Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

     

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins

Series: Standalone
Pages: 372

Publisher: Dutton 
Release Date: December 2nd 2010 (US)
Source: Bought
Rating: 5 stars

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

Anna and the French Kiss is everything I look for in a romance. Stephanie Perkins sure knows how to write and capture that in between stage of romance.

The writing is pure magic. Stephanie just has this way with words. The narration throughout the novel is so relatable and personal that you can’t help but be pulled in.

Anna is an incredible protagonist. Étienne is an incredible romantic interest. They have incredible chemistry. The sexual tension created is like none other. Basically, everything is amazing.

I don’t think I can say much more or I will just be gushing. Read it. I read it in one sitting. It. Is. Incredible.

In My Mailbox {21}

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren

What did you get in your mailbox?

Review: Rockoholic by CJ Skuse

    

Title: Rockoholic
Author: CJ Skuse

Series: Standalone
Pages: 365

Publisher: Chicken House
Release Date: March 7th 2011 (UK)
Source: For review
Rating: 3.5 stars

Jody loves Jackson Gatlin. At his only UK rock concert, she’s right at the front. But when she's caught in the crush and carried back stage she has more than concussion to contend with. Throw in a menacing manager, a super-wired super-star, and a curly-wurly, and she finds herself taking home more than just a poster. It’s the accidental kidnapping of the decade. But what happens if you’ve a rock-god in your garage who doesn’t want to leave? Jody’s stuck between a rock-idol and a hard place!

From the pen of C.J. Skuse, author of last year’s super cool debut Pretty Bad Things, comes a tale of rock star obsession gone nuts. Hilariously and sharply explores the fantasy and reality of celebrity obsession through a teenager’s eyes. C. J. Skuse has been billed as the new Nick Hornby for teens.

There were a lot of things I enjoyed about Rockoholic. It was fun, a little silly and really quite funny. The plot is the one of the strangest I have ever come across. A teenage girl kidnaps a rockstar. Majorly bizarre. And totally wacky.

Jody was a fine protagonist. At times she got on my nerves a little with her obsession with Jackson, the rock star. I also had a few issues with Jackson. However, it was a realistic portrayal of an obsessed teenage girl and a rock star. I know many girls who would act just as Jody did and I am sure there are rock stars exactly like Jackson. My favourite character, however, had to be Mac.

The plot at times was a little unbelievable but for the most part CJ Skuse managed to balance realism with the unique nature of the novel. I felt it lagged at moments but the beginning and end definitely packed  a punch.

If you are looking for a light, funny read then I’m sure you will enjoy this.

Review: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

    

Title: Sisters Red

Author: Jackson Pearce
Series:  Fairytale Retellings #1
Pages: 346

Publisher: Hodder
Release Date: June 3rd 2010 (UK)
Source: For review
Rating: 4 stars

The story of Scarlett and Rosie March, two highly-skilled sisters who have been hunting Fenris (werewolves) -- who prey on teen girls -- since Scarlett lost her eye years ago while defending Rosie in an attack. Scarlett lives to destroy the Fenris, and she and Rosie lure them in with red cloaks (a colour the wolves can't resist), though Rosie hunts more out of debt to her sister than drive. But things seem to be changing. The wolves are getting stronger and harder to fight, and there has been a rash of news reports of countless teen girls brutally murdered in the city. Scarlet and Rosie soon discover the truth: wolves are banding together in search of a Potential Fenris -- a man tainted by the pack but not yet fully changed. Desperate to find the Potential to use him as bait for a massive werewolf extermination, the sisters move to the city with Silas, a young woodsman and long time family friend who is deadly with an axe. But the clues to finding the Potential aren't adding up, and Scarlet is shocked to learn new details of Silas's family history. Meanwhile, Rosie finds herself drawn to Silas and the bond they share not only drives the sisters apart, but could destroy all they've worked for.

I really enjoyed this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. It was dark, usual and really intrigued me. I liked Pearce's writing style and I felt that there were a lot of interesting turns in the plot, especially towards the end.


