Saturday 26 February 2011

The Fallen 1: The Fallen and Leviathan Review

The Fallen One: The Fallen and Leviathan by Thomas E Sniegoski

On his eighteenth birthday, Aaron begins to hear strange voices and is convinced he is going insane. But having moved from foster home to foster home, Aaron doesn't know whom he can trust. He wants to confide in the cute girl from class, but he's afraid she'll confirm he's crazy. Then a mysterious man begins following Aaron. He knows about Aaron's troubled past and his new powers. And he has a message for Aaron: As the son of a mortal and an angel, Aaron has been chosen to redeem the Fallen. Aaron tries to dismiss the news and resists his supernatural abilities. But he must accept his newfound heritage - and quickly. For the dark powers are gaining strength, and are hell-bent on destroying him...

I love books that have a male main character. It's so much more interesting for me, reading as they fight their greatest battles, fall in love and struggle to contain the power that's embedded in their soul. Yeah, I'm an equalitist but I sometimes like the chivalry saving the girl he loves thing. Specially if it's from his point of view, because the power behind it is so fascinating. Anyway I'm getting off subject

This book's main lead, Aaron was an interesting character. Barely eighteen, he gets the shock of his life. He's a nephilim. Not only that, but he is the bridge between the Fallen ones and their holy father. Woo for him.
His background and fear of this power he now has really struck a chord with me, and I felt so sorry for what he has to endure at the hands of his enemies and the boy he searches to save.

With an irritatingly holy then thou fallen angel Camael and his hilarious dog, who's voice really lightens up the book when darkness threatens to overcome it, by his side he must find the only brother he's ever known as a tribute to his foster parents.

I loved the trio of main characters. Adore them. They have the ability to crack me up, make me cry and want to hit someone at the same time! They are such an odd bunch brought together by a prophecy from a thousand years ago.

LOVE IT!

And, it's angels, nephilim etc. which I also love. I adore anything other worldly, which is why paranormal sucks me in.
The descriptions and characters are very dark and graphic. I would suggest that young or squemish readers take caution when reading this, as it could make them feel a bit icky.

Other then that, woooop great book and I can't wait to continue readng with The Fallen Two: Aerie and Reckoning.

For additional reviews see The Reading Room http://www.thereadingroom.com/

JB xx

Claire De Lune Review

Claire de Lune Christine Johnson

Hanover Falls hasn't had a werewolf problem in over one hundred years. But when people suddenly start dying in Claire Benoit's town, panic spreads fast. At Claire's sixteenth birthday party, the gruesome killings are all anyone can talk about. Claire, however, is more interested in the fact that the gorgeous Matthew Engle keeps chatting and flirting with her as if she's the only girl there. But that night, she discovers something that takes away all sense of normalcy: she's a werewolf. As Claire is initiated into the pack of female werewolves, she must deal not only with her changing identity, but also with a rogue werewolf who is putting everyone she knows in danger. Claire's new life threatens her blossoming romance with Matthew, whose father is leading the werewolf hunt. Now burdened with a dark secret and pushing the boundaries of forbidden love, Claire is struggling to feel comfortable in either skin. With her lupine loyalty at odds with her human heart, she will make a choice that will change her forever...

It was a very obvious plot line, I knew as soon as I started reading it what was going to happen, and who the rogue werewolf's human identity was, along with the ploy of another character acting oddly, trying to pull you off the scent of the real rogue werewolf.

It was a nice read, fairly fast paced and something that I enjoyed, it just didn't make me want to sit and read it all in one day or that I had to stay up past midnight because I literally couldn't put it down.

The characters were well though out and the descriptions plenty and I really enjoyed the powerful, independent female angle this had. I am an independent women, all about equality and the shizz, and I really enjoyed having that potrayed in a set of characters, who for once, don't need a super strong male to protect them, in fact, they protect the male lead in this fabulous twist of paranormal werewolf fabulousness.

As I said, very obvious plot line but it didn't stop me enjoying it.

For additional reviews see The Reading Room http://www.thereadingroom.com/

JB xx

Something Like Fate Review

Something Like Fate - Susanne Colasanti

'What if your soul mate is...your best friend's boyfriend?'
Lani and Erin are lifelong best friends - and total opposites. Lani's a down-to-earth Taurus and Erin's a fiery Leo. Lani like to do her own thing; Erin prefers an entourage. They've always had wildly different tastes, from pizza toppings to guys.
That is, until Erin starts dating Jason.
From the minute Lani meets Jason, she can't deny the amazing connection she feels with him. It's like they've known each other their whole lives. She's not sure if he feels it, too - but even if he does, he's off limits..
Lani's determined to ignore her feelings for Jason, no matter how powerful they are, rather than hurt her best friend.
Then Erin goes away for the summer - amd Jason seems to appear everywhere Lano turns. How long can she keep running from the guy who just might be the love of her life?

A book filled with teenage angst! It killed me, but I totally agreed with the end result!! They made the right choice!
It was such an interesting book, Lani and Erin were joined together by something more powerful then either of them, and were lifelong best friends. A boy coming between them, would have instantly made me think, pah...leave him and have each other. But throughout this book I found myself sympathetically learning towards the Jason and Lani route. They were PERFECT for each other.

Anyway. The conflict within the book was great, and Susanne had potrayed life at school as a teenager perfectly, maybe slightly exaggerated it but all in the name of a good story.

Loved this book, and it could be a great help for anyone in the situation.

The characters were great, Jason at first made my skin crawl, but he grew on me. And I could see so much of myself in Lani, I'm a Taurus too don't ya know! It was such a good read and gave me a break from all the intensity of the paranormal romances I've been reading at the moment!

For additional reviews see The Reading Room http://www.thereadingroom.com/

JB xx

Raised by Wolves review

Raised by Wolves - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

He's in a cage, I reminded myself, but the words meant nothing to me, because I just couldn't stop staring into his wild eyes and playing the last words he'd said before he shifted, over and over again.
I got bit
I got bit
I got bit

At the age of four, Bryn watched a rabid werewolf brutally murder her parents. She was rescued and taken in by the mysterious Callum, the alpha of his pack. Now fifteen, Bryn's been a human among werewolves, adhering to pack rule.
But the pack's been keeping a secret, and when Bryn goes exploring against Callum's orders, she finds Chase, a newly turned teen Were locked in a cage. Bryn needs answers, and she needs Chase to get them. Suddenly it's Bryn and Chase against the werewolf world, whatever the consquences.

I adored this book. Chase and Bryn = amazing and the twist that brought them together totally shocked me stupid.
I adored them as a couple. Although in a way it was quite odd, that they were a couple, after so little time together. It could be seen as unrealistic, but it fit with the world Jennifer had made when she wrote the book

Loved the ending, absolutely loved it. She triumphs over all. Yipee!

It was a great descriptive piece of writing and I really enjoyed meeting all the characters, like Ali, Lake, Devon, Katie and Alex.

Can't really say much more about it without ruining the storyline...sorry!!

For additional reviews see The Reading Room http://www.thereadingroom.com/

JB xx

Getting back on track!

Sorry it's been so long, to my three followers -.-
Yeh i'm in a foul mood, can you tell?
I haven't had much time to review, nor have I really wanted to. In between revision for exams, coursework, homework, getting a boyfriend, valentine's day, having a life and all the extra curricular I do, I haven't had much time to review or blog. I've been reading though...I never stop reading, hehe!

Reviews to come
JB xx

Sunday 6 February 2011

Boys Don't Cry Review

Boys Don't Cry - Malorie Blackman

You're waiting for the postman - he's bringing your exam results. University, a career as a journalist... a glittering future lies ahead. But when the doorbell rings, it's your old girlfriend; and she's carrying a baby...your baby.
She's had enough and now it's your turn.
What would you do?

