Title: Title: Night Study (Soulfinders #2)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Publisher: Harlequin UK/ Mira Ink
From: e-ARC from Netgalley
Format: eBook, 400 pages, 26th February 2016
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana's has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear.

Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he's quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he's been keeping secrets from Valek...secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander's mysterious plans, they realize it's far more sinister that they could have ever imagined.

Review: 5 stars - Contains spoilers for the earlier books in Snyder’s Chronicles of Ixia series.

“HOLY SNOW CATS!” could there be any more action in this book? I need Dawn Study NOW!!

Night Study continues from the cliff hanger where Shadow Study finished. At the same moment of utter happiness for two of my favourite characters, I was also filled with dread at what may happen.

With loyalties on the line and the existing tension between Ixia and Sitia even more stretched, it’s down to our trusted band of beloved characters to save the day again.

Yelena and Valek set off for Ixia after hearing some news of enemy assassination, needing to update the Commander. They leave behind Leif and Devlin to investigate Owen Moon’s curare growing operation.

Upon their arrival at the Commander’s castle, Valek has a meeting with the Commander himself. Learning that he now has restricted power over the lower ranking troops and all missions must be authorised by the Commander. Something seems out of place and where there was once trust between them; the relationship between Valek and the Commander is strained.

With trust proving an issue not only with the Commander but with assassin in training Onora and with unwelcome guests in the castle, Valek finds himself torn. Does he follow his orders or his heart?

With the characters separated on their own missions; will the enemy be able to divide and conquer or can our favourite group of soldiers and magicians once again triumph over evil?

The book is told between Valek, Yelena, Janco and Leif’s points of view, this is easy to follow and it’s good to know what is going on with each character as you read through the book.

Chapter 10 caused me to do a happy dance and squeal, I won’t say why but Snyder’s fans won’t be disappointed.

Night Study is a veritable treasure trove of adventure. You never know where the characters are going to get into trouble next.

A quick mention about the characters. The awesome foursome as I call them, are like friends, not literary characters in my mind.

Words cannot describe how much I love Ari and Janco. If it was possible to bring literary characters to life, these two would be top of my list. Strong, witty and with a caring side, Ari and Janco are like big brothers to Yelena. They will do anything in their power to keep her safe even if it does have a habit of landing them in jail.

I still don’t trust Onora, but it is the skill off Snyder that does this. You want to trust Onora, because she’s lined up to take Valek’s job, but secrets from the past lead us to the conclusion that not all is as it seems.

Another brilliant book from Maria V. Snyder that will immerse you in the world of Sitia and Ixia; so much so, that you don’t want Night study to end.

I need it to be 2017 already!!!

Recommended reading if you enjoyed Sarah J. Maas and Trudi Canavan.

Title: The Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson #9)
Author: Darynda Jones
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
From: ARC from publisher
Format: ARC paperback, 326 pages, January 12th 2016
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a Adult novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: In a small village in New York lives Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she is working at a diner and slowly begins to realize she can see dead people, she's more than a little taken aback. Stranger still are the people entering her life. They seem to know things about her. Things they hide with lies and half-truths. Soon, she senses something far darker. A force that wants to cause her harm, she is sure of it. Her saving grace comes in the form of a new friend she feels she can confide in and the fry cook, a devastatingly handsome man whose smile is breathtaking and touch is scalding. He stays close, and she almost feels safe with him around.

But no one can outrun their past, and the more lies that swirl around her—even from her new and trusted friends—the more disoriented she becomes, until she is confronted by a man who claims to have been sent to kill her. Sent by the darkest force in the universe. A force that absolutely will not stop until she is dead. Thankfully, she has a Rottweiler. But that doesn't help in her quest to find her identity and recover what she's lost. That will take all her courage and a touch of the power she feels flowing like electricity through her veins. She almost feels sorry for him. The devil in blue jeans. The disarming fry cook who lies with every breath he takes. She will get to the bottom of what he knows if it kills her. Or him. Either way.

Review: 4.5 Stars - Contains spoilers for the Charley Davidson series.

Words cannot describe my excitement for this book. The newest installment in Darynda Jones urban fantasy series, The Dirt of Ninth Grave has been eagerly anticipated since I finished Eighth Grave After Dark. We were left on a cliff hanger after reading a Reyes P.O.V. chapter, and I needed to know what happened next!

At the end of eighth book, Grim Reaper Charley Davidson had almost catalyzed and over spent her powers in her grief and having to send her baby into hiding. She had a breakdown and as such her powers took her elsewhere.

In the beginning of The Dirt on Ninth Grave, Charley is going by the name Janey Doe. She found herself in the alley behind a diner with no memory of who she is or where she’s from. The only thing she knows is that it feels like she’s missing part of herself; to avid readers of the series we know this is her baby who she recently gave birth to.

When she’s rested from her ordeal, the diner owner offers her a job and finds her a place to live. Getting used to the daily grind, the customers and her surroundings while still trying to piece together who she is.

The amnesia thing Charley can almost understand, but the thing she finds weird is that she can see the departed. She doesn’t know why, she just knows she can. No one else seems to notice these things, so Charley just doesn’t mention them.

Mr Vandenberg a regular patron of the diner, is set in his ways, and treasures his shop. Charley is intrigued as to why there are strange men “working” in his antiques business across the street. Never one to stand on the sidelines, Charley decides to investigate why things are awry and we know from past experience, this is going to mean trouble. Supernatural happenings also provide intrigue and entertainment when reading Ninth Grave.

