Review: The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore

Until the day I met John Smith, Number Four, I'd been on the run alone, hiding and fighting to stay alive.
Together, we are much more powerful. But it could only last so long before we had to separate to find the others. . . .
I went to Spain to find Seven, and I found even more, including a tenth member of the Garde who escaped from Lorien alive. Ella is younger than the rest of us, but just as brave. Now we're looking for the others--including John.
But so are they.
They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They caught me in New York--but I escaped.
I am Number Six.
They want to finish what they started.
But they'll have to fight us first.

I think that this is going to be the point that I give up on these books. I just struggled with the first two books and this just did not improve it for me. 

Personally, my biggest problem with this book was the writing style. I've never really felt gripped by the writing before but this time was worse, I just could not get into it. My second problem was the romance, we know that this author just cannot write romance, it's clumsy and awkward and I just can't believe it. I seriously dislike Sarah anyway, but after her betrayal of John I can't believe they're still together.

I seriously disliked Nine, he just grinded on me, he was conceited and arrogant and I seriously disliked him. The rest of them I kept getting mixed up in my mind. I did like Ella though, she was cute!

Unfortunately, this book series just is not improving for me so I'm going to end it here... sorry guys!

Overall Rating: D

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Book released 30th August by Penguin

Book received for review through the UK Spinebreakers scheme :)

Authors are Rockstars Stop: Sarah J Maas on Eleven books of Fans of Throne of Glass & GIVEAWAYY!

Hi Guys!

I am so absolutely ecstatic to be hosting a spot on the 'Authors Are Rockstars' Blog Tour

I'm also EXTREMELY excited because I am hosting none other than...

Sarah J. Maas!

Yes, THAT Sarah J. Maas, the one that everybody is talking about because of her amazing debut novel Throne of Glass. I reviewed Throne of Glass here and rated A+.

So why do I think that Sarah J. Maas is a ROCKSTAR?

Oh wow, ask me that question?! So many reasons! I admire this woman! Her book Throne of Glass is a high fantasy about a kick-ass female assassin who has to deal with boys wanting her, boys wanting to KILL her and a supernatural monster that ALSO wants to kill her. Hmm... yeah... a lot of boys and a lot of killing. Not only is the book absolutely amazing, the main character is amazing (Celaena is so TOUGH!) and there's a kind-of love triangle that I actually like. The book itself is awesome.

Furthermore, this book (well the first rough draft of it) was written when Sarah was sixteen. That blows me away because when I was sixteen I didn't even have the attention span of a goldfish and it amazes me that Sarah has put ten years into getting this book published.

So THAT is why I think Sarah J. Maas is a rockstar!

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Sarah J. Maas with her Top Ten (errr, Eleven) Books for People That Enjoyed Throne of Glass:

Compiling this list of ten books for fans of THRONE OF GLASS was actually impossibly hard. Hard, because comparing my book to any of these feels like the worst kind of hubris. These are all books that I adore, and even putting TOG in the same category as them feels tremendously arrogant. But, without further ado, if you enjoyed THRONE OF GLASS, then you might like:

1. SABRIEL and LIRAEL by Garth Nix. These were two of THE books that got me into fantasy, writing, and YA. I adored the heroines in both books—but I especially adored the world-building. It was a major influence on the world of ToG—especially the Dead (and all the ancient/creepy books!).

2. THE HERO AND THE CROWN by Robin McKinley. Oh, this book. If you like heroines that can save the day, or heroines that are clever and resourceful and survivors, then read this book. Also: dragons. <3 font="font">

3. FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK by Melina Marchetta. Melina Marchetta’s LUMATERE CHRONICLES make me proud to be a YA fantasy author. Her world building (the politics, the horrors of war) is top-notch, but it’s her characters and their humanity that stole my heart. I recently met Melina and BURST into tears when I spoke to her, because her books have meant THAT much to me and my own work.

4. CROWN DUEL by Sherwood Smith. If you enjoy fierce heroines, awesome fights, and slow-building (yet totally worth it) romance, then read this. It’s delightful and epic and everything YA fantasy should be.

