Secrets of the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette

 

About the Book:

Image from Google

Book One in the Tudor Court Trilogy

 

Rating: Good

Pages: 336

Released: 2010

Published by: Kensington Publishing

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Mary Howard is overjoyed when she arrives at court to become lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's mistress. She is certain Anne will become Queen. But as she comes to understand Henry's fickle nature and witnesses how quickly his favour can be taken away, worry for Anne's safety clouds her mind. Everything changes when she becomes betrothed to Henry Fitzroy, the King's illegitimate son. But then, it doesn't and Mary finds herself fighting to be truly free, and as she fights she uncovers dangerous secrets. Secrets that she must guard with her life if she is to survive.

  

 

First Line:

"Elizabeth Stafford Howard, Spring 1519 -

He is pulling my hair - it is going to be torn from my scalp, I am sure of it."

 

Review:

I love any historical fiction based on the Tudors, so I was already predisposed to enjoy this book. But I was still pleasantly surprised by how good I found this book. The factual elements of this book were amazing - it was like a mini history lesson! If you have prior knowledge of the Tudor era then the plot/some of the characters will be of no surprise. But if you are a beginner to this period of English History this book will give you a wonderful insight. Regardless is you are interested in history or not this is still a good read. The characters really made the book for me, they are definitely the driving force of this story. I commend Darcey for her wonderful ability to combine fact and fiction and create completely believable characters.  

 

Recommended Audience:

 History nuts, Tudor buffs or people looking to dip their toes into the world of historical fiction.

Book Review: The Dark Heroine (Dinner with a Vampire) by Abigail Gibbs

About the book:

Inage from Google

Book One in The Dark Heroine Series

 

Amazing: Good

Pages: 549

Released: 2012

Published: Harper Collins

 

-information by Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Violet Lee is kidnapped by vampires after she witnesses something she shouldn't have and is whisked away to live in a mansion that she can't escape from. Taken away from her family, and kept as a prisoner only fuels Violet's hatred for the vampires she now lives with. But the more she gets to know these creatures the more her resolve to hate them weakens - especially towards Kasper Varn. As Kasper and Violet surrender to their passion neither quite realises the cost of their action or the price they'll have to pay.

 

First Line:

"Trafalgar Square is probably not the best place to stand at one o'clock in the morning."

 

Review:

On the whole this was a good read. The plot was unique and I enjoyed Abigail's take on vampires. The main character Violet is a very strong female protagonist. She's funny and feisty both of which are great qualities to have in a female lead. The only downside to Violet's character is that she is far to accepting for my liking. She is kidnapped by a group of vampires who she witnessed killing thirty men and she is making friends with them! This fast change in attitude contradicts Violet's feistiness which lets her character down as she appears to not know her own mind. I also thought the romance between Kasper and Violet escalated a bit too fast - it almost felt rushed at times. One minute she hated him for kidnapping her and the next she loves him? I did like Abigail's writing style, even if her characters left something to be desired. Its incredibly descriptive and has a witty yet dry sense of humour to it. Although a good read, this book hasn't made me want to run out and grab its sequel. This book claims to be the "sexiest romance you'll read this year" but I strongly disagree with this statement. There are some sexual scenes/ references in this book but its no 50 Shades of Grey... I actually found this quite a dark read with graphic images of violence and sexual references which I found a bit much at times.  

 

Recommended Audience:

Adults only as there are scenes of strong violence, sexual references/scenes and use of strong language throughout this book. If you are easily offended by these things this book is not for you.  

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

 

About the Book:

 

Image from Google

Rating: Great

Pages: 371

Released: 2007

Published by: Penguin Books

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Annabel has it all. But then she doesn't. Her best friend is spreading rumours about her, her family is slowly falling apart and she has no one to talk to about any of it. But then she meets music obsessed Owen who wants her to "Just Listen". But can he help her forget what happened and finally put a smile back on her face.

 

First Line:

"I taped the commercial back in April, before anything had happened, and promptly forgot about it."

