Friday 31 May 2013

Bronze Gods - Book review


Bronze Gods (Apparatus Infernum #1)
by A.A. Aguirre


What is it about:
Hy Breasil is grimmer than it used to be.

Before the Architect closed the door, there were regular crossings, and a great war decimated both humans and Ferishers. The native fae who refused to treat with the invaders faded; their bodies withered and died, stranding them as hungry, angry spirits that haunt the countryside.

That means there’s always trouble brewing in Dorstaad.

Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko work for the Criminal Investigation Department, keeping citizens safe from things that go bump in the night. He’s a hardboiled cynic with an uncanny sixth sense; she’s determined to justify her promotion as the first female detective in her division. Together, they’re trying to keep a black tide from drowning the city.

But when the second body surfaces, murdered with the same type of infernal device, the entire CID must face the truth. There’s a madman on the loose, twining magic and blood… and only Mikani and Ritsuko can unravel the intricate, lethal conspiracy before the Royale killer completes his macabre plan, unleashing old, forbidden magic on an unsuspecting populace. If the maniac succeeds, it could mean the end of everything…


What did I think of it:
I love most of Ann Aguirre's books, so when I heard about Bronze Gods, which she wrote together with her husband Andres, it wasn't a question of whether I'd read it or not, but when I'd read it.

I preordered Bronze Gods so I could get my trotters on it as soon as possible. Imagine my frustration when I saw the book in a book store a few days before the official release date, knowing that my preordered copy would take at least a week more to arrive. I almost bought the book right there and then, but I was strong and waited (im)patiently for my already preordered copy.

So was the book worth all this frustration and waiting?

Absolutely!

This is a really cool read. The steampunk world the Aguirres created is original and full of interesting characters and things. Both Mikani and Ritsuko are likeable and intriguing. I could relate to Ritsuko a little bit more than with Mikani, but they're a great team. I loved seeing how their relationship developed throughout the story.

The story was suspenseful and complex. I did sniff out some of the plot long before it's revealed, but that's because the right clues were given along the way and not because the story is predictable. There are some really intense scenes and there's a creepy atmosphere hanging over the story. It had me hooked and I couldn't put the book down until I finished it.

The world building was really well done and added to the story. I could easily picture the city and it's inhabitants. The writing fit the story and setting without it turning pompous as is the case in so many other stories in a steampunk setting.

Overall this is a cool and suspenseful steampunk thriller and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I can advice this to anyone who likes Steampunk and to anyone who loves a good, suspenseful story.

Why should you read it:
It's a really awesome Steampunk Thriller


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Thursday 30 May 2013

On McPig's Wishlists - Chantress

This sounds really intrguing, I like that it's a Historical Paranormal story. I'm very interested in seeing how the author ixes the paranormal elements with history.


Chantress (Chantress Trilogy #1)
by Amy Butler Greenfield


Lucy’s Chantress magic will make her the most powerful—and most hunted—girl in England.

“Sing, and the darkness will find you.” This warning has haunted fifteen-year-old Lucy ever since she was eight and shipwrecked on a lonely island. Lucy’s guardian, Norrie, has lots of rules, but the most important is that Lucy must never sing. Not ever. Now it is 1667, Lucy is fifteen, and on All Hallows’ Eve, Lucy hears a tantalizing melody on the wind. She can’t help but sing—and she is swept into darkness.

When she awakes in England, Lucy hears powerful men discussing Chantresses—women who can sing magic into the world. They are hunting her, but she escapes and finds sanctuary with the Invisible College, an organization plotting to overthrow the nefarious Lord Protector. The only person powerful enough to bring about his downfall is a Chantress. And Lucy is the last one in England.

Lucy struggles to master the song-spells and harness her power, but the Lord Protector is moving quickly. And her feelings for Nat, an Invisible College apprentice and scientist who deeply distrusts her magic, only add to her confusion...

Time is running out, and the fate of England hangs in the balance in this entrancing novel that is atmospheric and lyrical, dangerous and romantic.


Published May 7th 2013 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Wednesday 29 May 2013

White Cat - Book Review


White Cat (Curse Workers #1)
by Holly Black


What is it about:
Cassel comes from a family of Curse Workers - people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all criminals. Many become mobsters and con artists. But not Cassel. He hasn't got magic, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail - he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Cassel has carefully built up a facade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his facade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.


