tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71233372542642826252024-03-20T19:11:14.230+00:00Epona ReviewsEat. Sleep. Read. Repeat.
EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-60050388703981593712015-02-12T21:59:00.000+00:002015-02-12T22:19:21.347+00:00Jessica Cole Model Spy Blog Tour<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Jessica Cole Model Spy: Code Red Lipstick by Sarah Sky</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaExBsgNpgPSBAjGl18HYfse8x719artql5Z5aaH8-56LX7to0SNPJuXssvYAVNABNrFvSCF1t-bGR8p2PL5VgDajH81LZo3ddui6bDtjLaKI9RFNBZX2aTdQpmMy4TKkfdlncewQQKaw5/s1600/Fashion+Assassin+Banner+Review+Tour2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaExBsgNpgPSBAjGl18HYfse8x719artql5Z5aaH8-56LX7to0SNPJuXssvYAVNABNrFvSCF1t-bGR8p2PL5VgDajH81LZo3ddui6bDtjLaKI9RFNBZX2aTdQpmMy4TKkfdlncewQQKaw5/s1600/Fashion+Assassin+Banner+Review+Tour2.png" height="288" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="webkit-fake-url://ae182209-8a50-4876-a2b4-6d00685fd675/imagepng" /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #e06666;"><i>Models, spies and lipstick gadgets... When Jessica's father, a former spy, </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #e06666;"><i>vanishes mysteriously, Jessica takes matters into her own hands. She's not just</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #e06666;"><i> a daddy's girl who's good at striking a pose; she's a trained spook who knows </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #e06666;"><i>how to take on MI6 and beat them at their own game.</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<img src="webkit-fake-url://528976c8-4a47-4d91-8afd-38152a452d36/imagejpeg" /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI__xIaE4-GuxlSL7DzhUcZZkiLpETHbuTp7d_7KjCwFoKvOrZJxaScNe6fcvUs3jdHkFkv2wLjzqfG46tGNyrqlp5s_SpWlNdAf6BIwwmXmb08col_CAFV_32vAeOry_Tv0YDzV36dgdX/s1600/Code+Red+Lipstick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI__xIaE4-GuxlSL7DzhUcZZkiLpETHbuTp7d_7KjCwFoKvOrZJxaScNe6fcvUs3jdHkFkv2wLjzqfG46tGNyrqlp5s_SpWlNdAf6BIwwmXmb08col_CAFV_32vAeOry_Tv0YDzV36dgdX/s1600/Code+Red+Lipstick.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I have always loved the idea of spies, cool gadgets and secret operations. I was obsessed with a cartoon about 3 female spies, once upon a time, but I cannot think of the name of it! Anyway, I also read the Gallagher Girls series way back and remember loving them! This book was a cross between that series and maybe Geek Girl? It rekindled my old obsession over wanting to be a spy for sure!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
In this first book, we follow Jessica, a strong protagonist, who is really easy to connect with and great fun to follow! She is a great mix of skilled spy and stubborn teenager making her relatable, as well as admirable.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="color: #e06666;">*OH!*</span> That programme I mentioned previously was <span style="color: #e06666;">Totally Spies</span>! You guys watched that, right? This book reminded me of that cartoon because there were so many awesome gadgets! The imagination behind them made for a super fun read!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The characters were a lot more complex than I was expecting, for example, Jessica's missing father, an ex-MI6 agent with MS. The villains were also more in-depth than I expected, they were lovely to hate! ;)</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The plot of this story is made up of danger, twists you won't expect and then a trip to Paris is also on the table! I really enjoyed the mystery and the combination of models and spies, it was a really fun twist on the usual spy tale. And all those beautiful dresses! <3</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Though this is not something I would usually read, I did really enjoy this book. I'd perhaps say it was for younger teens, like the Gallagher Girls series, but I know many adults and older teens (like myself) who have found it enjoyable too. It was a quick, fun read, so if that's what you're looking for then I do recommend!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">3.5 stars</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<i><b>Want to catch up on previous stops? Need to know where the next will be?</b></i></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_k34ufVDjisLjc84xWf9EoPXb1H8tiVAb0IIeDySy8KXL7uGcVqGeQhV56FlqeHwdWjss-HzDIhhVbt2Kma4ZSCc8qUxVYjfpbxNfeFQCvkXvlTi4SNumiNg9P8l9F2cN8czR23PGrdm/s1600/Jessica+Cole+Tour+Banner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_k34ufVDjisLjc84xWf9EoPXb1H8tiVAb0IIeDySy8KXL7uGcVqGeQhV56FlqeHwdWjss-HzDIhhVbt2Kma4ZSCc8qUxVYjfpbxNfeFQCvkXvlTi4SNumiNg9P8l9F2cN8czR23PGrdm/s1600/Jessica+Cole+Tour+Banner1.jpg" height="640" width="132" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<img src="webkit-fake-url://03f250b8-d729-47e3-ad13-3076adc64907/imagejpeg" /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Thank you to Faye and Scholastic for my copy of this book!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-45813919883272528772014-04-30T00:50:00.000+01:002014-04-30T00:50:22.464+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FudTyNxcl6bn3W0NHgRy3FdJnkUKRwdJOO7316tl4AXZEeyRDywEIP_hlQZUKjD-c5GftvDy6xR8iIJg4HLN3OotdsEyYOa1i0Vw2W8tRbk2wM6bNKfgbVPI2xAcRXfX6cerHT2cxMBc/s1600/Blog+Tour+Thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FudTyNxcl6bn3W0NHgRy3FdJnkUKRwdJOO7316tl4AXZEeyRDywEIP_hlQZUKjD-c5GftvDy6xR8iIJg4HLN3OotdsEyYOa1i0Vw2W8tRbk2wM6bNKfgbVPI2xAcRXfX6cerHT2cxMBc/s1600/Blog+Tour+Thing.jpg" height="202" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hey guys <span style="color: #38761d;">;)</span> Welcome to stop three of the <span style="color: #38761d;">RAGING STAR</span> blog tour! At today's stop you will find an <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">exclusive Q&A</span></i></b> with one of the biggest queens of YA dystopian fiction! I am so excited to be a part of this tour as I absolutely adore The Dustlands trilogy by Moira Young; it is<span style="color: #38761d;"> EPIC</span>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <br />The trilogy kicked off with <span style="color: #38761d;">Blood Red Road</span>, back in 2011, and has stormed the world of readers by heart. Moira managed to script Saba's voice so <span style="color: #38761d;">rhythmically</span> and <span style="color: #38761d;">vividly</span> into our minds that you can almost hear her inside your head, every word, every breath. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <br />THEN came <span style="color: #38761d;">Rebel Heart </span>in 2012. It blew me away! Blood Red Road was <span style="color: #38761d;">amazing</span>, Rebel Heart was <span style="color: #38761d;">phenomenal</span>; and I can only expect even more from Raging Star, the third and final instalment in this <span style="color: #38761d;">adrenaline-filled blockbuster</span> of a trilogy!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am pleased to say that I have a <span style="color: #38761d;">BEAUTIFUL</span> copy of Raging Star (which I am <span style="color: #38761d;">LOVING</span>) sat on my bookcase next to the two previous novels (SIGNED, oh yes, I met the lovely Moira - a wonderful lady indeed) and they are just perfection together. I mean, just LOOK at these <span style="color: #38761d;">COVERS</span>!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilj8yl_3ZZ-eLPwBgwNTaqUPtzT6Bi57xn6n4TAg7BimsypM7OmCLMdMduySI4YbL6gXMk4k_B10NIbOmHCdE2Yl7SgiU2gjM6SA19GA1C4UPoftHdntCJ45LXcnrxgcYqzSI7fhLZnTM/s1600/REBEL+HEART.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilj8yl_3ZZ-eLPwBgwNTaqUPtzT6Bi57xn6n4TAg7BimsypM7OmCLMdMduySI4YbL6gXMk4k_B10NIbOmHCdE2Yl7SgiU2gjM6SA19GA1C4UPoftHdntCJ45LXcnrxgcYqzSI7fhLZnTM/s1600/REBEL+HEART.jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a><a href="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m29jmgkA0m1qhlvv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m29jmgkA0m1qhlvv2.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NhEqjz7Kj5ycKxvkdq7HDF3TulkaWb6Gcq1T95BkOuml55HDF9YJoz3MXCQsFB8hpuzonfk3Y9LFxmHcRq1F1Z7w99BUn5d8QaqdAlM7bvAHMMugXR1y9ZSbYvmFeZySePzXwzJh3ORT/s1600/Raging+Star+Jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NhEqjz7Kj5ycKxvkdq7HDF3TulkaWb6Gcq1T95BkOuml55HDF9YJoz3MXCQsFB8hpuzonfk3Y9LFxmHcRq1F1Z7w99BUn5d8QaqdAlM7bvAHMMugXR1y9ZSbYvmFeZySePzXwzJh3ORT/s1600/Raging+Star+Jacket.jpg" height="640" width="419" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I had the privilege of asking Moira Young a few questions and I am happy to be sharing them here with you!</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Q&A with Moira Young:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">1) What
inspired you to write your first book?</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />I wrote my first book at
nine. I still have it in my box of childhood treasures. It's called <b><i>The
Heirloom Mystery</i></b>, a not-in-the-least-bit-thrilling tale of a stolen
silver candlestick. I wrote it for a board of education story contest. I beefed
up my entry by making a cover, cutting black construction paper letters to
spell out the title and gluing them to the front. They're arranged tipsily,
which I remember thinking would give a spooky feel to the thing. I was
mistaken. It was returned with a blue square sticker and I have no recollection
what that blue sticker means. I didn't win, I know that. There was a gap of
some years between <b><i>The Heirloom Mystery</i></b> and <b><i>Blood Red Road</i></b>, my first published
book. The initial impetus for that book was to somehow channel or assuage my
anxiety about inaction on climate change. My fears on that front are even greater
now than they were then, but it set me on the road to being a writer and I'm
glad about that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">2) Is
there a message in The Dustlands trilogy that you want readers to grasp?</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />As Sam Goldwyn said, "If
you have a message, send a telegram." So, no message. A moral position,
yes. I care deeply about the themes of these books and Saba's story. They're
the stuff of my bones and blood and heart. What the reader takes from them will
depend upon who they are and where they are in their lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #38761d;">3) Nero plays as big a part in the Dustlands trilogy as
the human characters, why did you choose a crow for Saba's loyal companion?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Well, my first and greatest literary influence is the Wizard of Oz and Dorothy, of course, had Toto. I never actually
made a decision to give Saba an animal companion, I just did and the Wizard of
Oz is to blame. For the three years it took me to write a first draft of <b><i>Dark
Eden</i></b>, (my working title for <b><i>Blood Red Road</i></b>), Saba had a wolfdog
called Tracker. The problem was that he couldn't accompany her everywhere, so I
was constantly having to make arrangements for him. I was discussing this with
my husband one day and he said, "You need an animal that functions in
three dimensions. What you need is a bird. What you need is a crow." A
crow. Besides humans, the most intelligent animals on earth. Familiar and yet
unknown, the mysterious, mythical crow. How perfect! How obvious! A crow could
go everywhere with Saba. And I adore birds. For a time I was lucky enough to
live with a cockatiel called Lola; she was bright, with a huge personality and
a big attitude and we loved each other at first sight. Twenty years on, I can
still smell her feathers, still feel her sitting on my shoulder, nibbling on
the tiny hairs of my neck. Nero was a joy to write.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">4) Which
character do you like the most/least and why? </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />I like all my characters,
even the baddies. As soon as I knew that <b><i>Blood Red Road</i></b> was the first in a
trilogy, I realised that Saba would need to come up against a powerful,
attractive antagonist. The stronger and more complex your antagonist, the greater
the danger to your hero. It was an enjoyable challenge to discover DeMalo's
secrets and bring him to life. Mind you, I was slightly disturbed at the number
of readers who seem to have fallen for my sexy fascist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #38761d;">5) If you could live in the shoes of just one of your
characters for the day, who would you choose and why?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I'd slip into Ash's sizable boots. I've never known what it is to have
physical strength and stamina and courage, to not be plagued by self-doubt and
endless internal wittering on about this or that. Ash is a self-confident,
tireless Amazon of a girl. I probably wouldn't want to hand her boots back!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #38761d;">6) If someone could provide a soundtrack for the
Dustlands series, who would you pick?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I hear the music of the Dustlands
roaming about widely; from British and American folk, bluegrass and the blues
to great classical orchestrations and opera. There's a wonderful BBC
documentary called <b><i>Scrapheap Orchestra</i></b>. A<span style="color: #262626;"> group of the
UK's top instrument makers transformed junk, broken furniture and the contents
of roadside skips into a full orchestra of 44 instruments. The BBC Concert
Orchestra then played their junk instruments in a performance of Tchaikovsky's
1812 Overture at the 2011 Proms. The film inspired me to put a junkband into <b><i>Rebel
Heart</i></b>. If they ever film <b><i>Blood Red Road</i></b>, it's my dream to
have a scrapheap orchestra play all the music. For a story about a world in
which people survive by cobbling together the junk of the past, that would be
perfection. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #38761d;">7) Is there a Dustlands story to tell beyond Raging Star
and would you ever go back? </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For me, this is the end of the Dustlands. Saba's story is the one that
was necessary for me to discover and follow and it finishes with <b><i>Raging
Star</i></b>. Now I'll just have to bide my time until another story starts
burning inside of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">8) Which
genres/authors do you like to read? </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />Everything. Anything.
Whatever. Fiction, non-fiction, classic, contemporary, crime, pulp, steampunk,
Shakespeare, Beowulf and on and on. I've always read widely. I was an early,
voracious reader and my parents let me read whatever I wanted. I don't know
much of anything, but I do have an eternally curious, hungry, magpie mind. If I
ran the world, I would demolish all the genre ghettos that libraries and
bookstores create for their readers. I'd put every book - fiction and
non-fiction alike - in author alphabetical order. What a joyous, mind-blowing
scramble that would be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">9) Do
you plan to write more YA novels? If so, are there any details you can share
with us? </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br />I will positively be writing more books for Young Adults. I think my
voice fits comfortably here. I'll be very interested to see what I do next. At
the moment, I have no idea what that might be, I just have to be patient.
Writing the </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Dustlands</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">, I've learned that stories cannot be forced or
hurried out of me. They come when they're ready and not before.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
If you would like to <span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>purchase</i></b></span> a copy of Raging Star (which you most definitely should) then head over here!! ---------> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raging-Star-Lands-Moira-Young/dp/1442430028" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.uk/<wbr></wbr>Raging-Star-Lands-Moira-Young/<wbr></wbr>dp/1442430028</a><br />
<br />
You can find my <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">review</span></b></i> of Rebel Heart here-> http://eponaharvest.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/review-rebel-heart-moira-young.html<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">NEXT STOP: </span><span style="font-size: large;">Head over to <span style="color: #38761d;">queenofteenfiction.blogspot.co.uk </span>to see what's in store! (Also, don't forget to check out the previous stops for more exclusive content and a series <span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>GIVEAWAY!</b></i></span>)</span>EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-38019700260002932192014-04-23T00:00:00.001+01:002014-04-23T00:07:01.042+01:00Deep Blue Release GIVEAWAY! (UK Only)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<span style="color: #ea9999;">Published May 1st 2014</span>)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Below the <span style="color: #ea9999;">GIVEAWAY</span> you'll find <span style="color: #ea9999;">character profiles</span>, the Deep Blue book <span style="color: #ea9999;">trailer</span> and a <span style="color: #ea9999;">chapter sample</span> - enjoy!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prize Pack</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Qcw0N3cGmoUUC588R3QxwAyndBBOMpY1M343E6JvZkx7p68sPeIAg6O70Y6BRBbMVlSaplY2ib1plnp0-dSOBy6JGMStP9Sir-mC8r7QuELDXw0JaCJTwFeARMCeIyC1rn8ubP_4V4ly/s1600/Giveaway+Packshot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Qcw0N3cGmoUUC588R3QxwAyndBBOMpY1M343E6JvZkx7p68sPeIAg6O70Y6BRBbMVlSaplY2ib1plnp0-dSOBy6JGMStP9Sir-mC8r7QuELDXw0JaCJTwFeARMCeIyC1rn8ubP_4V4ly/s1600/Giveaway+Packshot1.jpg" height="400" width="387" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3c3a531/" id="rc-3c3a531" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>Trailer - </i></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOBEH192zcE" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=UOBEH192zcE</a></span></u><br />
<u><br /></u><u><i><br /></i></u><u><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2smmnzaahhudGpRbTZNMlhaV0E/edit?usp=sharing"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Read a FREE</span><span style="color: #ea9999;"> chapter sample! </span><span style="color: blue;">Click here!</span></a></span></i></u><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Character Profiles:</span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #ea9999;">MEET THE CHARACTERS</span></u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #260001;"><i>Four thousand years ago, six wise rulers with mystical powers oversaw the golden realm of Atlantis. When an evil force overtook the mythical island, sinking it into the sea, Merrow, the leader of the ancients, beseeched the gods to grant her drowning people the power to breathe underwater. Those who survived, their legs magically fused into tail fins, formed an undersea civilization called The Mer.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #260001;"><i>From their Mediterranean realm, five others grew to form six undersea nations, led for generations by descendants of the ancient Circle of Six. Now, the evil forces that consumed Atlantis threaten destruction once again. The Mer nations’ only hope lies with six teenagers, descended from the ancient rulers, who’ve inherited their magical powers. Together, they form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood to save their worlds.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Serafina</span></b></u><b style="color: #260001;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="color: #260001;">Loyal, brave, just, and strong—with copper brown hair, bright green eyes, and a nascent gift more powerful than all the others—Serafina is descended from the ancient ruler Merrow. H</span><span style="color: #131313;">eir to the original civilization of Merfolk, Sera has been raised with the expectation that one day, she’ll be their ruler. When the undersea nations come under threat and Sera’s mother, Queen Isabella, is poisoned, Sera’s destiny leaps to meet her. She must embark on a journey to find and vanquish the evil forces at work. Her powerful magic—the gift of a love so powerful she would sacrifice herself for those around her—will guide her as she leads the mermaids in their quest. By her side is her best friend Neela…</span></i><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #131313;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><u><span style="color: #ea9999;">Neela</span></u></b><span style="color: #260001;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #260001;"><i>Sassy and daring, with a non-stop sweet-tooth, jet-black hair to her tail fin, and a bioluminescent body that emanates a bright blue light, Neela is descended from Navi, ancient ruler of the waters of India,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #260001;"><i>a kind and good-hearted leader who used her riches to build hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the poor. It was said Navi could hold light in her hands as well as her heart, pulling down beams from the sun and moon and stars and bending them to her will. She gave her people hope in their darkest hours. Neela, able to create and throw powerful formations of light, is the intrepid inheritor of these gifts.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><u>Ling</u></span></b><span style="color: #260001;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #260001;"><i>With a gentle but powerful nature and a keen intellect she’s not afraid to show, Ling—with almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones, and a sword in a scabbard slung over her back—is descended from Sycorax, who ruled from the shores of the Qin in China. An omnivorax, Sycorax spoke the languages of all creatures—people, animals, birds, flowers and trees. She was Atlantis’ supreme justice, a peace- keeper and negotiator of treaties between realms. Ling is the able and ready inheritor of these gifts.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u><span style="color: #ea9999;">Becca</span></u><span style="color: #260001;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #260001;"><i>Fierce and quick—with curly red hair, blue eyes, and a smattering of freckles—Becca is descended from Pyrrha, who ruled the shores of Atlantica, the ancient realm between South America and Africa. Pyrrha was a brilliant and strategic military commander, but she was also an artisan—a blacksmith who could bid fire. She had a forge on Atlantis where she transformed farm tools into weapons; when her people came under attack, Pyrrha saved her people with her quick thinking. Becca, her descendant, will do the same.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><u><span style="color: #ea9999;">Ava</span></u></b><span style="color: #260001;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #260001;"><i>Wise, witty, frank and prescient—with glossy black braids, deep brown scales, sunglasses, and a guide-pet piranha she keeps on a leash—Ava is descended from Nyx who ruled the fresh waters that flowed from the Mississippi River. Nyx was blind, but he could feel things he could not see. He never flinched from what he felt, or from speaking his visions truthfully. The magic bestowed him by the gods strengthened his gift and transformed it into prophecy. Ava is the knowing inheritor of this gift of prescience and foresight.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><u><span style="color: #ea9999;">Astrid</span></u></b><span style="color: #260001;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #260001;">Headstrong, bold, and possessed of a deep well of magical power, Astrid—with cascades and braids of white-blonde hair, icy blue eyes, and the black and white markings of an orca—is descended from Orfeo, who ruled the arctic waters around Greenland. A musician who played the lyre to soothe the sick and suffering, he was a healer whose people loved him. Of the six who ruled Atlantis, his powers were unsurpassed. But it was Orfeo who </span><span style="color: #131313;">mysteriously defected from the Circle of Six, unleashing a monster of his own creation whose wrath destroyed Atlantis. </span><span style="color: #260001;">Like her father, Astrid turns away from the group. Unlike her father, she will rejoin them…but not until she tests them first.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<i><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-69180158740489222622014-04-11T15:03:00.000+01:002014-04-11T15:03:13.732+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh3J-IfssLBAIzen65ITo_NkQGgNini-_LIQ77457W7Kv42bQBUxDN9IFgslBdcPLyTLKqIL-9cWNnadEclyKdbeDv1pFoWUy-Y1Q6E06dptkiTmCBfKuphFwQyjE7F5oFO5wEpClDDAw/s1600/quotesbanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh3J-IfssLBAIzen65ITo_NkQGgNini-_LIQ77457W7Kv42bQBUxDN9IFgslBdcPLyTLKqIL-9cWNnadEclyKdbeDv1pFoWUy-Y1Q6E06dptkiTmCBfKuphFwQyjE7F5oFO5wEpClDDAw/s1600/quotesbanner.png" height="173" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Incarnate Quotes</span><br /><br />Here are three of my favourite quotes, carefully selected, from Incarnate by Jodie Meadows.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">1) "</span>Honestly? I think people aren't sure it's worth getting to know you. It would be like you deciding if it was worth befriending a butterfly, even though it wouldn't be there in the morning.<span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">2)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> I was the brush stroke that ruined the painting.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">3) </span>I was trapped, a butterfly under glass.</span></i></div>
EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-23573131188806525192014-04-11T14:44:00.003+01:002014-04-11T14:55:36.475+01:00Review: Incarnate - Jodie Meadows<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ56nY7DJP-G3nXi-lwhSmnciTVhLDOLP_NrPFqqZ_hgtiYg3cSwqXct5DcJfL0dixUK0V8fHXEUXrpT8hhGpKSPWWMfe-A-EpcIf5SAOrD29bpyJSl8BLWpTIbYqMWm7MOGUtGantRlE/s1600/Incarnate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ56nY7DJP-G3nXi-lwhSmnciTVhLDOLP_NrPFqqZ_hgtiYg3cSwqXct5DcJfL0dixUK0V8fHXEUXrpT8hhGpKSPWWMfe-A-EpcIf5SAOrD29bpyJSl8BLWpTIbYqMWm7MOGUtGantRlE/s400/Incarnate.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">I did truly adore this novel. The cover is stunning and so is the story inside.</span></i></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">The world which Meadows created was <span style="color: #ea9999;">beautiful</span> and so far from the truth of reality yet it seemed so very real. I felt as though <span style="color: #ea9999;">dragons</span>, <span style="color: #ea9999;">sylph</span> and <span style="color: #ea9999;">reincarnation</span> actually existed as I read my way from cover to cover; I was so absorbed in this world.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Ana (our protagonist) was a <span style="color: #ea9999;">character</span> I adored from the first sentence and she continued to grow on me throughout the duration of the novel. She was as new to herself as she was to us; we knew everything she did and the best part was that we learnt it all with her - who she was, what she liked, why she existed and more importantly, who to trust. Meadows </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">showed</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> us all of this, she didn't </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">tell</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"> </span>us - this I liked.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Another character who I (and you will) love is Sam. He is so perfect, yet so flawed. He seemed so real throughout the book, so human. He was a lovable character and a great asset to the story.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">The only issue I had with characters was that I think Meadows introduced us to too many members of the 'council' in one go so that I forgot who was who for a while. Only a few members were relevant characters yet all these names were thrown at us. This was <span style="color: #ea9999;">ONLY</span> a tiny issue, do not let</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> this put you off the novel! You will not get confused about who is who with any main characters, I promise!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">The <span style="color: #ea9999;">relationships</span> in this novel were more realistic than in a lot of YA reads these days as <span style="color: #ea9999;">friendships </span>were tested and <span style="color: #ea9999;">emotions</span> were used as weapons as well as comfort. The relationship between Ana and sam developed well throughout the story - <span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>they were each other's lifelines but also each was the other's greatest weakness.</i></span></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">I love the <span style="color: #ea9999;">plot</span>, the characters, the writing (the cover!) and everything else about this novel. It was well thought-out and<span style="color: #ea9999;"> beautifully written</span>.<br /><br /> I loved it so much that I've picked out a few of my favourite <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">quotes</span></i>! (I couldn't include all as they wouldn't have made sense out of context.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvSE8bGpywN60ZfrwxU_w04Rpb5dWHJBV-cXq_t6-DSbVSTgNYJRN6vyciwbSHmfeTO511mdvIYb8yhKbOMAW89TTV0y5VzRTcAe19cXUyhVMH0UWfqjAQB_395CqkeNilJP_AkHjOEQV/s1600/quotesbanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvSE8bGpywN60ZfrwxU_w04Rpb5dWHJBV-cXq_t6-DSbVSTgNYJRN6vyciwbSHmfeTO511mdvIYb8yhKbOMAW89TTV0y5VzRTcAe19cXUyhVMH0UWfqjAQB_395CqkeNilJP_AkHjOEQV/s1600/quotesbanner.png" height="139" width="320" /></a></div>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" />
<br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">1) "</span>Honestly? I think people aren't sure it's worth getting to know you. It would be like you deciding if it was worth befriending a butterfly, even though it wouldn't be there in the morning.<span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">2)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> I was the </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">brush stroke</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> that ruined the painting.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">3) </span>I was trapped, a butterfly under glass.</span></i><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">I loved this story as much as I'd hoped I would. I definitely recommend it and will certainly be picking myself up a copy of the sequel.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKa1kSpsMUlU2z84ehYe_U3CQ3MSqaK8xZhBEK5ICsbsLw7ItLTlpuC0iLaf7tmfUqRZh0S5BDFkShgMwFIbEW-_RjCcwdf0X-zTKuN2EhaEnEnBuk0Gxqd40ZTibxRy6JxtoabrtOQyB/s1600/3.5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKa1kSpsMUlU2z84ehYe_U3CQ3MSqaK8xZhBEK5ICsbsLw7ItLTlpuC0iLaf7tmfUqRZh0S5BDFkShgMwFIbEW-_RjCcwdf0X-zTKuN2EhaEnEnBuk0Gxqd40ZTibxRy6JxtoabrtOQyB/s1600/3.5starpug.png" height="66" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><i>Check Out The Beautiful Book Trailer For Incarnate!<br /></i></b></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar1QYy1Y8Z8&hd=1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7ugiwCzf2pPu2fLMivLac7U6zZJktDftUL2uZ7JxuIayXhsqJ74rrVjEHYBlul5a0OmxmSVc2kFoxYmaGJGOmXvDoat4KE1murylKS784UhpnkpthUJXKwa7XjFpRuAuWMpUrrrwTm6M/s1600/vidpic.png" height="182" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></span>EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-18472100033517332552014-04-11T14:25:00.005+01:002014-04-11T14:25:49.346+01:00Review: Falling Kingdoms - Morgan Rhodes<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ7FZOe0OwA2S-cvFR5BeMfhgVsOf-xCgJVI0H0R00tTXRLH_OkYL0hsubhR1C7OwINZUAwkvrccGvfL-4E4apQj7nQduCKTErKCojNrPKpRr61tkT4XOTwaDrKiFtvoQyeQWnLK05zdA/s1600/Falling+Kingdoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ7FZOe0OwA2S-cvFR5BeMfhgVsOf-xCgJVI0H0R00tTXRLH_OkYL0hsubhR1C7OwINZUAwkvrccGvfL-4E4apQj7nQduCKTErKCojNrPKpRr61tkT4XOTwaDrKiFtvoQyeQWnLK05zdA/s400/Falling+Kingdoms.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="263" /></a><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">"Choose your side. Kingdoms will fall."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br />Falling Kingdoms falls under an unfamiliar genre to me, unlike anything I've read before - it was fresh and I loved it.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br />My comfort zone, genre-wise, lies with dystopian novels but I was determined to give Falling Kingdoms a go as it fitted all criteria when I searched for a novel based on my love for programmes such as </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Merlin</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">. I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed, quite the opposite actually.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br />Falling Kingdoms is a story built around the solidity of 3 Kingdoms but is mainly the workmanship of the characters - each strong and distinct - as well as their varying beliefs.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">As a whole, </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">I'm not a fan of 3rd person</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> (which this novel is written in) but I was so absorbed in this </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">enthralling</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> story that I hardly noticed it at all.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Another concern I had, which this book quickly overcame, was that I would become overwhelmed and confused with the load of </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">characters</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">. This certainly was not a problem; after being a few chapters in you know who is who and what they do like the back of your hand - BUT if any confusion does arise, there's a handy </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">cast list </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">and map for all 3 kingdoms located at the start of the novel.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
The <span style="color: #ea9999;">narrative</span> (though in 3rd person) flips between the 3 kingdoms, following the perspectives of differing characters (mainly those of the princess, rebel and sorceress mentioned in the blurb). I found myself enjoying every element and perspective of this novel, never once was I bored or wishing for the <span style="color: #ea9999;">plot</span> to hurry on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
Rhodes created an outstanding world - one so vivid in my imagination with an array of strong-headed and unique characters. The plot never failed to keep you <span style="color: #ea9999;">engaged</span>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
I surprisingly loved this book and would definitely recommend it. I can't wait for the sequel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjutaV7M1k_q_xg08IW-RIxFfau46Vi5ABWdkxCyjK78ytnYgazwG333o4XKxFxZ_hzELolsXONDjlBUl4sAxrryxBfDSAp75DIAQ-HEa9A4GN1CVGNZeRL2VEvLpyP0spJLSi1XnRpeW/s1600/3.5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjutaV7M1k_q_xg08IW-RIxFfau46Vi5ABWdkxCyjK78ytnYgazwG333o4XKxFxZ_hzELolsXONDjlBUl4sAxrryxBfDSAp75DIAQ-HEa9A4GN1CVGNZeRL2VEvLpyP0spJLSi1XnRpeW/s1600/3.5starpug.png" height="66" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-33679150626532527312014-04-11T14:15:00.000+01:002014-04-11T14:15:17.614+01:00Review: The 5th Wave - Rick Yancey<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5jNE2PXwZbqiO3P797h7_qQDKElsp9TFZsfEZC31rgc7ilSIRqfF-dJBHyPEx-ek7qrFw-eoZoNPxprcbx9mhQwGB_s4GgBTg0Km0X_nknwHauUD4qsyMwtndaa1xf2vvahxsNSahWL1/s1600/The+5th+Wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5jNE2PXwZbqiO3P797h7_qQDKElsp9TFZsfEZC31rgc7ilSIRqfF-dJBHyPEx-ek7qrFw-eoZoNPxprcbx9mhQwGB_s4GgBTg0Km0X_nknwHauUD4qsyMwtndaa1xf2vvahxsNSahWL1/s400/The+5th+Wave.jpg" width="267" /></a><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">This book was so good! The plot, the characters, the pacing, the writing, all of it! </span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
I was hooked from the start, from the moment I stepped into this world the <span style="color: #ea9999;">action</span> was raging. Not even 20 pages in and you're shown how Cassie's world has been turned upside down - literally - and how instinct has torn her heart apart in a frenzy for <span style="color: #ea9999;">survival</span>.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
Cassie (short for Cassiopia) is on a lonely stretch of highway, running from the haunting past she has endured with no one to trust. The 4th wave is upon her, smothering her chances of survival while the 5th wave is <a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2013-08-04T02:00:00-05:00&max-results=7#" id="_GPLITA_2" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=R0I6NTk1MzQ6NDEzOTp1bmtub3duOmU0MDEwMzFjYzcxOTdlNGEwYTcyYzJmYWQ5ZjBmMjFlOnotMTc0OC01MTkzNDA6Ym9va2JyZWF0aGVyNGx5ZmUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY28udWs6MTgzMTA0OmIwZDI5MmMzYjEyZWE5NTg4ZGY1OGE5NWVkMjEyMTgyOjMzMzNjZDliZjk5ZjQwOTM4YzgxMTYxOTQ1NDJjODAxOjA&subid=g-519340-aff35076c8574e5a82d2ef0ffc4119cf-&data_test=rr_uk_mr6" style="background-color: transparent !important; border: none !important; color: #d9b5f6; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; font-size: 14px !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;" title="Click to Continue > by MediaPlayerplus">unknown<img src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; font-size: 14px !important; height: 10px !important; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; vertical-align: super !important; width: 10px !important;" /></a>, but it's coming.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
This story was just ghdfyjfhrhtfhj!!!!! It's an alien story, yes, <span style="color: #ea9999;">but is it a typical alien tale? No</span>. Hell to the no. This has been so intricately planned and written, it is <span style="color: #ea9999;">unique</span> and <span style="color: #ea9999;">enthralling</span>. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
Usually in alien <span style="color: #ea9999;">apocalypse</span> books/movies, aliens come down to earth in huge spaceships with large machines buried deep beneath the earth and the aliens are butt ugly baboons <span style="color: #ea9999;">BUT</span> The 5th wave puts an end to this. There is literally no confrontation (until the 4th wave - which you learn more about later in the book). <br /> Instead, the 1st wave consists of an electromagnetic pulse taking out all electricity/battery operated appliances etc. The 2nd wave is a tsunami, killing thousands and <span style="color: #ea9999;">herding survivors</span>. The 3rd wave sends out the pestilence (a deadly disease <a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2013-08-04T02:00:00-05:00&max-results=7#" id="_GPLITA_3" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=R0I6NTk1MzQ6NDEzOTpzcHJlYWQ6NTQyN2NkMDdlN2UwOTQyNzM2MGZjZmE4ZWVjODMwNzU6ei0xNzQ4LTUxOTM0MDpib29rYnJlYXRoZXI0bHlmZS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jby51azoxODMxMDQ6YjBkMjkyYzNiMTJlYTk1ODhkZjU4YTk1ZWQyMTIxODI6NzU2ZjFkNWM1YTM2NDg2Zjk2MjNlYjRlNmE5YzIxN2Y6MA&subid=g-519340-aff35076c8574e5a82d2ef0ffc4119cf-&data_test=rr_uk_mr6" style="background-color: transparent !important; border: none !important; color: #d9b5f6; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; font-size: 14px !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;" title="Click to Continue > by MediaPlayerplus">spread<img src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; font-size: 14px !important; height: 10px !important; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; vertical-align: super !important; width: 10px !important;" /></a> via birds because birds know no boundaries). The 4th wave brings Silencers, forcing survivors to stand alone. <span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>And the 5th wave? No one knows, but it's coming</i></span>.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
This <span style="color: #ea9999;">fast-paced</span>, <span style="color: #ea9999;">action-packed</span> plot is accompanied by some <span style="color: #ea9999;">remarkable characters</span>. There's Cassie (our protagonist) who is a head-strong, brave survivor of this otherworldly apocalypse - she's such a legitimate character, all of her actions and emotions are realistic, she's so human. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
Another character is Evan Walker BUT I can't really say anything about him (or any other characters) without slipping out a few spoilers. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
One thing I did love about this book was how you were never quite sure yourself who to trust or where others held their loyalties. You were in Cassie's <a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2013-08-04T02:00:00-05:00&max-results=7#" id="_GPLITA_4" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=R0I6MzI3NzI6MTMwNDpzaG9lczo4ZGRjNDk5OGI5NDk2ZWMyOTUzZmEyN2FmOGExNDk1ODp6LTE3NDgtNTE5MzQwOmJvb2ticmVhdGhlcjRseWZlLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvLnVrOjMxOTMyOjdmM2EzZWUyMmVhOGQ1ZWJjZTRjNmFlMWNmNWE2YjI3OmI1NTQ0MTM0ZjA4MjQzNWU5ZDYyOGJmNGZiMTdmMjI4OjA&subid=g-519340-aff35076c8574e5a82d2ef0ffc4119cf-&data_test=rr_uk_mr6" style="background-color: transparent !important; border: none !important; color: #d9b5f6; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; font-size: 14px !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;" title="Click to Continue > by MediaPlayerplus">shoes<img src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; font-size: 14px !important; height: 10px !important; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; vertical-align: super !important; width: 10px !important;" /></a> right up until the moment of truth.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
I should have also mentioned that this book is written with <span style="color: #ea9999;">alternating POVs</span> between characters - whose I cannot say. ;)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
I definitely did<span style="color: #ea9999;"> love</span> this book! It's a must read for everyone - particularly <span style="color: #ea9999;">apocalypse/dystopian fans</span>! I will certainly be picking up the sequel!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz3euewAXKRkczxiyWYU1Rm8mvmQE1xzcXq716MUnKZPkaOefur-Rb-uzUTsgbtFmDD9zpLrcJs-CuJufZUyMTeOwluPva3x8TtlzHKQ45dtWIK9oS3UYv5-9Dk0ZvbaMpjQJ83nNytEd/s1600/4starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz3euewAXKRkczxiyWYU1Rm8mvmQE1xzcXq716MUnKZPkaOefur-Rb-uzUTsgbtFmDD9zpLrcJs-CuJufZUyMTeOwluPva3x8TtlzHKQ45dtWIK9oS3UYv5-9Dk0ZvbaMpjQJ83nNytEd/s1600/4starpug.png" height="123" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>Check Out The Awesome Book Trailer Brought To You By Penguin!</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lKkEAIs4pJc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><br /></span>EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-87739538789744860892014-04-11T13:57:00.001+01:002014-04-11T13:59:20.943+01:00Review: The Testing - Joelle Charbonneau<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://bolobooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/The-Testing-UK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://bolobooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/The-Testing-UK.jpg" height="400" style="background-color: transparent;" width="262" /></a>Before I do anything I will just say...</div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;">The Hunger Games > The Testing. </span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;">I've seen many people post on twitter</span><i style="font-size: 14px;"> "The Testing is better than The Hunger Games!" </i><span style="font-size: 14px;">No, just... no. It IS a good book but just no. </span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /><br />Ok, so let's start with the outside of this book. I purchased the </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: 14px;">UK </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">edition of The Testing and I have a couple lil </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: 14px;">nags</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> about it really:</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><br />1. </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">I'm fed up of people putting 'For fans of The Hunger Games' on the front of books because either the book is nothing like The Hunger Games or is basically a replica - if I wanted to read another THG then I would just re-read the damn original and not a copy cat dystopian story.</span><span style="color: #ea9999;">2. </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">It is pretty (very) similar to the US cover of Divergent - even down to the massive symbol on the cover.</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;">BUT</span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> it is a pretty cover, I guess. </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: 14px;">:) </span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b><i>These nags are nothing to do with the author's writing or the story of course, I just had to voice them.</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></b><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Now onto the actual story. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>I'ma list my nags first but note that I did actually quite </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">enjoy</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> this book!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">I thought the story as a whole was actually really </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: 14px;">well done</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> and I love the author's </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: 14px;">writing style</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> - Charbonneau is very talented indeed. Many elements of the plot were original, dark and kept me </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: 14px;">intrigued</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">. BUT then there was the overlap to several other existing dystopian novels...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
Firstly there were the colonies (Districts - The Hunger Games / Factions -Divergent).</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Each group in The Testing had it's own symbol (Divergent)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Also, the graduation ceremony reminded a lot of The Reaping from The Hunger Games.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">A certain character reminded me very much so of Cinna.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">There is a substitute for the silver</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> parachutes in the arena from The Hunger Games. (kind of)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Now I know I've made this book sound awful and completely unoriginal but I refuse to lie . This book DOES have many similar elements but it also has MANY <span style="color: #ea9999;">original</span> parts to it too! </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">Some of Charbonneau's ideas blew me away and many of the twists I didn't see coming. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">I</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> did really enjoy this novel and will definitely be picking up the sequel but I had to point out my nags.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="color: #ea9999;">I'd just like to add that after writing this review, I received the sequel</span> (Independent Study) <span style="color: #ea9999;">for review and I thoroughly enjoyed it!! The sequel is better than the first book and is without nags!</span> Review to come soon.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitaPorzCpK2NLWjXU27cOaDxmNlUY__u2kdcGSLrbfW5Dqf4fUpcKmgm7xhY3lWDDFjnjyqSiEuO3hAAlMw7WrmfSl34IKamDv9MGZJARy4UFa-6cvZ8jPEezzWJlIYcRe63aFrJQK2tpb/s1600/3starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitaPorzCpK2NLWjXU27cOaDxmNlUY__u2kdcGSLrbfW5Dqf4fUpcKmgm7xhY3lWDDFjnjyqSiEuO3hAAlMw7WrmfSl34IKamDv9MGZJARy4UFa-6cvZ8jPEezzWJlIYcRe63aFrJQK2tpb/s1600/3starpug.png" height="101" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-13099382724807022752014-04-10T18:26:00.002+01:002014-04-13T21:30:14.191+01:00Review: Half Bad - Sally Green<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://31.media.tumblr.com/d6a95887991b044d13122933336f1519/tumblr_inline_n3mn7b0k7V1sb0j99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/d6a95887991b044d13122933336f1519/tumblr_inline_n3mn7b0k7V1sb0j99.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>Just a short review!<br /><br />I purchased this book after the hype on booktube and I DID enjoy it but I wasn't blown away like I expected to be.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #222222;">This is the first ‘</span><span style="color: #ea9999;">witch </span><span style="color: #222222;">novel’ I’ve read, though it is knowingly different to your typical Harry Potter novel.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"> Nathan, our protagonist, is Half Bad; he’s half white witch, half black witch - </span><span style="color: #ea9999;">within his blood mingles the power to do good but also evil</span><span style="color: #222222;">. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"> Living within a white witch dominated society, </span><span style="color: #ea9999;">Nathan is wanted by no one and hunted by everyone</span>. <span style="color: #222222;">He is feared because of who his father is, one of the most powerful black witches around. Nathan has been trapped in a cage, like a feared animal, but now he is free and he only has until his 17th birthday to find what he needs.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"> I can honestly say I went into this novel blind, I had no idea what to expect but I was</span><span style="color: #ea9999;"> pleasantly surprised</span><span style="color: #222222;">. The switching from </span><span style="color: #ea9999;">2nd to 1st POV</span><span style="color: #222222;"> was intriguing to say the least, though both tenses were insightful. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"> Despite being in the shoes of Nathan, whose contact with others is limited, you become attached to several of the characters, though I admit not all. The characterisation was as good as can be expected really but I would have liked a little more background on several characters to pad them out - make them feel more real.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"> The realism of the events that occurred is what struck me most. Green went into detail with the ins and outs of Nathan’s experiences - especially when mentioning the suffering he endured and how these mentally and physically scarred him.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"> I can’t really say too much about this book as it was so unique, BUT I can say that it makes for a good read; it’s fast-paced, action-packed and full of intriguing characters who light the way on Nathan’s </span><span style="color: #ea9999;">journey of survival and self-discovery</span><span style="color: #222222;">.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ePLU288MKznp53pZ52vb107hfl6nvhqBvD6Ldk7wNEos25WD1ZhyphenhyphenaDx0zh6-Y4wadoao4PmOg_IuJ97gwfrCWouonRv1kABMS-qJU1sEYgu0YOaSGqqgLg090eX_aEJUa4aNh3arPbpG/s1600/3.5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ePLU288MKznp53pZ52vb107hfl6nvhqBvD6Ldk7wNEos25WD1ZhyphenhyphenaDx0zh6-Y4wadoao4PmOg_IuJ97gwfrCWouonRv1kABMS-qJU1sEYgu0YOaSGqqgLg090eX_aEJUa4aNh3arPbpG/s1600/3.5starpug.png" height="66" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-10009786128269539732014-04-10T18:21:00.001+01:002014-04-10T18:21:27.365+01:00Review: Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide To Getting Girls - Tellulah Darling<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3R73SwsUKiMiHSuvkI-wCkkHBpm0yqdRw36mQhisetiDhwDflWljed9gZ9U59sA7zZJvslhQ-GvQUOyL7nJ8o2jRv3eyK7RlebddqKBoRFcECcV77UYDlVbuVHoSKNfVddKJgbbWh8ao/s1600/Sam+Cruz%2527s....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3R73SwsUKiMiHSuvkI-wCkkHBpm0yqdRw36mQhisetiDhwDflWljed9gZ9U59sA7zZJvslhQ-GvQUOyL7nJ8o2jRv3eyK7RlebddqKBoRFcECcV77UYDlVbuVHoSKNfVddKJgbbWh8ao/s320/Sam+Cruz%2527s....jpg" width="240" /></a><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Hilarious!</span></i> A down to earth novel with characters you want to hit over the head, laugh with and laugh at. I devoured this book in one sitting and will probably re-read it again in the future. A must read for teenagers <span style="color: red;">15+</span><br />
<br />
The characters had great personalities. They were funny, kind, stupid, selfish, ; they were <span style="color: #ea9999;">human</span>. Typical teenagers who managed to stay unique in their own way.<br />
<br />
The story is simple and <span style="color: #ea9999;">realistic</span> but at the same time is highly unpredictable which made it all the more enjoyable! With so many scenes being easy to <span style="color: #ea9999;">relate</span> to, I really can't think of anyone who wouldn't really enjoy this book! It was funny but had enough 'serious' scenes in it to keep it real. I certainly cracked a smile, heck, <span style="color: #ea9999;">I laughed my socks off</span>!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #ea9999;">A cringe-worthy yet hilarious novel! A must read!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></i>
<i> </i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> I'd list this book amongst novels such as<span style="color: #ea9999;"> </span>'<span style="color: #ea9999;">Anatomy Of A Boyfriend</span>'.</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZR7eoqL0yBpyheLPFQ0w5cK64ESE8v9VyIh_WanAhS_Z9IbYTrTo5Nunpwz1u742Ib4DknvDpynhvSRCOB1G9VdQO8IG0BsfhjdOpBP9xc_GQK71WlAzwShz9441WKQMtK8WfCJdjJEj/s1600/5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZR7eoqL0yBpyheLPFQ0w5cK64ESE8v9VyIh_WanAhS_Z9IbYTrTo5Nunpwz1u742Ib4DknvDpynhvSRCOB1G9VdQO8IG0BsfhjdOpBP9xc_GQK71WlAzwShz9441WKQMtK8WfCJdjJEj/s1600/5starpug.png" height="175" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-38235513963567223182014-04-10T18:13:00.004+01:002014-04-10T18:13:52.511+01:00Review: Slated - Teri Terry<a href="http://artatm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/slated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://artatm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/slated.jpg" width="260" /></a><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>Personality gone. Memories lost forever...</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i><span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span>Kyla's memory has been erased, her personality wiped blank, her memories lost forever.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>She's been Slated.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The government claims she was a terrorist, and that they're giving her a second chance - as long as she plays by their rules. But echoes of the past whisper in Kyla's mind. Someone is lying to her, and nothing is as it seems.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Who can she trust in her search for the truth?<span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>A breakthrough in dystopian fiction and an outstanding debut from author Teri Terry!</i></span><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Slated has gone up straight into my top 10 - it was phenomenal.</span></i><br />
<br />
I truly do adore this novel, it's story and Kyla herself.<br />
<br />
Kyla has been 'born again' if you like. She's had to learn to talk and walk all over again - her first step, her first word, every moment a struggle. She's 16 years old but has been stripped of the privileges of this youthful age, and of her childhood. She can't remember her old friends, her parents, who she was or what she did wrong to lose herself...<br />
<br />
Teri portrayed this so well as she showed Kyla struggling to open the door handle to the car and how Kyla felt almost privileged to be doing the washing up - though the novelty soon wore off. At first I thought <span style="color: #ea9999;">"She's happy to be washing up? WHAT?!"</span> But then I remembered how when I was younger I loved to do the washing (even if my Mum had to rewash everything afterwards - she thought I didn't notice!) and as I grew to my teen years the novelty had worn off and it became a chore - Kyla is having to experience all of this all over again. Teri put so much thought into this novel - it's incredible.<br />
<br />
Something I loved about the story was the introduction of the "<span style="color: #ea9999;">Levo</span>". A device (like a watch I suppose) that monitors a slated's 'levels' - their emotions. It's designed to protect both the society and the Slateds from themselves - if their levels drop too low, dangerously low, they're deemed unconscious; or worse.<br />
<br />
Teri wrote this novel <span style="color: #ea9999;">beautifully</span> - not just how she paced the story but how she actually chose to write it; I love her <span style="color: #ea9999;">writing style</span>.<br />
<br />
Secrets, trust, friendship and love are put under tremendous stress as Kyla discovers that she's not like the other Slateds; Kyla is different. And this is her story of discovering the difference between <span style="color: #ea9999;">right </span>and <span style="color: #ea9999;">wrong</span>, between facts and lies, but most importantly between who she is and who she was.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #ea9999;">A beautiful story, a compelling read...</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>It's disturbingly close to the undeniable nightmares of our future.</i></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Kyla's story is heart-wrenching.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>It will haunt you.</i></span><br />
<br />
A MUST READ for all dystopian fans and anyone else! I highly recommend this novel!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsedw5qdgxcYCklWtSNV3t_fJZgmofuvfF8ZRLMM4YviLBCggSZNYAieF_95Jv15-Gk-qY7iNMBHOD5iYh1HN-4pA640wDx3WBVthCBBv2scKrD5_jquVDxdc4kD3oKNArK8xX7IgC08Fh/s1600/5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsedw5qdgxcYCklWtSNV3t_fJZgmofuvfF8ZRLMM4YviLBCggSZNYAieF_95Jv15-Gk-qY7iNMBHOD5iYh1HN-4pA640wDx3WBVthCBBv2scKrD5_jquVDxdc4kD3oKNArK8xX7IgC08Fh/s1600/5starpug.png" height="140" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-61066508352360175362014-04-10T18:07:00.000+01:002014-04-10T18:07:20.300+01:00Review: The Other Life - Susanne Winnacker<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQktazaJMlizyOYU6eUa1rAAr_1t1SNeWheraQ9BZF78jsCshaNuK-ZwQt1wXU1EuXpUNnoZ8lWPfdgn4jC0hvqZZp8mjaZA8zxD6HtgQFjSHt4OHQUdTFslMQvETGDCAU3d2IP2kysUc/s1600/The+Other+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQktazaJMlizyOYU6eUa1rAAr_1t1SNeWheraQ9BZF78jsCshaNuK-ZwQt1wXU1EuXpUNnoZ8lWPfdgn4jC0hvqZZp8mjaZA8zxD6HtgQFjSHt4OHQUdTFslMQvETGDCAU3d2IP2kysUc/s400/The+Other+Life.jpg" width="260" /></a><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">"Danger isn't the only thing that makes your heart beat faster."</span></i><br />
<br />
The Other Life: Who we were before the virus. How we'll never be again. It's been 3 years, 1 month, 1 week and 6 days since Sherry has seen daylight. When things went wrong up above, she was sealed off from the world in a bunker with her family. But when they run out of food, Sherry and her dad must venture outside. There they find devastation, desolation... and the weepers: savage mutant killers.<br />
<br />
When Sherry's dad is snatched from her , she joins Joshua. He's handsome and strong but he's also troubled and his thirst for revenge against the weepers may put them both at <span style="color: #ea9999;">risk</span>.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"<span style="color: #ea9999;">The Seeds of first love are sown amongst the death and destruction of a nightmare future in this incredible debut novel. Beautifully and gut-wrenchingly gripping, it's essential reading.</span>" - Amazon</i><br />
<br />
For a debut, this is <span style="color: #ea9999;">phenomenal</span>! This novel puts Susanne Winnacker high up on the ladder of <span style="color: #ea9999;">dystopian</span> fiction. The plot injects adrenaline into your veins while the characters grasp at your heart strings, hanging on by their fingertips.<br />
<br />
I read this book in one sitting which is something I usually try to avoid, but could not resist, doing.<br />
<br />
The <span style="color: #ea9999;">characterisation</span> was so real compared to other books. Sherry isn't your typical "Katniss Everdeen" as so many protagonists are wrongly compared to. She doesn't know how to throw a knife or make it hit its target every time. Joshua isn't invincible. He's not superman. He's a teenage boy <span style="color: #ea9999;">trying to survive in this all to real hell of a world. </span><br />
<br />
I loved this book to pieces! Definitely a new <span style="color: #ea9999;">favourite</span>! It's the first in a planned trilogy and I'm dying to get my hands on the next book!<br />
<br />
The only negative thing I can say about this novel is that it ended all too soon! <span style="color: #ea9999;">;D</span> *sigh* At least there's a sequel!! <span style="color: #ea9999;">:D</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP0srHQpYuAlR919uT56CeKKLcZCE9TcA4FYGUu__11_hT9eaIZtnc-6-OI5wzK-WRGkEsKFQOTVJMjN2Y3OWER0t2U2BOkvV7aGFUsjA6I5h9E-f7Tmh3ruRW0QLuBSSfC6OanKz0R2f/s1600/5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP0srHQpYuAlR919uT56CeKKLcZCE9TcA4FYGUu__11_hT9eaIZtnc-6-OI5wzK-WRGkEsKFQOTVJMjN2Y3OWER0t2U2BOkvV7aGFUsjA6I5h9E-f7Tmh3ruRW0QLuBSSfC6OanKz0R2f/s1600/5starpug.png" height="175" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span>EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-47199498311350900152014-04-10T18:02:00.000+01:002014-04-10T18:02:03.676+01:00Review: Falling Fast - Sophie McKenzie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m_S9UA4AZXfxYIh26BK4G6i4Zh74tEIXNFLK8ei_XpTKuUWYFY1Bpd6UOdOfQB_pz1pFciHmnpOOhuE3ELdjKQBDLtN5P0H8j3-3S3ObaLiaoo2hbD0vt9BqSBF6z2gMrfJekDz_6QE/s1600/Falling+Fast+Sophie+McKenzie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m_S9UA4AZXfxYIh26BK4G6i4Zh74tEIXNFLK8ei_XpTKuUWYFY1Bpd6UOdOfQB_pz1pFciHmnpOOhuE3ELdjKQBDLtN5P0H8j3-3S3ObaLiaoo2hbD0vt9BqSBF6z2gMrfJekDz_6QE/s400/Falling+Fast+Sophie+McKenzie.jpg" width="261" /></a><span style="color: #ea9999;">Let us just appreciate this cover for a moment, so pretty!</span><br />
<br />
River auditions for a female role in a local all boys' school production of Romeo and Juliet.<br />
<br />
She has always dreamt of finding true love so she believes that she'll fit into Juliet's shoes perfectly. Then, she sees Flynn. He's playing Romeo and causes her to not only believe that she could be a good Juliet, but he makes her<span style="color: #ea9999;"> want it</span>.<br />
<br />
The only problem is that Emmi, River's best friend, is running for the same role.<br />
<br />
You follow River as she falls head over heals for Flynn and tries to find out if he feels the same way.<br />
<br />
I'm not a huge Shakespeare fan, nor do I know much about Romeo and Juliet, BUT I adored this novel! I actually picked it up after reading <span style="color: #ea9999;">"Star-crossed Romeo and Juliet" by Rachel Wing</span> as the two books sounded similar-ish (only in that novel, the teens cast as Romeo and Juliet are enemies). It's another fabulous romance novel!<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to this book! The soul <span style="color: #ea9999;">focus of this novel isn't actually on the play 'Romeo and Juliet'</span>. That's just a... catalyst, if you like? The book is actually more so about the characters.<br />
<br />
This novel isn't at all like I expected. When I first picked it up I thought it would literally be a retelling of Romeo and Juliet or a cat and mouse game - River chasing Flynn. It isn't at all like that. I thought the novel would be predictable and patronising but it is actually unique and mature. I laughed with River, I cringed for her and I understood her.<br />
<br />
I like how Flynn has his flaws and how you have to debate with yourself whether or not his actions can be justified. How <span style="color: #ea9999;">friendships and family relationships</span> are put to the test under the pressure. The characters are all so real and their stories are heart-wrenching. This book is way more in depth than I thought it would be and has a few twists you won't see coming.<br />
<br />
I read it in<span style="color: #ea9999;"> one sitting</span> and recommend it to any romance/contemporary readers out there. :) I do recommend it for 15+ though as some of the topics covered (though handled lightly) might not be appreciated by younger readers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluNHC5_KiuQcKyJtBNOy2WL6GH4hXTVnu29SGnYgq-NjecBlGIkJdWcatYTF0JPXxm-v3dK8RVh0Ldwln3uxgaXYt0DsxJG-s2NR1HhRzHvJZPNqBabQJlIXhorUbH79KWUH7iL4-w2XM/s1600/3.5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluNHC5_KiuQcKyJtBNOy2WL6GH4hXTVnu29SGnYgq-NjecBlGIkJdWcatYTF0JPXxm-v3dK8RVh0Ldwln3uxgaXYt0DsxJG-s2NR1HhRzHvJZPNqBabQJlIXhorUbH79KWUH7iL4-w2XM/s1600/3.5starpug.png" height="106" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-18804851872069864252014-04-10T17:55:00.000+01:002014-04-10T17:55:13.018+01:00Review: Dark Parties - Sara Grant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bookangelbooktopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/51ekm8em9ol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.bookangelbooktopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/51ekm8em9ol.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #ea9999;">A world isolated by the Protectosphere - a dome which protects but also imprisons...</span></i><br />
<br />
Neva lives in this isolated, <span style="color: #ea9999;">dystopian</span> future where people go missing - as if they've simply vanished - and everyone just seems to pretend they never existed. But Neva keeps a list, a list of names, names of all the missing.<br />
<br />
I had actually had my eyes on Dark Parties for a while so when it came up for <span style="color: #ea9999;">review</span> I was so excited! I mean the cover is just to die for! It's stunning! (Though I don't really know where the big, red dress came from?). And I'm a sucker for dystopian story with a side-plot of <span style="color: #ea9999;">romance</span>!<br />
<br />
Dark Parties was a typical dystopian novel but still unique in its own way. The opening of the novel <span style="color: #ea9999;">really drew me in</span> - it was <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">rebellious, intriguing and sexy</span></i> - everything a YA plot should be. Within the first few paragraphs I already felt connected with Neva, I felt her fear and her passion; she started off as a strong protagonist and maintained this solidity throughout the novel.<br />
<br />
The <span style="color: #ea9999;">plot</span> was actually quite simple but seemed more complex due to its characters and the secrets they kept. I did feel as though the plot slowed down slightly in the middle and that it wasn't really going anywhere after such a promising start but it picked up its pace towards the end which resulted with a satisfying finish.<br />
<br />
The <span style="color: #ea9999;">characterisation</span> has both its strengths and limitations. I thought that the relationships between Neva and her parents and also between Neva and her best friend Sanna were strong and believable, they were well thought-out and evocative. But on the other hand the relationships between Neva, Ethan and Braydon were a different story. <span style="color: #ea9999;">This 'love-triangle' was messy and admittedly very sloppy</span>. Ethan <span style="color: #ea9999;">didn't really have a set personality</span>, he constantly changed so I struggled to see who he actually was - I thought I knew him at the start but towards the end I was totally confused. Then there's Braydon. The 'instant attraction' wasn't good enough, it wasn't built up well and I just felt like Neva trusted him too easily and liked him too much for it to feel believable. There were no real 'sparks' in the relationships developed in the romance like there were between the friends and family. BUT having said that I still think the romance was a good element of the story.<br />
<br />
As a whole I did enjoy this book and I plan on reading the sequel - I'd recommend it to fans of the genre and anyone who's not!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCu1sr2aFzX16-w-Zv9zYn-noMLUf6j8uSCRLK9aUgmYOV0F67hhItaC9wg6QgenKbkfH1Dm2D7X3dCKzz7dVCHYPM8yogxb2oi7kpiMXPIdE892IvWA3SozWqISpQLqb2hmR5dlx8sth/s1600/3starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCu1sr2aFzX16-w-Zv9zYn-noMLUf6j8uSCRLK9aUgmYOV0F67hhItaC9wg6QgenKbkfH1Dm2D7X3dCKzz7dVCHYPM8yogxb2oi7kpiMXPIdE892IvWA3SozWqISpQLqb2hmR5dlx8sth/s1600/3starpug.png" height="162" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-7226030824126113122014-04-10T17:47:00.000+01:002014-04-10T17:47:07.153+01:00Review: Shadows - Paula Weston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRiGcLqhdqc6Qp2JtN-efBqbZg4MxTiAemeYQVd4XozTLQeWYXQlg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRiGcLqhdqc6Qp2JtN-efBqbZg4MxTiAemeYQVd4XozTLQeWYXQlg" width="259" /></a><i><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Love. Nightmares. Angels. War</span></b></i><br />
<br />
Conflicting emotions, instincts and truths collide inside Gaby's head as she tries to figure out who and what she is. What she thought she knew about herself is only a shadow of the truth, but Rafa, the man of her dreams - literally, she's been dreaming of him since the accident that killed her twin - strolls into town to shine a light into the dark abyss inside Gaby's head.<br />
<br />
I haven't read very many books about <span style="color: #ea9999;">angels</span> (only The Demon Trappers series by Jana Oliver and the Hush Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick) so I didn't really know what to expect of <span style="color: #ea9999;">Weston's twist</span> on the genre. I enjoyed certain elements a lot and others not so much. I'm not sure if Weston's research into angels is accurate (it may well be) but it didn't quite line up with the information I've read about in other novels so I guess you'll find out when you read it. :)<br />
<br />
I'm going to get my <span style="color: #ea9999;">nags </span>out of the way first so that we don't end this review on a downer because I did actually enjoy this novel as a whole. My main concern about this book was that I felt as though I was being <span style="color: #ea9999;">told a lot of the information rather than being shown it</span> - I suppose it just could have been slightly more subtle; I know that the protagonist, Gaby, needed to be told some things but I just felt like a whole text book on the history of religion/demons/angels was being regurgitated from other characters so that I found it was hard to keep up.<br />
Another nag is that this novel included some stronger language (The F word) which I totally don't mind, it's a YA novel and mature at that, but I think it should have been used more... <span style="color: #ea9999;">strategically so that it had more of an effect rather than being dumped in dialogue</span> every now and then.<br />
My final little nag is that characters would say something like <span style="color: #ea9999;">"You don't think?.."</span> and another character would cut in and just nod and I'd be sat there like <span style="color: #ea9999;">THINK WHAT?!</span> Maybe it's just me being slow but I didn't like how I was supposed to be able to <span style="color: #ea9999;">assume</span> what the characters meant (this happened about 3 times throughout the novel).<br />
<br />
Those <span style="color: #ea9999;">nags aside</span>, I really did enjoy this novel. I wasn't bored, though I wasn't utterly drawn in to start with either, but towards the end of the novel I grew more and more attached to the characters and now that I have turned the final page I am definitely craving more! The small mystery of 'who can I trust?' is fun because Gaby is confused about herself and you're just as keen to find out the truth as much as she is; I mean who can you trust when you remember absolutely nothing?<br />
The <span style="color: #ea9999;">characterisation</span> was what drove this story forward for me though (although there were some good, unpredictable twists throughout the plot too!) as the passion they have for what they believe in and each other is admirable. I love the<span style="color: #ea9999;"> 'thing'</span> that goes on between Rafa and Gaby - whatever it is! I also loved the way the relationships between characters altered depending on their situations - allies are those who share the same enemy for sure in this novel.<br />
My <span style="color: #ea9999;">favourite character</span> had to be Rafa! He was cool, cocky and oh so hot! <span style="color: #ea9999;">*Swoons*</span> He's one of those '<i><span style="color: #ea9999;">I really shouldn't but I will anyway kinda guys</span>'</i>. He's been in Gaby's dreams since the accident and now he has waltzed into her life, aggravated her curiosity and stormed her heart.<br />
<br />
I think fans of the genre should definitely give Weston's spin on Angels a go, I certainly enjoyed it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr5OgixGlSJ_73OZLoNCwkvN1SgApAzBnKE9OAJ3hWvHww_pLyoHeuWdLA27FD2tfR9uBhxnx2OQ_OKZv5eRrhaPFne_iejj6Mgs61z8IIcimchsqRgngLx9Zd4KsgS3TnPflea3xsrIT/s1600/3.5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr5OgixGlSJ_73OZLoNCwkvN1SgApAzBnKE9OAJ3hWvHww_pLyoHeuWdLA27FD2tfR9uBhxnx2OQ_OKZv5eRrhaPFne_iejj6Mgs61z8IIcimchsqRgngLx9Zd4KsgS3TnPflea3xsrIT/s1600/3.5starpug.png" height="106" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-66702706537676209622014-04-10T17:37:00.004+01:002014-04-10T17:37:49.296+01:00Review: Arena One - Morgan Rice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwENEypTQIfECHucvc6WMrcQlpWIWW82V5qvuf0ufisx0cwb8IxqYX8XQnY0mLaAUy8ZOwB6fytFZqRU2gJ3szgK2kQYzQ_flv6vYgZV6uPebQSXu0CVvpYvdfeamhGuBHfBxpYbs6iTo/s1600/Arena+One.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwENEypTQIfECHucvc6WMrcQlpWIWW82V5qvuf0ufisx0cwb8IxqYX8XQnY0mLaAUy8ZOwB6fytFZqRU2gJ3szgK2kQYzQ_flv6vYgZV6uPebQSXu0CVvpYvdfeamhGuBHfBxpYbs6iTo/s400/Arena+One.jpg" /></a>Arena One - the first in a trilogy - <span style="color: #ea9999;">struck me as a poor combination of Lara Croft, Blood Red Road and The Hunger Games</span>; an interesting and chaotic mix. You'll find action, loyalties, love and devastation. With so much on the line, how do you know what is really worth fighting for?<br />
<br />
Brooke is the daughter of a marine. She's a <span style="color: #ea9999;">survivor</span>. That's the one good trait she's inherited. She's also stubborn, like her mother. But that's a problem...<br />
<br />
Despite not having the most original of plots (<span style="color: #ea9999;">it was more of a mash up of other dystopian novels</span>) this novel made me think more than other dystopians. It made me realise how destructive we, as humans, truly are and how selfish I, as a person, really am. I don't think I'd have the guts nor determination to do what Brooke did. I can admit (and am rather ashamed to do so) that I would have given up and lost hope. I would have abandoned everyone...<br />
<br />
This novel is rather descriptive in the travelling aspect. It's very specific. You never leave the character; you're with her the whole time as she narrowly misses colliding with a crumbling building and as she turns a corner too sharply onto 59th street and then swerves on a patch of ice outside an abandoned apple store. I admit I did find this description very dry at times and extremely repetitive, y'know, like, <span style="color: #ea9999;">"ok, ok, I get that you're driving, now something different happen!.."</span> but it did help you to put yourself in Brooke's shoes, I guess?<br />
<br />
Brooke's journey was not fun or exciting. It was not short and sweet. It was long, tiring and tedious. It made you appreciate just how hard things were for her and again highlighted how selfish I am because I know for sure that I would not be willing to sacrifice myself as often as she was willing to.<br />
<br />
The <span style="color: #ea9999;">characters weren't original</span> but neither were they cliche. They were their own people but if you want to know their personalities in a nutshell then here they are. Ben is "the boy with the bread" or in this case "deer". He is another <span style="color: #ea9999;">Peeta Mellark</span> ALL over. Completely helpless but somehow manages to pull through. Then there's Logan. He's strong and is a born fighter, just like <span style="color: #ea9999;">Gale</span>. Brooke's sister is definitely a strong-willed "<span style="color: #ea9999;">Prim</span>" and Brooke is... hmmmm, I'm not sure. I guess she's a patchwork of the fighter within us all and protagonists from other dystopian novels.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure how I felt about this book when I was half way through reading it, it was slow and dull in places (and similar to other novels) but it wasn't a bad read, it just needed touching up - I suppose being self-published didn't help.<br />
<br />
Morgan Rice has taken a running jump into the dystopian world and I hope that this trilogy stays afloat.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn50oc0A8p4_FOtlWRJ6QEj1juhRu7HzFym8GIcVgKaNlcZhHZtPDp81PN_OyXFQezfO3tax6S55rxJLhV65iz2Lq4LmOprqOd9VcvGJNdaE25z1VAY80Avdffl-KxusYbldywuCF5XFQo/s1600/2.5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn50oc0A8p4_FOtlWRJ6QEj1juhRu7HzFym8GIcVgKaNlcZhHZtPDp81PN_OyXFQezfO3tax6S55rxJLhV65iz2Lq4LmOprqOd9VcvGJNdaE25z1VAY80Avdffl-KxusYbldywuCF5XFQo/s1600/2.5starpug.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
EponaReviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08790560529754751100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-32299856144757470732014-04-10T17:29:00.001+01:002014-04-10T17:29:49.926+01:00Reviews: Outsider - Micalea Smeltzer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfctomQ-3t19MWjGaD1assstvXV-8Plnfu3EOmOKotdmQgUtJ09fcCknZ6cSloK5XqRCQz4cBaUXrSgmHP7QDB3y-d8CL1XCd5vp7Y7ei525nHM-xcmc2Be7aBXuIkHJSKamyptzXmYmY/s1600/Outsider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfctomQ-3t19MWjGaD1assstvXV-8Plnfu3EOmOKotdmQgUtJ09fcCknZ6cSloK5XqRCQz4cBaUXrSgmHP7QDB3y-d8CL1XCd5vp7Y7ei525nHM-xcmc2Be7aBXuIkHJSKamyptzXmYmY/s400/Outsider.jpg" width="258" /></a><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">"This novel shifts from wolves to humanity and back again with a cast of characters who are truly remarkable; all entwined in a love story which will have you swooning and shifting in your seats." - EponaReviews</span></i><br />
<br />
A self-published novel, miraculously completed within 4 weeks by 18 year old, Micalea Smeltzer.<br />
<br />
The first in a trilogy of shifters, love and power.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #ea9999;">All little girls dream of being a princess. They dream of a prince. A fairy tale of their own. They've all watched Snow White, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast; but none ever dreamt they'd be the beast...</span></i><br />
<br />
Sophie's world is turned upside down when she discovers the truth about her life. About what she is. She's scared but she's not alone. She may not have her prince but she certainly has her Alpha and he's all hers.<br />
<br />
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and found myself occasionally laughing throughout the story. There's action, friendship, betrayal, secrets, romance and, of course, wolves.<br />
<br />
The story is written in first person, past tense, from the POV of 17 year old, Sophie. The only downside to this novel (perhaps down to being self-published) was the lack of editing, both grammatical and developmental - the plot's nature was amateur, but despite this it was an enjoyable read.<br />
<br />
This is a <span style="color: #ea9999;">romance</span> story and so much more and despite not containing vampires or werewolves (the wolves in this novel are known as 'shifters') I would probably recommend this novel to fans of Twilight as the Williams wolf pack reminds me so much of the Cullens family. And for once, there's not a love triangle!<br />
<br />
I picked up this novel after devouring Maggie Stiefvater's "The wolves of mercy falls" trilogy which whetted my appetite and found myself craving more. Outsider did not quench my thirst but it was a nice, quick read.<br />
<br />
Micalea adds her own twist on a typical shifter novel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH71xYa5a-W1UWlyB0j9tBhC5FT9fAWgTqVAPFAx9B5sBKqsAK5BwCHPyDAPkxGKOOn-sLREC_XNAj-9RnrKQljC3TSehyOczU-w8_-pJgH7WBpwtKXOAEW1X_i5PGSaHUipWhesH296Y/s1600/2.5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH71xYa5a-W1UWlyB0j9tBhC5FT9fAWgTqVAPFAx9B5sBKqsAK5BwCHPyDAPkxGKOOn-sLREC_XNAj-9RnrKQljC3TSehyOczU-w8_-pJgH7WBpwtKXOAEW1X_i5PGSaHUipWhesH296Y/s1600/2.5starpug.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-49478353335431399592014-04-10T16:59:00.001+01:002014-04-10T16:59:18.409+01:00Review: Confessions Of An Angry Girl - Louise Rozett<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYHskgAW350SipJd9JHzZZTAzdlH1Ugcmo9y-26MR0NIx7M_0W2XTyOtqHkxGx6NWnBZd4e-8P_3NXTRXNPX_hIA4cvIBFM8H7aoTOg5Av11PmOtRshSnpweW7mUoOIUrQ417vaK59pc/s1600/Angry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYHskgAW350SipJd9JHzZZTAzdlH1Ugcmo9y-26MR0NIx7M_0W2XTyOtqHkxGx6NWnBZd4e-8P_3NXTRXNPX_hIA4cvIBFM8H7aoTOg5Av11PmOtRshSnpweW7mUoOIUrQ417vaK59pc/s400/Angry.jpg" width="260" /></a><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">"About the occasional panic attack and being fourteen in the suburbs without a mobile phone. Read It And Weep."</span></i><br />
<br />
Rose is my new best friend and she doesn't even know it! I loved how down to earth she was - how real she seemed and how extremely easy to <span style="color: #ea9999;">relate</span> to she was in more ways than one.<br />
I originally only accepted this book for <span style="color: #ea9999;">review</span> when I read 'panic attack' on the blurb because I wondered how an author would portray a character who suffered from something which I also endured; I was impressed with how Rozett handled Rose's anger issues and was surprised (in a good way) about how <span style="color: #ea9999;">Rose wasn't this 'hot under the collar' brute</span> who threw her weight about when she didn't get her own way, but <span style="color: #ea9999;">whose anger was mostly silent </span>and only made itself known when she was pushed over the edge - the thin line between being angry and being upset is shown very clearly in this book. I always found myself experiencing the same emotions as Rose in each situation she was in. The guilt, the betrayal, the anger stirring in the pit of her stomach, I felt it all. I suppose I expected an aggressive protagonist, but instead I was presented with Rose.<br />
The <span style="color: #ea9999;">plot</span> moved at a good pace, never was I bored, even despite not that much happening. The story is driven forward by <span style="color: #ea9999;">emotions</span> and <span style="color: #ea9999;">characters</span> and everything was necessary, nothing was just thrown in for the sake of it.<br />
I'd sum the book up to be about a <span style="color: #ea9999;">young teenage girl struggling to smother her anger at life</span> (and what it can take away from you) while trying to survive high school with boys, cheerleaders, friends and a whole bunch of personal boundaries thrown in there.<br />
The <span style="color: #ea9999;">sparks of romance</span> in this novel are awaiting to be ignited in the sequel! Being just fourteen, Rose isn't 'experienced' so you follow her as she learns all these new feelings, both emotional and physical. The realism of Rose's situations and her reactions made this book all the more enjoyable.<br />
I loved this book! There's not really much more I can say without spoiling it but I loved Rose and I can't wait to read the sequel! I recommend it to all!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUs2SJ1GmKq9IJZ9wlchRquC7KZllEwW99jzUoLzWcpdo5XQgXxZS9fXvuz59HF9kDVabhAvYvMAoHFTJ5NZ8CsOmWfmJT8edBZCrfO1FLnI_5KaKedkpq2rp4XZxkQF4zWo4gArATE0/s1600/4.5starpug+-+Copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUs2SJ1GmKq9IJZ9wlchRquC7KZllEwW99jzUoLzWcpdo5XQgXxZS9fXvuz59HF9kDVabhAvYvMAoHFTJ5NZ8CsOmWfmJT8edBZCrfO1FLnI_5KaKedkpq2rp4XZxkQF4zWo4gArATE0/s1600/4.5starpug+-+Copy.png" height="116" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-28318951151032581552014-04-10T16:52:00.002+01:002014-04-10T16:52:14.779+01:00Review: Pushing The Limits - Katie McGarry<a href="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0373210493.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0373210493.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg" width="263" /></a><span style="color: red;">*I'll include the synopsis below the review*</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i><span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span>They say be a good girl. Get good grades. They know nothing about me<span style="color: #ea9999;">."</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #ea9999;">A brave, riveting and truly powerful novel - Pushing the limits will drive the devastating aspects of young Echo's life closer to home than you may have thought possible.</span></i><br />
<br />
I loved this novel to pieces! Katie McGarry is a talented author who I'm glad was <span style="color: #ea9999;">daring </span>enough to tackle the challenging topics of <span style="color: #ea9999;">love, loss and life itself, but most importantly how cruel they all can be.</span><br />
<br />
Told from <span style="color: #ea9999;">alternating perspectives</span>, we follow Echo, whose memory has been regressed due to a traumatic experience, and Noah, whose life took a turn for the worse and who now hates the system for not playing fair. The pair are an unlikely match but after being kicked down, we watch the story progress to see if they have what it takes to help each other get back up.<br />
<br />
What hit me the most was how easy this novel was to <span style="color: #ea9999;">relate</span> to, even if none of the delicate issues raised in the novel have been experienced by you first hand. Maybe you're not Noah, a foster kid who's fighting to try and get his life back, or Echo, a damaged teen attending therapy sessions to try and find out why her life hit rock bottom. But maybe you're the one whose insecurity has a hold over you, controls what you wear and where you go? Maybe you're someone who is fighting a losing battle but are refusing to give up. You may even be the girl, or guy, people stare at and mock in the corridor, the one they whisper about and misunderstand.. You might be the friend who always offers a shoulder to cry on, or just a bystander who watches it happen. Heck, you might even be the <span style="color: #ea9999;">*cough*</span> selfish, vile, weak, pathetic<span style="color: #ea9999;"> *cough*</span> person who gives the glares, starts the rumours and excludes the ones who aren't 'cool' enough. But my point is, whoever you are, there's something in this novel that you can relate to.<br />
<br />
The <span style="color: #ea9999;">characterisation</span> is a major strong element in this novel; everything Echo and Noah fought for I found myself wanting so badly too, for them - that's how real they seemed, how much McGarry made me care for them. Both characters are <span style="color: #ea9999;">realistic</span>, easy to relate to and down to earth; they both have very distinct and unique voices and personalities.<br />
<br />
I don't really want to spoil anything so I have deliberately not mentioned the problems the characters face because the fun of the novel is understanding the characters, their lives and unravelling the mystery of what actually happened to them and why. Though I will say that I loved how you discover Echo's past alongside her, she never knows more than you do, and how you stand by Noah as he never stops fighting. I'm not going to lie, my heart ached for Echo and<span style="color: #ea9999;"> I cried </span>enough to fill the ocean over Noah's story - maybe that's just me, I don't know, but even if you don't cry, you'll be touched!<br />
<br />
Having said that, this was not a sad/depressing story. It was a journey with both its ups and downs which was overall <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">just as heart-warming as it was heart-wrenching</span></i>. I really do hope people take something away with them after reading this novel, even if it's just making people more aware before they make judgements.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;">OH! THE ROMANCE!</span> How have I not mentioned that?! The chemistry between Echo and Noah was hot, sexy and the strength they offered one another was admirable. The romance was a great part of the book (the majority of the book I guess) but it was necessary as it moved the plot along. The love Noah and Echo had for each other, for their families and for 'normal' was extraordinary.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i> I really can't explain how much I adored this novel. I recommend it to anyone and everyone!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjUPGTHCp31yh3fqkkb0sjPnuK-oFGF2LpVaDS_6mn63J823QV-esoSftU87f6d4dKjFzp_UrHm935eO5GY40ae7_S15ddrmIpd6YupW_DjNZ9r0wauWxLIMjeu7DDhIaj5BIB4310jg/s1600/5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjUPGTHCp31yh3fqkkb0sjPnuK-oFGF2LpVaDS_6mn63J823QV-esoSftU87f6d4dKjFzp_UrHm935eO5GY40ae7_S15ddrmIpd6YupW_DjNZ9r0wauWxLIMjeu7DDhIaj5BIB4310jg/s1600/5starpug.png" height="140" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Synopsis -</span><br /><span style="color: red; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">"</span>They say be a good girl, get good grades, be popular. They know nothing about me. I can’t remember the night that changed my life. The night I went from popular to loner freak. And my family are determined to keep it that way. They said therapy was supposed to help. They didn’t expect Noah. Noah is the dangerous boy my parents warned me about. But the only one who’ll listen. The only one who’ll help me find the truth. I know every kiss, every promise, every touch is forbidden. But what if finding your destiny means breaking all the rules? A brave and powerful novel about loss, change and growing up, but most of all love.<span style="color: red; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">"</span></div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-66319356431801909762014-04-10T16:40:00.000+01:002014-04-10T16:40:04.459+01:00Review: The New Haven Project: Anomaly - Jessica Gilliland & Kimberly Gourgon <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPHwNIcYDomn3pNh_q2A_TpBFtDQwsq23446ii22Z0roWvdHfo059AHcCx6S9Oo3TBxJlZjKPt6v6Tg4rgV1xJk5ZKfYLyWTHceWkBfme4kFU1u3ZumFdgSESHHf9NYyf5OXpmIRjwac/s1600/TNH+project+Anomaly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPHwNIcYDomn3pNh_q2A_TpBFtDQwsq23446ii22Z0roWvdHfo059AHcCx6S9Oo3TBxJlZjKPt6v6Tg4rgV1xJk5ZKfYLyWTHceWkBfme4kFU1u3ZumFdgSESHHf9NYyf5OXpmIRjwac/s400/TNH+project+Anomaly.jpg" width="330" /></a>This novel is an anomaly in itself. Very rarely does a book affect me so much that <span style="color: #ea9999;">I cry</span> at a character's heartache or share their rush of adrenaline. <span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>This is a must read!</i></span><br />
<br />
You're thrown straight into the story here, which I liked. There's no waiting around for half a book before the real <span style="color: #ea9999;">plot</span> begins.<br />
<br />
A <span style="color: #ea9999;">unique</span> aspect of this novel is the relationship between the <span style="color: #ea9999;">characters</span> and the reader. Typically in novels you either love or hate a character, but not here. One minute I'd be swooning over a character and the next I'd actually be angry at them. It made the novel feel more <span style="color: #ea9999;">realistic</span> and the characters were so genuine; they weren't perfect, they each had their flaws. It made them appear even more human. I also noticed that my reactions to the events which unfolded throughout the book highlighted my own imperfections.<br />
<br />
The reader can truly engage in this novel as their is no <span style="color: #ea9999;">"right"</span> and <span style="color: #ea9999;">"wrong"</span>. You choose whether or not someone's intentions were good or bad and whether or not you think a character is a friend or foe. I asked one of the authors <span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>"Is New Haven a good or bad place?"</i></span> before reading the novel and she replied <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">"That's for you to decide."</span></i> It makes the book so unpredictable because you constantly have mixed emotions about everyone and so does the protagonist.<br />
<br />
My <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">emotions</span></i> were evoked severely in this novel. It's not an emotional read ash such but I felt the character's butterflies, her nerves, heartache, anger, confusion and I even had an adrenaline rush at one point! Not to mention tears! This is how well the authors managed to build and maintain a <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">relationship with the reader</span></i>; extremely impressive!<br />
<br />
I can't put into words how good this book is. It is <span style="color: #ea9999;">intense</span>, <span style="color: #ea9999;">unpredictable</span>, <span style="color: #ea9999;">emotional</span>, <span style="color: #ea9999;">engaging</span> and <span style="color: #ea9999;">prodigious</span>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>A phenomenal debut from two talented authors. The first in a trilogy - a promising one.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i><span style="color: red;">(Please note that there has been a cover change for this novel).</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6jXP-PQTsYB7VGJ5NDgN612RMH6XlD_vsbaS0A0QF2LzGlSAE_fZoBbpLqR7GyRD5WpFIbRnwdTWY_zqiSi6xrLLn35zNh-ZQbAjxfk6brEuXg0pH_pQQ4SRq4P9fta7STA4cpqrTGU/s1600/5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6jXP-PQTsYB7VGJ5NDgN612RMH6XlD_vsbaS0A0QF2LzGlSAE_fZoBbpLqR7GyRD5WpFIbRnwdTWY_zqiSi6xrLLn35zNh-ZQbAjxfk6brEuXg0pH_pQQ4SRq4P9fta7STA4cpqrTGU/s1600/5starpug.png" height="140" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><br /></i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-45858891635347755102014-04-10T16:31:00.001+01:002014-04-10T16:31:16.185+01:00ARC Review: Alice In Zombieland - Gena Showalter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI_Gg0o7OD3Wdp0y33TK4P7j5QrZEbtM8kuoZut3oj80_ONOxm366zEHZ4AJ_BNDwUD8k8Y4O8xbzpYoyhQYQabztycg7Qdb0V787iN45tqipeCZ6hkHW_QOjYYHWMi7C0rC6xy9zDuE/s1600/aliceinz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI_Gg0o7OD3Wdp0y33TK4P7j5QrZEbtM8kuoZut3oj80_ONOxm366zEHZ4AJ_BNDwUD8k8Y4O8xbzpYoyhQYQabztycg7Qdb0V787iN45tqipeCZ6hkHW_QOjYYHWMi7C0rC6xy9zDuE/s400/aliceinz.jpg" width="270" /></a><b><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">A blink. A breath. A second. Everyone she's ever loved is gone. And that's all it took. A small fraction of time.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
This novel is like a zombie itself - the first few pages grabbed my attention and engaged with my emotions, just like human life. Then for a short while it lost my attention due to a decrease in the speed of the pace as if the story had lost its flare and died. After I got that past that (<span style="color: #ea9999;">MINI</span>) stage I couldn't put the book down and the pace picked up, sending shivers down my spine as I followed the characters deeper into their world. <span style="color: #ea9999;">It was as if the story had risen from the dead and claimed my attention once again like a zombie would its prey.</span><br />
<br />
Okay, so that was a lame way of me trying to say that the pace slowed down for about 30 pages near the beginning but (<span style="color: #ea9999;">definitely</span>) made up for it! Seriously, you won't be able to put this book down! <span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>The characters will pull at your heart strings while the zombies claw at your soul</i></span>. (You'll understand that when you read the book!)<br />
<br />
The story is part <span style="color: #ea9999;">mystery</span> (in a way... ish) which I didn't expect. Everything seems to be unknown at the start and as you dig around with the characters things begin to fall into place. So by the end you're left with some pretty big knots which now make sense; though these conclusions lead to new questions which will have you craving the sequel in these chronicles.<br />
<br />
The <span style="color: #ea9999;">characters</span> are what make the story in this book. Sure, the <span style="color: #ea9999;">plot</span> is good too but the characters are so complex. You spend the story following them through this world which Gena created so well, watching them tackle every hurdle they come across but at the same time you're deciphering each and every one of them. <span style="color: #ea9999;">Their motives. Their secrets. Their loyalties. And their hearts.</span><br />
<br />
Kat held my hand throughout the book, Kenz glared a hole into the back of my head and Cole... ergh, <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">*swoons*</span></i> yeh, he got me good.<br />
<br />
Though the novel is called "Alice in Zombieland" the story has <span style="color: #ea9999;">no connection</span> to the sequences of events which take place in that of "Alice in Wonderland" and shares little to no similarities. The girl is named Alice (though she prefers Ali) and there's occasionally a cloud in the shape of a rabbit but there are no booby-trapped rabbit holes to fall down, madhatters or hormonal queens with King Henry the 8th syndrome. "Off with their heads!" <span style="color: #ea9999;"><- Y'get me?</span><br />
<br />
The story is literally about a girl named Alice in a world where zombies co-exist with humans (+ some really awesome twists and a complete hotty!)<br />
<br />
This isn't your typical zombie novel though. Gena added her own (and may I say very <span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>unique</b></span>) twist to what could have been a cliche zombie novel.<br />
<br />
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be recommending it to my friends in October when it is officially published.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>The characters are fragile and complex, the plot unique and unpredictable. A compelling read.</i></span><br />
<br />
Compliments to Gena Showalter for writing such a superb novel. I will definitely be checking out more books by Gena after this meritorious introduction to her work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmu-WUpSbXpplOlTM6rK4MvbmQHPuRpb16_6T9GndbdM-huxpy5nV-x7EdaVgccwBpchyphenhyphenO2XPhpEIHH5loRR8RsnSNAhGxQyY41elVUhgEVunPfGYV3xdZgIHFnHnki_a1sGZAQCwMFk/s1600/4starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmu-WUpSbXpplOlTM6rK4MvbmQHPuRpb16_6T9GndbdM-huxpy5nV-x7EdaVgccwBpchyphenhyphenO2XPhpEIHH5loRR8RsnSNAhGxQyY41elVUhgEVunPfGYV3xdZgIHFnHnki_a1sGZAQCwMFk/s1600/4starpug.png" height="123" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-66877988939201252642014-04-10T16:21:00.000+01:002014-04-10T16:21:14.362+01:00ARC Review: Monument 14 - Emmy Laybourne<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7315275464_ff42b94570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7315275464_ff42b94570.jpg" width="266" /></a><b><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Lord of the flies meets The day after tomorrow.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
I must admit I was worried that this would be a typical 'no adults around - kids go wild' novel when I accepted it for <span style="color: #ea9999;">review</span> but I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this book and at how deeply I was engrossed in the story.<br />
Monument 14 is about fourteen children/teenagers who end up stranded together in Monument with <span style="color: #ea9999;">no adults</span> around after a disaster devastates the United States of America and the story unfolds from there.<br />
They take refuge in a supermarket where they have everything to cater their needs from clean clothes to food, toys and even TVs to keep themselves as up to date as possible with their situation. Although this is highly convenient for the teens, managing the health and happiness of the other 13 around them is not so easy.<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;">Imagine</span> you're stuck in your local supermarket with kids ranging from Kindergarten to Senior year. They're irritating, arrogant, crying and howling, demanding what they can't have - <span style="color: #ea9999;">how would you cope? Who should be in charge, if anyone? Should you stick together? Is rationing food a smart thing to do?</span> All of these decisions rest on indecisive teens who can't agree on anything.<br />
We follow Dean, one of the 14 survivors as he endures the harsh situation they have all been thrown into. I don't really know what to say about the <span style="color: #ea9999;">plot</span> without spoiling it; I'm sure you can guess what it'd be like but you won't guess all of the <span style="color: #ea9999;">twists</span>! I liked the <span style="color: #ea9999;">'cliffhanger'</span> at the end!<br />
I think I mainly enjoyed this novel because of the <span style="color: #ea9999;">characterisation</span>. Normally if there's so many main characters, I get confused and frustrated and the book tends not to be a hit with me, but all fourteen of the children/teens had unique personalities so I found them easy to identify and I always knew who everyone was/why they'd chosen to do whatever it is they did.<br />
As a whole this was an enjoyable <span style="color: #ea9999;">post-apocalyptic</span> novel and I do recommend it to fans of the genre. Make of it what you wish but I enjoyed it and think that Laybourne managed to add her own unique spin on a very common genre amongst teenagers.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>The sequel sounds to be promising after the events that unfolded throughout, and the knots left untied at the end of, this novel!</i></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL-7MRh4udTkLWuLWsbaQLQfH7WrHhBoYoWPnHLXi2ewvmWyv3BwizqQxC6j7_VAOEd1RHS2WPPCCEGOu1uCc57Woypkz1SuQTcn9o4QNQsEF4EdBoiQ27-wdMeWGvBQsX-bkhCvvYCU/s1600/3.5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL-7MRh4udTkLWuLWsbaQLQfH7WrHhBoYoWPnHLXi2ewvmWyv3BwizqQxC6j7_VAOEd1RHS2WPPCCEGOu1uCc57Woypkz1SuQTcn9o4QNQsEF4EdBoiQ27-wdMeWGvBQsX-bkhCvvYCU/s1600/3.5starpug.png" height="106" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-12580114511986286052014-04-10T16:09:00.000+01:002014-04-10T16:09:32.782+01:00ARC Review: The Day I Met Suzie - Chris Higgins<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSs2GsAsO4NG95eKOqj-6rUX6qWcWwxDJ5UJ4_WWyZr_7lLsl5B" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSs2GsAsO4NG95eKOqj-6rUX6qWcWwxDJ5UJ4_WWyZr_7lLsl5B" width="205" /></a><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">'Suzie has taken over her home, her friends, her work, her boyfriend - and her life.'</span></i><br />
<br />
I didn't know what to expect when I accepted 'The day I met Suzie' for <span style="color: #ea9999;">review</span>, I didn't even know what genre it fell into, but I can honestly say that I was <span style="color: #ea9999;">pleasantly surprised</span>. And I know I've said that about a fair few books lately, but it's true.<br />
The blurb was unique and didn't give any hints about where the story was going to go. My first thought was <span style="color: #ea9999;">'</span>OMG! She's killed someone...<span style="color: #ea9999;">'</span> (you'll probably see why when you read the blurb). The plot was a <span style="color: #ea9999;">mystery</span> to be solved, you had to piece together the puzzle pieces to figure it all out.<br />
I admit that a few of the twists were unexpected but then some of them were predictable (to me, but maybe not to you, you'll have to read and see). Even when I predicted one of the big twists I was still like <span style="color: #ea9999;">'</span>Ahhhhhhhhh!<span style="color: #ea9999;">'</span> because it was just... I don't even know what I'm trying to say, but yeah, it was still good! I think the plot was delivered at the right pace and was altogether very clever.<br />
The <span style="color: #ea9999;">characterisation</span> was strong which is something I found that helped you engage with the characters - no matter who they were. I really liked how Suzie was presented but I must admit that although I always agreed with the main character 'Indie' and stood by her side the whole way through the book, I didn't like her personality. She loved herself WAY too much but I suppose that was part of the story.<br />
There was <span style="color: #ea9999;">romance</span> in the novel, it was <span style="color: #ea9999;">brief</span> but handled well - sex included but so mild you could probably miss it as it was casual. Having a boyfriend was a part of Indie's lifestyle and it all added to the story. The relationship Indie was in was more an 'element' of her life rather than a crucial part of the plot, if that makes sense? This is why the romance was only lightly brush upon and not a key focus.<br />
As a whole I actually really enjoyed 'The day I met Suzie' and I might read more by Chris Higgins in the future as this was my first taste of her work. <span style="color: #ea9999;">:)</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UbROM4x8MdAd28cz16ymYsXWFulDMB9c4fkh146A1RH4Xt4Sh8t7isRz4v1aqZzb6uZBeJorymE6HC2Geisgmc3D6gmwWFobIx8UgnVn89i8PpsiQqxZF5dEl6yD4MCbWvMWNSEQZOU/s1600/3.5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UbROM4x8MdAd28cz16ymYsXWFulDMB9c4fkh146A1RH4Xt4Sh8t7isRz4v1aqZzb6uZBeJorymE6HC2Geisgmc3D6gmwWFobIx8UgnVn89i8PpsiQqxZF5dEl6yD4MCbWvMWNSEQZOU/s1600/3.5starpug.png" height="106" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-11009395649211975872014-04-10T07:38:00.001+01:002014-04-11T15:06:15.009+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9Ip1Lg-RcPWcMc5Y_21h2-dtQiZEZ1aF5GE4uEwLgZD06wfbxRjv9GKuW1dxN1XbdpreTBkeug_Zu9yAFU8FCZSy_hbCQeG2vCuvFZEYFxKkfWpEwg80M_PU6inTdogS0HpceROLdVM/s1600/quotesbanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9Ip1Lg-RcPWcMc5Y_21h2-dtQiZEZ1aF5GE4uEwLgZD06wfbxRjv9GKuW1dxN1XbdpreTBkeug_Zu9yAFU8FCZSy_hbCQeG2vCuvFZEYFxKkfWpEwg80M_PU6inTdogS0HpceROLdVM/s1600/quotesbanner.png" height="173" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Rebel Heart Quotes</i></span></span></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
I won't review this Goddess of a novel until I've calmed down else it'll just be a load of <span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span>Aaaaaaaah<span style="color: #ea9999;">" </span>and<span style="color: #ea9999;"> "</span>Eeeeeeeeeek!<span style="color: #ea9999;">" </span>and <span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span>OMG!<span style="color: #ea9999;">" </span>and<span style="color: #ea9999;"> *</span>heart attack, someone call 999!<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><u>SO in the mean time, here are 6 of my favourite quotes from the novel!</u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><3</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;">- Person #1"</span> 'You kept the door to that heart of yers locked up tight an hid the key away. Looks like she found it.'<span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;">Person #2 "</span>'Keys ain't her style. She kicked the door down.'<span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;">- Person #1 "</span>'Hey. C'mere.' He comes to me. Wraps me in his arms an kisses the top my my head. 'This is me yer talkin to. I've racketed all over the place. I'm hardly in a position to judge anybody.'<span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;">Person #2 "</span> 'I love you'. I whisper it into his sleeve so's he don't hear.<span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;">- Hottie # "</span> 'We ain't got time for you to yell at me or for me to tell you everythin that's happened, so I'm jest gonna cover the main points real quick an then I'm gonna kiss you.'<span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;">- Person #1"</span> 'G'bye, Saba,' He says<span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;">Person #2 "</span> 'Sunofabitch,' I says.<span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;">- Someone # "</span> ' D'you ever think about her? She'd be 6 by now. I know it's stupid, but... I like to imagine how she'd be. What kind of character, y'know. Who she might take after. She had eyes just like yours. She was beautiful, wasn't she?' <span style="color: #ea9999;">"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;">- Someone #</span> " 'Slim said some people hope they'll die in a... magnificent splendour, like the sun. I think that's what she hoped.'<span style="color: #ea9999;">" <span style="font-size: large;"><-</span> That quote only means something once you've read a scene earlier on in the book and when it's in context, but it's one of my favourite quotes so here it is!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;">Again, I can't explain how amazing this novel turned out to be! A fantastic sequel to "Blood Red Road" and I can't wait for the 3rd/final novel! *</span>Review coming soon.<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123337254264282625.post-66093780986979261782014-04-10T00:09:00.005+01:002014-04-10T07:40:07.117+01:00Review: Rebel Heart - Moira Young (Dustlands #2)<span style="color: red;">*Non-spoiler review for those who haven't read Rebel Heart BUT do not read if you haven't read Blood Red Road*</span><br />
<br />
Hey guys!<br />
<br />
Let me just get this out of my system.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;">Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Myyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood! </span><b>*HEARTATTACK*</b><span style="color: #ea9999;"> jdkshvngzdfjhudgvhzgn.jghdvkhgfvdhjvkgczjhgsdfjghkj!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </span><b>*HYPERVENTILATES*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxWgJgojUsjfSYrmajvPWN04Faz76pffG6jEJKjeaP2ZR7JWmtXj9moYGaVkwLDO4EUkyPtkv_sfwV_q4lQrWWyZf4lg6a3Q4uWvBYf5eV2ABTsfhHCpCAASkIN8cODiE0KoywopVdko/s1600/Rebel+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxWgJgojUsjfSYrmajvPWN04Faz76pffG6jEJKjeaP2ZR7JWmtXj9moYGaVkwLDO4EUkyPtkv_sfwV_q4lQrWWyZf4lg6a3Q4uWvBYf5eV2ABTsfhHCpCAASkIN8cODiE0KoywopVdko/s320/Rebel+Heart.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a><b>Ok, now let's get to the review! :)</b><br />
<br />
This book is like a sex god made from paper and ink, y'know? <span style="color: #ea9999;">*Swoons*</span><br />
<br />
<b><i>Blood Red Road was amazing. Rebel Heart is phenomenal.</i></b><br />
<br />
Rebel Heart continues on a few months after the journey ended in Blood Red Road. The characters have aged what seems like years in maturity and mental state when only a few months have actually passed them by. The events they endured throughout Blood Red Road has toughened their skin but scrambled their hearts... and Saba's mind.<br />
<br />
This sequel is actually more... emotional? As where Blood Red Road was a lot of action. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of action! It's just that the characters are cracking under the pressure and their true personalities and feelings are beginning to show; shining a light on long lost secrets.<br />
<br />
The first half of the book isn't anything special. It's not boring! It's far from boring! It's really good and there are small hints about bigger twists dropped here and there which begin to unravel later on in the book. BUT compared to the second half of the novel... pfffft... all I can say is that the second half completely blew the first half off the face of the earth!<br />
<br />
There were so many twists that my heart could barely cope! One minute I'd be crying out <span style="color: #ea9999;">"Noooooooooo!"</span> while my stomach did a fuzzy flip and the next I'd be like <span style="color: #ea9999;">"YES!"</span> only to have my heart stomped all over within the next five sentences. It was truly a roller coaster of emotions! At some parts I was like <span style="color: #ea9999;">"ahhhh, I know what's going to happen!"</span> and I was right which made me a bit like "oh, well that was predictable..." but then there'd be a twist on what I expected to happen which made it totally unexpected... if that makes ANY sort of sense?<span style="color: #ea9999;"> (I hope I haven't truly frazzled your brain with that!)</span><br />
<br />
One of the only <span style="color: #ea9999;">negative</span> things I can say about this book is that there was a lack of originality in some VERY SMALL parts. Most people won't notice them at all but I did. (This isn't a spoiler) Lugh tells them all of a better life, and Emmi and Tommo beg him to tell them about the rabbits in their new life. This, to me, was stolen from the novel <span style="color: #ea9999;">"Of mice and men."</span> Could she not have at least changed the animal? Hmmm... maybe it was pure coincidence? And she took the name "Slim" from a character in "Of mice and men" which bugged me again. I think it's pretty obvious that she borrowed these two things from that novel. They're minor things and don't play a major part in the novel at all, in fact, they could have easily been missed out. I've only noticed them as I studied the novel "Of mice and men" for an essay last year.<br />
<br />
Also (again negative) there were so many loose ends by the end of the novel. There were twists that took you down dead end paths... they were clever but pointless. Also there were a few characters who were utterly pointless too. And a few scenes were just too far-fetched. I loved how Blood Red Road was unlikely to happen but possible; it was realistic. This can't be said about Rebel Heart.<br />
<br />
I do have to say that there's <span style="color: #ea9999;">more positive than negative</span> with this novel! I just had a few pet hates which I couldn't not include in the review.<br />
<br />
That aside, this was a truly fantastic novel! The <span style="color: #ea9999;">characterisation</span> was brilliant! A few scenes were a bit weird but the majority of it was ever so clever! The action, relationships, emotions, twists... <span style="color: #ea9999;">Gahhhhhhh!</span><br />
<br />
I realise how I haven't made this book sound very good at all... (especially with my lil rage in the middle) ...I'm actually so frustrated because I can't put into words how amazing this<span style="color: #ea9999;"> sequel </span>was! Seriously, if you have a heart condition, keep the phone nearby with 999 pre-dialed. My heart nearly beat out of my chest while I was reading this and I had so much adrenaline in my veins that I felt sick at one point! It's rare that a book does this to me! Yeh, some make me smile, or laugh or cringe but it's not everyday a book makes me feel like I'm having a heart attack!<br />
<br />
Rebel Heart was... <span style="color: #ea9999;">*wordgasm* dhjffdhjgvnfdvgldhsmc;fmdhlh!!!!!!!!</span><br />
<br />
<b><i>If you enjoyed 'Blood Red Road' then 'Rebel Heart' is a must read!</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
If you want to read some quotes from the novel (all spoiler free and hand picked by me) then click -> <a href="http://eponaharvest.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/rebel-heart-quotes.html"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Quotes</span></a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Read it! Read it!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLrT6LIrxMXBNQS753X2bS0FylLJ5wkFAORpKLMKIT0tGXch4Fj55mViGEdDqqNc3cenXMACabeY0amq5lTLGTF9DVC6_7kbSiDE_MPBvVxrjLqyoSYVtGdthlqz5f-xs3-0AjgLnV7Q/s1600/4.5starpug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLrT6LIrxMXBNQS753X2bS0FylLJ5wkFAORpKLMKIT0tGXch4Fj55mViGEdDqqNc3cenXMACabeY0amq5lTLGTF9DVC6_7kbSiDE_MPBvVxrjLqyoSYVtGdthlqz5f-xs3-0AjgLnV7Q/s1600/4.5starpug.png" height="116" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0