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Thursday, March 16, 2017

My Review for 'THE PALE DREAMER' by Samantha Shannon

The Pale Dreamer by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This prequel novella was a fantastic addition to The Bone Season series and to Paige Mahoney’s story. The Pale Dreamer is an origin story of how the protagonist, Paige, became the infamous Pale Dreamer, and an official member of The Seven Seals. In this novella, sixteen-year-old Paige has newly joined the criminal underworld of Scion London, under the tutelage of Jaxon Hall, the mime-lord of The Seven Seals. After doing simple and boring tasks, she is finally given a mission to prove herself to Jaxon that she can be a valuable addition to his group.

It was great seeing how young Paige first started out with Jaxon’s group, and how her relationship with Eliza, Nick and Jaxon had progressed. In this novella she doesn’t know the full potential of her clairvoyant gift, but she has the fire of the Paige we all know and love from the previous books. Seeing Scion London’s criminal world through her younger eyes and meeting characters that will play crucial roles in the later books was enlightening, especially because we see her and their first impressions with each other. But the best part is obviously when and how her gift is revealed, and thus earning Paige her name and official status within The Seven Seals.

I loved every moment of this novella. I tried to savour it as much as I could, even though it was less than 100 pages - It was not an easy task trying to drag this one out. Even with it being so short, I enjoyed reading it just as much as I had enjoyed reading The Bone Season and The Mime Order. It was still true to the essence of Paige’s story and this wonderful series.

View all my reviews

Follow Samantha Shannon on...

Twitter: @say_shannon

Instagram: @say_shannon
Website: http://samantha-shannon.blogspot.com.au/

THE PALE DREAMER ebook available now from...

- iBooks

- Amazon

- Angus and Robertson

- Kobo

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Source: Preordered from iBooks store
Book Format: epub copy

LOOK UP THIS BOOK ON http://www.goodreads.com/ :

- THE PALE DREAMER by Samantha Shannon

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Friday, January 13, 2017

My Review for 'FROSTBLOOD' by Elly Blake

Frostblood by Elly Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This debut novel by Elly Blake is about a girl born a Fireblood; her people are gifted with the magic to manipulate fire. In her world fire and ice are mortal enemies, and with the lands ruled by the Frostbloods, people like her are hunted for they are seen as dangerous. That’s the only insight I’m going to give for this story. But believe me, there is a lot packed inside this first book.

The magic race division in this story was a strong force throughout this book. And the history of how this world and the feud between the two races began was quite imaginative. I felt the hatred and prejudice people had towards our main character, Ruby, because of her Fireblood heritage. The fear and cruelty of this part of the world was apparent, and the longer time had passed that fear and cruelty turned more brutal. Even the mythology of the gods and their history was bitter and twisted.

Of course, no story about a world divided by an epic feud would be complete without a fated love story thrown in. And when the hesitant hero, Arcus, walks on to the page he’s not quite what I had imagined. He was mean, pig-headed, secretive and judgmental. Ruby and Arcus instantly despise each other, but eventually learn to tolerate one another’s presence. This made for some hilarious moments during their interactions. It also made for some sweet moments when they got to know each other better. Once everything about each other’s history and their feelings for one another where laid out there, I completely fell in love with these two. The slow burn of their relationship was a refreshing break from all the ‘instalove’ I usually see in young adult books as of late.

Ruby, our female protagonist, developed so much throughout this first book. When we first see her she is determined and curious to learn more about her Fireblood abilities, but then her life gets flipped upside down and she realizes she should have heeded her mother’s warnings and the true danger her uncontrolled magic can do. She learns the hard way and is forged into her fire, coming out as this powerful determined woman. Viewing everything from her perspective and not knowing who she could trust really put me on edge while reading, causing me to have doubts and be suspicious about certain characters. I really admired Ruby’s strength, both mentally and physically. She didn’t give up, even during the times when she felt like she should, she never did.

