Wednesday 28 September 2011

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (16) Crossed By Ally Condie

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine
 


Crossed By Ally Condie
Published In The UK By Puffin
Due For Release 24th November 2011
Amazon LINK

"Rules are different outside the Society.

Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky-taken by the Society to his certain death-only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices everything to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.

Narrated from both Cassia's and Ky's points of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever..."

This has to be one of my most anticipated releases of the year.  Matched was one of the first dysotopian books I'd really read and totally gave me the bug for reading that genre.  Bring on Crossed!!!

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Top Ten Books I Want To Reread

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly blog feature hosted by the awesome people at The Broke and the Bookish


Eeeee!  My First Top Ten list, I'm so excited to be posting this!!!

There are loads of books I could actually put on this list today.  I've read so many books that I just adore, but my problem is I don't read that fast.  I really like to take in everything I've read & only seem to do that by reading slowly.  This then means I don't really get time to Reread books that I would like too.  I need to work on it!!

1. Harry Potter Books - Quite possibly my most enjoyed reads ever.  I really did not expect to love them as much as I did.  I also love the fandom world that the books introduced me to.  I have a lot to thank or even blame these books for.

2. Twilight Books - I just want to get these fairly obvious ones out of the way.  Again I loved these way more than I ever could have imagined.  I did actually reread Twilight a few years ago and didn't like it quite as much as I originally did, so I do wonder what I'd think of the other books second time round

3. Study Series By Maria V Snyder - I adored this series.  Whenever anyone asks for me to recommend books these are first on my list.  AMAZING I tell you!!

4. A Certain Slant Of Light - Such a beautiful story.  I really need to read about this world again

5. The Hunger Games - These are just epic reads.  They seriously get your heart pumping.

6. Jane Eyre - This is just amazing.  I am some what of a Bronte addict & love getting lost with them when I can

7. Clockwork Angel - Now I love the mortal Instruments books, but this book I LOVED.  I cannot wait for the follow-ups

8. The Host - There seems to be some stigma now with saying you like Stephenie Meyer books, but her writing re-ignited my love of reading.  This book actually made me quite weepy too!!

9. Divergent - I read this a few months ago so it shouldn't really be on this list yet, but I loved it so I'd love to reread it soon

10. Toms Midnight Garden - I remember reading this a primary school and have somehow forgotten some of what happens, so a revisit would be fab!!

Sunday 25 September 2011

In My Mailbox (31)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
Book links will take you to Amazon

Had another quiet week (YAY)  So not much to tell you guys.  I did get a few cool bits though, so here we go......

BOUGHT

I absolutely LOVE this series and I'm so happy to see it back on my TV!!  Found this gorgeous book in my local Supermarket & HAD to get it!!


I've been meaning to buy this for a while now, so am excited to finally have a copy!

Another one I've been meaning to get for a while.  This sounds amazing!!

WON


 Poison Diaries Pen & Seeds from Poison Diaries people themselves

Julie Kagawa signed Bookplate - I actually won this ages ago on twitter from Wastepaper Prose, and have only just recieved it - Its those gremlins at the sorting office again!!

Hoping that you have all had interesting book weeks?!

L-L
xoxo

Friday 23 September 2011

Review - Bloodlines By Richelle Mead

This is a spin off series and some spoilers for the Vampire Academy series are possible


"When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning."

I was originally expecting quite a different cover for the UK release, but at sometime the designers must have decided to use the same as the US release.  I actually think this was a pretty good decision.  Everyone knows I am not a fan of faces on covers, but I kind of expect to see them on Richelle's books now and it works.  I particularly love the tattoo design on who would be Sydney's face.  Strangely though I'm not tempted to get this tattoo, like I wanted a Molnija mark.

I've been a big fan of the Vampire Academy books for a long time now.  Obviously I was happy to see that series get a resolution, but also bummed that it was over.  Imagine my excitement when I heard of a spin off series!!!  I loved that it was decided to develop Sydney's character more.  She was pretty awesome and seemed like she had more layers.  This book really does show that.  I was also excited to read more of the vampire Academy world, but from a different perspective.  It really was fascinating to read.

