams have been plagued by demons—but unlike most people’s nightmares, Sarah’s come true. Her dreams guide her parents’ hunt as Sarah remains in bed, terrified but safe, sheltered from the true horrors of the Midnight legacy. But all this is about to change. After the murder of her parents, she is cruelly thrust into a secret world of unimaginable danger as she is forced to take up their mission. Alone and unprepared for the fight that lies before her, Sarah must learn how to use the powers she’s inherited and decide whom to trust before it’s too late.

OUTTAKES

Sean and Sarah’s first encounter

Sean

It was a bit like bungee jumping – when you throw yourself off a cliff tethered to life by a rope and drawn to death by gravity, and there’s always that split second when you think will it hold? Are these my last seconds of my life? And as you see the ground hurling towards you, you think all that took me here, to this moment – all that happened to this point – all of it, was meant to be.

That is how I felt standing in front of Sarah’s door on a misty Scottish night, the cold of the wee small hours of the morning seeping in my bones. There to take Harry Midnight’s identity, to fulfil the mission he had thrust upon me, the only man he could fully trust.

A tall, blonde woman opened the door – someone who looked nothing like Sarah – but I had done my research, I knew who that was.

"Hello, I’m Harry Midnight." The first lie of a long, long series of them. "Thanks for looking after Sarah. Now you can go. Well, get dressed, first." I don’t even know why I went for sarcastic. I should have been reassuring, I suppose – but by then my heart beat so fast with the responsibility, with Harry’s memory, with all that was at stake – that I had become uncharacteristically emotional, and it came out the only way I knew. "Chop chop. Don’t worry, I’m family. We’ll look after each other."

Juliet’s expression was genuinely funny – even if the midst of all the danger, I couldn’t help thinking how strange the whole situation was. The long lost cousin, the estranged young man who comes back and moves in, claiming he’ll be the one to look after Sarah. The clause that James and Anne had left in their will, the one that Sarah told me about – how she was forbidden from living in the Midnight mansion alone – that clause I was grateful for, because it was what convinced Sarah to let me in.

Sarah, who was listening from somewhere along the hall, her shadow cast on the wooden floor – did she think she could hide from me? Not with my Gamekeeper training.

"There is no way I’ll leave her alone with…with you!" Juliet said, and I decided to stop tormenting her.

"No, I suppose not. Well, we can talk about it tomorrow." I said.

The slender shadow on the floor moved – Sarah was getting ready to come out. For some strange reason, my heart started beating faster – as if I felt my very destiny approaching. Did I know, at the time, all that was to happen? Did I know what Sarah was meant to be, for me?

Did I have a hint of how Sarah was meant to tear my soul open and lodge herself in it, never to leave it? Of course I didn’t. And still, my blood was flowing so fast in my veins that I could feel it pounding in my ears like distant drums. Strange how sometimes your body knows that something momentous is about to happen, though your mind doesn’t.

"Harry."

And there she was, Sarah Midnight. The last of the Midnights.

Her voice was low, uncertain – a bit frightened, even. But her eyes looked straight into mine.

She’s strong, I thought at once, one of those thoughts that rise in your consciousness before the mind can fully register them. The pale complexion, the small nose and mouth, the way she kept her chin slightly raised in a gesture of pride and defiance; and those eyes, impossibly green. She’s a Midnight through and through, I thought, a hand squeezing my heart as I remembered the real Harry.

"Come on, we can talk upstairs." She said, and led me into her house, and into her life, and into her heart – and I was never to untie myself, never to be unbound, never again floating alone in a lonely universe.

　

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This Is How Much I Love Reading And Blogging

This Video Says It all

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Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Title:Unraveling
Author: Elizabeth Norris
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
US Date Published: OUT NOW!

Synopsis: Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process. (Goodreads)


Review: The idea of this book intrigued me and the synopsis sounded alluring- like a kid in a candy store, I couldn't wait to get an ARC of Unraveling to review. 


