Goodbye Blogosphere

This is a really difficult post to write. I have been considering leaving blogging for a while now but I have such  mixed opinions on the idea. I love blogging and the opportunity to review books and just talk about my love of reading. However, in the past six months and I have lost my passion and love for reading. The pressure of review books and feeling like I couldn't read what I wanted made reading feel like a chore which is such a shame.

I decided, in order to find my love of reading again, that giving up blogging was the best option. It took away the pressure and means I can read what I want, when I want without feeling bad. I have recently started reading books I want to and guys IT IS SO FUN! So I am leaving you all in order to have fun reading.

I just want to say a huge thank you to you all for your support and talking books with me. So this is goodbye. And remember....keep reading!

Alice

Guest Post: Marissa Meyer

Marissa Meyer has kindly written a guest post for my blog and I am so honoured to have her. She is definitely one of my favourite authors at the moment!

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On “The Giver” by Lois Lowry

By Marissa Meyer

 When people ask me to list my favorite books, or some books that have inspired me over the years, I tend to give them a deer-in-the-headlights look. It’s a difficult question, as there are so MANY books that I’ve loved and been moved by that they tend to jumble together in my head into a mesh of titles and authors and plotlines and characters.

 But when asked if there were any books that I feel changed my life, one quickly rises to the top: The Giver by Lois Lowry.

 I read The Giver for the first time in 5th grade and I can still remember the exact feeling I had when, half-way through the book, I realized that the main character was seeing colors for the first time. Colors! My mind was blown, not only because the author had taken such care to drop subtle hints about the color-blind society, but also because I hadn’t seen it coming it all. Suddenly it was as if I was reading a completely different book. I had to stop and reconstruct the image I’d made in my mind of the world I was reading about.

 All these years later, I’m still amazed at how Lois Lowry took something so trivial and made it so vital to the story she was telling. The color red. What a simple thing. What a strange idea, to have something so common, so taken for granted, entirely removed from a society.

 For me, the true magic of this book is that it made me look at all books differently. It showed me, for the first time, that a book could change the way I looked at the world. By taking color away, and then giving it back. It was months after reading The Giver before I could look at an apple the same way—and I don’t think I’ve ever looked at books the same way since.

Month of Men Tour: Simone Elkeles

I am taking part in Simon and Schuster's Month of Men tour and I had the privilege to interview Simone Elkeles. I love her novels and had lots of fun asking her questions.

I (along with many other readers) fell in love with the Fuentes brothers but I have to say that Alex has to be my favourite. Which Fuentes brother is your favourite?

I get asked this question often and I still can’t choose!  All of my characters, but especially my Fuentes brothers, are like my own children - I could never pick a favourite! There’s something I love about each one of them.  I love how Alex has a heart of gold and would do anything to protect his family.  I love Carlos’ sarcastic personality (because that’s so like me) and the way he doesn’t back down from a challenge.  For Luis, I love that he’s so thoughtful and truly cares about how another person feels.  I could just never choose between them!

What was your inspiration for all the love interests in your novel? Are any of them based on real people?

Alex was partially inspired by this super cute guy named Luis that worked at my local bagel shop. He’s Mexican, he has that “it” factor – you can’t help but look at him when he walks in the room, he’s got tattoos, and has a certain swagger that is so “Alex” to me!  I finally told him that he was my inspiration and his friends who work with him think it’s hilarious and they make fun of him all the time about it.  Most of the time I make up my characters and they’re a mixture of a bunch of people I know.
  
If you were to write a novel in a different genre to your other works what genre would you like to write?

I think I would like to write a time travel novel.  Really, though, I adore writing romance.  It’s my favourite genre to read because I love happy endings!  I love that romance novels have the power to make you laugh and cry and that make you want to be the hero or heroine in your own life story.

Can you tell us a little bit about what you are working on at the moment?

