Spotlight: Books I Would Like To See Published in the UK

I am showcasing the books that are out in the USA this month that I would dearly love to see in the UK.

Title: Being Friends With Boys

Author: Terra Elan McVoy

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publication Date: 1 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Charlotte and Oliver have been friends forever. She knows that he, Abe, and Trip consider her to be one of the guys, and she likes it that way. She likes being the friend who keeps them all together. Likes offering a girl's perspective on their love lives. Likes being the behind-the-scenes wordsmith who writes all the lyrics for the boys' band. Char has a house full of stepsisters and a past full of backstabbing (female) ex-best friends, so for her, being friends with boys is refreshingly drama-free...until it isn't any more.

When a new boy enters the scene and makes Char feel like, well, a total girl...and two of her other friends have a falling out that may or may not be related to one of them deciding he possibly wants to be more than friends with Char...being friends with all these boys suddenly becomes a lot more complicated.

It just sounds sooooo good.

Title: Enchanted

Author: Alethea Kontis

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Publication Date: 8 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?

Don't you just love the sound of this fairytale re-telling

Title: First Comes Love

Author: Katie Kacvinsky

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Publication Date: 8 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Like his name, Gray is dark and stormy. Dylan, a girl always searching for what’s next, seemingly unable to settle down, is the exact opposite: full of light and life. On the outside, they seem like an unlikely couple. But looks can be deceiving and besides, opposites attract.

What starts as friendship, turns into admiration, respect and caring, until finally these two lone souls find they are truly in love with each other.

But staying in love is not as easy as falling in love. If Dylan and Gray want their love to last, they’re going to have to work at it. And learn that sometimes love means having to say you’re sorry.

One word SWOON

Title: A Breath of Eyre

Series: Unbound

Author: Eve Marie Mont

Publisher: Melia Publishing Services Ltd

Publication Date: 14 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Emma Townsend has always believed in stories—the ones she reads voraciously, and the ones she creates in her head. Perhaps it’s because she feels like an outsider at her exclusive prep school, or because her stepmother doesn’t come close to filling the void left by her mother’s death. And her only romantic prospect—apart from a crush on her English teacher—is Gray Newman, a long-time friend who just adds to Emma’s confusion. But escape soon arrives in an old leather-bound copy of Jane Eyre…

Reading of Jane’s isolation sparks a deep sense of kinship. Then fate takes things a leap further when a lightning storm catapults Emma right into Jane’s body and her nineteenth-century world. As governess at Thornfield, Emma has a sense of belonging she’s never known—and an attraction to the brooding Mr. Rochester. Now, moving between her two realities and uncovering secrets in both, Emma must decide whether her destiny lies in the pages of Jane’s story, or in the unwritten chapters of her own…

Seriously different. Plus a great way to inspire the teens to read a classic (maybe). Plus Jane Eyre is one of my fave books EVER.
Update: I won a copy from the fabulous April at Good Books and Good Wine. I am so excited to read it.

Title: From What I Remember...

Author: Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas

Publisher: Hyperion Books

Publication Date: 15 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

KYLIE: Tijuana WHAT? I should be putting the finishing touches on my valedictorian speech. Graduation is TODAY, and is this a wedding band on my finger.

MAX: It all started with Kylie's laptop and a truck full of stolen electronics Okay, it was kind of hot, the way she broke us out like some chick in an action movie. But now we're stranded in TIjuana. WIth less than twenty-four hours before graduation. Awesome.

WILL: Saving Kylie Flores from herself is kind of a full-time occupation. Luckily, I, Will Bixby, was born for the job. And when I found out she was stuck in Mexico with dreamy Max Langston, sure, I agreed to bring thier passports across the border--but there's no reason to rush back home right away. This party is just getting started.

LILY: I just walked in on my boyfriend, Max Langston, canoodling with Kylie Flores, freak of the century. Still, I can't completely hold it against him. He NEEDS me. It's even clearer now. And I'm not giving him up without a fight.

This has been on my list since the beginning of the year but Gingers review topped it over the edge and now I am tracking it down (cheaply) read her review HERE

Title: Hollyweird

Author: Terri Clark

Publisher: Flux Books

Publication Date: 8 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Aly King is about to fall for the fallen

My best friend, Des, and I totally freaked when we won the contest to meet THE Dakota Danvers in Hollywood. But now we’re finding out he’s SO not the angel everyone believes him to be. In fact, Dakota is the son of Satan, wreaking havoc on Hollywood and creating an evil army hellbent on world domination.

Lucky for us, Dakota’s super-cute personal assistant, Jameson, is a fallen angel trying to get his wings back, and he’s working undercover to squash his demon boss’s plan. If Jameson hadn’t taken me under his wing I’d be in serious trouble, because I’m a total newb when it comes to conquering evil. But, truth be told, that sexy angel’s got me all aflutter and may be one temptation I can’t resist.

