Wednesday 31 August 2011

Dark Inside - Jeyn Roberts


Dark Inside – Jeyn Roberts

Pages: 360
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Release Date: 2nd September 2011

Something bad is about to happen. A lot of people are going to die and it’s only the beginning.

A murderous rage has been unleashed. Moments after earthquakes rock the world, people start to change in the most terrifying of ways. Friends turn on friends, girlfriends on boyfriends, brothers on sisters. Nobody can be trusted.

For those who survive the first wave of killing, the world is a different, deadlier place. Michel, Aries, Mason and Clementine must battle to stay alive in a world determined to kill them. All they have is one another...but can they be sure of that?

An apocalyptic, heart-stopping saga of rage, hope and survival.

I was a little wary of Dark Inside because the idea of the population turning into homicidal maniacs is pretty terrifying, but once I got stuck into it, I enjoyed it.

For the first hundred-or-so pages of Dark Inside I was largely ambivalent to both the story and the characters. I think this was largely due to the four-character alternating narrative that were, in the beginning, all very unrelated to each other. There were no crossover points and at time it felt like I was reading four separate novels as their experiences were so different. But I persisted because dual narration is a favourite format of mine and I was starting to warm up to the characters.

Michael, Aries, Mason and Clem are four very different people and their stories panned out very differently to what I expected. The way they changed throughout the novel made me wonder how I’d react in a post-apocalyptic situation – and I really couldn’t work it out. Aries changed from a scared little girl into a strong leader (she was by far my favourite character), Mason from a survivor to a guy on a path to self-destruction, Michael from a leader to a person driven by self-preservation. And Clem didn’t really develop all that much; I don’t feel like I really know her very well as her search for her brother propelled her entire story.

But perhaps the most prominent and imposing character of Dark Inside is the mysterious force that is driving people to violence and insanity. This entity was represented (I think) in sporadic, short chapters titled ‘Nothing’ that discussed the impact of the darkness and violence on the brain and body. By the end of the novel it seemed to develop and intelligence and retain shreds of humanity and develop into what seemed to be a group mentality. It was extremely freaky.

Dark Inside is a highly intriguing debut and I hope that there’s a sequel to answers all of my remaining questions.  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
For my 2011 Debut Author Challenge, Dystopia Challenge 2011


Sophie

Monday 29 August 2011

Bloodlines - Richelle Mead

Bloodlines – Richelle Mead

Pages: 421
Publisher: Razorbill (Puffin)
Release Date: 25th August 2011


Sydney protects vampire secrets – and human lives.

Sydney belongs to a secret group who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the world of humans and vampires.

But when Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, she fears she’s still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. What unfolds is far worse. The sister fo the Moroi queen Lissa Dragomir is in mortal danger, and goes into hiding. Now Sydney must act as her protector.

The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathising with vampires. And now she has to live with one...

It’s no secret to regular readers of my blog that Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series is one of my favourites, so I knew that I would have to read Bloodlines the second I got my grubby little hands on it.

But I have to admit to being a little wary once I had it in my possession. What if it wasn’t as good as Vampire Academy? What if I didn't get along with Sydney’s narration? What was I going to do without Dimitri being mentioned on every page? My fears were pointless. It just goes to show Richelle Mead’s skill that I was able to slip back into a world I’ve gotten to know and love over the years through a completely opposing perspective so effortlessly. Seeing the world of the Moroi and dhamphirs through a human was fascinating. But Sydney’s not just any human. As an Alchemist her view of vampires is extremely strong.

I thought it might be a little difficult to adjust to straight-laced Sydney, but she surprised me. She wasn’t at all what I expected from what we saw of her in the latter books of the Vampire Academy series. Sydney’s fear of vampires and her belief that they are unnatural comes through strongly in Bloodlines and is often a thought behind every interaction she has with them; especially the Moroi. While reading some of these thoughts it struck me: she’s a human, it’s completely natural! She should be scared stupid of them! It was quite a realisation at the time. But this, along with her flaws and insecurities were what thoroughly endeared me to her; she felt real. Her qualms about her physicality when she constantly compared herself to the tall, slim and beautiful Moroi; her hatred of Moroi magic; her complete and utter social ineptitude and sometimes backhanded attempts at doing the best she can for everyone make her completely relatable. And I love her. I also admire how she wields her intelligence, not all people, especially teenage girls, are strong enough to do that.

Sydney wasn’t the only character that I fell for in Bloodlines. When he appeared in Vampire Academy, I wasn’t his biggest fan.  I found him irritating and he got in the way of Rose and Dimitri, but once that competition was removed I began to see what many VA fans have loved from his first introduction. But now, I am an Adrian Ivashkov convert. Seeing his soft side and the depth of his pain after what happened with Rose in Last Sacrifice warmed me to him instantly. He became the character who I looked forward to popping up the most. Though I was constantly hoping that Rose and Dimitri would make an appearance...

One of the most surprising aspects of Bloodlines was all I learnt about the Alchemists. Before they’re always been a vague, behind-the-scenes organisation that were not even really taken into consideration around Rose’s exploits, but they are actually very intriguing. I’ve rarely come across an establishment, outside of dystopian worlds, that are so strictly controlled. I was bordering on horrified at the way that Sydney’s life has worked and everything that she has sacrificed to be an Alchemist. They’re like a religious cult that almost brainwashes most of their members; it was truly disturbing. But it also explained a lot about Sydney’s nature.

After a rather teasing ending to Bloodlines, I’m very eager to get my hands on The Golden Lily when it’s released next spring. Bring it on! 

Sophie

Sunday 28 August 2011

In My Mailbox 94


This meme was started by the fabulous Kristi who was inspired by Alea. Check out their blogs for more information. All summaries are from the book jackets.

For review:

Bloodlines – Richelle Mead

Sydney protects vampire secrets – and human lives.

Sydney belongs to a secret group who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the world of humans and vampires.

But when Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, she fears she’s still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. What unfolds is far worse. The sister fo the Moroi queen Lissa Dragomir is in mortal danger, and goes into hiding. Now Sydney must act as her protector.

The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathising with vampires. And now she has to live with one...

YAY! I love Puffin! Thank you! I also bought myself a US copy to go with my collection which arrived this week too. I've already read it and my review should be up tomorrow. 

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight – Jennifer E. Smith

Ever wondered about the probability of falling in love at first sight? Two people are about to find out...

Meet Hadley.she’s feisty and romantic, yet vulnerable. She’s also about to miss the flight from New York to London for her father’s wedding to a woman Hadley’s never met.

Meet Oliver. He’s sensitive, witty and charming. He has his own reasons for not wanting to fly home to London.

They’re about to embark on the flight of their lives.

Squee! So, so, so looking forward to this. I’ve heard nothing but awesome things about it. Thanks, Headline!

The Damned – Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

There is a fine line between love and sacrifice...

The hunters are at war, and Jenn, now the newly appointed Hunter, must lead her team into battle against the Cursed Ones. Desperate for revenge against the vampire who converted her sister, Jenn knows she must put aside any personal vendettas. Ubt rising tensions threaten to fracture the fragile balance among the hunters, and when Antonio’s loyalty – and his love for her – is called into question, Jenn finds her inner strength and trust wavering.

Jenn and Antonio need each other to survive, but evil lurks at ever now the newly appointed Hunter, must lead her team into battle against the Cursed Ones. Desperate for revenge against the vampire who converted her sister, Jenn knows she must put aside any personal vendettas. Ubt rising tensions threaten to fracture the fragile balance among the hunters, and when Antonio’s loyalty – and his love for her – is called into question, Jenn finds her inner strength and trust wavering.

Jenn and Antonio need each other to survive, but evil lurks at ever turn. And with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, they must both face down the darkness...or die trying.

Thanks, S&S!

Prized ­ -  Caragh O’Brien

Fleeing the corrupt society of the Enclave, Gaia Stone heads into the harsh environment of the wasteland with her baby sister, Maya. They survive only to be captured by Peter, a ranger from Sylum, a strange village which seems to have as many laws as the Enclave. And when the ruthless village leader takes Maya, Gaia is forced to stay and submut to the strict social code, or risk losing her sister forever.

Then gaua discovers that Sylum has a secret; a deadly fever strikes down anyone who tries to leave, holding the villagers prisoner. Desperate to escape with Maya, Gaia is determined to uncover the truth about the sickness, whatever it takes. But when leon is captured too, she is faced with another impossible choice: the boy who won her heart in the Enclave, or Peter, for whom she cant deny her growing feelings.

If Gaia is going to survive in this new world she needs to learn to trust her instincts, and her heart...

I actually haven’t read the first book yet, but receiveing this has made me eager to. Thanks, S&S!

Virtuoisity – Jessica Martinez

All her life, Carmen has known she has to be the best. And she’s wanted it as much as her family, putting everything aside for her music. But now she’s met Jeremy – a fellow competitor for the prestigious Guaneri music prize – and she’s beginning to think there might be more to life than playing the violin. Jeremy seems to understand her more than anyone else. But does he really care about her, or is he just out to win the competition?

Carmen has a choice to make: between following the path her whole life has been steered towards, or taking a step into the unknown with someone she’;s not sure she can trust. Because trprestigious Guaneri music prize – and she’s beginning to think there might be more to life than playing the violin. Jeremy seems to understand her more than anyone else. But does he really care about her, or is he just out to win the competition?

Carmen has a choice to make: between following the path her whole life has been steered towards, or taking a step into the unknown with someone she’s not sure she can trust. Because tring to win everything. Could mean losing it all...

 Love the sound of this. And it’s a 2011 debut! Thanks, S&S.

Sophie 

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Blood Magic - Tessa Gratton


Blood Magic – Tessa Gratton

Pages: 405 (ARC)
Publisher: Doubleday (RHCB)
Release Date: 7th July 2011  

My whole body shivered. I was about to find out of magic was real. The electric thrill of terror was sharp on my tongue. I cut deep.

Silla is damaged and lost since the death of her parents.

Nick is the new boy in town with a chilling past of his own.

A mysterious spell book seeped in magic will bind Silla and Nick together.

But at what cost?

I have to admit that Blood Magic surprised me: I didn't expect to enjoy it nearly as much as I did.

The first thing that told me I was going to enjoy Tessa’s debut was the discovery of its duel narrative. I’m a real sucker for it! I love seeing the reactions to other character’s actions. It was really refreshing to see what Nick really thought of Silla’s dabbling in blood magic and when he went along with her plans and when he genuinely agreed with her. It’s not something you often get to see; especially in a paranormal romance novel.

Another narrative voice that appeared sporadically throughout Blood Magic was Josephine’s diary entries. In the beginning, the entries provided a real sense of mystery: Who are Josephine, Philip and the Deacon? And what on earth do they have to do with Silla and Nick? Luckily, most of the questions were answered and the entries proved vital later in the story. My only complaint would be that a particular character who contributed to the diary in the latter chapters of the novel had a handwriting font that I found a little hard decipher.

Blood Magic is a novel of questions and puzzling connections. I spent a lot of the novel wondering about the connection between Nick’s mum and Silla’s dad and Josephine and Philip and Silla and Nick. They propelled the plot in a furious search for answers and they were gradually revealed as Nick and Silla learned more about their families and their pasts. As they learned more about the magic and their connection to it, their lives became more and more dangerous. I loved how Tessa Gratton didn't shy away from the death and havoc that a truly evil and unhinged character such as Blood Magic’s villain wreaked; it felt authentic and very true to the character’s nature.

I really enjoyed Blood Magic and I’m looking forward to the sequel even as I’m rather curious as to how the story arc is going to be carried on.


Sophie

Monday 22 August 2011

There is No Dog - Meg Rosoff


There is No Dog – Meg Rosoff

Pages: 243
Publisher: Puffin (Penguin Books)
Release Date: 4th August 2011

Other Titles by this Author: How I Live Now, Just in Case, What I Was, The Bride’s Farewell

In the beginning there was Bob.

And Bob created the heavens and the earth,
and the beasts of the field,
and the creatures of the sea,
and twenty-five million other species,
including lots and lots of gorgeous girls.
And all of this he created in six days.

Six days! Congratulations, Bob.

No wonder Earth is such a mess

Imagine that God is a typical teenage boy. He is lazy, careless, self-obsessed, sex-mad – and about to meet Lucy, the most beautiful girl on earth.

Unfortunately, whenever Bob falls in love, disaster follows.

Let us pray that Bob does not fall in love with Lucy.

There is No Dog is unlike any book I’ve ever read or will have the pleasure to read ever again.

I never know what to expect from Meg Rosoff, but I always anticipate something fresh, unique and utterly compelling. And, boy, did she deliver! Right from the epigraph I knew I was in for a book full of humour, charm and wit and I wasn’t disappointed. The idea that our world was created by a God who is a lazy, rude and sex-obsessed teenage boy is absolutely genius and a perfect fit, actually. The weird and clashing creatures on our planet scream the enthusiastic and inventive creations of someone doing whatever they want just because they can and I love it.

One of my favourite things about There is No Dog is how Meg Rosoff twisted the Bible stories and miracles that we’re force-fed throughout primary into jokes, pranks and occasionally punishments. The idea that many of the stories and also natural disasters were often the fault of a love-sick Bob made me laugh aloud to myself because it, like the state of the earth, fits Rosoff’s explanations.

I have to admit that I fell in love during this book. With Eck, Bob’s pet. He’s absolutely adorable and I’d happily swap my cat for him. He’s just too cute. The occasional glimpses into his thoughts that popped up every so often in the continually shifting narration were the icing on the cake, really. The way that the perspectives kept switching, often in the middle of a page, should have been clunky, and may have been under an author without Rosoff’s skill; she pulled it off and made it effortlessly seamless.

There is No Dog is a quirky and unique novel that, while it won’t be for everyone, is very likely to make this year’s list of my favourite books.

Sophie 

Saturday 20 August 2011

In My Mailbox 93


This meme was started by the fabulous Kristi who was inspired by Alea. Check out their blogs for more information. All summaries are from the book jackets.

I got some awesome books this week! I am seriously excited for them!

On another note, my laptop is playing up and won’t let me access Google sites. This means I have to post to my blog from my mum’s laptop and so that explains my lack of commenting this week and until I figure out how the hell to sort it out!

For review:

Love, Inc. – Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideaut

Make up, break u, or take up with someone new...Love, Inc. does it all!

Zahra, Kali, and Syd would never have met if their parents’ marriages hadnt fallen apart. But when the three girls collide in group counselling, they discover they havesomething else in common: they’ve each been triple-timed by the same wicked charmer, Eric, aka Rico, Rick. Talk about eye-opening therapy. Now all three girls have one mission: to show that cheater the error of his ways.

Project Payback is such a success, the girls soon have clients lining up for their consulting services. Is your boyfriend acting shady? Dying to know if your crush is into you? Need matchmaking expertise? Look no further than Love, Inc.

Love the sound of this. Thanks, Allison and Busby!

Fury – Elizabeth Miles

Introducing a slick and sexy supernatural thriller from a talented debut author.

Em loves the winter holidays. And this year, things are really looking up: the guy she's been into for months has finally noticed her. But if she starts something with him, there's no turning back. Because he's going out with her best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase's home life is stressful and his social life's unravelling. But that's nothing compared to what's really haunting him. For Chase has done something cruel - something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it's only a matter of time before he's exposed.

Mistakes can be deadly. And three beautiful, mysterious girls are about to make them pay...

Thanks to S&S for a beautiful finished copy. I'm very excited to get stuck into this.  

Beautiful Days: A Bright Young Things Novel – Anna Godbersen

It’s the last summer of the jazz age and the bright young things of New York are revelling in beautiful days and glittering nights.

Letty Larkspur has shaken off her small town origins and is set to chase her Broadway dream no matter what the cost.

Cordelia Grey is reeling from the tragedy that’s befallen her new-found family but she won’t let it hold her back.


Astrid Donal is leading a dazzling life but her liason with a ganster could threaten everything she holds dear.

The latest book in the addictive Bright Young Things series.

I love Anna Godbersen so I’m very much looking forward to getting stuck into this. Thanks, Puffin!

Dearly Departed – Lia Habel

‘I’m newly wired with a burning desire for hot flesh. You know, like every other teenage boy.’
Bram, recent zombie recruit.

It should be game over for Nora Dearly when she is ambushed and dragged off into the night by the living dead. But this crack unit of teen zombies are the good guys, sent to protect Nora from the real monsters roaming the country and zeroing in on cities to swell their ranks.

Can Nora find a way to kill-off the evil undead once and for all?

Can she trust her proptectors to resist their hunger for human flesh?

And can she stop herself falling for the noble, sweet, surprisingly attractive, definitely-no-longer-breathing Bram...?

A sharp, slick, blisteringly paced debut novel, with an unconventional but tender love story at its heart.

Love the sound of this. Thanks to RHCB!

This Dark Endeavour – Kenneth Oppel

How far would you go to save your brother’s life?

Victor and Konrad Frankenstein are twins, born just two minutes apart but with very different personalities. Along with their beautiful cousin Elizabeth, they lead a charmed life at their parents’ chateau. But when Konrad falls dangerously ill, everything changes.

Victor’s quest to find a cure leads him to the Dark Library, a secret room full of ancient, forbidden knowledge. On the spine-chilling mission that follows, he is forced to confront strange foes, alchemical forces and the most difficult torment of all – the pain of unrequited love.

Set against the turreted backdrop of eighteenth-century Geneva, This Dark Endeavour is the first book in Kenneth Oppel’s haunting nre gothic duology.

SO, SO excited for this. I love Frankenstein so I really can't wait to read it. Thanks, RHCB!

The Poison Diaries: Nightshade – Maryrose Wood

Sixteen-year-old Jessamine Luxton is heartbroken. Her true love, Weed, the strange and intriguing young man who came into her life so suddenly, has disappeared.

Jessamine suspects that her own father, Thomas, may have been involved. Thomas was obsessed with posions and discovering Weed’s secret understanding of dangerous plants. This suspicion and her growing expertise with poisons have changed her. She is no longer innocent. So when Jessamine learns that Weed is alive and in danger, she will do whatever it takes to be reunited with him, including killing whoever gets in her way.

I actually haven’t read the first book in this series, but I do love the sound of it. Thanks, Harper Collins!

Bleeding Hearts – Alyxandra Harvey

It’s not easy being the new girl in town, and Christabel Llewellyn is certainly that. She’s new to Violet Hill, new to coutry life, and new to vampires. Which, considering she’s Lucy Hamilton’s cousin, is going to prove problematic...Lucy’s boyfriend is one of the Drake brothers, her best friend is a Drake princess, and all of the Drakes are vampires.

But they aren;t the only undead to riside in Violet Hill. The town is infested with a very different and entirely more dangerous type of feral vampire, the Hel-Blar. And when Christabel is kidnapped by their leader and held to ransom, the drakes are forced into action.

I really need to catch up with this series as I loved the first book. Thanks, Bloomsbury!

Sophie

Friday 19 August 2011

Wolfsbane - Andrea Cremer


Wolfsbane – Andrea Cremer

Pages: 390
Publisher: Atom (Little, Brown)
Release Date: 26th July 2011

Other Titles in the Series: Nightshade

You’re an alpha, a leader.
That’s what we need.
It’s what we’ve always needed.

When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer, one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack – and the boy – she left behind.

But is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side, no matter what?

Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can survive.

Nightshade was one of my favourite books of 2010 and so I was beyond excited to read Wolfsbane. I just wish it had lived up to that high.

Andrea Cremer launches her readers straight back into Calla’s story, only around a week after Nightshade ended, and I have to admit to being a little lost. I struggled to remember what happened and all of the things that were discovered and not much of it was recapped in any way in Wolfsbane so I remained a little bewildered and had to piece together what I thought had happened.

And although the point I’m about to make at first seems to counteract what I just said, I promise it’s something entirely different! I thought that there was a deluge of information sometimes. There were so many explanations of plots, histories and truths revealed to Calla that I couldn’t keep up and remember it all. I like things like that to be divulged slowly throughout the novel and not in one huge clump.

I did love all of the new characters that were introduced in Wolfsbane, though. Adne is pure awesome. As a Weaver she has insanely cool powers that the Searchers couldn’t exist safely without and she’s direct and funny. Then there’s Connor with his not-always funny, but nearly always inappropriate jokes, he added some much needed light relief to lots of situations and frequently made me snort with laughter. But there was definitely more to him than that which I hope we’ll discover in Bloodrose. These characters were a life-saver to me as I found Calla really quite annoying in Wolfsbane. Where was the sassy, tough, non-nonsense Calla that I really loved? She was replaced by an indecisive, rather fickle girl who wasn’t nearly as strong as I thought she was.

Even though I didn’t love Wolfsbane, I will still read Bloodrose just to see what on earth happens to Ren, who wasn’t in Wolfsbane nearly enough.

Sophie