I really enjoyed how Sydney's character changed even further.  You could see how she starts off very controlled and regimented, even after her adventures in the VA books she was still trying to be what people wanted her to be.  This does take somewhat of a turn and its so empowering.  Rebellion is so fun to read!!

I was quite surprised by the inclusion of a bullying storyline.  Bullying is a huge hate of mine, having been through it myself.  It actually broke my heart a little to read that it even happens in a 'vampire' world.  I guess I did become quite involved with the story!!!

It was fantastic that there were whole new stories and characters, yet old characters popped up here and there.  Kind of like seeing old friends unexpectedly whilst shopping.

The book concluded with one whole story being resolved, yet leaving room for more questions and stories to evolve.  I can't wait to see what comes next!!

Rating 3 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Puffin / Razorbill

This Can Be Purchased HERE and at good book retailers

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (15) Fateful By Claudia Gray

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine


Fateful By Claudia Gray
Published In The UK By HarperCollins Childrens
Due For Release In The UK March 2012
Amazon LINK


"A tragic tale about falling in love on the world’s most infamous ill-fated sea voyage as heroine, Tess, discovers darker secrets that lie beneath the doomed crossing… and a hidden brotherhood that threaten to tear her lover from her forever.
The RMS Titanic is the most luxurious ship ever built, but for eighteen-year-old Tess Davies it’s a prison. Travelling as a maid for the family she has served for years, Tess is trapped in their employ amid painful memories and family secrets.
When she meets Alec, a handsome upper class passenger, Tess falls helplessly in love. But Alec has secrets of his own… and soon Tess is entangled in a dangerous game. A sinister brotherhood that will do anything to induct Alec into their mystical order has followed him onboard. And Tess is now their most powerful pawn.
Tess and Alec fight the dark forces threatening to tear them apart, never realising that they will have to face an even greater peril before the journey is over…"

For many years now I have had quite, shall I say morbid fascination with the Titanic.   The whole idea of this stunning ship that was supposedly unsinkable, meeting its demise on its very first journey is absolutely amazing & ironic.  Now to add in Claudia Gray's fabulous imagination and some paranormal twists, makes for an even more exciting and intriguing tale.  This really is right up my street!!!!

Sunday 18 September 2011

New Blog Name!!!

So basically I decided my old blog name was just not bookish enough for my liking.  I've been thinking long and hard of a name that would be original, in the bookworld & fitting for what I read.
I don't know from where, but I got thinking of the Hunger Games.  I loved that there was districts for different things, like mining, agriculture, etc.  I thought well this is my home for young Adult books and so District YA came into being!!!

Hope you guys like it?!!  Now I just need to learn how to personalise the style a bit more!!!.....

In My Mailbox (30)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
Book links will take you to Goodreads


I am so happy to say that this week has been boring.  Nothing much has happened at all, which has made a lovely change.  My Mum is home and doing OK, still a little tender but getting there.  My cat is hardly going out bless him!  Must have shocked him wherever he got stuck.  Its heaven to have him back home!!
I only got one book this week, but its a good'un!!!

Won

This I won from the fabulous Carla over at The Crooked Bookshelf and was sent by the awesome people at Simon And Schuster.  This sounds a cracking read - can't wait to get round to it!!

Hoping you all had a pleasant boring week like mine ;)

L-L
xoxo

Friday 16 September 2011

Cover Reveal: Insurgent By Veronica Roth

I've had the pleasure of reading some truly amazing books this year, but my favorite book of the year & quite possibly in a very long time was Divergent By Veronica Roth.  I just have so much love for that book.  It had me gripped from beginning to end.  A little while a go we were told the title to the follow up would be 'INSURGENT' Today we got the reveal of the next cover......

I'm thrilled to see they have stayed with the theme of the original cover.  I really don't like it, when covers are changed mid series!!  I find it very interesting that the colours are slightly more muted.  Also that the fire logo has been swapped with a tree logo - what can this all mean????
Also that Bi line at the top 'One Choice Can Destroy You'  Eeeeeek that does sound ominous!!

