Trailer Tuesday: Wake/Fade by Lisa McMann

I have just finished reading Fade by Lisa McMann the awesome sequel to Wake. Review to come. As there is much speculation that Miley Cyrus is set to play the female protagonist, Janie, I though I would include the following trailers this week.
I have to be honest I do have trouble picturing Miley Cyrus as Janie (perhaps it is just me)!!!!!

The Movie rumours are true (although casting has not been confirmed) Check Lisa McMann's Blog for more updates.

Read Cabels side of the story at Simon & Schuster

Monster Monday: Review: Diary of a Wimpy Vampire by Tim Collins

Synopsis: From Amazon
Like Edward Cullen in "Twilight", Nigel Mullet was transformed into a vampire when he was still a teenager, and will remain this age forever. Unfortunately, Nigel became a vampire at the awkward age of fifteen, and must spend eternity coping with acne, a breaking voice, and an ineptitude with girls . . . In this, his excruciatingly funny diary, Nigel chronicles his increasingly desperate attempts to be noticed by the love of his life, Chloe Sparrow, the constant mortification caused by his vampire parents (not to mention the worry that they might accidentally eat one of his friends), and the frustration one feels when you ve got the whole of boring eternity stretching out in front of you. Fantastically witty and hugely entertaining, it will appeal to any fan of "Twilight" or "Adrian Mole", teenage or otherwise . . .

Asacheekymonky's Review:
The book follows the story of a 15 year old who happens to also be a vampire. It shows how when a new girl joins the school, he falls in love with her and tries to make her his girlfriend.

My favourite character is Nigel because he is so funny.

There wasn't actually a character I didnt like, they all had a role to play within the book and  fit there roles nicely.

My favourite part of the book is near the end when something happens to Nigel (Mum told me I wasn't allowed to say as it would spoil the story for others).

Asamum's Review:
Obviously set out in diary format in 1st person narrative. Delightfully visual with incorporated ink splashes and doodles really adding to the realism of the diary.

Hysterically funny with lots of *snort* moments for me. The humour is multi-leveled so will appeal to a wide age range. Obviously the tweenager did not pick up on the double entendre that the image of Nigel's fangs extending when he is aroused portrays. Or the fact that a picture of a real human heart is the equivalent of vampire porn to a hormonal 15 year old vampire.

Nigel is a completely different version of the teen vampires we know and love. He is riddled with insecurity, the normal teen angst bordering on whiny, classification Emo. Not at all charismatic as you would expect a vampire to be, something that Nigel moans about at length, lol. His middle aged mannerisms mixed in with the teen angst give a hysterical contradiction of personality within one person. His immortal age battling with his 15 year old self.

Mystery and a few twists are thrown into the mix, adding to a really fun plot. There was even a twist I didnt see coming (or I wouldn't have if asacheekymonkey hadn't completely spilled the beans). I had asked her one question about the plot and she proceeded to tell me the entire story *sigh* at least it showed her level of comprehension.

In conclusion, a really fun book that will appeal to a wide age range. I am really hoping for a sequel to carry on my fascination with Nigel.

In My Mailbox #16

Wow what a week!!!!! After trying to catch up on some reviews - that being a complete narna and not making notes on a few books I have read *doh* I had the most unbelievable book week - lol catch up to catch up I think.

Hosted every week by the lovely Kristi at The Story Siren - click the button to visit her brilliant site.

 

Immortal Remains by Rook Hastings (on loan from the lovely Sya at The Mountains of Instead)

As You Wish by Jackson Pearce (swapped with a lovely lady called Jenny who put a gorgeous note into the book for me - it really made my day)

Revealers by Amanda Marrone (another swap - thank you Claire - she sent me the book even though I didnt have a swap for her but I lent her some of my permanent collection - so kind)

Sya included this fantastic bookmark with the book - isn't it amazing. *Show-off* I now want to attempt to make one with my blog button on : P

This was included with the book from Jenny. It had a lovely message on it. Thank you again Jenny.

From the library:

Prophecy of Days by Christy Raedeke

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink (looking forward to this one - Prophecy of the Sisters Review here)

Huge thanks to Lyndsey Newton for setting up this site. It gives UK Bloggers like myself a chance to read some fantastic books. How I ended up with 3 tours turning up on my doorstep Friday this week , I have no idea. Have a guess what I am doing next week.

