In My Mailbox (12).

In My Mailbox Is A Weekly Meme Hosted By Kristi Over At The Story Siren.

Pre-Order.

Vampire Academy: Official Guide - Richelle Mead

On A Dark Wing - Jordan Dane

Storm Born (Storm Born Comic #1) - Richelle Mead

Brought.

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) - Tahereh Mafi

Book Review (40).

Touch of Power (Healer #1)

by Maria V. Snyder

Publication: January 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia

Pages: 390

Genre: Fantasy

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

My Thoughts.

This is the very first book I've ever read by Maria V. Snyder and it definately won't be my last.

Avry is a healer, someone who can take injuries and diseases into her own body, unfortunately for Avry all healers a are being accused of spreading the plague and so are being hunted down and executed.

It's after Avry is in jail after saving a little girl's life that she is rescued by Kerrick and his friends who plan on escorting her to heal Prince Ryne who is lying in stasis  after catching the plague.

Avry initially refuses to heal Prince Ryne as she has previously had a run in with him and doesn't like him and the plague is the one disease healers can't recover from.

While traveling with the men she becomes close to all of them except Kerrick who is a forest mage and can camouflage himself who seems cold and unfeeling.

I loved the developing romance between Avry and Kerrick  while it took a while it wasn't until they were seperated they both realised their feelings and I can't wait to find out what else is in store for their relationship.

I was upset when we lost one of the characters from the group that Avry traveled with just wish he hadn't died.

But through it all this is an exciting and intriguing read and I only wish the next book is out sooner, I absolutely loved it.

I give this 5/5

A huge thanks to Gabby @ Harlequin Teen Australia.

Feature And Follow Friday (11).

Q: The New Year is here — and everyone wants to know your New Years Blogging Resolution! What are you going to try to revise, revamp and redo for 2012 on your blog?

My resolution after breaking four toes this year is to not break any bones at all next year!

Fingers crossed!

Book Review (39).

Ashes of Midnight (Midnight Breed #6)

by Lara Adrian 

Publication: 26th May 2009

Publisher: Dell Publishing Company

Pages: 368

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Age Appropriate: Adult

**Warning This Review May Contain Spoilers From The Previous Books In The Series**

A woman driven by blood. A man thirsting for vengeance.
A place where darkness and desire meet...

As night falls, Claire Roth flees, driven from her home by a fiery threat that seems to come from hell itself. Then, from out of the flames and ash, a vampire warrior emerges. He is Andreas Reichen, her onetime lover, now a stranger consumed by vengeance. Caught in the cross fire, Claire cannot escape his savage fury—or the hunger that plunges her into his world of eternal darkness and unending pleasure.

Nothing will stop Andreas from destroying the vampire responsible for slaughtering his Breed brethren . . . even if he must use his former lover as a pawn in his deadly mission. Blood-bonded to his treacherous adversary, Claire can lead Andreas to the enemy he seeks, but it is a journey fraught with danger—and deep, unbidden desires. For Claire is the one woman Andreas should not crave, and the only one he’s ever loved. A dangerous seduction begins—one that blurs the lines between predator and prey, and stokes the flames of a white-hot passion that may consume all in its path. . .  

My Thoughts.

I quite enjoyed this book but not as much as I enjoy the stories about the Order, we have Andreas Reichen hunting down everybody that had a hand in the slaughter of everybody in his Darkhaven and he's saved Wilhelm Roth for last.

He sets out for one of Roth's properties to kill him only to find the only one there is Reichen's former lover and now Roth's Breedmate Claire, Reichen has also lost control of his power (pyrokenisis) and Claire who was the only one who survived (all her guard's were killed) finds Reichen burning in the morning sun so after getting him inside to let him recover she uses her power (entering into other people's dreams) to contact Roth and to let him know Reichen is in the house, Roth sends out enforcement agents that unknown to Claire are there to kill Reichen, Claire escapes with Reichen and they're on the run till they can get into contact with the Order who all believe that Reichen died at his Darkhaven with everybody else.

It takes a while for Claire to believe that Roth is responsible for killing everyone that lived in Reichen's Darkhaven but after venturing into Roth's dreams she confronts him and he admits it's true.

The order also get the closest to Dragos than they have ever been finding his abandoned lab and the discovering the empty cells of the breedmates and the Gen One he's holding captive.

This series seems to get better with each book.

I give this 4/5 

In My Mailbox (11).

