Review: The Deviants - C.J. Skuse

The Deviants by C.J. Skuse, published by Mira Ink on 5th September 2016

Goodreads synopsis:
Growing up in the sleepy English seaside town of Brynston, the fearless five – Ella, Max, Corey, Fallon and Zane – were always inseparable. Living up to their nickname, they were the adventurous, rowdy kids who lived for ghost stories and exploring the nearby islands off the coast. But when Max’s beloved older sister Jessica is killed, the friendship seems to die with her.

Now years later, only Max and Ella are in touch; still best friends and a couple since they were thirteen. Their lives are so intertwined Max’s dad even sponsors Ella’s training for the Commonwealth Games. But Ella is hiding things. Like why she hates going to Max’s house for Sunday dinner, and flinches whenever his family are near. Or the real reason she’s afraid to take their relationship to the next level.

When underdog Corey is bullied, the fearless five are brought back together again, teaming up to wreak havoc and revenge on those who have wronged them. But when the secrets they are keeping can no longer be kept quiet, will their fearlessness be enough to save them from themselves?

Review:
I loved C.J. Skuse's previous book 'Monster' which was one of my top reads of 2015. I was so excited to read her new novel as the premise sounded utterly brilliant - the Famous Five with a twist.  I thought that 'The Deviants' was a brave book to write and tackled some extremely difficult issues, but while I can admire Skuse's writing and choice of subject matters, I can't say that this is a book which I ended up loving.  Don't get me wrong, it was very good but I also found it extremely dark and hard to read at times. 

The novel's main protagonists are teenagers Ella and her boyfriend Max.  They have grown up together and have been a couple since they were thirteen.  Although they practically live in each other's pockets, Ella has a big secret she's hiding which threatens to change everything forever.  Along with Ella and Max, there's also their old friends Fallon, Corey and the mysterious Zane.  They used to do everything together until Max's sister Jessica died and things changed between them.  Brought back together, the gang are reunited in their thirst for revenge, but secrets begin to spill out and it's obvious from the start that Ella knows more than she's letting on about Jessica's death. 

I thought that the story started really well and I was intrigued about the direction in which Skuse was going to take the characters.  The first few chapters flew by quickly and I knew that there were going to be some twists and turns ahead.  Everything got very dark in the second half of the book and it dealt with an extremely heavy, hard-hitting topic.  To be completely honest, I'm not sure if I was quite in the mood for something so serious.  It was pretty graphic at times and quite a turbulent ride for the reader.  The ending totally took me by surprise (which seems to be Skuse's trademark) but with reflection, I think I would have actually liked her to have gone in a slightly different direction. 

Overall, 'The Deviants' didn't quite meet my extremely high expectations, possibly because it was turned out to be very different to what I was expecting.  That's not to say that this wasn't a good book but I did find it tough going at times.         

Review: Unrivalled - Alyson Noel

Unrivalled by Alyson Noel, published by Mira Ink on 10th May 2016

Goodreads synopsis:
Everyone wants to be someone. Layla Harrison wants to be a reporter. Aster Amirpour wants to be an actress. Tommy Phillips wants to be a guitar hero. But Madison Brooks took destiny and made it her own a long time ago. She’s Hollywood’s hottest starlet, and the things she did to become the name on everyone’s lips are merely a stain on the pavement, ground beneath her Louboutin heel.

That is, until Layla, Aster, and Tommy find themselves with a VIP invite to the world of Los Angeles’s nightlife and are lured into a competition. The prize, or rather the target? Madison Brooks.
Just as their hopes begin to gleam like stars through the California smog, Madison Brooks goes missing. . . . And all of their hopes are blacked out in the haze of their lies.

Review:
This was quite a different change of pace to Alyson Noel's previous books that were much more on the spiritual/paranormal side of things.  'Unrivalled' is a contemporary YA about a group of young adults vying for the same huge cash prize by promoting a series of nightclubs.  Each have their own reasons for taking part and wanting to win.  They get points based on how successful their night club is and each of them tries to get Hollywood IT girl, Madison Brooks, to grace their club.  That is the sure fire way to score some big points. 

The story actually starts one month prior to the rest of the plot. Madison Brooks goes missing but who the mystery surrounds who is responsible for her disappearance.  The rest of the book unfolds with the three main characters Tommy, Aster and Layla, each becoming untangled with the seemingly glamorous but ultimately seedy, Hollywood night club scene.  I have to say that I wasn't particularly a fan of any of the characters.  They all seemed pretty shallow and certainly not that likable.  I didn't care an awful lot about who won the competition and the Madison Brooks element of the plot was intriguing but not enough to keep me engrossed in the story.

