Mini-Review: Twisted Heart by Eden Maguire

Title: Twisted Heart

Series: Dark Angel #2

Author: Eden Maguire

Publisher: Hodder Children's

Publication Date: 3 Nov 2011

Source: Bought

Rating 2/5

Synopsis from Amazon

'We will all rise,' Zoran warned while all around him burned. 'There will be other times, other places - a million other willing souls!'

With a heart twisted by the lust for new lovers to destroy, new souls to connquer and a desire for revenge against Tania, the Dark Angel can take any shape, inhabit any body. He will lie low until the time is right.

The battle against the Dark Angel isn't over.

REVIEW

You may have noticed my rather low rating and wondered why I haven't classed this as a book break-up. The main reason for my low rating is that this book is just too similar to the first one in the series, Dark Angel (review HERE) The only thing different about it to the first book was the 'bad' guy. 

The setting was the same and the plot unfolded in the same way making the plot superfluous really. I was frustrated with Tania, she claims to love her boyfriend but is quite happy to snog whatever hot guy comes along at the drop of a hat. Saying that I am not ready to give up on the series just yet. I really enjoyed The Beautiful Dead series by the same author and have high hopes for the next book Broken Dream as the setting is completely different. Lets hoping that it restores my faith in the series. 

Other Reviews:
Debra's Book Cafe
Chicklish

Musical Moments: Book Theme Songs: Dark Angel by Eden Maguire

Title: Dark Angel

Series: Dark Angel #1

Author: Eden Maguire

Publisher: Hodder Children's Books

Publication Date: 4 Aug 2011

Synopsis: From Goodreads

Tania's heart belongs to Orlando. Nothing can rip them apart. Until the seduction begins in a flurry of glamour and magic, music and parties all orchestrated by the mysterious and mesmerising Zoran, an iconic rock star who has retired to a remote ranch in the nearby mountains. And there Tania meets the dark side. Can she resist temptation? 

Review here

Musical Moments: Song of the Month August: Chosen by Eden Maguire

Here is what Eden had to say about her choice for Song of the Month:

I choose Adele's 'Someone Like You' as my Song of the Month because her voice contains sadness and loneliness and carries you along on a wave of emotion that not many other singers achieve.

Title: Dark Angel
Series: Dark Angel
Author: Eden Maguire
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Publication Date: 4 Aug 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Tania's heart belongs to Orlando. Nothing can rip them apart.
Until the seduction begins in a flurry of glamour and magic, music and parties all orchestrated by the mysterious and mesmerising Zoran, an iconic rock star who has retired to a remote ranch in the nearby mountains.

And there Tania meets the dark side.

Can she resist temptation?

Review: Dark Angel by Eden Maguire

Title: Dark Angel
Series: Dark Angel #1
Author: Eden Maguire
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Publication Date: 4 Aug 2011


Synopsis: From Goodreads


Tania's heart belongs to Orlando. Nothing can rip them apart. Until the seduction begins in a flurry of glamour and magic, music and parties all orchestrated by the mysterious and mesmerising Zoran, an iconic rock star who has retired to a remote ranch in the nearby mountains. And there Tania meets the dark side. Can she resist temptation?

Review:

I have been anxiously awaiting the publication of this book since it came onto my radar some months ago. I adored Eden Maguire's Beautiful Dead series and when I found out that this book had a Rock Star as a central character, you should have heard me squee. 

Written in first person narrative from Tania's perspective. From the very beginning you can tell that there is a lot going on under the surface with Tania, although she seems very laid-back and a bit of a daydreamer, there is far more to her than that. She has a wonderful family unit even though her parents at absent for a large part of the time due to their jobs. She has grown up independent and level headed, she knows exactly who she is OR does she? She is a wonderfully supportive and loyal friend, and has a fantastic mutually caring two-way relationship with her boyfriend Orlando. At first I was unsure if he really cared for her deeply or if she was some sort of trophy girlfriend; but as the plot unfolded the depth of their relationship really shines through the narrative.

I really loved how an English language 101 lesson was incorporated into the narrative comparing and contrasting with Tania's Fathers use of language and his Eastern European heritage ( my quest for education via osmosis achieved [ : D ] ). The use of different religions and philosophies within the story was a stroke of genius, adding depth to the plot. I am a sucker for the giant battle of good versus evil and the way in which this one was portrayed was ingenious. Although the use of snake imagery really does make me *shudder*.

The writing style is sensory encompassing and so beautifully descriptive, making it very easy to conjure up Tania's world within the imagination. The comparisons of the fire descriptions and their use within the story brought to mind images of Hell on Earth. The use of the Pheonix rising from the ashes brought thoughts of re-incarnation, both a good thing and a bad thing when looked at via this storyline. The action and pacing of the plot were very smoothly controlled. Background details, interesting realistic elements and random fascinating facts were all woven together to give a dynamic storyline. Amazing use of analogues to fairytales within the book expand the plot further, a piece of writing brilliance.

