bethrevis.blogspot.com - Show gratitude for books

As part of entering for the thanksgiving giveaway Ms. Beth Revis is hosting. I would like to present the book I want to show my gratitude for.




I know I am going to sound overrated with my obvious answer but the one book that I'd like to thank would be Cinder & Ella by Melissa Lemon (check my review here). Well besides the fact that this is a re-telling of Cinderella's fairytale, it also explains a lot of things in our life and expresses their importance.


It emphasizes on most definitely tree but also the importance of family in an individual's life and would highly recommend everyone to read it.

Bloodlines #1: Bloodlines

Our beloved characters from a different view-point...don't we just love spin-offs! Anyways I present before you all my much awaited review of Bloodlines #1 Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, a spin-off series of the bestselling Vampire Academy series by the mentioned author.

Here is the summary of the book:

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy. When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning. Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

As I already mentioned the Vampire Academy is finished so Bloodlines can be explained as a continuation of the same settings albeit with a new point of view. Easy enough to understand that while the Vampire Academy series focuses fully on the moroi vampires and the Dhampirs; Bloodlines focuses its centrifugal point a.k.a. POV on the alchemist, Sydney Sage.

It begins with Sydney who is well in hot waters regarding helping the ex-convict (not any longer) Rose escaping with Dimtri. She knows that an alchemist's job is not an easy life and you would be bogged down by a lot of prejudices prevalent in this business regarding the dhampirs or the moroi, which Sydney has come to realize are ill founded and baseless after spending so much time on the run with both Rose and Dimitri. She just wants her little sister Zoe to stay out this and keep her safe.

So in order to save her skin from punishment as well keep her sister Zoe out of this, she reluctantly agrees to a new mission alongside her enemy Keith Darnell. It can be sufficiently explanatory that there is no love lost between these two (no great past dealings if you ask me). The mission - help protect Jill Dragomir, whose life is in danger as she is the half sister of Queen Vasilisa "Lissa" Dragomir and it is customary that the ruling party has at least one family to support its rule...so queue the trouble from the opposed party. So Sydney, Eddie and Adrian must do all they can to keep a low profile over Jill in sunny Palm Springs. Well easier than done, too many problems and not only that but maybe Palm Springs is not all bright and sunny as it feels.

Bloodlines can be be seen as a tie-up-loose-ends type. We all know Rose, Dimitri, Lissa, Christian and the others got their happy ending but not Adrian (our hearts go out to him) so although bloodlines doesn't need the help of Vampire Academy series to help it stand cause it is good enough on its own. Also we see a lot of our favourite characters from Vampire Academy to sate our desires.

Sydney, is our protagonist here and she is as strong and brave as ever. She is very professional, she sees the horrors of society and well as of her job. She knows that in her line of work sometimes unholy alliances must be made in order to make things work.

Then, there is Adrian, we all know his vices, we know he loves Rose but sadly it is not possible and he must also do everything he can in order to grow out of it and help keep Jill safe. Adrian although is mostly seen as a careless royal who knows nothing but having fun and attacking liquor cabinets, also has his own moments. He can also be rather protective when he wants to be.

This book is a definite hit in my dictionary. Richelle Mead has laid out a perfect beginning for this wonderful series. And now I'm definitely excited for the next book "The Golden Lily".

"Exciting and surreal..... Bloodlines marks the beginning of a fabulous series"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal


Publisher: Razorbill


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

NUTURE TOUR STOP - Legacy by Denise Tompkins

Very very thrilled to welcome Denise Tompkins. She is touring for her latest book Legacy. I would definitely suggest you people to try it. Well without a further wait....I present before you all the good stuffs.....read on and be surprised.

SUMMARY

When Fate makes you her bitch, accept it and adapt. Or die.

The Niteclif Evolutions, Book 1

Looking back on the wish she made on Midsummer’s Eve, Maddy Niteclif should have been more specific. She only wanted to escape the shadowy nightmares that plagued her nights, not to be thrust into a completely altered reality.

If a strangely familiar, sexy dragon-shifter named Bahlin, who causes a never-to-be-mentioned-again fainting spell, isn’t enough to make her question her sanity, his insistence she’s the Niteclif ought to do the job. Prophesied super-sleuth of the supernatural world—a world that desperately needs her help—isn’t a job she’s remotely qualified for no matter what her family tree says.

Catapulted into a very different London ruled by dark mythology, mystery and murder, Maddy makes a few startling discoveries. Paranormal creatures exist. Getting shot really sucks. And her body responds remarkably well to dragon magic—in more ways than simple wound healing.

But in this kill-or-be-killed world, reality bites. And Maddy must choose to go back to what she knows…or stay and fight for the man she knows she can’t live without.

Warning: This book contains a shape-shifting dragon with a Scottish accent, modern and archaic weapons, global inter-species politics that make democracy seem mild, some very steamy sex underground, a severed head, murder, and…oh yeah…a woman caught in the middle of it all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Denise Tompkins lives in the heart of the South where the neighbors still know your name, all food forms are considered fry-able and bugs die only to be reincarnated in aggressive, blood-craving triplicate. Thrilled to finally live somewhere that can boast 3 ½ seasons (winter’s only noticeable because the trees are naked), her favorite season is definitely fall. It’s the time of year when the gardens are just about to pass into winter’s brief silence, and the leaves are out to prove that nature is the most brilliant artist of all.

Clearly, due to the enormous size of her picture, you can tell Denise isn’t as technologically savvy as she’d like to be. (Seriously. She’s not vain. She just couldn’t figure out how to shrink the picture any smaller.)

Denise is married to the love of her life. Both she and her husband are owned by two dogs and three opinionated parrots who keep her in stitches — literally and figuratively. One bird hates broccoli, one scared the pizza man to death upon delivery, and one bird loves to call out and invite stranger to “Come on in!” The birds thoroughly enjoy scolding the dogs. One dog, the mutt, has turned a deaf ear. The Bullmastiff, however, probably needs emotionally reconstructive therapy.

A life-long voracious reader, Denise has three favorite authors. Why three? Because favorite authors are like chips: a person can’t have just one. Her little house was so overrun with books last year that her darling husband bought her an e-reader out of self-preservation. He was (legitimately) afraid she might begin throwing out pots and pans to make room for more books, and he didn’t want to starve.

Along with reading, Denise loves travel, is obsessed with the British Isles, practices photography, enjoys cooking and looks forward to Christmas as an excuse to bake.