It was a little slow to start with but definitely picked up its pace and I got sucked in along with Rosie and Scarlett on their hunt for wolves. Rosie and Scarlett were so different yet their relationship was incredibly endearing. The dual perspectives really helped me to see inside the heads of the sisters, giving the story an extra dimension. Rosie and Silas' relationship also added an interesting aspect to the novel.


The ending was super fast and I couldn't stop reading. Things that I never expected to happen, happened. It was truly a fabulous ending. The pace kicked up and I was memorised by the action scenes.


A unique spin on a traditional fairytale. Definitely worth a read!

In My Mailbox {20}

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren

Bought

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Charmed Thirds by Megan McCafferty (x2)

She's So Dead To Us by Keiran Scott

Won

 A Year Without Autumn by Liz Kessler (signed)

Borrowed

Top Ten Greek Legends

The Usborne Encyclopaedia of Ancient Greeks

What did you get in your mailbox?

Review: Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

    

Title: Forgive My Fins

Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Series:  Fins #1
Pages: 255

Publisher: Templar 
Release Date: July 1st 2011 (UK)
Source: For blog tour
Rating: 5 stars

Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush. 

Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.

When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

Reading Forgive My Fins was like watching a Disney movie. Truly magical. It was sweet and romantic and just too cute. I was in bed all day, sick, and read it in one sitting. It definitely made me feel a lot better!

Lily was just SO much fun. She was a little silly and a tiny bit deluded about romance (like most teenage girls are). She uses phrases like "son of a swordfish". It was hilarious. Quince was just adorable. I want a Quince for myself!!

The plot is a little predictable but it was so much fun that I didn't care at all! It wasn't trying to be serious. It was what it was and I loved that. It was full of witty banter and sarcasm and everything else I love.

If you love romances, fun characters and swoon worthy boys then you will LOVE this. Buy it. Read it. Love it.

Review: Bumped by Megan McCafferty

    

Title: Bumped

Author: Megan McCafferty
Series: Bumped #1
Pages: 255

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: May 10th 2011 (UK)
Source: For review
Rating: 3.5 stars

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. 

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job. 

Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that “pregging” for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from. When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

It was the premise of Bumped that really drew me in. Ethical issues are something I am fascinated with and the harsh reality that the world within Bumped could happen make this a must read. Unfortunately it fell a little flat for me.

The writing and the premise kept me going through most of the novel. I didn’t feel a connection with the characters though they did develop towards the end of the novel. The actions of the twins, mostly Harmony, didn’t make too much sense to me. Zen was the only character I really liked.

Whilst the writing was engaging the slang really confused me. A lot of the time I was confused by the slang and had to try and figure out its meaning by the context. I think a glossary at the back of the book may have helped. It did slow down the reading and pulled me out of the world every now and again.

The world that McCafferty created was skilfully done. Some extra information was needed at times, I felt but aside from that it seemed realistic.

Despite not loving Bumped, I think the next book will be better and I look forward to reading it. 

Review: What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

    

Title: What Happened To Goodbye

Author: Sarah Dessen
Series: Standalone

Pages: 402
Publisher: Razorbill Penguin
Release Date: June 2nd 2011 (UK)
Source: For review
Rating: 4 stars

Another town. Another school. Another Mclean. Ever since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her father have been fleeing their unhappy past. And Mclean's become a pro at reinventing herself with each move. But in Lakeview, Mclean finds herself putting down roots and making friends—in part, thanks to Dave, the most real person Mclean's ever met. Dave just may be falling in love with her, but can he see the person she really is? Does Mclean herself know?

I ADORE Sarah Dessen. She is one of my favourite contemporary fiction authors. She creates realistic, magical romance novels that make my heart melt. She writes books that I will reread multiple times.

What Happened To Goodbye, in my opinion, is not her best. It lacked something for me. What I love most about Sarah Dessen is that we get to see an actual relationship between the two characters. I felt it was a little rushed here.

Dave, the romantic interest was super swoon worthy. I love a super smart guy who is a little on the geeky side.  I had no qualms with him at all. McClean was also a relatable protagonist that I could connect to. Dessen always makes characters that I want to be friend with. The additional characters were also fabulous.  McClean’s diner and school friends really added an extra dimension.

