Top Ten Tuesday #2

Hello everyone, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted at The Broke and the Bookish. This weeks theme is top ten books I'd give a theme tune to though in my case I pick may pick multiple.

1) The Hunger Games- I can think of a few songs that would go with THG. One being Broken Arrow by Pixie Lott (Watch video here) for the obvious reference to arrows and also the lyrics remind me of Katniss and Peeta's relationship. Safe and Sound By Taylor Swift which is actually going to be in the film, perhaps as Rue's lullaby (watch here). And finally Save A Life By The Fray, this song always makes me want to cry it's so sad but it really reminds me of Katniss's struggle to keep Peeta alive and then all of the deaths which she could not stop. (Watch here).

2) Clockwork Prince- This was a hard one as it's set in Victorian times but I think Centimeters Of London by Coldplay is quite a good one. It's about London and these lyrics stood out to me: "For the curses to be broken. We go underneath the arches where the witches are." Mentions of curses and Witches (aka Warlocks) sound familiar to you? (Watch here)

3) Shatter Me- I thought the song Stranger by Secondhand Serenade was perfect for this book. It completely sums up Julliette and Adams relationship, comparing Julliette to an angel but also saying he was terrified to meet her. Who wouldn't be? She can kill you with one touch! (watch here)

4 and 5) VA/Bloodlines- It's hard to pick songs for this actual book but I can easily pick them for Adrian so that's what I'll do. The Lazy Song By Bruno Mars at the start of the series because... well it's so him (watch here) . Breakeven By The Script I think would be perfect for him when he's totally heartbroken over Rose. (Watch here) and also Grenade by Bruno Mars (watch here). Also I'm going to predict the future and say in one of the next few books when he gets over Rose Gives You Hell by All American Rejects (watch here).

Well I can't think of another 5 songs but to be fair I did put 10 songs. What songs do you think are perfect for your favorite book? Tell me!
Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Wither By Lauren DeStefano

Hello everyone, this is a review of the seventh Dystopian book this year. I'm really enjoying this genre (any dystopia suggestions would be appreciated). I'd been putting Wither off for a while because it seemed to have a complicated concept and after Mockingjay I didn't want another book that made my head hurt. I couldn't have been more wrong about Wither. Although it did have a complicated plot it wasn't ridiculously fast paced so I could keep up. Wither is set in a world where women live to the age of twenty and men twenty-five. Rhine only has four years left when she is kidnapped to be a bride. She is forced to marry Linden but cannot help liking him when she really wants him to repulse her. But as she and Linden grow closer she realises how oblivious he actually is. During her time as a bride she meets Gabriel, one of the servants and realises they share the same dream. They both crave freedom. Here's the official synopsis:

"By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children. When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape--before her time runs out? Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts to escape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom?"

I really enjoyed this book and I loved the concept. It's an brilliant idea. I also really liked the characters, they were deep and developed. Clueless Linden, intelligent Jenna, spoilt Cecily, amazing Gabriel and of course strong compassionate Rhine. Yes you heard me right, I really liked the heroine. This book is really gripping, it pulls you right in. It left me wondering what my life would be like if it was that short. I would recommend Wither to dystopia lovers and even those who don't usually like it. I would give this book 4.5/5 stars and the only reason it's not a five is it was a tiny bit slow at the beginning.

My Favorite Quote
“I always knew I was an excellent liar; I just didn't know that I had it in me to fool myself.” - Rhine

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Hello everyone, I really don't know why I read this book. I love the TV series of it and I knew the book would be a disappointment. Nonetheless I read it. Pretty Little Liars follows Aria, Spencer, Hanna and Emily's lives after the disappearance of their best friend Alison. All of the girls are grief-stricken but underneath the grief there's relief. Alison no longer controlled their lives or that's what they thought. Each of them has a secret that no one knows. No one but Alison that is but three years after her disappearance could Alison really be alive? That's what it seems like when each girl begins to receive anonymous messages about their secrets. All signed A. But who is A? Alison is still controlling there lives when she's not even there.

