I think there is something deeply appealing about stories centred on second chances.
As humans, much of oDo you believe in second chances?
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I think there is something deeply appealing about stories centred on second chances.
As humans, much of our lives are spent making choices that define us...for better or for worse. People enter our lives and make an impression on us; shaping us, even scarring us. Hindsight allows us to look back and ask "What if?"
What if I'd said those burning words I kept inside? What if I'd taken that leap of faith? What if I'd known how it would end?
Bridget Morrissey's A Thousand Miles brings to life a tale of a decades-old promise, and a road trip that will both hurt and heal two souls drawn together by a complicated shared history.
It made me laugh - and it made me sob like a baby. Like ugly cry. Grab another box of Kleenex and maybe a few therapeutic chocolates kind of sobbing! Bridget beautifully crafts two main characters with such raw emotions, splayed out across the book's pages for us to read and relate to.
The passage of time has left our main protagonists with a mixture of fond memories and deep regrets. Both Dee and Ben have an unspoken need to uncover the reason behind their broken friendship - and whether the teenage promise of something more still exists as adults. Retracing their steps as they take a road trip together, their pasts, their present, and their futures collide.
What do you get when you combine complex magical concepts with Ilona Andrews' sharp wit and brilliant sense of humour?
YMagic and mayhem...!
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What do you get when you combine complex magical concepts with Ilona Andrews' sharp wit and brilliant sense of humour?
You get the Hidden Legacy series.
I have always adored Ilona Andrews' works, which have - in so many ways - redefined the urban fantasy genre. Every one of their books is a unique twist on the very nature of magic and magic users, brought to life by multifaceted characters and spectacular world-building.
I originally read (and loved) the first three books in the series that were centred around Nevada Baylor and her adventures. Nevada, however, was not the only bright star in the series. Her eccentric, incredibly talented, and devoted family was filled with memorable characters. I remember wanting so badly to know more about each of them and their unique abilities.
Then came Books 4, 5, and 6 to answer my prayers. It was finally Catalina's time to shine!
Catalina - one of Nevada's sisters - is the focus of Books 4-6.
Her unique gift (no spoilers but she is powerful with a capital 'P'), and her interactions with the very suave and captivating Alessandro Sagredo, created the perfect foundation for one of my fave fictional romances ever.
These books also provide readers with so many funny scenes! I grew to absolutely adore their family even more (they're now on par with the Weasley family for me!) and the hilarious antics they get up to are the icing on the cake:
"Once I mentioned Alessandro, the family had ganged up on me. Arabella screamed like a pterodactyl and demanded to know where Alessandro was staying, while punching her palm with her fist. Bern swore, which had happened exactly six times since he came to live with us. Grandma Frida promised to hit Alessandro with a wrench when he came over. Leon produced a gun, and then Mom asked him what the rule was about guns at the dinner table, and then he said that this was a special case and he had a bullet with Alessandro’s name on it. Then she told him that writing names on bullets was no way to go through life."
Prepare yourself for the captivating finale... [image] [image]
The captivating Stalking Jack the Ripper series has come to an end.
With its complex tPrepare yourself for the captivating finale... [image] [image]
The captivating Stalking Jack the Ripper series has come to an end.
With its complex tapestry of informative historical tidbits and vivid fictional characters, this series has been a standout for me since I began covering it back in 2016. It sits right at the crossroad where true crime, historical fiction, and YA romance collide. The historical details paint a striking backdrop for Kerri's leads Audrey and Thomas to go about their investigations - providing a sense of realism and depth that few authors have achieved in such a nuanced way.
Capturing the Devil tugs on the heartstrings.
All of the SJTR books have had emotional payoff - however this was definitely heightened in CTD. This definitely because of the slow burning romance between Audrey and Thomas that has developed over the course of the series. I found myself going into this book invested, yes, in the plot...but mainly there to discover the fate of our favourite duo! For me at least, their romance (whilst balanced beautifully with the plot) took the front seat and is definitely the reason I bookmarked 90% of the quotes I did (Thomas has such a way with words!).
