A Review for Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

Posted by Donna
Published Date: February 2nd 2012 (First Published March 2011) 
Finished Date: January 30th, 2012
Source: Gifted from Publishers - 2012 TBR Reading Challenge
Format: Paperback
Pages: 486
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The Blurb from Goodreads: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

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The Review: “I might be in love with you." He smiles a little. "I'm waiting until I'm sure to tell you, though.” 
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I’ve been on a huge Dystopian kick the last few days and what better to finish it off by reading Divergent. All I’ve heard for the past 6 months is how good this book is and I’m so glad I’m one of those people that agrees, because Divergent was everything I could have wanted from a book and more.
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This story follows the life of a young girl named Beatrice, who lives in a society that is divided by five factions; Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). With Beatrice living in Abnegation – the selfless, she is always suppose to put everyone else’s needs before her own but she always gets mixed feelings about what’s right and wrong. So when she and all the other sixteen-year-olds within the factions get the opportunity to move factions, Beatrice has the choice to make.......stay with her family or finally take control of her life and start a new life somewhere else. But what will she choose?
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Veronica Roth has created an interesting, imaginable and fascinating world with Divergent, one that was very complex and very well written. From the get go I was able to imagine myself in Beatrice’s world and was able to go through her struggles and her good times feeling all her emotions. The factions that were created was also done very well, especially with each faction having a completely different way of living and their own set of rules. I loved how they have their own symbol to represent their factions and how unique each one is. But what truly stands out for me in this book was that, I can see how much detail has gone into this story and not once did I feel overwhelmed or felt there was too much information….it was just right! And the author gets an automatic win from me, because Divergent was just fantastic! 
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I loved all the characters; even the bad guys! I loved the romance; it was just the right amount! And I loved the ending; PURE AWESOMENESS and I cannot wait to see this novel on the big screen. 
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Divergent has won me over, now let it win you over. If you haven’t read it then READ IT because it’s a MUST READ!!! 
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Favourites Quotes: 
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"You think giving you a hug would give away too much?" he says. 
"You know," I say. "I really don't care." 
I stand on my tiptoes and press my lips to his. 
It is the best moment of my life." -  Tris & Four
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"He turns toward me. I want to touch him, but I'm afraid of his bareness; afraid that he will make me bare too. 
"Is this scaring you, Tris?"
"No," I croak. I clear my throat. "Not really. I'm only afraid of what I want." 
"What do you want?" Then his face tightens. "Me?"
Slowly I nod. - Tris & Four 
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"You nearly died today,' he says. 'I almost shot you. Why didn't you shoot me, Tris?' 
'I couldn't do that,' I say. 'It would have been like shooting myself.' 
He looks pained and leans closer to me, so his lips brush mine when he speaks. - Tris & Four

Dusty Reads (#4)

Dusty Reads is a weekly meme, hosted by Xpresso Reads featuring a book that has been sitting unread on our shelves for some time. To participate and more information, click here.

Jess's Dusty Read

Forever
By Maggie Stiefvater

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

Jess's thoughts: Another book that's just been sitting there on my shelf not being read. I love this series, and I'm not sure why I haven't read it yet. I hope to get to it this year at some point but I'm not sure when. The cover is beautiful, it's all shiny and it matches my others. I must get around to reading this!

Donna's Dusty Read

Wither 

by Lauren DeStefano

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant she trusts, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

Donna's thoughts: I've had this book on my shelf since March 2011! March! I can't believe it when I look back at the date. Nearly a year and still haven't read it. Anyway...I've been a huge Dysoptian kick the last few days so I'm hoping to fit this book in for next month. I've heard so many great things about it, so I'm hoping it lives up to its expectations. 

So that's our Dusty Read's for this week! Don't forget to leave us your thoughts below. 

Happy Reading!

2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge - January Wrap Up

Hey all!!!! Can you believe January is nearly over already? This month has gone super quick and seems as the post was ready...I thought I'd post it early! =)
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So, as I'm the first host for the 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge, I've got some exciting stuff for you. If your only just joining us, please see this post for the challenge details and rules. Please feel free to sign up at any time. The more the merrier!
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So I'm going to do a quick run down on the books I've read this month and and go over some rules for the challenge. I know rules suck....but we gotta have them, so lets get started! 