Arcus was a wild card to me, I didn’t know if he was trustworthy. But as more of his personality developed and he warmed up more to Ruby, I saw how caring and protective he was. Even if he was a bit stand-offish and didn’t know how to show it, it was still there, underlying everything. He knew how to challenge Ruby enough to get her to focus on how to control her fire magic. It became a relationship of mutuality for both of them, as she was the spark he needed to melt his fears and learn to live again.

One of the best things I loved throughout Frostblood was the well-paced action. And when I say there was action, I mean of the brutal kind with blood, broken bones and graphic details. It’s probably horrible of me to state, but I loved it! It gave me strong Throne of Glass and Hunger Games vibes. The action was the metaphorical ‘cherry on top’ for me!

I think this Frostblood series could be a serious candidate in the new books being added to the young adult fantasy genre. I can’t wait to see what else Elly has installed for us after reading this captivating first installment. It gets five stars from me! Come on Elly Blake, what else do you have up your sleeve?

View all my reviews

Follow Elly Blake on...

Twitter: @elly_blake

Instagram: @elly_blake
Website: http://ellyblake.com/

FROSTBLOOD available now from...

Australia

- Booktopia

- Angus and Robertson

- Dymocks

International

- Book Depository Paperback

- Book Depository Hardback

- Wordery Paperback

- Wordery Hardback

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Source: I received an ARC by the publisher inside the July Fairloot box in exchange for an honest review
Book Format: physical copy

LOOK UP THIS BOOK ON http://www.goodreads.com/ :

- FROSTBLOOD by Elly Blake

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Monday, December 19, 2016

My Review of 'THE MIME ORDER' by Samantha Shannon

The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**WARNING**
this review may contain some spoilers if you have not read the first book!

The second book takes off just minutes from where the first book ended. With the crescendo ending of The Bone Season, and then an action packed start to The Mime Order, this series is sure looking promising to my high expectations! I was absolutely thrilled by how the first twenty, or so, pages of The Mime Order was executed. It was heart pounding, riveting and quite unexpected for the beginning of a book.

After all the beginning action had calmed down and things seemed to be going back to ‘normal’, it was interesting to see how Scion London and the Unnatural syndicate functioned. In the first book, The Bone Season, I didn’t really get to see much of Paige’s ordinary life and her job as a Mime-lords mollisher. Nor did I get to see much of this Dystopian-London world and the evil Scion government in action. It was cool to see the dark and complex world that Samantha had been trying to describe throughout the first book. I also got more of an understanding of the clairvoyants and their abilities, and how they are ranked in ‘The Seven Orders of Clairvoyants’. The world, and its history, became even broader - if that was even possible considering its description throughout The Bone Season was quite broad and detailed already. There were so many pieces of the puzzle that were put together in this sequel, while at the same time more puzzle pieces were handed to out.

I loved how the introduction to new characters was paced, and how the characters that previously appeared, or were mentioned, returned. These particular characters had a much stronger presents in this sequel, and seeing the relationship they have with Paige was an interesting development, especially when previously these characters were only seen during small flash backs in The Bone Season. And although some characters from the first book may not have been present throughout The Mime Order, or were still only mentioned, I’m looking forward to their – no doubt – return or official introduction in future installments.
The one thing I was honestly looking forward too was Warden’s return. And yes, I feel like the beginning plot dragged a bit because I was struggling to wait and eagerly anticipating for Warden to walk back onto the page. And as soon as he had returned, and he and Paige were finally reunited, the book completely had my full attention – no force could pry this book from my hands. The events surrounding Warden and the Ranthen’s reappearance was the kick the storyline needed, as it opened up new arising issues and threats for all the characters, and revealed even more of the corruption in the Scion government and this Dystopian-London.

