A Review for Through the Ever Night (Under the Ever Sky #2) by Veronica Rossi

 

Posted by Donna
Release Date: January 8th, 2013

Finished Date: December 29th, 2012

Publishers: Atom
Source: ARC, For Review 

Format: Kindle 

Pages: 352
 

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable

The Review: It was twelve months ago that I was introduced to a new and amazing series by Veronica Rossi which of course, was her debut novel, Under the Never Sky. And since waiting them twelve long months, never once were Aria and Perry far from my mind. It’s not often that I read a debut novel and even without having read the sequel, does it make me nervous, but I was for Through the Ever Night. I was nervous to start because as you know, some sequels are major let downs and I really didn’t want this to happen with this series. However, I’m thrilled to say, Through the Ever Night did not disappoint one bit! Brilliantly written, very imaginative and captivating from the start, Veronica Rossi has done it again and now, my twelve month – long wait has started all over again, while I wait for Into the Still Blue.

Through the Ever Night starts perfectly. Aria and Perry meet up after a few months apart and their reunion was fantastic. It wasn’t unrealistic; it was very real and true. I was worried that Perry and Aria may not have many scenes together and while this is the case in the middle of the book, it’s not the case from the start or the ending. The start, admittedly, is a little slower paced than what were used to, but not once does it wavier your thoughts to something else. I was compelled and 100% committed to this story and even though both Aria and Perry have to take journeys apart, I honestly didn’t mind.

The plot of the story thickens also and you can see every little detail slowly coming together. I was dying to know what Aria and Perry were going to do, what happened to Liv and what Cinder’s real story is and boy do we find out. Cinder for me, is a secondary character that you automatically love, but you know there’s more to him than meets the eye. He’s got a bigger role to play than anyone could have ever imagined, and you’re only going to find a solution within the third book. The rest of the characters I feel I have a very strong bond too. I feel as though I’m right there with them during the story – experiencing what they feel and what they do. My heart breaks for them, it broke for Perry, for Aria, for Roar, for Cinder and for Liv. Here are five people that love with all their hearts, and have so much hope and strength, but everything threatens to tear them apart. It’s heart-breaking to read!

All in all, Veronica Rossi does the readers proud with Through the Ever Night because of how beautiful her work is. She’s a fantastic writer – one that I believe will deliver an epic finale with Into the Still Blue.

Showcase Sunday (#27) Christmas Edition

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly meme hosted by Vicky @ Books Biscuits and Tea. We will now be taking part in Showcase Sunday instead of In My Mailbox. If you'd like to join see HERE for more details.

Hi guys! Hope you all had a fab Christmas and Happy New Year in advance. Decided not to do a showcase last week seems as Christmas was only a few days away. So be prepared for a big one!

Anyway, Kindle books for review or bought, I got; 

   

The Sea of Tranquillity: From NetGalley and I've heard SO many things about this one. All my goodreads friends have read and loved it, so I can't wait! 

Through the Ever Night: I can not wait to read this one - although I'm nervous with it being a second book but I heard it is great, so my fingers are crossed. 

The Truth about Faking: I wanted to stock up on Kindle books seems as I have a nice new shiney Kindle, and this was really cheap too.

Impossible: Not heard to much about this one but another one that was cheap on Amazon UK.

Physical Books for Review/Loaned: 

Easy: Read it and I really enjoyed it. My review will be live any day.

The Reckoning: I have the first book (which I still need to read) but again, I've heard so many great things about the series. 

The Vincent Boys: I'm so thrilled that I got an Australian cover. Look how pretty it is and the story inside it amazing too. (Not pictured, I forgot)

Legacy: I've been excited for this release since I read the first book, Night School. Unique series and I'm excited to see where it goes next. 

Things I Can't Forget: Miranda Kenneally's new book which hits selves in March 2013. Thank you to Jasprit from The Readers Den for loaning me this!

Christmas presents!! =) 

Crash & Caleb + Kate from Haley @ YA-Aholic: My BBBF knows me so well, sending the love right back to you girl! Haley's such a sweetie and I'm super excited to get started on these books. AND, not only did I get books but I got perfume too - Britney Spears! I adore all her perfumes and this one is so lush! And I also got Magic Mike on DVD, yeah baby! And a cake turning table. Fantastic presents! Thank you so much Haley!!!

