Exciting News: The New Look UK Book Tours is Here

Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lynsey Newton for all the hard work she put into setting up the original UK Book Tours site. Without her I would never have been able to discover some of the fantastic book I have been lucky enough to read.

If you don't believe me just how many - check here lol.

Unfortunately Lynsey wasn't able to carry on with the book tours due to other commitments. Instead of just letting it all grind to a halt, Lynsey gave other bloggers the option of banding together in order to keep the book sharing love alive. So here have the crazy admin team of me (obviously I am the crazy one), Sya from The Mountains of Instead, who is the design genius behind the site and the buttons and Carly from Writing in the Tub whose enthusiasm for book sharing is a wonder to behold. Make sure you sign up and check the rules properly as we have some real treats coming up for you.

To kick start the tours this week we will have sign-ups for 3 different books, you heard me correctly 3 books, all of which are totally fabulous and you are so going to want to read. So what are you waiting for  go sign up NOW.

A little shout out to any authors/publishers that would like to get there books into the hands of more reviewers without having to send out masses of books. Send it on a UK Book Tour, that way you can get up to 12 reviews for each single book sent. Saving money on books and postage. Good idea YES. You will find contact details on the UK Book Tours website.

THANK YOU and we hope you all enjoy.

Book Break-Ups: Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Title: Across the Universe

Series: Across the Universe

Author: Beth Revis

Publisher: Puffin

Publication Date: 3 Mar 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Amy has left the life she loves for a world 300 years away

Trapped in space and frozen in time, Amy is bound for a new planet. But fifty years before she’s due to arrive, she is violently woken, the victim of an attempted murder. Now Amy's lost on board and nothing makes sense - she's never felt so alone.

Yet someone is waiting for her. He wants to protect her; and more if she’ll let him.

But who can she trust amidst the secrets and lies? A killer is out there – and Amy has nowhere to hide . . .

This for me was one of those rare books that I did not finish (DNF) so I won't belittle it by calling this my review.

I think the main problem I had with this book is that I am not a huge fan of Sci-Fi, although the Dystopian/Sci-Fi mix works very well within the book.

On the whole the story is very believable. The alternating first person narrative gives insight into past, present and future - not an easy task to achieve. Amy having been cryogenically frozen from a time period that could very well be now and Elder, who having been born on the spaceship, is essentially the future. The plot is a complex multi-level one and I have to credit Beth Revis with the amazing ability of keeping it all together and progressing dual main characters and the plot simultaneously. Quite an accomplishment. I have to say that I didn't connect very well with Elder. I honestly kept picturing him as an alien and I think that it may be due to this fact that I could not finish the book.

There are elements of thriller, murder mystery and romance skillfully blended into the narrative. Giving Beth Revis even more credit as a writer for her ability to keep it all tightly under control with her ability to weave it all together. Add to it the vivid and intense world building by the power of Beth Revis's descriptive writing and you have a three dimensional story on your hands. It was very believable and frighteningly realistic, imagine a world without diversity; how awful it would be.

I had heard that there was a major plot development later in the book. As I was struggling to read it I skipped forward a few chapters to see if this particular development altered my perception of the book as a whole. I have to say that although this book was a DNF for me the plot development was extraordinary.

So although this book wasn't for me I can really see it's appeal and would not hesitate to recommend it to Dystopian/Sci-Fi fans.

Big thanks to Carla from The Crooked Shelf for letting me use her Book Break-Ups name

Review: Personal Demons by Lisa Desroches

Title: Personal Demons
Series: Pesonal Demons
Author: Lisa Desroches
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: 4 Oct 2010

Source: UK Book Tours



Synopsis: From Amazon
Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She has spent years keeping everyone at a distance even her closest friends and it seems like her senior year is going to be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't stay away from him. What she doesn t know is that Luc is on a mission. He's been sent from hell itself to claim Frannie's soul. It should be easy all he has to do is get her to sin, and Luc is as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn't stand a chance. But Luc has to work fast, because if the infernals are after her, the celestials can't be far behind. And sure enough, it's not long before the angel Gabriel shows up, willing to do anything to keep Luc from getting what he came for. But if Luc fails, there will be hell to pay...for all of them.

Review:
As I have stated many times I love angels, demons and the good old fashioned battle of good against evil. Therefore thsi was a perfect book for me. A hot angel, a hot demon and a completely relatable love triangle (even with the burn-out).

Written in first person narrative with alternating perspectives of Frannie and Luc. Oh boy don't get me started on Luc *super swoon* having spent 500 years perfecting the art of being the spawn of the devil he is bad to the core or is he [ ; D ] An intellectual bad boy OMG Gimme [ ; D ] Luc's dilemma and his internal monologues are both funny and endearing *double swoon*.

Frannie on the other hand retains an air of mystery, pieces of her puzzle are strategically placed and don't actually fit together until near the end adding to the plot. I was really moved by her diary to her dead brother, Matt. A sub-plot in its own right, the discovery of what exactly happened to Matt and why Frannie feels responsible. The description of her visions and the physical effect it has on her raised my sympathy even more for her. She carries so much guilt around with her that it affects her ability to love, so realistically portrayed my heart ached.

I loved the use of putting smells to emotions, I am positive there really is something to that, the effect of pheromones on the subconscious as proof that it really does happen.  The inspired use of hell references within the narrative added a sense of humour to the prose. The weaving of religious history within the plot was very interesting adding substance to the story. There is a lot of information to take in regarding the different divisions of heaven and hell but it added insight into the battle of good against evil, showing that there isn't just black and white but shades in-between. I thought it was funny the way in which Luc and Gabe's appearance paralleled their nature, it did make me giggle.

Although I do think there are a number of cliches with the appearance, nature and especially the decorating in Luc and Gabe's homes, it is humorous and intentionally obvious, so much so that it is like a signpost to their personalities/nature and it did make me snigger.

The music references throughout were amazing and sent me scurrying to YouTube. The reference to the band Incubus paralleling the actual Incubus in the story was hysterical and added a lightness to what could have been a very dark moment.

One 'religious' thing I do honestly believe in is the existence of a soul. The way it was described in this book was truly beautiful.

So if you want a book that will give you sizzling chemistry, fast paced action, loyal and realistic friendship, the giant battle of good versus evil as well as truly awesome music references then this is the book for you. I loved it.