Here's the synopsis:

"Three years ago, Alison disappeared after a slumber party, not to be seen since. Her friends at the elite Pennsylvania school mourned her, but they also breathed secret sighs of relief. Each of them guarded a secret that only Alison had known. Now they have other dirty little secrets, secrets that could sink them in their gossip-hungry world. When each of them begins receiving anonymous emails and text messages, panic sets in. Are they being betrayed by some one in their circle? Worse yet: Is Alison back? A strong launch for a suspenseful series"

This book was a disappointment. Even for my low expectation. The problem with Pretty Little Liars is it has an awesome storyline but I don't think it is executed very well. I found this book very predictable which may be because I've watched the series or it could be that it's just a predictable book. I don't really like the characters, I feel that the are not very well developed and kinda annoying. I much prefer the TV series of this as with Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle. The only thing that kept me reading was the need to know who A was but apparently you still don't know in book 10. It's not likely that I will keep reading this series but you never know. Curiosity may get the better of me. I would give this book 2/5 stars. I don't think I would recommend it but I do recommend the TV series!

My favourite quote:
“Only two can keep a secret if on of them is dead.”
Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Author Interview: Michael Cargill

Hello everyone, I've decided since so many authors are so willing to do interviews I'm going to try and post one every Sunday so if you want to participate in this let me know. I have one for next Sunday and the one after, you see I'm actually trying to use a schedule. I may become impatient and post one early though so look out for them. As for today I have an interview to keep you going until next Sunday.

Tell me about yourself

I am 32 years old and currently living in the harsh ghetto that is Surrey in England.  Writing books is actually a recent thing and by day I work in IT for a large company.  In school I wasn't a fan of writing stories at all but I was a dab hand at fiddling around with computers.  At home I had a Commodore 64 and spent hours and hours of my youth typing in outrageously long codes and commands just to get a ball to bounce around the screen. These days I can be found pounding the treadmill down the gym trying to breathe life back into my creaky knees.  Listening to old Prodigy songs from the early 1990s helps with that actually.  Occasionally, when the endorphins are in full flow and my favourite beepity-boppity techno nonsense tune is playing, I kid myself that I can still climb trees and run up steps without feeling stiff the next day.

Tell me about your book/s

So far they are all short stories but each one I have written has been longer than the one I did before it.  My very first one, Diary of a Dork, is actually completely different to the others and is a collection of short and sarcastic humorous article type things I wrote over the course of a few months.  I love reading about World War II and I couldn't resist the temptation of telling a couple of stories set during that time.  They are probably my favourite of what I have written so far. I dipped my toe into the world of horror with Slaughter in Barnaby Close but I don't think I will write many more.  I created backgrounds for people who just ended up having their heads chopped off which sort of spoiled the fun really.  Maybe it was my lack of self-control that was the problem but I think thriller-esque stories are far more interesting.  You can setup scenarios that leave people clenching their buttocks in anticipation of what happens next and then POW!  Something unexpected happens.

What are your favourite books?

Good question this.  Pet Semetary by Stephen King was, I think, the first non-fantasy novel I read and is still a favourite.  Many people have said that it takes too long to get going but in all honesty I didn't notice it as the characters were so good.  I enjoyed The Stand as well.Some of Michael Crichton's books have had a scary amount of research put into them but this has resulted in the man putting out some very believable and engrossing stories. More recently I have been enjoying the various books written within the Halo universe.  Yes, that's 'Halo' as in the Xbox game!  No doubt some would turn their noses up at them but as a fan of the games they are a top read.

Who is your inspiration?

I would say that Stephen King is my biggest inspiration.  The characters he creates are fantastic and the way he uses italics to show what the character is thinking is something I have, erm, utilised to one extent or another.  Other writers do the same thing of course but King seems to do it the best. Michael Crichton as well to an extent.  If you are going to do write about a particular theme or topic then you need to do some research on it.  As a reader of WWII history I have been able to draw on my knowledge to write stories set during that time.

Are you working on any books we should look out for in the future?

Yes!  Well, sort of.  I only recently finished my latest one so nothing has been written down or typed in anger yet.  I have some ideas bouncing around so it won't be long before I break the seal again.  I know the general theme/angle I am taking which makes things easier for my pretty little head to deal with. I think it might well turn out to be my first novel rather than being a short story.  Only time will tell!

What is your favourite quote?

"Beans, beans, the more you eat the more you fart" - My grandad, 1988. To be honest my answer to this could change day by day.  "It is well that war is so terrible -- lest we should grow too fond of it." by General Lee during the US Civil War is a good one.

"A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon." by Napoleon as well.  It borders on satire and is potentially insulting to some.  But ultimately it is true.

If you could be any character from any book who would you be?

I read a book about the Apollo moon landings so I would love to be Neil Armstrong as he went to the moon.  But that's a cheating answer. I quite liked Nicholas in The Runaway Jury by John Grisham.  He was a normal bloke who knew when the big, nasty tobacco companies were trying to exploit him and he was a smart one.  John Cusack played him in the film which I wasn't too keen on.  The man looks like he has never shaved.  I bet even Justin Bieber could beat him in an arm wrestle.

Who is your favourite author?
Stephen King is the main one.  Honourable mentions to Michael Crichton and John Grisham.

Gosh, I never realised how mainstream I was.  I also like Max Hastings and Antony Beevor for their historical non-fiction books.

Take that hipsters.

What advice would you give young aspiring writers?

Practise and confidence is the key really.  If you re-read something you wrote a few days ago and feel embarrassed about the mistakes with the grammar, sentence structure, etc. then take that as a positive sign.  No writer is capable of pouring forth paragraphs and paragraphs of perfect prose right off the bat; they have an army of proof-readers and editors who pick and pluck away at every single sentence they write. When you first write a story it is more about getting the ideas down on the paper than anything else.  When writing I am usually aware that I have typed an awkward sentence but I leave it as I know I will fix it during the proof-reading stage.  And believe me you will need to proof-read it more than once!

Want to do an interview? Let me know!
Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Blue Sky Days By Marie Laundry (Guest Review By Melanie Cusick-Jones)

Hello everyone, today I'm happy to say we have a guest review by Melanie Cusick-Jones. I'm happy about this for two reasons, One I love guest reviews and two it's less work for me! You may recognise her name, no it's not you going mad it's because she's the writer behind the amazing book Hope's Daughter (Read my review here). Anyway I will stop going on, enjoy the review.

With my YA reads this year, aside from The Hunger Games I've been trying genres that I don't normally read and as far as possible - indie debut authors. One of the things I like best about the good indie authors I've read is that the freedom of publishers and others shaping the book means that the story is exactly what the author wanted to tell and in the way they wanted it. If you look at an author as an artist, then this freedom is a good thing. 

So...Blue Sky Days...this is a contemporary romance in the main, a genre I don't often read and so in some ways this was a refreshing change. In many YAs I read, the romance is something that comes along with action and angst and great danger. This book is almost a complete inversion of that model - the 'action' and 'danger' have significance and grow out of the romantic theme.

I'll not be giving anything away - as the blurb tells you - that after a beautiful initial romance, Nicholas becomes ill - so you can hopefully see what I mean about where the 'danger' comes from. In many ways it was good to read a book about real danger...the things that threaten people's lives every single day, the hardship that people have to endure through serious and terminal illness and how that impacts the relationships they have with those around them. 

I'd read several reviews prior to reading Blue Sky Days and knew that many readers had found this an emotional book to read - unsurprising given the subject matter - and I certainly found it thought-provoking for the same reasons, not necessarily identifying completely with Emma and her experiences, but her responses and perspective made me consider things in my own life that perhaps you don't take the time to focus on enough in daily life. Every moment for Emma and Nicholas becomes precious and special, placed under a microscope because of their situation, and their relationships with friends and family are very affectionate and open - despite their difficulties, it is a world many people would want to live in. 

Emma's narration is very interesting - it is so personal and open emotionally, that I felt like I were reading her thoughts in a diary. In this way it is unlike other YA books I've read - the depth of her self-reflection and knowledge were much greater than others I've read, however, this may be more typical of romance genre (and I wouldn't know!) :) In turn, all of the characters close to Emma are very similar - very emotionally open and articulate their feelings regularly through unguarded dialogue or affectionate gestures. Some readers might find that openness unusual - but as Emma regularly notes, she finds it hard to believe herself, given her past experience with her mother - and for the style of book, it all works together well. Right from the start of the book Emma is on a journey, transitioning from a life of eduction and boundaries to a new world of independence and she draws you into this as though you are absolutely a part of her life, just as Nicholas, Daisy and the other characters do for her. 

'Blue Sky Days' themselves - as you discover in the story - are these wonderful moments of time and clarity, when you look at the world around you and see what is truly important: the people you care about, the beauty in the world around you and the things that change your life. 

Blue Sky Days feels like a very personal book. The characters, situation and emotional intensity feel as though they come from real experiences and perhaps this is the case. I rarely read author's acknowledgements in books, but for this I did and feel that there is a real and important connection between the author and this story, more than most. And this brings me back to the beauty of indie authors - this is Marie Landry's and Emma's story, told exactly as it should have been. 

Overall a lovely book, to be read with the knowledge that you're delving completely into someone's life and - just as I read in another review - Blue Sky Days will make you feel. 

