How do you choose your summer holiday reads?

I am going on holiday in less than a week. I’ve already decided that I am taking three paperbacks and my kindle. I just cannot decide which paperbacks to read. It’s becoming a lot bigger decision than I would like it. How do you decide which ones to take?

Here’s what I’ve narrowed it down to.

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Review: Changeling (Sorcery and Society #1)

If 14-year-old Cassandra Reed makes it through her first day at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies without anyone discovering her secret, maybe, just maybe, she’ll let herself believe that she really does belong at Miss Castwell’s.

Except Cassandra Reed’s real name is Sarah Smith and up until now, she lived her whole life in the Warren, serving a magical family, the Winters, as all non-magical “Snipes” are bound by magical Guardian law to do. That is, until one day, Sarah accidentally levitates Mrs. Winter’s favorite vase in the parlor…

But Snipes aren’t supposed to have magical powers…and the existence of a magical Snipe threatens the world order dictated during the Guardians’ Restoration years ago. If she wants to keep her family safe and protect her own skin, Sarah must figure out how to fit into posh Guardian society, master her newfound magical powers and discover the truth about how an ordinary girl can become magical.

Review

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

Let’s start by saying I loved this book. It was magical all the way through. I read it in two days. For me that’s quick when I am working.

It started off really good, the setting was wonderful. I like how it progressed. You learned about the magic system as Sarah (Cassandra) did. The school sounded wonderful, I would have liked more lessons,  I think we saw one and that’s it. Maybe in the next book. There was also a few inconstistancies, but since I was reading a (well over due) netgalley review book I am not letting this affect my review.

The characters were good, the insta friendships bothered me a little but the rest of the book was enough to make up for it. The mother book was a very interesting concept. I do wish there was a few more things explained about it. Don’t want to say what in case I spoil anything.

The whole age thing bothered me slightly now when we were first introduced to Owen I thought he was 19 upwards which would make sense how Mary has been pining over him for years. But it turns out he was 14 and Mary is what 16? A little creepy but I just went with it.

All the things I found wrong were slight and didn’t really spoil me reading. I have already started book two, very much looking forward to seeing where it leads.

4.5 stars out of 5

Inspiration: How much is too much?

I recently read a book where a very small detail was clearly stolen from Harry Potter. The detail was Wizards Chess. I got very annoyed, there was no variation at all and it was even called Wizards Chess. I know authors get inspiration from other authors, but how much is too much? Do you think I was wrong for knocking the book down a star for this?

Do you think using this small detail counts as plagerism or inspiration? Have you encoutered any books that your felt were a little too familiar in parts?

ARC Review: Wizards Rising: The Cataclysm

Just as today’s world is on the brink of all-out nuclear war, wizards appear out of nowhere, seizing control of every continent. They install themselves as benevolent tyrants, vowing utopia for all.

The four wizards—Indie, Demus, Regi, and Justica—seat themselves as divine rulers of North America. Amanda Fullteron, who is chosen as Supreme Liaison from a shell-shocked human race, must seek the wizards’ secret and soon, bring about their downfall. But as she races against time, the wizards are ready to unleash the Prophecy, a 1,000-year oracle that promises them eternal glory.

I recieved a free copy of this book via booksirens in exchange for an honest review.

Okay so the premise of this book had lots of promise. The first 10% or so was great, it was set up nicely, but after that things tanked. There was far too much polictics for me, a lot of it was boring and didn’t seem revelant to go into that much detail. For a book about wizards and magic there was not enough magic in it for me.

Until the end I didn’t feel that the wizards had much distiction in personality but that may have been on purpose until Amanda got to know them better. It still made reading the beginning feel a little flat. Even when they had personality it was only really for their alligiance not much else.

I found it hard to keep going with this book. Once I put it down I really found it hard to pick it up again. If it hadn’t been a review book I would still be reading it.

