D4rk inside review

D4ark inside by Jeyn Roberts

Releases 2nd September

www.panmacmillan.com

What's it about?

Since mankind began, civilizations have always fallen: the Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs…. Now it’s our turn.
Huge earthquakes rock the world. Cities are destroyed. But something even worse is happening. An ancient evil has been unleashed, hooking on to weakness, turning the unwary into hunters, killers, crazies.

Mason: His mother is dying after a terrible car accident. As he endures a last vigil at her hospital bed, his school is bombed and razed to the ground. Everyone he knows is killed.

Aries: A school bus, an aftershock and a crash. Pulled out of the wreckage by a mysterious stranger, she’s about to discover a world changed forever.

Clementine: An emergency meeting at the town hall that descends into murderous chaos. Outside the rest of their community encircle with weapons. How can those you trust turn into savage strangers?

Michael: A brutal road rage incident. When the police arrive on the scene they gun down the guilty and turn on the by-standing crowd. Where do you go for justice when even the lawmakers have turned bad?

My review:
5/5
This book really dives into the action and had me on the edge of my seat, heart racing, from start to finish. It really makes your think about kind of person you'd be if the world was in an apocalyptic disarray and what you'd do to survive, as it follows four different characters on their journeys.
The book isn't sugar-coated either, terrible things happen that I didn't guess that made it feel realistic and though I suspect a supernatural element to 'the baggers' I think it really shows people can turn into monsters.
I really enjoyed all of the characters but i'd say Aries was a favourite, after surviving an horrific bus crash she becomes a great leader for her little group and does things even though she's terrified. I also liked the dark side of Mason, it was really interesting that we also got to read about someone who was slightly affected by the darkness that has turned most people into vicious killers.
The only problem I had was about a quarter way in everyone was left on a little cliffhanger and then it suddenly skipped ahead three weeks and there was no explanation as to how they got out of their situations.
It was really great as the four stories eventually bled together and though it ended with lots of questions it still ended well and I can't wait for the second instalment for the answers and to see where they all go next.

My thoughts on the cover:
I liked this cover more afer I'd read the book to be honest because then I knew how well it fits in with the story. It's dark and everyone is partially hidden as they spend a lot of time in the book hiding. The black fits in well to but I don't want to give that away lol I have to say though  I really like the US cover.

"The nothingness. No fire trucks, ambulances, police cars. No people, cars, steroes, televisions, computers. All the things we use to replace the silence of loneliness. All the distractions we buy that fill up the empty voids inside our souls. It's all gone."

London, England, has riots that stain the cobblestones redder than anything Jack the Ripper ever dreamed of.

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Blood bound review

Blood bound by Rachel Vincent

Releases 1st September

www.mirabooks.co.uk

What's it about?

By blood, by word, by magic...

Most can't touch the power. But Liv Warren is special – a paranormal tracker who follows the scent of blood.

Liv makes her own rules, and the most important one is trust no one.

But when her friend's daughter goes missing, Liv has no choice but to find the girl. Thanks to a childhood oath, Liv can't rest until...moreBy blood, by word, by magic...

Most can't touch the power. But Liv Warren is special – a paranormal tracker who follows the scent of blood.
Liv makes her own rules, and the most important one is trust no one.
But when her friend's daughter goes missing, Liv has no choice but to find the girl. Thanks to a childhood oath, Liv can't rest until the child is home safe. But that means trusting Cam Caballero, the former lover forbidden to her.
Bound by oath and lost in desire for a man she cannot have, Liv is racing to save the child from a dark criminal underworld where secrets, lies, trauma and danger lurk around every corner...every touch...every kiss.
And more blood will be spilled before it's over...

My review:

4/5

I've been eagerly anticipating this book for a while and wasn't disappointed, this is a definite must for fans of Vincent's other books particularly her adult Shifters series. Rachel has an excellent way of taking something we haven't seen before or often and making it her own with a fabulous book.
In blood bound there is a similarity at the start to Stray when our protags ex boyfriend shows up and they end up working together but that's where it stops, the story soon takes on a life of it's own full of mystery. I was trying to work out the mystery myself all the way through and felt like I was part of the investigative team as subtle hints were dropped throughout, I really felt like I was figuring it out alongside the characters. There are a lot of twists and turns and some great action scenes.
The story was woven together really well and the world building was excellent, I could really imagine the dark city setting and scary rivalry between the two crime lords.
I liked the characters a lot to, Liv is strong and puts people she cares about before herself, she believes in her ideals and wants to be her own person and will push against anyone who try's to take away her choices even when she knows it will get her in trouble... Oh and you wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of her.
Unlike Rachel's other books this one is told from two povs, Livs and Cams, I liked Cam a lot to, he's devoted and fiercely loyal and will do anything for Liv.
All in all I thought this was a really excellent gritty urban fantasy, great for people who are already fans of the author and people who are new to her. It doesn't so much end on a cliffhanger but rather more of a clue to what happens next and I can't wait for shadow bound for more of Liv and Cam.

My thoughts on the cover:

I really like this cover, I prefer it to the US one actually. It definitely carries the dark tone of the story, and I like the orange glow from the sunset (rise?)

Favourite quotes:

"I realized that I'd rather die with you than live with someone else." - Liv

"Assassination is murder. Execution is justice." - Liv

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Bloodlines review

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Available now

www.penguin.co.uk

What's it about?

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.

This is a spin-off series to the highly popular Vampire Academy series.

My review:

5/5

Although I've been seriously excited about this books since I heard about it, I've also been a bit wary because, well, it is a spin-off and sometimes they can fail miserably, fortunately this wasn't one of those times! I really loved this book and it's easy to say it's one of my favourite reads this year.

We learn a lot more about the Alchemists world and how they operate in this which was really interesting and I like Sydney a lot, she's a lot different from Rose so it didn't feel like I was just reading Vampire academy all over again.
Having been home schooled them pushed straight into being an Alchemist Sydney doesn't really have any social skills so it was really fun seeing her having to go to school and try to fit in and make friends whilst being in the uncomfortable situation of rooming with a Vampire, there were some real laugh out loud moments.
And of course we all already know and love Adrian so I don't need so much more about him other than he's great.
The story itself is really interesting, full of twists and turns, a lot of which I didn't guess at, always a plus in my opinion. It all toes together really well to make a fantastic ending with a killer final line that has made me desperate to get my hands on the next book The Golden Lily, I'm not sure how I'll cope until May!

My thoughts on the cover:

This isn't a 'WOW' cover but it is nice, the guy isn't quite how I imagine Adrian but the girl definitely looks like Sydney, I really love the golden lily tattoo on her cheek (You can't see it well in this picture but it looks lovely in real life) I quite like the font with the roses on to.

Favourite quotes:

She was like a tropical flower in this dark stuffy room.
One that could kill you. - Sydney on Rose.

Clarence and Lee weren't all that intimidating, and Adrian... well, Adrian was pretty much the least scary vampire I'd ever met.

As I drove away, I decided the Alchemists needed an entire department devoted to handling Adrian Ivashkov.

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The Goddess test Review

The Goddess test by Aimee Carter

Available now

(16th September UK)

What's it about?

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll
...moreIt's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

My review:
5/5
A lot of you will know that I'm bit nuts for Greek mythology so I've been wanting to read this one for some time and I'm so happy I finally got to it because I really enjoyed it.
I really liked Aimee Carters own twist on the story of Hades and Persephone and the fact that she made Hades, or Henry, into a vulnerable, caring guy and totally swoon worthy! When he's always been the bad guy from mythology to modern day stories, it was fun to see him in a new light. The relationship between him and Kate grew slowly and was really endearing and believable.
Since everyone was renamed in this, like Hades was Henry, I had a fun time guessing who was who from the subtle clues in the book and the references to the original legend were interesting.
I found the book really easy to read and hard to put down because it flowed so well, the characters are likeable, even self involved Ava, and it's all woven together really well so I couldn't guess when Kate was being tested anymore than she could.
I know there is a second book coming out but this would've been fine as a stand alone and could be read as one if you preferred, but there is a hint, I think, at what's going to happen next and I'm interested in finding out more.

My thoughts on the cover:
This is the US cover that I have, though the soon to be released UK cover is pretty simlair. I really like the simplicity of this cover and the plain white dress and sandals, I can easily imagine this girl to be Kate. I also really like the square pattern around the edges

Favourite quotes:

The nearest neighbours were a mile down the road, the whole place smelled like nature, and no one delivered pizza in the small town of Eden.

She might've been smiling, but with the way she was leaning against him clutching his arm, she might as well have peed on him. He was clearly marked territory.

Passion Review by Louise Pridige

Passion by Lauren Kate

What's it about?

Luce would die for Daniel.
And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .
Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of th


...moreLuce would die for Daniel.
And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .
Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.
Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.
Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

Louise's review:

“Every single lifetime, I’ll choose you.  Just as you have always chosen me.  Forever”

I eagerly awaited this third book in the series.  I really enjoyed the first two Fallen and Torment and was not disappointed with it! I DID NOT put it down.  Housework and kids were both ignored just so I could finish it!! Seriously though I did feed them only once!

I don’t want to give too much away but this mainly concentrated on Luce and her history.You did get to find out a little of Cam and Daniels history but it was Luce who was the main character throughout.  Lauren Kate’s writing did not disappoint and the past history was very believable, I was there in that time when I was reading.

I definitely feel a twist coming on when book four, the final book, Rapture comes out in Summer 2012.  Passion ended nicely, opening for Rapture next year.  If you haven’t read these yet I strongly URGE you to get down the shop or the library and get yourself a copy.  These are ones which will be on my bookshelf to stay and they will be read again!

Wolfsbane quickie review

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Available now

What's it about?

When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

My review:
4/5
Since this is a second book and it was one of my own I've decided to just do a quickie review instead of a full one.
Unlike a lot of 'middle' books, this one didn't feel likely was just a bridge to the next one, it's packed full of information and back story on the characters, old and new and gives a lot of insight into the story itself. That being said, there isn't much else happening, a lot of the book did feel kinda like "story-time" for the characters, I would've like to see a bit more happening in between the scenes rather than just the one big action scene at the end.
I did still enjoy the book though as much as the first one and am really looking forward to bloodrose, which I suspect is where the action will be!

My thoughts on the cover:
Honestly I don't think this cover is up to much, I like the silver pattern and the orange sunset colour but in regards to the book it doesn't really relate, I think the girl standing alone refers to Calla being alone, without her pack in this book but it just doesn't feel like anything special in my opinion.

Favourite quotes:

"Are you kidding?" Connor said. "A cup of coffee instead of a ring? That's the kind of proposal I'm ready for."

"He was running at me, Monroe. Screaming like a Banshee, I swear," Ethan yelled, his voice choked and full of strain. "He yelled, 'I'm a guardian, I'm a Guardian,' over and over. What was I supposed to do?"

Tankborn review

Tankborn by Karen Sandler

www.leeandlow.com

Releases 15th September 2011

What's it about?

Best friends Kayla and Mishalla know they will be separated when the time comes for their Assignments. They are GENs, Genetically Engineered Non-humans, and in their strict caste system, GENs are at the bottom rung of society. High-status trueborns and working-class lowborns, born naturally of a mother, are free to choose their own lives. But GENs are gestated in a tank, sequestered in slums, and sent to work as slaves as soon as they reach age fifteen.

When Kayla is Assigned to care for Zul Manel, the patriarch of a trueborn family, she finds a host of secrets and surprises—not least of which is her unexpected friendship with Zul's great-grandson. Meanwhile, the children that Mishalla is Assigned to care for are being stolen in the middle of the night. With the help of an intriguing lowborn boy, Mishalla begins to suspect that something horrible is happening to them.

