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Showing posts from June, 2011

Review of Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Once upon a time, I was a little girl who disappeared.
Once upon a time, my name was not Alice.
Once upon a time, I didn’t know how lucky I was.

When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over.
Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her.
This is Alice’s story. It is one you have never heard, and one you will never, ever forget.

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As anyone who has read this will say, this book will stick with you. I have been wanting to find out what this is like and I'm not quite sure I'm glad I did. I got it over and done with so hopefully once I've finished this review I'll never have to think about it again!

Living Dead Girl is very well written and I could see how detached form the world Alice was. Alice's voice is perfect, confused and detached bUt hopeful too, the highlight of her day is when she manages to steal some food or when Ray leaves her alone. I did find Alice quite annoying at times as there was so many opportunities where she could have escaped and gone home. I understood that Ray had brain-washed her from a very young age but I still found it quite frustrating, I just wanted to get her out of there!

One of the most horrifying things about this book is what Ray makes 15 year old Alice do. Elizabeth Scott writes a little about it and leaves the rest to the imagination, which really worked at making me feel like throwing up at times.

This book is quite short but the amount of emotions Elizabeth Scott manages to pack into it is quite astounding. I was disappoined with the ending as it wasn't what I wanted, I have to admit. But that's the only fault I can find with this book. I'd definitely aim this more towards a teen audience but I think all ages can 'enjoy' it.

4/5

Review of Crusade by Linda Press Wulf

Robert: Left on the steps of a church as a baby, Robert was often hungry but never stole food like the other orphans in town. Introverted and extraordinarily intelligent, he knew all the Latin prayers and hymns by heart by the time he was five years old.

Georgette: Her own mother died in childbirth, leaving Georgette with a father who, seventeen at the time, had neither experience nor aptitude as a nurturing parent, and a brother known in town as Le Fuer - The Spitfire - for his terrible temper.

Perhaps to replace something missing from their own lives, both Robert and Georgette are drawn to the news of a crusader, twelve or thirteen, no older than themselves, travelling down through France with thousands of followers - all, unbelievably, children too. Of those thousands, this is the incredible story of two. This is a story of hardship, loss and love.


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The first chapter of Crusade had me hooked, starting with Robert's story of how he ended up with the scar on his face and then how he ended up in the clutches of Pere Abbe. After this chapter the book moves on to Georgette, who is a peasant living with her father and brother in a small village. Georgette has a friend, Father David, who teaches her to read, which is quite unusual for a Peasant girl but fits with Georgette’s intelligent character perfectly. Christianity, Robert and Georgette's faith, is what eventually brings them together and is always there, throughout the whole of book.

A lot of the story is devoted to The Children's Crusade in France, where the 'Prophet' Stephen leads around 2,000 pure souls - children - to the Holy Land. Georgette, Gregor (her brother) and Robert plus any children from Georgette's village all decide to join the Crusade. The way isn't easy and many fall and die from such a hard journey.

In the first half, Georgette and Robert don't really talk to each other, but they notice each other. I was desperately hoping they would fall in love with each other and thankfully they do. The second half (technically it's a little less than half but it feels like the second half) is devoted to Georgette and Robert and what they do after the Crusade. I loved this part the best as I wasn't expecting it at all! I was expecting the book to end when the Crusade did. There were quite a few surprises along the way for me, which I can't say due to spoilers... but they're brilliant.

Although The Children's Crusade is quite a popular subject, I haven't seen many books about it and the only YA book I've read about it other than this one was part of the Angels Unlimited/Agent Angel series by Annie Dalton. So my knowledge was a little limited. Thankfully I know a bit more now.

Linda Press Wulf is definitely an Author to look out for if you love Historical YA, like I do. The writing is beautiful and I completely lost myself in the story. The world she created was very vivid and I could easily picture everything going on around me. I’m definitely going to look out for more by her!

5/5

Received free from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review

Review of Passion by Lauren Kate

Fallen Series Book 3

Luce would die for Daniel.

