Monday Wrap Up [2]

Monday Wrap up is my new weekly post where I link up all the posts from the previous week and mention whats coming in the next one. (All part of my 'get organized on the blog' 2011 resolution)

Had a very crappy week health wise this past week, which is continuing with the flu I caught from my sister. Joy. However, I still managed to get a lot of reading done and posts sorted. So first up what I read last week (links go to Goodreads):
Green-Eyed Demon by Jaye Wells [Sabina Kane #3] - really loved it! Best of the series so far for sure. Review will be posted on Feb 3rd, which is the UK release date.
Entangled by Cat Clarke - a 2011 debut which blew me away and left me all broken and hollow and unable to breath.
When The Stars Go Blue by Caridad Ferrer - had high hopes for this one, but sadly disappointing.
Other Words For Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal - another good 2011 debut that I really enjoyed.

Post wise:
Monday 10th Jan - Review - Secrets of the Demon by Diana Rowland [Kara Gillian #3]. Evil I tell you, Evil.
Tuesday 11th Jan - Review - Shadowspell by Jenna Black [Faeriewalker #2]. If not for the romantic plots it'd be a damn perfect book!!
Wednesday 12th Jan - Cover - Sirensong by Jenna Black [Faeriewalker #3]. Love! That is all.
And no, there was no post from the lovely Nayu this Weds as there normally is, like me she was sick :( She should be back to posting here on Weds this coming Weds. :)
Thursday 13th Jan - Review - The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting [The Body Finder #1]. Beautiful, creepy, romantic and awesome!
Friday 14th Jan - Review - Entangled by Cat Clarke. I already said it's awesome right? Well let me say this instead then: BUY IT!! :)
Sunday 16th Jan - In My Mailbox - no crazy buying this week, but still some great titles.

Week 17th - 23rd Jan will see these reviews going up:
Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey - okay, so this one was meant to go up last week, it was scheduled and everything, but then I changed my mind and posted my review of The Body Finder instead. So it's going up later today instead!
Delirium by Lauren Oliver - read an e-ARC of this one from NetGalley months ago, finally posting my review.
The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney - it's out on Thursday (20th Jan) in the UK. I suggest you all go buy it ;)
Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning - it's out on Tuesday (18th Jan, US) and I am dying for it!! Hoping to review it by the end of the week!

Reading wise, through the fog of flu (which, by the way, could describe basically all my day to day symptoms anyways, just x10 when I've got actual flu on top of them), I've got aims of managing 4 books again this week (I like to manage 3 on a normal week, so I'm probably asking too much of myself, especially as I have managed 4 a week for the last 3 weeks, anyways...). I've got 3 titles from UK Book Tours right now: Awakened by Ednah Walters (currently reading); Possessions by Nancy Holder; and The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller. I want (need) to get them read this week. But the only book I can guarantee being read this week is Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning. The final book in her Fever series and if you've not yet read any of them, you need to. Instantly. <3 I needs me more Barrons....

I hope you all have a much better week ahead of you than mine is looking to be right now (not self-pity, just fact). :)

In My Mailbox [15]

IMM is a weekly post hosted by Kristi, The Story Siren, as a chance to share the books we've bought or received over the week.

Last weeks IMM was giant. This weeks is far bigger than expected, but still tiny in comparison. Still full of greatness though! Also, I REALLY need to stop buying more books!!

For review:
Possessions by Nancy Holder - Goodreads
Awakened by Ednah Walters - Goodreads
The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller - Goodreads
Thanks to UK Book Tours!!

Bought:
All You Get Is Me by Yvonne Prinz - Goodreads
Other Words For Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal - Goodreads - already read this one, very good! Review coming soon.
My Soul To Steal by Rachel Vincent - Goodreads - review

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Entangled by Cat Clarke

Goodreads
Cat Clarke's site
Series: n/a
Copy obtained: bought it
Publisher: Quercus
Rating: 5/5
Challenges: BBC 2011, DAC 2011

"The same questions whirl round and round in my head:
What does he want from me?
How could I have let this happen?
AM I GOING TO DIE?"

