Friday 31 January 2014

Neverfall

Title:         Neverfall
Series:      Everneath
#:              1.5
Author:   Brodi Ashton

A thrilling new novella from the author of the Everneath series!

Jack is trapped for eternity in the Tunnels while Nikki has managed to evade Cole's grasp . . . for now. But Cole is more desperate than ever to find answers about Nikki, his best chance for taking over the throne of the underworld. How did she survive the Feed? Can Cole find another Forfeit like her who can survive it too?

Cole's quest leads him to the other side of the world, to a mysterious, dangerous society known as the Delphinians, whose price for information might be higher than Cole can pay—a price that could destroy Nikki. But when Cole attempts to steal the answers instead, his mission ends in disaster. Faced with centuries in a Delphinian dungeon, Cole is confronted with questions he's been too scared to ask himself: Is he really obsessed with the throne—or is he obsessed with Nikki? And can she really give him a new beginning as the Everneath's king . . . or will she instead bring about his tragic end?



Ok so I always read the novellas after I finish a series, it's a way for me to go back to the world I just finished without rereading all the books again.


I liked reading things from Coles point of view. Just the simple things like him noticing Nikkis face when she looks at the cheerleaders, and knowing what's going through her head as she sends Jack off to camp makes me like him a little bit more. if that's possible.


His little adventure to England and meeting the Delphinians were interesting, but his going through with acquiring a memento for a certain someone had me disliking him again, just a little bit.


It's a nice little story to add a bit more information into the series that wasn't in the other books.

4 out of 5

Thursday 30 January 2014

Evertrue

Title:         Evertrue
Series:      Everneath
#:              3
Author:   Brodi Ashton

Now that Nikki has rescued Jack, all she wants is to be with him and graduate high school. But Cole tricked Nikki into feeding off him, and she’s begun the process of turning into an Everliving herself... which means she must feed on a Forfeit soon — or die.

Terrified for her survival, Nikki and Jack begin a desperate attempt to reverse the process using any means possible. Even Cole, who they expected to fight them at every turn, has become an unlikely ally — but how long can it last? Nikki needs to feed on Cole to survive, Cole needs Nikki to gain the throne in the Everneath, Jack needs Nikki because she is everything to him — and together, they must travel back to the Underworld to undo Nikki’s fate and make her mortal once more. But Cole isn’t the only one with plans for Nikki: the Queen has not forgotten Nikki’s treachery, and she wants her destroyed for good. Will Nikki be forced to spend eternity in the Underworld, or does she have what it takes to bring down the Everneath once and for all?

In this stunning conclusion to the Everneath trilogy, Brodi Ashton evokes the resiliency of the human spirit and the indomitable power of true love


Ok, I have finished the series!


so sad, but good to see how it all finished. 


Spoilers beware!! (but then again, if you the synopsis you are spoilered?)


Ok, so the main reason I was in such a hurry to read this book was because of the ultimate betrayal at the end of Evebound. Cole revealing to Nikki that he had begun the process of turning her into an everliving without her realising then stealing her heart to make her dependent on him again. Two things that Nikki never wanted. She wanted Jack back, and she got him, but Cole wasn't happy.



I climbed in. "Have you been waiting long?""My entire life," he said.

There weren't as many flash backs in this book that I've come to love, (yes they confused me a tad in the beginning but I got used to them, and started looking forward to them) it's like we've been told enough about the characters and their backstories already that we don't need anymore. I would have still loved some more, because it's always nice to see the happy stuff in the middle of all the drama.


I got a little bored while I was reading this book, I can't put my finger on exactly why, maybe it was just constantly what now, sigh, again, run, sigh, hulk smash, what now. Luckily we had Cole to entertain us, he was very cute in this book being the 'unlikely ally' because of a certain event.

But by the end it began to pick up again and started to interest me again. Although I felt the final showdown with the queen was a bit too quick. Maybe I was rushing to see what was going to happen that when it happened I still wanted more.

It was sort of a bittersweet ending. We can't all win



3 out of 5


still to come


Wednesday 29 January 2014

Everbound

Title:         Everbound
Series:      Everneath
#:              2
Author:   Brodi Ashton



Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love



oh my oh my (spoilers are bound to come out, it's book 2 after all)


Again I am left just wanting to read the next book and forget about the fact that I have other things to do.