As I have already stated one of the main characters in this book is a Rock Star so I can’t do this review without mentioning the awesome use of music references and original song lyrics within the book, not only did they re-enforce the plot but they developed it further. I am sure we can all relate to the mesmerising effect that some music has. Alongside the wild abandon of a live concert, incredibly portrayed in the narrative.

This book really is a brilliant start to a new series for Eden Maguire. I cannot wait for the second book to see just what happens next. Although there wasn’t a cliff-hanger of an ending exactly I just feel as if I have to know what happens to Tania next, where the characters themselves are heading.

So if like me you love an epic battle of good versus evil this book is the one for you.

MG Monday: Review: Beautiful Dead: Phoenix by Eden Maguire

Title: Phoenix
Series: Beautiful Dead
Author: Eden Maguire
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Publication Date: 7 Oct 2010

Source: Amazon




Synopsis: From Amazon
Darina is in denial. Even after all she’s been through, the Beautiful Dead can’t be real. They must be a figment of her grief-stricken imagination. But visions of Phoenix and Hunter prove otherwise and soon she’s drawn back to Foxton, to the barn, to Phoenix - where they have, what may just be, their final reunion.
It’s the moment they’ve been dreading - time to solve Phoenix’s mystery. Everything has been building to this but Darina knows that revealing the true circumstances of Phoenix’s death will lead to their final parting. With this impossible mixture of emotions, Darina begins to unscramble the facts, but she’s up against mounting obstacles: the distraction of Hunter’s personal mystery, Phoenix’s returning father, threats of gang violence and conspiracies to blur and block the truth.
With time pressure mounting and the risk of Phoenix being sent back into unending limbo, Darina puts herself in danger, and so the mystery of the Beautiful Dead builds into a heart-breaking climax ...

Review:
I have to say I dropped everything else to read this last installment of The Beautiful Dead. I started it with some trepidation knowing this would be the last time I would read about Hunter, Phoenix and Darina. The narrative was tension filled from the very beginning. I had to pace myself in order to fully appreciate the book and prolong having to part with Phoenix.

So much more of the back story to Darina and Phoenix is revealed in this book, giving resolution to an number of plot threads. Contrasting descriptions of events from various characters mixed in with conflicting personalities all add up to a melting pot through which Darina has to sift in order to gain the truth surrounding Phoenix's death. With only 10 days in which to settle the problem how is Darina going to cope? The narrative conveyed the feeling that time seems to speed up when you have a deadline unnervingly accurately.

It came as a surprise that Darina and Phoenix had only been in a relationship for just over 2 months before his death. Such a short time for such intense emotions. I started to wonder just how well they knew each other. Flashbacks of their relationship added insight and understanding to the plot.

The characterisations were expanded more than the previous books, really showing all sides of the main characters personalities. Darina showed amazing strength of character via which she was able to gain some more control over her life without Phoenix.

I completely adored how dysfunctional the Rohr's were; the introduction of Phoenix's father returning to the family after he had abandoned them really rounded that side of the plot off.

The sub-plot regarding Darina's connection to Hunter is also given a skillful culmination. I really liked how Hunter's personality and interactions softened with each book allowing him to also find peace after so many years in what can only be described as purgatory.

All of the suspicions held from the previous books all culminate to a satisfactory conclusion in this book. However, I have to say that I did guess the plot and could really see that this had to be the last book when Darina had to travel back to the scene of the death as she has in previous books. Nonetheless this knowledge did not stop me crying like a big baby when I finally finished reading it.

On the whole a great series suitable for the Middle Grade age range and perfect for a light, quick read.

MG Monday: Review: Beautiful Dead: Summer by Eden Maguire

Synopsis: From Amazon
Six months have passed sine the last Ellerton teenager died, but Darina is still traumatized by the stabbing of her own beloved Phoenix. But there’s work to be done as Darina must now turn her attention to the shooting of Summer Madison – the beautiful and gifted, singer-song-writer with a heart of gold.
It’s been nearly a year since the random shooting in a shopping mall caused Summer’s meaningless death. Summer left behind recordings of her wonderful songs and a deep sadness amongst high school friends. Now Darina must act as Summer’s agent to track down the psychotic killer in a clear search for justice.
With the sound of Summer’s music constantly playing inside Darina’s head, recalling the wonderful months when she was alive and performing her first gigs, Darina, Phoenix and the Beautiful Dead are determined to catch the crazed killer. And all the while Darina’s love for Phoenix continues to beat ...

Review:
This is the closest I could get to a Middle Grade book about Zombies. I dont really think of them as zombies as such more the undead with a purpose to fulfill. Plus it includes some seriously hot boys = win + win.

I love this series and on edge waiting for the last installment. I want it but I dont want the series to end.

