Review: Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Synopsis:From Amazon
High school senior Meg revels in being a rebel. She sports choppy blue hair, and tight t-shirts, cuts class, and is often found where she's not supposed to be. Like hanging out on a railroad-tracks-covered bridge that's off-limits to trespassers. When she and her friends are busted for trespassing and underage drinking, she's sentenced to spend her spring break riding along with a rookie police officer on his nightshift patrol. Compounding the punishment is the fact that the cop, John After, is only two years older than Meg, and a former classmate to boot. He thinks he has Meg's number and has nothing but contempt for her childish rebellion. Meg in turn has nothing but contempt for Officer After's straight-laced, by-the-book attitude. But Meg has her reasons for lashing out, and John has his reasons for his need for law and order. And they're about to discover that they have a lot more in common than either one of them could have dreamed...

Review:
I feel in love with Jennifer Echols writing after reading Forget You. The sexual tension and the chemistry between the male and female protagonist literally crackles off the page *lets steam out of collar*.

Written in first person narrative, Meg has a brash bold exterior from the tips of her blue hair to her witty retorts. Yet from the very beginning you feel as if there is more to her, that maybe the way she looks and acts is just a defense mechanism she uses in order to protect herself. I especially liked the insights into the way Meg's imagination works. The adage about appearances being deceptive certainly applies  to Meg.

Throughout her Ride along with Officer After *swoon* her defences are slowly lowered, the circumstances that created the defences are revealed. Showing how incidents and actions in our lives shape the person we become. As the story progresses we can also see that this is also applicable to John After.

I have to say that Jennifer Echols writes the hottest male protagonists that you can imagine. Not only are they super gorgeous but have wonderful sensitive personalities and understand women have needs too ;) I wish I had met someone like that at 17 *again steam collar* ;)

As the story progresses Meg and John confront the ghosts of their past, learn to accept who they really are and move on with their lives rather than letting the past tie them down. A great way to show that although the past shapes us it doesn't have to control us.

Overall a terrific read with characters that are both realistic and easy to relate to. A great storyline and electric tension that if harnessed would light up a city : D

Review: Della Says OMG! by Keris Stainton

Synopsis: From Amazon

Don't miss this fantastic debut novel - Keris Stainton is a fabulously contemporary, witty and fresh new voice who teen girls will adore.
Della’s over the moon when she kisses her long-standing crush at a party – but then she discovers her diary has disappeared...
When scans of embarrassing pages are sent to her mobile and appear on Facebook, Della’s distraught – how can she enjoy her first proper romance when someone, somewhere, knows all her deepest, darkest secrets?

Review:
After reading Crank by Ellen Hopkins I needed something on the lighter side to perk me up shall we say ;) I couldn't have picked anything better : D I started reading this book while sat in my garden on Saturday evening, the girlies were riding their bikes in the drive and all was peaceful with the Davies household. I LOL'd from  the very beginning of this book, in fact I snorted with laughter so much that the neighbours now think we have a pet pig *snort*

As you would expect from the title this is in first person narrative; Della is so wonderfully 3 dimensional I imagined this would be my oldest daughter in a few years time *HELP*. At 16 Della has the usual angst regarding sexuality, body image and family/friendships. All dealt with in a frank yet humorous manner that makes it so easy to relate to.

Having been a teenager in the 80's myself I found the 80's reference amazing bringing the story to vivid life within my imagination (the down side of this was that it made me roughly the same age as her parents *feels old*). The writing is typically British with the reference to the trip to the seaside and fish & chips. Truly realistic imagery.

I adored Della's parents and am now creating a role-model plan to follow in order to be like them ;) Anyone fancy a movie & meal theme night?

All the characters were superbly well developed and there interactions completely believable. I was concerned about the relationship between Sid, Leo and Maddy. Odd to say the least!(Re: the sharing) Plus the early sexual activity (yes I know it happens, I may be old but I was a teenager once and that's the problem *has 3 girls*).  I completely adored  Dan, he certainly is The Man. A completely 'modern man' at that. Who wouldnt want a boyfriend that is in touch with his feelings and helps you believe in yourself and be comfortable with who you are. Can I have one please : D (Shush, don't tell J).

Throw in a bit of a mystery plus a plot twist and you have a truly great Summer read. Go and enjoy : D

Review: Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Synopsis: From Amazon

Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: a gifted student, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is a total opposite to Kristina - she's fearless. Through a boy she meets, Bree is introduced to the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul and, ultimately, her life.



Review:
I pushed this one up to the top of my reading pile after the amazing interview with the author Ellen Hopkins that Jenny at Wondrous Reads did (please click the link to read the interview).

For those of you that aren't aware this is a verse novel, it is visually dynamic with an intense pace and powerful imagery.

Written in 1st person narrative but from a split personality persona. The 1st being the person that is Kristina (without drugs) the 2nd is the person she becomes, Bree (with drugs). I could totally relate to this, I have seen addiction within my own family (alcohol not drugs but I am assuming that addiction is the same no matter the substance) and it really is as if that person has been inhabited by someone else. Generally a much nastier person than the one they are at heart.

It gives a brutally honest depiction of addiction, I could actually feel my stomach tightening as I was reading it, literally my stomach dropped and my heart ached. As a parent this is one of the things that you worry about, for me this was super scary stuff. It showed how easy it is for one 'little' decision to affect/change the rest of your life. I did actually sympathise with Kristina, without the drugs she realised that her father wasn't the person he should be, the grass is not greener on the other side, the decisions her mother made where in the interest of the whole family and not an act of selfishness, and that rules are there for a very good reason. However, the addiction takes hold so quickly that the lucid moments were less frequent, the need for a 'fix' was all consuming.

The portrayal of Kristina's father left me wondering as to whether there is a predisposition to addiction if it is already in the family.

The writing is rhythmic and compelling, it literally makes pictures on the page. I have to admit I didn't actually notice this until about half way through the book as I was too engrossed in the story.

The imagery can be interpreted in a number of ways within the plot adding depth without having to write it out word for word. The plot has multi-layers dealing with some very sensitive subjects (discovering sexuality/rape/drugs/depravity) all with amazing insight and frightening reality.

I found the religious parallel with naming the initial male protagonist Adam and the story of the Garden of Eden with references within the narrative to the book of Genesis truly ingenious. While the amazing use of irony with the reference to The Jerry Springer Show made me LOL.

What really stood out for me is how truly easy it is to become addicted. I think this book should be given to drug/guidance counsellors. I would even go so far as to say that it should be required reading for older teens in order to prevent them even trying drugs. An amazing (if frightening) book that really stays in your mind long after you have closed the pages.

In My Mailbox #6

IMM is hosted by THE STORY SIREN

It has been such a brilliant week for books through my door that I actually stood in front of my bookcase yesterday and asked the hubs what I should read next :D (not the best idea I have ever had I have to admit)

All links to Amazon :D

Notes from the Teenage Underground by Simmone Howell

Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Betrayed (House of Night) by PC & Kristin Cast

Chosen (House of Night) by PC & Kristin Cast

Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw

Timecatcher by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick (Thank you Clover)

I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnart

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

You Know Where To Find Me by Rachel Cohn

A huge, huge thank you to Keris for sending me these *hugs*

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

White Cat by Holly Black

See what I mean, now you can understand why I was so confused as to which book to pick up next :D Which would you choose?

Mini Review: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephanie Meyer

Synopsis: From Amazon

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is the riveting story of Bree Tanner, a vampire first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the world she inhabits. The novella chronicles the journey of members of the newborn vampire army from their preparations to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullen family to its unforgettable conclusion.




Review:
Being on the cynical side I was expecting this 'novella' to be just a money-spinning marketing ploy to ensure sky-rocketing attendance to Eclipse on the 30th June.

Don't get me wrong I am a huge Twilight Saga fan. I am seriously Team Edward all the way baby. But being of a pessimistic nature I was unsure about this book, did I or did I not want to risk being disappointed and falling out of love with the series.