Her debut novel, Legacy, is the first book in The Niteclif Evolutions and will be available in both e-book and print from Samhain Publishing.

You can find out more about Denise by following her on Twitter or fanning her on Facebook.

You can also find her through here - http://denisetompkins.net

Exclusive Interview With Denise Tompkins

Q. Tell us something about yourself.
I’m an avid gardener, enthusiastic cook and devilish baker. I am cheerfully owned by three parrots (all of whom speak) that love cartoons and destroy their toys with joyful abandon. They also have two dogs. I live in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, and intend to take up the whole “necessity of mosquitoes” thing with God when I get there.

Q: It is often said that if you can write a short story you can write anything. How true do you think this is and what have you written that either proves or disproves this POV? Short stories are difficult because your arc has to be so tight and concise, character development must happen quickly, and suspension of disbelief must be immediate. I believe that writing short stories is, for me, a near impossibility as evidenced by my 100,000 word novels (Legacy, Wrath, Vengeance, Raising Cain). But I do believe that if you can successfully manage a short story, you should be able to tackle a novel-length project.

Q: How to you research for a book before you begin the writing process?
People don’t realize how much research goes into a fictional story. For me, research is critical and I am an internet guru. I use maps, histories, mythologies, real estate listings, tour guides, and more to make sure that what I’m saying is accurate. I research dialects and slang and, when possible, I speak to people who have been to/lived in the area I’m writing about. This is usually enough to get me started writing.

Q: What is the best part of writing for you?
There are always a few scenes in any given book that linger. They’re the ones you write and know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you got it right. There’s an immense sense of satisfaction in that. I also enjoy saving and closing the manuscript after the final edits. There’s a sense of accomplishment like nothing I’ve ever before experienced.

Q: Did you always have in mind to be a writer or it just happened? I wrote my first story at age 6 (my mother kept it). I remember knowing that I wanted to write even then. But life intervened and threw me a few curveballs before I ended up here.

Q: How would you describe LEGACY in a sentence? Maddy Niteclif is forced to either adapt or die after she's thrust into the dark world of mythology, mystery and murder when a fateful wish reveals her lineage to the world’s most famous sleuth.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your book?
Legacy is ultimately a story with several themes, primarily do you do what’s good for the one or good for the many, and is it destiny or free will that dictates the course of our lives? Maddy Niteclif’s life changes forever when she makes a fatal wish on Midsummer’s Eve. She wants her life to be anything other than it is. This wish triggers her Evolution, the change and revelation of her family tree that seems too wild to be believable. She falls in love and finds that it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. Love literally hurts, and the choices she has to make? They hurt worse.

Q: How did the idea of writing LEGACY sprang up in your mind? I lost my job following a failed back surgery. I moped for a while, unsure what to do with myself. My husband bought a laptop and brought it home to me. “Write,” he said. “It used to make you happy.” I fought it for a few weeks until one night around midnight, the swirling ideas for the story coalesced and I got up and wrote the first chapter of Legacy. I never looked back. I’m finishing the third book of the series now and have a new series that’s out for consideration with publishers now.

Q: When you sit down and write do you know how the story will end or do you just let the pen take you? ie Do you develop character profiles and outlines for your novels before writing them or do you let your idea's develop as you write?
I am a total pantser, meaning I write without much structure. I never outline, I never plot. I just sit and write and see what develops. I do make notes as I go, keep a “cut outs” file for discarded words, and generally research topics to death, but as for story structure? It’s a complete mystery to me. I rarely know the ending of a book before it’s finished.

Q: What is your guiltiest pleasure that few know about?
Ice cream cookie sandwiches. (smiles) I am a complete glutton for them. I don’t keep them in the house because I have zero willpower when it comes to them.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best and worst aspects of writing for a living? The best is that it makes me wildly happy. I can’t imagine doing anything else, ever. The worst is the misconception that authors make huge amounts of money. Yes, some do. For the most part, though? It’s a real struggle to call this “making a living.” But would I trade it? Not for anything.

Q: How similar to its principle protagonist and the main cast are you? Each character contains some part of me and my personality. It’s amazing to look at the book and realize that even the darker characters are pieces of me. The most violent, criminally insane characters came from my mind, and that’s a little disturbing. (laughs) The flip side is that I look at the relationship between Maddy and her true love and I’m overwhelmed at the similarities it has to my own marriage. We’re both lucky women.

Q: Can you tell us what sort of surprises we can expect in its sequel since LEGACY is book 1 in “The Niteclif Evolution”?
 The sequel, Wrath, will take every preconceived idea you have from Legacy and break them down into the core focus of the series. Maddy finds that hunting killers is much easier than being hunted by one, and that the struggle between destiny and free will has never been greater. The theme carries on in book 3, Vengeance, as well.

Now some simple questions and more fun^^

-Your favourite books and author?
I absolutely adore Larissa Ione, Nalini Singh, Diana Gabaldon and Laurell K. Hamilton. My favorite books all fall in their backlist with the exception of the book Watership Down, which is easily one of the greatest books of all time.

-Your favourite band/singer?
I am freakishly in love with Two Steps from Hell. It’s epic classical music, typical of movie scores. It’s my writing music too.

-Twitter or Facebook?
Oh man. If I have to use one, it’s Twitter all the way.

-Favourite place in the world?
Plant me in the UK and leave me forever. I’m begging you. Anybody?

-Last movie you watched at the cinemas?
Larry Crowne, with Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.

-The last book you’ve read?
I just re-read Hunting Human by Amanda E. Alvarez. Amazing book. If you haven’t read it, treat yourself.

-Have you ever googled yourself?
Disturbingly, yes. In my alternate life, I’m apparently a real estate agent in Nova Scotia.

-If you wouldn’t be a writer, what you would be?
A photographer. It’s one of my passions. My house is decorated with pictures I’ve taken from my travels.

-And last one....print or ebooks?
I was print all the way until my husband bought me a Kindle last year for Christmas. It was a self-preservation move due to the number of books crammed in our little house. Now? I’m totally an ebook girl.

Q: The cover of LEGACY is really awesome. Did you have any inputs in it?
Thank you! I did have quite a bit of input and was fortunate enough to have Nathalie Grey design it for me. She’s amazing. I wanted the dark feel of the book to be conveyed with a faceless woman, Stonehenge behind her with a full moon dominating the sky. She gave me that and so much more. Maddy needed to be portrayed as your everyday woman, not a superhero…or even really superhero material to start with. Nathalie captured the feel I wanted exactly.

Q: What advice would you like to give budding authors or those who want to start writing?
The best advice I’ve ever been given pertaining to my writing is two-fold. The first is my agent. During a conversation where she talked me off a ledge (I had panicked over contract negotiations and the next book due for the Niteclif series), she said, “Just write, Denise. Don’t worry about perfection. Dare to suck and fix it later.” When you write, don’t worry about turning out a perfect first draft. They are more rare than the winning lottery numbers. Instead, dare to suck. Put yourself out there and write for all you’re worth. Edits and revisions exist for a reason. Second, the thing I want to tell new writers is this: agents and editor, even some publishers, will often ask for a partial—usually the first three chapters of your manuscript. Make sure they’re as close to perfect as they can be. But don’t forget the rest of the manuscript. Pages 51 to the end are just as important as those first 50 pages (or first 3 chapters). Don’t neglect them because they are what will make or break an offer. The first fifty pages get you in the door; the rest of the manuscript is the key to getting an offer.

REVIEW

If one day you find out that the supernatural world really exists, i.e., dragons, witches & wizards and the like then what would be your reaction be? Me? I would be a little skeptical at first but if given solid proof…

<<READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE>>

GIVEAWAY TIME

Enter and comment for a chance to win a e-copy of Legacy. To be eligible you must enter via the short entry form and you must comment on the post. This tour will have giveaway opportunities at most every stop and the stops that are giving digital copies are open to everyone! So follow the tour to greatly increase your chance of winning! 

<<CLICK HERE TO ENTER>>

MORE TOUR STOPS

• October 31st – Beverly G. @ Everyone Loves A SiNner
• November 1st – Aubrie Di. @ Flutey Words
• November 2nd – Lindsay H @ Everyday Is An Adventure
• November 3rd – Krystal L. @ Live To Read
• November 4th – Shandy S. @ Mama Knows Books
• November 7th – Wendy Mi. @ Rage, Sex and Teddy Bears
• November 9th – Lena Sl. @ Lena Sledge’s Blog…Books, Reviews and Interviews
• November 10th – Krishna A. @ Journey with Books
• November 11th – Farrah K. @ The Book Faery Reviews
• November 14th – Hywela L. @ Hywela Lyn: Romance That’s ‘Out Of This World’
• November 15th – Lisa Ma. @ A Casual Reader’s Blog 

Interview with Rhiannon Pillae

Hey I'm back again with another interview and this times its with the author of the upcoming high fantasy saga THE FERRYMAN AND THE FLAME.....give a huge round of applause for Ms. Rhiannon Pillae.

Q. Tell us something about yourself.
I am a big fan of afternoon naps. :) No, seriously, I'm Rhiannon *waves* and I read minds and write books.

Q: It is often said that if you can write a short story you can write anything. How true do you think this is and what have you written that either proves or disproves this POV?
 I wrote a long book before I wrote a short story. And then I met a guy who wrote a short story and was picked up by DAW. They wanted him to expand the story and he told me he was having trouble writing 1000 words a day. Sometimes, when I was writing my first drafts, I'd write up to 12,000 words in a day.

Q: How do you research for a book before you begin the writing process?
 It depends on the book. Sometimes I do it through meditation, other times through travel, other times through reading.

Q: Did you always have in mind to be a writer or it just happened?
I used to write stories when I was twelve, and then I stopped for awhile. I was always trying to write the same story and I'm glad I did.

Q: How would you describe your book in a sentence?
The boy who follows death meets the girl who could cause the apocalypse.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your book?
It's a tragic love story about two beings that fall in love and are convinced they're meant to be together, that have to face circumstances that threaten to tear them apart.

Q: What were your inspirations behind “Flame of Surrender”?The mythology behind the Violet Flame was what inspired Flame of Surrender. Also, the stories my mentors have told me, a lot of them are from an oral tradition that's not really practiced in a lot of parts of the world.

Q: When you sit down and write do you know how the story will end or do you just let the pen take you? ie Do you develop character profiles and outlines for your novels before writing them or do you let your idea's develop as you write?
I knew the ending before I knew the beginning. I try to develop everything and put it into an outline before writing the book. It's the idea that I can "see" the entire book front to back all at once.

Q: What is your guiltiest pleasure that few know about? Chili Mayo. I don't think anyone knows how much I like it, but now they do!

Now some simple questions and more fun^^
-Your favourite books and author?
 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

-Your favourite band/singer?
 Tegan and Sara / Adele

-Twitter or Facebook?
 Twitter

-Favourite place in the world?
 My favorite place isn't in this world ;)

-Last movie you watched at the cinemas?
 I actually feel bad, I haven't seen a movie in Months. Last one was probably Green Lantern.

-The last book you’ve read?
 Unveiled by Trisha Wolfe

-Have you ever googled yourself?
 LOL, YES, many times.

-If you wouldn’t be a writer, what you would be?
 A singer

-And last one....print or ebooks?
 Print!

Q: The cover of the book is really awesome. Did you have any inputs in it?
 I did! The photo used was taken by my friend Ted, the girl IN the photo is my friend Sam and the cover design was done by my friend Rachel @Parajunkee

Q: If this book is picked to be turned into a movie (I’m hoping they would) and if you are consulted for casting choices, then who would you cast as Kaliel and Krishani?
I'm totally hoping they make a movie of this book! I would LOVE Chloe Morentz as Kaliel and Dylan Minette as Krishani. I'd also love Evanna Lynch as Shimma and Sean Connery as Istar :P

Lastly;

Q: What advice would you like to give budding authors or those who want to start writing?
This question is always so difficult to answer, but I would write a book that means nothing to you first, and save all the awesome ideas for another book. Once you understand your stamina, voice style, and cliches, you can then write that really great book.

    About the Book


  The boy who follows death meets the girl who could cause the apocalypse.

Krishani thinks he’s doomed until he meets Kaliel, the one girl on the island of Avristar who isn’t afraid of him. She’s unlike the other girls, she swims with merfolk, talks to trees and blooms flowers with her touch. What he doesn’t know is that she’s a flame, one of nine individually hand crafted weapons, hidden in the body of a seemingly harmless girl.

Nobody has fallen in love with a flame until now. She becomes Krishani’s refuge from the dreams of death and the weather abilities he can’t control. Striking down thousand year old trees with lightning isn’t something he tries to do, it just happens. When the Ferryman dies, Krishani knows that he’s the next and that a lifetime of following death is his destiny.

