A Dream of Books

Review: Gladiator: Street Fighter - Simon Scarrow

2012-02-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Gladiator: Street Fighter by Simon Scarrow, published by Puffin on 2nd February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Now a member of Julius Caesar’s palace, Marcus’s training continues in the city of Rome. The streets are plagued by vicious gang war attacks, and Caesar must employ his own gang leader, who learns of a plot to murder him.

Only Marcus can go in undercover. But he’s in terrible danger. If the rival gang discover him the price will be fatal. Julius Caesar’s isn’t the only life at risk...

Review:
This is the sequel to the bestselling 'Gladiator: Fight For Freedom' and is the second book in the series.

The book follows Marcus who has been sold into slavery and now finds himself under the command of Julius Caesar. Assigned to be Caesar's niece's bodyguard, he's also being trained to become a gladiator of the future. However, what Marcus wants more than anything else is to gain his freedom and that of his mother while trying to conceal the secret of his true heritage from Caesar himself.

Simon Scarrow brilliantly imagines the political intrigue and brutality of life in Ancient Rome. Slaves are brought and sold by the rich without any thought to the fact that they're human beings too and people are used as pawns in political mind games. The two factions of Julius Caesar on one side and Cato on the other are clearly depicted and Scarrow has obviously done his research well, as I found it easy to imagine myself in a bygone era where power is shared among the wealthy and influential, sometimes at the cost of other peoples' lives.

What really sold this book to me though was the central character of Marcus. He's tough, resiliant, determined and intelligent. Born free, he has been robbed of his freedom and is set on winning it back, willing to do whatever he has to do to achieve his goal. I warmed to him immediately and found myself experiencing all of the highs and lows he goes through right alongside him. Scarrow also gives a voice to the many other slaves who feature in the book, humanising them and showing them as real human beings with thoughts and feelings and cares of their own. Strong bonds are established between many of them, although for those whose lives are tough, death is often shown to be a welcome release.

Cleverly combining rich historical details of the period with an entertaining and enjoyable story, this book will particularly appeal to male readers who like their boy heroes tough and courageous. Having invested in Marcus's adventure, I can't wait to see where his journey will take him next!

Review: Wonder - R.J. Palacio

2012-02-23T07:05:00.000-08:00

Wonder by R.J. Palacio, published by Bodley Head on 1st March 2012

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

Review:
'Wonder' is truly inspirational. It's an amazing and emotional read that made me cry so much but that also inspired me to be a better person and a kinder person and to never forget that you shouldn't judge someone by their appearance alone.

This is the type of book that you'll be dying to press into someone elses hands to read as soon as you've finished it. Instead of tucking it onto your shelves, share it with everyone you know. It's incredible. When I reached the last page I had tears in my eyes but I was also smiling after joining Auggie on his wonderful journey to best friends and happiness.

There is a lot of buzz surrounding 'Wonder' but it's not until you actually read it yourself that you understand what it's all about. When I received this book I wasn't sure initially if it was going to be for me. It's certainly not the sort of book that I'd normally choose for myself. However, like the characters I learned not to be so hasty in my judgements as I soon became immersed in the story and rooting for the inspirational August - a little boy who has to endure so much but is still able to enjoy life and teach other people a thing or two about being a better person.

This is the kind of book that doesn't come along every day. It's very special and it's one that will stay with you long after finishing it. You need to read this for yourself. It's a wonder of a book!

Review: The Repossession - Sam Hawksmoor

2012-02-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Repossession by Sam Hawksmoor, published on 1st March 2012 by Hodder Children’s Books

Goodreads synopsis:
34 kids missing. Vanished without a trace.

Believing she is possessed, Genie Magee's mother has imprisoned her all summer encouraged by the sinister Reverend Schneider. Beautiful Rian, love of her life, sets her free, and their escape washes them up at Marshall's remote farmhouse downriver. But why are there newspaper clippings of the missing kids pinned to Marshall's bathroom wall? And should they believe his stories about the experiments at the Fortress, an underground research station nearby?

Genie meets Denis. Missing two years now, but hasn't grown an inch. Rian is haunted by Renée, who insists she's not actually dead. Soon they discover the terrible truth about Reverend Schneider and worse, Genie is next ... and Rian can't do a thing to prevent it.

The Repossession is just the beginning.

Review:
‘The Repossession’ is a very difficult book to describe. What starts off as something of a modern day Romeo and Juliet tale with two teenagers defying the odds to run away together soon turns into a story of an altogether different nature. Part science-fiction, part romance and part action thriller, the best way to approach this book is with an open mind, prepared for literally anything to happen next.

The story centres mainly around Genie and Rian who’ve run away together to escape Genie’s zealously religious mother and the evil Reverend Schneider who has Genie locked in her room behind iron bars. Madly in love they believe they can start a new life together but trouble soon finds them when they stumble upon the secret behind why so many teenagers from their home town of Spurlake have gone missing and what’s really going on at the sinister Fortress. The revelation of some surprising secrets means that they soon have an altogether different fight on their hands.

Genie and Rian were a slightly unconventional pairing but I thought their relationship was incredibly well written and seemed entirely genuine. They display equal support and care for each other and although they're in love, there is something pure and innocent about their feelings.

A word of warning – do not for a second get complacent and think that you have the story all figured out. You don’t. I loved all the unusual twists and the change of direction and pace which the plot often took. Sam Hawksmoor has an incredible imagination and has written a story which will blow your mind and keep you guessing until the very end. I really enjoyed the scientific aspect of the book which is detailed and plausible and does make you believe that some of the events could actually happen. Many of these passages were clearly explained which was important as many of the ideas are quite complex.

A thrilling read, I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Repossession and after being left with an explosive cliff-hanger ending, can’t wait for the second book in the series which is sure to be another big hit!

Review: After the Snow - S.D. Crockett

2012-02-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

After the Snow by S.D. Crockett, published by Macmillan Children’s Books on 2nd February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Set in the haunting and barren landscape of a new ice age, After The Snow is the story of fifteen-year-old Willo, a "straggler" kid who loses his family in the opening pages. Completely alone, he is immediately flung into an icy journey of survival, adventure, friendship and self-discovery – with only the dog spirit inside his head to guide him. Meanwhile, across Britain, outlawed followers of survivalist John Blovyn are planning an escape to the fabled Islands talked of in a revolutionary book...

Review:
I’d seen some mixed reviews of ‘After the Snow’ prior to reading it so I tried to approach the book with an open mind. It doesn’t easily fit into the dystopian genre although this is how it could be pigeonholed as the story is set in a barren future wilderness. The book features fifteen year old Willo whose entire family disappears leaving him to survive alone in the cold snow of a bleak ice age.

Narrated by Willo himself, it took me a while to adjust to the style of narration which consists of his inner thoughts and ramblings. He doesn’t have a very wide vocabulary and his inner monologues are often quite short and stilted, so it was several chapters into the book before I was able to read fluently without taking so much notice of his unusual style. After a while it did seem to actually suit the book but overall I did find it difficult to get on with.

I really like books which feature one character battling against the elements and having to survive against all the odds and this seemed to sum up Willo perfectly. Although he does make several friends along the way, including Mary who he takes under his wing, he still seems a lone figure for most of the book even when in the company of others. But he’s quick-witted and has the survival instinct embedded deep inside him which always made me feel confident that he would come out on top in the end.

The overall message of the book seemed to be about having hope and believing in a better future even when things look bleak. Although I found this inspiring, I have to say that I was a little bit disappointed with ‘After the Snow’ as I was hoping for a gripping, dystopian read with interesting and appealing characters but didn’t feel that the book quite delivered all this.

Review: Legend - Marie Lu

2012-02-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Legend by Marie Lu, published by Puffin on 2nd February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias' death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Review:

Dystopian fiction is one of my favourite genres. I can't read enough books that are set in an unknown future but 'Legend' by Marie Lu is one of the most impressive titles that I've come across so far. Billed as the first in an epic dystopian trilogy which is loosely based on a retelling of Les Miserables, it delivers the goods in spades. So much so that it's already set to be made into a film by the producers of the Twilight Saga.

The story is set in Los Angeles, California but it's an America that's unrecognisable to modern day USA. Split into two warring factions - the Republic and the Colonies, this is an America where children are recruited at a certain age by taking a trial to assess their intelligence, fitness and mental astuteness. Those who fail are never seen again. June got the only perfect score ever recorded and is one of the Republic's best recruits. When her brother is murdered, she vows to hunt down and capture his killer.

The narrative alternates between June and a fifteen year old boy called Day, who is one of the most wanted criminals in the Republic and the target of June's quest for vengeance. Sharp and fast paced, the narrative swiftly immerses you in June and Day's world where the one and only thing that matters is surviving. I really enjoyed getting to know both characters and I loved the fact that we were presented with both a male and female perspective which often meant differing opinions of events and people. Sometimes I wasn't entirely sure about which of them could be trusted until some of the layers of the plot began to unravel and the various agendas of some of the characters became clearer. There are also some great secondary characters in the book including Tess who's almost like a sister to Day and Thomas, a friend of June's brother who's hiding some dangerous secrets.

I thought that the world which Marie Lu created was absolutely incredible. The image of a government controlling people's lives to such an extreme was both eerie and chilling. I wanted to know more about the Colonies and the Patriots but I'm guessing that a lot more detail about them will be revealed in the next book in the series.

'Legend' was one of those books which defines the term thrilling. Compulsive and gripping, it was full of action and excitement and you'll find it very hard to put down for a second. It's sure to garner fans of dystopian fiction who are looking for that next amazing read and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Waiting on Wednesday #53

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine that spotlights eagerly awaited upcoming releases. Head on over there to take part or to check out all the other fabulous books that people are looking forward to reading!

Where it Began by Ann Redisch Stampler

Published on 6th March 2012 by Simon Pulse

Gabby lived under the radar until her makeover. Way under. but when she started her senior year as a blonder, better-dressed version of herself, she struck gold: Billy Nash believed she was a the flawless girl she was pretending to be. The next eight months with Billy were bliss...Until the night Gabby woke up on the ground next to the remains of his BMW without a single memory of how she got there. And Billy's nowhere to be found.

All Gabby wants is to make everything perfect again. But getting her life back isn't difficult, it's impossible. Because nothing is the same, and Gabby's beginning to realize she's missed more than a few danger signs along the way.

It's time for Gabby to face the truth, even if it means everything changes. Especially if it means everything changes.

The cover of this book first attracted me - it's so pretty. Then I read the description and now I want to get my hands on a copy even more. It sounds brilliant combining romance with a gripping thriller. This is the author's young adult debut.

Review: The Catastrophic History of You and Me - Jess Rothenberg

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg, published by Puffin on 2nd February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Brie's life ends at sixteen: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart - "literally." But now that she's in heaven, Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend knows a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost - and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul who's been D&G (dead and gone) much longer than she? and who just might hold the key to her forever after. With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on? but how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

Review:
This is the perfect book if you're looking for a Valentine's Day read with a twist. Have you ever felt like your heart has broken in two after the end of a romance? Well for Brie that's quite literally what happens when her boyfriend tells her that he doesn't love her and her heart breaks in half. She ends up in the after life, looking back on her friends, family and ex-boyfriend Jacob trying to cope after her death. 'The Catastrophic History of You and Me' was one of those books which is about love and romance and boyfriends but more importantly focuses on the personal journey that Brie herself has to go through. It's a book which comes with some unexpected surprises but will also make you treasure your own life even more after reading it.

I thought the idea for the story was incredibly clever and unusual and the book turned out to be a surprisingly funny read that was full of humour at the most unexpected times. I found this created a good balance in the story between some of the deeply tragic events and those which were more uplifting. One of my favourite things was the way in which the story is divided into sections, each representing one of the five stages of grief that Brie has to pass through before she can rest in peace.

Guiding her in the afterlife is the enigmatic Patrick who there's a lot more to than you first think. I wasn't sure how much I actually liked Patrick to begin with but as I grew to understand more about him and as his character developed, I ended up really looking forward to the moments when he appeared. I was dying to know what secret he was keeping hidden about himself and when the big reveal came I wasn't disappointed. I genuinely had no clue at all which doesn't usually happen to me.

I have to also just briefly mention Brie's totally adorable bassetthound called Hamloaf, who is still able to see her after she dies. He's one of my favourite characters in the book and I loved the bond they shared. He's one of the things which still anchors her to her old life and when she eventually comes to accept that she has to let him go, it almost broke my heart too!

This is an impressive debut from an author who both delighted and surprised me in equal measure. The ending was perfectly written and was so bittersweet and touching that it brought tears to my eyes. Be warned - have a box of tissues at the ready to read this wonderful book!

In My Mailbox #55

2012-02-12T05:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kristi at The Story Siren for holding this meme every week.

I love seeing what everybody else got in their mailboxes.

All links go to Goodreads, where you can add the books to your wishlist if you like the look of them.

I haven't done IMM for a little while so this is actually a few weeks worth of books.

Gladiator: Street Fighter by Simon Scarrow

(Really like the sound of this book and it's a gorgeous hardback copy too)

Drive By by Jim Carrington
(Jim Carrington's books are usually quite gritty so look forward to seeing if this one's as good as previous offerings)

Bracelet of Bones by Kevin Crossley-Holland
(Haven't heard much about this book but it has a lovely shiny cover)

Dark Storm by Sarah Singleton

(I'll be reading this one as part of the British Books Challenge)

Everlasting by Elizabeth Chandler

(Such a pretty cover - I keep wanting to stroke it!)

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins

(Love this series and can't wait to start this one and see how it's all going to end)

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

(Have been dying to get my hands on this book for ages)

Forgiven by Jana Oliver
(This is such a great series - excited to see what's going to happen to Beck and Riley next)

Dead Rules by R.S Russell
(Seen some good reviews of this title already)

Review: Every Other Day - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, published by Quercus on 2nd February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human. And then every day in between . . .She's something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive. . .and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.

Review:
I'm a huge fan of Jennifer Lynn Barnes's Raised by Wolves series so I had high expectations for her new paranormal YA novel which I'd had my eye on for quite a while prior to publication. While it was an enjoyable read it didn't quite deliver for me on every level and failed to entirely win me over.

Paranormal is one of the hottest crazes on the YA market at the moment and is also one of my favourite genres, mainly because of the sizzling romances they generally feature, along with the kick-ass heroines and supernatural elements which seduce the reader into believing in another world very different to our own. 'Every Other Day' felt like it was trying to combine all of these things but not quite getting there. There was a scientific strand running throughout the book which explained many of the aspects of the story and this seemed to have been well researched, drawing on Jennifer Lynn Barnes own background. It was quite complicated though and sometimes I had to go back and read a page again to make sure I understood it all fully.

Kali D'Angelo is a sixteen year old who is human one day and slaying supernatural creatures the next, a cycle that she repeats over and over every twenty-four hours. I never felt like I got to know to know the real Kali well enough. She keeps a lot hidden from the people around her but too much felt like it was concealed from the reader as well. This may have been because her character is quite introverted and shy but I wanted to know more about who she really was and what made her tick outside of being characterised as a demon slayer.

There was no real romance in the book, although an attempt was made to establish one between Kali and the mysterious Zev, who she doesn't actually meet properly until near the end of the book. I missed the romance, the dates, the kissing! Instead, the emphasis is on Kali's burgeoning bond with her new friends who all seem extremely different but are gradually brought together throughout the book to fight a common cause. I loved Skylar in particular I also really liked the plot concerning Kali's mother which was intriguing and often quite sinister at times but again could have done with more development.

I'm not sure if this is a stand-alone novel or planned as part of a series but the ending leaves the latter open as a possibility. If there is a sequel it will be interesting to see what happens with the story and characters next and might allow for some of the more intriguing aspects of the book to be explored in greater detail.

Review: Hollow Pike - James Dawson

2012-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hollow Pike by James Dawson, published by Indigo on 2nd February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Something wicked this way comes... She thought she'd be safe in the country, but you can't escape your own nightmares, and Lis London dreams repeatedly that someone is trying to kill her. Lis thinks she's being paranoid - after all who would want to murder her? She doesn't believe in the local legends of witchcraft. She doesn't believe that anything bad will really happen to her. You never do, do you? Not until you're alone in the woods, after dark - and a twig snaps... Hollow Pike - where witchcraft never sleeps.

Review:
There has been a lot of pre-publication buzz surrounding this debut by British author James Dawson, so I couldn't wait to pick it up as soon as it arrived.  I initially thought that it was going to be about witches and witchcraft but although that was an element of the story it didn't figure as predominantly as I'd imagined. The plot is actually more concerned with learning to start life over with a fresh slate in front of you and given that chance what you'll do with it. That's the dilemma that faces Lis London when she moves from her home in Wales to live with her sister in the town of Hollow Pike.

Told in a third person narrative, I was impressed that a male author could write so convincingly from a female point of view. The dialogue was fresh and engaging and I immediately felt a connection to Lis who was bullied at her old school and has moved away to escape the people who've taunted her for so long. The book conveys quite a serious message about the impact that bullying can have on people and this was dealt with in a sensitive manner but without pulling any punches about the damage that it can cause.

I found the start of the book a little slow going which mainly focused on introducing the key players and establishing the plot. However, the second half was much better with the tension really being ramped up, leading to an explosive ending which sent shivers down my spine. The story itself seemed to change direction quite rapidly, but I thought it cleverly combined different genres, mixing together a paranormal tale about witches with a contemporary modern day thriller. I would have liked to have seen more of the romance between Lis and local boy Danny, but on the other hand, it was nice to see girl power trumping the boys for once!

Overall 'Hollow Pike' was an enjoyable and exciting read which continually left me guessing about all the secrets that the characters were keeping hidden. I often didn't know who could be trusted and who was hiding something.  I'm really looking forward to future offerings from this very talented British author.

Blog Tour: Hollow Pike - James Dawson

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

I have a fabulous guest post today from James Dawson, the debut author of 'Hollow Pike' which is a gripping and thrilling read about witchcraft and supernatural goings on. If you haven't grabbed yourself a copy yet then what are you waiting for!

Who is the ‘Girl Next Door’?

Please allow me to introduce Lis London, the main character of new YA thriller Hollow Pike. In the spirit of ‘show-not-tell’, to really get to know Miss London, you’ll have to buy the book (available now at all good bookshops!). Moreover, I’d really struggle to provide a list of adjectives to describe her, and yet I feel I know her inside out. You guessed it – she’s THE GIRL NEXT DOOR.

Readers of young adult fiction are more than familiar with this character. Bella Swan, Luce Price, Grace Brisbane and Nora Grey have all gone before Lis, perfect examples of the ‘relatable’ female protagonists of various sagas.

The girls above have a lot in common. First aesthetics. ‘Pretty-but-not-too-pretty’ is a mainstay of YA fiction. Why? All of the girls-next-door are beautiful (in a unique, quirky way) but more than their actual looks, it’s their perceived beauty that counts. A girl who knew she was hot would be a big turn off to any reader, but especially a teenage girl. No-one wants a vain, arrogant best friend – and the MC of a YA novel should be a potential BFF to the reader. Therefore, these girls are doomed to a life of unruly hair, slightly too prominent noses and frustrating ‘boyish’ figures.

Some personality traits are more desirable than others too. While a YA heroine is allowed flaws, her moral compass must firmly point north at all times. If she does stray from the righteous path, it must be because of a) love or b) some greater good. For instance, stealing, lying, betrayal and cheating – while fairly common place in most secondary schools, are not going to fly in YA. That’s right, our girl-next-door is a role model for young readers, whether she likes it or not. As an author, I knew Lis had to be a ‘good girl’, and that’s fine. Lis is a good egg – she loves her friends, she’s never judgemental and has ambition. If Lis inspires other young adults (male or female) to be good eggs too, that is a positive thing.

The funny thing is, the girl next door to me in South West London is a Ugandan Muslim girl who goes the high school up the road. No, the archetype we’re thinking of is Hayden Panettiere or Selena Gomez – who, in reality, are millionaires living in Hollywood mansions. These ‘All American Girls’, sociologically speaking, are constructed more as a remedy to other (often less flattering) cultural stereotypes such as ‘tomboy’, ‘girly girl’ or ‘femme fatale’. They don’t necessarily have characteristics of their own – what sets them apart is their lack of ‘traditional’ feminine traits. In the Marvel Comics world, Mary-Jane Watson is literally presented as the girl next door to Peter Parker – beyond this simple fact she is hard to describe. I personally think the archetype was set by Judy Garland as one Dorothy Gale in the Wizard of Oz – the wide eyed wonderment and moral purity filtering down to Buffy, Bella and beyond.

With this in mind, perhaps the Girl-Next-Door isn’t such a bad thing. Perhaps better to strive for an ‘average, approachable girl’ than a one-note ‘tomboy’. But I know what you’re shouting – there’s no such thing as an ‘average girl’, everyone’s different. All I could do, as an author, was think how I and my friends would react in the situations Lis finds herself in. While writing Hollow Pike, I based Lis on two very dear friends. This, to me, seemed like the best way of making Lis ‘real’. I wonder if all writers do this.

Anyway, I’d love to know what readers think of Lis London. She’s already my BFF, so I hope you take her to your hearts too. Look after her, she’s a good egg.

Blog tour: Oliver Twisted - J.D Sharpe

2012-02-07T02:27:00.000-08:00

I have a wonderful guest post today by J.D Sharpe, the author of the fabulous 'Oliver Twisted'. This was a fantastic read combining all the things I loved about Dicken's original novel with a fresh and unique new twist.

Me, Dickens and London

London was Dickens’s greatest inspiration. He knew its backstreets and alleys better than anyone. The slums that populated the city may have long-since been torn down for tube stations, but his vivid descriptions remain with us, a living, breathing history. Dickens often walked the streets, for hours on end, plotting his novels and observing the lives of men, women and children around him. With his words he conjures up for us the sights, smells and sounds of a bygone London.

As a born and bred Londoner, the city has a lot to do with how I define myself as a person. I love its busyness, its craziness. I love its glitter and grittiness. Living in London is like living in Technicolor, you have to be switched on and aware in a way that just isn’t quite the same anywhere else.

I no longer live in London but if you opened up my veins I think I would bleed a Central Line red with a bit of Piccadilly Line blue.

To write Oliver Twisted, I did quite a lot of research on Dickens. He had his frustrations with the city - he hated the poverty he saw and the bureaucracy of government that had its seat in London but when all is said and done he loved the city as much as I do.

So, as we are both such fans of big smoke, here are some of my favourite London haunts/memories and some of Dickens’s as well.

Favourite Theatre
CD For Dickens his favourite theatre may well have been the Lyceum Theatre. A stage adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities was performed here with Dickens overseeing rehearsals. It is said he might have even directed the play!

JD One of my favourite theatre experiences has got to be Accomplice. It is part show, part tour, part mystery and all of awesome. You can buy tickets at the Menier Chocolate Factory but London is really your stage for this event!

Favourite Restaurant
CD Rules is one of the oldest restaurants In London, it began its life in 1798. Dickens used to eat here often as have many other actors and literary greats including HG Wells and Charlie Chaplin.

JD Abu Zaad – A fantastic Syrian restaurant in Shepherds Bush. Great kebabs and fabulous fruit juices.

London Childhood Home
CD Dickens spent a chunk his childhood in Camden, at 16 Bayham Street to be precise although this building has now been torn down. He lived here while working near Covent Garden more of that later.

JD Hornsey. Home of Alexandra Palace Ice Rink, thespian Crouch End with lovely cafes, and the awesome Stroud Green and Harringey Library where I spent many an hour immersed in books when I was younger.

Toughest London Job
JD Working in a McDonalds, near the old Arsenal football stadium, when I was 16. Let’s just say that football fans + hungry does not = a pretty picture.

CD. Working just off the Strand, sticking labels onto pots of paste blacking used for boot polish when he was just 12 years old.

Favourite way to see London
CD Walking

Dickens would walk anything from 10 to 20 miles a day. He did this for exercise, recreation and thinking time. These series of apps capture his walks brilliantly.

JD Tube. I love writing on the tube, something about the movement helps me to think. Also it’s a great place to people watch [not in a creepy way] and is a marvellous vehicle of discoveries.

So, the next time you’re at a loose end, get a travel card and get off at a stop you’ve never been to before. I love doing this. I remember the first time I headed south of the river and went to Elephant and Castle because it sounded so cool.

I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t that rather forlorn pink elephant on top of the shopping mall . . .

Review and Giveaway: Oliver Twisted - JD Sharpe

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Oliver Twisted by JD Sharpe, published by Electric Monkey on 6th February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
The world according to Oliver Twisted is simple. Vampyres feed on the defenceless. Orphans are sacrificed to hungry gods. And if a woe-begotten catches your scent it will hunt you for ever. When a talking corpse reveals that Oliver will find his destiny in London, he sets out to seek the truth. Even if it means losing his soul.

Review:
'Oliver Twisted' is one of the first offerings from Egmont's new young adult imprint Electric Monkey. Published to tie-in with the bicentenary of Charles Dickens, 'Oliver Twisted' puts a fresh spin on the Dickens classic while remaining true to the spirit of the original.

I'm a huge admirer of Dicken's work so I was immediately intrigued about this title. Much like the author JD Sharpe, I've always loved 'Oliver Twist' and enjoyed the story of an orphan boy whose life eventually takes a turn for the better after enduring hardship and adversity. I was curious to see how the author was going to reintroduce this story to a whole new audience of readers while injecting it with a modern twist. The introduction of vampyres, zombies and werewolves does the job quite nicely!

Familiar characters are not forgotten and are cleverly interwoven into the story, including faces such as the Artful Dodger, Nancy, Bill Sykes and the wicked Fagin. It was fun to see Dodger turning himself into a wisp of smoke and Fagin having a magical hold over his boys.

A new backstory is invented for Oliver who is still an orphan but now also becomes a pawn who the infamous and evil Brotherhood want to use to defeat the Knights of Nostradamus. I thought this was an interesting subversion of the original plot and meant that the story actually became far darker and creepier than the classic we all know and love. Before starting this book I did worry that it might be a bit too gory for my tastes but in actuality I found that there were just the right amount of thrills and spills to make this a compulsive and exciting read.

'Oliver Twisted' is an inventive take on a much loved classic and one which will have widespread appeal for both a male and female readership. I really enjoyed reading it and look forward to more books by JD Sharpe in the future.

To celebrate the release of 'Oliver Twisted' I'm giving away a paperback copy of the book. The giveaway is international but you must be a follower of my blog to enter. Just fill out your details on the form below. Good luck!

Giveaway rules.

There will be one winner.
Open to International entrants.
Please fill out the form completely - especially the required details.
You must be a follower to enter.
Deadline for entries will be on 22nd February.
Winner will be drawn by random.org
Winner will be contacted via e-mail, and will be given 48 hours to response. Otherwise, a new winner will be drawn.
Any details will be deleted after use and will not be passed on to any third party.

Review: Desert Angel - Charlie Price

2012-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Desert Angel by Charlie Price, published by Corgi on 2nd February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Nowhere is safe...

Angel is on the run. Her mother is dead, her body buried in a shallow grave by her latest boyfriend, Scotty, a ruthless, illegal hunter who is prone to violence and who wants Angel dead before she can talk to the police.
Angel has lived through more than a young girl should have but she's determined to stay alive.
But in the scorching heat of the open desert, where can she hide?

Review:
Dubbed as a 'cat and mouse thriller', I thought that 'Desert Angel' was going to be a gripping and exciting read. Although some parts of the story were pretty tense, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Angel is on the run, being chased by Scotty, the man who murdered her mother and then tried to kill her too. Only fourteen years old she's wise beyond her years but is now caught in a desperate struggle for survival with a dangerous killer.

There is a claustrophobic feel about the story and you get the sense that no matter where Angel goes, Scotty will hunt her down and find her. However, whereas I thought that Angel was going to have to rely on her wits and survival instincts alone and that most of the story would take place in the middle of the desert, in reality, Angel soon meets a number of people who are willing to help her, including Rita who becomes like a proper mother to Angel. This changed the dimensions of the story quite significantly and meant that the story was rather more sedate in places than it could have been. In particular, I found that the passages which took place in the local school were rather at odds with the main plot and slowed down the overall flow of the story.

Scotty was a sinister figure throughout, particularly because some of his actions against Angel are never spoken aloud but the implication of what he's done to her are explicit never the less. He also comes across as an insane and unhinged individual who is ruthless in his single-minded pursuit of her.

I found the ending of the book quite abrupt and after the inevitable showdown everything seemed to be wrapped up quite quickly, leaving some parts feeling slightly underdeveloped. Although I had high hopes for 'Desert Angel' it just didn't deliver on its earlier promise.

Review: The Storyteller - Antonia Michaelis

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis, published by Amulet Books on 1st January 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Anna and Abel couldn’t be more different. They are both seventeen and in their last year of school, but while Anna lives in a nice old town house and comes from a well-to-do family, Abel, the school drug dealer, lives in a big, prisonlike tower block at the edge of town. Anna is afraid of him until she realizes that he is caring for his six-year-old sister on his own. Fascinated, Anna follows the two and listens as Abel tells little Micha the story of a tiny queen assailed by dark forces. It’s a beautiful fairy tale that Anna comes to see has a basis in reality. Abel is in real danger of losing Micha to their abusive father and to his own inability to make ends meet. Anna gradually falls in love with Abel, but when his “enemies” begin to turn up dead, she fears she has fallen for a murderer. Has she?

Review:
I thought I was going to love this book. The synopsis sounded entrancing and the cover is beautiful and eye catching. I also nearly always adore books which combine elements of fairytales so this one sounded like the perfect read. Sadly, even taking all that into consideration, this book didn't compel me as I imagined it would and I had problems with the subject matter and some of the topics which the author touched upon in the story. This is a very heavy read and for this reason I would probably only recommend it to the slightly older teen age bracket. It's not your typical romantic fare and is much darker than I was anticipating at the start.

The main character Anna falls in love with Abel who looks after his younger sister Micha and who has a bad reputation at their school. Irresistibly drawn to him, Anna believes that Abel is a puzzle she can solve and finds herself quickly falling under his spell. Abel is a storyteller (hence the title) and begins to weave a magical tale for his sister and Anna about an orphan queen with a diamond heart. As Abel's story progresses and bad things start to happen, Anna begins to see similarities between his story and real life people and events. Now in theory this sounds quite good but on paper it just didn't work for me. It was more like a teaspoon of romance and a then a bucket full of violence, abuse drug taking and murder - themes which didn't appeal to me at all.

I didn't click with Anna and Abel as characters either and I didn't like the violent nature of their relationship. Without giving anything away, there's a major scene between them in the book which had me stop reading and put this book down. I very nearly didn't pick it up again. I found their romance hard to believe in and for me, Abel was too dark and secretive which instead of leaving me feeling intrigued, left me mistrusting him and being wary of him and his true intentions towards Anna.

The one bit of the book that I did enjoy was the fairytale of the orphan queen, the lighthouse keeper, the rose girl and the sea lion which did have a magical quality about it and I actually found it more interesting than the main storyline which wasn't a good sign.

Part thriller and part love story, the tone of 'The Storyteller' was quite dark and sinister. Much of the book was shocking and violent which I didn't like and actually left me feeling very unsettled. I think the author has been brave in confronting some extremely sensitive and hard hitting subjects but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.

Review: A Beautiful Evil - Kelly Keaton

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton, published by Simon and Schuster on 2nd February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
When Ari first arrived in the dilapidated city of New 2, all she wanted was to figure out who she was. But what she discovered was beyond her worst nightmare. Ari can already sense the evil growing inside her—a power the goddess Athena will stop at nothing to possess.

Desperate to hold on to her humanity and protect her loved ones, Ari must fight back. But Athena’s playing mind games, not just with Ari but with those she cares about most. And Athena has a very special plan for the brooding and sexy Sebastian.

Ari is determined to defeat Athena, but time is running out. With no other options, Ari must unleash the very thing she’s afraid of: herself.

Review:
This is a stellar sequel to 'Darkness Becomes Her' which was one of my surprise favourites of last year. The plot is significantly advanced and plenty of lingering questions are answered. There's no danger of second book syndrome here with this fantastic read which kept me gripped from start to finish.

The story picks up with Ari wanting to rescue her father and Violet from the clutches of Athena, as well as figure out a way to break the curse which has plagued her family. I loved her determination to save the people who matter to her and I enjoyed seeing her trying to embrace her powers, however much they scare her, so that she can take down Athena once and for all. She's an unstoppable force when she sets her mind to something and she's often willing to sacrifice herself to ensure the safety of others which is an admirable quality.

She also has to navigate her relationship with Sebastian who continues to be charming and mysterious. He's sexy and gorgeous, plus he has one of my favourite names of all time - what more could you want! His character takes a major step in this book which I definitely did not see coming. I'm looking forward to finding out how this will affect the two of them in the next instalment.

I was pleased that we got to learn more about all the Gods and the personal history of Athena which I found really interesting. Ari also gets to explore the Novem Library which is in a very unusual place and throws new light on what she's up against. The mythological aspect of the series is one of the things I love best about these books, so I was glad that a significant amount of time was spent on ensuring this was interwoven into the plot.

Seductive storytelling and full on action makes this a book not to be missed. Fans of the paranormal romance genre should go out and grab this one now. You won't be disappointed!

Waiting on Wednesday #52

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Bunheads by Sophie Flack

Published on 1st March 2012 by Atom

As a dancer with the Manhattan Ballet Company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward is living her childhood dream. She gets to be up on stage in front of adoring crowds every night. And while she might not be a prima ballerina yet, she's moving up the ranks and surely if she works hard enough she can make it happen.

But devoting her whole life to ballet leaves very little time for anything else: friends, family, school have all fallen by the wayside. Hannah doesn't mind, until a chance encounter in a restaurant brings Jacob into her life. He's cute, he plays guitar and he's offering a whole future that Hannah never considered. And now she must choose between her lifelong dream or what could be the love of her life...

I am obsessed with books that are set in the ballet world so when I first heard about this title I knew I wanted to read it. I've heard quite a lot of buzz about 'Bunheads' already so I'm counting down the days until it's released.

Review: Everneath - Brodi Ashton

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Everneath by Brodi Ashton, published by Simon and Schuster on 2nd February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Review:
It would be remiss of me not to start this review by mentioning the exquisite and very beautiful cover for this book. I'd kill for that red dress which is beyond gorgeous! I've wanted to read 'Everneath' ever since laying my eyes on the cover for the first time.

This is Brodi Ashton's debut novel and it's addictively good. I absolutely loved it! It made me think about how precious life is. How we shouldn't let anything stand in the way of being with the ones we love. This is a story with real heart that made me cry, made me smile and made me believe that nothing is more important than having friends and family around.

I adored the story. I loved the characters. I got sucked in by the romance between the main character Nicki and Jack and I never wanted the book to end. I forgot about everything else going on around me and became totally immersed and absorbed in this stunning read. Nicki has returned to her old life after spending a century in the Everneath with Cole - an Everliving. She chose to be his forfeit so that he can continue to live as an immortal. She was supposed to forget everything about who she was and the life she lived but there's one face she can't forget - her old boyfriend Jack. Back in the real world, Nicki has 6 months with her family and friends to put things right before she has to return but she's followed by Cole who wants her as his Queen.

One of the things that made this book for me was the romance between Nicki and Jack which was beautifully told. I loved the way their history together was gradually unravelled and laid bare and how they only had to be near each other for sparks to fly off the page. I believed in them. I rooted for them. And they made my heart thud uncontrollably. Their romance is substantial and real and even when they're not together I never gave up hope that they were going to find a way back to each other.

The other aspect of 'Everneath' that impressed me was the interweaving of an ancient myth and the retelling (with a unique twist) of the story of Eurydice and Orpheus. I wasn't familiar with this prior to reading the book but I found it really interesting and I enjoyed the parallels it created with the main plot.

I'm desperate to read more about Nicki and Jack and I can't wait for the next book by Brodi Ashton - the new Queen of the paranormal romance. I'm going to be recommending 'Everneath' to everyone as it was a magical, amazing and emotional book that made me believe in true love.

Review: Sword of Light - Katherine Roberts

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sword of Light by Katherine Roberts, published by Templar on 1st February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
It is the darkest hour of the darkest Age. King Arthur is dead, killed by his wicked nephew, Mordred. Saxon invaders rampage across the land and forces of evil are gathering. The path to the throne lies open to Arthur's only remaining flesh and blood - Mordred. But there is one with a better claim than Mordred - Arthur's secret child. Brought by Merlin to enchanted Avalon as a baby and raised there for protection, the king's heir must take up a vital quest: to search for the four magical Lights with the power to restore Arthur's soul to his body. Introducing Rhianna Pendragon: unlikely princess and Camelot's last hope.

Review:
This is the first book in a new series called The Pendragon Legacy. I'm a massive fan of stories which are set in Arthurian England and I absolutely adore all the legends and tales about King Arthur and his court. I'm always on the lookout for new books on this subject so I was thrilled when I discovered this title.

Katherine Roberts expertly weaves Arthur's story and that of the Knights of the Round Table, Merlin, Mordred and co with a new character, Rhianna Pendragon. Rhianna is the secret child of Arthur and Guinevere who was taken to Avalon by Merlin when she was a baby to protect her from those who don't wish to see an heir to the throne. She also happens to be the only hope against the evil Mordred who is being helped by the wicked Morgan Le Fay. Rhianna isn't alone though, she has her best friend Elphin by her side who is the Prince of Avalon and has a fair share of magic of his own to help guard her. I loved the friendship between Rhianna and Elphin and the fact that they would do anything for each other. I wonder whether the friendship they share will blossom into love later in the series.

The story is tremendously exciting and follows Rhianna's quest to find the Sword Excalibur, the Lance of Truth, the Crown of Dreams and the Holy Grail. Rhianna meets innumerable obstacles along the way but she never gives into defeat and makes a worthy heroine. I would have liked to have seen Rhianna meet Guinevere, but I assume this is being saved for the next book, as is our first encounter with Lancelot who is mentioned but never actually seen in person.

Set in a lost age of chivalry and magic, 'Sword of Light' combines wonderful storytelling with an engrossing tale of Knights, Kings, Queens and Princesses. I found the legend of King Arthur coming alive before my very eyes and I loved every second of reading it. Katherine Roberts has breathed new life into a story which many people are familiar with and for those who aren't, then she's introduced a whole new readership to King Arthur and all the characters of legend. I look forward to getting my hands on the sequel as soon as it's out!

Blog tour: Fracture - Q&A with Megan Miranda

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

I adored ' Fracture' which I couldn’t put down when I was reading it and couldn’t stop thinking about it when I’d finished. It was an emotional page turner and although we’re only in January it will definitely make my top ten book list for 2012. I'd like to welcome Megan Miranda to the blog today for a Q&A about her debut novel.

What initially attracted you to the young adult genre?

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed Fracture. I love YA. I love reading YA, and I love writing YA. I think I’m drawn to writing characters that age because I think there’s something really universal about the experiences at that time—maybe not externally, but the underlying emotions of it. There’s something so pivotal about that time. I find that reading YA really resonates with me, and I enjoy writing it for the same reasons.

You were a scientist and teacher before writing Fracture. How do these careers compare with being a published author?

They’re each so different! I really did enjoy each for different reasons, but nothing beats working from home! Writing is by far the most “fun” profession – I love creating something from scratch. But all were very rewarding careers and required a lot of work. I’d say the biggest difference is the schedule—with writing, there are times when things are incredibly busy (like now), and times when you’re between deadlines and can relax for a bit.

What was the inspiration behind Fracture?

I have a background in science—I’ve always loved facts and concrete answers—but I’ve also found myself really drawn to the things science can’t quite explain yet. I came at the idea from a science angle, but at some point it started to walk the line between science and paranormal. I also wondered what it must be like for that person who is the miracle. How does it affect his or her life?

I fell in love with the character of Decker. Are there any male book characters that you have a crush on?

I love the character of Ranger in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. There’s something about the elusive guys…

Are the characters of Delaney and Decker based on anyone?

They’re not. Developing characters and relationships is my favorite part of the writing process, and they always seem to have a mind of their own…

What other 2012 debut novels are you personally excited about?

I’ve already read (and loved) SLIDE, by Jill Hathaway, UNDER THE NEVER SKY, by Veronica Rossi, and DITCHED, by Robin Mellom. I’m really excited to read CINDER, by Marissa Meyer next!

I’m incredibly eager to read more from you and hope we won’t have too long to wait. What are you working on next?

Thank you! I have another book scheduled to come out in early 2013. It’s similar to Fracture in that it walks the line between science and paranormal again. It’s a standalone psychological thriller about the thin line between the real and the imagined. Hope you like it!

British Book Challenge 2012

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

I've decided to take part in the British Books Challenge for 2012 hosted by The Overflowing Library. You can find out more about it and sign-up to take part here.

So what is the British Books Challenge?

The BBC is a reading challenge where bloggers sign up to read books by British writers throughout 2012 which was first hosted in 2011 by www.thebookette.co.uk

The books can be in print or out. Old or new titles. They can be from any genre and for any age. My blog is obviously focused on YA literature but you are welcome to read adult or children's novels if you wish.

If you sign up for the Challenge you will be aiming to read at least 12 books by British Authors (which works out to one a month). For every book you review each month you will get an entry into the draw to win a monthly prize pack. Therefore the more you read the more entries you will rack up.

I haven't finished compiling my list of books I want to read for the challenge but it will include:

1. Jasmine Skies by Sita Brahmachari

2. Pop! by Catherine Bruton

3. Shadow of the Hawk by Curtis Jobling

4. Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale

5. Hollow Pike by James Dawson

6. Mice by Gordon Reece

Review: Saving Daisy - Phil Earle

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Saving Daisy by Phil Earle, published by Puffin on 5th January 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Losing love, fighting guilt, seeking hope.

Daisy’s mum is gone. Her dad refuses to talk about it and as far as Daisy’s concerned, it’s all her fault…

Saving Daisy is a powerful and moving story that follows the life of Daisy Houghton who first featured in Phil Earle’s critically acclaimed debut, Being Billy.

As Daisy struggles with misplaced guilt over her mother’s death, she turns to extreme and violent measures and soon her life starts spiralling out of control. This leads to tragedy and suddenly Daisy finds herself left all alone. But sometimes the kindness of a stranger can turn things around. A stranger who desperately wants to save Daisy – if she’ll only let herself be saved.

Review:
'Saving Daisy' is an emotionally charged and powerful read from the British author of 'Being Billy'. Be warned now that you'll need to have a box of tissues beside you while you're reading this book because it will rip your heart out.

Phil Earle's writing is unflinchingly honest. He's not afraid to tackle difficult or emotive topics such as death and bereavement, rape, bullying, drinking and other such issues. His background as a care worker is obvious here when reading about the main character Daisy and the experiences she goes through. He writes sensitively about her and her issues, whilst also portraying a realistic view of life in a therapeutic community for teenagers. I thought the relationship she had with her key worker Ade was one of great trust. It was obvious that not only did Ade care deeply about Daisy and her road to recovery but it was touching to see how much Daisy came to value Ade's friendship by the end of the book.

Some parts of the story made for difficult reading and it was hard at times to see how much Daisy blamed herself for not only her mother's death but also for many of the things that happen to her. Trying to correct the way she thinks about herself and establish a more positive outlook for the future is one of the struggles that she has to face.

I found the ending and overall message of the book to be full of hope, showing that there's always a way through the pain for everyone, no matter how bleak a person's future can look and no matter what someone has had to go through. 'Saving Daisy' is not a light read but it's one that will stay with you long after turning the last page. It's heartbreaking at times and will take you on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride but it's worth every second and is a book I would definitely recommend to others.

Blog Tour: Q&A on cover design for Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm taking part in the blog tour today for 'Hallowed' by Cynthia Hand. I have a really interesting Q&A with the editor Ali Dougal of Egmont talking about the fabulous cover design for the book. I think it's absolutely gorgeous - I love the blue and silver colours and Clara really does look like an angel on the front!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your involvement with the cover design for Hallowed.

Hi, there! I’m a Commissioning Editor at Egmont, so I buy and edit books to appear on the Egmont list (although I can’t claim any credit for actually editing Unearthly or Hallowed – that was done by the American editor!). I worked closely with the designer, the Publishing Director and the Art Director on the cover for Hallowed. We looked at different images and compositions, and discussed lots and lots of different versions of the cover at our weekly covers meeting. We also liaised with the sales team to get feedback from key customers, and with the author and agent.

2. How long did it take to come up with the cover for Hallowed (from original idea to finished product) and what was the inspiration behind the cover?

It was quite a long process - I’m not 100% sure of the exact timescale, but certainly several months! We had a different cover (same title, font and background but featuring a hunky boy) all ready to go to print but at the last minute we received feedback from an important customer and decided to take their suggestions on board.

3. The covers for the two books in the series are very similar. Was this a deliberate choice?

Yes, see above! The first book (Unearthly) had done well for us and while the cover with the boy on it sat nicely beside Unearthly, the feedback was that it wouldn’t be as appealing to the readers as a cover featuring a girl.

4. Does the author have a say in the cover? For example, can they request a particular design or image be used?

Yes, the author is always consulted. In the end, we had two or three versions of the cover to choose from, each with subtle differences in type, colour and composition. We were happy with them all so we went with the author’s preferred version.

5. What do you think of the current look of many YA paranormal romance novels and how do you ensure that a new release stands out on the shelves?

Twilight obviously spawned a lot of lookalikes, and there’s still an element of that, but things have moved on a little. Red and black was the palette du jour, but there’s been a movement towards lighter and airier covers, and things are bound to continue to evolve. With paranormal romance it’s important to think about what’s already working, but try to do something a little bit different too.

6. Are there any covers for YA titles that you have particularly loved?

I love the cover for Cat Patrick’s Forgotten – it’s intriguing and it really stands out on the shelves and on Amazon. The readers obviously agree, because the book has done really well! I love the whole package for The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. The paperback is lovely, but the original version with its blue flexi-back cover was gorgeous, and it’s stunning inside too.

7. Have you ever appeared on a cover yourself (and would you consider it if asked)?

Sadly not! But several of my colleagues have, so I live in hope . . .

8. If pictures could move and talk (like in Harry Potter) what do you think the girl on the cover of Hallowed would say?

'Tucker or Christian? Love or destiny? How is a girl to decide?’

Review: The Titan Prophecy: Rise of the Dark One - AM Crawford

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Titan Prophecy: Rise of the Dark One by A.M. Crawford, published by Murray McLellan on 17th August 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
Charlie and Max had a choice: take a short-cut through the forbidden grounds of a remote gothic mansion or get home after dark and face the wrath of Charlie’s mother. They decide his mother is the greater risk. Of course, that was before they entered the grounds...Soon enough they find themselves caught up in an adventure neither of them could ever have imagined...

For there has been a prophecy, The Titan Prophecy, warning of a great war: a war that will be fought on earth; a war that could destroy the whole universe. And says this prophecy there is only one hope of salvation: a Destined One. A Boy...

Review:
'The Titan Prophecy: Rise of the Dark One' is a thrilling adventure ride through the world of ancient Greece. The book interweaves many well known Greek myths and legends such as Jason and the quest for the golden fleece, as well as featuring familiar names such as Hades, God of the Underworld. This was one of my favourite aspects of the book, as not only did this appeal to the part of me that's hooked on the stories of ancient powerful Gods but it managed to be educational and informative (in a fun way!) at the same time which is a credit to debut author A.M. Crawford who has obviously done her research. The only thing I thought was that occasionally there seemed to be a few too many characters introduced in quick succession and an explanation had to be provided for each God to ensure that the reader knew who they were and why they were well known in history. Sometimes this felt like a lot to absorb all at once.

At first glance this title could be seen as similar to the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan which also feature a boy hero but 'The Titan Prophecy' stands apart as an amazing and enjoyable read in it's own right. I picked this one up only intending to read the first few chapters and ended up becoming so immersed in the story that before I knew it I was half way through. There were also some gripping cliffhangers and some shocking twists at the end of many of the chapters which invariably had me reading on for just a couple more pages.

The story opens by introducing the main character Charlie and his best friend Max. Before long their lives are dramatically changed when they discover that an ancient prophecy foretells that Charlie alone will be the saviour of the Gods who are threatened by the Titans rising up and waging war on them. Not only that but Charlie is being sought after by the Dark One, a shadowy sinister form who's acting as the Titans' assassin. He's guided on his journey by a Time God by Parseus, allowing the action to move between the present day and ancient Greece. I was pleased to see that the time discrepancy was dealt with and an explanation was provided to how time moves differently between the worlds. This meant that the characters and plot could move swiftly backwards and forwards without leaving the reader wondering why no one had noticed they'd disappeared.

Taking place on land and at sea, there was plenty to keep the reader on the edge of their seat for much of the book. I really liked the modern day setting of the small village of Hesper and the creepy old Hesper House which stands forebodingly over the hell realm.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who love stories set in and about ancient Greece and those who are looking for an exciting and thrilling read. There's non-stop action as Charlie faces one peril after another but as all good boy heroes do, he never gives up! The first in a series, I look forward to finding out whether or not Charlie really can save the day.

In My Mailbox #54

2012-01-21T05:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kristi at The Story Siren for holding this meme every week.

I love seeing what everybody else got in their mailboxes.

All links go to Goodreads, where you can add the books to your wishlist if you like the look of them.

I'm doing IMM a day early this week for a change. Most of this bumper pile arrived this morning which really made my day! There are some exciting titles here that I can't wait to get stuck into.

A Witch in Winter by Ruth Warburton

(I've read this fab book already so my review will be up soon)

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

(I've been dying to read this one for ages)

Legend by Marie Lu

(Looks awesome and I've already been hearing good things about it)

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

(I love her Raised By Wolves series so hoping this is just as good)

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

(I really like books set during World War II. Another offering from new YA imprint Electric Monkey)

Falling Fast by Sophie McKenzie

(I'll be reading this one for the British Books Challenge)

Girl Meets Boy by Various

A collection of short stories this looks like the perfect Spring read)

The Broken Road by B.R. Collins

(The first historical fiction offering from this author)

Dragonskin Slippers by Jessica Day George

(I haven't read anything by this author before but this series has been repackaged and is being published by Bloomsbury in February)

Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George

Dragon Spear by Jessica Day George

Review: Fracture - Megan Miranda

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Fracture by Megan Miranda, published by Bloomsbury on 5th January 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
By the time Delaney Maxwell was pulled from a Maine lake’s icy waters by her best friend, Decker Phillips, her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead.

But somehow Delaney survived—despite the brain scans that show irreparable damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be fine, but she knows she’s far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can’t control or explain, Delaney now finds herself drawn to the dying, and when she meets Troy Varga, a boy who recently emerged from a coma with the same abilities, she is relieved to share this strange new existence. Unsure if her altered brain is predicting death or causing it, Delaney must figure out if their gift is a miracle, a freak of nature—or something else much more frightening….

Review:
I have so much love for this incredible debut novel! This was an outstanding read from an exciting new author who is definitely one to watch. She literally blew me away with this captivating title which I adored from start to finish. As soon as I'd finished then I wanted to start reading it all over again. It's difficult to really put into words how much I enjoyed this book and how immersed I became in the story but suffice it to say, 'Fracture' already has a permanent place in my list of favourite reads for 2012.

Delaney's life changes after she falls into a frozen lake. Trapped underwater for eleven endless minutes her heart stops and she's declared dead but then miraculously starts breathing again after being pulled from the ice. But Delaney has changed and she isn't the same person she used to be. She can't make sense of what she's feeling but she finds herself mysteriously drawn to the dead and dying.

Central to the book is the bond between Delaney and her childhood friend and neighbour Decker. I loved their friendship and although they both won't admit to their real feelings for each other, you can tell that these are two people who are destined to be together. They complete each other perfectly. I adored Decker who is the gorgeous boy next door type and who is sensitive and caring inside. I wish I could just pluck him out of the pages of the book and conjure him up right in front of me! As much as I fell in love with Decker, I seriously disliked Troy who Delaney meets after her accident. He's an ominous presence in the book and actually pretty creepy and sinister. He's the complete opposite of Decker and seems to be the bad to Decker's good.

I loved Delaney who narrates the story from a first person perspective. She is strong and stubborn and brave and became a character who I could really relate to. Her relationship with her mother becomes strained after the accident and I thought the exploration of this was extremely interesting. Her mother wants to keep her safe but can't come to terms with the person that Delaney's become. She wants the old Delaney back but she's been changed forever after her near death experience. Delaney in turn has to try to understand her mother's motivations which have been shaped by her own family history.

'Fracture' is a novel about life and death, love and friendship and the meaning of family. I felt quite emotional during and after reading it because I really became connected to all the characters and their lives. Brilliantly written, I was gripped and absorbed by every single second of the story. It's quite literally one of the best debuts I have ever read.

Review: The Vampire Stalker - Allison Van Diepen

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen, published by Scholastic on 3rd November 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?

Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction.

Review:
The tag line for 'The Vampire Stalker' says it all really- "Ever been in love with a boy in a book?". I'm sure that the majority of people would answer that question with a resounding yes, myself included! This is definitely the book to read if you've ever found yourself with a huge crush on that cute boy in the pages of your favourite story.

Amy is an avid reader and a huge fan of the Otherworld books by author Elizabeth Howard which feature a vampire hunter called Alexander Banks and follows his quest to rid the city of the evil vampire Vigo. After Amy is nearly attacked one evening, she's saved by a handsome stranger who resembles Alexander in every way - which turns out to be because he is Alexander and no longer just a character in a book. Amy has to help him hunt down Vigo but finds herself falling in love with her favourite character who is now very much flesh and blood.

This is such a great idea for a story that I couldn't help wondering why no one had written something along these lines before. I hadn't heard much about the book prior to reading it either but it caught my eye on the shelves in my local bookshop. The plot was well executed and the book was fairly short which meant that the tempo was high from the moment that Amy first sets eyes on Alexander. I thought that the romance between them was really sweet and I loved seeing her introduce him to all the modern day inventions that we take for granted such as mobile phones, the Internet and television. He actually gets to grips with all these pretty quickly! The eventual scientific explanation about how he came to be in Amy's world was clearly explained using the premise of literary physics which was both clever and interesting.

I also loved the fact that one of the main characters was a fabulous librarian who helps Amy to make sense of everything happening. Ms P was great and a brilliant advocate for librarians who are geniuses at being able to help track down any information needed. It's nice to see a positive image of a librarian for a change instead of the usual stereotype.

'The Vampire Stalker' was a fun and entertaining read that I devoured in one evening and left me wanting more. My only complaint is that the book was quite short and I would have liked to have had more time to spend with all the characters and see what happens to them next. Fingers crossed that there might be a sequel in the offing.

Waiting on Wednesday #51

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Published on 2nd February 2012 by Quercus

Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human.

And then every day in between . . .She's something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive. . .and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.

I'm a huge fan of Jennifer Lynn Barnes's books and can't wait for this new offering from her. I've read some good reviews of this one already and it sounds exactly like the kind of book I love with a cool blend of science fiction and urban fantasy.

Giveaway winners

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone that entered my recent blog giveaways. Here are the details of all the lucky winners. You will all be receiving an email from me shortly requesting postal information so that I can get your books sent out! If you weren't successful this time then do check back again soon when I'll be offering some interrnational book giveaways.

The winner of the Oxford University 2012 Prize Pack is:

# Laura Creaven

The winner of a paperback copy of 'Cinder' by Marissa Meyer is:

# Stephanie Llewellyn

The winner of a paperback copy of 'Tempest' by Julie Cross is:

# Mel S

Congratulations to you all and I hope you'll enjoy reading your books!

Review: Fated - Sarah Alderson

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Fated by Sarah Alderson, published by Simon and Schuster on 5th January 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
What happens when you discover you aren't who you thought you were? And that the person you love is the person who will betray you? If your fate is already determined, can you fight it?

When Evie Tremain discovers that she’s the last in a long line of Demon slayers and that she’s being hunted by an elite band of assassins –Shapeshifters, Vampires and Mixen demons amongst them – she knows she can’t run. They’ll find her wherever she goes. Instead she must learn to stand and fight.

But when the half-human, half-Shadow Warrior Lucas Gray - is sent to spy on Evie and then ordered to kill her before she can fulfil a dangerous prophecy, their fates become inextricably linked. The war that has raged for one thousand years between humans and demons is about to reach a devastating and inevitable conclusion. Either one or both of them will die before this war ends.

If your life becomes bound to another’s, what will it take to sever it?

Review:
'Fated' is an incredible action-packed ride which was so deliciously good that it definitely left me wanting more. It opens with a shocking prologue which really grabbed my attention from the very first opening sentence. This led onto a couple of explosive chapters which set the pace for a story which was tense, gripping and exciting.

Sarah Alderson has created an incredible cast of characters. I was immediately intrigued by the Brotherhood who are made up of a number of demons or Unhumans including a Mixen whose skin is poisonous to the touch, Thirsters who drink human blood, shape-shifters and Scorpio demons. There's also the mysterious and enigmatic Lucas Gray, who is half-human and half Shadow Warrior. I enjoyed discovering more about the history of the battle between the Hunters and the Unhumans and I shared Evie's amazement about a whole world she never even knew existed.

Evie, as the main protagonist, is the last purebred Hunter on earth. She's a brilliant heroine because she's headstrong and determined and although she's lived the majority of her life ignorant of her true heritage, she's ready when it really matters to face up to what she has to do. The Brotherhood want to kill her before she can fulfil a prophecy which they believe to be about her. Lucas thinks that he is the only one who can get close enough to her to kill her but as he gets to know the real Evie his feelings about her start to change.

My absolute favourite thing about this book was the romance between Evie and Lucas, the latter whom I fell for hook, line and sinker. The development of their romance is slow-building and simmers away throughout the majority of the story, the tension building to an epic and extremely hot first kiss which will enable you to practically feel the steam coming off the pages! Although their love is forbidden and there are a whole host of barriers between them, there are so many sparks whenever they're in the same room together that you feel they could overcome anything to be with each other.

Sarah Alderson really can do no wrong following her stunning debut 'Hunting Lila'. Although she's taken a change of direction in 'Fated', she's created a story which will stay with you long after the final page and which will leave you begging for more. If you're a fan of the paranormal romance genre then grab this one now and if you've yet to discover Sarah's books then you're missing out on a very special author who will quite literally blow you away with her talented and incredible writing.

In My Mailbox #53

2012-01-15T02:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kristi at The Story Siren for holding this meme every week.

I love seeing what everybody else got in their mailboxes.

All links go to Goodreads, where you can add the books to your wishlist if you like the look of them.

Here are the books I received for review this week.

Hollow Pike by James Dawson

(One of my most eagerly awaited debuts of the year!)

Blade: Enemies by Tim Bowler

(This has just been republished by OUP and is the first in the Blade series)

Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate

(A gorgeous collection of short stories for Valentine's Day)

The Titan Prophecy by A.M. Crawford

(Sounds brilliant and is set against a backdrop of Greek myths and legends)

Dark days of January blog tour: Sara Grant - Dark Parties

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm taking part in the blog tour today for Sara Grant's incredible debut novel 'Dark Parties'. I loved this book and was really sad when I turned the last page on an incredible story. I'm eagerly awaiting news about a sequel! I'm extremely pleased to welcome Sara Grant today who is going to talk about the idea of identity marks which is mentioned in the book.

Making Your Mark
My debut young adult novel Dark Parties chronicles a country that has closed itself off under an electrified dome. For hundreds of years, no one and nothing has penetrated this barrier. The citizens of Homeland are growing to look more and more alike.

The rebels in my book create identity marks to express their individuality and, for some, to easily distinguish them from everyone else. My main character Neva distils her friends into the identity marks they have created for themselves. Her best friend Sanna carves an S on her cheek to create a scar. Sanna’s boyfriend always wears red, pointy-toed boots.

You don’t have to live under a dome or in a restricted homogenous society to condense people into a simple identifier. We’ve all said something like: You know the guy in the cowboy hat. Or it’s the girl with the dragon tattoo. Or he’s the one with bad breath.

While writing Dark Parties, I often wondered what identity mark I’d create for myself and what identity mark others would create for me. I never came up with a concise answer. I think that’s because, like the characters learn in Dark Parties, people are more complex than can ever been expressed in a symbol.

But if I had to pick, maybe I’d choose...

A snowflake – Neva’s identity mark is a snowflake tattoo between her belly button and hip. I might copy Neva – although not the location, or probably the tattoo part. I love snow, not only the real, cold fluffy stuff that falls from the sky in the winter but also what it symbolizes – originality. In high school, I had a pin that said: Why be normal? If I could find it, I’d proudly wear it today.

Peace symbol – I’m not a fan of conflict – not at the global level or at a personal level. Unless someone’s in immediate personal danger, I don’t believe there’s any reason to raise your voice. My father always said, “If you raise your voice, you lose.” I endeavor to keep my cool and work for a peaceful resolution.

Megaphone – No, I wasn’t a cheerleader. But it’s the best image I could come up with to represent enthusiasm. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.’ I whole heartedly agree. I may not be the best or the brightest, but I’m hard working and try to live my life with zeal.

US and UK flags – Eight years ago I moved to London, England, from Indianapolis, Indiana. This life change was the catalyst for Dark Parties. I’m now a unique blend of both the US and UK and wonder if it makes me misunderstood on both sides of the Atlantic.

Star – Okay, maybe a bit cliché, but my parents always told me the sky’s the limit. I believe I can achieve any dream with sacrifice, hard work and tenacity. I struggled for seventeen years to achieve my dream of publication. It was about trying, failing, learning from my mistakes, and trying again. And I know it’s a never-ending process.

Book – Yeah, this is a simple one. I love reading them and writing them.

Unlike Neva, none of these symbols are tattooed anywhere on my body. I could never pick just one and to choose them all would make my body look like a children’s colouring book. (I am also concerned about how these images would morph as my body aged. Will a wrinkly, flabby snowflake have the same appeal? Don’t think so.)

I suppose I believe that what makes me unique has little to do with some arbitrary mark I create for myself or my physical appearance. Actions speak louder than words or clothes or tattoos. I would like to think my ‘identity mark’ would be something like loyalty, reliability, and enthusiasm – not the most compelling combination, I realize. But I hope it would be the words my friends, family and co-workers would use to describe me.

So how about you? What identity mark would you create for yourself? What words would you or those close to you use to describe you? How are you unique in what can sometimes feel a world where sameness rules?

Follow Sara on Twitter @AuthorSaraGrant

Check out Sara's website

Review: Dark Parties - Sara Grant

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Dark Parties by Sara Grant, published by Indigo on 5th January 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Neva has been trapped since birth. She was born and raised under the Protectosphere, in an isolated nation ruled by fear, lies, and xenophobia. A shield "protects" them from the outside world, but also locks the citizens inside. But there's nothing left on the outside, ever since the world collapsed from violent warfare. Or so the government says...

Neva and her best friend Sanna believe the government is lying and stage a "dark party" to recruit members for their underground rebellion. But as Neva begins to uncover the truth, she realizes she must question everything she's ever known, including the people she loves the most.

Review:
Sara Grant's debut novel is a dystopian thriller which will take you on an incredible journey in a society ruled by fear of the government and protected from the outside by the Protectosphere. This was a thrilling read with some shocking twists and turns. As the story unravelled I was constantly surprised by the unexpected chain of events that played out before me.

The story centres on Neva who lives with her family in the Protectosphere, a dome which was built to protect the people living within it from those causing terror and harm. The government control nearly every aspect of their lives but Neva longs for escape and the elusive taste of freedom. She fights against the fact that her whole life is dictated to her, from what job she'll do, to the way she's encouraged to marry and procreate. Unlike many others, Neva does believe that there's something more out there and keeps a list of all those who have gone missing including her beloved Grandmother, who may just be on the other side of the dome.

I thought that the whole idea of a society like this was incredibly frightening. The concept that life may exist outside of the Protectosphere but it could just be a vast expanse of nothingness was also extremely unsettling. Neva tries to uncover what's happening to all the people who go missing but a lot of the time she has to rely on her faith alone because proof that there's another world out there is scant. There's a definite feeling of claustrophobia and of being trapped and this came across really well on the page. The theme of independence and the fight for freedom was beautifully captured in a world which is unlike anything anyone has ever experienced before.

There's plenty of romance in the book as well with Neva caught between two boys, steady and reliable boyfriend Ethan and dangerous and forbidden Braydon. He's forbidden because he happens to be her best friend Sanna's boyfriend but after an illicit kiss in the dark at a party, Neva finds that she can't stay away from him no matter how hard she tries. Although I'm a sucker for love triangles and cute boys, my favourite relationship was actually between Neva and Sanna. They're best friends but really they're more like sisters. They've grown-up together and they've helped each other through many ups and downs in their lives. Although Neva is drawn towards Braydon, at the same time she does try to stay away from him and put her friend first which I thought was admirable.

If you were a fan of 'Matched' by Ally Condie then you're sure to love 'Dark Parties' which is in the same vein. Sara Grant has a brilliant writing style which is engaging and draws the reader in. I loved the plot and the characters and I was rooting for Neva the whole way through. This is a very special debut by an exciting new author who's definitely one to watch. I can't wait for the follow-up to see what happens to Neva next.

Review: Wereworld: Shadow of the Hawk - Curtis Jobling

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wereworld: Shadow of the Hawk by Curtis Jobling, published by Puffin on 5th January 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
DREW FERRAN, THE RIGHTFUL KING OF WESTLAND, IS TRAPPED.

Enslaved by the Goatlord Kesslar, young werewolf Drew finds himself on the volcanic isle of Scoria, forced to fight in the arena for the Lizardlords. With the help of an unlikely ally, he must find a way to break free - but who has ever managed to escape?

Meanwhile, Hector the Wereboar flees the forces of the Catlords. Now on board the pirate ship Maelstrom, the enemy's net is closing in. Haunted by the spirits of the dead, Hector is soon left wondering who the true enemy is . . .

Review:
This is the third installment of the engrossing and exciting Wereworld series by British author Curtis Jobling. He can't write these books fast enough for me! No sooner have I finished one then I'm eager for the next to find out what's going to happen next to all the characters. Something major nearly always happens at the end of each book as well which leaves me biting my nails and unable to sleep until I know the next publication date.

The story picks up with Drew enslaved by the Goatlord Kessler and on his way to Scoria where he's forced to fight as a gladiator for the Lizardlords. He is determined however to gain his freedom and return to Lyssia to claim his kingdom back once and for all and knowing Drew, I have no doubt that he'll do so in the end. He has an inextinguishable spirit and true grit and no matter what stands in his way he never gives up and he always overcomes the obstacles put in his path. He's endured a lot since discovering his true heritage and he's suffered both pain and despair but I love his loyalty and his single-minded pursuit of what's right.

In a separate plot strand, the story follows the Boarlord Hector, who is onboard the ship the Maelstrom. Hector has been my absolute favourite character in the series from the word go. He's also probably been the one character who has changed the most throughout the story and for this reason (and without giving anything away), I'm starting to worry that redemption may now be out of his reach. His regular communing with the dead has affected him greatly and he may never return to the Hector I knew and loved. I would love to see him meet up with Drew again because if anyone can reach out to him and put him back on the right path then it's his best friend.

There are some great new characters introduced in 'Shadow of the Hawk', including the Hawklords and one of my favourite things about these books is getting to discover all the new Werelords and their unusual talents, as well as all the unusual places they end up. I also enjoyed seeing Drew's brother Trent again who wants to track him down but eventually begins to discover the real truth about him.

Curtis Jobling definitely delivers after the success of the first two books. There's action, adventure and excitement in abundance and I was glued to the pages throughout. This book, as is the whole series, is stonkingly good! If you haven't come across the Wereworld series yet then I implore you to rush out and grab the first book now. Once you've started you won't be able to stop reading this epic fantasy adventure which will sweep you away into a whole new world.

Blog tour: Wereworld "7 Realms, 7 Beasts" - Curtis Jobling

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today I'm taking part in the blog tour for the third exciting installment of Curtis Jobling's awesome Wereworld series. The third book is called 'Shadow of the Hawk' and continues to follow Drew Ferran's action-packed adventure in the Wereworld universe.

Curtis has written a fabulous guest post today all about Arik and Balk, the wereapes who feature in the series.

"Few gladiators enter the Scorian Furnace delighting in the grisly work they undertake, but the Apelord siblings are two such characters. Revelling in the adulation of the masses, Arik and Balk are responsible for the deaths of many humans in the Lizardlords’ arena, in addition to a number of therianthropes. The brothers were sold to Ignus by their own father, so fearful was he that the two of them meant to murder harm – patricide is not uncommon in Wereape society, a well-practised means of succession for this warring, therian bloodline. With the promise of glory, fighting for Ignus, Arik and Balk have thrown themselves into the roles of the people’s favourite gladiators, killing for the pleasure of their master as well as themselves. While other Werelords despise the fact that they must fight for the amusement of the Lizardlord, Ignus, Arik and Balk delight in their work.

Not the brightest of characters, the hulking Wereapes’ chests, backs and arms are a mass of muscles. Each brother cuts a brutal sight even in human form, their enormous arms and shoulders covered in a tangle of unsightly black hair. When changed into their frightening therian form, they have the addition of savage canines that can rip chunks of flesh from any foe. Cruel and conniving, Arik and Balk work as a tag-team, using their combined strength and ferocious attacks to bring down their enemies. Their battles aren’t restricted to the arena either – on more than one occasion the brothers have brought about the deaths of their enemies in the training ludus, away from the eyes of an audience. Thugs and bullies of the worst kind, they take great pleasure in tormenting their opponents, both physically and psychologically, enjoying nothing more than teasing and taunting any new blood that arrives in the Furnace. What might they make of a Werewolf in their midst?

Author’s note: I’m a BIG fan of the old Planet of the Apes films from yesteryear (although, that said, best not to bring up Battle for the Planet of the Apes – best to draw a veil over that monstrosity). Bullies and braggarts strike a resonant chord with most readers, something that each of us had no doubt endured at some point during our lives. We all remember that feeling of being trapped when cornered by such a character, the dread at what might come. I was quite lucky in my school-life, able to make the brutes laugh – distraction techniques are winners, especially a little song and dance number – but such luxuries are in short supply for Drew in Wereworld. Drew’s been a young man who always stands up for the little people – he’s been that way since RISE OF THE WOLF and now, in volume three of the series, he’d unlikely to have changed his outlook. The Wereapes provide my hero with an enemy who, though physically more powerful, are a step behind him in the smarts-stakes. This leaves Drew depending upon his quick wits, but also seeking the help of his brother gladiators."

www.curtisjobling.com

www.wereworldbooks.com

Follow Curtis on Twitter: @CurtisJobling

Also make sure you check out the Spinebreakers website throughout the week where you can enter their ‘Friday 13th’ ‘Wereworld lucky for some’ competition!

In My Mailbox #52

2012-01-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kristi at The Story Siren for holding this meme every week.

I love seeing what everybody else got in their mailboxes.

All links go to Goodreads, where you can add the books to your wishlist if you like the look of them.

I received some really great books in the mail this week and I've started reading some of these already!

This is Not Forgiveness by Celia Rees

(I've read this one already and found it extremely thought-provoking. It's also an interesting change of direction for Celia Rees)

Desert Angel by Charlie Price

(This sounds very scary and not to be read before bed)

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

(Yay! Have been dying to get my hands on the sequel to the amazing 'Unearthly')

Oliver Twisted by JD Sharpe

(I'm going to be taking part in the blog tour for this book in February)

I also wanted to include the one and only book I got for Christmas which I've read and fallen in love with! My review will be up on the blog very soon.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

(Stephanie Perkins can do no wrong! I only wish she'd write faster!)

Review: Stolen Away - Alyxandra Harvey

2012-01-06T00:23:00.000-08:00

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey, published by Bloomsbury on 5th January 2012

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

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

Review:

It’s official! Alyxandra Harvey can do it all! After having successfully written about the world of vampires and ghosts, she’s now moved onto a new subject, faeries, weaving a captivating story of love and danger amidst the faerie realm. I found myself totally immersed in ‘Stolen Away’ from the moment that Lucas appears on the scene with his sword by his side and kneels at the feet of the main protagonist Eloise. He has vowed to protect her against the danger posed by Lord Strahan, the faerie king, who wants to use Eloise as a pawn in his battle to hold onto his crown.

There’s romance aplenty between Eloise and Lucas, but also some hot and sizzling moments between Eloise’s best-friend Jo and Eldric, the dark and handsome stranger that arrives on the scene to sweep Jo off her feet. I absolutely adored the relationship between the latter pairing as Eldric set my heart aflutter too. Everyone loves a bad boy! He’s quite an enigmatic figure and so at the beginning of the book it’s impossible to know whether or not he can be trusted but as his character is gradually developed we learn more about him and his own family history. I loved the way that he seemed as drawn to Jo as she was to him, like a magnetic force which is out of their control and he always appeared just when she needed him. There are plenty of hot kisses between them and an undeniable spark in the air whenever they're together. My only complaint was that I wanted to read more about them and I have my fingers firmly crossed that we may just see a sequel about them in the future.

Eloise and Jo are joined by their other best friend Devin who is right there by their side throughout the events of the story. Their friendship is rock solid and I liked the fact that even when they didn't necessarily agree with each others opinions or choices, they were always there to back each other up.

I love the writing style of Alyxandra Harvey and the way she paints such vivid pictures of people and places that I always feel completely transported into the story. 'Stolen Away' is no exception with wonderful descriptions particularly of the fae, including Isadora, the no-nonsense and feisty flower fairy, as well as the wasp and hornet riding fae who manage to be both endearing and fierce at the same time. There are also some fabulous passages conjuring up images of the realm of the fae which appears to be deeply magical as well as incredibly dangerous.

Harvey had me hook, line and sinker, captivating me completely with her tale of blossoming love amidst the world of the fae. This is another brilliant book by my favourite YA Queen and I look forward to seeing what subject she'll turn her hand to next!

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Tempest - Julie Cross

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to welcome Julie Cross to the blog today as part of her tour for the fantastic 'Tempest'. It may only be January but I have a feeling that this is going to be one of my favourite debuts of the year! 'Tempest' is a rollercoaster ride of time-travel, romance, action and adventure and is so utterly gripping that you won't be able to put it down!

I’m super excited that TEMPEST is going to be available to the UK audience around the same time it is in the US. It works out perfect because in the UK it will be cold and everyone will be looking for a new book to cozy up with inside. Of course, those in Australia can read TEMPEST on the beach. And anyone who’s made New Years resolutions to shed holiday pounds can read the book while burning calories on the elliptical. So, really, I couldn’t ask for a better publication month.

#This Time Last Year

This time last year, TEMPEST was getting all set for copy edits. There was no cover. No one in my town or hardly anyone online had heard of me or knew that I was a writer. Only one person in my family had read the book. I was still working full time and still not sure exactly where I was headed with this trilogy.

#This Time Next Year

Honestly, I can’t even imagine next year. I’m in the mode to think about tomorrow and the day after and not much beyond. But I suppose, I’ll be preparing for the book 2 release and that’s just scary since only three people have even read it as of right now. Since Tempest is my debut, I have no idea what to expect in the next year. Maybe my life won’t change as much as people are predicting. Knowing me, I’ll cling to every ounce of my current self for as long as humanly possible.

Check out Julie's Blog

Follow on Twitter @Juliecross1980

Don't forget to check out the next stop of the 'Tempest' blog tour
over at The Vault tomorrow.

The wonderful people at Macmillan have very kindly provided me with a copy of the book to giveaway. This giveaway is UK only at the publishers request. Please fill out all the details required on the form below and good luck!

Giveaway rules.

There will be one winner.
Open to entrants with UK addresses only. International entrants may enter, provided they have a UK address to send the books to.
Please fill out the form completely - including email address
You do not have to be a follower to enter but it's always appreciated
Deadline for entries will be on 15 January 2012
Winner(s) will be drawn by random.org
Winner(s) will be contacted via e-mail, and will be given 48 hours to response. Otherwise, a new winner will be drawn.
Any details will be deleted after use and will not be passed on to any third party.

Review: Tempest - Julie Cross

2012-01-04T03:24:00.000-08:00

Tempest by Julie Cross, published by Macmillan Children's Books on 5th January 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Jackson Meyer is hiding a secret. He can time-travel. But he doesn't know how he does it, how to control it or what it means. When Jackson, and his girlfriend Holly, find themselves in fatal danger, Jackson panics and catapaults himself two years into his past, further than he's ever managed before, and this time he can't find a way back to the future. All the rules of time-travel he's experienced so far have been broken and Jackson has no choice but to pretend to be his younger self whilst he figures out a solution. Jackson is tearing himself apart with guilt and frustration, wondering if Holly survived. He's also become the target of an unknown enemy force and it seems even his dad is lying to him. Jackson is racing against time to save the girl he loves, but to do that he must first discover the truth about his family and himself. And stay alive.

Review:
'Tempest' is a time-travelling romantic action-adventure which will probably be read by most people in one sitting because it's so compulsively good that you won't be able to put it down! It's the debut novel from Julie Cross who's an exciting new writing talent and is the first in a trilogy which I'm thrilled about because I want more...now! There's been a lot of buzz surrounding the release of 'Tempest' and the film rights have already been optioned by Summit Entertainment, the company behind the Twilight Saga.

I'm a huge fan of books about time-travel. One of my favourite adult novels is 'The Time Traveller's Wife' and I love the idea of being able to travel both into the future and into the past to revisit people and events. Jackson's ability to travel through time is initially explained at the start of the book in a very manner of fact type of way, which makes it feel like although this is something quite extraordinary, it's also believable and not beyond the realms of possibility. Because Jackson is constantly time-travelling I did have to concentrate on keeping track of what was happening and when but the date and time were often provided at the start of the chapter which made this a bit easier.

Having a male narrator in the form of nineteen year old Jackson, is a refreshing change. I enjoyed seeing and hearing about things from a male perspective and he makes a fantastic central character who I really loved by the end of the book. His sole purpose in 'Tempest' is to ensure the safety of his girlfriend Holly and he's willing to do literally anything to protect her. Jackson and Holly are both only nineteen but they have a very mature and grown-up relationship and are secure in their feelings for each other. There are some incredibly romantic and sizzling moments between them and I was rooting for them all the way. I loved Jackson's completely unswerving devotion and loyalty to Holly and the sacrifices he makes for her are admirable. They're definitely my new favourite book couple!

The writing was fast paced, the plot exciting and there were some great action scenes interspersed. There was also a good balance between chapters which were jam-packed full of adventure and excitement and quieter scenes where Jackson had time to stop and share a special moment with Holly.

'Tempest' had everything you could wish for in a book including time-travelling teenagers, good guys doing battle with bad guys, an awesome sidekick best-friend and a spine tingling romance. I was constantly kept on my toes and there were so many surprises and intriguing revelations. The ending broke my heart and the sequel can't come soon enough. This was an amazing start to a trilogy which will blow your mind.

Review + Giveaway: Cinder - Marissa Meyer

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Cinder by Marissa Meyer, published by Puffin on 5th January 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Review:
Marissa Meyer delivers a knockout with her story about Cinderella as you've never seen her before. 'Cinder' is a futuristic take on a traditional fairytale which is both inventive and truly original. I was incredibly excited about this book prior to publication even though I wasn't really sure what to expect from it. I started it one evening planning to read just a couple of chapters but ended up becoming so immersed in the story that I stayed up half the night reading. This is only Meyer's debut novel but it's ingenious and imaginative and an astounding and fascinating book that I ended up loving.

It's the first book in the Lunar Chronicles quartet which will be followed by other fairytale inspired tales including 'Scarlet' (Red Riding Hood), 'Cress' (Rapunzel) and 'Winter' (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves). I think I would have cried if I hadn't known that there was more to come!

'Cinder' is set in New Beijing where cyborgs and androids live among the human citizens. I thought the mixing of an old and well known fairytale with a futuristic backdrop was brilliant and so clever. Cinder herself is not your normal heroine, she's half human and half cyborg and is 'owned' by her step-mother Adri. Cinder is also a gifted mechanic and it's this occupation which leads to her meeting the handsome Prince Kai who is ignorant of what she really is. I enjoyed seeing the friendship between Kai and Cinder blossom and although Cinder keeps the fact that she's a cyborg secret from him, they share a number of intimate moments which leads to a level of trust and mutual respect to grow between them. I also liked the fact that the Prince isn't a snob and wants to get to know Cinder even though she isn't of the same standing as him. One obstacle in their path is the sinister Queen Levana of Lunar who sent shivers down my spine and literally drips evil off the page.

Meyer has assembled an engrossing and imaginative cast of characters, my favourite whom was Cinder herself. She's incredibly gifted and immensely loyal to the people she loves and cares about, including her android friend Iko and her step-sister Peony. She can be unconventional at times, stubborn and headstrong but I adored her and was rooting for her throughout. She often doesn't care about her own well being, as long as she can protect her friends and family.

One of the plot lines in the book involves the search for an antidote to Letumosis, a plague like disease which is rampant in the city and deadly to anyone who contracts it. This was really interesting and brings Cinder into contact with Dr Erland who holds the key to a number of secrets about her past as well as to her future happiness.

Many of the hallmark features of the Cinderella fairytale were here but always with a slightly quirky spin on them. For example, instead of a glass slipper there's a cyborg foot and instead of a pumpkin there's a hover car. There's also an evil stepmother and a wicked stepsister, plus a handsome Prince and a huge ball.

Although I did guess the big reveal quite early on in the book, it was still shocking when it eventually came and has set the stage brilliantly for the second book in this amazing series. I'm eager to get my hands on the follow-up and I only hope we won't be kept in suspense for too long.

To celebrate the release of 'Cinder' the very lovely people at Puffin have given me a copy of the book to giveaway. This giveaway is only open to entrants within the UK at the request of the publisher. Good luck!

Giveaway rules.

There will be one winner.
Open to entrants with UK addresses only. International entrants may enter, provided they have a UK address to send the books to.
Please fill out the form completely - including email address
You do not have to be a follower to enter but it's always appreciated
Deadline for entries will be on 15th January 2012
Winner(s) will be drawn by random.org
Winner(s) will be contacted via e-mail, and will be given 48 hours to response. Otherwise, a new winner will be drawn.
Any details will be deleted after use and will not be passed on to any third party.

Review: The Weight of Water - Sarah Crossan

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan, published by Bloomsbury on 5th January 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Armed with a suitcase and an old laundry bag filled with clothes, Kasienka and her mother leave Poland and head for the UK to find her father. Life is lonely for Kasienka. At home her mother's heart is breaking and at school Kasienka finds it impossible to make new friends. While the search continues, Kasienka is kept afloat by William, a boy she meets at the local pool who understands what it means to lose someone and who swims with Kasienka towards her new life.

Review:
This is the first book I've read which is written entirely in verse. I thought at first that I was going to find that difficult because I imagined it would feel disjointed to read but in actuality the verse flowed beautifully, the story unfolded smoothly and each separate verse was interconnected to the next so in some ways it was just like reading normal prose but with even more lyrical prowess.

The story is about a young girl called Kasienka who comes to England with her mother, to seek her father who left and abandoned them. Her mother is desperate to find them and believes they can do so by trawling the streets with a map and knocking on people's doors - just one of the many touching and heartbreaking moments in the book. Kasienka is bullied at school by another girl called Clair for being too white, having too short hair, having the wrong bag but essentially for being different. She eventually finds peace with a new friend and a boy called William who she meets at her local swimming pool.

Swimming is Kasienka's solace and it's when she's in the water that she feels sleek and self-assured and she can momentarily forget the many troubles which weigh heavy on her young shoulders. I loved the way in which her character develops throughout the book and although she has many issues to face she does so with her head held high.

The book is about immigration and alienation and trying to fit in with people who judge you on appearance without getting to know the real you and the person inside. Kasienka has to deal with peoples' prejudices, even those of the adults around her and an example of this is the way that she's initially put in a lower grade at school because her English isn't fluent but in reality she's actually extremely bright and intelligent and capable of studying at the same level as other people her age. The story teaches us to be accepting of people from different cultures and to not make snap judgements about others.

I thought 'The Weight of Water' was extremely moving and a powerful read which really touched me. I was drawn into the story and felt a great sense of empathy for Kasienka. Although this isn't normally the sort of book I'd pick up as the subject matter isn't one which would usually appeal to me I found it a lovely debut by an exciting new talent.

Top 10 Books of 2011

2011-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

2012 is just around the corner so I want to wish everyone a very happy new year!!!

I can't believe that my blog has been up and running for over a year now (16 months to be precise!) and in that time I've read some incredible books, discovered amazing new authors, met wonderful fellow bloggers and generally had an awesome time reading and blogging my way through the year. Thank you to all my followers for your lovely comments and for taking the time to stop by my blog every once in a while. I do really appreciate it!

This post took me a long time last year (because it was so hard to narrow down all my favourites) but I thought I'd repeat it by selecting my 'Top 10 Books of 2011'. These are titles that I've read this year and fallen in love with but they haven't necessaily been published in 2011. They're in no particular order because it was just too tough to do.

1. Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

2. Forgotten by Cat Patrick

3. Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

4. Stealing Phoenix by Joss Stirling

5. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

6. Across the Universe by Beth Revis

7. The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

8. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

9. Firelight by Sophoe Jordan

10. Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

News: New YA imprint - Strange Chemistry

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

For all of us YA fans here's some exciting news about a new YA imprint called Strange Chemistry which will be launched in September 2012.

Angry Robot, the award-winning publisher of SF, F and WTF are pleased to announce their newest venture – a sister imprint, Strange Chemistry, which will publish Young Adult genre fiction.

The imprint will launch in September 2012, with five titles appearing before the end of that year, before settling down to one book each month. Subject matter will include fantasy, science fiction, supernatural and horror, and as with Angry Robot the lines between those genres are likely to be very blurry at times.

Running the imprint will be Amanda Rutter, until recently best known as the tireless blogger behind genre review site, Floor-to-Ceiling Books. Angry Robot’s managing director Marc Gascoigne said: “The key to any truly successful genre imprint is the personality of its editors. In Amanda we’ve found the perfect mix of
editing skills and wild, wild enthusiasm for the subject. Her first signings are already making us jump up and down in excitement. We’re beyond delighted to welcome her to the team.”

Amanda Rutter commented, “Angry Robot have quickly become one of the most exciting and challenging genre publishers around, and I have so much admiration for the types of novels that the guys are bringing to the world of speculative fiction. I’m absolutely thrilled that I have the opportunity to join the team, and create a list full of Young Adult novels that share the same sharpness and passion as those in the AR list.”

More information can be found at strangechemistrybooks.com and angryrobotbooks.com. You can meet Amanda at floor-to-ceilingbooks.blogspot.com.

Waiting on Wednesday #50

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Smoulder by Brenna Yovanoff

Published on 5th January 2012 by Simon and Schuster

Being the youngest daughter of the Devil has never been easy. Daphne's father has no time for her, her mother no interest, and her status in the upper echelon separates her from the working-class demons that populate Lucifer's metropolis. When her brother and only confidante goes missing, life in the restrictive city of Pandemonium becomes intolerable. Now, in an attempt to find him, Daphne sets out for Earth - and finds it larger and more chaotic than she imagined: a dazzling expanse of noise, dirt and random violence. Despite her bewilderment, she navigates the mortal world with growing fascination, gaining an ally when she saves a dying boy from her father's minions.

For Truman Flynn, the last year has been one long downward spiral, but when Daphne arrives just in time to save his life, he finds himself unexpectedly glad to have another chance. Together, Daphne and Truman go in search of her brother, braving the hazards of Las Vegas and the perils of first love, even as it becomes increasingly clear that her brother might have had a secret and compelling reason for leaving. Lucifer's agents aren't the only creatures on the prowl, and Daphne soon finds herself the target of a plan to rid the world of demons for good. Now she must evade a demon-eating monster, rescue her brother from an angelic zealot, and save the boy she loves from his greatest enemy - himself.

This sounds absolutely brilliant and is top of my list of books I want to get my hands on in 2012. The cover is incredibly striking and really caught my eye but the story sounds great too!

Trailer: Hallowed - Cynthia Hand

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here's the gorgeous trailer for 'Hallowed' which is the sequel to Cynthia Hand's brilliant debut novel 'Unearthly'. I can't wait to read 'Hallowed' and find out how the love triangle between Clara, Tucker and Christian is going to be resolved!

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

Review: Torn - Cat Clarke

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

Torn by Cat Clarke, published by Quercus on 22nd December 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
Four girls. One dead body. A whole lot of guilt.

Alice King isn’t expecting the holiday of a lifetime when she sets off with her classmates on a trip to the Scottish wilderness, but she’s not exactly prepared for an experience beyond her darkest nightmares…

Alice and her best friend Cass are stuck in a cabin with Polly, the social outcast, and Rae, the moody emo-girl. Then there’s Tara – queen of mean. Powerful, beautiful and cruel, she likes nothing better than putting people down.

Cass decides it’s time to teach Tara a lesson she’ll never forget. And so begins a series of events that will change the lives of these girls forever.

Review:
‘Torn’ by Cat Clarke is an amazing read, following hot on the heels of her successful 2010 debut ‘Entangled’. I was incredibly intrigued by the premise of this book which sounded a bit like Mean Girls but with a twist. I had a feeling that I wasn’t going to be disappointed and I proved myself right because I absolutely loved every second of reading ‘Torn’. I found it totally gripping from start to finish. What I really loved was the fact that you knew something terrible was going to happen but you didn’t know exactly what and that in itself was enough to get me reading long into the small hours of the night. I kept telling myself that I was just going to read one more chapter and then one more, but in the end I couldn’t stop until I’d reached the conclusion of the story.

Clarke’s writing is incredibly strong and powerful and this helped me to identify with all the characters, even those who I didn’t immediately find particularly likable. My favourite was definitely Alice who narrates the events of the book and who seems to carry the biggest burden of guilt around with her about the tragedy which occurs. As a reader, I felt a great sense of helplessness that I could only watch as she becomes involved in something which spirals out of her control. She’s not a bad person at all, but Clarke shows that even good people can sometimes stray off the right path and much of Alice’s story is about her trying to put things right and face up to her actions. Her feelings and emotions are explored in detail throughout the book, as is the psychological impact of the event that takes place and I found myself empathising with her and the terrible decision she has to make.

There’s romance in ‘Torn’ as well, with Alice becoming involved with Jack, the brother of her former best-friend. The way their relationship was written was incredibly realistic and they made a great pairing. They didn’t instantly fall head over heels in love with each other and this made the way the romance developed between them much more true to life.

I thought the ending of the book was absolutely spot on and I can’t imagine a more perfect way of concluding the story. It actually moved me to tears! 'Torn' manages to be shocking, moving and gripping all at once and provides both mystery, thrills and romance. Cat Clarke has made a true fan out of me and I shall be waiting with anticipation for whatever she decides to write next.

Waiting on Wednesday #49

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wereworld: Shadow of the Hawk by Curtis Jobling

Published on 5th January 2012 by Puffin

Drew Ferran, the rightful King of Westland, is trapped.

Enslaved by the Goatlord Kesslar, young werewolf Drew finds himself on the volcanic isle of Scoria, forced to fight in the arena for the Lizardlords. With the help of an unlikely ally, he must find a way to break free - but who has ever managed to escape?

Meanwhile, Hector the Wereboar flees the forces of the Catlords. Now on board the pirate ship Maelstrom, the enemy's net is closing in. Haunted by the spirits of the dead, Hector is soon left wondering who the true enemy is...

I'm a massive fan of this fantasy series and have been impatiently waiting for the third book in the series for what feels like forever! My favourite character is Hector and I can't wait to catch up with his adventure again. If you haven't discovered this series yet then what are you waiting for!

Trailer: This is Not Forgiveness - Celia Rees

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

'This is Not Forgiveness' is unlike anything else you might have previously read by Celia Rees. The subject matter is a complete change of direction for Rees who is usually known for her wonderful historical fiction. It's published by Bloomsbury on 2nd February 2012 and is definitely one to check out.

Everyone says that Caro is bad ...but Jamie can't help himself. He thinks of her night and day and can't believe that she wants to be his girlfriend. Gorgeous, impulsive and unconventional, she is totally different to all the other girls he knows. His sister, Martha, hates her. Jamie doesn't know why, but there's no way he's going to take any notice of her warnings to stay away from Caro. But as Jamie falls deeper and deeper under her spell, he realises there is more to Caro - much more. There are the times when she disappears and doesn't get in touch, the small scars on her wrists, her talk about revolutions and taking action, not to mention the rumours he hears about the other men in her life.

And then always in the background there is Rob, Jamie's older brother, back from Afghanistan and traumatised after having his leg smashed to bits there. Jamie wants to help him, but Rob seems to be living in a world of his own and is increasingly difficult to reach. With Caro, the summer should have been perfect ...but that isn't how things work out in real life, and Jamie is going to find out the hard way.

Review: Unleashed - Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Unleashed by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie, published by Doubleday on 8th December 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
When Katelyn starts at her new school. the only person she knows is the handsome and intriguing Trick Sokolov, an acquaintance of her grandfather. She's surprised when the popular Cordelia Fenner invites her home and when she meets Cordelia's hot cousin, she begins to think her new life might be ok after all.

But as she spends time with the family, she realises that the Fenners are harbouring a deep dark secret. Every bone in Katelyn's body tells her that the Fenners are mad, bad and dangerous to know - but how can she give up her only friend, and how can she ignore the way Justin sets her blood on fire with a single look?

Katelyn finds herself caught between three major werewolf clans who have been at war with each other for centuries - a war, it seems, that Katelyn is destined to end.

Review:
This is the first book in the Wolfsprings Chronicles by dynamic duo Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie. 'Unleashed' is a fabulous paranormal tale of danger and romance set in a creepy forest where werewolves lurk around every corner. Although there are a huge number of paranormal books on the market at the moment, 'Unleashed' managed to stand out for me because the plot is still incredibly unique and original and equal care is taken to building and developing both the story and the characters, making this a fast-paced and thrilling read.

The main character Katelyn, moves to the small town of Wolf Springs to live with her Grandfather after her mother dies in a fire. Although she wants to stay in Los Angeles with all her friends because she's a minor she has little say in the matter and has to leave everything familiar to her behind. She finds the change hard to adjust to and initially struggles to communicate with her gruff Grandfather but gradually begins to make new friends including gorgeous local guy Trick. There's a hot love triangle in the book between Katelyn, Trick and Justin Fenner who she feels an irresistible attraction to every time they come face to face. I loved some of the characteristics of both boys and could definitely see how Katelyn would feel torn between them. I'm looking forward to seeing how her relationship with both of them develops in book two.

My favourite thing about 'Unleashed' was the way the plot and characters mirrored Shakespeare's 'King Lear', particularly when it came to Katelyn's new friend Cordelia Fenner and her extremely unusual family. Cordelia has two sisters, Arial and Regan who frankly are not very nice at all. She also has a difficult relationship with her father. As I read on, I discovered that there was a lot more to the Fenner's than first meets the eye. I'm a huge Shakespeare buff, so I thoroughly enjoyed identifying all the aspects of the play which have been incorporated into the story. I thought this was really clever and an interesting way of meshing classic and modern literature together.

Although I had my suspicions about the way in which the story was going to play out, I often didn't have a clue what was going to happen next and found myself on the edge of my seat for large parts of the book. The suspense is ramped up throughout as Katelyn is repeatedly warned not to go out after dark, a warning which is echoed by many others. As a reader, you don't know yet what they're all afraid of and this led to a growing sense of tension and apprehension particularly when Katelyn ends up in the forest all on her own.

'Unleashed' is a really exciting start to a series which left me begging for more. I can't wait to see what twists and turns are going to follow next. There's still so much more to come!

In My Mailbox #51

2011-12-18T02:54:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kristi at The Story Siren for holding this meme every week.

I love seeing what everybody else got in their mailboxes.

All links go to Goodreads, where you can add the books to your wishlist if you like the look of them.

I only had a few new books this week but they're good ones!

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

(Alyxandra Harvey turns her hand to the faerie world! I've read this one already and loved it. My review will be up in January)

The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan

(This is a lovely finished hardback copy and is a 2012 release written entirely in verse)

BZRK by Michael Grant

(This is one of the first books to be published by Egmont's new Electric Monkey imprint. It sounds fantastic!)

Hotly Anticipated Reads for 2012: Macmillan Children's Books

2011-12-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

Macmillan have published some of my favourite books this year, including the amazing 'Dark Inside' by Jeyn Roberts which definitely makes my top ten. They're also home to Alyson Noel and Meg Cabot, both of whom are among my favourite authors. Alyson Noel's new series Soul Seekers, is going to be published by Macmillan in 2012 which is also very exciting.

I'm really pleased to welcome to the blog today, Sally and Lauren, who are both Publicity Managers for Macmillan Children's Books and who are going to talk about some of the books they're especially excited to be publishing in the first half of next year.

All links go to Goodreads where you can add these books to your wishlist too!

Final cover artwork isn't available yet for all these titles but will be added as soon as I have it.

Tempest by Julie Cross, published on 5th January 2012

Sally says "a great combination of action and romance from an exciting debut author Julie Cross. I can't say too much without giving things away but I loved the characters, Jackson's a narrator I really connected with and hearing things from the male point of view, I felt, made a refreshing change."

Jackson Meyer is hiding a secret. He can time-travel. But he doesn't know how he does it, how to control it or what it means. When Jackson, and his girlfriend Holly, find themselves in fatal danger, Jackson panics and catapaults himself two years into his past, further than he's ever managed before, and this time he can't find a way back to the future. All the rules of time-travel he's experienced so far have been broken and Jackson has no choice but to pretend to be his younger self whilst he figures out a solution. Jackson is tearing himself apart with guilt and frustration, wondering if Holly survived. He's also become the target of an unknown enemy force and it seems even his dad is lying to him. Jackson is racing against time to save the girl he loves, but to do that he must first discover the truth about his family and himself. And stay alive.

After the Snow by S.D. Crockett, published February 2012

Lauren says "Sophie Crockett is an astounding new voice in YA fiction. Although it would be easy to refer to this novel as 'dystopian', Sophie has created a world not so very far-removed from our own. It is a future as plausible as it is disturbing, which will ignite lively debate amongst its readership."

Separated from his family, ‘straggler’ kid Willo is lost and alone in the barren landscape of the new ice age. Now, with only the dog-spirit inside his head to guide him, Willo must embark on an icy journey of survival, adventure and friendship.

Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend by Cora Harrison, published February 2012

A little mystery is so becoming in a hero, don't you think?

Jane wants to meet a hero worthy of her extraordinary imagination: a gentleman who is dashing and daring and handsome and brave; who can dance like a viscount and duel like a king. Jane and Jenny are whiling away the season in Bath and there are plenty of dances, rumours and scandals to entertain them. But a good reputation, once lost, is gone forever; and Jane is in danger of becoming the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons.

Mice by Gordon Reece, published February 2012

Shelley and her mother are ‘mice:’ timid, nervous and obliging. The fragile peace of their remote countryside existence is shattered when someone breaks into their cottage. In the shocking event that follow, Shelley begins to wonder if she and her mother are mice after all. And if not mice, then what are they?

The Demon Trappers: Forgiven by Jana Oliver, published on 3rd February 2012

Wanted by both the forces of Heaven and Hell,17-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne is on the run. Armageddon might be closer than anyone thinks, but with an angelic bargain on one side and a deal with the devil on the other, it’s all Riley can do to stay alive, let alone save the world…

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin, published April 2012

Lauren says "This is the book Zevin fans have been waiting for and she does not let us down. It is gripping and brilliantly written. She is a writer head and shoulders above her contemporaries."

Anya is a member of a notorious New York crime family, so when her violent ex-boyfriend is poisoned, suspicion naturally falls on her. Only the District Attorney believes she is innocent, but her freedom has a price: stay away from his son Win. Anya is finding Win hard to resist, but by getting involved with him she risks the wrath of the law on one side, and the mafia on the other…

Jasmine Skies by Sita Brahmachari, published April 2012

Sally says "follow up to the amazing Artichoke Hearts, I couldn't wait hear more of Mira. Sita Brahmachari vividly brings India to life and her characters draw you in convincingly to their emotional journeys, I became so caught up this breathtaking and beautiful story."

Fourteen year-old Mira Levenson travels to India to meet her family and is quickly swept into a sweltering, chaotic world – full of new sights, smells and deeply buried secrets. Nothing is as she imagined it. Mira faithfully writes to her boyfriend, Jidé, but there’s one person she doesn’t mention. From the moment Mira meets Janu she feels a potent connection and he becomes her guide through the vibrant and often dangerous streets of Kolkata. As her time in India draws to an end, Mira is determined to uncover the truth about her family and she must also make a decision that will break someone's heart . .

Underworld by Meg Cabot, published May 2012

To escape the clutches of the vengeful Furies, Pierce Oliveria has gone to live with John Hayden in the dark Underworld between Heaven and Hell. But when she discovers that her family is in danger, she knows she must get out. Pierce has escaped from John once before. This time, she may not be so lucky…

The Prince Who Walked With Lions by Elizabeth Laird, published May 2012

Sally says "Liz Laird truly brings the unique and fascinating story true story of Alamayu, the Abyssinian prince, to life - a captivating and emotional read"

The British Army is circling the stronghold of the King of Abyssinia. Under orders from Queen Victoria, its mission is to rescue the British Envoy, held prisoner. Watching with terror and awe is the king's young son, Alamayu. He knows that his father is as brave as a lion, but how on earth can he and his warriors stand against the well-equipped foreigners? As battle rages, everything that Alamayu fears comes to pass. The fighting is cruel and efficient. By the time it is over, Alamayu is left without parents, throne or friends.

In a misguided attempt to care for him, the British take Alamayu to England. There he is befriended by the queen herself and enrolled in Rugby College to become a 'proper' English gentleman. What the English see as an honour is, to this lonely Ethiopian prince, a horror.

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini, published May 2012

This is the US cover of Dreamless.

As the only Scion that can enter Hades at will, Helen descends to the Underworld in search of a way to overcome the Furies and end the cycle of revenge that has cursed the Scions. But she’s running out of time. Each descent weakens her both in mind and spirit. A mysterious stranger might be her only salvation, but the price may be her love for Lucas Delos.

As an unforgettable love triangle emerges, Josephine Angelini’s compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding. The eagerly awaited sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed, Dreamless delivers with a huge emotional impact that will leave readers satisfied—and longing for more

What's Up With Jody Barton by Hayley Long, published June 2012

Lauren says "Hayley Long is Judy Blume for the Glee generation. More than any other writer in this genre, she pitches her teen references absolutely right; one minute she will have you laughing, the next weeping. The twist in this story will leave readers reeling and desperate for more".

Me and my sister are twins. She's Jolene and I'm Jody. We've both got brown hair, we're both left-handed and we both have these weirdly long little toes which make us look like long-toed mutants. But apart from that, I'd say we're fairly different. Well, actually, we're a lot different ...It's hard enough being one half of the world's least identical twins, without both of you falling for the same guy. Jolene's turned flirting into a fine art, but Jody? Not so much. And as if a twinny love triangle wasn't messy enough ...there's something nobody knows about Jody Barton. Something BIG.

Soul Seekers: Fated by Alyson Noel, published June 2012

Strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, glowing people appear from nowhere. Worried that Daire's having a breakdown, her mother sends her to stay with the grandmother she's never met, who lives on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico.There Daire crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes.

Her grandmother recognizes Daire's episodes for what they are - a call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, a person who can navigate between the living and the dead. Guided by her grandmother, Daire must be quick to learn how to harness her powers, because Dace's brother is an evil shape-shifter, out to steal them.

Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and discover whether Dace is the guy she's meant to be with . . . or if he's allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

Hotly Anticipated Reads for 2012: Egmont

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Egmont published my absolute favourite book of 2011, 'Forgotten' by Cat Patrick. They have some stellar titles lined up for 2012 so here's a small selection of titles which I am eagerly anticipating for next year.

All links go to Goodreads where you can add all of these books to your wishlist too!

Final cover art for all these titles is not yet available but I will add it as soon as I have it.

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand, published in January 2012

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

The Haunting of Tabitha Grey by Vanessa Curtis, published in March 2012

I've just moved into a creepy old manor house with my family. And it feels like the house is waiting for something. I can't explain all the things that are happening here. The maids I hear sobbing...The old ladies that stand in the hall. The cold breath of...Life? Death? I don't know. I can't tell Dad or Mum. But least I've got my little brother Ben to talk to. This is a ghost story unlike any other...It will leave you chilled to the very last page.

1.4 by Mike Lancaster, published in May 2012

It's a brave new world. In the far future, people no longer know what to believe...Did Kyle Straker ever exist? Or were his prophecies of human upgrades nothing more than a hoax? Peter Vincent is nearly 16, and has never thought about the things that Strakerites believe. His father - David Vincent, creator of the artificial bees that saved the world's crops - made sure of that. When the Strakerites pronounce that another upgrade is imminent, Peter starts to uncover a conspiracy amongst the leaders of the establishment, a conspiracy that puts him into direct conflict with his father. But it's not a good idea to pick a fight with someone who controls all the artificial bees in the world.

Pop! by Catherine Bruton, published in June 2012

Billy Elliot meets the X-Factor meets Shameless! I reckon we need a plan that's so massive it'll change our lives forever...The first round of auditions was a bit mad. All these wannabe popstars sitting around trying to look wacky/soulful/tragic (delete as appropriate) to catch the attention of the TV cameras. At least we had a cracking back story. The story of me, Agnes, Jimmy and baby Alfie too; the tears, the tragedy, the broken homes and feuding families, the star-crossed lovers. And only some of it was made up. If I say so myself, it was genius: a sure-fire golden ticket to stratospheric stardom. Or at least that was the plan...

Revived by Cat Patrick, published in July 2012

As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.

A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency’s true goals, she realizes she’s at the center of something much larger — and more sinister — than she ever imagined.

This is US version of the cover, as the UK cover art hasn't been revealed yet.

2012 also sees the launch of Egmont's new imprint Electric Monkey which will be publishing some amazing books in the new year, including 'BZRK' by Michael Grant, 'Oliver Twisted' by JD Sharpe and 'Code Name Verity' by Elizabeth Wein. Keep an eye out for all of those plus many more too!

Hotly Anticipated Reads for 2012: Simon & Schuster

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Simon & Schuster are publishing some of my most hotly anticipated books for 2012. They always offer such a brilliant range of titles by some really fantastic authors which made it incredibly difficult to pick just a small selection for this feature. I wanted to include them all! I'm going to be stalking my local bookshop for all of these.

All links go to Goodreads where you can add them to your wishlist too!

Fated by Sarah Alderson, published on 5th January 2012

What happens when you discover you aren't who you thought you were? And that the person you love is the person who will betray you? If your fate is already determined, can you fight it?

When Evie Tremain discovers that she’s the last in a long line of Demon slayers and that she’s being hunted by an elite band of assassins –Shapeshifters, Vampires and Mixen demons amongst them – she knows she can’t run. They’ll find her wherever she goes. Instead she must learn to stand and fight.

But when the half-human, half-Shadow Warrior Lucas Gray - is sent to spy on Evie and then ordered to kill her before she can fulfil a dangerous prophecy, their fates become inextricably linked. The war that has raged for one thousand years between humans and demons is about to reach a devastating and inevitable conclusion. Either one or both of them will die before this war ends.

If your life becomes bound to another’s, what will it take to sever it?

Smoulder by Brenna, published on 5th January 2012

Being the youngest daughter of the Devil has never been easy. Daphne's father has no time for her, her mother no interest, and her status in the upper echelon separates her from the working-class demons that populate Lucifer's metropolis. When her brother and only confidante goes missing, life in the restrictive city of Pandemonium becomes intolerable. Now, in an attempt to find him, Daphne sets out for Earth - and finds it larger and more chaotic than she imagined: a dazzling expanse of noise, dirt and random violence. Despite her bewilderment, she navigates the mortal world with growing fascination, gaining an ally when she saves a dying boy from her father's minions.

For Truman Flynn, the last year has been one long downward spiral, but when Daphne arrives just in time to save his life, he finds himself unexpectedly glad to have another chance. Together, Daphne and Truman go in search of her brother, braving the hazards of Las Vegas and the perils of first love, even as it becomes increasingly clear that her brother might have had a secret and compelling reason for leaving. Lucifer's agents aren't the only creatures on the prowl, and Daphne soon finds herself the target of a plan to rid the world of demons for good. Now she must evade a demon-eating monster, rescue her brother from an angelic zealot, and save the boy she loves from his greatest enemy - himself.

The Medusa Project: Hit Squad by Sophie McKenzie, published on 5th January 2012

Fourteen years ago, scientist William Fox implanted four babies with the Medusa gene - a gene for psychic aibilities. Fox's experiment left a legacy: four teenagers, each with their own distinct and special skill. These four teens were originally brought together to form crime-fighting force, The Medusa Project.

Now the team is due to be disbanded and the teenagers sent to separate locations. But Nico, Ketty, Ed and Dylan are determined to investigate claims that a drug conveying the same powers as the Medusa gene has been developed.

Joined by new friends Cal and Amy, who also have the gene, the four set off on their most dangerous mission yet...

Everneath by Brodi Ashton, published on 2nd February 2012

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton, published on 21st February 2012

When Ari first arrived in the dilapidated city of New 2, all she wanted was to figure out who she was. But what she discovered was beyond her worst nightmare. Ari can already sense the evil growing inside her—a power the goddess Athena will stop at nothing to possess.

Desperate to hold on to her humanity and protect her loved ones, Ari must fight back. But Athena’s playing mind games, not just with Ari but with those she cares about most. And Athena has a very special plan for the brooding and sexy Sebastian.

Ari is determined to defeat Athena, but time is running out. With no other options, Ari must unleash the very thing she’s afraid of: herself.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, published on 1st March 2012

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready, published on 7th June 2012

No other love has burned so bright.

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced that she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart.

In My Mailbox #50

2011-12-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kristi at The Story Siren for holding this meme every week.

I love seeing what everybody else got in their mailboxes.

All links go to Goodreads, where you can add the books to your wishlist if you like the look of them.

As I missed doing IMM last Sunday this week's edition will actually consist of all the books I've received in the last fortnight...and there's lots of them! Here are all the exciting titles for review I had in my mailbox.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
(I love unconventional spins on traditional fairytales. Keep an eye out in January when I'll have a copy to giveaway)

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

(I cried tears of joy when I unwrapped this one! I've wanted to read it for ages and the cover is beyond gorgeous)

A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton

(I loved the first book in this series and look forward to finding out what's going to happen to all the characters next)

Fated by Sarah Alderson

(Sounds awesome! Will be starting this one very soon)

Heaven by Christoph Marzi
(I've read the first couple of pages already and I can tell it's going to be sooo good!)

In Darkness by Nick Lake
(Not normally the sort of book I'd choose but I did enjoy Nick Lake's Blood Ninja series so am willing to give this one a try)

Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale
(I've been hearing good things about this book which is described as appealing to Jodi Picoult fans)

The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen
(A girl in love with a character in a book...that happens to me with nearly every book I read!)

Socks Are Not Enough by Mark Lovery
(Looks like this one's going to be a fun and entertaining read)

Black Arts by Andrew Prentice and Jonathan Weil
(I always enjoy books about pirate adventures)

The Repossession by Sam Hawksmoor
(Another one I can't wait to start - this is a 2012 release)

Hotly Anticipated Reads for 2012: Penguin Razorbill

2011-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm always incredibly excited about all the titles published by the Penguin Razorbill imprint and 2012 is definitely no exception. Here's a sneak peek at just a few of my highlights for next year. I've added all of these to my wishlist as every single one sounds like it's going to be a brilliant read!

All links go to Goodreads where you can add all of these to your wishlist too!

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg, published February 2012

BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.

But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.

With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

Legend by Marie Lu, published February 2012

Born into the slums of Los Angeles, fifteen-year old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. A mysterious boy with no recorded image or fingerprints. A boy who should no longer exist. A boy who watches over his family until one evening, when the plague patrols mark his family's door with an X--the sign of plague infection. A death sentence for any family too poor to afford the antidote. Desperate, Day has no choice; he must steal it.

Born to an elite family in Los Angeles' wealthy Ruby sector, fifteen-year old June is the Republic's most promising prodigy. A superintelligent girl destined for great things in the country's highest military circles. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country--until the day her brother Metias is murdered while on patrol during a break-in at the plague hospital.

Only one person could be responsible. Day.

And now it's June's mission to hunt him down.

The truth they'll uncover will become legend.

Fever by Dee Shulman, published April 2012

A fearless Roman gladiator. A reckless 21st century girl. A mysterious virus unites them . . .

152 AD. Sethos Leontis, a skilled and mesmerising fighter, is unexpectedly wounded and lies dangerously close to death.

2012 AD. Eva is brilliant - but troubled. Starting her new life at a school for the gifted, a single moment in the lab has terrifying results.

An extraordinary link brings Sethos and Eva together, but it could force them apart - because the fever that grips them cannot be cured and falling in love could be lethal . . . Can love survive when worlds collide and threaten time itself?

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead, published June 2012

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students—children of the wealthy and powerful—carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder, published July 2012

Sixteen-year-old Campbell doesn't believe in miracles. She's spent the last seven years in and out of hospitals, so she can be forgiven if she's a little sceptical.

But Campbell's mum and sister won't give up on her, and they've heard rumours of a place in Maine where magical things happen: fish raining from the sky, purple dandelions, everlasting sunsets. A place named Promise. Yes, really.

Campbell may be cynical, but she still has hope. And so they head to Promise for a summer by the sea, where Cam finally learns to believe in true love, in herself, and maybe even in miracles.

Hotly Anticipated Reads for 2012: Puffin

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Puffin have released some awesome books this year! I always like to keep a close eye on what they're publishing next and 2012 looks set to be another bumper year with lots of exciting titles in store.

All links go to Goodreads so that you can add these to your wishlist too!

Saving Daisy by Phil Earle, published on 5th January 2012

Daisy's mum is gone. Her dad refuses to talk about it. As far as Daisy's concerned, it's all her fault. As her life starts to spiral out of control, panic leads to tragedy and Daisy's left alone.

But sometimes the kindness of a stranger can turn things around. A stranger who desperately wants to save Daisy - if she'll only let herself be saved . . .

Wereworld: Shadow of the Hawk by Curtis Jobling, published on 5th January 2012

Enslaved by the Goatlord Kesslar, young werewolf Drew finds himself on the volcanic isle of Scoria, forced to fight in the arena for the Lizardlords. With the help of an unlikely ally, he must find a way to break free - but who has ever managed to escape?

Meanwhile, Hector the Wereboar flees the forces of the Catlords. Now on board the pirate ship Maelstrom, the enemy's net is closing in. Haunted by the spirits of the dead, Hector is soon left wondering who the true enemy is . . .

The Lunar Chronicles: Cinder by Marissa Meyer, published on 5th January 2012

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

The Intern by Dillon Khan, published on 5th April 2012

Jay Merchant has landed an internship for the best job in music television. He has access-all-areas to the biggest VIP parties and the hottest celebrities all over the world. The velvet rope has been lifted - now he's got to capture it on camera.

But behind the scenes, Jay is thrown into a life of early starts, late nights, blood, sweat and tears. He has nine months to turn his intern dream into a real job - but at what price?
It's time for Jay to face the music . . .

Hotly Anticipated Reads for 2012 + Giveaway: Oxford University Press

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Amongst my favourite books of 2011 have been 'Firelight' by Sophie Jordan and 'Stealing Phoenix' by Joss Stirling, both published by Oxford University Press. OUP have some very exciting books out next year and I'm extremely lucky to have a wonderful guest post by Jennie Younger, who's Publicity Executive at Oxford University Press Children’s Books, to tell you all about them.

I love reading. I love children’s books. I love working in the wonderful world of children’s publishing. I think it’s fair to say that publicising books that I thoroughly enjoy reading has to be one of the best things about my job – it’s just so much fun.

With that in mind, when I was approached to write a guest blog post for A Dream of Books covering which Oxford University Press YA titles I was most looking forward to in 2012, my initial thought was something along the lines of . . . ‘Yay!’. Then I looked at just how many exciting YA titles we are publishing on our 2012 list, and the task suddenly became a bit more difficult. With over 15 YA titles publishing next year, I had to set myself some parameters – either that, or risk a never-ending blog post!

So, with the help of A Dream of Books, I scaled back and decided to look at our most hotly anticipated new YA titles for spring 2012 . . .

15 Days Without a Head by Dave Cousins, published on 5 January 2012, £6.99.

15 days to change your life. 15 days to lose it all.

This debut novel by Dave Cousins is superb. Honest, compelling, and at times hilarious, it tells the story of fifteen-year-old Laurence Roach, and his single-handed attempt to keep his family together following the disappearance of his mum. Keith Gray is a fan, and so am I!

The dream of living a ‘normal’ life is exactly that for Laurence. With his Dad dead, his Mum a depressed alcoholic, and his six-year-old brother believing that he is a dog (Scooby-Doo, to be exact), Laurence doesn’t exactly have it easy.

When his mum suddenly disappears, Laurence is left without a head of the family, and the next fifteen days see him spinning an increasingly complicated web of lies. Calling his local radio station impersonating his dead father in an attempt to win an all-expenses-paid luxury holiday, dressing up as his mum in an elaborate act of deception – these are just a few of the things Laurence does to try to keep it all together!

After two weeks on their own, running out of food and money, and with suspicious adults closing in, Laurence finally discovers where his mum has been. And that’s when the trouble really starts . . .

Mortal Chaos by Matt Dickinson, published on 2 February 2012, £6.99.

Some will live. Many will die. All are connected.
A serious page turner. The short, sharp chapters flash between multiple characters all over the world, all involved in heart-stopping scenarios. It is impossible to find an appropriate moment to put this book down. Be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat and devour in one sitting.

The Butterfly Effect: the scientific theory that a single occurrence, no matter how small, can change the course of the universe forever. One beat of a butterfly’s wings is all it takes to set in motion a global chain of events that build to a nerve-jangling climax of mayhem and destruction.

Jamie and Will have bunked off school to go hunting; Kuni, an eighteen-year-old Japanese climber is approaching the summit of Mount Everest; Tina is piloting a troublesome flight from Heathrow to Moscow; Six-year-old Bakili is desperately guarding his family’s crops from bloodthirsty baboons in Malawi; Shelton, an unhinged father in Washington DC, is hooked on revenge and building a bomb . . .

The Girl in the Mask by Marie-Louise Jensen, published on 1 March 2012, £6.99.

Lady by day . . . Thief by night!

Lose yourself in an enchanting world of balls, masquerades and . . . highway robbery! This novel is pure escapism, and I challenge you not to wish for the gift of time travel in order to transport yourself back to Georgian Bath!

Fifteen-year-old Sophia is forced by her father to give up everything she loves, and move to Georgian Bath for ‘the season’ in search of a suitable husband.

Trapped in the social whirl of balls and masquerades, Sophia feels suffocated. To escape the limitations of this man’s world she so despises, at night Sophia swaps ball gowns for breeches and turns to highway robbery to get her revenge!

When one man begins to take a particular interest in her, Sophia must keep her distance, or risk unmasking her secret life . . .

Of course, this is but a snippet of the YA titles we have coming up next year, so do keep an eye out for many more to come!

To celebrate the upcoming releases of all these wonderful books, Jennie is very kindly offering the chance for one lucky person to win a prize pack consisting of copies of all of the titles featured above. This giveaway is only open to entrants within the UK at the request of the publisher and books can obviously only be posted as and when they're published. To enter just fill out the form below. Good luck!

Giveaway rules.

There will be one winner.
Open to entrants with UK addresses only. International entrants may enter, provided they have a UK address to send the books to.
Please fill out the form completely - including email address
You do not have to be a follower to enter but it's always appreciated
Deadline for entries will be on 31st December 2011
Winner(s) will be drawn by random.org
Winner(s) will be contacted via e-mail, and will be given 48 hours to response. Otherwise, a new winner will be drawn.
Any details will be deleted after use and will not be passed on to any third party.

Hotly Anticipated Reads for 2012: Indigo

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Indigo are my favourite new YA imprint of the year. They've already published some amazing titles such as 'Soul Beach' by Kate Harrison, 'The Double Shadow' by Sally Gardner and 'Darkness Falls' by Mia James.

Here's some of the most exciting titles which will be coming your way in 2012!

All links go to Goodreads where you can add any or all of these to your wishlist too.

Full cover art for some of these titles is not yet available but I'll add it as soon as I can.

The Double-Edged Sword by Sarah Silverwood, published January 2012

Finmere Tingewick Smith was abandoned on the steps of the Old Bailey. Under the guardianship of the austere Judge Harlequin Brown and the elderly gentlemen of Orrery House, Fin has grown up under a very strange set of rules. He spends alternate years at two very different schools and now he's tired of the constant lies to even his best friends, to hide the insanity of his double life. Neither would believe the truth! But on his sixteenth birthday, everything changes. The Judge is killed, stabbed in the chest with a double-edged sword that's disturbingly familiar, and from that moment on, Fin is catapulted into an extraordinary adventure.

An Act of Love by Alan Gibbons, published February 2012

Childhood friends Chris and Imran celebrate the Millenium as inseparable blood brothers, they are both seven years old. But by 2011 their lives have taken very different paths. One has joined the Army and served in Afghanistan, the other is a potential jihad recruit. They are no longer friends, and there are bitter wounds between them which remain unhealed. Will their childhood bond be strong enough to overcome an extremist plot?

Hollow Pike by James Dawson, published February 2012

Something wicked this way comes... She thought she'd be safe in the country, but you can't escape your own nightmares, and Lis London dreams repeatedly that someone is trying to kill her. Lis thinks she's being paranoid - after all who would want to murder her? She doesn't believe in the local legends of witchcraft. She doesn't believe that anything bad will really happen to her. You never do, do you? Not until you're alone in the woods, after dark - and a twig snaps... Hollow Pike - where witchcraft never sleeps.

Charmfall by Chloe Neill, published February 2012

High school can be a battlefield, but for Lily Parker, surviving at St. Sophia’s School for Girls is a matter of life and death...

Protecting Chicago from the dark side can be an exhausting job, especially when you’re a junior. So when the girls of St. Sophia’s start gearing up for Sneak, their fall formal, Lily decides to join in on some good, old-fashioned party prep—even if it means not giving demons, vampires and the twisted magic users known as Reapers her undivided attention.

But when a Reaper infiltrates the school, Lily doesn’t forget what she’s sworn to protect. She reaches deep into herself to draw out her magic—and finds that it’s gone. And it turns out she’s not alone. A magical blackout has slammed through paranormal Chicago, and no one knows what—or who—caused it. But Lily knows getting back her magic is worth the risk of going behind enemy lines.

Hexbound by Chloe Neill, published May 2012

They say absolute power corrupts absolutely. Turns out, even a little magic can turn you to the dark side. That’s why Lily has to learn how to control her newly discovered paranormal abilities, on top of avoiding the snobs who think they run her school, nursing a crush on a cute sophomore with a big, werewolf-y secret, and fighting the good fight with her best friend Scout as they take on Chicago’s nastiest nightlife—including the tainted magic users known as Reapers.

Then Lily’s invited to a private meeting with Sebastian. He’s hot, powerful, and offering to help her harness the magic flowing in her veins in a way no one else can. He’s also a Reaper. Lily can’t hide her suspicions. But she’ll soon find out that the line between good and evil isn’t always clear.

Soul Beach 2 by Kate Harrison, published July 2012

As yet untitled this is the sequel to 'Soul Beach'.

Hotly Anticipated Reads for 2012: Atom

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Atom publish some absolutely amazing books! I'm a huge fan of the paranormal romance genre which they do so well and always look forward to seeing what new offerings they have. Here's some of their hottest releases for 2012.

All links go to Goodreads where you can add them to your wishlist too!

Night School by C.J. Daugherty, published January 2012

Allie Sheridan's world is falling apart. She hates her school. Her brother has run away from home. And she's just been arrested. Again.

This time her parents have finally had enough. They cut her off from her friends and send her away to a boarding school for problem teenagers.

But Cimmeria Academy is no ordinary school. Its rules are strangely archaic. It allows no computers or phones. Its students are an odd mixture of the gifted, the tough and the privileged. And then there's the secretive Night School, whose activities other students are forbidden even to watch.

When Allie is attacked one night the incident sets off a chain of events leading to the violent death of a girl at the summer ball. As the school begins to seem like a very dangerous place, Allie must learn who she can trust. And what's really going on at Cimmeria Academy.

The Book of Blood and Shadows by Robin Wasserman, published January 2012

It was like a nightmare, but there was no waking up. When the night began, Nora had two best friends and an embarrassingly storybook one true love. When it ended, she had nothing but blood on her hands and an echoing scream that stopped only when the tranquilizers pierced her veins and left her in the merciful dark.

But the next morning, it was all still true: Chris was dead. His girlfriend Adriane, Nora's best friend, was catatonic. And Max, Nora's sweet, smart, soft-spoken Prince Charming, was gone. He was also—according to the police, according to her parents, according to everyone—a murderer.

Desperate to prove his innocence, Nora follows the trail of blood, no matter where it leads. It ultimately brings her to the ancient streets of Prague, where she is drawn into a dark web of secret societies and shadowy conspirators, all driven by a mad desire to possess something that might not even exist. For buried in a centuries-old manuscript is the secret to ultimate knowledge and communion with the divine; it is said that he who controls the Lumen Dei controls the world. Unbeknownst to her, Nora now holds the crucial key to unlocking its secrets. Her night of blood is just one piece in a puzzle that spans continents and centuries. Solving it may be the only way she can save her own life.

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer, published February 2012

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, published February 2012

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers abarbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Bunheads by Sophie Flack, published March 2012

As a dancer with the ultra-prestigious Manhattan Ballet Company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward juggles intense rehearsals, dazzling performances and complicated backstage relationships. Up until now, Hannah has happily devoted her entire life to ballet.

But when she meets a handsome musician named Jacob, Hannah's universe begins to change, and she must decide if she wants to compete against the other "bunheads" in the company for a star soloist spot or strike out on her own in the real world. Does she dare give up the gilded confines of the ballet for the freedoms of everyday life?

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong, published April 2012

Maya Delaney’s paw-print birthmark is the sign of what she truly is—a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly anyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it’s only a matter of time before she’s able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.

Now, Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they’re kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home.

172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad, published April 2012

Three teenagers are going on the trip of a lifetime. Only one is coming back. It's been more than forty years since NASA sent the first men to the moon, and to grab some much-needed funding and attention, they decide to launch an historic international lottery in which three lucky teenagers can win a week-long trip to moon base DARLAH 2 - a place that no one but top government officials even knew existed until now. The three winners, Antoine, Midori, and Mia, come from all over the world. But just before the scheduled launch, the teenagers each experience strange, inexplicable events. Little do they know that there was a reason NASA never sent anyone back there until now - a sinister reason. But the countdown has already begun...

Ghost Flower by Michele Jaffe, published May 2012

Eve, a runaway, finds a new job at a coffee shop on the outskirts of Tuscon. When she's approached by two wealthy teens who claim she bears an uncanny resemblance to their missing cousin Aurora, her life takes a turn for the dark and mysterious. Drawn into a scheme to win Aurora's inheritance, Eve finds herself impersonating the girl, who disappeared three years ago on the night her best friend Elizabeth died. But when Liza's ghost begins to haunt Eve, doing harm to the people close to her under the guise of "protecting" her, Eve finds herself in a nightmare maze of lies and deception that leads her to question even her own identity. She realizes her only chance is to uncover the truth about what happened the night Liza died, and to find Liza's killer - before she's next.

Adorkable by Sarra Manning, published May 2012

Jeane Smith is seventeen and has turned her self-styled dorkiness into an art form, a lifestyle choice and a profitable website and consultancy business. She writes a style column for a Japanese teen magazine and came number seven in The Guardian's 30 People Under 30 Who Are Changing The World. And yet, in spite of the accolades, hundreds of Internet friendships and a cool boyfriend, she feels inexplicably lonely, a situation made infinitely worse when Michael Lee, the most mass-market, popular and predictably all-rounded boy at school tells Jeane of his suspicion that Jeane's boyfriend is secretly seeing his girlfriend. Michael and Jeane have NOTHING in common - she is cool and individual; he is the golden boy in an Abercrombie & Fitch T-shirt. So why can't she stop talking to him?

Until I Die by Amy Plum, published May 2012

Kate may have defeated her boyfriend's nemesis, showing off her sword skills in the process, but Vincent is sure that she will be at risk as long as they stay together. What's more, it's becoming clear that their relationship might prevent him from fulfilling his true purpose: saving the lives of others.

They might have the romance of the century, but will that be enough?

Destined by P.C and Kristin Cast, published May 2012

In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness?

Hotly Anticipated Reads for 2012: Abrams and Chronicle Books

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Abrams and Chronicle Books have some really exciting releases in store for Spring 2012. I know that all of these are definitely going on my wishlist! To whet your appetite, I'm going to let Tina, the publicity assistant for Abrams and Chronicle, tell you all about these fabulous titles!

All links go to Goodreads so that you can add these to your wishlist too.

Girl Meets Boy – MARCH 2012 – Chronicle Kids -£10.99

What do guys and girls really think? 12 of the most dynamic and engaging young US authors writing today team up for this one-of-a-kind collection of he said/she said stories where he tells it from the guy’s point of view, she tells it from the girl’s.

What happens when the hot guy from school falls for the dangerous bad chick? The gay teen looking for love online or even the girl who is never gets the guy she’s crushing on. All of these candid, raw and heartfelt narratives teach us that relationships are complicated because falling in love is never simple!

The Peculiars by Maureen McQuerry – MAY 2012 – Amulet, Abrams - £9.99

Meet Lena, a teenager who doesn’t get why her hands and feet are so gangly and long –even her own grandmother brands her as a goblin! Body hang ups aside Lena hasn’t seen her father since she was little when he disappeared to the far north in a wilderness called Scree.

There it is said that the Peculiars live, people unacceptable to modern society – people with strange and unnatural talents. On her 18th birthday Lena decides to go on a search for her father into the depths of Scree. While on board a train she meets a young librarian but as she begins to fall for his beguiling charm the train is stopped by wanted men chased down by the enigmatic and handsome Tomas Saltre. Here begins a steampunk adventure story like no other with a love triangle to die for!

Welcome Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell – MAY 2012 - Amulet, Abrams £9.99

Big hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe – that is until her best friends tears her reputation to shreds resulting in her independent study project getting axed! Forced to take on a more meaningful project in order to pass her penultimate year of school Chloe joins the struggling campus radio station where she teams up with a group of misfit who don’t find her all too queenly.

Readers will fall in love with Chloe in this funny story of friendship struggles and a romance that will tug on your heart strings.

For my information on any of our titles please ‘like’ our facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/ACKidsUK

or follow us on Twitter: @ACKidsUK

If you are a YA or Children’s book blogger and would be interested in reviewing our titles please do get in contact by emailing me at

publicity@abramsandchronicle.co.uk

Are you excited for our YA Spring releases?
I sure am!

Tina xoxo
Publicity Assistant
Abrams and Chronicle Books

Hotly Anticipated Reads for 2012: Bloomsbury

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Bloomsbury are one of my favourite publishers of historical fiction, plus they can also boast of publishing both Alyxandra Harvey and Carrie Jones who are two authors I absolutely love! If that wasn't enough they're also the home of Harry Potter! I'm really excited about what they have in store for 2012 which looks like being yet another stellar year.

All links go to Goodreads so that you can add any (or all) of these titles to your wishlist too!

Final cover artwork for all these titles isn't yet available but there's lots to look forward to.

Fracture by Megan Miranda, published on 5th January 2012

By the time seventeen-year-old Delaney Maxwell is pulled out of the icy waters of a frozen lake, her heart has stopped beating. She is in a coma and officially dead. But Delaney pulls through. How? Doctors are mystified. Outwardly she has completely recovered. But Delaney knows something is very wrong. Pulled by sensations she can't control, she finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her brain predicting death or causing it? Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who lost his whole family in a car accident and emerged from a coma with the same powers as Delaney. At last she's found a kindred spirit who'll understand what she's going through. But Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature - or something much more frightening?

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey, published on 5th January 2012

For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds. The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife, Eloise's aunt, Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, Eloise must place her trust in Lucas, her handsome protector, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric, and forge alliances with other Fae in a dangerous attempt to free Antonia for ever.

The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan, published on 5th January 2012

Armed with a suitcase and an old laundry bag filled with clothes, Kasienka and her mother head for England. Life is lonely for Kasienka. At home her mother's heart is breaking and at school friends are scarce. But when someone special swims into her life, Kasienka learns that there might be more than one way for her to stay afloat. The Weight of Water is a startlingly original piece of fiction; most simply a brilliant coming of age story, it also tackles the alienation experienced by many young immigrants. Moving, unsentimental and utterly page-turning, we meet and share the experiences of a remarkable girl who shows us how quiet courage prevails.

In Darkness by Nick Lake, published on 5th January 2012

In darkness, I count my blessings like Manman taught me.One: I am alive. Two: there is no two. In the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake, a boy is trapped beneath the rubble of a ruined hospital, thirsty, terrified and alone. Shorty is a child of the slums, a teenage boy who has seen enough violence to last a lifetime, and who has been inexorably drawn into the world of the gangsters who rule Site Soley; men who dole out money with one hand and death with the other. But Shorty has a secret: a flame of revenge that blazes inside him and a burning wish to find the twin sister he lost seven years ago. And he is marked. Marked in a way that links him to Toussaint l'Ouverture, the Haitian rebel who led the slave revolt and faced down Napoleon to force the French out of Haiti two hundred years ago. As he grows weaker, Shorty relives the journey that took him to the hospital, with a bullet wound in his arm. In his visions and memories he hopes to find the strength to survive - perhaps then Shorty and Toussaint can find a way to be free ...

This is Not Forgiveness by Celia Rees, published on 2nd February 2012

Everyone says that Caro is bad ...but Jamie can't help himself. He thinks of her night and day and can't believe that she wants to be his girlfriend. Gorgeous, impulsive and unconventional, she is totally different to all the other girls he knows. His sister, Martha, hates her. Jamie doesn't know why, but there's no way he's going to take any notice of her warnings to stay away from Caro. But as Jamie falls deeper and deeper under her spell, he realises there is more to Caro - much more. There are the times when she disappears and doesn't get in touch, the small scars on her wrists, her talk about revolutions and taking action, not to mention the rumours he hears about the other men in her life. And then always in the background there is Rob, Jamie's older brother, back from Afghanistan and traumatised after having his leg smashed to bits there. Jamie wants to help him, but Rob seems to be living in a world of his own and is increasingly difficult to reach. With Caro, the summer should have been perfect ...but that isn't how things work out in real life, and Jamie is going to find out the hard way.

Bringing the Summer by Julia Green, published on 10th May 2012

It's the lazy end of summer and Freya is about to start her A levels. Her brother Joe died a year ago, but she is slowly coming to terms with his death. She is beginning to feel ready for something new - a change. And then a railway accident brings her by chance into contact with the gorgeous Gabe. Freya is drawn not just to Gabe himself and his blond good looks, but everything about him, including his large, shambolic, warm and loving family, which seems to Freya so different to her own family of three. And then Gabe's clearly troubled older brother makes it clear he is interested in Freya - and Freya has some decisions to make about what she really wants.

Endure by Carrie Jones, published on 10th May 2012

Zara is back from Valhalla after successfully rescuing Nick. Bedford needs their best warrior now more than ever, as the evil pixie regime is causing mass destruction and chaos everywhere. Though Nick's job is clear, Zara's role is a lot more uncertain. She's not just fighting for her friends - she's also a pixie queen. And to align her team of pixies with the humans she loves so much will not be as easy as she hopes. Especially since she can't even reconcile her growing feelings for her pixie king ...

December on the blog

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

During December I'm going to be featuring some of my favourite publishers and showcasing a selection of their most exciting and hotly anticipated upcoming reads for 2012. I already have a wishlist of titles for next year a mile long and am incredibly psyched about some of the books we have to look forward to.

This feature will be starting tomorrow when I'll be focusing the spotlight on Bloomsbury and picking out an array of amazing titles to whet your appetite. If you thought your wishlist was long now then wait until you see this lot!

Don't forget to stop by and share which books you're most looking forward to for 2012.

Review: Here Lies Bridget - Paige Harbison

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison, published by Mira Ink on 17th June 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
Bridget Duke is the uncontested ruler of her school. The meanest girl with the biggest secret insecurities. And when new girl Anna Judge arrives, things start to fall apart for Bridget: friends don’t worship as attentively, teachers don’t fall for her wide-eyed “who me?” look, expulsion looms ahead and the one boy she’s always loved—Liam Ward—can barely even look at her anymore.

When a desperate Bridget drives too fast and crashes her car, she ends up in limbo, facing everyone she’s wronged and walking a few uncomfortable miles in their shoes. Now she has only one chance to make a last impression. Though she might end up dead, she has one last shot at redemption and the chance to right the wrongs she’s inflicted on the people who mean the most to her.

And Bridget’s about to learn that, sometimes, saying you’re sorry just isn’t enough.…

Review:
‘Here Lies Bridget’ is the debut book from new YA author Paige Harbison, daughter of best-selling author Beth Harbison. I didn’t know much about it beforehand except that it was in the same vein as ‘Before I Fall’ and was about a teenage girl trying to make amends for her mistakes so that she could earn another shot at life.

The main problem I had with this book was the same complaint I felt at the end of ‘Before I Fall’. I just didn’t like the main character of Bridget, which meant that I found it difficult to empathise with the situation she was experiencing. Although she had admittedly grown on me slightly by the conclusion of the story, it was hard to feel any genuine sympathy for her and sadly, I didn’t wholly believe in the reversal of her character.

The first half of the book focuses on establishing Bridget as a figure who often evokes fear in the other students at her school. She’s disruptive in class and rude to her teachers, she makes snarky and belittling comments to the people who are supposed to be her friends, she shows no respect at all towards her step-mother and never ever thinks about the consequences of her actions. Although the book attempts to explain how Bridget has become like this, I still didn’t find that this made it any easier for me to connect to her and I never really fell in love with her personality.

I enjoyed the second half of the book more which involved an interesting concept whereby she gets to literally walk in other people’s shoes and share their experiences and feelings. This certainly helps to open her eyes to the way her behaviour has affected those around her. I particularly liked the storyline with her step-mother which I thought was handled well and actually did leave me feeling quite emotional.

Although the content and subject matter of this story didn’t win me over, I nevertheless thought that Paige Harbison’s writing was sharp and intelligent and I shall keep a look out for future titles from her.

Review: Mortal Chaos - Matt Dickinson

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Mortal Chaos by Matt Dickinson, published by Oxford University Press in February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Butterfly effect: The scientific theory that a single occurrence, no matter how small, can change the course of the universe forever. Jamie and Will, bunking off school to go hunting. Kuni, trapped in an icy crevasse. Shelton, on a deadly mission for revenge. Bakili, under attack from bloodthirsty baboons. Tina, piloting flight 492 to Moscow. For them, and many others, things will never be the same again. Some will live. Many will die. All are connected. A heart-stopping adventure that will leave readers breathless.

Review:
'Mortal Chaos' is described as 'the book Jack Bauer would have read as a teenager'. As a huge 24 fan, that was more than enough to pique my interest in this title. This is the first book for teens and young adults written by Matt Dickinson, who has already successfully authored a series of high octane adult adventure novels.

This title is the first in a new series which is inspired by Ray Bradbury's 1952 story 'A Sound of Thunder' (I need to go and read that now!). I thought that the concept for the book was really interesting. It's based on the idea that the beat of a butterfly's wings could cause a chain of events which cause reverberations as far reaching as the other side of the world. Although this was a clever concept and I could see how the story was designed to work, it did fall a little bit flat for me at times in the way it was executed.

The book was made up of lots of stories which initially seemed completely unrelated but then gradually became more and more interconnected the further on I read until the point that you could clearly see how one small event could trigger a whole series of bigger catastrophes to happen. The stories were extremely varied and included a young climber on Mount Everest, two boys out playing with a gun, a female pilot trying to get to work, a small boy trying to protect his family's crop, a family out enjoying their daughter's birthday and many more. My main issue was that some elements of the stories were a lot more interesting than others and although the culmination of the book was high octane, it took a long time before anything gripping really seemed to happen. This meant that some parts failed to keep my attention, although I enjoyed the moment when all the parts of the puzzle slotted into place and I could see how each person was going to be affected by events. I personally would have liked to have seen more depth and description, as each scene seemed so short and brief that I didn't have sufficient time to develop a relationship with all the characters.

This is a book that would definitely appeal to both a male and female teen audience and if you're interested in the idea of the butterfly effect then this is an intriguing take on a fascinating concept. Although I would have preferred a little more action throughout this was still an entertaining read and I'll be checking out the other books in the series as and when they're published.

Find out more about this book and many others by visiting the sites below:

WHSmith Books

Mortal Chaos

WHSmith

The Double Shadow by Sally Gardner giveaway winner

2011-11-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone that entered my UK giveaway to win a hardback copy of 'The Double Shadow' by Sally Gardner. If you weren't successful this time then check back again soon when I'll be having another giveaway on the blog.

I'm pleased to announce that the winner is:

# Molly @ Reading is my cup of tea

Congratulations! I will be contacting you soon by email to confirm your details. I hope you enjoy the book and thank you once again to everyone that entered.

Review: Crossed - Ally Condie

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Crossed by Ally Condie, published by Puffin on 24th November 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
Rules are different outside the Society.

Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky-taken by the Society to his certain death-only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices everything to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.

Narrated from both Cassia's and Ky's points of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever...

Review:
'Crossed' is the sequel to the fantastic 'Matched' by Ally Condie which has been one of my favourite dystopian books of the last few years. The ending left me hanging, so I couldn't wait to get started on this one as soon as it arrived. I have to admit that I was feverish with excitement because I'd been waiting for this book to be published for months and was dying to find out what was going to happen on the next step in Cassia's journey.

After Ky is sent away to the Outer Provinces, Cassia is determined to find him so sets about leaving everything she loves behind - her family, friends and more importantly Xander, to track him down. The narrative is split between Ky and Cassia who tell the story in alternate chapters, providing greater insight into both of their feelings and motivations. I wasn't a huge fan of Ky in the first book, but I enjoyed getting the opportunity to find out more about his background and family history. Although he is growing on me, I still love Xander and was a bit disappointed that we didn't get to see more of him.

My main problem with 'Crossed' is that the plot was very slow to progress. I think it did suffer a little from middle book syndrome and it felt like there was much more to come but it was all being saved for the last book in the trilogy. There are still a lot of unanswered questions, there was no real resolution to the Cassia, Ky and Xander love triangle and although more was gleaned about the the Society and the Rising, it wasn't enough to feel like a substantial step forward had been taken with the story. Ally Condie is obviously keeping a lot up her sleeve!

I liked the fact that both characters were not only on a physical journey, but also a mental and emotional one. Cassia discovers that her path and Ky's may not lead them in the same direction and has a lot of time to think about what she actually wants out of life and more importantly, who she wants to spend the rest of her life with.

Some interesting secondary characters were introduced, such as Eli, who reminds Ky of Cassia's younger brother Bram and Indie, who Cassia journeys with to try and find Ky. I loved Eli who may be young but is also incredibly brave and resilient and I liked finding out about the enigmatic Indie who there's a lot more to than meets the eye.

The third and concluding part of the trilogy is due to be published next year and although this book didn't quite meet my very high expectations, I have a feeling that the final part is still going to be amazing and will answer all those questions that I'm still puzzling about!

Waiting on Wednesday #48

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Fool's Silver (Mortal Kiss #2) by Alice Moss

Published on 5th January 2012by Bantam Children

A gorgeous boyfriend and a long summer in Winter Mill to look forward to - things are good for Faye McCarron. Then her friend Lucas disappears without a trace. But nobody seems to care - until two strangers arrive in town.

This is the sequel to 'Mortal Kiss' which was the debut offering from Alice Moss. I loved the first book in the series and would definitely recommend it to those who like paranormal mysteries with romance added to the mix. I also love this cover which is extremely eye-catching and will be rushing out to buy this one as soon as it's published.

Review: Mortal Kiss - Alice Moss

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Mortal Kiss by Alice Moss, published by Bantam Children's Books on 28th January 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
In Faye McCarron’s sleepy New England town of Winter Mill, the snow has arrived a little ahead of season—September, to be exact. But Faye and her best friend Liz are too busy reporting for the school paper to give the sudden chill much thought, especially with two new boys, Lucas and Finn, heating things up. Mercy Morrow, a wealthy heiress, has baffled the community by moving into a remote old mansion in the woods, bringing her charismatic son Lucas with her. And while Finn may be a member of the Black Dogs, a motorcycle gang taking over the streets, Faye can’t help but be intruiged by his gruff, dangerous allure.

Soon, Faye and Liz realize that romance may be the least of their worries. A dead body has turned up in the woods, the Black Dogs are on the prowl, and the snow just won’t stop falling. As the temperature drops and Halloween approaches, the girls must discover the dark and menacing secret at the heart of Winter Mill—before it’s too late.

Review:
This is the first book in a new paranormal romance series by author Alice Moss. I hadn't heard a lot about the title prior to reading it but the cover kept catching my eye in bookshops so eventually I caved and bought a copy. I'm so glad I did because I thoroughly enjoyed it and am now looking forward to the sequel which is due to be published next year. The book was originally published on Stardoll, an online gaming website and was so popular that it was soon after released in print.

It reminded me a little bit of the Dark Touch series by Amy Meredith which I'm a big fan of. The story centres around best friends Faye and Liz who have lived in the small town of Winter Mill all their lives. Things start to get complicated when two new boys appear on the scene, biker boy Finn and rich new boy Lucas whose mother has relocated them to live in the town. The two girls end up having to try and stop a terrible evil while also dealing with their own romantic issues. I was a little dubious at the start about the friendship between Faye and Liz who are supposed to have been best friends forever but then seem to doubt each other very quickly whenever something goes wrong. There are a lot of ups and downs between them but when it really matters they do come through for each other. I preferred the character of Faye to the slightly more shallow Liz, although she grew on me as the story progressed.

The freak weather at the beginning of the story, with heavy snow falling in Winter Mill during September, signals that something unusual and rather eerie is about to happen. I felt a definite sense of unease as I was reading and couldn't help shivering, as if I too was experiencing the unsettling feeling shared by the characters.

The two boys, Finn and Lucas, will probably divide readers but I personally loved bad boy Finn, who feels a strong attraction to Faye and who's hiding a big secret. He initially cultivates the image of a tough biker who will only end up leading Faye into trouble, but he really has a heart of gold and will do anything to try and protect her.

The story was really fast-paced and exciting. I was never quite sure what direction the plot was going to take next which meant that I didn't want to put this down until I'd read just one more chapter...and then maybe just another. There were a lot of cliffhangers too which kept me in a perpetual state of suspense. The mystery at the heart of the book was unpredictable and rather different from anything else in this genre and I enjoyed both the build-up to the big reveal and the resolution. There were plenty of shocks and surprises throughout and some interesting plot threads were planted for the sequel, 'Fool's Silver' which I can't wait to read.

In My Mailbox #49

2011-11-20T03:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kristi at The Story Siren for holding this meme every week.

I love seeing what everybody else got in their mailboxes.

All links go to Goodreads, where you can add the books to your wishlist if you like the look of them.

Here are the books I got for review this week. Some of these are 2012 releases but I'm hoping to get ahead with some of my reading before Christmas so will be getting started on these soon.

Dark Parties by Sara Grant

(The cover for this book is so pretty and the story sounds incredibly unique. This is one I've been wanting to read for ages)

The Storyteller by Antonia Michaels

(I've already peeped at a few pages and I think I'm going to love it)

Sea Hearts by Margo Lanagan

(An intriguing premise about selkies, the sea and magic)

To Be a Cat by Matt Haig

(I've read some of Matt Haig's adult books before but this is his first story for children)

Kevin's Point of View by Del Shannon

(This was sent to me by the author for review. It sounds like a fun book!)

Mortal Chaos by Matt Dickinson

(Described as the book Jack Bauer would have read as a teenager)

Root - an interactive story from Guardian Teen Books

2011-11-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

I've just heard about an exciting new project from Guardian Teen Books that I'll definitely be checking out! Interactive fiction sounds like it could be the next best thing and this looks like a really interesting method of storytelling.

Guardian Teen Books has partnered with Random House for a new interactive, serialised story called Root - a fast-paced thriller set in the shadowy world of computer hacking and espionage. Every weekday for six weeks a new chapter will be released on the Guardian website. The content will be directly influenced by readers’ contributions, such as their ideas for characters' personalities and skills.

The heroine Molly Root is a 15 year old computer genius whose friend Danny is killed after being caught stealing priceless data from a ruthless global corporation. Now she's in over her head. So far Molly Root's mission to get to the bottom of her best friend's murder has taken her on a perilous trail across London. Her key lead is a dodgy police detective - and her attempts to expose his shady contacts are testing her ingenuity to the limits.

As well as incorporating suggestions from readers, the story will also be brought to life via several social media platforms. For example, Guardian Teen Books' Twitter and Facebook accounts will be providing behind the scenes updates of how Molly is progressing, along with clips on Audioboo featuring the voicemails that Molly has discovered. This will be accompanied by onsite quizzes and photo puzzles on Flickr.

Blog Tour +Giveaway: The Double Shadow - Sally Gardner

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm extremely pleased to be taking part in the blog tour for Sally Gardner's incredible new book 'The Double Shadow'. Highly original and inventive, this is a book which will quite literally take your breath away.

I have a wonderful guest post from Sally herself on Ezra Pound and the silenced voice of TS Eliot’s The Wasteland.

Without doubt, I have become fascinated with The Wasteland and found it to be a major inspiration when writing The Double Shadow. The images of bleakness, this world of snippets, fragments, filmic cuttings, ‘good night sweet ladies, good night’, disjointed images, disjointed memories – these most closely mirror the workings of the mind, of memory.

What is less well known about this epic feat of storytelling is the influence of another writer on the workings of TS Eliot's masterpiece. Step forward, raise a small voice, Ezra Pound.

Intellectually, Pound was one of the most generous men of his generation towards other poets and writers. We wouldn’t have The Wasteland in its current form without him. But he also had huge flaws in his personality - his support of ‘Il Duce’ (Mussolini), his anti-Semitism and racism have led him into the doldrums of neglect and ruined the heritage of his art.

I do not write this in defence of Pound, but in defence of his art. History has often allowed an individual's art despite their life, except in the case of Ezra Pound. My interest in him lies in the contribution he made to what I believe was one of the greatest poems of the last century, one that shaped the modern novel – Eliot’s The Wasteland, written the same year as Joyce's Ulysses. These two pillars are the washing line upon which 20th century novels were pegged.

Pound ended up in the equivalent of Guantanamo Bay after World War Two, arrested for Treason in 1945 and imprisoned in a cage in Pisa ("death cells"—a series of six-by-six-foot outdoor steel cages lit all night by floodlights). Here he was forced to face his prejudices and intellectual mistakes. One of the great poetic voices of the 1920s, he ended his days in silence, refusing to speak until the day he died.

For me it was the poem that became my main inspiration for the memory machine and I suppose in a way for the novel itself . It had all the ingredients that I needed to bake my novel with: sadness, humour, love, wit and wisdom.

Ezra Pascoe is the name of one of the main characters in my book, a silent acknowledgement for the role played by pound himself in the making of TS Elliot's The Wasteland.

To celebrate the release, the very lovely people at Indigo have provided a hardback copy of the book for me to giveaway. This giveaway is only open to entrants within the UK at the request of the publisher. To enter just fill out the form below. Good luck!

Giveaway rules.

There will be one winner.
Open to entrants with UK addresses only. International entrants may enter, provided they have a UK address to send the books to.
Please fill out the form completely - including email address
You do not have to be a follower to enter but it's always appreciated
Deadline for entries will be on 23rd November 2011
Winner(s) will be drawn by random.org
Winner(s) will be contacted via e-mail, and will be given 48 hours to response. Otherwise, a new winner will be drawn.
Any details will be deleted after use and will not be passed on to any third party.

Trailer: Unleashed - Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

2011-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here's the utterly fabulous trailer for the first book in the Wolf Springs Chronicles by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie. I am really loving the sound of this one and as I was lucky enough to receive a copy of the book recently for review, I'm going to be starting it very soon!

Katelyn McBride's life changed in an instant when her mother died. Uprooted form her California home, Katelyn was shipped to the middle of nowhere, Arkansas, to her only living relative, her grandfather. And now she has to start over in Wolf Springs, a tiny village in the Ozark Mountains.

Like any small town, Wolf Springs has secrets. But the secrets hidden here are more sinister than Katelyn could ever imagine. It's a town with a history that reaches back centuries, spans continents, and conceals terrifying truths. And Katelyn McBride is about to change everything.

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