I half smiled. Jack was gone. I didn't think I'd ever be okay again. "Ill be fine"


"But it's a race. Why did you wait for me?"He lifted his head so that his eyes met mine. "I always wait for you." He took a deep breath, my ankle still in his hands. "I'm always waiting for you"



"Tell me friend," Jack said, his fingertips grazing mine as people shuffled past us in the hallway. "Is there more for us?"I looked at my feet. "There's everything for us"

Nikki is doing everything she can to get Jack back even if it means enlisting Coles help, the one person who doesn't want Jack back in the scene. 

This book takes us further into the Everneath then Everneath did (ha) as we journey through it to find Jack who has been sucked into the tunnels. Where we learn more about ancient myths that all seem to be based on some truth and more about Nikki and Coles pasts. 


If I was an everliving I'd spend my time on the surface, because the Everneath doesn't sound fun at all, ancient buildings, dust, endless voids, rings of death, Shades, crazy water. Nope, the surface is much better.


We learn a little about Cole, where he came from, how he came to be an Everliving and also about his band member Max.
Since stories are what help keep you sane in the Everneath everyone gets to tell them, I found it much easier to differentiate between past and presents with the events of the story this time being life and death and memory.

Towards the end of this book I was waiting for it all to be another dream or a big trick but what really happened was just as big a surprise, hello I betrayed you mwhahaha.




4 out of 5


still to come







Waiting on Wednesday: Perfect Lies by Kiersten White


 Brought to by Breaking the spine





This week I am awaiting the release of Perfect Lies by Kiersten White

expected publication: February 18th 2014

Annie and Fia are ready to fight back.

The sisters have been manipulated and controlled by the Keane Foundation for years, trapped in a never ending battle for survival. Now they have found allies who can help them truly escape. After faking her own death, Annie has joined a group that is plotting to destroy the Foundation. And Fia is working with James Keane to bring his father down from the inside.

But Annie's visions of the future can't show her who to trust in the present. And though James is Fia's first love, Fia knows he's hiding something. The sisters can rely only on each other - but that may not be enough to save them.



Why am I waiting?

I have enjoyed Kierstens Paranormalcy series and can't wait to see what else she has in store for me.

Monday 27 January 2014

Everneath

Title:       Everneath
Series:     Everneath
#:              1
Author:    Brodi Ashton


Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she's returned-to her old life, her family, her boyfriend-before she's banished back to the underworld . . . this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these precious months forgetting the Everneath and trying to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, the person most devastated by her disappearance-and the one person she loves more than anything. But there's just one problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath in the first place, has followed Nikki home. Cole wants to take over the throne in the underworld and is convinced Nikki is the key to making it happen. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.
As Nikki's time on the Surface draws to a close and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's queen.

Such a pretty cover!
I'm telling myself that I can't read Everbound until I've written this review. That way my thoughts aren't messed up with future knowledge, but this is very hard to do because all I want to do is keep reading.
Lets see lets see, where to start?

In the beginning I was confused, I think I was meant to be a little confused so I'd keep reading and wondering what was meant by Return, who's face, 100 years how is that possible and such. It did keep me interested and wanting to know more just so I could figure out what was going on.

The story is set in the present but when Nikki starts thinking about the past we're shot back to the past and we read what happened as if it's happening. This was a little confusing for me. I had trouble switching times, sure I read the top of the chapter that said 'Now', but I was still wondering what happened next in the past scene I'd just read.
But it helps you learn more about the characters, about Nikki herself, Jack, Cole, her family and what made her leave it all behind then choose to come back.
knitting! a teen sitting around learning to knit tea cosies, gloves, hats and whatnot, I thought this a funny thing for Nikki to take up to calm her shaking hands. but hey.
I didn't see the ending coming up until the last moments, and now I must read the next book (it's always the way with series) to see how Nikki will handle this new twist.


And then there is this, 'and another a man with a serious'
maybe it should be 'and another man'
or 'and another, a man with a serious'
The simplest of things throw me while I am reading.
4 out of 5 stars

still to come
(more pretty pretty covers!!!)