5. SHADOW & BONE by Leigh Bardugo. Leigh’s world building is incredible and original—and it’s no wonder that this book is now a bestseller. I had major writer-envy the first time I read this book—and I can’t wait to see what Leigh has in store for us with Book 2!

6. THE THIEF by Megan Whalen Turner. Agh. I don’t even know how to sum up why you should read this book, because this book (and the whole series) is so ridiculously good that I’m still in awe over it. If they ever met, I think Eugenides and Celaena would be BFFers (…or bitter rivals).

7. THE BLACK JEWELS TRILOGY by Anne Bishop. This is an adult fantasy series, but…if you like hot guys, dark fantasy worlds, and brutal stakes, then read this. My favorite male protagonist of all time is in it (Lucivar Yaslana), and in the 12 years since I first read this series (…I read it a longggg time ago), it still remains one of my favorites. The world and the characters will forever have a place in my heart.

8. MISTWOOD by Leah Cypess. Gorgeous, intricate, and haunting YA fantasy with a strong, mysterious heroine. And a romance that will make you sigh and sniffle (…I totally cried). Loved it.

9. SILVER PHOENIX by Cindy Pon. I’d like to see Ai Ling and Celaena go head-to-head in an eating contest, because I honestly don’t know who’d win. I love heroines who adore eating (to a fault, even), and was so delighted when I read SILVER PHOENIX. Plus, setting a fantasy in ancient China was just a breath of fresh air. Inventive, touching, and totally awesome.

10. ALANNA: THE FIRST ADVENTURE by Tamora Pierce. I bet many of you have already read this amazing series, but... This series has it all. Badassery, a fabulous heroine, yummy guys, and epic stakes. It honestly feels ridiculous to say: “If you enjoyed TOG, then you’ll enjoy THE SONG OF THE LIONESS,” because these books are SO good and SUCH a staple of YA literature, but…yeah.

11. THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson. Okay, I actually had to add ONE more to this list because this book is one that should NOT be missed. It’s heroine is unique and unforgettable, the world is different and fascinating, and it is heartbreaking and brave and just wonderful.

Honorable Mentions: GRACELING by Kristin Cashore (I haven’t read this one yet… For shame, I know!) and POISON STUDY by Maria V. Snyder (another one I haven’t read yet, but I’ve heard RAVE reviews!)!

Jade: I haven't read all of these... in fact I haven't read MANY of them I seriously need to check out Sabriel, Finnikin of the Rovk, Crown Duel, The Black Jewels Trilogy... I need to get my fantasy butt into gear.

I do however totally agree with the ones that I have read, especially Fire and Thorns which i read last year and loved!

I can't believe Sarah hasn't read Graceling and Poison Study, since Celaena could TOTALLY be the impossible lovechild of Katsa and Yelena, or Katsa and Valek for that matter! 

Thanks so much for compiling this list Sarah!

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GIVEAWAY

I am giving away ONE copy of the UK Paperback of Throne of Glass (cover shown).

This giveaway is international as long as The Book Depository ships to you and ends a week from today (6th September).

You can also enter my blogoversary giveaway (ends TONIGHT) to win a copy of this book - Link here

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Review: The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors

Emmeline Thistle, a dirt-scratcher's daughter, has escaped death twice-first, on the night she was born, and second, on the day her entire village was swept away by flood. Left with nothing and no one, Emmeline discovers her rare and mysterious ability-she can churn milk into chocolate, a delicacy more precious than gold. 

Suddenly, the most unwanted girl in Anglund finds herself desired by all. But Emmeline only wants one-Owen Oak, a dairyman's son, whose slow smiles and lingering glances once tempted her to believe she might someday be loved for herself. But others will stop at nothing to use her gift for their own gains-no matter what the cost to Emmeline.

Magic and romance entwine in this fantastical world where true love and chocolate conquer all.

I love this book, I absolutely adored it. This was adorable and cute and fun and gripping and I read it so fast I was shocked when I saw that the print version is 416 pages long. I did, however, take a little time to get my head around the premise - this book seemed as though it was a parody at times and the whole turning milk into chocolate could have been good or bad, for me it was good but this book seemed very comedic at times, even though I'm not sure it was intended to be funny. Anglund was clearly a very fairytale take on medieval England.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book, Emmeline is very naive and young, she is a damsel in distress but she knows how to take control when she has to. Owen Oak was a pretty typical fairytale hero, strong and kind. The characters are pretty typical of light fairytale books; the queen was evil and there is a vain young main who doesn't get the girl. There is help around every corner, this is a pretty typical fairytale book and whilst some may not enjoy the lack of depth I think it worked perfectly.

There isn't really much to say for this book aside from that it has a typical fairytale execution and has a comedic premise. The storyline is mild and the happy ending is inevitable, however I loved how light and fun this read was. It really worked for me, even though it didn't completely blow me away!

Overall Rating: B

Book released 21st August 2012 by Bloomsbury Childrens
Book received as an eGalley for review via NetGalley

Other books by this author:
Mad Love

Waiting on Wednesday #7

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT MY AWESOME BLOGOVERSARY AND 900 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY HERE - 3 WINNERS WIN A YA BOOK OF CHOICE FROM 21 GIVEN CHOICES :) - It is INTERNATIONAL and ends on Friday!

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This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E Smith 

(Poppy, April 2nd 2013)

Graham Larkin and Ellie O'Neill meet—albeit virtually—when Graham accidentally sends Ellie an email about his pet pig, Wilbur. In the tradition of romantic movies like "You've Got Mail" and "Sleepless in Seattle," the two 17-year-olds strike up an email relationship, even though they live on opposite sides of the country and don't even know each other's first names.

Through a series of funny and poignant messages, Graham and Ellie make a true connection, sharing intimate details about their lives, hopes and fears. But they don't tell each other everything; Graham doesn't know the major secret hidden in Ellie's family tree, and Ellie is innocently unaware that Graham is actually a world-famous teen actor living in Los Angeles.

When the location for the shoot of Graham's new film falls through, he sees an opportunity to take their relationship from online to in-person, managing to get the production relocated to picturesque Henley, Maine, where Ellie lives. But can a star as famous as Graham have a real relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie's mom want her to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?

Sorry for the uber big synopsis. I couldn't cut the awesome down. Why am I waiting on this? Well it's by the same author as The Statistical probability of Love at First Sight, one of like my fave contemp novels EVER! So why not?! Plus, You've Got Mail reference, yes! YES!

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Poison by Bridget Zinn

(March 12th 2012, Disney/Hyperion)

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart… misses.

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

Oh my days! Poison, fantasy an EVIL PRINCESS! Oh yes, and a charming adventurer? I am such a massive fan of fantasy so I cannot wait to check this out! Wow!

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So that's my WOW for the week, what are you all waiting on? 

Leave me a link and I'll be sure to call by!

Review: Foretold by Jana Oliver

Stand by as Riley prepares to kick some serious demon butt for the last time in this thrilling, dramatic and sexy conclusion to The Demon Trappers series.

Riley’s always known that Beck had a chequered history, but she’s not prepared for what it actually means to be in love with a guy with this many dark secrets. Now that he’s finally admitted to himself that he’s in love with her too, there’s no more hiding the truth about his past. And as it turns out, fending off a demon apocalypse is nothing compared to what’s to come...

I can't believe it's over. One of my favorite book series ever and it's come to an end! We've had a rocky road, I loved book one, book two was great but book three seriously let me down. Thankfully, book four was just as amazing as I expected and possibly the best way this series could have ended. Thank you, Jana Oliver, for giving me the ending I wanted.

Finally... FINALLY!! Riley and Beck actually happen, for three books I was waiting for those two to get it on and finally it happens! This is one of the best YA romances in my opinion because they argue, they wind each other up but they are so loyal and there for each other! Even though at the end they became soppy and er... very intimate, I was still more than impressed by the way Jana Oliver kept them the same characters we've known throughout this series. *Sigh* I love Beck! He is the reason I love this series so much!