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Want to find out more about Melanie? Well she's a devoted blogger and reviewer at Aside From Writing and as I said before she's the author of Hope's Daughter which I really recommend you read.

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

I Got Interviewed!

As my title tells you I got interviewed, it's really strange because I'm not even famous (yet) but it was quite fun. The interview was posted on the awesome blog Aside From Writing. To check out my interview and this lovely blog go here. I'd love you to check out my interview and I'm positive the people behind Aside From Writing would love more followers (Who doesnt?).  I really hope you like it.

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Shatter Me By Tahereh Mafi

Hello everyone, I've been waiting to read this book for SO long! And eventually I got hold of it. Shatter Me is a Dystopia novel, I have been reading a lot of Dystopia lately. Shatter me follows Juliette, she can't touch anyone. The last time she did there were devastating consequences.Her touch is lethal. Everyone thinks she's a monster, Juliette thinks she's a monster. That's why she's been locked away where she can never hurt anyone. She's been on her own, not spoken to anyone in 264 days. That is until someone is thrown into her cell with her, but who is he and why would they put him in with her? The world Juliette lives in is dying; disease is killing off most of the population, the sky is the wrong colour and the birds don't even fly anymore. But what can Juliette do when the Reestablishment decide that she may be a useful advantage in their twisted plans?
Here's the synopsis:

 "Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now. Juliette has to make a choice:

 Be a weapon. Or be a warrior. "

I really enjoyed Shatter Me, the only problem was how fast I was reading it. I had finished the book within a few hours. It was really unique and it always suprises me how unique each and every Dystopia themed book is. How do these authors think of these things? The descrition in shatter me was so beutiful, Julliette who has been imprisoned and isolated still has a mind full of kindness and beauty. I loved nearly all of the characters; Juliette, Kenji, James and Adam. Especially Adam, he was such a sweet character. For once I actually really liked the heroine in the book, she may have been my favorite character along with Adam. I loved that what ever the world threw at her she never stopped being kind, compassionate and she wasn't one of the girls who are always complaining. In fact she never complained. I would rate this book 5/5 stars and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel, Unravel Me.

My Favorite Quote:

“I spent my life folded between the pages of books.
In the absence of human relationships I formed bonds with paper characters. I lived love and loss through stories threaded in history; I experienced adolescence by association. My world is one interwoven web of words, stringing limb to limb, bone to sinew, thoughts and images all together. I am a being comprised of letters, a character created by sentences, a figment of imagination formed through fiction.”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

One Foot In The Grave By Jeaniene Frost

Hello everyone, I'm reading much to fast at the moment! Yes this is like my fourth book this week. Anyway One Foot In The Grave is the second book in the Night Huntress Series. It is set four years after the first book, Cat Cr- I mean Special Agent Cat Crawfield is still killing bad vamps only now she's doing it for the government. She's left the badass Bones 'for his own good' but Bones being Bones has tracked her down and Cat finds it very hard to fight her feelings for him (who wouldn't? a hot vamp with an English accent would be very hard to resist). But now someones trying to kill Cat and she needs Bones to help her find out who it is. Many secrets are revealed and Cat finds out more about her family and what being a half-vampire actually means.
Here's the synopsis:

"You can run from the grave, but you can't hide . . .

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She's still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind. Being around him awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline kick of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head—wanted: dead or half-alive—means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard she tries to keep things professional between them, she'll find that desire lasts forever . . . and that Bones won't let her get away again."

What to day about this book, well... Okay who am I kidding, I loved it. I know in my review of the first book I was a little negative because of the explicit-ness but I'm over it. I had forgotten that it wasn't supposed to be YA. Anyway I really did enjoy this book and although Cat annoyed me sometimes it was mostly because I was embarrassed for her. Some of the things she said were definitely cringe worthy. Yes I don't hate the heroine (or the hero). I pretty much liked all of the characters except Cat's mother but who does like her? She is so annoying. Parts of this book were totally hilarious and others VERY steamy (Chapter 32!). As with the first I wouldn't recommend this to anyone under 14/15. I would give this book 5/5 stars. Really whole numbers used to be rare for me! I need to read some bad books just to add in some variety. There will be another review soon of Shatter Me which I'm sure will be another 5 star review but until then I bid you farewell (Don't ask).

My favourite Quote:
“She's my kitten, and no one else's.” - Bones referring to Cat

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Hello everyone, I know how you all love author interviews. Luckily we have another one.

Tell me about yourself.

