In My Mailbox (7&8)

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

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So as some of you may know I was away last weekend at a Twilight convention, so couldn't post my IMM for last week :(  I decided to do a bumper issue this week though - ENJOY.....

 Bought

Spy Glass By Maria V Snyder

I actually haven't read the first two books in this trilogy, but now I have the third part I think I'll be making a start on the set soon!

 

 Souless, Changeless & Blameless By Gail Carriger

I'd seen these books quite a few times and was intrigued by them.  Then Jenny of Wondrous Reads saw a great deal on them, so bought them for me & I reimbursed her - shes an awesome friend!

Gifts

 

So not only did I have a great time at the convention, I also got to see one of my best friends Jenny over at Wondrous Read.  She is always spoiling me with great reads and this weekend was no exception!

Across The Universe By Beth Revis

I was so excited by this, that I started to read this as soon as I finished Delirium.  Another read I have been so excited for & so far am really enjoying!

Raising Demons (Hex Hall 2) By Rachel Hawkins

I only bought Hex Hall a little while ago, so haven't got round to reading it yet, but now that I have the sequel I'm excited to start it.  I've heard wonderful things

Wintergirls By Laurie Halse Anderson

This one I haven't heard much about, but I'm always trying to find different things to read & Jenny really recommended this one, so should be good for me!

Rules Of Attraction By Simone Elkeles

Another one that Jenny thought would be a good read for me.  Its been decided I need to read something other than paranormal or science fiction - Wise Choice I think!

Lament By Maggie Stiefvater

I have read this, but actually didn't have my own copy so am now the proud owner of a gorgeous UK copy!  I absolutely love what they have done with our covers!

Won

  

Anna And The French Kiss By Stephanie Perkins

I very luckily won this from Fluttering Butterflies during her blog birthday.  I have once again heard such wonderful things, I'm looking forward to trying this!

What did you guys get this week??? x

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

In My Mailbox (6)

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

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Welcome to another IMM.  This week I got just 2 books, but from what I hear these are both Awesome, so here goes....

Bought

1. Elixir By Hilary Duff

When I heard Hilary Duff had written a book I was extremely dubious, I just had no idea how it would work.  But I've heard some pretty good reviews & saw it in a sale, so thought why not :)

2. The Forest Of Hands And Teeth By Carrie Ryan

Another book I have heard really great reviews of.  I personally haven't read any books about zombies, so I'm very excited to try this one out!

Next weekend I am at Eternal Twilight 5 (Twilight convention in Birmingham) so I won't be doing an IMM then, I'll do a double one the following week!

Hope you all got some great books - Happy Reading x

Review - Mockingjay (Part III Hunger Games ) By Suzanne Collins

Warning Spoilers Possible!

"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge... The thrilling final instalment of this ground-breaking trilogy promises to be one of the most talked-about books of the year." 


I'd already heard some very mixed reviews for Mockingjay and with my just finishing Catching Fire, I was eager to read the finale and know what everyone was talking about, but mostly deciding for myself what my opinions were.  There were aspects that I LOVED, but there were also a few things that I was very unsure of.  I'll explain all shortly.

The cover is brilliant, I love the fiery colour of it.  For me it shouts all what Katniss is about & her role in the book.  Once again I think this would be equally appealing to boys and girls, which is fantastic.  Getting people into reading is so important, and I really do think covers can have a great impact.


Once again this kicks off, shortly after where the previous book left off.  All the blanks are quickly filled in, and you feel ready to get on with the story.  One thing I some times get bored of in books, is the way that the back story can be repeated a lot, which in some instances is necessary, sometimes not so much.  For me this book had the perfect balance & I didn't find my mind wandering at all.

Very early on in the story I felt myself questioning whether district 13 were any better than the capitol.  I'm not sure if this was completely intentional but it was a big indicator for how the story would evolve, for me anyway.  That said they Suzanne once again managed to pull off some amazing twists and turns, that I never saw coming.  Her mind is truly fantastic!!