And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.


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I was pretty excited about this book when I got to the end of Torment (which is appropriately named). To be able to go back to Luce's past and visit her old incarnations! The possibilities are endless! I eagerly ordered it near the date and very happily received it two days ahead of the release day. Did it live up to my expectations?

Yes, yes it did! This is easily the best in the series so far and so much more than I was hoping for. Once you get past the prologue which bored me to death, anyway. When you first meet Luce she's just left the garden and has been thrown right into Moscow, in 1941. I loved how unusual the locations were. There were some usual ones but the majority were really different, from Tibet to Mesoamerica. All the settings were described brilliantly and I loved wandering around various scenes in history.

A new addition to the book: instead of bonus chapters of Daniel's thoughts, he frequently gets a voice in many different chapters, which was really needed for this story. It was fun seeing where he was and comparing it to where Luce was. Poor thing, he kept turning up too late.

I enjoyed watching Luce's past incarnations, seeing how different (and how similar) they were to Luce. There were a couple that where I couldn't understand why Daniel fell in love with her again but that's soulmates for you. I hope this isn't a spoiler (read the next paragraph if you want to avoid it) but I was really curious about the peonies that keep popping up in the storyline. I wonder if they're important. I'm probably just grabbing at straws.

5/5

Review of Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

"Throughout all my histories, I found no one I loved more than you...no one."

Those were some of Rhode's last words to me. The last time he would pronounce his love. The last time I would see his face.

It was the first time in 592 years I could take a breath. Lay in the sun. Taste. Rhode sacrificed himself so I, Lenah Beaudonte, could be human again. So I could stop the blood lust.

I never expected to fall in love with someone else that wasn't Rhode. But Justin was... daring. Exciting. More beautiful than I could dream. I never expected to be sixteen again... then again, I never expected my past to come back and haunt me...


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I started this book with a lot of questions. What has happened to her? Who is Rhode to her? Why is she naked on a wooden floor? Thankfully all of these questions are soon answered – she’s Lenah Beaudonte, an ex-vampire and Rhode, her friend, lover and creator has turned her human. Unfortunately Rhode then dies, which is a shame because I really liked him. What happened to her clothes I’m not entirely sure – either they rotted away after 100 years or Rhode’s a necrophiliac.

After the first chapter I started to get a bit annoyed at Lenah. I couldn’t understand why on earth she was whining so much. She seemed to go on and on about how horrible her life was. Rhode just died for you, appreciate it! Plus, you’ve been living a good 500 years, more than most people. She had a privileged life, was very rich and many people doting on her. I think Rhode spoilt her just a little too much.

Then I met Justin. Oh, he annoyed me so, so much. I just didn’t get why Lenah liked him so much. He was an ass. And he called her a whore! Okay, maybe just so he could make his girlfriend shut up but still. He just kind of smirked at her too much, like he was better than anything else, you know? Maybe I’m too picky. I just didn’t like him when I met him.

Tony’s character was definitely the most likeable from the beginning, after Rhode. He’s the first person Lenah meets in her new life and he’s really kind to her, showing her around the campus and offering to learn her how to drive. He falls in love with Lenah quite quickly, despite her flaws and her obsession with Justin. He even braves his fear of heights for her, although as soon as Justin started noticing her she dropped him like a rock.

After a while of reading this and finding Lenah and Justin increasingly more annoying, something amazing happened. I just couldn’t stop reading. Lenah and Justin’s personalities improved to the point where I loved both of them. I read and read, wanting more and more. I wanted to know if her coven would find her and if they did, what would happen? Would any of her new friends make it out alive? Would she? I don’t know what happened, all I know is, I still want to read more. I’ll be thinking about this book for a while.

When I finally got to the end I just sat and thought about the whole story and wondered how there could be a sequel. This ending is like a cliff hanger without the cliff hanger! I can’t wait to read more, it’s definitely on the top of my ‘to buy’ list. If you like vampire novels, particularly Christopher Pike’s The Last Vampire series, I’d definitely recommend this.