Samantha sure did hype up the romantic tension between Paige and Warden. It was refreshing to see them interact more naturally around each other - especially after that one particular moment from the first book. Even with the odds stacked against them and threats coming from all sides, it was fascinating to see them explore what they were feeling, especially with two characters that don’t have any previous experience with love or sharing what they felt. Seeing them both try to figure out what they wanted and how they could try and make this forbidden-but-undeniable-connection work was enticing, and I’m left lusting for more.

I thought Paige’s character also grew a lot more in this sequel. In The Bone Season she was trapped and looking for a way to escape and defy the fate the Raphaim had planned for her. And even though she was still in a way trapped and looking for a way out – now from the repercussions of her escape – she had fuelled motivation and good reason to despise Scion, and swear a crusade against them. Due to the new threats of her secret - yet relentless - defiance, she had to be more aware of her surroundings, the vulnerability of her gift and the people she chose to trust. Before Paige was afraid of her clairvoyant gift and didn’t want to develop it to its full potential - she thought it was too invasive to use, and fearing she was only valuable because of the uniqueness of it and nothing more. But after having to use and harness it in order to save herself and others, she became more motivated to explore and strengthen it - and I have to say Samantha’s take on a dream walking ability is unique and cool!

Overall, this sequel did its predecessor justice. It was action packed, enlightening, jaw dropping and completely satisfying – even with that cliff-hanger ending! This book had everything I wanted and even more I didn’t know I wanted. It is completely unique to anything that I’ve previously read before, with a world that imaginatively comes to life in your mind. Samantha Shannon is now one of my favourite authors and I’d probably read anything she writes.

I cannot wait for The Song Rising to come out in March, 2017, and I’ve already pre-ordered The Pale Dreamer prequel that’s to come out this December! It’s official, I’m hooked!

View all my reviews

Follow Samatha on...
Twitter: @say_shannon
Instagram: @say_shannon
Website: http://www.boneseasonbooks.com/
Blog: http://samantha-shannon.blogspot.com.au/

THE BONE SEASON SERIES
#1 THE BONE SEASON
#2 THE MIME ORDER
#0.5 THE PALE DREAMER (December 2016)
#3 THE SONG RISING (March 2017)

THE MIME ORDER available now from...
Australia
- https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/the-mime-order-by-samantha-shannon-9781408857410/#.WFeJ_vl9600
- http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/books/the-mime-order-samantha-shannon/p/9781408857427
- http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-mime-order-samantha-shannon/prod9781408857427.html

International
Paperback - https://wordery.com/the-mime-order-samantha-shannon-9781408857427?cTrk=MzM0OTc4ODN8NTg1NzhhZGY1MTU2NDoxOjE6NTg1NzhhY2M5NWIzNjUuMDA4MDI3NTM6YTU1NjQ0NzQ%3D
Hardback - https://wordery.com/the-mime-order-samantha-shannon-9781620408933?cTrk=MzM0OTc4ODN8NTg1NzhhZGY1MTU2NDoxOjc6NTg1NzhhY2M5NWIzNjUuMDA4MDI3NTM6MTU2YjE2MjQ%3D
Paperback - http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Mime-Order-Samanth-Shannon/9781408857427?ref=grid-view
Hardcover - http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Mime-Order-Samanth-Shannon/9781620408933?ref=grid-view

LOOK UP THIS BOOK ON http://www.goodreads.com/ :
- THE MIME ORDER by Samantha Shannon

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Tuesday, November 22, 2016

My Review of 'THE BONE SEASON' by Samantha Shannon

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had everything I look for in a good book!

In this book we are introduced to a Paranormal Futuristic Dystopian London, which is run by a corrupt and fearsome government called Scion. Paige Mahoney, who is the protagonist in this story, is the Mollisher to a powerful and influential Mime-lord. Paige is a dreamwalker, a clairvoyant, one of the highest orders in the ‘Seven Orders of Clairvoyance’ ranking. People like her are perceived as freaks, an abomination, even amongst her own clairvoyant kind. And being second to a gang-lord and part of the Unnatural Underground Syndicate makes her a targeted threat. And according to the Scion government she is an outlaw who should not exist, and is committing treason by just breathing.

When she is suddenly chased, drugged and captured, she is taken to a place which was once known as Oxford, a place that apparently should no longer exist. There she discovers Scions corrupt secrets, their fed lies, and the true hidden face of Scion London’s government, the Rephaim.

That is all the information I am going to give you to introduce you to this complex world. What Samantha has created is amazing, and completely captivating. I was reading this book way into the early hours of the morning. Any free moment I had I spent devouring this book. That’s how enthralled I was by it.

I do admit that there was so much detail to the world building of this dystopian London that I was initially overwhelm by it all. It took me about three or four chapters before it all started to flow and make sense. There was just so much thrust upon you at the beginning; it was hard to follow on with. Especially with the use of unfamiliar words, weird names to describe the different clairvoyance’s and their ranks in the complex system, let alone trying to grapple with the introduction of this evil government.

But after getting past the beginning hurdle and finally familiarising myself with the language and this new world, I really started to enjoy it. And every chapter after that was like a breeze. Even though I was really busy with work, I still read and finished this book within three days.

Paige Mahoney is a determined and feistily resilient woman, who will not go down without a fight. She is loyal to a fault and hopeful to the end. She truly is a character to admire. Besides our main protagonist, Paige Mahoney, who is just one tough and unyielding form, we have Warden, a Rephaite who comes off as a cold and distant character, but we soon find out is actually more humane than the others of his kind. With the scars of the past that continue to haunt him, we see his layers and motives he tries to keep hidden underneath. And when he and Paige start to see eye to eye, they are a spark to the flame. Let just say that shit goes down, okay.

I really enjoyed this first book in THE BONE SEASON series. Even if the beginning was a bit overwhelming, it quickly redeemed itself and left me wanting more. It was packed with intrigue, action, chaos and imagination. I really need book two, THE MIME ORDER, ASAP because I’m DYING to know what happens next – plus, I need more of Warden. ;P

Oh, and if you didn’t know, there is going to be SEVEN books in this series! With the third book, THE SONG RISING, to be released early in 2017 – and I cannot wait! :D

Follow Samatha on...
Twitter: @say_shannon
Instagram: @say_shannon
Website: http://www.boneseasonbooks.com/
Blog: http://samantha-shannon.blogspot.com.au/

THE BONE SEASON SERIES
#1 THE BONE SEASON
#2 THE MIME ORDER
#0.5 THE PALE DREAMER (December 2016)
#3 THE SONG RISING (March 2017)

THE BONE SEASON available now from...
Australia
- https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/title-9781408836439/#.WDMf8Pl97IU
- https://www.angusrobertson.com.au/books/the-bone-season-samantha-shannon/p/9781408836439?voucherCode=ARBBKOSMOCBH&utm_medium=36408&utm_source=APD-Affiliate
- http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-bone-season-samantha-shannon/prod9781408836439.html?clickid=Wsx0EGXhlTtJxdYSWHXhfygvUkkToN22M0w3xM0&utm_campaign=Booko&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=APD&promoCode=QKTNCSYXGJVRKSMBKO

International
Paperback - https://wordery.com/the-bone-season-samantha-shannon-9781408836453?cTrk=Mjk2NjEyNjd8NTgzMzIwOWRiMDBlMjoxOjE6NTgzMzIwOGFhZDdkMjcuNzI5ODMwNDk6NjMwNzQ2YmE%3D
Hardback - https://wordery.com/the-bone-season-samantha-shannon-9781620401392?cTrk=Mjk2NjEyNjd8NTgzMzIwOWRiMDBlMjoxOjY6NTgzMzIwOGFhZDdkMjcuNzI5ODMwNDk6NTIxZjcxY2Q%3D
Paperback - http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Bone-Season-Samanth-Shannon/9781408836453?ref=grid-view
Hardcover (CHEAP!) - http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Bone-Season-Samanth-Shannon/9781408836422?ref=grid-view

LOOK UP THIS BOOK ON http://www.goodreads.com/ :
- THE BONE SEASON by Samantha Shannon

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Sunday, October 16, 2016

My Review of 'REBEL OF THE SANDS' by Alwyn Hamilton

Here is my review of Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton. Rebel of the Sands was Alwyn’s 2016 YA debut novel. For more info or where you can purchase a copy, check out the links below!

Follow Alwyn on...
- http://alwynhamilton.com/
Twitter: @AlwynFJH
Instagram: @alwynhamilton
- https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/childrens/young-adult-fiction/Rebel-of-the-Sands-Alwyn-Hamilton-9780571325252

REBEL OF THE SANDS available now from..
Australia
- https://www.qbd.com.au/rebel-of-the-sands/alwyn-hamilton/9780571325252/
- https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/rebel-of-the-sands-by-alwyn-hamilton-9780571325252/#.WAJghuB97IU
- http://www.booktopia.com.au/rebel-of-the-sands-alwyn-hamilton/prod9780571325252.html
International
- http://www.bookdepository.com/Rebel-of-the-Sands-Alwyn-Hamilton/9780571325252?ref=grid-view
- https://wordery.com/rebel-of-the-sands-alwyn-hamilton-9780451477538?cTrk=MjQ5NTkwNTF8NTgwMjYyNGViYTY4ODoxOjE6NTgwMjYxZTMwODNmMDEuMzg2NzU5ODI6NjQwMWNkN2Q%3D

LOOK UP THIS BOOK ON http://www.goodreads.com/ :
- REBEL OF THE SANDS by Alwyn Hamilton

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Saturday, September 10, 2016

My Review for 'It Ends With Us' by Colleen Hoover

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

TO COLLEEN
Colleen Hoover,
You are my Queen. You not only shared with us a piece of your own personal history, but also addressed and explored the difficulties and differences in every individual situation.
Even though they were just characters I felt every gut wrenching moment of their story. I lost count how many times I would cry while reading, and lost count how many times I would smile or even burst into laughter. Thank you, Colleen, for allowing us this insight and experience.

HER BOOK/BOOKS
This book was powerful, not just in its writing but in its truth (if that makes any sense?). This book took with it a bit of my soul, and you know what? I’m fine with that, because I pretty much expect that to happen whenever I read one of Colleen’s books - I never come out of the end in one piece. However, in the end I am still satisfied, because no matter the severity of the issues in her stories you can still find the enjoyment in reading them, something to relate to, or something you can learn from. Her books will always leave an imprint on you.

I kneel to you, Colleen. I am forever a loyal reader. <3

**I would just like to quickly thank both Colleen and her assistant, Stephanie, for sending this to me! I love it and will cherish it always!**

View all my reviews

Friday, June 3, 2016

My Review for 'The Midnight Society' by Rhonda Sermon

Book Description from Goodreads

Witness protection has a protocol for dealing with every situation—except magic.

Fifteen-year-old Cate's life has been monitored since her new identity was created five years ago. She's spent countless hours learning how to deal with potential threats and dangerous situations. None of which is any use when everyone around her is suddenly frozen like statues at the bus stop.

As she attempts to make sense of the frightening scene, a mysterious group of teenagers appears out of thin air. They are intrigued she’s not affected, but focus on completing their deadly mission, using baffling powers before they vanish again.

When the group seeks her out the next day, Cate is drawn into a world filled with sorcery and time travel. After she accidentally brings a cheerleader back from the dead, her incredible powers are revealed. Cate is shocked to discover she has a pivotal role to play in a centuries-old battle between two mortal enemies which threatens to destroy her entire world.

With the distinction between good and evil blurred, Cate’s faced with the choice of which side to join to enable her to save her family. Should she rewrite history and risk destroying innocent lives to save the ones she loves?

The Midnight Society is the first book in The Midnight Chronicles series of young adult urban fantasy novels. If you like original butt-kicking heroines, fast-paced fantasy action, and unpredictable time travel twists, then you’ll love Rhonda Sermon’s refreshing, entertaining series starter.

The Midnight Society was originally released as Timesurfers. This book has a new name, new cover and additional content.

My Review

I was so excited to read this, as I had read the synopsis and it completely peaked my interest!

Before I get into more detail and my positive opinions of this book, have to say it was not an easy read to get into. The beginning was interesting and eventful enough to hold my interest. It was about a quarter of the way through where I was so confused I had to really focus on all the details; the time travel/magical aspect and the numerous new characters that were being introduced and their relationships with one another. But after got through this hurdle and was able to see these things linking together it became much easier to read and get lost in.

I read this book in basically two days. Once the ball got rolling I just couldn't seem to stop. I admit I saw some of the big reveals coming from a mile away, but it didn't diminish it once it had all come to light. And there were somethings I just didn't see coming, which was a great surprise and made me back track to make sure I didn't miss read anything.

I loved the time-surfs and seeing the alterations to the timeline. The characters relationships to one another was interesting, especially while reading you'd second guess their motives - Rhonda sure knows how to keep you on your toes!

This was such an intriguing and fresh story, with such a captivatingly-complex world.

I'm most certainly looking forward to the rest of THE MIDNIGHT CHRONICLES - bring on THE MIDNIGHT ELITE!

The Midnight Chronicles:

- The Midnight Society #1 (released May 31st)

Purchase a copy from:

Amazon ebook

Amazon Paperback

Rhonda's Official website (Australian orders only)

- The Midnight Elite #2 (NA)

Rhonda Sermon webpage link: http://www.rhondasermon.com/

Publisher: K & R Books

Source: I received an eARC by the author in exchange for an honest review

Book Format: eBook

Saturday, January 30, 2016

YELLOW by Megan Jacobson | Spoiler Free

This is a short, spoiler free review of Yellow by Megan Jacobson.

YELLOW is Megan's 2016 debut novel. For more info or where you can purchase a copy, check out the links below!

Follow Megan on...
Twitter: @jacobson_meg
Instagram: @jacobson_megan
Facebook: Megan Jacobson

- http://meganjacobson.com/

-http://www.penguinteenaustralia.com/

YELLOW available now from..
- https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/yellow-by-megan-jacobson-9780143573333/#.Vqyabvl97IU

- http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/books/yellow-jacobson-megan-megan-jacobson/p/9780143573333

- https://www.qbd.com.au/yellow/megan-jacobson/9780143573333/

LOOK UP THIS BOOK ON http://www.goodreads.com/ :
- YELLOW by Megan Jacobson

Have you read YELLOW?
Did you enjoy it as much as I did?
Let me now in the comments below! :)

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Saturday, September 5, 2015

My August Wrap Up and September TBR

I am again a little late with posting this video, but at least it’s up!

I hope you all enjoy the video!

Below is a list of all the books I talked about in this video.

LOOK UP THESE BOOKS ON http://www.goodreads.com/:

July 2015 Wrap Up

- BETWEEN THE LINES by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer

- ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins (August TBR JAR PICK!)

- ONCE UPON A TIME: SHADOW OF THE QUEEN by Daniel T. Thompson, Corinna Sara Bechko, Mike Henderson, Stephanie Hans, Vasilis Lolos and Mike Del Mundo

- GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: COSMIC AVENGERS by Brian Michael Bendis, Steve McNiven, Yves Bigerel, Michael Avon Oeming and Sara Pichelli

August 2015 TBR

- DRAGONFLY IN AMBER by Diana Gabaldon (July TBR JAR PICK!)

- SOLID by Shelley Workinger

- SPELLCASTER by Claudia Gray (September TBR JAR PICK!)

What did you read last month?

What are you reading in September?

Do you have any book recommendations for me?

Let me now in the comments below! :)

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