Fade by Lisa McMann

The Crescent by Jordan Deen

When I was Joe by Keren David

Like I said so much for me trying to get organised.

Phew - what did you guys get - off to feed my addiction.

Update: Ok I thought I had finished this post last night, but I was awakened to the rustles of packages from the postman this morning.

The most awesome people at Atom Books sent me not one but two copies - so I am having a giveaway here

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

From the wonderful Keris Stainton - your book is on the way ;)

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

From Usbourne for me & asacheekymonkey to review : D

Half a Sister by Kelly McKain

Saturday Spotlight: Music Links: Guest Post by Pewter Wolf

Chatting to @PewterWolf13 today on Twitter he sent me the links to his 2 awesome post. As this was the idea I was trying to convey this morning, but sounded like a complete donut trying to express it. He conveys it much more eloquently than I so, being lovely he said I could copy his posts onto my blog. *Happy Dances*

You should really check out his blog The Emancipation of the Pewter Wolf

Books & Their Theme Songs Part One:

So, who does what I do? As a reader, if you're reading a book and a song suddenly comes up on your iPod or on the radio (or you just think of it) and it suddenly becomes that book's Theme Song?

Cos I do that all the time. As a reader and as someone who writes. But I'm intrigued on what songs you thought of and to what books? Am curious, so I thought that if I name a few books and their "theme song", you guys would tell me some books you've read and their theme song?

Sounds fair, right?

So, here's a few of mine with the videos of songs under it (thanks YouTube!)

Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare = The Walk by Imogen Heap (well, most songs on her Speak For Yourself album are perfect for the books!)

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - It's called either Cold Fame or Cold Flame by Band of Skulls (The title varies, but on my iPod, it's called Cold Fame.)

If I Stay by Gayle Forman = Off I Go by Greg Laswell (I love this song a STUPID amount! I write to this song all the time!)

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick = Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

Awesome right. Thank you so much Pewter Wolf for letting me share this. *Scuttles off to add more to her ipod*

There is also another updated post that I will be adding next week ;)

Saturday Spotlight: Giveaway!!!!!!

I can tell your excited just by the title. Well........being exceptionally lucky the lovely people at Atom Books sent me 2 copies of the fantastic Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink!!!!

Which means you too could have a copy - as I want to share the book love - I will be giving away one of the copies INTERNATIONALLY!!!!!

Guardian of the Gate is the eagerly anticipated sequel to Prophecy of the Sisters - Review here.

Synopsis: From Amazon
Without the Keys, something terrible will happen. Something that cannot be undone. And with them, I might bring an end to the riddle of the Prophecy and my strange part in it. If Alice and I are on conflicting sides of the Prophecy, the Keys would be dangerous in her hands. Which means I have to find them. And I have to do it before my sister. This is the story of sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe's quest to discover her role and her twin sister's in a powerful prophecy that has affected twin sisters for generations. But nothing can prepare her for what she discovers - about herself, about her family, and about the danger that goes from haunting her dreams to becoming her reality.

Synopsis: From Amazon
Sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe must journey to the uncharted isle of Altus to continue her search for the missing pages of the Book of Chaos - the pages that could tell her how to end the prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other. But the journey will test more than just her courage, it will also test her loyalty to her beloved boyfriend, James. Meanwhile, twin sister Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim Lia's role as the Gate. And that's not the only thing she wants from her sister: there's also Lia's true love. The outcome of their battle could have consequences of Biblical proportions and, in the end, only one sister will be left standing.

I know you are now eager to read it.
Just fill out the form to enter. You dont have to be a follower of my blog, but I wont say no if you want to be ;)

Giveaway closes Midday 12th September
This is also asacheekymonkey's 10th Birthday

Please leave a comment after entering. Thank you & Good Luck

Saturday Spotlight: Musical Links

I have all these ideas floating about in my head that it really is a wonder I ever get anything done. So here is another of my ideas *drum roll*

I have just finished reading Lament & Ballad by the amazing Maggie Stiefvater. It occurred to me that music plays a huge part in most people lives and is reflected in the books we read. I, for one, generally read with my ear-buds firmly in place, blocking out the rest of the world and immersing myself in the fantasy world the book provides.

Most authors even provide play-lists on their blogs for fans to follow their creative process. Stephanie Meyer usual does a post on her website at the end of every Summer to share with fans the books she has been reading and the music she has been listening to.

Taking this a step further for me there are some songs that literally cry out to me to be linked to a book. The first one I would like to share - for me these to go together like bread & butter.

Synopsis: From Amazon
The story of Scarlett and Rosie March, two highly-skilled sisters who have been hunting Fenris (werewolves) – who prey on teen girls – since Scarlett lost her eye years ago while defending Rosie in an attack. Scarlett lives to destroy the Fenris, and she and Rosie lure them in with red cloaks (a colour the wolves can't resist), though Rosie hunts more out of debt to her sister than drive.

But things seem to be changing. The wolves are getting stronger and harder to fight, and there has been a rash of news reports about countless teenage girls being brutally murdered in the city. Scarlett and Rosie soon discover the truth: wolves are banding together in search of a Potential Fenris – a man tainted by the pack but not yet fully changed. Desperate to find the Potential to use him as bait for a massive werewolf extermination, the sisters move to the city with Silas, a young woodsman and long time family friend who is deadly with an axe. Meanwhile, Rosie finds herself drawn to Silas and the bond they share not only drives the sisters apart, but could destroy all they've worked for.

Read my review here. Linked to the fantastic Florence & The Machine: Dog Days

For anyone that has read the book - listen to the lyrics and you will get why I have linked the two in my head (not just because of the title).

I am off to coerce people into sharing their music/book links with me. I make great cake, cookies, muffins - if you can be bribed with baked goods.

UPDATE: chatting with the lovely Pewter Wolf on Twitter, he put this whole idea far more eloquently than I ever could and has the most fantastic post on his blog, click the link to check it out.
So go check it out and then come back to me with all your fabulous ideas, please.

An attempt to be organised!!!!!

I have so many reviews I need to write. Plus a few interviews I need to put together. So in the interest of being organised without stressing my self out too much (an impossible task for me as I stress about anything & everything). I am going to put some posts together over the next couple of days without actually publishing them. I would rather deliver a concise review rather than put any old rubbish on the blog. I probably wont post anything until this weeks IMM and hopefully then I will be back on schedule and all caught up *grins* to provide a great blog *dreams*

This week has pretty much been a washout so far with all the rain *pun intended* trying to keep the girlies amused this far into the holidays is proving a struggle. The age gap is more noticeable when big one cant do anything at the Recreation Centre and Little one can do loads. Play-scheme ended last week, yet we have another 2 weeks to go. It was really a god send, the staff were fantastic and helped the girls through a rough spot at home. I send a huge thank you to the Team Leader Michelle for being so totally awesome and laid back : D

For some unknown reason the girlies have decided they are girly girls and wanted a makeover day yesterday, the hubs hid in the living room. Out came the nail varnish and the curling tongs. The girls have poker straight hair like mine, so within 5 mins of curling their hair it had all fallen out. I think we just managed to catch the curls on camera.

Today they have decided on the movies - what we are going to see to please all of them is another matter. Here are the choices so far:

Then I have a really great recipe for Chocolate Fudge Cake given to me by the lovely Liz from My Favourite Books we shall be making & scoffing later on today. I will post a pic later (of the cake not the scoffing-I think that would be too much to bear).

So wish me luck on the productivity and I will keep you posted : D 

Trailer Tuesday: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

I have a confession - I haven't actually read The Chronicles of Narnia but I think the movies are fantastic. This was one movie I was trying to put something together for the library. An art contest with the work displayed in the local cinema foyer for the release : D Fingers crossed it all comes together. If you have any other suggestions for competitions I would be very grateful : D And if anyone would like to guest review The Chronicles of Narnia I will promise to love you forever : D



How awesome does this look - I am on a countdown.

In My Mailbox #15

Hosted by the amazing Kristi at The Story Siren. For anyone that hasn't seen her blog this week - you really have to. She ran a LGBT week and it was truly awesome - so please check it out, click button to go to her site.

