Review: Skeleton Key

Skeleton Key (Alex Rider 3) by Anthony Horowitz

Alex Rider has been through a lot for his fourteen years. He’s been shot at by international terrorists, chased down a mountainside on a makeshift snowboard, and has stood face-to-face with pure evil. Twice, young Alex has managed to save the world. And twice, he has almost been killed doing it. But now Alex faces something even more dangerous. The desperation of a man who has lost everything he cared for: his country and his only son. A man who just happens to have a nuclear weapon and a serious grudge against the free world. To see his beloved Russia once again be a dominant power, he will stop at nothing. Unless Alex can stop him first… Uniting forces with America’s own CIA for the first time, teen spy Alex Rider battles terror from the sun-baked beaches of Miami all the way to the barren ice fields of northernmost Russia. Come along for the thrilling ride of a lifetime.

The third book in the Alex Rider series, it lived up to expectations, it was full of action and adventure. It was good to see some adult spies that did not want him to do any spywork, that may sound mean, but come on, all the ones at MI6 seem to be okay with him risking his life and don’t really seem to care, apart from Mrs Jones, who I think is a brilliant character. I like it when she stands up to her boss, in defense of Alex. The story was good, it was like two stories in one. I know Alex says he does not want to be a spy, but he really does not show it, he keeps going back, and since there is 9 books, possibly more on the way, I am guessing he keeps on going.

The story was good, believable and shows how mature Alex is, he may be fourteen but he doesn’t act like it most of the time, although he has his moments. I like how he has a possible love interest, he does not seem to have any friends, which I am not too keen on, especially when he seems like a really nice person, smart and funny. I was a clever way that Alex “beat” the adult spies, it made sense, a little over the top but a great read. I am looking forward to the fourth book in the series.

Four out of Five stars

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Review: Poison

Poison by Bridget Zinn

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

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

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

Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she’s certainly no damsel-in-distress—she’s the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon.

I like the setting of this book, the potion making is really inventive and I always wanted to hear more when it was mentioned. I loved Rosie the Pig, I liked how she had a character but it was not weird, it was really cute. At first I was not a fan of the way the story was told, but after while I got used to it, I felt like the story started half way through, but then flashbacks started, so everything was explained. I really liked Fred, he was fun and very charming. He is the kind of guy you want on your side, he tries his best even if he is totally out of his comfort zone.

I really had no clue what was going to happen, the twists and turns kept me guessing. The ending was really good and I wish I could read more about the world. Hal, oh , Hal he is such a creep. What she ever saw in him, chasing down his ex girlfriend and not even trying to get an explanation, not what I think a decent guy would do.

Four out of five stars

I would recommend this to anyone to likes fantasy.

Arc Review: Swipe

Swipe by Kathy Reichs and Brendan Reichs

Tory Brennan and her great aunt Tempe join forces to investigate a crime at Comic-Con in this exclusive direct-to-digital short story from Kathy Reichs, author of Bones of the Lost and Virals.

A valuable Terminator replica disappears from the nerd nirvana of Comic-Con. Tory Brennan and her great aunt Tempe are on the scene, and join forces to investigate. Surely the Terminator can’t have just vanished into thin air?

When a ransom note appears, threatening the destruction of the model, Comic-Con staff start to accuse each other. The clues are soon mounting up – but can Tempe and the Virals find the thief before it’s too late?

I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had not read any Viral stories before, so I had no idea what to expect. I liked the story it was fun and as someone with a forensic science degree, it was interesting to see some used in a fun way. I was a little lost in the Viral part of the story. But it was such a small part of the story, it did not matter. I liked the characters, although at times I was confused between some of them. A Kit was mentioned and I do not know who they are. For only being 70pages, it packed a lot into the story, I liked how there was some tension between the characters, which added to the story, gave some depth to them. I would definitely read some of the other Viral books.

four out of five stars.

 

Review: The Selection

The Selection Kiera Cass

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

It took me a while to read this book, but oh my it was worth the wait! I only put it down to sleep and work, and started the second book straight away. I loved everything about this book. The setting was great and I liked the detail of the history about how the world ended up this way and how the Selection was started. I really do not like Aspen though, I just wish he was not there, I love Maxon and really want America to end with him, I know given the titles of the next two books that she probably will.
I think I may have worked out what is wrong with Marlee, let’s hope she does not get into too much trouble for it. I liked how the selection was not skipped over for sake of a quick story, every part was new and exciting. It was good to have some politics and some danger, just to mix things up and give the story some depth. I like how real America is, she does not think herself the most beautiful but neither does she think she is ugly, a nice happy medium which is probably closer to the truth for most people, even if they are not willing to admit it.
I am intrigued to find out what each set of rebels want. What the ones from the North are searching for, if they are actually searching for something.
I want Celeste out, I fear she is up to no good, she obviously wants to be Queen, but how far will she go to get it?
I know cannot wait any longer to read the second one, I think I have a book addiction 

5 out of 5 stars.