Seventeen-year-old Grace wakes up in a white room, with a table, pens and paper - and no clue how she got there.

As Grace pours her tangled life onto the page, she is forced to remember everything she's tried to forget. There's falling hopelessly in love with the gorgeous Nat, and the unravelling of her relationship with her best friend Sal. But there's something missing.

Grace must face the most important question of all.
Why is she here?

If not for a couple of unavoidable interruptions I would have read Entangled in one sitting. When I was done, I could barely breathe past the heartache and shock. Too shocked and broken to cry even. I was so chocked up though that I spent the rest of the evening on the verge of tears. I kept looking over at the book on the shelf and could feel it all bubbling up again, my heart pounding, my throat closing. I hurt for and with Grace more than I have done for a character in a long while. Holy hell this book is incredible!!

Grace had my attention from page one. The first coherent (or semi-coherent at least) day she's had since waking in a strange room, being held by the mysterious Ethan. Grace's voice jumped straight off the page at me and dug her claws in. Confused, scared, lost and yet incredibly strong. Her instant questions were mine. But the question of 'what happened?' and 'why?' burned brightest right from the word go and just got stronger with each page. I didn't just want answers, I NEEDED them.

Grace is coping, barely, by writing on the paper provided. She remembers things from her past in an attempt to figure out what happened, and that's how we learn her story. Past mixes with her present seamlessly creating a captivating story. More questions kept popping up as new secrets were revealed, and those two big questions getting more insistent with each turned page and its elusive answers. The intensity just kept building and building. Sure I made guesses along the way of what had/would happen, some right, many wrong, but I didn't need to be right, I needed to KNOW. And then the ending. Finally answers. And all I could do was fight for breath.

A stunning, captivating, heart pounding debut. It's fantastically written, paced just perfectly. Grace is strong, damaged, not without some semblance of humor and utterly believable. The side characters are just as well drawn, just as interesting. Just as easy to love or hate. For a book with so much heartache, it's actually relatively light on angst, which is clever writing. This is the story of a girl, who could be any girl, any teenager, out there, damaged because of her past. Let's just say that Entangled is a must read. And that Cat is a new auto buy author for me!

Also check out the trailer:

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Goodreads
Kimberly Derting's site
Series: The Body Finder #1
Copy obtained: won from Sarah at Feeling Fictional. Thank you!!
Publisher: HarperCollins (US), Headline (UK)
Rating: 4.5/5

A Girl with a morbid ability

When a murder is committed it leaves a unique echo...on both the victim and the killer. Most people are unaware of the these echoes but Violet Ambrose has always been able to sense them.

A serial killer on the loose

Now that Violet's town is in the thralls of a serial killer the echoes of the local girls he has murdered are haunting her.

And the boy who would never let anything happen to her.

The only shining light is Violet's best friend Jay. She's started falling for him and his fierce protectiveness gives her hope that he may feel the same way...

With the police at a loss, can Violet use her ability to stop the killer or is she in danger of becoming his next victim?

I was so excited to win a copy of this book! It's a book I'd had my eye on for a while. It sounded a little different and very good, with a lot of great reviews floating around for it as well. And I did love it. I barely put it down once I'd started! I just got sucked straight in to Violet's world as we hear a little about her discovering the body of a teenage girl when she was just 8. Out for a walk with her father she was 'called' towards it by the echo bodies leave behind. I already knew I was on to something I'd love by the end of that prologue. A child's innocence matched with creepiness that had me wondering instantly about what was going on. The story then jumps forward to the present day where Violet is in the first few days of her junior year of high school. When Violet starts feeling the tug of an echo and it leads her to another dead teenaged girl, things start taking a turn for the worse.

I fully admit to being a complete sap for the love story in this book. I loved the relationship between Violet and Jay from the moment we first meet him. They've been best friends pretty much their whole lives, but now things are changing. I love the way it builds, that it's not all straight forward and simple. And that despite not always being on the best terms with each other, Jay is there for Violet no matter what. His easy going, protective nature is sweet and awesome. Both his character and Violets are really well developed, neither of them are perfect, in fact Violet in particular makes some pretty dumb decisions. But it fits with her character, the story and she learns from them. The way the relationship develops between Jay and Violet though is pretty perfect. I think this is one of my favourite romantic plots I've read. It's beautiful, passionate, not all easy, and they fit together so well!

Aside from the romance, the serial killer/echoes side of the book is just as captivating. The suspense and tension just build and build. It's a very carefully woven story that balances perfectly between the romance and the danger. There are some little sections from the POV of the killer which got really very creepy! They added nicely to the tension because honestly, I had no idea who the killer was until the very end and the reveal. I couldn't figure it out. I also really like that while Violet is involved with the case a great deal, it's not one of those books where the teen figures it all out themselves with no cop, or even parental, involvement. There is a strong adult presence in The Body Finder which I'm glad of. Something that lets a lot of YA's down, is no adult involvement when there really should be. Family is important and it's shown here. I love the support Violet has, particularly from her parents.

The Body Finder is a beautifully written book and like I said at the start, one I barely put down! It's beautiful, intense, creepy and I loved every moment of it. It's very well paced as well, not rushing towards a finish line or moving slowly, but giving the chance to savor each moment. I honestly wish it could have been longer cause I wanted so much more of these characters! I can't wait for book 2, Desires of the Dead! Its out Feb 15th in the US, March 17th in the UK (I have a feeling I will not be waiting the extra month for this one if I can help it at all...that would go against my 'buy less books' plan for the year but oh well!). Awesome book which I highly recommend!!

Cover: Sirensong by Jenna Black

So I was working on a 2011 releases list for Rachel Vincent's forum, The Pride, this evening, got to Sirensong on the list and lo! The cover was up! So I headed to twitter and asked Jenna, 'is this the final cover?' to which she replied 'yes!' making me go Hurrah!!

How freaking Beautiful is that cover?!? I am in love with it.

 

Sirensong is the third book in Jenna Black's Faeriewalker series, due out July 5th from St. Martin's Griffin. I just reviewed book 2, Shadowspell earlier today (or yesterday, technically, for me). Now, I really liked the cover for Glimmerglass (book 1) and Loved the Shadowspell cover (which happens to fit the book perfectly as well!) and I didn't think that Sirensong's cover could outdo them, but it totally did. I love getting to see Dana face on, I love the pose. I love the touch of the rose petals from each court on it. And it still manages to fit in beautifully with books 1 and 2 with those little metalic silver dots. It's just a stunning cover and for an awesome series as well. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy!!

Previous books:

What do you guys think? Like it, love it, hate it? (I promise not to throw things if you say you hate it. Or, not many anyways ;) ) Comment away!

Shadowspell by Jenna Black

Goodreads
Jenna Black's site
Series: Faeriewalker #2
Review for book #1 Glimmerglass
Copy obtained: bought
Release date: Jan 4th 2011 (US)
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Rating: 4/5
Spoiler warning: Contains some mild spoilers for book 1

On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended on Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana's in trouble, since it's common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her - and her rare Faeriewalker powers - dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking's got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind?

Glimmerglass was one of my favourite reads from last year. I'm not, or at least I certainly wasn't back then, a big fan of Fae centric books, but because I liked Jenna's adult books, I decided to give Glimmerglass a chance and I loved it! So I was really excited for book 2 and it didn't really disappoint. Dana is more sure of herself in Avalon now, with a little understanding of what's going on around her. Things aren't easy for her though, being kept in what is basically a cave and only being allowed out with at least one bodyguard. When the Erlking makes his interest in her known, things become more dangerous still. But Dana isn't very good at staying locked down as her father would like.

Shadowspell gets off to a great start and from chapter two never really lets up on the intensity. I feel so bad for Dana a lot of the time because she doesn't have many people she can count on, everyone seems to have their own objectives and uses for her. But she's a strong girl too and I love how Dana does everything she can for those she cares about, even if it means putting herself at bigger risk.

I really enjoyed the addition of the Erlking and the Wild Hunt to this book. I admit that before hand I wasn't certain I would because of the suggestion that he would be after Dana's heart rather than her life. But actually the role he plays in the book works extremely well and the tension level rose instantly just from the mention of his name. I love the mythology employed to this series and the mystery that surrounds it all. Because Dana knows very little about her heritage still, so learning alongside her works very well for me. There is plenty of intrigue and a lot of questions in need of answers. There are a few things left from Glimmerglass given answer here, which is good, but there is still plenty left unanswered.

However, while I did love Shadowspell and have a very hard time putting it down (had I not started it at midnight, (dumb I know!) I'd have read it in one sitting), there is one aspect to this series that makes me uneasy. The romantic sub-plot. Now, thankfully, it is (for the most part) a sub-plot and doesn't intrude too much on the rest of the story, which I do completely love. But I am not enjoying the romance side of things at all at this point. The love interest, Ethan, did something in book 1 which made me very uneasy with him and while he then did something to partially redeem himself at the end of Glimmerglass, I was left with the suspicion that I could well end up not enjoying the continuation of that romantic involvement in Shadowspell. Sadly, that came true. It's not often when reading that I get a slightly queasy feeling when reading a romantic plot, even if I'm not fully enjoying it. But that's exactly what I get here. I'm not a fan of Ethan and I'm not completely thrilled with Dana's handling of him either. I understand why Dana is the way she is with him, but that doesn't mean I like it. I also wasn't thrilled at potential romantic developments with two side characters (no names for spoilers sake) and add them together and any time the love subject came up, I wasn't happy and those uneasy feelings got worse as the book wore on, not better. I was left with a little, tiny bit of hope on one side at the end, and a lot of dread on the other. I'm hoping that Sirensong (book 3) clears things up some.

My issues with the romantic plot are enough to stop me giving the book completely full marks, but if you took that away, it'd be a damn near perfect read. Because there is so much tension, so much mystery and (again, taking away the romantic plots) very well drawn characters. I love the world building and how the overall arc is developing. Dana still faces massive odds and I'm really looking forward to seeing where book 3, Sirensong (out July 2011) takes her. Just not where it takes her romantically speaking... Still, it's a fantastic read and I'd highly recommend the series.

Secrets of the Demon by Diana Rowland

Goodreads
Diana Rowland's site
Series: Kara Gillian #3
Review for books 1 and 2
Copy obtained: bought
Release date: 4th Jan 2011 (US)
Publisher: DAW
Rating: 4.5/5

My name is Kara Gillian and I'm a homicide detective . . .

But that's not all. I sense the "arcane" in our world, and there's quite a bit of it, even in Beaulac, Louisiana. I'm also a summoner of demons, which comes in handy now that I work on a task force that deals with supernatural or paranormal crimes. My partners, Ryan and Zack, are attractive and smart FBI agents, but they're not summoners, which sometimes makes it tough for them to understand what I'm dealing with.

To complicate things even more, I managed to get myself into a "situation" with one of the most powerful of demons - Demon Lord Rhyzkahl - who, in exchange for saving Ryan's life, struck a bargain with me that definitely works better for him. It doesn't help that this beautiful demon lord finds me attractive - something Ryan doesn't appreciate. And I know Rhyzkahl has something on Ryan, but so far I can't find out what.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to solve a string of murders that are somehow tied together by money, sex, rock music and...mud. But how can I concentrate on the case when I'm not even sure who - or what - my partners are?

I loved the first two books of this Kara Gillian series so of course I was super excited for Secrets of the Demon to be out. I love the blend of crime procedural with the paranormal side of demons and summoning. I also find Kara very refreshing with her down to earth, slightly jaded nature, her sense of humor and hidden vulnerability also help make her very likable and easy to relate to. All of that greatness is carried on and developed in this third book.

Secrets of the Demon gets off to a strong start with Kara, Ryan and Zach tasked with protecting a young new star singer after she received death threats which had a demonic theme. All fairly simple, straight forward, in theory. Except, Kara has never seen or heard of the creature that attacks the girl. And things only get stranger and more twisted after a body is found.

What I love is that while these books don't always have the fastest pace, they're flipping hard to put down. It builds form a steady, but not slow start, twisting and turning always gaining intensity before reaching a high at the end. You think you've got it worked out, or parts of it at least, and then SMACK! Something completely unexpected happens/is revealed and you're left gaping and trying to fit it all together again. Also, Diana has a way of dropping these little teasing sentences in just so, no preamble, no explanation, but they make me do a double take and wish like hell I could flip through pages to find out exactly what those statements are about. It's frustrating, brilliant and I can't seem to get enough of it. I am such a glutton for punishment...

Secrets of the Demon builds on books 1 and 2 very nicely as well as being a great book in it's own right. Crime plot wise, it stands alone, character wise it doesn't. Well, it probably could be read as a standalone as the important parts are refreshed, but I'd recommend reading them all in order. There is some great character development through out the book, particularly with Kara's relationships with, well, actually with pretty much everyone around her. All very different and all equally as important as the next and I love seeing where some of these friendships and otherwise are heading. There have been a few little things throughout books 1 and 2 which have left questions and there are a few answers here in Secrets. But hell if there aren't more questions in the end! And it's a hell of an ending. It's one of those EVIL cliff hangers that I seem to love and loathe equally. Because it's perfectly done, it's not over built, it's just there. Another big smack in the face. My copy of the book was very lucky not to get thrown at the wall! Suffice to say, bring on book 4! Adored Secrets of the Demon, halfway consider the author evil, but I want more so it can't be a bad thing right? ;) Love this series, it is unquestioningly one of my favourite adult series around, and one of the best written I think as well. If you've not tried them yet, go do so, starting with book 1, Mark of the Demon.

Reading Resolutions Winner!!

First off let me say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who entered and helped spread the word. And a bigger welcome to all the new followers!! Follower count jumped from 192 to 350 in a week with this giveaway and that is just insane. Seriously. Thank you for the support and I hope you all enjoy the content I offer. I'm sorry that I can't offer more than 1 prize here!

Now, the winner, chosen by Random.org is . . .

Jess Ring!

Congrats!!

Jess has already been emailed and has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Thank you again to everyone who entered, for all those who didn't win, I hope I can bring you another chance to win something soon!

Monday Wrap Up [1]

I've decided that as part of my attempt to get organized on the blog this year, that I'd post a weekly round up of my posts from the previous week, and mention what's coming up in the following one. Only way I can mention stuff coming up, is if it's already sorted, or half sorted at least! So I'm hoping this idea will help me stay ahead of myself and also give you guys an easy look at anything you may have missed over the past week as well. So welcome to my first Monday Wrap Up!

Sunday Jan 2nd: Review of Crave by Melinda Metz and Laura J. Burns. This was a book that went straight to my heart. It's a fantastic YA vampire story, with a nice twist in that it's the human girl who needs blood. Highly recommend you check this one out!

Monday Jan 3rd: Review of My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey. The first book in the Drake Chronicles series really won me over with it's sassy and sometimes serious nature.

Tuesday Jan 4th: a release day post for Unearthly by Cynthia Hand. Includes the trailer and a link to my review and I basically tell *coughordercough* you all to go buy it ;)

Wednesday Jan 5th: Nayuleska shares some Anime and Manga recommendations. I confess I've never tried either, but I'm happy that Nayu can speak to any of my readership who do :)

Thursday 6th Jan: Mini review of Past Midnight by Mara Purnhagen. This is a ghost story where I found the side characters stood out a little better than the main character. For me at least, but it's still a really good read and I'd recommend it.

Friday 7th Jan: Another mini review, this one of Circle of Fire by Keri Arthur. The first book of her Damask Circle trilogy won me over easily, I loved it.
I also posted a little mention of the slightly edited blog design. Which after about 4 or 5 different headers, I'm finally very, very happy with! I hope you guys like it as well, but if you don't, I've no problem with that feedback either!

Saturday 8th Jan: In My Mailbox [14] - aka the week I lost my head and broke my credit card ;) I did though, get LOTS of exciting titles!

Sunday 9th January: Blog Tour for Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf by Curtis Jobling. Contains the trailer and my review of the book, which I loved! I'm not often a fan of fantasy (urban fantasy I adore though!) but this one had me won over within a couple of chapters. Fantastic book!

This coming week will see me reviewing:
Secrets of the Demon by Diana Rowland. The third Kara Gillian book, which is awesome but with an infuriating huge cliff hanger! (review coming later today)
Shadowspell by Jenna Black. The second book in the Faeriewalker series, which would be pretty perfect, if not for a few issues with the romantic plot.
Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey. The second book in the Drake Chronicles series is one I liked, but didn't love as much as book 1, My Love Lies Bleeding [Hearts at Stake in the US].

Reading wise this week I'm hoping to manage Entangled by Cat Clarke, Forsaken by Jana Oliver and One Hundred Candles by Mara Purnhagen, as well as finishing my current read of Green-Eyed Demon by Jaye Wells.

Should be a good week! Hope you all have a good one too :)

Blog Tour: Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf

Goodreads
Series Website
Series: Wereworld #1
Copy obtained: review copy from publisher
Release date: Jan 6th 2011
Publisher: Puffin
Rating: 4.5/5
Challenges: BBC 2011, DAC 2011

"You are the last of the werewolves. Don't fight it, son; embrace it. Conquer in."

When the air is clear, sixteen-year-old Drew Ferran can pick up the scent of a predator. When the moon breaks through the clouds, a terrifying fever grips him. And when a vicious beast invades his home, his flesh tears, his fingers become claws and Drew transforms . . .

Forced to flee the family he loves, Drew seeks refuge in the most godforsaken parts of Lyssia. But when he is captured by Duke Bergan's men, Drew must prove he is not the enemy.

Can Drew battle the werecreatures determined to destroy him - and master the animal within?

I must confess that I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy this book. I thought it sounded good, and that I'd likely consider it a decent read, just maybe not for me. Turned out, I loved it! I'm a huge urban fantasy fan, but rarely a fantasy one. But Drew had me won over in a very short space of time.

Drew is a strong character, but events early in the book take a tole on his confidence and leave him seeming more vulnerable and a little younger than he actually is. Yet despite this, he proves himself over and over to be tough, capable and loyal. I loved watching him grow and change as the book went on and see him really find his feet again. There is a very good supporting cast of characters as well, be they the good guys or bad, they all have their specific characteristics that really jump off the page at you.

There is some impressive world building here as well. It's a vivid story, one that has as much horror to it as fantasy, with plenty of action. And pretty much every scene jumps off the page at you. I could see almost the whole story playing out like a movie in my head as I was reading it, right down to camera angles some times! Very unusual for me to see a book played out so clearly, normally characters are my focus, but the scene was just as easy to picture. I love the set up with the various were creatures and all the mythology involved with it. It's a book rich in description of events past and present but never at the cost of the pacing of the book. I found it very hard to put down and just kept turning the pages because I had to find out what happened next.

The first half of he book has a steady pace, not slow by any means as plenty happens, but it does take a real up turn at the halfway point where the tension and danger increases rapidly. And so does the horror aspect I have to say! It's not excessivly graphic but it still gives enough to cause some chills. Not that that's a bad thing. I really enjoyed the dark gritty nature to Rise of the Wolf. Despite the painful events Drew, and the others he meets along his journey face, there is a definite lack of angst. Plenty of emotion to make the characters seem real but never over done either. Which makes it all the more of a pleasure to read!

This is a fantastic start to a new series! It's written in third person and for once that's something I loved. Rise of the Wolf is such a well rounded story, both in plot and with the characters. I loved the world building and could happily have stayed lost in Drew's world for much longer! It's got an actioned packed and intense ending, and despite it not having a true cliff hanger, I was left wishing book 2 was out already. Great read and one I highly recommend!!

Also, go check out the blogs taking part in the 'Were-Creation' for this tour, it starts over at Wondrous Reads.