Monthly Archives: October 2013

Netgalley Backlog 1

30 Wednesday Oct 2013

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Hi all, so I went a little overboard and asked for too many books when I first joined netgalley. I did not think I would receive any where near as many as I did. I have had a few of them for a while and feel like I am taking too long to read them. (Life gets in the way sometimes). I know there is no time limit but these nice authors and publishers have given me the books to review. Since I cannot just magically find the time to read them all as quickly as I would like, my next best option is to show you which books I have sitting in my pile. And tell you a little about why I am looking forward to reading it. I will only do 5 at a time. Let me know if you have read any of these books or want to read them, clicking the picture will open a new tab to the book’s goodreads page.

All-is-Fair

I read the first two books in the series and LOVED them. I only stopped reading so I could read other books that were out first and then I did not have time. This world is original and incredibly detailed and clever, this is going to be first on my list when I have the time.

anamoly

I love dystopian novels and this one looks like it could be one of the better more unique ones out there. I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

fairest of them all

Fairytale adaptions are common these days, so it needs to stand out from the pack. Just by looking at this book I think it does, it brings something different to the genre, hopefully that will be shown in the story.

the forgotten ones

It’s not often I read this kind of book, but I wish I did more. When I find a good one I am enthralled. This one seems to have a touch of fantasy to it too, which will help bridge the divide for me. Looks really good.

the reluctant cannibals

I have never read anything like this books before, I have heard it can be hard going and takes a long time to read. I want to give it the time and respect  it deserves.

That’s the first five, at least I have shown I have good taste in books, hopefully their reviews will follow soon.

Until next time, happy reading bookworms.

Emma

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ARC Review: Waterfell

30 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by in ARC and R4Rs, young adult

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waterfell

Waterfell by Amalie Howard

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father’s betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa’s upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age.

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa’s mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?

General Overview (no spoilers)

I found the first 50% of this book pretty bland and was considering giving up on it. I decided to carry on since it was a review copy and I hate not giving books a proper chance, also I was not hating it, just not loving it. The next 25% got a little better, was beginning to get attached more, still need something more for me though. The last 25% I loved and could not put it down. It answered any question I had and more. I did guess quite a few of the outcomes but not all.

3.5 stars out 5

Step by Step Overview (spoilers)

0% – Looks unique, yet a hint of familiarity at the same time. Really looking forward to submerging myself into this book.

10% – At this point I want to tell Nerissa that she is a spoiled little brat and needs to be kinder to Speio or it will come back on her. Does Lo know she is a mermaid?

20% – I hope they do end up back in Waterfell, I think it would be a beautiful place to read about. I think Lo is going to turn out to be a mermaid.

30% – I still think there’s something fishy about Lo. I am positive he is not who he says he is. Nerissa’s brattish attitude has not gone away, it’s quite annoying. Slow going, I thought we would be in the sea more or at least hearing more about it. Just now I feel like it’s all about a whiny young girl who is so caught up in her drama she doesn’t see what’s there.

40% – Finally getting to know a little about the Aquarathi’s history. I am actually enjoying the story more without Lo.

50% – Is Lo a spy for Ehmora, is he an Aquarathi, that can somehow hide it or half Aquarathi? Looks like the story is finally going somewhere.

60% – So one minute she thinks of Jenna as her best friend then the next she is “just a human”. I really do not like Nerissa one bit.

70% – It’s better now that it’s actually going somewhere. I am now actually interested in what’s going to happen. I thought Nerissa was supposed to have stopped being so selfish, turns out I was wrong.

80% – I like where the story is going. It was nice how there was a casualness at two females bonding, it was just accepted no questions asked. Good to see.

90% – I think Speio suspects Cara and is doing whatever he can to protect Nerissa. I think somehow she is bonded with Lo. Is Lo’s mother Ehmora?

100% – All questions have been answered and what good answers they were. The last part was very exciting and I loved it.

Who would I recommend it too?

Anyone who likes YA or mermaids (especially original ones). It is a little slow paced to begin with, so people who like fast paced books, might not enjoy it as much.

Until next time bookworms.

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Top Ten Tuesday’s : Halloween Reads

29 Tuesday Oct 2013

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This meme was created by the Broke and the Bookish, this week’s theme is top ten books to at Halloween or creepy covers.  Horror is not one a genre I read very often so this may well all be about covers, I’ll try find a few horror’s I’ve read or at least want to read.

1. shining

Or any other Stephen King book really.

2. before I go to sleep

This book messes with your mind, but what a read!

3. woman in black

This book looks amazing, started to watch the film ages ago but got scared, would love to read book.

4. four summoner's tales

A selection of stories about Summoner’s, creepy is right, intriguing too.

5. UnwindBookCover

This book cover creeps me out, not exactly sure why.

6. we have always lived in the caslte

There is something chilling and a little exciting about this cover, not read the book but looks like it will be the same.

7. the-keep_cover

I have had this book on my shelf for years, possibly time to read it now it’s almost Halloween.

8. jaws

A thriller that is timeless.

9. I know what you did last summer

I love the film, but did not realise it was a book, will need to read it sometime though 🙂

10. welcome-to-dead-house

I used to read R.L. Stine’s books as a teenager, so thought I would get one of them in here. Might try one again sometime soon.

What books do you find scary?

Until next time, happy reading bookworms

Emma

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Showcase Sunday 27/10/13

27 Sunday Oct 2013

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showcase sunday

This meme is hosted by Books, biscuits and  tea. You share which books you bought, received, reviewed and borrowed over the past week. Yet another slow reading week for me, still in my slump, any ideas how to get out of it? As always clicking on the picture will open a new tab to goodreads page of the book.

Reviewed

the waves

Netgalley

the dream keeper

the last boat home

Bought

allegiant

bell between worlds

silver bells

blue violet

forvever fae

Okay so I bought and received more than I read, AGAIN. I need to stop buying and requesting until I can commit to reading more. Will try my best.

Happy reading bookworms

Emma

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ARC Review: The Waves

22 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by in ARC and R4Rs, young adult

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the waves

The Waves by Jen Minkman

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.

The first memory I have of my grandfather is of a moment that we share together.
I’m sitting on his knee looking out over the harbor. Grandpa is smoking a pipe. He points at the horizon. “Look, Walt. Our ships are out there. And one day, another even more beautiful ship will appear at the horizon. A mighty ship to take us all away. And Annabelle will be at the front deck with open arms, inviting us all to join her on board.”
“Why don’t we sail to her ourselves?” I inquire wide-eyed.
“Because she promised she would come,” granddad replies. “And in that promise we trust. It’s only the Unbelievers who think they can do everything themselves. They have no faith in the Goddess.”

Walt lives in Hope Harbor, an island community that has put its trust in salvation from across the sea. The townspeople wait patiently, build their ships to sail out and welcome the Goddess, and piously visit the temple every week. Horror stories to scare their children are told about the Unbelievers on the other side of Tresco.
But not all is what it seems. Walt has questions that no one can answer, and when his best friend and cousin Yorrick is killed in an accident, he digs deeper to find out the truth about the origins of Hope Harbor’s society… and the secrets of the temple.

Return to the world of The Island and discover what Walt’s life was like before and after he met Leia!

General overview (no spoilers)

I enjoyed this much more than the first one in the series. There was much more to it and I felt a familiarity with some of the characters. There was not much mention of the Star Wars issue in this book which was a big plus for me. It is well worth the read, could probably be read as a stand alone book.

4 out of 5 stars

4 Stars - Pink

Step by step overview (spoilers)

0% – It’s from a different point of view than the first book, hopefully no star wars references this time. Looking forward to it.

10% – I am enjoying the story from Walt’s point of view. It is nice to find out about the way of life of the Fools. I am guessing we will soon find out what made him crossover the wall.

20% – Lots of secrets have been told. Where on earth did they get tobacco?

30% – I feel like I know where the story is going since I have read the first one but I am enjoying it. It has a lot more to offer than I thought it would.

40% – Slightly confused at the timeline, three years have passed and I did not even notice.

50% – Once inside the caves I am completely intrigued. I wonder who was there? Are we going to meet Henry soon? There are a lot of words that I doubt kids under ten would have known, so how do their descendents know them?

60% – Looks like we are finally getting to the part I know about. I really liked hearing about Walt’s past, lots to it.

70% – The same mistake that was made in the first book is made here to, it is like a sentence was missed out.

80% – I am enthralled by the story from the other side. It gives the story more depth. I keep looking out for bits I remember from the first book.

90% – I am pleased the stories were not overlapped. If something was mentioned in the first book and not necessary to mention in the second it wasn’t. Does not feel like I am reading the same story again.

100% – This story was much better than the first one for me. It was full of wonder and self-realisation. I am hoping she will write another one in the series. Possibly from Ben or Tony’s point of view.

Who would I recommend this book to?

Anyone who likes young adult, dystopian of light fantasy.

Until next time happy reading bookworms.

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Sunday Showcase: 20/10/13

21 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by in Showcase Sunday

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showcase sunday

This meme is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea.

It has been another very slow reading week at A world of books. Still going through a reading slump, and probably only going to get worse as my work hours double next week for a week or two. So let’s see what little I have read.

Reviewed

witchfall

Netgalley

teardrop

Bought

broken spell

eternal vows

blue africa

Hopefully this coming week I can read more than I buy or receive, (even the same amount would be good).

Happy reading bookworms.

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ARC Review: Witchfall

19 Saturday Oct 2013

Posted by in ARC and R4Rs, Historical fiction

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witchfall

Witchfall by Victoria Lamb

London, 1554. At the court of Mary Tudor, life is safe for no one. The jealous, embittered queen sees enemies all around her, and the infamous Spanish Inquisition holds the court in its merciless grip. But Meg Lytton has more reason to be afraid than most – for Meg is a witch, and exposure would mean certain death. Even more perilous, Meg is secretly betrothed to the young priest Alejandro de Castillo; a relationship which they must hide at all costs.

In the service of the queen’s sister, Princess Elizabeth, Meg tries to use her powers to foretell her mistress’s future. But when a spell goes terribly wrong, and Meg begins to have horrifying dreams, she fears she has released a dark spirit into the world, intent on harming her and those around her.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.

General Overview (no spoilers)

I thought this book was really good. It was (mostly) historically correct, full of magic, love, loyalty and betrayal. I love Meg, she is a great character, strong but admits her weaknesses, wants the best for her mistress even if it means losing her love. She wants what is best for everyone she loves.

4 out of 5 stars

Step by Step Overview (spoilers)

0% – This is the sequel to Witchstruck which I enjoyed greatly, only been a  month or two since I read the first one and I already cannot remember some of the small threads of plot. I have only heard/seen good things about this book, cannot wait to get started. The title suggests something bad will happen to Meg but we will see.

10% – I love the setting of this series, would have hated to live then though. Probably wouldn’t have been so bad if you were a commoner but all accounts make it seem terrible to be at court, so why does everyone want to be there? The writing style is nice and flows easily, the story has picked up straight where the first one left off.

20% – Is Mary going to give birth? I am pretty sure she does not in the little history I remember.

30% – Poor Blanche , never really liked her but she is loyal and no-one deserves that treatment. Now poor Meg, will she be able to wangle her way out of it? It’s horrible how people can be so cruel to each other. It sickens me.

40% – Evil spirits – looks like things are getting interesting and dark – I like. I have really taken to Meg, she is a brilliant character and Alejandro sounds like the perfect guy.

50% – Now in the countryside where Lady Elizabeth grew up. Some new characters have been introduced which is good. I like Alice who has been in it for a while. Is Marcus Dent back? What is the black form that Meg keeps seeing? Could it be the spirit of Anne Boleyn?

60% – King Henry VIII, I like hearing stories about him, even if at this point in history he is dead. Could the creature somehow be him and Marcus Dent together? Or just whoever the see-er fears most?

70%- Hopefully soon we will find out exactly what or who the dark spirit is and how to get rid of it.

80% – I am loving this part of the book, it is original and clever, very enthralling. Is Meg alive or dead?

90%  – Does that mean the dark spirit is gone? Are they still in danger? I now have no idea how this is going to end, although I know how I would like it to end – Queen Mary to die and Lady Elizabeth be crowned and Meg can move to Spain with Alejandro.

100% – A third love interest for Meg. I am glad it did not turn into the cliched love triangle, Meg only ever had eyes for one man. Nice end I would have liked a clearer confusion but that’s just me.

Who would I recommend it to?

Anyone who likes historical fiction or old fashioned witchcraft. Or just want something a little different.

Until next time, Happy reading bookworms.

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Top Ten Tuesday – Books I’ve been forced to read

14 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by in Tuesday's Top Ten

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This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s theme is books I have been forced to read. Since I cannot remember all the ones I had to read in school I will include some I said I would review or felt bad for saying no to.

1. the great gatsby

I hated this book, it is less than 200pages and it took me 6months read, just not my thing at all, went no-where with the story.

2. the opposite of chocolate

I think I had to choose a book for English and I chose this, it was actually quite good. 🙂

3. gracenotes

I do not think I finished this book, I would like to read it again as an adult and hopefully appreciate it more.

4. lord of the flies

It was quite good, cannot remember that much about it, apart from them fighting.

5. Cal

All I remember about this is that it is set in Ireland and there was some explicit sex scenes (for reading in school anyway).

6. the outsiders

I loved reading this book in school, it was what made me want to read more than just fantasy books, think I will look out a copy and read it again.

7. stone cold

This was quite chilling was I was in high school, had not read many thrillers then, it was also a very sad setting. Worth the read.

8. shade of vampire

The author emailed me asking if I would like to review it, I felt bad for saying no so I said yes and thoroughly enjoyed it. 🙂

9. Charming-by-Elliott

I have not yet finished this book, it was good to begin with then felt like I was in a lesson, unfortunately had to stop.

10. the mage's tomb

This is another I did not finish, I was enjoying it, but there was something lacking for me, will go back to it eventually.

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Showcase Sunday 13/10/13

13 Sunday Oct 2013

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showcase sunday

This meme is hosted by Books, biscuits and tea.

I have been a little lax in my reading lately, just finding it hard to find the time and when I do, I am not in the mood, terrible I know. But has this slowed my buying? Of course not. Here’s what went on this week.

Reviewed

lost and found

Received from Netgalley

forbidden territory talus and the frozen king pawnthe holders

the mas scientist's daughter the rising

Bought

whispers in autumn the keys of time

Hopefully I will manage to get more than one book read this coming week 🙂

Until next time, happy reading, bookworms.

Emma

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ARC Review: Lost and Found

06 Sunday Oct 2013

Posted by in ARC and R4Rs, young adult

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lost and found

Lost and found by Colleen Coble.

An old photo brings a shocking revelation and it s up to Emily and her best friend Olivia to solve the case!

Fourteen-year-old Emily O Reilly and her best friend Olivia Webster have a knack for solving mysteries. Emily has been busily training her new puppy Sherlock to be a Search and Rescue dog so that the two can lead search-and-rescue missions someday. So when Emily stumbles across an old photo of Olivia s adoption day a fact that has never been revealed to Olivia the two quickly decide to uncover the mysterious details surrounding Olivia s birth parents.

But the two bite off more than they can chew as they dig into learning more about Olivia s adoption without notifying her parents. And to make matters worse, Emily s mother Marika, a convicted felon recently released on parole, will stop at nothing to contact her daughter a fact that Emily is not happy about.

When her beloved stepmother Naomi disappears, Emily takes it upon herself to connect the dots and conduct her own snow-bound search-and-rescue mission with Sherlock. Will Emily ever find the secret behind Naomi s disappearance? And will Olivia ever learn the truth about her adopted parents?

General Overview

I received a copy of this book free from Netgally in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book, greatly. It was fun, enjoyable and full of drama. It was aimed at younger readers, which I refreshing and loved that there was not much of a romance aspect, but love for family and friends was showed throughout.  The only part I did not like was all the religion.

4 out of 5 stars

Step by step overview

0% – I have not read the first one in the Rock Harbor series, do not think I need to. Looks like a good mystery told from two young teenagers points of view, lots of secrets to uncover.

10% – Interesting so far, nice writing style, aimed at younger readers but a nice easy read for adults. Lots of drama and secrets to unfold, but not only the ones in the blurb. Emily and Olive’s friendship looks healthy and solid, nice to see in books for younger readers.

20% – Looks like a close net community, where people all band together . I like books that feature them, they give a safety feeling and when something goes wrong it’s even more gripping. I like how the author is dealing with adult issues, the 14year old protagonist hears  adults talking about them in front of her, but later she actually gets talked to like an adult. I like it because for younger readers they can just read on and not know they have missed anything, adults will understand though, it’s nothing integral to the plot.

30% – I think I know who started the fire, but only time will tell. There’s a wee bit too much praying and talking about God for me, but that’s a personal belief.

40% – Looks like I was wrong about who the jacket belonged to, but maybe it’s not over and they weren’t the one who started the fire.

50% – So a second person is missing, are they linked or is it a big coincidence? Personally I think they are not linked. I am enjoying the story, there is not a dull moment but it is not full to bursting with action either.

60% – True friendship, not letting the other one go alone even when you know it is wrong and possibly dangerous. At least one half of one mystery is solved, but just lead to more questions.

70% – I like how the author drops hints at several possibilities for each mystery, keeps you guessing the whole way through.

80% – Hopefully we are close to finding Naomi. She is a nice stepmother, glad there was a stereotype. This time it was the mother who was a nasty piece of work.

90% – I think Olivia is Grace, (if you read it you will understand what I mean). Hmm maybe not. Marika (Emily’s mother) is a horrible person who is only out for herself and doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process.

100% – Charlotte Travers, oh my what a witch, what she did was inexcusable. I did not expect that person to be behind the kidnapping of Naomi, but I suppose there was not anyone left. It was a really good story. I was wrong about somethings which I liked.

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