The last 15% things really picked up and I enjoyed reading it. It didn’t go where I thought it was going to. It was a pretty bland ending, it could have been much more inventive and more exciting.

For a book that spanned over three years, not much happened, there was lots of interviews and discussions but not much action.

My biggest annoyance was Wizard chess, not only did the author steal the idea he didn’t even change the name. That’s just lazy! I was goign to give the book 3 stars before that crime. Doing something similar is a great idea, even if it’s only slightly altered. But the only difference here were the characters playing the game.

I did enjoy parts but after writing this review I realised how much annoyed me or left me bored.

2 out of 5 stars

Review: Diary of a Witch

Do all witches like to scare children, eat toad eyes and ride their brooms when the moon is full? Certainly not all! Peek under the pages of this personal diary and discover the secret thoughts of a witch who dreams of a little change in her life: to dare to wear pink, buy a swimsuit and go on vacation, and maybe just once be part of a fairy tale that ends well!

“Dear Diary,
I’m writing to tell you I’m weary.
I’ve been a wicked witch for too many years,
and it’s making me teary.”

Sprinkled with references to classic fairy tales, the Dear Diary series offers privileged access to the secret aspirations of mythical and often not-so-nice characters. Short rhythmic texts reveal the private and very funny musings of an ogre, a monster, a witch and a fairy.

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

This book was sweet. The pictures were funny and well detailed. I can imagine kids loving it. The rhyming was good. It made me, a full grown adult smile, which is always good especially with such a simple book. I will most likely buy this book for me friends kid at christmas.

4 out of 5 stars

Books on my TBR

I have been featuring books on my TBR about every month, just reminds me of some books I have or shows new ones I have bought.

Paperback/Hardback

From celebrated YA author Den Patrick comes WITCHSIGN, the first novel in a fresh and exciting new fantasy trilogy It has been seventy-five years since the dragons’ rule of fire and arcane magic over Vinkerveld was ended, and the Empire was born. Since, the tyrannical Synod has worked hard to banish all manifestations of the arcane across the lands. However, children are still born bearing the taint of the arcane, known to all as witchsign. So each year the Emperor sends out his Vigilants across the continent to detect the arcane in these children. Those found tainted are taken, and never seen again. Steiner has always suspected his sister Kjellrunn of bearing witchsign. But when their father’s attempt to protect her from the Invigilation backfires, it is Steiner who is mistakenly taken. However it is not death which awaits Steiner, but an Academy where the children with witchsign learn to master their powers – some at the cost of their lives. Steiner is determined to escape the Academy and protect his sister from this fate.
But powerful enemies await him at every turn, and Steiner finds himself taken on a journey straight into the heart of the Empire’s deepest secrets, which will force him to reconsider everything he has known about witchsign.

A fresh and addictive fantasy-romance set in modern-day Seoul.

Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret–she’s a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Because so few believe in the old tales anymore, and with so many evil men no one will miss, the modern city of Seoul is the perfect place to hide and hunt.

But after feeding one full moon, Miyoung crosses paths with Jihoon, a human boy, being attacked by a goblin deep in the forest. Against her better judgment, she violates the rules of survival to rescue the boy, losing her fox bead–her gumiho soul–in the process.

Jihoon knows Miyoung is more than just a beautiful girl–he saw her nine tails the night she saved his life. His grandmother used to tell him stories of the gumiho, of their power and the danger they pose to humans. He’s drawn to her anyway.

With murderous forces lurking in the background, Miyoung and Jihoon develop a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something more. But when a young shaman tries to reunite Miyoung with her bead, the consequences are disastrous . . . forcing Miyoung to choose between her immortal life and Jihoon’s.

People lived because she killed.
People died because he lived.

Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the king. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways.

Both are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be.

War is brewing, and the Arz sweeps closer with each passing day, engulfing the land in shadow. When Zafira embarks on a quest to uncover a lost artifact that can restore magic to her suffering world and stop the Arz, Nasir is sent by the king on a similar mission: retrieve the artifact and kill the Hunter. But an ancient evil stirs as their journey unfolds—and the prize they seek may pose a threat greater than either can imagine.

