Review: The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

Title: The Alchemy of Forever

Series: Incarnation #1

Author: Avery Williams

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books

Publication Date: 26 April 2012

Source: The wonderful Lynsey Newton <3

Rating: 3/5 Enjoyed

Synopsis from Goodreads

After spending six hundred years on Earth, Seraphina Ames has seen it all. Eternal life provides her with the world's riches but at a very high price: innocent lives. Centuries ago, her boyfriend, Cyrus, discovered a method of alchemy that allows them to take the bodies of other humans from jumping from one vessel to the next, ending the human's life in the process. No longer able to bear the guilt of what she's done, Sera escapes from Cyrus and vows to never kill again.

Then sixteen-year old Kailey Morgan gets into a horrific car accident right in front of her, and Sera accidentally takes over her body while trying to save her. For the first time, Sera finds herself enjoying the life of the person she's inhabiting--and falling in love with the boy who lives next door. But Cyrus will stop at nothing until she's his again, and every moment she stays, she's putting herself and the people she's grown to care about in danger. Will Sera have to give up the one thing that's eluded her for centuries: true love?

REVIEW

Written in first person narrative from Seraphina's (Sera's) perspective, she is such a wonderfully complex character. After 600 years of swapping bodies she has a overwhelming sense of guilt to accompany her strong moral code, you can sense her innate goodness underlying everything she does.

Inadvertently jumping into the body of Kailey while trying to save her following a car crash, seeing life through Kailey's eyes Sera gives a new appreciation to the little things in live we all may take for granted. Friends, siblings, and parents all react positively to this new found appreciation.

However, it appears Kailey has secrets of her own, plus as the story progresses she doesn't appear to have been the nicest of people. Unfortunately these secrets aren't fully revealed, I am hoping this area will be expanded in the next book.

The inclusion of fantasy art was a stunning addition to the imagery within the narrative. The way in which each person within the story was depicted with their own unique talent made their positive qualities stand out. Showing that there is something to be valued in every person if the time is taken to look for it. Sera is the type of person to look for the good in everyone.

Sera's internal debate regarding he existence of an afterlife added to the atmosphere and emotion of the story as a whole.  I thought Sera was a really strong, brave character. Resolving to only take bodies that didn't want to live themselves before resolving to never inhabit another living soul again. It made me consider how I would feel when faced with certain death. Sera is understandably afraid but adamant in her decision no matter what the consequences.

I have to say that I found Cyrus absolutely terrifying, his character has shades of Incy from the Immortal Beloved series but amplified *shudders*. He is a prime example of how power can corrupt. The centuries have made him cruel, where Sera once loved him she now fears him.

The way in which relationships and interactions were portrayed was the best element of the book for me. Avery Williams has managed to create three dimensional realistic characters that you become invested in. I especially adored Noah, although I didn't feel as if there was enough background information about him. I would love to see this aspect developed in the next book. The gut wrenching twist has left me desperate for the next installment.

Blending past, present, death and theology with romance, action and thrilling tension, The Alchemy of Forever is an addictive read.

If the Immortal Beloved series by Cate Tiernan and the Immortals series by Alyson Noel got together, this book would be their love child.

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.

Mini-Review: Night Star by Alyson Noel

Title: Night Star
Series: The Immortals #5
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: MacMillan Childrens Books
Publication Date: 3 Mar 2011

Synopsis: From Goodreads (as this is book 5 in the series it contains spoilers for the previous books)

Haven still blames Ever for the death of her boyfriend Roman, no matter how hard Ever’s tried to convince her it was an accident. Now she’s determined to take Ever down…and destroy Damen and Jude along the way. Her first step is to tear Ever and Damen apart—and she has just the ammunition to do it.

Hidden in one of Ever’s past lives is a terrible secret about Damen—a secret that illuminates new facts about her relationship with Jude, but that’s so dark and brutal it might be enough to drive her and Damen apart once and for all. As Ever faces her greatest fears about the guy she wants to spend eternity with, she’s thrust into a deadly clash with Haven that could destroy them all.

Now it’ll take everything she’s got—and bring out powers she never knew she had—to face down her most formidable enemy. But in order to win, she must first ask herself: is her own survival worth dooming Haven to an eternity of darkness in the Shadowland? And will learning the truth about Damen’s past hold the key to their future?

Review:

I have deliberately chosen the long synopsis from Goodreads to get you up to speed with the story but to also explain why I am only doing a mini review of this book. As you can probably tell from the synopsis a lot of the questions relating to Ever and Damon's past history are revealed throughout this book. 

Plot threads are nicely tied up, even if it was in a way I was not expecting at all. Characterisation went off the charts, all the key players are spotlighted, their strengths and weaknesses are revealed. Mistakes and regrets are scrutinised, not only by themselves but they are revealed to other people, making them more 'human' I would say. The only character I really had a problem with was Ever's Aunt Sabine, her treatment of Ever in this book and her prejudice towards psychics and alternative therapies was totally beyond me. She is a very intelligent and caring woman so I could not reconcile her treatment of Ever with the character I had built in my imagination.

Interactions lead to a deeper understanding of the people involved in the plot. Haven is totally kick-ass in a psychotic way, but even at her lowest there is always a glimmer of the insecure girl underneath.  Miles also went up in my estimation 100%, I completely loved the direction his character undertook.
I honestly cannot go into detail about the storyline because so much comes together and yet even more is revealed opening up a new 'can of worms' so to speak.

What I will say is, if Ever annoys the hell out of you through this series then this book will make up for it in spades. Go read it NOW.

Review: Dark Flame by Alyson Noel

Title: Dark Flame
Series: The Immortals #4
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Publication Date: 27 Sep 2010

Synopsis: From Amazon

Once it seemed being immortal was a gift to Ever Bloom - now it's a curse. And she's a danger to herself.

Ever has been dabbling in Magyck - seeking to explore her own powers, hoping to find a future for her relationship with Damen. But she's not in control - in fact, the magyck has bound her eternally to her immortal enemy, Roman. Whenever he's near, she feels his heartbeat, his breath, his blood racing in her veins. Ever is in deep - and the one person who might be able to help her must never find out what she's done . . .

Review:

This is the fourth book in The Immortals series so this review may contain spoilers for the previous books. you have been warned [ ; D ]

It has been a while since I read the 3rd book in the series as I saved the 4th and 5th books to read when I knew the date for the last in the series was going to be published so I wouldn't forget what was going on and could compulsively read one after the other. You don't believe me then how come I have Alyson Noel week [ : p ] One thing I would like to say before I get into the review is, I am really grateful that Alyson stated how many books were going to be in the series, that way you know that you are going to get resolution and like me you can save the books to read in succession. I do feel that some series goes on for far to long and resolution isn't achieved and readership drops away. What do you guys think?? Sorry for some randomness at the start of my review but it was on my mind.

As I said it has been a while since I read Shadowland but there are nice little recaps woven into the narrative that bring the storyline back to life, I think it is necessary to read this series in order otherwise you will miss a lot of the nuances of the plot and interaction of the characters that really add depth to the storyline. I had however, forgotten how annoying Ever can be.

Ever must be one of the most annoying protagonists well ever (no pun intended lol) yet without her stubbornness and ability to ignore any advice she is given, leading her to make the most glaring wrong decisions the story wouldn't work. I have to admit that one of the reasons I compulsively turn the pages is to find out if she actually does develop into a 'nice' person.

The research into the alternative therapies, positive thinking, crystals, herbs, Wicca is just fantastic. Having done a HND in Complimentary Therapies I know a little more than the 'average' person about these things and the grounding in all of these just blew me away. It makes me realise why I was drawn to it in the first place. Philosophy, karma and positive thinking is something we should try to incorporate more of in our daily lives.

There isn't so much as a love triangle in this book as a smorgasbord of hot boys options for Ever to pick all with there own particular charms that are missing in the others, or so Ever thinks. Although I have always been a Damen girl myself, I can really see Jude's charm and Roman's sex appeal, so I can't really blame Ever for her indecision. There are a number of plot twists with regard to Ever's relationships, misdirection is the name of the game but which direction is the right one.  
 
I have to mention the title of the book, Dark Flame, and how the wonderful metaphor of passion being a dark flame was depicted in the narrative. Imagine a flame burning inside you, how easily it consumes everything until nothing else matters but extinguishing that flame. You can identify with it can't you, I can (yes even at my age).

Despite or because of Ever, Alyson Noel's The Immortals bring out the best in me. They inspire positive thinking and a desire for good karma (yes,I know you think I am nuts now but they honestly do). For me I cannot think of higher praise to give this series than that - to be inspired to be a better person by reading these books.

Trailer Tuesday: The Immortals Series by Alyson Noel

 

 

Wow

I don't think it would be fair to the people that haven't read the series to show the trailers for all the books [ ; D ]

Check back later for an amazing give-away!!!!!!

Review: Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan

Title: Immortal Beloved
Series: Everlasting Life
Author: Cate Tiernan
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Publication Date: 6 Jan 2011







Synopsis: From GoodReads
Nastasya has spent the last century living as a spoiled, drugged-out party girl. She feels nothing and cares for no one. But when she witnesses her best friend, a Dark Immortal, torture a human, she realizes something's got to change. She seeks refuge at a rehab for wayward immortals, where she meets the gorgeous, undeniably sexy Reyn, who seems inexplicably linked to her past.
Nastasya finally begins to deal with life, and even feels safe--until the night she learns that someone wants her dead.

Review:
Written in 1st person narrative from Nastasya’s (Nasty) perspective alongside her many aliases. Your ‘typical’ conflicted teenager but with the insight of over 400 years of life. Nasty has a wonderful narrative voice, directly addressing the reader at points which made me completely invested in the events concerning her.


The Gothic convention of nesting different stories within the same narrative is woven ingeniously into the book. Multi-layered plot giving aspects of suspense, romance, thriller and the paranormal all work beautifully together. Pieces of the plot are tantalizing revealed little by little making for compulsive reading. The Gothic aspect is reinforced by the Gothic font on the lettering at the start of each chapter.

Nasty’s history is revealed in a series of flashbacks in the form of dreams and visions. Very strong imagery and descriptions immerse the imagination in both the past and the present seamlessly. The use of old European/northern language mixed with modern terms added to the longevity aspect of the prose. While the historical references spanning the term of Nasty’s life were really well researched, adding a sense of realism while giving depth to the plot.

The 2 different sets of people Nasty associated with give a striking contrast in personality and actions. All the characters are wonderfully individual yet the group dynamics of both sets work well together. I really liked the inclusion of Nasty’s interaction with ‘bad girl’ Drey, the way in which she helped her via her own experiences showed how caring Nasty really is, even though she tries to project a tough girl persona. The character development throughout the book of all of the central characters was impeccable.

The magic/paranormal element to the book mixed modern ideas of witchcraft with older more traditional beliefs. The use of aromatherapy/homeopathy/herbalism all have a basis in Wiccan/Pagan/Druid ‘faiths’ really showed the need to utilize the natural ingredients we have available. The idea of balance – that power comes at a cost – emphasized the need to work with resources rather than deplete them.

One aspect I didn’t really like was the inclusion that everyone is born ‘dark’ and that they have to work to achieve light paralleling the religious concept that everyone is born a sinner and they have to work at redemption. This is not something I can mentally reconcile, it makes me just want to go BLAHHHH. However, this is just my opinion and it worked well within the narrative.

The chemistry between Nasty and Reyn *sigh* literally crackled off the pages, the back-story *no spoilers* was insightful although somewhat distressing in places. However, the morale of the story shows how people evolve from their past, they change and hopefully learn from actions and events making them *fingers crossed* better people for it. It also showed that we should not dwell on the past rather life in the present. The journey of self-discovery for both Nasty and Reyn was completely engaging.

For me this was a great start to a different view of immortality, I cannot wait for the sequel and have been trying to track down information about when it will be published but to no avail. Anyone else know????