Whilst the reader is aware of the presence of Darynda Jones favourites in this book, Charley is making “new” friends in her work colleagues and patrons to the diner. But at the same time, there is the thought that some are lying, or not being entirely truthful with her. She can feel people’s emotions and unfortunately for Charley negative feelings and worry seem to cloud a lot of her conversations.

It was brilliant to see how Charley interacts with her “new” friends and how their relationships develop.

Cookie started work at the diner around a similar time to “Janey”, so they instantly connected over that. Cookie’s husband Bob is also welcoming to Janey and she feels like she’s known them forever, and she finds she trusts them easily. Cookie couldn’t try to be anything but herself if she tried, I absolutely adore her character.

Garrett, Osh, Angel, Agent Carson and Artemis also making an appearance brought a smile to my face. They’re all trying to subtly help Charley remember who she is without telling her the exact truth.

Reyes, well what can you say about the son of Satan himself. As hot as ever; but this time, he shows a slightly more intense side dare I say it than in previous books. When Charley is describing him, she thinks he hates her, because he’s always so moody and doesn’t smile when she’s about.  I think Reyes is dealing with the internal turmoil of the fact him and his wife have been separated and their baby hidden away for safe keeping.  But at the same time this needed to happen otherwise Charley would have burnt herself out.

It is great to see them flirt and rekindle their love for each other as they start a fresh. In the first few books in the series, all of the Charley and Reyes moments were as intense as they are in this book and I didn’t realize until I read it that this has actually been missing.

When you get to the end of the book and you realize what Reyes went through to pull this off, it truly shows how much he wanted Charley to come back to him.

Never one for a quiet ending, Jones throws in a few scenes with a creepy character who has been mentioned in the book, but I had forgotten about him, focusing on Charley and Reyes. I thought it was all over and she was going to leave us another cliff hanger.
I’m thankful to say she didn’t.

The Dirt on Ninth Grave is a MUST READ for any fans of the Charley Davidson series. I know Lisa is a couple of books away from reading it and I can’t wait to hear what she thinks about it.

Check out the Charley Davidson series if you’re a fan of Jeaniene Frost, Chloe Niell, Stacia Kane or Jennifer Estep.

Wow, writing a book list is hard. Here's just a few that i'm looking forward to in 2016. I tend to discover books when I least expect it, so hopefully 2016 will bring some nice surprises as well as some great continuations to series I already enjoy. 

Book List (In no particular order) - 

Title: The Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson #9)
Author: Darynda Jones
Publisher: St. Martin's Press, 326 Pages (January 12th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a Adult novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: In a small village in New York lives Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she is working at a diner and slowly begins to realize she can see dead people, she's more than a little taken aback. Stranger still are the people entering her life. They seem to know things about her. Things they hide with lies and half-truths. Soon, she senses something far darker. A force that wants to cause her harm, she is sure of it. Her saving grace comes in the form of a new friend she feels she can confide in and the fry cook, a devastatingly handsome man whose smile is breathtaking and touch is scalding. He stays close, and she almost feels safe with him around.

But no one can outrun their past, and the more lies that swirl around her—even from her new and trusted friends—the more disoriented she becomes, until she is confronted by a man who claims to have been sent to kill her. Sent by the darkest force in the universe. A force that absolutely will not stop until she is dead. Thankfully, she has a Rottweiler. But that doesn't help in her quest to find her identity and recover what she's lost. That will take all her courage and a touch of the power she feels flowing like electricity through her veins. She almost feels sorry for him. The devil in blue jeans. The disarming fry cook who lies with every breath he takes. She will get to the bottom of what he knows if it kills her. Or him. Either way.

Title: The Crown (The Selection #5)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 352 Pages (May 3rd, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Kiera Cass’s #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series has captured the hearts of readers from its very first page. Now the end of the journey is here. Prepare to be swept off your feet by The Crown—the eagerly awaited, wonderfully romantic fifth and final book in the Selection series.

In The Heir, a new era dawned in the world of The Selection. Twenty years have passed since America Singer and Prince Maxon fell in love, and their daughter is the first princess to hold a Selection of her own.

Eadlyn didn’t think she would find a real partner among the Selection’s thirty-five suitors, let alone true love. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and now Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more difficult—and more important—than she ever expected.

Title: Night Study (Soulfinder #2)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Publisher: Mira INK, 400 Pages (February 25th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana's life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore.

Title: Tell the Wind and Fire
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Publisher: Clarion Books, 368 Pages (April 5th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Tell the Wind & Fire is about a young girl called Lucie who lives in a New York very different from the New York we know: the city is torn between two very different kinds of magic, and Lucie’s own family was torn apart years ago by that conflict. Lucie wears magic rings and carries a burden of guilt she can’t share with anyone.

The light in her life is her sweetheart boyfriend Ethan, but it turns out Ethan has a secret too: a soulless doppelganger created by dark magic, who has to conceal the face identical to Ethan’s with a hood fastened by a collar nobody but a Light magician with magical rings can take off… and who introduces himself to both of them by, for reasons nobody can understand, saving Ethan’s life…

Title: Paper and Fire (The Great Library #2)
Author: Rachel Caine
Publisher: Allison & Busby (July 21st, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: In Ink and Bone, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine introduced a world where knowledge is power, and power corrupts absolutely. Now, she continues the story of those who dare to defy the Great Library—and rewrite history…

With an iron fist, The Great Library controls the knowledge of the world, ruthlessly stamping out all rebellion, forbidding the personal ownership of books in the name of the greater good.