 This week was full of nice surprises:

Tesco BOGOF won again : D

Jealousy by Lili St Crow

Cross My Heart & Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

From the library:

The Glass Demon by Helen Grant

White Cat by Holly Black

(I forwarded my copy to Clover as she reads so much faster than I do and I just cant keep up with her, lol) 

A huge thank you to Lyndsey Of Heaven, Hell & Purgatory for loaning me her books. Plus she was silly enough to send me and the girlies chocolates as a completely unnecessary thank you for some books I sent her for Uni. I would have taken a picture of the pretty chocs the girlies had but they inhaled them,lol. Thank you again Lyndsey. 

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

So a brilliant book week. I have started Lament and am already in love with it.

Going to check everyone else's IMM's and lust after all the awesome books.   

Saturday Spotlight: The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

The wonderful, famous, amazing Jenny from Wondrous Reads is co-ordinating the UK publicity campaign for this book. I am also taking part in the UK Book Tour, I am so excited to read this book, I am delighted to take part in the campaign and very honoured that Jenny asked me *grins*

Synopsis: From Amazon

Haven Moore has always known she's different: there are the talents that can't be explained; the knowledge of places she's never been; and then there are the visions that overwhelm her - terrifying visions of a life that ended tragically two decades earlier and more than a thousand miles away in New York City. The citizens of Haven's rural, highly religious community, believe that she's been possessed by a demon. But this is no demon: it's reincarnation. Haven journeys all the way to Manhattan in search of clues about her past life and a decades-old murder. One wrong move could lead her into the clutches of the sinister villain at the center of a conspiracy much larger than she could have ever imagined. But if she makes the right choices, Haven will find the answers she's been seeking her entire life. This is an epic and thrilling romance set in the snake-handling churches of Appalachia, the dusty ruins of ancient Rome, and the grand mansions of Manhattan. The Eternal Ones tells the story of the first battle in a war between undying love and eternal evil.

Are you hooked yet???? Need more tempting.....

Still not convinced......How about some sample chapters.....

The Eternal Ones - Sampler #1

The Eternal Ones - Sampler #2

The Eternal Ones - Sampler #3

THE ETERNAL ONES by Kirsten Miller

Published by Puffin Razorbill on 19th August 2010.

Paperback original. RRP £6.99.

So now you know how truly awesome this book is going to be to read, what are you waiting for?????? Available to buy NOW!!!!!

Happy reading everyone. 

Review: Blue Noon: Midnighters by Scott Westerfeld

Synopsis: From Amazon
The Midnighters have emerged victorious from their greatest challenge. They now know much more about the secret history of Bixby and, with the halfling dead, the Grayfoots' link to the darklings has been severed. But the cost is high. Rex's horrific experience in the desert has left him damaged, painfully suspended between light and dark. Melissa's violation of Dess's mind and the shameful revelations of her past deeds have shattered the uneasy bond among the five teenagers. What they need now is some time to heal, but what they get is the surprise of their lives when the blue time arrives in the middle of the day. It seems the walls between the secret hour and real time are crumbling, and soon the dark creatures will break through to hunt after centuries of waiting. And as if that wasn't enough for Jessica to deal with, her little sister, Beth, is becoming more and more determined to crack the secret of midnight - a goal that could have consequences more dire than she can ever have imagined.

Review:
I really dislike writing bad reviews, I am not going to spout about this book, I am writing the review in order to maintain my reading record and to confirm my issues with the plot.

We are dropped into the middle of the action with a slightly disturbing start following the end of Touching Darkness and the incident involving Rex and the Darklings.  Although Rex and Melissa's relationship deepens throughout this book I felt as if they had had a personality transplant. Which really confused how the reader related to them and their interactions with the other Midnighters.

There was a lot of recapping throughout the book, sometimes necessary due to the many tangents that the plot undertook, but a little boring when you have already read the other books.

There was some very unsettling, nightmarish imagery (for me anyway with the snake depictions). I literally felt as if someone had been inside my head and pulled my nightmares out, then written them into the story.

The finale of the story took on an overkill quality with a myriad of disasters striking the Midnighters. Making the plot rather inconceivable. I found this a real shame as the middle book in the trilogy really held my attention and made we want to continue reading the series. The ending was anti-climatic and confusing, I was left thinking WTH???

