Switched - Book Review

Switched – Book Review

Amanda Hocking

YA Paranormal

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.

http://us.macmillan....moreWhen 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.

Review:

I had heard many good things about Amanda Hocking and her books circling around the blogosphere, so I admit I picked up ‘Switched’ with expectation of great things. It didn’t disappoint.

After the prologue I felt that the story itself got off to slow start but the book soon picked up pace and I really liked the main character Wendy. She’s a genuinely nice, if a little hot-headed person who tries to keep people at an arms’ length – fairly understandable considering her own mother tried to kill her when she was six. However the plot really thickens when Wendy meets Finn, a dark and mysterious guy who explains to her the truth about her real heritage. That Wendy is a changeling, a troll child switched at birth to be raised by a human family. She’s also a Princess.

Now with her life in danger, Wendy is left with no choice but to leave her ‘adopted’ family behind. Returning to her real mother Elona, Wendy is disappointed to find that her actual mother is just as cold and distant as the one who tried to kill her. However with her time soon consumed by princess lessons, her only real distraction is Finn - her tracker and highly acclaimed bodyguard. Yet with Finns lowborn bloodline, romance between them is strictly forbidden…

I have to say that I loved the premise of this story. I have read plenty of books about fairies and fae folk lately, so a story about a girl discovering she’s actually a Troll Princess was certainly different and refreshing. Beautifully written and well thought out, ‘Switched’ truly is an amazing novel.

Each character is very detailed, from Wendy with her unruly, curly hair (I can so sympathise) to Finn with his brutal honesty and old fashioned sense of honour. Watching his and Wendy’s romance develop was simply delicious. I also really liked the characters of Rhys and Tove, both of whom are gorgeous and unique in their own right, they also pose as potential love rivals for Finn - which I’m hoping will lead to some interesting drama in this books sequel, ‘Torn’.

Combine all this with Amanda Hocking’s descriptive and intricate world building, not to mention a bit of a cliff-hanger ending, and you are left with one fantastic story. So overall, a great start to a promising new trilogy. Totally recommend, 4 Stars!



IMM#7

Another great week for me! I received some fantastic and much-awaited books so yay! Check it out:

Review:

Thumped by Megan McCafferty (Random House)

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (Random House)

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth (Random Housee)

Until I Die by Amy Plum! (Atom) So very excited for this!

Ghost Flower by Michele Jaffe (Atom)

As always, thank you so much to all the publishers for the review copies!

J

Well that sums up this week. What was in your Mailbox?

Happy Reading!



The Ghost and the Goth - Book Review

The Ghost and the Goth – Book Review

Stacy Kade

YA Paranormal

(book 1 of the Ghost and the Goth trilogy)

Alona Dare–Senior in high school, co-captain of the cheerleading squad, Homecoming Queen three years in a row, voted most likely to marry a movie star… and newly dead.

I’m the girl you hated in high school. Is it my fault I was born with it all-good looks, silky blond hair, a hot bod, and a keen sense of what everyone else should not be wearing? But my life isn’t perfect, especially since I died. Run over by a bus of band geeks—is there anything more humiliating? As it turns out, yes—watching your boyfriend and friends move on with life, only days after your funeral. And you wouldn’t believe what they’re saying about me now that they think I can’t hear them. To top it off, I’m starting to disappear, flickering in and out of existence. I don’t know where I go when I’m gone, but it’s not good. Where is that freaking white light already?

Will Killian–Senior in high school, outcast, dubbed “Will Kill” by the popular crowd for the unearthly aura around him, voted most likely to rob a bank…and a ghost-talker.

I can see, hear, and touch the dead. Unfortunately, they can also see, hear and touch me. Yeah, because surviving high school isn’t hard enough already. I’ve done my best to hide my “gift.” After all, my dad, who shared my ability, killed himself because of it when I was fifteen. But lately, pretending to be normal has gotten a lot harder. A new ghost—an anonymous, seething cloud of negative energy with the capacity to throw me around—is pursuing me with a vengeance. My mom, who knows nothing about what I can do, is worrying about the increase in odd incidents, my shrink is tossing around terms like “temporary confinement for psychiatric evaluation,” and my principal, who thinks I’m a disruption and a faker, is searching for every way possible to get rid of me. How many weeks until graduation?