First, let me say thanks for having me on your blog. I appreciate the interview and the opportunity to talk with you.  As for me, I’m a retired tax accountant.  With my children grown and having decided to sell my building and tax practice, I finally have time in my life for writing.

What inspired you to begin writing?

I’ve wanted to write as far back as I can remember. I asked for a typewriter for Christmas when I was seven, too young to understand that there was no money for such an extravagant gift.  Later, in high school, my practical parents encouraged me to learn skills that would lead to a job; there was no money for college. Writing was viewed as frivolous. My father was an artist, but having had to face the depression and coming from an immigrant family, as a young man he had to learn a trade to make a living.  Art was frivolous.  Eventually I did go to university, finished a bachelor degree with honors and a masters degree.  If I had it to do over, I wouldn’t listen to anyone, I’d take a masters in creative writing. 

Tell me about your book.

Destinies is an historical novel set in the 18^th century.  Catherine II has seized the crown of Russia and a thousand miles away a Rhineland boy’s life is forever changed.  Christian Kehler’s parents and their friends respond to Catherine’s invitation to come live in her empire. The new empress is anxious to drag her backward country out of the dark ages and the Europeans are the skilled artisans and agriculturists she needs.  The story is told in two voices: Catherine’s viewpoint as she struggles with the intrigues of court and her lover’s infidelities - but mainly from Christian’s perspective, the obstacles, crises and joys he encounters as he grows up in his new country.

Who is your favourite character in your book?

I couldn’t narrow it down to one character as I have deep feelings for several of them. I adore the Gypsy, Siri, but then who could help but be enchanted by her.  She wasn’t planned for; she just walked into this story and wouldn’t leave. I feel strongly about the Russian blacksmith, Doshinski, too. I think they, along with Christian himself, have been the characters that readers have most identified with. 

What is your favourite genre?

Hmm, difficult to choose between historical fiction and a good crime thriller.  I read one genre until I am about ‘burnt out’ and then go to the other. Back and forth. I like them both even though they are so completely different.  Often I read a totally different genre just for fun.

Who is your favourite author?

I admire many writers but James A Michener and James Lee Burke rise above the crowd. Both are superior wordsmiths. Michener’s imagination knew no bounds

and he had the word skills to take you along with him on his journey. Burke’s beautiful prose has to be read; none of us has the ability to describe it.

Who is your most inspirational person?

I’m a Libre and always seem to struggle with two choices although Confucius says that a man of wisdom is never of two minds.  Even so, I couldn’t choose between Dr. Martin Luther King and Mohandas Gandhi.  There are women I admire and hold up, too, however these men represent core strength that I consider difficult to grasp.  Brave, ethical, unbendingly committed to their beliefs, they are awesome to me.

What is your favourite quote?

“This, too, shall pass.”  If we believe this, it sees us through the most difficult of times and also puts excess pride in ourselves into perspective. 

Are you in the process/planning of writing another book?

I thought I was.  I had been working through the first chapter, pretty much knowing the overall story, when a whole new approach occurred to me.  Now I have a problem I wasn’t anticipating at all.  The Muse is like that. Just when you think you have things wired. . .

Do you have a job alongside/before writing?

Not a job such as my tax practice was, but I do have a small houseful of Pomeranian dogs.  I’m a sometime dog show enthusiast and always an owner whose dogs come first.  They are as much of a job as I care to have these days.  Truthfully, though, other than wanting to be fed on time they’re not too demanding and usually wait for attention while I write or do other projects. 

What tips would you give young aspiring writers?

I’ve been writing articles on my blog and also for Ezine magazine on this very subject, tips for new writers. The bottom line of each article, said or unsaid, is to never quit. Anyone who wants to write needs to write. And write. And write.  There are techniques to be learned, and they certainly should be learned, but while reading and studying one must also write. Don’t quit. Don’t give up. Write.

Why did you want an interview on my blog in particular?

I was pleased to discover your blog and to read your interviews as well as to see that you are doing reviews. I consider that alone as commendable. I also like it that you show your favorite books to be mostly in the YA/Paranormal genre yet you are eclectic in your reading, from Vampire Academy to Diary of Anne Frank.  Impressive. I wish you great success with your blog.

For more infomation visit: http://www.karleenemorrow.com/

Are you an author and want to do an interview? Do you have a review you want me to publish? Or do you want to do a guest post? Well don't hesitate to contact me!
Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Mockingjay By Suzanne Collins

Hello everyone, yes it's so sad I finished the final book in The Hunger Games series. I had HUGE expectations for Mockingjay and I don't know if it lived up to my expectations but it was a really good book. Warning this review may contain spoilers for The Hunger Games and Catching Fire.

Mockingjay follows straight on from Catching Fire, Katniss survived her second Hunger Games by being rescued by the rebels, Peeta was kidnapped by the Capitol and District 12 has been destroyed. Katniss is taken to District 13 and then given a decision to make. She can leave all the Districts to the wrath of the Capitol and never see Peeta again or she can become the rebels Mockingjay and lead the revolution. Either way the outcome will be her fault. But what will Katniss decide to do?

"Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains - except Katniss. The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay - no matter what the personal cost."

I found Mockingjay slightly disappointing, this could just be because it's the final book (which is very upsetting)  but the ending made me angry. I'm not going to tell you why because that would be a huge spoiler but lets just say it wasn't my desired ending. This book starts quite slowly but by the second part it starts to speed u, by the end I think it goes a little too fast so the ending is a little hurried. Mockingjay truly broke my heart near the end though I can't tell you why but I was very close to tears.Another thing is there was nowhere near enough Peeta, he needed to be in it way more! I would give this book 4/5 stars. I've heard very mixed reviews about this book so I'm interested to know, what did you think? Were you disappointed?

My Favourite Quote
“Well, don't expect us to be too impressed. We just saw Finnick Odair in his underwear.”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Catching Fire By Suzanne Collins

Hello everyone. Suzanne Collins has done it again, she had created another unforgettable book and caused me to lose even more sleep. Even when I finished the book I was kept awake thinking about it. Beware this review may contain spoilers if you haven't yet read The Hunger Games (and if you haven't do not leave it any longer to). Catching fire follows straight on from book one so in other words it's Katniss dealing with the aftermath of winning The Hunger Games. Before you freak out don't worry Peeta's a big part of this book as well. But after the stunt they both pulled at the games Peeta and Katniss may have unwillingly made a rebellion against the capitol all the more likely. Katniss has been given an ultimatum, convince everyone she's head over heels in love with Peeta or there will be tragic consequences. The ones of you who thought they may get a break after the games couldn't have been more wrong.
Here's the synopsis:

"Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create. Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn."

I had high hopes for Catching Fire and it didn't disappoint, I have to say I did prefer the first in the series but I loved this one nearly as much. There are a few new characters in Catching Fire who are a lot more likable than in the first book including Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason. Also existing characters like Haymitch seem more developed. So Peeta, where should I start with Peeta. I LOVED him in CF, he is so... I don't have the words but he is my favorite character in the books, Finnick is close behind though. Katniss, I don't hate her. Yes it's a miracle but I think she's one of my favourite heroines. I think the reason I like her is she nearly never needs saving, she a strong independent woman unlike many heroines. She needs to be a bit nicer to Peeta though. I would give this book 5/5 stars but not as high as the 5/5 I gave the first (it makes sense!). Also the film is coming out in the UK on the 23rd of March and personally I cannot wait. I'm going to see it near enough the moment it comes out. If it's rubbish and ruins the book for me I will be seeking revenge but for now I'm excited about the film. Watch the trailer here. There's going to be four films so they are going to split Mocking jay in half (I'm currently reading Mocking jay and its not going so well unfortunatly). Are you going to watch the film? Do you think they will fail like -in my opinion- Twilight did? Lets hope not.

My Favorite Quote
“Really, the combination of the scabs and the ointment looks hideous. I can't help enjoying his distress.
"Poor Finnick. Is this the first time in your life you haven't looked pretty?" I say.
"It must be. The sensation's completely new. How have you managed it all these years?" he asks.
"Just avoid mirrors. You'll forget about it," I say.
"Not if I keep looking at you," he says.”

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Hello everyone, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the blog The Broke And The Bookish and this is my first time taking part. Today's theme is very anti-valentines day but it's original. Where's the fun in following the crowd? Anyway the theme is books that broke my heart a little bit (or loads sometimes in my case)

1) If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Truly a heart wrenching story, it's devastatingly beautiful.

"In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck... A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make -and the ultimate choice Mia commands."

2) Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Tessa's story broke my heart, I was sobbing by the end.
"Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. Released from the constraints of ‘normal’ life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallised in the precious weeks." before Tessa’s time finally runs out."

3) The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

The ending, It was traumetising.

"Berlin 1942
When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance. But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences."

4) The Diary Of Anne Frank

The only book I cannot stop re-reading, Insirational.

"Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank's remarkable diary has since become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit. In 1942, with Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, until their whereabouts were betrayed to the Gestapo, they and another family lived cloistered in the "Secret Annex" of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death. In her diary Anne Frank recorded vivid impressions of her experiences during this period. By turns thoughtful, moving, and amusing, her account offers a fascinating commentary on human courage and frailty and a compelling self-portrait of a sensitive and spirited young woman whose promise was tragically cut short."

5) Once by Morris Gleitzman

It was so sad!
"Once I escaped from an orphanage to find Mum and Dad. Once I saved a girl called Zelda from a burning house. Once I made a Nazi with a toothache laugh. My name is Felix. This is my story. A story of children in the Holocaust, Once is poignant and powerful without being frightening or graphic. With his gentle and utterly alive manner, Gleitzman reads the tale of Felix, a Jewish boy who runs away from the convent where his parents had him hidden and roams the countryside with an orphaned girl until they find their way to the cellar of a print shop in the Warsaw ghetto, where an old dentist has been protecting lost children."

6) Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Some may argue that this is not very sad but there's one scene with Will that definatly broke my heart.

Read my review here.

7) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

With the amount of deaths in THG no wonder it's on my list.

Read my review here

8) Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Another one people wouldn't expect to be on the list but what happened to Adrian, I was heart broken for him.

"Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them."

9) Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah

A true haunting story

"A Chinese proverb says, "Falling leaves return to their roots." In Chinese Cinderella, Adeline Yen Mah returns to her roots to tell the story of her painful childhood and her ultimate triumph and courage in the face of despair. Adeline's affluent, powerful family considers her bad luck after her mother dies giving birth to her. Life does not get any easier when her father remarries. She and her siblings are subjected to the disdain of her stepmother, while her stepbrother and stepsister are spoiled. Although Adeline wins prizes at school, they are not enough to compensate for what she really yearns for -- the love and understanding of her family."

10) Shame by Jasvinder Sanghera

An unforgettable story

"When she was fourteen, Jasvinder Sanghera was shown a photo of the man chosen to be her husband. She was terrified. She’d witnessed the torment her sisters endured in their arranged marriages, so she ran away from home, grief-stricken when her parents disowned her. Shame is the heart-rending true story of a young girl’s attempt to escape from a cruel, claustrophobic world where family honour mattered more than anything- sometimes more than life itself."

These books are all heart-breaking in their own way, by the way these 10 books are not in any paticular order as I love them all. What is your top ten? Tell me about them!

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Clockwork Prince By Cassandra Clare

Hello everyone, now for my review of the long awaited Clockwork Prince. To sum this book up in one word: AMAZING! Yes see I can be positive some times. This book is well desercing of that title though, it is my new favorite book. Clockwork Prince is the second in The Infernal Devices series. The first, Clockwork Angel, I reviewed a couple of weeks ago. Read my review here. I have to warn you though, this review may contain spoilers for Clockwork Angel.

Clockwork Prince follows straight on from Clockwork Angel. Mortmain has vanished along with his clockwork army but he's still as threateing as ever. We find out more about Will because as I'm sure you all remember we were left with a huge cliffhanger at the end of the first but by the end of this book I had a true understanding of his character. Tessa sets out to find out more about Mortmains past but ends up finding out more about her own. And to top it all off Charlotte is given an ultimatem: Find Mortimain in two weeks or lose the institute.
Here's the synposis:

"In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends. With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them. Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do? As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart."

Quite a long synposis isn't it? Well I LOVED this book, I think it was the best in the series so far. I know in my review of Clockwork Angel my favorite character was Jem, well sorry all you Jem lovers but after you discover Will's secret you will understand. Will is now my absolute favorite character, in fact I love all of Cassandra Clare's characters. She is one of the most talented writers I know. I would recomend this series to absolutly everyone, thats how good it is. I would give Clockwork Prince 6/5 stars (I can change the rules if I want to!) and it's well deserving of those stars. I am eagerly awaiting the third and final in the series Clockwork Princess.

My Favorite Quote/s:

I loved this book so much I had to share two quotes with you, I physically had to, it was impossible to avoid! :)

“Demon pox, oh demon pox

Just how is it acquired?

One must go down to the bad part of town

Until one is very tired.

Demon pox, oh demon pox, I had it all along—

Not the pox, you foolish blocks,

I mean this very song—

For I was right, and you were wrong!"

"Will!" Charlotte shouted over the noise, "Have you LOST YOUR MIND? CEASE THAT INFERNAL RACKET! Jem—"

Jem, rising to his feet, clapped his hands over Will's mouth. "Do you promise to be quiet?" he hissed into his friend's ear.

Will nodded, blue eyes blazing. Tessa was staring at him in amazement; they all were. She had seen Will many things—amused, bitter, condescending, angry, pitying—but never giddy before.

Jem let him go. "All right, then."

Will slid to the floor, his back against the armchair, and threw up his arms. "A demon pox on all your houses!" he announced, and yawned.

"Oh, God, weeks of pox jokes," said Jem. "We're in for it now.”

“Did you just kiss me?" Will inquired.

Magnus made a spilt-second decision. "No."

"I thought-"

"On occasion the aftereffects of the painkilling spells can result in hallucinations of the most bizarre sort."

"Oh," Will said. "How peculiar.”

I love the CP quotes, I would share many more with you if I could.

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Author Interview: M.C.V. Egan

Hello everyone, I know you all love author interviews so look what we have here an author interview. So while you all applaud at the amazingness of it I will be quiet and let you read it.

Tell me about yourself

I am a writer; author of THE BRIDGE OF DEATHS. I was born in Mexico City, Mexico and at the age of twelve moved to the Washington D.C. area.  I attended The Catholic University in Lyons, France for two years and resided in Sweden for five years. I am fluent in Spanish, English, French and Swedish. I am, as most writers an avid reader, which is hard to put aside while I am working on a book. The tempting pile of other’s books staking up for when I have the freedom to read for fun! My husband, son and I live in sunny South Florida. I have numerous hobbies, including Astrology, cooking, Origami and crafts.

What inspired you to begin writing?

I love to communicate. I am a natural story teller; my stories are always full of detail and purpose. From a very early age I began to write long letters, I always knew I was a writer; it was simply a matter of finding the discipline. The Bridge of Deaths is based on the questionable and mysterious events surrounding my grandfather’s death and that was a story that invaded my thoughts from a very young age.

Tell me about your book.

The Bridge of Deaths is a genre cross-over. This happened very much by chance, as I used archives to research historical events as well as psychics, past life regressions and a Peruvian Shaman. To tell the story I created fictional characters and gave them a love story. By doing this I ended up with a historical, paranormal, mystery, romance. The story is narrated from the perspective of Modern day characters investigating an airplane crash in 1939 Denmark, two weeks before Hitler invaded Poland setting of the fuse that ignited World War two. The world was well aware this was likely to happen, if not inevitable and most people were not who they seemed to be. The reader plunges into the possibility of past lives, and realises that the intrigues of the 1930s have left huge long-lasting footprints in our world, some that we are still contending with.

Who is your favourite character in your book?

My favourite character is Maggie.  She is a free spirited, fun-loving pacifist. I really enjoyed creating Maggie and I still miss her. Who knows I may have to incorporate her to some future book!

What is your favourite genre?

I really enjoy a very wide variety of books and do not limit myself to a specific genre. I tend to find an author I like and read all their work. I noticed however that most of the authors I prefer are men!

Who is your favourite author?

So very many to choose from, I have answered several author interviews lately and I honestly felt it was W. Somerset Maugham and he is right up there amongst my favourites. A few days ago it struck me that I feel like re-reading some of my favourite Kurt Vonnegut’s books. There are simply too many wonderful writers out there, to choose just one!

Who is your most inspirational person?

I am truly inspired by so many people, some that I encounter in my daily life, and others that I see on TV or the cinema like everyone else.  If I have to choose a famous inspiration it would be Angelina Jolie for all she has done for UNICEF, her latest movie (which she directed), bringing attention to horrors of a war, as well as her choice to give birth in Africa and to reside in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina.  I find her a brave and versatile human being, most inspiring.

What is your favourite quote?

Now that is finally an easy question!

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”   Carl Sagan (1934-1996)

Are you in the process/planning of writing another book?

Yes I am.  I am currently working on a book that is far more paranormal than historical with a co-author, Jolie DeMarco.  It is has a really interesting premise and it is quite fun to have two distinct voices in the same book.

What tips would you give young aspiring writers?

Believe in yourself! It may not come out right on the first or second draft, but keep at it.  If you have the spark of an idea and you can visualise it in your mind, you will find the right voice for the story. Do not give up!

So what did you think? Look forward to a review of her book very soon. If your an author and you want your book reviewed, have an author interview or even to do a guest post feel free to contact me (you dont have to be an author to do a guest review). Oh and I almost forgot. Happy Valentines Day!
Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK