Review: Requiem By Lauren Oliver

This is the third book in the series, so spoilers are possible...

Battling against a society in which love has been declared a disease, Lena now finds herself at the centre of a fierce revolution. But the Wilds are no longer the haven they once were as the government seeks to stamp out the rebels. And Lena's emotions are in turmoil following the dramatic return of someone she thought was lost forever...  taken from Goodreads

I was quite nervous on reading this book.  I adored Delirium, but wasn't as blown away by Pandemonium so I really wanted to love Requiem but was prepared to not like it as much as I wanted.  I actually ended up feeling a bit of both - weird I know!...

I loved that this story was being told from two very different perspectives - uncured Lena and cured Hana.  The lives of both are completely different as are their views, so alternating chapters of these parallels were so absorbing and fascinating.  I had trouble deciding which life would be the more favourable.  It was easy to tell which life would be easier but which life would really be better that took some major thought.  Given time it was actually an easy choice.  Although I hope we are never put in that kind of situation.

The end - oh I feel somewhat confused.  We did get an end, an end that was very enjoyable.  But it was over extremely quickly, the conclusion didn't take long to happen.  And when it did end, it wasn't exactly thorough.  You don't find out what happens in the long run, which bothers me.  I'm hoping that Lauren has some idea of extending on the story but maybe with different characters.  I'm also torn as to whether the events that took place would really have had that great an effect in the future.  Like I said I'm confused.

Although my reservations I did really enjoy this instalment of Lena's story and found it hard to put down.  I just can't help but want more!!  I am super eager to see what Lauren thinks up next. 

Rating 4 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Hodder And Stoughton

This Can Be Purchased HERE and From All Good Book Sellers.

Event Report - Foyles Creative Voices 1 - 2nd May 2012

On the 2nd May Neil at Foyles held the first in what looks to be a fantastic series of events.  Each event showcases current YA authors.  They get to share their stories of how they got where they are and also about their books.

The first events authors were the awesome Amy Plum, Ruth Warburton, C J Daugherty and Sara Grant.  I have read books by all the authors and so was really excited to meet all of them and find out where their stories stemmed from.

Photo courtesy of Serendipty Reviews

Going to the event was also an awesome way to catch up with all my bookish pals too!!  We actually got to the event rather early, so got ourselves front row seats.  I have to say it wasn't that wise of Foyles to leave a group of book bloggers unattended in a room at Foyles.  Much laughter and random tweeting ensued, including Viv capturing some of us warming up the seats for the authors.  It was a thrill to be in the main seats just for a while.

The amazing authors took to the stage, with a very eager audience excited to hear their tales.

Amy kicked off the sharing telling us about where the idea for the Revenants series came from.  She told us about her wanting to copyright the word Revenants - it was decided that, that would be rather tricky as its a very well used word.  Amy read a passage from the new book 'Until I Die'

Next up was Sara Grant.  We learnt about where the idea for the story came from.  It was fascinating to hear about her decision to go with the dystopian route.  Sara read a somewhat steamy extract from 'Dark Parties'  Anyone that hadn't read it, surely wanted to after hearing her read!

Ruth was the third author to talk.  It was quite fun to hear from her perspective being the only British author in the group.  I definitely could relate to a lot of what Ruth had to say.  She read one of my favourite passages from her book 'A Witch In Winter'

Lastly C J got to share her tales of becoming the author she is today.  Her book is somewhat different as it is more of a thriller, whereas the others all have the supernatural / different reality twists.  She chose a really exciting part of her story to read that definitely left people wanting more.

The next part of the event was the audience getting to ask questions.  For some reason everyone was rather shy and somewhat reluctant to speak with an audience.  But some great questions did get asked.  I for one need to get over my fear of public speaking!!

At the end we all got to go and get our books signed, which was amazing.  Its so exciting to be able to ask the person that knows the characters we have come to love the most.  Sara for one cleared up something that had been playing on my mind - I won't reveal as this has to stay spoiler free.

And so our evening come to an end.  An absolutely fabulous night was had by all and left me so excited for any upcoming events. 
Many Thanks to all involved in the evening!!

You can read event reports by Serendipity Reviews , Sisterspooky , Amy Plum - Yes Amy mentioned ME!!  Eeek!

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (44) The Blessed By Tonya Hurley

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

The Blessed By Tonya Hurley
Published In The UK By Hodder Childrens Books
Due For Release In The UK August 2012
Amazon LINK
Goodreads LINK

"Brooklyn teens Lucy, Cecelia and Agnes find themselves in the emergency room at Perpetual Help Hospital at the lowest point in their lives. Lucy, the superficial party girl; Cecelia, a drop out rock chick; and Agnes, a hopeless romantic. All rebels running from their lives and themselves, plagued by broken hearts and broken dreams. Enter Sebastian. Mysterious, compelling, seductive. He seems to bring each of them what they long for...

But in the battle for his heart, will they lose their souls?" taken from Goodreads


So technically I actually have a copy of this, but I still feel this needs WOWing as it just sounds fantastic.  For me this is a really unique concept and I'm so excited to see how it is executed!!

In My Mailbox (61)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren

All links will take you to Amazon

Some of you may know that we are awaiting the release of INSURGENT By Veronica Roth.  Rosi at Harper Collins, has sorted us bloggers into factions (I'm Amity) so slowly copies of the book are being sent out to faction members.  Each morning I have got up hoping that the book may have arrived, but so far not luck!!  Fingers crossed for this week - I NEED FOUR!!!

I did however got some other incredible books.....

RECEIVED

 Shooting Stars By Allison Rushby

This was sent to me from the author herself :D  It looks like a fab Contemporary read!!

White Horse By Alex Adams

I didn't expect this at all - was a lovely surprise!!  Thanks to Simon & Schuster for it!!

Until I Die By Amy Plum

OMG I LOVED The first book - am so excited to read this!  Thanks To ATOM!!

These are all from Hatchette - THANK YOU!!

Slated By Teri Terry

I've been eager to read this for ages, so am thrilled to have a copy

The Blessed By Tonya Hurley

This sounds very unique - loving the sound of it

Anna Dressed In Blood By Kendare Blake

I have been admiring this for ages now, thrilled to have the book to read!!

Thanks to everyone for the epic books!!!

Leanne

xoxo

Review - Pandemonium By Lauren Oliver

 As This Is A Sequel Some Spoilers Are Possible

"I’m pushing aside
the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana
and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame." from goodreads

I've been extremely excited for the sequel to Delirium, since devouring it last year.  I'd never considered what a world without love would be like till reading that and it literally had me thinking about it ever since.

The UK cover is beautiful.  It is quite fitting with the location of much of the book.  However I was slightly disappointed that it was so different to the first cover.  I do like to have some sort of theme that runs through and couldn't see it with this.

On starting the book I was astonished to find where I was in the story.  Quite some time has passed and things have evolved vastly, which just made me eager to read on and find out what has happened.

You find out that the book alternates between two times, just after the last book and sometime in the future.  The shifting between the two times made me more and more curious as to how things could change so much, but like I said it makes you want to read faster to try and find out whats, what.

At times I found the descriptions of 'then' to be somewhat over descriptive.  I felt I just wanted to read about the characters and wasn't so excited to read about what was surrounding them.  This possibly is somewhat down to me being impatient and just wanting to know everything already.

I found reading about the struggles of the 'wild' very hard to comprehend.  I even started to question if the life Lena had before was THAT bad.  You realise what they are fighting for is worth it and hopefully in the same position people would fight for the same.

Pandemonium was completely different to Delirium and so not at all what I was expecting.  As I had certain expectations, I didn't find it quite as enjoyable as I thought I would.  That said I was really engrossed with the end and am extremely eager to read the finale and see how it all ends!

Rating 3 Out Of 5

Published in the UK By Hodder And Stoughton

This Can Be Purchased HERE and at all good book retailers

Valentines GIVEAWAY!! Delirium UK HB And SWAG!!

Sadly I am lacking a valentine this year, so decided that I'd make my valentine one of you lovely guys!!!

 

  Up for Grabs I Have:

Delirium By Lauren Oliver - UK HB 1st Edition

Simon Pulse Tote Bag

Signed Becca Fitzpatrick Crescendo Poster

Signed Kirsten Hubbard Bookmark

Assorted Postcards, Bookmarks & Book Samplers

To Win All You Have To Do Is Fill Out The Form Below!!

 

In My Mailbox (48)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren

Book links will take you to Amazon

I wasn't expecting a particularly exciting week to be honest.  Didn't have any books ordered that were due & no plans.  But how things can change at short notice.  Got some great buys, got sent a book & got an invite to a fantastic event.  So yeah I think my week worked out!!  

Bought

 The Future Of Us By Jay Asher And Carolyn Mackler

I have wanted this since I heard about it last year.  I'm so intrigued by the idea of it!!

A Witch In Winter By Ruth Warburton

I have heard such great stuff about this and so had to treat myself to it!!

Received

 Legend By Marie Lu

I've wanted this one since last July - it just sounds incredible!  Thanks to Puffin for sending it to me!!

 So the special event I got to go to was a dinner with Amanda Hocking hosted by the fantastic people at Macmillan.  I'll write up a full report on the event soon, but in the mean time these are the goodies I got

Switched By Amanda Hocking

This sounds awesome!!  And of course is signed!!!

All These Things I've Done By Gabrielle Zevin

This I am really excited by!!!

The Reapers Are The Angels By Alden Bell

I'd not heard of this one before, but have been told its fantastic.  Shall get to this as soon as I can!!

Tell The Wolves I'm Home By Carol Rifka Brunt

This is a bit different to what I'm used to.  Hoping it will be interesting though!

That was my week of bookish goodness!!!  Till next week

Leanne

xoxo

Cover Reveal: UK Pandemonium By Lauren Oliver

This week Hodder & Stoughton released the UK cover for Pandemonium, the exciting sequel to Delirium by Lauren Oliver.  It feels we have been waiting forever for this release and I couldn't click fast enough to see it.

My initial thought was 'Interesting'  I can't say I was totally in love with it straight away.  I liked that there was the bird theme in keeping with the first book.  I also thought it was interesting that they have gone with the same colour scheme as the American cover, but a completely different style.
I'm very intrigued to see if the cover is anything key to this part of the story.  I think this one will be a grower for me!!

Pandemonium is due for release in the UK on 1st March 2012

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (21) Pandemonium By Lauren Oliver

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine 
 
Pandemonium By Lauren Oliver
Published In The UK By Hodder
Due For Release March 2012
Amazon LINK

"I'm pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite."

Delirium was without doubt one of my favourite reads of 2011.  It was a story that I could immerse myself in 100% and have since recommended it to so many people.  I'm so desperate to know what happens next & know I'll find it hard to put down my copy once I get it!!!

The UK cover hasn't been released yet, but here is a peek at the US cover.  I wonder what beauty we will get???  

Daughter Of Smoke And Bone Book Launch

On Monday 3rd October 2011 I was very luckily invited to the launch party for Laini Taylors new book 'Daughter Of Smoke and Bone'
I lucky enough to be given an ARC copy of the book back in July and read it pretty much immediately.  It was set in such a fantastic world, that I am so eager to read more about (beforehand I need to brush up on fantasy names though!!)

Anyway back to the launch.  I took my lovely Mum as my plus one.  We'd never been to an event like it before so knew we were in for a treat.
We arrived at the venue a little early, which I felt terribly guilty about but I am one of these that would rather be early than late!!  The venue was in a side street, where you wouldn't particularly expect to find a bar.  We got there and met one of the lovely bar staff at the door, she told us to go downstairs into the bar (Yep the bar is in a cellar!!!!)

 As we were early we sat in a corner out of the way at first, this was actually amazing as I got to absorb my surroundings.  The bar is in a Victorian style and so the lighting was mostly candles, with just a few lights here and there.  There were barrels for tables, stools were covered with vintage style sugar bags.  There were even dead flowers, which may sound weird but fit in with the setting 110%  I even found a little side room that had a BATH in it!!  Check out this photo!!

Then some of my blogger friends arrived, it was my first time getting to meet some of them so was both daunting and exciting.  They were absolutely lovely though and made me feel so much more comfortable!!  A huge stream of people then started to arrive and we were shown round to the larger seating area.  There were so many copies of Daughter Of Smoke and Bone lining the tables - wow such a gorgeous book!!

Andrew AKA Pewterwolf & me

The bar staff were making all sorts of cocktails, that I was sadly a bit too chicken to try - I'm so gutted now!!  One of the cocktails even changed colour :O
They made us all kinds of strange and wonderful foods, like smoking meringues that made people look like they were breathing fire.  We had chocolate air, that literally melted as it hit your tongue and so you were just left with a wonderful chocolate taste.  There were also vegetable bone marrows and garlic styled tomatoes - those were very interesting!!!

In between the cocktails and food we were introduced to the lady we'd all come to meet Laini Taylor.  She looked so happy and bubbly chatting away to everyone.  But her hair is just the most amazing thing I have ever seen - its BRIGHT PINK!!!  So awesomely cool.
There was a huge queue of people waiting to meet her and get their books signed, so I waited back a while and got to meet some of the amazing people at Hodder, can I repeat they are AMAZING!!  All were so nice and welcoming, they really made me feel part of their group.
Eventually it was my turn to meet Laini - she was amazing!!  I told her how much I loved the book, but that I really need to brush up on fantasy names as they did confuse me somewhat.  Laini was lovely enough to pose for a quick picture with me........

Me And Laini, with my Mum making a cameo behind me!

This was such a unique and wonderful evening that I will never forget.  I felt a VERY lucky girl!!

You can find my review of the Book HERE

I would love to take the opportunity to Thank Laini and Hodder & Stoughton for such a wonderful evening.

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