Review: Hero, Cursed by Diantha Jones

Series: Mythos #2
Genre: Mythology, Fantasy
Release Date: August 17th 2014
Source: Copy in exchange for an honest review
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Cover Rating: 4/5 Stars
Synopsis: Before he knew the Oracle.
Before he knew the Quad.
Before the Great Unknown threatened his world.
He was a hero, cursed forever. 
Shunned by a family that doesn't understand him, demigod Lenka Tahile aka "Swindle" is a complete loner and he likes it that way. Then he meets the hero, Ace Remedy, the brother of an infamous demigod Prince, and his life goes from bad to worse. Ace is loud, rude, and disruptive to his peaceful existence in every way. He's also hilarious and daring, and Swindle ends up finding a friend just when he thought he'd never have another.
But little does he know, becoming friends with Ace was all part of the Fates' plan. Now his past is slowly coming back to haunt him and there's nothing he can do to stop it. Nothing but try not to bring to light the lost love, the failed hopes, and the cursed existence that he would kill to keep in the dark. 
First Line: Summer Solstice break was over, forums had resumed, and all I could hope for was that I wouldn't slit anyone's throat before the say was over.

When I got an email from Diantha requesting a review of this book I almost jumped for joy. Anyone who has followed my blog for a while will know that I absolutely love the Oracle of Delphi series and also really enjoyed the first of the Mythos novellas therefore it is an understatement to say that I was excited to read this. At first I had difficulty with this book as it had been so long since I had read the others and couldn't remember everything but after a few pages I reconnected with the series enough to be able to remember most of the events. I personally think that is the mark of a really great series, there are so many that I have had to abandon because I couldn't remember what had happened previously in the series. Luckily that was not the case with Hero, Cursed.

The characterisation of the Oracle of Delphi series has always been one of the strongest I've come across. I really love all of the characters from the humans to the demigods to the actual gods. They're all so realistically flawed and therefore very easy to identify with. This novella exemplifies this by exploring the character of Lenka aka Swindle. In the main series Lenka fascinated me, he was so tormented and mysterious. Not Strafford-tormented but close. I was so excited to see that this novella was from his point of view for this reason and I was not let down. I was really hoping for a real plot twist to explain why Swindle is the way he is and Diantha did not disappoint. Normally I can predict this kind of thing but I was really surprised, there were some things I had already guessed from the original series but the majority caught me off guard. I feel like after reading this novella I understand the character of Swindle better, I liked him before of course but now that has been hugely magnified. The characters I already loved didn't appear much in this one but the glimpses I did get satisfied me for now.

I loved how mythology based this series is, a lot of books are based upon one myth and revolve around it only. This novella in particular incorporates so much mythology! References included Jason and the Argonauts, Medea, Odysseus, Calypso - they didn't all have big main parts but the name-drops themselves really made the book special. Also, after studying Classical Civilisation at A-Level I finally began to feel like that qualification had real life applications like everyone promised it would. As long as I can get mythological references I am happy!

I really loved this insight into the mind of Lenka and absolutely cannot wait for the the next novel or novella in the series - I don't care which comes first, I just need my Oracle of Delphi fix as soon as possible. I really miss the character who we didn't see much of! My love for Ace is still as strong as ever! I have kept all spoilers for both the main Oracle of Delphi series and the Mythos novella series because I really want you guys to read them for yourself, you won't regret it, I promise! Tell me whether you like the look of the series and any other views you may have!

Best Quote
"We weren't spying," I said. "We were observing."
"Same thing," the Naiad holding Ace by the cuirass said.
"No, it's not," he replied. "Spyin' is wha' idiot fellas do when they don ' t want a pretty wan to know they're lookin' at her. We have absolutely no issues with openly starin' at you and expressin' how much we like wha' we see."
"Nice, Remedy," I mumbled with admiration.
"Then why were you hiding in the lotus flowers?"
"We were jus' waitin' for you to come find us." Ace flashed a grin. "Hide. And. Seek."

To sway you further towards reading it check out my reviews of the rest of the series below.
Prophecy of the Most Beautiful (Oracle of Delphi #1)
Prophecy of the Setting Sunrise (Oracle of Delphi #2)
Solar, Defeated (Oracle of Delphi #2.5/ Mythos #1)
Prophecy of Solstice's End (Oracle of Delphi #3)

Game Of Thrones By George R. R. Martin

Series: A Song of Ice and Fire #1
Genre: Adult, Epic Fantasy
Release Date: 1996
Source: Bought
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Cover Rating: 1/5 Stars
Synopsis: Summers span decades. Winter can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun. As Warden of the north, Lord Eddard Stark counts it a curse when King Robert bestows on him the office of the Hand. His honour weighs him down at court where a true man does what he will, not what he must … and a dead enemy is a thing of beauty. The old gods have no power in the south, Stark’s family is split and there is treachery at court. Worse, the vengeance-mad heir of the deposed Dragon King has grown to maturity in exile in the Free Cities. He claims the Iron Throne.

