A Review for Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Posted by Donna 

Release Date:  August 2nd, 2012

Finished Date: August 17th, 2012

Publishers: Indigo 

Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 336
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Everything is in ruins.
A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.
So what does Araby Worth have to live for?
Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.
But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.
And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

The Review: I went into Masque of the Red Death with very high expectations, mainly because I'd heard so many great things before reading it. But I couldn't help feel disappointed with it, I'm not saying Masque of the Red Death was a bad book, I just didn't thing it was mind-blowing as I was expecting it to be. As far as Edgar Allen Poe's original work goes, I've never read it so maybe that was my missing link. I wish I had more back ground information on the book before I read it. 

The story itself was dark, mysterious and vivid but the story had a very slow to start. Clearly the this was the authors intention so, as a reader you could get to know the characters and plot but, I felt it took to long to take off but once it did, I really started to enjoy it. 

Now the characters they were...interesting. I didn't think Araby very likable to start with but once she opened up more and especially when she became friends with Will, she became more likable. Her scene's with Will was one of the reasons I kept reading this book. Their chemistry was undeniable and I was rooting for them all the way. But, then we see Elliot and while I thought he was okay, I didn't really love him. He was hiding far to many secrets for my liking and while he says he loves Araby, I'm not sure he does. I think Araby would be better off with Will even despite that little twist at the end. 

Overall, I think many people will enjoy Masque of the Red Death but for me, I'm sitting on the fence still. Would I read the next book? Probably, I would like to see where Bethany Griffins takes the next book, and I'm hoping because the introduction is now over, we get more action a lot sooner.

A Review for Last Summer by Rebecca A.Rogers

Posted by Donna

Release Date: August 2nd, 2012

Finished Date: August 14th, 2012

Publishers: Simon & Schuster

Source: For Review

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 32
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

All Chloe Sullivan wants to do is get through the summer. Her life has been in disarray for more than six months, and she knows the only reason her parents made one final trip to Sandy Shores is because of her. They are, after all, two seconds away from filing for divorce. When Chloe stumbles upon a boy in one of her childhood hangouts, she’s in for more than just a relaxing summer vacation. 

Logan Andrews is exhausted, famished and, quite frankly, kaput. His parents kicked him out when he refused to attend a rehabilitation program for his drug addiction. Now, he wishes he would’ve listened; he’d be receiving appropriate medical care rather than living in a dingy, godforsaken shack, holing up from money-hungry drug dealers. 

Logan’s godsend arrives in the form of Chloe, who can’t hold her tongue when it comes to matters of the heart. They’re both in for a rude awakening when Logan’s past catches up to them, though. Can they escape the drug dealers showing up at every twist and turn, or will things end much worse than they ever imagined? 

WARNING: This book contains strong language, drug use, and sexual situations, including an explicit sex scene and a near-rape scene. Mature audiences only. 17+

The Review: I'm a big fan of Rebecca A. Rogers work so when I found out she was trying her hand at a mature contemporary romance story, I was sold straight away. I love this genre so I was excited to see where Rebecca took her story, and let's just say it doesn't disappoint. 

I won't re-cap the blurb because it says all you really need to know but I will say Logan's and Chloe's story is a difficult one. It touches on subject such as drug abuse and a near-rape scene, not only that it's full of betrayal, heartache and loss but also love, hope and journey of self-discovery. Now because we get the story told from alternative point's of view, you really feel the force of what each character is going through. Chloe's parents are going through a divorce and Logan is a drug addict. Logan's story was so much worse than Chloe's because of his addiction and honestly, it wasn't pretty. I thought Rebecca did a very good job of portraying his addiction but also trying to get him to fix his life. Now Chloe's, I liked her story, I didn't think the whole Dad drama was necessary but I still enjoyed it. 
I enjoyed the character's when they were together. They bought out their good qualities when they were together and their relationship is full of hope. It was nice to see a couple that had so many problems come together. 

Overall, Last Summer was a good read. I's full of drama and heart-breaking scenes and it really ticked all the right boxes for me. A must read! 

A Review for Love at Second Sight by Cathy Hopkins

Posted by Donna

Release Date: August 2nd, 2012

Finished Date: August 14th, 2012

Publishers: Simon & Schuster

Source: For Review

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 320
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Unlucky in love Jo is dragged along to see a clairvoyant by her two coupled-up best friends, and is told that there's only one boy for her. The trouble is, the last time she saw him was in a past life, when she worked as a governess to his younger brother. The clairvoyant tells her that as she is back in this life, so is he, and she must find him if she is ever to know true happiness and love.Jo doesn't believe a word of it - but then a series of events begin to change her mind. Could her one true love really be out there? In her quest to find the One, she visits psychics and cemeteries - but will she even be able to recognize her soul-mate when she finds him? Or is she destined to continue looking for love for all of time?