I’m working on a new series about four football players in high school and the girls they fall in love with.  The first book is going to be out in the U.S. in October.  Don’t worry, the books are all romances and you don’t have to know anything about football to enjoy it!  I’m not allowed to release too many details about it yet, but I hope to be revealing information on my Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Simone-Elkeles-Fan-Page/101698336559632) soon!  I will also post information about a Perfect Chemistry movie if there is one in the works…keep your fingers crossed that will also go into production this year!

Also if you haven't already seen the new covers for Simone's Leaving Paradise Series here they are!























Thank you to Simone Elkeles and Simon and Schuster! Make sure you read the rest of the Month of Men tour posts here!

Marissa Meyer Signing

Marissa Meyer is coming to the UK!!!! I cannot wait you guys. I am such a huge fan of Marissa Meyer and her novel Cinder and cannot wait to meet her. You should definitely come along if you can!!

January Wrap Up

I am really really pleased with the number of books I've read this month. I definitely didn't expect to read 11!  The books I read this month are:

Mothership by Martin Leicht & Isla Neal
The Secret Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Colins Fischer by Ashley Edward Miller & Sack Stentz

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans
Give Me Five by Meg Cabot

Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops by Jen Campbell

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DeCamillo

Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery

Legend by Marie Lu

Vortex by Julie Cross

Anne of Avonlea was probably my favourite along with my reread of Legend by Marie Lu. I was disappointed with The Tale of Despereaux, especially after watching the film and finding that I enjoyed it a lot more. It was definitely a good book month and I'm very pleased with how much I read.

Longest book read: Vortex by Julie Cross (435 pages)
Shortest book read: The Secret Princess Diaries (58 pages)
Total pages read: 2747 pages

What did you read in January?

Review: Vortex by Julie Cross

     
    

Title: Vortex
Author: Julie Cross

Series: Tempest #2
Pages: 435

Publisher: Macmillan
Release Date: 3rd January 2013
Source: For review
Rating: 4 stars
100 Book challenge: #11

Jackson Meyer has thrown himself into his role as an agent for Tempest, the shadowy division of the CIA that handles all time-travel-related threats. Despite his heartbreak at losing the love of his life, Jackson has proved himself to be an excellent agent. However, all that changes when Holly—the girl he altered history to save—re-enters his life. And when Eyewall, an opposing division of the CIA, emerges, Jackson and his fellow agents find themselves under attack and on the run.

I really enjoyed Tempest, the first book, and whilst I feel Vortex wasn't quite as good I did still really enjoy it.

Vortex deals with the aftermath of Jackson's sacrifice to protect Holly. It was really heartbreaking to read about, especially as Holly is reintroduced into the plot. Cross convincingly dealt with Jackson's mixed emotions and conflict Jackson felt towards Holly, toying between doing what he thought was right and what he really wanted. As the story progressed the line between right and wrong merged.

There were lots of shocking revelation in Vortex that I wasn't expecting. I was definitely surprised by the plot twists and I don't think I saw any of them coming. It was really refreshing to be surprised in a book instead of being able to see the plot twist from a mile away.

The same issues I had with Tempest were present in Vortex. Vortex is a 435 page book which I have no problem with (I've read books with higher page counts) but you can really feel it. It does feel very dense and heavy and I struggled reading it for a long time. It is definitely YA but it has a very adult feel to it in its heaviness. The heaviness is also probably in connection with the confusion I feel when reading the series. The time travel aspect gets fairly convoluted and I do struggle to follow. At time I do just skim over the details, only focusing on the essential aspects to the time travel.

Despite a few negative I do enjoy this series and if you like sci-fi and time travel with a fairly contemporary feel that I would recommend this series.

Reading Resolutions

I am a bit late doing this but I really wanted to share my reading and blogging resolutions with you.