In Summer we catch up with Darina 4 months after helping Arizona remember what happened when she died and achieve justice for that wrong.

The wait to see Phoenix has really taken its toll on her. She is overcome with grief for her best friend and boyfriend. The strain of not being able to confide in anyone is taking its toll on her both physically and emotionally. Darina questions her sanity, unable to move on with her life because of the promise she has made to help the Beautiful Dead, gaining her more time with Phoenix. Physically she looks more dead than they do.

I have a feeling that Darina herself is somehow connected to all of the Beautiful Dead deaths, the catalyst or lynch pin??? the mystery and suspense really had me whisking through the pages as fast as my eyes could read the print.

There are little recaps of the first 2 books placed throughout the narrative, great for refreshing the memory but it is still necessary to read the books to fully understand the intricacies of the plot. The characters develop and evolve with each book. It never gets boring or predictable. I have lots of thoughts on the plot and am desperate to have them confirmed or denied in the final installment. I wont give anything away by telling you the questions I have. I found with this book as I was thinking the questions the answers were given, making me very happy.

There is a shocking, completely unexpected plot twist that had me sobbing like the big girl I am. Further elements of the supernatural are added into the plot giving another dimension in which to develop the storyline.

I am completely in love with this series. The idea of Purgatory gets taken to a whole new dimension with this series. Zombies to relate to - genius.

Review: Beautiful Dead - Book 2 - Arizona by Eden Maguire

Synopsis:
There's been no sign of the Beautiful Dead for weeks. Darina achingly misses Phoenix all over again. But surely he will return with the rest of the Beautiful Dead as so much still remains unresolved. It's been ten months since Arizona drowned in Hartmann Lake. Suicide, it would seem. But something doesn't add up. Drowning herself in a hidden-away lake does not sound like strong, confident, Arizona: Ellerton High School's high-maintenance drama queen. Darina needs to help Arizona the way she helped Jonas. But time is running out ...




Review:
The story picks up where Jonas ended. This time Darina has to help Arizona solve the mystery behind her death before the 12 months she has been granted ends.

The format remains the same as Book 1 with the story told from Darinas perspective. I found the imagery and tension far more vivid than in the first book.

The characters are being developed alongside each other all adding to the plot. Obviously from the title of the book, the main development is that of Arizona. The main thing I can say without giving away any plot details is that the adage 'never judge a book by its cover' kept popping into my head. People only see what we allow them to see, nobody can really know another person unless they experience the things the other person has to deal with. Darina is really gaining depth as a character the more she helps the others. Little plot teasers are given throughout the story adding to the tension and keeping me turning the pages.

The tension is really building and I feel a crescendo coming. I can't wait for the next installment Summer.

Review: Beautiful Dead - Book 1 - Jonas by Eden Maguire

Synopsis:
Something strange is happening in Ellerton High. Phoenix is the fourth teenager to die within a year. His street fight stabbing follows the deaths of Jonas, Summer and Arizona in equally strange and sudden circumstances. Rumours of ghosts and strange happenings rip through the small community as it comes to terms with shock and loss. Darina, Phoenix's grief-stricken girlfriend, is on the verge. She can't escape her intense heartache, or the impossible apparitions of those that are meant to be dead. And all the while the sound of beating wings echo inside her head...And then one day Phoenix appears to Darina. Ecstatic to be reunited, he tells her about the Beautiful Dead. Souls in limbo, they have been chosen to return to the world to set right a wrong linked to their deaths and bring about justice. Beautiful, superhuman and powerful, they are marked by a 'death mark' -- a small tattoo of angel's wings. Phoenix tells her that the sound of invisible wings beating are the millions of souls in limbo, desperate to return to earth. Darina's mission is clear: she must help Jonas, Summer, Arizona, and impossibly, her beloved Phoenix, right the wrong linked to their deaths to set them free from limbo so that they can finally rest in peace. Will love conquer death? And if it does, can Darina set it free?


Review:
This is a fantastic mix of genres, you can classify it as a supernatural murder mystery. Written in first person narrative from Darina's point of view. It has intrigue and tension from the 1st chapter. Darina is only allowed to keep seeing her dead boyfriend, Pheonix, if she helps solve the mystery surrounding the deaths of all 4 of the Ellerton High students, starting with Jonas who was the first to die.
The storyline really draws you in, lovely background details are given adding to the plot. An interesting and, in my opinion, far nicer interpretation of the zombie myth.
The idea that love transcends death is comforting. There is a lovely quote from Kim, Darina's Psychiatrist:

words don't cover grief we don't have the vocabulary to express it

There are sudden points of action throughout the book which can be quite surprising. The ending came as a surprise. I have always been very good at guessing the guilty person and had no problem guessing the correct person this time, but the consequences were the surprise. I have a feeling that the plot is building into a crescendo with the last book, Pheonix, having a major plot twist. My advice, keep reading the entire series, it is worth it.