Review - The Immortal Rules By Julie Kagawa

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for. taken from Goodreads

I heard about this at the Mira Bloggers event I was lucky to attend in March.  I've been meaning to read the Iron Fey series for what feels like forever.  So when I heard that a whole new series was being written I was so excited - I do like to be there at the start of a series and there was no way I was going to miss this one.

The cover is brilliant.  Very understated but tells you EVERYTHING you need to know.  I love the touch of the blood dripping from the girls eye - very chilling.

On starting the book I was instantly scared - the new world depicted is horrifying.  I felt unnerved that humanity has become what it is.
 Allie is our main character and she has to fight for a very meagre existence on the streets avoiding the predators that are hunting them.  She despises vampires the most, that is until one day she has the hard decision of either dying or becoming one of them.  The thought of having to become the thing you hate the most is awful and reading Allie's transition is tough.

She does have an incredible relationship with her creator though - I felt it was like the vampire equivalent of Buffy & Giles - that's a show I adore, so worked amazingling for me.

It was incredible to read of more traditional vampires again, that are all essentially evil and cannot be reformed.  It really did read like they are something to be truly scared of - how they were originally meant to be!!

Something that gets mentioned in the books is the Vampire cities where the vampires live - these really weren't explored in the book which disappointed me greatly.  I really hope they get more coverage in the next part of the story.

I understand that Julie was very hesitant to write a vampire story, but I am so pleased she went against that and started a series after all.  This is a fantastic first part and I'm gagging to see what comes next!!!

Rating 4 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Mira Ink

This Can Be Purchased HERE and from good book retailers

Review - Dead Rules By R.S.Russell

When Jana Webster dies in a tragic accident, she finds herself transferred to 'Dead School' in the afterlife, where students fall into distinct cliques. Risers (good kids who died innocently), Sliders (bad kids, who have one foot tied to earth) and Virgins (there are fewer than Jana would expect). Jana's boyfriend and love of her life - Michael - is still in the land of the living. Michael is Romeo to Jana's Juliet and as the story goes... even death can't keep them apart. Tired of waiting for him to kill himself over his grief of losing her, Jana decides she needs to do it for him. To kill Michael she'll need the help of a dangerous and sexy Slider - Mars Dreamcoate. But Mars has a goal of his own: he wants to save a life to atone for having taken one in a drunk-driving accident. And to complicate matters, he was trying to save Jana when she died and saw what was really going on when her 'accident' happened. Jana decides to do whatever it takes to get Michael back, and nothing - not even Mars' warm touch or the devastating secret he holds about her death - will stop her.  - taken from Goodreads

The first I actually heard of this book, was when I received it in the mail.  From looking at the cover & then reading the blurb I was definitely excited.

The cover is very dramatic.  The girls face and features are so eye catching and almost sinister looking without having anything remotely scary about it.

On starting this I have to admit I was hugely confused.  It was kind of like I was dropped into the middle of a story with no explanations - its like you are expected to already know what has passed.  So from the start I have to say I had trouble connecting to the story.

Then came my next lot of what I can only call confusion came, the characters were so blase about their current situations.  Something seriously HUGE has happened to all of them and especially the main character Jana is essentially just 'oh well nevermind' I just could not grasp this attitude.

But this all blends in eventually and you realise the story is basically a black comedy / drama.  The way some of the kids have to 'live' is very darkly comical - you almost feel guilty for giggling to yourself.

The story really got going for me towards the end, I found I was more intrigued and wanting to know the conclusion of the story.  The end kept in with the black humour theme - you definitely couldn't say it was a happy ending for all.

This was an interesting story that had mirrors to the book series Ghost Girl and to the TV show Dead Like Me - both of which I loved, so there were definitely some parts that I really did enjoy.

Rating 3 Out Of 5

This Is Published In The UK By Quercus

This Can Be Purchased HERE and from good book retailers

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!!

Top Ten All Time Favorite Characters In Books

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

I haven't done a top ten in a few weeks I'm sorry to say - I just didn't quite have time for it, plus my mind went blank on things to feature.  I am liking this weeks top ten though, so thought I'd jump back in......

1. Four From Divergent By Veronica Roth
As I tend to say A LOT Four is my fictional husband and so its easy to say he is one of my favourite characters.  He is the finest specimen of fictional writing

2. Magnus Bane from Mortal / Infernal Instruments Books By Cassandra Clare
The dude is a legend - he just oozes awesome


3. Fred & George Weasley from Harry Potter By J K Rowling
They are just incredible - funny, sweet, loyal - everything you could want from a character

4. Manchee from The Knife Of Never Letting Go By Patrick Ness
Manchee is a dog, but the fact you can read his thoughts make him all the more personable & down right lovable

5. Tris From Divergent By Veronica Roth
The first lady I have added - but a cracker of character, she kicks serious ass!!

6. Yelena from Study Books By Maria V Snyder
Such an amazing character that showed incredible strength, yet stayed so like able

7. Rhine from Wither / Fever By Lauren DeStefano
Another character that goes through so much, yet keeps determination to keep fighting - a true heroine

8. Karou from The Daughter Of Smoke & Bone By Laini Taylor
Such a sassy chick - I kinda want to be her, but maybe without the heartache

9. Alex from Hunting Lila By Sarah Alderson
Alex is just the best - I want to find me an Alex!!

10. Harry Potter By J K Rowling
For me he is the king of all characters - he may not make me swoon, but he is the greatest in every way possible - all hail King HARRY!

Review - Unrest By Michelle Harrison

'Seventeen-year-old Elliott hasn’t slept properly for months. Not since the accident that nearly killed him. Sometimes he half-wakes, paralysed, while shadowy figures move around him. Other times he is the one moving around, while his body lies asleep on the bed. His doctors say sleep paralysis and out of body experiences are harmless - but to Elliott they’re terrifying.

Convinced that his brush with death has attracted the spirit world, Elliott secures a job at a reputedly haunted museum, determined to discover the truth. There, he meets the enigmatic Ophelia. But, as she and Elliott grow closer, Elliott draws new attention from the dead. One night, during an out of body experience, Elliott returns to bed to find his body gone. Something is occupying it, something dead that wants to live again . . . and it wants Ophelia, too . . . '

I first heard that Michelle was going to be releasing a YA set book when I was lucky enough to meet her last year at a bookshop signing.  I'd heard everyone raving about her '13' series - which I own but am still to read (I'm so slow!) but I was still extremely excited and thought what a great way to introduce me to her work - reading in a style I'm more familiar with.  I'm thrilled to say I LOVED it!!!

The cover is absolutely genius!  Its very subtle, but so effective.  It just shows that loads doesn't have to be happening for it to still make an impact.  Bravo to the art team!!!

The book starts with a very creepy chapter that pretty much sums up what you are about to read - this is some unsettling stuff and had me instantly gripped.

As you read you are given snippets of Elliott's life, some of which is very normal then others very paranormal - for me this made the story relate able but then fantastical giving just the right balance to get you into it, and considering the possibilities of what has happened to the character.

I LOVED the place that Elliot ends up working at.  I so wish there really was this museum - I would be there A LOT!!  Past Lives gets a huge thumbs up from me.
Plus the home location of Elliott is actually fairly close to where I live - I had a major geek out over that - I could have passed Elliott in his fictional world!!!

I had times of not necessarily knowing where the story was going, but this just made reading the story even more enjoyable.  It just made me want to read it even more, meaning less time for real life stuff, whoops!!!

I must admit I did guess the twist at the end, but only JUST before it happened, so I spent plenty of time in suspense.  It was super clever and not obvious for me at all - I do love a surprise!!

For me this has to be one of the best UK set YA books I have read in a very long time.  I adore Michelle's writing style and am praying that she has more YA fiction to come in the future!!!

Rating 4 Out Of 5



 Published In The UK By Simon And Schuster

This Can Be Purchased HERE and From Good Book Retailers

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

Mira Ink Bloggers Event

In late March Mira Ink held their very first bloggers event.  To my absolute shock they invited me along, plus made room for my co-reviewer aka my Mum Sue!  This brought problems for my Dad, as he now how TWO very excitable ladies in the house - whoops!!

We'd never been to the area that the Mira offices are in, so decided to go up a little earlier and get a bit of shopping in.  Literally any excuse!!  Apart from spending money I didn't really have we also saw a celebrity doing the school run - I had to hold Sue back from seriously fangirling - anyone would think I was the Mum. 

Eventually it was time to make our way to the offices, where we were given such a wonderful warm welcome from the ladies that run the show. 
We were given these super cool name badges so we all knew who everyone was - those things are so handy!  If only they could be used day to day!!
There was a fabulous array of food and drink on the table, that made my mouth water.  We were all nervous of being the first person to tuck in though - Everyone was on their best behaviour it seems.

On every chair in the room there was either a red or black bag - inside everyone was 7 books, sweets & nail varnish - Could this event get any better??  It did, but more on that later!!

Once everyone had arrived and all the extremely excited chatter had died down (slightly) the presentation of Mira's upcoming books started.  We are in for some MAJOR treats....

NEW GIRL By PAIGE HARBISON - They call me 'New Girl'...Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.  Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.  Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend…but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.  And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.  This is a modern retelling of Rebecca - Due For Release in MAY

THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET By KADY CROSS - In 1897 England, 16-year-old Finley Jayne is convinced she's a freak. No normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch. Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special . . . that she's one of "them."  This one was in our bag of goodies.  Its been on my wish list for FOREVER, so super happy to have this.  Sue has already reviewed this one HERE - Due For Release In June



BEFORE I WAKE By RACHEL VINCENT - I died on a Thursday—killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul. The good news? He didn’t get it. The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school…Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent “recovering,” she’s back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend.  But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won’t keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn’t just gambling with her own life…. I haven't read any of this series, but am told I am hugely missing out so I really must get on the bandwagon.  There is one more book to come in the series called 'WITH ALL MY SOUL' - Due For Release in July


CRAVE By MELISSA DARNELL - When Savannah Colbert returns to school after a mystery illness, the fact that she has changed is clear to everyone. None more so than every school girls golden boy Tristan Coleman. Ever since their first kiss in fourth grade, Savannah and Tristan have been cruelly and inexplicably banned from associating with each other. Now, as the pair navigate the tricky social life of high school, the truth is about to be revealed.   As Savannah learns of their paranormal ancestry and Tristan deals with the repercussions of her new powers, the relationship they have been denied for so long becomes utterly irresistible and all consuming. Like Romeo and Juliet centuries before them, Savannah and Tristan’s love is destined to fail; and Tristan’s powerful magical family, the Clann, are watching - This is out NOW


PUSHING THE LIMITS By KATIE McGARRY - No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with “freaky” scars on her arms. Even Echo can’t remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo’s world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.  Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she’ll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again - This is the first in a series.  Book two will be called DARE YOU TOO.  Katie kindly took the time to film a video message for us attending the event too!! - Due For Release in August


SAVING JUNE By HANNAH HARRINGTON - When her older sister commits suicide and her divorcing parents decide to divide the ashes, Harper Scott takes her sister's urn to the one place June always wanted to go: California. On the road with her best friend, plus an intriguing guy with a mysterious connection to June, Harper discovers truths about her sister, herself and life.  - This is a debut release.  The book comes with a full track listing in the back, which would help set the mood of the book.  We also had a video message from Hannah. - Due For Release In June


SPELLBOUND By CARA LYNN SCHULTZ - Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.  But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else. - This was described as a witchy Gossip Girl, sounds pretty cool to me! - Due For Release In September

THE IMMORTAL RULES By JULIE KAGAWA -  Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad. Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike. But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for. - This I have already read and LOVED, its incredible and I can't wait for everyone to have read it too.  I'll be taking part in the UK blog tour for this coming soon - Due For Release In May


So if we weren't excited enough by all the bookish news and cakes, next up we got to have a video call (Skype) with Julie Kagawa!!!!  This could have potentially gone really bad as we all know how unreliable technology can be, but shockingly it went amazingly.  Here's my cliffs notes on our group conversation:

• Julie had an idea for a post apocalyptic story, but was kind of encouraged to write a vampire story.  She merged the ideas together and so became the Book of Eden trilogy
• She told us that the characters in her stories aren't based on the modern ideas of good vampires, but the more traditional idea of vampires being evil
• Julie has no input on the covers of her books, but so far she has been thrilled with what has been devised
• The best advice Julie would give to an unpublished author would be to keep writing - get as much practice in as you can.
• Julie has been reading more YA books - mostly fantasy, dystopian and a little sci - fi
• A recent read was Daughter Of Smoke And Bone
• Julie loves to play the Sims - she is a is gaming fan
• Julie writes in an office - she has to be solitary and finds twitter a big distraction

Julie also showed us one of her chicks - they are ADORABLE!!!  


After our conversation of EPIC we continued our mingling for quite a while.  Its lovely to be in a room of people that share the common love of books.  Its a good oportunity to geek out and basically be yourself.


Our evening then sadly came to an end, but I can honestly say it was a wonderful evening.  Seeing as the ladies at Mira had never held an event before they seriously knew how to treat us well.  THANKS TO ALL AT MIRA INK!!!

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