The YA Handbook (Part Two)

Read part one of The YA Handbook!

Rule Six: Make a love triangle including two guys who used to be friends but broke the bromance in mysterious circumstances:
As Seen In: Soul Screamers, The Iron Fey, Matched, Fallen, Vampire Diaries...

How about we dump Elena and try third

 time lucky?

A love triangle just isn't enough for some authors, no they have to put history between the two guys
who're in love with the girl. Whether they are hated brothers, ex best friends or even the metaphorical depiction's of Good and Evil they have to have HISTORY.
Why do they do it? How else can the author slowly reveal why the two guys fell out? Ironically it's usually because they fell in love with the same girl a few years before (or hundred years if they're vampires). Imagine how thin the books would be without all the back stories?
This one was recommended by Elisa at Lost Inside the Covers.

Rule Seven: Give the heroine red hair:
As Seen In: The Mortal Instruments, Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Forgotten, Entangled, Imaginary Girls... 

Redder, Redder, Perfect

Brunettes are so last century, we have all of the classic heroines with brown hair; Jane Eyre, Elizabeth Bennet etc. So authors, wanting to stand out from the crowd have decided to go with the less common red hair. Unfortunately for them loads of authors have had this idea so red heads are way more common in fiction than even in real life.
Why do they do it? Nowadays hair colors are associated with personalities. Blondes are considered stupid and ditsy - no offence blondes and brunettes, plain and boring - no offense brunettes. Red heads on the other hand are thought of as feisty and tough which is what authors strive for.

Rule Eight: Give the main character an name with an unusual spelling:
As Seen In: Shatter Me, The Chemical Gardens, The Iron Fey, Matched... 
Even the most uncommon names are becoming more common in YA lit. One way to set your character aside from the rest is to have an inventive name but some authors have found a way around that. Inventive spellings! Juliet becomes Juliette, Megan becomes Meghan, Kai becomes Ky.
Why do they do it? It could be that they want  to use a traditional name without it being boring, or maybe they just prefer the names written that way. Either way, the names will be either genius or irritating and its a thin line between.

Rule Nine: Make the main character constantly compare them self to their beautiful, confident best friend:

You think she's cuter than me
don't you? DON'T YOU???

As Seen In: Twenty Boy Summer, Gemma Doyle, Soul Screamers, Delirium...
No one likes a cocky heroine but at the same time no one likes an attention seeking one who constantly notes her plain or ugly appearance. It's even worse when they go on about their friends beauty with barely concealed bitterness and jealousy. This kind of heroine is the type that spends ten pages at a time wondering why the love interest likes them and not the friend. It's just plain annoying.
Why do they do it? They are probably trying to make the heroine seem retiring and humble and avoiding the whole too confident, 'I know I'm gorgeous' personality - sadly Charlaine Harris didn't get that memo.

Rule Ten: Start the series with the character going to school then nearly never attend again with no consequences: 

Who wouldn't want to go here?

As Seen In: Twilight, Morganville, Legend, Hush Hush, The Iron Fey, Nightshade...
When you are going to write a book about a teenage character the audience is going to presume they're at school. Some books can get away with the characters never going to school but others start the series with them at school and slowly fade it out. For all we know they may just graduate without mentioning it but that's unlikely.
Why do they do it? The problem with school is it restricts the adventures they go on to holidays and weekends and that's just not good enough. The characters need to be free to save the world any time they want and school doesn't fit into that. The school boards don't seem to care so who are we to argue?

The Immortal Rules By Julie Kagawa

Series: Blood Of Eden #1
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Dystopia
Release Date: April 24th 2012
Source: Bought
Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Cover Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Synopsis: To survive in a ruined world, she must embrace the darkness Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them—the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters. Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike. And soon Allie will have to decide what and who is worth dying for again. Enter Julie Kagawa's dark and twisted world as an unforgettable journey begins.


First Sentence: They hung the Unregistereds in the old warehouse district; it was a public execution, so everyone went to see.

Based on Kagawa's other series, I expected this to be quite light. I realized just how wrong that presumption was the moment I saw the cover. No, all trace of Faeies are gone replaced by bloodthirsty vampires nothing like the ones in Twilight. Was that a good thing? Yes! I loved the original idea that really shouldn't be so original. Who on Earth actually decided to transform those grizzly creatures that used to plague children's nightmares into civilized creatures that have fully functioning emotions and fall in love with humans? Whoever it was a whole generation of Twi-hards owe you their lives. Anyway, the book takes place in a dystopian universe where Vampires rule and humans are never safe. Allison Sekemoto and her group have to steal to survive and one day Allison is attacked by a rabid and given the choice to live on as a vampire or to die. She chooses to become the one thing she hates most in the world.

I wasn't expecting much of a heroine from Kagawa after I had to endure the obnoxious Meghan Chase from The Iron Fey but I was surprised. Allison was about as badass as they come and although some of her decisions annoyed me she was still a good heroine. I loved Kanin, her vampire mentor but we didn't see nearly enough of him. I'm looking forward to more of him in book two, possibly as a love interest. But then there's Zeke who I wasn't that keen on but he was bearable and also seems like a likely love interest. I do hope a love triangle doesn't emerge.

Kagawa's story building was exceptional and remarkably well written. The book was a compelling and unique take on the overused vampire genre. Her characters don't fall flat and although not as witty as in previous books, they seem more lifelike. I am looking forward to the next book, The Eternity Cure. I would recommend this book to those looking for something other than the typical 'vampire boy meets human girl' story line.

Favorite Quote:
“Words define us,' Mom continued, as I struggled to make my clumsy marks look like her elegant script. 'We must protect our knowledge and pass it on whenever we can. If we are ever to become a society again, we must teach others how to remain human.”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Stacking the Shelves is hosted over at Tynga's Reviews. I haven't done one of these for a while so there is quite a few of them. I am hoping to get back into the swing of things and post these more regularly from now on.