And Kaliel can’t come with him. The Valtanyana are hunting the flames, the safest place for her is Avristar. Krishani can’t bear to leave her, and one innocent mistake grants the Valtanyana access to their mystical island. They’re coming for Kaliel, and they won’t stop until every last living creature on Avristar is dead. She has to choose, hide, face them, or awaken the flame and potentially destroy herself.


READ THE REVIEW OF THE BOOK HERE

The Ferryman and The Flame #1: Flame of Surrender

Its different and its my review of The Ferryman and The Flame #1 Flame of Surrender by Rhiannon Pillae.

Here is the summary of the book:

The boy who follows death meets the girl who could cause the apocalypse. Krishani thinks he’s doomed until he meets Kaliel, the one girl on the island of Avristar who isn’t afraid of him. She’s unlike the other girls, she swims with merfolk, talks to trees and blooms flowers with her touch. What he doesn’t know is that she’s a flame, one of nine individually hand crafted weapons, hidden in the body of a seemingly harmless girl. Nobody has fallen in love with a flame until now. She becomes Krishani’s refuge from the dreams of death and the weather abilities he can’t control. Striking down thousand year old trees with lightning isn’t something he tries to do, it just happens. When the Ferryman dies, Krishani knows that he’s the next and that a lifetime of following death is his destiny. And Kaliel can’t come with him. The Valtanyana are hunting the flames, the safest place for her is Avristar. Krishani can’t bear to leave her, and one innocent mistake grants the Valtanyana access to their mystical island. They’re coming for Kaliel, and they won’t stop until every last living creature on Avristar is dead. She has to choose, hide, face them, or awaken the flame and potentially destroy herself.


It is always difficult for the reader when starting a new book that he/she gets into the story and get themselves acquainted with the situation presented in the pages. A task that is pretty difficult and strenuous when you get high fantasy into the quota. High Fantasy is a form of fantasy that is purely the author's imagination nothing borrowed from anywhere (well aside from the mythical creatures that is). Whereas Tolkien had middle Earth under his control Ms. Pillae has got Avristar under her's.

Kaliel and Krishani are both trying to find a niche in the world. Both feel they are failure and have no way of understanding what the great oak tree wants them to be. But both play a great role in shaping the history of Avristar. While Krishani and Kaliel experience every stolen moments they can find but trouble is soon to follow. An ancient enemy of the land, the Valtanyana is free of its bounds and will do anything to destroy, to bring Armageddon to Avristar and it can only be done by destroying the flames. Both Kaliel and Krishani may actually be more involved than they had ever realised.

So lets now get to some of the finer aspects of the book and point out all the good stuffs. First, loved the writing. The writing was intricately put through in the pages, every small detail about the structure around Avristar really springs into place in our imaginations. Every vivid descriptions, allow you to add the softest of detail to a complete world. Then you have the major element of the story the love shared between Krishani and Kaliel. It is their passion for one another and their need to be together which elevates the saga.

Then comes our main characters, Krishani and Kaliel. Both are trying to master their destines. Both want to belong. Kaliel and a very vulnerable and an endearing person but on the other hand she is also very brave while Krishani being a part of the brotherhood of Amersil is passionate and desirable one.

Then comes the pacing of the story which is pretty great. It starts out slow and then slowly and gradually it builds up to its climatic ending making way for the next book.

"Intricately put and a well structured beginning to a great saga"

Genre :      Young Adult, High Fantasy


My Copy:      Courtesy of the author   


Publisher: Coscom Entertainment


Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

The Wardstone Chronicles #3: The Spook's Secret

Winter's abound and let me present before you all my views of The Wardstone Chronicles #3 The Spook's Secret by Joseph Delaney.

Here is the summary of the book:

It's going to be a long, hard, cruel winter. And there couldn't be a worse place to spend it than up on Anglezarke. Thomas Ward is the apprentice for the local Spook, who captures witches and drives away ghosts. As the weather gets colder and the nights draw in, the Spook receives an unexpected visitor. Tom doesn't know who the stranger is or what he wants, but the Spook suddenly decides it's time to travel to his winter house, Anglezarke. Tom has heard it will be a bleak, forbidding place, and that menacing creatures are starting to stir somewhere on the moors nearby. Can anything prepare Tom for what he finds there? What if the rumors about the evil beast called the Golgoth are true? And how much danger will Tom be in if the secrets the Spook has been trying to hide from the world are revealed?


Winter is here and its getting darker and darker everyday. A harsh winter is about to come and Tom and the Spook set out for the winter house of Mr. Gregory in Anglezarke - which is literally a winter house. Gone is the comfortable warmth of the Spook's house in Chipenden. Tom must not only adept to the cold dampness of the Spook's winter house and all the spookiness that comes with it.

So yes in The Spook's Secret we see Tom and the Spook heading out to Anglezarke for the winter after the Spook sees an unexpected visitor. But why go to a cold and less inviting place then Chipenden when you should be staying warm in the winters....Spook's business of course. What else could it be! Arriving in the Winter home, Tom learns of the Spook's secret. The Lamia Witch Meg, his master's old love was not put in a pit as she should have been. Instead the Spook has been keeping her memories surpressed, despite his own advice of girls being a distraction and the dangers of keeping Meg out of a pit. And what of the looming dangers of the rising of Golgoth, the evil winter lord - not a pretty, cosy winter if you ask me.

And as Tom goes deeper into the trade of a Spook, he must not only think clearly but also decide who he should trust.

The story here as in the previous two is well told. Mr. Delaney's description have an effect of sending you to the edge of your seats with every new twist and turns as we come across them in the story. The Spook's Secret is well meaning enough with the title, for this book peels more layers to the Spook's gruff exterior. It shows us the past and every decisions behind the Spook we see in this book. It shows us that he is not as indifferent as he always seems and makes us appreciate his character even more. As for Tom - well aside from more knowledge of the Spook's trade sadly we don't really see anything new with him - for we see him making the same mistakes again; you'd think that he'd have learned from his mistakes by now (him being around 13 years old might explain). A little (teeny-tiny one) is seen as improvement but not quite.

But here we don't see the actually villain of interest appear until the very end. Golgoth maybe a powerful godly spirit but being at the beck and call of humans is kinda weird (maybe understood also since it is the human prayers and faith that keeps that particular god powerful). But a well written and spookiness inducing work by Mr. Delaney.

"Maybe the harshest winter ever for Tom and the Spook"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: Red Fox


Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

Marian's Christmas Wish

Alright I simply don't know why I didn't discover this before....its so good. Presenting before you all my views of Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly.

Here is the summary of the book:

Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she s certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected--- a young and handsome English lord.

Christmas is just two months away and what better away to spend the time than to read this phenomenal book about a many christmas wishes coming true for the Wynswich family don't you think? Well I simply can't fathom the fact as to how I could have missed this one before. Oh well......its here now and it is one the best historical romance fiction I have read so far.

Set in the time of Napoleon the story revolves around the Wynswich family and how they spend their christmas together. Although people might think of their family as wild and mismatched but each member has his/her own characteristics that define them. After the death of Lord Wynswich the family is down under dept and as used to be the norms of the old times girls then had to marry rich lords in order to pay off their debts, so is the scenario here as well the oldest son Percy who is a diplomat himself is trying to get a rich suitor for his sister Ariadne so they may pay off the debts. But Ariadne had already given her heart to another, the vicar Reverend Sam Beddoe (who is not only poor but shy in asking Ariadne's hand for holy matrimony) and does not wish to marry whoever her brother was bringing for the christmas. So her sister Marian (bless her) knows she must do something to avoid disaster from happening. Marian's only wish for this christmas is the happiness of her whole family.

As predicted her brother Percy does return back to Picton with not one but two rich gentlemen lords, a Sir William Clinghorn and Gilbert Collinwood, Earl of Ingraham. Sir William is the one who wishes to marry Ariadne but his rather lordly attitude is less than appreciable by the other Wynswiches (take Percy and Lady Wynswich out of the equation) and do all they can break off the affair for Ariadne's sake with a little help from the Lord Ingraham and while Marian does not wish to be tied in matrimony but this christmas is not only out of the ordinary for her but also for herself. Through a series of events Marian who had been planning her Christmas pudding wish all year, saving it for her much derailed family finds herself changing her wish: “I wish that Gilbert Collinwood will have the best Christmas.” Little does she know that Gilbert's own special pudding wish will depend on her to be fulfilled.

Marian's Christmas Wish is a re-issued traditional Regency romance from earlier in Ms. Kelly's career, originally published in 1989, and it has the feeling of a storyline which really moves, interesting, but accessible characters and pure entertainment. Out of the enormous catalogue of Carla Kelly's book this one is the first I have come across (and I'm so going to try the whole lot later). The story is rich in its plot, its rich characters, its prose and even the language that is styled as of the classic genre is easy enough to understand. Kinda made me remember of Jane Austen's Emma.

Marian is a very likeable character. She is spunky, she is intelligent, and there you go she has got a practical head in there. She is a sensible human being, even when crossed in love, and she’s got a sharp tongue and a cool head when such things are needed. And she’s more than a match for Gil, the equally intelligent and charming hero who has a rather big secret of his own, giving him a slight unexpected edge. There is one that should be noted here is the fact that Marian like the others of time when daughters married nobile gentlemen and acquired all the knowledge required to be the housemistress but she does act like a 16 year old and not showing the maturity portrayed by a say 28 year old would.

As to Gil's part of the story is seen. He remains a total enigma and although he is a diplomat and all the interactions between Gil and Marian make the highlight of the tale the nature of his work is the reason for the main confusion and heartbreak of the heroine halfway in the story. The author completes the personalities of the heroine and her hero with their words and actions.

The plot has an episodic feel to it and the best part as I had already stated are the interactions between Gil and Marian. They recognize an affinity between them immediately, quickly become comfortable allies, and progress to love. Marian, a good heart, though gets into much trouble with her loose tongue and sharp mind. Gil on the other hand is rather secretive himself yet very kind and has a particularly attachment to Marian, despite the 12 year age gap. And although this episodic saga has too many threads and wires weaving through it but at the end it all meets at a comfortable convergence, a perfectly sweet ending to an amazing read.

"Lovable and episodic...you'll find yourself wishing alongside Marian on her Christmas pudding"

Genre :      Historical Romance


Publisher: Cedar Fort Inc.


Courtesy of : CedarFortbooks


Rate:              5/5 (It was amazing)

The Wardstone Chronicles #2: The Spook's Curse

It gets better and better each time. Presenting The Wardstone Chronicles #2 The Spook's Curse by Joseph Delaney.

Here is the summary of the book:

Now it's the dark's turn to be afraid. The Spook and his apprentice, Thomas Ward, deal with the dark. Together they rid the county of witches, ghosts, and boggarts. But now there's some unfinished business to attend to in Priestown. Deep in the catacombs of the cathedral lurks a creature the Spook has never been able to defeat; a force so evil that the whole county is in danger of being corrupted by its powers. The Bane! As Thomas and the Spook prepare for the battle of their lives, it becomes clear that the Bane isn't their only enemy. The Quisitor has arrived, searching for those who meddle with the dark so he can imprison them—or worse. Can Thomas defeat the Bane on his own? Is his friend Alice guilty of witchcraft? And will the Spook be able to escape the Quisitor's clutches?

Picks up where the spook's apprentice left off. Tom with the Spook goes to Priestown to attend the funeral of one of his brother, a priest (the reason why they were going to Priestown in the first place) and finished an unfinished business of his....sense that...Spook's business. That "business" is a creature called the Bane. Long ago it roamed free and left destruction and despair in its path. It is secure enough, but is getting stronger and is able to control people's minds. The death toll is rising, so the Spook is ready to take care of it. 

But that is not the only trouble they face, the Quisitor is here an he is all sorts of trouble, he is ruthless, he is devious, he is all kinds of bad. In the name of religion he goes about burning women even if they were witches or not all based on the fact they were said to be associating with the dark and the spook seems to be on his hit list and would do all he can to get him killed. That not all the Quisitor has already got himself another witch to burn and its....Alice. 

Add to that something is different this time; keeping the Quisitor aside and taking the factor of the Bane in consideration. Well the Bane seems to be the influencing factor behind a major portion of the story. Constricted within the catacombs beneath Priestown, the creature can still access the minds of the people and day by day the darkness grows and the people keep getting controlled by it. The Bane knows that the spook is the only one who can put a stop to him. What follows is a series of events much more darker and dangerous than the previous one and testing the Spook, Tom and Alice to a T.

As far as the story and the danger level and the is considered there is the heightened level of risk here. The Spook's Curse is a very old and powerful curse that will one day claim his life (but if you believe in it). Again the story is pretty much an awesome piece of work. There is drama, there is risk and most of all there is the darkness that seems to be ever growing and more menacing than before. This book also peels away some more layers of the Spook's character bit by bit and kinda makes us see the "old-bones" in a new light but sadly Tom still remains the same, although he is now much more cautious, thinks things through and has realized that in a spook's line of work he has but only his master as his greatest friend but we don't really see anymore changes in him here.

