Author Event With Kelley Armstrong *Squee* (24/03/10)

I met this lovely lady in Waterstones Bookstore, Manchester UK. It was glorious. She was wonderfully polite and patient, even with all the crazy fans (me included) who turned up to meet her on her first UK tour. She signed 3 books for me, which since I already own a signed book from her, was slightly greedy. I think I got a little carried away. I couldn't bring myself to ask a question during the Q&A because the only thing spinning around the inside of my head was "Do you have The Reckoning on you now?! Give it me! Give! Give! *grabby hands*" And that wouldn't have been quite polite of me, as she was being so generous. For an example of how much I hyperventilate over this woman's writing please visit my review of her second book Here



She read aloud the Prologue for "Frostbitten", a book I have read and enjoyed, but have yet to review! (Sorry about the quality of the video. You may want to turn the volume up quite loud!) She then followed this with the Q&A session, which focused mainly on The Otherworld series. She was kind, funny, humble and a pleasure to meet. I really hope my future includes many more Author Events, as this was my first, and I handled it a little like a crazy fangirl. : )



Currently Reading: Salem's Lot By Stephen King

Contest Announcement- White Cat by Holly Black ARC Giveaway!

A fabulous contest giving you the chance to get your hands on an ARC copy of Holly Black's White Cat. (And if you don't know who Holly Black is then shame, shame, shame on you!) : )

I can't wait for this book to be released, so winning an ARC of it would be amazing. Go to the website below for details on the contest.

http://melissawatercolor.blogspot.com/2010/03/white-cat-by-holly-black-curse-workers_16.html

Currently Reading: Salem's Lot By Stephen King

Contest Announcement- Signed Megan Whalen Turner Books

To win signed copies of the the first three books of this series just go to this website and post a comment explaining how you advertised the contest, it couldn't be easier!: http://cindypon.com/blog/

I can't wait to get my hands on these books! I have heard great things indeed from a lot of people. *makes grabby hands*

Contest Announcement- Win a Signed Copy of Ballad By Maggie Stiefvater

As you can read below, I ADORE this woman's writing. I would encourage anyone to challenge a gladiator to a fight to the death for a chance to win a signed copy of one of her books. However, good fortune smiles upon us and all you have to do is comment on this competition. Huzzah!

Visit Here to go to the competition page:

Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl (3.5/5)

Hmm, this is a bit of a weird one for me. It took me quite a few days to get through it, it wasn't one that I was able to fly through without coming up for air, and yet it didn't drag, to the point where I wasn't happy reading it.

Okay, i'll start with what I liked. I loved the concept of the town, the fact that their backwards thinking and prejudice could be sharpened and aimed at an indivudual was a brilliant plot point. The outrage I felt when the facts were twisted and witnesses were unreliable was satisfying. I loved that whole side of the book, the fact that a close knit society could be so filled with their own traditions and harsh cruelty that they don't see that they are the problem. As an extension of this, I liked all the minor characters. I loved those that stood up against the small mindedness of the town and yet I loved to read about those who were enforcing it. I thought that this book had a great, really interesting supporting cast. I loved Uncle Macon's destruction of the town citizens when they tried to punish Lena for a crime she didn't commit, during the disciplinary committee. Honesty is always the best policy, especially when you have other people's dirty laundry that you can air. Hehe.

I also loved the fact that Amma was fascinated with words and their definitions and that Marian Ashcroft knew the wonder of books, and that she was the type of character who would randomly quote sentences that at the time, summed up everything that needed to be said. I wish I was more like her, and she made me want to be a Librarian. : ) I also got the feeling that I would have really gotten along with Ethan's mother, she seemed like a great person. I enjoyed the gothic ambience, and every scene in Ravenwood Manor. I could visualise the town, and the rich history, and I really enjoyed the flashback scenes. This is the first book set in the South that i've really fallen into, without the setting removing me from the text slightly, so I appreciate it for that.