I would recommend it to anyone who loves YA and dystopian books.

Review: Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

General Review (No Spoilers)

I was a little unsure of this book before I started, it did look good so I went for it and I was so glad I did, it was amazing. The story flowed really well, was really enjoyable and had me wanting more. I really liked the characters and the storyline, I know I shouldn’t but I loved the Darkling. I cannot wait to read the second one.

5 stars out of 5

Step by Step Overview (Spoilers)

0% – Looks in depth and full of excitement, dark and ominous. It looks good.

10% – How do I describe what I am feeling right now? I don’t want to put the book down. I want to keep reading until I know everything about this land and about Alina and Mal.

20% – I am guessing she she eventually saves her lands from the evil sources. I am so entranced. The writing style is beautiful and the story is just as enchanting. I just wish there was some more explanation for some of the terms.

30% I think she will end up with the Darkling. The King seems ghastly. I like Genya I hope she is in it more.

40% – A library with doors carved to look like a book. I want so badly. Aww poor Genya.

50% – Where is Mal? Has he been writing but they don’t want any ties to her old life? What does the Apparat want? He is really creepy.

60% – Ooh I knew he liked her. The display at the ball sounds like it would be a sight to see.

70% – He hates that he likes a girl? I am not sure that I believe that the Darkling is evil.

90% – Is the Darkling going to be able to expand the Shadow Fold or is Alina going to destroy it, I am guessing expand since it is a trilogy.

100% – Wow what an ending. How is Alina going to get rid of the shadow fold? Looking forward to finding out.

 

ARC Review: Sharcano: DNF

Sharcano by Jose Prendes

A burnt and half-eaten megalodon shark corpse is found beached. A priest commits suicide. A previously unknown volcano rises from the China Sea and brings about a tsunami that destroys Shanghai. Yellowstone erupts after 640,000 years of silence. A pit in Nicaragua known as the “mouth of hell” begins violently spewing lava.

When Reporter Mick Cathcart and Marine Biologist Agnes Brach set out looking for answers, they never expected to stumble upon the biblical end times. Yet with sharks made of lava shooting from volcanoes to devour anyone in their way, how could anyone deny it?

With the help of a beleaguered priest and a billionaire industrialist, Mick and Agnes scramble to shutter the volcanoes and put down the lava sharks before the whole world burns to a cinder.

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

I like films like this, ones that take a normal event like a volcano erupting and make it quite unbelievable, like lava sharks coming out of it, I thought I might like to read it to, I did not. The writing style was not to my taste and there was swearing where I personally felt it was not needed. The idea was a little far fetched, I thought it was going to be a comedy, but it was very serious and not what I expected. I did not think it was bad, just not for me, I could not finish it. I thought some of the storylines were unpredictable, which is a good thing and I did find myself wanting to know what happened in the end, but it was too tough going for me.

It was original and thought provoking, and if the writing had been more suited to me I am sure I would have carried on. I do hope it does well, it is unlike anything else I have ever read.

I would suggest this to fans of crime and far fetched books.

Author and Book Facts you did not know: Maria V Snyder

Maria V Snyder took glass blowing lessons for her Glass series. She learned how to blow different shapes and all the processes so she could accurately describe them for her books. I think it’s great when authors go to such lengths to make sure the details are correct.

Review: Touch of Frost

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy; a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody’s head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest. But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I’m determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why; especially since I should have been the one who died..

I enjoyed this, it took a little while to get into it. I found some of the writing a little annoying, sometimes the main character would find something and not know who it belongs to then describe it as his or hers, may have been an error, but happened a few too many times, and it was really annoying. Other than that the story was really good, it had lots of myths and legends in it. The characters were good, the plot was enjoyable, if not a little predictable. I worked out what would happen just before half way through. Gwen was an interesting character who learned as we did, she was new to the school, and did not believe most of what she was taught. The story progressed well, I loved some of the other characters, I liked how Gwen made friends and her Gran is probably my favourite character. I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

Four Stars out of five

I would recommend this to YA fans

Seeing Double: Covers

So I saw a book cover today and it took me a wee while realise why I recognised it, but have never heard of the book before, the book I saw was:

The reason I recognised it was, I read First Impression recently, it’s the same girl and boy in the cover, with the image flipped, and a few things added for Broken.

I wouldn’t mind so much if a picture of a flower or bird or something had been used in both, but a picture of people, it’s just lazy, in my view anyway. I am not sure which one was made first, but by the looks of it, it was was probably First Impression. This has put me off ever wanting to read Broken. Not sure why but it has really annoyed me.

What do you think about this. I look forward to seeing what you have to say.

Emma

Author and Book Facys you did not Know: Dick Francis

One of the Queen Mother’s favourite bedtime reads were books by Dick Francis.

All those stories about horse racing must have appealed to the late Queen Mother.

This fact was one from the Daily Express, although I have put it in my own words.