"My love for you will be a constant in a sea of unknown variables. We may fight or be cross with each other, but our love will never fade or wilt. Trust in that. Trust in us. Forget the future. Forget worry. The only thing that terrifies me is the possibility of living with regret. I don't ever want to wake and wonder what life could have been like with you in it. I don't ever want to regret holding myself back from loving you as fully and openly as possible."
We Hunt The Flame is a vivid tapestry of Arabian and fantasy elements, resul**The full review can be found on my blog 21st Century Once Upon A Times**
We Hunt The Flame is a vivid tapestry of Arabian and fantasy elements, resulting in an unforgettable journey that is worthy of its own legend.
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From the very first page, I was hooked by Hafsah Faizal's clever worldbuilding and seamless integration of Arabic terms and concepts. Oftentimes it is difficult for an author to effectively and accurately merge another culture or a language with English storytelling or within a fantasy world. We Hunt The Flame has no issues with this at all, allowing for an immediate - almost instant - immersion into the kingdom of Arawiya.
As I progressed through the novel, there was never a moment where I felt like a traveller in an unknown land. Hafsah Faizal's writing style is utterly poetic and reveals her world in easy-to-digest snippets that always tease at deeper or greater revelations to come. We Hunt The Flame was not a novel that ever released its hold on me. There was never a time where my mind and imagination disengaged from the plot and its characters. That level of storytelling from a debut novel speaks volumes as to Hafsah Faizal's true talent as an author.
Nasir was a brilliant character. His title, or persona, of 'The Prince of Death' is a fascinating contrast to the layered and complex man he is. Both he and Zafira were so fleshed-out, with detailed motivations and personal flaws and triumphs...it was a joy to read about both of them. I am usually the sort of person who dislikes switches in character POV, as it usually ruins my immersion in the book. But due to the wonderful construction of these characters, I became so invested in them that I was eager to slip from POV to POV and experience the inner thoughts of each one.
The chemistry between character was off the charts! I have ever only truly felt the like in the Throne of Glass series - that kind of connection that leaps off of the page. The following quote is a great example: (view spoiler)[
'Their lips touched. Once, barely. Twice, scarcely. And her world disappeared. She had never expected a hashashin’s lips to be so soft. So gentle. Like the first snow across the jumu’a, melting at mere embrace. But Zafira had befriended the darkness. She had slain safin and ifrit. She was the Huntress. She was magic. Zafira bint Iskandar did not want gentle from the Prince of Death. She wanted more. He pulled back and read her face. She traced his scar with one trembling finger, and he murmured a curse as something wild gripped her. She knotted her hands in his hair—pausing at the softness between her fingers, the feel of him against her—before she pulled him closer.'
To say I liked We Hunt The Flame is an understatement. I adored every page, every sentence, every word. It's a literary masterpiece and I cannot wait to read what Hafsah Faizal has in store for us bookworms next.
**Although I was provided with a review copy by the author and/or publisher, all opinions expressed in this post are purely my own.**...more
Today, ladies and gentlemen and dragons queens plus handsome men in top hats, I am finally going to review this masterpiece of a book! I'm excited to share with you my thoughts on it + which bits put a smile on my face (hint hint: all of them involve a HOT HOT HOT reasonably good-looking male by the name of Dev).
Book cover: As Ms Mellow divulged in my interview with her, a lot of thought went into the cover of this book.
The cover, according to Ms Mellow, reflects the idea of the unconscious mind and what that could be if represented visually. The rest of the elements, like the stars and colours, link to certain parts of the book and are very symbolic. The main bulk of the art is the work of the photographer Elena Kalis whose underwater photography is breathtaking.
Not only is the cover gorgeous, but when it's next to the other stunning covers in the series, the complete set produces a wow-factor that should be on every bookshelf!
A female figure in slumber fits the book and its title perfectly. Although I must say she looks way prettier than most people when they sleep (her makeup and nails are flawless!). I'm a sucker for glitter and sparkles and these are just so ethereal! Love the space vibes I'm getting.
Thoughts: Some people are just gifted when it comes to word selection and application. Their writing never feels forced, or lacks flow - the words seem to belong on the page.
E. J. Mellow has this gift in abundance.
The only way I can explain it is that her writing makes me happy as a bookworm. The unique phrasing, the natural feel of the sentences and the dialogue, the way the character's personality shines through the descriptions...it all comes together to make a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Basically E. J. Mellow's writing is what dreams are made of (all puns intended!).
The plot is lovingly pieced together using unique and intriguing concepts that capture and challenge the imagination. The combination of a dream world, plus the ability to conjure things into existence, provides readers with a layered journey full of twists and turns as you fight to discover what is real and what only exists behind your eyelids.
Warning: the kiss scenes will turn you into a pile of fangirling goo so beware of hot dudes will brilliant blue eyes because they will melt your brain! This book is not for the faint of fangirl heart! ...more
Poison is a novel you are not going to want to put down...at all...ever.
The feel of the novel is a cross between Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games andPoison is a novel you are not going to want to put down...at all...ever.
The feel of the novel is a cross between Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games and Sharon Gosling's The Diamond Thief, plus a whole lot of unique and awe-inspiring elements that Lan Chan weaves together using her storytelling magic.
Gritty dystopia and rebellion meets the highs and lows of circus performance in a novel that will honestly hold on to both your attention and your heart. I could go on singing this book's praises for days!
Book cover: I love book covers that pay attention to detail and try to tie in with the story, giving readers a peek into the book's world. Poison hit the mark with its incorporation of elements that hold such symbolism once you've started reading the book.
The cover model's bodice is the same silvery grey as the Wind Dancer costume Rory wears at one point during Poison, and the detailing on it is exquisite. Who wouldn't love to wear a costume as beautiful as that one?!
Another fun element is the contrast between the buildings in the background and the trees in the foreground. It really sets the stage for the entire novel - nature versus mankind, Wanderers versus Seeders, and the wants of the heart versus duty.
The lacing at the back of the outfit and the lace-like details are just beautiful.
Plot: There aren't words to describe just how addictive Poison is. The only way I can describe my reading experience is this: it was like taking a jump from a great height...and landing safely at the bottom.
There is uncertainty at first, which is what always happens when I read dystopian or post-apocalyptic novels. I'm always afraid that there will be too many cliches, or that I will be forced to endure a revamped version of The Hunger Games for the hundredth time.
But then, as you begin to read, your courage builds. You decide that these characters and this story - its unique elements and tantalising plot - deserve your trust. And you jump...straight into the story, and into Lan Chan's brilliant world.
The fall is exhilarating. So many twists and turns, so many images flashing before your eyes. You practically fly through the plot, emotions rolling through you at a breakneck pace.
And when you land safely there's a strong feeling of satisfaction mixed with a little bit of regret...regret that it's over! You immediately want to experience that rush again. Which is why the wait for the next book in this series will be extremely painful!
I loved how Lan Chan set the book in my homeland, good old Australia. It was nice to see dystopia being played out somewhere I know well and am emotionally invested in - it reminded me a lot of the Rosie Black Chronicles by Lara Morgan. Reading this book, I could see the realism. I could see the path that could very possibly lead to the kind of future Poison laid out. The lore behind the Seeders and Wanderers was offered to readers piece by piece, flowing with the plot in a way that never overwhelmed or bored. The world building was done with the kind of finesse seen in Suzanne Collins' set up of the Districts in The Hunger Games series.
But above all I want to praise Lan Chan for her handling of the romantic elements of Poison. I fully expected a love triangle and was delighted to be proved wrong. Instead, romantic relationships were tangled, messy, real and hard to pin down or assign to particular characters. Instead we as readers were encouraged to question characters' motivations and to draw our own conclusions. There are no romantic 'teams' or bias.
Buuuuuuuut I will say that I dearly love Aiden (who I imagine to look something like a long-lost Hemsworth sibling) and that if Rory doesn't want him please - please - sign me up!
An incredible ride from start to finish, Poison has become a fast favourite and I look forward to reading more of Lan Chan's writing in the future.
Let me introduce you to a book you'll be dying to read...
As many of you may be aware, I simply adore all things mythology - especially ancient Egyptian mythology.
So when I was given the opportunity to read & review Jane Unwrapped by Leah and Kate Rooper I just knew that it was the kind of book that I would fall instantly in love with. And I was right! Two pages in and I was already tuning out the outside world, perfectly content to sit down all day with a book that had gripped me with its brilliant characters and unique plot.
It's female protagonist, Jane, was witty, conflicted, and the kind of girl I instantly knew I'd be friends with in real life. Her love of science and quirky facts brought life to the story, making her more than just your average heroine. Her character development shocked me with its rapid but well-thought-out pace - she faced many challenges but emerged triumphant, wearing her emotional and physical scars proudly.
And the book's male protagonist was just as amazing...deadly amazing! Yes, yes, I was very tempted to include a whole array of death puns when discussing the hottie that is Anubis, but I will restrain myself ;)
The Rooper sisters' Anubis is by far one of the best adaptions of a mythological persona I have come across. Anubis was just the right blend of clueless, stoic, and self-righteous ancient god mixed with the adorableness, good looks and sly humour of a YA bad boy. The chemistry between him and Jane was off the charts! They helped each other grow and become better versions of themselves, challenged one another, and made great friends long before romance blossomed.
If you love comedy, romance, time-travelling, and mythology...Jane Unwrapped is definitely for you!...more
The moment when you realise that the entire book is in Daemon's POV. The. Whole. Book. 350 pages of sarcastic and smoking hot awesomeness.
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The moment when you realise that the entire book is in Daemon's POV. The. Whole. Book. 350 pages of sarcastic and smoking hot awesomeness.
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'Something remains in the silence after a performance. It echoes between the seats, winding through aisles and rows, whispering as it returns to the f
'Something remains in the silence after a performance. It echoes between the seats, winding through aisles and rows, whispering as it returns to the front of the hall. The stage remembers. Its polished floor pulses with the heartbeat of every musician who has crossed it and holds within its infinite memory that which murmurs endlessly in silence. Power. The same power pulsating in the thick blood now flowing across the pale wood and pooling around the podium. This sacred ground siphons away an artist's life, ingesting ambition and arrogance, and devouring countless dreams of immortality so that it can satiate a voracious audience. The stage demands to be fed. When you step on it, you become the willing sacrifice.'
Poignant and edgy, Breaking Measures takes contemporary fiction to the next level.
Emma Raveling's writing has always been a stunning example of how an author can reel in their readers from the very first word. And Breaking Measures is no exception. In fact, it builds on Raveling's ability to entertain readers by adding a bundle of mystery and suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seat...and looking over their shoulders to check that a mass murderer hasn't snuck into their houses!
Sprinkled with delicious descriptions of the main protagonist Leila Cates' music career and her love for her art, this novel is utterly captivating from start to finish. Examples of these beautifully crafted descriptions include:
'Leila retreated to the piano, hands trembling at the life spinning out of their control. She pushed the metronome, the precise tick reminding her of measures and boundaries. Now that Orion was gone, the frantic presto pulse no longer seemed right. She adjusted the speed, reducing it to an ominous adagio that boomed like thunder in her chest.'
And another one of my faves:
'People wanted to see her triumph over grief and become the bloodied gladiator standing alone in the arena. The stage demanded a moving display of grit and tenacity, a story about an inspiring comeback despite tragic suffering. Leila was now the headliner in a performance selling the American Dream. The only way to extinguish the sordidness of murder was with a spectacular performance that would be remembered for the ages, a concert that would become an immortal part of her legacy.'
This book is highly recommended for readers who love to read well-written books.
Love books where it feels like every word, every sentence, has been chosen and put together with the utmost care and attention? Do you love books that make you feel invested in their mysterious events, and that urge you to join in on the journey to discover the truth?
Then Breaking Measures is most definitely for you! ...more
I couldn't stop laughing the whole time I read this. Every single moment is so beautifully created. YoSo...so...good!