The books I read this month

(Click on the photo to be taken to Goodreads)

     

*Because I'm the first host, my reviews will be linked up on Nicole's blog linky in February. 
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The books I'll be reading in February
(click on the photo to be taken to Goodreads)

     

Link your reviews.

In order to be entered into the giveaway (below), you will need to link up any of your reviews you've wrote for any of the books, you read so far this year that go towards your reading challenge. Please note you can only enter IF you've signed up for the challenge AND are a book blogger. Sorry about that! 

Let it Snow Challenge!! 

Rules

1) Anyone who takes part in this mini challenge will gain an extra entry into the giveaway draw. As you can see below, there are 12 photo's - all you need to do is guess the title of the book and authors name - then fill in THIS form and that's it!  

2) Please remember to fill out the google doc form correctly otherwise we may not be able to allocate your point(s) Please remember you also need to list your reviews  in the google docs form.
3) You have from 30th January until February 15th to link up your reviews and enter the giveaway. The winner will be announced on February 16th!

Points

To be eligible to enter - you need to have at least 1 review from your TBR challenge linked in the linky below.

1 x review linked in the linky = 1 entry into the giveaway (the more reviews you link, the more points you get)

8 out of 12 book covers guessed correctly = 1 extra entry

12 out of 12 book covers guessed correctly = 2 extra entries

Extra entries (Optional)

Follow us on Twitter = 1 extra entry

Follow us on Facebook = 1 extra entry
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Now for the challenge: 

So now you've seen the photo's and wow, they look awesome. A huge thank you to Evie!!! =)
Good luck all - GIVEAWAY CLOSED!!!! 


Answers: 
Shatter Me by Taherah Mafi
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
Damion by Jennifer L Armentrout
Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore
Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Fracture by Megan Miranda
Touch by Jus Accardo
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally 
Sweet Vemon by Tera Lynn Childs

Giveaway - Winner's Choice! 


One winner will win a book of their choice for the value of £8 from The Book Depository.
The giveaway ends on February 15th!!
International. 


GIVEAWAY WINNER!!!! 
Angie @ Pinkindle R&R
CONGRATS!!!!

A Review for Lord of Misrule (The Morganville Vampires #5) by Rachel Caine

Posted by Jess
Published Date: December 17th, 2008
Finished Date: January 28th, 2012
Publishers: Allison & Busby
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 365
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The Blurb from Goodreads:The feast is over ... and the battle for Morganville has begun. Bishop's on one side, Amelie's on the other, and Claire's status as Amelie's most trusted human ally has just landed her on Morganville's Most Wanted list, along with all of her friends. As a bitter Texas storm bears down on the town, there's nowhere to hide ... from anything.
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The Review: "In this whole screwed up town, you're the only thing that's always been right to me,' he whispered. "I love you, Claire." She saw something that might have just a flash of panic go across his expression, but then he steadied again. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I do. I love you."
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OMG! Did that ending really just happen?!! *Scream* Whoa. Talk about a serious amount of drama for a book. Rachel Caine clearly pulled it out of the bag again other wise I wouldn't have gasped at 11pm last night when I finished. Which brings me to the point of I'm so glad  I had Carpe Corpus right next to me, because, Christ knows how some of you managed to go without the next book after that little ditty at the end. Wow.

More action, more adventure, more love. Return of Frank Collins....blergh! Richard Morrell, suddenly becoming one of my favourite characters. SHANE finally saying 'I love you'! Michael! NOMISH! All the way through. 

Major WIN to Lord of Misrule. I'm so happy I've got all 11 so far, because I seriously can't get enough of this series. It's incredible. And the amazement just keeps coming.

My heart broke at the end with Myrnin, that was harsh, Caine. BUT as I said I'm reading Carpe Corpus (101 pages in) and now I get it. So I forgive you, Myrnin. I didn't think I would, but I do. Bishop is all kinds of nasty! I want to throw so many nasty words out there about him, but I'm going to refrain from doing so. You know...for the kids.

Even though there were some majorly slow bits in the book which had me leaning towards a 4 star rating, the ending to this one just picked it up to 5. There isn't much that can be said about these books separately. I thought it would be easy to review them as separate books, but I think I should have gone for an overall review for all 11. Ah, well. Never mind. Separate  reviews will do, they'll all be pretty much the same. 

Not much more I want to say or express about this one. It was awesome, and that ending is a killer. If you haven't read these books yet, make sure you have them all with you one after the other, you're going to need them!

A Review for Legend (Legend #1) by Marie Lu

Posted by Donna
Expected Published Date: February 2nd, 2012
Finished Date: January 29th, 2012
Publishers: Puffin
Source: ARC, For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 368
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The Blurb from Goodreads: The United States is gone, along with its flooded coasts. North America's two warring nations, the western Republic and the eastern Colonies, have reached a breaking point. In the midst of this broken continent and dark new world are two teenagers who will go down in history....
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 Born into the slums of Los Angeles, fifteen-year old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. A mysterious boy with no recorded image or fingerprints. A boy who should no longer exist. A boy who watches over his family until one evening, when the plague patrols mark his family's door with an X--the sign of plague infection. A death sentence for any family too poor to afford the antidote. Desperate, Day has no choice; he must steal it.

Born to an elite family in Los Angeles' wealthy Ruby sector, fifteen-year old June is the Republic's most promising prodigy. A superintelligent girl destined for great things in the country's highest military circles. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country--until the day her brother Metias is murdered while on patrol during a break-in at the plague hospital.

Only one person could be responsible. Day. And now it's June's mission to hunt him down. The truth they'll uncover will become legend.

The Review: “You’re brilliant,” he says. “But you’re a fool to stay with someone like me.” I close my eyes at the touch of his hand. “Then we’re both fools.”
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This is the second dystopian book I’ve read this week that has completely surpassed my expectations and I have to say, Legend is a powerful, addictive and fast paced novel that is action packed, with an explosive storyline and a love story that will leave you begging for more.

June and Day are both 15 years old who both live in completely different worlds and both will do anything for the ones they love. The only thing is, Day is the worlds most wanted criminal and June is the super intelligent girl working for the Republic. When Day breaks into a hospital to try to find medicine for his sick brother, he is accused of murdering June’s brother, Metias. So June makes it her mission to hunt down Day and capture him so he can no longer run around the streets of Los Angeles’. However, when June finally meets Day for the first time, he’s not like how the Republic have made him out to be - he’s kind, sweet and not at all a monster but who is the real monster in this story…..Day or the Republic?

I’m so thrilled to have loved this book as much as everyone else because I’d heard a few mixed reviews recently but after reading the first two chapters, I was hooked. Marie Lu captivated me from start to finish and made me want to continue reading about the story and characters even when I finished the book. Now I have a long and painful wait until September for the next instalment.

What I noticed and loved about this book was how very unique the characters were. Both June and Day are portrayed as very different characters but if anything they are more alike than anyone else. They are very smart, very brave and very loyal and even with everything going on in their crazy world; they manage to stay true to themselves. What I had to keep reminding myself through-out this book, was that they are only 15 years old. Sometimes they appear to much older and I personally think 15 is a little young for this book but with June being a super smart kid and Day being Day, I guess it fits with the story and it’s something I can overlook.

Now the romance in the book isn’t the main focus of the story, it’s the back story and something you know is there but doesn’t truly reveal itself until the very last moment. I have to say, I wished for more romance BUT the ending did leave me very content and satisfied, so I have very high hopes for the next book.

Overall, Marie Lu has created a fascinating, dangerous and thrilling world with Legend, one full of exciting twists and turns, full of betrayal and full of hidden secrets that will have you sitting on the edge of your sit until the very last page. A must read for any dystopian fan! I loved it!

In My Mailbox (#39)

It's the last Sunday in January and we had another awesome week with books. Amazon UK has been fantastic with FREE books over the last few weeks so we're going to show you what books we got this week.

Donna's In My Mailbox

For Review

Chocker by Elizabeth Woods

Spell Bound (Hex Hall #3) by Rachel Hawkins

Dark Storm by Sarah Singleton

eBooks for Review:

(click on the cover to be taken to Goodreads)

Free eBooks off Amazon UK

(Click on the photo's to be taken to Goodreads) 

       

Thank you's too: S&S & Shelly Crane

Thanks for checking out my IMM this week. Don't forget to leave me your links and comments below. =)

Jess's In My Mailbox

Free eBooks off Amazon UK

(Click on the photo's to be taken to Goodreads) 

    

eBooks for Review:

(click on the cover to be taken to Goodreads)

Thank you's to Jean Haus! :) 

So that's our mailbox this week. 