Set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Arabia, We Hunt the Flame is a gripping debut of discovery, conquering fear, and taking identity into your own hands.

Against all odds she survived . . .

Eve is no ordinary sixteen-year-old.

She lives alone in the Tower under the strict gaze of the Mothers, because she is the last girl on Earth.

Now it’s time for Eve to face her destiny.

Three males have been selected and the future of humanity lies in her hands.

She always accepted her fate.

Until she meets Bram.

Eve wants control over her life.

She wants freedom.

But how do you choose between love and the future of the human race?

Tell the truth. Or face the consequences.

Clue meets Riverdale in this page-turning thriller that exposes the lies five teens tell about a deadly night one year ago.

One year ago, there was a party.
At the party, someone died.
Five teens each played a part and up until now, no one has told the truth.

But tonight, the five survivors arrive at an isolated mansion in the hills, expecting to compete in a contest with a $50,000 grand prize. Of course…some things are too good to be true. They were each so desperate for the prize, they didn’t question the odd, rather exclusive invitation until it was too late.

Now, they realize they’ve been lured together by a person bent on revenge, a person who will stop at nothing to uncover what actually happened on that deadly night, one year ago.

Five arrived, but not all can leave. Will the truth set them free?
Or will their lies destroy them all?

Kindle

Welcome to Beautiful Beasts Academy, where the only thing more dangerous than the haunted grounds are the students themselves.

Life as the daughter of the city’s most prominent Vampire was tough enough.

Bodyguards with fangs.

Paparazzi everywhere I turn.

Dates with an overbearing Demon.

I hated it all. So when the opportunity to attend Academy reared its head, I jumped at the chance.

I could hide there, blend in with all the other beautiful beasts and try to ignore my bodyguard.

I wanted normal

I craved boring.

But fate has a shitty sense of humor, way worse than mine.

So when I find a body in the middle of my bedroom on my first night there…I’m not threatened not with death…something worse.

Getting expelled.

And to prove my innocence I have to find the real killer in a school full of monsters.

Welcome to the Nightworld Academy, attended by vampires, shifters, and witches. A place filled with harmony and mutual respect between the supernatural races. Sometimes. 

I’m told my curse is a gift. A valuable one that could cost me my life.

My lifelong visions of the future are weird, but my new academy is weirder. All lessons take place in the evening, and the majority of students are on an advanced program where they take extra classes late into the night.

My parents enrolled me here after I was expelled from school for one misdemeanour too many. I expected to meet other troubled teens, but the pupils here are predictable for an English boarding school. There’s Ash, the rugby team captain and the academy’s most popular guy. Then there’s Andrei, the moody guy with a bad attitude who takes pleasure in annoying me. And Jamie who’s studious and friendly but intense.

I thought I had the academy figured out: the mean girl, the quirky friend, the nerd, the emo, and the jock. But on the evening I swear allegiance to my new school house things spin out of control. I realise I’m dealing with more.

Much more.

One of us will die, and I know who.

Term One is the first in this new upper YA/NA series of magic academy books. The main characters are eighteen and older, and this is a slow burn RH. As the series is set at a school in England, the books are written in British English.

Of course, magic is real. Everybody knows that.

Since it came out on the news that Supernaturals exist, I’ve heard they can do spells, shapeshift, live forever, you name it. Wonderful, right?

Whatever.

In my world—where I’m homeless and spend my time avoiding rats and meth heads—magic sounds like major BS.

But, when I’m accused of stealing and they’re about to arrest me, the item I took disappears from my hand as if by magic. WTF?

Just like that, the Supernatural Academy swoops in and recruits me. But I don’t belong there, and everyone else agrees, including, Rowan Underwood, this rich and annoyingly handsome warlock who has it in for me. He’s investigating the theft of magical artifacts, and he thinks I’m involved.

Seriously? I just got here.

But I can’t worry about that, not while dead kings try to drain my essence or a spell from these angry pixie minotaurs sends my hair follicles into overdrive until I look like Cousin It.

Yet, I can’t avoid Rowan, and while I learn enough magic to stay alive, I also need to keep myself from falling for a guy who’s clearly my worst decision ever.

You’ll love this magical academy book because everyone wants a chance to become who they are truly meant to be. 

Welcome to the World Below, where the keepers command the sky, but the commander of the keepers controls the empire…

For centuries, the four kingdoms of the Caspian empire have remained safe and hidden below the ocean, protected from the Surface World—and from that ocean that separates them—by a great barrier maintained by magic.

Aven Talavir has spent her entire life learning to be a keeper of that barrier, channeling her powers into maintaining and healing it.

But now an impossibly sinister force seeks to shatter it.

To stop the looming flood of destruction, Aven picks up her knives and sets off on a quest to find an ancient power that may be able to permanently heal the makeshift sky. Reaching it will mean fighting her way through dangerous politics and deadly magic, all while finding love and friendship in unexpected places—

Only to realize that the greatest treachery may not lie in the breaking sky, but in the very hearts of the people around her.

The perfect next read for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Tamora Pierce, and Megan Whalen Turner. If you enjoy strong female leads, swoon-worthy romance, feisty mythical creatures, and unique magic systems, then scroll up and grab the first book of this trilogy today!

In A THRONE FOR SISTERS (Book one), Sophia, 17, and her younger sister Kate, 15, are desperate to leave their horrific orphanage. Orphans, unwanted and unloved, they nonetheless dream of coming of age elsewhere, of finding a better life, even if that means living on the streets of the brutal city of Ashton.

Sophia and Kate, also best friends, have each other’s backs—and yet they want different things from life. Sophia, a romantic, more elegant, dreams of entering court and finding a noble to fall in love with. Kate, a fighter, dreams of mastering the sword, of battling dragons, and becoming a warrior. They are both united, though, by their secret, paranormal power to read other’s minds, their only saving grace in a world that seems bent to destroy them.

As they each embark on a quest and adventure their own ways, they struggle to survive. Faced with choices neither can imagine, their choices may propel them to the highest power—or plunge them to the lowest depths.

Netgalley

Murder.

Fire.

Revenge.

That’s all seventeen-year-old Alice Monroe thinks about. Committed to a mental ward at Savage Isle, Alice is haunted by memories of the fire that killed her boyfriend, Jason. A blaze her twin sister Cellie set. But when Chase, a mysterious, charismatic patient, agrees to help her seek vengeance, Alice begins to rethink everything. Writing out the story of her troubled past in a journal, she must confront hidden truths.

Is the one person she trusts only telling her half the story? Nothing is as it seems in this edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller from the debut author Emiko Jean.

This middle-grade historical novel follows three young girls living very different lives who are connected by one bottle that makes two journeys across the ocean.

It’s 1854 and eleven-year-old Bones is a slave on a Virginia plantation. When she finds her name in the slave-record book, she rips it out, rolls it up, and sets it free, corked inside a bottle alongside the carved peach pit heart her long-lost father made for her. Across the Atlantic on the Isle of Wight, motherless Lady Bess Kent and her sister discover Bones’s bottle half-buried on the beach. Leaving Bones’s name where it began and keeping the peach pit heart for herself, Bess hides her mother’s pearl-encrusted cross necklace in the bottles so her scheming stepmother, Elsie, can’t sell it off like she’s done with other family heirlooms. When Harry, a local stonemason’s son, takes the fall for Elsie’s thefts, Bess works with her seafaring friend, Chap, to help him escape. She gives the bottle to Harry and tells him to sell the cross. Back across the Atlantic in Boston, Mary Margaret Casey and her father are at the docks when Mary Margaret spies something shiny. Her father fishes it out of the water, and they use the cross to pay for a much needed doctor’s visit for Mary Margaret’s ailing sister. As Bess did, Mary Margaret leaves Bones’s name where it belongs. An epilogue returns briefly to each girl, completing the circle of the three unexpectedly interconnected lives.