Review: Raising Demons by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Raising Demons
Series: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Books
Publication Date: 3 Mar 2011

Source: UK Book Tours - Lyns is awesome [ : D ]



Synopsis: From Amazon
Sophie Mercer's first term at Hex Hall turned out to be quite eventful. First the ghost of her evil grandmother haunted her every move, then her best friend was accused of murder and of course there was the discovery that Archer Cross, aka the boy of her dreams, was actually an undercover demon hunter - which would probably be something she could have worked on, if she hadn't also discovered that she was actually the demon Archer was hunting...So, despite their issues, Sophie is actually relieved to be spending the summer in London with her father. But when your father is Head of The Council of Prodigium and your summer is being spent at the headquarters of everything magical, then a quiet holiday isn't really that likely. And, as Sophie struggles to come to terms with her new found demon powers, she finds herself thrust once again into a world of dark magic and conspiracies. The only thing that could possibly make things more complicated would be for Archer Cross to show up again, which of course he wouldn't, would he?

Review: May contain spoilers for Hex Hall

We join Sophie a few months after the jaw dropping ending to Hex Hall, travelling to London to either endure the removal of her powers or let her father convince her to keep them. I just adore Sophie's spirit and snarky sense of humour.

Getting to know the father she has never met before, his distant and uptight manner does not endear him to her (or me) initially but as the story progresses and more background details are revealed Sophie's (and my) opinion of him altered, understanding for his manner quickly overrides any lingering dislike. His emotional tie to Sophie's mother really tugged at my heart strings.

The way in which the title of the book had dual meaning when applied to the narrative was ingenious. I love stuff like that.

Although I am burnt-out on the whole love triangle element this one did seem 'different'. You can completely understand the pull Sophie feels towards Archer, although the 'apparent' betrayal from the first book weighs heavily on Sophie she cannot stop the way she feels about him. The idea of soul-mates immediately jumped into my head *swoon*. Sympathy is drawn for Archer as the details are revealed of his childhood and upbringing. The chemistry between them sends sparks across the page.

Cal plays a larger role than in Hex Hall and provided a nice piece of eye-candy for my imagination. His personality was a complete contrast to Archer but I had the feeling that there was something else lurking below the surface with Cal. Lots of hidden depths and secrets yet to be revealed there.

More background details are tantalisingly dropped into the plot revealing details piece by piece; you have to pay attention.  The action is fast paced and compelling. Betrayal, double cross and good old fashioned back stabbing ensue. The twists and turns that the plot undertook made for compulsive reading, nothing could be taken for granted. The surprise revelation hinted at in the last few pages has left me desperate for the next installment to confirm or dispel my theories.

A great sequel that only adds to the impatient wait for the next installment.

Review: 8th Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

Title: 8th Grade Bites
Series: Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
Author: Heather Brewer
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: 06 Jan 2011

Source: UK Book Tours - Thank you Lynsey




Synsopsis: From Publishers Website
Vladimir Tod has a secret. His mother was human, but his father was a vampire...
With no idea of the extent of his prowess and no one to teach him, thirteen-year-old Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and enlarged fangs. And when a strange substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown.
But then he realises he has a much bigger problem. He's being hunted by a vampire killer who is closing in . . . fast!

Review:
I have been a minion of Heather Brewer's since seeing the books advertised on amazon and goodreads, even before reading them. I am so glad that after reading the 1st book I am even more of a minion, lol.

Written in 3rd person narrative, yet focalized from Vlad's perspective, although I did feel as if the narrator had an audible presence itself similar to that of a voice-over. Vlad is a very complex character, on the one hand you have his human nature and his love for his guardian. While he keeps his half vampire nature secret and his vampire 'urges' firmly under control. Believing he is the only vampire in the world leads to a sense of loneliness that emanates from Vlad. I actually found myself feeling very maternal towards him.

Imagine only 2 people in the whole world that you can talk to; yet even though have no idea what you are going through, no concept of the internal battle you have everyday. Remembering what it was like to be a teenager *shudders* this is an internal struggle most people deal with feeling misunderstood and alone. I can't imagine how having a secret vampire identity would exaggerate these feelings.

The plot is layered with mystery after mystery, kept firmly within the reigns of the third person narrative, all the plot threads wove around one another  like a tightly coiled braid, adding dimension to the plot as a whole while keeping the reader guessing as to where exactly the story was going to conclude. Believe me there are a few surprises in store and not all the questions get answered in this one installment. Hence the trip to the library to pick up the next book in the series.

The writing is very descriptive which can be a bit off putting for the gore-aphobic that I am, the picture of Vlad with a cookie dipped in blood actually completed the picture in my imagination of him as a teenage vampire. The vampire side being just a singular part of who he is and what makes him whole. So although I am not a fan of gore, it enhanced the story in this instance. The lack of popularity and the bullying that Vlad receives seemed at odds with his personality though, this may be because he lives in the shadow of his best friend, Henry's, popularity and good looks. He is wary of defending himself against the bullying in case it reveals his vampire nature, so instead he endures it. Vlad appears to have tremendous inner strength and with his guardian ('Aunt' Nelly's) guidance he has a strong sense of decency/moral code (I am struggling to find the right word for what I want to express...blah, I am sure you get the picture) which is reflected in his protective nature towards Nelly and Henry.

The book as a whole works beautifully together. I must say I am totally invested in Vlad's future and cannot wait to find out what the other books have in store. A terrific addition (plus fun) to the Vampire genre.

Review: The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Title: The Mockingbirds
Author: Daisy Whitney
Publisher: Little Brown Young Readers
Publication Date: 2 Dec 2010

Source: UK Book Tours





Synopsis: From Amazon
Some schools have honour codes.

Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.
Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school where the students are exceptional, the faculty trust that everyone does the right thing, and the administration sees only what it wants to see - perfection.
So when Alex spends a drunken-night with a male student and awakes to evidence of a sexual encounter she can't remember, she doesn't know where to turn for help. As she slowly comes to terms with the fact that she was date raped, she enlists the help of the Mockingbirds - a secret society of her peers whose mission is to right the wrongs that the faculty and administration don't even know exist.
In standing up to her attacker, Alex discovers a strength she never knew she had and begins to understand that if you love something or someone - especially yourself - it's worth fighting for.

Review:
From the information about the author this book has been written on personal experience making it all the more powerful, emotional and compelling. I did find it quite upsetting as I kept picturing my daughters at that age being put in the same situation, I am sure I would commit a very serious crime if that occurred.