I'm sad to say that I just don't think this title was very good.  Although it was compared to Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl it was a poor imitation of both of those series and isn't one that I'm invested in enough to want to continue reading.    

Review: Soldier - Julie Kagawa

Soldier by Julie Kagawa, published by Mira Ink on 5th May 2016

Goodreads synopsis:
When forced to choose between safety with the dragon organization Talon and being hunted forever as an outcast, Ember Hill chose to stand with Riley and his band of rogue dragons rather than become an assassin for Talon. She’s lost any contact with her twin brother, Dante, a Talon devotee, as well as Garret, the former-enemy soldier who challenged her beliefs about her human side.

As Ember and Riley hide and regroup to fight another day, Garret journeys alone to the United Kingdom, birthplace of the ancient and secret Order of St. George, to spy on his former brothers and uncover deadly and shocking secrets that will shake the foundations of dragons and dragonslayers alike and place them all in imminent danger as Talon’s new order rises.

Review:
'Soldier' is the third book in the Talon saga.  I really enjoy this series and I continually marvel that Julie Kagawa seems to be able to turn her hand to any subject she fancies and turn it into an amazing story. The first two books in this series were beyond fantastic, so I had high hopes about this one.

Once again we get different insights from multiple characters,  Ember, Riley, Garret and Dante all narrate various chapters throughout the book.  Ember is still torn between her dragon and human sides, Riley is desperate to convince Ember that she belongs with him, Garret is searching for the truth, wherever it may take him and Dante is involved in a terrifying Talon experiment which spells danger for them all.  A lot more is revealed about Talon and the Order of St George in the book, which I enjoyed finding out about.   

Julie Kagawa most certainly isn't afraid to make difficult choices with her characters or place them in all manner of dangerous situations.  One of these left me absolutely stunned, although looking back at it now, I can see why she made the decision and how this will allow other characters to get their own resolutions.   

Fast-paced action throughout kept me turning the pages well into the night.  This is definitely a title you will want to read in one sitting.  The story was thrilling and exciting and crammed full of tense, nail-biting moments and explosive revelations.  There is one almighty big secret revealed at the very end which will have you in despair at having to wait for the next instalment of the series. 

I am so anxious to find out what will happen next that I just can't bear it.  Here's hoping that the wait for book four, 'Legion' won't be a long one. 


 

My Favourite Books of 2015

2015 has been another year of ups and downs reading wise.  I have come across some absolute standout titles but I have also failed to be wowed by quite a number of the books I've read this year.  This meant that for once, it was actually pretty easy to pick my top ten books of the year.  Normally I change my mind half a dozen times but these titles really stood out in my mind and quite quickly made my favourites list.      

So without further ado, here's my 2015 top ten list.  These are in no particular order and have not necessarily been published this year.

1. Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
Published by Bloomsbury

 

A perfect conclusion to the series.  Sarah J. Maas pulled out all the stops in this final instalment.  I practically devoured this book in one sitting and now can't wait for more future titles by one of my favourite authors.    

 

 

 

2. Conspiracy Girl by Sarah Alderson

Published by Simon and Schuster

 

I am a huge fan of Sarah Alderson and this book is one of my favourite of her novels.  Exciting, tense and gripping it knocked my socks off.   

 

  3. Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot

Published by Macmillan

 

The return of Mia, Crown Princess of Genovia!  It was fantastic getting to catch-up with Mia and Michael and find out what had happened to them after the conclusion of the Princess Diaries books. 

 

 

 4. Monster by C. J. Skuse

Published by Mira Ink

 

There is no doubt that this is a five star read and might actually grab the very top spot in my 2015 list.  I literally could not put this book down and I was gripped by all the twists and turns.  The ending was absolutely explosive and I've since recommended to everyone.  A must read. 

 

  5. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Published by Bloomsbury

 

Sarah J. Maas is the only author to have two books in my top ten list.  This is the first title in her new series and was yet another standout.  Her writing is incredible, her characters are fantastic and I'm always left wanting more. 

 

 

 6. First Class Murder by Robin Stevens

Published by Corgi

 

A new series which has become a firm favourite.  I love the Wells and Wong mysteries and it's become the event of the year when a new instalment is published. 

 

 

 7. Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

Published by Corgi

 

A superb debut novel.  I really enjoyed 'Everything Everything' which I found thoroughly engrossing and captivating.  This is an author that I will be keeping my eye on in the future.   

