The Assassin's Curse & The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke

The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Series: The Assassin's Curse Series
Released: October 2nd 2012
Pages: 298
Source: Purchased
Buy it: The Book Depository | Book World
     - Both have free shipping worldwide

Ananna of the Tanarau abandons ship when her parents try to marry her off to another pirate clan. But that only prompts the scorned clan to send an assassin after her. When Ananna faces him down one night, armed with magic she doesn't really know how to use, she accidentally activates a curse binding them together.

To break the spell, Ananna and the assassin must complete three impossible tasks--all while grappling with evil wizards, floating islands, haughty manticores, runaway nobility, strange magic...and the growing romantic tension between them.

Image & Synopsis

The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Series: The Assassin's Curse Series #2

Released: June 13th 2013

Pages: 330

Source: Purchased

Buy it: The Book Depository | Book World

     - Both have free shipping worldwide

After setting out to break the curse that binds them together, the pirate Ananna and the assassin Naji find themselves stranded on an enchanted island in the north with nothing but a sword, their wits, and the secret to breaking the curse: complete three impossible tasks. With the help of their friend Marjani and a rather unusual ally, Ananna and Naji make their way south again, seeking what seems to be beyond their reach.

Unfortunately, Naji has enemies from the shadowy world known as the Mists, and Ananna must still face the repercussions of going up against the Pirate Confederation. Together, Naji and Ananna must break the curse, escape their enemies — and come to terms with their growing romantic attraction.

Image & Synopsis

An incredibly fun and exciting series! I thoroughly enjoyed these books, and if you would like to support the author and keep them available to buy, then please spread the word or purchase the books. The publishing company has closed and your support can help to ensure a re-release of these books in the future!

Read more over at Cassandra Rose Clarke's blog: here

The Year of the Rat by Clare Furniss & GIVEAWAY (Aus)

I received this book for free from Bookworld in exchange for an honest review.


The Year of the Rat by Clare Furniss
Series: n/a
Released: April 24th 2014
Pages: 320
Source: Bookworld
Buy it: The Book Depository | Book World
     - Both have free shipping worldwide

The world can tip at any moment…a fact that fifteen-year-old Pearl is all too aware of when her mom dies after giving birth to her baby sister, Rose.

Rose, who looks exactly like a baby rat, all pink, wrinkled, and writhing. This little Rat has destroyed everything, even ruined the wonderful relationship that Pearl had with her stepfather, the Rat’s biological father.

Mom, though…Mom’s dead but she can’t seem to leave. She keeps visiting Pearl. Smoking, cursing, guiding.

Told across the year following her mother’s death, Pearl’s story is full of bittersweet humor and heartbreaking honesty about how you deal with grief that cuts you to the bone, as she tries not only to come to terms with losing her mother, but also the fact that her sister—The Rat—is a constant reminder of why her mom is no longer around.

Image & Synopsis

This is a wonderfully written debut novel that managed to portray a teenage Pearl's struggle with the death of her mother very realistically. The pace of this story is a little slow at times, and it didn't necessarily have a stand-out storyline. However, the writing, characterisation and shifting relationship dynamics between a variety of characters really drew me in.

Pearl's response to the loss of her mother was heartbreakingly real. Although some of her decisions aren't smart and she shut out a lot of important people in her life, I understood why she felt that she needed to do or say certain things. I really felt that her choices were a believable reaction when considering her mindset and emotional state, whether or not they were reasonable.

In terms of the romance, I liked that it was quite a minor and subtle element, it never threatened to overtake the main plot. I was a little confused as to where the attraction initially started, seeing as the first few occasions where Pearl and Finn met and communicated were full of awkwardness, a bit of attitude aaaaaand some vomit-stench.

Overall, a very touching read that explores the struggles of dealing with devastating loss and grief. And I'll admit, it made me tear up a little.


Now for the giveaway! I have two copies of this book and would like to give one away to one of you! If you would like to enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below, but first a few requirements: - Must be an Australian resident - Must be 18+ or 13+ with parental consent - Winner will be contacted via email and must reply within 3 days or I will select a new winner a Rafflecopter giveaway

June Wrap Up | 2014

Unfortunately, a relatively slow month in comparison to how I have been doing so far this year. I am still on track for all my reading goals, however, so I'm not disappointed :)


*****

Reviews
- Rain by Amanda Sun

Additions to Reading Challenges
NONE :(





Books Acquired:
- These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
- The Year of the Rat by Clare Furniss
- Razorhurst by Justine Larbalestier



Books Read:
- These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
- Rain by Amanda Sun
- The Year of the Rat by Clare Furniss

/In Progress/
- Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm
- Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke
- Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
- The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

June TBR:
- The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers
- Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

BookTube Week: Ask away!

Kaitlin over at YA, YA, and More YA is organising an event from July 7th-12th, called Booktube Week, which she has asked me to be a part of. The exciting this is that this also means that YOU can join in, too!

Essentially, all I need you to do is ask me some questions through twitter, by tweeting to Kaitlin: @imajarofhearts, with the hashtag #BTWLittleBookOwl and that is it! Some of the questions will be selected and forwarded to me for an interview that will be published over on YA, YA, and More YA during Booktube Week.

So if you have any questions for me, anything you'd like to know at all, then go ahead and tweet Kaitlin. Don't forget to use the hastag #BTWLittleBookOwl!