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

Guest Review: Merion of the Stones by Allan Frewin Jones

Title: Merion of the Stones

Series: Destiny's Path

Author: Allan Frewin Jones

Publisher: Hodder Children's Books

Publication Date: 5 Jan 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Branwen must bravely follow destiny’s path even when it leads her into the enemy’s stronghold …Branwen is set her next task by the Shining Ones: she must rescue an ancient god trapped in a Saxon prison. But the trail leads into the heart of Saxon territory, and she and her followers face their greatest challenge yet…until she learns that she is being hunted by the most feared warrior of all Scandinavia. Surrounded by danger, it is the worst time for her loyal band to splinter. But as Branwen seeks to outgrow her mentor, tensions within her band are growing. In her darkest hour, can Branwen remain on destiny’s path?

Branwen, is a really strong heroine in this story, faced with the difficult task set by Merion of the Stones, an ancient God, in order to free her homeland. The task she faces is very difficult, she must face and kill one of the most feared warriors in the country. With her team by her side, Branwen sets off on this impossible mission, facing many fierce warriors along the way.

Branwen is such a terrific character, brave and powerful, a great role model. She is kind and thoughtful to the people around her, as well as clever. The one thing I didn't like was that Branwen didn't listen to the good advice Gavan gave her, she was too ashamed to admit that he was right doing what she thought was best to the detriment of the others. My favorite part was when Branwen was fighting Sker, the action was fast paced, exciting and thrilling. I really hope that Branwen and Iwan's relationship is developed further.

 I can't wait to read the other books in the series. 

Review: Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan

Title: Darkness Falls
Series: Immortal Beloved
Author: Cate Tiernan
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Publication Date: 5 Jan 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Nastasya has lived for hundreds of years, but for some reason, life never seems to get any better. She left her spoiled, rich girl life to find peace at River's Edge, a safe haven for wayward immortals. There, she learned to embrace River's Edge, despite some drama involving the sexy Reyn, who she wants but won't allow herself to have. But just as she's getting comfortable, her family's ties to dark magick force her to leave.

She falls back into her old, hard partying ways, but will her decision lead her into the hands of a dark immortal? Or will it be her first step to embracing the darkness within her?

REVIEW 

Please bear in mind that this is Book 2 in the series and may therefore contain spoilers for book 1.

I had forgotten how much I loved Nastasya’s narrative voice, her snarkiness and sarcasm where like a breath of fresh air. The way in which she directly addresses the reader (me) really made me feel part of the events. Her inner monologues highlighted the range of emotions she underwent due to her circumstances and past history. The vivid detail with which her memories are revealed to both Nasty and me as the reader at the same time enables complete empathy with her.

I have to admit I was really hoping that she would have gone back to her original name, Lilja, in this book rather than sticking with Nastasya, as I completely HATE that name. However, I feel the point to the continued use of Nasty is that it reflects her inner fear that she is Dark.

Further revelations from a number of the characters show that the most important thing is CHOICE. It is how we choose to act that makes all the difference, our choices can be right or wrong, good or bad, dark or light, and that is what matters. Knowing the difference is half the battle. As a certain event with Innocencio proved brilliantly. See you are intrigued now aren’t you [ ; D ]

I loved Nasty’s character development throughout this book, I find her emotions very realistically portrayed. The constantly questioning decisions and actions is something I am sure we all do, coming to terms with who you are, who you were and who you want to be. I am desperately trying not to spill the beans on this one.

The story unfolded in such a way as to open up a HUGE new plot development, one I am very eager to see where it is going. I have the feeling there is going to be a MAJOR twist in the next book. Speaking of which PLEASE can I have it NOW.

I cannot go through this review without mentioning 2 things that made me drool.

Firstly, Reyn, how could I not mention this piece of Viking hotness. If possible I adored him more in this book than the first. I, for one, don’t care what he did in his past, he is just so so so adorable. There is a connection with Nasty that goes way beyond their shared history. For me it is as if they were destined for each other from the very start. There are a number of subtle incidents within the narrative that support this theory. Also the chemistry between Reyn and Nasty could set the page on fire.

Secondly, the shoes, OMGosh the description of Nasty’s shoes had me completely coveting them, I sat there wondering what size feet Nasty had and whether I would be able to borrow her shoes. I am also wondering if Cate Tiernan has a shoe collection that might fit me [:D ]

This really is a brilliant sequel to an amazing series. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

MG Monday: Review: Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver

Title: Liesl and Po
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Publication Date: 29 Sep 2011

Synopsis from Amazon

'On the third night after the day her father died, Liesl saw the ghost.'

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice - until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone. That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable. Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

Review

The beginning of this book starts with a personal note from Lauren Oliver that touched my heart and made me personally invested in the book, it was just such a beautiful and individual thing to do.

I also have to mention how amazing the illustrations are within this book; Kei Acedera really captured the identity of the characters and their interactions. The illustrations really added that something extra to the book making it something to treasure and pass onto future generations.

Written in 3rd person narrative, yet focalized from the alternating perspectives of the 3 main characters; Liesl, Po and Will. The third person narration allows for an omniscient presence within the narrative enabling the reader (ME) to witness the inner thoughts and actions of all the characters and how they relate to each other as well as the story itself. It amazed me how the threads of the story and the separate events of these characters wove together to create such a rich tapestry of a story.

For me there was a fairytale feel to the prose, re-enforced with the wicked Stepmother figure in Augusta alongside the imagery of Liesl being locked away. I especially liked how Lauren Oliver was able to entwine Liesl's and Will's dreams/imagination while keeping the fairytale parallels, a very, very clever piece of writing. Although the setting felt historical in nature with the carriages and steam trains, it also felt timeless; if that makes any sense.

Lauren Oliver really captured the way in which children are able to see things differently from adults; yet in some respects the way in which they view things can be clearer than the adults. I think 'ineffable' is now one of my favourite words. The way in which self confidence is diminished in children by adults was poignantly depicted.

On a personal note I did find some of the story quite upsetting with the idea that Liesl's father couldn't rest in peace until he was in the right location. For my sister and myself; my mother isn't in the right place but my brother overruled us [ : ' ( ] (You know what I say - Reading is Subjective - how can it not be) So I can completely relate to the reasons Liesl undertook the journey to lay her fathers ashes in the right place.

The other side brings to mind images of limbo/purgatory - can you imagine spending eternity in a place where there is no colours, where everything blurs - no sense of time or gender and you lose your memories. How awful would that be yet the way in which Po describes being a part of everything; having a connection to the universe does make it have a positive side.

As I said earlier the way in which all of the threads from each character culminate in a complete rounded ending was quite staggering. The minute details that may not have been picked up on while reading came together just brilliantly. I love, love, loved the ending it was just so heart warming. I want desperately to spill the beans but I shall hold myself back.

Such a beautiful book; death and bereavement dealt with in such a heart warming, touching manner I am sure this one will be a classic passed down from generation to generation.

MG Monday: Guest Review: Book Break-ups: Far Rockaway by Charlie Fletcher

Title: Far Rockaway
Author: Charlie Fletcher
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books 
Publication Date: 1 Sep 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Cat Manno and her grandfather Victor made a pact that one day, just for the hell of it, they'd take the subway and stay on the A-train until the very end of the line where the last narrow spit of land runs out into the ocean at Far Rockaway. This isn't that day.
On the first page Cat is knocked down by a speeding fire truck whilst crossing 55^th St and 3^rd Ave in Central Manhattan. She wakes up in a world made from all the books her grandfather used to read to her, peopled by some of the most memorable heroes of classic adventure fiction, brought vividly back to life. Cat must earn their friendship and help as she begins an odyssey and epic quest to find the mythic Castle at the World's End. And the name of that distant, mythic, wave-tumbled fastness? It is, of course, the castle of Far Rockaway ...
If you enjoy reading good books; swashbuckling adventures with sword fights and pirates - then Far Rockaway is the book for you. Join Cat as she embarks on the journey of a lifetime ...

GUEST REVIEW

When I received this book from Emma, I hadn’t heard of it or its author but this wasn’t something that put me off as I hadn’t heard of some of the others she’d sent me before and had been pleasantly surprised! First impression before even opening this book was mainly “uh oh” as it didn’t strike me as the kind of thing I’d like to read from its cover and there are very few books I’ve have read whose covers I haven’t judged and been right haha.

Now the summary/outline made me think this book COULD be for me. It sounded magical and fantastical and there are elements of it that definitely are. In her fantasy world Cat meets all manner of weird and wonderful fictional characters from Long John Silver of Treasure Island fame to Chingachook from Last of the Mohicans as she strives to save her Grandfather who is also alive and kicking in her fictional world. The fictional journey mirrors Cat and Victor’s attempts to regain consciousness in the real world and  there is always that backdrop to remind you how the fantasy tale is linked to their real destinies. It’s a really clever concept.

Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me. I didn’t warm to Cat, although I thought her Grandfather was a fantastic character. I think one of the reasons it didn’t work for me was basically that I didn’t enjoy or read adventure stories when I was younger, Treasure Island and Last of the Mohicans were tales I knew of vaguely but never read and so some of the magic was missing for me! I have no doubt many many people would absolutely love the adventurous fantastical journey Cat goes on and this book would definitely be a great read for them. 

Special Follower Lucky Number Give-away - Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Publication Date: 29 Sep 2011

Synopsis: From Goodreads
Featuring necklaces made of wishes; an underground shop dealing in teeth; magical tattoos; a wishbone on a cord, DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE is a thrilling story about Karou and her secret life as an apprentice to a wishmonger. Karou manages to keep her two lives in balance. On the one hand, she is a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to an inhuman creature who deals in wishes and is the closest thing she has to family. Her life is surrounded by mysteries she is desperate to unveil.

Review here

Other trailers here [ : D ] You know you desperately want it YES.

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Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1

Author: Laini Taylor

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton

Publication Date: 29 Sep 2011

Synopsis: From Goodreads

Featuring necklaces made of wishes; an underground shop dealing in teeth; magical tattoos; a wishbone on a cord, DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE is a thrilling story about Karou and her secret life as an apprentice to a wishmonger. Karou manages to keep her two lives in balance. On the one hand, she is a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to an inhuman creature who deals in wishes and is the closest thing she has to family. Her life is surrounded by mysteries she is desperate to unveil.

REVIEW:

I will be honest with you I don't usually read fantasy, it takes me a while to get used to the strange names but I am so glad I read this book. The writing style is just so gloriously descriptive it surrounds your imagination totally. I had absolutely no problem picturing the world Laini Taylor wove in the story. A dual world kept apart by a thin veil accessed through the doors around the world. So powerful it felt real.

Written in third person narrative but focalized from Karou perspective. Instinctively the reader is aware that Karou is different and not just because of her blue hair, yet I have to admit I did feel protective of her from the beginning. I adored the way in which Karou didn't lie yet her delivery of the truth and nonchalance make it seem as if she is being sarcastic and we all know how much I love sarcasm. And I have to say how totally awesome to have naturally blue hair, can you guess what colour I would want to be - go on I am sure you can [ : D ] Karou's honesty even in describing herself 'foot smell' brought a smile to my face as I was reading.

I am going to rave about the writing in this book, it is just absolutely gorgeous, sadly there were a great many snakes in the first section of the book *shudders* but even I as a total snake hater have to admit that their descriptions were beautiful (if shudder inducing). I would even go so far as to say that the words flowed sensuously off the page like a waterfall to drench my imagination creating a reservoir filled with three dimensional imagery. The emotion builds sweeping you along with it like surfing the crest of a wave (or what I imagine it would be like as I haven't surfed). The story flows beautifully and the plot unravels smoothly, go back to my waterfall analogue here [ : D ] I just want to use the words STUNNING WRITING a hundred times.

There a large number of plot threads making the 3rd person narrator a necessity. Subtle plot hints are placed sporadically to be picked up on. The book is divided into sections and the progression of both the plot and the characters from one section to the next is breath-taking. The relationships and interactions are so well developed not just in the main characters but in the peripheral ones as well really adding to the dynamics of the story. I found myself thinking of Romeo and Juliet with the relationship between Karou and Akiva, something that only escalated the further into the story I got. The use of 'Rapture' within the story was ironic considering the events in the news earlier this year and had me sniggering into the book.

Personally, I thought there was quite an important message woven into the fantasy - today we live in a world of conflict and war; could we imagine and hope for a world at peace. No differentiation between races. all are equal, socially and economically. No one race should be superior.

Utterly brilliant how the plot threads weave together to produce a magnificent tapestry of a story. the way in which the title was placed into the plot was astounding. Literally jaw dropping moments as the story unfolded. I had to go to check when the next book is due for publication.

For someone who doesn't generally 'do' fantasy this book has carried me away with its beautiful writing. I cannot wait to find out what happens next.

Trailer Tuesday: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Publication Date: 29 Sep 2011

Synopsis: From Goodreads

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

 How amazing and a little bit scary does this look. I am really looking forward to reading it.

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.

Trailer Tuesday: Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

To celebrate the paperback release this week I thought I would show you these beautiful covers and gorgeous trailer to add to your excitement.

Title: Tiger’s Curse

Series: Tigers

Author: Colleen Houck

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton

Publication Date: 26 May 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she'd be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that's exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

Title: Tiger’s Quest

Series: Tiger’s Curse

Author: Colleen Houck

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton

Publication Date: 9 Jun 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Back in Oregon, Kelsey tries to pick up the pieces of her life and push aside her feelings for Ren. But danger lurks around the corner, forcing her to return to India where she embarks on a second quest-this time
with Ren's dark, bad-boy brother Kishan, who has also fallen prey to the Tiger's Curse.
Fraught with danger, spellbinding dreams, and choices of the heart, TIGER'S QUEST brings the trio one step closer to breaking the spell that binds them.

 Aren't they just gorgeous.

I am really looking forward to seeing some reviews of these lovelies.