This reveal has definitely made me even more excited for the follow-up.  I didn't think I could be more excited, but have gone and done it!!!  Now the long wait for the release.......

Review - Bright Young Things By Anna Godbersen

 "It’s 1929 and Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey have escaped their small Midwestern town to chase big dreams and even bigger secrets.

Amongst the glittering metropolis of New York City, they meet Astrid Donal, a flapper who has everything she could ever want, except for the one thing Letty and Cordelia have to offer—true friendship.

Set in the dizzying summer before the market crash, against the vast lawns of the glamorous Long Island mansions and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, three girls will find scandal, intrigue, and romance. . ."

OMG the cover is pretty awesome.  It tells you everything you need to know!!  The girl is in her fabulous 1920's dress, her hair is of the style, even the font is 20's style.  An absolutely perfect cover for the book!

I've had this on my book shelf for a few months and like with lots of my books, sadly its taken me a while to get around to reading it.  I'm so pleased I finally found the time.  It was also a treat to read something that didn't have a paranormal twist to it, however much I love that style something different once and a while is great.

The story kicks off by telling you the fates of the 3 starring ladies, but not who is dealt which card.  I didn't expect to read that at all, but it made me eager straight away to want to know more about how things unravel.  At first though I didn't realise this was going to be a series of books & so now I know that I'm going to become that much more involved with the characters and some sadness, heartbreak, happiness and more may be possible in the future.  Only the best books can make you feel that much emotion though, I think this may just do it!!

The story takes place in New York, an amazing city now and sounds just as amazing back in the glitzy 20's.  Two of the girls are actually from a small Midwestern town & I would imagine them to be on the naive side, which does reflect some what in the story.  They both seem to believe almost everything they are told, which to me would be unthinkable but I guess for the time it would be natural for girls to think everything is fine and wonderful.
Also the girls lack of asking questions means that the story moves a lot faster, so thats got to be a good thing.

The story is somewhat fanciful and idealistic in the people the girls manage to meet straight away.  This was a little unrealistic for me, but again it moves the story along nicely and doesn't spoil the story in any way.

I really loved the fact that the girls had such different storylines.  They all blended nicely in the book, but contrasted vastly.  It made for a very intriguing story.

The book really does go full circle for all the characters from the begining to the end.  Making this a rollercoaster of a book.  You could get sickness with all the highs and lows.
This all makes me so excited for the next book, which has just been released.  I hope it doesn't take me as long to get around to the next installment

Rating 3 1/2 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Razorbill

This Can be purchased HERE and at good book retailers

You can purchase the follow up book BEAUTIFUL DAYS HERE

Wednesday 14 September 2011

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (14) Legend By Marie Lu

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine
 

Legend By Marie Lu
Published in the UK By Puffin
Due For Release Feb 2012
Amazon LINK
Goodreads LINK

"What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills."

 
I heard about this back in July, when ARCs had started to be given out.  Like always I see a shiny cover and I am intrigued.  The American edition of the book sure is shiny.  But what intrigued me even more was the details about the book.  This simply sounds amazing, dysotopian (YES)  which is my big love at the moment. So excited!!!

Sunday 11 September 2011

In My Mailbox (29)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
Book links will take you to Goodreads


You guys are seriously going to get sick of me saying this, but I had yet another pretty horrendous week.  I'm actually so looking forward to this year being over!  Firstly my lovely cat Ollie has disappeared.  I'm so worried about him and miss him terribly.  Then my Mum got rushed into hospital.  She needs to have her gall bladder removed!!!  It just seems to be one thing after another!!
On a much better note I did get a couple of great things this week, so here they are.......


 Review


Gift

As I mentioned last week, my brother was lucky enough to attend DragonCon.  He very kindly took the time to go and meet the amazing Beth Revis & got me this signed postcard!!



That's my week, I'm so hoping this week will be better *PLEASE!!!*

Hoping you guys have had great weeks?

L-L
xoxo

My Cat came home late last night, he seems a little frail and very tired, but otherwise seems unhurt

Wednesday 7 September 2011

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (13) Article 5 By Kristen Simmons

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine

Article 5 By Kristen Simmons
Published By Tor Books (US)
UK Publisher not yet known!
Due For Release 14th February 2012
Amazon LINK
Goodreads LINK

"New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police — instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior — instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested don’t usually come back.

17-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. That life in the United States used to be different.

In the three years since the war ended, Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the Federal Bureau of Reformation. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow. That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And what’s worse, one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved."


I heard about this a short while ago and have not stopped thinking about it since. This just sounds incredible, just the sort of book I search for all the time.  I think this is one valentines day I'll be eager to see!!!!

Sunday 4 September 2011

In My Mailbox (28)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
All links will take you to Amazon


So this week has been pretty boring I'm sad to say.  I'm madly jealous of my brother, as he has flown out to Atlanta for DragonCon - boy would I love to be there, instead I'm watching X Factor, Oh well!  I did get a few books, that definitely took the sting off......


Bought

This is actually my THIRD addition of this book, but its not often you see a foreign addition of one of your favorite books in a shop.  I had to get it!  Hoping to get Cassie to sign it for me in a few weeks!


Received

This week I got to see the lovely Laura over at SisterSpooky: Bookfangirl she very kindly gave me these books that she has reviewed - Laura you are a STAR!!




These All sound FAB, I can't wait to sink my teeth into them!!!

Hope you guys had awesome weeks?!!

L-L
xoxo

Friday 2 September 2011

Review - Daughter Of Smoke And Bone By Laini Taylor

"Errand requiring immediate attention. Come. 
The note was on vellum, pierced by the talons of the almost-crow that delivered it. Karou read the message. 'He never says please', she sighed, but she gathered up her things. 
When Brimstone called, she always came. 
In general, Karou has managed to keep her two lives in balance. On the one hand, she's a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to a monstrous creature who is the closest thing she has to family. Raised half in our world, half in 'Elsewhere', she has never understood Brimstone's dark work - buying teeth from hunters and murderers - nor how she came into his keeping. She is a secret even to herself, plagued by the sensation that she isn't whole.
Now the doors to Elsewhere are closing, and Karou must choose between the safety of her human life and the dangers of a war-ravaged world that may hold the answers she has always sought"

I've seen so many covers for this book that I was quite confused as to which one was for the UK & as I was reading an ARC version that confused me slightly more.  I believe the cover picture I have posted is the final UK cover & I think it is rather pretty!!  The font style is very eye catching.  I would definitely pick this up in any book store!!

From the start I found this engaging and exciting.  The setting was quite different to anything I have read before & the writing style was both fun and refreshing.  Laini really does this whole writing thing in her own style and I like it a lot!!!

The lead character Karou, is possibly one of the feistiest characters I have read of.  She is seriously awesome & not very ethical in her wish use.  Secretly we'd all love to serve up some justice the way she does & so she is now my book hero!!

The book was generally set in Czech Republic which was very different & I really did enjoy that.  However I did become a little (a lot) confused after a while with all the different styles of names - both Czech and 'magical' This says a whole lot more about my intelligence, than what it does about the actual writing though.
There is also a lot of switching of scenes and even times, which again did confuse me a bit.  Coupled with the confusing names I did start to find the book to become a little hard going, as my mind wandered slightly.  I was so frustrated with myself more than anything as I wanted to absolutely love every second of the book, but sadly this made it hard for me.

But the book totally redeemed itself for me with an awesome conclusion, which to be honest left me with some questions and so wanting more.  I'm sure next time round I will be more familiar with Laini's writing style and the setting of this book world and so I'll be able to immerse myself into the story more easily.
I hope everyone will give this a go as this is a totally different style for YA!!!

Rating 3 1/2 Out Of 5

Check Out The AWESOME UK Book Trailers Below!!

Published In The UK By Hodder And Stoughton

Due For Release September 2011

This Can be purchased HERE and at good book retailers