Let me set your mind at ease :D Boy was I wrong to even think such things, it is like blasphemy now that I have read it.

Written in the first person narrative we know and love, this time from the perspective of a newly created vampire (Bree). We think we know all there is to know about *newborns* after Jasper's teaching during Eclipse. However, this story shows that there can be more to a newborn than just the all encompassing thirst.

I can't say I was expecting to actual like Bree or have any sympathies for her but that is exactly what happened. We can see how decisions were made, how actions triggered certain events and certain people manipulated situations for their own purposes.

This book really compliments the Eclipse storyline giving the reader another perspective and adding depth to the plot.

So overall, AWESOME!!!!! *TWILIGHT I STILL LOVE YOU* :D In other words if you haven't read it yet, why not and you must do so NOW!!!!!

Check out these terrific reviews if you require further persuasion:

Wondrous Reads

The Crooked Shelf

Review: Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Synopsis: From Amazon

Teenager Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is renowned. But his whole world is suddenly turned upside down on the night his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters - immortal vampire-slayers who risk everything to save humanity - and he quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one that's filled with all kinds of evil. However, before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students start turning into flesh-eating members of the undead. Nick knows he's in real danger and he soon has a lot more to deal with than starting high school: he's under pressure to hide his new friends from his mother and his chainsaw from the principal while trying to impress the girl he has a crush on ? all without getting grounded, suspended...or killed.

Review:
I loved the sound of this book from the synopsis but was a bit concerned that I wouldn't understand the intricacies of the plot as I haven't read the Dark Hunter series. After a few conversations with fellow reviewers it seems that my concerns were unjustified as Nick is not mentioned in the Dark Hunters although his mother is mentioned briefly. However, I still feel as if I should read the Dark Hunters to fully appreciate the background to the plot and the interactions of some of the central characters such as Kyrian & Acheron :D Update: Apparently I was informed incorrectly regarding the amount Nick is featured within the Dark Hunters series (please see comments below) although I did point out that it would be beneficial to read t he series alongside this one
 
I thought the start to this book was amazing, a debate as to whether our lives are governed by a pre-ordained destiny or whether we have the freedom to choose our own paths. I really like these sorts of debates, just ask my hubs. I can talk a glass eye to sleep over this one :D
 
Mainly written in 1st person narrative from Nick's point of view. A wonderfully sarcastic 14 year old (you should know by now how much I love the sarcasm). He has been raised alone by his Mother (who if I have done my maths correctly was only 14 herself when she had him). They have struggled for money and Nick has developed a pessimistic, slightly cynical and misanthropic outlook. You can see these are all defence mechanisms that he has had to develop in order to cope with the way he is treated. I just loved his snarky attitude :D He has some of the best one liners I have ever heard :D The reader is given access to Nicks thoughts/insights with the use of italics, also drawing the eye and focusing on specific aspects of the plot (aka Poe style).
 
The depiction of bullying is brutally honest. Showing how even adults/teachers can be biased in relation to money/status as opposed to intelligence/actions. Nick possess a great deal of inner strength, showing that it takes a strong mind to cope with the stresses of bullying, etc. It shows how the events that occur within our lives define us as a person.
 
The changes in narrative were a little disconcerting and I felt that the flow of the story was greatly interrupted because of it. The action is very fast paced making it sometimes difficult to keep up with the intricacies of the plot. There are a lot of threads to the plot which tend to go off at tangents without weaving back together. I am hoping that some of the issues I have with the plot will be addressed in the next book.
 
The use of Greek mythology added depth to the story. Although I was a bit confused as to Artemis's role within the boundaries of good versus evil? I was also left wondering if this was a pivotal aspect of the plot? Nick seems to be pivotal in the battle of good versus evil, the path he chooses for his life deciding the fate of the world :D
 
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, the basic storyline is excellent. I do have issues with the plot as the threads went in a lot of different directions and never really pulled back together. In the end it comes down to the fact that I am now smitten with Nick and will definitely be reading the next installment in order to follow his progress :D

In My Mailbox #5

IMM is hosted by THE STORY SIREN :D

As you can see I went a bit mad in Tesco (well it was BOGOF)

All summaries from Amazon :D

Synopsis:

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is the riveting story of Bree Tanner, a vampire first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the world she inhabits. The novella chronicles the journey of members of the newborn vampire army from their preparations to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullen family to its unforgettable conclusion.

