Review - Angel By L A Weatherly

"Willow knows she s different from other girls. And not just because she loves tinkering around with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into peoples futures, know their dreams, their hopes and their regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where she gets this power from... But Alex does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows Willows secret and is on a mission to stop her. The dark forces within Willow make her dangerous and irresistible. In spite of himself, Alex finds he is falling in love with his sworn enemy."

UK Cover

I've had my copy of this just over a year now.  I bought it as Lee was doing a signing at a Twilight convention I was attending and would never pass up the opportunity to meet the authors of books.  I have to admit though that I didn't really feel an overwhelming urge to read the book.  I really think that was down to the UK cover that just doesn't do it for me.  The girl looks somewhat freaky and the colours just don't work for me.  Having now read the book, I so regret judging this book by its cover - I so enjoyed it!!!

The star of the book is a girl named Willow.  She is basically the girl I wish I could have been growing up.  She is so comfortable in her own skin.  She wears what she wants and is exactly the person she is.  What a fantastic role model for all girls out there!!

This story is very different to any Angel based story I have ever read before.  This was totally refreshing and opened my eyes to a completely different way of seeing how angels could be perceived.

US Cover

You get to read this story from the perspectives of different people on different sides of this big battle, which again is amazing.  You can see every one's point of view and has you at times wanting to shout out the actual truths over what people think.  I found this really emphasised the story and didn't break any mystery or suspense.

Our two main characters are Willow and Alex.  They are both some what dysfunctional and have what would be considered strange upbringings.  Yet they are thrown together through apposing factors and yet find this heartwarming common ground and understanding.  Its truly wonderful.

The story lost pace for me a little in the middle, but got back on track for the end.  There is quite a time constraining passage in the book which had me imagining the movie of this book, with an epic romantic rock song playing over the top.  It made me quite excited!!!

This has to be one of my favourite angel themed books I have read and has left me itching to read the next part of our unexpected duo's tale

Rating 4 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Usborne

This Can be Purchased HERE and from good book retailers

 ANGEL GIVEAWAY HERE!!!!

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

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

Books That Make Me Go Ooooooh (12) Dearly Departed By Lia Habel

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


Dearly Departed By Lia Habel
Published In The UK By Doubleday Childrens Books
Due For Release September 2011
Amazon LINK

"From the ruins of a cataclysmic ice-age a new society has emerged, based on Victorian customs. Nora Dearly, a feisty teenage girl and apparent orphan, leaves her exclusive boarding school for the holidays to return home - only to be dragged into the night by the living dead.
Luckily for her, this particular crack unit of zombies are good guys - sent to protect her from the real nasties roaming the countryside and zeroing in on major cities to swell their ranks. Nora must find a way to defeat the evil undead with help from Bram, a noble, sweet and surprisingly hot zombie boy for whom she starts to fall..."


I only heard of this recently.  I'm so glad I have though, as this sounds like it mixes my favorite things - Teen years, Historic setting, Romance, ZOMBIES - I NEED TO READ THIS.......NOW!!!

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (11) Twilight: The Graphic Novel Part 2

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine
 
Twilight: The Graphic Novel Part 2
By Stephenie Meyer 
Art By Young Kim
Published In The UK By ATOM
Due For Release 11th Oct 2011
Amazon LINK

"Having uncovered the dark secret of her enigmatic classmate, Edward Cullen, Bella Swan embraces her feelings for him, trusting Edward to keep her safe despite the risks. When a rival clan of vampires makes its way into Forks, though, the danger to Bella has never been more real. Will she make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people dearest to her?"

OK so Twilight has become kind of old for some people, but its what reignited my love of books and made me feel passionate about something again which I hadn't felt like in forever, so the series will always be special to me.
I loved the first part of this graphic novel and am so excited to see the second part.  I adored the artwork in the first & am sure I will feel the same about this.

Review - Forever By Maggie Stiefvater

"In SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. An love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing" 

Beautiful cover as always with this series of books.  Very similar style, although the colour scheme went a bit out of the window as they had already used the only black & white combinations that they could.  The silver is nice and shiny though - I like a lot!!

Possibly the most exciting book release for me this year.  I've been addicted to the Sam & Grace love story from the beginning.  I even bought the US hardback editions, I am that much of a fan!!  Then book twos introduction of Cole had me a giggling school girl.  I tell you, what I feel for him is true love!!!

The story starts of with a rather big scene - amazing way to start the book.  You're then left wondering how long as passed since the end of the last book.  It doesn't feel like long, but that is soon answered.

When Maggie says that she quite likes to induce tears in her readers she is not joking.  From very early on in the book, I was left feeling so sad.  I must say parts were in 'The Time Travelers Wife' style for me - yep that sad!!!

As with the other books Maggie kept writing from different peoples perspectives.  I love that.  You really can see the change in speech and thought.  Its really fun for your mind to adjust from one person to the next in quite short spaces of time.

I was left questioning some of the processes in the book at times and felt a little confused, but this was generally cleared up quickly and so I wasn't left scratching my head too much.

Towards the end the book takes quite a dramatic turn, which was expected seeing as its the last book in the series.  I really enjoyed the 'BIG' scene.
Sadly I have to say the conclusion to the book wasn't quite what I was hoping for.  For me there was rather a large question still left unanswered.  I have read and enjoyed other books that have done similar things, but with this book I really wanted a thorough ending and so felt some what cheated of that.  None the less this is a great finale and I'm still and always will be a huge Maggie fangirl.  I'm itching to read The Scorpio Races!!!

Follow-up
Since writing this review it seems there has been lots of speculation as to whether Forever ended on a cliffhanger or not.  Maggie has stated that it doesn't, but still for me there was a little too much speculation.  I really do think everyone should read this & then tell me their thoughts on it!!!

Rating 3 1/2 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Scholastic

This Can Be Purchased HERE and at good book retailers

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (8) The Carrier Of The Mark By Leigh Fallon

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




The Carrier Of The Mark By Leigh Fallon
Due For Release In The UK 27/10/2011
Published In The UK By HarperCollins Childrens Books
Amazon LINK

"When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. She makes close friends with the girls in her class, her relationship with her dad is better than ever, and she finds herself inexplicably drawn to gorgeous, mysterious Adam DeRis.
Adam is cold and aloof at first, but when Megan finally breaks down the icy barrier between them, she is amazed by the intensity of their connection. Then Adam reveals a secret about the magical destiny that will shape both of their lives but also threatens to tear them apart…"

I've not seen a great deal of publicty for this book, but recently saw the cover and thought some more investigating was due!  This sounds pretty darn fab!  I know some people may be getting a little fed up of the paranormal / romance / fantasy genres, but for me it never gets old!  Really looking forward to grabbing a copy of this!!

Review - Delirium By Lauren Oliver

"There was a time when love was the most important thing in the world. People would go to the end of the earth to find it. They would tell lies for it. Even kill for it.

Then, at last, they found the cure.

Now, everything is different. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Haloway has always looked forward to the day when she'll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But then, with only ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable"

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this book for so long.  I've heard so many rave reviews for it so I literally started to read it, the day I got it.  Here's what I thought......

Firstly the cover - I love it!  I love that they went with hardback.  For me hardbacks really are the best way to read a book.  They just look amazing.  The cover art I felt was very simple, but so effective.  For me it kind of sums up the way the characters live.  Like they are all basically hidden.  I also love the use of the birds.  For me birds always symbolise freedom & that again is something I feel the characters don't have & what Lena the lead character is searching for.

The premise for this book is amazing.  As soon as I read the blurb I wanted to read the book.  I was really interested to see how a world without love would be depicted.  I can confirm that the world that is written about is tragic & somewhere I never want to live!  But it is such an interesting place to read about.  I found it shocking that even parents don't have a strong love for their children.  I'm incredibly close to my Mum & it made me feel sad to think that our relationship wouldn't exist as it does now, in this book 'world'

For me Lena was really easy to relate to, even down to the small things like her height & views, we are scarily similar in some ways, except I don't have an Alex and I REALLY want an Alex!  He is Divine.  Just the kinda new Fictional Husband I have been searching for!!

Whilst reading this I couldn't help thinking of a couple of films.  The cureds were just like 'The Stepford Wives' for me.  I found them kind of robotic, and just functioning for whatever purpose is chosen for them.  Whereas the kids or Uncureds reminded me of the dancers in 'Dirty Dancing' Its like they are doing stuff that the adults won't approve of, but actually aren't doing anything harmful.  I love that a book could make me think of those.

At the beginning of every chapter Lauren writes a passage, sometimes they are poems, sometimes they are from medical journals of this world.  All of these I found incredible & I couldn't wait to start a new chapter to see what was written.  I particularly like the Rhyme at chapter 6 - check it out!!

The name for the illness of love is so awesome!  'Amor Deliria Nervosa'  I will forever try to keep this ailment in my life!!!

I found the end of this book brought out so many emotions in me.  It was thrilling, then heart warming, then heartbreaking.  But ultimately enjoyable!  I'm really eager to see what happens in the next installment.

As you can probably tell I really did enjoy this, but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I hoped I would.  As always I blame myself for this, because I over hyped it for myself & it would have been really hard for any book to have reached the expectations I had set.  I'm going to try really hard to set my sights so high - yep its gonna be a struggle.....

Rating 4 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Hodder & Stoughton

This can be purchased HERE and at all good bookstores

Review - The Replacement By Brenna Yovanoff

"Mackie Doyle is a replacement - a fairy child left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago, to replace the baby when it was stolen away by the fey. So though he lives in the small town of Gentry, Mackie's real home is the fey world of tunnels and black, murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess. Now, because his fey blood gives him fatal allergies to iron, blood and consecrated ground, Mackie is slowly dying in the human world. Mackie would give anything just to be normal, to live quietly amongst humans, practice his bass guitar and spend time with his crush, Tate. But when Tate's baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably back home to the fey underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem, where he must face down the dark creatures, rescue the child, and find his rightful place - in our world, or theirs"

This was actually the first ARC I was given during San Diego Comic Con.  I'd just seen blogs written about it days earlier, so it was fresh in my mind.  When the lady got it out of the box for me I could have danced - I was so psyched!!  I'm just so sorry it has taken me so long to read it, but I got there & boy did I enjoy it!!

As always I start with my thoughts on the cover.  As I had a US ARC I have the amazing cover with the pram & scary ironworks dangling over it.  This has to be one of the creepiest covers ever & I LOVE IT!!!  Its so atmospheric & gives such a good indicator of the theme of the book.
That said I do really like the UK cover too.  I mean what girl doesn't like looking at a cute guy???  And he is kind of how you imagine the lead character to be, so great choosing on the model.

When I read on the blurb this was very Tim Burton'esqe I was again really excited, as I love Tim Burton's work.  I have to say I totally agree with that.  This is very quirky, unusual, off balancing & in places very dark.  For me it was a great change to the usual YA books I read.
This was also very different in that it has a male Narrative.  That hardly ever happens in the books I tend to read & again it was a really nice refreshing change.  I would definitely like to read more from a boys point of view.

A small thing I really loved about the book, was that it had chapter titles.  Again this doesn't happen all that often in YA books & for me I found it great.  It gives you a sneaky idea of what the upcoming chapter has in store.  I love it!

The book does plod a little at times, it has growing intrigue which is both exciting and frustrating.  You do get the feeling you want to shout 'WHATS GOING ON???' But in this case that is how the characters are feeling too, so it really does put you on an even par.

I found the story in some ways relate able - I know that sounds strange (as far as I'm aware there isn't a sinister underground where I am living) but in the fact of nearly everyone I know is trying to find their place in the world & where they fit in.  I think this would especially ring home to teenage readers & maybe even give some answers, as towards the end of the story some of these questions are worked out by Mackie.

I can officially say I was SO SCARED towards the end of the book.  For me it took a somewhat sinister turn, and I literally had to remind myself to breathe.  I did enjoy that though, not often books bring out that reaction in me & in a weird way it was fun (what is happening to me o.0)


This is a fabulous first book by Brenna.  I'm really excited to see what she comes up with next & really hope to read more of this dark sinister world

Rating 4 Out Of 5

Published In The UK BY Simon & Schuster Childrens Books

This can be Purchased from HERE & all good bookstores

Review - Masquerade By Melissa De La Cruz

This week I got to start the second of the Blue Bloods books.  I really wasn't sure what to expect, as the first wasn't quite what I was hoping it would be.  I have to say I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this installment!!!

Again the cover first.  I adore the UK covers, which are what I have.  They are just that bit more sleeker in my opinion.  I adore the mask that is depicted on this one too - I'd happily wear that & trust me sometimes I could really do with a mask!!!  But although not to my taste the mask shown on the US addition is actually more accurate to the books depiction.  I've posted pictures of both covers - What do you think??

This installment started with a change of location to Italy - another of my most wanted places to visit, so I really enjoyed that.  Quite a bit of action & adventure ensued so it was a great way to jump into the book & story!

I love the dog companions that are in the books.  I adore dogs & have 5 of my own, so I always get a nice feeling when they are spoke of so fondly in books & on TV.  I do really worry for their safety though.  I know authors quite like to isolate their heroes & its said that loss makes characters stronger.  This may be true, but please not the dog that is all I ask!!!  Just to point out Beauty is safe & sound in this book, its just a concern of mine for future books.

The relationship between Jack & Mimi, I do kind of understand, but it makes me incredibly uncomfortable.  There are some things that just aren't right in my opinion & there affection is one of them.  But I have a strong feeling things will go right in the end - I hope!!


I adore the character of Ollie.  He is just the perfect friend - can I have one of him please??!

This finished with lots of revelations, that literally left me with my mouth WIDE open!!  Always amazing to have that reaction to a book don't you think!!  There's also a fabulous cliff hanger - I'm so eager to start the next part already!!!

Rating 4 Out Of 5

Published in the UK By ATOM

This Can Be Purchased HERE & In Good Bookshops

Review - Paranormalcy By Kiersten White

Confession Time Again....I didn't actually know what this was about when I got it & even started to read it.  I knew it was YA & must have a paranormal theme to it, just down to the name (So perceptive me!!)  This was way different to anything I could have imagined & I LIKED it!!

Again I'll start with the cover.  Absolutely stunning, really love it.  Apart from the fact that the lead character is blond & the girl on the cover is blond I don't really see any other indications as to what the book is like.  From the cover you would expect quite a dark tale & to me this really wasn't.  The story even made me giggle a few time!!

This is such a great idea for a story.  I would say the story is a cross between Buffy the Vampire Slayer & X-Files, that makes an awesome story base in my mind. 

It was a little hard for me to get into at first, but mostly that is my fault for not finding out about the story first.  Once I did though, I had no problems.  It was actually really nice to read a paranormal story that was different & kind of quirky.  

What I really enjoyed about the story was that Evie (the lead character) was a reluctant hero.  So many books you read, the 'heroes' are so gun ho & ready to get themselves in dangerous situations, but for once the character didn't want too.  All she wants is a normal life & I found this far more relate able than a lot of the other stories out there.  That said it doesn't mean there isn't plenty of action, because believe me LOTS happens. 

Evie's love interest (yes there is still love interests) is quite unique & totally awesome.  I highly approve of him!!

This is a GREAT first book & I'm really eager to find out where this is going to go, with the sequel coming out later in the year.  I'm also thrilled to have a new series to get into!!

Rating 3 1/2 out of 5

This Can Be Purchased Here

This Is Published In The UK By Harper Collins Children's Books

Review - Last Sacrifice By Richelle Mead

So I've been waiting for this finale for so long & to be totally honest it got a little ruined for me by the flu that I am still going on about. I just can't believe something got in the way of my reading, seriously is shocking!!

One of the first things that I wanted to talk about was the change of cover again. I was stunned that the publishers did decide to change the covers again at such a late stage. I do actually much prefer the new style, for me they say a lot more than just looking at a girls face. I find the patterns they have picked to be beautiful & I love looking to see what other things I can spot. It is unfortunate now that my books no longer match, oh well its whats inside that counts!!!

This book needed to tie up a lot of ends & I had no idea how Richelle was going to manage it. She really had woven such a complicated messy web, but obviously Richelle is hugely talented & my wonders were wasted, she knew exactly what she was doing and where she wanted the story to go, it did take a while to get there though.


I really do feel that story took me through just about every emotion I could go through, highs & lows, tears & laughs but where I ended was with a fully rounded conclusion and a feeling of contentment. We were given a great end to story & am so grateful to Richelle for the ride.

Now I'm eagerly awaiting the spin off series, which cannot come soon enough. I hear there will be a few characters making the jump from this series to the next. Its going to be exciting stuff......

Rating 4 1/2 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Puffin

Review - Matched By Ally Condie

I was very lucky to be given an ARC of this book at a Twilight convention, from my awesome friend Jenny at Wondrous Reads . I'm ashamed to admit its another book I hadn't heard of until getting it & when I saw some of my friends responses to me saying I had it, I guessed it was something I needed to read as soon as possible.

Its actually a very different book for me to read, as I don't tend to go for futuristic style, but from reading the blurb even I thought this sounded pretty awesome. I don't think I can convey HOW awesome it actually is!!

The setting is an incredible, futuristic land where every ones lives are pre-mapped for them, from what they eat for breakfast to who they will spend the rest of their lives with. Everyone is engineered to be as perfect as they can be & everyone is incredibly content with this way of life. On reading this I could totally see this one day happening. It was almost like reading an autobiography, except its in the future (and obviously fiction) I have to admit, I did feel like this is a land I could have been quite happy in living in. Not having to make any hard decisions & just doing what you are meant to. I guess that shows some of my lazier streak, eeek!!


Of course nothing is ever perfect and its not until the story evolves that you realise how much people are doing because they are told to and not because its what they want.
I quickly decided that maybe things are better the way we have them - debatable I know!!

The story revolves around a girl called Cassia & her finding her place in the society that has been decided for her. She finds herself torn between a love chosen for her & a love she has chosen for herself. She has the hardest decisions to make and I do not envy her one bit. Although I wouldn't mind the attention from 2 wonderful guys!!
You soon realise how much everyone is being watched & that secrets are just not possible, with harsh punishments for anyone going against the rules.

This really got me questioning life & the future (my future). I always find it incredible when a book can do this & a young Adult book at that, which I don't think get enough credit for their impact.

This is without a doubt one of the best books I have read this year, I can't recommend it any higher. Its a world you can completely sink yourself into & forget everything that is going on around you.
I urge you go and get this book AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, you will not regret it!!!!
Now I just have to wait for the sequel - how longs that going to be???......

Rating 5 Out Of 5

Published in the UK By Puffin

Review - Nightshade By Andrea Cremer

This year I got so lucky - my brother took me to San Diego comic con - I have always wanted to go & was expecting the different TV stations & movie makers to be there. What I didn't expect was that there would be publishers. It really was a heavenly few days for me.

Well in the end I spent a lot of my time with the publishers & was luckily given a few ARCs. Nightshade was one of them. It was a book I hadn't actually heard of. I read the blurb & saw the words werewolves & that got my interest immediately!
Well just about 3 weeks ago I still hadn't got round to reading this & my friend Krystal, asked if I had it & if so read it immediately. Well I am not one, to not do what I am told!! I started reading this the next day!

I was instantly gripped!!!
I found Calla to be a wonderful lead & was so eager to know what she would do next, although at times I felt like shouting at her 'NO DON'T DO IT!!' These female characters make me realise how safe I live my life!!!

Calla has two guys that a fighting for her attention - Ren & Shay. Very different names, but memorable, I like it when things are different.
They are both great characters, but I personally wasn't drawn to either one of them, so there was no teaming for me on this story.
I did find both the guys to be very pushy & I have to admit, this was something I was not 100% comfortable with. I'm not saying they are bad guys at all, just that especially in the beginning of the book they are quite demanding. I think there is some redemption as the story goes on though.

I loved Andrea's use of pop culture references. Two of my favorites have to be a reference to Voldermort & Dark Horse Comics - this made me so geekily excited, I even tweeted my friend my excitement!!

I really enjoyed reading about the wolf packs & how Andrea used facts of animal packs & worked it in to the story. The characters acted how I would imagine they would & it was fascinating for me.
Another fascinating aspect for me was the fact that the packs had 'masters' It really made me think of Victorian style stories, with the characters doing as they were told & living to serve. Its something you don't expect to read of in modern set books & so was quite an appealing change.

The book has twists and turns you wouldn't believe. It had me gripped from the word go! I'm desperate to read the next installment & really do hope it picks up from the cliffhanger end!!!

Rating 4 1/2 out of 5

This Is Published in the UK By Atom Books