Book Review (59).

Hallowed (Unearthly #2)

by Cynthia Hand

Publication: 13th December 2011

Publisher: Harper Collins Australia

Pages: 448

Genre: Paranormal

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

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

Clara Gardner knew that as a part angel she would one day have to fulfill her purpose, rescuing Christian from a forest fire...what she never considered was what might happen if she were to fail. 

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend Tucker, Clara must deal with the repercussions of what happened the day of the fire as the two boys vie for her heart. And, as she is drawn further into the world of angels and part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain after a shocking revelation, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning..

My Thoughts.

Cynthia Hand how could you do this to me, the dread I felt reading this book was awful I knew what was coming and I sort of hoped that it would work out and nobody would die but they did, and did I suffer from despair, my kleenex got quite a workout even before it happened, the way Cynthia handled that moment was perfect I felt that I was suffering Clara's grief and heartbreak with her and the way the book ended wow.

And now I'm conflicted in the first book I was definately Team Tucker but now I don't know, I really liked Christian in this book and he and Clara are perfect for each other but Tucker is the one she chose and I can't decide who she should be with, I've never ever jumped teams in a book before but because of Cynthia's amazing writing and the warmth and intrigue she brought to Christian's character I'm loving them both and am undecided I'm just wondering can she keep them both?

The book takes place pretty much straight after Unearthly and Clara and Tucker are together, Clara doesn't know what's going to happen now that she hasn't fulfilled her purpose, her Mum is still keeping secrets from her and Jeffrey seems to be hiding a big one from the day of the fire too.

Then Clara starts having a vision which takes place in her dreams of her at a cemetery, a funeral in fact of someone close to her and when she figures out who it is, it's heartbreaking I couldn't help but wish she was mistaken.

Angela has started an Angel Club which consists of Clara, Jeffrey, Christian and herself to discuss Angel topics, Clara who is trying her best to avoid Christian and Jeffrey who seems sullen and angry with everyone get together and share information of what they've learned so far.

Clara and Jeffrey's Mum take them to a camp which consists of all Angel-Bloods including Angela and Christian and it's there that they learn more about their Mum who doesn't seem very forthcoming with information about her life as an Angel and they also meet their Mum's best friend Billy.

Clara and Christian start spending more time together and Christian opens up more about his life and we also see one of his visions come to life while we also find out what Jeffrey and Angela's purposes are.

We also meet Clara's father and we find out the reason why he has been absent for most of her and her brother's lives and it's something I was not expecting.

This book was so good I would even say better than the first book which I absolutely loved.

While I finished this book last night I couldn't stop thinking about it, even at work I kept getting distracted by thoughts of it, it made that much of an impact on me and for a book to do that it's something very special.

I hate the thought of having to wait till next year for the third book to come out, I need to know now what will happen, I don't really have much patience so this is going to kill me, the anticipation of wondering what will happen next, who will she chose and will everything work out in the end.

I give this a huge 5/5.

A Big Thanks to Harper Collins Australia.

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Book Review (58).

Deeper Than Midnight (Midnight Breed #9)

by Lara Adrian

Publication: 28th June 2011

Publisher: Dell

Pages: 387

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Age Appropriate: Adult

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

DELIVERED FROM THE DARKNESS, A WOMAN FINDS HERSELF PLUNGED INTO A PASSION THAT IS DEEPER THAN MIDNIGHT.
 
At eighteen, Corinne Bishop was a beautiful, spirited young woman living a life of privilege as the adopted daughter of a wealthy family. Her world changed in an instant when she was stolen away and held prisoner by the malevolent vampire Dragos. After many years of captivity and torment, Corinne is rescued by the Order, a cadre of vampire warriors embroiled in a war against Dragos and his followers. Her innocence taken, Corinne has lost a piece of her heart as well—the one thing that gave her hope during her imprisonment, and the only thing that matters to her now that she is free.

Assigned to safeguard Corinne on her trip home is a formidable golden-eyed Breed male called Hunter. Once Dragos’s most deadly assassin, Hunter now works for the Order, and he’s hell-bent on making Dragos pay for his manifold sins. Bonded to Corinne by their mutual desire, Hunter will have to decide how far he’ll go to end Dragos’s reign of evil—even if carrying out his mission means shattering Corinne’s tender heart.

My Thoughts.

After being slightly disappointed in the last book I was hoping that this one would be really good especially as I really wanted to read Hunter's story and I'm very happy to say that I was not disappointed.

Hunter has always been a mysterious character and I've wanted to know all about him ever since he joined the Order a few books back, and I think he was paired perfectly with Corinne.