What did I think of it:
This was a really cool read.

Back when this book was first released I heard others rave about it, but somehow it didn't speak enough to me to pick it up. Cut to a few years later and this piggy decided to give White Cat a chance after all.

And I'm almost sorry I didn't pick it up sooner.

This book surprised me in a pleasant way. It's original and intriguing and I didn't even mind the present tense most of the time. I really liked the sneakpeek into the life of conmen I must confess. The story was really suspenseful and took me by surprise a couple of times.

Cassel is a nice enough character, but I must say I was more intrigued by the characters around him and by what was going on, although I have to confess I grew to like Cassel more and more along the way.

The way this book ends it can be read as a standalone, but it also opens a door to the next book, promising even more suspense and action and you can bet I'll be getting my trotters on it soon.

Why should you read it:
It's a really intriguing Paranormal Young Adult read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Teaser Tuesdays - The Panopticon

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

So far this book is very different from what I expected from the cover and the back cover story which made it sound like a mystery (which it isn't so far), but it's an intriguing read. For those who are sensitive about f-words and such: there are a lot of them in this book.


'D'ye never find a family you liked, Anais?'
'Families are overrated. They're like elephants.'
'Elephants are sound, aye, with their big ears and that,' John says.
(page 63, The Panopticon by Jenni Fagan)


Monday 27 May 2013

Shady Lady - Book Review


Shady Lady (Corine Solomon #3)
by Ann Aguirre


What is it about:
Whenever Corine Solomon touches an object, she immediately knows its history. But the future concerns her more when former ally Kel Ferguson walks through her door with a warning for her: the Montoya cartel is coming for her-but they don't just pack guns. They use warlocks, shamans and voodoo priests. And Corine has become enemy number one...

What did I think of it:
Yet another great read in a really cool series.

I'm totally reading this series out of order and because I already read book 4 it took me some time to pick up this book, because I thought I'd pretty much knew the story already because it was referred to in book 4.

Let me tell you: this book is so good it doesn't matter if you already know the story or not. Aguirre manages to keep you interested not just with the story, but with character interaction and her writing as well.

I very much enjoyed this story and I loved reading more about Kel, who I really liked in book one and who stole the show in this book in my opinion. He's a really cool and intriguing character. Corine is a very likeable heroine as well I must say. I like how she isn't all good, but makes some choices that are questionable at best. It makes Corine more relatable, she isn't some wonderwoman who always knows right from wrong.

All in all I loved this book and I must get my trotters on book 5 soon.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool Urban Fantasy read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Sunday 26 May 2013

A Winner


I picked a winner for my Charlaine Harris giveaway.

Miki won and has been contacted.
She picked the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series.

Friday 24 May 2013

The Devil Inside - Book Review


The Devil Inside (Morgan Kingsley #1)
by Jenna Black


What is it about:
Exorcism isn’t a job, it’s a calling—and a curse. Just ask Morgan Kingsley, a woman who has a stronger aura than any Demon. Or so she thought. Now, in a pair of black leather pants and a kick-ass tattoo, Morgan is heading back to Philadelphia after a nasty little exorcism—and her life is about to be turned upside down… by the Demon that’s gotten inside her.

Not just any Demon. Six foot five inches of dark, delicious temptation, this one is to die for—that is, if he doesn’t get Morgan killed first. Because while some humans vilify Demons and others idolize them, Morgan’s Demon is leading a war of succession no human has ever imagined. For a woman trying to live a life, and hold on to the almost-perfect man, being possessed by a gorgeous rebel Demon will mean a wild ride of uninhibited thrills, shocking surprises, and pure, unadulterated terror.…


What did I think of it:
I'm in two minds about this book.

I loved the world building and the overall story. It's intriguing, suspenseful and has lots of potential for future books. The idea of demons possessing human bodies (with or without the permission of said humans) is cool and I kept on reading to discover more about this interesting world.

The demon that got inside Morgan was really interesting as well. I loved the interaction between him and Morgan and my only complaint there is that I wanted more than this book gave me.

There was one major annoyance that made me contemplate doing violent things to this book, like throwing it across the room, however...