Synopsis:

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.

 

Synopsis:

A dark, gothic tale of romance... and murder. In the right dose, everything is a poison. Jessamine has spent her whole life in a cottage close to her father's apothecary garden, surrounded by medicinal plants and herbs that could kill her -- although her father has never allowed her into the most dangerous part of the grounds... the poison garden. And so she's never had reason to be afraid -- until now. Because now a newcomer has come to live with the family, a quiet but strangely attractive orphan boy named Weed. Though Weed doesn't say much in words, he has an instant talent for the apothecary's trade, seeming to possess a close bond with the plants of the garden. Soon, he and Jessamine also share a close bond. But little does Jessamine know that passion can be just as poisonous as the deadliest plants in the garden -- for behind Weed's instinctive way in the garden is a terrible secret.

Synopsis:

Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses – but it’s really a school for spies. Cammie Morgan is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways (three of which involve a piece of uncooked spaghetti). But the one thing the Gallagher Academy hasn’t prepared her for is what to do when she falls for an ordinary boy who thinks she’s an ordinary girl.

Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, and track him through a mall without his ever being the wiser, but can Cammie have a normal relationship with a boy who can never know the truth about her?

 
 

Synopsis:

Surviving through countless centuries, Alisa is beautiful, strong and ... deadly.

Alisa has long been hiding a dark and deadly secret, but it seems that someone is finally onto her. When a private investigator is hired to delve into Alisa’s personal affairs, her shocking true age and untraceable fortune are uncovered. Alisa does what she must and kills the investigator, but not before discovering who hired him. It is clear that an ancient evil – the first vampire – has returned. Alisa knows that his whole existence was her fault and she must, therefore, be the one to end his reign of slaughter ...

2 books obtained by swapping :D & The Forbidden Game I had forgotten I had pre-ordered on Amazon  *nice surprise*

Synopsis:

When Alton's ageing, blind uncle asks him to attend bridge games with him, he agrees. After all, it's better than a crappy summer job in the local shopping mall, and Alton's mother thinks it might secure their way to a good inheritance sometime in the future. But, like all apparently casual choices in any of Louis Sachar's wonderful books, this choice soon turns out to be a lot more complex than Alton could ever have imagined. As his relationship with his uncle develops, and he meets the very attractive Toni, deeply buried secrets are uncovered and a romance that spans decades is finally brought to a conclusion. Alton's mother is in for a surprise!

Synopsis:

It all started with a board game. But what was supposed to be an evening of friends, fun, and games, becomes a night of danger, drama, and obsessive love. Because when Jenny and her friends try to play the Game, it comes to life. Suddenly they are in a dark world where Julian, the gorgeous guy who sold Jenny the game, rules as Prince of the Shadows. Julian is in charge, making their darkest nightmares reality. And he will do anything to claim the beautiful Jenny as his prize. The Game is real, and these friends must play through - and the only way to win is to face their most secret fears. To lose the Game is to lose your life. And that is only the beginning...

Synopsis:

Sophie Stein, aged 13, falls in love, outgrows the boy, searches for her Mr Right-and-a-half and finds him where she least thought to look. So truthful, so touching, this sequence of poems shows Sonya Sones' remarkable gift of empathy for her characters and builds up to a narrative that has you on the edge of your seat. This is an irresistible book that simply says everything about first love and will have an enormously wide appeal. 'Even in the severe limitations that the modern young impose upon their language, Sonya Sones finds poetry - the poetry of First Things. In WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW, the poet sweeps lyrically through the door she opened in STOP PRETENDING. Hers is a voice that the literature of the young has been waiting for' Richard Peck, 2000 Newbery Award winner

So what do you think????? What did you get :D