A review for Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games #2)

Posted by Jessica

Published Date: September 1, 2009
Finished Date: 31st March, 2011
The Blurb: Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol.


The Review: I’m actually speechless! *sputters*

You know how the sequels are never as good as the originals? Yeah well forget that! Because Catching Fire was AMAZING! I’m still in complete awe about it.

We re-visit Katniss 9 months after The Hunger Games took place, her and Peeta are now filthy stinking rich and are living in the Victors Village with their Mentor Haymitch (separate houses of course). It’s time for Peeta and Katniss to take the Victory Tour through all the Districts of Panem ending with The Capitol and then returning to District 12. Her best friend Gale has been a little icy with her since she returned 9 months ago after he witness her Peeta’s ‘star crossed lovers’ role that they took on. Peeta is also a little distant. So Victory Tour goes to plan. Sort of. Once the Victory Tour is over and Katniss and Peeta have returned to District 12, President Snow announces that there is to be the Quarter Quell (a smaller version of The Hunger Games) this takes place every 25 years. Yup you guessed it, all previous victors from previous Hunger Games are to take part. Which leads Katniss and Peeta heading back into The Capitol and back into the arena.

I actually enjoyed this one more than The Hunger Games. It was so full of suspense and I was on the edge of my seat! I could not put it down. The only time I found myself putting the book down was to sleep, and even in my sleep I was dreaming about it, and waking up I was thinking about it! I’d be staring at the book that stays on my desk at work. Just staring at it ALLL day! Yup Catching Fire is awesome, and I don’t have much more to say about it except, that it was great reading about Katniss and Peeta again. It was so well written that you are literally on the edge of your seat, biting what’s left of your finger nails. There isn’t a single flaw in plot, not a single dull moment. New characters arrive; like Finnick. Ah Finnick he’s a fine piece of man hunk! The way Suzanne Collins describes him makes me think of a Greek God. *sigh*. Anyway, major cliff hanger at the end, which is annoying BUT at least I don’t have to wait to read Mockingjay, heh that’s right, ITS IN MY BAG RIGHT NOW! Waiting to be cracked open, so I can read more and more, and fall even more madly in love with The Hunger Games, Peeta Mellark, Finnick Odair and Katniss Everdeen.

Thank you, thank you Suzanne Collins; you’re a serious piece of awesomeness! 

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Posted by Donna

Published Date: September 1st, 2010

Finished Date: June 12th, 2011

Format: Kindle

Pages: 391

The Blurb from Goodreads: Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol.

The Review: Wow! After finishing this a few days ago this is definitely one of my favourite series. The Hunger Games was a phenomenal book and Catching Fire was a close second.

Catching Fire starts 8 months after the events in The Hunger Games. Katniss and Peeta both survived the games and were both named winners although to the distaste of the game makers. Knowing that her actions in the games will not go unnoticed Katniss tries to start an uprising on the Capitol only to find out that she and Peeta will have to enter the games AGAIN! Will they survive this time around? And who will there be competition?

I loved this book! I nearly enjoyed it as much as the first one but I found the start a little slow. It was definitely a more mellow feel to it, however when hell breaks loose in some of the other districts you’re thrown right back into the action of the story.

Even though I knew before I started this book that Katniss and Peeta were going to return to the games, I never expected to feel the emotions that I did when Katniss found out. She’s always been so strong but for that one moment we see her scared and weak and I loved that we finally got to see a different side of her. Her relationship between Peeta and Gale doesn’t really improve during this book, although we do have a little hope during that games that she will end up with Peeta. With them both back in a deadly situation, you can see how much they care about one another whether in deny or not and I love how they can both lean on another for support.

I also loved that a few new faces were introduced and what I found more exciting was that these people were past winners of the games. It was interesting to meet them and found out how some of them won but I especially liked that we found out Haymitch’s story.  Haymitch has always been abit of a closed book with all his drinking and he likes to shut everything out but we finally see him different towards the end of the book. I for one am interested to see how he plays out.

At times I found the book quiet hard to read, not because the story was bad but because of what the Capitol do to people. They are truly monsters and the death and destruction they leave in their wake just to prove a point is completely horrifying.  Cinna! Poor Cinna! I honestly didn’t see the need for that.

Overall, this was a great sequel, one that has a MASSIVE cliff-hanger…I’m so glad I had the next book ready and waiting for me otherwise I honestly don’t know what I would have done. 

What is this? 20 questions? No it's actually just 3! (#2)

Hey Everyone, 

Here is our weekly Question and Answers. We are going to do the same questions this week so hope you enjoy them. 

Jessica's Q & A's 

1) Tell us what you got up to the weekend?

1)I helped my brother buy clothes. A friend and I went dancing for a bit (music wasn't great). I finished The Hunger Games book and started on Catching Fire.

2) If you could live in one country for the rest of your life, what would it be? and why?

Hmm touch one. Lots of countries. Australia has always been my most desired place to visit, so I'd probably live there. Mostly because the men are hot and have amazing accents lol

3) What's your favourite type of food? 

I do love me a good Chicken Tikka Masala! Om nom nom!

Donna's Q & A's

1) Tell us what you got up to the weekend?

I didn't really do much this weekend other than have my hair cut and coloured at the hairdressers. A little treat for Mother's Day. Oh, and then I popped to a bit of shopping on Sunday morning. 

2) If you could live in one country for the rest of your life, what would it be? and why?

Even though I've never been, there is something about America that fascinates me. So I'd say America. It doesn't matter where as long as it was America! Lol

3) What's your favourite type of food?

Italian! Yum, Yum! I actually used to be an assistant manager in an Italian restaurant and from then, I just love it. I could eat pizza and pasta ALL DAY LONG!! 

Okay guys, that all for this week but don't forget if there is anything you would like to know about us then please leave us a comment and we will answer in next weeks Q & A's 

Enjoy!

A review for The Body Finder by Kimberley Derting

Posted by Donna

Published Date: March 16th, 2010
Finished Date: March 28th, 2011
The Blurb: Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies - or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world...and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift, but now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer - and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling in love, Violet is getting closer to discovering a killer...and becoming his prey herself.

The Review: I'll admit I wasn't to sure about this book to start with, I'd heard quiet a review mixed reviews but in the end I thought I would give it ago myself, and I'm glad I did as I did end up enjoying it. 
The Body Finder is the first book in a new series by author Kimberly Derting and by writing a story about predator and prey, I believe she wrote this book beautifully. 


Violet Ambrose has a gift to finding the dead, human and animals. She was just eight years old when she found the first body and then for many years after that she's found many animals. That, is until there is a murder on the loose in her hometown and death seems to keep finding Violet everywhere. As she is the only one who can find the girls, the town's police asks for Violets help, help that could result in Violet becoming the next victim.


I found this story a little slow to start with but I did enjoy, as we get to know Violet and how her gift works. We also find out about her secret love for best friend Jay, who to say the least....is hot! but, we also see what her parents are like. I for one, am glad that Violet didn't have to hide who she was from them (as I have read so many times before) and I did enjoyed that her parents helped take her journey and also try to take the burden off her.


What I loved most about the book was that we got to take a peak at the murders point of view. I've only ever read one other book like it and I LOVED IT! To take you into the mind of a killer, its quiet disturbing but you can't help wanting to read more and try and understand why they do what they do.  Also, I'm glad for the romance that was included in the story. It was pretty obvious from the start that Jay & Violet are meant to be together, even though I could of banged their heads together at times, I'm glad they finally released they both felt the same way. 


Although I rated the book 3 flowers, I did enjoy it. I would recommend this to other readers as I believe its a must read. I look forward to reading the sequel too. 

Summit Entertainment option movie rights for Evermore by Alyson Noel

Evening everyone!

Good news for all the Evermore (The Immortals) fans. Summit Entertainment (the people that bought us the Twilight Saga movies) have optioned for film rights too all 10 books within the The Immortals Series and The Riley Bloom Series!! How excited are you now?!

Now we don't have much more information on this right now, but as soon as Alyson Noel posts on her blog anymore news, we'll be sure to let you know! 

Blurb: Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch.   Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste… 

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition.  He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets.  Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head.  She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is.  Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

So...here comes the big question. Who would you pick to play Ever and Damen? 

Leave your comments below :)

Happy reading and remember keeeeeep blogging :)

Originally posted by Alyson Noel

http://alysonnoel.blogspot.com/2011/03/very-exciting-news.html

Teaser Tuesday (#3)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. 

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

1) Grab your current read

2) Open to a random page

3) Share one (1) OR two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

4) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Donna's Teaser Tuesday

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney 

"Dammit woman, stop trying to beat me. I'll sue you for domestic violence." 

Jessica's Teaser Tuesday

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
"Convince me", he says. He drops the napkin and retrieves his book. I don't watch him as he heads for the doors, so I flinch when he whispers in my ear. "By the way, I know about the kiss." Then the door clicks shut behind him.

What's your Teaser Tuesday?

Leave us a comment in the box below or a link to your blog so we can check it out :)

A review for Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1) by Rachel Hawkins

Posted by Donna

Published Date: April 1st, 2010
Finished Date: March 26th, 2011
The Blurb from Goodreads: In the wake of a love spell gone horribly wrong, Sophie Mercer, a sixteen-year-old witch, is shipped off to Hecate Hall, a boarding school for witches, shapeshifters and faeries. The traumas of mortal high school are nothing compared to the goings on at "Freak High." It's bad enough that she has to deal with a trio of mean girls led by the glamorous Elodie, but it's even worse when she begins to fall for Elodie's gorgeous boyfriend, Archer Cross, and frankly terrifying that the trio are an extremely powerful coven of dark witches. But when Sophie begins to learn the disturbing truth about her father, she is forced to face demons both metaphorical and real, and come to terms with her own growing power as a witch.
<
The Review:  After seeing so many good reviews about this book, I thought it was time I read it. Seems as though its had been sitting on my shelf for nearly 2 months. Although, I didn't think this book was amazing, I still really enjoyed it. 
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Sophie Mercer - a witch, moves to Hecate Hall after casting a love spell that goes wrong for a girl from her old school. She has been sentenced to spend the next 2 years at Hecate so she can learn to control and use her powers so she doesn't expose them to humans. Once Sophie arrives, everything is not as simple as she once thought. She gets roomed with the only vampire on campus, girls are being killed by an unknown murderer, she gets tricked into joining a coven and ends up falling for the wrong guy. There are secrets running all over the school and Sophie for one, is determined to find out what's going on. 
<
I found this book a light enjoyable read. There wasn't anything confusing in the story and it seemed to work out pretty well in the end. I liked reading about Hecate Hall, and loved how all the other supernatural creatures were introduced. I thought all the characters, especially Archer were fantastic and I can't wait to read more on him and his story. I'm also glad that there was a back story to how Sophie got her powers, I enjoyed reading about her ancestors and look forward to finding out more on her father. The only thing I wished, would of been different in this story, was for a little more romance between Sophie & Archer and maybe seeing Sophie use her powers a little more than she did. 
<
Overall though, I enjoyed it enough to read the sequel and I look forward to seeing what happens next with the characters.

'Because it is bitter' a chapter from Jace's POV in City of Ashes

Afternoon everyone,

Just thought we would share this with everyone who hasn't seen it yet. Earlier today Cassandra Clare posted the Seelie Court Chapter in City of Ashes, for her Twitter followers and avid fans, just to celebrate her having hit 25,000 followers. 

Basically this is the scene where Jace and Clary and the rest of the crew are in the Seelie court meeting with the faerie queen. Remember? The one where Jace and Clary kiss because its the kiss that Clary most desires. *cough* Jace too*cough*. Well this is the same scene but written from Jace's POV. 

So if you want to read it, just follow the link below

http://www.cassandraclare.com/cms/because-it-is-bitter

I think you'll be pleasantly impressed, and love Jace so much more than you already do :)

Originally posted by Cassandra Clare

http://cassandraclare.com/cms/home

Weekly Update (#3)

Happy Sunday Everyone! 

How was your week? Hope you have all had a fantastic one - we have!

Over the past week, we've been working hard to bring you this weeks update so hopefully you'll enjoy what we have come up with :)

We're still on count down for out new blog design, should be another 4 weeks yet. But we're sure you'll really like the new look we have chosen.

If you haven't already entered, PLEASE don't forget to enter our 

giveaway. Entries are open until March 31st. 

Also, if you're following us on Twitter in order to get that extra entry, you MUST follow us & COMMENT by tweeting us. If you haven't left us a comment, we can not allocate the extra entry. :( 

Good Luck! 

                               ___________________________________________

Donna's "In my Mailbox" 
hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

I haven't been buying many books the last few weeks, as I have so many to go through but I did buy one and swap one.  Here's a little photo for you all to see. 

In order of appearance of photo.

Need by Carrie Jones | The Body Finder by Kimberley Derting

I have started The Body Finder, only a few pages in so I couldn't tell you what it's like so far but I have heard so many great things about the book. 
If you've read the books, I'd love to hear what you thought? Leave me a little comment below.
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Jessica's Books

I haven't bought any books this week, and I haven't swapped any either. I am currently reading Catching Fire the 2nd in The Hunger Games Trilogy. 

Have any of you read it? Did you enjoy the first one The Hunger Games? Let us know what you thought of the books by leaving a comment below :)

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Cover Reveals

Dragons Oath (A House of Night Novella) by PC Cast

Here is the UK cover for PC Casts next House of Night Novella.

There isn't a blurb for this yet, but as soon as one comes along, we'll be sure to post it for you :) What do you think of the cover? 

Personally we love it! 

What do you think of the Novella's so far?

We'd love to know what you all think of them so far? Just leave us a comment below with your thoughts :)

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Books to look out for in April

Here are a few books we thought you should all look out for this April :)

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Release Date: April 26th

The Blurb: Every girl who has taken the test has died.  Now it's Kate's turn. 

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall. 

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests. 

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.  If she fails..

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: April 5th

The Blurb: “City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever. Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.”

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Jessica's Book

A little bit of different news now. After being inspired by so many books that she's read. Jess has decided to give book writing a try. She has no name for the book yet. She is currently in the process of writing chapter two in her main characters journey. 

Here's a little about it (but not much) ;) Its set in a fictional town in England called Lakewood where we meet 17 year old Cassie Drake, she goes to a private school with her two best friends Jack and Ava. Cassie is have reoccurring dreams of running through a forest. But who is she being chased by?

I've actually read some of the book so far - and I LOVE IT! Keep up the good work Jess! 

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Well I think that's it for this weeks updates guys. We hope its come in handy and was useful to you some how. We'll keep posting our reviews as we go.  
We hope you've enjoyed this weeks update. Keep checking up for new posts. Keeeeep blogging :)