First Line: '"We should start back," Gared urged as the woods began to grow dark around them.'

I doubt there are many people in the world who haven't heard of A Game of Thrones left after the huge success of the television series but to tell you the truth, it just didn't sound like something that I would enjoy reading. I got the book ages ago but never read it until recently for no reason other than the fact that no one likes to be left behind in the hype. So needless to say, my expectations were not all that high on starting this book. Due to the sheer size of the book I presumed it would start slow but I was very wrong. From the first page the action begins and it keeps that pace through the entire book. The plot was smooth and a lot more together than I thought it would be, add to that the flawless character development and you have the perfect concoction for a five star book.

I wasn't kidding when I said the characters were flawless, I always say its a sign of an amazing author when they can make you like and sympathise with the villains and Martin sure has it. There are way to many characters to talk about them all but I will discuss a few. Firstly, one of my favourites, Tyrion Lannister. I found his sections the most entertaining and liked his character far better than the rest of the Lannister's no matter how intriguing that family is. Another favourite of mine was Daenerys Targaryen, the growth of her character throughout the book was astounding. I loved how she went from a weak little girl to an independent strong willed woman. As much as I want to go on about the characters, I'm afraid that because of the constant drama it would be almost impossible for me to do so without spoilers so you'll just have to find out for yourself.

The world building was one of the most convincing I've ever read - the book itself read like Martin was recounting real events instead of fiction - yes that's how good it was. I believe this book is not nearly as appreciated as it should be, with many opting just to watch the TV series. I for one suggest you read the books first in order to get the background because it seemed to me that the series would've been slightly confusing if hadn't. I'd recommend this book to fantasy lover and those, like me, who just want to test the hype.

My Favourite Quotes:

“A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.” 

“Bran thought about it. 'Can a man still be brave if he's afraid?'
'That is the only time a man can be brave,' his father told him.” 

“There is only one god and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: “Not today.” 

The Fault In Our Stars By John Green

Series: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction 
Release Date: January 10th 2012
Source: Bought
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Cover Rating: 3/5 Stars
Synopsis: Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs... for now. Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumors tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

First Line: “Late in the winter of my seventeenth year, my mother decided I was depressed, presumably because I rarely left the house, spent quite a lot of time in bed, read the same book over and over, ate infrequently, and devoted quite a bit of my abundant free time to thinking about death.”

I've put off reviewing this book for a long time because I don't know how to do it justice without sounding like an obsessed fan girl. This book is surrounded by a huge hype which at first I found slightly threatening. You know how it is, every time a book is so highly acclaimed you can't go into it without huge expectations. I was almost positive that my expectations were much to high for me to properly enjoy this book but you know what? I was wrong. I absolutely loved it! The book has a very different tone to any illness books I've ever read, instead of focusing on death as many do it focused more on life and relationships. The illness was always there but the characters were so expertly that you forgot at times.

I always love John Green's characters but these ones beat nearly every character I've read about. Hazel was a very real character to read about; everything about her was relate able and she wasn't one of those whiny female characters that YA lit is so fond of. I may have even forgiven her if she was whiny given her circumstances but she reflected what so many of us want to be; brave even when facing almost certain death. I don't know where to begin with Augustus... He was so charming and charismatic but at the same time he had a real depth to him that you don't often see in bookish pretty boys. I also admired his bravery as I did Hazel's but his seemed different in a way, he wasn't brave for himself but for other people. I also enjoyed the lesser characters such as Isaac, one of the things I love about John Green is even the smallest character has lots of depth.

This book is a raw and accurate portrayal of how cancer can affect not only the sufferers but the people around them. This book made me laugh almost as much as it made me cry and I don't believe I will ever read another one like it. The writing was flawless and filled to the seams with emotion. The Fault in our Stars is a contemporary masterpiece that I would recommend to absolutely everyone! If I could, I would have given it more than 5 stars as it by far superior to many of the books I have given that rating.

My Favorite Quotes:

“That's the thing about pain," Augustus said, and then glanced back at me. "It demands to be felt” 

“The marks humans leave are too often scars.” 

“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” 

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Looking For Alaska By John Green

Series: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Release Date: January 1st 2005
Source: Bought
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Cover Rating: 2/5 Stars
Synopsis: Miles has a quirky interest in famous people's last words, especially François Rabelais's final statement, "I go to seek a Great Perhaps." Determined not to wait for death to begin a similar quest, Miles convinces his parents to let him leave home. Once settled at Culver Creek Preparatory School, he befriends a couple of equally gifted outcasts: his roommate Chip―commonly known as the Colonel—who has a predilection for memorizing long, alphabetical lists for fun; and the beautiful and unpredictable Alaska, whom Miles comes to adore. The kids grow closer as they make their way through a school year filled with contraband, tests, pranks, breakups, and revelations about family and life. 

First Line: The week before I left my family and Florida and the rest of my minor life to go to boarding school in Alabama, my mother insisted on throwing me a going- away party.

This was the first John Green book I ever read and it will not be the last. I have heard great things about the legendary John Green so I went into this book with the highest expectations. Exceptionally, this book exceeded them. Looking for Alaska was completely different than what I thought it was going to be like,. Actually, I didn't have much clue what it was about, only that it was amazing and that it was. Looking for Alaska follows Miles who convinces his parents to let him attend his Dad's old boarding school in search of 'a Great Perhaps'. Once there he finds himself with an unlikely group of friends including the self destructive, bold and beautiful Alaska. But as time progresses Miles is led to new conclusions about the value of his beloved 'Great Perhaps'.

I heard from someone that the point of John Green's characters were not necessarily to be liked but to be truthful and I think that is an amazing approach to character building because to like a character you have to be able to relate to them. I both loved and hated all of the characters in Looking For Alaska. I loved them because they were so real and I think I hated them for the same reason. It's not often you come across characters that you can relate to so completely and when you do the effect they have on you is momentousness. Miles is just like any teenage boy you'd meet. He's awkward, kind and smart and although I don't hate characters who are described as witty, chiseled by angels and romantic (at all) this was a refreshing change. I also loved Alaska, she has such a convincing personality that it isn't difficult to think of at least one person you know like her. The Colonel was also a great secondary character in the book, he was totally loyal and surprisingly smart which made me like him even more.

One thing that's individual about John Green's books is that the characters always have something about them that separates them from the crowd. In Mile's case it was last words, one of the best parts of the book was reading all of the last words he's collected, I loved the idea. Looking For Alaska is about as realistic as books come and I would recommend it to absolutely anyone. This book put me through so many different emotions, I went from laughing one second to nearly crying in the next. It has very mature themes for a YA book which has caused much controversy so when I say anyone I mean older young adults. John Green is a genius and I will be reading every one of his books, he has officially been put on my automatic buy list.

My Favorite Quotes:

“When adults say, "Teenagers think they are invincible" with that sly, stupid smile on their faces, they don't know how right they are. We need never be hopeless, because we can never be irreparably broken. We think that we are invincible because we are. We cannot be born, and we cannot die. Like all energy, we can only change shapes and sizes and manifestations. They forget that when they get old. They get scared of losing and failing. But that part of us greater than the sum of our parts cannot begin and cannot end, and so it cannot fail.”

“Sometimes I don't get you,' I said. 
She didn't even glance at me. She just smiled toward the television and said, 'You never get me. That's the whole point.”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

The Future Of Us By Jay Asher And Carolyn Mackler

Cover Rating: 4/5 Stars
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Synopsis: It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future. 
By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.

The moment I saw Jay Asher's name on the cover of the book I had to get it. I loved his first book Thirteen Reasons Why and I loved this one almost as much. The premise is amazing and perfectly executed, it's the kind of thing you just know will make an awesome film. I've never read a book like this one before but I'm very glad that I picked it up. There was never a dull moment and the main characters were so real and normal. It was a very quick, very fun read. When I started this I was positive that I would love for this to happen to me but as the book went on I began to reconsider that choice. It shows that being able to see the future through Facebook may not be as good as I originally thought. I wasn't expecting a happy book from Jay Asher but it proved that he has the talent of writing both happy and sad novels. I've never heard of Carolyn Mackler before but this made me want to check out her other books.

Both main characters were exactly how you'd expect teenagers to be. Josh and Emma went so well together but they had their share of awkward moments which was refreshing compared to to some other young adult novels in which the characters all have perfect relationships. Emma was very focused on changing her future, she found little things changed it so anytime she seemed unhappy in the future she'd try to change it. Although this got kind of annoying it also showed how real her character was as that is exactly what most people would do. Josh on the other hand was more careful about what he did and was very skeptical, which was also a very normal reaction. Out of the two I most prefered Josh but I also did like Emma's part's too. The book is split between their points of view and it was great to be in each of their heads. I liked the more minor characters like Kellan and Tyson nearly as much as the main characters and enjoyed seeing how their stories interlinked.

Overall this book was a fun, quirky read. Something I found very amusing was Emma and Josh's disbelief on why people would share so much personal information online which is something that baffles me everyday yet doesn't seem to concern most other people. I would recommend this to people who want a quick enjoyable read that will keep them thinking about whether they would really want to know what was going to happen in the future.

My Favorite Quotes:
“How can you call it love when it hurt you so badly?"
"It was love because it was worth it.”

“What the hell happened to Pluto?!”

“Josh turns to me. “I can’t believe she’s writing these things.” 
“Not she,” I say. “Me.” 
“Why would anyone say this stuff about themselves on the Internet? It’s crazy!” 
“Exactly,” I say. “I’m going to be mentally ill in fifteen years, and that’s why my husband doesn’t want to be around me.”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer By Michelle Hodkin

Cover Rating: 4/5 Stars
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Synopsis: Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can. She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed. There is. She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love. She’s wrong. After Mara survives the traumatizing accident at the old asylum, it makes sense that she has issues. She lost her best friend, her boyfriend, and her boyfriend’s sister, and as if that weren’t enough to cope with, her family moves to a new state in order to give her a fresh start. But that fresh start is quickly filled with hallucinations—or are they premonitions?—and then corpses, and the boundary between reality and nightmare is wavering. At school, there’s Noah, a devastatingly handsome charmer who seems determined to help Mara piece together what’s real, what’s imagined—and what’s very, very dangerous.

I had been hearing all kinds of things about this book both good and bad. I left it on my shelf for a while but after a friend read and loved it I decided to put it to the top of the list. I'm glad I did. The synopsis doesn't tell you much about the story which is why I was surprised when I began reading it. Though I understand why the synopsis is so vague because if it was more specific then the book would be ruined. the mystery aspect is vital. The premise of the book is genius and the execution of it is just as good.

I loved nearly all the characters. Mara was so... human. She reacted like most people would to stressing, impossible situations. Proper human reactions whereas characters like Bella Swan react like soulless dolls. I also loved how she didn't fall for the hot bad boy straight away. She was actually suspicious of him until she saw how good a guy he was. Speaking of hot bad boy I loved Noah! He was witty, British and he reads! The moment I find out a guy reads they go right up in my expectations - yes Will is right up there. I really liked Mara's brother Daniel, he was the whole 'I'm your big brother so I will do what's best for you while making you work for it' kinda guy. It really made me want a brother. Although he wasn't in it all that much Mara's only friend Jamie was a huge favorite of mine. He was weird but hugely loyal.

Overall The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer was a stunning, haunting and somewhat creepy first book in a very promising series. I can't wait for the second book! I would recommend this to people who like supernatural, psychological  'make you think till your brain explodes' type of books. By the end of the book I was beyond confused so I am really hoping that's cleared up in the next book. This is a new favorite of mine.

My Favorite Quote:
“Wait," I said as Noah slipped a book from a shelf and headed toward the door. "Where are you going?"
"To read."
But I don't want you to.
"But I need to go home," I said, my eyes meeting his. "My parents are going to kill me."
"Taken care of. You're at Sophie's house."
I loved Sophie.
"So I'm...staying here?"
"Daniel's covering for you."
I loved Daniel.
"Where's Katie?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
"Eliza's house."
I loved Eliza.
"And your parents?" I asked.
"Some charity thing."
I loved charity.
"So why are you going to read when I'm right here?”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

City Of Fallen Angels By Cassandra Clare

Cover Rating: 3/5 Stars
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Synopsis: The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. Someone is murdering Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war.When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever...

Alright I think I can safely say that Cassandra Clare is one of the most amazing authors ever to have walked this Earth - and no I'm not exaggerating. Every one of her books is sheer perfection. Okay I didn't love the last one all that much but I think that has more to do with the fact I was in a slump than anything else. My only problem is with the synopsis "the stakes are higher than ever", the saying is so overused. Someone has to be original one day and just say "the stakes are as high as they're going to get" or "the stakes are as high as in the previous book". I suppose they're not as catchy. City Of Fallen Angels I think was so much better than City Of Glass. It is set after the events of the war and everything is slowly going back to normalcy. Until a chain of murders begin to arouse suspicion and Jace begins to separate himself from Clary for no reason. Simon is also having problems of his own, I mean having two girlfriends can be SO annoying sometimes.

Clary isn't a particularly exciting character but I don't hate her. She's normal, which I like even if she can be irritating at times. Jace, I do love him but his self-loathing complex is getting on my nerves. He doesn't believe he deserves anything including Clary even when he can be with her. I liked Jace originally because he was funny and totally arrogant but he seems to have lost it. I started off hating Simon. He seeing two girls at the same time! But later he did grow on me and about time too! I loved Alec and Magnus as normal though they weren't in the book all that much. Alec showed his jealous side too which seemed strangely sweet to me. I was very disappointed we didn't see much of those two; I just love them both.

Overall Cassandra Clare hasn't tarnished her flawless reputation with this book. It was fast paced and left me yearning for the next book. As always I recommend this book for everyone who has the ability to read. You'd be mad not to try it. The City Of Bones movie is coming out soon so I hope more people will read these books in anticipation for it. I am excited for it but I think they've made some questionable casting choices. My hope is that they will grow on me during the film but at the present time I'm not really glad about any of them.

My Favorite Quotes:
“You're just worried they'll hire a male instructor and he'll be hotter than you."Jace's eyebrows went up. 
"Hotter than me?"
"It could happen," Clary said, "You know, theoretically."
"Theoretically the planet could suddenly crack in half, leaving me on one side and you on the other, forever and tragically parted, but I'm not worried about that either. Some things," Jace said, with his customary crooked smile, "are just too unlikely to dwell upon.”

“So what was that all about?"
"I think," Jace said, "that she asked if she could touch my mango."
"She said that?"
Jace shrugged. "Yeah, then she gave me her number.”

“Hey," said Jace. who was sitting on an overturned speaker, looking at his cellphone, "do you want to see a photo of Alec and Magnus in Berlin?"
"Not really," said Simon.
"Magnus is wearing lederhosen."
"And yet, still no.”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Paranormalcy By Kiersten White

Cover Rating: 5/5 Stars - It's Gorgeous!
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Synopsis: Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal. Only now Paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.
So much for normal.

I really wasn't expecting to love this book so much! I didn't buy it because I really wanted to read it. I was in my book shop and it was 3 for 2 on all books - great right? - and I had two books I wanted but couldn't find a third. I loved Paranormalcy's cover and I vaguely remembered hearing about it is I grabbed it. I had no idea what it was about but the cover really is stunning. The book initially seems like quite a fluffy read but it's really not. The moment I read the first page I was hooked. Need more convincing?

“Wait- did you-- You just yawned!” The vampire’s arms , raised over his head in the classic Dracula pose, dropped to his sides. He pulled his exaggerated white fangs back behind his lips. “What, imminent death isn’t exciting enough for you?”

“Oh, stop pouting. But, really, the widow’s peak? The pale skin? The black cape? Where did you even get that thing, a costume store?” 

If that doesn't make you race to your closest book shop I don't know what will!

Okay I'm only going to say this once so listen up - I loved Evie! Yes my favorite character in a book was actually the female lead. She was clever and frankly hilarious. I loved some of her reactions to the most simple things. It shows just how normal she is, she wanted all the things that she hadn't been able to have while working for the IPCA. Evie was very lonely and sad some of the time but those human emotions are what a lot of Young Adult books miss. Lend was also a really good character. He was a normal teenager like Evie except he actually has had all the thing's Evie missed. He was an awesome contrast to Evie and their characters fit together so well. Other characters like Lish and Raquel  were so well developed you began to get to know them individually even though they weren't in the book that often. One character I despised was Reth, the ex. He was a repulsive creature but at the same time he was intriguing so I suppose I can't fault the author on that.

Overall this book was fast paced with twists and turns that are so unexpected that they leave you thinking about them long after they've been and gone. It has a badass female lead so no disappointments there. This is a new favorite of mine and I'm about to log onto Amazon as we speak to get myself the second one. I would recommend this book to people who love a fast paced plot and a kickass heroine. Don't take my word for it? Just look at the amount of well known authors who love it, I was surprised there were so many!

My Favorite Quote (and trust me this is one of many!):

“Yes, I have a driver's license."

I leaned back against the wall, sighing. "Man, that must be so cool."

"It ranks right up there with lockers. In fact, sometimes I put my license inside my locker, and it's so cool I worry that the whole thing might explode with the sheer coolness of it all.” 

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

The Perks Of Being A Wall Flower By Stephen Chbosky

Cover Rating: 4/5 Stars
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
'I walk around the school hallways and look at the people. I look at the teachers and wonder why they're here. Not in a mean way. In a curious way. It's like looking at all the students and wondering who's had their heart broken that day... or wondering who did the heart breaking and why.'
Charlie is a freshman. And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. Charlie is attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But Charlie can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor.

I picked up this book for what you may think is a strange reason. I was looking at a list of banned books online and it annoyed me so much that I picked one at random to read. It happened to be this one and I must say, I'm glad! I adored this book, I really did. It exceeded my expectations. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is told entirely in letters to an unknown source. There are many speculations about who the letters are to but personally I like not knowing, it adds to the point of the book. In these letters the main character documents a year or so of his life and we get to come along for the ride. Truthfully this book had me on the edge of tears a good many times.

There is not many characters that I disliked in this book because even the annoying ones had such real personalities that it was difficult to hate. The main character, Charlie, I absolutely loved. His voice was so individual and unlike any narration I have read. At the start I thought Charlie's childish nature was a bit strange for his age but as the book went on I got my suspicions as to why he was like that. He had two close friends though I always got the impression that Charlie was more of a tagalong than a proper friend. Patrick and Sam were his best friends. I really liked them because they were so lifelike as was his sister. The author is gifted with the ability of making believable characters.

Overall I absolutely loved this book and am considering going back to that banned books list to get more recommendations and be a bit of a rebel. I would recommend this book to everyone even if they're just reading it because it was banned like I was originally. Charlie's world was one that I would love to visit again but as this is a standalone I will have to make do with the one book. Although there is a film coming out this year and trust me, I will be first in line to see it.

My Favorite quote/s:
“So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be.”
---
“we accept the love we think we deserve.”  

Divergent By Veronica Roth

Cover Rating: 4/5 Stars 
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars 
Synopsis: In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. During the highly competitive initiation that follows Beatrice struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together, they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes-fascinating, sometimes-exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But Tris also has a secret: one she’s kept hidden from everyone, because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly-perfect society, she also learns that her secret might be what helps her save those she loves . . . or it might be what destroys her.

Wow wow wow! I am now wondering why I didn't read this sooner. Why is it when a hype surrounds a book people are put off reading it? Well this one most definitely didn't disappoint! Divergent managed to live up to it's hype and more. I've heard people comparing it to The Hunger Games and strangely enough I agree. It was about the same par as the Hunger Games and I'm a devoted HG fan so it means a lot coming from me. Divergent's story is one of the most interesting dystopia's I've read. There are five factions; Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity and Erudite. At the age of sixteen everyone has to choose their factions. Personally I would pick Dauntless because I think bravery is one of the most important traits but I doubt I'd last long there. Divergent is set in the future as are most dystopia's but I think this look on the future was especially scary. I mean imagine the government having the technology to sift through your inner most thoughts. I shudder at the thought. I loved the idea of the initiation's though, I can't go into much detail without spoilers but lets say there's a lot at stake.

Veronica Roth has managed the impossible. She thought up a female character whom I really like. I know your as shocked as I am. I really did love Tris though. I hated her name but still. Tris was brave but not one of those characters who are indestructible. Tris is very fragile but she fights hard. She's also not one of those annoying characters who constantly go on about being ugly then meet a guy and suddenly they're the most beautiful girl in the world. No Tris says she's not ugly but not pretty. Finally a normal human being! I love love loved Four (Yes like the number). He was brave and strong but at the same time his fears rule him. Throughout the book we see he's not as hard as he comes across at first. He's just perfectly imperfect - it makes sense if you think about it. The minor characters were alright, I admired some of their loyalty's but they didn't have a huge affect on me.

Veronica Roth's debut novel was as stunning as all the crazy fan girls said it was. She has mastered the art of making her heroine brave without being annoying and if that doesn't make you want to read it I don't know what will! If you loved the Hunger Games you will love this, If you didn't love it then you should still read it even if it's just to rant about it. I could barely find a single thing wrong with this book except a characters name changes halfway through (they drop the nickname) and I hate it when that happens. If you haven't yet read this book I advice you do it now! The Divergent craze has swept the world and you don't want to be left behind! I gave this book a well deserved 5/5 stars but I think even that's too low. I have a new favorite author and Insurgent is sure to be on my bookshelf as soon as possible.

My Favorite Quote/s:
“Peter would probably throw a party if I stopped breathing.'
'Well,' he says, 'I would only go if there was cake.” 

-------

“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

City Of Ashes By Cassandra Clare

Cover Rating: 3/5 Stars
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Synopsis: Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father. To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?


Once again Cassandra Clare has exceeded my already - impossibly high - expectations. I loved this book, I think it was better than the first. It's still not as good as The Infernal Devices but it's getting closer. City of Ashes made me love the characters first introduced in City of Bones. Clary is quite a good heroine and she's not too annoying, Simon on the other hand is slightly irritating. Clary and Jace are the ones that I desperately wanted to get together but since they found out they were brother and sister I doubt it will happen. One thing I don't get is why would they listen to Valentine? He is an evil psychopath so why would they just take his word for it? Someone call Jeremy Kyle, we need a DNA test! Jace I loved as I did in the first, he really reminds me of William Herondale (The Infernal Devices) he has the whole tortured soul thing going on.

I think the story line was a lot more fast paced than City Of Bones and all of the characters became a lot more likable. I wasn't sure about Alec in the first book but he is now my second favorite character with the epic Magnus Bane at third. Magnus is very hard to describe but I did like Simon's description "He's a warlock who looks like a gay Sonic the Hedgehog and dresses like the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Overall I loved this book and would recommend it to EVERYONE. I would give this book 5/5 stars and more if I could.

My Favorite Quote's (Lucky you 2 for 1)

“I don't want to be a man," said Jace. "I want to be an angst-ridden teenager who can't confront his own inner demons and takes it out verbally on other people instead."

"Well," said Luke, "you're doing a fantastic job.” 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“We came to see Jace. Is he alright?"

"I don't know," Magnus said. "Does he normally just lie on the floor like that without moving?” 

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Thirteen Reasons Why By Jay Asher

Cover Rating: 3/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:"Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - his classmate and crush - who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself-a truth he never wanted to face. Thirteen Reasons Why is the gripping, addictive international bestseller that has changed lives the world over. It's an unrelenting modern classic."

WOW! I have no idea why I picked this up, I saw the synopsis and thought that looks really depressing. My next thought? I have to read it! I wasn't expecting to like it I just had the urge to read it. Well I started it at 12 am thinking that I would just read a few pages. I couldn't stop though until I had finished it. At 4am. Even after that I was kept up thinking about it. The whole book was so real. At first I was thinking why did they keep passing on the tapes knowing all their secrets were being revealed to the other twelve people but then I realized they were doing it out of fear. They knew what would happen if they didn't. I really liked Clay and personally I don't think he deserved to be on the tapes.

I got very annoyed with myself halfway through because I couldn't help hating Hannah. No this time it's not just for the sake of it. Hannah making these tapes be passed around was cruel, she was blaming her death on these people who would have to live with it for the rest of their lives. Some of them may have deserved it but not all of them. Some of the people on the tapes had been trying to help her but she had taken the help the wrong way. Those kind people are given this guilt to carry. I hated myself for it but I began to think Hannah was being very selfish in what she did but if you think about it she needed her story told and this was the only way she could think of to do it. Apparently there is going to be a film of this book staring Selena Gomez, personally I probably wont go to see it - I don't like seeing books I love Disney-fied.  I would recommend this book to people who like a serious book that will play on their minds long after being read. I would give this book 5/5 stars.


My Favorite Quote
“You don’t know what goes on in anyone’s life but your own. And when you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re not messing with just that part. Unfortunately, you can’t be that precise and selective. When you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re messing with their entire life. Everything. . . affects everything.” 


Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

At Grave's End By Jeaniene Frost

Cover Rating: 1/5 (Not particularly appealing to me personally but each to their own)
Overall Rating: 5/5
Synposis: "It should be the best time of half-vampire Cat Crawfield’s life. With her undead lover Bones at her side, she’s successfully protected mortals from the rogue undead. But though Cat’s worn disguise after disguise to keep her true identity a secret from the brazen bloodsuckers, her cover’s finally been blown, placing her in terrible danger. As if that wasn't enough, a woman from Bones’s past is determined to bury him once and for all. Caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vamp, yet determined to help Bones stop a lethal magic from being unleashed, Cat’s about to learn the true meaning of bad blood. And the tricks she’s learned as a special agent won’t help her. She will need to fully embrace her vampire instincts in order to save herself—and Bones—from a fate worse than the grave."

This review will contain spoilers for the first two books. These books are my guilty pleasures, I don't know what it is about them but they never disappoint. I don't think there is one flat character. Cat is about as badass as heroines come and she can look after herself. Bones, a vampire with an English accent need I say more? I was slightly annoyed at Bones because he started to act so possessive but I forgave him because I understood his reasoning behind it. Cat's mother - yes I still hate her - but without her the books would be a lot less hilarious. At least her character had depth which can't be said for most parents in books (Twilight - Charlie Swan, a guy with a gun nothing more.) At Graves End answered a question that had been annoying me for a while. If Cat was a vampire hunter they all feared why did no one ever recognize her? Well they do now, all the vampires have heard of the dreaded 'Red Reaper'.

I love the way these books are written and even though they are adult books, which I try to stay away from, they are up there with my favorites. A new character emerged in this book and what do you know it's Dracula himself. Actually his real name is Vlad - maybe Dracula was just a nickname. I did like him though. I even began to like Ian who was the villain of the last book. You can tell an author is good when they make you like the bad guy. I would recommend this book to adults or mature teens who love Paranormal Romance. I would give At Graves End 5/5 stars.

My favorite quote:
“Get stuffed, don't you have more publicity stunts to pull?" Bones shot back. "How about chatting with another writer who can smear your name into greater popularity?" 
"What, did Anne Rice not return your calls, mate?" Vlad asked scathingly. "Jealousy is such an ugly trait.”  
 Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

City Of Bones By Cassandra Clare

Note: I'm trying a new style tell me if you prefer it

Cover Rating: 3/5 stars
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
Synopsis: "When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . . "

Cassandra Clare has done it again! I started City Of Bones knowing there was no way it would be better than The Infernal Devices, I was right, but it was very close. City Of Bones is set in modern times whereas The Infernal Devices was set in the reign of Queen Victoria but strangely enough I prefer that to modern. City Of Bones had some characters I recognized from TID -  I know what your thinking 'how could the characters still be alive after all that time?' Well Magnus Bane can because he's cool like that. Lucky for me because I love Magnus - but then who doesn't. As well as familiar characters there are also familiar families. Like the Lightwood's, Alec and Isabelle Lightwood are decedents of Gabriel and Gideon. I loved recognizing the names, not that I'm sad or anything!

The characters in COB really reminded me of the ones from TID. Isabelle - a less evil Jessamine, Jace - a not as awesome Will and Clary - a slightly annoying Tessa. I haven't found anyone to compare Alec to but I'm leaning towards Gabriel. I really enjoyed this book and I've ordered book 2 - should arrive next week courtesy of Amazon. I loved Jace he was just an awesome character and he had the boyish arrogance that I love so much in Will. I was sad not to see any Carstairs' because my hope for Jem is fading. There was a love triangle of course from Cassandra Clare the queen of love triangles. I'm not loving the Simon (Clary's best friend) / Jace / Clary one that you just know is coming as much as the Tessa/ Jem/ Will one. I would recommend this to everyone and I will give City Of Bones 5/5 stars.

My favorite quote:
"Have you fallen in love with the wrong person yet?' 
Jace said, "Unfortunately, Lady of the Haven, my one true love remains myself." 
..."At least," she said, "you don't have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland." 
"Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting." 

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

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.”

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

The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games, where to start. Well at first I was a little apprehensive about reading this book, I'm not really one for reading a book everyone's obsessing over but I thought I would give it a shot. I finished this book last night at 2 O'clock in the morning, it was that addictive that I kept reading it even knowing I had to get up in a couple of hours. All I was thinking when reading this book was 'Why did I leave it so long to read this'.  There was not one part I didn't like.

The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, she lives with her mother and her sister Prim. Since her fathers death Katniss has been the sole provider for her family but she has to leave them to fend for themselves when her sister Prim is selected to compete in The Hunger Games and Katniss takes her place. The Hunger Games is a fight to the death where two kids from each district are selected as participants, one girl and one boy aged between twelve and eighteen. And this is all aired on live TV.
Here is the synopsis:

"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.  Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love."

Personally I loved this book, I know it sounds slightly gory but it really isn't. Suzanne Collins has put a romantic twist into fighting to the death. Any other author I think would have gone overboard with the gore but The Hunger Games is perfect. It is also going to be turned into a movie soon (YAY!). I really recommend this book to everyone, it really is a work of art. I would give this book a 5/5 stars, I would give it more if I could. So what did you think of the hunger games? If you are an author and want to do an interview or for me to review your book let me know and if anyone is interested in doing a guest review it would be much appreciated.

My favourite quote:
“You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Halfway To The Grave By Jeaniene Frost

Hello everyone, this was my third book of the year and I loved it. The only downside was how dirty it was. Don't get me wrong I don't mind books that have small bits in but this kinda went over the top. I suppose the cover should have given me an indication of what was to come. Halfway To The Grave follows Cat, normal girl by day, vampire hunter by night. That is until she meets Bones, he kidnaps her and is going to kill her until he realises she's half vampire. So they team up, the ultimate vampire hunter duo.

"If Buffy and Angel had a daughter, she’d be just like Cat Crawfield, a vampire hunter with some vampire blood and an attitude.

Cat’s got a few skeletons in her closet… and some buried in the backyard.  The half-vampire is out to rid the world of these hideous night creatures, and when she’s captured by Bones, she realizes the master vampire has a few things to teach her. Teaming up with one of “them” wasn’t in her plans, but now that the stakes have been raised, she is faced with the most difficult fight of all…."

I really loved most of the characters in this book and that is really uncommon for me. The only character I could NOT stand was Cat's mum but I cannot reveal to you the reasons why without giving away half the story. Cat was quite a good heroine and as her values changed I liked her character more and more. When I reached the end of the book I was very annoyed. My second book this week with a ginormous cliff hanger. But on the bright side I can't wait to get the next book. I would not reccomend this book to anyone under the age of fourteen and even that I feel may be stretching it a little bit. But overall a grat read. I would rate this book 5/5 stars. Happy reading :D

My favorite quote:
“Charles,” Bones said distinctly. “You’d better have a splendid explanation for her being on top of you.”
The black-haired vampire rose to his feet as soon as I jumped off, brushing the dirt off his clothes.
“Believe me, mate, I’ve never enjoyed a woman astride me less. I came out to say hello, and this she-devil blinded me by flinging rocks in my eyes. Then she vigorously attempted to split my skull before threatening to impale me with silver if I so much as even twitched! It’s been a few years since I've been to America, but I daresay the method of greeting a person has changed dramatically!”
Bones rolled his eyes and clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m glad you’re still upright, Charles, and the only reason you are is because she didn’t have any silver. She’d have staked you right and proper otherwise. She has a tendency to shrivel someone first
and then introduce herself afterwards.”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK