Tiger's Voyage - Book Review

Tigers Voyage – Book Review

Book #3 of the Tiger Saga

Colleen Houck

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

With the head-to-head battle against the villainous Lokesh behind her, Kelsey confronts a new heartbreak: in the wake of his traumatic experience, her beloved Ren no longer remembers who she is. As the trio continue their quest, challenging five cunning and duplicitous dragons, Ren and Kishan once more vie for her affections – leaving Kelsey more confused than ever.

Review:

This is fast becoming one of my favorite YA series! Like the first two books of the Tiger Saga, I found Tiger’s Voyage to be just as addictive and brilliant as the others. A really, really great read!

The story kicks off with Kelsey. Once again in the company of Mr Kadam and her two Tiger Princes, they set off on another adventure to break the third part of Durga’s curse. Using both the clues and weapons left to them by the Goddess, they find themselves venturing off the land and into, and under, the ocean.

But despite the sharks, dragons and sea monsters, it is her love life that causes Kelsey the greatest turmoil. With Ren’s memory of her gone, her heart is left shattered, but Kishan is more than willing to pick up the pieces. But can Kelsey forget Ren as easily as he forgot her? Or can she win his heart once again, before Kishan wins hers…?

This book really has me torn. As much as I love the adventure and fantasy elements of this story, it is the romance that has me completely hooked! From the beginning I have loved both Ren and Kishan’s characters and honestly, I want Kelsey to end up with both of them – each for different reasons.

Of course I know she will have to pick one of them, and while I do still lean (only slightly) more towards Ren, I love all the drama and conflict this love triangle has created. Which is a big thing for me to admit, because while I usually detest love triangles, this is probably the best one I've ever read.

Yet there is so much more to the story than just romance. Once again the settings and mythology behind the story continued to capture and hold my interest. Combine all that with a frustrating, head-banger off a cliff ending and Tiger’s Voyage becomes a truly brilliant read. Filled with magical descriptions and vivid imagery, Colleen Houck has created a fantastical story that I simply can’t get enough of! 5 stars!

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord - Book Review

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord – Book Review

Sarah J Maas

YA Fantasy

(Throne of Glass Novella #0.1)

Synopsis:

On a remote Island in the tropical sea, Celaena Sardothien, feared assassin, has come for retribution. She’s been sent by the Assassin’s Guild to collect on a debt they are owed by the Lord of the Pirates. But When Celaena learns that the agreed payment is not in money, but in slaves, her mission suddenly changes – and she will risk everything to right the wrong she’s been sent to bring about…

Review:

The first of four prequel novellas, The Assassin and the Pirate Lord is a fast paced, action packed read that throws you into a world of fantasy and mayhem. Introducing you to the deadly assassin, Celaena Sardothien, this book is a great set up for Sarah J Maas’ debut novel, Throne of Glass.

Jumping straight into the story, you are immediately immersed into a world of deadly secrets, treachery and adventure. While admittedly, things are a little confusing at first, you will soon find yourself hooked and will be begging for the next novella in the series!

In this short story we see Celaena paired up with her rival assassin, Sam. Less than pleased with her handsome companion, Celaena seeks a way to end this mission quickly and without Sam’s help. But when they discover that the debt owed to the assassin’s guild is to be paid in slaves and not gold, the two foes find themselves united in their disgust.

Now together, they hatch a plan to free the slaves… and bring down the Pirate Lord once and for all. But their kindness and daring will come at a heavy cost, and as Celaena’s feelings for Sam grow, she realises the consequences of their actions may have a heavier price than she is willing to pay…

I really enjoyed this novella. Not only was it a great intro into Celaena’s world, but it gave us a great first insight into the characters personalities and relationships. From Celaena – with her tough girl attitude but girly need to shop and be pampered, to Sam - with his boyish good looks and heart of gold.

Also the slow blossom of romance between Celaena and Sam was really sweet to read and I’m looking forward to seeing how their feelings will (hopefully) continue to develop in the next few novellas.

So overall a really great read. Fixed with plenty of action from covert missions to drunken, pirate brawls, The Assassin and the Pirate Lord is a must read for any fantasy loving fans. 4 stars!

War Horse - Book Review

War Horse – Book Review

Michael Morpurgo

Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

A powerful tale of war, redemption, and a hero's journey.In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?

Review:

In War Horse, Michael Morpurgo writes a really touching story of friendship and adventure that, despite the tears, I was unable to put down. So I warn you now, this was a great but heart-wrenching read, and one that will require you to keep lots of tissues close at hand.

Set in the bleak ear of World War I, the story is told from the horse’s perspective, but as the reader will learn, Joey is not your average horse. When he is recruited to serve in the cavalry, he is torn away from his boy, Albert, who swears that no matter what, he will find Joey again and bring him home.

Yet that day is a long time in coming. And as the years pass Joey moves from one owner to the next, some kind, some not so… but all the while his thoughts are with his boy, Albert. Meanwhile, all around him the war rages and despite the misery and cruelty he suffers, Joey never loses hope that one day he and his boy will be reunited…

Although aimed at a younger audience, I felt like this was a book that would be enjoyed anyone aged 10 or over. With so many strong elements of friendship, loyalty and hope, it is a book that will inspire and encourage you to believe in miracles. Because watching Joey battle against all the odds, willing himself home… I couldn't help but cheer him on.

Plot wise the story was also very eye opening. For example, looking at a war torn land from a horse’s perspective made me more aware that it wasn't just the humans who suffered. Nor was it just the humans who battled. Many animals were injured, sacrificed and needlessly killed, just the same as the men. Overall it made War Horse a very enlightening read and one I can’t praise it enough. 5 stars!

Easy - Book Review

Easy – Book Review

Tammara Webber

NA Contemporary

Synopsis:

A girl who believes trust can be misplaced, promises are made to be broken, and loyalty is an illusion. A boy who believes truth is relative, lies can mask unbearable pain, and guilt is eternal. Will what they find in each other validate their conclusions, or disprove them all?

When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex's frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night--but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.

When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he's hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

Review:

This was a fantastic read and one that I really enjoyed. While I’m not usually a fan of contemporary fiction, the characters had such depth and personality that I was just blown away. I can’t wait to read more books by Tammara Webber, as this one was a page turner!

The story follows Jacqueline, a university student with a broken heart. Still recovering from the break up with her long-term boyfriend, she ditches her friends and leaves a party early. Taking advantage of her vulnerability, another student attempts to rape her but is thankfully stopped by a handsome stranger.  

Still afraid of what would have happened if Lucas hadn’t rescued her, Jacqueline refuses to report the incident. Yet now she seems to be running into Lucas all over the place and as their attraction to one another turns into something more, Jacqueline learns that Lucas may not be the white-knight she thought he was. He has secrets of his own, but the more he tries to push her away, the tighter Jacqueline clings.

Lucas was never meant to be more than a re-bound, but no matter how hard she tries, Jacqueline can’t help but fall in love with him. But will his dark past ruin everything? Or can Jacqueline prove love conquers all…

This story captivated me from beginning to end. Not only is it a great love story, but the plot contains darker elements that will draw you in and make your blood boil in anger, while your heart will sing with compassion. It explores the issue of rape, but does so in a sensitive way, while leaving the strong message that the victim is never at fault and the best thing to do is to speak up about it. It is a book that will hopefully inspires girls to make good decisions!

Jacqueline is an average kind of a girl and an easily relatable kind of character. As the story progresses, you see her evolve from a meek and quiet girl into a confident and self assured woman. One who is set on moving on and forward with her life, refusing to be held back by her past relationships.

Then there is Lucas. An artist with tattoos and a motorbike, he is a total bad boy and heartthrob. But with a sweet, protective side that makes him utterly delicious! Still he is secretive and a little broody and Jacqueline’s reluctance to trust him is justified. Therefore it was nice watching how their relationship developed. It was a slow burn sort of romance with plenty of steamy scenes that left you unable to put the book down.

A thrilling story of love and trust, Easy is a gripping read! An overall brilliant book, 4 ½ stars!

Poison - Book Review

Poison – Book Review

Bridget Zinn

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Sixteen year old Kyra, a highly skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the brink of destruction - which means she's the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom's future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But for the first time ever, her poison dart misses...

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king's army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she's not alone. She's armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can't stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

Review:

I really loved this book! It was fun, adorable, a little tom-boyish and held plenty of surprises. It just contained everything I could possibly want in a YA Fantasy. Although I definitely think that this story would be enjoyed by a slightly younger audience too, perhaps girls aged 10 upwards.

Poison’s story follows Kyra – a master potioner on the run. After failing to assassinate her best friend, the princess, Kyra has spent the last few months living off mouldy bread and sleeping it rough. But after making a deal with Arlo, the kingdoms most notorious crime lord, she thinks she can finally track her friends whereabouts, and end the princesses life once and for all.

Setting out with her tracker pig, Rosie, Kyra plans on ending things as soon as possible. But then she gets rescued by Fred, a dashing lone traveller and Kyra finds him impossible to shake off. But can she really draw him into her world of poison and death? As her feelings for him grow, Kyra knows she must come clean about who she really is, but with evil forces pulling her from all sides, Kyra must decide what she is more willing to sacrifice. Her best friend and the Kingdom… Or the truth and her heart?

There were so many things about this book that I loved. The humour, the romance, the plot, it was all brilliant.

Kyra is a spunky heroine and her sharp wit and sarcasm made her extremely likeable and easy to connect with. Fred, the handsome love interest, was both sweet and dashing and everything a fairytale heart-throb should be. The Princess however, with her un-princess like manners and ballsy attitude, remains my favourite character. She managed to make me laugh again and again.

However the secondary characters… I felt many of them lacked depth and were a little under developed. I would have loved to know more about Arlo and the duchess, even the two other master potioners, however that alone is my only criticism of this book.

The plot kept me guessing with many unexpected twists and turns. However, I don’t quite know how to explain, but this book was fantastical in a way that appealed to the child in me. It reads as an almost fairytale like story and has so many magical elements that I couldn’t put it down. A younger me would have really really loved this story!

So overall a truly spell-binding read that I would recommend to all. Cute, fluffy with a slightly deadly centre, Poison is a fantastic read for any lovers of fantasy. 4 stars!

Existence - Book Review

Existence - Book Review

Abbi Glines

YA Paranormal

Book #1 in the Existence Trilogy

Synopsis:

What happens when your stalked by death? Why, you fall in love with him of course. Pagan Moore doesn't cheat death, she falls in love with him.

Seventeen year old Pagan Moore has seen souls her entire life. Once she realised the strangers she often saw walking through walls were not visible to anyone else, she started ignoring them. If she didn't let them know she could see them, then they left her alone. Until she stepped out of her car the first day of school and saw an incredibly sexy guy lounging on the picnic table, watching her with an amused smirk on his face. Problem is, she knows he's dead.

Not only does he not go away when she ignores him, but he does something none of the others have ever done. He speaks. Pagan is fascinated by the soul. What she doesn't realise is that her appointed time to die is drawing near and the wickedly beautiful soul she is falling in love with is not a soul at all.

He is death and he is about to break all the rules!

Review:

I enjoyed this book with its sweet romance and paranormal drama. What it lacked in depth, it made up for in plot and intrigue and I look forward to continuing with the next book in the series, Predestined.

The story begins with Pagan, a high school girl who can see the souls of the dead. After spending her entire life ignoring them, she is surprised to meet Dank, a soul who can not only speak, but is also very easy on the eyes. Yet straight away Pagan knows there is something different about Dank. So when he turns up at her school, a human for all to see, Pagan knows she isn’t just dealing with any old soul… but death itself…

I thought this story had a unique plot. It certainly kept me guessing and often took surprising directions. The characters were well written and I found Pagan head strong, independent and easy to relate to. A great protagonist and one that was easy to read.

Dank however was truly a pleasure, although I felt it took awhile to get to know him. Also for a long time it wasn’t made clear on who Pagans main love interest was suppose to be… but of course Dank soon became the obvious choice. Leif was also a very yummy character, but in nice guy kind of way.

The secondary characters were also well written. I liked them all and thought they played their parts spectacularly. Gee, with her feisty ways and quick wit is easily my favourite character and I hope we get to see her more in the next book.

My only nitpick is that I thought the middle of the book dragged a little and I didn’t like how Pagan used Leif and neglected his feelings. However the last part of the book is pure drama and the cliff hanger ending; let’s just say it’s a guarantee that I will be reading the next book.

Overall a nice start to a new trilogy. 3 ½ stars! 

Tigers Quest - Book Review

Tiger's Quest - Book Review

Book #2 of the Tiger Saga

Colleen Houck

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Back in Oregon, Kelsey tries to pick up the pieces of her life and push aside her feelings for Ren. But danger lurks around the corner, forcing her to return to India where she embarks on a second quest - this time with Ren's dark, bad-boy brother Kishan, who has fallen prey to the Tiger's curse. Fraught with danger, spellbinding dreams, and choices of the heart, TIGERS QUEST brings the trio one step closer to breaking the spell that binds them...

Review:

Tiger's Curse was one of my favourite reads last year and I'm only sorry it took me so long to pick up this second book. I loved it! The plot, the setting and most especially, its two sexy-hot Tigers :)

The story begins with Kelsey who, heartbroken over Ren, returns to Oregon with a determination to forget the Prince and all the crazy things that happened to her while in India. Burying herself in her University work, she tries her hand at dating other men but each hopeless date only further cements her feelings for Ren.

Therefore when Ren and his bad-boy brother turn up on her doorstep in need of help, Kelsey once again finds herself on a plane back to India. Only now, with events spiraling out of control, Kelsey must break the second part of the Tiger's Curse without Ren. Instead its his brother, Kishan by her side, and thrust together in life threatening situations, can they prevent their feelings from becoming more? Or will history repeat itself and see the recently reconciled brothers torn apart by hatred once again...?

Slowly but surely, I am falling in love with this series. Although I still think that Kelsey can be a little whinny at times, ultimately I like her compassion and bravery. Both of which combine together to make her into a pretty kickass heroine.

As for Ren and Kishan, they're extremely well written characters with plenty of depth and history. They're also so gorgeous and Princely that I can't help but wish they were real! In this book we discover more of the brothers past, and as we learn most of it from Kishan, we get to hear his perspective on things which puts  a refreshing spin on the story.

Also despite the love triangle that's developing, the plot has so many elements of romance, comedy and pure drama that they all conspire together to create a book that I found simply impossible to put down.

I really enjoyed all the secondary characters too. Lokesh with his evil ways, Mr Kadam with his quiet but solid, father-like presence. Duruga in her splendor... and every other character in between. Collen Houck really has a way of bringing her characters to life. 

However what I think stands out most about this book is the setting. Especially in the latter half of the story when the reader is taken on a journey through Tibet. Here the authors descriptions and pure imagination will blow your mind. 

As well as exploring the culture and mythology of East-Asia, Colleen Houck offers the reader a high class adventure rich with myths and legends from across the orient.  Therefore Tiger's Quest is a truly fantastical read that will take you to a world of magic and romance that will leave you gasping for more.  4 stars!