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I couldn't stop laughing the whole time I read this. Every single moment is so beautifully created. You're constantly wondering: (A) Whether the book is a perfect balance between comedy and romance (B) Are-they-or-aren't-they all slightly unhinged in this book (C) Why don't they let Rachel Van Dyken film and/or run The Bachelor
Because if that lady ran the show I'd watch it every year, without fail, with a bag of popcorn sitting on the seat beside me!
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I mean, why can't I have a guy who pretends to slay dragons for me?!
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Why can't I also have a ridiculously good-looking best friend who compares me to doughnuts & has been to one-too-many theater camps? Or even the chocolate-covered almonds Milo got...I'd settle for a plain old cookie right about now!!
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*sighs* But...as we all know...there is no way (yet) of summoning adorable men and/or amazing food from between the pages of a book.
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Note to readers: this book is not just about smexy men.
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I'm telling the truth! True...the romance elements are h-h-hot, but the main attraction this books has is its humour. I almost died laughing - every page is a masterpiece! If this book could be made into a romantic comedy I would watch it every day <3
At the center of this comedic whirlwind is Max.
Max is a force of nature. A hot, weird, slightly-unhinged force of nature who has an adorable habit of interrupting/butting in/opening his mouth at the most inappropriate times!
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So what are you waiting for...go read it! Trust me - when the whole cast of characters gets together and things start to go crazy, it's so entertaining to read :)
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A stunning finale to the epic series, tying up loose ends and creating beautiful beginnings.
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A stunning finale to the epic series, tying up loose ends and creating beautiful beginnings.
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Filled with tantalizing story snippets, Buzz Books 2015: Young Adult Spring predicts a year filled with amazing reading experiences for all lovers of Filled with tantalizing story snippets, Buzz Books 2015: Young Adult Spring predicts a year filled with amazing reading experiences for all lovers of YA!
I'll be posting up a full, in-depth review (made up of mini-reviews, one for each book excerpt included) soon :)...more
I cannot put into words how much I adore this book.
Start, middle, end...every single step of the magical journey, I was enthralled. Colleen Houck provI cannot put into words how much I adore this book.
Start, middle, end...every single step of the magical journey, I was enthralled. Colleen Houck proves herself to once again be a writing goddess as she pieces together a book filled to the brim with myth, wit, magic, and a romance that hooked me in from the start.
Reawakened woke up something in me that had been sleeping since the original Percy Jackson series concluded. True, genuine interest in a book's plot, characters and backstory.
Those who know me will know that Egyptian mythology is one of my favourite things ever. In fact, it's what I'm majoring in! Colleen Houck's use of mythology is innovative and respectful, blurring lines between fiction and reality seemingly with ease.
And that ending...that ending. I don't think I will ever be able to stop crying - nor are there enough emojis on earth to express the level of emotion I experienced. It was like Colleen Houck had reached through the pages of the book and brought me into her world. It felt real. It felt magical. It was the kind of book you savour every page of and you wish would never end.
With a richly exotic cover, multi-layered plot, and a awe-inspiring cast of characters, Reawakened is a book every lover of YA needs on their bookshelf pronto!...more
To anyone who hasn't read Marie Lu's The Young Elites...
Ah, firstly, you've either been living under a so*searches frantically for Book #2*
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To anyone who hasn't read Marie Lu's The Young Elites...
Ah, firstly, you've either been living under a somewhat-comfortable rock, or on a desert island with only rocks for friends.
Secondly, if you're going to read this book, a word of warning: the following items will be required in order to survive the experience: - (x10 or more) boxes of tissues - (x2 or more) tubs of your favourite ice-cream (to be eaten straight from the tub) - (x1) stress ball/punching bag - many sessions of therapy afterwards
To anyone who has read Marie Lu's The Young Elites...
Don't we all wish we hadn't read that chapter, guys?!
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Personally, I am totally wowed by Marie Lu. Taking on an antihero as a main character, and making her both loveable and hateable at the same time, takes high amounts of skill to pull off.
And Marie Lu does this flawlessly. I was hooked from the book's start to its horrendously heartbreaking finish, and am so, so excited to see what is going to occur in the following books.