Everyone is dying to live in the Shadows of the Forest.
They gave me three rules to follow in exchange for my brother’s life:
1. Do not enter the West Wing;
2. Do not go outside after darkness falls; and
3. There is only one exit; The Gates.

This is what happened when I broke them…

Lies. Magic. War. Welcome to Abby’s world.

Beneath the frozen wasteland of the United States lives apocalypse survivor Aberdeen Dareday, whose life gets turned upside down when she mysteriously wakes up with black veins bulging under her skin. Forced to flee humanity’s last refuge because of her black blood, and the corpses left in its magical wake, Abby emerges to find an entirely different world. A world caught in a supernatural war, where darkness reigns, and the savage creatures from her books are all too real.

After Ash, a resilient young man who shares her newfound abilities, rescues Abby from certain death at the hands of human scientists, he takes her on a perilous journey to unlock their magical powers. Hunted by vampires, werebeasts, and scientists, Abby must discover what is so special about her black blood if she’s to defeat her enemies who will stop at nothing to possess it.

If you love vampires, shifters, and magic, then don’t miss this spellbinding mutation unlike anything you’ve ever read, weaving paranormal fantasy in a post-apocalyptic world. A pulse-pounding adventure, Black Blood will keep you on the edge of your seat the deeper you go into Abby’s dark and magical tale.

In a time of darkness, unlikely heroes will rise.

The once peaceful kingdom of Torvald has been ravaged by evil magic, forcing Riders to forget their dragons and their noble beasts to flee to the wilds. Now, anyone who dares to speak of dragons is deemed insane and put to death.

Into this dark and twisted land, Saffron was born sixteen years ago. Cursed with dragon affinity and magical powers, she has been forced into a life of exile and raised by dragons—secretly dreaming of a normal life and the family she lost. But as her powers become more uncontrollable, Saffron knows she must find her family before she hurts herself—or worse, her dragon clan.

Scholarly and reclusive, Bower prefers to spend his days reading about the legends of the Dragon Riders—even if being caught means death. But as the son of a noble house on the brink of destruction, it falls to him to fulfill a mysterious prophecy and save his kingdom from the rule of the evil King Enric—yet all he wants is to be left alone to read. When fate brings him into contact with Saffron, Bower gains a powerful ally—but one whose wild, volatile magic threatens their very lives.

Their friendship might just have the power to change the course of history, but when the Dark Mage King Enric makes Saffron a tempting offer, their alliance will be shaken to its core.

 

Have you read any of these? What did you think?

Author Interview: Christian Sterling

I recently read Into the Wildbarrens (Gems of Elsana #1) and thought it was really good. I have already written a review but I like to give books I enjoy as much coverage as I can. Especially self published authors. I also like reading what inspires them and finding out little details about their writing.

For me this is one of the prettiest and elegant covers I have seen for a while.

So without further ado, Introducing Christian Sterling.

1. What inspired you to start writing?
I used to be a musician, but realized I could only say so much while writing music. Over time I realized I could say almost everything I wanted if I took it to writing books.

2. Which authors inspire you the most?
Tolkien, JK Rowling, John Steinbeck

3. Which of your characters is your favourite?
From Gems of Elsana, likely Jimbuah since I can work outside the realm of logic when writing his scenes.

4. Do you listen to music whilst writing? If you so what kind?
Not while writing, but for inspiration. I have songs of all genres, whether rock, pop, hip-hop, country, etc., that get me thinking about interesting things that could happen in whatever universe I’m working on.

5. If you could own any mythical/ fantastical creature as a pet which would it be?
Probably a dragon; it doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

6. What book is on your bedside table?
“The British are Coming” by Rick Atkinson. It’s a historical piece detailing the American Revolution.