Sunday 26 January 2014

Weekly Ramblings (1)

OK so I have decided to on a new post that I will do weekly. I have called it weekly ramblings.(I don't know if this is already out there somewhere) It is basically so I don't make lots of silly posts like my nanananana heat wave post. (I tell you the heat was getting to me) This is where I will post all those random annoying thoughts that I have that I want to tell someone about. And then I will publish it on Sundays.
Gosh, don't look so worried!

I just finished reading A Kiss In Time and every time Jack said his name full name Jack O'neill I thought of Colonel Jack O'neill of SG1, that's right two l's (holds up three fingers)


This is definitely not the right image to have in ones head when they're meant to be seeing a 17 year old boy!
I absolutely love/d Stargate!

I've also been wondering if I was to make a Facebook page for my blog would people I am friends with know that I had made a page? because I don't want them to, I haven't told anyone I started this blog, because normally when I tell people I am doing/going to do something I don't do it. And well I can handle random people seeing what I write, might not be the same if someone I know reads it then talks to me about it! (so if you know me in person don't tell me you know!)





see it wasn't that bad!

Well it always could be worse next time

Saturday 25 January 2014

Warrior

Title:        Warrior
Series:      The Dragon King Chronicles
#:                  2
Author     Ellen Oh


First an outcast, now a hero.

But her fight rages on.


Kira, the yellow-eyed demon slayer who fiercely protected her kingdom—and the crown prince—has been proclaimed the Dragon Musado of the prophecy. With the defeated the evil shaman.


But it wasn’t enough. 


Hansong is in chaos. The Demon Lord’s minions have infiltrated the city, treason is brewing among the military ranks, and Kira is buried by the overwhelming loss of her parents. She’s also plagued by the annoying feelings that blossom whenever she’s around Jaewon. But she is determined that nothing will stop her from finding the second treasure needed to fulfill the Dragon King’s prophecy. Not even the army of half-breed demons hot on their trail. If only she could learn to trust others…


Her father always said one person can change the world. Will it be Kira?



Ok, I know I read it anyway! I had too (even if now I have to wait for who knows how long til I can read the next instalment).


I had the same problem with the writing again, I think it might be because it's third person and it's a bit jumpy to me, but since I was in the series, in the story it wasn't as big a problem as when I first started book 1.


Kira doesn't make as many poor decisions in this book, she seems to be growing up, and helping Taejo to make wiser decisions also, not dashing about to any old whim.


My favourite character didn't have as much of a roll/voice in this book, poor Seung just ended up bringing tea to Kira the whole time. I did get a new favourite character though, he was just too cute, and I want my own, his name is Gom.

I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment to see how things go for our Dragon Musado!


3 out of 5



Still to come


A book one day when it is published (cause I was silly and didn't look into this series enough before I read it)

Thursday 23 January 2014

Prophecy


Title:          Prophecy
Series:   The Dragon King Chronicles
#:               1
Author:  Ellen Oh

The greatest warrior in all of the Seven Kingdoms... is a girl with yellow eyes.

Kira’s the only female in the king’s army, and the prince’s bodyguard. She’s a demon slayer and an outcast, hated by nearly everyone in her home city of Hansong. And, she’s their only hope...

Murdered kings and discovered traitors point to a demon invasion, sending Kira on the run with the young prince. He may be the savior predicted in the Dragon King Prophecy, but the missing treasure of myth may be the true key. With only the guidance of the cryptic prophecy, Kira must battle demon soldiers, evil shaman, and the Demon Lord himself to find what was once lost and raise a prince into a king.

Intrigue and mystery, ancient lore and action-packed fantasy come together in this heart-stopping first book in a trilogy



So it turns out I need to read up more on a series I'm about to start, because I went 'ah yes goodreads says two books in series, and I checked to see I could get them both then I read this one" and then just posted this blurb above to find out there will be more books! silly silly me. It says trilogy right there I'd have known that if I ever read the blurb, but I was reading this because I liked the cover, and purely for that reason actually.

So maybe I shouldn't have forced myself to keep reading in hopes that the book would get better, ok it wasn't the story itself, it was the way it was written that I had a problem with, because once I finished reading I found I rather enjoyed the story.


Even if Kira and Taejo annoy the hell out of me! bad decisions and more bad decisions, they came to grow on me. My favourite character from this story would have to be Seung with his ramblings when he first met Kira, made me like him instantly.