Click the book covers for the Goodreads information on them.

Bought:

After reading and loving Looking For Alaska, I just had to go out and get more from John Green and my under stocked book shop only had these two, otherwise I would've bought a lot more.

Eve and Adam appealed to the feminist in me and the synopsis looks awesome. I've had my eye on Ultraviolet for some time and I just had to get it when I saw it was on sale!



I've read both of these and I am happy to say they were both 5 star books. Reviews coming soon...



The Raven Boys looks amazing and the Hush Hush series IS amazing so I suspect the final book will be just as much.



If Costa Coffee says it's good, who am I to judge?

Borrowed From The Library: 

This will probably be my classic of March!

For Review:

I love this series! Read my review of this here.

So what have you got recently?

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Solar, Defeated By Diantha Jones

Series: Mythos #1, Oracle of Delphi #2.5
Genre: Young Adult, Mythology 
Release Date: April 23rd 2013
Source: ARC From Author
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Cover Rating: 5/5 Stars
Synopsis: From the moment Strafford Law saw Chloe Clever, he knew he was destined to love her forever. But a dishonorable past and a bleak future threaten to destroy him before he gets the chance. Looking back, he recalls his life before it came crashing down around him...a time when the one he now loathes most of all was the one he adored more than anything.

I'm not normally one for a novella but this one was different. The book centers on Strafford Law, aka the tortured soul, Demi-god we all love from the Oracle of Delphi series. The story follows him through flashbacks ranging from when he was a child to just before he met Chloe. I liked seeing him without Chloe in this because, although I like her, when she's not there the story is more focused on his relationship with his family which I loved.

As always I loved Strafford in this but Ace is still (and I suspect always will be) my favorite. And together they are one of my all time favorite siblings. Speaking of siblings, I really enjoyed seeing Strafford and Isolde's relationship. They has the perfect chemistry and Isolde was badass which is of course my favorite type of heroine. In the previous books I wasn't all that keen on Felicity but as I saw more of her, she grew on me and Teagan is adorable - plus I love her name. Solar, Defeated left me with many questions about Apollo and Isolde's relationship as well as many suspicions.

The story building in Solar, Defeated was amazing, I think I will love every book in this series no matter how high my expectations are. I absolutely cannot wait to learn more about Strafford's mysterious life (and there's always the extra of seeing more of Ace) in the books to come. This series rivals all other books in the mythology genre and it has already beaten most of the ones I've read. I would recommend this to anyone regardless of whether you normally like the genre or not.

My Favorite Quote:

"I'd seen books about some kid wizard named Potter sitting around the house and I'd spotted Felicity reading a book with someone holding an apple on the front, but I didn't see anything like those books in the library now."

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

The YA Handbook (Part One)

As promised here is the first part of the YA Handbook. The ultimate guide for creating the most stereotypical Young Adult novel in existence.

Rule One: Kill off one or both parents
As Seen In: Evermore, Series Of Unfortunate Events, The Hunger Games, The Vampire Diaries...

At least we can date vampires...

Have you ever read a YA book and wondered where the parents were while their teenagers were off hanging around with vampires or nearly being killed every other day? Then you remember that their parents were killed tragically in a car crash/doing the exact thing they always do. Their reckless behavior must be left over grief from their parents early demise, right?
Why do they do it? Because if the parents were around we, as readers, would start questioning their abilities as parents and we can't have that! So the solution is to just get rid of them so the children have excuses to rebel!

Rule Two: The Heroine has to be 'special'

As Seen In: Twilight, House of Night, Vampire Diaries, Need...

Have you noticed a common factor with the above books? If you haven't I'll help you out. Every book above has a heroine on my Top 10 worst female character's list. Coincidence? I think not! I believe the world is just not ready for a 'special' heroine, our jealousy would just be too much if there wasn't more negatives than positives about them. I mean look at Bella Swan, she has half the worlds teenage girls wishing they were her just so they could have Edward but imagine how huge that number would be if she actually had personality? Feminists everywhere hate her for setting women back twenty years but if they were on side... it doesn't bear thinking about.
Why do they do it? Because the world would explode if that many green eyed monsters came out when discussing Twilight, (which for many girls is about 95% of the time) so to prevent it the heroine is made horribly infuriating.

Friendless by choice?

Rule Three: The Heroine must not have any important relationships in her life other than the love interests
As Seen In: Twilight, Sweet Evil, Matched, Numbers, Mara Dyer... 
If YA books were accurate then the definition of love would be something along the lines of: 'A feeling which causes you to forget your friends and family exist so that you can stalk date someone who appears to hate you but is obviously as creepily obsessed in love with you as you are them'. 
Why do they do it? A far as I know being in love doesn't cause all of your friends and family to disappear so maybe the hero's 'get rid of them' - and hopefully will go onto rid the world of the soulless heroines highlighted in Rule Two.


Rule Four: Two guys must enter the heroine's life simultaneously (and be opposites) 
As Seen In: The Infernal Devices, Soul Screamers, Fallen, The Chemical Gardens, Vampire Academy...
You know the deal, there is coincidentally two new guys at school within days of each other or better yet the heroine is new to town and two guys immediately fall for her - normally for reasons I cannot fathom. These boys will always be opposites whether it's boring good guy vs hot bad boy or maybe hilarious vs serious. Either way the guys will always be polar opposites and the girl will always choose the one you don't want them to, or is that just me?
Why do they do it? I believe that the love triangle phenomenon came about when an author drafted two hero's and couldn't pick between them so just thought 'I may as well put them both in'. It's good in a way because everyone loves an underdog and for the underdog to exist we need an overdog.