Jess Brightwell has survived his introduction to the sinister, seductive world of the Library, but serving in its army is nothing like he envisioned. His life and the lives of those he cares for have been altered forever. His best friend is lost, and Morgan, the girl he loves, is locked away in the Iron Tower and doomed to a life apart.

Embarking on a mission to save one of their own, Jess and his band of allies make one wrong move and suddenly find themselves hunted by the Library’s deadly automata and forced to flee Alexandria, all the way to London.

But Jess’s home isn’t safe anymore. The Welsh army is coming, London is burning, and soon, Jess must choose between his friends, his family, or the Library willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in the search for ultimate control…

Title: The Sleeping Prince (The Sin Eater's Daughter #2)
Author: Melinda Salisbury
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 336 Pages (February 4th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Return to the darkly beautiful world of The Sin Eater's Daughter with a sequel that will leave you awed, terrified . . . and desperate for more.

Ever since her brother Lief disappeared, Errin's life has gone from bad to worse. Not only must she care for her sick mother, she has to scrape together rent money by selling illegal herbal cures. But none of that compares to the threat of the vengeful Sleeping Prince whom the Queen just awoke from his enchanted sleep.

When her village is evacuated as part of the war against the Sleeping Prince, Errin is left desperate and homeless. The only person she can turn to is the mysterious Silas, a young man who buys deadly poisons from Errin, but won't reveal why he needs them. Silas promises to help her, but when he vanishes, Errin must journey across a kingdom on the brink of war to seek another way to save her mother and herself. But what she finds shatters everything she believed about her world, and with the Sleeping Prince drawing nearer, Errin must make a heartbreaking choice that could affect the whole kingdom. 

Title: A Tyranny of Petticoats
Author: Jessica Spotswood, Elizabeth Wein, Beth Revis, Marie Lu, Andrea Cremer, Caroline Richmond, J. Anderson Coats, Marissa Meyer, Katherine Longshore, Saundra Mitchell, Robin Talley, Y.S. Lee, Kekla Magoon, Leslye Walton, Lindsay Smith
Publisher: Candlewick Press., 368 Pages (March 8th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: From an impressive sisterhood of YA writers comes an edge-of-your-seat anthology of historical fiction and fantasy featuring a diverse array of daring heroines.

Criss-cross America — on dogsleds and ships, stagecoaches and trains — from pirate ships off the coast of the Carolinas to the peace, love, and protests of 1960s Chicago. Join fifteen of today’s most talented writers of young adult literature on a thrill ride through history with American girls charting their own course. They are monsters and mediums, bodyguards and barkeeps, screenwriters and schoolteachers, heiresses and hobos. They're making their own way in often-hostile lands, using every weapon in their arsenals, facing down murderers and marriage proposals. And they all have a story to tell.

Title: Stay With Me
Author: Mila Gray
Publisher: Alula Press, 273 Pages (February 28th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "Adult/New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: Firebrand Emerson Lowe and popular ice-hockey player Jake McCallister have been best friends since third grade but just as their friendship starts to morph into something more a terrible event occurs that heralds the end of innocence for both of them.

Within a week Jake’s living on the other side of the country and Emerson is left alone to pick up the pieces of her life in a small town determined to paint her as a liar.

Seven years on and Emerson is still living on the beautiful Pacific West island of Bainbridge, helping her family run their outdoor adventure company. The last thing she needs is Jake turning up, bringing with him old memories and opening up old wounds. But Jake - even better looking than Emerson remembered and on the cusp of a bright sporting future - seems determined to revive their friendship no matter how much Emerson tries to push him away.

Forced to work alongside him for the summer Emerson soon starts falling for Jake despite her ex-boyfriend Rob throwing obstacles in their way, and soon they’re in the midst of a passionate summer romance that neither of them wants to end.

But if they’re to have any kind of future they’re first going to need to confront the past, a past that most people want to stay buried.

Title: The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4)
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 400 Pages (April 26th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: The fourth and final installment in the spellbinding series from the irrepressible, #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater.

All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love's death. She doesn't believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore.

In a starred review for Blue Lily, Lily Blue, Kirkus Reviews declared: "Expect this truly one-of-a-kind series to come to a thundering close."

Title: Dirty (Dive Bar #1)
Author: Kylie Scott
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 288 Pages (April 19th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a Adult novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: The last thing Vaughan Hewson expects to find when he returns to his childhood home is a broken hearted bride in his shower, let alone the drama and chaos that comes with her.

Lydia Green doesn't know whether to burn down the church or sit and cry in a corner. Discovering the love of your life is having an affair on your wedding day is bad enough. Finding out it's with his best man is another thing all together. She narrowly escapes tying the knot and meets Vaughan only hours later.

Vaughan is the exact opposite of the picture perfect, respected businessman she thought she'd marry. This former musician-turned-bartender is rough around the edges and unsettled. But she already tried Mr. Right and discovered he's all wrong-maybe it's time to give Mr. Right Now a chance.

After all, what's wrong with getting dirty?