Review:

Simply put, ‘The Ghost and the Goth’ was a quick, light read with plenty of humour and cuteness.  The characters are interesting, the interactions between them fun and entertaining to read and overall, I think Stacy Kade has created a story that will be loved by all.

Alona Dare had everything a girl could wish for. Movie star looks, A-list popularity, a very hot boyfriend and rich parents who were never afraid to spoil her rotten. Then she gets hit by a bus and her perfect life comes to an abrupt end. Now stuck as a ghost, she can only watch as the world continues on without her, and with no white-light appearing to magically take her away, Alona has no idea how she’s supposed to move on to her (hopefully) Hawaii styled afterlife.  Now, her only hope is to befriend the gloomy Goth guy known as Will Killian.

A total social outcast, Will hides behind his hoodies and music, shutting out the world and avoiding people (both dead and alive) in order to protect his most guarded secret. That Will is a medium, someone who can see and talk to Ghosts. However after a slight mishap on Wills part, Alona discovers his strange ability and takes to stalking him. Declaring she will haunt him forever until he helps her move on and reluctantly, Will is forced to agree. But Will has troubles of his own…

There were many things I liked about this book, the first being that the story was told from the dual perspectives of both Alona and Will. Each of them had a distinct voice and by being inside their heads, it was easy to see how they began to change as characters. Alona slowly became more caring and emotional, while Will began to come out of his shell and accept his gift. Also despite being complete opposites, their romance was realistic and I enjoyed watching it develop. However their romance didn’t dominate the story, more it came about as a side effect of Will and Alona actually getting to know each other.

Also while the banter between Will and Alona is quite humorous, the plot itself is full of twists and turns that make it hard to pinpoint. I liked that the author, Stacy Kade kept you guessing and although this book is the first of a series, it is easy to read as a stand-alone novel as all the loose ends are tied off.

So overall I thought that ‘The Ghost and the Goth’ was a pretty impressive read, especially as I hadn’t been expecting to like it as much as I did. Cute and funny, it was a sweet story with very amusing characters. 4 stars!



Rules of Attraction - Book Review



Rules of Attraction

Simone Elkeles

YA Contemporary Romance

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

Review:

Last year I rated ‘Perfect Chemistry’ as one of my favourite reads of 2011 so as you can imagine, I was eagerly anticipating this sequel ‘Rules of Attraction’. Just as I’ve come to expect from Simone Elkeles, it turned out to be yet another fantastic read, one I would totally recommend for summer and (although I admit, my heart still belongs to Alex) I really enjoyed Carlos’ story.

Like his older brother, Carlos has quite the attitude and is constantly getting himself in trouble. A magnet for violence, he dabbles in both drugs and sex but underneath his tough exterior he is actually a really sweet guy. After some serious incidents in Mexico, his mother forces him to move to Colorado to live with his brother Alex and it is here, on his first day of school that he meets Kiara.

Feisty and tough, Kiara is a bit of geek and is not ashamed to admit it. Not at all girly, she hikes, fixes cars and her stutter is just adorable. I also loved how despite her attraction to Carlos, she holds her own against his bantering and sticks hard to her own ideals, forcing him to acknowledge her as an equal.

So when disaster hits and Carlos is busted for having drugs in school, it comes as a shock to them both when Kiara’s dad suddenly volunteers to take Carlos under his roof. Now stuck living together, the two find themselves spending more time in each other’s company and slowly, they begin to fall for one another other… and Carlos starts to realise that there could be more to his life than just gangs and violence.

I have to say, the romance in this book was totally swoon worthy. The relationship between Carlos and Kiara is so sweet and believable, the way their feelings and trust grew slowly to develop into something more made this into such an addictive read.  Even the characters, the secondary ones included were all fab, particularly Tuck (Kiara’s gay best friend) who had me laughing out loud on several occasions.

So overall, yet another superb book from Simone Elkeles! Also while I admit that ‘Perfect Chemistry’ remains my favourite, this book is equally enjoyable and the Fuentes brothers are so delicious that everyone should give these books a shot, even if just to drool over their hunkishness! Now if you excuse me, I have to go find myself a copy of ‘Chain Reaction’ the final book of the Perfect Chemistry Trilogy J

Romantic, Seductive and just Brilliant, ‘Rules of Attraction’ was awesome. 4 ½ stars! Also to read my review of Perfect Chemistry, click HERE!