Rule Five: Que mean girl/s
As Seen In: Morganville, Pretty Little Liars, Bloodlines, Before I Fall, Thirteen Reasons Why...

Anyone who claims not to have seen it lies!

No high school is complete without mean girls! They are normally cheerleaders but as long as they're blonde and Barbie like they can apply. This trend isn't as prominent as it once was and I can seriously say I miss it. I'm sick of everyone adoring the heroine!
Why do they do it? Since the success of Mean Girls I noticed the mean girls in YA increased too. I think it's physically impossible to display an American high school without cliques and mean girls because then whose going to spread gossip? Whose going to torture the wannabees? YA lit needs those catalysts to survive.

That's all for now but look out for Part Two next week and if you have any suggestions for the handbook voice them in the comments and I may put them in!

The Tower By Jade Varden

Series: Deck Of Lies #2
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery
Release Date: April 5th 2012
Source: Review Copy From Author
Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Cover Rating: 2/5 Stars - I may or may not have thought it was a Dalek when I first saw it
Synopsis: Death brings some families closer, but it’s ripped mine apart. I wanted to convince the police that they had the wrong suspect...but I never expected them to start suspecting me. Now, I have no choice but to keep searching for the truth, even if all my relationships fall to pieces around me. Someone is trying to make me look guilty. I never thought my mission to prove my own innocence would lead me to more family secrets. I thought I had already discovered the truth about myself. But every answer raises more questions, and everything I think I know is about to change...again. I have to find the truth, no matter how much it hurts -- before I get charged with murder. 

I started this book with huge expectations after reading and loving the first book. And did it meet my expectations? No. It exceeded them. The second book in the Deck Of Lies series has all the mystery and twists that drew me to the first book but they're multiplied ten times over. There is not a dull moment in this book and although the turns can make you slightly dizzy it's well worth it. It would be difficult to describe The Tower without giving too much away so all I'm going to say is that the plot this time around revolves around a murder case, some huge family issues and of course there is romantic aspects.

I have about the same opinion on the characters as I did first time around apart from two slight differences: One, I like Sawyer a lot more than I did originally and two, I do not like Owen. At all. At the end of the first book he was beginning to creep me out but now that feeling has been amplified. Rain grew on me and I began to like her way more than before. My problem was there wasn't nearly enough River, I missed him!

Overall the book is one of the best, most exciting mysteries I have ever read. Jade has managed to lure me into thinking I know who the killer is but then she blows it all out of the water and to keep me from guessing takes a very gifted author. The story building is amazing and the plot is seamless. I would recommend this to people who enjoy just the right mix of entertainment and mystery with of course the cliffhangers that I am beginning to associate with this series. I can honestly say it's one of the best self published books I've read.

My Favorite Quote:
“Lucy?” 
“Sure,” Sawyer smiled. “That’s the re­cep­tion­ist’s name.” 
Von Shel­ton charm.

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Waiting On Wednesday: Dark Triumph By Robin LaFevers

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine.

Series: His Fair Assassin #2
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Release Date: April 2nd 2013
Cover Rating: 4/5 Stars
Synopsis: Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons. But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for? 
This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Why do I want this?
The first book in the series, Grave Mercy, was absolutely amazing and although I'm slightly disappointed that this isn't a continuation of Ismae's story, I am also excited to see more about Sybella. She seemed like a very interesting character in the first book. The cover is just as good as the last so I'm taking that as a good sign!

What are you waiting for this Wednesday?


 Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Die For Me By Amy Plum

Series: Revenants #1
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Release Date: May 5th 2011
Source: Bought
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Cover Rating: 3/5 Stars
Synopsis: My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything. Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were moving to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my life would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent. Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, he put me in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen . . . until I realized that Vincent Delacroix is no normal human - that he has a terrifying destiny and enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind. Can I risk everything for love?

My first impressions of this book were that it was going to be totally cliche, I mean the synopsis couldn't sound more like a drug for Twilight withdrawal symptoms. Was I wrong? YES! I really enjoyed this book, it was equal parts suspense, romance and entertainment and isn't that an awesome combination? The book follows Kate Mercier, who moves to Paris after her parents are tragically killed. You see why I thought it was going to be cliche? Rule number one of the YA handbook states you must kill of at least one parent or have the main character move away from them. But from then on the originality factor of Die For Me went through the roof. When Kate meets Vincent in a cafe her life is going to change forever because being with Vincent means huge sacrifices - on both sides.

At first I really didn't like Kate but she grew on me as the story went on, she had the 'normal' vibe which is rare. Normally the heroine has to be 'Special' in some way whether it is special powers or beauty - YA handbook rule two - but Kate is just normal and I like it. I really liked Vincent from the start, he has the typical self sacrificial attitude but it suited him. Although I'm looking forward to seeing both of these characters in the next book, I found the secondary characters just as interesting. I loved Kate's relationship with her sister Georgia - which goes against rule three - the heroine must not have any other important people in her life other than the love interest and existing relationships will fade away over the course of the book cos who needs 'em when you have a hot, mysterious guy? Vincent's best friend Jules was very intriguing and the perfect candidate for rule four - the hero/heroine must have a 'hot', charismatic, best friend who will develop an undying love for the heroine but ultimately end up with someone else (Note that is just a guess since I haven't read the next book yet so do not take it as a spoiler ).

Overall the best things about this book was it's characters, effortless writing and of course it's ability to take every rule that I just made up and spin it on it's head. I loved the setting of the book, Paris is a gorgeous place as it is but add the amazing characters and a sprinkle of Amy Plum's exquisite writing and you have the perfect recipe for an amazing book that will keep readers up until the early hours just to see what was going to happen next - personal experience. And anyone interested in reading the YA handbook will be happy to know that I just this second decided that I am going to write it up and after a quick Google search I've seen it doesn't actually exist so I wouldn't be breaking any copyrights or anything. So lookout for it!