The Review: Love at Second Sight was a book I'd never heard of until I went to an Simon & Schuster event back in July, and luckily enough, I managed to snag a copy. It's my first book by author Cathy Hopkins and I must say, it definitely won't be my last. 

The story follows the life of teenager Jo, who so far has been quite unlucky in love. All of her friends have boyfriends and she's sick of feeling like a third wheel and despite Jo's protests, her friends drag her to see a clairvoyant. Once there, the clairvoyant tells her that her true love is someone from her past live when she worked as a governess. Jo doesn't believe a word she's told because really, how can someone have a past life let alone a soul mate? However, Jo's friends won't let it lie and soon start a uncovering all the details about her past life. Can this all really be true? And will Jo find her one true love after all? 

Love at Second Sight is such a cute and fun read. I literally read it within about 24 hours and once I started it, I found it a very addictive read. It was very easy to slip into these characters lives and experience everything they were experiencing because Cathy Hopkins make it a very vivid read. I could easily imagine myself walking through Camden Market and going to the fair. But what I liked most about this story was the journey the characters took to find Jo's past love. It was very exciting and it was really interesting to discover how you would go about finding a long lost loved one or even relative. 

The love interests in the story really where a hard choice. I liked all three of them. Don't worry, there's no love triangle's in the story. It's simply Jo having to choose who she thinks is her soul mate. All three of the boys were great but it was pretty clear from the start who she was meant to be with. 

Now Jo, I really liked. She's had some hard times with her father passing at a young age and that really effects how she is now. She goes to therapy and if anything, that helps her more than she willing to admit. Her relationship with her friends mean everything to her and even though they have their silly arguments, they push and support each other into doing the right thing. I loved the connection they all had and even the girls boyfriends, were fun too. 

Overall, Love at Second Sight is a story about a lost love, second chances and destiny and I really enjoyed it.  If you're looking for the ideal summer read, then this is the book for you. 

A big thank you to Simon & Schuster UK for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 

Waiting on Wednesday (#24)

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Jess's WoW

Cursed 
by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release date: September 18th, 2012

<

Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

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Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?

. 

But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

<

Jess's Thoughts: Love Jennifer, love her books, love this cover. Totally excited about this. I believe Donna and some other devoted JLA fans have already read this, but I can wait...I'm sure it'll be worth it! 

Donna's WoW

 Rise (Eve #3)
by Anna Carey
Release date: April 2nd, 2013
<
The fate of The New America rests with Eve in this stunning finale to the Eve trilogy.
< Eve is trapped in the City of Sand, married to a man of her father’s choosing, but she can’t forget her love for Caleb—or her passion for the rebel cause. When rebel armies invade the city, Eve uses her position as princess for the ultimate act of rebellion—to kill her father, the king. Then tragedy strikes, and Eve must choose who to leave behind, who to save, and who to fight in this final battle for freedom.
<
Donna's thoughts: I can not wait for Rise. I only started this series the weekend but I already love it. It's weird because I always used to turn away from Dystopia books but lately the more I read, the more I love them and the series Eve is a prime example of that. I love the covers too. I have all my books on Kindle but I'm contemplating whether to get them on hard cover, just for the cover alone. Anyway, April 2013 can't come quick enough for me. 

<
What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? 
Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine. 

Happy Reading!

A Review for Once (Eve #2) by Anna Carey

Posted by Donna

Release Date: July 3rd, 2012

Finished Date: August 12th, 2012

Publishers: HarperCollins

Source: Bought

Format: Kindle 

Pages: 368
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

When you're being hunted, who can you trust?
For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleep soundly. She's living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.
But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.
Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past--and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together--but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.
In this breathless sequel to "Eve," Anna Carey returns to her tale of romance, adventure, and sacrifice in a world that is both wonderfully strange and chillingly familiar.

The Review: **Spoilers if you haven't read Eve**

As soon as I finished Eve late Saturday night, I picked up Once straight away because after that ending, I had to know what was going to happen straight away and I'm so pleased to say, Once is a fantastic sequel - if not even better than Eve and once again, Anna Carey leaves me completely breathless with that killer ending.