So another great book and i'm off to read the next one now.

"It grows darker and darker in here"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: Red Fox


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

The Wardstone Chronicles #1: The Spook's Apprentice

I'm back to the high-fantasy genre and this is my view of The Wardstone Chronicles #1 The Spook's Apprentice by Joseph Delaney, been meaning to read since I heard that they were meaning to turn this into a movie.

Here is the summary of the book:

"I was going to learn how to protect farms and villages from things that go bump in the night. Dealing with ghouls, boggarts, and all manner of wicked beasties would be all in a day's work. That's what the Spook did, and I was going to be his apprentice." Twelve-year-old Thomas Ward, as the seventh son of a seventh son, has no inheritance and is bored with farm work, and even though his new job will mean the superstitious villagers will forever shun him, he is eager to go off to adventure with the tall, hooded man he calls the Spook. His mother, a magical person herself, approves, and the Spook's teaching is strict but kind. But when Tom has only learned enough to be able to control their house-boggart, he is tricked by Alice, the young daughter of a witch family, into inadvertently releasing and then killing Mother Malkin, a witch the Spook has imprisoned in a pit. This is no polite wicca-type witch, but a snuffling, slime-trailing, cannibalistic creature reminiscent of Tolkien's nasgils. The story of Tom's escape from the reincarnated witch's hideous revenge is full of horrible details, as Alice helps, and then once again betrays him. This well-crafted novel marks an auspicious start for an exciting and fast series for young teens. (Ages 10-14) --Patty Campbell

Very different this story is and has definitely got the potential for being a Halloween read. It all begins with Tom Ward, who is the seventh son of the seventh son and is the custom his father must get him into a trade but since his father has used up all of his previous favors for all of Tom's six older brothers. So, naturally only the Spook was left. The Spook's business is not always the preferred line of work. Well literally a spook's job is to protect farms and villages from things that go bump in the night like ghouls, ghosts, boggarts, witches and all manners of wicked beasts and Tom becomes the Apprentice of the only Spook in the County (there is one more but he works on the outskirts of the land), John Gregory.

Not crossed thirteen yet, Tom has been sent far from home and thrown into a world danger. He has been given a month to prove that he might have what it takes to be a Spook's apprentice, but first Tom will have to last through his first night. A Spook's business basically involves with tackling creatures of dark and so he must prove his worth - spend the night in the cellar of a haunted house. Definitely not as easy as it sounds.

To be a Spook Tom first has to learn a lot of things. Not just reading but practicality is a definite factor in here and if he is not careful he just might catch an early grave for himself. But not to worry Tom has rather some vast advantages above the other previous apprentices - he is his Mam's son who is in her own rights a very mysterious character herself and then there is Alice - the girl with the pointy shoes. Now the Spook has warned him to stay away from girls with pointy shoes as they are mostly witches and can prove a problem for him.

Tom's encounter with Alice sets up a series of incidents that might make it difficult for him to gauge if Alice is a friend or the worst enemy he could find. But trouble really arises when his master is called in to another village Tom is left to fend for himself....and there goes the worst scenario sets in for the lad.

Now as far as the whole thing goes Mr. Delaney has set up such great characters and not to mention such a rich plot for the Wardstone chronicles. It goes without saying that writing high fantasy is not a simple job and he has done beautifully at it. Be it Tom, Mr. Gregory (the Spook), Tom's dad and mam, Alice or the whole plot scenario - everything works. They are great characters with too many layers and mysteries upon them. Story takes place in England and author uses a lot of folklore creatures and legends; witches, boggarts , ghosts, ghasts and others. Characters are well developed and very likeable. I really liked Tom, he struggles with the idea that he will be next Spook, and at first he is not even sure if he wants to be one. The Spook is also another great character, wish there was more on him in here but no problem this book is just the beginning. Tom's Mam is another mysterious character, by how much we found in this book it is enough to know that she is not a normal human being. And then there is Alice, she might just the best one of the lot because for the matter we don't know which side she is Light or Dark - she lies in the gray area of the in-between.

So yes I'm expecting great things from the Wardstone chronicles as since the spook's apprentice is just the beginning of this slightly gory tale (do bear in mind this is not your simple medieval fanstasy tale.....think Lord of the Rings in a much toned down manner). Overall an enjoyable read and definitely a scary, spooky and horror book. It is the details that matter and if something offers such an in-dept scenario where a single sentence can make the hair stand on straight.......well I don't think you need anything else to do besides getting the outcome.

"Makes for a great spooky read"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: Red Fox


Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

The Pledge #1: The Pledge

A million thank yous to the Simon & Schuester Galley Grab program for us a galley of the book.....thank you, been wanting to read this since I saw its stunning cover. I present my views of Kimberly Derting's upcoming saga The Pledge #1 The Pledge.

Here is the summary of the book:

In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom….

A dystopic world where the people are divided into castes and the major distinction between them is the different languages they speak, i.e., the royals speak another tongue, vendors another, servants another with just one universal language between them. They are not meant to know what the others are speaking in their dialect but in the queendom of Ludania, a seventeen year old Charlaina (Charlie) can understand every language that is spoken, a dangerous ability she has hidden for her whole life. 

Her only release from such boundaries comes is during the time she spends in the underground drug ridden clubs but when she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a dialect she had never heard before.....well all her years of effort of hiding her ability to understand all the languages might go waste and it was almost exposed. Charlie now can't seem to keep this mysterious boy out of her mind at all and even the boy wants to know her. Seeking more rendezvous with this stranger, whom she comes to know as Max might spell out the words trouble for her. 

Due a series of life changing, violent events that take place during this time Charlie finds out that she herself is the key to finally rooting out the oppressive force and laws prevalent in Ludania.

Charlie is a teenager, living in a dystopic world oppressed by laws but she has also got a righteous head on her shoulders. On top of that she has a dangerous secret to keep hidden; in the society where she lives in you are not meant to understand the language of the upper class. She has a terrible secret and wants to confide in someone about it. The trials she faces makes her start question her belief and enables her to start taking a stand.

Max as well is a complicated character like Charlie. He is also keeping a huge secret from Charlie, a secret that takes an awful lot of time to be out. He is the tall, dark and handsome guy....don't forget mysterious that that has Charlie sleepless and just happens to be there at the stop whenever she needs him.