5/5

Review of Wood Angel by Erin Bow

Plain Kate lives in a world of superstitions and curses, where a song can heal a wound and a shadow can work deep magic. As the wood-carver's daughter, Kate held a carving knife before a spoon, and her wooden talismans are so fine that some even call her “witch-blade”: a dangerous nickname in a country where witches are hunted and burned in the square.
For Kate and her village have fallen on hard times. Kate’s father has died, leaving her alone in the world. And a mysterious fog now covers the countryside, ruining crops and spreading fear of hunger and sickness. The townspeople are looking for someone to blame, and their eyes have fallen on Kate.
Enter Linay, a stranger with a proposition: In exchange for her shadow, he’ll give Kate the means to escape the angry town, and what’s more, he’ll grant her heart’s wish. It’s a chance for her to start over, to find a home, a family, a place to belong. But Kate soon realizes she can't live shadowless forever -- and that Linay's designs are darker than she ever dreamed.


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There was only ever two books that made me cry - Before I Die by Jenny Downham and the Harry Potter book where Dumbledore dies. Now, there's a third. I'm not sure how to write a review that's fitting for a such an amazing book but heck, I'll try.

Wood Angel is told like a fairy tale and I quickly fell in love with the writing. It's the sort of writing that I lose myself comepletely in and can imagine everthing so easily, it's almost as if I'm there. The story is either set in the past, or in a different world, or both (I'm guessing both), in a world that fears Witchcraft as well as accepting it. Witch burnings are a common thing for Kate, who is accused of being a Witch often, due to her beautiful carvings. Knowing she has to get away from the town where she grows up, she strikes a bargain with a man who will change her life forever.

The Roamers were an interesting bunch and I wish Plain Kate could have stayed with them longer. I particularly liked Drina and Daj, who both warmed to Kate quickly and made her feel at home. Of course, my favourite character was Taggle, who's everything you expect a talking cat to be and more! He's the perfect companion for Kate, getting her out of quite a few scrapes - and getting her in them - all the while with his mind on food. That cat eats a lot.

It was nice to escape for a while into this fantasy world, with no love triangles or messy relationships to worry about. Just a beautiful fairy tale about a girl, a talking cat and many adventures. And carving.

Note: As much as I love you Chicken House, whoever chose the title and cover of this book needs a slap on the wrist. I don't find the cover appealing as it's not very original and I have no idea why the title is called Wood Angel. I actually thought I would end up reading about fairies when I started this. I will be buying Plain Kate, the US edition (with a beautiful cover) when I can! This doesn't affect my rating in any way.

5/5

Received free from Chicken House in exchange for an honest review

Review of A Season of Transformation by Jayne Fordham

A Season of Transformation is a young adult fantasy/ romance novel set in the contemporary world. It is the story of five young people drawn together to complete a Quest, to protect their town from destruction. In order to defeat the story’s villain, Maxvale, the five virtual strangers must come together and not only forge a bond of trust but become proficient with the ‘abilities’ temporarily bestowed upon them.

In the midst of the lead up to the battle each of the young people has their own personal struggles they are trying to deal with. Lucas, an adopted and bitter teenager struggles to become the person he wants to be whilst developing feelings for Makenna, a rich kid who doesn’t like his attitude. Bonnie is a ‘gothic’ that is dealing with an alcoholic father, Ben the school nerd and Adam the class clown are trying to break free from their high school stereotypes. Can these five teens put their differences aside to defeat Maxvale and save their town?


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I really enjoyed this story. I loved how defeating Maxdale wasn't overdone and the plot mainly focused on the teens relationships with each other. I also liked that they were all from different backgrounds and wouldn't have talked to each other if it hadn't have been for their powers but they then became really close friends. I was pretty sad when it ended and I'm still missing the characters now, particularly Bobbie.

There were a couple of issues with this book. The main one being grammar. There was a distinct lack of commas when they were needed and the author really needs to work on third person narrative. It was a bit painful at times but the plot really made up for it.

The main character in this Makenna, or Mak. When the book focuses on her it's in first person narrative but switches when showing a different characters point of view. I would have prefered a first person narrative for the other guys as well because apart from the grammar, it just felt weird.

As I said earlier, I really liked the focus on the teens relationships. I loved Bonnie's character (although I cringed everytime I heard the word Gothic, as they're general just caled Goths) and I would have liked to have seen the story from her point of view a lot more. Makenna's relationship with her bitchy mother was interesting to read about, and pretty funny at times too!

3/5


Received free from the Author in exchange for an honest review

Review of Undead by Kirsty McKay

Being new at school bites. But at least it doesn't kill you. Mostly.

Bobby thinks she might well be on the School Trip from Hell. Too bad she's a noob, too bad her classmates don't rate her weirdo accent and too bad that Scotland is having the worst blizzard since the Ice Age. Looks like she's going to be on this school bus for a quite a while; could things get much worse?

Yep. They could.

Inexplicably, her classmates start dying...and then they come back to life again...and what's more, they're very, very hungry. 



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Although this sounds very stereotypical (a bunch of kids are attacked by Zombies) I was pretty excited to read it after reading many books about Vampires, Werewolves, Ghosts, Fallen Angels and Pretty Boy Zombies. In that order. In this, we meet Bobby (who's female, it took me a couple of chapters to find that out), she's just come back to England from America and is struggling to fit in. She goes on a class trip, stopping off at a local cafe and madness ensues!
This is a great story, as long as you don't take it seriously. It's meant to be stupid. At least, I hope it is because if the Author wanted me screaming in terror, she'll be disappointed - I was laughing for a lot of it.

I find it strangely hilarious that my favourite character in this was wearing a giant carrot costume, but that's the way this book goes! The four main characters - Bobby, Smitty, Alice and Peter -  were all reat characters, particularly Smitty, whose deadpan humour and flirting had me giggling a lot. Bobby was a great character - I could sympathise with her and cheer when she kicked the guts out of the Zombies. Alice was your stereotypical blonde, worrying more about her Candy Couture handbag than the fact that all of her friends were dead.

There was a couple of things that confused me - questions and suspicions that weren't quite answered. I like everything to be tied up neatly but I couldn't stp thinking about the unanswered questions last night.

This is great read to pick up in September, whe it's published, especially if you're looking for a nice light read with plenty of humour - and zombies! You'll nevr look at carrot juice the same way again... not that you looked at it before.

4/5

Received free from Chicken House in exchange for an honest review

Review of The Declaration by Gemma Malley

In the year 2140, it is illegal to be young.

Children are all but extinct.

The world is a better place.

Longevity drugs are a fountain of youth. Sign the Declaration, agree not to have children and you too can live forever. Refuse, and you will live as an outcast. For the children born outside the law, it only gets worse – Surplus status.

Not everyone thinks Longevity is a good thing, but you better be clear what side you’re on. . . . Surplus Anna is about to find out what happens when you can’t decide if you should cheat the law or cheat death.

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The Declaration is very English. I've noticed this a lot with English books, the environments in Dystopian books just seem so much smaller. With American Dystopian you get some pretty massive worlds and elaborate settings but with the English ones, there's usually a lot of walking around one building. In this book, around 3/4 of it is set in Grange Hall, where the Surplus kids are sent. Anna is a Surplus, an illegal child caught by the catches and sent to learn how to be Useful to the Legals - really old people who take a lot of drugs. She believes that she doesn't deserve to exist, that Mother Nature doesn't want her because she's a Surplus; but when Peter arrives her whole world is turned upside down as he shows her the truth of her world and they decide to escape.

I didn't really like Anna at first but after a couple of chapters I understood her much better and grew to like her. Her diary entries are quite strange and her personality seems a little different in them but it was nice to see what she's thinking about the events that have just happened. I was surprised that she came across as quite selfish at times, particularly when it came to another Surplus named Sheila, who was a favourite character of mine. The narration shifts through different characters (although the main focus is Anna) and I think that helps the storyline in many different places.

The ending was much better than I was expecting and I'm pretty interested to see what will happen in the net two booksof this trilogy. Hopefully the environments that the characters find themselves in will be much bigger and there'll be more action.

4/5

Review of Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

Once upon a time there was a girl who was special.

This is not her story.

Unless you count the part where I killed her.


Sixteen-year-old Alison has been sectioned in a mental institute for teens, having murdered the most perfect and popular girl at school. But the case is a mystery: no body has been found, and Alison's condition is proving difficult to diagnose. Alison herself can't explain what happened: one minute she was fighting with Tori -- the next she disintegrated. Into nothing. But that's impossible. Right?


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Ultraviolet didn't appeal to me at first, I think it was mainly because of the cover, which I dislike. A couple of blogger friends recommended it to me, so I started reading it and I was immediately hooked. The writing in Ultraviolet is beautiful and works really well for the story. Alison can taste, feel and/or see the colours of various things - numbers, colours, emotions, sounds. I felt as if I could too due to the beautifully descriptive writing.

The story isn't fast paced and most of it is spent in Ali's head, discovering the world behind the walls of the mental facility whilst trying to piece together her memory. I didn't mind this as Mental Asylums fascinate me. The action picks up a lot during the last 100 pages and it feels different too as there's different settings etc. After spending so long viewing the world inside the walls, being thrown into new environments felt as weird to me as it did to Ali.

''Dark chocolate, poured over with velvet: that was how his voice tasted. I wanted him to follow me around and narrate the rest of my life.'' - Ali


Dr Faraday's character was certainly my favourite in this and he's pretty central to the plot. Plus he's hot. That helps. The other characters, although background, are pretty awesome too. You have Kirk, who latches into Ali as soon as she arrives in the new ward and helps her adjust, Sanjay, who believes in Aliens and thinks they're out to get him and Micheline, who's basically just pissed at everything.

This book is definitely worth the read this year, especially if you like mysterious stories that keep you guessing right until the end and I'd definitely say that this is one of my favourite reads this year.

5/5

Received free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Review of Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose. 

Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

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This novel has a great gothic feel to it, set in the 1800's when the spiritualist craze was at a height. I loved that I found out some of the tricks that fake mediums used, although I'm not sure if they would have tied bellows to their daughter's legs but who knows? Maybe they would have done! The setting feels very realistic and I really did feel as if I was actually there, both in the grand country house and in the filthy London streets.

Violet's character really appealed to me as she's not your usual sort of Victorian girl. Before her mother became famous through her faked seances Violet was lower class and she keeps that mentality throughout the book. Preferring to escape with a novel over sipping tea, she keeps away from the society that her mother craves, keeping only a couple of friends - Colin and Elizabeth. When she discovers her gift and meets Rowena for the first time, she chooses to hide it but still tries her best to find Rowena's murderer.

I really liked Elizabeth' character in this, she's pretty vital to the plot in the sense that she reminds Violet to have fun and be a girl, and she's not afraid to go snooping throughout the house and ask people questions. Her infatuation with Frederic was really funny at times, although it was a shame he never seemed to notice her.

Violet's mother, however, was definitely a 'love-to-hate' character. She thinks higher of herself than she is, treats Violet like dirt and is constantly drinking. Later on she reveals her true nature and I hated her even more for it. Despite this, she was a vital addition to the story.

Violet and Colin's relationship really added to the story and it was nice to read about her falling for a character that appears from the beginning of the book and relates to her, instead of falling for the first rich guy that notices her, like Xavier Trethewey, who I didn't like at all. Colin really cares for Violet and I really felt for him when he was obviously jealous of Xavier, although he had no need to be.

The mystery surrounding Rowena's death is the main focus of the story and I think it was written very well, with lots of twists and turns, secret letters and stolen kisses...
Guessing the murderer was quite difficult for me (I used to guess easily but lately I'm rubbish), I think I suspected everyone but the actual killer, who I only vaguely remembered when they were revealed. At times it reminded me of a Miss Marple TV show, with many characters and many different motives. I do love those shows.

The cover I'm not too happy with. I liked it when I first received it but after reading this, I think I may try and buy the cover with the girl in the water as it makes more sense to me. I like the gothic feel to it but it just doesn't fit with the book in my opinion.

5/5

Received free from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review

Review of Bracelet of Bones by Kevin Crossley-Holland

It is 1036. Halfdan is a Viking mercenary who is determined to travel to Constantinople and become one of the Viking Guard serving Empress Zoe. He promises to take his daughter, but one morning Solveig wakes up to find him gone. Setting off in her own tiny boat, she is determined to make the journey from Norway to the breathtaking city. Her boat is washed up, but Solveig is undeterred. What awaits Solveig as she continues on her summer journey across the world? She finds passage with Viking traders, witnesses the immolation of a young slave girl and learns to fight. She sees the clashes between those who praise her Norse Gods and the new Christians. In this perilous and exciting world, a young girl alone could be quickly endangered or made a slave. Will Solveig live to see her father again, and if she survives, will she remain free? A glittering novel that explores friendship and betrayal, the father-daughter relationship, the clash of religions and the journey from childhood to adulthood.

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I was expecting/hoping for this book to be a gripping tale of a young girl's journey from her home to Miklagard, with many dangers along the way, the sort of book that I would stay up late reading, wanting to find out if Sloveig managed to find her way to her father. What I did get was rather bland. There's plenty of dangers and Sloveig nearly dies at one point but something went wrong and I found myself bored at times. I think the problem was that with these sort of stories I usually expect many different characters (after all, she's travelling pretty far) but I got stuck with the same people nearly the whole way through and there seemed to be a lot of sitting around on a ship. It kind of reminded me of the latest POTC installment at times, only with a less interesting cast.

The Viking elements/world is pretty strong in this. My partner is heavily into Vikings so I know a little myself but still managed to learn some more from this book. I recently bought him Kevin's other book, The Norse Myths, which my OH enjoyed, so I can safely say the author knows what he's talking about when it comes to Vikings. I definitely recommend tis if you're a Viking fan.

Sleveig's character is good but a little stereotypical. I like that she was willing to look after herself and took a lot of crap from people without letting it get her down but I think there was also a little too much of 'you're young, you're female, you're useless'. I think some romance would have really helped here but there was none.

When I finally got to the end I was pretty excited. I was hoping that it would an awesome Father - Daughter reunion but it was quite rushed and not what I was hoping for. I guess the Author wanted to leave some space for the next book but it would have been nice if he'd have given me something to make me want to read the next book.

3/5

Review of Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.


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I found the concept of this book far too confusing to wrap my head around and I'm fairly sure there's a lot of plot holes in this. I could have done with a better explanation about London's condition, as it gives me a bit of a headache to think about it. Ignoring that though, I loved it! Part mystery, part romance, part coming of age, this book seems to have everything. I think what intrigued me the most about it was the many different covers, despite being released this month. It's not my favourite but my cover is to the right. Actually, I slightly hate this cover. I get the idea behind it but it's just not for me, far too dark. This is a great book if you loved the concept of 50 First Dates as a few elements in it are similar.

London is a great character but she did annoy me quite a bit. Mainly with the notes. If my memory was like hers, I would have written everything down in extreme detail, about five pages long every night, so I didn't mess up or get confused the next day. London just jots down a few bullet points and usually ends up forgetting things. London's boyfriend, Luke, is amazing, he's so patient and takes her out on the most amazing dates. When he first meets her he immediately gives her his jacket, as she's freezing but for some reason London chooses not to remember it's his. I think London was too harsh with him at times and I wish she'd have appreciated him more, as he really loved her.
At times London could be a total bitch, especially when it came to her friend, Jamie, who gets herself into a messy relationship. I could understand why London didn't want her friend dating that person but I think she went about it completely the wrong way.

It was fun following all of the twists and turns of this story. Just when I thought I'd guessed what was going to happen, it turned out to be something else and then there was another mystery to solve. It kind of reminded me of Lisa McMann's Wake in places. This is a very good debut novel and I'm really looking forward to reading more from Cat Patrick!

4/5

Review of Between by Cyndi Tefft

It just figures that the love of Lindsey Water's life isn't alive at all, but the grim reaper, complete with a dimpled smile and Scottish accent.

After transporting souls to heaven for the last 300 years, Aiden MacRae has all but given up on finding the one whose love will redeem him and allow him entry through the pearly gates.

Torn between her growing attraction to Aiden and heaven's siren song, Lindsey must learn the hard way whether love really can transcend all boundaries.


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When I started this book, I found it quite surreal. Lindsay dies but instead of going to Heaven like she's supposed to, she meets the guy who's supposed to be taking her there and they fall in love. I quite fell in love with him too, he was just perfect, all Scottish and manly. Not the best description I've ever given!

When I say surreal, I mean surreal. I was thrown into this really bizarre world, which started out as a giant field, with this dead chick and a hot Scotsman. After this, they took me to various points in time - Paris and Scotland in the 1700's and Lindsay's time, visiting the Opera and  (I think) a Sea World center. I was kinda blindly following them about, oohing at the battling Scots and falling asleep at the Opera (it's an Opera. I do not find these entertaining).

Although I loved Aiden's character there were a few times when I wanted to slap him, particularly when he says that Lindsay is talking like a whore. I understood hi difficulties, being from a different time zone but it still made me mad at him!
Lindsay's character is really likeable too and really heartbreaking at times. I really connected with her character and it felt like I understood what she was going through.

This is an older YA book, there is sex in it, although not in detail. The romance is pretty heavy, so don't read it for the time travel bits. Also, God is a pretty big subject but it really works with the story!

5/5

Received free from the Author in exchange for an honest review

Review of Flash Gold by Lindsay Buroker

Eighteen-year-old Kali McAlister enters her steam-powered "dogless sled" in a race, intending to win the thousand-dollar prize and escape remote Moose Hollow forever. The problem? Fortune seekers and airship pirates are after her for the secret to flash gold, her late father's alchemical masterpiece.

With her modified rifle and a pocketful of home-made smoke bombs, Kali wouldn't normally hide from a confrontation, but taking on a whole airship single-handedly is a daunting task. Unfortunately, the other racers won't assist her--they're too busy scheming ways to sabotage her unorthodox sled.

When a sword-slinging stranger shows up, wanting to hire on as her protector, she's sure he has ulterior motives, but he's the only one interested in helping her. The question is...why?


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I really enjoyed this book. Although it's a short story I really got into it, everything was well written and descriptive and I could imagine all of the scenes in my head. It's set in Yukon, in the Gold Rush era, a subject I'm pretty curious about. I particularly liked the addition of many Steampunk gadgets and contraptions, particularly the guard dogs!

Kali's ambition is really inspiring and her character overall is really likeable. Her father died a while ago, leaving behind 'Flash Gold' which as far as I can tell, is basically gold fuel. Kali wants to win the dog sled race so she can get the hell out of Moose Hollow and actually make something of herself but first she has to win the race - with many enemies afoot.

I also loved Kali and Cedar's relationship - it worked really well and I thought that they were really cute together. Despite her trust issues after already being betrayed by a past lover, I could see she was really starting to like Cedar and he looked after her. He's very handy with a gun! I would really like to read more adventures about these two and hopefully they'll get together too! I'm definitely very hopeful that I'll be able to read more about this story. No more has been written yet but I'm definitely hopeful that something will be, as the end of the novel is left wide open for a sequel.

5/5

Received free from BLB Book Tours in exchange for an honest review