I had started reading the book and became a little uneasy with the language that was used. Now I'm not a saint by any means... and cursing doesn't offend me, but the first 5-7 pages of this book had some language choices that I thought could've been different considering this is a Young Adult book, in which mainly teens will be reading. So I put that aside and focused on the storyline... 

Throughout this book Janelle gets hit with a series of unfortunate events per se. But she has a lot to be thankful for as well as she is given the second chance at life when Ben Michaels brings her back to life. The crash that took away Janelle's life is the start of a ticking clock!! The problem?? They aren't exactly sure what this clock is ticking down for... and they've only got less than 24days to figure it out! There is so much "meat to this story"; little plot segments that come together to form some shocking twists and turns!


I did adore Janelle's character traits- she's an average teenager trying to get through highschool, who's had to deal with some misfortunes regarding her mom. But from that she grew into a more independent person- which sets her up to be driven and vocal! She needed to be & throughout this book she had to be- especially for her brother and for their survival! 


Okay-- so I really enjoyed the storyline up until a certain part (about 3/4 way)... I still haven't decided if it's the initial shock that I wasn't fond of or the event overall? I don't know. And usually when I have a prediction on what might happen in a book, I rarely get upset when I'm right or wrong, because I like seeing what the author comes up. When Janelle found out the reasons for the count down and who Ben was, I was truly taken back. I didn't think flowed well at all. Not sure what I expected... but it wasn't what we were given. 

The ending will make you put yourself in Janelle's shoes and ask if you'd have Ben stay with you or selflessly let him leave for his family; not knowing when you'd see him again. Tough Choice. 

I gave this book a 2.5 stars... I liked it; but I was putting it down too many times and having to will myself to read to give it anything higher. 

Below is the UK cover of Unraveling which will be out on June 7th by HarperCollin Children's

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Book Review: Saving June By Hannah Harrington

Name: Saving June
Author: Hannah Harrington
UK Publisher: Mira Ink
UK Release Date: 1st June
Summary:‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’
Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California. Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs. Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

Review: So I had heard a lot of amazing things about this book and I really was excited to start it and I'm glad I did.I love books that have a running theme through them that you can relate to, this theme was music. From the rolling stones to the Beatles this amazing book had them all in. As I read the book it made me imagine the awesome classics playing in the background, it gave the book such presents.

I absolutely love music! Music is my life and I have never come across a book that just has it present so spectacularly. The quotes used to describe music in this novel are inspiring for example "music life would be a mistake" so simple but so effective!

Characters. Jake isn't your typical YA lead guy which I absolutely love. He smokes, drinks and his hair looks like he cuts it himself! But yet he is the most beautiful boy in YA I've read in awhile, he's just so cool and you can't seem to stop daydreaming about him like Harper as you read! And if a guy can write you a song then he's a keeper!

The plot is beautiful. So original so marvellous. I loved how Hannah has written the road trip route. The way she writes you can literally feel the blistering heat on your skin and the emotion the Characters are feeling especially Harper. I think is a beautiful emotional story and you can defiantly relate to it if you have ever lost someone.

Saving june is a Sad, beautiful, for filling and tremendous story that made me swoon from beginning to end!

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Book Review: Summer Daydreams by Carole Matthews

Name: Summer Daydreams
Author: Carole Matthews
Publisher: Sphere
Release Date: 24th May 2012
Summary: 
What if you had always dreamed of something more....?
Nell McNamara has a happy life: her boyfriend Olly adores her, their four-year-old daughter Petal is the centre of their world and Nell has a steady job in the local chip shop. When the chippy needs a makeover, Nell jumps at the chance to unleash the creativity fizzing inside her.
Inspired by what she can achieve- and encouraged by the very best friends a girl can have- Nell is determind to try something new. Waving goodbye to the chip shop, she starts up a new busines making her own line of must-have handbags, which are soon flying off the shelves.
It seems Nell's dreams are finally coming true, but her success doesn't come without a price. Before too long, Nell has to ask herself if it's really possible to have it all.

Review: 
What can I say? I have now read three of Carole Matthews novels and I've fell in love with each of them.
With ease and charisma she creates loveable characters, and in all the books I've read they've been strong females. Which is always a win to read. It gives you a girl power feeling inside.
I read the extract for 'Summer Daydreams' in the back of 'Wrapped Up In You' back at Christmas and I had been on tenderhooks for this novel ever since.
'Summer Daydreams' is an uplifting book that has kept me entertained during these rainy days.
But as much as it's a loveable read with a dreamer ending, it also has it's fair share of ups and downs a complete rollercoaster ride with many shocks and twists. 
Some good some not so good.

I also love that Carole again writes a Dear Reader page at the beginning it gives it a more personal edge and it's like you've met the author and had a chat- I know that may sound kind of strange. I also enjoyed reading the Q&A with Helen Rochfort  at the back of the book. It gave an added extra to the inspiration of the story. 
What I loved was how characters like Olly and Jen surprised you in so many ways. 
One minute you're like omg NO and the next minute you're overtaken with emotion.
Nell's story is beautiful, chaotic, exciting and the dreamer in us all will be inspired.
 
Carole has also added an extract of her next read 'With Love At Christmas' as we're in May I decided not to read the extract yet as I know I'll want it now.

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My Opinion on YA book covers looking all the same

Now I wanted to do this post because probably for awhile now I've noticed how YA covers are all the same. Books about vampires, girl with gothic dress on. Book about werewolves girl with a gothic dress on! Books about cheese? Girl with a gothic dress on!.........wait what?!

This is how I feel when I walk into a bookstore every time. The book covers are beautiful don't get me wrong I think their stunning BUT half the time they do not have any relevance to the story itself. books like this sell because the book cover lies to us all the time. I can't tell you how many times I've picked up the book thinking its a magical gothic story (because of cover) and got home and the whole plot is like set in a junk yard.

Again people will say "these books sell" for me it's not the point! That's just an easy way, a LAZY way. You can make a book cover amazing, beautiful, catching and sellable and let it be related to the book. "why do we need to do all that when it sells the other way?" BECAUSE that's not the point. This is reading not an insurance commercial!

I've noticed and I'm sure other bloggers have that some covers are redesigned to look like others that are big sellers. Like how after twilight got it's big shoot in sales so many books came out or were redesigned to reflect the black cover with single moody image. This frustrates me. WHY. Why can't the book stand by its self? I know it all comes down to money etc. but when I pick up a book look at the quote on the cover and it says "like the hunger games" and I read it and it's NOTHING like it. You get the money for the book and I'm left feeling scammed.

Being a bookseller I cant tell you how many times some people have come into the store with YA to return because it wasn't what they wanted. I asked "what do you mean?" they say "well the book cover was just a bunch of lies and I thought it was something else" sometimes these books don't sell ladies and gentlemen. Sometimes these books get returned.  I know why they do it to sell and they are soo lovely so the work isn't bad but as a reader and seller I see the side effect of un happy reader.

One thing I will say is that contemporary covers are getting even more beautiful and defiantly relate to the story. Why cant this be done in Most paranormal instead as well.

(Book covers that are not the same as eachother)

I would LOVE to make book covers for a living. I feel like its a guy sitting behind a desk in a box room never leaving making these covers. Or even reading the books. Like he hasn't seen the YA world or the community it's created because if you did you would probably realize that it's time for a change. And 9/10 bloggers and readers would say the same. I know it.

What do you guys think? You agree or you dont? comment below and tell me what you think! :)

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Book Review: City Of Lost Souls By Cassandra Clare

Name: City Of Lost Souls
Author: Cassandra Clare
UK Publisher: Walker
Release date: OUT NOW
Summary: The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

Review: We are back for the fifth time in the Mortal Instruments series and it just never gets old. It picks off where Sebastian has woken up from the Dead and meets Jace face to face. Now that cliff hanger in the fourth book killed me but I waited with baited breath for COLS and I can now breathe with an electrifying screams I honestly don't know where to start. I could write an essay on how astounding this book was! I can honestly say this is my second favorite book in the series! Sebastian is back and as hot as ever. He's such a horrible character but one you can't seem not to love. You see a different side to him in this book. You also see a different side to jace as well. Clary has gotten consistently braver through out the series and this book just blew my mind with her bravery.

Once again I've said through the years for this book Cassandra has made her word images so vivid. I've noticed as well that this novel has defiantly a lot more sexual tension. I think Cassandra has put the perfect amount. I couldn't stop finding myself  realizing things, things I didn't realize before.  So many secrets and theories I hadn't noticed have come to life.

Character relationships. Alec and Magnus! I feel Cassandra has brought those characters to life even more in this novel especially in their relationship. Between them you can't find yourself but swooning. And think in this novel their scenes were the most exciting to read.
Passion, action, heroic moments, reevaluations and OMG moments are just some of the words I use to describe this book. Cassandra has excelled herself and I didn't want this book to end. You can tell she's worked so hard on this book from the amount of spectacular detail to the amount of pages.
As I read the last page and realized that in one more year I will have to say goodbye to the Mortal Instrument characters who I've spent many of my teenage years with and it's really sad. But I will say that City of lost souls will blow your mind.

This is a book for all tastes. This skilfully craft novel contains some history, mysticism, mystery, intrigue, humor and romance in a neat package that is not just entertaining but challenges your mind and imagination.
I wouldn't go out alone. Sebastian's back and he isn't going down without what he wants. Enjoy



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Book Review: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Name: Spellbound

Author: Cara Lynn Shultz

Publisher: MiraInk

Summary: 

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death? 

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

Review: Having recently found a new love for witch based YA novels I was extremely excited to read Spellbound.

I'd heard good things from fellow book blogger Vivienne and I couldn't wait to get stuck in.
This story is compelling, intriguing, fascinating and in some parts medieval.
I instantly loved Emma's character and just like Emma I was immediately attracted to Brendan.
This novel has so much in it, the epic love story of soul mates Emma and Brendan is so intense.
The quote on this novel says 'Spellbound captivated me from beginning to end' this is 110% true.
When reading this I was constantly eager for more reading whilst getting on and off buses, nearly missing stops I was hooked.

As a reader seeing the story pan out was exciting and in some parts terrifying.
I can't say I've ever had that strong a bond with a guy.
Emma has the one guy no other girl could tie down and he's 100% into her.
Emma has been through so much in her life and she's still only a teen- I love that no matter what she still continues to battle on.

Emma's story is definitely a rollercoaster ride.
I can't imagine how I'd feel if I found out that the one guy I love could also cause my downfall. 

Her unlikely friendship with Angelique- who most of her classmates think is a freak, is in fact a witch, is great. Angelique may well be different but she's exactly what Emma needs in a friend.

This was just an unforgettable novel that I couldn't put down I cannot wait to get my hands on Spellcaster the next instalment of this awesome series. 

 

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LetterBox Love #1

So bascially Dark- Readers was orginally a UK Blog but we do cater to everyone around the world. So a lot of us UK bloggers have decided after all these issues with the Story Siren etc that maybe the UK blogging world should start our own "In My Mailbox" so here it is LETTER BOX LOVE. now a fact for you people outside the UK us UK peeps actually call it a Letter box not a Mailbox. Now this is hosted by Lynsey at Narratively speaking and Dark Readers Designed the Logo! check it out :) ok now for the goodies

Received from Lucy @ChooseYA gave me Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson so thanks!

Received Adorkable By Sarra Manning from Atom Books

Bought Hush Hush Graphic Novel

Bought Until I Die and attended a Pannel where Amy was signing :) (going to do a giveaway)

Received:

Whats Up With Jody Barton

The Gathering Dark By Leigh Bardugo

I Capture The Castle (world book night book) By Dodie Smith Thanks Viv at Serendipity Reviews

Thanks Publishers :)

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Book Review and Q&A with Yvonne Woon: Life Eternal

Name: Life Eternal
Author: Yvonne Woon
UK publisher: Usborne
Release Date: OUT NOW
Summary: Renée Winters has changed. When she looks in the mirror, a beautiful girl with an older, sadder face stares back. Her condition has doctors mystified, but Renée can never reveal the truth: she died last May, and was brought back to life by the kiss of her Undead soul mate, Dante Berlin.

Review: Going back to Renees story I was so apprehensive, excited, nervous and emotionally drained from the first novel. But of course Yvonne has done it again first page had me hooked it brought back so many awesome memories when I first started DB. So atmospheric and totally sets the tone of the book and brings you back into the dead beautiful world of Dante and Renee.

From the ending of Dead Beautiful I had no idea what to expect or predict when it came to opening this book but once again Yvonne has brought me back into this scary, beautiful, unpredictable roller-coaster of a ride.

There is quite a few new characters in this novel. There is Anya who's Renees new friend in the novel. I thought she might be comparing her to Eleanor a lot but far from it. Anya is a kind girl who you grow to love through out this novel. Then we have Clementine. Who is not a nice girl at all who you grow to dislike even more through out the novel but she is a good read. Then there's Noah... Oh Noah another lead guy you can defiantly fall in love with. He's such a awesome characters he's defiantly one of my favourites. He's a very trust worthy guy and I can see why Renee took a liking to him.

One thing I didn't think id come close enjoying was Dustin and Renees relationship. Its closer than ever and as much as I do think Renees Grandfather loves her I think Dustin is more of a one. I love how Yvonne has made him such a loveable character who you wish you had in your life.

The plot. Oh the plot. I know I cant say much because I don't want to spoil it for you but I will say this. You like Shocking, crazy, unbelievable, jaw dropping, Head wrenching, cry out lout, NO moments and beautiful scenes? Then this is for you. Renee has to go on with her life knowing she's a Monitor and she's not very happy about it. Renee and Dante as just as lovely as ever and there is defiantly some hard times but the happy scenes between them you can actually close you eyes and Imagen yourself being Renee and being in that moment with him. That's how amazing Yvonnes writing is. Also the ending. Just as amazing as the first one it has your heart melting and just praying that the next book will be just as amazing

Once again I should comment on how much detail Yvonne has put into this book. Just as much as in Dead Beautiful. I really love the fact that in this book previous events that have happened in Dead Beautiful are explained and expanded for example why Renees parents were killed. (and its a shocker as to why).

So much is going on and without giving any spoilers all I can say is if you want to go back to Renees world and expect it all to be okay then I would suggest holding onto your seat because your about to fly off. Amazing.

Q&A With Yvonne Woon 

If Dante and Renee were stuck on a desert island together what 3 things each do you think they would bring?

Renée, being well trained in the art of Monitoring and survival, would bring 1) a shovel (just in case they encounter anything . . . suspicious), 2) the entirety of Descartes’s writings, which will prove to be especially important in book three, and which she would rationalize as being able to both read and use as kindling if necessary, and 3) a guide to foraging for wild fruit and mushrooms. She’s very practical.

 

Dante travels light. He would bring a knife, a down comforter (for Renée), and a water desalter (also for Renée).

 If Dead Beautiful was made into a movie what actor/actress would you love to see play Dante and Renee?

I love Carey Mulligan, and think she would make a great Renée. And Dante… that’s hard. He’s sort of this nebulous, larger-than-life male in my head. Maybe Ed Westwick?

Carey Mulligan

Ed Westwick

 If you could go to dinner with any of your novels characters who would it be and where would you go to eat?

Other than Dante, (who doesn’t eat!), I’d go with Anya to one of those Russian bathhouses with a restaurant attached. I’d probably let her order, though I bet caviar and some sort of preserved fish would be involved. And borscht!

What one song would suit Dante and Renee's relationship right now?
The suite from Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66, pas des caractère. It really captures the feeling of tiptoeing through the woods, trying to hold on to something that keeps slipping through your fingers.

What is next for Dante and Renee? Are you planning another Dead Beautiful book at the moment?
I am! I’m working on the third and final book now. It follows Renée and Dante as they piece together the strange contents in the chest from the lake, which end up leading them somewhere they do not expect. I don’t have a final title or publication date yet, though I’m guessing it will be out sometime in fall/winter of 2013.

Thanks Yvonne! cant wait for the third! :)

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