I really, really disliked the skewed view this book gives about S&M. It shows S&M as if it's only about torture and sadism and like it's wrong. It also implies that having certain fantasies makes you a pervert. Add a clear prejudice about certain lifestyles to the mix and I was severely tempted to give up on this book.

It's a credit to Black's storytelling that I stuck it out till the end though, and the ending intrigued me enough to want to give the second book in this series a try. Getting that book as a present from a friend did help as well ;-)

Why should you read it:
It's an intriguing Urban Fantasy read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Thursday 23 May 2013

On McPig's Wishlist - Under a Graveyard Sky

This sounds so cool! I might have to preorder this book.


Under a Graveyard Sky
by John Ringo


A family of survivors who fight back against a zombie plague that has brought down civilization.Zombies are real. And we made them. Are you prepared for the zombie apocalypse? The Smith family is, with the help of a few marines.

When an airborne “zombie” plague is released, bringing civilization to a grinding halt, the Smith family, Steven, Stacey, Sophia and Faith, take to the Atlantic to avoid the chaos. The plan is to find a safe haven from the anarchy of infected humanity. What they discover, instead, is a sea composed of the tears of survivors and a passion for bringing hope.

For it is up to the Smiths and a small band of Marines to somehow create the refuge that survivors seek in a world of darkness and terror. Now with every continent a holocaust and every ship an abattoir, life is lived beneath a graveyard sky.


Expected publication: September 3rd 2013 by Baen

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Reach - Book Review


Reach (Twin-Bred, #2)
by Karen A. Wyle


What is it about:
Scientist Mara Cadell created the Twin-Bred -- pairs of fraternal twins, one human and one Tofa -- to bridge the profound and dangerous gap between the human colonists on Tofarn and the indigenous Tofa. Unexpectedly, it is the Tofa host mothers who now claim the capacity to bring peace between the two. The Twin-Bred themselves have been forced to abandon their mission and their planet, in the hope of finding a less hostile home. Only one pair remain behind, seeking to build new and separate lives with their
own kind.

But Mara and the Twin-Bred should know by now that plans provide little protection. New challenges are in store for all the Twin-Bred, and for those whose lives they touch.


What did I think of it:
A more than worthy sequel to Twin-Bred.

I will confess I had expected Reach to be completely about the humans and Tofa who left Tofarn to find a new world for themselves. So I was surprised when it turned out the story is as much about those left behind as it is about them. I was happy with this choice though as both the storyline set on Tofarn and the storyline following the travels of the space faring Twin-Bred are very suspenseful and intense.

The things happening on Tofan are a continuation of problems that started in Twin-Bred and it leads those of the twin-bred who decided to stay on Tofarn into danger. I really loved this storyline as it showed more of the Tofa and their culture.

Meanwhile the twin-bred who left Tofarn encounter their own problems and they have decisions to make that might have huge consequences. Wyle does a great job in showing how some things are universal and that the best solution to your problems is facing them.

Overall this is a compelling story about acceptance and trust. About the importance of trying to understand each other and accepting each others differences. This story shows we’re a long way from reaching these goals, but it also shows we can learn. All in all I enjoyed this book and I wouldn't mind when Wyle decides to write more books in this series.

Why should you read it:
It’s a compelling SciFi read.


Buy it from: Smashwords - Amazon US - Amazon UK


Tuesday 21 May 2013

Teaser Tuesdays - White Cat

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


"There's cats out there," my grandfather says, looking out the window as he washes a coffee cup in the sink. "In the barn."
Philip sets down a bag of groceries carefully. His expression is strange.
(page 48, White Cat by Holly Black)


Monday 20 May 2013

Wondrous Strange - Book Review


Wondrous Strange (Wondrous Strange #1)
by Lesley Livingston


What is it about:
17 year-old Kelley Winslow doesn’t believe in Faeries. Not unless they’re the kind that you find in a theatre, spouting Shakespeare—the kind that Kelley so desperately wishes she could be: onstage, under lights, with a pair of sparkly wings strapped to her shoulders. But as the understudy in a two-bit, hopelessly off-off-Broadway production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, wishing is probably the closest she’s going to get to becoming a Faerie Queen. At least, that’s what she thinks... In this fun, urban fantasy, Kelley's off-stage life suddenly becomes as complicated as one of Shakespeare’s plot twists when a nighttime trip to Central Park holds more than meets the mortal eye.