Written in 1st person narrative from Alex’s perspective. A gifted musician she has been a model student and a chaste girlfriend, saving herself for the right time. The emotions evoked from the very start are very powerful; devastating/heart-breaking are the words that come to mind giving a sense of loss and an overwhelming sadness.

The lack of remorse on the behalf of Carter (the egotistical male chauvinistic pig) was a brutal and striking contrast to the emotions Alex has to confront following the ‘incident’. The narrative shows the drastic results of excess alcohol consumption, leading to impaired mental and discussion making capabilities which can so easily be manipulated by unscrupulous people. The whole idea of Carter taking advantage of Alex was sickening. It was surprising and rather alarming at the depiction of so many girls finding themselves in similar circumstances.

The story portrays the way in which girls are very quick to blame themselves for things that happen. It made me wonder if this behavior is indoctrinated, or are we really the weaker sex. The flashbacks to the night of the ‘incident’ are written in italics adding focus and impact to the description.

The writing style flows beautifully with a strong, powerful vocalization of the reactions of all parties to the ‘incident’. The phrase ‘bad things happen to good people’ kept running through my mind. Waves of emotions poured from the pages; powerfully Alex’s feeling of being dirty and trying to wash it away on the outside while wishing you could do the same on the inside.

Alex was lucky enough to have wonderfully supportive friends and sister, making Alex luckier than a lot of people.

Although I adored Martin as the love interest (minus the owl dissection) I did have my concerns with the romance woven into the story. Martin is kind, gentle, caring, considerate and HOT. However, for me it was too soon for Alex to be starting a relationship although you can see that they are meant to be together. I am see-sawing about this aspect.

Through the progression of the story Alex becomes an icon/heroine for women’s rights at her school. I liked how The Mockingbirds trial was undertaken; if only the guilty could be as easily tripped up in real life.

For me the ending was fantastic, opening up a whole new beginning for Alex. I am a big believer in ‘pay it forward’ it must be the optimist in me. It also shows that although bad things do happen this should not be the only thing to define us; there is more to life than that if we take the time to look for it.

Part of the YA Contemps challenge

Review: The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Title: The Lonely Hearts Club
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Publisher: Point
Publication Date: Jan 2010

Source: UK Book Tours





Synopsis: From GoodReads
Love is all you need...or is it? Penny's about to find out in this wonderful debut.

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows - no more. It's a personal choice...and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born; The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her non-dating ways...which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like...

Review:
This book is wonderfully visual incorporating white print on a black background - very striking and demanding attention. Along with little symbols placed throughout, a guitar, a peace symbol, adding to the narrative. The title is wonderfully symbolic yet completely ironic when encompassing the storyline. As you can imagine music plays a strong part within the narrative giving it added appeal.

Written in first person narrative from Penny's perspective, named after The Beatles song Penny Lane, as you can imagine from this alone her family is lovely and quirky and total Beatlemaniacs. For them the answer to anything can be found within a Beatles song, fun huh. The first introduction to Penny is via a flashback to the previous Summer and the 'event' that spurred her decision to form The Lonely Hearts Club.

The story begins with beautiful reminiscing of the events following the cynical and contradictory statement at the start (I am a tease aren't I). The narrative portrays eloquently how easy it is to take relationships further than the point you feel comfortable in order to keep the other person happy. The simple fact is that if you lose them because you won't give them what they want then they are not worth having in the 1st place. This is one of those life lessons that I am hoping my daughters will learn the easy way instead of the hard way.

The way in which girls always blame themselves for the end of a relationship even when the guy is a complete moron was very powerfully and accurately described. It left me wondering if this type of behaviour is inherent or taught, something to consider. I do know that I want my children to be more confident about themselves than that although I am aware that it is a difficult process to have that much pride/respect for yourself.

The basic storyline is similar to that of The Cinderella Society with the support system of amazing friends. The portrayal of romance/dating being valued higher than friendship and how easily friends are forgotten when girls have boyfriends was a poignant part of the narrative. It really made me wonder as to why this happens, is it a learned behaviour dating back to the cavemen where we need a mate for survival. I think this might be one for Dr Winston [ ; D ]

A lovely light story full of inspirational friendships, loving families and a cute romance. Plus I love the word 'himbos' I am adding that to my library vocabulary [ : D ]

Review: 13 to Life by Shannon Delany

Title: 13 to Life
Series: 13 to Life
Author: Shannon Delany
Publisher: Saint Martin's Press Inc
Publication Date: 4 Aug 2010

Source: UK Book Tours




Synopsis: From Amazon
Jessica's life was difficult enough since the sudden loss of her mother, but meeting Pietr Rusakova turns her world completely upside down. The newest member of Junction High, Pietr is a first generation Russian-American, a fact that by itself gets him lots of attention in the small town. But Pietr has far more going for him than good looks and an interesting accent. Pietr has secrets to hide - like the fact that he's a werewolf! These secrets lead Jessica into an exciting and dangerous world where her understanding of reality and what makes someone a man or a monster are challenged.

Review:
I have to start by saying what a completely fabulous and fascinating slant on werewolf mythology.

Written in first person narrative from Jessica (Jessie's) perspective, she has been struggling emotionally since her mothers death. Completely obsessed with the wolf story/attacks in her local area. Feisty, self assured and inquisitive; it is easy to understand here position on the school paper.

Introduce Pietr, an enticing enigma from the start. Their attraction is immediate and you can completely understand why. I loved Pietr from the moment he was mentioned, his looks, character and quirky quips/one liners had me swooning; add in the tortured soul and the deep dark family secret - wow LOVE with a capital L.

Wonderfully descriptive writing style blending the realistic with the fantasy seamlessly. The plot is full of puzzles, intrigue and suspense, add in high school cliques and rampaging hormones and you get a tumultuous mix. The reference to vampire/paranormal romance within the narrative made me giggle along with Pietr's vampire digs. The comedy and the drama were exceptionally well balanced and provided a nice contrast.

The ingenious use of Macbeth and Hell added to the imagery giving it depth and dimension. While the Russian history and Cold War elements added to the realism.

A cliffhanger ending left me chomping for the next book.