On a positive note: I loved the use of the 13 letter words which really helped improve my vocabulary. Plus the use of math was ingenious even if I didn't completely understand it. 

Review: Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony

Synopsis: From Goodreads

The year is 2041, and sixteen-year-old Molly McClure has lived a relatively quiet life on an isolated farming island in Canada, but when her family fears the worst may have happened to her grandparents in the US, Molly must brave the dangerous, chaotic world left after global economic collapse—one of massive oil shortages, rampant crime, and abandoned cities.


 
Review:
Let me start by saying how much I love the word Dystopian; isn't it wonderful. It conjures up all these images of a post apocalyptic world even before you start the story.

Written in 1st person narrative; Molly is a wonderfully caring 16 year old, raised in a fashion of a by-gone era where families worked and played together, having a caring family is valued higher than possessions. As a result of this upbringing Molly appeared a bit naive and innocent to the other side of society when she first starts her journey. We soon discover that although Molly is naive to the ways of this particular world (for I felt as if her home was in fact a different world), she possess a wonderful strength of character and determination. Her openness draws people to her and she has a fabulously loving nature that rubs off on the people around her.

The writing is wonderfully descriptive, making the whole reality easy to recreate within the imagination. The musical descriptions felt as if they were reverberating from the pages (if you look at the trailer you can understand why I wish I had watched it before reading the book). Although not a gardener myself, I could fully appreciate the description and how tactile it felt. The description of Molly trying to walk in high heels had me in stitches.

The story is set in a future following a global economic collapse. *ponders, sounds familiar* The whole premise was so topical and thought provoking, plus quite frankly terrifying with the current state of the economy. I found the whole economics angle within the narrative surprisingly easy to relate to, it was like reading Economics for Dummies as I am not that hot on Economics. It was really interesting and helpful in understanding how the system works. For example, it showed how as a population we tend to put value on a small amount of things. Greater value is placed on possessions and shows of wealth rather than being content with having what you need. It also showed how a chain reaction can quickly occur, something I personally had not considered: unable to eat beef = collapse of fast food industry = mass unemployment. Paving the way for Organised Crime Syndicates to take over, the black market taking on a wider meaning. There is even a reference to Prohibition within the narrative and that is exactly the image I had in my head while I was reading the book. Making the divide between rich and poor even greater.

As you know I like the bad boys, so the introduction of Spill had me hook, line and sinker. A bad boy trying to be good, to get out of the life he has been forced to live. The budding romance/friendship between Molly and Spill was really cute and added an extra element to the plot.

This story really made me think about how as a population we need to readdress our values. To sustain society we need to go back to old values of putting family first and only having the things we actually need rather than getting into debt to have things that would be of little or no value in the future. It showed how much we take our resources for granted. At the moment it is easy to travel the world, how often have you heard the comment it is a small world; in reality it isn't. We have been fortunate to have the technology and resources with which we can travel but we need to keep in mind that without them this type of travel would not be possible. I especially liked that the story was not all doom and despair, it had an optimistic edge to it with a good dose of hope at the end. Making it a terrific topical, thought provoking read with a heart warming delivery.

If you have reviewed this book as part of UK Book Tours please leave the link to your review here:

Trailer Tuesday: Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony

I was lucky enough to read this book via UK Book Tours.  It was eye opening a different view on the dystopian novel and very topical.



As music played a really big part within the narrative I thought I would also include this trailer:



I wish I had looked up these trailers before I actually read the book, as the music really helps with the visualisation. Enjoy

Monster Monday: Review: Shrinking Violet by Jean Ure

Synopsis: From Amazon

The fifth gloriously funny and poignant book in Jean Ure's series of 'secret' diary stories. Lily and Violet are twins -- physically identical but quite opposite in character. Lily is brash, up-front and in your face. Lily Loudmouth, her dad calls her. Violet is timid and shy. She lives very much in Lily's shadow -- a shrinking violet. Finding it difficult to make friends, Violet finds the perfect solution in Katie, her new pen pal. Soon the two are writing at a fast and furious pace and become very attached to each other. That is, until Katie suggests that they meet...

asastar's review:

In this book there are two twins called Violet and Lily. Although they are twins they are not alike at all. Lilly has tons of friends but Violet does not.

My favourite character was Katie because she sounds like a very nice person. If she was real I would like to be her friend.

Near the end the story stops and there is just letters, I didnt like this very much as for me it was boring to just read letters.

The pictures in the book really went with the story because when they were talking about a horse there was a picture of a horse.

asamum's thoughts:

asastar was completely draw into this story and was talking about the plot a lot while she was reading it. We did not realise when we picked it up at the library that it was the 5th book in the series. We do not like to read books out of series order as you can miss a great deal of character building and plot development. This is something I have passed onto the girlies.

With the story she was able to keep up but when the letters started to convey the story she got a bit lost with the plot and characters. This maybe due to her age (she has only just turned 8) or it could be due to the fact that it was out of series order.

We are going to look for the rest of the series in the library and try it from the beginning to see if it makes more sense.

Thank you asastar for your lovely thoughts on this book : D

In My Monster Mailbox #3

With the Summer reading challenge in full swing the girlies have been picking up a number of books at the library. This weeks treasures:

asastar's haul:

The Secret Life of Pants by Roger Stevens

The Flower Power Collection By Jean Ure

The Great American Mousical by Julie Andrews Edwards & Emma Walton Hamilton

All for One by Ros Asquith

Shrinking Violet by Jean Ure

Over The Moon by Jean Ure

asacheekymonkey's haul:

Fear Street: Switched by RL Stine

Pony Club Secrets: Flame and the Rebel Riders by Stacy Gregg

TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow (I want to read this one too)

The Name of this book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch

Rivalry at Silver Spires (School Friends) by Ann Bryant

Do not read or else! (Finch's Secret Diary) by Pat Moon

asacutie had a pile of reading stage 1 & 2 books that we are plodding through ;)

In My Mailbox #14

Yay me, I found this awesome mailbox. When I have enough money I am so getting this. Or if you are the people that make it and would like me to review it for you ;) *I am so cheeky*

In My Mailbox is hosted weekly by Kristi at The Story Siren.

It is a fantastic way to share the book love. Click the blog button to go to her fantastic site.

I wasn't really expecting much this week, so what has come in the mailbox has been a surprise. I love book surprises.

Won from Mundie Moms *sending you big, big hugs* not only did I get  the signed Linger bookmark From the competition, these lovely ladies also sent me a Shadow Hills bookmark and a James Dashner bookmark, along with their brilliant business card. As you can imagine much squeeling was involved when I opened the envelope. I dashed into the living room to show J, who said 'umm, wonderful it is a bookmark'. Huh, like he knows, lol.

A quick dash into a charity shop while walking with asacutie provided these. You know you are going to make some astonishing finds but asacutie had other ideas, involving the softplay area at the local Recreation Centre. The sacrifices I make ;)

Lucas by Kevin Brooks

The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean

From the library: I think my zealous enthusiasm for YA books is finally paying off in the library.

Midnighters: Blue Noon by Scott Westerfeld

The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

Via swapping and my awesome book buddies - you guys rock : D

Lost it by Kristen Tracy (thank you Clover)

The Dead by David Gatward (Thank you Clover)

Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur (Thank you Clover) 

By Midnight by Mia James (Thank you Sarah)

I would be in a book wilderness without my awesome book friends. Before you ask, yes I do send them books, honest. I like to share ;) 

So that's it for this week. Pretty impressive especially as I wasn't really expecting anything.

Off to check out the other amazing IMM's

Review: Midnighters: Touching Darkness by Scott Westerfeld

Synopsis:  From Amazon
The Midnighters of Bixby, Oklahoma, know that their town is full of secrets - especially since they keep the biggest secret of all: knowledge of the secret hour, the mysterious time at midnight when the world freezes, except for them and the creatures that inhabit the darkness. What they don't know is why earlier generations of Midnighters all disappeared, or why they are now the only Midnighters in town. As they learn more about the secret hour's twists and turns, they uncover terrifying mysteries woven into the very fabric of Bixby's history, and a conspiracy that touches both the midnight hour and the world of daylight. At the same time, the Midnighters' own secrets start to emerge, including some that were never meant to come to light, changing the fragile dynamics among the five. This time Jessica Day is not the only Midnighter in mortal danger. If the group can't find a way to overcome their differences, they could lose one of their own - forever

Review:
Firstly, breathing a sigh of relief, I was so happy that the amount of snake references were at a minimum enabling me to enjoy the story without shuddering every few minutes.