The Queen on the other hand is merciless, she'll do anything to achieve the ends her wants regardless of the means taken. She'd burn a million bodies if it means she gets what she wants. She is a complex character and her thoughts are definitely going to horrify you to no ends. 

Kimberly Derting is officially now on my favorite authors list, I had recently read 'the body finder' and 'desires of the dead' and I loved them both and since I saw the gorgeous cover of this book I have been wanting to read it ever since. And I have nothing but positive thoughts about this book too. The Pledge marks a wonderful and an adventurous beginning to a new saga. Although the epilogue seemed to portray an ending to the tale but it shows to be a series so we'll see where Miss Derting takes the story from here.

"The Pledge is as dark and stunning as its cover."

Genre :      Young Adult, Dystopia


Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry


Courtesy of : Simon & Schuester Galley grab


Rate:              5/5 (It was amazing)

The Niteclif Evolution #1: Legacy

If one day you find out that the supernatural world really exists, i.e., dragons, witches & wizards and the like then what would be your reaction be? Me? I would be a little skeptical at first but if given solid proof…….well no questions asked I’d be jumping with joy but let’s see how this is dealt with in Denise Tompkins’ debut novel The Niteclif Evolution #1 Legacy.

Here is the summary of the book:

When Fate makes you her bitch, accept it and adapt. Or die. The Niteclif Evolutions, Book 1. Looking back on the wish she made on Midsummer’s Eve, Maddy Niteclif should have been more specific. She only wanted to escape the shadowy nightmares that plagued her nights, not to be thrust into a completely altered reality. If a strangely familiar, sexy dragon-shifter named Bahlin, who causes a never-to-be-mentioned-again fainting spell, isn’t enough to make her question her sanity, his insistence she’s the Niteclif ought to do the job. Prophesied super-sleuth of the supernatural world—a world that desperately needs her help—isn’t a job she’s remotely qualified for no matter what her family tree says. Catapulted into a very different London ruled by dark mythology, mystery and murder, Maddy makes a few startling discoveries. Paranormal creatures exist. Getting shot really sucks. And her body responds remarkably well to dragon magic—in more ways than simple wound healing. But in this kill-or-be-killed world, reality bites. And Maddy must choose to go back to what she knows…or stay and fight for the man she knows she can’t live without. Warning: This book contains a shape-shifting dragon with a Scottish accent, modern and archaic weapons, global inter-species politics that make democracy seem mild, some very steamy sex underground, a severed head, murder, and…oh yeah…a woman caught in the middle of it all.

As I mentioned above what would you do if you came to know that the supernatural world exists parallel to our own well protagonist Maddy Niteclif’s life is about to take a dangerous u-turn. She is a mess after her parent’s death and now in a bid to start anew, she retires from the overly predictable job as a copyrighter and goes to the British Isles….somehow she feels the need to be there – a pull of sorts. But she doesn’t know that something big awaits her there.

Taken up residence Maddy has the greatest misfortune of ending up at a stone circle with a pounding headache and there she goes and makes a wish for an altered reality and….viola she gets it (simply because stone circles according to myths are sites of great power).

So now she finds out that her family, ie., the Niteclifs or every third generation of the family must serve as the highest judiciary body for the supernatural world – basically she is the personal detective of the supes.

Now at the first hour of her service she is given a case. Somebody or something is killing away the supernatural creatures and Maddy must do all she can to solve it before it goes out of hand.

Along the way she meets Bahlin Drago, a dragon (naturally); who her interest very much. Maddy knows she musn’t be distracted but Bahlin is a mystery to her and the more she tries to stay away, the more she finds herself drawn to him.

Maddy is what you would call a conventional heroine. She has a lot to stand up to. She is tough, she is sad (for her parents as they were the only ones who really understood her) and most of all she wants to belong somewhere. Her attraction to Bahlin and their conversations together are some of the best scenes of the book. (WARNING: A lot of Sexual ref here)

Legacy on the whole is a great debut novel by Miss Tompkins and the level of suspense, detection and logic applied here makes it a worthwhile read.

Genre :      Fantasy, Paranormal


Publisher: Samhain Publishing Ltd.


My Copy: Courtesy of author


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

East Salem Trilogy #1: Waking Hours

I most definitely don't like to read novels with Christian references but here since its a lot more of a mystery and suspense and very very less content of it so i'm willing to forgo and read the whole thing. That is readers I present before you all my review of East Salem Trilogy #1 Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl and Peter Nelson.

Here is the summary of the book:

All towns have secrets. Some have demons. Welcome to East Salem. A sleepy town with a history older than America where things are just a bit off. Where the supernatural bleeds into the everyday. And where a tragic murder mystery is underway. A high school girl is found dead in the town park. And where forensic psychiatrist Dani Harris wants answers. All the suspects are teenagers who were at the party with her the night before-but who woke up the next morning with no memory of what transpired. Even though evidence confirms they were all at the scene of the crime. Former pro-football linebacker-and local celebrity-Tommy Gunderson finds himself drawn to the case. And to Dani-who he last spoke with on their one high school date forever ago. Yet his celebrity status opens doors barred to Dani-so they form an awkward alliance. They soon realize that there's more to the mystery than murder. And more to the evil they are facing than a mere human killer. The supernatural series awakens this fall- with an official street date of October 4, 2011.

The whole book is basically divided into two POVs of Tommy and of Dani's. And is the best debut novel here of Lis Wiehl...well this is the first book I have read of her's anyway.

So as already mentioned in the summary all the action is based in and around East Salem and any of you don't know Salem's history reeks of the supernatural. Exactly the daily mundane lives of the people here and mixing supernatural is definitely not a big deal. So when this tragic and suspicious murder case springs up, a high school girl found brutally murdered and the body lying in the town park. All the suspects are teenagers and they don't remember anything that had happened there and so the forensic psychiatrist Danielle "Dani" Harris wants answers also her high school crush Tommy Gunderson, ex-football player and line backers also finds himself drawn to the case and to the stunning Dani Harris, who is well ironically his high school crush too. Co-incidence? Well Tommy definitely doesn't think so. 

So when Tommy approaches to let him help with the case Dani reluctantly agrees....well he is a local celebrity and his status might help her in places where her working for the D.A.s office might not. But when they realize that the murder might not be just an act of a heinous sin but turn into something more on a higher degree?.......well that still needs to be seen since this is just the first book........................

So anyway an amazing book with an amazing cast Dani Harris is the overachiever (kinda like a muggle-born Hermione Granger...sorry couldn't resist the harry potter reference), she is a righteous lady and has a very heavy past full of grief and sadness for the loss of her parents. Then there is Tommy Gunderson her high school for whom she still has got feelings but a lot of tension is there as well. Tommy's life hasn't also been the greatest, being a celebrity is a very difficult job.....he has to keep an indifferent mask in public, keep his head down and definitely don't forget the paparazzi.....never forget those crazy people. So between retiring and leaving his fiance at the alter he life is pretty messed up too but on the plus side he is rich and a tech junkie. 

Character analysis done the plot should not be left behind. While I can't say much as this is just the first one but i'd say this all the twists and turns and the little bits of supernaturality makes you flip the pages at a pace you never knew. An easy and a fast read and an amazing job done by the authors.

Genre :      Fiction, Mystery, Supernatural


Publisher: Thomas Nelson


My Copy:  Courtesy of netgalley and publisher 


Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

The Body Finder #2: Desires of the Dead

Less creepy and more as a message conveying what is to come, I present before you all The Body Finder #2 Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting.

Here is the summary of the book:

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life. As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.
What would life be without a few spices in its wake? Pretty boring don’t you think? But if that spice turns out to be an ability that is creepy, disorienting and danger magnet - well you might hope to actually have a life of normally….although that might not be the option available to you, at all. With a sense of righteousness and lack of self-preservation is just the added bonus to the mix don’t you think?

All of the above lines greatly describe the protagonist of our tale, Violet Ambrose. And this is where we pick up the reigns after the first book The Body Finder where we are introduced to Violet and her ability to sense the dead, un-rested souls. Although her ability proved very much helpful in tracking a hunter on the loose, it was also because of this that she almost lost her life. Oh and not to forget Jay Heaton who has been her best friend for so many years is now her boyfriend….hmm.. Somewhere along the line friendship turned into love I suppose.

This is where Desires of the Dead picks up after a harrowing year of hunters and stalkers life at the moment seems to be perfect for Violet. She has great friends, an awesome family, a great boyfriend (who is also her best friend) and they are going steady. The days seem to be mundane at best, well not mundane enough if you consider all the “homework” sessions (notice the double quotes?) that Violet and Jay have together.

And like always the calm is about to be shattered – Jay has got a new friend Mike upon whom Chelsea seems to have set her eyes. So now Jay spends so much time with Mike that Violet seems left out. And would you look at that Violet seems to have a new stalker up her tail (sorry not going to disclose the name as the person has already apologized). Along with all this Violet has a lot of things of her own going on. She found another dead body – a little boy this time. And something or the other makes somebody else find out about her ability. Mistakes are made, trust issues are raised and Violet and Jay decide upon an important step of their life.

Desires of the dead if described in a few words as a right to passage, simple enough Violet, Jay and the whole crew is growing up, puberty stage if you call. Everything is confusing, different, heightened, a new sense of meaning in everything around them. This is a stage to make the important decisions that could change their lives forever.

As I had stated in the previous review of the body finder, this book is all about a normal, high school life with a hint of paranormality. This element definitely does not rule the story but enhances its vigor. A major plus point for the series and the author Kimberly Derting in my books. Dividing and telling the story from two POV makes it even more interesting to read and enjoy. Definitely a favourite, it is enough to understand that whatever happens in here is most certainly a precursor to the next book “The Last Echo”.

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal


Publisher: HarperTeen


Rate:              5/5 (It was amazing)

Lorien Legacies #2: The Power of Six

Sequel better than the series pilot?....Definitely. This is Lorien Legacies #2 The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore (Jobie Hughes & James Frey).

Here is the summary of the book:

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us. Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together? They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed. I am Number Seven. One of six still alive. And I'm ready to fight.

I am Number Four ended with four a.k.a. John Smith loosing Henri, confronting the Mogs, meeting number six, finding love in the form of Sarah Hart, becoming best friends with Sam Goode and deciding to go find the other Loric - regroup and battle the Mogs once and for all with Sam, Six and his chimera, Bernie Kosar.

These lines pretty much say it all and this is where the next book power of six picks up. Our little band of the merry men....and women are on the run and doing all they can to evade the authorities and find all the remaining numbers....yes the police and the FBI have now instigated them as the terrorist as fake ids were found at their last residence in Paradise, Ohio....

And its one hell of a journey I tell you.....

That is not all there is to this book. Wait for it.....new characters. The book definitely introduces us to a horde of new characters. We meet seven and her Cepan who are in hiding in a remote area in Italy and trying to evade the notice of the Mogs. But even that is too good to last. Trouble seems to find them everywhere. 

All that aside lets talk about the characters we meet here. Hector Ricardo, oh I simply loved him. He is a great friend to Seven, he is reliable, he is drunk (don't think too much about it), and he is what is you call a kindred spirit. Then there is number seven herself and she is feeling rather rebellious as she comes of age - developing her legacies and sense the deja vu.....her situation is somewhat the same as John's was. 

John is every bit of tough and strong but he misses Henri and feels rather lost without his Cepan to take care of him. Add to that he misses Sarah.

The Power of Six, is for a lack of a better word, something you all shouldn't miss. A must read for all who are fans and who are readers. Pittacus Lore is the man, although the concept of an alien sci-fi tale but I must say it is the level of creativity involved here that makes it possible. You definitely can't miss this one.

And before I forget the title definitely doesn't seem the power of number six.

Genre :      Young Adult, Sci-fi


Publisher: HarperCollins


Rate:              5/5 (It was amazing)

Follow Friday #6

"Follow Friday" is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog. Don’t forget to comment and leave your link so I can return your follows.

Q. What book that hasn't been turned into a movie (yet) would you most like to see make it to the big screen, and who would you like cast as your favorite character?


ANS: Finally something that gets an answer as something not as Harry Potter, Twilight, Hunger Games or the Mortal Instruments.


And my answer is going to THE IRON FEY series of JULIE KAGAWA. This series is my recent favourite and I simply adore the whole plot here and besides for a fact i am a self-proclaimed TEAM ASH member. So yes I want the whole Iron Fey saga to turned into movies. Now if casting them is to be considered well (i'd rather put the same ones that are in the trailers and are associated during the cover designs) - Meghan - Elisabeth Harnois; Puck - Gasperd Ulliel; Ash - Adam Gregory; Oberon - Hugo Weaving; Mab - Liv Tyler (i suppose); Titania - sorry can't seem to find anyone menacingly glaring to me so i'm leaving it as blank (hopefully you guys will suggest something).