What did I think of it:
This is a really nice read.

The pacing of this story is a bit slow because it´s more about Kelley discovering who and what she is than about the action, but it fit the mood of the story.

Kelley is a nice character, I could understand her actions and reactions most of the time, but I have to be honest and say that it was the vivid storytelling and the minor characters that made that I got invested in the story. Intriguing characters like Bob, who is more than he seems or the actor who is called Gentleman Jack for example. It was through these characters that I came to like Kelley and care for her plight.

I liked how Livingston used a familiar tale and mythology but gave her own spin to it. It made for a recognizable yet fresh story.

All in all this is a very enjoyable read and I think I´ll pick up the next book in this series somewhere in the future.

Why should you read it:
It´s a fun YA read about Faeries


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide


Friday 17 May 2013

Rise - Book Review


Rise (Eve #3)
by Anna Carey


What is it about:
When she lost her soul mate, Caleb, Eve felt like her world had ended. Trapped in the palace, forced to play the part of the happy, patriotic princess of The New America—and the blushing bride of her father's top adviser—Eve's whole life is a lie. The only thing that keeps her going is Caleb's memory, and the revolution he started.

Now, Eve is taking over where Caleb left off. With the help of Moss, an undercover subversive in the King's court, she plots to take down The New America, beginning with the capital, the City of Sand. Will Eve be able to bring about a new, free world when she's called upon to perform the ultimate act of rebellion—killing her father?


What did I think of it:
I'm almost sad this is the last book in this trilogy, because it's the best one of them all. It's like Eve and Carey's storytelling matured together in this trilogy and I will have to keep an eye out for what Carey writes next.

There were some small things that I found unbelievable. Eve still is special of course, so her husband adores her and therefor will not force her to do anything she doesn't want. For a princess she also gets to roam the city pretty much undisturbed instead of being kept under close guard.

But those minor annoyances aside this story was pretty good. Eve is finally learning to think beyond her own limited world and to reach out and help others. She's finally taking action instead of letting others decide her life for her and even though she's not always smart about it, she's at least trying to make a difference.

I won't get into the ending to much, because that would be too spoilery, but I have to say I really liked how Carey handled it. For me it was a perfect ending to this trilogy.

All in all this is a very good story that kept me reading until I finished it and while the other books were enjoyable enough to want to keep reading this trilogy, it's this book that will make me want to reread it in the future. I will probably try to get hold of other books by Carey as well.

Why should you read it:
It's an interesting and enjoyable Dystopian YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Thursday 16 May 2013

On McPig's Wishlist - Draw The Dark

I'm waiting impatiently for the last book in Ilsa J. Bick's Ashes trilogy, so I have been looking at what else she's written. This book sounds really intriguing and I might have to get it one of these days to make the waiting for Monsters a little easier.


Draw the Dark
by Ilsa J. Bick


There are things in Winter, Wisconsin, folks just don't talk about. The murder way back in '45 is one. The near-suicide of a first-grade teacher is another. And then there is 17-year old Christian Cage.

Christian's parents disappeared when he was a little boy, and ever since he's drawn and painted obsessively, trying desperately to remember his mother. The problem is Christian doesn't just draw his own memories. He can draw the thoughts of those around him.

Confronted with fears and nightmares they'd rather avoid, people have a bad habit of dying. So it's no surprise that Christian isn't exactly popular. What no one expects is for Christian to meet Winter's last surviving Jew and uncover one more thing best forgotten--the day the Nazi's came to town.

Based on a little-known fact of the United States' involvement in World War II, Draw the Dark is a dark fantasy about reclaiming the forgotten past and the redeeming power of love.



Wednesday 15 May 2013

The Eternity Cure - Book Review


The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2)
by Julie Kagawa


What is it about:
Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.


What did I think of it:
The first book in this series was a really cool read, so I picked up this book as soon as I could.

And it's even better than the first book!

Allie has matured a bit and is forced to let go of some of her rules to survive. Her struggle to hold on to her humanity was very interesting to see. I already liked her in the first book, but my respect for her grew over the course of this one.

One of the antagonists from the first book returns as well and has a bigger role this time: Jackal, Allie's vampiric brother so to speak. He was my favorite character in The Eternity Cure I have to confess. He has his own set of morals that don't match with Allies's and the differences between the two of them added tension to the already very suspenseful story.

The story is full of action, difficult choices, danger, betrayal and hope. I was hooked from the start and just as with the first book I almost couldn't put it down. The world building is again very well done and I liked learning a bit more about the inner workings of Vampire cities.

I will reread these book often and I will impatiently wait for the next book in this really cool series. I also might try other books by Kagawa as well.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian YA with vampires


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide


Tuesday 14 May 2013

Teaser Tuesdays - Wondrous Strange

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I received this book as a Random Act of Kindness. So far I'm enjoying the writing and I'm very curious about the story.


Intrigued, Sonny moved soundlessly through the dry leaves to crouch in the deep shadows of a yew tree. He watched through the branches of his hiding place as the girl moved restlessly, pacing to and fro in the little grassy square, one fingernail tapping on her front teeth.
(page 25, Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston)


Monday 13 May 2013

Ruby - Book Review by Voodoo Bride *

*To celebrate the release of Ruby we decided to repost Voodoo Bride's review of Ruby today:


Ruby (Facets of Passion #3)
by Jeffe Kennedy

ebook, novella

What is it about:
Danielle Sosna has no problem denying herself in order to achieve her goals—after all, that attitude landed her a dream job at Vogue Paris. But in New Orleans for one last assignment before heading overseas, she’s faced with the most decadent of temptations. Seductive Cajun chef Bobby Prejean takes Dani’s strength of will as a challenge, and offers her a night of wild indulgence—if she will agree to obey his every command.

Dani can’t resist Prejean’s invitation to join him in a world of carnal desire, complete with fetish costumes and masks. Determined to keep her emotional distance, she gives Prejean everything but her name. A night becomes a week, as she spends Mardi Gras suspended in the delicious space where pleasure meets pain.

Too late, she realizes the cloak of anonymity has not protected her—and that chasing her dream might come at the expense of her heart.


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I'm totally drooling over this book, it's that good!

First of all it has a deliciously hot, bearded hero and I didn't need my beard shaving advisory warning! Prejean has the most awesome, silky beard you can imagine and it stays right where it belongs.

And his beard isn't the only delicious thing about Prejean. I loved how Prejean doesn't try to bend Dani to his will, but accepts her strength and her temper. He's mindful of her feelings, but also challenges her to see things from a different angle.

I also loved Dani. She's a complex person with fears and rules for herself that I could relate to. I could really understand where she was coming from and why she has become the woman she is. I loved to see her re-evaluate her rules and letting go of those that keep her back.

The BDSM scenes were hot, steamy and full of both sexual and emotional tension. There were some scenes set at a BDSM party and although I'm usually not fond of those as I like my erotic romances one on one, Kennedy doesn't cross any lines and made the scenes work for me.

And the ending!
Kennedy sure knows how to make me feel for her characters and the ending had me sniffling in a good way. It's emotional and very touching.

I will most definitely reread Ruby and I can only hope Kennedy will write more books in this series.

Why should you read it:
It's a seriously hot BDSM romance with a gorgeous bearded hero.


Ruby will release on 13 May 2013 from Carina Press



Friday 10 May 2013

Silence - Book Review


Silence (The Queen of the Dead #1)
by Michelle Sagara


What is it about:
Ever since her boyfriend Nathan had died in a tragic accident, Emma had been coming to the graveyard at night. During the day she went through the motions at her prep school, in class, with her friends, but that’s all it was. For Emma, life had stopped with Nathan’s death. But tonight was different. Tonight Emma and her dog were not alone in the cemetery. There were two others there—Eric, who had just started at her school, and an ancient woman who looked as though she were made of rags. And when they saw Emma there, the old woman reached out to her with a grip as chilling as death….

Emma was not quite like others teenagers. It was true that other girls had experienced grief. Other girls had also lost their fathers, or had their boyfriends die in a senseless accident. But though she hadn’t known it till that night in the graveyard, unlike those other girls, she could see, touch, and speak with the dead.


What did I think of it:
This is a really nice read.