The writing was as incredible as always. I am totally swept in and captivated by her words. They are so beautiful and poetic and mesmerising. She also knows how to create super sweet, make-me-aw moments that just tug on my heartstrings.

What Happened to Goodbye is a quick, sweet romantic novel with beautiful writing and engaging characters, though the romance felt slightly rushed. If you are a Sarah Dessen fan, read it. If you have never read Sarah Dessen before I wouldn’t recommend starting here. The Truth About Forever, Just Listen and Along For The Ride are some of my favourites.

In My Mailbox - 9/11/2011

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren

I would link all the books but there are WAY too many. Sorry :)


I would also like us to spare a thought for those that lost their lives or lost loved ones in 9/11.

Review: Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien

     

Title: Birthmarked
Author: Caragh O'Brien
Series: Birthmarked #1

Pages: 361

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Release Date: May 2nd 2011 (UK)

Source: For review

Rating: 4 stars

After climate change, on the north shore of Unlake Superior, a dystopian world is divided between those who live inside the wall, and those, like sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone, who live outside. It’s Gaia’s job to “advance” a quota of infants from poverty into the walled Enclave, until the night one agonized mother objects, and Gaia’s parents are arrested.

Badly scarred since childhood, Gaia is a strong, resourceful loner who begins to question her society. As Gaia’s efforts to save her parents take her within the wall, she herself is arrested and imprisoned.

Fraught with difficult moral choices and rich with intricate layers of codes, BIRTHMARKED explores a colorful, cruel, eerily familiar world where one girl can make all the difference, and a real hero makes her own moral code.

I really enjoyed Birthmarked. It had everything needed to make a fabulous dystopian. The setting. The oppressors. The strong heroine.

Gaia was a wonderful protagonist. She was brave and strong. Her determination and love for her family were endearing qualities that made me respect and admire her. She did, though, have faults. She felt that serving the Enclave was the most important thing and in the beginning, did not question this.

The book is full of secrets that are slowly revealed throughout the novel. A lot is learnt and there are definitely a lot of surprises. The book itself is also beautifully written; however whilst I enjoyed reading it whenever I put it down it took an immense amount of effort to start again. I couldn’t tell you why as I loved it whilst I read it.

Birthmarked was an enjoyable read and I am excited to start Prized, the second in the series.

Review: There Is No Dog by Meg Rosoff

    

Title: There Is No Dog
Author: Meg Rosoff
Series: None

Pages: 224
Publisher: Puffin
Release Date: August 4th 2011 (UK)
Source: From Spinebreakers
Rating: 3 stars

Meet your unforgettable protagonist: God, who, as it turns out, is a 19-year-old boy living in the present-day and sharing an apartment with his long-suffering fifty-something personal assistant. Unfortunately for the planet, God is lazy and, frankly, hopeless. He created all of the world's species in six days because he couldn't summon the energy to work for longer. He gets Africa and America mixed up. And his beleagured assistant has his work cut out for him when God creates a near-apolcalyptic flood, having fallen asleep without turning the bath off. There is No Dog is a darkly funny novel from one of our most delightfully unpredictable writers.

This is the first Meg Rosoff book I have ever read and from what I've heard it is the most out there she has written. The premise - fantastic. I am fascinated by God and his existence so the premise suited me perfectly. It is one of those books where you read it and when you finish you can't decide whether you liked it or not. I'm still not sure how I feel about it.

I loved Meg's quirky writing style. It definitely drew me in and intrigued me. The writing could not really be faulted and it is because of this that I am eager to pick up her other, less unusual, books.

What I really enjoyed was how realistically....it started. I could really see how a 16 year old could have created the Earth, enjoying terrorising humans. It was completely different to how God is normally described. I think the plot lost some realism throughout the novel which hindered my enjoyment. I love books with wacky premises that make it seem like it could really happen.

The intrigue in the subject matter kept me going through most of it. The chapters were too short for me, averaging at 5 pages each. It felt a little disjointed and occasionally hard to follow. (A friend of mine suggested this could be down to the fact that a teenage boy's interest lasts about as long as the chapters).

Bob, though interesting, wasn't a likeable character. His sense of entitlement, his treatment of humans and having sex with human girls just to ditch them the next day really irritated me. I understand that this was the point. He wasn't meant to be a likeable God. I did hope for a little growth of his character and at points it felt like this may happen but alas, there was none. Bob's adviser was an amusing character. I enjoyed his witty sarcastic remarks and his concern for the whales (though you would have the humans would be more important). Bob's pet was also a nice touch.

The book was funny at moments whilst at others it went a little too overboard and felt a little silly. The realistic parts were the most amusing as you envisioned them happening.

There Is No Dog had fabulous potential but something went wrong somewhere for me. If the chapters had been a little longer and the plot less silly in parts it could have been wonderful. It may not be for all people and some religious believers may be offended so enter with caution. 

Review: The Name Of The Star by Maureen Johnson

      

Title: The Name Of The Star

Author: Maureen Johnson
Series: Shades of London #1
Pages: 370

Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: September 29th 2011 (UK)
Source: For review
Rating: 4.5 stars

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

The Name of the Star is nothing like I've ever read before. A book set in London, about Jack the Ripper and ghosts. Totally count me in! Rather than feeling like a paranormal, it felt like a contemporary fiction with a touch of paranormal. The first third of the book felt very much like a contemporary novel. A new girl in a new school in a new country. Nothing overly unique there (though still fabulous). The ghosts were a nice touch to add some paranormal elements yet it still felt very plausible and realistic.


Rory was incredible. A fabulous protagonist. Her southern charm and wit was hilarious and constantly had me smiling. Jazza, Rory's roommate was wonderful too and she added humour and fun to the novel. The relationship the two of them had was endearing and sweet.


Jermone was a lovely romantic interest. Gosh, does Maureen Johnson know how to write a hot guy and some steamy make out scenes. I really enjoyed the romantic aspect of the novel. This being said, I liked Stephen a lot too.


I'm not going to say much on the ghosts as I wouldn't want to spoil anything. There is a lot of mysteries around the ghosts and those who can see ghosts and it was extremely interesting to read about!


I love history. I find it extremely interesting and I loved how Johnson wove in interesting facts about Jack the Ripper. It was done so subtly that it didn't feel like a historical fiction, in the sense of it taking over the whole novel. It was a perfect amount of fact and fiction. 


I did, however, feel a little lag in the middle which slowed my reading. It wasn't hugely significant though it did effect my enjoyment slightly. The POW-WOW ending completely made up for this though. All in all, a fabulous read. Definitely recommend!

Weekly Update (2)

I've been a little behind this week so I haven't read as much as I would like.

Read:

Airhead by Meg Cabot 

Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

Past Perfect by Leila Sales

Currently Reading:

The Book Thief by Markus Zusa

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood

Reviews:

Brother/Sister by Sean Olin

Fury by Elizabeth Mile

Flawless by Lara Chapman

Memes:

In My Mailbox

TBR Pile - September

Waiting On Wednesday

Im My Mailbox - Birthday Edition

Gifted


We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs
Shut Out by Kody Keplinger
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins (preorder)


What did you get in your mailbox?

September TBR Pile

I am a little behind on my 100 book challenge this year so I am trying to catch up this month. I am planning on reading:

Bright Young Things by Anna Godberson

Beautiful Days by Anna Godberson

Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper

Abandon by Meg Cabot

Airhead by Meg Cabot

Being Nikki by Meg Cabot

Runaway by Meg Cabot

Passion by Lauren Kate

Deception by Lee Nichols

Betrayl by Lee Nichols

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood

Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie

Sister, Missing by Sophie McKenzie

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

What are you hoping to read this month?

Review; Brother/Sister by Sean Olin

     

Title: Brother/Sister
Author: Sean Olin

Series: Standalone
Pages: 242

Publisher: RazorBill Penguin
Release Date: August 4th 2011 (UK)
Source: For review
Rating: 3 stars

Will and Asheley have a troubled past. Their father left them when they were little, and their mother has just been carted off to an alcohol treatment center. Now, they have the house to themselves, and an endless California summer stretching out before them. Through alternating perspectives, they tell the story of how and why their lives spun violently out of control—right up to the impossibly shocking conclusion you'll have to read for yourself to believe. 

Brother/Sister is a disturbing, heart wrenching story about a brother and sister who have gone through life with only each other to depend on. It shows the transition of a brother and sister from best friends to something terrifying over an action slowly revealed in the novel.


The characters, I felt, were a little two dimensional. While I pitied both characters I can't say I liked too much about them. As the novel progressed the actions of both characters changed the way I viewed them, but in different lights. Asheley's actions were understandable to a certain extent, yet completely outrageous. Will's actions, which could never really be accepted nor understood really, just spiralled out of control. It was horrifying yet memorising to read about.


It was unlike anything I've read. Twisted, dark and heartbreaking. A huge issue I have with this novel is the ending. I don't understand it. It think it is me. A lot of people get it (and if you do, please explain it to me). I feel that something clever was being done but I'm a little lost. That lost a star for me. 


There were many things about the book that made it intriguing, though I can't really say enjoyable. If you like mystery and some disturbing relationships, I'm sure you would enjoy this.

Alice's Birthday Bash & RAK - September

For those of you that don't know it is my 18th Birthday on the fourth of September so this month I am hosting Alice's Birthday Bash which will be a collection of giveaways to celebrate my birthday :) The first giveaway is for a copy of Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan. All you have to do is fill out the form below. You must live in the UK and you must be a GFC follower.

Review: Fury by Elizabeth Miles

      

Title: Fury

Author: Elizabeth Miles
Series: The Fury Trilogy #1

Pages: 352

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Release Date: September 1st 2011 (UK)

Source: For review

Rating: 4 stars

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems... 

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend. 
On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed. 
In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay. 

Em and Chase have been chosen.

There is a huge Greek mythology trend in YA at the moment and I must say that I love it. I don't know too much about Greek mythology therefore I cannot tell how accurate it is in books. It could be completely wrong and I would love it anyway (but the more accurate he better, obviously).

The synopsis of Fury really captured my attention. The idea about Karma and punishing people for wrongdoings is a curious subject matter and throw in some love triangles and this mysterious boy and I am so in. The vague synopsis really allowed me to enjoy Fury as I went in without any expectations.

I found it to be a really good start to a series. It was full of sexy and forbidden actions and I just got sucked in. Whilst there was a lot of naughtiness going on I didn't feel like they were being condoned yet at the same time there was an underlying question about the severity of the actions that go on in the novel and what a suitable punishment would be for them.  

The book was written using dual narration from Em and Chase, the main characters. They weren't overly likeable characters, nor were they meant to be. It almost felt like their actions and who they were weren't the focus. Yes, what they did and how the furies chose to respond is a key feature the underlying tone was about any wrongdoing, not specifically Em and Chase's. The question Fury left me wondering about was who has the right to judge us? Our peers, our parents, the law, our friends?

Em, I felt, grew as a character more than Chase did. I could never condone cheating, especially not with your best friend's boyfriend but I think it was really interesting to see the situation from her perspective and how easily she was able to make the situation suit her.

The secondary characters took quite a prominent role. Gabby, despite not being present in most of the book really dominated. I loved her character and felt like I could really relate to her. Em's neighbour and friend JD was lovely. I just adored him. Instead of taking a back seat these characters were really involved and I loved that. Zac....let's not talk about him. You decide for yourself what you think of him.

Now, onto the furies. I think they were written well. As I said earlier, accuracy isn't something I can comment on but I thought they wee extremely powerful and dominating characters. They are so compelling and their power is quite horrifying at times. They added the darker side to the story.

At times the plot gets a little slow but the ending is just s full of action that I didn't really mind. There is the slight issue of the marketing perhaps as it is portrayed as very paranormal but for the most part it felt very contemporary though this didn't bother me.

Fury is a compelling, engaging read; full of mystery, sexiness and a whole lot of bad behaviour. The ending just leaves you wanting more and I can't stop thinking about how the next book is going to go! It is definitely recommended.