In My Mailbox Is A Weekly Meme Hosted By Kristi The Story Siren.

Review.

(Arc) Spoiled - Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan (Allen & Unwin Australia)

Pre-Order.

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) - Cassandra Clare

Shattered Souls - Mary Lindsey

Deadly Little Voices (Touch #4) - Laurie Fariaa Stolarz

Gifts.

100% The Vampire Diaries: The Unofficial Guide - Evie Parker

Straight Shooter - Matthew Lloyd (Signed)

Brought. (E-Book)

A Taste Of Midnight (Midnight Breed #9.5) - Lara Adrian

Season's Greetings.

I just thought I'd take the time to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas I hope everybody has a great day!

Book Review (38).

Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1)

by Amanda Hocking

Publication: 1st January 2012

Publisher: Tor/Pan Macmillan Australia

Pages: 238

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth.

With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of.

My Thoughts.

I loooved this book I'm so grateful for Pan Macmillan for picking this book up and releasing it in paperback.

This book was amazing and now I'm hanging out desperately to read the next two in the series.

Wendy was at her sixth birthday party when her mother tried to kill her telling her that she wasn't her daughter and somebody switched her at birth, eleven years later and Wendy is at another new school after being thrown out of quite a few and her brother and Aunt having to move constantly to enrol her at new schools.

A week ago a new boy Finn started at her school and he constantly stares at Wendy, initially creeped out she goes to the school dance and Finn shows up it's there he realises that Wendy has a power she can influence people using her mind to get them to do what she wants.

Later that night she finds him outside her bedroom window and it's then he tells her she's a changeling part of the Trylle who are trolls and he needs to take her back to Forening her birthplace because of her increasing powers, it's there she finds out that she's the princess of her people and she's expected to begin to learn how to one day rule.

She finds herself falling for Finn but they can't be together because she's royalty and he's not and her mother the Queen forbids it.

Wendy also has to deal with bad trolls known as Vittra who want her for their own

I cannot say enough good things about this book and I strongly suggest everyone check it out.

I give this 5/5

A big thanks to Jane @ Pan Macmillan Australia

Feature And Follow Friday (10).

Q:  If you had to spend eternity inside the pages of a book which book would you choose and why?

Of course I would have to pick Twilight and as much as I'm Team Edward I would encourage Jacob to be topless all the time, and I'd want the Cullen's to adopt me.

Book Review (37).

Crossed (Matched #2)

by Ally Condie

Publication: 1st November 2011

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Pages: 367

Genre: Dystopian

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

**Warning This May Contain Spoilers From The First Book**

The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

My Thoughts.

Being a huge fan of the first book in this series Matched I was excited to pick this one up and read it.

Cassia has been sent to a work camp in the outer provinces and separated from her family, while Ky has been sent to a village in the outer provinces with other aberrations as decoys where they are pretty much dropped off there to die.

As fate would have it a bunch of girls that are working in the same place as Cassia are told they're being sent elsewhere so Cassia gets on the plane in hopes they'll be dropped off somewhere near Ky, when they arrive she finds out Ky was there but he made a run for it with Vick and Eli in search of Cassia.

So Cassia along with Indie a girl from her camp escape as well and go in search of Ky.

Along the way we find out about a big secret that Xander has been hiding and Cassia wavers between Ky and Xander.

I loved the alternating chapters in this book so we get to read about what Ky thinks and we get an inside look at his past.

I  cannot wait for the last book in the trilogy to see how this story works itself out.

I give this 4/5.

Australian Vs. U.S.A Book Covers.

Stolen Away

by Alyxandra Harvey 

Australian.

American.

Book Review (36).

Haunting Violet

by Alyxandra Harvey 

Publication: 1st August 2011

Publisher: Bloomsbury Australia

Pages: 344

Genre: Paranormal/Historical

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.

Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

My Thoughts.

This is the first book I've ever read by Alyxandra Harvey and if all her books are like this one it definately won't be the last.

The story takes place in the late 1800's and Violet helps her mother scam people into believing she's a pyschic, her and Colin a boy who was orphaned when he was younger and taken in by Violet's mother Celeste to work for her, set up the room's that seances are going to be held in so people hear knocking, smell perfume and feel cold air.

They are invited to a Lord Jasper's estate to perform some seance's in front of some of the elite of society and it's there that Violet sees her first ghost a girl Rowena who everybody believes accidentaly drowned but was in fact murdered and once she realises that Violet sees her she doesn't leave her alone.

Adding to that is a relationship that is being pushed on her by her mother with Xavier who Violet finds very handsome but dull and Colin makes his feelings known to Violet and she realises she feels the same.

Throughout the book we have Violet with the help of her best friend Elizabeth trying to solve the murder of Rowena while also coming to terms with having to deal with all the spirits that want to get her attention.

Anyone who loves gothic, historical stories with a paranormal slant and a bit of romance thrown in do yourself a favour and check this book out.

I give this 4/5

A big thanks to Sonia @ Bloomsbury Australia

Australian Vs. U.S.A Book Covers.

Steampunk!: An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories

by Kelly Link, Gavin J. Grant

Australian.

American.

Book Review (35).

Veil of Midnight (Midnight Breed #5)

by Lara Adrian 

Publication: 30th December 2008

Publisher: Dell

Pages: 355

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Age Appropriate: Adult

**Warning May Contain Spoilers From Previous Books In The Series**

Bound by blood, addicted to danger, they'll enter the darkest—and most erotic—place of all.

A warrior trained in bullets and blades, Renata cannot be bested by any man—vampire or mortal. But her most powerful weapon is her extraordinary psychic ability—a gift both rare and deadly. Now a stranger threatens her hard-won independence—a golden-haired vampire who lures her into a realm of darkness…and pleasure beyond imagining.

A combat-loving adrenaline junkie, Nikolai dispenses his own justice to enemies of the Breed—and his latest quarry is a ruthless assassin. One woman stands in his way: the seductive, cool-as-ice bodyguard, Renata. But Renata’s powers are put to the test when a loved one, a child, is threatened and she’s forced to turn to Niko for help. As the two join forces, as desire fans the flames of a deeper hunger, Renata’s life is under siege by a man who offers the exquisite pleasure of a blood bond—and a passion that could save or doom them both forever.…

My Thoughts.

This is Nikolai's 'Niko' book, he goes to Montreal to seek out a Gen One Sergei Yakut and it's there he meets Sergei's bodyguard Renata a breedmate who has the ability to render vampires unconsciouss with her psychic ability but suffers severe after-effects.

Renata cares for a young eight year old breedmate Mira who's eyes reflect the future both of them are pretty much Sergei's prisoners and threatens to kill either one if they attempt to leave him.

There's an attraction straight away between Niko and Renata and it's just a matter of time before they both give in to their attraction.

We also get more into the Dragos and Gen One story and find that Dragos is creating an army of hunter's who are the children of the Gen One being held captive.

I can't wait to find out how the Dragos storyline works out and also Mira's storyline who's book will be realeased next year.

I give this 5/5

Book Review (34).

Chime

by Franny Billingsley

Publication: 1st April 2011

Publisher: Bloomsbury Australia

Pages: 368

Genre: Fantasy/Historical Fiction

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.

Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know.

My Thoughts.

The story starts off with Briony who with her Father (the village Priest) and her twin sister Rose are waiting for Eldric the son of a local resident to arrive, as his Father lives in the local alehouse it's decided he will stay with Briony's family in the Parsonage.

It's been two months and three days since Briony's Stepmother died of arsenic poisoning everyone assumes she killed herself but Briony knows better because she killed her Stepmother.

You see Briony is a Witch and according to her every bad thing that has happened to her family is her fault, her twin sister's brain injury, the fire that burnt down her home library and the flood that injured her Stepmother's spine.

Briony also has second sight so she can see spirits and the Boogy Mun who inhabits the local swamp and who has spread the deadly swamp cough and will give it to Rose if Briony won't stop the men who are planning on draining the swamp.

There is also a slowly developed romance between Briony and Eldric which is interrupted by Leanne who seems to become infatuated with Eldric and Briony's unwanted suitor Cecil.

The setting is 1910 England but the historical aspect you don't really notice too much.

For those who love a bit of mystery this is the book for you.

I give this 3.5/5

A big thanks to Sonia @ Bloomsbury Australia.

In My Mailbox (10).

In My Mailbox Is A Weekly Meme Hosted Over At The Story Siren.

Review.

Steampunk Anthology (Walker Books Australia)

The Future Of Us - Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler (Simon And Schuster Australia)

That's all I got this week a very quiet week for books.

Book Review (33).

Destined (House of Night #9)

by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast

Published: 25th October 2011

Publisher: St Martin's Press

Pages: 325

Genre: Paranormal

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

** Warning May Contain Spoilers For Those Who Have Not Read The Previous Books In The Series**

Breathing hard, Aurox stood there over the bodies of his vanquished enemies. He turned to Neferet.

"Very good," she said in her emotionless voice. "Let us leave this place before the authorities descend."

Aurox followed her. He walked heavily, his hooves gouging furrows in the dirty alley.

Weak. He felt weak. And more. There was something else.

"What is it?" She snapped at him when he hesitated before entering the car again.

"I do not know. I feel--"

She laughed. "You don't feel at all. You're obviously overthinking this."

"Yes, Priestess." Aurox got in the car and let the world speed past him.I do not think. I do not feel. I am a weapon.

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet -- which would be a whole lot easier if the High Council saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together -- if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia's handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more -- or possibly less -- than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there's something strangely familiar about him . . .

Will Neferet's true nature be revealed before she succeeds at extinguishing Light? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox's humanity in time to protect them all? Find out what's destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

My Thoughts.

I love this series and this would have to be one of my favourite books so far.

After the sobfest that was the last book we are back with Zoey and the gang where they are living in the depot and have returned to the House Of Night to attend classes again with Rephaim in his human form, of course no one wants him there least of all Dragon but Stevie Rae and her friends stick up for him.

We have a new boy Aurox who is very good looking but he's not all he seems and if you've read the last book you'll know what I mean he is told by Neferet not to feel anything but he can't help it whenever he's around Zoey, Neferet decides to employ humans to work in the school in hopes to create chaos but the 'horse whisperer'  she hires to work with Lenobia is hot and there is definate chemistry going on there.

Thanotos from the high council comes to teach Zoey, her gang and the red fledgings and then after finding out that Zoey's Mum was murdered in the previous book wants to do a spell which will replay her death and see who killed her, but of course just like every circle cast at the end of the book something always goes wrong, and someone dies.

I cannot wait for the next book, I love these characters and I can't wait to see what happens next.

I give this 5/5

Australian Vs. U.S.A Book Covers.

The Secret Year

by Jennifer R. Hubbard 

Australian.

American.

Book Review (32).

Unleashed (Wolf Springs Chronicles #1)

by Nancy Holder (Goodreads Author), Debbie Viguié 

Publication: 8th December 2011

Publisher: Random House Australia

Pages: 383

Genre: Paranormal

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

Katelyn McBride’s life changed in an instant when her mother died. Uprooted from her California home, Katelyn was shipped to the middle of nowhere, Arkansas, to her only living relative, her grandfather. And now she has to start over in Wolf Springs, a tiny village in the Ozark Mountains. Like any small town, Wolf Springs has secrets. But the secrets hidden here are more sinister than Katelyn could ever imagine. It’s a town with a history that reaches back centuries, spans continents, and conceals terrifying truths. And Katelyn McBride is about to change everything.

Broken families, ageless grudges, forced alliances, and love that blooms in the darkest night—welcome to Wolf Springs.

My Thoughts.

The story starts in the midst of an earthquake in California which kills Katelyn's 'Kat' Mum, so because her Father is also dead she is sent to live with her Grandfather in Arkansas in a small town called Wolf Springs.

Her Grandfather's cabin is in the middle of the forest with no one else around for miles and she's told not to venture into the forest or be outside in the dark.

Her first day there she is introduced to Trick a boy her age who will be picking her up every day for school, Kat is attracted to Trick but on her first day she is assigned an assignment with a girl called Cordelia who warns her off Trick,  even though she acts very weird herself and someone else warn's Kat about Cordelia.

Two girls are mauled and killed and Kat finds out there are wolves in the woods and that is what killed the girls.

We have our obligatory love triangle involving Trick (who is definately hiding something) and Cordelia's cousin Justin who has no problems making out with Kat even though he has a girlfriend.

I did really like this book and it leaves you with plenty of questions which I hope will be answered in the next book.

I give this 4/5

A big thanks to Dorothy @ Random House Australia.

Feature And Follow Friday (9).

                      A Weekly Meme Hosted By Parajunkee And Alison Can Read.

Q: When you’ve read a book, what do you do with it? (Keep it, give it away, donate it, sell it, swap it..?)

I don't like to give away my books when I've finished them unless I have a double, which because of that doesn't leave me with much room around the house.