My Favorite Quote:
“Well, spit on my empty grave--if it ain't the attack of the Disney princesses!”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Sweet Evil By Wendy Higgins

Series: The Sweet Trilogy #1

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Release Date: May 1st 2012

Source: Bought

Overall Rating: 2.5/5 Stars

Cover Rating: 2/5 Stars

Synopsis: Embrace the Forbidden. What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels. Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna. Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

I had heard so many good things about this book so I bought it with very high expectations but unfortunately I didn't love it. It would've been so great but it fell flat. The premise for the story sounded interesting but it just wasn't. The story follows good girl Anna Whitt. She's always known she was different she can feel other people’s emotions after all and it's much more than just empathy. It isn't until she meets bad boy Kaiden that she discovers the true reason behind her strange talents and discovers new ones.

Anna's character began quite promising, she was relatable for once. Anna is nice - it's not often you get a genuinely nice character - and she has a parent who doesn't let her go to all those parties that teenagers in books and TV all seem to go to. But then it went downhill. She was so nice it almost seemed fake, sickly sweet like a Bonbon - they are delicious for the first two or three but after that you begin tasting the processed fakeness behind them. Despite the fact I now have a craving for Strawberry Bonbon's I will move away from the sweet metaphors. Some of the things that came out of Anna’s mouth were truly cringe-worthy, I didn’t know whether to get annoyed by her or pity her. Kaiden had a lot of potential but he too didn’t live up to it. His character was in no way constant, one minute he’s the type of guy to ‘burst out laughing’ and next thing you know he’s ‘cold’ and then he’s ‘vulnerable’. He went through so many personality changes I was beginning to think he was just ‘schizophrenic’. Anna’s parent figure had my vote at first until she let her daughter go on a road trip with an absolute stranger.

Overall the book was more annoying than entertaining. I enjoyed some elements but they were usually cancelled out by an even more annoying event. I have noticed from this book and others that YA is getting a lot cruder. I don’t know how some of it actually qualifies as acceptable for the Young Adult genre. Maybe 50 Shades Of Grey will be considered YA in a couple of years – but let’s hope not. I would recommend this book to people who are less worried about plot and more about entertainment value. Oh and did I mention Anna’s father actively encourages her to drink? Great parental figures in this one.

Favourite Cringe-Worthy Quotes:

“He was smoking hot. As in H-O-T-T, hott. I’d never understood until that moment why girls insisted on adding an extra t. This guy was extra-t-worthy.”

“Good gracious, he was sexy—a word that had not existed in my personal vocabulary until that moment. This guy was sexy like it was his job or something.”

 Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

The Luxe By Anna Godbersen

Series: Luxe #1
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Release Date: November 20th 2007
Source: Library 
Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Cover Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Synopsis: Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan’s social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City’s elite is far from secure, suddenly everyone—from the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker, to the spiteful maid Lina Broud—threatens Elizabeth’s and Diana’s golden future. With the fate of the Hollands resting on her shoulders, Elizabeth must choose between family duty and true love. But when her carriage overturns near the East River, the girl whose glittering life lit up the city’s gossip pages is swallowed by the rough current. As all of New York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan’s most celebrated daughter disappear... 

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I originally thought I would. The book is set in 1899 so as you would suspect it focuses on class, balls and finding the perfect husband but there's a twist. The book begins with Elizabeth Holland's funeral and the rest of the book charts her life up until that point. We get to see what life is like being some of the most privileged people on New York plus the people who serve them due to the alternating narrators. We see just how catty people became when climbing to the top of the social ladder was concerned.

Because of the alternating narrators we got to see a lot of each character which I loved. The main character, Elizabeth, I found to be quite naive and a little too prim and proper for my liking. Everyone loved her because she was so lovely and kind but frankly I didn't see it. I didn't like how she treated people but throughout the book she grew on me. Her sister, Diana, was a much better character. She was brave, confident and reckless but also loving and kind. I liked how she treated her servants as friends and opposed her obligations to be just like her perfect sister. Penelope Haye's, Elizabeth's frienemy I found to be quite entertaining. I loved her little plots which may sound strange since in a way she's the villain of the story. I also loved Henry Shoonmaker, he was just as high as the Holland's on the social ladder but he was also the bad boy of New York - with a new scandal every week. He also seemed, like Diana, a lot more down to earth than any of the others. One character I hated was the maid Lina, I get that she was angry with Elizabeth for dumping her but I found her personality to be so clingy and irritating - I just didn't like her at all.

The detail and the story building in The Luxe was stunning, with the kind of description that you only find in historical fiction. I found the story to be thoroughly entertaining and very true to the historical facts which is always good. The story line was filled with that many scandals that I wondered how there were any respectable families left - not that it was a bad thing. I also enjoyed how each chapter was divided by a note, poem or extract from a book or newspaper, it made even the chapter headings just as flwaless as the book it's self. I will most definitely be reading the rest of the series and taking a look at Godbersen's other books.

My Favorite Quote:
“Don't go looking for boys in the dark 
They will say pretty things then leave you with scars. 
Do go looking for boys in the park 
For that is where the true gentlemen are.”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Cover Reveal: Prophecy Of Solstice's End By Diantha Jones

As you may know from my reviews, I absolutely love Diantha Jones' Oracle of Delphi series so naturally I am extremely excited about the next one in the series. I have personally loved all of the covers so far but I think this is perhaps the best.
Warning: The synopsis contains spoilers for the previous two books!