I have always wanted to read her Noughts and Crosses Quadrilogy so when this came out, I snapped it up as quickly as possible. And I was right. She is an amazing writer. It's been a long time since I've laughed out loud, cried my eyes out or felt so in touch with a book. I don't understand what Dante is going through. I've never been a mother, except to my Baby Annabelle as a child, who doesn't complain if you drop her, she giggles. But Malorie's writing, filled me with empathy for Dante, his brother Adam (who's issue I can understand, because my friend is the same) and their father.

I cried, laughed and simpered along with baby Emma, Dante, Adam and their Dad as they struggled to accomodate a little baby girl. She has them all wrapped around her little finger, and they fight against their own issues while all living under the same roof. A family goes from avoiding each others gaze, to pulling together and discovering each other again. All for this little baby.

I really couldn't put it down. I didn't want to. It was such an interesting and though-provoking read. Not just about teeange preganancies and unprotected sex with the consquences but homosexuality, family, bereavement, young parenthood, friendships and the attitudes and predjuices people have.

I truly recommend it.

For additional reviews see The Reading Room http://www.thereadingroom.com/

JB xx

Finding Sky Review.

Finding Sky - Joss Stirling.

'You have half our gifts, I have the other...'
When English girl, Sky, catches a glimpse of bad boy Zed in her new American High School. She can't get him out of her head. He talks to her with his thoughts. He reads her mind. He is the boy she will love for ever. Shadows stalk her past but a new evil threatens her future. Sky must face the dark even if it means losing her heart.

I have not finished a book in a day in a long time, due to exams and school but still, WOW. I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. It was glued to my hands, and when I wasn't reading it, my thoughts were on it, trying to finish up my jobs to get back to it!
What a read, the dark shadows of Sky's past haunt her while she trys to cling to the present and then Zed, just shakes her world upside down.

This twist on paranormal is fantastic, I've never read anything like it before! Amazing. I love the world Joss Stirling has built up and really really hope the next book will give me a chance to explore it more!

Sky was such a lovely charactor. At first thought, vulnerable. But as she becomes closer to her friends and Zed's family her shell eases back and you see the strong determination someone like her should have after surviving her childhood. I am in awe of her.

Zed. Well. I'm so in love with him I want to throw myself into the book head first so I can have some of his godliness! What an amazing charactor to create. All girls secretly want the bad boy, in every book, film and TV show, the bad boy (who normally isn't the main charactor) is the one all the girls rave about. Well, in my case it's true! So now, not only is the bad boy the MAIN charactor, but he comes from a family of sexy badass boys! I. was. in. heaven.

The story, like I said before, was an amazingly refreshing twist on paranormal and romance. Absolutely loved it! I am going to rave about it until everyone has read it! Haha!
Well written, beautiful descriptions. I couldn't have wished for a better book to pick up and read!

For additional reviews see The Reading Room http://www.thereadingroom.com/

JB xx

Airhead Trilogy Review

Airhead - Meg Cabot

"I know I look like Nikki Howard. And I know I sound like Nikki Howard. I realise that right now I am in Nikki Howard's loft and wearing her clothes while her dog is licking my face. But I am NOT Nikki Howard. Ok?"
Emerson Watts and Nikki Howard have absolutely nothing in common. Em's a tomboy-superbrain who couldn't care less about her looks. Nikki's a supermodel sensatation and the world's most famous airhead. But a freak accident causes the girls' lives to collide in the most extraordinary way...

This book really was escapism and what I was looking for. I needed a bit of light and fun, chick lit to refresh me from all the intensity I'd been feeling and absorbing from the books I'd been reading.
Em Watts is someone I could get along with, and this book kind of is a journey for her. She gets to experience being pretty and noticed by most people. It was great to see her working out who she was and how that seperated her from Nikki, even though it was Nikki's body!