Though there were parts where the pace began to drop, this was mostly just a very well paced book! I was on my toes at so many points! The ending battle especially had me on the edge of my seat!  The ending didn't tie everything up in a bow exactly - Riley and Beck are on other sides of the world, Simon is going on his journey to find faith again and Hell still has a grudge with Riley, however everything is just as it should be, with just enough of an open ending to warrant a spin-off... *hint*

Overall, a fantastic ending to one of my most favoritest series EVER. Oliver has seriously outdone herself with this one. *Sob* I miss my Riley and Beck  already! *Sob*

Overall Rating: A

Book released August 2nd 2012 by Mamcmillan Childrens Books
Book received from publisher in exchange for an honest review *Thanks!*

Other books from this authors:
Forsaken (Demon Trappers #1)
Forbidden (Demon Trappers #2)
Forgiven (Demon Trappers #3)

Review: The Dragon's Eye by Corey Guerra

Dive into the ancient world of Fael-wen; a land where humans, dragons, elves and other creatures roam. Meet Makayla, a druid in training who is plagued by dreams about a treasure from long ago. As she struggles to balance her training and the dreams, she'll find that there is more to her than she ever knew. Along the way Makayla's dedication and loyalty will be tested and she will find help where she least expects it. In the end Makayla will discover that in order to succeed, she will first have to believe in herself.

This was a great book by the end of it, but I had a few problems with the beginning: The world building in this book is great, I love this fantasy world that Guerra brings to life in the book however it's all good to have lingo in your book as long as you quickly define those words. This book uses words like Giadi and Kedo and doesn't define them until a good while into the book, which had me constantly wondering if I had missed something.

I was also put off a little by the disappearing storylines - at the beginning of the book Guerra sets up a cute romantic plot between Makayla and Prince Erik, which promptly disappears. I would have liked to see this a little bit more because it was really working for me... hopefully in a sequel?

The book was pretty good on the whole though, I loved Makayla as a character. She takes control of her situation despite having been brought up to follow orders, she shows strength where it's needed and I liked that. I loved watching her grow as well, throughout her journey she begins to mature and I loved that about her. The plot worked really well and I was constantly gripped by the fast pace of this book! The bad guy was scary and the ending was action packed and exciting!

Overall, The Dragon's Eye was a good start to the book. My advice would be to push through the beginning and the confusion and read on until it starts to get interesting. Read it if you're a fan of fantasy books!

Overall Rating: B-

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Released November 10th 2011
Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Review: Touched by Cyn Balog

Nick Cross always listens to the voice in his head. Because if he doesn't? Things can go really, really wrong. Like the day he decided to go off script and saved a girl from being run over . . . and let another one drown. Trying to change the future doesn't work.

But this summer at the Jersey Shore, something's about to happen that Nick never could have predicted. He meets a girl named Taryn and finds out about the Book of Touch. Now the path that he thought he was on begins to shift . . . and there's no way to stop things from happening. Or is there?

In a life where there are no surprises, nothing has prepared Nick for what he's about to discover--or the choice he will be forced to make...

Wow, this book was not what i was expecting. From the cover I was expecting something really dark and haunting and even though this book is kind of dark at times, it still was not exactly what I expected. Don't get me wrong, I did really enjoyed this book! However I do feel that the haunting seaside setting shown in the cover could have been played on more to make the tone a little more creepy.

Still, this is a good book with a good premise and most of the time great execution. I loved the idea of Nick being able to hear the voices telling him exactly what he will do next, it was a quirky and original take on the concept of psychics. I also really liked the part that Taryn and her family played in it, the storyline worked so well until the end which just didn't work for me. I think the end just tied all of the ends together in a pretty bow and after the really emotional scenes we had up to there it didn't fit for me. Plus (without giving spoilers) it didn't make sense to me, he was a different person, would Taryn still like him when he'd changed? I'm trying to be cryptic here! 

The pacing and writing was fantastic at times and not so good at others. The beginning of this book seemed slow, messy and confusing to me but then picked up after that. At times Nick seemed like an authentic boy but then there came flashes where he behaved like a whiny teenage girl, which got on my nerves a lot.

Overall, Touched had a great premise which was executed well. The storyline fit together well though the ending didn't work for me at all. Nick was a good character but he seemed whiny and girlish at times...

Overall Rating: B-

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Book released August 14th 2012 by Delacorte Press
Book received as an eGalley via NetGalley for review