I found it hard to follow at times, learning all the foreign names and words, but by the time the story go going I could remember the differences. I kept thinking the monks name was Sunim but then I found out that it's an honorific term for monks, oops, good thing there's a glossary.




I want to read Warrior just to see what happens but I hear it leaves with a cliffhanger and who knows when I'll ever get the next book, whatever that may be.

3 out of 5

still to come 


Wednesday 22 January 2014

Waiting on Wednesday: Evertrue by Brodi Ashton




Brought to you by Breaking the Spine


So this week I am waiting on Ever True by Brodi Ashton

Ok so this book came out yesterday (the 21st) I'm not really waiting for it to be released. I am waiting for me to own it, shouldn't be long!


Now that Nikki has rescued Jack, all she wants is to be with him and graduate high school. But Cole tricked Nikki into feeding off him, and she’s begun the process of turning into an Everliving herself... which means she must feed on a Forfeit soon — or die.

Terrified for her survival, Nikki and Jack begin a desperate attempt to reverse the process using any means possible. Even Cole, who they expected to fight them at every turn, has become an unlikely ally — but how long can it last? Nikki needs to feed on Cole to survive, Cole needs Nikki to gain the throne in the Everneath, Jack needs Nikki because she is everything to him — and together, they must travel back to the Underworld to undo Nikki’s fate and make her mortal once more. But Cole isn’t the only one with plans for Nikki: the Queen has not forgotten Nikki’s treachery, and she wants her destroyed for good. Will Nikki be forced to spend eternity in the Underworld, or does she have what it takes to bring down the Everneath once and for all?

In this stunning conclusion to the Everneath trilogy, Brodi Ashton evokes the resiliency of the human spirit and the indomitable power of true love.




Why am I waiting?


This is the final book in the series which means I can start reading it, have heard many good things plus the covers in this series are just gorgeous!



Nanananana Heat Wave!!

It is too hot to read!

I cannot hold my book, the heat is sapping all my energy.

Here I am wishing I was at work today, at least there I can spend some of the day in Air conditioned coolness!

I will try to get something done today.

I've just had to move all my piles of books and other bits and pieces so I can get my carpet cleaned, (the fun of living in a rental(I have to do this every six months)).

anyway, thanks for listening to me complain :)
toodles.

Monday 20 January 2014

Allegiant

Title:      Allegiant
Series:    Divergent
#:            3
Author: Veronica Roth

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent



Oh no, that didn't just happen did it, maybe I read it wrong, maybe it will change if I keep reading. nope didn't get fixed I can't believe that just happened.


that's all I could think after i finished reading this book, it's not often that it happens, but Veronica did it!


So we finally get out, beyond the fence and find out what's out there, not what i was expecting, this whole story was a surprise. 

The story is told from Tris and Fours points of view, swapping between them depending on who's got what going on.
Tris makes many silly choices during this book and so does Four. Fours meant to be a strong guy that makes good choices for everyone, normally but something seems to happen in this book that makes him not so, not right. not strong, not him.
Tris still leads with her whims and gets into all sorts of trouble, but at least she's still herself in this book.


I really enjoyed this series and it's take on things, with it's uber smart sciency stuff and technology, There was always something happening in the book to make you want to keep reading, always moving never bored.


(my reviews for this series are terrible, I know, i will stick to writing them right after I read a book from now on!!)


4 out of 5

Sunday 19 January 2014

Next on the list?


What to read next?

It's always so hard to choose what to read next so, if anyone sees this please, feel free to make a suggestion,
the series has to be completed,
or the final book coming out by the time I finish the first books in that series

I am thinking either

Anne Greenwood Brown or Brodi Ashton (so pretty)








yay or nay?











Insurgent

Title:       Insurgent
Series:     Divergent
#:                2
Author:   Veronica Roth

Fighting for survival in a shattered world… the truth is her only hope.

The thrillingly dark sequel to No. 1 New York Times bestseller, DIVERGENT.

I have done bad things. I can’t take them back, and they are part of who I am.

Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.

Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever… because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead


May the adventures of Tris continue!

And they sure do. This book continues on as if you just turned to the next chapter in Divergent, which makes it easy to get into the book, with no annoying recap to skip through. 