Reading Resolutions

1. Read 75 books. I am hoping I will be able to read 100 but I will be happy with 75 this year.
2. Get my TBR pile at home down to 250 books. I'm at about 300 so I would like to read or get rid of at least 50 books.
3. Not buying any books this year. My TBR, as you can see, is far too huge and I feel awful for neglecting my books I bought. 
4.I will only read review books and books that I own so no borrowing books!
5. A slight exception the rule above. My boyfriend and I are at different universities at the moment so we thought it would be fun to choose a book a month to both read and then talk about it. I will probably be borrowing a few books for this as we don't have massively similar tastes in books.

Blogging Resolutions

1. Blog twice a week. I will be posting mostly reviews as my time is limited and these are what I would prefer to post.
2. Write reviews of books fairly shortly after I read them, within a few days.
3. Connect more with people on twitter and blogs. I have really missed the book community!

So these are my resolutions. What are yours for 2013?

Review: Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans

     

    

Title: Level 2
Author: Lenore Appelhans

Series: The Memory Chronicles #1
Pages: 320

Publisher: Usborne
Release Date: 15th January 2013
Source: For review
Rating: 3.5 stars
100 Book challenge: #4

"I pause to look around the hive – all the podlike chambers are lit up as the drones shoot up on memories… I’ve wanted to get out of here before, but now the tight quarters start to choke me." 

Felicia Ward is dead. Trapped in Level 2, the waiting room between Earth and Heaven, she spends endless days replaying memories, of her family, friends, boyfriend…and of the guy who broke her heart. The guy who has just broken into Level 2 to find her…

Felicia learns that a rebellion is brewing in Level 2, and it seems she is the key. Suspended between Heaven and Earth, she must make a choice. Between two worlds, two lives and two loves. A choice that will change everything…

Level 2 is a really interesting, unique look at the afterlife and religion in general which I really enjoyed.

Right from the get go, Level 2 is extremely fast paced. It completely sucks you in and I was flying through it. I felt the pace lagged a little for about 50 pages at the 60% mark but it definitely picked up again at the end.

I liked how Felicia is such a flawed character. She is by no means perfect and despite disagreeing with some of her actions you could see her remorse which still allowed me to connect with her. Through the use of flashbacks (which I loved! It was done so well here) you could see her past mistakes and as she reflected on them you could see such growth.

The love triangle didn't feel too much like a love triangle for me. Julian didn't even feel like a contestant in the game as it didn't even seem like Felicia had conflicting feelings over who she liked. It was clear it was Neil that she loved and through that he was the one I was rooting for. He is a bit sickly sweet but I felt he was extremely sweet and likeable. Julian, though I didn't find him to be a huge part in the love triangle, was an enjoyable character to read about and I did really like him.

The religious aspect was really thought-provoking. Neil is very religious which is where some of the religion in the book comes in but the whole idea of Level 2 being the middle ground between Heaven and Earth brought about some interesting ideas.

The reason for docking off half a star is the pacing in the middle. The fact that there was a lag and I did struggle to make it through a chapter in one sitting meant that it wasn't quite four stars for me.

If you are looking for something unique and interesting then I would recommend Level 2. It is an intriuging look at the afterlife, religion and death.

I'm Back...

Hello :) Long time no see. This is just a quick hello to let you know I am still alive and I'm still blogging, I just needed a break and there will be a post up on Monday so look out for that!

Happy reading!!!

Review: Breathe

      

    

Title: Breathe
Author: Sarah Crossan

Series: Breathe #1
Pages: 384

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: Released
Source: For review
Rating: 4 stars
100 Book challenge: #92

When oxygen levels plunge in a treeless world, a state lottery decides which lucky few will live inside the Pod. Everyone else will slowly suffocate. Years after the Switch, life inside the Pod has moved on. A poor Auxiliary class cannot afford the oxygen tax which supplies extra air for running, dancing and sports. The rich Premiums, by contrast, are healthy and strong. Anyone who opposes the regime is labelled a terrorist and ejected from the Pod to die. Sixteen-year-old Alina is part of the secret resistance, but when a mission goes wrong she is forced to escape from the Pod. With only two days of oxygen in her tank, she too faces the terrifying prospect of death by suffocation. Her only hope is to find the mythical Grove, a small enclave of trees protected by a hardcore band of rebels. Does it even exist, and if so, what or who are they protecting the trees from? A dystopian thriller about courage and freedom, with a love story at its heart.