If you love Werewolves then this book is a must have - if you love paranormal romance this book is a must have. Let me put it another way - this book is A MUST HAVE [ : D ]

Review: The Crescent by Jordan Deen

Title: The Crescent
Series: The Crescent
Author: Jordan Deen
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Publication Date: January 2010

Source: UK Book Tours




Synopsis: From GoodReads
Becoming a werewolf is not an option for seventeen-year-old Lacey Quinn, but death can be a strong motivator.   Lacey is so focused on her future that everyday life has passed her by. Counting down the days to her eighteenth birthday, Lacey is almost home free. But when she falls for the mysterious Alex Morris, she lands in the middle of an ancient war between two enemy wolf packs. Tempting dreams, tantalizing lies and a dangerous love triangle ensues leaving Lacey heartbroken and confused. Lacey's fate rests in the hands of Alex and Brandon, but both are pulling her strings for their own agendas. Even as she slips further into the dark world of werewolves, Lacey struggles to find the truth and save the only family she's ever know.

Review:
There were some were some weird observations and admissions right at the start making me a bit nervous about whether I was going to struggle with it or not. I needn't have worried [ : D ]

Written in first person narrative from Lacey's perspective. At 17 she is desperate to escape her current life, counting down the days until she goes away to college. She feels distant from her parents and with good reason - all will be revealed [ ; D ]

Jordan Deen has a wonderfully descriptive writing style, immersing my imagination into the story with three dimensional imagery. I loved the music references and could completely relate to the choice of music used. Plus the dream sequences were beautiful to envision. Lynsey from UK Book Tours did warn me that there were a lot of spelling/grammatical mistakes so I was prepared to put that aside in this instance.

Although the start did appear disjointed due to the large amount of plot threads they did tie together well. There is a great deal of action interspersed with small amounts of back story; personally I would have liked to have been given more of the history at the expense of some of the action, but that may just be me. A lot more details of the back story are revealed at the end, hooking me like a fish on the line for the next book.

There is a veritable smorgasbord of hot boys in this book; incorporating lots of sexual tension and chemistry. I have to say that I couldn't really understand the love triangle when to me it was obvious who the best choice was. At times I wanted to give Lacey a good shake, especially when she doesn't believe in her own intuition. I was literally shouting at the book 'Stop it Lacey - you are being annoying'.

Although I did find the twist obvious, remember I am good with twists, it didn't diminish it or distract from the story.

On the whole a promising start to a new series.

Review: The Emerald Talisman By Brenda Pandos

Title: The Emerald Talisman
Series: The Talisman Series
Author: Brenda Pandos
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Publication Date: 1 Aug 2010

Source: UK Book Tours - Thank you Lynsey Newton




Synopsis: From GoodReads
To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

Review:
Written in first person narrative from Julia's perspective. The first thing I would like to point out is that I really did not think the name suited the character at all. Really interesting extra sensory talent of reading emotions was very fascinating.

The mystery surrounding her Mothers disappearance adds a parallel to the current plot.  Plot hints are placed throughout, leading the reader to add the puzzle pieces together before they are revealed within the narrative.

The writing is delightfully descriptive making the imagery very easy to picture. Although I have to admit that I really did not like the idea of the fish pedicure at all. I have to add that the continued use of the word 'drug' made me actually wince, it was that annoying.

Parts of  Julia's characterisation was a bit confusing, the mix of teen emotions made her appear somewhat self-absorbed not in keeping with the general impression I had of her. I did feel that this book has set the basis for the progression of the series. A lot of time was spent of character development and interactions as well as revealing the background leading up to present day events.  Although I was left with the feeling that not enough of my questions were answered. I felt as if I needed a bit more substance to the story. I was a bit bemused by Julia's complete infatuation with Nicholas after their first encounter, infatuation is probably too mild a word, it was as if she was totally consumed by thoughts of him. The portrayal of friendship was really lovely, I guess being able to read emotions makes it easier to know who your true friends are.

The ingenious use of biblical references added validity to the plot. Proving that my fear of snakes is completely justified.

OK OK I know everyone uses Buffy references but I really have to in this instance; Julia is surely a totally obvious choice for Vampire Slayer while Nicholas is all broody, has the half vampire thing going on, and is totally reminiscent of Angel. There I said it.

A really interesting take on Vampire mythology,a compelling start to what promises to be a very gripping series.

Review: The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

Title: The Eternal Ones
Series:
Author: Kirsten Miller
Publisher: Puffin/Razorbill
Publication Date: 19 Aug 2010

Source: UK Book Tours - Thank you




Synopsis: From Amazon
Haven Moore has always known she's different: there are the talents that can't be explained; the knowledge of places she's never been; and then there are the visions that overwhelm her - terrifying visions of a life that ended tragically two decades earlier and more than a thousand miles away in New York City. The citizens of Haven's rural, highly religious community, believe that she's been possessed by a demon. But this is no demon: it's reincarnation. Haven journeys all the way to Manhattan in search of clues about her past life and a decades-old murder. One wrong move could lead her into the clutches of the sinister villain at the center of a conspiracy much larger than she could have ever imagined. But if she makes the right choices, Haven will find the answers she's been seeking her entire life. This is an epic and thrilling romance set in the snake-handling churches of Appalachia, the dusty ruins of ancient Rome, and the grand mansions of Manhattan. The Eternal Ones tells the story of the first battle in a war between undying love and eternal evil.

Review:
Before I start my review I have to tell you that I completely adore the whole premise of reincarnation and soul-mates; so for me I was swayed by the synopsis before I started reading it.

Written in 3rd person narrative but mainly focalized from Haven's perspective. The narrator is a subtle presence guiding the reader through the intricacies of the plot and keeping control over the weaving of past and present action together.

Haven is an outsider even in her own home. Her defences are high and understandably so. At first I had difficulty picturing her as her current self as there were so many images of her previous incarnations taking precedence within my imagination.  At times Haven's pessimism can be very annoying especially with regards to Iain/Ethan; I wanted to literally shake her for causing more problems due to her lack of faith in him.

The way in which different religious points of view were shown within the narrative was ingenious giving a well rounded plot. The vast contrast between the description of the churches within Haven's home town reflecting its parishioners and their true beliefs or lack there of. The portrayal of the church services showed how religion can be manipulated in order to control or isolate individuals. Especially the use of 'everyone is a sinner' preaching, it makes me want to get on my soapbox and rant. The bible quotes really reinforced the storyline. The description of Haven's condemnation by her local community and more importantly her Grandmother for her visions was brutal and haunting in the imagination. Connections within different religions proved a nice comparison with how the world actually is and how it should be.

The storyline and plot were so compelling I literally had to force myself to put the book down in order to get some sleep.

Plot teasers are placed throughout like puzzle pieces to be slotted together. Suspicions given validity as the story developed. Some aspects of Haven's vision were a bit confusing to begin with until they were put into context later in the action. The paranormal/supernatural woven together with religion was fascinating; I particularly liked the reference to the Devil being on earth based in NYC, swaying the balance of good and evil using temptation to tip the scales. Confirmation of this reference becomes apparent later in the book. The imagery depicted via the paintings was amazing; the dark figure symbolising the devil watching as the evil he has orchestrated comes into fruition; strengthening the plot.

Iain/Ethan balanced Haven's personality perfectly and I could definitely picture them as soul-mates, 2 sides of the same coin if you will. Were as Haven is impulsive and pessimistic, Iain/Ethan was calm, optimistic and logical. The narrative showed that it does not matter what you look like on the outside but what you have on the inside is what makes a person beautiful or ugly.

I have to say that I completely adored Beau as Haven's best friend and was unbelievably disappointed that he was gay. I adored how self assured and comfortable he was with himself. Yet his inability to move on with his life provided an additional sub-plot within the story. The bond of friendship he had with Haven was amazing and awe inspiring. I think Beau is a major player in this series and am looking forward to seeing a lot more of him in future books.

The writing style throughout is so wonderfully descriptive and sensory with everything from the sensual feel of fabric to the sights and sounds of Rome. Pieces of history woven into the description added depth to the imagery.

How can I sum up: For me this book had everything and more: action, adventure, romance, friendship, reincarnation, soul-mates plus a battle of good versus evil. What more could I ask for. I only have one complaint.......why is it sooooo long before the next installment is published??????

MG Monday: Review: The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

Title: The Cinderella Society
Series: The Cinderella Society
Author: Kay Cassidy
Publisher: Egmont USA
Publication Date: 13 April 2010

Source: UK Book Tours




Synopsis: From GoodReads
When the Prom Queen becomes your fairy godmother…

Sixteen year old outsider, Jess Parker, gets the chance of a lifetime: an invitation to join a secret society of popular girls dedicated to defeating the mean girls of the world. The Cinderella Society guides all new recruits through its top secret ultimate life makeover. It’s all part of preparing them to face down the Wickeds and win. Determined not to let the Cindys down, Jess dives in with a passion. Finally, a chance to belong and show the world what she’s made of.
… be careful what you wish for.
Jess’s transformation wins her the heart of her dream crush and a shot at uber-popularity. Until the Wickeds–led by Jess’s arch enemy–begin targeting innocent girls in their war against the Cindys, and Jess discovers the real force behind her exclusive society. It’s a high stakes battle of good vs. evil, and the Cindys in power need Jess on special assignment. When the mission threatens to destroy her dream life come true, Jess is forced to choose between living a fairy tale and honoring the Sisterhood… and herself.
What’s a girl to do when the glass slipper fits, but she doesn’t want to wear it anymore?

Review:
I can't tell you how much I liked this book. A modern fairytale with buckets of girl power. I am so buying this series for my girls [ : D ]

Written in first person narrative from Jessica's (Jess) perspective. The new girl in school, she has moved around a lot due to her fathers job; cheer-leading is her haven. She is very insecure, afraid of being shunned this is exasperated by the fact that the meanest girl in school has a 'hate' campaign against her. Started due to Jess taking her place on the cheerleader; but is that all there is to it??

Kay Cassidy seems to have tapped into the core essence of most girls insecurities and simplified it yet dramatically conveyed the meaning/feeling. The manual and its ethos was fantastic, it left me wanting one so I could go through it with my daughters when they are older. The whole ideal of making the most of what you have, accentuating your good points while ignoring your imperfections was delightful to picture. Making me think that as girls/women this is what we should be doing rather than being 'slaves' to fashion. I should be taking notes [ : D ] The main point is that everyone is unique and this fact should be celebrated rather than trying to be a copycat.

Isn't it everyone's dream to have a terrific support network of friends that are there for you no matter what the circumstances. No peer pressure just acceptance for you to be who you are. Why isn't the real world like this??

Interwoven in the narrative you then have the giant battle of good versus evil, the blending of Wicca elements into everyday practice. I have to say that all the different elements within the plot really worked together even though they were so diverse. The word that keeps jumping into my mind is CUTE especially the romantic angle.

A refreshing light read chock full of girl power. A perfect book for a tween girl. Can I have the next one please.

Review: Awakened by Ednah Walters

Title: Awakened
Series: The Guardian Legacy
Author: Ednah Walters
Publisher: Pill Hill Press
Publication Date: 22 Aug 2010

Source: UK Book Tours (the awesome Lynsey Newton strikes again)




Synopsis: From GoodReads
Most teens turn sixteen and get the license to drive, Lil Falcon gets the license to kill demons, but no one told her she is not supposed to fall in love with one.

Orphaned as a child and raised by an eccentric grandfather, Lil is concerned with surviving high school and is unaware she's a Guardian—a being with super powers charged with killing demons and protecting humanity. But when she meets Bran, a mysterious boy with amazing abilities, his psi energy unlocks her latent powers.
But Bran has a secret that can destroy their growing relationship. He's part demon. But in her heart, Lil knows Bran is not evil. So when her grandfather is kidnapped by a powerful nature-bender and Bran is the only one who knows where he's being kept, Lil convinces the other Guardians to trust him, not knowing her grandfather is just the bait. And the truth that she discovers in the demonic enclave may just destroy everything she believes in, unless she makes the right choice—love and sacrifice.

Review:
I have to say I am a bit torn with this one; I really enjoyed the fundamental storyline but found that the information at the given at the beginning of the book was overwhelming and did in fact put me off a bit.

Written in first person narrative from Lil's perspective. She completely embraces her gypsy heritage on her Grandmothers side even down to the way she dresses. Although we have plenty of action throughout there is very little in the way of character development. I did not feel as if I knew any of the characters very well, viewing the action but not entirely understanding their motivation/allegiances. I found Lil naive in parts which didn't really fit with my main view of her.

There are a so many threads to the story; mystery upon mystery surrounding Lil mixed in with Bran's tumultuous family history. There was a heck of a lot going on in this book making it sometimes difficult to keep up with the nuances of the plot. The slant on the fallen angel ideology was engaging.