Relative newcomers to the story Annie & Finnick - I ADORE them!!  They have the cutest relationship ever!  I just pray one day I am lucky enough to find my own Finnick!!
Also the revelations of Finnick's past absolutely shocked me (once again!)  I don't know why I didn't see it, but I absolutely didn't.  I was left aghast again as these books have managed to leave me every time!

Towards the end of the book is when I began to feel a little unsure and maybe not how I wanted the book to go.  I felt we were left out of the BIG part of the story where the book was heading to & it did make me disappointed.  I really wanted to see how our group of heroes were going to get to Snow, but as I say this didn't actually happen.  But it was explained so we do still have an idea of the events that happened.

Then as the story seems to be going to a close we get yet another twist, which as I have said before and will say again left me absolutely shocked!  I most definitely didn't see this happening!

The story then goes in what I can only say is a pretty depressing road.  Its understandable, but dark reading at the same time.

The whole love triangle finally gets resolved and I have to say I would absolutely have made the same choice as Katniss.  I'm actually going to be unpopular with some of my friends over this fact, but my choice was obviously the same as Collins and so must be the right choice *GRIN*

You get the end of the story and then there is an Epilogue - uh oh!  I really don't like Epilogues very much.  For me the story was ended fairly perfectly on the last words of the last page & then you get this whole load of other information that I didn't feel was needed.  But it in no way ruins the story or makes the story less enjoyable, I just felt it wasn't needed.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book & am happy with the resolution of the story.  The whole series was addictive reading and this was no different at all.  I really do urge everyone to give these a go!!!

Rating 4 out of 5

Published In The UK By Scholastic

This can be purchased HERE and in all Good Bookstores

Jane Austen For The Day

Anyone that knows me, knows I am a big fan of Jane Austen & the Bronte sisters works.  As soon as I know there is going to be another TV / Film adaptation I have to watch it.
Also though, luckily for me the authors were all English & so the books are England based.  That means I have the opportunity to visit the places that they lived and based their books on.

My Mum is also a big fan and we wanted to do something special for her Birthday.  We couldn't think of anything locally that would be extra special.  It occurred to us from somewhere it would be a good idea to drive 157 miles to Bath for the day - Possibly not such a wise idea, but oh so fun!

First thing we did was go to the Jane Austen centre.  This is in a building just a few doors away from where Jane once lived & is furnished in the style that it would have been when she was around.  It was a lovely quick little tour & so informative.  I learnt things, which is always good in my eyes.
They had the BEST gift shop too (yes I still love the gift shop) I had to get myself a few goodies.

Next we walked up the road to the Royal Crescent via The Circus.  This has to be one of the most beautiful roads ever!  Its a road you will have definitely have seen if you have seen any of the adaptations.  I got to walk the whole length of it & felt rather special for 10 minutes.

From there we went on to The Pump Rooms.  This is situated in the Roman Baths, which is in the middle of Bath city centre.  The Pump Rooms, was a meeting place for the socially elite & much how the socialites of today have to be seen at places like the Ivy, they would have wanted to go to these places.  This place was actually mentioned in 'Northanger Abbey' & some of the decals of the room that are mentioned in the book are still IN the room.  A major fangirl moment for me!
Nowadays the Pump Rooms, is a tea room so after our long walk we treated ourselves to cream Teas - How very English of us!!  There was even a man playing a piano, it was so atmospheric and lovely.  I just wished I could have been in a beautiful long dress, instead of my jeans and hoodie!!

It was such a wonderful day, I had to share my pictures with you - hope you enjoy.........

Road Sign for the Royal Crescent

 

Fountain & clock (below) which are mentioned in Northanger Abbey

Books That Make Me Go Ooooooh (3) Vampire Academy Graphic Novel

Vampire Academy - A Graphic Novel By Richelle Mead, Leigh Dragoon & Emma Vieceli

Due For Release 23 Aug 2011
Published By Razorbill
Amazon Link




Once again whilst tormenting myself with books I can't really afford, I came across this & had a complete fangirl flap!  My friends and I are huge Vampire Academy & comic fans, so this really is the very best of both worlds for us.