 Awaken & The Boy who Sneaks in my Bedroom Window from Jess (Co-Blogger): Omg! I've wanted these books for like, forever! Jess even said to me, "I got you them because they've been on your wishlist for ages" Well, thank you so much Jess because I have wanted them forever!!! Mwah!! <3

Spellcaster from Nat: From my awesome friend Natalie! She knew I was quoted in this book and managed to get hold of a copy for me. It's the US book and seems as I couldn't get hold of it in the UK, she got it for me. This book means a lot to me and I haven't even read it yet - so thank you Nat!!!

Radiance, cake supplies and a Amazon voucher from Mist @ Bookaholic Book Club: Misty is my food & book loving partner. Lol. We get together at least once a month for food and talk because we live so close to each other and I love it!  And of course, she knows me so well too. Amazing presents and yes, the Britney perfume is AMAZING! With the voucher, I treated myself to a few DVD's.

And then off my partner, daughter and family...But more importantly.......I GOT MY KINDLE FIRE HD!!!! Yay! It was was off my partner and my daughter and it was a fantastic present (even if I did know what I was getting, lol) I also got a curling wand (which I need to figure out how to use) more perfume, giftcards, smellies....I got loads! I couldn't be more grateful to all my friends and family in my life that made this Christmas so wonderful. I love you all!!

 Hope you all had a fab Christmas! Happy New Year!

A Review for Redemption (The Alexa Montgomery Saga #4) by H.D. Gordon

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Release Date: December 21st, 2012

Finished Date: December 23rd, 2012

Publishers: Self - Published
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle   

Pages: Unknown
 

The final test is here.

The war is no longer a worry of tomorrow, but a reality of today.

Turning back is no longer an option. Maybe it never was.

It is time for Alexa Montgomery to look fate in the eyes.

Death waits there for certain. The only question is... for who?

Go to http://hdgordon.com/ and sign up for the newsletter for updates.

The Review: This is going to be so hard to write, not only is this, the last book in the series but it also the most heartbreaking. It will be so easy to spoil things so I’m just going to try my best…

 

If you’re reading this then obviously you have been in it from the beginning, you know the story and you know the players and you also know that everything has been leading up to this point, to the epic showdown between the tyrannical King William and the people who want their freedom, who want to be able to live their own lives and right in the centre is Alexa & Nelly – the Sun Warrior and the Saviour. In book 3 ‘The Rise’ we found out exactly what Nelly is capable of with disastrous results and her secret is out, there is no turning back and people will choose their sides. Alexa takes Nelly and her followers back to neutral territory so that they can plan and set the wheels of war in motion but when the various residents find out who Nelly is and what she is capable of, it seems like she is never going to be safe anywhere. Alexa is forced to make some hard decisions in her efforts to keep Nelly alive and the true nature of the prophecy a secret but at the same time, Nelly is doing everything she can to prevent her vision coming true of Alexa’s death…. Meanwhile, King William takes a more barbaric approach in his preparations for war, no one is safe and there are no boundaries he will not cross to achieve victory. As they head towards the final showdown and the prophecy comes into play, death is a certainty….. will Alexa & Nelly come out of this alive & victorious?

 

I freaking loved this!! Even just the last 20% blew me away, left me speechless and yeah, in tears.

 

As I mentioned earlier, this is difficult to review because it’s so easily spoiled – for the most part we get a slower pacing full of strategy, every player is being placed and the board is being set, battle lines have been drawn and we see the sides firmly established. Alexa is leading the rebellion and the majority still believe she is the saviour which is what she wants in order to protect her sister, that has what her life has all been about and even though she knows it will probably spell her doom, she has accepted it and will follow through to the last and we find that there isn’t anything that she won’t do for Nelly. King William is also setting his war wheels in motion and there is nothing he won’t do to keep a grasp on his power…. Both he and Alexa are constants…. But he doesn’t bank on the variables and he can’t fathom the drive of oppressed people or the strength of unconditional love and they all head to an epic showdown that was just WOW! That’s all I’m saying about it, you need to read it to appreciate it and it is EPIC, and it is heartbreaking, and it is breathtaking, and it will have you on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding and wishing for everyone we love to make it…

 

I have loved the characters, Alexa will remain a favourite of mine for a long time, she has everything I look for in a female MC, Kick ass, snarky, always battling with her darker side & her fierce protection& love for her sister shone bright. I loved that through the darkness and despair that she got to have a soul mate, her Libra Kayden and that brought her some much needed solace & happiness, it brought tenderness and sweetness to a harsh life and they are a couple I will remember. I will always remember Nelly as a character that I underestimated, that was a really good realisation especially when we found out just who she really was and then when we find out what her strength is and what she is destined for thus giving the series two main leading ladies that shared the bond of sisterhood and I would love to think that I could do for my sister what these two would do for theirs.

 

I have loved the whole series, it’s made it into my 2012 top 5 and I will definitely need a re read of all the series at some point. HD has created a great scenario with the world they live in, the different supernaturals, the prophecy and the characters which made this an excellent read and I have been hooked from start to finish. Even at the end of the series we were still meeting new characters and given new things to ponder on that hopefully will lead to another series because I’m not quite ready to give up on this world. As for the actual ending…. Am I happy? No! Do I understand? Yes! Go read it and come back to see if you agree…..

 

Top 5 Reads of 2012!

It's that time again! To choose our top reads of 2012. Because it's far too difficult to choose 10, we've decided to just narrow it down to 5 this year! So all three of us (yes that includes Mel), have chosen our top 5 reads of 2012 and listed them below! 

Donna's top 5 reads of 2012! 

      

Number 5 - Spark: I loved Amy's first book Glow and Spark was nothing short of amazing. Your going to hear me say this over a number of these books in my post, but it was one of the best sequels I've read! 

Number 4 - Undeniable: Where to even start with this book? When I wrote my review I just remember having so much to say, it's so bad but it's so good too. I loved it and to self-published author Madeline, GIRL YOU ROCK!!!
 

Number 3 - Article 5: A fantastic debut by Kristen and I just. want. more. now! I'm dying for the sequel and yes I'm nervous but I'm praying it's going to be good. P.S  I heart Chase!

Number 2 - Unravel Me: TEAM ADAM! I know some of you guys haven't read this one yet but I have awesome blogging friends like Jasprit from The Readers Den that borrow me awesome books. Lol. It was amazing! Heart-pounding, intense, frustrating, lovable, EVERYTHING! I need to re-read this again.

My top number 1 is.......

Deity: Deity, Deity, Deity....Aiden, Aiden, Aiden! Sigh! A-MAZ-ING! Can not put into words how I feel about this book. Jennifer out did herself with it and I just couldn't put it down. I'm waiting for the next two books before I allow myself to re-read this series, because I want to read them all together and I'm excited!! Well done Jen!!! 

Jess's top 5 reads of 2012! 

    

Number 5 - Obsidian: It's just so different to anything that I'd read before. It's a gripping story with a hot alien boy called Daemon. It's an awesome start to a great series so far. Mostly definitely deserving of a top 5 spot.

 

Number 4 - Easy: Another one that I simply couldn't put down. It's a great story and it nearly didn't make it at all in my list, but then I thought better of it.

Number 3 - Bared to You: Gritty, naughty, un-putdownable. Need I say more? It was a great read and I just couldn't get enough of it. It's not enough to beat my number 2, but it was very close. 

Number 2 - Beautiful Disaster: It's an amazing book, simple as that. It's incredibly gritty and addictive. I couldn't actually put it down, so that's at number 2. Quite a good spot :)

 

My top number 1 is.......

 

Pushing the Limits & Undeniable: This was a hard decision, I honestly couldn't pick between the two, so they've come in a joint 1st (I hope that's not cheating). Couldn't choose between the two, so I've made them my joint number 1 this year. I loved them both so much. Both have equally great stories. Both include troubled protagonists, both of them help each other through everything. They are most definitely both deserving of the number 1 spot.

Mel's Top 5 reads of 2012!

   

Number 5 - 

It’s definitely a toss-up between

Cornerstone: Cornerstone was really unique and so unexpected, I was really impressed with Misty’s debut.
The Mayfair Moon: The Mayfair Moon put the sinister back into werewolves, definitely no cute overgrown dogs here but an amazing world and back story filled with epic love.
Dead Radiance: Dead Radiance, again, just great and introduced me to the Valkyrie & Norse Mythology leading the way and so accurate – a LOT of research must have went into it and it showed.

Number 4 - Full Blooded: This read like a blend of two of my all-time favourite series, a new supernatural world, the main characters species are werewolves, our female lead being the only female werewolf and there is some fated love thrown into this awesome new UF and I’m desperate for book two.

Top 3, 2 & 1.........
   

Ok I can’t choose which I like best so I’m going for an author tie… I’m choosing the actual author because every one of their books are amazing and I’m more or less guaranteed a 5* book every single time, plus the writing is awesome too and some serious talent going on…
Emma Raveling’s  - Ondine Quartet – Whirl and Billow, I just LOVE this series, I wish it had more recognition because it’s beautifully written and has all the elements I love in a book plus it’s the first time I have read about water elementals/ondine and I’m patiently *cough* awaiting book 3.
Jennifer L. Armentrout – Need I say more? I’m in love with her Covenant Series (and Aiden) – Deity was just,WOW but again, every single book is brilliant and she’s had a few out this year, I even love her contemporaries and I avoid those like the plague as a rule. Time & time again she steps up and blows us away with her mad writing skills - <3 her!
H.D. Gordon -The Alexa Montgomery Saga & Joe – another author that hits the spot every time, I LOVE the Alexa Montgomery books, there is nothing about them that I don’t like.. I was a bit sceptical about Joe but my goodness what a book that was, I was gripped and it shows me that she is definitely an author to watch out for as all of them are.

2012 Reading Challenge Update + 2013 Challenge's

So as you know, I was one of the members that hosted the 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge and with December here, it's all coming to a close.  This was my first challenge that I've taken part in and I had a lot of fun. To be honest, I kind of forgot about it halfway through the year. Lol. Anyway, I thought I'd show you how well I did. 

 

My target was 31-40 books - Love At First Sight and I did it!! Yay! I counted up everything and I did 36!!! =) 

 

Please note: Not all my reviews were published on the blog so, some links will take you to Goodreads. 

 

   

* Forbidden by Megan Curd - Review 

* Touch by Jus Accardo -  Review 

* Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - Review

 * Isle of Night by Veronica Wolfe - Review

   

* Divergent by Veronica Roth - Review

* Raising Demons by Rachel Hawkins - Review

* Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire - Review

* Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James - Review

   

* Fifty Shades Darker by E.L James - Review

* The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines - Review

* Wither by Lauren DeStefano - Review

* Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill - Review

    

* Friday Night Bites  by Chloe Neill - Review

* Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill - Review

*  The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han - Review

* It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han - Review

   

* Eternal Starling by Angela Corbett - Review

* Eve by Anna Carey - Review

* Hourglass by Myra McEntire - Review 

* She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott - Review

   

* He's So Not Worth It by Kieran Scott - Review 

* Blood Red Road by Moira Young - Review

* Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake - Review

* You Against Me by Jenny Downham - Review

   

* The Boyfriend Thief by Shana Norris - Review

* Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens - Review

* The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - Review

* Heart on a Chain by Cindy C. Bennett - Review

   

* Finding Home by Lauren Baker - Review 

* Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt - Review

* One Night that Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholt - Review

* Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey - Review 

   

* Captive in the Dark by C.J Roberts - Review

* Whirl by Emma Raveling - Review

* Just Listen by Sarah Dessen - Review

* Stay with Me by Paul Griffin - Review

 

A big thank you Evie @ Bookish for asking me to be apart of this and to all the other girls who took part. 

2013 Challenges? 

Well, I've seen a ton of challenges for next year already and while I don't think I'm going to sign up to any - honestly I'm not sure I have the time but I am planning to set myself some personal targets. I want to have a clear out of the books I've had sitting on my shelf for ages - not quite sure what I'm going to do yet but watch this space. =)