The Bane Chronicles 1: What
Really Happened in Peru – Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees
Brennan
Pages:
40
Publisher:
Margaret K
McElderry Books
Release
Date: 16th
April 2013
Series:
The
Bane Chronicles
Edition:
e-novella,
bought
Synopsis
From
Goodreads: There are good reasons Peru is
off-limits to Magnus Bane. Follow Magnus’ Peruvian escapades as he drags his
fellow warlocks Ragnor Fell and Catarina Loss into trouble, learns several
instruments (which he plays shockingly), dances (which he does shockingly), and
disgraces his host nation by doing something unspeakable to the Nazca Lines.
Mini-Review
I think that the whole idea of
a series of short stories about Magnus Bane is brilliant. Add in Maureen
Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan and you have some serious win on your hands!
It’s a very different tone to both The
Mortal Instruments and The Infernal
Devices and really mixes the tones of Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees
Brennan. It’s a great combo!
Through a series of Magnus’
escapades with Ragnor Fell and Catarina Loss in Peru, we get to see another
side of Magnus. We see him fall in love, get his heart broken, get so drunk he
wants to become a cacti and torment poor Ragnor until he wants to go home. I
loved that there was a lot more to him that we’ve seen so far in TMI and TID.
I’m really looking forward to
the next instalment!
The Secret of
Ella and Micha – Jessica Sorensen
Pages: 309
Publisher: Sphere
Release Date: 11th April 2013
Series: The
Secret
Edition: UK paperback, review copy
Synopsis
Ella
and Micha have been best friends since childhood until a disastrous night that
sent Ella fleeing to college. Back for the summer, Ella tries to keep her past
buried, but struggles under the gaze of Micha who is trying to get his best
friend back.
Mini-review
I can
officially give Jessica Sorensen the accolade of writing a new adult novel that
I actually enjoyed! The sultry, tense atmosphere is supported by interesting
characters with mysterious and dodgy pasts and an involving relationship.
Neither Ella or Micha were what I expected, but I loved their chemistry and I
was championing them from the start.
My
usual complaint with new adult novels seems to be poor writing and the tendency
for the boks to have an abundance of frequent, graphic sex. While The Secret of Ella and Micha had sex and
sexy scenes in it, I thought they were done fairly tastefully and the prose was
easy, flowing and quick to read. This is definitely more in the vain of a
sexier Simone Elkeles or Jennifer Echols than Abbi Glines. Thankfully for me!
I’m
rather looking forward to The Forever of
Ella and Micha actually!
Crossing the Line – Katie
McGarry
Pages:
67
Publisher: MiraInk
Release
Date: 1st
April 2013
Series:
Pushing
the Limits
Edition:
e-novella,
bought
Synopsis
From
Goodreads: Lila
McCormick first met Lincoln Turner when tragedy struck both their lives. But
she never expected their surprise encounter would lead to two years of
exchanging letters – or that she’d fall for the boy she’s only seen once. Their
relationship is a secret, but Lila feels closer to Lincoln than anyone else.
Until she finds out that he lied to her about the one thing she depended on him
the most.
Hurting Lila is the last thing
Lincoln wanted. For two years, her letters have been the only thing getting him
through the day. Admitting his feelings would cross a line he’s never dared
breach before. But Lincoln will do whatever it takes to fix his mistakes, earn
Lila’s forgiveness – and finally win a chance to be with the girl he loves.
Mini-review
Pushing
the Limits was
one of my favourite books from last year so I couldn’t wait to get a sneak peek
into Lila and Lincoln’s story. The letters between Lincoln and Lila at the
beginning of the story and then the short excerpts at the beginning of each
chapter were brilliant. I think they gave a nice depth to them both in such a
short word count. Katie McGarry is extremely good at drawing damaged characters
and rocky relationships and that really came through in Crossing the Line.
Even though my heart broke for
Lincoln and Katie McGarry’s prose is addictive, easy to read and involving, but
I really wasn’t a fan of how dependent Lila’s future and education was on
Lincoln’s decision. Although everything with her was resolved and her strength
returned, I thought that was a bit of a worrying seed to plant. Luckily, it didn't
deter my enjoyment of Crossing the Line and
I’m still incredibly excited to read Dare
You To when it’s released in June.
Sophie
I'm so glad you enjoyed The Bane Chronicles! I found it so funny. :)
ReplyDeleteAlready heard you rave about The Secret of Ella and Micha, really gonna have to get this one, aren't I?
ReplyDeleteI've downloaded Crossing the Line onto my Kindle but I haven't yet gotten around to reading it yet. I loved both Katie McGarry books I've read and I'm sure I'll love this one as well..
ReplyDeleteThe Secret of Ella and Micha is a great book to read & I loved the characters in the story. I'm waiting very patiently for the next book to come out!
ReplyDeleteregards,
irene of Plumber Seattle
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