What's in you mailbox this week?

A Review for Keira's Quest: Awakenings by Kristy Brown

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Published Date: October 17th, 2011
Finished Date: January 26th, 2012
Source: For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: Unknown
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Meet Kiera, a pretty, intelligent, and talented girl, brought up by her uncle, and abandoned by her parents. Life is as normal as she believes it to be, apart from the deep ache inside her, telling her she’s different. For years, Kiera had dreams where she ventures into a different reality. She’s not alone; a presence is always there, keeping her safe, yet she feels vulnerable, and hunted. Zakk, Prince of Zantar, is under the Witch Queen’s spell as she tries to take over his world. He crosses paths with Kiera, and their fates are entwined. As their journey unravels, she learns that she is not the only one affected by this prince. Who is on her side? Will she find out why she has been chosen? How can someone so young, defeat such evil? Will she find the strength to save the ones closest to her? Will this be Kiera’s only Quest?

The Review: Kiera is a teen girl whose life revolves around school, blading, singing, friends and working in her Uncles’ shop. She has also always had dreams in which she is feels as if someone is watching her, stalking her but at the same time feels a protective presence too (if it wasn’t for that she doubts she would sleep at all) in these dreams she sees another world ruled by an evil, witch queen. These dreams take on a whole new meaning when she finds a strange doll in her Uncles’ toy shop, with a cool ring that she just must have. The doll starts talking to her, she is drawn to it and becomes protective of it. It starts to interfere with her life, spilling over into her school life and people begin to think she has lost her mind as the line between her real world and dream world gets crossed. Kiera knows she isn’t losing it but who will believe her? Who can she trust?

This was a great, fun, easy read that I enjoyed a lot. There was a lot packed into such a short book which meant the plot was always on the go with something new to be found in each and every chapter, plus it only took a couple of hours to read. I liked the characters, particularly Kiera. She was fun loving with a good attitude towards life which came across as she went along on her quest. She did come across a little lonely even with her friends around her but she had always felt different so it was nice to see her come into her own. It’s kind of hard to explain what I thought of her without giving anything away because the events obviously build her character. I always feel with books this size that we only get a glimpse of the characters, worlds etc. and I tend to see them as teaser books. The whole thing did make an impact, I really enjoyed it and yes, it did leave me wanting more as they usually do. Book two is set up by the ending and I look forward to reading more about Kiera and the new world she has stumbled upon, it has opened up lots of questions that I really need answering. So, this is short & sweet but jam-packed with fun, cool characters and a new world for you to discover in this whirlwind fantasy adventure. Go read it!

A Review for The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4) by Julie Kagawa + Author Interview

Posted Posted by Donna
Published Date: January 6th, 2012
Finished Date: July 17th, 2011 (Re-posted review for UK release date) 
Source: ARC, For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing. Unless he can earn a soul. To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought. Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive. With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side. To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale. And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.
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The Review: "I’m almost there. Wait for me just a little bit longer. "
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I honestly don’t even know where to begin with this review and I don’t even think I could write a review that will do this book the praise it deserves but I will say this, The Iron Knight had everything I could have asked for and more. Julie Kagawa has utterly surpassed my expectations and blown all previous books away with her truly amazing writing, her creative imagination and her gift for storytelling. Not only has she done a fantastic job with this novel but she has left me utterly speechless. Never have I felt so much joy and sadness for a book before but that’s what I’m left with. I’m left with Joy because it’s the most perfect ending to a fantastic series and sadness because it’s finally come to an end. Not only am I sad to be leaving these characters that I love but I am also sad that I didn’t get to spend more time with them as I wished. After only discovering this series a few months ago, I feel my time has come to an end too quickly. But, I do believe it was the best possible way because the excitement I had when I first started this series, is still with me now even though I’ve finished the final book. 
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Looking back on all four books, I honestly would have been sad had it of ended with The Iron Queen therefore I am truly grateful to Julie to have continued on with the series and created another amazing piece of work. Ash has always been a favourite character of mine, I’ve loved him from the start and if it’s possible I think I love him that much more now. This story shows him in a completely different light, you get to see his deepest darkest secrets and somehow still manage to love him. Julie definitely did the right thing by doing this book from his point of view, I know it was sad to leave Meghan behind but she’s not truly forgotten. Honestly, if could rate The Iron Knight 10 out of 10 I would. This book is definitely my favourite out of the series and this series is definitely my favourite out of everything I’ve read. 
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Thank you once again to Julie Kagawa for captivating us, compelling us and taking us all on this incredible journey with you. Even though the series has come to an end, it will truly not be forgotten and will be forever in our hearts.

Author Interview with Julie Kagawa

Check out her website: HERE

Find her on Goodreads: HERE

1.       What inspired you to write about the Fae?

Faeries, the old, ancient fey, not the glittery winged sprites, have always fascinated me. But I wanted to write a book that was different than other faery books. So I began thinking: what are the fey afraid of? The answer, in most ancient mythos, is iron. Faeries can't stand the touch of iron and steel. So, what if there was a new type of fey that had evolved with progress over the years? What if they weren't only immune to iron, their existence was slowly poisoning and corrupting the lands of the traditional fey? And I realized we already have "monsters" in machines: gremlins, bugs, viruses, etc. And from that thought, the Iron fey were born.

2.       How long did it take you to write each book?

I wrote The Iron King in a little under two months, but that was because it was my NaNo WriMo project (where you challenge yourself to write 50,000 words in 30 days).  The other two took a bit longer, but my normal time for finishing a first draft is four to five months, give or take a month.

3.       Was it easy to write in Ash's point of view rather than Meghan's?

Oh, Meghan was definitely easier to write then Ash.  In fact, I’d have to say Ash was the hardest character to write about.  He isn’t very chatty, and getting into his head was difficult because his past is so complicated.  Pushing him to show any emotion at all, and still have it remain believable and to character, was probably my biggest challenge in the whole series.

4.       Who is your favourite character and what court would you like to belong too?

I would have to say Ash remains my favourite character because I love my dark, broody bad boys with swords.  Though Grimalkin runs a very close second.  I’d like to say I belong to the Winter Court because I like snow and ice and cold and despise heat, but I couldn’t live without my video games, so I’d have to go with Iron.

5. Team Ash or Team Puck?

Lol, now that is a question that could get me in trouble.  Ash is my favourite character, but I don’t think I could choose a Team.  (It might make Puck jealous, and then I’d end up as a hedgehog.)

Thank you so much for joining us today Julie!!!!

I cannot wait to see what you come up with next.

A Review for Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Posted by Donna
Expected Published Date: February 5th, 2012
Finished Date: January 26th, 2012
Publishers: Atom, Little Brown
Source: Finished Copy for Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
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The Blurb from Goodreads:WORLDS KEPT THEM APART. DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER. Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim. Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive. If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers

The Review: “She absorbed the terror and beauty of him and his world. Of every moment over the past days. All of it, filling her up likes the first breath she'd ever taken. And never had she loved life more.”

Dystopian novels have honestly been a bit of a hit and miss for me - I either love them or I hate them, so I was a bit nervous before I started this book because I wanted to love it. And I’m so, so thrilled that Under the Never Sky completely surpassed my expectations and honestly blew me away!

This story is told by a third person narrative where we see Aria; a young girl who is called a Dweller because she has lived her whole life in the Reverie; a protected dome. Her life is confined and controlled and all she knows about the outside world is that it’s dangerous and full of savages aka Outsiders.  When Aria gets in trouble one night inside the Reverie, lucky for her Perry; an outsiders who is breaking into the Reverie at the same time, comes to Aria’s rescue and saves her life. After Perry flea’s, Aria is accused of letting the Outsider in and as a result, she is exiled to the outside world. While struggling to survive Aria wonders the new world she’s in but soon enough Perry comes across her and together they join forces to try and rescue the ones they love. Their journey is definitely not an easy one because for one, it’s full of danger and surprises.

I’ll admit the first 60 pages of this book were a little confusing and it did take me a while to get into this new and exciting world, but as you can see by my rating below, this book is obviously a win for me! Veronica Rossi has created an imaginable, thrilling and truly captivating world and one that has left me begging for more and more.

I completely fell in love with the characters. Aria and Perry both have very similar qualities – their both fierce, strong and determined and both eager to get their loved ones back. I was expecting Aria to be a weak character but was pleasantly surprised when I realised this wasn’t the case as she firmly stands up for what she believes in. Now Perry does come across as a mean character to start with, especially because when he and Aria first meet, they dislike each other because of what they are – a Dweller and an Outsider. But as the story progresses they slowly form a bond that neither of them expect and it was interesting to watch their relationship develop without them even realising what was happening for them. Their romance was at a steady pace and it was very sweet and even though they know they can’t have a future together, they still enjoy the time they have together while they have it.  

What I loved and also shocked me the most what the fact that Veronica Rossi took avenues that most YA authors may hesitate in taking in a YA novel….and yes I mean sex. It very rarely happens in the first book, so I really loved the fact that Veronica had the guts to take this avenue and it definitely fit very well with the story. It was beautifully written and really left a mark in my heart.

Overall, Under the Never Sky is a compelling and engrossing story, one full of betrayal, scarifies and a love like no other and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who wants something completely fresh and unique. A must read for 2012 and I can not wait to continue the journey with Through the Ever Night in 2013.


A huge thank you to the publishers for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

A Review for Amber Frost (The Lost Magic #1) By Suzi Davis

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Published Date: December 7th, 2010
Finished Date: January 22nd, 2012
Source: For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: 292
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Grace Lynn Stevenson is an eighteen year old girl who recently moved with her wealthy, but busy parents to a new city. She's popular, pretty and rich - what more could a girl want? But deep down, she's sad, lonely and plagued by nightmares. When she meets Sebastian Caldwood at her new private school, she's inexplicably drawn to him and his strange tattoos. Sebastian always gets what he wants - he simply has to wish it; but he's fighting his own inner demons, and struggling to remember a past that eludes him. When he remembers that he is much older than he looks, he realizes that he's seen many people live and die, including Grace. Once Sebastian realizes his true nature and finds what he has been searching for the past hundreds of years, he also realizes that it is now up to him to protect Grace from the dangers that have plagued them throughout eternity

The Review: I have to admit, I struggled with this book but I have been in a bit of a reading funk so I’ve decided to focus the review mainly on the things I liked about it rather than what I didn’t.

I liked the two main characters, Grace was a poster child for obedience, doing as she was told, never having a thought of her own, going along with what was expected of her, to the extreme in my opinion. I can’t fathom why someone would become such a robot, I mean, her mother was like her jailor and even made her use sunbeds! Nothing like encouraging your child to enhance her chances of skin cancer so I was glad when she met Sebastian and started to question other peoples decisions & views about her. She starts to think less of her image and what is expected and focusses more on making herself happy and pleasing herself. Sebastian is a loner, no one notices him at all, has a dubious background, is covered in tattoos and is quite mysterious. Grace is drawn to him even though she has never really noticed him before and as they start up a friendship he is hot and cold to the point where I was starting to suspect him of having bi polar issues. As time goes by their feelings deepen, bringing out the best in each other. Grace became more likable and Sebastian became less of a loner. It’s later on in the book though that endeared them to me, when things were on the line and dangers become apparent. It brought out a whole different side to them and I appreciated that because I had difficulty connecting with them before that.

The story line was good, I liked what was going on and how it was revealed. The reveal about Sebastian was slightly confusing but is explained a lot more towards the end. I would say the first 60% of the book is more devoted to the changes being made within themselves, how they were changing & falling in love and peoples’ reactions to them, A nice sweet slow burning love story. This is the bit I struggled with though because it felt really slow to me but the next 40% really picked up pace and gave it a good boost that was desperately needed but you realise why the rest of the book was as it was so that you can gauge the depth of feeling. But for all I did get the reason why, I personally like a faster paced book which I hope we would get in the sequel now that the getting to know you, love you, find myself part is over. I’d probably pick the next one up to see what happens to them. So if nice friendship- come- soul mate stories are for you then give it a whirl.