I very much liked the writing and the story is enjoyable. The descriptions are vivid and I really liked the world building.

Emma was a bit unbelievable at times. She's nice, helpful, strong and kind to all those around her. I would have liked to see a bit more negative emotion, to make her more of a real teenager. She felt a bit one dimensional at times. Her friends, though interesting as they are, felt like they were there only to serve the story instead of being real friends to Emma.

Those things aside the story is pretty decent and has lots of intrigue and action. I might not have connected with Emma, the story gripped me anyway and I had to keep reading to see where things would lead.

All in all this is an enjoyable read and I think I'll pick up the next book once it's available as paperback. I might also investigate other books by Sagara.

Why should you read it:
It's an interesting Paranormal YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Thursday 9 May 2013

On McPig's Wishlist

Having just read Erebos, which also is about an addictive online game, I'm curious about this book. If only to see how it compares to Erebos.


Nerve
by Jeanne Ryan


A high-stakes online game of dares turns deadly

When Vee is picked to be a player in NERVE, an anonymous game of dares broadcast live online, she discovers that the game knows her. They tempt her with prizes taken from her ThisIsMe page and team her up with the perfect boy, sizzling-hot Ian. At first it's exhilarating--Vee and Ian's fans cheer them on to riskier dares with higher stakes. But the game takes a twisted turn when they're directed to a secret location with five other players for the Grand Prize round. Suddenly they're playing all or nothing, with their lives on the line. Just how far will Vee go before she loses NERVE?


Wednesday 8 May 2013

Erebos - Book Review


Erebos
by Ursula Poznanski


What is it about:
An intelligent computer game with a disturbing agenda.

When 16-year-old Nick receives a package containing the mysterious computer game Erebos, he wonders if it will explain the behavior of his classmates, who have been secretive lately. Players of the game must obey strict rules: always play alone, never talk about the game, and never tell anyone your nickname.

Curious, Nick joins the game and quickly becomes addicted. But Erebos knows a lot about the players and begins to manipulate their lives. When it sends Nick on a deadly assignment, he refuses and is banished from the game.

Now unable to play, Nick turns to a friend for help in finding out who controls the game. The two set off on a dangerous mission in which the border between reality and the virtual world begins to blur.


What did I think of it:
This is a really cool and suspenseful read.

I love the set up of this story. Being an avid gamer myself I could really understand how Nick and his friends were totally engrossed in playing Erebos, which sounded like a cool Fantasy game. When at first the game asks Nick to do some small errants outside of the game I could easily understand why Nick didn't refuse.

But slowly the game asks more and more of Nick and its motives get more dubious. As the game progresses and it's clear others are willing to go further in following orders than Nick, the story gets quite grim.

The story switches from Nick to his character in the game called Sarius. I will confess I was invested in both this game character and in Nick. At times I was just as disappointed as Nick when he had to stop playing. The switches between the two were well done, it kept the story very suspenseful.

This story made me think about what I would do if I was in Nick's position as well. Would I run errants for a game I really enjoy playing? Would I question its motives?

All in all this is a very suspenseful and action packed read that was hard to put down. I can advice this book to any gamer and I hope more of Poznanski's books get translated to English.

Why should you read it:
It's a suspenseful YA thriller


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Teaser Tuesdays - Rise

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


The stillness was broken by the quick popping of gunshots. A faraway voice called out from a side hallway, "Over here - I found an exit through the back!"
(page 80, Rise by Anna Carey)


Monday 6 May 2013

The Scorpio Races


The Scorpio Races
by Maggie Stiefvater


What is it about:
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.


What did I think of it:
This is a beautiful read.

I've read several books by Stiefvater and thought I knew what to expect from The Scorpio Races.

I was wrong.

This story has a quiet beauty that grabs you and haunts you. Once I got drawn into the story it was hard to put the book down and the mood and atmosphere stayed with me long after I finished the book.

Puck is a strong and likeable heroine and it was easy to root for her. Sean is more complex and it took me some time to warm up to him. I loved the scenes between Puck and Sean and those between Sean and George Holly (an American visiting the island) because in these scenes you finally got to see more of what made Sean tick. It was in these scenes that I slowly grew to love Sean as much as I loved Puck.