NB - There may be spoilers, so be warned. You might just want to read the series now ^.^






Airhead: Being Nikki - Meg Cabot

I am Nikki Howard now. Em Watts is dead...
Teen-supermodel NIkki Howard has a secret. She's not the gorgeous golden airhead she seems - on the inside she's someone else. Literally. Em Watts is stuck in the body of glamazon celebutante Nikki. And it's not easy. Especially when Nikki's past is about to catch up with her, her boss is spying on her, and Em's heart wants one thing but her lips keep kissing someone else . . .

The chick lit, light fluffy, glamourous thriller of Meg Cabot's fabulous making is continuing and getting better! Not only has Em discovered there's a secret her boss is hiding, but Christopher, the love of her life, is finally taking notice. But only because he wants something. Is he the super bad villian, which is the image he gives off? Or is he protecting his heart...again? Then Nikki Howard's brother turns up out of the blue with a tale of a missing mother, is there ever any peace for the supermodel Nikki/Em? Definately not as they start trying to figure out her boss's secret, try to find Nikki's mother and fight to save Christopher's 'soul'. What they don't realise...is it's all connected!

Airhead: Runaway - Meg Cabout

Em Watts needs to get away - fast. But when all you're wearin is a diamond bikini, there aren't many places to hide...
Emerson Watts is on the run: from school, from her family and from herself. She's reeling from the shock that Nikki, the girl whose body her brain was forced to inhabit, is still alive. And she's furious. Manipulative Brandon plans to use Em to discover a secret that will ensure his success, whilst Christopher is out for revenge, fuelled by his jealousy. With everyone around her playing a dangerous game, maybe Em should just keep on running . . .


The glamurous chick lit thriller finishes the trilogy here, and it's amazing. Not only is the secret discovered, but Christopher has a chance of being saved and Nikki's mother might be found. It was an amazing series, full of laughs and shocks. Twists and turns I'd never expected and travelling on this journey with Em as she learnt to be comfortable in someone else's skin!
I adored it and was quite sad when it ended, the charactors were developed beautifully and I wanted to read all the Meg Cabot books I owned again after this trilogy! What an great idea, amazingly written and thoroughly enjoyed!

I really suggest you read this for a bit of a laugh at the amazing charactors as you are sucked into the story of thrills, chills and good old romance!

For additional reviews see The Reading Room http://www.thereadingroom.com/
JB xx

I still use both my local library and school library, do you?

I was horrified. Yes horrified to learn yesterday, on the news that over 450 book lending institutes (a library. Why don't they just call it that? Or a Resource Centre) were at threat of being closed! The event, called Save Our Libraries day, included over 80 events at various locations around Britain. Some libraries arranged storytelling sessions. At others, patrons will gather to read and show their support for their local libraries. A rally was planned to take place outside the central library in Bolton. The National Literacy trust has recently released a study which found that children who visit their local libraries are more likely to perform near the top of their class in reading.

I guess the term use us or lose us really comes into practice here. They held a little debate on the news this morning between some random old fogie and a star from Harry Potter and Ugly Betty (who I can't remember the name of!) And I was outraged when the said random old fogie said nobody used the library, most people didn't know where it was so why should he pay (via his taxes) for this decrepid old building filled with books still to exist. How dare he. He doesn't go to a school but his taxes still pay for that?!

I still use my local libraries. In fact I have so many library cards for different libraries all around my local area that I take them all with me when I need to go because I can't remember which belongs to what library! I wish I had been able to join in with some of these protests to save libraries!

Without my library I never would have been able to read as much as I did. We weren't made of money and my thirst for books probably wasn't the easiest to contain. My local library was able to help keep that thirst in check by supplying me everything I begged and pleaded for, and I'm still their most avid reader. (I'm quite smug that all the librarians know me by name and go through the new books we get in, putting some aside so I can get my hands on them first!!)

I understand it's hard running a country, Mr Cameron, but try not to do such a crap job of it? Kay?
Oh and Mr Clegg, grow two balls and start standing up for what you truly believe in!

JB xx
PS. Lots of reviews coming your way today :D