After the shocking events in Eve, Eve is now safe in the lands of Califia. Unfortunately Caleb wasn't granted access into Califia because he was a male but even though he's gone, Eve can't stop thinking of him. She loves him and she would do anything to see him again. When she hears about a stray being hurt in the wild, she knows it's Caleb and sets out to rescue him. However, once she arrives, she finds out it's a trap and she's soon on her way to meet the King. Once their Eve uncovers a shocking secret - one that changes her future forever but with Caleb still not far from her mind and the opportunity arises to see him, she takes it...putting her at risk once again.

What a great sequel. I always get nervous with sequel's because I've read so many lately that honestly, have been such a let down but not Once. Once is a heart-wrenching, jaw-dropping book, full of touching and heart-warming scenes. I didn't think it would be possible to love Eve and Caleb any more but in Once, you can't help love them more. The trials they are put through are hard and emotional and by the end of the book, I was a mess. I cried and literally screamed by the end of the book. Prepare to have tissue's with you. 

Anna Carey has done a fantastic job taking this series to a journey I never thought would come. It's shocking, thrilling and captivating and I've already told you how emotional it is but it's a series you must read! If you love Dystopia novel's then pick this series up now! 

A Review for Eve (Eve #1) by Anna Carey

Posted by Donna

Release Date: October 4th, 2011

Finished Date: August 11th, 2012

Publishers: HarperCollins 

Source: For Review

Format: Kindle

Pages: 318
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Where do you go when nowhere is safe?
Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth's population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school's real purpose--and the horrifying fate that awaits her.
Fleeing the only home she's ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust . . . and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.
In this epic new series, Anna Carey imagines a future that is both beautiful and terrifying. Readers will revel in "Eve"'s timeless story of forbidden love and extraordinary adventure.

The Review: Before I start this review, I have a confession to make. I've had this book on my kindle - which I got for review from NetGalley over 13 months ago! I know, terrible isn't it! I don't know what was wrong with me but, even though I wanted to read it, I was just never in the mood. But now, as you can see, I was in the mood and you know what? I'm absolutely kicking myself for not reading this book sooner because it was a fantastic read! 

It's the year 2032 and the people that survived the plague sixteen years ago are still trying to rebuild lives for themselves. But it's very hard when the King want's the world run his way and his way only. Eve, an eighteen-year-old school girl has been promised a successful future when she finishes school but only to have her dream snatched away from her at the last minute, when she finds out that, producing children so the world can get their population numbers back up awaits for her. Eve knows she doesn't want that future, so she flees into the dangerous wild. She has to go against everything she's ever been taught and face the dangerous and daunting world on her own...and all the while being chased by the King, who wants her for his own purposes. 

I'm so, so surprised by the poor ratings for this book and I can't help think did I read the same book as everyone else? Eve was a dangerous adventure - one full of heart-breaking times and it was an emotional rollercoaster. I thought it was a great start to a very promising series and author Anna Carey did a fantastic job giving us vivid and harsh world. I for one wouldn't want to live in these times. Boys and girl's free will is taken away from them and it's just a sad situation for them.

I loved Eve. I thought she was brave and smart and I loved how she was so willing to defend the people that she cared about, even when they weren't that nice to her. She has a heart of gold and she see's the good in people. She's been taught to fear men all her life but she see's Caleb for who is really is. I loved their relationship. It was a slow process but it just gave me that excitement from the build up between them. Caleb and Eve have very similar personalities and I feel this is why they connect so much. 

“You can love anyone. Love is just caring about someone very deeply. Feeling like that person matters to you, like your whole world would be sadder without them in it.”- Eve

Now the ending...what a killer! The only good things about not reading this book 13 months ago was the fact that I have Once - book two in the series, ready and waiting for me. And I urge people not to judge this book by it's ratings - I for one really enjoyed it and I'm sure you will too.

A big thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 

US vs UK (#54)

Welcome to Book Passion for Life's 54th US vs UK book cover battle. 

The idea of this battle is once a week we'll post 2 sets of books of our choice, one US cover and one UK cover, and we'll just give our opinion on which one we love the most. Which cover captures the story, which one would catch our eye if we saw it on the shelf in a shop. The US cover will be on the left, and the UK cover will be on the right.

The Scores so far are:

US: 15  UK: 18  Draw: 21

US vs UK Round 54

 Shadow Bound by Rachel Vincent

VS  

Jess says: I'm going with the US. I haven't read this one yet, but I want to so badly, I loved the first one. I definitely prefer the US cover, it'll match my UK cover. It just gives off a better vibe from the book.

Donna says:  I really don't know why the UK publishers decided to change their covers for this series. I much prefer the US one, it's so pretty. The UK cover doesn't really give the same feel, it's kind of boring in my opinion.

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list:

The Secret Circle: The Divide by L.J Smith 

 VS  

Jess says: I really like both, but I think I'm going with the US. It's just giving off something better than the UK and it would make me want to pick it up. I think I will read this series, I really enjoyed the tv show and I'm gutted that they cancelled it so I think it's best for me to read the books to get more of the series.

Donna says:  I loved this series so I'm excited to continue but cover wise, I'm going with the US again. Although the covers are similar, I much prefer the font on the US and I like that the girl is in the background rather than so up close like the US.

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list:

Which do you prefer? Leave us your comments below!! =) 

__________________

Okay guys, this weeks US vs UK goes to..........US!!

Showcase Sunday (#13)

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.

Donna's Showcase

For Review:

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin 

Defiance by C.J Redwine 

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Shadows (Ashes #2) by Ilsa J.Bick

Gifted from my awesome BBF - Haley from ya-aholic.

 

Circle Nine by Anne Heltzel

Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T Michelle (Quoted on the back of the book) 

Possessions by Nancy Holder

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Klause

Enthralled by Melissa Marr, Rachel Vincent, Ally Condie (Signed)

Bought eBooks:

(Click on the bookcovers to be taken to Goodreads)

  

Huge thank you to Orion, Atom, Mira Ink, Quercus.

A Review for She's So Dead To Us (He's So/She's So #1) by Kieran Scott

Posted by Jess

Release Date: May 25th, 2010

Finished Date: August 6th, 2012

Publishers: Simon & Schuster

Source: Bought

Format: Kindle

Pages: 278
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Ally Ryan would rather be in Maryland. She would rather be anywhere, in fact, than Orchard Hill, site of her downfall. Well, not hers exactly—but when your father’s hedge fund goes south and all your friends lose their trust funds, things don’t look so sunny for you. Her mother moved her to Maryland to flee the shame, but now they’re moving back. Back to the country-club, new-car-every-year, my-family-came-over-on-the-Mayflower lifestyle that Ally has outgrown. One bright spot, however, is gorgeous, intense Jake Graydon. But it won’t be easy for the two of them to be together—not if his friends (her former friends) have anything to say about it. Is Ally ready to get thrown back into the drama of the life she left behind?

The Review: I found out about this series when I saw the 3rd book advertised thinking it was a standalone. When I found out it was a series I had to get the first one. 
.
I absolutely loved this book. It was like a movie playing out in my head all the way through. Ally Ryan is an excellent protagonist, she's just returned home to the 'Crestie' side of town. She's an outcast now after her father lost millions of dollars of her friends money. He friends no longer want to speak to her or have anything to do with her. Ally is very strong, she goes through a lot of issues and she handles it very well. 
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There's so much emotion, it's such a rollercoaster ride and when Ally is going through all her trouble you really feel for her. You feel immediately connected with her.
.
The book is told through alternative points of view between Ally and Jake. Jake is now living in Ally's old house and has her old room. They both connect with each other through a love of basketball and a week long detention together. Jake is extremely swoonworthy, however his friends are Ally's old friends so Jake is sometimes torn between standing up for what is right with Ally and staying on the side of his friends. I did like Jake, but there were times I felt he should have had his priorities straight to begin with. But as the book went on you grow to enjoy their relationship and root for things to go well. But naturally, like in an episode of Gossip Girl (I've never seen it I'm just going on word of mouth) it doesn't pan out. Which brings me to the HUGE cliffhanger at the end of this book, which unless you already have book 2 will leave you reeling! It's lucky I have book 2 because the cliffhanger was intense. 
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This is the first book that I'd read by Kieran Scott and I intend to read more. She's a brilliant story teller and has a knack for clearly writing a book that runs like a movie in your head. 
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So if you haven't already read this book, then you should really pick it up. And enjoy :)

A Review for The Lost Prince (Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1) by Julie Kagawa

Posted by Donna

Expected Release Date: October 23rd, 2012

Finished Date: August 10th, 2012

Publishers: Harlequin Teen

Source: ARC For Review

Format: Kindle

Pages: 379
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Don't look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.
That is Ethan Chase's unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he's dare to fall for.
Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister's world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myths and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.
My name is Ethan Chase. And I may not live to see my eighteenth birthday.

The Review: Julie Kagawa is back with this spin off series to The Iron Fey and The Lost Prince is the first in the series. It's magical, spell-bounding and dark and let's not forget....dangerous and it is so great to be back in this compelling world. 

Ethan Chase knows all about the Fey because his sister, Meghan is The Iron Queen. He tries to avoid the fey and he tries to never attracts attention to himself. He basically hides away from the world other than going to school and doing Filipino martial arts, and it saddens him  to sees the disappointment in his parents eyes at what he's become. He never meant to become this person but knowing about the Fey can do that to a person. Eventually Ethan is dragged into the world of Faery and despite his best efforts, he drags Kenzie, a girl from school along with him. Now Ethan and Kenzie must go on a journey into Faery to warn Meghan, that there is a new kind of Fey attacking the half-breeds and exiles and in the process try to rescue his friend that has been kidnapped. 

It's no secret how much I adore The Iron Fey series. It's one of my top favourite series ever so when I heard Julie was releasing a spin off series, I knew I had to read it. Julie is one of those authors that I will love anything that she writes. She has a very creative imagination and she has a keen eye for detail. She makes her stories come to lifebecause there so vivid and full of twists and turns. Julie really raises the bar with every story she writes and weaves in complex story line's that are full of pure awesomeness. 

With this story being told from Ethan's point of view, we see a whole new outlook to the Fey. Ethan hates them and it really clouds his judgement. He can't look past the fact that the Fey were responsible for taking Meghan away from his family. I liked Ethan. It was hard to get used to picturing him as a 17 year old boy because in previous books he was only 4 years old. He's changed so much and I can't help feel sorry for him. I wanted him to come to terms with his sister's fate and I wanted to see  him overcome his angry to the Fey, and as the story progresses we do see that. Kenzie played a big role in Ethan's progress. She's introduced to world she knows nothing about and she really takes it on the chin. She doesn't stand for Ethan's rudeness or anger. I really enjoyed them together and I'm excited to see where they next go. 

Now this book wouldn't be the same without an appearance from Meghan, Puck, Grim, Razor and of course....ASH! Oh, Ash how I've missed you! As soon as he came on the scene, I got butterflies in my stomach. He's one of my ultimate book boyfriends so I wanted him in this story. All though his role is small, it's better than nothing. And of course it was nice to see the other characters too. We also see new characters like Annwly & Keirran. If you've read The Iron Knight then you'll know who Keirran  is but I loved him. He can be my Ash substitute and I'm VERY eager to see what lies ahead for him. 

Overall, fans of The Iron Fey will love this instalment from Julie Kagawa. She doesn't disappointment and delivers an intriguing, unique and captivating story with The Lost Prince. A must read!

A big thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

A Review for Arise (Hereafter #2) by Tara Hudson

Posted by Donna

Release Date: June 5th, 2012

Finished Date: April 22nd, 2012

Publishers: HarperCollins 

Source: ARC For Review

Format: Kindle  

Pages: 416
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Amelia—still caught between life and death—must fight for every moment of her relationship with the human boy Joshua. They can hardly even kiss without Amelia accidentally dematerializing. Looking for answers, they go to visit some of Joshua’s Seer relatives in New Orleans. But even in a city so famously steeped in the supernatural, Amelia ends up with more questions than answers…and becomes increasingly convinced that she and Joshua can never have a future together.Wandering through the French Quarter, Amelia meets other in-between ghosts, and begins to seriously consider joining them. And then she meets Gabrielle. Somehow, against impossible odds, Gaby has found a way to live a sort of half-life...a half-life for which Amelia would pay any price. Torn between two worlds, Amelia must choose carefully, before the evil spirits of the netherworld choose for her.

The Review: Hereafter was one of my favourite reads of 2011, so I was super excited to finally get started on Arise, and I have to say author Tara Hudson has done a great job with this haunting sequel and I can't wait for more. 

In Hereafter we saw Ameila and Joshua meet and form a relationship and now in Arise, we see them try and battle to save their relationship - because really, how can a ghost and a human have a future together? As all the odd's seem against them, Ameila seeks help elsewhere, but somehow finds herself in more trouble than ever where she has to choose between two worlds. 

I really enjoyed Arise. It was a completely different read from Hereafter because this time we're seeing Ameila trying to enjoy her life, however it doesn't last long because of the evil that's after her. It was darker than the previous book because we see a lot of interaction with the netherworld and voodoo magic that is introduced. It wasn't predictable nor was it dragged out and Tara Hudson gave us readers a gripping and thrilling read - one that she didn't let up until the very last page. 

We also see the arrival a few new characters who I thoroughly enjoyed. They all have different personalities and they all bounce of one another, that gives this book the humour it needed. Some characters quickly became my favourites and others I hated instantly but overall, I enjoyed them all and thought they we're great additions into the story. 
Now Ameila and Joshua don't get it easy through the story. Their put through the ringer and their relationship is tested to the highest level. I love them together. Their a very sweet couple that you can't help root for but they also have that forbidden romance that you can't help think, how it's all going to end? I hope they get their happy ending and I'm eager how Tara Hudson plays that out. 

All in all, Arise is a sequel that won't let you down. It's just as beautiful and enjoyable as Hereafter and has huge twists and turns that you won't see coming. A must read! 

Blog Tour for Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson - Character Interview with Demos and the boys

Release Date: August 2nd, 2012 

Publishers: Simon & Schuster 

See Donna's Review: HERE 
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Alex and Lila are on the run, desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the Unit, which somehow is managing to track their every move. Whilst Alex is determined to keep Lila safe and her ability secret at any cost, Lila’s only thought is of finding a way back to California so that she can rescue her brother and mother from the military base where they’re being held.
Struggling to control both her growing power and her deepening feelings for Alex, Lila decides the time has finally come to stop running and start fighting. Together with Alex, Demos, and the people she’s come to think of as family, Lila plans not just to save her brother and mother, but to completely destroy the Unit and everything it stands for. 
But the plan requires Lila to return alone to California, make friends with the enemy, and to risk losing everything - Alex, her family, and even her life.

Hi Demos and the gang. Thanks for joining us today. Our first question will be for Demos. 

Demos, you’re driven to do all that you’re doing to fight the Unit to get revenge for what they did to Lila’s mother Melissa. What was your relationship with Melissa and how did it end? 

Straight in there with the personal I see. Are you a journalist? Melissa and I dated. It’s not a secret. We met in college. She was a freshman. I was a senior. I knew straight away what she was – that she was special – one of us. She had no idea there were others out there like us. I introduced her to a whole new world, tried to get her to see that we could use our powers to do things, to live an extraordinary life.

I was younger, ignorant…ambitious. So was she. But not in the same way. She wanted to make a difference. She had notions of using her power to make the world a better place. I disagreed. I thought…believed that she was naïve.

It ended and it shouldn’t have ended then. We weren’t finished. But she had met Lila’s father and I guess they fell in love. I tried to win her back but they moved to the east coast and made it clear I wasn’t to come near them.  So I didn’t.  Not that I didn’t think about her every day. But I didn’t speak to her again until she called me, over fifteen years later.

  

What other secrets are you hiding about yourself of others?

None. Of. Your. Business.

  

How do you all feel now you’re having to work to a certain extent with your enemies (Alex is from the Unit?)

Alex is a good guy. He was lied to in the same way everyone who comes into contact with the Unit is. He wasn’t to know what they were doing and he’s shown he can be trusted. More than that, that we can rely on him.

What’s it like working with everyone else?

We’re as close as family. There are tensions…I mean we live in pretty damn close quarters with two mind readers for company but all things considered, we get along well. If only we could find a way to stop Suki buying so many shoes it would be great.

Harvey, who’s the most annoying person in the group?

No comment.

Demos, what are your feelings about Lila?

She’s a great kid. She reminds me of her mother at that age – impulsive, beautiful, fiery. She smiles like her too.

Harvey, you and Demos go way back. Can you tell us how you first met?

Demos and I were colleagues before all this began.

{Note from ed. Suki later informed us that Demos and Harvey used to rob banks together. Later Demos sprung Harvey from prison when he needed him in the offensive against the Unit).

If you could swap powers with someone else who would it be?

Harvey: Probably with Demos. I’d like to be able to shut Suki and Nate up whenever the hell I goddamn chose.

What will you each do when this war is finished?

Demos: Make sure that Stirling Enterprises never rises from the ashes. The war is never going to be over. Even if we win this battle.

Harvey: Try to get a job in a bank.

And lastly…do you love Alex as much as we do?

I doubt anyone loves that boy as much as Lila does.

Thanks for joining us boys! And good luck in the war. We hope you come out on top.