I also loved Puck's younger brother Finn. He's a very unique character and I wouldn't mind if Stiefvater ever decided to give Finn his own story.

The races and everything around it, like the horses, was really well done in my opinion. I could easily picture the water horses with their monstrous behaviour and the descriptions were so clear I could almost smell the horses as well.

Overall this is an intense and beautiful story about belonging, love and determination and I will most certainly reread it often.

Why should you read it:
It's a hauntingly beautiful YA read.


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Friday 3 May 2013

Impromptu Giveaway


I am giving away one copy of Dead Until Dark (or one of the other Sookie Stackhouse books as long as it costs no more than 8 Euro) because I think this series and author can use a little love at the moment.

The rules:
- Leave a comment telling me what book you recently read and enjoyed
- Leave a way for me to contact you
- Do so before May 20th 2013

Open to everyone who is old enough to be allowed to read the offered book(s) and enter this giveaway and lives somewhere where the Bookdepository ships to.


Demonglass - Book Review


Demonglass/Raising Demons (Hex Hall #2)
by Rachel Hawkins


What is it about:
Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?


What did I think of it:
Yet another book where the UK title is different than the US title.
I got hold of the UK version, which is called Raising Demons. The US version is called Demonglass.

This book is just as the first an enjoyable and fast read.

There are a bit more surprises than in the first book and there are some interesting new characters. I especially liked Sophie's father I will confess.

What I was less happy about is that a new love interest is thrown into the mix to create more drama. It felt unnecessary because I'm not expecting to see Sophie hook up with the new love interest in the last book. If she does I'll be impressed.

All in all this book is pretty much as I hoped it would be after finishing the first book in this trilogy and I will most probably get the last book to see how this trilogy ends.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and enjoyable YA read.


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Thursday 2 May 2013

Against The Dark - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


Against the Dark (The Associates #1)
by Carolyn Crane

ebook, novella

What is it about:
SHE’S AN EX-SAFECRACKER FORCED INTO ONE LAST HEIST

Angel Ramirez left the safecracking game five years ago, and she’s worked hard to make amends and build an honest life. But when a beloved aunt is kidnapped, she must reunite with her girl gang to acquire the unique ransom: Walter Borgola’s prized diamonds. It’s a simple job that turns into a nightmare, thanks to a surprisingly clever—and searingly sexy—security guard named Cole Hawkins.

HE’S AN UNDERCOVER AGENT WITH BIG PLANS FOR HIS GORGEOUS THIEF

Cole is one of the Association’s most brilliant agents, under deep cover investigating a ruthless killer. He’s also running out of time: hundreds will die if he doesn’t stop the plan Borgola’s set into motion. Catching Angel is the break he needed--he promises not to turn her in if she poses as his lover and uses her unique talents to unlock the sociopath’s dungeon vaults.

But as pretend passions turn real, Cole regrets drawing Angel into his deadly game…and danger is closer than either of them could ever imagine.


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a delicious read.

There are sparks between Angel and Cole right from the start, but because they can't trust each other they have to fight their attraction. I loved seeing their feelings for each other grow. There were some really sensual and hot scenes between them, but I also loved the more emotional ones. The romance is well written and very believable.

The action storyline is suspenseful and intense. There are many lives on the line, so Cole is ready to go to extremes and sacrifice a lot, including Angel, to get the job done. This makes for some really tricky situations and I was rooting for both of them to succeed.

All in all this is a suspenseful and steamy read and I will keep an eye out for the next book in this series for sure.

Why should you read it:
It's a delicious spy romance


Buy it here

Wednesday 1 May 2013

Hex Hall - Book Review


Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1)
by Rachel Hawkins


What is it about:
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.


What did I think of it:
This is a fun and fast read.

Sophie is a likeable teenager and there were a few other cool characters as well.

The 'evil' girls were a bit stereotypical and most things that happen are predictable, but I didn't mind as there still were some surprises and the overall story is very enjoyable.

I did think the story leaned too much on the fact that Sophie was new to the whole witch thing. Especially as the reasons she doesn't know anything are rather flimsy reasons and put there to support the story.

That aside, this is a really nice read and as I already have book two in my tbr-pile I will pick that up next to see if it's just as enjoyable.

Why should you read it:
It's a fast and enjoyable YA read.


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