 

Review:

Annabel's story really hit home for me. The breakdown of her friendship with Sophie is something I think we can all relate to. Who hasn't had a friendship break down? Or had a friend who hasn't turned out to be exactly who you thought they were? I know I have. I enjoyed Owen's character too. The misunderstood man who everyone thinks is so tough but who's really very sweet, couldn't fail but to capture my heart just as he did Annabel's. The arrival of Owen into Annabel's life also brought the valuable lesson of understanding. Concealed beneath the guise of the books title "Just Listen", is a much more profound message. Through the medium of music and the act of listening to music genres she would normally turn over - Annabel learnt that she could understand and appreciate the music better after she'd given it ago. This realisation helped her overcome her past hurt with ex- best friend Sophie and her boyfriend Will Cash, reunite her family, and to move forward with Owen. Another thought provoking and awe inspiring novel from Sarah Dessen.

 

Recommended Audience:

People who are a fan of contemporary.

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

 

About the Book:

Image from Google

Book One in the Uglies Series

 

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 425

Released: 2005

Published by: Simon and Schuster

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Tally Youngblood can't wait to be pretty. Tally's counting down the days until she turns 16 so she can get the operation that will change her life for the better. But then she meet Shay, a girl with a different attitude - she plans to run away and wants Tally to come with her. But Tally's waited for so long to be pretty and doesn't want to go with Shay... When Shay does run away, Tally's visited by the authorities who present her with an ultimatum: lead them to Shay or never be Pretty.  

 

First Line:

"The early summer sky was the colour of cat vomit."

 

Review:

I dragged my heels in finally starting this series as it has so much hype surrounding it. But I've now learnt that the hype is well justified. I loved the originality of the plot and how you can really relate to it, you can easily envisage the world becoming like this in the future. The characters were strong throughout and developed a believable pace. I particularly like the protagonist: Tally, which is strange as normally the leading can be a little too unbelievable towards the climax of the novel. As for Scott Westerfield's writing, I give him a 100%. To me, in this book, his writing is flawless. My favourite aspect of the book was the underling moral message, something I think gets quite easily lost or overlooked in most books. I liked the fact that this book challenged the way we think of beauty as a society and quite clearly showed us where our ritualistic thinking of analysing peoples appearances (even complete strangers), self criticism of our own and the constant belief that there can always be an improvement in our looks can realistically lead. Fantastic book. 

 

Recommended Audience:

Everyone! Especially lovers of YA fiction.

The Running Vixen by Elizabeth Chadwick

About the Book:

 

Image from Google

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 336 

Released: 1991

Published by: Sphere

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Heulwen has grown up with her father's ward: Adam de Lacey. There's always been a connection between them. But when Heulwen marries Ralf le Chevalier, the devastated Adam goes away on diplomatic missions for King Henry I. When Ralf is tragically killed, Heulwen's father considers a new match for her in the form of his neighbour's son: Warrin de Mortimer. But Adam's returned and is determined not to lose Heulwen a second time. But as Adam discovers a plot that threatens the King and Country he unknowingly places Heulwen in danger...

 

First Line:

"On the day Adam de Lacey returned to the borders after an absence of more than a year, the monthly market at Ravenstow was in full, noisy cry, and the numerous witnesses watched and whispered behind their hands as the small disciplined entourage wound its way through their mist."

 

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting with all my favourite elements: action, suspense, an easy to hate villain and most importantly, a gorgeous love story between the main characters. Heulwen's and Adam's relationship is just so realistic, you get completely swept away on their journey to love. Their love is just beautiful to read and the ending just leaves you envious of their partnership. Definitely not for youngsters, this novel contains mature content and scenes that are so emotionally written you actually get a psychical response when you read them. This book is jam packed with emotions, and its just a wonderfully written book and a delightful read. 

 

Recommended Audience:

Definitely a book for adults, due to the mature content in this book. But definitely a must for fans of historical fiction.  