Corinne was one of the Breedmates saved from Dragos, after using her and the others to breed with the Gen One to create more assassins, she wants to go home to see her family and after Brock and Jenna are detained in Alaska, Hunter offers to take her and once they arrive she discovers someone in her family betrayed her and pretty much handed her over to Dragos.

She leaves again with Hunter and their feelings for each other slowly develop, Corinne admits to Hunter that she has a son Nathan whom she gave birth to while being held captive, he'd be thirteen now and Hunter tells her he'd already be one of Dragos' assassins as he was at that age, but Corinne still wants to find him in hopes that she can save him.

There is also a subplot involving Chase losing control of his Bloodlust he has now cut ties with the Order and seems to dig himself deeper and deeper into trouble, Tess gives birth to her and Dante's son Xander Raphael and Lucan has to find somewhere else for everybody to live after he discovers Dragos knows where they live and he's out to destroy them.

This may possibly be my favourite book so far and I can't wait to see what happens with Chase and how he gets his happy ever after.

I give this 5/5.

Book Review (57).

Stolen Away

by Alyxandra Harvey

Publication: 1st March 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury Australia

Pages: 278

Genre: Fantasy

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds. 

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric—who may or may not betray them.

My Thoughts.

I really liked this book, the only problem? I want more!

I wish either the book was a bit longer or it was a series so we can further delve into this world where being born into a certain bloodline can be a hazard to your health.

Eloise Hart is at her local ice-cream parlour with her best friends Jo and Devin when she is approached by a boy wearing a sword and dressed in medieval clothes and before she knows it he's kneeling before her telling her she's in danger and that she must go with him, she thinks it's a joke and walks away, the next night they all go to a party where Jo takes notice of a boy who she then follows but he disappears before she can talk to him.

Later that night up on the rooftop of her and her Mum's apartment there appears the strange boy again who's name he tells her is Lucas and it's his job to defend her with his life, he then tells her that her Mum's twin sister Antonia is married to a Faery King and so people are after Eloise so that the King can use her to get Antonia back.

Of course Eloise thinks he's crazy until he jumps off the roof and disappears, it's not long after that she is kidnapped and taken to the King who goes by the name of Strahan and it's in the land of Faery she meets all manner of creatures.

Jo meanwhile comes face to face with the boy at the party Eldric who we come to find out is the son of Strahan and who wont help Eloise who is being held captive on the other side.

Antonia eventually does show up and swaps places with Eloise and the rest of the story is made up of Eloise and her friends making plans to save Antonia.

I always like it when a book has alternating chapters so that we get to see Pov's from other characters and to know what's going on with them.

After really enjoying 'Haunting Violet, I was eager to check out other books that Alyxandra had written and I wasn't disappointed.

This was a very quick and enjoyable read, I just had to get to the end to find out what happens.

Another thing that I loved was the cover, the Australian cover is way different than the American one but I definately loves our's so much more it's very pretty.

I give this 4/5.

A Big Thanks To Sonia @ Bloomsbury Australia.

10 Book Covers With.....

Trees.

Waiting On Wednesday (9).

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

What's Left of Me (Hybrid #1)

by Kat Zhang 

18th September 2012 Harper Teen

NEVER LET ME GO meets HIS DARK MATERIALS in a beautiful, haunting YA debut, the first book in The Hybrid Trilogy.

Eva and Addie live in a world where everyone is born with two souls, but where only the dominant one is allowed to survive childhood. Fifteen years old, and closer even than twins, the girls are keeping Eva, the ‘second soul’, a secret. They know that it’s forbidden to be hybrid, but how could they ever be apart?

When a dramatic event reveals what really happens to hybrids if they are discovered, Eva and Addie face a dangerous fight for survival, neither wanting to be the one left behind…

The Glimpse

by Claire Merle 

7th June 2012 Faber & Faber (UK)

Once you've seen into the future, can you change your destiny?

In a near future, society is segregated according to whether people are genetically disposed to mental illness. 17-year-old Ana has been living the privileged life of a Pure due to an error in her DNA test. When the authorities find out, she faces banishment from her safe Community, a fate only thwarted by the fact that she has already been promised to Pure-boy Jasper Taurell.

Jasper is from a rich and influential family and despite Ana’s condition, wants to be with her. The authorities grant Ana a tentative reprieve. If she is joined to Jasper before her 18th birthday, she may stay in the Community until her illness manifests. But if Jasper changes his mind, she will be cast out among the Crazies. As Ana’s joining ceremony and her birthday loom closer, she dares to hope she will be saved from the horror of the City and live a ‘normal’ life. But then Jasper disappears.

Led to believe Jasper has been taken by a strange sect the authorities will not intefere with, Ana sneaks out of her well-guarded Community to find him herself. Her search takes her through the underbelly of society and into the pits of the human soul. And as she delves deeper into the mystery of Jasper's abduction she uncovers some devastating truths that destroy everything she has grown up to believe, but she also learns to love as she has never loved before.

Glitch (Glitch #1)

by Heather Anastasiu 

7th August 2012 St Martin's Griffin

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

False Memory (False Memory #1)

by Dan Krokos 

14th August 2012 Hyperion

Miranda wakes up alone on a park bench with no memory. In her panic, she releases a mysterious energy that incites pure terror in everyone around her. Except Peter, a boy who isn't at all surprised by Miranda's shocking ability.
Left with no choice but to trust this stranger, Miranda discovers she was trained to be a weapon and is part of an elite force of genetically-altered teens who possess flawless combat skills and powers strong enough to destroy a city. But adjusting to her old life isn't easy--especially with Noah, the boyfriend she can't remember loving. Then Miranda uncovers a dark truth that sets her team on the run. Suddenly her past doesn't seem to matter...when there may not be a future.
Dan Krokos' debut is a tour-de-force of non-stop action that will leave readers begging for the next book in this bold and powerful new series.

Dreams

by Daniela Sacerdoti 

15th May 2012 Black And White Publishing

"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..

Book Review (56).

Hidden (Otherworld Stories #10.4 Novella)

by Kelley Armstrong 
Publication: 28th December 2011
Publisher: Subterranean Press
Pages: 193
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Age Appropriate: Adult
**Warning May Contain Spoilers From Previous Books In The Series**

Hiking through the snow, holiday baking and playing board games by the fire – what’s not to love about an old-fashioned family Christmas?

Werewolves Elena Michaels and Clayton Danvers want to give their four-year-old twins, Kate and Logan, something their parents never had: a nice, normal holiday. No Pack responsibilities, no homicidal half-demons or power-hungry sorcerers to deal with – just the four of them, alone, at a chalet outside Ontario’s Algonquin Park.

Then a strange werewolf shows up at their door…while the town is buzzing about a young man, back from college, found half-eaten in the woods. And there’s the missing little girl …

With all the signs pointing to a rogue mutt with a taste for human flesh, Elena and Clay have no choice but to investigate. But are they the hunters – or the hunted?

My Thoughts.

This series is one of my favourites which is sad because the last book is coming out this year, so I was extra glad that this novella was released so that the fans could say their goodbyes to Elena and Clay who are my favourite couple in the whole series.

Elena and Clay have rented a chalet for the Christmas season so they can spend it together with just their four year old twins Logan and Kate and the rest of the pack will join them the day after Christmas.

Their first night there they are visited by the resident werewolf Douglas Eaton, who seems nervous and denies knowing who Elena and Clay are although Kate who is showing signs of an empathic gift tells them that he's lying, so they investigate in town and online to try to find out more about him.

And so to further investigate they have Nick, Reese and Noah come down to look after the twins while they're investigating Douglas and the apparent 'accidental death' of a local.

What I loved so much about this novella is the interaction we get to see between Elena, Clay and the twins, we've had glimpses in previous books but this was devoted mainly to those four and I love how smart and cute they are.

Elena is struggling to decide whether or not to tell the twins that their parents are werewolves and that they might be one day too but she also doen't want to get their hopes up in case it doesn't happen.

I would love it if there was a spin-off with this family or even the twins I don't want to say good-bye just yet.

But I absolutely loved it and just wish it was longer.

I give this 5/5

Book Review (55).

Wonder

by R.J. Palacio

Publication: 14th February 2012

Publisher: Random House Australia

Pages: 315

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Appropriate: Middle Grade

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.

My Thoughts.

I can't remember the last time I got so emotionally involved in a book, this story didn't just leave me a crying mess it broke my heart a little too, and I couldn't have picked a better ending for this fantastic book.

We have August (Auggie) ten years old a regular kid who's funny, really sweet loves his Xbox, Star Wars and reading but there's one thing that stands him apart from every other ten year old his face is deformed, he has had twenty seven surgeries on his face since he was born but he's still left with facial deformities, his eyes are halfway down his face, he has a hole inside his mouth so he can only chew with his front teeth, he has no cheekbones so his face is all sucked in and people describe it as if he'd been in a fire and his face has melted and he has pretty much no ears but can still hear.

After being home schooled all his life his parents decide to enrol him in grade 5 at school but Auggie doesn't want to go because he knows the reactions he'll get, the same ones he's been getting all his life from both children who sometimes scream when they see his face and adults who should know better but move themselves and their kids away when the see him.

Auggie also wore an astronaut helmet two years straight so no one could see his face.

While at his school to meet the principal before school starts he's introduced to three kids Jack, Julian and Charlotte who were asked to come in on their holidays to show Auggie around, and of course like most people are taken aback at his appearance, school starts and Auggie is excited he sits next to Jack but Julian is a mean boy and makes remarks that Auggie knows are directed at him, lunchtime comes and Auggie is sitting all alone while everyone is staring not wanting to get close in case they could somehow catch something off him because of his face which later becomes known as the Plague where everyone goes out of their way not to touch him, a girl called Summer sits down with him after initially feeling sorry for him but soon finds herself enjoying his company and becoming friends.

Anyone who decides to be friends with Auggie is ostracised thanks to Julian, him being in the popular clique.

One of the most emotional parts for me was Halloween, students were allowed to go to school in costume and at the last minute Auggie ran out of time to put his costume on so he put on his Bleeding Scream costume from the previous year and because he had a mask on no one recognized him and he overheard someone who he thought was a friend calling him names, so being all upset he pretended he was sick so he could go home,.

Just the anguish he went through wondering why he couldn't have a normal face like everybody else, even going camping on a school trip and he gets picked on by a bunch of kids from another school after he's been having such a good time.

The end I loved and I was crying tears of happiness for an ending that was perfect in my opinion and for one of the lines his Mum says to him"Thank you Auggie, for everything you've given us, for coming into our lives, for being you" (wow I started crying just typing that).

For all those people who have ever been bullied and who judge people on the way they look and yes I'm big enough to admit I've done it, but this book has made me sit and think for those people who have some kind of deformity they are still people too they just look a little different to you and I.

I can't say enough about this book, the writing was flawless and heartfelt and the author is amazing for being able to get into that mindset and believing in a character that just seemed so incredibly real and brave and courageous.

So please read this book it's fantastic and as Auggie would say 'cool beans'.

I give this an outstanding 5/5.

A big thanks to Random House Australia.

In My Mailbox (16).

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

Review.

(Arc) Wonder - R.J Palacio (Random House Australia)

Stolen Away - Alyxandra Harvey (Bloomsbury Australia)

The Alchemy Of Forever (Incarnation #1) - Avery Williams  (Simon And Schuster Australia)

Pre-Ordered.

Incarnate (Newsoul #1) - Jodi Meadows

The Wood Queen (The Iron Witch #2) - Karen Mahoney

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Book Review (54).

The Shiny Guys

by Doug MacLeod

Publication: 22nd February 2012 

Publisher: Penguin Books Australia

Pages: 261

Genre: Surreal

Age Appropriate: Middle Grade

'Wouldn't it be funny if they were real?'
'Shiny red men?'
'What if I were the sane one and everyone else was mad?'

One night, the shiny guys visit fifteen-year-old Colin Lapsley. They don't speak, but Colin can read their thoughts. They want him to pay for the terrible thing that he has done. When the shiny guys won't go away, Colin is admitted to ward 44. Ther he discovers an alien world, a powerful weapon, a gentle giant, and a girl who may be able to see what he can see.

The Shiny Guys is a dark, sometimes funny novel about how fantasy and reality can merge, especially when electricity is involved.

My Thoughts.

While this book was a quick read, I couldn't get into it and found myself reading quickly just to get it over and done with and to go onto something else.

The storyline was very different but I was too distracted by the cockroach parts to really enjoy it although I know why he saw these things  I  just got bored.

Colin is in a psychistric hospital Ward 44 after a tragedy in his family it's there we meet some interesting characters: Mango (Colin's best friend) who hugs people from behind and then has a hard time letting go, Anthea the new girl who Mango falls in love with, Val the alcoholic who's very religious and Colin's roommate the not very nice Len who keeps Colin up every night with his snoring.

One day Colin is taken to a office where he meets Dr Vendra who takes him to meet a colleague Dr Maximew who lives in a different dimension called Nestoria where it's inhabited by cockroaches which Colin finds both doctor's are after shedding their human skin, he also finds out that a group of rebel cockroaches are kidnapping humans and taking them into their dimension so they give Colin special contact lens' so that he can see the cockroaches in his own world.

Colin convinces Mango and Anthea to escape with him before the Nestorians attack and throughout the book steals and hides stuff (one of his talents) for when they breakout.

Another thing I did like was the sessions he had with his psychiatrist Dr Parkinson they were quite funny.

When it came to the end of the book I really didn't understand it at all and it left me scratching my head all confused, it's not a bad book just not a book that I really enjoyed at all.

I give this 3/5.

Thanks to Penguin Books Australia.