Musical Moments: Song of the Month: June: Chosen by Hannah Harrington

It is with great pleasure I welcome Hannah Harrington to Book Angel Booktopia today not only do we have a fabulous song for the Song of the Month but Hannah has also written a terrific post about what music means to her. As you probably already know I adore music, its a part of me and I relate a lot of personal experiences to certain songs. I love his post I hope you do too.

Image from Goodreads

Read my review HERE

Theme Song: “This Time Tomorrow” by the Kinks

SONG OF THE MONTH

This song is listed on Jake’s playlist to Harper at the end of the book. Of all the songs I included or referred to in Saving June, this is the one I think most embodies the book, especially Harper’s relationship with Jake. The lyrics as I interpret them are about a romantic relationship between two people who get things wrong at times, but ultimately understand one another more clearly than anyone else. I think the tone of the song’s melody also fits the story—it’s moody and emotive, but at the same time very hopeful.

Music and ME by Hannah Harrington

Music has always been a big part of my life, and it was especially a major influence as a teenager. A lot of my identity felt wrapped up in the music I enjoyed and even in the music I didn't like-- just having those opinions and arguing or sharing with friends; it was both a personal and a communal interest. I have very little musical ability of my own, so I just appreciate it from a listener's perspective. Music, like writing or any other art form, is something to connect to and meant to invoke emotions in the audience. So I think when it comes to an influence on my writing, it had to do with the aspect of music where you listen to a song and think, "Wow, this really made me feel something," and you want to put words to what that feeling is.

I'm always listening to an eclectic mix of music. My current playlist includes the Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Simon & Garfunkel, Amy Winehouse, Sufjan Stevens, The Ting Tings, and The Roots.

All of the songs included in the novel are ones I love, and it was difficult to narrow it down to three playlists! For June's playlist, I tried to put in songs I thought someone would pick if they were trying to introduce someone to that kind of music-- some of the more known hits and catchy tunes-- but also songs that might have had some meaning for her character. The "Say My Name" playlist was a little more random than the others, and for that one I mostly just picked my favorite songs that include names in the title. The last playlist-- the one Jake creates for Harper-- was probably the hardest; I went through and put in some of the songs that had had meaning throughout the story, and I also added a few that weren't outright mentioned but that I felt really fit Harper's story, especially from Jake's perspective. On top of that, I tried to do what Jake had mentioned about making the playlist "flow" and build up and peak before coming back down, so the music transitions aren't too jarring.

The Saving June Play-List is my favourite it really does go so well when you know the whole story <3

Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Image from Goodreads

Title: Saving June

Author: Hannah Harrington

Publisher: Mira Ink

Publication Date: 1 June 2012

Source: Review Copy

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’

Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

REVIEW

I cannot tell you how much I loved this book, its raw, realistic and relatable. It sweeps you right along for the ride with the characters. The brilliant use of music and the inclusion of the play-lists at the back of the book gave that extra special feeling to the narrative. The music choices are a work of genius when listened to in context to the story.

Harper has grown up in her sister June's shadow, always comparing herself negatively to June. Although as circumstances have shown June was far from happy, she spent her life living it for other people rather than doing the things she really wanted to. Until she reaches the point that she is so overwhelmed by the burden of other peoples wishes and her own unfulfilled life that she commits suicide.  Harper is the unfortunate person to find her.

The portrayal of grief within the narrative is poignant and emotional combined with the very real sense of guilt and blame we put on ourselves following any tragedy. I felt for Harper on a personal level, being the youngest of 3 children with a large age gap I grew up in the huge shadow of my siblings. Constantly being compared to them and not in a favorable way. So I understood how Harper felt, my heart went out to her, I could relate to her rebellious nature and wanting to be the polar opposite of June in an attempt to stop being compared to her. Harper's inner strength really shines through, she remains true to who she is and develops a level of self-awareness a lot of people never achieve in a lifetime.

As little details about June come to light, Harper realizes that no-one knew the 'real' June probably not even June herself. As a final act of love and a way of setting June free, Harper embarks on a journey physically and metaphorically to release June, fulfilling one of June's wishes to go to California.

The confinement of the road trip provides the ideal base for introspection, Harper comes to recognize the things that drive her, what motivates her and ultimately her own hopes and dreams. A wonderful journey of self discovery accompanied by powerful imagery and a fabulous soundtrack. Powerful writing aided the connection I felt with Harper, I literally felt what she was going through.

It isn't just Harper that finds herself on this trip. Her companions Laney and Jake learn a lot about themselves too. Laney, as an only child has a different kind of confidence to Harper, she is a wonderful, loyal and understanding friend. Laney has a relaxed relationship with her parents, she is from a privileged background and doesn't have many repercussions to her actions. Yet, she lacks emotional support and love, which she craves, causing her to try to find it in a series of casual flings. However, this has its own consequences; this road-trip has the benefit of introducing Laney to different perspectives to life and  the people she encounters help steer her onto a much better path. Opening her horizons if you will (yes pun intended)

Moving onto Jake, I love love love Jake. His music knowledge and eclectic taste swept me off my feet. The way in which music means something personal to him is something I completely relate to. Music can be cathartic, uplifting, an emotional trigger, it can be everything. 

I loved the relationship between all the characters, the interactions and the way in which their personalities sparked the others. I really liked how June helped Jake by showing him that he didn't have to be defined by his background and the way to really make a difference is not to conform to other peoples (lack) of expectation, rather to fulfill your own expectations rather than other peoples an especially emotional lesson as it is clear that this is something June was unable to do for herself. 

With the number of times I have used the word love in this review you can probably tell I LOVED this book. I believe reading is utterly subjective and there were aspects in this book I could personally relate to the way in which I relate to music, my relating it to personal experience. I'm sticking with my tagline for this book - Raw, Realistic and Relatable. 

Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Title: Goddess Interrupted

Series: The Goddess Chronicles #2

Author: Aimee Carter

Publisher: Mira Ink

Publication Date: 6 April 2012

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.Henry's first wife, Persephone.

REVIEW

The only reason this book didn't get the full 5/5 is that I still have some niggles about Kate's doormat tendencies, she is still needy and insecure, understandable in the face of Persephone. However, I honestly still cant get this story out of my head even week after reading it. The character development, insight and background details provided by this installment just blew me away. Who would have thought that Hades/Henry could be viewed as hot. 

The story picks up 6 months after the end of The Goddess Test following Kate's Summer abroad with her friend James, not realizing that there is a complicated and tense history between Henry and James. She is therefore unsure and insecure when she returns to find Henry even more aloof than when she left. I felt my heart breaking along with hers, wondering if it had all been a cruel mistake. 

I honestly never imagined that in my life I would sympathize with Hades, but OMG I really, really felt for him. As the complicated relationships of the gods is revealed it is easy to understand just why Hades/Henry is afraid to get to close to Kate. He has been hurt so badly by Persephone, then caring for and losing the other girls that didn't survive the tests. It is easy to understand his reasons for keeping his distance and protecting his feelings. Although this doesn't make it any easier for Kate to cope with not knowing exactly how he feels about her. I love, love, loved the progression of their relationship. The ups and downs of their relationship caused swooning and giggling alongside tears creating compulsive page turning.  

The weaving of the Titans into the story created a fabulous addition expanding the use of Greek mythology within the narrative. The history of the creation of the Gods broadened the plot creating a three dimensional world.

The introduction of Persephone alongside the twist to her story and personality was a stroke of sheer brilliance, I have to be honest I literally detested Persephone with a passion. Amazing that the writing can make me feel like that about a fictional character.  

Although Kate is still very needy in this story, her doormat tendencies are lessening, as the plot progresses she does start to stand up for herself *cheers* making her a much, much, much better character and the makings of a true Queen.

The way in which the afterlife was portrayed came as something of a shock. The idea that as an individual you decide the way in which you spend your afterlife was uncomfortable for me to visualize. Imagine your own personal hell even if you hadn't done anything to deserve an eternity of torture but felt that you did OR  imagine someone that deserves to be tortured for eternity for the things they have done in life but gets a paradise. Perhaps this is where Henry and Kate would step in, the dynamics of their roles as King and Queen of the Underworld were not fully expanded within the narrative. I would be interested to find out more. 

There is a really unexpected and utterly amazing twist at the end that has left me SCREAMING for the next book. It is utter torture to wait an entire year to find out what happens. I NEED it NOW. 

Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Title: The Goddess Test

Series: The Goddess Chronicles #1

Author: Aimee Carter

Publisher: Mira Ink

Publication Date: 16 Sep 2011
Source: Bought
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

REVIEW

Loosely based on the story of Hades and Persephone, set in modern day where the Gods characterizations have fabulously quirky twists, the way in which their individual traits associated to their domains  were exaggerated was something I especially adored about this book. Ava/Aphrodite made me giggle. Although it did take me a while to work out which God was which.

Written in first person narrative from Kate's perspective. I will be honest with you, at points I found Kate extremely irritating and this is the reason for my rating. Kate is very much what I would class as a doormat - blaming herself for things that were beyond her control or she had no influence in affecting. Saying that, I sympathized with her over her mother being terminally ill. The emotion was poignantly portrayed. The good thing about Kate is that she always tried to find the best in people, such an admirable quality, which in turn resulted in the positive qualities of people being brought out by Kate and endearing her to others. If I were to sum up Kate in this book I would have to say that she is a bit mopey and emo-ish but with an inner strength she hasn't fully tapped into yet.

Meeting Henry and agreeing to undergo the tests to become a goddess in exchange for spending additional time with her mother added to the portrayal of grief and how hard it is to lose a parent. I felt that the relationship between Kate and her mother was a little extreme, probably due to Kate having been her carer for a number of years. Kate feels she is only defined by her mother, she doesn't know how to be her own person.

The ups and downs of emotions alongside some ingenious plot twists make for a very compelling story-line, seriously my only criticism is Kate's doormat tendencies which made me want to slap her. 

The way in which the tests were conducted, the fact that we didn't know what the tests were or when they were being carried out added to the tension of the narrative. The tests are not revealed until the very  end was a stroke of brilliance.

Overall I adored the characters, the interactions and the plot my rating is a reflection of my dislike of Kate's doormat inclinations more than anything else and I will most definitely be carrying on with this series.

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules

Series: Blood of Eden #1

Author: Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Mira Ink

Publication Date: 4 May 2012

Source: Amazon Vine

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

REVIEW

This is a really difficult review for me to write as I am unsure even weeks after how I feel about this book. There were things I likes and things I didn't. For a start it is long, while it was nice to be completely immersed into Allison's world, at times it felt overly descriptive and drawn out. 

A dystopian paranormal full of action and a little romance to bind it all together. Told from Allison's perspective, she lives as a street urchin to avoid being used as a food supply for the ruling vampires. Images of Victorian London abound via the descriptions, especially those of  the filth and poverty that they live in.

The nature versus nurture debate is a strong theme throughout this book, examining how peoples perceptions of us can affect the way in which we interact solely due to these assumptions. Allison is a really strong character, loyal and brave yet an air of vulnerability surrounds her. Faced with a grisly death, Allison chooses to become what she has always despised, a vampire.  The way in which she deals with her transformation shows her inner strength. Through it all anyone can choose to be what they want to be not just conform to other peoples expectations. 

The story follows Allison trials and tribulations both with other vampires and humans. The way she copes with what she has become and what she wants to be. This is not your run of the mill vampire story, there are a number of plot twists woven into the narrative, along with some kick-ass action. Although I did find the book a little drawn out I am intrigued to find out where the story is going.

Tantalizing Trailers: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules

Series: Blood of Eden

Author: Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Mira Ink

Publication Date: 4 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

How brilliant does this look.

I am loving these interactive covers. 

The Debut Drool List - April 2012

Here are my picks for the Debut Drool List this month. So many drool worthy UK Débuts *swoon*

Title: Starters

Series: Starters #1

Author: Lissa Price

Publisher: Doubleday Childrens

Publication Date: 5 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

HER WORLD IS CHANGED FOREVER 

Callie lost her parents when the Spore Wars wiped out everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty. She and her little brother, Tyler, go on the run, living as squatters with their friend Michael and fighting off renegades who would kill them for a cookie. Callie's only hope is Prime Destinations, a disturbing place in Beverly Hills run by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man.

He hires teens to rent their bodies to Enders—seniors who want to be young again. Callie, desperate for the money that will keep her, Tyler, and Michael alive, agrees to be a donor. But the neurochip they place in Callie's head malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, and going out with a senator's grandson. It feels almost like a fairy tale, until Callie discovers that her renter intends to do more than party—and that Prime Destinations' plans are more evil than Callie could ever have imagined. . . .