 

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

About the Book:

Image from Google

 

Rating: Really Good

Pages: 391

Released: 2004

Published by: Penquin Group

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Macy Queen is struggling to cope with her father's death and the fact her boyfriend has gone to "Brain Camp". She's smiling her way through her day to day life but on the inside she's falling apart. She only starts to live her life again when she meets a new group of friends who gradually bring her out of her shell. Especially Wes. Wes is artistic and sexy and Macy finds she can be herself with him. But because she's lost so much can Macy see what she has to gain?

 

First Line:

"Jason was going to Brain Camp."

 

Review:

This was a bittersweet story. I really enjoyed Macy as the lead character and her point of view proves very emotionally provoking. The way she copes with her father's death is so heart breaking that I actually shed a tear. Sarah Dessen has a gift for writing realistic situations that are completely believable. Macy and her family's responses to her fathers death and Macy's gradual budding relationship with Wes makes for a truly good read. I absolutely loved Wes's character, he is one of those characters you long to be real. Overall, this was a truly lovely read.  

 

Recommended Audience:

Any lovers of YA and contemporary.

Rivals in the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette

 

About the Book

Image from Google

Book Two in the Tudor Court Trilogy

 

Rating: Great

Pages: 337

Released: 2011

Published by: Kensington Publishing

 

-information by Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

As the daughter of a Duke, Elizabeth Stafford's future seems bright. But when she is betrothed to Thomas Howard she must sacrifice all for duty. Elizabeth is surprised by her new husbands passion, but when he takes a mistress she is determined to fight for her love and honour. Together Elizabeth and Bess Holland compete for Thomas's affections, but neither can satisfy Thomas's desire for the Howard name to become part of the Royal bloodline. 

 

First Line:

"Thomas Howard, January 1547 -

Two bitches, a bewildered dolt, and a hothead have condemned me to this wretched place."

 

Review:

Rivals in the Tudor Court beautifully captures the many facets of human nature. This book completely lays bare all the characters souls and allows you to see every inch of their character. I have never read a book quite like this. Its told from three POV's: Thomas Howard, Elizabeth Howard and Bess Holland. The story is beautifully written. You follow each character as they struggle with the ups and downs of life as part of the Tudor Court. Each went on a journey of self discovery that by the end of the book they have all self reflected and know who they truly are, and they can all be at peace with their actions of the past. Darcey Bonnette's writing style is one of the best I've ever read, and it was a shame to finish reading this book.   

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone over 18 as there are scenes of an adult nature.

Betrayal in the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette

 

About the Book:

Image from Google

 Book Three in the Tudor Court Trilogy

 

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 347

Released: 2012

Published by: Kensington Publishing

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Lady Cecily Burkhart is orphaned at eight years old and sent to live with Lord Hal and his family. There she meets Hal's devout daughter, Mirabella and the family's tutor and priest: Father Alec. As the family slowly falls apart, Cecily must hold them together. But as a mutual attraction between her and Father Alec grows, Mirabella becomes plagued with jealousy and she starts a chain of dramatic events that threaten to destroy them all...

 

First Line:

"Lincolnshire, England. Summer, 1527 -

She hid in her mother's wardrobe."

 

Review:

This was definitely my favourite of the Tudor Court Trilogy. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the plot, everything. For me, this book gave me a more emotional response then the others. Again, this was due to Darcey's beautifully created characters. She can create a lead character you can route for from the start, a romance that makes you heart ache and a villain you actually want to punch in the face. The villain in this book is what made this book the best of the trilogy in my eyes. To have such an emotional reaction to a character is rarely something I experience, so when I experience it (with a character/plot) I know I'm holding a truly fantastic book in my hands.

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone whose over 18, or a history fanatic, or anyone looking for a new book.

 

Book Review: Paranormalacy by Kiersten White

 

About the book:

 



Image from Google

Book One in the Paranormalacy Series

 

 

Rating: Great 

Pages: 335

Released: August 31st 2010

Published by: Harperteen

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Evie is surrounded by paranormals: her best friend, her ex-boyfriend...and she's got a talent of her own - she can see through other paranormal's glamour's. When paranormals start dying and Evie starts having prophetic dreams, she starts to believe her abilities may be connected to the murders. Even worse, she is at the centre of a dark prophecy which promises the destruction of all paranormal creatures.