Seriously me and angels [ ; D ] 

Title: Unbreak My Heart

Author: Melissa Walker

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Publication Date: 22 May 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Sophomore year broke Clementine Williams’ heart. She fell for her best friend’s boyfriend and long story short: he’s excused, but Clem is vilified and she heads into summer with zero social life.

Enter her parents’ plan to spend the summer on their sailboat. Normally the idea of being stuck on a tiny boat with her parents and little sister would make Clem break out in hives, but floating away sounds pretty good right now.

Then she meets James at one of their first stops along the river. He and his dad are sailing for the summer and he’s just the distraction Clem needs. Can he break down Clem’s walls and heal her broken heart?

Told in alternating chapters that chronicle the year that broke Clem’s heart and the summer that healed it, Unbreak My Heart is a wonderful dual love story that fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Susane Colasanti will flock to.

Sounds like the perfect escape book for the Summer [ : D ]

Guest Review: Battle Fatigue by Mark Kurlansky

Title: Battle Fatigue

Author: Mark Kurlansky

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: 7 Nov 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

Growing up in the years following World War II, Joel Bloom and his friends dreamed of either fighting in the military or leading the Dodgers to the World Series. But when Joel turns eighteen, the Vietnam War is in full swing, and the sides of war he learned about as a child are not nearly as clear. Old enough to be drafted, Joel loves his country but knows he cannot fight in an unjust war. After trying and failing to be a Conscientious Objector, he must decide whether to serve in Vietnam or leave for Canada-a decision that would help him avoid the violence of war but force him to leave behind those he loves and turn his back on everything he was brought up to believe. In an insightful and compelling novel from bestselling nonfiction writer Mark Kurlansky comes an exploration of one teen's struggle to understand himself amid the harsh realities of life during wartime.

GUEST REVIEW BY SHELLY OF MY FAVORITE READS  

“I know that because I am a boy I will go to war. I don’t know who I will fight. It will come probably when I turn 18. It’s just what happens.”

This is the story of Joel Bloom’s life and everything that leads up to the Vietnam War, his War as he calls it. Joel has always grown up with war in the background as his Dad fought in World War 2 although he never talks about it and his Uncle is clearly traumatised by what he saw. Joel and his friends “play” war all the time with the artefacts that their dad’s have bought back and none of them want to be the Germans! But it is also a story about baseball. We follow Joel’s obsession with the Dodgers and the World Series. It also follows Joel as he tries to decide whether he will fight for his country or become a draft dodger and therefore let his whole family down.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. With Joel as the narrator to his own story it really brings you into that time in America. You get to see everything through his eyes as he grows into the man who has the biggest decision to make. He sees what war has done to his family and although he knows that nearly every boy in his town will go to war he doesn’t think he will be able to go through with it when it comes to his time. You feel his struggle as he just doesn’t believe in the Vietnam War and wonders why he has to sacrifice himself. But this isn’t just about war it is also about baseball and that is where I thought I would struggle as I know nothing about it at all. However, I got totally immersed into Joel’s obsession and would look forward to those passages.

I kept forgetting that this was a YA book as it was written as if it was an adult book and that is not in any way a put down. A thoroughly enjoyable book that I would highly recommend.

Review: Fracture by Megan Miranda

Title: Fracture

Author: Megan Miranda

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: 5 Jan 2012

Source: Review Copy

Challenge: DAB

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine

—despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

REVIEW

The first thing I have to say regarding this book is that it is something completely different in Young Adult fiction. An amazing mix of paranormal, romance, death and bereavement.

Written in first person narrative, from the perspective of Delaney, having survived 11 minutes in a frozen river, the fact that she is alive is a miracle in itself. But something has happened to Delaney, something that not only terrifies and confuses her but also fascinates her to a degree.

Following her accident Delaney retreats into herself, unable to confide in anyone until she meets Troy. Having the same ability himself, although it isn't fully explained until the end exactly what these abilities are. Delaney has always felt like an outsider, only popular by proxy via her friendship with Dexter (the totally hot boy next door *swoon*). I adored Dexter, he would do anything for Delaney although she really doesn't realize it. At times I felt like shaking her so she would understand the depth of Dexter's feelings for her, risking his own life to save her. However, I did feel that both Dexter and Delaney were afraid to alter the status of their relationship, worried that if they did they would lose their friendship. The flip-side to this is that dating other people caused a strain on their friendship.