Under The Never Sky - Book Review

Under the Never Sky

Veronica Rossi

YA Dystopian

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Review:

I have been on a real dystopian kick lately and I can honestly say that ‘Under the Never Sky’ was fantastic! The first of an up-coming trilogy, both the writing and plot line were amazing to the point that it’s easily ranked into the top three of my favourite dystopians, (the others being ‘Delirium’ and ‘The Hunger Games’ if you’re wondering) it was simply just that good.

 Told from the dual perspectives of both Aria and Perry, the book explores a post-apocalyptic world where the privileged ‘Dwellers’ live in protective domes, experiencing the world through a series of virtual realms where they are kept safe from all physical dangers and disease. Yet on the other end of the scale are the Savages, the people who live beyond the domes in the outside world, gathering together in tribes where every day is a fight for survival.

Aria has lived her entire life within the domes and for her, life couldn’t be more perfect. Then her mother goes missing and suddenly, Aria finds herself exiled into the outside world, punished for a crime she didn’t commit. It is here she meets Perry, a savage outsider with an unusually heightened sense of smell. And so with Perry in search of his nephew and Aria looking for her mother, together they form an uneasy partnership and set out on a journey that will question everything they think they know about their worlds… and about each other.

As a main character Aria was amazing. After living such a sheltered life her struggle to adapt to the outside world was moving, especially as she did her best to put on a brave face and become self-sufficient, despite being scared out her mind. Also Perry was a fantastic male lead. Powerful and so utterly masculine, he is a lethal hunter who keeps his warmth and kindness hidden behind a tough exterior.

Also the romance between the two of them was just breath taking to read. Their attraction to each other developed gradually as they learnt to trust one another, slowly proving that their original perceptions of one another were wrong and that beneath the surface, both were more than their ‘Savage’ and ‘Dweller’ labels suggested.

So overall I thought this book was absolutely fantastic! Although it took a few chapters for me to truly get into it, the story soon had me swept away. And with some questions left unanswered, I really can’t wait to see what else this trilogy is going to bring. Just Brilliant, 4 ½ stars!



IMM#6

Another great week for me! The postman brought me both Books and Sweeties! Check it out:

Review

Scarlet by A.C Gaughen (Bloomsbury)

Jasmine Skies by Sita Brahmachari (Mcmillan)

A Face like Glass by Frances Hardinge (Mcmillan)

As always, thank you so much to all the publishers for the review copies!

Won

Red Glove by Holly Black from Donna & Jess @BookPassionforLife

2 bars of Dairy Milk from Jessica @Nayusreadingcorner

J

Also thank you Laura for the sweeties! The Fizz Wizz was the highlight of my month! (note: sadly most of the sweets are long gone but thankfully I had the foresight/restraint to take a picture first lol). Everyone should also check out laura’s blog here @SisterSpooky. Tis choc-full of awesomeness!

Well that sums up this week. What was in your Mailbox?

Happy Reading!



Goddess Interrupted - Book Review

Goddess Interrupted – Book Review

Aimee Carter

YA paranormal

#2 of the Goddess Series

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it. Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans. As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person whom she would really rather not meet. Henry's first wife, Persephone.

Review:

I really enjoyed the first book in Aimee Carter’s Goddess series, ‘The Goddess Test’ and honestly, I liked its sequel ‘Goddess Interrupted’ even better! I think this book had so much more action and drama in it, all of which made for a very gripping read. Combined with the cliff hanger ending, I can’t wait to get my hands on ‘The Goddess Inheritance’, the final book of the trilogy which is due out in April 2013.

In this second book, Kate returns from her summer abroad only to find the underworld in chaos. After her six-month absence, her relationship with Henry seems to have moved back to square one and, with the aid of the Goddess Calliope, the Titans are breaking free of their prison, hell bent on destroying the world. Now, with Henry’s life once again in danger, Kate must go in search of help, even if it means seeking out the one person she wishes to avoid more than anything. Her older sister and love rival Persephone. And so Kate’s epic journey through the underworld begins…

As I’ve begun to expect from Aimee Carter, the writing in this book is superb! The characters are well developed and are easy to relate to, the plot grows thicker with every page and the romance has remained sweet and endearing. However, I must admit that at times, I still found Kate to be a little whinny but by the end of the book I really think she had really evolved as a character and came into her own, both as a woman and a Goddess.