 

First Line:

 "Wait - did you - You just yawned!"

 

Review:

I liked the uniqueness of the plot. The idea of their being an organisation that polices paranormal races as an intriguing idea. One that I'd like to have read more about. But alas the story was centred (rightly so) on Evie and her life. Evie is a great character to read about, she'd witty, feisty and she can kick ass - she really is one of the better parts of this book. I also enjoyed Lend and Peth's characters, together they make the perfect 'good boy', 'bad boy' sides of the love triangle and both are attractive in their own ways - Evie's a lucky girl. The only problem I have with this book is that I found it sort of anticlimactic. A good portion of this book is spent building up to this showdown but in the end it just fell flat. The ending almost felt sort of rushed. All in all it was an enjoyable read. I hope to continue the series.

 

Recommended Audience:

Any YA lovers, especially those who love all things paranormal and who love a good love triangle.  

 

Book Review: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte



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About the book:

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 592

Released: 1847

Published: Penquin

 

-information by Goodreads

 

Synopsis:

Jane Eyre had a troubled childhood. Orphaned she goes to live at her Uncles where she's subjected to humiliation by her spiteful Aunt and her children. Eventually she is taken to boarding school which she survives by her strength of character alone. Then she gets work as a governess in the home of dark and mysterious Mr Rochester. But as Jane and Mr Rochester grow closer, Thornfield Hall has a secret that threatens to pull them apart forever?

 

First Line:

"There was no possibility of taking a walk that day."

 

Review:

Surprisingly, I loved this book. I've put off reading this book as I didn't think I'd like it and the story would drag like other classics I have tried reading before. The story ensnared me and I devoured the book in a matter of days. Having already known the story due to films and TV adaptations I thought that would hinder my reading experience. But I was mistaken, this book is different from any retelling I've seen, which made the reading more enjoyable. I loved the story of an unconventional love between Mr Rochester and Jane Eyre. It wasn't love at first sight it was a slow process which made it more believable. You followed Jane Eyre through the does he? doesn't he? and the will they? won't they? much like you would in real life relationships. The characters were just as intriguing as the plot and just as enjoyable to follow. The characters multifaceted personalities just added to the plot in a way that enhanced the story. All in all a fantastic read, highly enjoyable.

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone who wants to start delving into the world of classics and doesn't know where to start.

 

Favourite Quote:

"If God had blessed me with beauty and wealth, I would make it as hard for you to leave me, as it is for I to leave you." - Jane Eyre

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Remembrance by Theresa Breslin

 

Image from Google

About the Book:

 

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 303

Released: 2002

Published by: Doubleday

 

-information from Goodreads

 

Synopsis:

Its the summer of 1915 and in the village of Stratharden all anyone can talk about is the war that's well under way in France. The lives of 5 young people are forever changed as Kitchener's Army begins recruiting and they all get sucked into the chaos that war brings...

 

First Line:

"It's just not quite respectable."

 

Review:

I loved this book. It was as emotionally moving as it was intellectually stimulating. This book really opened my eyes to the suffering a struggles that people faced during this era. The relationships between the four main characters was heart warming as they guided me through their lives and what life was like during World War One. The letters exchanged between the characters only added to the emotional aura of this book. This book does a fantastic job of invoking such strong emotion that the story will stay with you long after you put it down. Because even though the characters are fictional, the book is based on fact and the soldiers and civilians that gave their lives to fight a cause that was not their own deserve to be remembered. Forever. This book does a fantastic job at showing you why these men, women and children deserve to be remembered.

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction in particular based on World War One.  

 



Book Review: Mary and Elizabeth by Emily Purdy

About the book:



Image from Google

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 376

Released: June 16th 2011

Published by: Harper Collins Publishers Ltd.

 

-information from Goodreads

 

Synopsis:

When their father, Henry VIII dies, sisters Mary and Elizabeth along with their brother are now orphans and young Edward is now King. The years that follow see the once beloved sisters become divided as religion and circumstances cause them to doubt each other. Will they be able to reconcile their differences before its too late or will their growing hatred be their downfall?