On the whole I do think this is going to be a great series and am really interested to find out which direction the storyline is going to take. I am hoping for more insight into the characters and their relationships in the next book.

If you have reviewed this book as part of UK Book Tours please leave your link here:

MG Monday: Review: Radiance by Alyson Noel

Title: Radiance

Series: Riley Bloom

Author: Alyson Noel

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Publication Date: 4 Feb 2011

Source: UK Book Tours Thanks to Lynsey Newton for arranging these tours 

Synopsis: From Amazon

Riley Bloom died, aged twelve, in a car crash with her parents and her beloved dog Buttercup. Her sister Ever survived – but that’s another story. Riley must let go of Ever and all the things that tied her to life – and discover what she’s meant to be in the afterlife. Riley is a soul catcher. That means helping the unhappy lost souls who stick around in the human realm to move on – and find their own place, over the bridge, in the great hereafter. With her spirit guide, Bodhi, and Buttercup by her side, Riley embarks on an adventure that will take her around the world – sending ghosts back where they belong, until she can finally make it there herself.

Review:

I really like The Immortals series so was especially curious to see how the spin-off would work.

As you can probably guess it is written in first person narrative from Riley's perspective. We already know quite a bit about Riley's personality from The Immortals Series. However, her narrative voice is sometimes conflicting sounding far more grown-up than the twelve year old she is supposed to be. At times it was hard to reconcile the tone with the picture I had in my imagination.

Riley can be intensely annoying at times, the word brat definitely came to mind. Although Riley is very self-absorbed there is a sense of innocence and goodness about her despite her occasional 'bitchy' and judgemental attitude.

I really liked the storyline which was enthralling and intriguing. Absolutely suited to the Middle Grade category. The concepts were lovely to imagine; the afterlife, helping troubled souls cross over. In addition to the parallel presented with the place name and time (Here and Now) with the notion of living in the moment. The use of the name Bodhi and ensuing plot brought to mind images of Point Break and surfers.

On the whole, a quick and easy read with a nice storyline. I will certainly be reading the next book in the series.

If you have also taken part in the UK Book Tour for this book please link your review below : D

Review: Matched by Ally Condie

Title: Matched
Series: ? although it is a trilogy (thank goodness)
Author: Ally Condie
Publisher: Puffin
Publication Date: 2nd December 2010

Thank you so much to UK Book Tours for the chance to read it



Synopsis: From Amazon
On her seventeenth birthday, Cassia meets her Match. Society dictates he is her perfect partner for life. Except he’s not. In Cassia’s society, Officials decide who people love. How many children they have. Where they work. When they die. But, as Cassia finds herself falling in love with another boy, she is determined to make some choices of her own. And that’s when her whole world begins to unravel....

Review:
Wow, just wow. This one really lingers in your memory long after you turn that last page. That's all I can say is thank goodness this is a trilogy as I have so many unanswered questions and feel as if I am personally invested in the futures of the main characters that I just don't want to let them go.

Shades of George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. A society that controls every aspect of daily life. Watching all aspects of 'normal' human behaviour. Monitoring everything from interactions to dreams. Controlling what is grown, what is eaten and how much is eaten; what jobs people do and even who we are allowed to love. All this was just so frighteningly easy to picture in the imagination, even relate to on some fundamental level.

People's behaviour and actions are predicted; what would happen if we were given a choice. The power the 'officials' possess makes them think that they are 'gods' playing with peoples lives as if it were some kind of sadistic experiment. The monotony of 'the society' and the drabness of their lives probably provides the reasoning behind this behaviour. As I read my mind kept questioning the entire foundation of 'the society', like a domino effect one question lead to another;  how did it start, why did it start, who controls it, I could go on.

I found myself rebelling mentally against the idea of living in a world where nothing is created. There are only 100 poems/books/paintings that have been chosen for the population by an appointed panel. I just could not live like that. I wondered if this lifestyle would turn people into automatons, not really living but just going through the motions until the 'society' sanctioned euthanasia at 80. It would be like living in an ant colony only there to serve and provide a reproductive service in order to maintain 'the society'. The inspired use of Dylan Thomas's Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night added impact to the imagery; being welsh Dylan Thomas is one of my favourite poets. Plus the use of a Harry Potter reference for sarcastic purposes made me feel that Ally Condie is a kindred spirit. The tone is at times delightfully sarcastic which I totally adore.

All the characters are tremendously well rounded; their interactions and behaviour are revealed slowly throughout the narrative. The main point, I felt, was that we may not know the people close to us as well as we think we do.

The three main protagonist work beautifully together.
Cassia: initially a drone desperate to be a model citizen. Slowly realises appearances aren't always what they seem mainly due to her Grandfather's influence. Her personality and creativity goes from strength to strength as the plot develops.
Ky: wow my heart just ached for him. Such a wonderful character to imagine. Always the outsider on the fringes watching and learning as he is in turn being watched. Hiding who he really is in order to blend in. The weight of so many secrets weighs him down.
Xander: another multi-dimensional character. it seemed as if he was too different people, one in public and one in private. He too has his secrets.
This was one very difficult love triangle in which to pick a side. Normally I have no trouble deciding which male protagonist I would pick but this one left me baffled, both Ky and Xander are wonderful. I really didn't want to see anyone get hurt.

The whole idea of being Matched by a set of criteria and then the developing love triangle really brought to mind the whole question of how do we fall in love. If matching wasn't involved who would they chose to fall in love with.

A truly fantastic book with a fresh dystopian theme. I am just so happy that this is a trilogy but obviously not at all happy that I have to wait for the next installment. I just hope that at least some of my questions get answered.

If you have reviewed this book as part of UK Book Tours please leave the link to your review here:

Review: Of Witches and Warlocks: The Trouble with Spells by Lacey Weatherford

Synopsis: From Goodreads
Portia Mullins had always lived the life of a normal teenager, up until her sixteenth birthday. She is then informed by her grandma that she is actually a witch who is a descendant from a long line of witches and warlocks. After overcoming her disbelief she finds that being a member of the coven comes with one great perk in the form of the school's handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum. Vance and Portia have an immediate connection as a budding romance begins, only to be threatened by turbulent skies on the horizon as Vance's checkered past rears its ugly head to haunt them. Portia is forced to use her untried powers in defense of everything she loves in a desperate attempt to hold on to the one thing that really matters in her life.