7. Do you know how a book/series is going to end before starting to write?
Yes, always. I know every ending of every series and how it will all tie together. I can’t write if I don’t know what will be happening at the end.

8. Which of your characters do you think you are most like?
I think most of my characters have traits of myself hidden in them somewhere. For Gems of Elsana, I’m probably most like Falin, as I am telling the story through his eyes. But then there are the spastic Jimbuah moments that I can tell you are shades of Christian Sterling peeking through.

9. Do you ever delete large chunks of your book and just start them again?
Not often, but it happens on occasion in editing. I spend months planning the book in my head, so by the time it hits the paper I’m pretty confident about it. There might be an instant where my editor says “this really doesn’t work because xyz” and I’ll go back and rework it.

10. Do you like to hear from your readers?
Of course, there’s not much better than hearing people enjoying your artistic endeavours. When you write, it’s a little bit of your soul, and when people accept that, it feels great!

11. How much of book two of the Gems of Elsana have you written?
I’m in the home stretch, something like 3 chapters left.
12. If Into the Wildbarrens was made into a film, who would play Falin?
This is a tough one… maybe Logan Lerman? He sort of fits the bill for what’s in my mind’s eye.

I had to look up who this actor was. Here’s a picture in case you don’t know either.

13. If you had the power to make one of your characters real, who would it be?
Jimbuah. We’d pal around together and get into all sorts of trouble.

14. How many books do you have planned in the The Gems of Elsana series?
For Gems of Elsana, 3. For the Elsana universe 9 (but give me a minute to write them).

Looking forward to reading the next one.

15. What is the hardest part of writing a book for you?
Finding enough time. With everything else in life, and being self-published where I have to worry about my own marketing and distribution, writing can often take a back seat,

16. Have you ever lost track of time and missed a meal or written late into the night?
For sure. There have been nights editing a first draft where I suddenly hear birds chirping, realizing I’d spent all night awake.

17. What was the first book you read?
It’s hard to say since I was so little. Maybe the Very Hungry Caterpillar?

18. If you could have any author (alive or dead) read your books, who would it be?
Maybe Tolkien to show him how much his works inspired me? I’d be heartbroken if he didn’t like them though haha!

19. Do you have a special place you like to write?
I have a little home office where I can really lock in and be alone, but I also like the kitchen table because I have a nice view of the backyard.

20. Who is the first person you let read your books before sending to publishers?
My family members are the first readers before the major edit. I don’t send my books to publishers, never have. I’m happy as a self-published author where it can all be under my creative control.

Into the Wildbarrens Synopsis (from goodreads)

We know him well. Ever-flowing wisdom. Concealed power. A white beard and a proclivity for mentoring chosen ones. In so many stories, we find ourselves enamored with a kindly wizard guiding our protagonist, curious to his roots, source of power, and hidden knowledge. This is that wizard’s story.

Falin is only twenty years of age, and with nine-hundred eighty years left to explore the world, he is eager to begin his quest for the Gems of Elsana. As one of ten wizard’s acting as peacekeepers to their land, Falin must first embark on a journey to gather the Gems, four jewels that provide wizards with their full power. Once a century, a wizard sets out on their quest, accompanied by four Champions from each kingdom within the The Crown of Elsana. Falin considers himself lucky, joined by a sage healer, elven assassin, drakkish warrior, and madorian prince. All seems well until the elder wizards reveal they expect Falin’s quest will take them into the Wildbarrens, a desolate and horrid land teeming with creatures of the Dark. Given the circumstances—and to the chagrin of Falin’s honorable Champions—the group is accompanied by an unscrupulous pair of outlaws claimed to have traveled through the Wildbarrens. In their expedition, they come across friends and foes, countless landscapes, all while uncovering a sinister plot threatening the balance of Elsana.

In this feel-good fiction, we are cast into a world brimming with our favorite elements of fantasy with new twists unlike anything we’ve read before. Within The Gems of Elsana: Into the Wildbarrens, Christian Sterling has cultivated the start of a series with unparalleled charm, action, humor, romance, and thrills. All ages will be sure to enjoy this story from its first magical pages, to its last.

Want to buy this book for yourself? Amazon.

Happy Reading,

Emma

Same book, different name, different cover #1

I just started this book last night and I thought I’d take a look on goodreads since I am quite enjoying. I found that not only has the cover been changed over the years, (quite common) that so has the name which I find odd. And not once but twice. I know a title of a book can entice people or pur people off but for me anyway not so much to need to change the name.

What do you think of authors changing the title of a book after it has been published?

Here’s the three covers of my current book that inspired this post and hopefully many more like it.

All very different covers, all good names. All covers that would have inticed me to the book if I had seen it at the time of publishing.

Which one is your favourite? Would any of them put you off reading the book?

 

Reading around the world

You may have seen before I do a segment called reading around the world. When I read a book I note where it is set if it’s not a fantasy land. Then when I have between 10 and 15 books I post stating the books and country. I have split the USA into states which is taking me a while I would have managed to do one if I hadn’t. But it is such a large country I thought it was necessary. The only country so far I have completed is England, (I split the UK into it’s four countries too). I have only more book to read then I will have England completed for a second time.

There are a few states I haven’t read any books for yet. These are as follows. Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticuit, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illanois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennesse, Utah, Vermont and Wisconsin.

The only other countries I have read books from apart from the USA and the UK are Australia, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Iceland, Morocco, Czech republic, Germany, Egypt, New Zealand, Jamaica, India and Nicaragua.

Do you like knowing where books are set and trying to find ones of where your from and also new and exciting places?

Review: One White Rose- DNF

A beast that can’t change. A girl fighting to stay human.

CAMILLE DREES is determined to find her biological mother’s killer and put her genetic past behind her. Not easy to do under the radar when you’re the new girl in school and the only albino. After falling victim to a prank, she is forced to be friends with the same girls who tricked her, while at the same time finds herself placed under the wing of a mysterious and elite organization.

Frenemies are one thing, but bizarre visions and the attention of a hot stranger another. When she realizes her new friends and murdered mother were all involved with the same organization now grooming them for some future destiny, she can’t lose the opportunity to gain information.

With the help of another classmate who shares her quest for the truth, they discover a world where angels and mermaids aren’t myths and evil exists. Now another life beckons to her, so it’s a race to find the killer before she’s the next victim or worse—becomes a monster herself.

Review

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

First off, I love the cover and I have been looking forward to reading this book.

But, I was sorely disappointed. Note, I stopped reading at 25%. I decided to give up and not force myself to read a book I was really not enjoying and focusing on books I will enjoy.

So I know I was only a quarter the way in, but I got nothing resembling a beauty and the beast retelling. It was a about a girl who went to a new school under confusing circumstances, I got a little lost in her family tree and her guardians. I know why she chose that school to go to but she hadn’t told her aunt, so why would her aunt up root her life and move there? It just didn’t make sense, as didn’t a lot of the book.

The books starts with a prank getting played on Camille (the main MC), it was not well done. Her thoughts throughout and her actions made no sense. The Principal’s reaction was just odd.

The meeting with the counciler almost made me stop reading there and then. It was just so unrealistic! I was thinking this book was going to take a dark turn and he was going to be a paedophile.

Then the makeover really annoyed me, if this book is targeted at young girls, it’s telling them that being themselves is not enough, you have to try and fit in and wear make up. The the girls, kind of melded into one. I really felt none of them had any personality.

I never found out much about the secret society but the rules were just ricdiculous, and this was the last straw for me. I will not actively seek more by this author.

I am giving it two stars rather than one just the writing was good, but it was let down by the story.

2 out of 5 stars