Review and Giveaway: The Diviners by Libba Bray

  Title: The Diviners
  Author: Libba Bray
  Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  Publication date: September 18th 2012
  My rating: 4 Stars

 

 

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."
When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first.

I really didn’t know what to expect with this story going in, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked it. 

There are many storylines interwoven in this book, but the main character and heroine is seventeen-year old Evie O’Neill.  Evie lives life to the full, something her parents do not appreciate.  She stays out late drinking and partying with her friends which is highly frowned upon.   Especially because this is during prohibition!  She has a carefree attitude, always laughing and saying whatever comes to mind. Her peers tell her: “Oh Evie, you’re too much” and this is not meant as a compliment.  She finally breaks the last straw by spilling a compromising secret of the town’s golden boy (not so golden, by the way).   To avoid a possible slander suit, her parents send her off to Uncle Will in New York.  Uncle Will is curator to The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult, also known as: The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies.  This is fine by Evie, she feels New York will be a much better place for her than the small minded Zenith, Ohio.  But Evie is holding onto a secret, a special ability.  When a serial killer strikes and the police ask for Uncle Will’s assistance, Evie finds that her ability may be the way to stop a killer. 

Memphis Campbell is a runner for the “king of Harlem,” Papa Charles. He collects bets and payments from local businesses but this is not his passion.  His dream is to write and perform poetry.  This isn’t what Memphis is known for though.  Years ago, before his mother died, he had a special ability of healing.  It seems his little brother Isaiah also has an ability; one that brings unwanted attention. 

There are a few more secondary characters that factor heavily into this story: Jericho, Uncle Wills assistant, Theta, the beautiful chorus girl, her piano playing brother, Henry, and Sam, the devilishly handsome pickpocket, all with something to hide. 

Like I said, there is a lot going on, but all the sub-plots weave together and make a fascinating story.  This story is equal parts hilarious and creepy and I had fun time sorting it all out.  While I’m not an expert on this time period the story seems well researched and felt like it could’ve really taken place in 1926.   There was an authentic feel to the language.   Phrases like: “Oh, applesauce!” “pos-i-tute-ly” or “doll” being interlaced throughout.  I had to laugh at this quote: “Barnabas Damson hasn’t got the sense God gave to an animal cracker, if you ask me.”  References to music, movies, and surroundings made the setting feel complete and authentic.  I felt like I was watching a ‘30s/’40s film like Arsenic and Old Lace.  The phrase “hi-jinks ensue” or “madcap” sprang to mind many times.  There is romance in here as well, it’s not a huge part of the story but it is sweet.  I’m sure there’s more to come in the next installment and I’m eager to see how things play out. 

I could go on and on about the characters, but Evie really stole the show here.  She was fun loving and breezy and yet she had a sadness in her that would peek through, from time to time.  She had snarky and humorous one-liners throughout the story that always had me giggling!  

I really had a hard time writing this review, so I hope I’m conveying this story properly because I thoroughly enjoyed it.   I have to say I was intimidated by the page count, it’s just over 600 pages, but it doesn’t feel that way when you’re reading.  It’s easy to keep flipping page after page wanting to know what happens next.   There isn’t a cliffhanger but this story does not completely wrap up.  I just found out there’s a sequel.   I will definitely be picking that up. 

We’d like to show our appreciation to you lovely readers so we’ve decided to give away a SIGNED Advanced Readers Copy of The Diviners.  The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  So fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win!  The only requirement is that you follow the blog via GFC. The giveaway will run for two weeks, so make sure you get your entry in soon.  Good luck!

 

Review: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

  Title: Seraphina
  Author: Rachel Hartman
  Publisher: Random House U.K.
  Publication date: 19th July 2012
  My rating: 4 stars

 

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page.

Seraphina had been a book which I had initially completely overlooked when I first heard about it. I’m not one typically one to pick up fantasy books and when I heard it was about dragons, I definitely thought it was not my sort of book. But then several praising reviews started coming in and I became quite eager to read a copy.

I instantly fell in love with the idea of living in a world where everyone is aware of dragons, I think everything else, vampires, and werewolves have been exhausted so much that I was looking for a refreshing change. And heck did I get one. I loved the premise of peace being acknowledged between dragons and humans; with dragons having the freedom to walk around and no-one could bat an eye. However Comonot’s treaty which was agreed on 40 years ago was still on shaky foundations, with some humans not liking the idea of dragons being around, this idea was further reinforced when prince Rufus was unexpectedly killed. With no immediate killer identified, some start shifting the blame on the dragons. What was already a fragile treaty begins teetering towards the edge.

The whole world that Hartman created was mesmeric. It was fantasy at its best, the detail and world building created was immense, it was a world I’d grown so quickly fond of that I didn’t want to leave it, this may have also been because I found myself so easily being able to connect with the characters such as Seraphina and Orma.

Seraphina was an instantly likeable character, she was intelligent, a respected talented musician and because of her secrets which she’d kept hidden for so long had a sort of fragility about her, that immediately made you want to defend her, even though she far from needed it. As she had such a tough outward appearance; such as she acted as if she was a pro at horseback riding even though she’d never ridden in her life and how she threw herself head first into a one dangerous situation after another. But I think because of what she had to hide, I wanted so much more for her, with her life constantly on the edge of a knife, she sincerely deserved it.

Orma; Seraphina’s mentor was a character shroud in enigma, which I think is what made me drawn to him more. At times he could easily leave you frustrated with his laid back attitude as if he didn’t care, but then at other times I was in complete awe of him. He was definitely a character which left me wanting more, I’m hoping we will have the chance to get to know his character a lot more in the next book.

Other characters such as prince Lucian Kiggs and Glisselda also hugely surprised me, I’d initially started this book not giving much thought to them, but their character development was likeable yet subtle that they quickly became favourites.

I also adored some of the unexpected humour which would crop up. I found myself at times so into the moment with the tense scene, waiting for someone to kick off, but then Hartman would intricately weave something so out of the blue, that several times I found myself in hysterics.

Some of the issues I had with this book was that I found myself struggling quite a bit with some of the terminology, I don’t know if it was only me but it took me some time getting my head around it, (it wasn’t until I was like halfway through the book that I realised there was a glossary at the back of the book, I think my reading experience would have been less of a confusing one if I’d realised this earlier on). Also it took me forever to grasp what was going on with Seraphina. I found myself several times going back to double check things and getting clarification on what was going on.

I also found that the beginning of the book was quick to capture my attention, but the middle was a bit lacklustre in places, I found my attention drifting elsewhere at times. It wasn’t until the last 30% of the book, which picked up dramatically enough that the feelings of excitement I had at the beginning of the book made a welcoming re-appearance.

Despite having a few issues with this book, I think Seraphina was a remarkable debut which fantasy fans will flock to get their hands on. I will definitely be checking out the next book to see how this story will unfold. 

Review: Defiance by C.J. Redwine

  Title: Defiance
  Author: C.J. Redwine
  Publisher: Balzer + Bray
  Publication date: August 28th 2012
  Source: Edelweiss
  My rating: 5 Stars

 

Goodreads Description: Rachel’s world is confined to the protective walls around her city. Beyond them are violent wanderers, extreme terrain, and a danger straight out of legend: a beast called the Cursed One that devastates everything in its path.

When Rachel’s father goes missing, she is desperate to search for him. But her attempts to flee the city bring her to the attention of its overbearing ruler. His efforts to control her make the world within the walls seem as dangerous as that outside.

Her only chance at escape is Logan. Once her father’s apprentice, and now her only protector, he feels that helping her might mean losing her completely. But if he can put his feelings aside, they might be able to save more than Rachel’s father. They might be able to break down the walls, and set their people free.

*“It’s probably my job to tell you life isn’t fair, but I figure you already know that….So instead, I’ll tell you that hope is precious, and you’re right not to give up.”

Seventeen year-old Rachel Adams can’t believe it when all the searches are called off, and her father, Jared, is declared dead.   He is the best tracker/courier for the city state of Baalboden.  Rachel’s heart is crushed with grief and despair, but she knows deep down that if anyone can make it in the Wastelands that lie beyond the city gates, it’s her father.  She now must attend the reading of his will to find out who will be assigned as her new Protector.  Rachel has no doubt that Oliver, the trusted family friend and surrogate father, is the one that will be named.  She is beyond shocked when Logan McEntire, her father’s apprentice and the one man she’s been avoiding for the last two years, is named as her Protector.  This is the man she gave her heart to, only to have it handed right back.  No matter though, because she doesn’t plan to stick around long enough for that decision to affect her.  She starts planning a way to skirt over the protective city Wall and look for her father. 

Nineteen year-old Logan is shocked to find out he’s been assigned as Protector over Rachel, the daughter of the man he considers his father.  One who professed her love for him two years ago, but no longer even glances his way.  Logan feels there’s no way he can take on this responsibility, especially when he has so little time to plan and execute a mission to locate Jared.  Added to all of these problems is the Commander, the cruel and wicked ruler of Baalboden, who is watching every  move Logan and Rachel’s makes.  They figure out he doesn’t believe Jared is dead either and is suspicious that Logan or Rachel know he’s not. 

I loved everything about this story!  The characters, the pacing, the world, and of course, the romance!  You will find no insta-love or triangle in this story.  There are just two well-rounded and believable main characters.  This is told is in dual POVs alternating between Rachel and Logan, and I felt the method worked rather well.  We’re able to see the story and how things are felt from both sides, making it easy to connect with both main characters.  Lack of communication between Rachel and Logan leads to them making bad decisions with major consequences.  But shock!! (Because this seems to be so different from many YA stories.) These characters actually learn from their mistakes and do not keep repeating them. Thankfully, you aren’t frustrated throughout the entire novel, having to grit your teeth at every stupid decision!  Their romance is very sweet, and like I said, no insta-love, but instead a slow and satisfying build-up.   Here’s a little snippet to tempt you:

*Her lips brush mine, sweet and hesitant, and I open my eyes.  She’s all I can see.  All I can taste when I breathe in.  Her body molds itself to mine like she was made for me, and I want her to feel it too.  To acknowledge it.

I guess you would call this a steampunk novel set in a post-apocalyptic future world.  There are futuristic-gadgets, and yet much of the advanced technology we have available in our world is gone.  Customs and traditions seem to have reverted back to the past.  The role of women has taken a big leap back, which left me furious in a few instances.   Fortunately for Rachel, her father chose to ignore that custom and trained her to be a competent fighter.  I can’t talk about the characters without mentioning the cruel and sinister Commander.  I cringe at every scene he’s in!  He seems to always have something up his sleeve, and I’m wondering if there’s something to that.  There are reasons he’s in power, and I hope we’ll find out more in the next installment. 

There are enough questions and things left undone that I’m anxious for the next book.  Yet, we’re not left with the pain and frustration of a cliffhanger, just excited anticipation awaiting the next book.   This is a brilliant debut from author C.J. Redwine!

Thank you to Balzer + Bray and Edelweiss for allowing me to read this wonderful story.

*Quotes taken from uncorrected proof and may change in the final copy.

Review: Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot

  Title: Size 12 and Ready to Rock
  Author: Meg Cabot
  Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
  Publication date: July 10th 2012
  My rating: 4.5 stars

 

Summer break . . . and the livin' ain't easy

Just because the students at New York College have flown the coop doesn't mean assistant residence hall director Heather Wells can relax. Fischer Hall is busier than ever, filled with squealing thirteen- and fourteen-year-old girls attending the first ever Tania Trace Teen Rock Camp, hosted by pop sensation Tania Trace herself--who just happens to be newly married to Heather's ex-boyfriend, heartthrob Jordan Cartwright. But the real headache begins when the producer of a reality TV show starring Tania winds up dead . . . and it's clear that the star was the intended victim.

Grant Cartwright, head of Cartwright Records, wants to keep his daughter-in-law (and his highest-earning performer) alive. So he hires his oldest son, black sheep of the family and private investigator Cooper Cartwright--who just happens to be Heather's "new" fiancé. Heather should leave the detecting to Cooper. But with a dorm full of hysterical mini-divas-in-training, she can't help but get involved. And after Tania shares a really shocking secret with her, "this" reality suddenly becomes more dangerously real than anyone ever anticipated. 

I hadn’t realised how much I missed Heather, Cooper and the rest of these insane characters, until I finally got to be with them again in Size 12 and Ready to Rock. I waited so long for the release of this book and I’m pleased to say that despite the long wait, it did not disappoint.

We’re thrown back into Heather’s chaotic life at the death dorm Fischer hall. Normally with students dying left, right and centre Heather is up to her neck with trying to find the killer and always trying to be a hero and save the day. But this time Heather’s stressed out at Fischer Hall for entirely different reasons, as the hall is closed for renovations over the summer, Tania Trace, big time pop star and Heather’s ex Jordan’s wife decides to run her rock camp at the hall. With Tania’s body guard being seriously injured in a random shooting, Tania’s a little freaked out, but with innocent people getting hurt too it’s easily noticeable that Tania is the target. However Tania doesn’t want to let all the little girls down for the camp and decides to battle on, by upping her security and hiring Cooper as her body guard. Heather feels this camp is really getting in the way, but with Fischer Halls record already tarnished, the reputation can’t get any more worse can it?

I had initially started off with Size 12 and Ready to Rock with the aim to read just a few chapters a day, but being back in Fischer Hall, with such a fantastic set of characters, I found myself unable to stop reading and before you know it I was already half way through the book.

I had forgotten so much about Heather and the other crazy characters as it had been a few years since the last instalment, but it was so much fun getting to know them again, they’re all such a quirky bunch from hilarious Gavin, clueless Jordan, hugely grating and egotistical Simon, unpredictable Sarah, Dr Jessop and the Allingtons with their zany ideas and changeable temperaments. But they’re a bunch a characters that easily bring a smile to my face and leave me with warm fuzzies, they’re definitely a bunch of characters I’d love to hang out with especially Cooper *sigh*

Cooper was amazing in this book, I love how with each book we get to know his character that little bit more, and each time I find myself falling or him all over again. I adore his snarky humour and how he would come back with the best responses ever, his several threatening references about his gun permit seriously sent chills through my body. But the best thing about him is he keeps Heather down to earth. They work so well for each other, he gets mad when she tries to underestimate herself, and he balances out her knee jerk and dramatic tendencies.

I’m not usually one to pick up mystery books, but Meg Cabot does an amazing job in mixing up the humour within the mystery. I was eager to find out who was behind the attacks but then the witty remarks and banter between characters had me doubling over with laughter, it did result in me receiving a few strange looks from my family, but I didn’t care as this book was absolutely hilarious!

The Heather Wells series has quickly become one of my favourite Meg Cabot series, yet, I cannot recommend this series enough with a fantastic bunch of characters that you will adore, random attacks happening all over the place, this series will keep you up in the wee hours of the morning with you wanting to know who is behind it all.

Overall Size 12 and Ready to Rock is the best in the series yet. I honestly can’t wait for the release of Size 12 is the New Black which is supposed to be the last in the series; however at the same time I don’t want it to come out yet as I don’t think I’m ready to say goodbye to these characters just yet.

Thank you to Edelweiss and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this book.

For those who still have to pick this book up in the series and have forgotten what happens in the other books, check this video out, it provides a nice refresher. Also I think it's absolutely hilarious!

Blog Tour and review: Knee Deep by Jolene Perry

Today I have another great opportunity to take part in a blog tour hosted by Tribute Books Blog Tours of Jolene Perry's Knee Deep

  Title: Knee Deep
  Author: Jolene Perry
  Publisher: Tribute Books
  Publication date: 1st May 2012
  My rating: 3 stars

 

Shawn is the guy Ronnie Bird promised her life to at the age of fourteen. He's her soul mate. He's more uptight every day, but it's not his fault. His family life is stressful, and she's adding to it. She just needs to be more understanding, and he'll start to be the boy she fell in love with. She won’t give up on someone she’s loved for so long.

Luke is her best friend, and the guy she hangs with to watch girlie movies in her large blanketopias. He's the guy she can confide in before she even goes to her girlfriends, and the guy who she's playing opposite in Romeo and Juliet. Now her chest flutters every time he gets too close. This is new. Is Ronnie falling for him? Or is Juliet? The lines are getting blurry, but leaving one guy for another is not something that a girl like Ronnie does.

Shawn’s outbursts are starting to give her bruises, and Luke’s heart breaks as Ronnie remains torn. While her thoughts and feelings swirl around the lines between friendship and forever, she’s about to lose them both.

                  Kindle | Nook | Smashwords 

I’m never keen on picking up books dealing with sensitive subject matters such as abuse, I usually have a tough time stomaching them but also the last one I read which focused on this subject didn’t work out for me. So you’re probably wondering why did I decide to pick another one up so soon? When I first came across Knee Deep I actually didn’t look at what it was about I completely fell for the cover, also my last book by Jolene Perry I’d surprisingly enjoyed so I’d really wanted to read more of her books soon.

Shawn and Ronnie have been childhood friends, Ronnie’s always felt something between her and Shawn, even when he moves away they promise to keep in touch, she knows he’s the one so when Shawn moves back, they’re immediately drawn to one another, it’s as though Shawn wasn’t even away in the first place. But then all of a sudden Shawn starts getting tense, he loses his rag quickly and his temper changes in an instant. Ronnie knows it’s because of the pressure his dad is putting on him so she tries to please him any way she can, she knows what Shawn’s wanted for a long time but she’s never been quite ready. So maybe Ronnie will have to change things quite a bit to make things alright between them.

I really feel for the individuals that find themselves in these sorts of situations. Ronnie was quite lucky as she had a strong support network, her dad was a therapist and so quite quick to pick up on the fact that something was not quite right, even though Ronnie’s mum thought the sun shone out of Shawn. Also Luke, Ronnie’s friend was awesome, he was also Shawn’s friend, but was good as he also recognised that there was something wrong with Shawn.

I also I think I preferred this book a lot more than the other book which dealt with physical abuse because, the signs of the abuse were picked up quickly early on. Ronnie tried her best to cover them all the time by wearing long sleeved tops and acting as if everything was okay, but when her friends and family soon became to realise what was happening, they tried to bring a stop to it and convince Ronnie about what the right thing was to do. Also the fact that everything came out in the open earlier on, we were able to see Ronnie dealing with the aftermath of it months afterwards. Yes it was an especially tough time, but Perry goes to show that individuals suffering from any sort of abuse shouldn’t give up, yes there’s a tough uphill struggle battle afterwards trying to get your life back on track and it’s difficult with everyone constantly gawking at you. But with the right support and direction it is possible.

I hate how abuse of any kind makes the abusee feel as if they are in the wrong. Ronnie did absolutely nothing wrong but she constantly felt paranoid, she had to over analyse everything all the time, should she wear her heels even though it made her look taller than Shawn and he hated it? She also had to pick up on Shawn’s mood changes so she wouldn’t say the wrong thing and make him even more mad. It is truly horrible to find yourself in that position. But hopefully by reading Knee Deep individuals who find themselves in similar situations will come to realise that there is always a way out.

Waiting on Wednesday #8

Is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases were eagerly anticipating.

The book I'm most excited about this week is...

 

 Falling For You 
 by Lisa Schroeder

 Expected Publication Date:  
 January 1st 2013 

Goodreads Description: Rae's always dreamed of dating a guy like Nathan. He’s nothing like her abusive stepfather—in other words, he’s sweet. But the closer they get, the more Nathan wants of her time, of her love, of her...and the less she wants to give.

As Rae’s affection for Nathan turns to fear, she leans on her friend Leo for support. With Leo, she feels lighter, happier. And possessive Nathan becomes jealous.

Then a tragedy lands Rae in the ICU. Now, hovering between life and death, Rae must find the light amid the darkness…and the strength to fight for life and the love she deserves.

I loved the verse novel Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder.  It was such a powerful and haunting read!  I know Jasprit loved her verse novel The Day Before.  So when I heard she had something new coming out, I was thrilled.  I was surprised to find out that this will NOT be a verse novel!  Ms. Schroeder tells us that it still will be an unconventional novel.  Most of it will be told in flashbacks and for those of us who are sad about the format, she promises some poetry is worked into the story.  For those of you wondering: Why not in verse?  She answers the question in on her blog here. 

So, what are you waiting on?  Link us up below, we'd love to know!