29 Sunday Sep 2013
Posted in Showcase Sunday
This is a meme created by Books, biscuits and tea. It’s where you say which books you reviewed, bought or received. Clicking on a picture will open up a new tab to the goodreads page.
Reviewed
Net Galley
Bought
What did you read this week?
Until next time, happy reading bookworms
Emma
28 Saturday Sep 2013
Posted in ARC and R4Rs, young adult
Six Months Later by Natalie Richards.
I received a free copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: 1st October 2013
Chloe didn’t think about it much when she nodded off in study hall on that sleepy summer day. But when she wakes up, snow is on the ground and she can’t remember the last six months of her life. Before, she’d been a mediocre student. Now, she’s on track for valedictorian and being recruited by Ivy League schools. Before, she never had a chance with super jock Blake. Now he’s her boyfriend. Before, she and Maggie were inseparable. Now her best friend won’t speak to her.
What happened to her?
And why can’t she remember?
General Overview
I really enjoyed this book, it was a little predictable, but the story flowed well and was well rounded, I liked how all characters acted like they should in scary situations. Maggie is my favourite character, she was not in it much but she was a like a pillar or focal point throughout the story. There was a new twist to the love triangle, it was refreshing.
4 out of 5 stars.
Step by step overview
0% – I like the idea of this book. It will be interesting to find out what made her forget 6 months of her life and if things will go back to normal.
10% – It starts before she skips ahead 6 months and it gives a little background to her and her friends. She no memory at all of the last 6 months. Is it amnesia or something more sinister?
20% – Is she cheating on Blake with Adam or is something else going on? Possibility of more people involved, gives plenty more possibilities.
30% – I am wondering if her new genius powers are anything to do with why she has lost her memory. Are Blake and Adam in on this? I am liking that there is next to no teenage slang, that we grown ups think they use. I think it will appeal to more people written like this.
40% – Not had any major clues about what happened. Enjoying the story greatly though.
50% – A few questions have been answered but more and more are arising.
60% – There seems to be a little confusion in setting at one point. They are on a construction site then in a diner then back on the construction site with no indication of having moved.
70% – Looks like some questions might be answered soon. I don’t think Adam is involved anymore.
80% – What happened is starting to come out, but it fairly predictable, still enjoying it. I keep going back and forth on whether Adam is involved.
90% – It’s getting excited now, things are starting to add up.
100% – It ended nicely, most questions answered. (just one that wasn’t, but think that’s just me). I would recommend this to anyone who likes young adult books.
Until next time, happy reading bookworms.
Emma
24 Tuesday Sep 2013
Posted in Tuesday's Top Ten
This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this weeks topic is the best sequels.
1. Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire.
This is my favourite book of the series, love the dragons and how Harry gets to prove himself.
2. Magic study by Maria V Snyder
I liked finding out about Yelana’s family and past. It was a really clever and interesting storyline.
3. Spell bound by Rachel Hawkins
You got to see a lot more of Cal in this book which I loved. He really is a great character.
4. Last of the wilds by Trudi Canavan.
I like how some of the questions are being answered. You get to see more of the different races.
5. Call to Arms by Elle Casey
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It was more about the world of the fae, it was nice to see the different world.
6. United Eden by Nicole Williams
The last one in the trilogy, was better than the second. Patrick is my fave character.
That’s all I have.
Until next time, bookworms.
23 Monday Sep 2013
Posted in Fantasy
Any Other Name by Emma Newman.
Cat has been forced into an arranged marriage with William – a situation that comes with far more strings than even she could have anticipated, especially when she learns of his family’s intentions for them both.
Meanwhile, Max and the gargoyle investigate The Agency – a mysterious organisation that appears to play by its own rules – and none of them favourable to Society.
Over in Mundanus, Sam has discovered something very peculiar about his wife’s employer – something that could herald a change for everyone in both sides of the Split Worlds.
General Overview
4.5 stars out 5
It srtarted exactly where the first book in the first book in the series left off. It was full of different stories coming together, new people being introduced and new conspiracy theories. All the characters I loved in the first book were back. Lord Poppy is still my favourite and I like seeing a different side of him. The writing is excellent and the story reads easily.
Step by step review
0% – This is the second book in the series, thoroughly looking forward to it as the first one was really good. I like how there was a synopsis for each character.
10%– I am liking how everything starts again where it left off. I want the wedding to work. We have not yet been introduced to Londonium yet, wanting to see how it differs.
20% – I feel really sorry for the kidnapped people since they cannot return to their families ever. Lord Poppy seems cruel but he is a fantastic character to read about. The forfeits he comes up with are funny and genius.
30% – I want Cathrine and Will to have a happy marriage and at least be friends. I still want to know who Lord Iron is and hour why is he protecting Sam, guessing it’s through his wife. Really want to find out.
40%- I am not a fan of the relationship with Will and Amelia. I love the letterbox just appearing and letters coming through, it’s clever.
50% – So the agency is under suspicion, want to know how a company that deals with all staffing of houses has gone un-noticed. Lord Iris is summoning Catherine, I am intrigued. In such an unpleasant way,seems like he might be cruel.
60% – Still not liking that Will is sleeping with Amelia, she is up to something, I just do not know what. Was worried that Will would do something terrible but glad that he did not. Thank Goodness.
70% – The gargoyle can touch Cathy without being hurt, does that mean he does not count as a man, even though he has a soul of a man? How does Cathy have an ipad and camera if they do not have electricity? The wedding rings of Sam and his wife are getting a plot of their own, big fan.
80% – Standing up for woman’s rights is not something I have read in a fantasy novel before, a clever idea if it does not go into too much politics. I am not sure that Amelia and Cornelius are brother and sister, there seems to be a hint at another relationship. Some of the language reminds me of Alice in Wonderland.
90% – There’s conspiracy theories everywhere, so many places this story could go.
100% – I am getting a little confused with all the names, families and conspiracy theories/ stories flying about, hopefully they will come together in the next book. The gadgets the Arbiters have sound awesome, I wish they were real. So two wars have begun. Cannot wait for the next book.
22 Sunday Sep 2013
Posted in Showcase Sunday
This is meme hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea, in which you share which books you bought, received and read. This week if you click on the picture of the book a new tab will opened to the good reads page on the book.
Read and reviewed
Net Galley
Bought
What did you buy this week? Have you read any of these are they any good? Let me know.
Until next time happy reading bookworms.
Emma
20 Friday Sep 2013
Posted in ARC and R4Rs
Charming by Elliott James.
John Charming isn’t your average Prince…
He comes from a line of Charmings — an illustrious family of dragon slayers, witch-finders and killers dating back to before the fall of Rome. Trained by a modern day version of the Knights Templar, monster hunters who have updated their methods from chainmail and crossbows to kevlar and shotguns, he was one of the best. That is — until he became the abomination the Knights were sworn to hunt.
That was a lifetime ago. Now, he tends bar under an assumed name in rural Virginia and leads a peaceful, quiet life. One that shouldn’t change just because a vampire and a blonde walked into his bar… Right?
General overview (no spoilers)
2.5 stars out of 5
I got this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
Okay so I only got roughly half way through this, and finding it a struggle. I feel like I am reading a textbook at some points with all the information on supernatural creatures and such like. It”s just too much, 5pages in a row with information and no story is just too much. I do not feel much connection with the characters. Why 2.5 stars then? The writing started great and when there is no info dumping it still is. The chapter titles make me smile. I will try to pick it up again and finish in a month or so, but as much as I hate to, for now that’s me done. It was feeling like a chore. The premise was great and I so wanted to love it, so I put it down with a heavy heart.
Step by Step Review
0% – Looks interesting. I have not yet read a fairytale retelling from Prince Charming’s point of view, so looking forward to this. Looks like it will have a lot of action which will keep me happy.
10% – From the first line I am in love with his writing style, there is sass and light sarcasm in it, right up my alley. I am hoping it will not keep feeling like a lesson on vampires and werewolves.
20% – It has some really clever ideas, but I still feel like I’m in class.
30% – I am beginning to find it difficult to read. It’s taking more effort than it should to keep reading, if it was not an ARC I would have given up by now.
40% – Still slogging, the storyline is good but still not loving it.
50% – It’s just much more of the same and I am stopping now. Will try and pick it up, maybe I just read too much at once, so will give it one more try in a month or so.
I am the only one that hates giving up on books? I feel like I am not being fair to the author, but when it starts to feel like a chore, I have to stop.
Until next time, happy reading bookworms.
18 Wednesday Sep 2013
Posted in Fantasy
Between Two Thorns by Emma Newman, description from good reads.
Something is wrong in Aquae Sulis, Bath’s secret mirror city.
The new season is starting and the Master of Ceremonies is missing. Max, an Arbiter of the Split Worlds Treaty, is assigned with the task of finding him with no one to help but a dislocated soul and a mad sorcerer.
There is a witness but his memories have been bound by magical chains only the enemy can break. A rebellious woman trying to escape her family may prove to be the ally Max needs.
But can she be trusted? And why does she want to give up eternal youth and the life of privilege she’s been born into?
So I have decided a new way to review, it is inspired by buddy reads on good reads where you say what you are thinking about the book at certain points. Since I was reading it on my kindle I am going to do it every 10%, just a few sentences and wee remarks. I will give a general overview first for anyone who does not want possible spoilers.
General Overview
5 out of 5 stars
I loved this book. It was exciting and full of magic and wonder. Loved how there was a mirror of our cities but magical and eternal youth. I was a fan of how there was 4 or 5 different stories all at once but slowly coming together to form one story. It was well written and expertly carried out. The new race (Arbiters) were meant to be scary and lacking any emotion but I found Max endearing and was rooting for him. The talking gargoyle had me smiling from ear to ear, ye it sounds like a weird thing but it worked so well. I found myself wanting to know every little detail about the Fae world. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Step by Step Review
0% (before start) – Looks like it will be different and full of interesting ideas.
10%- “That night in Bath was the third time Sam’s beer bladder had got him into trouble” A very strange first line to a book but an intriguing one, wondering where on earth this was going to take me. I want to know more about Arbiters. So far there is three POV’s : a Fae touched, an ordinary human and an Arbiter.
20%- Loving the talking gargoyle, not sure exactly yet how it came to walk and talk but it’s cool. It’s a unique idea that the gargoyle can feel Max’s feelings yet still have it’s own thoughts.
30% – A new POV has been introduced, William another fae touched, looking like this could get interesting. (Not wanting to give away too much).
40% – The sorcerer of Wessex trying to make small talk is very funny.
50% – The threads of the story are starting to weave themselves together and form part of a enticing picture. Cathrine’s dress at the ball sounds beautiful.
60% – Cathrine’s father is a vile vile man. I think in the long run Cathy and Will will be perfect for each other.
70% – I like all the popular culture references it shows clearly the difference between the Nether and Mundunas (our world). And the plot thickens.
80% – Exilium (the prison) sounds beautiful and dangerous, cannot decide if it would be a blessing or a curse to be imprisoned there.
90% – When someone says “what could possibly go wrong?” you know you are in for an adventure.
100% – Loved every page, can see what the next book in the series is going to be about and looking forward to it. There are a few aspects I am unclear on but I tend to skim read when I get engrossed in a book, so that may be my own fault.
Hopefully I will have the second one read and reviewed in the next week or so. What do you think of the new reviewing style?
Until next time, happy reading bookworms.
Emma
17 Tuesday Sep 2013
Posted in Tuesday's Top Ten
This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week it is the top ten books on your autumn (fall) to be read list. Hmm this is a very hard one for me, I have lots of ARC’s to get my way through I will try not to include them all.
1. 
I think like most of the world I am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to grab a copy of this as soon as it is out.
2.
I have just started this one, (well on page one, that counts right?). It looks really good, cannot wait to get into it properly.
3. 
A lot of people have told me how good it is, really need to get moving on it, if the book is as enthralling as the cover is beautiful I will be hooked.
4.
I have just finished the first one in the series (review to come). This one will read as soon as I can. The first was excellent I can only hope this one is as good.
5. 
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, was a masterpiece and no matter what she brings out I will read it, hoping this book will have the same magic her debut had.
6. 
The first book in the series was light, dark and brought back childhood memories of fairytales. I love fairytale adaptions if they are done well and this was completely different than anything I had ever read but still had a sense of familiarity.
7. 
I want to start making my way through all the free and cheap books I got on amazon. This one looks intriguing, just hoping there is not going to be a dreaded love triangle.
8. 
I started this one a while ago but did not finish it even though it was good. I hate leaving books I actually liked, will try again soon.
9. 
One of my friends loaned this to me recently and I assume she wants it back sometime so I better get myself into reading gear.
10. 
Another one where I have read the first one and had to wait for money to get the second and then forgot. Soon though soon. Possibly an excuse to reread the first one. 😀
Now I just have to find the time to read all of these books.
Which books are you looking forward to reading?
Until next time, Happy reading, bookworms.
Emma
16 Monday Sep 2013
Posted in Celebrating Authors
A little about her
Elle Casey is now a full time writer, she used to work as a lawyer and a teacher. She likes reading fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian and romance. Now lives in France with her family. She works like a machine and produces roughly one book a month (WOW I know people who read slower than that).
What has she written?
War of the Fae series (Changelings, Call to Arms, Darkness and Light, New World Order)
Apocalypsis seres (Kahayatle, Warpaint, Exodus, Haven)
Clash of the Otherworlds series (After the Fall, Between the Realms, Portal Gaurdians)
Wrecked series (Wrecked and Reckless)
Many more, she is a busy woman.
Why does she deserve praise?
So far I have only read the first three of the War of the Fae series, but they are amazing. The amount of thought and planning that must go into each book is immense and producing one a month is incredible. (When does she sleep?)
Are her books for you?
If you like fantasy, good writing, clever characters, sass, wit and generally a good book then yes her books are for you.
Until next time, happy reading bookworms.
Emma
15 Sunday Sep 2013
Posted in Showcase Sunday
I have decided to join in with this, I have seen it on a lot of blogs and it looks like fun. It was on Bookaroo-ju’s great post I finally decided to join in. This meme is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. My usual Sunday Post – Celebrating the Author will be moved to Saturday’s, (Monday this week since I have not done one yet this week).
Reviewed
Recieved From NetGalley
Bought
What books do you read, buy or recieve? Have you read and enjoyed/not enjoyed any of the books I have mentioned? Let me know.
Until next time, happy reading bookworms.
Emma
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