Goddess of the Rose - Book Review

Goddess of the Rose – Book Review

P.C Cast

Romantic Fantasy

16+ readers

Synopsis:

It's not green fingers that have kept the Empousai family's roses blooming for centuries - it's the drops of blood that their women secretly sacrifice for their gardens. But Mikki would rather forget this family quirk and lead a normal life. Until the day she unwittingly performs a ritual and ends up in the strangely familiar Realm of the Rose. As its goddess, Hecate, reveals to her, Mikki has the blood of a high priestess running through her veins. And the realm has been waiting for her ...In a long ago flash of temper, Hecate cursed her Guardian beast with a slumber that only her priestess can undo - and Hecate is counting on Mikki to set things right. At first the beast terrifies Mikki - but soon he intrigues her more than any man ever has. But the only way he and the realm can be saved is for Mikki to sacrifice her life-giving blood - and herself ...

Review:

“This book is for everyone who fell in love with the Beast, and then was truly disappointed when he turned into a handsome prince.”

This is the dedication P.C Cast wrote at the beginning of this book and as soon as I read those words, I knew this would be a story I would love. While I haven’t read all the books in the Goddess Summoning series – I have read most, and without doubt Goddess of the Rose has definitely been my favourite so far!

When modern day women Mikado (Mikki) finds herself transported to the ancient realm of the Rose, she at once steps into her destined role as Hecate’s high priestess. But as she learns how to carry out her scared duties, Mikado cannot stop her ever increasing desire for the realms guardian beast. Imbued with the soul of man, he appears half animal/half God and under his ever watchful eyes, Mikado starts to discover more and more about the man that lies hidden within the beast. But the Guardian guards a deadly secret.

Even as his lonely heart yearns for someone to love him, he knows he must resist Mikado’s feminine charms at all costs, as the day is fast approaching when Mikado must truly fulfil her purpose as high priestess. Yet clueless as to what fate has in store for her, Mikado is relentless… and the beast finds himself tamed. But are they willing to pay the price their love will cost them…?

I must admit that while I really enjoyed this book, it did take me a couple of chapters to get into. But trust me when I say it is worth persevering. Not only does P.C Cast once again create a world that sparks the imagination, but her characters are rich with personality and full of life-like emotions.

Mikado is feisty and sarcastic, yet caring and unknowingly selfless. Her attraction to the guardian may begin on a purely primal level, but I like how she never once considers him as ‘just’ a beast.

As for the Guardian… he is simply heartbreaking. His desire to be accepted, to have someone just speak to him with neither fear or disgust is heart-wrenching. Cursed for his father’s crimes, the Guardian is certain that he is destined to spend eternity alone, never to know love or friendship – only duty. And I truly love how Mikado’s entrance to the realm of the rose truly shakes up his beliefs and – for lack of a better phrase – literally rocks his world! ;)

However while I found the pacing of the plot to be rather slow, it does give plenty of time for romance between Mikado and the Guardian to grow, moving from a slow simmer to a full on scorching burn.

Magical and full of fairytale goodness, Goddess of the Rose is a fantastic read and one I would recommend to anyone to anyone who loves happy-ever-after endings, Beauty and the Beast retellings, or just gushingly romantic stories. 4 stars!



Touch Of Power - Book Review

Touch Of Power – Book Review

Maria. V. Snyder

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs 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 Fifteen Realms, 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 and 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...

Review:

Ever since I read and fell in love with her Poison Study series, Maria V Snyder has remained a favourite author of mine. Just like the rest of her books, A touch of power was a brilliant, intriguing and intensely magical read that is the start of what promises to be yet another fantastical series.

The story follows Avry, a twenty year old girl who has spent the last three years living life on the run. Ever since the great plague spread through the land, those blessed with the gift of healing have been blamed and persecuted for the unstoppable disease. Now as the world’s last healer, Avry’s only goal is survival.

But when she is rescued from the guillotine by a band of rouges, she trades one death sentence for another when she is tasked with curing a Prince from the last ravages of the plague – A feat Avry knows that even with her magical powers, she will not survive. However with the nobility fighting for power, the fate of the fifteen realms remains uncertain and Avry must make a choice. Travel to the other side of the world, to save the man who brought about the demise of her people? Or live the rest of her life hunted for what she is? But with war looming, Avry must quickly learn just who, and what is worth dying for…

This book really is fantastic. A high fantasy novel, it blends together elements of drama, intrigue, magic and self-sacrifice. With vivid descriptions and unique characters, A touch of Power takes the reader on an epic adventure making it a truly riveting read that had me transfixed up until they very end.  

Avry is a great protagonist. Brave and kind hearted, she is also smart with a sharp and sarcastic wit. I loved the way she baits and undermines Kerrick. With his depth and dark edge, he hides been a cold mask of uncaring but I really enjoyed watching their feelings for each other develop. For me Maria V Snyder remains the queen of slow-burn romances and watching her characters fall reluctantly in love was simply delicious.

However the other characters were also unique individuals – each one bringing a new element or twist to the story. Flea and Belen were particular favourites of mine and I loved the close-family feeling the group formed on their journey.

The plot is gripping and holds some intriguing concepts and ideas such as the death and peace lilies, and I’m also curious as to the source of the Plague. I really can’t wait for the next book! What with the adventure of this story fully concluded, it left just enough questions unanswered and hinted at plenty of drama to come to keep me wanting more.

Never once did this book drag for me and I happily devoured it all in one night. Utterly fantastical, A Touch of Power is easily a 5 star read!

 

Immortal Beloved - Book Review

Immortal Beloved

Cate Tiernan

YA Paranormal

Book #1 of the Immortal Beloved trilogy

Synopsis:

Nastasya has spent the last century living as a spoiled, drugged-out party girl. She feels nothing and cares for no one. But when she witnesses her best friend, a Dark Immortal, torture a human, she realizes something's got to change. She seeks refuge at a rehab for wayward immortals, where she meets the gorgeous, undeniably sexy Reyn, who seems inexplicably linked to her past.

Nastasya finally begins to deal with life, and even feels safe--until the night she learns that someone wants her dead.

Review:

This book is truly amazing and I really, really enjoyed it. While I must admit, it’s very different to anything I’ve read before and it did take me a few chapters to get into - I was soon completely hooked by the story. Based around the idea of immortality, the book contains elements of tragedy, drama, romance and self-discovery. A really fascinating read.

The story follows Natasya, a 559 year old immortal who has forgotten what it means to live a normal life. Going from party to party, she has spent the last few hundred years in an alcohol/drug induced haze that keeps each day fun and interesting – but lately she’s finding even her wild lifestyle a little monotonous. But then Natasya witnesses her best friend torture a mortal human for no reason other than for entertainment, and it wakes her up to the kind of life – and the kind of people - she’s choosing to have and spend time with.

Telling no one where she is going, Natasya decides enough is enough and runs away to America in search of a fellow immortal who she met many years ago. She soon finds herself in a small rural town and ends up at kind of sanctuary for wayward immortals. Here she learns to reacquaint herself with life and for the first time in years, she allows herself to remember the tragedy of losing her family. But her dark past will soon catch up her present and when Natasya accidentally befriends the person responsible for making her an orphan…

There were many great things about this book but my favourite would have to be Natasya’s character. At first I thought she was quite a shallow and party loving kind of person but as the story unfolds, you learn about the horrors and trials she’s suffered. The history she has been a part of and the many different lives and disguises she has lived in. They all shaped her into this sarcastic, clever and often, very sad and lonely person who in this story – just wants to find meaning in living life again.

The plot is very character driven and as the storyline is fairly complex, I did find the pace a little slow at times but ultimately I remained engaged in the story. I liked watching Natasya evolve as person and I enjoyed seeing how she overcame each new trial. The other characters were also very unique and interesting individuals – each trying to deal with their own problems and histories.

The romance in the story was also well written. From the beginning, Natasya’s attraction to sexy ex-Viking Reyn is undeniable – but unlike many YA romances, this one is a slow burn and comes with plenty of drama and shocking revelations. I can’t wait to see how things will develop between them in the next book.

So overall, a really great read and a fabulous start to what promises to be a fantastic new series. Dark and dramatic, Immortal Beloved is truly an amazing read! 4 stars!



Paranormalcy - Book Review

Paranormalcy – Book Review

Kiersten White

YA Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie’s always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. So much for normal.

Review:

I really enjoyed Paranormalcy. Compared to other YA paranormals I thought it had a fresh concept and it was both well written and entertaining. I particularly liked how the main character – despite being a tough as nails bad ass – only used weapons that were pink and sparkly. She was such a girl!

The story begins with Evie. A teenage girl who, due to her ability to see through the glamour’s of paranormal creatures, is the youngest human member of the IPCA – an agency in charge of controlling and policing paranormals. However her life within the IPCA is a lonely one but everything changes the night she meets Lend. A strange and mysterious boy who is labelled a ‘never been seen before’ kind of paranormal.

However despite her instant attraction to Lend, Evie can’t help but wonder if he is somehow connected to the sudden up-rise of paranormal murders across the world. But as Evie is to learn, she has bigger problems to worry about.  Stalked by a feeling stealing faerie, haunted by a power she can’t control and soon to be faced with a truth that will flip her entire world upside down…Evie is about to discover the true meaning of paranormal.

This book really was an entertaining read. As a main character Evie really rocks. She’s witty, feisty and her desire and attraction for all things normal is both sweet and very amusing. For example she is a teenager who dreams of actually going to school. However what with being raised within the confines of the IPCA she is also very streetwise and mature which makes a great contrast to her teenage fantasies of romance, proms and shopping!

Lend was also a really great character. Deep and mysterious – I also liked his ability to look like any person (or celebrity) that Evie desired. Also despite his hidden agenda, he was a sweet and caring character and made a good love interest for Evie.

The plot itself was also intriguing and all the smaller sub-plots kept the story moving at a nice pace. Character development was clear to see and I enjoyed how Evie’s perception of paranormals changed as the story progressed.

So overall Paranormalcy made for a wonderful read and one I would recommend people check out. Especially those of you who like reading about strong heroines who like to accessorize their tasers with rhinestones! 4 Stars!



Chain Reaction - Book Review

Chain Reaction– Book Review

Simone Elkeles

Book #3 of the Perfect Chemistry Trilogy

YA Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Like his brothers, Luis Fuentes is a risk taker; whether he's scaling the Rocky Mountains or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis is always looking for the next thrill. Nikki Cruz lives her life by certain rules -, don't trust a boy who says "I love you", boys lie to get their own way and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Then she meets Luis at his brother Alex's wedding and suddenly she's tempted to break all her rules. Getting Nikki to give him a chance is Luis's biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by the head of the gang that nearly destroyed his brothers' lives. Will Luis's feelings for Nikki be enough to stop him from entering a dark and violent world that could prove to be the ultimate risk?

Review:

I truly loved Chain Reaction! Although after thoroughly enjoying the first two books of the perfect chemistry trilogy, I had no doubts that this third and final book would be an equally fantastic read. With romance, bad boys and a little bit of action thrown in – this book makes a perfect summer read!

Unlike his two older brothers, Luis Fuentes has always been the golden child of the family. Handsome, smart and charismatic he keeps himself out of trouble by funnelling his excess energy into extreme sports and loose girls. But then he meets Nikki Cruz. A girl who is beautiful, sarcastic and keeps her heart locked safely behind a steel plated door.

Instantly Luis feels drawn to her but Nikki isn’t interested in Luis’ flirtatious, playboy ways. However just as Luis’ charm begins to win her over, dark secrets start to unravel and suddenly Luis finds himself the newest member of the Latino Blood –the violent gang that nearly killed his brother Alex and terrorized the neighbourhood. But as Luis is to learn, the gang is more than an obligation, it’s his birthright – and it will cost him everything he has ever loved and worked for, including Nikki…

I really have loved this series! The characters are all amazing, the drama is intense and I think its brilliant how Alex and Carlos got to make cameo appearances in this last and final book. The romance and relationships are just so well written and even though the books all tie together, they are each uniquely their own story.

As with Simone Elkeles other books, Luis and Nikki come from two very different backgrounds and each lead very different lives. Nikki growing up in the suburbs of the rich upper-class while Luis and his family stem from the hardworking poorer neighbourhoods where every penny counts. However watching how their relationship developed was both very sweet and highly entertaining.  Nikki is a girl who likes to take care of herself and unaccustomed to girls turning him down, Luis loves the challenge that Nikki brings.

Yet I also enjoyed how this book had slightly darker roots than its predecessors – its plot thick with intrigue caused through Luis connection to the Latino Blood Gang. However the story also touched on themes of trust, friendship, loyalty and family which woven together paved the way for a great ending, not just for this book but the trilogy as a whole.

Naturally it made for a really satisfying read and I whole heartedly recommend this series to everyone! Although I have to admit, the first book remains my ultimate favourite (what can I say – I’ve been team Alex all the way) however Chain Reaction was a brilliant read chocked full of steamy goodness! 4 Stars!

Also if you aren’t familiar with the series, please check out my reviews of the first two books, PERFECT CHEMISTY and RULES OF ATTRACTION!

The Gathering Dark - Book Review

The Gathering Dark – Book Review

(US title – Shadow and Bone) (Book #1 of the Grisha Trilogy)

Written by:

Leigh Bardugo

YA Fantasy

Synopsis

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Review:

A story set in a world inspired by the architecture and culture of tsarist Russia, A Gathering Dark was utterly fantastical! The characters were amazing, the plot twists had me gasping and the entire setting was simply magical – if Ravka was a real place, I would be moving there now! It truly was a brilliant read.

For hundreds of years the barren wasteland of the Shadowfold has been a source of fear and despair for the people of Ravka. Created by dark magic, it separates the port towns from the capital city, cutting off trade routes and food supplies with its dry desert of impenetrable darkness and flesh eating monsters. But when Alina Starkov, a solider/map maker for the army is attacked during her regiments crossing of the Shadowfold, the worlds hope of ending the darkness is suddenly rekindled when Alina discovers that not only is she a Grisha – a person capable of wielding great magical power - but she is a wielder of light. An ability that has been considered nothing more than legend for thousands of years.

Now taken away from her simple life and her best/only friend Mal, Alina is taken to the royal palace where she is thrust into the rich and powerful world of the Grisha. Here she learns to control her powers, training in the hope that one day she will have the ability to bring down the Shadow Fold. However Alina’s attraction to the Darkling, the great and powerful leader of the Grisha earns her more than a few enemies, especially when he seems to return her feelings. But the Darkling has an agenda of his own…

I really did love this book, although I have to say that the first few chapters are a little heavy going. This being high fantasy, there is a lot of information to take in such as the various types of Grisha, army rankings and general locations of cities within the world. However I have to say Leigh Bardargo wrote everything amazingly. I did follow most of the set up and while there was a little bit of information overload, most things were easy to remember thanks to the map and helpful list of Grisha rankings set out at the beginning of the book.

Alina is a strong and very relatable protagonist. She struggles to accept all that has happened to her, doing her best live up to the expectation and responsibility that has literally been thrust upon her. As the book progresses, her confidence and trust in herself grows and she truly begins to understand the difference her power can make to the world.

The other characters were also very interesting and well developed. The Darkling in particular was mysterious, handsome and undoubtedly dangerous – which of course made him very swoon worthy. Alina’s attraction to him is totally understandable. However there is also Mal, Alina’s childhood friend who is funny, compassionate and with his roguish good looks – a little bit of a flirt. He’s a character you can’t help but like and overall Leigh Bardugo has created such a fabulous cast of characters.

In regards to the romance, while both the Darkling and Mal act as potential love interests there isn’t really much of a love triangle – at least not in the traditional sense. While reading the book it was impossible to guess what would happen next as there was so many sudden, total 180 degree spin, flip it all upside down plot twists which I really liked it. It just made both the story and the romance impossible to predict and I loved every minute of this book.

So to wrap it up The Gathering Dark was a brilliant read and one that I highly recommend to everyone. It’s a book that will keep you on your toes and certainly keep you turning pages. All I can say is that the next book can’t come soon enough! Magical, beautiful and darkly enticing, this epic fantasy is a five star read! Check it out!

Whisper - Book Review

Whisper – Book Review

Chrissie Keighery

YA Contemporary

Synopsis:

Fifteen-year-old Demi's world is shattered when she is left profoundly deaf by a sudden illness. Everything is different now, and Demi must learn to adapt to a new school, new friends and even learn a whole new language.

Whisper is a coming-of-age tale, about discovering who you are and where you fit in life. About friendships and first love and, most of all, learning to love the person you are.

Review:

Whisper is a truly touching novel that really opened my mind to the world around me. It forced me to consider how unique each person is and although we live in a multicultural society where everything is supposedly equal, this book highlights the discrimination and misunderstandings many others still have towards those who society view as “different”. 

The story begins with sixteen year old Demi who, after surviving a serious case of meningitis had her world shattered when the illness left her completely and irreversibly deaf. Now two years on she is still learning how to adapt to her new life of silence and sign language. She’s scared and insecure, and feels distanced from her old friends and family. Also other than her 3 year old nephew, no one seems to know how to act around her anymore. Therefore with her old way of life now lost to her, Demi makes the brave decision to join a school exclusively for the deaf where she begins to learn acceptance, confidence and the ability to judge people based on who they are, and not what they look like…

This book really moved me on so many levels. For example when Demi first arrives at her new school, she finds her fellow classmates odd, over the top and was even embarrassed to be seen with those who wore what she describes as ‘ugly’ cochlear implants and hearing aids. However as she gets to know and befriend them, Demi stops noticing their outward quirks and starts to realise that despite their deafness, inside their just normal teenagers with the same insecurities, dreams and problems as everyone else.

The characters were all very well written. Demi particularly was a great protagonist and it was interesting to read how she learned to cope with her deafness. She struggled with friendships as she felt ostracised from her old her friend’s - who only seemed to pity her. But felt closer to her new deaf friends who, despite having only known her a short while – understood her on every level. However I liked how as the story progressed, Demi learned to balance and draw on the best of both worlds.

Stella was another interesting character. Born deaf she has a dislike for ‘Hearies’ as she calls them, but she is also very righteous and inspirational. She does her best to stand up against audism however, as Demi wasn’t born deaf and still remains close to many ‘hearies’ she and Stella have a rocky friendship but slowly, they both learn to work together to achieve great things.

There was also an element of romance and I liked how despite peoples prejudices, Demi’s love interest Ethan didn’t care that Demi was deaf, proving to her that she was just as capable of having a normal relationship as anybody else.  

Mostly what shocked me about this book though was the bullying and discrimination that deaf people have to face. The injustice of some scenes really made my blood boil at how ignorant people can be but at the same time there were some really sweet scenes that I felt balanced the book out nicely. Especially the scene with Demi’s young nephew who wrote her a note that says;

“I am sore thit your eyas don’t work. I love you eniway.”

Those few words just about broke my heart. I love that in their innocence children can say the most profound things. And I also liked how eager the children were to learn sign language, especially as the author Chrissie Keighery describes the movements of sign in such a way that it was easy for me to put the book down and try them myself.

So overall a truly brilliant read. Emotional and thought provoking, Whisper is a story that will remain with you long after the last page is turned. 4 stars!

*Also guys please check back towards the end of the month where I will be participating in the Whisper blog tour where Chrissie Keighery will be stopping by to answer some questions! J

Throne of Glass - Book Review

Throne of Glass– Book Review

Sarah J Maas

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Review:

I absolutely, completely and totally loved this book! The story, the characters, the setting and even the romance, every part of it was wonderful!

As most of you guys already know, I’m a huge fan of fantasy fiction but I must admit, after hearing all the hype around the blogsphere about how amazing Throne of Glass is, I was a little bit sceptical of whether it would live up to expectation. However I can now say that my expectations were totally shattered! This book is everything I thought it would be plus much, much more. It definitely falls into my list of top five all time favourite YA fantasies!

Eighteen-year-old Celaena Sardothien was once Adarlan’s most feared Assassin, until a deadly betrayal led to her capture and lifelong imprisonment in the harsh slave mines of Endovier. For twelve months she has suffered and laboured there, surviving through impossible odds through her determination and sheer will to stay alive. But when the Crown Prince of Adarlan arrives with a proposition for her that could earn Celaena back her freedom, she jumps at the chance to leave despite the possible life threatening catch to the Prince’s offer.

To regain her freedom, Celaena must battle it out with 24 other mercenaries in a competition to win herself the title of Kings Champion and become the royal household’s official assassin.  But when some of the other competitors start turning up murdered, horribly mauled and disfigured by something unknown, Celaena begins her own investigation that leads her down a path full of magick, adventure and insidious plots. And along the way the young assassin is about to discover, there may be more to her destiny than she ever possibly imagined…

One of my favourite things about this book was its characters. Celaena particularly was just an amazing protagonist and she really made the story great for me. Sarcastic, witty and tough as nails, I also loved that she had a girly side and could be quite vain at times, especially with her weakness for fancy clothes and trinkets.

Prince Dorian was also delicious to read and I enjoyed watching how his courage developed as he grew more confident in standing up to his father. However it was the Captain of Guard, Chaol who I really loved. Handsome, thoughtful and kind, the relationship between him and Celaena was moving, sweet and so often entertaining.

Yet watching the love-triangle form between Dorian, Celaena and Chaol was simply nail biting. It’s clear to see that both men really grow to care for her even, each loving her in different ways for different reasons.  I really can’t wait to see where the romance goes in the next book although I confess, Dorian’s cute but I’m definitely team Chaol!

The secondary characters, from the other competitors to the evil Duke and manipulative King were also very well crafted. Each one having their own secrets and hidden agendas, all of which made for a very layered plot that certainly kept you guessing. I also enjoyed how the author, Sarah J Maas wove magick and fae lore into the story and combined with the constant trials of the competition, it kept the pacing of the book at a nice even level.

Also although it left many questions unanswered, as well as ending on a teasing promise of things to come, I did feel like the book ended where it should – on a happy and satisfying note.

So overall I just loved this story and can’t wait to get started on the e-novellas – The mini prequel stories of Celaena’s adventures before she was captured. Fantasy fans or anyone who particularly enjoys other authors such as Maria V Snyder, Tamora Pierce of Garth Nix, guys this book is so for you! Totally and utterly recommended! 5 Stars!

Tiger's Curse - Book Review

Tiger’s Curse – Book Review

 (Book #1 of the Tiger Saga)

Written by Colleen Houck

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

Tiger’s Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Review:

I had heard a lot of hype about this book on the blogsphere and although it’s taken me awhile – I finally got around to checking it out. All I can say is, I wish I’d done it sooner. It really was a great read and quite different to other fantasy’s that I’ve read, plus the cover is simply divine and looks fantastic on my shelf J 

The story starts with eighteen year old Kelsey who, fresh out of high school is on the hunt for employment. She expects to get a normal job in either an office or shop but instead, finds herself the newest employee of the local circus. Charged with looking after the animals, it is here she meets Ren, the beautiful white Indian Tiger and star act of the show.

Instantly Kelsey finds herself captivated by the Tiger but when Ren is suddenly sold to an animal reservation in India, she knows she’s not yet ready to say goodbye and seizes upon the opportunity to travel to India with him. But as Kelsey is to discover, there is much more to Ren than meets the eye. And so begins an epic journey that brings to life the myths and histories of India, taking the reader of a whirlwind adventure as Kelsey fights to break a 300 year old curse that keeps a noble Prince a hunted Tiger…

I have to be honest; I didn’t click with this book right away and thought the beginning rather slow with too much back story. It wasn’t until a third of the way through, when Kelsey reaches India that I truly found myself engrossed in the book but from that point on I was completely captivated. So if anyone else finds the same problem, I promise your perseverance will be worth it.

I thought the concept of the story was very original and the plot was full of Indian culture and mythology which I loved. You can tell the author has done her research and it really helped make the book a memorable read. However, I know from other reviews that some people had problems with the plot and felt that everything worked out a little too easy. I admit I did notice that some parts (such as Kelsey’s foster parents allowing her to go to India) did seem rather convenient but ultimately none of these things took away my enjoyment of the story.

As for the characters, they were brilliant. Kelsey is very much a typical teenage girl and with the story told from her narrative, her emotions and raging hormones made her very fun to read. Ren is very well written and like most male leads, he sounds very suave and swoon-worthy, if a little bit arrogant but hey, he is a prince. However my favourite character has to be Mr Kadam who is just so polite and adorable - a real fatherly figure.

Naturally romance also plays a huge part in this book and I really enjoyed how the relationship between Kelsey and Ren developed. It was slow paced, humorous and full of those ‘almost moments’ where you wanted them to just kiss and get together.

So overall a really great read and recommend to lovers of romantic fantasies. Intriguing, mystical and adventurous, Tigers Curse is definitely one to check out. 4Stars!

All These Things I've Done - Book Review

All These Things I’ve Done – Book Review

Gabrielle Zevin

(Book #1 of Birthright)

YA Dystopian  

Synopsis:

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.

Review:

I really enjoyed this book but I have to admit that I felt it got off to a slow start. The pace didn’t pick up until around a third of the way through but I really liked the premise of the novel being a dystopian mafia mixed with romance kind of story. However thanks to the book’s combination of great characters, plot twists and drama - I know I will definitely be reading the sequel.

Set in a futuristic New York where chocolate has become a banned substance, sixteen year old Anya is the daughter of a deceased but highly renowned crime boss whose family specialise in the illegal production and distribution of chocolate.  Although Anya does her best to shun the family business and provide a safe and secure life for her brother and sister, inevitably she soon finds herself pulled into the darkness and danger of the mafia world. Especially when her ex-boyfriend is poisoned and Anya is named the number one suspect in the investigation of his potential murder. 

However Anya turns out to have more allies than she thinks, but common sense tells her that getting romantically involved with the chief of polices’ son may not be one of her best idea. Especially when she learns that this new relationship threatens to destroy everything and everyone she’s worked so hard to protect. Her friends, her family, her future and even her hard won freedom. Is the love of one man really worth the risk of losing it all…?

I really did enjoy this story and although it was labelled a dystopian novel, to me it read more like a futuristic contemporary. However this made the story a uniquely refreshing read and with romantic, moral and often thrilling elements the book really grips a reader’s attention.

Told from Anya’s point of view, the author Gabrielle Zevin has created a character with a relatable voice and a unique narration. Anya is a strong and really admirable protagonist who due to the horrors of her past has a cynical but very practical way of looking at the world. She doesn’t believe in love at first sight and due to her family criminal connections, accepts the fact that people automatically assume she’s bad news. However what few people know is that (mostly) she tries to be a devout catholic, is very protective of her family and tries her best to stay out of trouble.

The other characters were also intriguing and well thought out. Leo, Anya’s disabled older brother, I found particularly sweet and I liked the warm and caring relationship Anya had with her all immediate family. The love interest Win was also a great character, charming and flirty, he had his quirks but most of all I loved how naive and sheltered he was compared to Anya – who was normally the voice of reason in their relationship.

This of course brings me on to the romance within the story which I thought had a very Romeo and Juliet feel to it. With their families divided and standing on to very different sides of the law, Anya and Win had to overcome many obstacles in order to be together and it was sweet watching how their relationship developed. Her dark past against his light-hearted dreams of the future formed a nice balance in their relationship and I’m looking forward to seeing how things between these characters will further progress.

So overall I found All These Things I’ve Done to be a thrilling and somewhat different read to what I was expecting.  It isn’t written like most dystopian novels so I think readers will find it distinctly refreshing. 3 1/2 stars!

Seraphina - Book Review

Seraphina– Book Review

Rachel Hartman

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

Review:

Fantasy is by far by far my favourite genre, so when I read the press release of Seraphina that explained it was story with dragons that take on human form; I just knew I had to get my hands on a copy. Therefore it came as no surprise that I ended up loving the book. It proved to be the kind of YA fantasy novel that I could put on par with works by authors such as Garth Nix, Tamora Pierce and Maria V Snyder. A truly fantastical read!

The story is set in a world where for the last forty years, a tenuous peace has been kept between humans and dragons. Yet the bloodshed between the two species has not been forgotten – leaving the protagonist Seraphina literally caught between two warring worlds. Born from the forbidden love of her parents, Seraphina is a half dragon half human, a creature that divine law states should not exist.

Hiding her true identify away from everyone, Seraphina does her best to fit in among humans. Then she stumbles upon a plot to destroy the fragile peace of the treaty and bring back the days of war – leaving her morally obliged to investigate further. Only now, working side by side with the Prince whose speciality is in uncovering the truth, Seraphina must work doubly hard to keep her heritage a secret – otherwise her family, her life and even her heart, she stands to lose them all…

I truly did love this book. However I have to say that the first chapter is confusing and pretty hard to get through – I don’t know if this was just first chapter jitters from the author but I really do recommend you persevere, the writing style really relaxes after that first chapter and you’ll find yourself truly locked into the story.

The world that the author Rachel Hartman creates is simply amazing. Very intricate and descriptive - it is full of philosophy, religion, music, mystery and of course dragons.  It is all extremely well developed and simply sets the imagination soaring.

The plot contains many twists and turns and there is always much more to each character than first meets the eye. Seraphina for instance makes a remarkable heroine, she has a quick mind and a kind heart which more often than not leads to trouble. Her love interest Prince Kiggs is also very endearing and I really liked the slow burn of their romance.

However every character in the story is equally unique and interesting, Orma, Fruit Bat, Vivirdius, Princess Glisselda (just to name a few) play such fantastic parts and are so refreshingly individual! The dragons themselves also bring a dry humour to the book as they fail to understand human emotions and customs. Generally they ignore social etiquette and unintentionally, are often quite rude.

Overall I loved it. However this is a high fantasy book so I know it won’t be for everyone but for those of you who do love fantasy, Seraphina is a must read! 5 stars!