Title: When You Were Mine

Author: Rebecca Serle

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Books

Publication Date: 26 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

In this intensely romantic, modern recounting of the greatest love story ever told, Romeo’s original intended—Juliet’s cousin Rosaline—tells her side of the tale. What’s in a name, Shakespeare? I’ll tell you: Everything. Rosaline knows that she and Rob are destined to be together. Rose has been waiting for years for Rob to kiss her—and when he finally does, it’s perfect. But then Juliet moves back to town. Juliet, who used to be Rose’s best friend. Juliet, who now inexplicably hates her. Juliet, who is gorgeous, vindictive, and a little bit crazy...and who has set her sights on Rob. He doesn’t even stand a chance. Rose is devastated over losing Rob to Juliet. This is not how the story was supposed to go. And when rumors start swirling about Juliet’s instability, her neediness, and her threats of suicide, Rose starts to fear not only for Rob’s heart, but also for his life. Because Shakespeare may have gotten the story wrong, but we all still know how it ends…

I was very lucky to read this one - it is absolutely amazing. Wait til you see my review [ ; D ] 

Title: The Alchemy of Forever

Series: Incarnation #1

Author: Avery Williams

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Books

Publication Date: 26 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Seraphina has been alive since the 1300's, made immortal when the boy she was beginning to love back then, Cyrus, saved her from death with a strange liquid - a method of alchemy that lets them swap bodies with any human being. But now, in modern day America, Sera has decided that she can no longer bear the weight of stealing people's lives so she can keep living on. So she decides to run away from Cyrus and end her stolen existence once and for all. Her plan goes awry when she accidentally takes the body of a dying teenager and feels forced to take over her life. When the lines between Sera and Kailey's identity begin to blur, Sera finds a reason to desire to live once more. But she can't shake the guilt of having taken Kailey's life, even if she was dying. And what if Cyrus finds her?

Read my review HERE

Title: Immortal City

Series: Immortal City #1

Author: Scott Speer

Publication Date: 5 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Jackson Godspeed is the hottest young Angel in a city filled with them. He's days away from becoming a full Guardian, and people around the world are already competing for the chance to be watched over by him. Everyone's obsessed with the Angels and the lucky people they protect - everyone except for Madison Montgomery.

Maddy's the one girl in Angel City who doesn't breathlessly follow the Angels on TV and gossip blogs. When she meets Jackson, she doesn't recognize him. But Jackson is instantly captivated by her, and against all odds the two fall in love.

Maddy is swiftly caught up in Jackson's scene, a world of glamour, paparazzi - and murder. A serial killer is on the loose, leaving dead Angels' wings for the police to find on the Walk of Fame. Even the Guardians are powerless to protect themselves in the face of this threat … and this time it's up to Maddy to save Jackson.

Swoon Swoon Swoon - I want badly

Title: The Intern

Author: Dillon Khan

Publisher: Puffin

Publication Date: 5 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

When Jay Merchant lands an internship for the best job in music television, he is given a backstage pass to the biggest gig of his life. The velvet rope to the biggest VIP parties and hottest celebrities has been lifted and now he's got to capture it on camera. But with only six months to turn his intern dream into a real job, does he have what it takes? It's time to face the music...

Check out Dillon's Song of the Month HERE

Title: Crave

Series: The Clann #1

Author: Melissa Darnell

Publisher: Mira Ink

Publication Date: 6 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

Check out the Tantalizing Trailer HERE

What are you drooling over this month?

Tantalizing Trailers: The Girl In The Steel Corset by Kady Cross

This is one of the books that I have been drooling over for absolutely ages, I am so glad its being published in the UK.

Title: The Girl in the Steel Corset

Series: Steampunk Chronicles

Author: Kady Cross

Publisher: Mira Ink

Publication Date: 1 June 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a fullgrown man with one punch....

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she’s special, says she’s one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin’s investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help—and finally be a part of something, finally fit in. But The Machinist wants to tear Griff’s little company of strays apart, and it isn’t long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she’s on—even if it seems no one believes her.

Such a gorgeous trailer - total swoonage

Tantalizing Trailers: Crave by Melissa Darnell

Title: Crave

Series: The Clann #1

Author: Melissa Darnell

Publisher: Mira Ink

Publication Date: 6 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

I like the sound of this one so so so much.