In My Mailbox (5)

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

All links will take you to Amazon

 

After last weeks motherload of books, this week has been a little slow.  But I did get some interesting bits that I have to share!  Oh and one of my most eagerly anticipated new reads......

 

Bought 

 

1. Delirium By Lauren Oliver

I have been SO excited by this book for so long!  I've so many wonderful things about it & it will definitely be my next read.  Just wait for my gushing review!!

2. Entangled By Cat Clarke

It seems that the majority of my friends have beat me to reading this one & the blurb for it sounds amazing.  Can't wait to give this one a read soon!

I also suggest you find Cat Clarke on Twitter - she is AWESOME!! @cat_clarke

 

 

I went to spend the day in Bath with my Mum this week (Blog post to come soon) And went to the Jane Austen Centre.  There was a gift shop, so of course I had to buy some goodies for myself!

 I got....

1. The History of England Booklet 

This was written by Jane Austen when she was a child & all the illustrations were done by her sister.  Too cool to not buy!

2 Pencils - I buy a pencil wherever I go - strange habit!

A Book style Bookmark

 

Heres a LINK to the centres website, well worth a look

Won

 

Quite possibly the coolest thing I got was a signed bookmark for Maggie Stiefvater herself!!!  She did a twitter contest, where the first 15 people to tweet their favorite scene from Linger got a bookmark.  I was one of the lucky 15 - Major GeekGirl Dancing Ensued

That was my lot for this week - hope you got some Great stuff too!!!

xoxo

Review - Catching Fire (Part II Hunger Games) By Suzanne Collins

"After winning the brutal Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen returns to her district, hoping for a peaceful future. But Katniss starts to hear rumours of a deadly rebellion against the Capitol. A rebellion that she and Peeta have helped to create. As Katniss and Peeta are forced to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. Unless Katniss and Peeta can convince the world that they are still lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying... The terrifying sequel to The Hunger Games." - Synopsis taken from Amazon

I have been super slow reading these books - I admit it!  I remember when the first book initially came out & seeing Stephenie Meyers rave reviews for it.  That got my interest, but when I read the blurb I really didn't feel it was for me.  I thought it was too boyish in some ways.  Boy am I glad I eventually changed my mind!  I should also say a big thanks to my friends for nagging me to finish the books!!  THANK YOU!!

As always I talk about the cover first.  This is really cool.  Its quite simple, but I think its appealing to both boys and girls.  Great colours too!!

This books kicks off shortly after where the first book finishes.  I really like this, makes you feel like you haven't missed much & gets you back into the story very quickly.

On a very hypocritical note something really bothers me about these books.  The animal hunting!!  I'm not even a vegetarian, so as I say its completely wrong of me to let this bother me, but it does.  I can categorically say that if I was Katniss & I had to kill for food, we would go without - sorry family for your impending deaths!!!

For me it has been very bizarre reading this book at the moment, as some of the things that happens in the districts is actually happening right now in places like Egypt & Tunisia.  I really did find myself thinking of the book when watching the news & thinking of the news whilst reading the book.  Proof of how good the writing is.  Suzanne did a fantastic job of writing of the turmoils they have to go through.

This book left me shocked.  Just when you think things can't get worse for the characters, it does and in ways that you can't even imagine.  But it doesn't stop this being absolutely compelling reading.  You become so involved in the characters lives, I really did feel the pain of what was happening to them.

I found putting this book down so hard, nearly every chapter ended with some sort of cliffhanger and just made me feel like I had to keep reading.
The last sentence left me with my mouth OPEN!!  I can't imagine how people felt when they read that & knew that they had to wait about a year for the finale.  Maybe my waiting wasn't such a bad idea, as I get to start Mockingjay now - YAY!!

This is an AMAZING book & a fabulous series.  Even if this doesn't sound like your sort of book, which is exactly how I felt please give them a go.  You will not be disappointed!!!

Rating 4 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Scholastic

This Can Be Purchased HERE And from all good book stores