 

 

 8. Jane by April Lindner

Published by Poppy

 

This was published in 2010 and I've had it sitting on my bookshelf for a few years.  I finally got around to picking it up and then wished I hadn't waited such a long time before reading it.  A brilliant contemporary retelling of Jane Eyre, I enjoyed every second of this one.  I'm going to track down and buy the whole of April Lindner's back catalogue now. 

 

 

 9. The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Published by Atom

 

Another one that took me years to read!  I recently saw the film, so thought it was about time that I also read the book.  Loved it. 

 

 

 10. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

Published by Penguin

 

This book divided opinion among critics and readers.  I'm firmly on the side of those people that deemed it an instant classic.   

 

 

Comment and let me know if you've read any of these and what your personal favourites of 2015 were.

Review: Monster - C.J. Skuse

Monster by C.J. Skuse, published by Mira Ink on 24th September 2015

Goodreads synopsis:
At sixteen Nash thought that the fight to become Head Girl of prestigious boarding school Bathory would be the biggest battle she’d face. Until her brother’s disappearance leads to Nash being trapped at the school over Christmas with Bathory’s assorted misfits. As a blizzard rages outside, strange things are afoot in the school’s hallways, and legends of the mysterious Beast of Bathory – a big cat rumoured to room the moors outside the school – run wild. Yet when the girls’ Matron goes missing it’s clear that something altogether darker is to blame – and that they’ll have to stick together if they hope to survive.

Review:
This book blew me away!  I started it on a two hour train journey and became so engrossed that all I wanted to do was stay on the train, travel home for another two hours and finish it.  Like it's aptly named title, it crept up on me slowly, enveloping me in a cloud of intrigue and suspense.  I felt like my heart was stuttering along with the frayed nerves of the main characters, as foreboding wrapped itself around me.  After the first few chapters, I thought that this was going to be a pretty good book and then suddenly it turned into dynamite in my hands.  No one could have shaken me from the spell I was under.

Now I'm telling myself that I must be mad not to have read anything by C.J. Skuse before.  Have I been living under a rock?!  I have a burning need now to go and buy all of her other books and have a mini-marathon.

I should have known from the tagline 'Malory Towers meets I Know What You Did Last Summer' that I was going to fall hook, line and sinker for this story.  The book suggests that there is a monster living inside all of us - although with some it is let out by choice and with others by necessity.  I am also a sucker for stories set in boarding schools and Skuse presents such an appealing view of this one (monsters aside).  Bathory School for Girls is set in a picturesque location.  There are wonderfully long summer days with trips outside, games and swimming.  There are Hogwarts style houses and secret hidey holes.  It also has it's very own legend stalking the grounds - the Beast of Bathory. 

The main character Natasha, or Nash as she is known, hopes to become Head Girl.  She and a small group of others are left behind at the school for Christmas.  Nash's parents are unable to come for her because her older brother is missing abroad.  A blizzard means that they are trapped at the school, but although they can't leave, something or someone wants to get in. 

Tense, nail-biting and with one hell of a twist, 'Monster' was my kind of book.  It had an ending that left me wide-eyed and open-mouthed and was deliciously dark and scary.  The suspense kept being ramped up and up until I almost couldn't bear to find out what was going to happen next.  A book hasn't left me on the edge of my seat like that for a long, long, time.  Sheer brilliance and one of the best YA thrillers I've ever read.  Don't hesitate to grab yourself a copy of 'Monster'.  You won't regret it. 

Review: Rogue - Julie Kagawa

Rogue by Julie Kagawa, published by Mira Ink on 7th May 2015

Goodreads synopsis:
Ember Hill left the dragon organization Talon to take her chances with rebel dragon Cobalt and his crew of rogues. But Ember can't forget the sacrifice made for her by the human boy who could have killed her—Garret Xavier Sebastian, a soldier of the dragonslaying Order of St. George, the boy who saved her from a Talon assassin, knowing that by doing so, he'd signed his own death warrant.

Determined to save Garret from execution, Ember must convince Cobalt to help her break into the Order's headquarters. With assassins after them and Ember's own brother helping Talon with the hunt, the rogues find an unexpected ally in Garret and a new perspective on the underground battle between Talon and St. George.

 Review:
If you're looking for a scorching hot read, then look no further than 'Rogue' by Julie Kagawa, the follow-up to the brilliant 'Talon'.  The second book in this fantastic series manages to do what few books can and that is to be even more gripping and captivating than it's predecessor.  There's no case of second book syndrome here, as Julie Kagawa cranks up the action, ramps up the tension a couple of notches and leads the reader on a breathless journey of rescue, capture and escape.  'Talon' held me in thrall from the opening chapter and this was one book that I was most definitely going to finish reading in one sitting.

The story picks up after the action of 'Rogue' with Ember and Riley on the run and Garret held to account for his actions by the Order of St. George.  It didn't take me long to get reacquainted with all the characters and the plot threads and I was soon immersed back into the world of dragons.  I have read a lot of dragon books, going through quite a phase when I was in my teens, but this is the first series I've read where the author is spot on with the mythology and the world building.  I love the idea of dragons assimilating themselves into the human world and walking amongst us without anyone realising.     

The commentary is shared between Ember, Garret, Riley and Dante, with occasional flashbacks to twelve years ago when Riley, as rebel dragon Cobalt, was still working for the organisation he now despises.  I wasn't too sure about Riley in the last book but he has suddenly become my number one favourite character.  It was great discovering more about him and his past and I really enjoyed all the scenes between not only him and Ember but also him and Wes, his right-hand man.  The love triangle between Riley, Ember and Garret continues to play out and while I feel strongly that I know which way it's going to end up, I am still firmly shipping Riley and Ember as a couple.  They are great together and share a real understanding and bond.   

There are some terrific action sequences in the book, particularly in the second-half of the story and I was on the edge of my seat throughout these.  I honestly had no idea if everyone was going to make it to the end of the book alive.  There is also a humongous revelation right at the end of the last chapter which leaves the reader on a massive cliff-hanger.  I need to know now what is going to happen next! 

The third book in the series, 'Soldier' will be published in 2016 unless my wish is granted and it gets an earlier release date!

Review: Talon - Julie Kagawa

Talon by Julie Kagawa, published by Mira Ink on 15th January 2015

Goodreads synopsis:
Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.

Review:
'Talon' is the first book in a brilliant new Dragon series.  I'm absolutely convinced that Julie Kagawa can turn her hand to any paranormal/supernatural subject and weave a captivating story around them.  Faeries, vampires and now dragons all get her special treatment, making this an extremely hard to put down title.  I thought it was going to be gripping and exciting and boy, it certainly was!

The central heroine, Ember, is sent to Crescent Beach along with her twin Dante to assimilate themselves into the human world.  Ember and Dante are both dragons but in their human forms they get to experience a sense of freedom for the very first time.  Although Talon keeps them on a tight leash, Ember gets to enjoy sun, sea and sand, as she makes new friends and begins to question the organisation that she has always obeyed. 

Ember's point of view alternates with that of Garrett, a St George Soldier who is tasked with hunting and killing dragons.  He and Ember are both used to following orders, but after they meet, Garrett's long-held beliefs start to waver.  I liked the way that we got to see the perspective of both the hunter and prey but before long I was starting to question which might be which. 

Love may be on the cards between Ember and Garrett but then there's a rogue dragon on the scene who might just come between them.  Yes, there's something of a love triangle in the book but don't worry because it's not your typical boy loves girl, who loves other boy.  This is a love triangle with a twist which will keep you guessing.  I'm not sure who I wanted Ember to end up with more as there are elements to both male characters that I liked.  I'm sure other readers will be equally torn.   

Fast paced, exciting and with a strikingly gorgeous cover, this was a fantastic paranormal read to kick off the new year.  The sequel, 'Rogue' is due out later in 2015 and I shall be queuing up to get a copy.

Review: The Forever Song - Julie Kagawa

The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa, published by Mira Ink on 2nd May 2014

Goodreads synopsis:
Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions - her creator Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost - the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, her triumph will be short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

Review:
This is probably THE vampire series I've enjoyed the most in the last couple of years.  I love Julie Kagawa's writing and the characters she has created.  There is a real grittiness to the series and it has kept me engrossed throughout all three books in the trilogy, with some genuine shocks and surprises along the way.  I was so excited to start reading 'The Forever Song' which was absolutely absorbing.  I was relieved that I started it on a Saturday morning because it meant that I could curl up for a long, uninterrupted reading session.

The whole series has culminated in Allie's determination to kill Sarren and stop him once and for all.  She won't allow him to infect and kill the people of Eden - the last safe zone on earth, and she wants to make him pay for robbing her of the person she loved the most.  Without Zeke by her side she struggles to overcome the monster living within her but she has incredible strength and won't give in without a fight. 

Not only do I love the character of Allie but Jackal remains a big favourite of mine too.  He has really undergone an almost 360 degree personality change from the start of the series and has developed a new found compassion for others.  He is however still the sarcastic, wise-cracking Jackal that I've come to know and love.  He is very much an anti-hero and definitely gets all of the best lines!  Kanin is another brilliant character and always tried to show Allie and Jackal the right path, whilst giving them the freedom to make their own choices and mistakes.   

There are some massive surprises throughout the book and I felt like I was continually kept on my toes by Julie Kagawa's ingenious plotting.  She threw me for a loop on more than one occasion which was one of the key elements I enjoyed about the story.  This was such an exciting and well written conclusion to the Blood of Eden trilogy.  The final ending was absolutely perfect and the best way to finish what has been such a stellar series.      

Review: Pawn - Aimee Carter

Pawn by Aimee Carter, published by Mira Ink on 3rd January 2014

Goodreads synopsis:
For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister’s niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There’s only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered. The same one that got her killed…and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that’s not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she’s only beginning to understand.

Review:
This is the first book in a new trilogy by Aimee Carter, whose Goddess series is a big favourite of mine.  'Pawn' is set in a future America where overpopulation is a huge problem for the government to deal with.  Too many demands on food, housing and other such commodities, has led to people having to take a test.  This test assigns them with a number which dictates how their lives are led, what sort of job they get, how many children they are allowed and where they live. 

Kitty is one of millions of Extras - second children who are taken away from their parents and given the surname Doe.  She's grown up in a group home and is in love with her best friend Benjy, who she's always had to rely on and help her with her dyslexia.  When she takes the test and is given a III, she fears that she'll hold Benjy back from the future he deserves.  A chance opportunity to elevate her rank, seems too good to pass up but this decision leads to her becoming embroiled in a conspiracy more twisted and complex than she could ever have imagined. 

I really loved Kitty.  She's brave and strong and was my favourite character in the book.  She may not always make the best decisions but she tries to do what's right and is very protective of those she loves.  I thought that Benjy could have been fleshed out a bit more as I felt his character was a little one-dimensional at times.  It certainly came across how much Kitty loved him but I would have enjoyed more good ol' romance between them.

In 'Pawn', I thought Aimee Carter had come up with an interesting idea for a future America.  The story raised lots of questions about how society can operate as a meritocracy and about the part that people have to play in contributing to the world they live in.  The idea of Elsewhere - a place that people are taken when they have no way to contribute was pretty scary and horrifying. 

Engrossing, thrilling and with an abundance of secrets just waiting to be spilt, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I'm eagerly awaiting the next instalment 'Captive' so that I can find out what awaits Kitty next.     

Review: Anything To Have You - Paige Harbison

Anything to Have You by Paige Harbison, published by Mira Ink on 7th February 2014

Goodreads synopsis:
Natalie and Brooke have had each other's backs forever.  Natalie is the quiet one, college bound and happy to stay home and watch old movies.  Brooke is the life of every party, the girl everyone wants to be.

Then it happens - one crazy night that Natalie can't remember and Brooke's boyfriend, Aiden, can't forget.  Suddenly there's a question mark in Natalie and Brooke's friendship that tests everything they thought they knew about each other and has both girls discovering what true friendship really means.

Review:
I really wanted to read 'Anything To Have You' because I've enjoyed both of Paige Harbison's previous YA novels and I thought this would be an interesting exploration of friendship between two best friends.  It started off well but while I liked the idea for the story and the way it developed throughout the book, I really struggled to connect to either of the main characters. 

The two female protagonists have completely contrasting personalities, which makes them an unusual pairing.  I identified with Natalie in the beginning because she is much keener on staying home and baking or watching old movies, than she is of going out and partying.  Brooke, on the other hand, is a bit of a wild child and likes nothing more than to go out to parties and to get drunk.  She flirts with other boys but she also has a long-term boyfriend, Aiden.  Although I liked Natalie in the beginning, I couldn't help but feel like she allowed herself to be led quite easily at times and should have stood up for herself more.  She ends up going to a party where things get out of hand and wakes up the next morning in a bed with Aiden beside her...but with no recollection of what actually happened. 

From them on, the book alternates between the perspectives of the two girls as they cope with the changes in their lives and in their friendship.  However much I tried, I just couldn't find anything to connect me with Brooke who seems intent on self-destructing.  I also found that the constant jumps in the narrative and time-frame, sometimes made the story feel a bit disjointed.    

There's a big reveal near the end which I assume was meant to be unexpected, but within a few chapters of the book I could see the direction in which the plot was going to go and I quite easily guessed what was going to happen to the characters.  I was slightly surprised by the outcome for Brooke but she still didn't seem like the type of girl that I would have wanted to know. 

There was also quite a lot of swearing throughout, almost excessive amounts I thought, which I didn't think was particularly needed.  Not all teenagers talk like this. 

Although the book was no where near as good as I was originally expecting, I'm still a fan of Paige Harbison's work and I'll continue to look out for new offerings by her in the future. 

Trailer: Dare You To - Katie McGarry

I loved 'Pushing the Limits', Katie McGarry's debut novel and I can't wait to read her new book 'Dare You To'.  Even more so after I watched this awesome trailer!

Have you read it yet?  If so, what did you think?



If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness.

That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does.... Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....

Review: The Eternity Cure - Julie Kagawa

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa, published by Mira Ink on 3rd May 2013

Goodreads synopsis:
In Allison Sekemoto's world, there is one rule left: Blood calls to blood

She has done the unthinkable: died so that she might continue to live. Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie's birthplace in New Covington, what Allie finds there will change the world forever-and possibly end human and vampire existence.

There's a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago-and this strain is deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries, if Allie can get to him in time.

Allison thought that immortality was forever. But now, with eternity itself hanging in the balance, the lines between human and monster will blur even further, and Allie must face another choice she could never have imagined having to make.

Review:
'The Eternity Cure' is the second book in the Blood of Eden series and in my opinion, a stellar follow-up.

It's been quite a while since I read 'The Immortal Rules' and although I loved it, I was a bit apprehensive about remembering all the plot points.  This meant that I really appreciated Julie Kagawa providing a handy recap of events throughout the first few chapters.  It helped to get me absorbed back into the story and soon enough I was right back up to speed with the characters and the plot. 

The story focuses on Allie's quest to rescue her sire Kanin from Sarren, as well as her unexpectedly teaming up with Jackal to try and find the cure for rabidism.  Who would have thought that Allie and Jackal would ever end up working together?!  But that's one of the things that's so great about Julie's writing - she's never afraid to surprise you or take things in a different direction and those characters you thought you hated...well you're about to love them now. 

Jackal turned out to be one of my favourite characters in the book which believe me, I never thought would happen.  He has some of the smartest and snappiest lines and when he briefly disappeared for a while, I couldn't wait for him to come back.  I still suspect that he may have some kind of ulterior motive, but for the moment, he proves he can work together with Allie if necessary and he provides some light relief throughout the story.

I know I'm probably in the minority, but I've never been a big fan of the Allie/Zeke relationship.  It was however interesting to see them explore this further and delve into the dynamics of how and if a vampire and a human can ever truly be together, 

The ending is so tantalising that I couldn't believe that the story finished where it did.  I kept checking to make sure that I hadn't missed any pages.  You can bet that I'm going to be waiting impatiently now for the next in the series.        

Review: Speechless - Hannah Harrington

Speechless by Hannah Harrington, published by Mira Ink on 1st February 2013

Goodreads synopsis:
Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can’t keep a secret.

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she’s ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.  But there’s strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she’s done. If only she can forgive herself.

Review:
‘Speechless’ is the first book I’ve read by Hannah Harrington but it certainly won’t be the last! Although the story didn’t win me over entirely, what did impress me was Hannah Harrington’s wonderful writing. I really need to read her debut novel ‘Saving June’ which I’ve heard great things about.

The story revolves around Chelsea Knot who is best friends with the most popular girl in school. One night, she witnesses something at a party which she spills to all of her friends. This leads to a terrible event occurring which she feels responsible for. When she decides to tell the truth about what happened, she ends up being ostracised by those she’d thought were her friends. Understanding that her mouth has run away with her one too many times, she takes a vow of silence.

I didn’t particularly like the character of Chelsea to start with but she grew on me throughout the book. She was genuinely sorry about her part in what happened and she ended up really developing as a person. Given the cold shoulder by the popular kids in school, she is befriended by Asha and Sam. With them, she starts to realise that she can be a better person and through her vow she learns that silence can sometimes be more powerful than words. I loved all the people that Chelsea got to hang out with in the book. Asha is genuinely good and kind and Sam was just adorable. I would have liked both of them as friends. In their own way, they help her to come to terms with her actions and want her to just be herself, rather than who everyone else thinks she should be. They are comfortable and easy for her to be around and they offer her a genuine hand of friendship.

There are many different types of bullying in ‘Speechless’ and it was interesting to see the way in which this was explored.  I definitely think that Chelsea was better off in the end because those who had professed to be her friend at the start really weren't.  Homophobia is another of the main issues and I found some of the characters’ attitudes about this truly shocking and narrow-minded.

'Speechless' is a powerful book with an important message to share.  The idea of having a character who doesn't actually speak was highly original and worked well, but at times I felt like I'd read this kind of story before.  That said, I still really enjoyed it and I'm sure it will appeal hugely to people dealing with similar issues to the characters in the book.  

News: Mira Ink BlogInk competition

Mira Ink have just launched an amazing competition offering one lucky person a 12 month paid contract as MIRA Ink's book-reviewing blogger.  Wow!  This is an incredibly opportunity for someone to spend a year doing something they love and getting paid for it too.

Here's more information about it:

"Mira Ink is searching for the new worker purely through social media, targeting fans of Mira books for a year-long blogging contract on BlogInk.

Hopefuls must first submit a 500-word sample blog to be posted on the MIRA Ink Tumblr feed before 25th November, before participants are narrowed down to 10 and asked to create a 60-second YouTube video on 29th November “to show how enterprising they are at generating likes”.
The winner will be announced on the 14th December, gaining a laptop and a blogging contract on MiraInk to begin in January.

Claudia Symons, brand manager for MIRA Ink, said: “Our huge and passionate teen audience has a wealth of talent waiting to be unlocked. Until now we have always focused on traditional channels to find new talent but we’re looking for someone who will be as passionate and enthusiastic about the brand as we are and we know social media is the perfect way to find and showcase this talent.”

Source: The Bookseller



You can also find out more about the competition on Mira Ink's Facebook page .

Review: Devil's Bargain - Rachel Caine

Devil's Bargain by Rachel Caine, published by Mira Ink on 5th October 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
What's the price of a deal with the devil?

Playing by the psychic underworld's rules has cost.

Jazz Callender's whole life just got turned upside down. Her friend Ben's been convicted of a crime he didn't commit, and Jazz is determined to clear his name, even if it means enlisting the help of dark forces.  Enter James, a stranger with a mysterious offer. If Jazz pledges to work for The Cross Society, a shadowy secret organisation, he'll help her save Ben.

But as she's thrust into a world of psychic powers and dangerous magic, Jazz isn't just bargain for her friend's freedom. She's bargaining for her soul too.  And how high a price is she willing to pay?

Review:
I’m a big fan of Rachel Caine’s Morganville Vampires series so when I saw she had a new book out I wanted to read it immediately. I admit that I didn’t actually realise that ‘Devil’s Bargain’ had originally been published in 2005 but has been repackaged and published by Mira Ink with a brand new look. Although aimed at a young-adult audience, I think that because of some of the slightly more adult content in the book and the fact that the two central characters aren’t teenagers themselves, that it’s really more suitable for older readers.

The story focuses on two initially unconnected characters, Jazz and Lucia, who are offered a hundred thousand dollars to set up a detective agency together by a private law firm. After some obvious trepidation on their part, they agree and begin to receive a number of special cases which they have to carry out. The instructions for these cases are concealed and delivered within mysterious red envelopes, which turn out to be hugely significant to the plot.

What I love about Rachel Caine stories are her trademark heroines. They are quite often a little bit rough around the edges but are always tough, determined, strong and capable. They are more than a match for the men who have to take a back seat for once. I liked Jazz and Lucia straight away. They seem an odd pair to begin with but as I learnt more about them I could see that they perfectly complimented each other’s strengths and weaknesses and I liked the friendship which developed between them. ‘Devil’s Bargain’ was mainly centred around Jazz so I wonder if Lucia will take the reins in the next book.

I enjoyed the slightly supernatural element to the story which developed late on. This took me by surprise but was an interesting dynamic to introduce. I think it’s also made things very intriguing for the sequel where I imagine this will now be explored in even more depth.

There’s plenty of gritty action in the book which I loved and there’s lots of twists and turns to the plot. I thought this was a great read and I’m eager to read the next in the series now, ‘Devil’s Due’.

Review: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares - Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, published by Mira Ink on 5th October 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
I've left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you dont, put the book back on the shelf, please.

Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Review:
I thought I would adore this book because a) I love New York, b) I love Christmas and c) I do indeed believe that romance can blossom in the most unexpected of places. Unfortunately it didn’t quite match up to my very high expectations. I liked elements of the book but as a whole I’m not sure that it was the right read for me.

I was really drawn to the premise of ‘Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares’, which features a kind of secret hunt/quest across the city of New York. I was excited by the possibility that almost anything could happen and I wanted to climb inside the book and join in! There’s a sense of magic and wonder throughout the book and that came across throughout the whole story.

My main problem with this title was that the characters of Dash and Lily didn’t click with me at all. The chapters are alternatively penned by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, leading to two distinctive narrative voices but I’ll admit that I just couldn’t warm to them. They are unlike any other teenagers I’ve ever known. I mean does anyone that age really talk like they do except in television shows? I found the language they used a bit pretentious and this started to irritate me after a while. I also didn’t really get some of the humour they used which passed me by a lot of the time. I think if I could have found some common ground with the characters then I would have enjoyed the book a lot more.

Fans of these two authors will probably enjoy this offering but although I thought the plot was original and quirky, on the whole the book left me feeling distinctly underwhelmed. 

Review: New Girl - Paige Harbison

New Girl by Paige Harbison, published by Mira Ink on 4th May 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderley Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.

Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.

Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend…but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.

And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.

Review:
'New Girl' by Paige Harbison provides a clever twist on one of my all-time favourite books, 'Rebecca' by Daphne Du Maurier.  The action is set in a boarding school called Manderley where a nameless girl is about to start her senior year.  Although I wasn't sure if Harbison was going to be able to capture the magic of the original, she did a pretty good job of recreating some elements of the original but with her own spin.

The story is told through a dual narrative and is shared between the new girl (who as in Du Maurier's tale) is nameless until the very end, and the enigmatic Becca who has gone missing from the school.  This was a clever way of allowing the story to unfold because it provided first-hand insight into the new girl's experiences at the school, as well as some important flashbacks contrasting her with fun-loving and popular Becca.  The links between the two gradually became more obvious as the story progressed.

I really admired the courage of the main character being able to stand-up to those who bullied her and talked about her behind her back.  She could have gone home and admitted defeat but she didn't and actually ended up gaining a valuable experience and learning some important life lessons which put her whole future into perspective.

Some surprising revelations come to light about Becca and what really happened to her and I thought the author created a high level of suspense throughout surrounding the mystery of where she was.  I started off having one opinion about her character but this gradually changed as I learnt more about her and discovered insights into her personality and her past.

I definitely want to re-read 'Rebecca' again now and I hope this book inspires others who haven't come across it before to go and pick up a copy.  I never would have thought of transposing the plot onto a school setting so loved Paige Harbison's idea.  Although I didn't particularly connect with the characters and I'm not always a big fan of books about mean girls, I enjoyed the twist on a classic and found the story entertaining and on the whole enjoyable.

Review: The Immortal Rules - Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa, published by Mira Ink on 4th May 2012

Goodreads synopsis:

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Review:
'The Immortal Rules' is a stunningly imaginative story from author Julie Kagawa.  Adopting a fresh approach to the traditional tale of vampires, she has managed to bring something new to this popular genre.  Having seen rave reviews of this book I had high expectations which were met in every single way.  I was completely engrossed in the story which was brilliantly written and proves once again what a fabulous talent Kagawa is.

At nearly five hundred pages long this is a big book but it's pure entertainment the whole way through.  The story is set in a future world where the main protagonist Allison Sekemoto is living on the fringes of society, an Unregistered, who is determined never to be used as a meal ticket by the vampires who rule the city.  After she and her friends are discovered, life for Allison will never be the same again as her whole existence changes.

The world which Kagawa has created is incredible.  A large proportion of the first section of the book concentrates on filling the reader in on the background history of the vampire hierarchy and this was fascinating.  It did mean digesting a lot of information within the first hundred pages but helped to set the scene for the rest of the story.  The amount of detail was truly amazing and the use of imagery allowed me to conjure up characters and places really vividly in my head.

Allison develops some interesting relationships in the book, particularly with her mentor Kanin and with Zeke.  Even after her life changes though, she's still Allison and determined to remain so, protecting others and making sure that those she cares about are safe.  I liked the way the story was split into sections, each one showing a different side to Allison and leading her down her future path.

This was a superb book which I found difficult to put down.  It's full of adventure and excitement, plus a generous amount of blood and gore, so probably not for the faint-hearted.  I'm already dying for the sequel which can't come soon enough!

Review: Here Lies Bridget - Paige Harbison

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.