The story starts right where The Secret Hour ended, throwing the reader directly into the action and making it necessary to read the books in series order to enable full understanding of the plot, the characters and their interactions. I really liked how all of the Midnighters characters were developed alongside one another.

Further elements were added to the plot, giving it additional depth. The action is still fast paced with some very interesting twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, so to speak. The plot is revealed in segments and it is up to the reader to put the pieces together. I love doing that, trying to guess what happens next, so this aspect really kept me turning the pages. 

My favourite part of this book would have to be that more of The Midnighters history is revealed piece by piece. The history of the group itself plus individual history, the narrative shows how the both aspects tie together, very clever plot building is involved here.

My concerns with Rex and Melissa carried over from The Secret Hour where dealt with completely with some amazing shocks and surprises. The intricacies of their relationship are revealed showing the codependency they have to its full extent. I still think Melissa is hiding something and has her own agenda.  Will I be proved correct, I cant wait to find out so  I will be moving onto book three rapidly. Keep your fingers crossed that the snake references are limited in that one too.

In conclusion, a great sequel, showing further character and plot development while leaving the reader jump to their own conclusions. This middle book in the trilogy certainly has me hooked on this series more than the 1st book did but I think that is because of all the snake references in Book One. Really looking forward to Book Three to achieve resolution with the plot.

Review: The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

Synopsis: From Amazon
Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in her isolated community without ever questioning the fact that her father has three wives and she has twenty brothers and sisters; without ever questioning the strict rules imposed by 'the Prophet who leads them. But now Kyra has started keeping secrets. She reads books that are forbidden and sneaks away to meet Joshua, the boy she hopes to choose for herself, instead of having a husband chosen for her. Kyra knows that it's only a matter of time before her two secret loves are discovered. And when the Prophet decrees that she is to become the seventh wife of her sixty-year-old uncle, Kyra is forced to make a desperate choice. But saving herself means endangering everyone she's ever cared for. How far should she go for freedom?

Review:
Let me start by saying this book really took me out of my comfort zone. It really raises some powerful issues and alongside them some very powerful emotions. The writing style was impressive, it made me want to climb on top of my soapbox and rant about the whole injustice of it all. Now I will have to try to remain calm and collected in order to deliver a coherent review.

Written in first person narrative from Kyra's point of view, although only 13 she appears mature beyond her years. Probably due to the way in which she has been raised. I admired her strength of character and her bond to her family; especially the bond formed between the women of her family, the way in which they care for each other and protect each other. This aspect was lovely to visualise.

Not only is this a polygamist cult but their preference for paedophilia (marrying young pubescent girls off to old men) literally made my stomach clench. Obviously having 3 girls of my own made this even more sickening to me, I could imagine having to marry my nearly 10 year old off to someone as old as her grandfather, you can bet I would fight tooth and nail against that.

Women are treated like 2nd class citizens, there only to serve the men. They even class children as sinners (WTH). Any resistance is met with severe punishment. Nothing is beyond them in their quest for domination; blackmail, cruelty, coercion, even murder all carried out in the name of 'God'. I was shocked and disgusted at the punishment given to a 1 year old for crying. We are told that the commune was not always like this, there was a greater amount of freedom before the new 'Prophet' (self appointed by means of inheritance) . It has now become a maniacal dictatorship with everyone living in fear of upsetting the 'Prophet'.  I will even go as far as to say that the 'Prophet' uses a form of brainwashing in order to control his followers. Constantly repeating and reinforcing that any ideas bar his own are the work of the devil, the only way the followers can be kept safe and able to enter Heaven are by following his rules and staying within the compound.