Review:
WARNING: The following review will contain lots of gushing. Read on if you dare : D

From the start I should tell you that this series is right up there with the Twilight Saga for me. Are you shocked? In fact the female protagonist, Portia, makes a far better role model than Bella. Imagine if you will a 16 year old Buffy mixed with Willow's magical power. I can even go so far as to say I wanted to be Portia even more than I wanted to be Buffy *Gasp*. Portia kicks some series butt, both magically and literally. At 16, she has more inner strength, loyalty and devotion than most double her age.

From her 16th birthday her abilities manifest, phenomenal in their power and Portia's ability to use them. The background and imagery of the witchcraft was astounding, showing an amazing amount of research on Lacey's part.

If you saw my trailer post yesterday you will know that the male protagonist is based on Matt Lanter. At 18 Vance has the whole brooding bad boy thing going on; throw in a leather jacket and motorcycle and you have a protagonist so hot you can feel the steam coming off the pages ;) As you probably know by now I kinda have a thing for the bad boy trying to be good. So Vance hit all the right buttons for me. Bad through his upbringing (his dysfunctional family made mine look relatively normal, lol) battling his destiny with his soul-mate at his side. The intensity of the emotion emanating from the pages was heart wrenching (in a good way).

The incorporation of different religions, showing their compatibility was fantastic. Making the point that why are there so many different factions all battling each other when they could work together. Why does there have to be a divide.

For me this is one book that I could read time and time again. Something I only normally do with Twilight. It has everything; powerful central characters you will fall in love with; action; adventure; romance with a mix of paranormal/supernatural.. It is addictive and compelling. Definitely rate it as one of my favourite books.

Check out the Of Witches and Warlocks website

So all you UK publishers take note - Lacey doesn't have a UK publisher - someone really needs to snap her up now!!!!!!

If you have reviewed this book as part of UK Book Tours please leave the link to your review here:

Review: Torment by Lauren Kate

Synopsis: From Amazon

In "Torment", fallen angel Daniel and his mortal love Lucinda think they are safe but evil forces are massing against them. As Luce learns more about her past, and discovers that the lives she's already lived hold the key to her future happiness; she starts to wonder if Daniel has told her the whole truth. What if his version of events isn't the way things happened? What if that means that she's really meant to be with someone else?



Review:
If you have read my review of Fallen you will know what an absolute fan-girl I am. I will be honest with you from the start; not only did this sequel life up to my very high expectations, it surpassed them. Be prepared for gushing.

The story starts shortly after the battle at Sword and Cross along with the start of the truce between the forces of good and evil. We are gradually introduced to other elements outside of the main factions of good and evil, all of which are dependent on Luce. It is definitely necessary to read this series in order to get the full benefit of the nuances of the plot.

The most amazing plot teasers are placed throughout the narrative, making me shoot through the pages to find if my assumptions were correct. The plot had me hooked like a drug addict needs their next fix, I needed to carry on reading to get my 'fix' of the plot.

I found the character development astounding, it really blew me away. Especially that of Luce; from following what she is told, she develops independence and curiosity to challenge the information she is given (or not as the case may be). Although Luce feels love for Daniel she does question how she can feel such intense emotion when she doesn't really know Daniel. She feels she is unable to follow on faith alone. She is emotionally stronger than she is given credit for. Her 'talents' are revealed slowly, taking even Luce by surprise at the things she can do.

The introduction of her new classmates at Shoreline gives an opportunity for the reader to compare and contrast their personalities and appearance to the characters we already have in place. I actually really liked the introduction of Miles as an alternative love interest for Luce. His temperament is so completely different to Daniels that as a reader you question who would be the better choice for Luce. However, I had the nagging feeling at the back of my mind that there are more to Miles and Shelby than has been revealed so far.

At the beginning of Torment, Daniel came across as a bit controlling. He is in the position of possessing the knowledge of Luce's previous incarnations, making him fully aware of all the possible dangers/consequences. He is unable to share this knowledge with Luce, yet he expects her to trust him based solely on the depth of the emotion they share. Daniel's character is revealed slowly, like peeling the layers of an onion. I was profoundly sadden at the thought of his having other girlfriends. Although I am not convinced this notion has come from a reliable source. However the seed of doubt has now been planted. As the story progresses we are able to discern the full extent of Daniel's devotion to Luce, it took my breath away.

The imagery and descriptions were realistic and relatable, making the story completely believable. I was wishing I could go to school at Shoreline. The contrasts between Shoreline/Sword and Cross was startling in the imagination. So well described you could build a three dimensional picture of both.

The reworking of bible stories was ingenious. I really liked how the reworking showed that nothing is black and white, there are shades of grey; IE there are always two sides to every story. You cant have good without evil, there has to be a balance, a yin and yang scenario sprang to mind.

The ending was action packed and dramatic leaving me yearning for the next installment. This is one story that can literally be taken in any direction, and I for one cant wait to see where it is heading.

I did warn you that gushing would be involved but I hope I have made concise points with my gushing thrown in. I loved Fallen and have increased my love of this series with Torment. Thank you UK Book Tours for giving me the chance to read it. One word  AWESOME.

If you have reviewed this book as part of UK Book Tours please leave the link to your review here:

Review: Fade by Lisa McMann

Synopsis: From Amazon
For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open - but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behaviour has grave consequences for them both. And if that isn't bad enough, Janie has discovered Martha Stubin's journals, and what she learns through them chills her to the bone. For not only is her fate as a Dream Catcher sealed, but what's to come is so much darker than she'd ever feared...It seems that some nightmares never end...

Review:
I looked back at my review of Wake and  thought OMG what was I thinking, as Fade really drew me in, the overall impression I had was WOW. For me my enjoyment was increased due to there being far less crying. Although feelings run high and emotions sometimes get the better of the characters, the way in which they related to each other and the other characters within the book was much better. I realise that this is due to the fact both Janie and Cabel are working through their emotional issues. Growing emotional stronger thanks to their relationship.

The start of Fade finds Janie & Cabel a few months after the end of Wake. They are still unable to be open about their relationship while still in high school. Their relationship is very intense for their age. Their shared lack of parenting bonds them together. their traumatic childhood ties them deeply together. There are little recaps throughout Fade but not enough to make Wake superfluous.

I liked Janie far more than in Wake, she is learning to control her participation within the dreams as much as she is able. The depiction of the effects it has on her both mentally and physically gave depth to the storyline. She is becoming emotionally and physically stronger thanks to Cabel and The Captain. Janie is finally beginning to accept herself and take responsibility for own well being.

Both Cabel and Janie are mature beyond their years, Cabel especially is extremely well organised (I notice these things as I am on a get organised drive). They have had responsibility from a young age and it has shaped their personality and interactions.

I did feel Cabel was maybe over compensating for his lack of love as a child by being over-protective and possessive with Janie. Very intense emotions at play here. I am not really sure whether their relationship can be classed as 'healthy'.

I adored the communication between Cabel and Janie via email. Something I can completely relate to. Sometimes it is easier to open up when you are not dealing with that person face to face. Easier to express yourself without worry of interruption, rebuke or losing your train of thought. I also felt that the emails showed a lot more of the character development, their history and its repercussions.

The dream sequences are even more vivid and three dimensional. The high school dream imagery was rather amusing ;) The sub-plot with the revelations of the previous Dream Catcher, Miss Stubins, interwoven into the narrative gave depth to the plot. The information given was amazing and via which we are able to understand Janie better, even empathise with her.

My skin literally crawled with the depiction of a teacher abusing their position of authority. The party was so disturbing on so nay levels. For me, from the perspective of a parent *shudders* my heart pounded and my stomach clenched while reading it. I literally had palpitations. Cabel's reaction following the party was heart breaking.

This book certainly had the WOW factor. It is amusing in parts, romantic in others while weaving in tension and drama. I can definitely say this is one I am going to remember for a long time.

PS I really, really want to read Gone NOW!!!!!!!

If you have reviewed this book as part of UK Book Tours please leave the link to your review here:

Saturday Spotlight: The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

The wonderful, famous, amazing Jenny from Wondrous Reads is co-ordinating the UK publicity campaign for this book. I am also taking part in the UK Book Tour, I am so excited to read this book, I am delighted to take part in the campaign and very honoured that Jenny asked me *grins*

Synopsis: From Amazon

Haven Moore has always known she's different: there are the talents that can't be explained; the knowledge of places she's never been; and then there are the visions that overwhelm her - terrifying visions of a life that ended tragically two decades earlier and more than a thousand miles away in New York City. The citizens of Haven's rural, highly religious community, believe that she's been possessed by a demon. But this is no demon: it's reincarnation. Haven journeys all the way to Manhattan in search of clues about her past life and a decades-old murder. One wrong move could lead her into the clutches of the sinister villain at the center of a conspiracy much larger than she could have ever imagined. But if she makes the right choices, Haven will find the answers she's been seeking her entire life. This is an epic and thrilling romance set in the snake-handling churches of Appalachia, the dusty ruins of ancient Rome, and the grand mansions of Manhattan. The Eternal Ones tells the story of the first battle in a war between undying love and eternal evil.

Are you hooked yet???? Need more tempting.....

Still not convinced......How about some sample chapters.....

The Eternal Ones - Sampler #1

The Eternal Ones - Sampler #2

The Eternal Ones - Sampler #3

THE ETERNAL ONES by Kirsten Miller

Published by Puffin Razorbill on 19th August 2010.

Paperback original. RRP £6.99.

So now you know how truly awesome this book is going to be to read, what are you waiting for?????? Available to buy NOW!!!!!

Happy reading everyone. 

Review: Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony

Synopsis: From Goodreads

The year is 2041, and sixteen-year-old Molly McClure has lived a relatively quiet life on an isolated farming island in Canada, but when her family fears the worst may have happened to her grandparents in the US, Molly must brave the dangerous, chaotic world left after global economic collapse—one of massive oil shortages, rampant crime, and abandoned cities.


 
Review:
Let me start by saying how much I love the word Dystopian; isn't it wonderful. It conjures up all these images of a post apocalyptic world even before you start the story.

Written in 1st person narrative; Molly is a wonderfully caring 16 year old, raised in a fashion of a by-gone era where families worked and played together, having a caring family is valued higher than possessions. As a result of this upbringing Molly appeared a bit naive and innocent to the other side of society when she first starts her journey. We soon discover that although Molly is naive to the ways of this particular world (for I felt as if her home was in fact a different world), she possess a wonderful strength of character and determination. Her openness draws people to her and she has a fabulously loving nature that rubs off on the people around her.

The writing is wonderfully descriptive, making the whole reality easy to recreate within the imagination. The musical descriptions felt as if they were reverberating from the pages (if you look at the trailer you can understand why I wish I had watched it before reading the book). Although not a gardener myself, I could fully appreciate the description and how tactile it felt. The description of Molly trying to walk in high heels had me in stitches.

The story is set in a future following a global economic collapse. *ponders, sounds familiar* The whole premise was so topical and thought provoking, plus quite frankly terrifying with the current state of the economy. I found the whole economics angle within the narrative surprisingly easy to relate to, it was like reading Economics for Dummies as I am not that hot on Economics. It was really interesting and helpful in understanding how the system works. For example, it showed how as a population we tend to put value on a small amount of things. Greater value is placed on possessions and shows of wealth rather than being content with having what you need. It also showed how a chain reaction can quickly occur, something I personally had not considered: unable to eat beef = collapse of fast food industry = mass unemployment. Paving the way for Organised Crime Syndicates to take over, the black market taking on a wider meaning. There is even a reference to Prohibition within the narrative and that is exactly the image I had in my head while I was reading the book. Making the divide between rich and poor even greater.

As you know I like the bad boys, so the introduction of Spill had me hook, line and sinker. A bad boy trying to be good, to get out of the life he has been forced to live. The budding romance/friendship between Molly and Spill was really cute and added an extra element to the plot.

This story really made me think about how as a population we need to readdress our values. To sustain society we need to go back to old values of putting family first and only having the things we actually need rather than getting into debt to have things that would be of little or no value in the future. It showed how much we take our resources for granted. At the moment it is easy to travel the world, how often have you heard the comment it is a small world; in reality it isn't. We have been fortunate to have the technology and resources with which we can travel but we need to keep in mind that without them this type of travel would not be possible. I especially liked that the story was not all doom and despair, it had an optimistic edge to it with a good dose of hope at the end. Making it a terrific topical, thought provoking read with a heart warming delivery.

If you have reviewed this book as part of UK Book Tours please leave the link to your review here: