Thursday 28 August 2014

Messenger of Fear by Michael Grant review


Title: Messenger of Fear
Author: Michael Grant
Published: 26th August 2014
Publisher: Electric Monkey

Summary: Mara wakes in a field of dead grass, a heavy mist pressing down on her. She is terrified, afraid that she is dead. Then a beautiful young man dressed in black appears. He calls himself Messenger of Fear.

This boy is able to move effortlessly through space and time. He also sees the darkness in human hearts. He sees the evils done: the destructive lies, the cruelty, the bullying, the violence. And if the world does not bring justice to those who do evil, he will. He offers the wicked a game. If they win, they go free. If they lose, they will live their greatest fear. Either way, their sanity will be challenged.

It is a world of fair but harsh justice. Of retribution and redemption. And mystery. Why was Mara chosen to be the Messenger’s apprentice? What has she done to deserve this terrible fate? She won’t find out until three of the wicked receive justice. And when she does, she will be shattered.

Review: I came to this book in a slightly strange fashion. My locker at work had been completely empty and then the next time I opened it there was a book sat in it. The cover bore a message "Play or Pay". First I was pulled in by the typography (because you all know by now how much I love covers!), then I was pulled in by the challenge of the game, I was intrigued. This was one of the first times when I've understood someone saying they read a book and had not been able to put it down. I picked it up and kept going.  When I wasn't reading I could feel it tick...tick...ticking in my desk and at the end...I had to remember to breath out and said "damn".  

And what I had read was fast-pace, moralistic tale that's not necessarily for the faint hearted, but one that we can all take something from. It has an almost cinematic quality to the imagery that flowed between the different realms. This is one of those books where you end up thinking 'what you would do' and one you can really put yourself into. This is something I feel is important in literature, so its not just another book, its actually something relate-able that we can take and discuss, which I hope a lot of people will be doing. 

 There was a fantastic mix of reality and fantasy, and the way that information was slowly given to you kept you a)hooked on the book but also b) constantly go 'oooo' (OK maybe that was just me on the train...and the office...and in my room). 

The Messenger was a great character, built on a mix of qualities and emotions that helped you to understand his position and character even more. It will be interesting to see how Mara takes what she's learn within this book and learns and adapts. Her perspective was interesting because you didn't know so much about her so you learnt together and this, at least for me, affected how you saw the character.  I also hope that we get to see more of the other supernatural characters (like Daniel and  the manipulative Oriax) that we were introduced to here. The matter of religion was also briefly touched on as would need be in such a narrative and I look forward to learning more about the governing Gods. 

The book asked me to pay or play, I played, and I'm still playing. 


Stephen 
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Sunday 24 August 2014

Book Review: Half Blood by Jennifer Armentrout

Name: Half Blood
Author: Jennifer Armentrout
UK publisher: Hodder
Summary: Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals--well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Review: I have been seeing this book around for a long time and had been meaning to read it, as I have loved many of Jennifer Armentrouts novels.  So lets talk about how much I enjoyed this novel!


Lets start with the strong protagonist Alexandria (Alex) this character brought laughs, tears and so much great moments. She wasn’t annoying like so many lead girls I’ve come across. She was brave, fierce but still had that gentle and innocent side to her. She was a very relatable character in terms of the normal human things she goes through such as falling in love or loosing a loved one.

I loved the whole school element as well as the Greek god plot. I feel there aren’t many YA Greek god themed novels out there and this book just added to the few that are amazing.  The relationships in this novel stood out to me so much. Especially Aiden and Alexandria’s. Their relationship built up over time it wasn’t love at fist sight. It was very refreshing. I loved the whole Romeo and Juliet aspect between the two. He’s a Pure and she’s a Half Blood and they are FORBIDDEN to be with each other. With Jennifer’s writing you couldn’t help but spur them on and break the rules.

I loved the twist towards the end of the novel. I did see it coming but I thought it brought a great aspect to the plot. I loved the fight scenes and action scenes. I thought Jennifer wrote them so eloquently and addicting. The sexual tension through out this novel with all the characters was at some points, you kinda wanted to throw a bucket of ice cold water on all of them woah.

Essences of Vampire Academy with an epic Romeo and Juliet twist. You guys will lap this up! 




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Thursday 21 August 2014

Book Review: The Darkness of Light by Tammy Farrell

Title: The Darkness of Light (The Dia Chronicles # 1)
Author: Tammy Farrell
Publisher: Self published
Note: This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review by the author, Tammy Farrell. 
Summary: The world has long forgotten them, but their descendants live on, not wholly mortal or god, but something in between…

At the dawn of the sixth century, in the aftermath of her mother’s brutal execution, Mara Black is forced to flee the only life she has ever known.

Mara can tell she’s different, but isn't sure why. After she encounters two mysterious strangers, she discovers her secret is but a drop in an ocean of many. She is a Dia, a descendant of ancient gods, and her mother sacrificed herself to protect Mara from their past.

Summoned by an uncle she didn't know existed, Mara thinks she’s found the family she’s always wanted, and Corbin, a love she never thought possible. But not everything is as it seems. Her uncle has other motives for protecting her, and her mentor, Malcolm, becomes so jealous, he’ll do anything to get what he wants. When tragedy strikes, and the true darkness among them comes to light, Mara discovers that sometimes love can give you everything, and obsession can take it all away. With her powers gone, and destiny calling, she has to look deep within to find the courage to save herself. Mara, along with Corbin and her newfound family, must fight to get back what was taken, or die trying.


Review: The Darkness of Light is the debut novel of Tammy Farrell set in the sixth century, and you're thrust into a world that is very vivid. Immediately you're thrown into the action and you learn by the character's actions. It was a wonderful way to start the book. The world was amazing and the concept was unique for me. The heroine in this story is Mara Black, and she has just witnessed her mother's execution. With this she is forced to flee everything that she has ever known and start life over again. But she quickly learns - the life that she has known has also been a complete lie.

I had some very high hopes for this novel and for the most part, it delivered. It was self published and I had to keep that in mind. There were a few points where I noticed grammatical errors but they were honestly very small things. In the first portion of the book this really bothered me and I almost considered stopping because it was bothering me - BUT I continued to read and didn't notice them any longer. All that aside, I am very glad that I gave this book a second chance because it was incredibly entertaining and the story itself was so unique.

The majority of the characters in the book were incredibly well developed (especially Mara and Malcom, in my opinion) and I felt myself torn in a few different parts of the book. You know when you can understand why a character might think or feel the way that they do because of their history... but know that it is so completely wrong? That's how I felt. I knew who I was supposed to be rooting for, but couldn't help but wanting to know more about Mara's jealous mentor, Malcom and his story. Why did he feel the way that he felt or act the way that he acted?  I enjoyed the first book in the Dia Chronicles so much that I've already looked into the second book which is expected to release in November, The Embers of Light. If you're looking for a new fantasy series to follow I suggest you give the debut novel, Darkness of Light a chance because this series has a ton of potential.





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Friday 8 August 2014

Cover Reveal: The Elementalists by C. Sharp

Hi Lovelies! I'm here today to share with you a cover reveal for an upcoming novel by C. Sharp courtesy of Diversion Books called The Elementalists! This one looks like it is going to be a really fun read!

Summary: It is the hottest year on record for the fifth year in a row, and famine riots spread across much of Africa. Along the Gulf Coast, the hurricane season is one of the worst in memory. The latest in a string of 9.0 strength earthquakes has claimed two-hundred thousand lives in central China. Far below the earth’s crust, imprisoned in ancient slumber, the elemental powers of the land grow restless…

All seems normal in small town Virginia, where fifteen year old Chloe McClellan dreads the start of her sophomore year. Whip-smart, athletic and genuine, she’s also a bit of an angry loner who is totally unaware of her charms. Despite her plans to stay under the radar, Chloe becomes a target for the fiery queen of the It-girls in fifth period gym. She then draws instant notoriety when she’s struck by lightning after her first disastrous day of school. As if that weren’t bad enough, she soon comes to believe, that either she’s going insane, or her accident has unleashed a powerful and terrifying creature from the mythological world—triggering the final countdown to the world’s sixth great extinction level event.

Chloe finds some solace as she inexplicably wins the affections of an unlikely trio of male classmates: the earthy and gregarious captain of the football team, the flighty stoner with a secret, and an enigmatic transfer student who longs for the sea. All the while she struggles with the growing realization that “Dragons” exist, and she may be the only one who can stop them.

The Elementalists, book one of the Tipping Point Prophecy, follows Chloe and her group of friends, and enemies, as they struggle to save humanity by harnessing the power of the elements.


About the author:
This is C. Sharp’s debut novel. He studied English Literature and Anthropology at Brown University and Mayan Archaeology at the Harvard Field School in Honduras. He works in film and commercial production. Chris now lives in Concord, MA with his wife and daughter.

Goodreads link:

I know that this looks like it is going to be a great read, if you're into mythological reads-- check this one out!


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Book Review: Say Her Name By James Dawson

Name: Say Her Name
Author: James Dawson
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Release date: June 2014

Summary: Roberta 'Bobbie' Brown is not the kind of person who believes in ghosts. A Halloween dare at her ridiculously spooky boarding school is no big deal, especially when her best friend Naya and cute local boy Caine agree to join in too. They are ordered to summon the legendary ghost of 'Bloody Mary', say her name five times in front of a candlelit mirror, and she shall appear...but, surprise surprise nothing happens.

Or does it?
Next morning, Bobbie finds a message on her bathroom mirror....five days...but what does it mean? And who left it there? Things get increasingly weird and more terrifying for Bobbie and Naya, until it becomes all too clear that Bloody Mary was indeed called from the afterlife that night, and she is in a race against time before their five days are up and Mary comes for them, as she has come for countless others before....

Review: I had heard so much about James Dawson but had never had a chance to discover his writing before 'Say Her Name'.
This may have been the first novel I devoured but I can safely say it will not be the last. I am definitely a fan of his work. Having listened to James read from 'Say Her Name' at the Hot Key's blogger event I was instantly intrigued, and I done the one thing I am usually good at avoiding. I temporarily ditched my current book. I can't say I've read a great deal of horror since the Point Horror books at school and I generally am not one for scaring myself to be honest. But James had made me want to read about Bobbie and co after his intriguing read.

So that is exactly what I did. If I'm honest if I had started this on a day off I imagine I could have devoured it in one sitting. James truly has a way with words, I'm a little upset with myself as I had written a chunk of my review and it didn't save and now I no longer have the note paper. Anyway, sorry about that Bobbie has such a distinctive voice. Although I really do not understand why she gets tormented by a number of her peers, I would've befriended Bobbie. So to prove she's not a wet weekend Bobbie daringly agrees to call for Bloody Mary at a Halloween get together with some members of her school and some boys. Yup! cute boys are always a weakness for us girls and I can safely say I would've fallen along with Bobbie over Caine. Everything about Bobbie screams fun and everything about Caine screams dreamboat. I loved getting to know the characters as this creepy tale took over, but more importantly I loved the relationship that blossomed between Bobbie and Caine especially when things got tough and unexplainable disappearances were happening.

What I truly love is that now thanks to social media readers can interact with each other and the authors in question as we are reading. James really did make me laugh by daring me to read at night. I remember vividly I was compelled by the story and fully focused whilst sitting on the bus home one night after work and I swear something touched my shoulder and there was nothing there. It's safe to say I was a little freaked but 'Say Her Name' sucked me in so much that I honestly couldn't stop reading even if I'd tried to.

If you want to read something fun, different and a tad creepy then do yourself a favour and get a copy of Say Her Name...but the real question is DO YOU DARE!



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Wednesday 6 August 2014

Book Review: Cancel the Wedding by Carolyn Dingman

Title: Cancel the Wedding
Author: Carolyn Dingman
Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
Publication: August 5th
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review; this does not affect my opinion of the book
Summary: A heartfelt fiction debut that will appeal to fans of Emily Giffin’s Southern charm and Jennifer Weiner’s compelling, emotionally resonant novels about the frustrations of blood ties, Cancel the Wedding follows one woman’s journey to discover the secrets of her mother’s hidden past—and confront her own uncertain future.

On the surface, Olivia has it all: a high-powered career, a loving family, and a handsome fiancĂ©. She even seems to be coming to terms with her mother Jane’s premature death from cancer. But when Jane’s final wish is revealed, Olivia and her elder sister Georgia are mystified. Their mother rarely spoke of her rural Southern hometown, and never went back to visit—so why does she want them to return to Huntley, Georgia, to scatter her ashes?

Jane’s request offers Olivia a temporary escape from the reality she’s long been denying: she hates her “dream” job, and she’s not really sure she wants to marry her groom-to-be. With her 14-year-old niece, Logan, riding shotgun, she heads South on a summer road trip looking for answers about her mother.

As Olivia gets to know the town’s inhabitants, she begins to peel back the secrets of her mother’s early life—truths that force her to finally question her own future. But when Olivia is confronted with a tragedy and finds an opportunity to right a terrible wrong, will it give her the courage to accept her mother’s past—and say yes to her own desire to start over?


Review: Cancel the Wedding by Carolyn Dingman is the debut novel from the author. Cancel the Wedding follows who Olivia has it all, or at least she seems as though she has it all to everyone else. She has a career, a family, and is engaged to be married to the handsome Leo. It seems like she is finally coming to grips with the loss of her mother from cancer a year earlier but there is just one thing left to do. Liv's mother, Jane had one last request: for her ashes to be scattered in her old hometown. A hometown that she never spoke about with Liv of her older sister, Georgia. This leaves Liv wondering and searching for answers. Olivia decides to travel to her mother's hometown ahead of time just to get everything arranged. Her fourteen year old niece, Logan decides to ride shotgun and they have a bit of a summer road trip together.

This book was such a breath of fresh air for me and had me totally invested in the characters. There are basically two stories being told-- the story of Jane and discovering her past that she left behind years before and discovering what exactly has tied her to her hometown. And then there's Olivia's story in the present day where you can clearly see the struggles that she is facing. Does she stay with Leo just because it is "comfortable", does she keep her job just because that is what she is expected to do? Their lives and struggles definitely seem to intersect at a few different points. I really don't want to give anything away about the plot, or about the life that Janie left behind because that is what I enjoyed the most. Delving into her fast and finding out - what was her life like there? What would she have kept from her daughters who were seemingly her entire world?

I adored many of the secondary characters that are introduced throughout the story- Logan, Graham, Elliott and even many of the townies were just so well developed. There were a lot of characters who had shorter cameos in the book, but I found myself thinking one thing- they were all so charming and I wanted to visit there. I wanted to spend my summer with Olivia, Logan and the others looking in to her mother's past because there was such a story to tell. And there was so much that Olivia would learn from her mother, Janie that could lend to her life. I absolutely adored this book, the story, the setting- everything. I look forward to reading more emotional, touching reads from Dingman in the future and if you like women's lit, stories about discovering what makes you happy and family secrets coming to surface I say pick it up today!




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Tuesday 5 August 2014

Book Review: Blue By Lisa Glass

Name: Blue
Author: Lisa Glass
Publisher: Quercus

Summary: Surfing is sixteen-year-old Iris's world, and when the ultra-talented Zeke walks into her life, it soon becomes her passion.
Over one amazing summer, as she is drawn into his sphere, she experiences love, new friendships, but also loss, with an intensity she never dreamed of.
But is Zeke all he seems? What hides beneath his glamorous and mysterious past? When Iris decides to try for her own surfing success, just as her ex-boyfriend comes back into her life, she will test her talent, and her feelings for Zeke, to the limit...

Review: When I was first told about Blue I was intrigued. I knew I had to say yes to this novel and my oh my I am so glad that I did. I received my review copy when I was a little snowed under so I didn't get to it as quickly as I would have liked. I had also seen a number of bloggers talking highly about Blue and how addictive it had been. They were not wrong on that score.
When Iris first met Zeke I was just as intrigued by this guy as she was and quite early on I knew I would fall in love with both of these characters. I wasn't wrong about either of them my instincts were completely right. Finding out about Zeke's mysterious past was intriguing and also learning that some other characters are not what they seem was both intriguing and addictive for me. What I also learnt was don't judge a person by how they seem - assuming could cause you problems.

Firstly, I have nothing against American based novels. I have loved many of them but another reason I was blown away by Blue was that it was based in Newquay in Cornwall, a truly beautiful place that I had the pleasure of visiting as a child. Having read this beauty of a contemporary I would love to revisit Newquay as an adult. Ok that may also have something to do with the fact that Lisa told me there are lots of Zeke type surfers in Newquay and now I am an adult I can appreciate them ;p. It's funny I knew very little about surfing but now I feel like I have a mild understanding and appreciation for surfers and surfing. My oh my how much hard work and training really goes in to being a pro surfer.

This book will sweep you off you're feet and have you diving into the ocean. I must advise you to have a hot pro surfer on hand. Not only is this book a summer treat, Lisa is a lovely person who I have had the pleasure to chat to on Twitter. A blog post from her will be up very soon so keep your eyes peeled. I am also pleased to say that there will be more from Iris and Zeke whoopa!! Now the waiting game for book two le sigh!!!

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Friday 1 August 2014

Book Review: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Summary: Two misfits. One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough... Eleanor

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he even plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes even before she gets to the punch line. There's a place on his neck, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises... Park

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds-- smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

Review: So, I’m not totally sure as to why I put off writing my review for Eleanor & Park for so long. Maybe because it’s been one of the best books that I’ve read so far in 2014 and I just felt as though no matter what I said about it that it wouldn’t really encompass the way that I felt about the book, or about the characters. I’d heard a ton of hype about Rainbow Rowell and Eleanor & Park and I was wondering – who is this Rainbow Rowell and what is so special about Eleanor & Park?

The characters; I very well think that they may be my favorite (though it is hard to decide) thing about Rainbow Rowell’s books, and Eleanor & Park especially. I read the synopsis and honestly wondered if this was the type of contemporary for me. But it was—it really was, you guys!  The characters were so incredibly real and flawed and there were so many layers to them. I absolutely adored them. They reminded of me of actual teenagers who didn’t look or act perfect all the time; who made mistakes and were just trying to figure out where they fit in the world. I wish there were YA books like this fifteen years ago when I was trying to figure out how I fit in.

My heart rose and fell so many times, and I just wanted to wrap Eleanor up into a big hug and tell her that it was okay, that everything would be okay. There was this beautiful love story with this imperfect couple and very real life issues.  I wish I could go back and read Eleanor & Park for the first time again. It was one of those books that I was laughing with them, crying with them and hanging on the edge of my seat just to make sure that everything was going to turn out okay. If you’re a big contemporary reader who likes to read books with believable characters, real issues and a little bit of young love… pick up Eleanor & Park. It is worth the read!





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