After weeks of toiling in their Assignments, mystifying circumstances enable Kayla and Mishalla to reunite. Together they hatch a plan with their new friends to save the children who are disappearing. Yet can GENs really trust humans? Both girls must put their lives and hearts at risk to crack open a sinister conspiracy, one that may reveal secrets no one is ready to face.

My review:
3/5
I found this book really interesting, the story was woven together really well and the world building was really great but I also found it a bit dull to be honest, whilst I enjoyed trying to figure out the conspiracies with the characters, there wasn't really any action in the book, but that's just my preference, not everyone likes lots of fights and explosions lol
I did find myself quite confused for a good chunk of the start, the book is set in a futuristic society on another planet and dives right in with no explanation for all the technical terms and the class system that's in place there, so it takes a little while to figure out and get into the book.
Never one to give up easy though I carried on reading and whilst I didn't love the book I did enjoy it enough to want to find out more. I enjoyed the characters, Kayla is strong-willed and is clever enough to think for herself and is questioning her existence right from the start. Devak goes on more of a journey as he opens up his eyes to the part of his world he's been blind to, it was really interesting to see him feeling remorseful and trying to fix things.
Overall an enjoyable, if slow paced, book. I'll definitely try out the next one assuming there is one.

My thoughts on the cover:
I think the cover is gorgeous, all those blues and greens mix together really well and the babies in bubbles is really interesting, I've certainly never seen anything like that before. The girl looks how I picture Kayla to be.

Favourite quotes:

He reached toward her slowly, until she could feel the warmth drifting down from his palm.
And then he lowered his hand on hers.

"We're not Droms that need care, we're not children. I'm not an 'it' that needs a trueborn to tell me when I'm happy. I might be less than you, but I'm tired of being told how I should feel." - Kayla

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Grit city issue two quickie review

Grit city issue two by Ron Gavalik

What's it about?



Grit City, Issue #2 is the second installment of a monthly series about a dark and calamitous world, where the nefarious rule. Dillon Galway is an idealistic freelance journalist in his mid-twenties, who barely scrapes out a living reporting on corruption for the Grit City Times and his own blog.

Dillon remembers the city as an ideal place to live, before the murder of his Father and the rise of the Lebedev Syndicate. All meaningful power in business, politics and law enforcement are now funneled into the hands of this wealthy organization.

He works tirelessly to reestablish opportunity and peace, and relies on the sexy and sultry Alyssa Stephano (gun for hire) to help when situations require her nickel plated Colt .45 revolvers.

But in the shadows of the back alleys, whispers stir in the underground of an unnamed force. Something or someone that's determined to upset the status quo. When Dillon is tipped about horrifying activities he's propelled into a perilous investigation that may lead to dire consequences.

As the series progresses Dillon will face unfathomed challenges, but also gain abilities most consider impossible.
My review:
5/5
This is just a quickie review because I already reviewed issue one (here) and each issue is short.
Anyway I enjoyed this latest installment as much as the first, the story is getting heated and we're starting to get a hint of the fantastical element of serial.
We're starting to get to know Dillon and Alyssa a bit more and I really like them, I certainly wouldn't want to make an enemy of Alyssa!
And of course not forgetting the pictures that make this an emotobook, I really like the abstract pictures, they're very interesting and express well our characters feelings. They're a great little extra to an exciting story, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on issue three next month.

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Forgive my fins and Fins are forever by Tera Lynn Childs review

Forgive my fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Available now

www.templarco.co.uk

What's it about?



When a mermaid has her first kiss, she 'bonds' for life with the person she kisses. For Lily, a mermaid princess living in secret on land, this means she has ended up accidentally bonded to her obnoxious neighbour, instead of to the boy of her dreams. So begins a tidal wave of relationship drama, as Lily discovers that happily-ever-after never sails as smoothly as you plan it to.

My review:
5/5
Even though I figured out the end of this book by the end of the first chapter it didn't matter because it's so good! It's extremely witty and funny and I loved all of Lily's sea analogies.
Though I guessed the end I didn't guess the events leading up to it so it was a really fun read that I found hard to put down.
Lily was a lot of fun to read, she's a typically dramatic teenager who thinks shes in love with her first crush, I really wanted her to just see what was in front of her.
The book itself is so well written I found myself getting quite emotional and teared up more than once.
I have no complaints at all, the book was brilliant, I recommend it to all and I definitely consider myself Teras newest fan as soon as I've read the next book Fins are forever I'll be looking into her back catalogue!

_______________________________

Fins are forever by Tera Lynn Childs

Available April 2012

www.templarco.co.uk

What's it about?
On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.
Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?
The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up—Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own dreams?

My review:
5/5
I thought this was just as great as the first one, it's funny and the storyline is a little more complex. I really didn't know what decisions Lily would make, yet I was behind her whichever way she went.
I still love the original characters and I really liked Dosinia who's in this one a lot more, I laughed at her flippant nature, she acts like she doesn't care but you can tell that really she does, she was great fun.
Lily has grown up a lot from the first book which was great to see and her growing relationship with Quince is lovely.
Again the writing is great and I easily read the book quickly and stayed up past my bedtime, reluctant to put it down. I felt that the storyline all fitted together really well with no loose ends at the end.
Tera Lynn Childs is a very talented writer and I look forward to reading more by her.

Eve review

Eve by Anna Carey

Releases 5th November (UK)

4th October (US)

www.harpercollins.com

What's it about?

The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus-and the vaccine intended to protect against it-wiped-out most of the earth’s population. Wildlife has grown over once recognizable landmarks, and the New America is ruled by a controlling King who will stop at nothing to rebuild the nation. Eighteen-year-old Eve has grown up isolated from boys, and has been taught to fear them. It isn’t until the night before the graduation from her all-girls school that she discovers what really happens to new graduates. To avoid the horrifying fate that awaits her, Eve flees the only home she’s ever known. She sets of on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Eve knows she shouldn’t trust him, but he slowly wins her confidence…and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

My review:
4/5

I try to keep all my reviews spoiler free but I just couldn't write this one without a couple of teensy ones so this is a slight spoiler warning.

I really liked this book... and at the same time I kinda didn't.
Now don't get me wrong, the book is exciting, the story interesting and the characters perfectly likeable but there were little inconsistencies and bits that I felt didn't make sense that niggled in the back of my mind and slightly hindered my enjoyment of the book. Such as when they go into a house that's been flooded but there's children's drawings hanging on the fridge or when they spend all day swimming in the lake yet Caleb's knuckles are 'caked in dirt' after.
(I should add that I'm quite aware this is a proof copy that I've read and will check my review against the final released copy and change it if necessary)
Something I found hard to believe was that the girls have been brainwashed into being scared of men but at the same time they know one girls parents live together in the city and some of them remember their parents from before, surely they'd have noticed the inconsistency here.
There was also something at the end I didn't think made much sense beyond making for a dramatic cliffhanger but I can't tell you that without spoiling lol
The only other issue I had was that the world is in disarray because of a virus but there's no explanation as to where the virus came from, how long it lasted or how they stopped/cured it. When Arden gets sick it's hinted that it's the virus but then she just gets better without any kind of medical attention, how did she survive something in a dirty cave that has wiped out most the population?
I don't mean for this to sound like a bad review because it's really not, I did enjoy the book, the story caught my attention from the beginning and a lot happens meaning there's not a dull moment.
Though she's quite naive I did like Eve, she comes to be very courageous, I also liked her relationship with Caleb and how we see them actually get to know each other during the book, their feelings for one another are believeable because they do know each other.
I also enjoyed her new friendship with Arden.
There's a lot of character building in this book and we learn a lot about our charcaters pasts which made me feel like I really got to know them and cared about what happened to them in the end.
The writing itself is also easy to read I easily got into the book and finished it quickly, I'm definitely interested in giving the next book a go and hope it answers some of the questions I have.

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