Henry was also a bit broody (but still gorgeous) and although their romance didn’t really blossom until the last third of the book, I really enjoyed watching the trust and feelings between him and Kate develop… no thanks to Persephone’s interfering presence. However I actually really liked Persephone’s character. After the first book I was totally prepared to hate her yet she was actually a pretty decent person. I also loved the depth and drama she added to the story.

Furthermore, as most of the story takes place in the underworld, I think it’s worth mentioning that I think Aimee carter’s interpretation of the afterlife was wonderful. That everyone, based on their beliefs, gets to live in their own unique version of eternity – it’s just fantastic!

So overall ‘Goddess Interrupted’ was a really great read and I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel! Dramatic, Romantic and filled with adventure, easily 4 Stars! J



Ondine, the summer of Shambles - Book Review

Ondine – The Summer of Shambles

Ebony Mckenna

YA Fantasy

This is a brilliantly witty story with a furry tail ending. One girl. One boy. One spell to be broken. Ondine de Groot is a normal fifteen-year-old who lives with her family in the European country of Brugel. She has a pet ferret called Shambles. But Shambles is no ordinary ferret...He's Hamish McPhee, a boy cursed by a witch. A witch who happens to be related to Ondine. When Shambles turns back into Hamish temporarily, Ondine knows that she has to help him break the spell. He is the most gorgeous boy she has ever met and her one true love! He just can't remain a ferret forever. Can he?

Review:

 ‘Ondine- the summer of Shambles’ has to be one of the most amusing and adorable books I’ve ever read. Although aimed at the 12+ age range it definitely contains elements of adult humour and made for a fun, light-hearted read that I flew through within a day.

I have to admit, at first I wasn’t really sure what to make of this book. It’s very different to anything I’ve ever read before yet after a few chapters, I was completely hooked. Although it took some getting used to, the writing style is so unique that it just swept me away. With such fairytale like prose, the text is also so full of strange phrases and Scottish words, that the author added footnotes – the footnotes being so random and entertaining that I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

As a main character Ondine was an extremely likeable, her relationship with her parents and sisters both realistic and endearing. But it was the character of Shambles, a Scottish ferret/man who really gave the story its quirkiness. His cheeky demeanour and roughish charm made every scene a joy to read.

So overall I really enjoyed this book. Edgy and hilarious, I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a sweet, fun and light-hearted read. In particular, I think fans of Stephanie Burgis’ Kat series will really love this book. Totally brilliant. 4 Stars!



The Goddess Test - Book Review

The Goddess Test

Aimee Carter

YA paranormal

It's always been just Kate and her mom— and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall. Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests. Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

 

Review:

Before I picked up this book I had read a lot of mixed reviews about it. It seems to be one of those stories that you either like or you hate and luckily, I was one of the former. I found this book quite enjoyable, with its intriguing storyline and sweet romance it was a quick, light hearted read that was very loosely based on the myth of Hades and Persephone.

Telling the story of eighteen year old Kate, the book starts when she and her terminally ill mother move from New York to the small, wayward town of Eden. It is here she meets Henry (Hades), lord of the underworld and after several unexplainable events; Kate is left with no choice but to strike up a deal with death.

Henry will keep her mother alive in return for Kate’s promise to become his queen, to live and rule with him in the underworld for six-months of every year for the rest of eternity. The only catch – first Kate must pass seven test set by the other Gods, tests that have claimed the lives of Kate’s eleven predecessors. And so the trials begin.

As a character Kate is fun to read. Her reactions as she adjusts to the underworld can be quite amusing, however she has the flaw of taking on other characters problems and I felt that sometimes she was just a little too good. Henry, naturally, is gorgeous and has a broody, mysteriousness working for him and the romance between him and Kate is quite sweet.

 I must admit though, I didn’t particularly like the ending of the book (although it certainly came as a surprise) and at times the plot felt a little hollow, but overall I thought the ‘Goddess Test’ was a nice story with some interesting characters. However for people who are into Greek Mythology, this book is probably best avoided as there is actually very little mythology in it. Recommend to younger YAs and those in want of a quick romance. 3 Stars!



Delirium Book Review

Delirium – Book Review

Lauren Oliver

YA Dystopian

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Review:

All I can say is wow! This book was fantastic and completely swept me a way. Based on the concept that love is a disease, the story is set in a world where love and emotions have been almost completely eradicated.  The laws stating that love is the root of all things evil and hurtful, therefore scientists created a procedure to cure mankind of this terrible disease, freeing them from the pains and suffering caused by emotion. The only glitch – the cure only works on adults eighteen or over.

However for Lena Holloway, her eighteenth birthday cannot come soon enough. After witnessing firsthand how the disease of love (deliria) consumed her mother to the point of madness, Lena looks forward to the day when she can look back on her childhood with the neutral detachment brought about by the cure. But then she meets Alex, an uncured ‘invalid’ from the wilds and suddenly, Lena finds that catching the ‘love-bug’ might not be so terrible after all…

First things first, I loved how each chapter began with an excerpt from ‘The Book of Shhh’, a Bible slash rulebook of this new loveless world. Not only did it give a broad insight to the kind of society Lena was raised in, but it really made you think of how life would be in a world absent of feelings. Basically pretty boring and robotic.

Furthermore as the story goes on, you see through Lena’s eyes the implications of living in her world. Not only is it impossible to form romantic attachments but parents have no feeling towards their children, siblings act like strangers and friends are soon forgotten. Everyone just goes through life with casual indifference towards their fellow humans.

Yet as falling in love goes against everything that Lena has been taught, it is interesting to watch as she comes to terms and acknowledges her own feelings. However while her romance with Alex is sweet and heart wrenching to read, the relationship between Lena and her best friend Hana is also a key element of the story. The trust and loyalty shared between them defines true friendship and shows a different, but no less important, level of caring for another.

Honestly this book was simply amazing and I can’t praise it enough. Beautifully written, it is a stunning read. I would honestly recommend that adults and YAs alike give it a try as the concept alone is completely thought-provoking. Also when you combine it all with the books dramatic ending, I am eagerly awaiting the sequel. 4 ½ stars!



IMM#5

Hey guys, hope you’re all having a fab week! Sorry I haven’t been around much, Uni work is starting to take over my life (and my nightmares!) Thank goodness there is just a few more weeks to go! Anyway I got some nice surprises in my mailbox this week, check them out:

Review

Burn Mark by Laura Powell (Bloomsbury)

The Gathering Dark by Leigh Bardugo (Indigo)

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (Orion)

Thanks very much too all the publishers for the review copies, for Bitterblue in particular. I’m really excited for reading that one!

RAKs

I also received Across the Universe by Beth Revis from Chantel over @LittleMissBookWorm. Thank you so much for this – It’s been on my wish list for ages!

J

Well that sums up this week. What was in your Mailbox?

Happy Reading!



The Versatile Blogger Award

Ok, so last week both Zoe @Bookhi and Beth @Pageturner awarded me with the versatile blogger award – thanks both you guys for that :)

So here is what you have to do

-         If you get awarded, add ‘The Versatile Blogger Award Button to your blogs side bar.

-         Write down seven random facts about you.

-         Award 15 other bloggers and let them know!

So Seven Random facts about me:

·        I have a lifelong fear of the Gremlins! Every time I have attempted to watch the movies, it results in power cuts, exploding light bulbs and electrical malfunctioning. So for me, Gremlins and Furbies are to be avoided!

·        I’m very adventurous and love to travel! I have been to some amazing places and hope next year to spend at least 6 months in China teaching English J

·        I like to learn random things and through A-levels and Uni I’ve studied some interesting things. Archaeology, Ancient history, Japanese, Massage and holistic therapies… I just don’t know what I want to be when I grow up lol.

·        When arguing my favourite phrases to use are ‘Same difference’ and ‘It’s good logic’ – which basically means I’m always right J

·        I’m allergic to Fresh Fruit – seriously, so so much for my five a day!

·        People who borrow my books and bend the spines drive me crazy! It’s sacrilege people! (You know who you are!)

·        My ultimate favourite book is Peter Pan by J.M Barrie.

J

Crave - Book Review and Interview with Melissa Darnell

 Crave

Melissa Darnell

Y/A paranormal Romance

Book #1 of the Clann Series

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

Review:

‘Crave’ is a beautifully written love story about the forbidden romance between the two main characters, Savannah Colbert and Tristan Coleman.  With the book flowing seamlessly from one view point to other, I particularly liked how the story was told form their dual perspectives, as it made it easy to relate to and understand the motivations behind both characters choices.

Also while I think that this book gets off to a slow beginning, it really picks up after the first 100 or so pages, when readers will suddenly find themselves totally immersed in a world of magic, betrayal and heartache. Yet while ‘Crave’ is listed as paranormal romance, it is the romance that really dominates this story. However, Melissa Darnell has also created a unique plot line which is full of vampire and witch mythology, all of which adds supernatural zest to the story.

 As for the characters, Savannah was very interesting. Coming to terms with her half-witch, half-vampire heritage, she was usually the one who caused most of the trouble and problems within the story. While Tristan was simply the very nice, swoon-worthy, guy with a secret whom you can’t help but like – But the romance between them was very sweet and genuine. I’m really interested to see how their relationship develops in the next book.  However I felt that some of the secondary characters needed a little more depth and fleshing out, but generally they all played their parts well.

 Yet all in all though I really enjoyed ‘Crave’. The last few chapters are particularly gripping and it ends on an intriguing note. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the trilogy so fans of Y/A Paranormal Romance, this is book is definitely one for you to check out.



Interview:  Questions and Answers with Mellissa Darnell

1)     What gave you the idea for Crave and how long did it take you to write?

When the YA vampire craze started to take off, as a long time lover of vamp romances I was thrilled but felt the genre was really missing something… namely a vampire heroine. Why should the boys get all the fun here?! But I wanted to see her start off as a normal, clueless human and then have to experience this crazy transformation process as well as learn how to deal with the final result of becoming a vampire.

I also wanted a real Romeo and Juliet forbidden kind of love, one where both the hero and heroine were equally powerful, equally interesting in a paranormal way, and equally dangerous to each other so the forbidden aspect of their love would have a huge rippling effect not just on each other but on their worlds as well. When I considered what kind of hero could possibly be as strong and powerful as a vamp, the answered seemed natural… a male witch.

Once I had the basic premise down, it took me about a month to plot the outline, a month to write, and a  year to revise it to the point of where I felt comfortable in submitting it to Harlequin Teen (this was when they were a fairly new imprint and were still accepting unagented manuscripts for submission).

2)    When writing did your characters behave as you wanted them to or did they change the direction of the story?

My characters CONSTANTLY want to behave in ways that I didn’t originally plan for! Honestly, sometimes it’s like herding cats while trying to write a rough draft, because I don’t start writing a new story until I can see it like a movie in my head (and by then I feel like I know my characters better than real life people). This is why, while I’m a Borg level plotter and can’t start a new story without a fully detailed Plot first, I have learned to be flexible and consider “character input” along the way.

When it comes to dialogue, however, I don’t even attempt to plot it anymore… I just keep a rough goal in mind of the high points that should be hit and the eventual end result needed for a scene, then I let the characters hash it out among themselves on paper. In writing rough draft dialogue, I am definitely only the mediator!

3)    Do you already know how the series will end or is it still a surprise for you to?

Since my editor and I already plotted out the third book ‘Consume’ (due to be released by Harlequin Teen in 2013), I do know how the Clann Series will end for at least a few characters. But there are one or two characters whose futures are still unclear, which may get resolved in a fourth book someday. J

4)    What was the biggest challenge you faced when writing Crave?

I didn’t face any challenges when writing Crave. However, revising Crave was fairly challenging!  It was originally 160,000 words in length and had to be cut down by 60,000 words before the acquisitions team could consider offering a contract for it. That’s the length of some category romance novels! But the hard work was more than worth it when Harlequin Teen ended up offering me a 3 book contract. J

     Do you read YA books and if so, what are your favourites?

So far my favourites are:

-         The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

-         Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead

-         Hex Hall Series by Rachel Hawkins

-         Beautiful Creatures Series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

-         Soul Screamer series by Rachal Vincent

-         Curse Workers Series by Holly Black

-         Night World Series by L.J Smith

-         The Geek Girl’s Guide to Cheerleading by Charity Tahmaseb and Darcy Vance

Thank you so much for answering my questions!

Thanks for having me here! If readers would like to know about the Clann Series, including when books #2 Covert and #3 Consume are due out, this information is available along with lots of interactive fun stuff like online Clann Series playlists are available at www.melissadarnell.com and www.TheClannSeries.com . Readers can also contact me through these sites anytime!