 

First Line:

"Wonderful, dangerous, cruel, and wise, after thirty-eight years of ruling England, King Henry VIII lay dying."

 

Review:

 I loved this book! My favourite period of English History is the Tudor period, so any book written about this time is always a winner for me. But this book was really amazing. Even though its a fiction novel I really felt like the events of this book could have been what actually happened. This book totally absorbed my attention so that I began hoping for different outcomes even though I knew what would ultimately happen to each character. I became emotionally involved in the characters I really cared about what was happened to them and I really didn't like it when something bad was going to happen to them. Overall, this book was quite emotion/thought provoking and was just captivating and I enjoyed every page. 

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

 

Book Review: Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw

Image from Google

About the book:   

Book One in the Wintercraft Series

   

Rating: O.K

Pages: 278

Released: May 13th 2010

Published by: Headline Book Publishing 

 

-Information from Goodreads

 

Synopsis:

The Wardens have returned to Albion and they've taken Kate Winters' Uncle - just like they took her parents 10 years earlier. Kate is determined to rescue him but she's being hunted herself by Silas Dane. Silas is a killer with a haunted past and he's recognised Kate as one of the Skilled who have the ability to see through the veil between life and death. He wants Kate to help him with his own personal nightmare but he isn't the only one with plans for her... The key to solving everyone's problems is the book of Wintercraft and Silas believes Kate knows how to find it and he'll use any means to force her to help him...

 

First Line:

"At the southern edge of a moonlit city, a women stood over an open grave."

 

Review:

This book was an ok read for me. The plot, although good in theory, was not engaging for me and because of this my attention often wandered. In some ways I couldn't wait to finish this book... I don't like being harsh but I must be honest. I liked the description of the writing but I felt it dominated the book leaving little space for plot of character development. I don't know if I will continue with the rest of the series...I will have to think on it but overall the book just didn't do it for me and that makes me sad as I thought it was going to be much better. It was a great idea but wasn't executed well enough for me.

 

Book Review: Tempest by Julie Cross

 

About the book:

Image from Google

Book One in the Tempest Series

 

 

Rating: O.K

Pages: 352

Released: November 3rd 2011

Published by: St Martins Griffin

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Jackson can jump into his own past. But after a shocking event takes place, Jackson jumps further then he thought possible. The only problem is he's stuck - he can't jump back. Now he must save the girl he loves, even though she hasn't met him yet and time is running out...

 

 

First Line:

"My name is Jackson and I can travel through time."

 

 

Review:

This book was an ok read for me. I found the ending the most frustrating part of this book. It didn't make sense to me that 90% of the plot was dedicated to going in one direction and then the ending just undid everything! The plot was unique but I felt it was party executed. I was left with far more questions then answers...

Book Review: Warm Bodies by Issac Marion

Image from Google

 

About this book:

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 240

Released: October 28th 2010

Published by: Vintage

 

Synopsis:

"R" is a zombie but he's different from other zombies: he dreams. One day, whilst out hunting for food, he meets Julie. For reasons he doesn't understand he doesn't want to eat her. R suddenly finds himself wanting to protect this strange girl and from then on they find themselves in a strange relationship. Together their breaking the rules and to stay together they must fight...

 

First Line:

"I am dead, but it's not so bad."

 

 

Review:

I throughly enjoyed this book. From it's unique plot to the witty yet thought provoking writing, I just loved it all. Who would have thought I'd be taking the side of a zombie? R is an amazing character, he builds his world so clearly that it becomes almost real. I especially loved the way he questioned every aspect of his post apocalyptic world, making you see it from many different views so you are constantly changing your perspective. As for Isacc Marion's writting...it was out of this world fantastic. 

The only thing I didn't like so much was the ending. It was sort of antic climatic for me. I didn't really understand what happened with Grigio and the Boney's - maybe I read it to quickly and got confused... The jury's still out on the ending.

All in all I really enjoyed this book much more then I thought I would (zombies aren't really my thing). And I'm so pleased to have it as part of my collection.

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone who loves fiction set in post apocalyptic worlds, or anyone who likes zombies.

 

Bout of Books 8.0 Wrap-up

So Bout of Books 8.0 has come to a close and it's time for the last update/wrap up. Bout of Books is definitely an experience I would recommend to avid readers. It has done wonders for my reading slump, and even though I read less then I thought I would it has rekindled my passion for reading. Which, if truth be told, was my biggest factor for taking part in the Bout of Books readathon in the first place. 

An added bonus to this experience was meeting and interacting with new like minded individuals that I hope will now become friends. Since doing Bout of Books and filming my progress (badly) over this past week, I have discovered what a fantastic community the world of booktubers, book bloggers and avid readers are out there. It was an unexpected yet very much delightful discovery to make. 

If you didn't catch my videos, here is my finally stats:

Books finished: 2

Books started: 4

Pages read in total: 1250

Books I aimed to finish: 6 

Total pages I aimed to read: 2553

Number of back up books read: 0

Number of challenges: 2 

Overall, not what I planned to accomplish but it is a lot more then I've read in ages so I'm happy. I will definitely be taking part in the next Bout of Books. 

Bout of Books 8.0

In a bid to get out of this reading slump that has plaguing me for what seems like years, I've decided to take part in Bout of Books 8.0.


Bout of Books 8.0 is a read-a-thon that started on this blog. The read-a-thon actually started today (19th August) and will finish this Sunday 25th August. If your reading this and wishing you could take part, don't fear! You can still join in the rules to sign up are here.

"The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 19th and runs through Sunday, August 25th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 8.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team"

So far I've already read one of my six potential books, so its working already!

I've been Twitting a lot over the past two days, and I've meet/talked to some very nice new people and I'm hoping I can make some friends from this whole experience. If you want to join the Twitter party feel free just tweet with the hash tag: #boutofbooks.

I hope you feel inspired to join in!

Sarah

HELP! I'm in a reading slump!

I was having a really good couple of reading months, managing to read 7 or 8 books in a month. But recently I've had no urge to pick up a book what so ever, and that is very unlike me.

I love reading, I always have done. But sometimes I do fall into a reading slum, I don't always no why but it happens to the best of us.

I just don't want to be in one now! I miss reading and want to get back into reading ASAP, but I can't and it's starting to get me down.

I need help! Can anyone leave a comment on how you get out of a reading slum??

Please I need your help!

Book Review: Foreign Bodies by Cynthia Ozick

Image from Google

 

About the book:

Rating: Medicore

Pages: 255

Released: April 1st 2012

Published by: Atlantic Books

 

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Middle aged, newly divorced Bea Nightingale works as a teacher in an impoverised aread of New York in the 1950's. Out of the blue her estranged brother contacts her to ask if she'll go to Paris to find and bring home the nephew she's never met. From that moment she becomes increasingly entangled in the lives of her brother's family...

 

 

First Line:

"July 23, 1952"

 

Review:

I'm on the fence with this book. I obviously liked this book due to the speed that I read it, but I didn't find it riveting. I can safely say I have never read a book that's given me this reaction before. The plot was mediocre - nothing much happened at all. Not much happened with the characters either in terms of their development...Another problem I had with the characters as well is that I didn't identify with any of them and that is something that happens very rarely as well. Maybe that's the reason I'm on the fence about it? Having said that Cynthia's writting was good although some people may find it challenging. Overall, this book wasn't a horrible read but something just didn't click for me.

 

Recommended Audience:

This book was written as an adult book and due to Cynthias writing style I wouldn't really recommened it for people in their early teens.

Book Review: Women and Children First by Gill Paul

Image from Google

 

About this book:

Rating: O.K

Pages: 480

Released: March 29th 2012

Published by: harpercollins

 

-information from Goodreads

 

Synopsis:

This book follows five characters lives after they survive the Titanic sinking. They are: Reg, a steward working in the first class dining room, Annie, an Irishwomen who is travelling to America with her four children, Juliette, a titled English lady who is pregnant and unmarried, George Grayling, a troubled Americian millionaire and finally, a mystery passenger who never shows her face in public. These are their stories as they try to cope with the aftershock of the Titanic and rebulid their lives.

 

First Line:

"Reg's hands were shaking so hard he couldn't hold the news-paper still enough to read."

Review:

This book wasn't quite what I was expecting. I thought I would become alot more emotionally involved in the book as the event of the Titanic is so tradgic. Instead, I found myself not really bonding with the characters. The plot was well thought out and would have been a far more enjoyable read if I had been more emotionally invested in the characters.

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

 

Book Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

 



Image from Google

About the book:

Book One in the Caster Chronicles

 

Rating: Really Good  

Pages: 592

Released: September 14 2010

Published by: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

 

-Information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis

Ethan Wate has been haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he's never met before. He is shocked to discover the girl from his dreams has moved to Gatlin and has enrolled in his school. That girl is Lena Duchannes. But Lena has a secret one that could upturn her life if it were discovered...Against the odds, Ethan and Lena find themselves bound together by a deep love. But they are running out of time. Lena has a curse - on her sixteenth birthday her fate will be decided for her. In the end, thre is a grave...

 

First Line:

"There were only two kinds of people in our town."

 

Review:

This is another series that I'm seriously late to the party for but again it's one that I'm so glad I've read. Yes, it's another boy meets girl story with paranormal elements thrown in...but it's so much better then the others on the book market. The plot (even though it mimics others in basic structure) is unique in its way. There's mystery, intrigue, adventure, romace and an unexpected surprise that's been mixed together and the result is Beautiful Creatures. The ratio of romance to action is well porportioned - I don't like to be slapped in the face with gooey, cheesey romance only to have my mind blown by a wave of action that can't be followed. (Actually that's a lie - I love cheesey romance...authors slap me in the face with romance as often as you like!!!). What I mean is the romantic aspects don't over power the plots action/adventure. It's well balanced. I found the plot intriguing and I enjoyed the story immensely. The characters were as interesting as the plot. Even the characters that weren't seen/spoke as much in the book were well presented throughout through the main characters narrative. Normally I don't like books with a male narrative (I'm not being sexist I just think girl's narratives are more romantic!). But I found Ethan's to be surprisingly enjoyable. Overall, this book is a joy to read and I'm looking forward to reading the next one!

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone who loves Young Adult Fiction. Especially paranormal romance.

 



Book Review: The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Image from Google

 

About the Book:

Rating: Good

Pages: 231

Released: September 1st 2012 (my edition)

Published: Simon and Schuster

-information from Goodreads

 

Synopsis

Charlie is starting his freshmen year at highschool. He'd shy, introspective, intelligent and socially awkard...in other words he's a wall flower. The book follows Charlie as he attempts to make new friends and how he copes with the world of dating, sex and drugs that he's found himself abruptly thrown into .

 

First Line

"August 25, 1991"

 

Review 

This book was a new experience for me as I haven't read a book that is written entirely as letters. After getting used to this format, I think it suits the story very well and I quite enjoyed it, especially the mystery of who Charlie is writing the letters too. That mystery is one I never found out - I couldn't figure out who he was writing to. The plot to this book was amazing and is one that both teenagers and adults can relate too in terms of their own experiences. The characters were well thought out and even though you aren't witnessing them first hand. Charlie's story of life as a wallflower is so poignant and thought provoking that made me reflect on my own experiences and how I coped with them. There are serious points to this book that tackle a variety of social taboos that make you view them in a totally different way. But interwined with the seriousness there are moments of wittiness and awkardness that are as light hearted and heart warming as they are funny. This is a beautifully written story about the highs and lows of growing up (especially with a disability) and I throughly enjoyed it.

 

Recommended Audience

For Young Adults to Adults...or anyone looking for a quick good read. You won't be disappointed.



