Tantilizing Trailers:Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Give-Away

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Title: Infinity

Series: The Chronicles of Nick #1

Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon

Publisher: Atom

Publication Date: 3 Feb 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . .until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.

Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one: a world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead.

But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh eating zombies. And he’s next on the menu.

As if starting high school isn't hard enough. . .now Nick has to hide his new friends from his mom, his chainsaw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended. How in the world is he supposed to do that?

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Title: Invincible

Series: The Chronicles of Nick #2

Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon

Publisher: Atom

Publication Date: 29 March 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

Just when he thought things couldn’t get any worse...

Nick Gautier’s day just keeps getting better and better. Yeah, he survived the zombie attacks, only to wake up and find himself enslaved to a world of shapeshifters and demons out to claim his soul.

His new principal thinks he’s even more of a hoodlum than the last one, his coach is trying to recruit him to things he can’t even mention and the girl he’s not seeing, but is, has secrets that terrify him.

But more than that, he’s being groomed by the darkest of powers and if he doesn’t learn how to raise the dead by the end of the week, he will become one of them..

I really enjoyed the first book in the series Infinity (Review HERE) although I did feel I would have benefited from knowing more about the Dark Hunter books to fully appreciate the nuances of the plot. Unfortunately due to time constraints I haven't had the chance to read the second book in the series Invincible. Instead of it sitting on my bookcase waiting patiently to be read I would love to share it with one of my fabulous followers.

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Title: Infamous

Series: Chronicles of Nick #3

Author: Sherrilynn Kenyon

Publisher: Atom

Publication Date: 13 March 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

The world has fallen in love with Nick Gautier and the Dark-Hunters. Now Nick’s saga continues in the next eagerly anticipated volume...

Go to school. Get good grades. Stay out of trouble. That’s the mandate for most kids. But Nick Gautier isn’t the average teenager. He’s a boy with a destiny not even he fully understands. And his first mandate is to stay alive while everyone, even his own father, tries to kill him.

He’s learned to annihilate zombies and raise the dead, divination and clairvoyance, so why is learning to drive such a difficulty? But that isn’t the primary skill he has to master. Survival is.

And in order to survive, his next lesson makes all the others pale in comparison. He is on the brink of becoming either the greatest hero mankind has ever known.

Or he’ll be the one who ends the world. With enemies new and old gathering forces, he will have to call on every part of himself to fight or he’ll lose everyone he cares about.

Even himself. 

Book Angel Book Love List - May 2012

These are the books that are being published this month that I would love to and intend to read. My TBR pile is a thing of joy I adore all of my fabulous books. 

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Title: Until I Die

Series: Revenants #2

Author: Amy Plum

Publisher: Atom

Publication Date: 3 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

I have this to read. *pushes up pile* Check out this terrific review HERE from Daisy Chain Books

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Title: The Anti-Prom

Author: Abby McDonald

Publisher: Walker

Publication Date: 3 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Popular girl Bliss Merino is ready to have the perfect prom. But when she catches her boyfriend making out with her best friend in the back of the limo, she has only one thought: revenge...Bad girl Jolene Nelson is the last person anyone expected to see at prom. Yet here she is, dressed in pink ruffles and feeling like a fool for believing that he would actually show up...Meg Rose Zuckerman is ready to stop being a wallflower and start experiencing life firsthand. But when her date stands her up, she finds herself on the outside yet again...Three unlikely allies team up for a night of rebellion, romance, and revenge in this high-stakes dramedy from acclaimed young author Abby McDonald.

Love the sound of this one. My 11 year old has swiped it and is currently reading it along with telling me how much I'm going to enjoy it, lol.

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Title: City of Lost Souls

Series: The Mortal Instruments #5

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Walker

Publication Date: 8 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

I have a confession - I haven't read any of the series yet. I am, desperate to and plan on having a Cassandra Clare marathon in the Summer holidays.

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Title: Fated

Series: Soul Seekers #1

Author: Alyson Noel

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Publication Date: 24 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter’s sanity, Daire’s mother sends her to live with the grandmother she’s never met. A woman who recognizes the visions for what they truly are—the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker—one who can navigate the worlds between the living and dead.

There on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it’s when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. Now Daire is forced to discover if Dace is the one guy she's meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

I have this to read. I adored The Immortals series. 

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Title: Adorkable

Author: Sarra Manning

Publisher: Atom

Publication Date: 24 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Jeane Smith is seventeen and has turned her self-styled dorkiness into an art form, a lifestyle choice and a profitable website and consultancy business. She writes a style column for a Japanese teen magazine and came number seven in The Guardian's 30 People Under 30 Who Are Changing The World. And yet, in spite of the accolades, hundreds of Internet friendships and a cool boyfriend, she feels inexplicably lonely, a situation made infinitely worse when Michael Lee, the most mass-market, popular and predictably all-rounded boy at school tells Jeane of his suspicion that Jeane's boyfriend is secretly seeing his girlfriend. Michael and Jeane have NOTHING in common - she is cool and individual; he is the golden boy in an Abercrombie & Fitch T-shirt. So why can't she stop talking to him?

Doesn't this just sound brilliant. It's in my pile [ : D ] and I will be reading it in celebration of Sisterspooky's Geek Week

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Title: So Silver Bright

Series; Theatre Illuminata

Author: Lisa Mantchev

Publisher: Square Fish

Publication Date: 22 may 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

All Beatrice Shakespeare Smith has ever wanted is a true family of her own. And she’s close to reuniting her parents when her father disappears. Now Bertie must deal with a vengeful sea goddess and a mysterious queen as she tries to keep her family – and the Theatre Illuminata – from crumbling. To complicate it all, Bertie is torn between her two loves, Ariel and Nate.

I love this series. I've been waiting ages for the last book to be available in paperback so I could afford it. You can see the trailer HERE

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Title: The Peculiars

Author: Maureen Doyle McQuerry

Publisher: Amulet Books

Publication Date: 1 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

This dark and thrilling adventure, with an unforgettable heroine, will captivate fans of steampunk, fantasy, and romance. On her 18th birthday, Lena Mattacascar decides to search for her father, who disappeared into the northern wilderness of Scree when Lena was young. Scree is inhabited by Peculiars, people whose unusual characteristics make them unacceptable to modern society. Lena wonders if her father is the source of her own extraordinary characteristics and if she, too, is Peculiar. On the train she meets a young librarian, Jimson Quiggley, who is traveling to a town on the edge of Scree to work in the home and library of the inventor Mr. Beasley. The train is stopped by men being chased by the handsome young marshal Thomas Saltre. When Saltre learns who Lena’s father is, he convinces her to spy on Mr. Beasley and the strange folk who disappear into his home, Zephyr House. A daring escape in an aerocopter leads Lena into the wilds of Scree to confront her deepest fears.

Sounds so interesting, although it has received a mix response so far.

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Title: Legacy

Series: Wintercraft #3

Author: Jenna Burtenshaw

Publisher: Headline

Publication Date: 10 May 2012

Synopsis from Amazon

The veil which marks the division between life and death is falling. Lost souls are seeping through to roam Albion's graveyard city of Fume.

Kate Winters' recent memory is lost. Relieved to be heading home to Albion, Kate can't shake the feeling that Dalliah Grey, the woman she's supposed to be working for, is not to be trusted.

Disgraced warrior Silas Dane plans to rescue Kate and save Albion from the advancing armies seeking to profit from the confusion. But the veil will not be easy to repair and Silas knows sacrifices have to be made.

Kate must return to the dark secrets detailed by her ancestors in the ancient book of WINTERCRAFT and learn from their mistakes to save herself.

This is another series I have on my shelf and am planning a reading fest in the Summer holidays.

Such gorgeous books *sigh* Have I missed any you think I would like???

Tantalizing Trailers: The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong & Give-away

Title: The Gathering

Series: Darkness Rising #1

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Atom

Publication Date: 7 April 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

Strange things are happening in Maya's tiny Vancouver Island town. First, her friend Serena, the captain of the swim team, drowns mysteriously in the middle of a calm lake. Then, one year later, mountain lions are spotted rather frequently around Maya's home—and her reactions to them are somewhat . . . unexpected. Her best friend, Daniel, has also been experiencing unexplainable premonitions about certain people and situations.

It doesn't help that the new bad boy in town, Rafe, has a dangerous secret, and he's interested in one special part of Maya's anatomy—her paw-print birthmark.

I haven't been able to read this one yet, and I have a copy of the second book in the series The Calling. I would love someone to have this to read instead of it waiting patiently on my shelf to be read.

UK ONLY this time SORRY 

Now open Internationally

Title: The Calling

Series: Darkness Rising #2

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Atom

Publication Date: 5 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

In The Calling, the sizzling second book in the Darkness Rising trilogy,New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong pumps up the romance, danger, and suspense that left readers of The Gathering clamoring for more.

Maya Delaney’s paw-print birthmark is the sign of what she truly is—a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly anyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it’s only a matter of time before she’s able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.

Now, Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they’re kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home. Plentiful action and romance in this second installment in the Darkness Rising series will keep readers enthralled to the very last page!

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Guest Review: Lenobia's Vow by PC Cast and Kristin Cast

Title: Lenobia's Vow

Series: House of Night Novella #2

Author: PC Cast and Kristin Cast

Publisher: Atom

Publication Date: 31 Jan 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

The second in the enthralling new mini-series of novellas from the #1 bestselling authors of the House of Night, Lenobia's Vow tells the gripping story behind the House of Night's enigmatic riding instructor – and one of Zoey’s closest allies against evil

The House of Night is an international publishing sensation; with almost 12 million books in print, and an incredible 120 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, the series has taken the world by storm. Now, the excitement continues as the Cast mother-daughter duo shares the back stories of a few of the House of Night's most important – and mysterious – characters. The second of the House of Night Novellas brings us Lenobia, the strong, beautiful horseback riding instructor, who guides Zoey through some of her darkest hours, and has a dark secret buried in her own past...

In a small southern town at the turn of the century, young Lenobia is developing into a beautiful young woman with ideas of her own. But when she is Marked as a fledgling vampyre, her world turns upside down, and she is drawn to the musical streets of New Orleans. There, she learns of the city’s dark underbelly, ruled by powerful black magic. As Lenobia experiences her first love – and loss – and discovers a passion for horses to sustain her, she must come face-to-face with Darkness itself. And she may not escape without scars.

GUEST REVIEW BY LOUISE

I am a BIG fan of the House of Night series so was pleased to get this book to review. 

This book is Lenobia’s story of before and when she was marked. It was lovely to be able to read a background on Lenobia and her past as she was in the ninth HON book “Destined” quite a bit. Lenobia has to board a ship for New Orleans under someone else’s name, on this ship she has to hide from an evil bishop who actually knows she isn’t who she is pretending to be. While on she meets a charming young man and falls deeply in love with him.

Lenobia is Zoey Redbird’s favourite teacher and she has a special affinity with horses, during the HON books it does hint at a past history and this book clears up the question of why Lenobia doesn’t have a consort/partner as such. I think it could be read before or after “Destined” as it wouldn’t spoil the story in that one either way.

It’s rather a short story and I finished it in the one sitting! That’s the only bad thing I can say, It was finished rather too quickly but it’s definitely one to keep you going until the next HON book is released! I did also read Dragon’s Oath and they are both very good at covering the professor’s pasts and answering any questions there may be during the actual HON books.

I don’t want to spoil the book but if you are a House of Night fan then you will enjoy this novella. A definite one for the collection on the bookshelf.

Guest Review: Destined by PC Cast and Kristin Cast

Title: Destined

Series: House of Night

Author: PC Cast and Kristin Cast

Publisher: Atom

Publication Date: 25 Oct 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what is destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

GUEST REVIEW BY LOUISE

Please bear in mind that this is the ninth book in the series and may therefore contain spoilers for the previous books.

When I was offered the chance to review this book I jumped and bit their hand off! I do enjoy the HON series, there has been just the one book I found a bit slow and boring but I can’t say that about this one!

Although the whole series is about Zoey and her fights and trials in life I liked the mix of everyone in this one. It didn’t focus solely on Zoey, everyone had their bit. There was a good bit about Relphiam and Stevie Rae and how their relationship is progressing and Relphiams feelings towards his father Kalona. Basically everyone had a story and a part in this book.

The fight with Darkness and Neferet is an ongoing one and no end is in sight with this book so there should be many more books to come! Although Neferets position will change in the next book, It is now known that she is a “fan” as such of Darkness and is colluding with it.

A character I found I liked although I shouldn’t really was Aurox, there will be more of him to come for sure! There was a nice little surprise there which I didn’t see coming!

I am a definite fan of the HON series and this book is one of the best ones, very enjoyable to read, kept it open and didn’t put it down easy!

Bring on book 10!! 

Review: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Title: Circle of Fire
Series: The Prophecy of the Sisters
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Atom
Publication Date: 3 Aug 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

With time dwindling but her will to end the Prophecy stronger than ever, Lia sets out on a journey to find the remaining keys, locate the missing pages of the Prophecy, and convince her sister Alice to help--or risk her life trying. Lia has her beloved Dimitri by her side, but Alice has James, the man who once loved her sister--and maybe still does. James doesn't know the truth about either sister, or the prophecy that divides them. And Alice intends to keep it that way.

There are some secrets sisters aren't meant to share. Because when they do, it destroys them. This stunning conclusion to Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy will make saying good-bye bittersweet for readers.

REVIEW

Believe me the synopsis does not lie when it says it is a bitter-sweet ending, but it really is a wonderfully rounded conclusion to the series, when I think deeply about it - which yes I have - there just could not have been any other possible ending. Apologies in advance but this is book 3 in the series and therefore this review may contain spoilers for the previous books The Prophecy of the Sisters (review here) and Guardian of the Gate (review here).

Lia is back in London with Dimitri *swoon* by her side to locate the rest of the prophecy and prevent Armageddon. No pressure at all on Lia, lol, she only has to prevent the world being overrun by demons by closing the gate between earth and the other plane.  No easy task when you have to battle your own twin sister to do it, I adore Lia and the way in which she pushes the rules of society that bind her at that time. Things we take for granted, like being able to wear trousers for example were considered scandalous, this made me giggle into the book. How silly some the conventions society placed on women through history really were in retrospect.

Outwardly it appeared as if Lia and Alice had changed personalities at the beginning of this book. Bringing to vivid life that not everything/everyone can be utterly good or bad there are shades of grey with all of us having the ability to be bad, it is how we choose to act that makes all the difference. The portrayal of free-will as the ultimate power is profound and brings to mind the whole debate of destiny versus autonomy. The whole philosophical arguement of how we live our lives rather than being dictated to. Whether this is under the demands of the prophecy or it could also be applied to the demands of society/parents/friends.

The way in which power itself can be viewed as a force and how it can ultimately consume brought wonderful imagery to mind.

I have to admit I think that Book 2 in the series Guardian of the Gate is my absolute favourite, why you ask, because of the ideal of Altus, that is my utopia *sigh*. Thank goodness there are references to it within the story and the way in which their society is different from conventional society, far more peaceful and open *sighs again*

The story just flows beautiful and I adore Michelle Zink's writing style, the way in which the relationships are portrayed adds to the realism of the plot. Obviously not all relationships run smoothly all the time, there are arguments  differences of opinion and betrayals. These really added a powerful dimension to the story. The use of sibling rivalry was shown in a heartfelt manner that I am sure anyone with a brother or sister will easily identify with. How we sometimes feel that the other sibling is the favourite to the detriment of ourselves. This is the only time I have felt sympathy toward Alice was during this book. I absolutely love, love, love the relationship between Lia and Dimitiri, not only do the sparks fly off the page it goes far deeper than that, a much deeper connection.

Anyone that has had children will completely relate to the way in which Lia feels without sleep. How it muddles your mind, decreases your will to do anything. Sleep can be a miracle cure. the way in which small pleasures bring such great comfort really stood out and made me appreciate the little things a lot more.

I am not going to go into details of the plot because it really will spoil the whole series. I will say that the ending was beautiful and so well developed, I loved it.

Although classed as a historical novel it has a timeless quality to the story. The battle of good versus evil woven through time and history. A wonderful end to the series. 

MG Monday: Review: Monster High by Lisi Harrison

Title: Monster High

Series: Monster High

Author: Lisi Harrison

Publisher: Atom

Publication Date: 2 Sep 2010

Synopsis: From Amazon

The monster community has kept a low profile at the local high school, but when two new girls enroll, the town will never be the same. Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and prom.

But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters stalking the halls, Frankie learns that high school can be rough for a chic freak like her. She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver-but can a "normie" be trusted with her big secret?

REVIEW:

Can I just start by saying this is such a fun take on the teen struggle for acceptance versus individuality. Written in third person narrative, as there are a lot of threads to keep under control and it makes it easier to differentiate the different personalities, but focalized from two different characters perspectives.

On one hand you have Frankie - a totally different take on the Frankenstein myth. Created out of love instead of in a quest for power. Frankie is a wonderful character to imagine. Thanks to her parents programming she is confident and always looks for the best in everything/everyone. Her crazy fashion sense and 'girly' ways make her so likable. Although she does have one heck of a stubborn streak, very head strong.

Melody - on the other hand - is the opposite to Frankie in that she doesn't feel as if she its in anywhere, especially her own family. Constantly over-shadowed by her attention obsessed sister, I really felt for Melody. Although I do wonder if the family really are 'normies', the classification given to humans by the 'other' species or RADS.

Images of an exclusive and wealthy community were re-enforced with the designer references. Again adding to the idea that there is more to Melody's family than meets the eye, or they wouldn't be allowed into this community/school.

'RAD's' is an interesting concept, the characters have all the normal teen issues with the knowledge that they are different yet still have to fit in, make friends, etc an unusual way of showing that people not just teens have to conform. Anything slightly different is not tolerates or accepted. Something that makes me very sad and a struggle that most teens endure on a daily basis.

A really amusing take on the 'classic' monster mythology. Clues to the 'monsters' true identities are sprinkled into the narrative to keep you guessing.

As I stated at the beginning this really is a fun read but I do feel it had an important message woven into the storyline - the real 'monsters' in today's society are intolerance and prejudice against anything that doesn't conform. I am looking forward to reading the next book especially to see if my suspicions about Melody's family are confirmed.

Trailer Tuesday: Die For Me by Amy Plum

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything. Suddenly, my sister, Georgia and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent. Mysterious, sexy and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen. Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies...immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

Review here


I practically stalked Amy and Vania for this trailer - it was worth the wait [ ; D ]

Musical Moments: Song of the Month: May: Chosen by Amy Plum and Give-Away

It is my great pleasure to have Amy Plum choose this months Song of the Month to coincide with the publication of her debut novel:

Isn't it beautiful. Thanks to Amy for introducing me to such a wonderful song.

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.
Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.
Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.
Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.
While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

Review here

Check out Amy's website here

Follow Amy on Twitter here

I have an ARC of this fantastic book to give-away. Something different this time I think - just leave me a comment with a way of contacting you and I will use Random.org to pick a winner. UK only this time Sorry but must think of pennies [ : D ] This is for one week only so get commenting.

Review: Die For Me by Amy Plum

Title: Die For Me
Series: Revenants
Author: Amy Plum
Publisher: Atom
Publication Date: 5 May 2011





Synopsis: From Amazon
My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything. Suddenly, my sister, Georgia and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent. Mysterious, sexy and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen. Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies...immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

Review:
Due to the compelling nature of this book I did not make as many notes as I usually do while reading. Typically I jot stuff down as it wafts through mind like a cool breeze and gets lost just as quickly. Hence I am trying to piece together a comprehensive review from words randomly written down such as OMG, awesome, *swoon* including little stars by it. At least you know I liked it right [ ; D ]

From the synopsis you can already see that the narration is first person from Katie's point of view. At 16 she has gone to live in Paris with her sister and grandparents following the untimely death of her parents in a car crash. Her grief and desperation are palpable from the pages, so realistic and identifiable, instantly bonding me with her, especially where she prefers to escape into a fantasy world to relieve the pressure of the real one. She has such a strength of character that really progresses her character through the prose, level headed and mature in her attitude.  She embarks on an emotionally turbulent journey with extreme highs and lows.

The rich descriptive imagery brought Katie's world to life in my imagination. The reference to Armani underwear models had me snorting with laughter, lightening the atmosphere. Her grandparents are what I imagine to be typical older generation french, very laid back and elegant, wonderfully supportive yet surprisingly liberal in attitude. I was irritated by Georgia, Katie's sister, she was shallow, narcissistic and immature but you could not escape the fact that her love for Katie was her real driving force.

The plot is revealed in little nibbles spaced tantalising apart, perfectly spaced for compulsive page turning; I practically devoured this feast of a book in one sitting only putting it down at 2am in order to get some sleep before school the next day.

Although the Revenants are referred throughout as zombies I just could not reconcile the idea of them being zombies to the image I had in my head. To me the Revenants were akin to Guardian Angels - giving their lives to save others souls - doesn't get more guardian angel than that. OK so they are the walking living dead with the ability to regenerate - who cares - to me they are definitely angels. Making the Numa (the evil zombies) the devils. So if you have angels and devils fighting for the souls of humans what kind of story that I love do we have - yes you guessed a giant battle of good and evil *sssswwwooonnnn*

Be warned there are some serious romantic moments throughout, thank goodness it's a paranormal romance cos I am pretty sure I have not met a man can live up to this kind of ramance. I tip my imagery hat to Katie for being so level headed and not going all completely gushy. She is determined to take her time with the relationship she and Vincent are forging. Savouring every moment of their time together.

As I stated at the beginning of this review I didn't take many notes so I hope my review makes some sense. Unfortunately I am struggling with how to sum it up unless I use the note words I had written - OMG, awesome and *swoon*. And on a personal note to Amy and Atom - you guys are killing me by making me wait an entire year for the next book [ ; D ]

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