Troy, is a stark contrast to Dexter, thinking in color Troy would be the dark to Dexter's light in personality as well as appearance. Despite his charm, Troy is one of the freakiest characters I have ever come across. He was deeply disturbing/disturbed, to the degree that I actually feared for Delaney's safety whenever she was with him.

Although Troy and Delaney have similar abilities the way in which Troy reacts to his 'ability' made me question the reason they were given this 'gift/power'. Ultimately what is their purpose? I don't think this was fully developed and would love to see more of Delaney's story after this book.

There a numerous twists and turns within the plot, nothing can be taken for granted, I was kept guessing to the very end. Images of Grim Reapers and Guardian Angels danced through my imagination.

This book is a fast paced, dramatic mix of action, romance blended seamlessly with elements of the paranormal. An ingeniously crafted tale with a completely unexpected ending, that stayed with me a long time after finishing the book. As I stated earlier, I would really love to see Delaney develop further. I hope that Megan Miranda may write a sequel *crosses fingers*

Review: Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

Title: Stolen Away

Author: Alyxandra Harvey

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: 5 Jan 2012

Source: Review Copy

Rating 4/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds.

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric—who may or may not betray them.

REVIEW

You may already be aware that Alyxandra Harvey is one of my favorite authors. I adore the Drakes Chronicles. Alyxandra never fails to deliver strong characters, terrifically quirky yet realistic and relatable.

Told in dual narrative with alternating perspectives of Eloise and Jo. Although the story focuses on Eloise's family connections I have to say that Jo seems to be the stronger character. Both of them have a public persona they show the world yet are different in private where they feel comfortable to be who they really are. The way in which Eloise hid behind her red lipstick and rockabilly outfits brought her to vivid life in my imagination. While Jo presented a tough exterior her actions and demeanor at her grandparents farm gave her a well rounded softness of character.

The friendships and the way in which the main characters are there for each other, with the inclusion of Devin, was a powerful theme through the story. The pop culture references added to the character building and aided the realism of the plot.

The portrayal of the faery courts although akin to the world built in The Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr brought an added depth of description to them. The thirst for power and how it can consume altering a person was powerfully portrayed. The interactions even with the peripheral characters was beautifully tied together. Some very interesting twists all added to the pace of the plot. It did not falter and every single detail was brought together. Amazing plot control.

I adore Alyxandra Harvey's descriptive writing enhanced by masterful use of simile and metaphor.

Although the plot reached a satisfactory conclusion I have to say that I would love another book to answer follow up questions regarding relationships and the faery court. I wonder if Alyxandra can be bribed with cookies or cake [ : D ] 

Review: Surrender by Lee Nichols

Title: Surrender

Series: Haunting Emma

Author: Lee Nichols

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Publication Date: 6 Dec 2011
Source: Own Copy
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

After a devastating battle at headquarters in New York, the ghostkeeping world is in shambles. When Emma and Bennett return home, they are determined to defeat the wraithmaster, Neos, forever. But it's not going to be easy. Bennett's parents kick him out when they realize he is still using drugs to enhance his powers. Emma is convinced her aunt has come back from the dead to warn her of a new threat. And worst of all, Neos is using wraiths to possess the students at Thatcher Academy. If the ghosts manage to take over the entire school, even Emma won't be strong enough to stop them. But if either she or Bennett sacrifice his or her powers, they might be able to save the ghostkeeping world once and for all-and break the "ghostkeepers lose their powers when they fall in love" curse. The question is: who will be the one to surrender all power?

REVIEW

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

I love this series so much that I couldn't wait for it to be distributed in the UK in April so I bought the US copy.  I am so glad I didn't wait.

Surrender picks up from the end of Betrayal perfectly. The ghost keepers are trying to put their world back together following the massacre at The Knell. The shock and despondency of the ghost-keepers at their defeat can be felt from within the narrative. The realization that Neos is just biding his time to gather his strength and that there is a very real possibility that they wont all survive is starkly represented.Confronting their own strengths and weakness is one aspect of the plot, each characters development is enhanced via their group dynamics and the resolution of these issues. Although Emma may have the strongest ghost-keeper powers she wouldn't have the strength of personality, loyalty or love without her friends and Bennett.

Bennett's struggle with  the ghost-keeper drug, enhancing his powers in order to help Emma even if it kills him, is an issue with everyone. The understanding of his reasons was a brilliant piece of writing within the plot  providing valuable insight and understanding at the conclusion.

The action is as fast paced as ever. The descriptive writing adds to the tension while keeping the pace flowing smoothly. Interspersed with the character relationships, their actions are linked a lot to their emotions, adding to the realism. Especially if like me you are an emotional person, lol. The non-ghost-keeper members of their team, Sara and  Harry, show that you don't have to have supernatural powers to be of help. Harry's narrative voice, so full of sarcasm, helped dispel the tension when required.

Emma's plight at having to banish ghosts she cares for is easy to understand and emotionally portrayed within the narrative. Empathy for both sides can be felt, the ghost for not wanting to remain in a state of limbo and Emma for losing these people forever.

The mix of action, character development and of course, romance, brings this series to a wonderful and well rounded conclusion. 

Guest Review: Book Break-Ups: David by Mary Hoffman

Title: David

Author: Mary Hoffman

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: 4 July 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Michelangelo's statue, David, is famous around the world. Millions flock to Italy every year to admire the physical perfection of the young man captured within the marble. But the identity of the model has never been known . . . until now.

In this epic tale, acclaimed author Mary Hoffman imagines the story of Gabriele, a naive but incredibly handsome young man who is hired as Michelangelo's model, only to find himself drawn into a world of spies, political treachery, and murder. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Florence in its most turbulent times, this rich, colorful, thrilling tale gives life to one of the world's greatest masterpieces.

GUEST REVIEW BY SHELLY OF MY FAVOURITE READS

“When Gabriele arrives in Florence and finds himself penniless and alone, he has only one trick up his sleeve..the name of a renowned sculptor and the hope of work. But never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that he would become the model for one of the world’s most famous statues, Michelangelo’s David. Or that he would be sucked into the deadly world of Florentine politics, where battle, bloodshed and murder are commonplace.”

I really thought from the blurb on the back of this book that I would really enjoy it as historical novels are really my thing and I have also seen the statue in Florence so was really intrigued to read a novel about it. I am sorry to say that the book just doesn’t live up to the hype! I found it really difficult to get to grips as to who all the characters were and to be honest after about half way through I find myself not really caring about them anyway. I found all the names very confusing and although I knew the book was based in Italy I couldn’t get to grips with them and they all seemed to blend into one. I also found that it was a story that wasn’t very well told as it didn’t draw me in and make me want to read more. I really wanted to know more about the relationship between Gabriele and Angelo but this was lost in the subplots about all the women in Gabriele’s life and his political friends.

All in all this was not a book for me and sadly I would not recommend it and I would have to think twice about picking up another Mary Hoffman novel.

Guest Review: In Darkness by Nick Lake

Title: In Darkness

Series: Not Confirmed

Author: Nick Lake

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: 5 Jan 2012

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

In darkness I count my blessings like Manman taught me. One: I am alive. Two: there is no two. In the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake a boy is trapped beneath the rubble of a ruined hospital: thirsty, terrified and alone. 'Shorty' is a child of the slums, a teenage boy who has seen enough violence to last a lifetime, and who has been inexorably drawn into the world of the gangsters who rule Site Soleil: men who dole out money with one hand and death with the other. But Shorty has a secret: a flame of revenge that blazes inside him and a burning wish to find the twin sister he lost five years ago. And he is marked. Marked in a way that links him with Toussaint L'Ouverture, the Haitian rebel who two-hundred years ago led the slave revolt and faced down Napoleon to force the French out of Haiti. As he grows weaker, Shorty relives the journey that took him to the hospital, a bullet wound in his arm. In his visions and memories he hopes to find the strength to survive, and perhaps then Toussaint can find a way to be free ..

GUEST REVIEW BY MADISON YEAR 9

A small time gangster, Shorty, lives in a place called Site. He is left trapped in a hospital when an earthquake occurs. He tries to fit the pieces of his life back together in the darkness that now surrounds him. However, while he is telling his story his thoughts keep getting interrupted by a 200 year old ghost.

One of my favorite parts of this book was when the ghost of Toussaint swims out to a boat in order to gain information by eaves dropping on the conversation taking place aboard. I found this part very clever and sneaky. It highlighted the point that Toussaint never intended to hurt anyone he only wanted to make them view his situation differently. Toussaint was by far my favorite character. He was fair in all his actions, although he was trying to free Haiti he did it in a way that was kind and just. He did not kill or punish people who would not follow his orders. 

I really disliked the fact that Shorty's Mamman lied to him as I htink he would have benefited from knowing the truth. Apart from this point there is nothing I would change about the story at all.

I will be recommending this book to other people as it was original and interesting. I will be looking out for more books by this author. 

Tantalizing Trailers: Fracture by Megan Miranda plus Extract

Title: Fracture

Author: Megan Miranda

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: 5 Jan 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine
-despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

Fracture - First Chapter

Guest Review: Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Title: Revolution
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: 3 Oct 2011


Synopsis from Amazon

Andi lives in New York and is dealing with the emotional turmoil of her younger brother's accidental death. Alex lives in Paris and is a companion to the dauphin, the young son of Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI, during the violent days of the French Revolution. When Andi is sent to Paris to get her out of the trouble she's so easily enveloped by in New York, their two stories collide, and Andi finds a way to reconcile herself not only to her past but also to her future. This is a heart-wrenchingly beautiful, evocative portrait of lives torn apart by grief and mended by love.

GUEST REVIEW BY SHELLY OF MY FAVOURITE READS

Andi is broken.  She is failing school and failing life. Since the death of her brother, all she cares about is her music.  Taken to Paris by her estranged father she discovers a guitar and a lost diary from Revolutionary France.

I have to say that I really love books that bring in some history to it and this was no exception.  The way the book flicked between what was happening to Andi and how she was dealing with the death of her brother and the diary of Alexandrine in France in the 1790’s was done very well and you never got the impression that the history bits were forced on you.  You got to know Alexandrine really well in her passages and found yourself willing Andi to read a bit more each time so like her, you could find out what was happening.  Jennifer Donnelly really captured the smell and feel of France of that time and bought the fear that Alexandrine must have been feeling to the reader and so got you really involved with her character.

I also really warmed to Andi and her struggles with coping with loss and guilt.  I would have liked a bit more back history of the relationship with her Dad but you certainly got the impression of the teen angst she was feeling.  I enjoyed the musical side to her and found myself wanting to  know about Malherbeau who she is doing her thesis on.  So much so I actually googled him!

The only part of the book I did not enjoy was the “dream” sequence.  I am unfortunately of the age where I can remember Bobby Ewing and the shower dream in Dallas and this is what it felt like.  It all felt a bit forced and I would have preferred it done in a better way.  That said I did enjoy the book and I will now look for more books set in the French Revolution.

This was my first Jennifer Donnelly book and it certainly won’t be my last.

Guest Review: Drawing with Light by Julia Green

Title: Drawing With Light
Author: Julia Green
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: 1 Mar 2010

Synopsis from Amazon

Kat and Emily have grown up without their mother for almost as long as they can remember. And now Dad is with Cassy and they all muddle along together well enough - even though they are living in a cramped caravan while their new house is being renovated. Then Cassy and Dad tell them that Cassy is pregnant, and everything seems to shift. Emily feels a new urge to find her own mother. How could she have left them the way she did? Never writing to them? Not communicating with them? And as Emily begins her search, not knowing what she will find, she is at the same time embarking on a new relationship of her own, that of her romance with Seb. This is an evocative and finely drawn novel about family relationships, in particular that of mother and daughter, and the shifting emotions of a teenager trying to make sense of her family and her world.

GUEST REVIEW BY SHELLY OF MY FAVOURITE READS

This is my first book by Julia Green and I have to say how much I enjoyed it. She writes with such imagery that she makes the whole book feel alive.

The book is centred around Emily whose life is going through some changes. Her big sister Kat is going away to University, her Dad and step mum Cassy are doing up his dream house which means the three of them have to live in a caravan in the middle of winter and best of all she meets a boy. On top of all these she starts to get curious about her Mum who left her when she was just two years old.

Emily is a photographer who likes to take photos of trees and this is where Julia Green’s imagery really opens up. When she describes how the trees look it is like you are standing in front of them about to take the photo yourself. In fact the way she captures Emily’s eye for details is wonderful and you really see and feel what the characters are feeling.

The story between Emily and Seb, the boy, is also heart warming as this is her first boyfriend and you really get the feel of some of the awkwardness that can happen with first loves. It is down to him and an argument that Emily starts to have the desire to look into her Mum and find out why she left her.

I got totally involved with all the characters in the book and found myself wanting just a little bit more about them especially Cassy and her relationship with the girls. I did feel that although this was a book about Emily and her growing up and finding herself it would have been nice to find out abit more about them.

As for my first Julia Green book I loved it and can hardly wait to delve into her world again especially if she brings the imagery of this one into her other books.

Guest Review: Sektion 20 by Paul Dowswell

Title: Sektion 20
Author: Paul Dowswell
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: 5 Sep 2011

Synopsis from Amazon

Alex lives in East Berlin. The cold war is raging and he and his family are forbidden to leave. But the longer he stays the more danger he is in. Alex is no longer pretending to be a model East German, and the Stasi has noticed. They are watching him. Alex is told that further education will be blocked to him. His summer job is mysteriously cancelled, and friends begin avoiding him. His parents start to realise that leaving the East may be the only option left to them, but getting across the Wall is practically impossible. And even if Alex and his family make it to the other side, will they be able to escape the reach of the Stasi? This is a tense, page-turning thriller that builds towards a terrifying showdown as powerful forces from the East and West converge. One false move will change everything for Alex and his family, for ever.

GUEST REVIEW BY BETH OF THE PIECES OF ME

When I received this novel in my last haul from Emma, I have to say the cover didn’t impress me. It looked like it was going to be action-packed and adventurous which is not my usual style. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Sektion 20 is far and beyond one of the best accounts of post-War Eastern-Bloc Germany I have ever read and I’ve studied German History at degree level. This story worked perfectly, clearly showed how lift in the Communist East was far from the idyll that they portrayed it to be and Dowswell is really accomplished in his style and choice of language for all characters.

Sektion 20 is mainly the story of Alex Ostermann who has lived in East Berlin his whole life but is far from the model Socialist citizen. In fact, Alex idolises the West, loves Rock Music and Western fashion and this has caused suspicion and attracted the attention of the Stasi. Alex knows he needs to outwardly appear like the model Socialist; he finds it near impossible but knows if he can’t keep up the façade his whole family will be at risk.

Alex sees his friends disappear and soon his family feel the Stasi closing in on their home. Dowswell builds the suspense and small things, such as missing underwear are noticed and Alex’s family know they need to take action and despite his parents being model citizens and faultless party members, they realise their children are at risk. This means a big change has to happen.

Sektion 20 is a brilliantly written, suspense-filled novel which shows how suffocating Eastern Bloc life could be for its younger citizens and how terrifying this apparently free Communist state had become by the time Alex was a teenager. Really eye opening and enjoyable, would love to read other works by Dowswell.

Review: After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E Wedel

Title: After Obsession
Author: Carrie Jones and Steven E Wedel
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Publication Date: 5 Sep 2011

Synopsis from Amazon

Aimee and Alan have unusual pasts and secrets they prefer to keep hidden. Aimee's deceased mother struggled with mental illness and hallucinations, and Aimee thinks it could be hereditary. After all, she sees a shadowy river man where there isn't one. And then there was that time she and her best friend Courtney tried to conjure a spirit with a Ouija board ...Alan is Courtney's cousin. His family moved to Maine when Courtney's father went missing. It's not just Alan's dark good looks that make him attractive. He is also totally in touch with a kind of spiritual mysticism from his Native American heritage. And it's not long before Aimee has broken up with her boyfriend ...But it's not Aimee or Alan who is truly haunted - it's Courtney. In a desperate plea to find her father, Courtney invites a demonic presence into her life. Together, Aimee and Alan must exorcise the ghost, before it devours Courtney - and everything around her.

REVIEW:

Written in first person narrative but with alternating perspectives of Aimee and Alan, providing depth and insight into the motivations and interactions of the central characters. The dual narrative voice worked really well in this case, where one trails off the other picks up, quite brilliant writing achieved with two different authors working together to form one whole. I have to say that the chapter headings are visually dramatic adding to the atmosphere before reading begins.

The inclusion of the Native American myth/legend really added depth to the story. It really made me wonder as to the origins of these myths/legends and if there isn't a grain of truth in them *scary thought*.  I find it amazing how many similarities there are with natural healing practices all over the world, re-enforcing the point that we are all the same really. One that really stood out for me was the use of sage for purification. The use of soul-mates and destiny woven into the narrative was astounding (you know I love that stuff) so it really swept me into the story.

The way in which Aimee and Alan's abilities were depicted made me realise that although I might think that it would be wonderful to be able to have these abilities that there is a responsibility that comes with them which can weigh heavily on someone as young as Aimee and Alan. As well as being frightening to be able to see such things. it made me wonder how I would deal with it; would I think I was crazy or special - yes you know crazy would win [ ; D ]

I adored how peace, love and healing were shown as creating positivity while anger, hate and destruction create negativity. The example of swearing fuelling anger made me giggle as the only time I do use bad language is when I am very, very angry lol.

The imagery created was just amazing and I commend the writing skill involved. The bedroom scene brought to mind The Exorcist and gave me complete chills, you know what a complete wuss I am.

I cannot go through this review without mentioning the CHEETO - ohh how I laughed at that cheeto and the way it was incorporated into the story. It really provided a wonderful way of lightening the plot and providing a wonderful culmination of the story. See you have to read it now.

Wonderful use of myth and legend alongside a wonderful dual narrative voice make this book an excellent read. I have been recommended it highly in the library.

Review: Bleeding Hearts by Alyxandra Harvey

Title: Bleeding Hearts
Series; The Drake Chronicles
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: 3 Oct 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon
Lucy's cousin Christabel has come to live in Violet Hill, and adjusting to the difference between life in a small mountain town and her home in the city is difficult. The strict curfew that Lucy's parents enforce is hard to respect. Surely something really dangerous couldn't possibly happen in this tiny town. But Christabel starts to notice some mysterious happenings, and it seems like Lucy, her boyfriend Nicholas and his brother Connor are all in on a secret that Christabel doesn't understand - one that seems deadly serious. Although she won't admit it, Christabel would love to be in on any secret with Connor Drake. When Christabel is kidnapped by the ruthless Hel-Blar vampires, Lucy and Connor finally fill her in on all the undead drama. Together, they must find a way to stamp out the Hel-Blar for good.

REVIEW

Please bear in mind that this is book 4 in the series and therefore may contain spoilers from the previous books.

For anyone who knows me you will be aware that I completely adore this series. I love Alyxandra Harvey's descriptive writing style, the way her dialogue is so realistic bringing her characters to vivid life in my imagination. The use of simile and metaphor added to the descriptions bringing the world of The Drakes into 3D. Being truthful I adore everything about these books so I will not apologise if this is a gushy geyser review [ ; D ] 

This book is concentrating on brother number four Connor, the geeky twin brother to Quinn, who if you remember changed his womanising ways in book 3  for a Helios-Ra agent. I just adores how geeky was portrayed as totally cool in this book. Not only is Connor a computer whizz, he can kick serious Hel_Blar rotting butt. The Star Wars quotes and imagery had me sniggering out loud to myself.  If like me you like The Big Bang Theory then you are going to love Connor - I kept picturing him as a gorgeous teenage Leonard. Plus I had to agree with him that having no Internet connection completely freaks me out.

Christabel is a geek in her own right - a total bookaholic (omg how I can relate to this girl) head stuck in a book even at a party, having to carry a book with her at all times.You can understand the attraction between Connor and Christabel from the moment they meet. They bring out the best in each other.

The first person narrative from differing perspectives within the book provides insight into the story as a whole while providing an opportunity compare the views of the different characters, giving me the feel of being omniscient observer within the story. I fantastic ability to make the reader feel part of the story itself.

I have to say, I love Lucy's narrative voice and have missed it. She provides such light relief with her sarcasm in the most awkward situations you can't help but love her. Her character development from book one to now is wonderful, snarkytastic.

These books provide some terrific female role models, they don't just sit back and wait to be saved, they actually help save the others, there is a balance which I find refreshing. I especially like the way in which Alyxandra Harvey's characters aren't perfect, they recognise their own faults and learn from them. They recognise their own strengths and weaknesses, something that takes a long time to learn in most people. They aren't afraid to admit their weaknesses either or ask for help. Something I still struggle with at my age, asking for help, it really shouldn't been seen as a sign of weakness.

The portrayal of Christabel's mother within the narrative was unfortunately painfully relatable. Go to my catchphrase, Reading is Subjective, how can you not apply real life situations you have been through when reading about the same subject??  I could really understand the reasons behind Christabel's retreat into fiction, I do the same.

I could have kicked myself that I missed the significance of a certain characters name from the beginning, astoundingly clever use of a name, just brilliant.

The beautiful quotes and humorous inner monologues of the characters re-enforce the plot while adding to the realism of the story. I have the notion that Alyxandra Harvey has a impish sense of humour especially with the use of the Wicked Witch of the West and her Winged Monkeys as a comparison to bullies, lol.

Alyxandra Harvey has gained a permanent place in my heart with these books. I LOVE them with a capital L and am feverishly awaiting the next book after a HUGE cliffhanger of an ending in this one. I am pretty sure that I would make an excellent alpha reader for this series - go tell her that now.

Another brilliant addition to The Drake Chronicles, humour, romance, hot vampires and strong female role models what's not to love.

Follower Lucky Numbers: Haunting Violet Swag Bag

Title: Haunting Violet

Author: Alyxandra Harvey

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Publication Date: 4 July 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts, especially since her mother has worked as a fraudulent medium for a decade. Violet has taken part in enough of her mother's tricks to feel more than a little jaded aboutanything supernatural. The ghosts, however, believe in Violet and she's been seeing them everywhere. One ghost in particular needs Violet to use her emerging gift to solve her murder ...and prevent the ghost's twin sister from suffering the same fate.

REVIEW HERE

To celebrate the release of the 4th book in The Drake Chronicles I have beautiful swag bags of Alyxandra Harvey's other great book Haunting Violet.

3 gorgeous bags up for grabs with beautiful bookmarks and lip gloss inside them. Again it is a follower lucky numbers because I love my followers and would like to reward you. Just fill out the form below and add your lucky number to the spreadsheet HERE by pressing F2 then typing in your name. Open until the 17th October. You may wonder why the give-aways at the moment are open until the 17th - well pay day is around there so I can afford the postage lol.

Trailer Tuesday: Bleeding Hearts by Alyxandra Harvey plus Extract

Title: Bleeding Hearts

Series: The Drake Chronicles

Author: Alyxandra Harvey

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Publication Date: 3 Oct 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Lucy's cousin Christabel has come to live in Violet Hill, and adjusting to the difference between life in a small mountain town and her home in the city is difficult. The strict curfew that Lucy's parents enforce is hard to respect. Surely something really dangerous couldn't possibly happen in this tiny town. But Christabel starts to notice some mysterious happenings, and it seems like Lucy, her boyfriend Nicholas and his brother Connor are all in on a secret that Christabel doesn't understand - one that seems deadly serious. Although she won't admit it, Christabel would love to be in on any secret with Connor Drake. When Christabel is kidnapped by the ruthless Hel-Blar vampires, Lucy and Connor finally fill her in on all the undead drama. Together, they must find a way to stamp out the Hel-Blar for good.

I have read it - review coming very soon and I have to tell you it is awesome.

Bleeding Hearts Prologue

Trailer Tuesday: After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E Wedel

Title: After Obsession
Author: Carrie Jones and Steven E Wedel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: 5 Sep 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Aimee and Alan have unusual pasts and secrets they prefer to keep hidden. Aimee's deceased mother struggled with mental illness and hallucinations, and Aimee thinks it could be hereditary. After all, she sees a shadowy river man where there isn't one. And then there was that time she and her best friend Courtney tried to conjure a spirit with a Ouija board ...Alan is Courtney's cousin. His family moved to Maine when Courtney's father went missing. It's not just Alan's dark good looks that make him attractive. He is also totally in touch with a kind of spiritual mysticism from his Native American heritage. And it's not long before Aimee has broken up with her boyfriend ...But it's not Aimee or Alan who is truly haunted - it's Courtney. In a desperate plea to find her father, Courtney invites a demonic presence into her life. Together, Aimee and Alan must exorcise the ghost, before it devours Courtney - and everything around her.

Review coming soon

Totally creeptastic 

Review: Betrayal by Lee Nichols

Title: Betrayal
Series: Haunting Emma #2
Author: Lee Nichols
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Publication Date: 5 Sep 2011


Synopsis: From Amazon


Emma Vaile is the most powerful ghostkeeper in centuries. Which is great when she's battling the wraith-master Neos, but terrible when she's flirting with fellow ghostkeeper (and love interest) Bennett. When ghostkeepers fall in love, the weaker one loses all power, and that's something Bennett is not willing to accept. Heartbroken and alone, Emma tries to lose herself in school. A new team of ghostkeepers has arrived - one a snarky teen boy, the other a visiting scholar - and Emma finds solace in training for the battle against Neos. But as the team grows stronger, they are threatened by an unknown force. As chilling and page-turning as Deception, this sequel will grab readers and hold them to the last page. No one is safe from suspicion as Emma closes in on the traitor.

Review:


Please remember this is the second book in the series and therefore the review may contain small spoilers for the first book. 

You already know I am utterly biased about this series because I really can place myself in the position of the main character, plus her narrative voice is so realistic. Although it is really necessary to read the series in order to understand the intricacies of the plot and interactions, there are nice little recaps placed into the narrative to refresh the memory.

What really stood out for me in this book is how stunning the character development is, even if some of it didn't go the way I would have wanted (lol). 

The title is a little trick in itself, as from the start I was questioning the motives and interactions of all the characters. It is easy for me to place myself in Emma's position but my guard was up for her from the start of this book. Not knowing who to trust makes her retreat into herself a bit, plus her relationship with Bennett is a roller-coaster of highs and lows. It is hard to reconcile the 2 halves of Emma's life sometimes, it is easy to forget that she is still a young teenager and not just an all powerful ghost-keeper. The way in which Emma is treated by the Knell is a reflection of this. 

Even though the title conveys that there is going to be a betrayal at some point within the plot I have to admit that when the revelation came it really did take me by surprise. I actually shock my head at the book, I just did not want to believe it. Lee Nichols peppers the plot with red herrings and misdirection skilfully. This book certainly is not predictable.

The framework for the plot is set out in the first book Deception the story progresses with dynamic action in Betrayal all the while allowing the characterisations to really shine through.

I have to say I am slightly disappointed in Bennett. Although the obstacles between him and Emma seem insurmountable, I really wish he had chosen a different way to try to overcome them. This maybe a deliberate plot development by Lee Nichols but I really wanted to slap him in this book. Silly boy.

*Semi Spoiler Alert* - I really hope they discover a way to let ghost-keepers be together without one of them losing their powers.

As I said in my review of Deception (here) this series is addictive. I am so glad I only have to wait until December for the third book. This series just rocks my socks off and not just because my name is Emma. It blends contemporary issues with paranormal romance *swoon*. Addictive and utterly brilliant.