Book Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

 About the book:

 

 

Book One in the Mortal Instruments Series


Image from google

Rating: Really Good

Pages: 485

Released: 27th March 2007

Published by: Margaret K McElderry Books

-information from Goodreads 

 

 

 Synopsis:

 

15 year old Clarissa Fray witnesses a murder in a nightclub, which is committed by three strange teenagers who are covered in tatoos and are carrying weird weapons. What's even stranger is that the body disappears... Jace, one of the teenagers and a boy who's a bit of a jerk, reveals that they are Shadowhunters. From that moment Clary is pulled into their world when her mother disappears and she's attached by a demon. Why are they interested in her? And why has she got the 'Sight'?

 

First Line:

"You've got to be kidding me," the bouncer said, folding his arms across his massive chest.

 

 

Review:

 

I know this is a really popular series and I'm late to the party for it. But I'm so glad I read it. This book has a really unique plot that is full of action and keeps you on the edge of your seat. In particular what it is about Clary exactly that's made her become part of this world. The characters are interesting and each charcater has a depth to them that you long to explore and as the story develops this want turns into a hunger. The releationship between the characters are so life-like that you can't help but be sucked into the book to sedate the need you have to read more and find out more. The revelation at the end of this book is one that's been subtly hinted at throughout the book, but it's one you hope isn't true. Even when it's revealed and you realise it is true your still left with the voice in your head saying 'No! It can't possibly be true?'  that stays with you even when you've finished the book. In short, I really enjoyed this book, the plot is action packed and the progression is fast enough to keep you hooked from beginning to end. The characters indiviual storylines mix together seemlessly that it is just wonderful to read. There is nothing confusing about this story and your not bored at ANY point or left with the 'Come on! Get to the point' feeling. I can't wait to read the rest of this series.     

 

Recommended Audience:

I recommend this book to ANYONE who loves YA reads. It is a truely lovely read.


Have you read City of Bones? What did you think?
Sarah

Book Review: You Only Live Once by Katie Price

                                                                                       About the book:

                                                                                    


Image from Google

Rating: Horrendous

Pages: 336

Released: April 11th 2011

Published by: Arrow

-information from Goodreads

Synopsis:

An autobiography of the life of Glamour model/business women Katie Price. In this third installment, Katie tells all about the breakdown of her marriage to fellow celeb Peter Andre, her life in the press as the 'badguy', her return to the jungle in 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here', and her new relationship/marriage to Alex Reid.

First Line:

"He was my life; I was so in love with him..."

Review:

It took me absolutely ages to finish this book. To be brutally honest it was only through sheer persistance that I didn't give up on this book after the first couple of chapters but kept going until I completed the book. This book isn't something I would have brought myself and I'm so glad I was given it as a Christmas present because (having read it) I wouldn't have bothered to waste my money on it. Since it was a gift from a friend, I decided to give it ago. What did intrigue me about this book, was her re-telling of her seperation/divorce from husband Peter Andre. Because, if you live in the UK you'll know, that Katie Price and Peter Andre were headline news for the whole period of their marriage and then divorce. Although it was slightly insightful, especially if your someone who likes to follow celebrity gossip, this book is an absolutely hideous example of British publishing. It is badly written - the narrative is sleep inducing boring and its so bad that it has won the place of worst book I have ever read so far. Another thing that annoys me is that there is grammatical errors left right and centre, which should have been noticd and corrected during the editing stage - this book isn't a very good advert for Arrow Publishing. To finish, I would not recommend this book to ANYONE.

Recommended Audience:

NOONE.

I'm sorry to write such a bad review but I have to be honest, as I would not want any of you to waste your time on this book.

Have you read this book? What do you think of it?

Sarah xx

Book Blogging!

Hey everyone!

I'm now (trying to be) a book blogger. I know there are thousands of us out there but I hope I have something that attracts people and makes you want to hang around and read my views about the books I read.

On this blog, I not only want to review books but share book hauls, book TAGS and much more with you all. My reviews will be 100% honest, that doesn't mean you have to agree with me and it  doesn't mean what I'll like you will like too.

Come to this blog with an open mind and we'll hav fun sharing in our loves for all things book related.

Thanks for visiting...
Sarah