Series: Oracle Of Delphi #3
Genre: Young Adult, Greek Mythology
Release Date: July 2013
Cover Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Synopsis: Summer Solstice is here. Let the games begin. 
Nothing but lies (some of them her own) and deceit have brought Chloe to Olympus for the Solstice Olympic Games. As the Oracle and the special guest of the King of Myth, Chloe becomes immersed in a life of unfathomable luxury, taunting history, and overwhelming excitement. Though scheming and untrustworthy, the gods remain on their best behavior as the tension and anticipation builds around the outcome of the Quest of the Twelve Labors, the deadliest competition of the Games. All seems well on the celestial front...until athletes start turning up dead and a philosopher missing for months returns with a most terrifying story... But that’s not all. As Strafford confronts his troubled past and more is learned about the Great Unknown Prophecy, Chloe grows close to another, setting off a chain of events that will bring her face-to-face with a truth that will rock both of her worlds to their core. And it’ll all happen before Solstice’s end...

My review of Book One and Book Two in the Oracle Of Delphi series.

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Here is how I got on with my challenges of 2012:

GOODREADS CHALLENGE
The first challenge that I entered was the 2012 Goodreads reading challenge. I entered this last year too, it is very straight forward to finish. All you have to do is set the amount of books you want to read and try and complete it. My goal is to read 100 books this year. Lets hope I make it or even exceed it.
If you want to join this challenge go to:
http://www.goodreads.com/challenges/207-2012-reading-challenge

Update: 100% complete!
DONE!


WITCHES AND WITCHCRAFT CHALLENGE
My second challenge was one that was recommended to me on Goodreads. The 2012 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge. Usually I don't like Witchy books but a few have caught my eye so I thought I may as well enter. When you enter you have to choose a level.
The levels are:
Intiate: Read 1-5 witchy books
Maiden: Read 6-10 witchy books
Mother: Read 11-15 witchy books
Crone: Read 16-20 witchy books

Books I'm going to read (I will add as I go)
1. Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
2. Beautiful Darkness By Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
3. A Great And Terrible Beauty By Libba Bray
4. Beautiful Chaos By Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
5. Poison Study By Maria V. Snyder
I am going for the Intinate level
To enter go to:
http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.blogspot.com/2011/12/2012-witches-witchcraft-reading.htm
DONE!!
A-Z CHALLENGE
The third challenge that I entered was the Babies, Books and signs A-Z challenge. I'm going with option B which is to add the books as I go along (option A is choosing them before you start). This should be OK, I'm two days into 2012 and I've already finished my first book.
To enter go to: http://www.babiesbooksandsigns.com/p/z-challenge-2012.html

So here's my list:
A- Alibi's Ghosts By L.S. Hullinger
B- Beautful Creatures By Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
C- Clockwork Angel By Cassandra Clare
D- Darkfever By Karen Marie Moning
E- Everneath By Brodi Ashford
F- Flawless By Sara Shepard
G- Golden Lily By Richelle Mead
H- Halfway To The Grave By Jeaniene Frost
I- Iron King By Julie Kagawa
J- Justice By Jade Varden
K- Knife Of Never Letting Go By Patrick Ness
L- Living Dead In Dallas by Charlaine Harris
M- Mockingjay By Suzanne Collins
N- Numbers By Rachel Ward
O- One Foot In The Grave By Jeaniene Frost
P- Pretty Little Liars By Sara Shepard
Q-
R- Rogue by Rachel Vincent
S- Shatter Me By Tahereh Mafi
T- The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins
U- Unearthly By Cynthia Hand
V-
W- Wolfsbane By Andrea Cremer
X-
Y-
Z-

SO CLOSE YET SO FAR!

100 BOOKS IN A YEAR
I have yet another challenge. Similar to the Goodreads one the challenge is to read 100 books this year. It is hosted by Book Chic City. This is a very unrestricted challenge as you can read an genre of book that you want which is always good to hear. To enter go to: http://www.bookchickcity.com/2011/12/sign-up-100-books-in-year-reading.html

Books I've read (I will add them as I go along):
1. Crescendo By Becca Fitzpatrick
2. Clockwork Angel By Cassandra Clare
3. Halfway To The Grave By Jeaniene Frost
4. Torment By Lauren Kate
5. The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins
6. Alibi's Ghosts By L.S Hullinger
7. Hope's Daughter By Melanie Cusick-Jones
8. Shelter From Thunder By Michael Cargill
9. Wolfsbane By Andrea Cremer
10. Clockwork Prince By Cassandra Clare
11. Clockwork Angel: Of Loss By Cassandra Clare
12. Catching Fire By Suzanne Collins
13. Mockingjay By Suzanne Collins
14. One Foot In The Grave By Jeaniene Frost
15. Shatter Me By Taherah Mafi
16. Pretty Little Liars By Sara Shepard
17. Wither By Lauren DeStefano
18. Darkfever By Karen Marie Moning
19. Taking Flight By Melanie Cusick-Jones
20. Destined By P.C. And Kristen Cast
21. Beautful Creatures By Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
22. My Love Lies Bleeding By Alyxandra Harvey
23. Blood Feud By Alyxandra Harvey
24. Ill Wind By Rachel Caine
25. Beautiful Darkness By Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
26. Delirium By Lauren Oliver
27. City Of Bones By Cassandra Clare
28. Matched By Ally Condie
29. Forgotten By Cat Patrick
30. Undead By Kirsty McKay
31. At Graves End By Jeaniene Frost
32. Thirteen Reasons Why
33. Callum By Malorie Blackman
34. My Sister's Keeper By Jodi Picoult
35. Justice By Jade Varden
36. Bloodfever By Karen Marie Moning
37. City Of Ashes By Cassandra Clare
38. A Great And Terrible Beauty By Libba Bray
39. Before I Fall By Lauren Oliver
40. Heat Stroke By Rachel Caine
41. Unearthly By Cynthia Hand
42. Specials By Scott Westerfield
43. The Iron King By Julie Kagawa
44. Chill Factor By Rachel Caine  
45. Black Dawn By Rachel Caine  
46. The Fairytale Keeper By Andrea Cefalo
47. Divergent By Veronica Roth
48. Free Four By Veronica Roth
49. An Offering Of Moonlight By Cassandra Clare
50. Flawless By Sara Shepard
51. Prophesy Of The Most Beautiful By Diantha Jones
52. City Of Glass By Cassandra Clare
53. Hate List By Jennifer Brown
54. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower By Stephen Chbosky
55. Dead Until Dark By Charlaine Harris
56. Pride And Prejudice By Jane Austen
57. Underneath by Michael Cargill
58. The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead
59. Insurgent by Veronica Roth 
60. Fever by Lauren DeStefano
61. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini 
62. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White 
63. Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick 
64. City Of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare 
65. The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin 
66. Living Dead In Dallas by Charlaine Harris 
67. The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda 
68. The Future Of Us by Jay Asher 
69. Supernaturally by Kiersten White 
70. Everneath by Brodi Ashford 
71. Hallowed by Cynthia Hand 
72. Stray by Rachel Vincent 
73. The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa 
74. Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris 
75. Rogue by Rachel Vincent
76. The Forest Of Hands And Teeth By Carrie Ryan
77. Imaginary Girls By Nova Ren Suma
78. Going Too Far By Jennifer Echols
79. The Knife Of Never Letting Go By Patrick Ness
80. Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia And Margaret Stohl
81. This Is Not A Test By Courtney Summers
82. Poison Study By Maria V. Snyder
83. Blue Bloods By Melissa De La Cruz
84. Anna Dressed In Blood By Kendare Blake
85. Numbers By Rachel Ward
86. Prophecy Of The Setting Sunrise By Diantha Jones
87. Legend By Marie Lu
88. My Soul To Take By Rachel Vincent
89. Grave Mercy By Robin LaFevers
90. Bits Of Cargill By Michael Cargill
91. Crossed By Ally Condie
92. Pride By Rachel Vincent
93. The Ring Sets Out By J.R.R. Tolkien
94. The Maze Runner By James Dashner
95. The Ask And The Answer By Patrick Ness
96. Windfall By Rachel Caine
97. Luxe By Anna Godbersen
98. Sweet Evil By Wendy Higgins
99. The Lovely Bones By Alice Sebold
100. Tithe By Holly Black

DONE!

DYSTOPIA CHALLENGE
My next challenge is the one I think I will enjoy most as it is a genre that I've been looking forward to starting. It is the Bookish Ardour Dystopia challenge. Dystopia seems like a really interesting genre and I have loads on my to read list. Here are the levels:
Asocial: Choose 5 books to read
Contagion: Choose 15 books to read
Soldier: Choose 30 books to read
Drone: Choose 50 books to read
Brainwashed: Choose between 76-135 books to read
Totalitarian: Choose between 136-200 books to read

I am going for the asocial level but I may increase it. To enter go to: http://bookishardour.com/dystopia/#comment-2825
The books I'm going to read (will add as I go):

1. The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins
2. Hope's Daughter By Melanie Cusick-Jones
3. Catching Fire By Suzanne Collins
4. Mockingjay By Suzanne Collins
5. Shatter Me By Tahereh Mafi

YAY! I've accomplished my challenge! Time to move it up to Contagion.

6. Wither By Lauren DeStefano
7. Taking Flight By Melanie Cusick-Jones
8. Delirium By Lauren Oliver
9. Matched By Ally Condie
10. Callum By Malorie Blackman
11. Specials By Scott Westerfield
12. Divergent By Veronica Roth
13. Free Four By Veronica Roth
14. Insurgent By Veronica Roth
15. Fever By Lauren DeStefano

Wooh! Done it again, may move it up...
16. The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda
17. The Knife Of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
18. Legend By Marie Lu
19. Crossed By Ally Condie
20. The Maze Runner By James Dashner
21. The Ask And The Answer By Patrick Ness
DONE AND THEN SOME!

NEW CHALLENGE! BOOK BLOGGER RECOMMENDATION CHALLENGE

The 2012 Book Blogger Recommendation challenge is hosted over at Reading With Tequila. 

The Levels:
Level I - 5 books from the 2011 Book Blogger Recommendation List
Level II - Read 10 books
Level III - Read 15 books
Level IV - Read 20 books
Level V - Read 20+ books
I'm going for level V, I will try for 30 off the list!

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins DONE
2. Divergent by Veroncia Roth  DONE
3. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins 
4. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare  DONE
5. Graceling by Kristin Cashore 
6. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare  DONE
7. Delirium by Lauren Oliver  DONE
8. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini  DONE
9. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
10. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Steifvater 
11. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward DONE
12. The Maze Runner by James Dashner DONE
13. Infamous by Sherrilyn Kenyon 
14. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks 
15. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White  DONE
16. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl  DONE
17. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor 
18. Legend by Marie Lu DONE
19. Fateful by Claudia Gray 
20. Forever by Maggie Stiefvater 
21. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi  DONE
22. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkins DONE
23. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins 
24. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher  DONE
25. Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer  DONE
26. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa DONE
27. Wither by Lauren DeStefano DONE
28. Matched by Ally Condie DONE
29. Across the Universe by Beth Revis 
30. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard  DONE
31. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky  DONE

Progress: 19/31
MAYBE NEXT YEAR...

So I didn't complete them all but I was pretty close. How did you do?

The Maze Runner By James Dashner

Series: The Maze Runner #1
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia
Release Date: October 6th 2009
Source: Bought
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Cover Rating: 2 Stars
Synopsis: When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every thirty days a new boy has been delivered in the lift. Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

I am not sure what I expected when I picked up The Maze Runner but I'm positive it wasn't what I got. I had heard The Maze Runner compared to The Hunger Games many times, they are both set in an arena-like location but the similarities end there. This book was very unique and the mostly male characters made a change from the normally female-dominated young adult genre. Although I missed more female presences, I really did enjoy this book. The story follows Thomas after he wakes in a lift -is that an American word too? I thought it was just us Brits who used it - with no memory. When the doors open Thomas isn't alone, he's surrounded by boys who went through the exact same thing but have now been living there for a long time - or you could say as long as they remember. Their lives follow a set pattern which all changes when the first girl ever arrives with a message which will change their lives...

I wasn't very keen on any of the characters in this book really. Thomas seemed quite stiff and his personality was almost non-existent. A few of the other Gladers were slightly more interesting but not by very much. The girl, whose name I cannot remember for the life of me, was also slightly wooden but she was quite a bit more interesting than the rest. It seemed like the author had given her and Thomas near enough the same personality but it suited her loads more. The rest of the Gladers seemed like the same person, some had obvious differences but then others would display the same characteristics later on. One thing I did like about the characters was their community, it was a fully functioning community of teenagers which worked better than you may think.

Overall I found this book very entertaining despite its lack of character development and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I did guess the ending after a little while - or at least I thought I had until a final twist was added in right at the last second. The world building was stunning and it made up significantly for the characters. I would recommend this book to fans of The Hunger Games and the Chaos Walking series.

My Favorite Quote:
“Shouldn't someone give a pep talk or something?" Minho asked, pulling Thomas's attention away from Alby.
"Go ahead" Newt replied. 
Minho nodded and faced the crowd. "Be careful," he said dryly. "Don't die.” 
"Great. We're all bloody inspired." Newt said.”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Where Have I been?

Hey everyone. This is just a quick post because I am mega busy but some of you may have noticed that I haven't posted anything in almost a month. Shocking I know but luckily I have a good excuse. I haven't had any internet for all that time! My provider shut mine off instead of a neighbors and then took almost a month to put it back on. It was torture!

If you've sent me a email in that time I will try and get back to you as soon as possible. I am currently wading through an inbox of over 200 messages so it could be a while. I never thought I'd say this but luckily some of them are junk. I have read a lot in my internet-less days so I have a lot to review so look forward to it and I will try to post one this week.

Hope you didn't miss me too much :)

10 Things No-one Tells You About Book Blogging

When I first started blogging I knew nothing about it but here are some things that may help new bloggers out there!

You Won't Always Have Something Nice To Say About A Book
When I first opened my blog up for business I did what most people would probably do and reviewed my favourite books. When I started reviewing every book I read I found something unsettling, I don't always love the books I read! When you are reading and not reviewing you don't notice as much but when you review a hated book all those bad feelings towards it come bubbling to the surface and spill onto the screen in the form of a rant. My first one being of Phantom by L.J. Smith.

You Will Go From Obsessed To Infatuated - Yes There's A Difference 
Two years ago I read quite a lot but not nearly as much as I do since I started this blog. I went from around 100 books in three years to 100 in one. Before I used to read books, now I devour them. You find when you read a lot you get faster at it, at most this year I've read three books in one day - this time last year that would be unimaginable.

You Will Suddenly Find Your Purse A Lot Emptier
Similar to the last point, when you start a book blog you will read a lot more - three times more in my case - and when you read more you buy more. Last year I didn't own a single book, my supply came from my library. But after a while I had read all the good books (it's a small library) so I had to look elsewhere. I borrowed them from my friend for a while since her supply seemed infinite but after a while I decided to get some of my own. Now it has got to the point that I can't leave Amazon without buying a book. I log on to buy an iPod charger, I come off with an iPod charger and five books on their way to me.

You Will Turn Into A Green-eyed Monster 
You know how it is, you log onto blogger and a list of the blogs you follow come up and I can almost guarantee that one of the top posts will be someone's 'Stacking The Shelves' or something of the like. You will then become curious and click the link only to find that person has somehow got hold of every book you have ever wanted (or that's what your irrational jealous brain tells you). You then proceed to press back as quickly as possible or leave a comment that goes something like "Well Jell, ur sooo lucky!!!" (Okay maybe I'm currently watching The Only Way Is Essex - horrible show by the way) when you're really thinking Life is unfair, why does she/he get that? Am I that bad a person??? If you go through this then there's only one solution... when you get something awesome rub it in everyone's faces and start the cycle again.

You Will Have Reading Slumps
Ah, the dreaded slump. You have work slumps of course but who would expect you could not feel like doing something you ordinarily love? I didn't. But there are many ways to get out of a reading slump, some that worked for me are:
- Rereading a book you loved.
- Reading very short books - don't attempt 400+ pages.
- Take a couple of days off from reading then you'll be eager to get back to it.

Authors Are Your Friends... But You Can't Accept All Books
I've heard so many people say they started their blogs for the free books but believe it or not but I had no idea bloggers could get free books. So imagine my surprise when I was emailed by an author asking me to review my book. I jumped at the chance without even reading the blurb. Lucky for me I enjoyed it but now I'm more careful about the books that I accept because there's some unwritten rule about giving self-published books bad reviews and I don't want to be the one to break it.

You Will Be Proud Of Your First Reviews But You'll Hate Them In A Year
I loved my first reviews, I felt totally professional  after writing it but reading back I actually cringe. I wrote barely anything, gave no book info and it just sounded so... unprofessional. I'm surprised authors wanted me to review their books looking at those reviews. I would delete them but then I'd have nothing to compare my latest too, in a year I may hate those too.

Progression Of My Reviews:

Don't ask about the gap, I'm ashamed enough about this review as it is 

This one wasn't all that long ago but it still wasn't perfect.

This is my latest review and the one I like best but as I said before, we'll see in a year...

People Wont Just Flock To Your Blog The Moment You Publish It
We all claim to know that you have to advertise your blog before anyone finds it but how many of us sit there refreshing the page ten minutes after first posting expecting followers? I would say quite a lot. If you want followers you have to market your blog. I don't have all that many followers currently because I just don't have the time (or money) to advertise constantly but when I set my mind to getting a certain amount of followers I WILL get them. My most successful follower spree got me around 40 in one night just by following others blogs. It's that easy. Other ways to get followers are buying ads (expensive), hosting giveaways and just hassling people till they follow you - not that I endorse this one of course.


It Is A Lot Of Hard Work
Most people who start a book blog probably begin by thinking something along the lines of, how hard can it be? Avid readers probably think they can write a review no problem but they don't always realise just how much work a blog can be. Some thing book blogs can include doing are: advertising, formatting  writing reviews, giving book information, sorting out giveaways, replying readers and making your blog the best it can be.

It Really Is Worth It
This point doesn't really fit the title since I'm sure most of you have been told it before but I had to put it out there. There is nothing I like more than people commenting and saying they like my post or authors saying they like my reviews so want their own reviewing. My favourites are when people say my review made them buy (or not buy) a book.

UPDATE:
It's been a while since I wrote this post now but everything I wrote still stands, I'm glad to say. My blog progression has been added to further though so I thought I'd update my most refined look yet:

Do you think my comments here are still relevant? Do you have more to add? Please let me know!

A year! It seems like only yesterday when I went blog hopping and decided I wanted my own. I'd say that was quite a wise choice on my part. 'Confessions' has erased the boring days when surfing the internet is the only thing you can be bothered to do. Believe it or not sometimes I just didn't feel like reading! I have learnt a lot about book blogging that I didn't know before and I will share that with you later but first...

The Stats:
32725 Pageviews
314 Followers
225 Posts

Top Viewed Posts:
Clockwork Princess Teasers ~ 1189 Views
More Golden Lily News ~ 991 Views
Weekly Review Link Up (24/11/12 - 08/12/12) ~ 767 Views
Top Ten Of Worst Female Characters ~ 642 Views

Top Viewed Reviews:
Supernaturally By Kiersten White ~ 464 Views
The Future Of Us By Jay Asher ~ 189 Views
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower By Stephen Chbosky ~ 151 Views
The Forest Of Hands And Teeth by Carrie Jones ~ 145 Views
The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer By Michelle Hodkin ~  126 Views

Top Referring Keywords:
Clockwork Princess Teasers ~ 226 Referrals 
The Golden Lily Spoilers ~ 107 Referrals 
Worst Female Characters ~ 52 Referrals 
Emily's Confessions Of A Bookaholic ~ 49 Referrals 

These keywords tell me three things. One, people can't resist a teaser. Two, people love rants. Three, I'm famous!

Top Referring Sites:
www.goodreads.com ~ 1179 Referrals
www.facebook.com  ~ 140 Referrals
http://michaelcargill.wordpress.com ~ 54 Referrals
http://asidefromwriting.wordpress.com ~ 52 Referrals

Goodreads was of course a given. Facebook was a suprise since I'm not even on it. Thank you to Michael Cargill and the lovely bloggers behind Aside From Writing for directing some of their traffic my way. I hope my blog does the same for you.

So those are my stats, look out for my next post about lessons you learn when you start a book blog!

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK

Grave Mercy By Robin LaFevers

Series: His Fair Assassin #1
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Release Date: April 3rd 2012
Source: Won From Oh, For The Love Of Books
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Cover Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Synopsis: Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf? Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

I won this book all the way back in April and I had always looked at it longingly but never been in the mood to read it because it was so thick. When I eventually started it I couldn't stop. I am a huge fan of historical fiction but I have never read such a good one. This tops every historical fiction book I've read, adult and young adult alike. The story follows Ismae who is taken into the convent of St. Mortain after fleeing an arranged marriage. There she trains to serve the convent's god, the god of Death, by becoming a handmaiden to death. In other words she's an assassin nun. When Ismae is given the most important assignment of her life she has to decide whether serving Death is really worth it when she becomes unsure of the convents intentions.

The characters I loved! I wasn't sure about Ismae at first but further into the book I saw everything I love in a heroine in her. She's independent, tough and feisty. She didn't dwell on her horrible past and get pulled into the pit of self-pity that many young adult heroines never escape from. She was totally pro-feminist and I can't help but give a point in her favor for that. Ah the main love interest, Duval. Like Ismae I wasn't sure about him at first. He seemed a bit obnoxious but further in I began to love him. His fierce determination to keep his sister, the Duchess, on the throne, his acceptance of Ismae's past. I just loved him!

The whole book was rich in description. The words flowed flawlessly and beautifully, the gorgeous imaginary and descriptions are one of the reasons that I love historical fiction so much. I enjoyed the fact that LaFevers stuck so closely to the historical background of the actual events. A lot of the events in the book actually did happen in real life and minus a few characters the book was very true to history. One way I know I love a historic book is when it influences me to look further into the time frame and events so evidently I loved this one. I was slightly disappointed to discover that the next book in the series follows a different character and wont continue Ismae and Duval's story but I'm positive that if it's anything like this one then I will love it. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy lavish description, beautiful writing and of course historical fiction.

My Favorite Quote 
“God's Teeth,' he says. 'I was only trying to wake you. You were crying out in your sleep.' '
I was not,' I say, then look from his neck to my knife. 
'When I tried to wake you, you stabbed me.' He sounds sore put out. and I cannot blame him.”

Email me at: confessionsofabookaholic@LIVE.CO.UK