Title: Broken Sky
Author: L.A. Weatherly
Publisher: Usborne, (March 1st, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Welcome to a ‘perfect’ world.

Where war is illegal, where harmony rules.

And where your date of birth marks your destiny.

But nothing is perfect.

And in a world this broken, who can Amity trust?

Set in a daring and distorted echo of 1940s America, the BROKEN trilogy is an exhilarating epic of deception, heartbreak and rebellion.

Title: Finding Paris
Author: Joy Preble
Publisher: Balzer and Bray, 272 pages (April 21st 2015)
From: My friend and blog owner Lisa
Format: Hardback
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: An evocative and compelling story of two sisters who would do anything for each other—perfect for fans of Thirteen Reasons Why and Speak. Joy Preble's stirring new novel explores the lengths to which sisters go to protect each other, and the winding road that brings two strangers into each other's lives.

Sisters Leo and Paris Hollings have only ever had each other to rely on. They can't trust their mother, who hops from city to city and from guy to guy, or their gambler stepfather, who's moved them all to Las Vegas. It's just the two of them: Paris, who's always been the dreamer, and Leo, who has a real future in mind—going to Stanford, becoming a doctor, falling in love. But Leo isn't going anywhere right now, except driving around Vegas all night with her sister.

Until Paris ditches Leo at the Heartbreak Hotel Diner, where moments before they had been talking with physics student Max Sullivan. Outside, Leo finds a cryptic note from Paris—a clue. Is it some kind of game? Where is Paris, and why has she disappeared? When Leo reluctantly accepts Max's offer of help, the two find themselves following a string of clues through Vegas and beyond. But the search for the truth is not a straight line. And neither is the path to secrets Leo and Max hold inside.

Review: 2 stars - When I started this book I didn’t quite know what to expect; but I knew being set in California I needed to give it a read.

I like the general idea of the book- scavenger hunt to find Leo’s missing sister following clues around California; but admit I nearly gave up reading half way through. I have recently read Paper Towns by John Green and I thought it was going down the same route, but instead of towns it was finding tourist destinations. The thing that kept me intrigued with this book was that I didn’t know where they were going to end up next. Having visited California a few times, I needed to keep reading so I could relive my memories.

Although I knew there had to be more to this book than just a scavenger hunt, the fact that Paris wanted to save Leo by any way possible if proof of her love for her.

I wasn’t expecting the ‘reveal’ at the end, although I was slightly curious because of that person’s involvement in certain parts of the book.

Finding Paris was an easy read, however at times it just felt live you were going round in circles and as I’ve said above it wasn’t the story itself that kept me reading. The characters are likeable; I can’t however say that I was particularly attached to them.

Finding Paris was not for me sadly, but I think this could be a book that is received differently by different people, as it seems to have very mixed reviews. Passing this onto Michelle at Much Loved Books now, looking forward to hearing what she thinks of it!

Read if you enjoyed John Green’s Paper Towns, M.G. Reyes’ Emancipated, and E. Lockhart We Were Liars.

Title: Happily Ever After (The Selection #0.4, #0.5, #2.5, #2.6)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books
From: Waterstones book shop
Format: paperback, 320 pages, October 8th 2015
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Meet Prince Maxon before he fell in love with America, and a girl named Amberly before she became queen. See the Selection through the eyes of a guard who watched his first love drift away and a girl who fell for a boy who wasn't the prince. This gorgeous collection features four novellas from the captivating world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series, as well as exclusive, never-before-seen bonus content.

This series companion is a must-have for any Selection fan, and includes:

The PrinceThe Guard
The Queen
The Favorite
Exclusive new scenes from The Selection, The Elite, and The One
Introductions to each novella from Kiera Cass
A map of Illéa and other illustrations
And more!

Review: 4.5 stars - I personally love novellas. They’re little snippets from your favourite series; they can be short stories to wet your appetite for a new world, new characters and adventures. When you hear that one of your favourite authors is releasing a collection of novellas from a favourite series, then you know you’re on to a winner.

Happily Ever After is just that. I fell in love with The Selection series a couple of years ago and although I have previously read The Prince, The Guard and The Queen in e-book form. There’s nothing better than reading about much loved characters in paperback.  Obviously due to these stories being novellas from The Selection series, there’s only a limited amount I  can discuss without telling all- which I will happily do off the blog!

It was fun re-reading The Guard, The Prince and The Queen because now because Cass is currently writing the 5th book in the series for publication next year and sometimes when you read, you forget things that have happened in previous books.

It’s great to hear from Aspen and Prince Maxon’s POV, to discover how much they both truly wanted America to be happy, despite other people who may stand in the way.  Amberly’s story tells of her journey from being one of the Selected when King Clarkson was Prince. And her struggle with poor health and dealing with the possibility that it might lead to her being dismissed from the palace.

I was so happy when I saw Marlee had a short story in this book. I love her and she’s like the BFF every girl wants. She’s strong but can come across as shy until you get to know her and she is someone who will fight for what she believes in including true friendship and love.

At the end of the book there is an update on what happened to the other Selected. This was an interesting read. Especially as we got to know these girls in the first 3 books in the series and then when The Heir came out, we didn’t think we’d hear from them again.

Dotted through the book are some black and white illustrations of the characters which only add to The Selection fairytale magic.

It’s no secret that I’m a Kiera Cass fan, so no surprise to e that I was going to love this book.
It’s a must read for fans of The Selection series- it nicely fills the gaps where your imagination may have once wandered.

Check out The Selection if you’re a fan of Amy Ewing’s The Jewel.

Read my review of first book in The Selection series and fall into a fairytale with a slight dystopian twist >>>here<<<

Title: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens, 562 pages, (September 11th 2014)
From: Waterstones
Format: Paperback
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Consumed by guilt and rage, Celaena can't bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back...

The Immortal Queen will help her destroy the king - for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her? 

Review: 5 stars - Wow!
What an action packed third instalment in the Throne of Glass series.

I will admit I’m late to the Sarah J. Maas party, and I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to really get into this series.

There can only be limited discussion about Heir of Fire. SOOOOOOO much happens in this book, and I’ll be honest I don’t know if I remembered all of it until certain storylines fell into place. We meet lots of new characters and discover through third person multiple view points, Celaena’s background, new colonies, enemies and allies.

We have always know Celaena is a strong character, determined in everything she does but Heir of Fire shows us the lengths at which she will go to.

I love the witch covens, that although they are similar, each is different. Their competitive streaks make for an exciting read. Rowan is such a complex character. I thought I had him sussed out at one point, but then it was like he had a complete personality transplant. He has the tradition warrior persona, but when he gets to know the true Celaena, he reveals more of himself and proves he can be a friend as well as a soldier. Mythical and supernatural characters are right up my street so adding witches and the fae into the mix with a kick ass heroine like Celaena and we’re onto a winner.

Seeing a softer side to Dorian was also interesting. I was a Chaol fan from the start of the series; so seeing that Dorian has a friendly personality and that he is willing to put so much into relationship is heart warming. However near the end of the book, we learn he has been betrayed by someone he loves and it nearly brought me to tears.

As I said, there’s only so much I can say without ruining Heir of Fire and the two previous books in the series. What I will say is you are kept on the edge of your seat for the whole story. There is enough action to rival the best Hollywood blockbuster. Intrigue and deception by the bucket load and characters that you can’t help but grow attached to.

A definite must read for fans of fantasy fiction writers such as Maria V. Snyder and Holly Black.

Photos By: Jenny

On Friday 6th November, I attended an author talk and signing at Waterstones Liverpool One.

I have previously been to some brilliant events at Waterstones and with this panel of 5 authors I knew I was in for a good night discussing everything YA.

After a slight delay, thanks to authors stuck in heavy traffic. The talk got started later than planned, but did not disappoint.

Chaired by the lovely Keris Stainton; Holly Bourne, C.J. Daugherty, Alexia Casale and Melinda Salisbury discussed the portrayal of strong female main characters in YA.

Photos By: Jenny

Photo By: Jenny

The group covered how they go about their writing process. What they think is/isn't suitable in YA- this was a very diverse question as there were contemporary and fantasy YA authors, so what may be deemed suitable for one, might not be in the other. It also affects how something is written e.g. first love, puberty. How to create a character into a strong lead without losing feminity and how feminist themes can be important and are becoming more visible in YA reads.

A quick mention aswell to NaNoWriMo which some of the authors are taking part in. I think some of
the attendees from the event will be putting to good use some of the advice they received.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening; complete with laugh out loud moments and a few things that can't be repeated outside that room.

Photo By: Jenny

I'd definitely recommend checking out some of the books by the authors. A quick list is below, these were the titles that were discussed at the event.

Alexia Casale- The Bone Dragon
Holly Bourne- Am I Normal Yet
C.J.Daugherty & Carina Rozenfeld- The Secret Fire
Melinda Salisbury- The Sin Eater's Daughter
Keris Stainton- Counting Stars

I've only read Counting Stars, but i'm really looking forward to getting stuck into the other books.

Check out my review for Counting Stars HERE!

Title: Counting Stars
Author: Keris Stainton
Publisher: Hot Key Books
From: eBook ARC from Netgalley
Format: 336 pages, (September 3rd 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: A new life in a new city - what could possibly go wrong . . . ?

When eighteen-year-old Anna leaves school and moves to Liverpool, she feels like her life is finally beginning. She's landed her dream job at a theatre, and she's moving into an exciting (if not slightly run-down) houseshare on a buzzing street lined with shops, bars, and buskers. Best of all, her new flatmates are kind, welcoming and a lot of fun - what more could she ask for?

But her new life is also a little overwhelming. Anna's job quickly falls through, and then she realises that although her new friends are great, they're also a little mixed-up... and it's not long before Anna starts using her blog to talk about her experiences, from the hilarious to the ridiculous to the little-bit-scary. But when Anna spills a bigger secret than she can handle, suddenly the consequences are all too real. She'll have to prove she has the mettle to make it in the big city, or risk losing everything she thinks she wants.

Review: 3.5-4 stars - I am a fan of Keris Stainton so when I found Counting Stars on Netgalley I had to request it. The fact that Counting Stars is also set in the city I was born, also had an impact on me reading it.

Anna has moved to Liverpool to start working in a theatre where she did work experience. She’s found a room in a house to rent and she is looking forward to her first big adventure as a ‘grown up’.
Unfortunately when the job falls through, Anna is all ready to give up and go home to her parent’s house.

With the help of her housemates Anna starts to create something resembling an adult life. But learns along the way, things are always as easy of they seem.

Counting Stars is told from third person POV- Anna and her 5 housemates. I did enjoy this, as you get to experience what’s going on in their lives first hand.
Anna is a Vlogger, who has always kept her true self hidden, she is nothing like her internet alter ego, but she wishes she could be. Add into the mix lustful Sean, Molly’s romantic and eccentric ways, Alfie’s need to look after everyone and prove himself to his father, and Nina who is unfortunately subject to an abusive relationship. You never know where Counting Stars is going to go next.
Having said this I do wish there had been more of a definitive story line, rather than it being more of a roundabout coming of age novel. I’d personally rather have a high impact story than one that tells of every day life.

I also enjoyed reading about parts of Liverpool, and on a recent trip to the city I found myself looking up on Bold Street (where the book is set) and seeing different things to what I’d normally see.

A change from my usual fantasy/sci-fi reads, Counting Stars was mostly light hearted, scandal filled and enjoyable to read. I love the idea of a big adventure for Anna, and in one respect I’m jealous of the character because I never had the bravery to move out to uni.

That brings me onto another slight personal bug; the College/University word usage in teen literature.
Recently I’ve read more and more UK YA authors who are trying to appeal to the American market- this is no bad thing; but because in the US university is called college, there is sometimes confusion when reading as to how old the characters are. This happened to me on more than one occasion when reading Counting Stars. What also got confusing for me was that some of the housemates attend Performing Arts College; so it’s referred to as college. Most 18 year olds I know refer to college/university as uni, not college, no matter where they are studying.

Due to certain subject matter in this book I recommend it for older readers, NA subjects included.

A good read for anyone who likes Stephanie Perkins, Jenny Valentine and James Dawson.

Title: The Mill
Author: Jessica D. Harpley
Publisher: 160 pages, October 15th 2015
From: the Author
Format: eBook
Add to: Goodreads
No order links at the time of posting.

Synopsis: Set in an alternate universe, the protagonist, a self deprecating college student named Jen, is forced into a world where night time curfews are cruel, and monsters are real. Plagued with mental illness from birth, her twin brother was the only one who ever understood her. Since his engagement to a vain, dim-witted valley girl, he's been paying Jen less and less of the attention she desperately craves.

Her journey begins when she attempts to take her own life on New Year's Eve after a final spat with her brother, landing her on a deserted highway just outside of hell instead of falling to her death. With the ghostly image of her empty apartment building fading into the night, she knows that the only way is forward.

She's immediately greeted by a quirky engineer named Hopper, who is quick to gloss over the importance of getting out of sight; so quick it leaves Jen in another terrible spot. Separated from Hopper and captured by Collectors, she wakes in a nightmare to which there seems to be no escape, The Mill. Hunted by unnatural creatures in this dank underground, she begins to discover the importance of life, and the err of her mistake.

Upon meeting Aeden, another Mill survivor, they begin to devise a way out, or so she thinks. Monstrous transformations and hair raising battles ensue as Jen desperately clings to life for the first time. With the discovery of her own freakish shape shifting power, mutation courtesy of The Mill, she defends herself, and her companions with vigour, but to no avail. Jen is left alone, once again.

After escaping her confines, she is reunited with Hopper, who's undergone some disturbing alterations of her own. They make haste to the deserted highway in hopes that Jen can return home, but not before another run-in with the Collectors, hell bent on submitting Jen to their will. This is the moment she discovers the fire inside herself, her will to not only live, but thrive. Beating back their aggressors, Hopper and Jen fly from The Mill, leaving it to burn. Jen and Hopper share fond goodbyes, and exchange promises of remembrance. Jen leaps from her apartment build once more, this time, with a will to survive. 

Review: 3.5 stars - When we were sent the request to review this book, the fact that the MC had the same name as me did encourage me to read it. Also I love dystopian fantasy fiction.

The cover art work is a bit creepy and almost comic book style, it doesn’t appeal to me personally, but fits in well with the book. I think it would appeal to the target age category.

Jen has been suffered with depression for years; she lives with her brother Michael and normally they rub along quite nicely. The only thorn in her side is her brother’s long term girlfriend Veronica.

When her brother and his girlfriend get engaged on Christmas day and Jen finds herself alone and once again sinking deeper into her depression.

On New Year’s Eve after an altercation with Veronica and Michael, Jen attempts to take her own life. After jumping off the roof of her apartment building, the last thing Jen expects to end up is on a deserted highway in an alternate universe.

I don’t want to say too much as it may spoil it for future readers. There are some great moments to get your imagination flowing- the mill itself and the shape shifters, conjure up images that are sure to scare the living daylights out of some readers. The Mill is not to be read with the light off and you will be checking behind you as you walk along a darkened street.

Albeit brief because of the nature of the book; The Mill includes details of Jen’s depression. I like how through the novella Jen finds confidence she never had before and she starts trusting herself to do things, rather than having her brother or someone else as almost an emotional crutch keeping her together.

With Hopper she has someone who relies on her being strong, were as her brother used to be the strong one she relied on.

The Mill can be described as a fantasy, horror almost dystopian fiction. I say almost dystopian, because in the ‘real world’ where Jen came from, The Mill is set in the present. But it has the post-apocalyptic feel to it.

I do wish it had been longer, but it gives you a good insight into life at The Mill. Maybe a possible prequel could come in the future, so we can learn how Aeden, Benjin and Drea ended up in the Mill.
A great debut novella from Jessica D. Harpley; I can see her doing well with this and future titles.

Read if you enjoyed The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Legend by Marie Lu or Charlie Higson’s the Enemy.

Title: Broken Soup
Author: Jenny Valentine
Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books, 228 Pages (May 21st 2012)
From: Amazon.co.uk
Format: eBook
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: An intriguing, compelling and moving novel from the award-winning author of Finding Violet Park.

When the good-looking boy with the American accent presses the dropped negative into Rowan's hand, she's sure it's all a big mistake. But next moment he's gone, lost in the crowd of bustling shoppers. And she can't afford to lose her place in the checkout queue – after all, if she doesn't take the groceries home, nobody else will.

Rowan has more responsibilities than most girls her age. These days, she pretty much looks after her little sister single-handedly – which doesn't leave much time for friends or fun. So when she finds out that Bee from school saw the whole thing, it piques her curiosity. Who was the boy? Why was he so insistent that the negative belonged to Rowan

Review: 3.5 Stars - When I started reading Broken Soup, I didn’t really know what to expect. I have previously read two of Valentine’s other novels- one I really enjoyed and one I wasn’t so sure about.

Broken Soup tells the story of Rowan. He brother Jack tragically drowned in an accident 2 years ago. After he died her parents separated and her Mum became depressed, her Dad does visit but he isn’t permanently present.  This leaves Rowan caring for her 6 year old sister Stroma, doing the housework and shopping.

One day when she’s out shopping a boy gives her a photograph negative and tells her she dropped it. Rowan knows she didn’t but the boy is insistent that she did and she accepts it.

Not long after this she befriends Bee, who helps her develop the photograph. What follows is a story of determination, secrets and sadness. It’s brilliant that something so small and insignificant can be the thing that brings so many people together.

Rowan is a likeable character but in trying to protect her Mum by not telling her Dad how severe her Mum’s depression is, she increases the burden on herself. If Rowan had told him things might have been easier, but I do understand why she does it.

Stroma is a little ray of sunshine in the midst of a dark cloud of grief. She is too wise for her age, and is a delightful character to read.

Harper is a nice distraction but I found Rowan’s trust in him came about a bit quickly and then she left Stroma in his care- something I wouldn’t have expected her to do, considering how protective she is of her.

Grief is not an easy thing to read about; Broken Soup does have some emotional moments for Rowan. It is well written and an enjoyable read despite its sensitive subject.

The only reason Broken Soup didn’t get 4 stars was because there are a few topics which with the age group this book is aged at may be seen as inappropriate for that age group. They may only be brief mentions but with the book aimed at 11-16; something like drug use is deemed acceptable and isn’t looked down on by 3 of the characters. I understand that it some walks of life it is the norm, but not when I was younger. The book is suitable in my opinion for older teens, as it also contains some swearing.

Recommended for fans of Keren David and Louisa Reid.

Title: This Is One Moment (Come Back to Me #2)
Author: Mila Gray
Publisher: Pan Macmillan, (September 10th, 2015)
From: e-book, 384 pages, September 10th 2015
Format: Review E-book from Net Galley
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Check out Jenny's Review of: Come Back To Me By: Mila Gray

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 18+

Synopsis: A forbidden romance. A wounded Marine who thinks he’s beyond saving. A girl who’s determined to prove him wrong.

Didi Monroe’s waited her whole life for the type of romance you see in the movies, so when Hollywood heartthrob Zac Ridgemont sweeps her off her feet, Didi believes she might finally have met the one.

While Zac’s away filming for the summer, Didi begins her internship at a military hospital in California. There, she meets wounded Marine Noel Walker. Frustrated on the outside and broken on the inside, Walker’s a pain-in-the-ass patient who refuses all help. Yet Didi can’t help but be drawn to him, and though he’s strictly out of bounds it soon becomes impossible to ignore the sparks flying between them.

As the attraction simmers into dangerous territory, Didi finds herself falling hard for a man she knows is going to break her heart. Because Walker doesn’t believe in love or happy ever afters. So what possible future can there be? Then tragedy hits, shattering both their worlds, and Didi is forced to choose between fighting for love or merely falling for the illusion of it.

Review: 5 Stars - Review contains spoilers.

Mila Gray a.k.a. Sarah Alderson, once again writes a heart breaking, tear jerker of a romance novel.

Written in two person POV; This Is One Moment re-introduces us to Didi Monroe (who readers may have previously met in Come Back to Me) and new character Noel Walker.

I feel I should focus on Didi as she is the character Gray’s readers are already acquainted with, but I’m drawn to Walker. Noel Walker, is the youngest Lieutenant in the marines, he was engaged to be married to a beautiful woman when he was deployed to Afghanistan and that’s when his life changed.

When his team comes under ambush, Walker tries his best to save his men, but sadly only one survives. Walker’s torment is this book in heartbreaking, he blames himself for something that wasn’t his fault. He is suffering from PTSD, manifesting itself as nightmares and psychosomatic blindness. His fiancé left him after he came home injured, his parents don’t have much contact with him. He’s alone apart from the other soldiers at the centre.

Didi is interning for the summer at the Centre for Hope and Care. As the daughter of one of doctors at the centre, his reputation proceeds her, and she finds she has a lot to live up to. She wants to try and help the wounded marines but some prove to be more stubborn than others.

When Didi first meets Walker he throws her out of his room. She persists- she wants to help him, find out what’s really troubling him. Slowly building a friendship with Walker, Didi doesn’t treat him differently for being blind. She doesn’t constantly correct herself for using the wrong words, and she doesn’t try directly to get him to open up about what’s going on in his head like the other doctors do.

Didi finds she’s attracted to Walker; constantly thinking about him despite the fact she’s supposed to be dating a movie star. The question is will Didi follow the dream of a romance movie happy ending, or will she try to piece the jigsaw of a broken heart back together?

As with her previous book Come Back to Me, Gray is writing about something true to life and events numerous servicemen and women have dealt with. This book and the way the marines try to overcome their problems, opened my eyes to what horrors they might see when on the front line and it gives you a new sort of respect for them. Their war isn’t over once they leave the conflicted country.

There is a lot more to This Is One Moment than a love story, I think that’s why I loved so much and why it did affect me the way it did.

I love the characters; although at times I did find myself shouting at Didi because of who I wanted her to end up with. Walker, Sanchez and Dodds, all have a special place in my heart; Dodds probably more than the other two. Valentina and her cousin Angela make for light relief, and some of the exchanges between Sanchez and his wife had me laughing out loud.
.
A mix of romance and tragedy make This Is One Moment one of my favourite reads of 2015. Another brilliant read from Mila Gray, can’t wait for more books in the future.

If you’re a fan of Becky Wicks, Nicholas Sparks and Cecelia Ahern I think this book will appeal to you.

Excerpt:

I pick up the razor and start shaving him again.

‘Um... you know’, he says, it’s better if you shave downwards.’

‘What?’

His hand comes up and circles my wrist. He covers my hand with his own and then guides the razor downwards. ‘Like this.’

‘Oh,’ I say, swallowing hard.

He still hasn’t let go of my hand. I try it myself. ‘Like this?’

He lets go. ‘Yeah. Otherwise it causes razor burn.’

‘Oh, sorry,’ I say.

He shakes his head as if to say don’t apologize.

My heart has started beating triple-time and my hand shakes as I finish off shaving his neck. I need to get a grip. When I’m done, I stand aside and let him wash his face.

‘How do I look?’ he says turning to me. There’s a sardonic smile on his face.

‘Good,’ I say. Really good. ‘Wait’ I snatch the towel from his hand and dab at a fleck of shaving foam by his ear. ‘There,’ I say.

His hand come up to take the towel and our fingers touch and stay there for a beat too long. My breathing hitches, then speeds up. I resist the urge I have to stroke my other hand down his newly shaved cheek.

There’ s a look in his eye now – confusion overlaying the sadness. His head cocks slightly to one side. I pull my hand away and just then the bathroom door swings wide open.

‘Hello?... Oh.’

I spin around. My dad is standing in the doorway. He blinks a few times and frowns as he takes in the fact that I’m standing almost pressed up against a half-naked Walker.

‘Hey, Dad.’ I say turning bright red. ‘Um, I was just helping Walker, I mean Lieutenant Walker, shave. His beard’. Oh God.

‘I can see that,’ my dad says, raising his eyebrows and pursing his lips at me. ‘I just came looking for him because he missed his appointment time.’

‘Sorry,’ Walker says. ‘I didn’t know it was that late, Jose normally comes to get me’.

‘Um,’ I mumble. I’m going to go now. Bye,’ I say quickly to Walker, and then ease past my dad and rush out the door.

I know from the look on my dad’s face as he turns to watch me go that this won’t be the end of it.

About the Author:

Mila Gray is the pen name for young adult author Sarah Alderson.

Having spent most of her life in London, Sarah quit her job in the non profit sector in 2009 and took off on a round the world trip with her husband and tutu-wearing daughter on a mission to find a new place to call home.

After almost a year spent wandering around India, Singapore, Australia and the US, they settled in Bali where Sarah now spends her days writing and trying to machete open coconuts without severing a limb. She finished her first novel Hunting Lila just before they left the UK, wrote the sequel, Losing Lila, on the beach in India, and had signed a two book deal with Simon & Schuster by the time they reached Bali. Since then she has published a further four novels and several short stories.
The contemporary thriller The Sound, was published in the US in May 2014, while Out of Control, a thriller with a focus on human trafficking, was released in May ’14 in the UK and May ’15 in the US. Her first adult novel Come Back To Me was released in the summer 2014 by Pan Macmillan in the UK and became an instant bestseller. It will be released in the US in December 2015 by Simon & Schuster. Foreign rights have been sold to Brazil, Australia, US, Canada, Italy and Portugal.

Sarah is also a screenwriter. She adapted her first novel Hunting Lila for the screen (currently in pre-production) and is working on several other screenplays (multi-tasking is one of her favorite things).

Her first adult novel, Come Back To Me, was published in June 2014. The second, This One Moment, will be out in August 2015.

Sarah has co-written the Hunting Lila screenplay, which is currently in the early stages of production, and continues to blog about her life and travels.

Find Mila Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!!

Giveaway is International and three prizes are up for grabs!

1 prize of 1 x signed copy of This is One Moment
1 prize of 1 x signed copy of This is One Moment
1 prize of a £25 Amazon Voucher

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Check out the rest of the tour here:

This is a tour wide giveaway. The winner will be contacted by the tour host to receive their prize.