My main issue with the book, is that I couldn't really give two hoots about the love story. I love the setting that it is in, and I like the two characters separately, with their ambitions and limitations, but together... Meh. I just didn't really care. It seemed too obvious, the first outcast girl to enter the town captures the heart of a guy who feels he needs more than what the town can give him. I liked Ethan's ambition, and Lena's power, but that was about it. And Lena's occasional tendency to bounce from one exreme to another without much of a explanation, grated with me sometimes.Something seemed to fall a little... flat, for me. I don't know why, but I just didn't connect much with them. I enjoyed their story, and found it entertaining, I just didn't care as much as I would have liked to. I also do get the feeling that the book didn't need quite so much content, it could have achieved just as much with less pages. I think, as is the case when characters get together immediately, where else can they go from here? They practically fall head over heels as soon as they see each other, and that doesn't really interest me, or strike me as realistic. Though I did appreciate that this couple wasn't as sickly sweet about their affections as others I have read *coughtwilightcough*

The supporting characters would make me want to pick up the sequel, but over all I am left with a certain amount of apathy, surrounded with good world building, and interesting history. Though, once again, the love of words and books makes me feel like i'm sinking into a nice, familiar, cosy blanket. And on the plus side, the cover is rather beautiful.

Linger (ARC) By Maggie Stiefvater (4.5/5)

"Once Grace and Sam have found each other, they know they must fight to stay together. For Sam, this means a reckoning with his werewolf past. For Grace, it means facing a future that is less and less certain. Into their world comes a new wolf named Cole, whose past is full of hurt and danger. He is wrestling with his own demon, embracing the life of a wolf while denying the ties of being human. For Grace, Sam, and Cole, life is a constant struggle between two forces- wolf and human- with love baring it's two sides as well. It is harrowing and euphoric, freeing and entrapping, enticing and alarming. As their world falls apart, love is what lingers. But will it be enough?" (From inside front page of Linger)

My love for Shiver was strong and true! The review I wrote for it can be found Here I had insane expectations for it's sequel!

I am going to keep this spolier free for obvious reasons! I adored it, the same wonderful human emotion spills from the book, and now we have a 2 whole new POVs to see the story from. This was a wonderful way to refresh the book, and to make it different from the first in the trilogy. I loved the new character of Cole and the new perspective of Isabel. I found myself seeing her in a whole new light, when I was inside her head. I heard her say things that I myself have said (especially when it comes to men!), which made me take her a lot more seriously, I loved her matter of fact statements and her coping mechanisms.

At first I wasn't too sure about Cole, I usually have my doubts about people who choose to lead their life in a certain way, but once his history was flushed out, and his character was expanded, I began to love reading about him. He gave the book a whole different side, that was occasionally callous and self serving, but still made sense and was understandable in the context. I enjoyed his parts a lot, which was a surprise, considering how eager to read about Sam and Grace I was.

Oh Sam and Grace, finally I get around to you. How I adore you both! I just want to smush them. I love their love, which is quite extreme coming from a cynical sceptic, like myself. They make me want to believe that human nature isn't always selfish and self centred, and that people aren't always just out for what they can get. Their love is deep and emotional, but manages not to come across as unhealthy, fake, lust driven or sickly sweet. They made me believe in them.

I really enjoyed Grace's developing relationship with her parents in this book, and I shared her outrage when they acted in the manner they did. I really like Grace's independence, but that this has come at a cost of a decent parent-child relationship, makes me feel for her. She has created her own family in a way, with Sam, and I supported them being each others family. In my mind it didn't seem too soon, or rushed. Just natural.

I can't wait for the third book in this trilogy, I won't even think about the wait, because I am aware it is going to be an unnaturally long time before this book reaches the UK. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book from Maggie, as a prize in a competition. The first ARC to hit my bookshelves and I love it. I am so grateful for this opportunity and am eagerly counting down the years until I get the third book!



Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Contest Announcement- Win a Signed Copy of Ash By Malinda Lo

The contest ends tonight! I advise everyone to run out and get this great book. And a signed version would be an awesome thing to own. For more details on my opinion of Ash, please refer to my review a few days ago. (Such a nice, warm book) : )

Go here to enter!
http://www.malindalo.com/2010/03/the-ash-across-the-pond-giveaway/

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl. Linger By Maggie Stiefvater

The Graveyard Book By Neil Gaiman (4/5)

I really really enjoyed this book. Gaiman is an amazing author. Every character was three dimensional and realistic, which given the subject matter is quite an achievement! I loved the character of Bod and wanted to follow him through his entire life and I particularly loved Liza.

The twist near the end was less of a twist for me, because I look into things more then I should. : ) But it was still brilliant writing. I loved the darkness, I loved the characters, I didn't want it to end. Just wonderful. I am trying to get everyone I know to read this book, but it's turning out to be quite tricky. Particularly with the children I work with, I think that this book would improve their quality of life, and they think that the crazy lady is ranting again. Hehe.

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Neverwhere By Neil Gaiman (4/5)

I really felt for the character of Richard, I liked him. He was wrote so three dimensionally that it was easy to visualize him.

I love Neil Gaiman, I love all of his books, I love the way his mind works. I thought the storyline was rather bizarre, in that it wasn't too intricate but still remained complicated. By another writer it may have been able to retain momentum, but by Gaiman it stayed a work of art.

I now need to run and read everything else by him that I haven't read yet. There is just something about Gaiman, I love falling into one of his fictional worlds, I wish I could stay there.

I loved the variety of characters, and even though they were all so unique and peculiar in their own ways they all remained gritty and realistic. I really wish I knew what happens to Richard after this!

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

The Princess Bride By William Goldman (4/5)

I can understand Goldman discussing his desire to edit a book to just the 'good parts' as I have felt like doing it to quite a few books in my youth! I loved the story and felt that it's simplicity was beautifu, particularly when coupled with unpredictable plot twists! : ) I loved the way all of the characters thought, and found them to be painfully human. Whilst at the same time finding them completely annoying for their attitudes and actions... But most humans annoy me anyway, hehe. I loved Buttercup's bravery, but her stubborn streak and superior attitude made me want to smack her in the head.

I love the way that the 'bad guys' are not always the bad guys. And the heroes are not always heroic. All the characters are acting selfishly to serve their own ends. But in the end isn't that what most people do on a daily basis?

I do agree with Mr Goldman Sr with some of the adjustments. Some things are better with the nasty parts cut out... Both for timid children and cowardly grown ups. The cliffhanger may just be the end of me. But I can understand the claim of Morgenstern's apparent desire to add one last satirical twist! : )

I firmly believe that the scene when Buttercup finally realises her feelings for "Farm Boy", the entire thought process she goes through is hysterical, as is her rant at him. She is so melodramatic, and it is very entertaining.

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

The Forest of Hands & Teeth By Carrie Ryan (3/5)

Loved most of the book and yet I was really frustrated with the ending. I did like the character of Mary, but the ending made me quite scared of her. I knew she wanted the ocean, but her friends are starving to death in the fences... O_o

I thought the book was wrote really well until the last 20 or so pages though. I loved the action, I felt it. My heart was in my throat for a lot of it. The book absorbed me and made me jump in anxiety, I also sobbed like a baby. I read the book in a day and have thought about it pretty much whenever I wasn't reading it. I felt the emotion so much that I felt like I was in the world with the characters.

It was probably for this reason that I didn't like the ending so much. It all felt a little pointless. This immense, emotional struggle I had watched characters I had come to love, go through seemed to be for very little. And I seemed to get very few answers and even less of a conclusion. If there will be a sequel then this does make some sense, but I still would have liked to put the book down with a little sense of finality, if only for a short while.

I also loved the development between Mary and Travis and yet this also just seems to dwindle without THAT much of an explanation as to why. I felt that their romance was real and yet I stopped believing in it eventually for what felt like no good reason.

A mixed review I suppose. I did truly become absorbed with this book, did fall into it and obsess about reading it at every opportunity. I suppose that could be why I am slightly disappointed in the ending.

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Ink Exchange By Melissa Marr (4/5)

I really liked it. It had surprising emotional depth, especially when dealing with the different characters feelings for one another. I loved the issues of ethics, bad people doing good deeds and vice versa. Does a positive result justify a negative action. Very thought provoking. I love complicated characters or those with flawed pasts, so this book was a real treat in that area.

I loved the characters as well. Leslie's strength and yet her fragility at surviving her trauma, I loved her and wanted to help her much! Her obsession with getting a tattoo was also a little familiar and made me want to get another.

I really liked Niall, that he was a moral character that couldn't continue to ally with who he thought the 'good guys' because of manipulation. Oh I loved him he was just delicious, as was his warring with his own inner nature. Awesome.

And Irial, oh Irial. I flew between thinking he was disgusting and feeling genuine pain for him. His is perhaps the most complicated character, because he genuinely does need to destroy people for the sake of his court. Is it justified? Was Leslie justified in being unable to stand her role in it? Oh, I just loved the complications so very much. In fact I enjoyed their pain so much I think maybe I belong in the dark court after all!

The story was a bit uneventful and nothing actually happened come to think of it. But the characters were so beautiful and the way they inter linked along with the way their pain was written was wonderful. The philosophical issues of right and wrong also made this book well worth reading. I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel... Or maybe another tattoo. ; )

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Fragile Eternity By Melissa Marr (4/5)

Once I got into it I enjoyed it quite a lot. I find myself more drawn to the characters than the actual story, I think. I love Seth, I think he is written brilliantly and his character rides a fine line between vulnerability and strength. The same goes for Niall who just breaks my heart.

What I like about these books are that the characters motivations are all spelled out and make sense. Even if they are unethical, you can understand why they are acting the way that they are. They have a responsibility and a higher purpose, even if it is one to immorality. I love the character of Keenan, because I think he is such a manipulative jerk, he is wrote brilliantly. I think I would probably detest him if I knew him, and I think Ash handles the situation quite well.

I feel like Marr has so many pieces that need to fall into place, but she manages it just in time and just enough to make me eagerly await the sequel.

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

The Eternal Kiss: 12 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire (4/5)

The whole 'Vampire Thing' can still be incredibly corny, but some of these writers are amazing enough to pull it off. They were all really told in different ways, some saw Vampirism as a blessing and some as a curse. Some showed how it massively affected the person's life and others expressed it like a mild annoyance.

My favourites were:-

Falling To Ash- By Karen Mahoney (Because it was just awesome and the whole Vampire Hunter/Vampire thing will always be a weakness of mine *beams*)

Undead Is Very Hot Right Now- By Sarah Rees Brennan (Because it was very funny, I loved Christian and wanted to hug him and this woman is a genius and always will be)

Kat- By Kelley Armstrong (Because she is a brilliant writer and much to my surprised joy this linked in with the Darkest Powers Trilogy)

The Thirteenth Step- By Libba Bray (Because the writing was so tasty and addictive that I immediately wanted to grab anything else she had every written!)

All Hallows By Rachel Caine (Because the heroine was an empowered, snarky Goth dressed as Catwoman. This is wonderful on so many levels... And her boyfriend was a surfer looking vampire who played the guitar *melts*)

Honourable mentions also go to Cassandra Clare and Holly Black, but their stories distressed me enough to make me sob into a pillow and not want to read them again. Still amazing writing though. : )

I will definitely dip into it again and read some stories as separate pieces once more. *loves*

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Catching Fire By Suzanne Collins (4.5/5)

The story was brilliant, and the plot had great points of adventure. I didn't want to part with it, because I desperately wanted to know what was going to happen. The twists were wonderfully thought out, and perfect for the book. I had to sit and finish the book at a party, much to the disgust of my friends. : )

I loved all the characters and couldn't pick a favourite, because they're all so great. I found myself punching the air and chanting 'Rebel!' and 'Anarchy!' which I will have to take as a good sign, hehe.

I wasn't as gripped as I was during the first book, I don't know why, but the first book had me on the edge of my seat. But it's still a great book. I love the idea of it, I love the execution of it. The whole concept is a brilliant one. I hated the Cliffhanger ending and can't wait to get my hands on the third one!!

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

The Lost Symbol By Dan Brown (4/5)

A brilliant compelling mystery. But I didn't expect any less from Dan Brown. : ) When I saw this on the shelf in my local shop I squee'd and fled across the foyer, surprising my friends greatly, hehe.

I didn't relate to the concept as much as I did with A&D's/ TDC, but the action and suspense made up for that. I love that Dan Brown can keep me on the edge of my seat and teach me random completely fascinating facts at the same time. I always feel like making notes when I am reading his books. I love bizarre trivia.

I read this book in my spare time over 2 days... And I work 11 hour days, so that's how compelling this book is! The twist at the end, that I predicted just before it happened had me chanting "No, no, no!" and staring with an agonised expression at the page. I was scared to accidentally read ahead and ruin it for myself.

Definitely another page turner from the wonderful Mr Brown. If I could meet Robert Langdon I would love it. I wish I knew someone in reality who could explain forgotten symbology to me!


Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening & The Struggle By L J Smith (3/5)

Hmm. It read a little like a point horror book. But I guess that might be common in 90's fiction. The romance was a little odd to relate to, but I actually liked the characters. I like that Elena wasn't relatable, i'm a bit sick of the whole "Mary Sue Girl Next Door Sweet Innocent Best Friend" character. Elena was selfish, strong and beautiful. I found it refreshing to read such a dynamic and unique character, even if I found myself unable to sympathise with her.

I loved Stefan & Damon, I loved their relationship and how they approached seducing Elena differently. I liked how the love triangle worked, and how it showed that you could be attracted to someone, or what they represent, even if you think they are an awful person.

In comparison with the TV show, i've got to think that I enjoy the show more than the book. Which is new for me. I like Elena a lot more as they have wrote her, and the increased depth in the plot, and the other character's stories. But this Elena was a refreshing change from the usual heroines!

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins (5/5)

Amaaaazing! I just couldn't put it down. I know people say that sometimes, but I actually COULDN'T. My friends were mad because I was late for a night out, because the book just doesn't have a break where you can put it down without being desperate to know more. I went out and couldn't stop thinking about the book, I came home at 2.30am, and started reading again, until the sun rose and I was finished.

It is just such a fast paced book, it's brutal and endearing. The character of Katniss seems so realistic in the way she responds to things, and the way she feels. I can completely understand why she does what she does in every situation. I felt really bad throughout the whole book, because I was putting myself in that situation, and I know I would fail miserably! I read people too much to be able to detach my emotions. Sorry for the ramble... JUST READ IT!

Inkdeath By Cornelia Funke (4.5/5)

Brilliant. I am so reluctant to leave this world, I will miss it a lot. I feel as if I personally know it and all the characters it is that detailed! I need to know more and follow them throughout EVERYTHING. I miss them already and I only just put it down.

It was a very long book and it did seem to drag upon occasion, but just because of the sheer content in it! The world was built up so much you could practically taste it. And I can understand the temptation as I want to vanish into it's pages.

I really loved the way that all the character's played their parts. Particularly how Fernoglio explained how tricky it is to weave it all together. Cornelia Funke did that brilliantly and I felt there were no loose ends. Which seemed impossible half way through the book. All the characters are three dimensional and realistic, with human faults and issues.

I particularly loved the parting sentence, it was so bittersweet and just summed up the book and the experience of reading. I love that you can tell the author adores books, just like some of her crazy fans. : ) It was an epic book and I wish I could fall back into the Inkworld and stay there, if just for a little while. *happysigh*

The Awakening By Kelley Armstrong (5/5)

Oh my god, read it. Oh my god, read it. Oh my god, read it! I am striving for a more lucid response but I appear to be lacking. I loved it. It is in one of my top two reads this year! And that is high praise indeed, with the amount that I read.

I read the book in an evening and it flew by. There was not a point I could have put the book down and slept happily. I NEEDED to know more. I became so invested in these characters that I would find myself gasping, hugging the book or finding myself with a horribly shocked expression on my face in the mirror.

The entire book was easy and a joy to read. I never once felt like it was an effort, or that there was a chapter that I had to 'get through'. It was just briliiant from beginning to end.

Oh and I love Derek... it's unhealthy. So i'm supposed to conclude that he's horrible, terrifying, repulsive, spotty, sweaty, smelly... I don't care I love him. : ) Every single one of his actions made me swoon, whether he was yelling, being uncomfortable, being defensive, being secretive, being honourable. I knew why he was doing all of it, and I loved him. I love him for who he is trying to be and for who he is deep down. Okay... Now that my fangirl has calmed down... All I can say. Just read the book? Please? Do it for me? *begging face*

American Gods By Neil Gaiman (4/5)

The book itself was written incredibly. The descriptions were perfect, the characters three dimensional. However I still had to put a lot of effort into reading it! The first 300 pages took me a few months to read, but the last few hundred flew by in a day. I read pretty quickly, but this book had trouble gripping me in some parts. Which made me feel like the problem was definitely with me!

Neil Gaiman is a master story teller and he weaves a tale like few others! The amount of plot points and complications that he pulled together in a few pages were astounding and I loved the twists and genuinely didn´t see them coming until right before!

I adored the different mythology and this really encouraged my insterests in different pantheons even more so.

I will definitely read more by Neil Gaiman, although I don´t think I could read this again without as much effort as I put in this time.

The Ask and The Answer By Patrick Ness (4/5)

Brilliant. I read it in a day. I just REALLY didn´t want to put it down. It took a while for me to pick it up and read it, as I wasn´t particularly interested in the thought of reading it. But once it started it just pulled me along behind.

I love the major themes in this book, possibly moreso than any other I have read recently. The wars, the genocide, the metaphors that could be taken from this, brilliant. The way the discrimination entends gradually from The Spackle to the POW´s to the female population. It´s just wonderful. This book made me gasp, it made me afraid to read more and it made me cry. It also made me like Davy, which I didn´t see coming!

I loved how it showed what wars do to people, and that even good people can find themselves doing terrible things and justifying it. And how most people look the other way in wars and are easily swayed by one side or another.

I also felt myself being swayed along with the characters, and couldn´t decide who I wanted to ´win´before I decided, that no one wins in war, that´s the point.

Everyone is a master manipulator and when it comes down to it most have their own agenda. But the goodness that can sometimes be found in humanity is worth finding and keeping.

Just brilliant, masterful storytelling. With a very important message at it core. Very deep dark reading though! Definitely not light and uplifting! : )

Rebel By R J Anderson (4/5)

Fast paced, entertaining and nice characters that are relatable in their complications. Well written and greatly enjoyed. This was the first time in a couple of months that I read a book in one sitting. Can't wait for Arrow. I really hope that R J Anderson gets the recognition that she deserves from these YA novels.

I love the way that she makes all her characters unique and fleshes them out to give them individuality, all the while not allowing them to be defined by any one quality.

I really enjoyed the adventure of this story and the way that a friendship builds between the characters under such strange and stressful circumstances.

I also loved the gilmpses of Knife's story as well. Having such a time span between the two books was a good method of being able to answer a lot of questions off the page also. The transition that Knife made from one world to another was covered very well I felt, without detracting from the main theme of the story.

And the cover art is just delicious. : )

The Art of Tim Burton By Leah Gallo & Holly Kempf (5/5)

Beautiful, magical and a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. Sitting in a huge chair with this epic tome balanced on your knee, especially with an equally large mug of coffee next to you. : )

The book is separated into sections each displaying pictures from a certain theme. I couldn't even pick a favourite section, let alone a favourite image, because they are all just so wonderful. A great insight into the mind of such a unique and fantastic director. Whether you are interested in the images that are memories of real life events, or the thought processes that led to some of the best movies of the past 20 years, it's all there.

The quotes spaced throughout the book also give it a personal touch, where people who are familiar with Tim's art will give you their take on it. My personal favourites were the ones from Helena Bonham Carter, as they were able to offer insight both professionally and personally. But also very enlightening are the additions by Danny Elfman and Johnny Depp, who have worked on so many projects with Burton at this point, that they have a lot of important points and opinions to contribute.

This is in my top two of expensive books that I have ever purchased and it was worth every penny. I am so glad that I have this book in my collection. I know that I will look through it for years to come.

Shiver By Maggie Stiefvater (5/5) *Gush*

Oh my goodness. I loved it. I loved Sam, I loved Grace, I loved them together. I love the realism in the mythology and the tangible and almost three dimensional human emotions that tumble from the pages. I just couldn't stop reading. It was just perfect, I wanted everything they had, and wanted to share everything they did, but at the same time wouldn't take it from them for anything in the world.

Here's the thing about me, I don't like love stories, I find them cheesy, annoying, unbelievable or pathetic, or I find one member of the pair unable to stand. I loved these two so much, they were both so different and yet had so many qualities that made them so relatable. They were so human, which given the subject matter, is amusing. : )

Serious love! This book broke my heart, and then put it back together again. I never believe in love stories, never really care, but oh my gosh, this one just took my breath away, I want to read it again right now. *happysigh* Now if I can just find a guy like Sam I can die happy. : ) How perfect is he? *swoons*

Note that this is probably the most fangirling review I will leave, I just loved it that much. A lot more than I was expecting to. This lucky find pleased me more than I thought possible! And I won a competition to get my hands on the ARC of the sequel, Linger. How amazing is that? *faints*

The Color of Magic By Terry Pratchett (4/5)

I loved the characters, I found them witty and engaging. It took me a few pages to get into the book, but when I got used to the pace and feel of it, I read it in a few hours.

It is incredibly witty and I did laugh out loud a few times. The writing does seem quite separate from the story at some points though, It is an interesting style, but it meant I was more amused than sympathetic to the characters plight. Although this was probably deliberate, and i'm feeling quite a habit of Pratchett's.

I loved the character of Rincewind, I loved both his dialogue and internal monologue, I feel that he would be a great travelling companion to have. : )

I did enjoy the small glimpses of other people's stories throughout the book, but as usual with this style, I found myself unable to process them with the story of the main characters and it took me away from the plot. Though they were entertaining as separate glimpses into the world.

The Demon's Lexicon By Sarah Rees Brennan (4.5/5)

I adore this woman's writing and have for a long time. It was a few years ago now I vowed to read anything she ever wrote, even if it was a menu. : )

This book didn't let me down, she has an amazing skill for characterisation and building up tension. As well as a brilliant knack for creating characters whose lack of skill at communicating their emotions makes them lash out sometimes.

I loved the twist at the end and even though I noticed all of the clues it still took me by surprise. I love the character of Jamie and think the world would be a better place if more people were like him. His witty, quick lines intended to break the tension were glowing, comedy moments in the book, and I looked forward to every scene with him in.

I was drawn in to Nick's perspective and felt for him a lot, even if I couldn't actually relate to him because well, he isn't addicted to reading. : ) I could very happily have Alan as my book shop guy any day of the week. And I feel so much for Mae, because I know in that situation I wouldn't exactly know what to do either!

I can't wait for the sequel and I hope that each of these characters gets flushed out more for my utter enjoyment.

The Reformed Vampire Support Group By Catherine Jinks (2.5/5)

Not bad, but not an epic page turner either. I liked the concept of the vampirism expressed in this book. The sheer wealth of characters overwhelmed me at first, but I got used to it eventually. I liked the way they lived their lives, and I liked the way every little detail was included, the routine, the history etc.

That said the actual storyline wasn't that gripping, but I did like the way things played out, and the Werewolf fighting was a horrifically great storyline. : ) And the details were enough to build up the world they lived in very satisfyingly, and seemed realistic, nothing happened that made me think "Oh! But that really would never happen" Which given that it's supposed to be a supernatural genre, is quite impressive.

I thought that Horace's punishment was a bit harsh, as his actions were quite sensible, i'd do it. Better than they deserved. And I did like Dave, he seemed like a nice guy. : )

Leviathan By Scott Westerfeld (4/5)

I liked it. It wasn't a gripping page turning thriller, but I did enjoy it, and read it quickly. The lead characters were brilliant, as were their individual stories and deceptions. I absolutely adored the blending of old and new technology, it was well thought out and rather fascinating. I loved the parts that included alternate history, although having to re study WWI after not thinking about it in a few years was rather distracting. I had to try and recall the actual history to figure out what Westerfeld had changed! Just because i'm too much of a geek to accept it as given.

It did take my head QUITE a while to understand the scientific principle of it all, since the two worst things I studied at school were biology & technology. : ) But when I got used to the terminology it was a lot easier to visualise what the text was trying to describe.

The book did seem a lot like the start of a trilogy, not a great deal happened after the characters were established and flushed out, but they were very likable, whilst still seeming complicated, and their tales were interesting ones. I can't wait for the next book to find out what other trials these characters face. I do think the book could have benefited from more humour though.

Ash by Malindo Lo (4/5)

I like the story and the characters. I didn't think the book dragged at any point, or felt like a chore to read. It wasn't as jaw dropping, or epic as my favourite books, but it was a lovely read. I really enjoyed the re telling of Cinderella, the harsh realism of it was interesting running alongside the fantasy aspects. I also really liked that even though she got her wishes, they were bittersweet because she knew the price she would have to pay. I found the love story a refreshing change, and enjoyed how natural it felt.

I did feel like the ending was a little bland though, when compared to the whirlwind of the previous pages, it seemed rather simplistic after the complications of the book. I loved the development and justification of her becoming a servant for her step mother and step sisters. It didn't feel unrealistic, or unlikely. It was casual systematic abuse of Ash, and it really gave the story more depth.

I think this is a story that I would like to re read, as it is a comfortable story that you can sink into, and read quickly.

A New Place to Blog!

Have finally decided that this will be mainly my book blog. A place for me to note my reviews and to look at pretty cover art. I may also use it to announce any contests I stumble across. Because more free books for everyone can only be a good thing right? : )