Breathe is a really interesting concept that doesn't feel quite so far away as it should. I read Crossan's debut novel, written in verse, which I really enjoyed but I had hesitations about how a novel written in such a different format to her first would resonate with me. I needn't have worried as I ended up really enjoying Breathe.

The novel is narrated by three characters; Bea, Alina and Quinn. All the voices were distinct and I found it easy to recognise the narrator by the style of their chapter. It really allowed the story to have greater depth. Bea was, and still is, my favourite character but I grew to love the three protagonists as well as the secondary characters.

I thought the world building was well described and allowed a good visualisation of the desolate expanse that surrounded the domes. Crossan also thoroughly explored the reasons behind this dystopian world opposed to the reader having to just accept that this is the way things are.

Ultimately Breathe is a good dystopian that may not rise above all other dystopians but it certainly stands it own and shouldn't be dismissed. If dystopian is something you enjoy please give this a read.

Review: Frostbite

      

    

Title: Frostbite
Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Vampire Academy #2
Pages: 327

Publisher: Razorbill Penguin
Release Date: Released
Source: Bought
Rating: 4 stars
100 Book challenge: #89

Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose... 

It’s winter break at St. Vladimir’s, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy’s crawling with Guardians—including Rose’s hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn’t bad enough, Rose’s tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason’s got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy’s not taking any risks... This year, St. Vlad’s annual holiday ski trip is mandatory. 

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price...

*There may be spoilers of the first novel in the Vampire Academy series*

The first book in the Vampire Academy series involves a lot of world building to set the scene for the rest of the series and the pace definitely picks up in Frostbite. It feels a lot darker but still has all the fun that was in the first book.

I really really liked Rose in 'Frostbite'. She went through a lot of character development and matures but still doesn't lose those moments of reckless and immaturity that naturally comes with being a teenager. There is also an introduction to new characters, the most prominent being Adrian and Rose's mother. It was really interesting to see Rose's relationship with her mother and see how it developed throughout the book. Adrian...hmm. Not a fan. I think he's a bit creepy.

The plot is super fast-paced and really draws you into the story. The story starts with a Strigoi attack and that really sets the tone for the rest of the novel. The novel definitely is a lot more serious and less light-hearted than the first novel but it feels like a natural progression and there are lighter moments to provide relief.

A wonderful addition the series and I cannot wait to continue.

Review: How To Save a Life

    
    

Title: How To Save a Life
Author: Sara Zarr

Series: None
Pages: 411

Publisher: Usborne
Release Date: September 1st 2012 (UK)
Source: Bought
Rating: 4 stars
100 Book challenge: #90

Jill's life lost all meaning when her dad died. Friends, boyfriend, college – nothing matters any more. Then her mom drops a bombshell: she's going to adopt a baby.

Mandy is desperate for her life to change. Seventeen, pregnant and leaving home, she is sure of only one thing – her baby must never have a life like hers, whatever it takes.

As their worlds change around them, Jill and Mandy must learn both how to hold on and how to let go, finding that nothing is as easy - or as difficult - as it seems.

'How to Save a Life' and I got off on a rocky start. I liked Jill well enough but Mandy just seemed like an absolute psycho. She is awkward and inappropriate when talking to people and I just had a feeling I wouldn't get on with the book because of that. However, as the book goes on I began to fall harder for it and ended up being really moved by it.

It is not a plot driven novel by any stretch of the imagination. It is about growth, change and acceptance. It is about moving forward. Zarr crafts her characters beautifully, all of them feeling unqiue, realistic and purposeful. No character seemed like they were there simply to be there. It was characters that inched the plot forward and it was really beautiful to watch.

The characters are the true heroes of this novel. They were all beautifully flawed and beautifully vulnerable. Ravi and Dylan, two secondary characters, played a huge part in the novel and neither were perfect yet because of this, they were. I left the novel feeling like I knew these characters and wanted to know them more.

The writing is very poetic and flows very nicely. It is definitely easy to read which, when a novel isn't driven by plot, is very important. There is such a softness in this novel which I can't describe in any other way. It feels delicate, like it needs to be handled carefully.

The outcome of the novel didn't truly surprise me but it was still very interesting to watch unfold and see the progression up to that point. If you enjoy novels about characters and growth and moving forward then this is something you will probably enjoy. It really touched me.

Review: Vampire Academy

    
    

Title: Vampire Academy
Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Vampire Academy #1
Pages: 332

Publisher: Razorbill Penguin
Release Date: Released
Source: Bought
Rating: 4 stars
100 Book challenge: #88

St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

I have heard nothing but good things from the Vampire Academy series and I figured 2012 was the time to jump on the band wagon. I have been hesitant due to the vampire subject matter. Paranormal, as many of you may know by now, is not a favourite of mine. However, I have found an area of paranormal that I do enjoy; paranormal novels set in a paranormal world rather than a hot mysterious guy being all "Let me suck your blood". It is much more interesting. Vampire Academy is a intricately created world with a lot of depth. 

I really admired Rose as a protagonist. She was strong, reckless but ultimately selfless. Her dedication to Lissa's safety was so admirable and their friendship was really touching. Despite the hierarchy in society between Moroi and Dhampir, they treat each other with mutual respect and kindness.

And let's get on to the important bit...guys. SWOON! A lot of sexy men about (and a fair share of jerks also). I loved both Dimitri and Christian. And Vampire Academy was a lot steamier than I expected. WIN!

I am so glad that I finally got around to starting the series and I can't wait to finish it. Read it, even if you aren't a huge vampire/ paranormal fan. You shan't regret it!

Review: What's Left of Me

    
    

Title: What's Left of Me
Author: Kat Zhang 

Series: The Hybrid Chronicles #1
Pages: 343

Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: September 27th 2012
Source: For Review
Rating: 4 stars
100 Book challenge: #84

I should not exist. But I do.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

What's Left of Me is an extremely original read which is rather rare in the ever expanding dystopian genre. It poses a lot of ethical issues which I found to be very provoking. A refreshing debut novel in the sea of formulaic dystopians.

I thought the narrative from Eva - the trapped soul - was a really intriguing way of narrating the story. The distinct behaviour of Addie and Eva made it so easy to distinguish between the two despite them being in the same body. They has such different personalities and whilst I preferred Evie to begin with I began to understand and ultimately connect with Addie. The relationship between them was really touching and personal.

The actual concept of two souls residing in one body reminded me a lot of conjoined twins and whether it is right to kill off one twin in order to improve the life span of the other. The idea of sacrificing a child in order to prolong the life of an other, if both would result in an early death otherwise, is something that has, does and will happen and I can easily see how a society like this could have been formed. Books that pose such difficult ethical questions really resonate with me and I tend to hold on to them for a long while.

I am really looking forward to see how the series progresses and find out some answers to those many questions revealed in the first instalment. 

Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

       
    

Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky 

Series: None
Pages: 384

Publisher: Simon and Schuster 
Release Date: Released
Source: For Review
Rating: 4 stars
100 Book challenge: #75

standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective…but there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor. since its publication, stephen chbosky’s haunting debut novel has received critical acclaim, provoked discussion and debate, grown into a cult phenomenon with over a million copies in print, and inspired a major motion picture.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a story about what it’s like to travel that strange course through the uncharted territory of high school. the world of first dates, family dramas, and new friends. of sex, drugs, and the rocky horror picture show. of those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

I have been meaning to read 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' for what feels like forever. There is a huge amount of hype surrounding the novel and with the film coming up this year I felt like it was a perfect time to dive in. It is likened to 'The Catcher in the Rye' and other coming of age novel that follow the growth of a boy to a man so to speak. 'Perks' definitely encapsulated those feelings and whilst I didn't find it to be as life changing as many other readers have, I still tremendously enjoyed it and it certainly gave me a lot to think about. 

The novel is told through letters from Charlie to a 'friend'. It felt extremely genuine and personal and I felt it really helped to connect with Charlie in the same way reading his diary would. The way in which the novel is written does make it feel like a classic. It has an timeless quality to it.

What I enjoyed most about 'Perks' is the way it makes you think. Nothing is black and white and I am constantly questioning whether the actions of the characters are right or wrong. It is definitely a book that could be discussed for hours. The characters are so three dimensional and they feel so real. Whether their actions were right or wrong I cared deeply for all of them.

'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' is a young adult novel that captures the essence of what being a teenager feels like and how hard growing up can be. It deals with issues that, at the time of publication, would have been more shocking than they are today. That being said, it still provides an insight to issues teens still face today and it is a novel I would recommend you pick up.

Review: Noughts & Crosses

      
    

Title: Noughts & Crosses
Author: Malorie Blackman 

Series: Noughts & Crosses #1
Pages: 479

Publisher: Corgi
Release Date: Released
Source: For Review
Rating: 5 stars
100 Book challenge: #86

Sephy is a Cross – a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a nought – a ‘colourless’ member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood. But that’s as far as it can go. Until the first steps are taken towards more social equality and a limited number of Noughts are allowed into Cross schools… Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity by Noughts, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum – a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger…

I have read Noughts & Crosses countless times as well as studying the novel in school so when I was offered the opportunity to reread the series I just couldn't say no. It is a novel that never fails to move me, even seven years later from reading it originally. It is a novel which contains both hatred and hope and love and loss.

The reversal of the racial hierarchy that was, and is, present in society is an intriguing idea that still has the power to make me think hard about our society. One scene from the book really stood out when I read it for the first time and upon second, third and fourth readings it still hits me hard. A nought (white) is wearing a plaster and Sephy comments on how it stands out for the colour of the plaster is a dark brown because they don't make plasters to blend in with noughts' skin tones. It was this scene that really made me think about things that I didn't even know I needed to be thinking about.

Noughts & Crosses is ultimately about race but the heart of the story is centered around love. Both Callum and Sephy love so strongly, not only for each other but for those that they love, yet they have such different ways of loving. Sephy's actions are always out of love but she makes a lot of bad choices because she doesn't think through the consequences. Callum's upbringing has made him a lot more reserved in his actions.

Noughts & Crosses is a novel that has the power to really make you think and move you in ways that you didn't know you could be moved. If you haven't read this series I highly recommend it. 

Review: Sweet Venom

     
    

Title: Sweet Venom
Author: Tera Lynn Childs

Series: Medusa Girls #1
Pages: 384

Publisher: Templar
Release Date: Released
Source: For Review
Rating: 4 stars
100 Book challenge: #83

Three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful Gorgon maligned in myth, must reunite and embrace their fates.

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it's also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters. . . .

Like all of Tera Lynn Childs' novels, Sweet Venom is a lighter, more fun side to  paranormal YA. And best of all there isn't the whole paranormal romance cliche that is in pretty much every paranormal novel these days. 

Childs' writing is fresh and easy to read. Sweet Venom was a quick read and very easy to follow. The alternating chapters between the three girls gave an extra depth and really allows the reader to get to know each girl personally. 

Grace was my favourite of the three, probably as I can relate most to her. Gretchen took a little time to warm up to and Greer, well to be honest took a long while to warm up to. The character development of all three characters was very clear and I really enjoyed seeing that.

I really enjoyed the use of Greek mythology and loved the take of Medusa. The book, overall, is a big mystery and there is still a lot left unsaid at the end of Sweet Venom and will definitely need to pick up the sequel.