More obstacles, more deaths, and more oohs and ahhs.



More Four. We spend a lot of time with Four in this book again. (I don't think I mentioned him earlier in Divergent review, just briefly) With Four saving Tris's butt every time she makes a bad decision or fails to act, which she does a lot! Both characters are made to be strong in this book, to make strong decisions for themselves and what they believe in.

"Just to cliffy." says Niles " Are you telling me that you were almost murdered by the erudite…and then fought your way into the Dauntless compound.. and destroyed the simulation?""Yes," I say."I think i speak for everyone when i say that you have earned the title of Dauntless."


Tris is finally Dauntless but with the was between the factions does that matter?
I really enjoyed this book, it's always moving towards who know what and that keeps you locked in it's grasp
4 out 0f 5
Still to come



Friday 17 January 2014

2014 Fairy Tales Retold Reading Challenge

So I just came across this reading challenge, Fairy Tales Retold hosted by Debz Bookshelft, and thought, 'I've never read a retelling of a fairy tale, I think I should probably do this then.
So I am!

Last year all the books I read were totally new to me, whether they were new authors and/or new categories. So this challenge will help me break into something new and to keep me doing it. (I hope)

Here's the pretty picture and details:




  • The challenge starts on January 1st 2014, and ends December 31st 2014
  • The goal of the read-a-thon is to read as many fairy tale retellings as possible.
  • There will be six different levels to aim for in this challenge:
    • Poor Cobbler: 1-3 books
    • Devilish Wolf: 4-6 books
      • Lady in Waiting: 7-9 books
      • Mountain Troll: 10-12 books
      • Evil Enchantress: 13-15 books
      • Monstrous Dragon: 16+ books
    • This challenge is only for Young Adult and Middle Grade retellings. No adult or children’s books count towards this challenge.
    • Because of confusion in the past, this year only straight retellings of fairy tales will count. No fairy tale-ish books, and no mythological or classic retellings.
    • Single novellas do not count towards this challenge, however a compilation of novellas or short stories can count towards this challenge.
    • Have fun and spread the word!

    So I am going to make a list (in no particular order) of books I want to read
    that way I know what I'm doing

    1. Bitter Greens - Kate Forsyth
    2. Dorothy Must die - Danielle Paige 
    3. Cruel Beauty - Rosamund Hodge
    4. Towering - Alex Finn
    5. A Kiss In Time - Alex Finn
    6. Ash - Malinda Lo
    7. Tiger Lily - Jodi Lynn Anderson
    8. Kill Me Softly - Sarah Cross

    So if I manage to read them all I will make it to Lady In Waiting. Obviously they are all one offs, we will leave the series for the other books i read.. All new authors (to me) except Kate Forsyth (who's i love)

    Wish me luck

    Thursday 16 January 2014

    Divergent

    Title:        Divergent
    series:       Divergent
    #:                1
    Author:   Veronica Roth

    In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

    During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her



    Ok, I finally got around to reading this book last year, and I am going to review it this week because I haven't had a chance to read anything this week other than say 'Wiggly Party' or 'Pigs digger' to the children at work.

    I started reading this series because I heard it was being turned into a movie, it has to be good then right? right! I really enjoyed this book. 

    The ideas of the factions was something very different, and had me intrigued (although I can't see myself fitting into any of them) It's a good thing they have a magical test that tells them which ones they may fit it and then choose from them. normal people get one choice, two at most but our main character (Beatrice/Tris) gets three making her 'special'(and in danger). She never felt like she belonged in Abnegation so she's off to find somewhere more to her suitings, and then a roller coaster of events starts. She meets new people, finds new strengths within herself, and find someone that 'likes' her. ooo
    I like her too, but not in an ooo way, in a you go girl kinda way.
    I really like the advanced sciencey side of the book, serums, they're called in the book, truth serum, simulations, n such. The idea of inserting a liquid into your body that makes you hallucinate (yes but) then it has transmitters in it that talk to a computer program so other people can see what you're seeing, wow.

    So this story runs at a great pace, never bored, always worried about / looking forward to what's to come next, like some of our friends that we've come to know during the book dying!

    I can't wait for the movie

    4 out of 5
    Coming up next