Kyra has an enquiring mind, which really drew me to her. She can see beyond what they are told and questions the true value of the 'Prophet'. The whole idea of not being able to choose who they love, get any medical help or read anything beside the bible is archaic. As she reads hidden books obtained from a mobile library she confirms within her own mind that this is not how life should be. The very thought of not being able to read my own choice of books makes me shudder, I use reading as an escape and means of relaxing, I would not cope without books. I was horrified at the depiction of the book burning ordered by the 'Prophet'.

I adored the ending with the symbolism of the Russian Olive trees, the feeling of having come full Circle. Also the ideal of hope brings a sense of warmth to the ending making it the start of Kyra's life rather than just an ending.

This book made me think about all the things we take for granted in our society, how much freedom we have. The freedom to choose who we love, the freedom of thought, the freedom to get medical help, the freedom to read, I could go on and on. We take all these things for granted because we have them. Now imagine what life would be like if they were all taken away. This is how this book made me think, powerful and impressive.

Trailer Tuesday: The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

I have just finished reading this eye-opening book. Review to come. So I wanted to share this beautiful trailer with you.



I tried to explain to the big girl just how lucky she is to live in a society where she can make her own choices, I think she was a bit young to fully appreciate the concept but this book really makes you appreciate the little things you take for granted every day.

Monster Monday: Review: Where is Strawberry/Princess Moshi? by Moshi Moshi

Synopsis: From Amazon

Where is Strawberry Moshi?

All Moshi love dressing up and Moshi Town is a full of different Moshi in different costumes. Somewhere in the midst of them all is Strawberry Moshi. Can you find her? Strawberry Moshi is searching for Super Moshi, so you'll have to find him too! Endless fun inside - with so many of Moshi's friends around there's always someone to find!

Welcome to Moshi Town, where Strawberry Moshi is looking for her sweetheart, Super Moshi. Can you find help her find him? You have to find Strawberry Moshi first!

Where is Princess Strawberry Moshi?
All Moshi love dressing up and Moshi Town is full of different Moshi in different costumes. Strawberry Moshi wants to go to the ball but she needs to find the right costume to dress up as Princess Strawberry Moshi. She'll need some help from you in finding the right costume to wear, getting there, and finding her Prince Moshi. With so many things to do, there is endless fun in Moshi Town!

Review:
The books arrived from the lovely people at Walker Books - you can see the girlies with the books here : D

asacheekymonkey immediately takes charge and dashes off with the books, exclaiming 'These are really cool, they like have all different characters.'

asastar becomes mesmerized by the pictures 'Ohhh pretty.'

I asked the girls to share them and read the instructions to asacutie for her to be able to help with the games. However, asacutie had other ideas stating  that she didnt want to play the games she just wanted to look at all the pretty pictures.

A big argument then followed as to who got to look at them first. They disappeared off to their rooms : D
The power of books. The big one then takes charge of the books telling her sisters that the games were too hard for them (siblings huh).

Little one thinks Moshi is super pretty and took the books to school with her to show her teacher and friends. She now wants toy Moshi's to play with and dress-up in all the pretty outfits. I do think I would be tempted to buy them if they did make toys to accompany the books.

My personal thoughts are that Strawberry Moshi are visually stunning, they appeal on multi-levels and ages. Geared to girls more than boys and a big hit in our house because of the prettiness.

asacheekymonkey said: Where is Strawberry Moshi? is a good book for a 9 year old because sometimes you cant see Strawberry Moshi even if it is obvious as there are so many different Moshi's. Princess Strawberry Moshi is easier than Strawberry Moshi. In Princess Strawberry Moshi she is better hidden and there are more Moshi's.

In My Mailbox #13

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

Received from UK Book Tours - Thank you Lyndsey

Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony

From the library:

Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers

Blood Red Snow White by Marcus Sedgwick

Midnighters: Touching Darkness by Scott Westerfeld

From the amazing people at Random House - thank you guys will email you : D

Into the Woods by Lyn Gardner

Out of the Woods by Lyn Gardner

That's it for this week, trying to catch up with everything and keep the girlies occupied has been a bit of a juggling act. Thanks to Kay Cassidy I also downloaded the audio-book:

Getting Things Done by David Allen

In an attempt to become more productive : D Keep your fingers crossed for that one.

So I am now off to see what everyone else has got and bravely attempt not to add anymore to my wishlist *I know it is impossible*