Blood Phantom by Rhiannon Hart

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


Blood Phantom by Rhiannon Hart
Released: December 9th 2013
Series: Llarmell [Book 0.5]
Pages: 15
Source: Author
Buy it: Amazon

Life in tatters and far from home, Rodden Lothskorn struggles to cope with the harming menace and his own harming nature. When an offer of marriage reaches his friend, Prince Amis, Rodden discovers that the bride’s inhospitable homeland might contain one part of the harming poison he would dearly like to get his hands on. But if summoned northwards, will Princess Lilith bring something – or someone – he dreads most with her? Locked in a years-long struggle with the Lharmellins, Rodden senses the battle is only now about to begin.

Image & Synopsis

The Short
Blood Phantom is a great addition to the Llarmell series. This novella is from Rodden's point of view, and it was great being able to get inside his head and understand such a mysterious character a little more. In addition to this, the overlapping events with the beginning of Blood Song provided a lot of insight


The Long

Gargoyle Book Blitz

IT'S BOOK BLITZ TIME! Check out Gargoyle by Lorraine Beaumont, part of The Gathering Series!


Gargoyle by Lorraine Beaumont
Published: 31st August 2012
Buy? Amazon

Briar Cliff Township - New England's best kept secret...turns out is has a few secrets of its own.

For much of the year Briar Cliff is exactly the same as any other small town snugly nestled into the forests of the New England coast. But once a year when the winds change... old stirrings arise from long kept secrets, forgotten misdeeds and a thirst for vengeance. And so the Gathering begins...Something Wicked this way comes...

Cover Art [PhatPuppy Art]
Goodreads Page

Author Bio:

I am the author of the Ravenhurst Series -a time-travel paranormal romance, written with an ensemble cast of characters -Forgotten Time, Shadows of Yesterday, Time to Remember are all available now and the fourth installment Dreams of Tomorrow will be coming this year 2013. 

I also write YA/contemporary urban fantasy with a kick-The Gathering Series about Gargoyles. Elyograg, Gargoyle and The Gathering Series Vol. 1 are now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Author Links:

Blog | Twitter | Goodreads Author Page | Pinterest | FaceBook

Harken Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Welcome to another stop of the Harken Blog Tour! I have for you an interview with Kaleb Nation himself, author of Harken, as well as some awesome giveaways! You know you love free stuff.

Anyway, below is a bit of information about Harken, then continue on to take a look at the interview where Kaleb talks about non-spoilery Harken stuff like the lizard people and inspiration.

If you have not read it but would like to, go here to read the first three chapters: HARKEN PREVIEW.

Harken by Kaleb Nation
Released: January 9th, 2013
Series: Harken [Book One]
Buy it: Amazon & Nook or Don't own a Kindle/Nook?

Michael Asher is almost an ordinary California teenager, except for his unexplainable ability to see a glimpse of a person’s thoughts through their eyes. After surviving an assassination attempt, he discovers that he is at the center of a worldwide conspiracy higher than any earthly power. A clandestine organization with authority over world leaders, celebrities, and the wealthy desperately wants him dead. Tumbling into a web of international secrets, Michael is forced to search for the identity of the puppet master and dig up the truth that humanity is not being told.

Check out my fellow bloggers participating in this tour: Harken Tour
Watch the Book Trailer: TRAILER TIME
Author Links: Twitter | YouTube

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed the interview! Now it is time for a giveaway or two? These are INTERNATIONAL so don't forget to enter using the Rafflecopter forms below.


The Daily Prize Pack:
- Signed Giant Poster
- Signed Postcard
- Glow-in-the-dark Wristband
- Glow-in-the-dark Silver Ring

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grand Prize:
- A Harken-Themed Kindle Paperwhite

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Today I am here with a video review of Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry.


Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Released: July 31st, 2012
Series: Pushing the Limits [Book One]
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 392
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Book Depository (free shipping) | Amazon

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Image & Synopsis

The Short
Pushing the Limits was fantastic. I loved it. The characters had a lot of drama in their life which added dynamic to their relationship. It kept me wanting to read and completely drew me in to the characters.


The Long


The Good
Great, layered chracters, romance, made me feel all of the feels.

The Bad
IT MADE ME CRY SO MUCH!

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Today I am here with a video review of Graceling by Kristin Cashore.


Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Released: October 1st, 2008
Series: Graceling Realm [Book One]
Publisher: Harcourt
Pages: 471
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Book Depository (free shipping) | Amazon

In a world where people born with an extreme skill - called a Grace - are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of the skill even she despises: the Grace of killing. She lives under the command of her uncle Randa, King of the Middluns, and is expected to execute his dirty work, punishing and torturing anyone who displeases him.

When she first meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po's friend.

She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace - or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away...a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

Image & Synopsis

The Short
Graceling had a bit of a slow start and it took me a little while to get into the story, but when it did I was completely hooked! I loved the development of the story, the characters, the Graces. I loved the setting and learning about the Kingdoms. I loved Katsa's strength, and I adored Po.


The Long


The Good
Intriguing concept, great characters, development of story.

The Bad
Slow start, Katsa's rants were slightly annoying.

What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang

Today I am here with a video review of What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang.


What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
Released: September 18th, 2012
Series: The Hybrid Chronicles [Book One]
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 2343
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Book Depository (free shipping) | Amazon

I should not exist. But I do.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

Image & Synopsis

The Short
What's Left of Me was an enjoyable read set in an intriguing world with a very interesting concept. The characters were likeable and were very believable. I didn't fall in love with the characters like I hoped, but I am looking forward to seeing more of them in the future books!


The Long


The Good
World-building, concept, believable characters.

The Bad
Not strongly connected with characters, wanted more from resolution (or maybe I just expected too much).

December Wrap Up | 2012

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas (if you don't celebrate it then HAPPY HOLIDAYS!) and a fantastic New Year :) Sorry things have been quiet on here, but going away on a couple of little holidays makes it tricky to post.




Books Acquired:

- Gravity by Melissa West
- Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
- The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
- Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
- The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
- Miss Fortune Cookie by Lauren Bjorkman
- Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
- Enclave by Ann Agguire
- The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
- Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck
- Unwind by Neil Schusterman
- The Monstromologist by Rick Yancey
- Damned by Chuck Palahnuik
- some vegetarian cookbook
- Harry Potter: Page to Screen
- A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
- Need by Carrie Jones
- The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Meyers
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory
- Slurp
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson


I also forgot to include:
- Grave Minder by Melissa Marr


people mentioned
Brandon from MrGarssonBugaloo
Dana from TheBookHoarder
Misty from BookRatMisty




Books Read:
- The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan
- Throne of Glass by Sara J. Maas
- What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang

/In Progress/
- Graceline by Kristin Kashore
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
- The Night is for Hunting by John Marsden


November TBR:
- Easy by Tammara Webber
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- THE VIEWER'S CHOICE RESULTS!

*****

Reviews
-none :(-



Additions to Reading Challenges
Throne of Glass by Sara J. Maas - Debut Author Challenge
What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang - Debut Author Challenge

Young Adult Story Scavenger Hunt - Day 6

Looking for this, hunters? I have today's trivia questions from Fiction Fervor's 2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt here for you. 2012YASSH challenges you with your knowledge of young adult books published this year, and if you enter, you might win a prize! Check out it here for more info. And be sure to read the rules!


Without further ado, today's questions come from Rebel Heart by Moira Young.


Easy: What is the name of Mercy’s wolfdog?

Medium: Whom are the Tonton looking for when they enter the Lost Cause?

Hard: After Jack tells Molly about Saba, what does she say she will rename the tavern to?


Enter your answers in the form below!

And now for my giveaway!

I will be giving away one 2012 Young Adult release.
Must be 13+ years of age.
International (as long as Book Depository ships to your country)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

October Wrap Up | 2012

I went SO crazy with the book buying this month! 21!? Plus more coming in November.. Oh deary me.




Books Acquired:
- Velveteen by Daniel Marks
- Snow White by The Brothers Grimm, illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia
- Mr Penumbra's 24-hour Book Store by Robin Sloan
- Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
- The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
- Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
- The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer
- The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost
- House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
- The Lovers Dictionary by David Levithan
- Beautiful Disaster by Jamie Macguire
- Eve & Adam by Michael Grant & Katherin Applegate
- Graceling by Kristin Kashore
- Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox
- Dreamquake by Elizabeth Knox
- Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
- Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
- Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
- The Industry by Rose Foster
- Every Day by David Levithan




Books Read:
- The Burning Star by Jessie Lane- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa- Snow White by The Brothers Grimm- Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

/In Progress/
- Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
- Velveteen by Daniel Marks
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
- The Night is for Hunting by John Marsden


November TBR:
- Everneath by Brodi Ashton
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

*****

Reviews
Birthright by Willow Cross
Snow White by The Brothers Grimm




Additions to Reading Challenges
The Burning Star by Jessie Lane - Debut Author Challenge
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood - Debut Author Challenge
Velveteen by Daniel Marks - Debut Author Challenge

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four

Today I have another cover reveal! Take a look at the lovely cover of Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four! Below is also a giveaway for US residents.

Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four by Nya Jade
Expected Publication: November 2012

"The students of Green Lane Academy roam their halls unaware that below their manicured campus exists a prestigious school of an entirely different kind . . .

Sixteen-year-old Phoebe Pope has enrolled at the Campus Below: a spy academy for shape-shifters hidden deep beneath the grounds of a boarding school whose humans unknowingly protect it. There, thanks to a carefully planned schedule, she leads a double life: spy trainee Below and normal teenager Above.

As if two course loads, concealing a secret power she alone wields, and coping with her father’s recent death weren’t enough, Phoebe finds herself developing major feelings for actor and teen heartthrob Colten Chase, who attends the Campus Above and appears to be majoring in winning Phoebe’s heart. But when officials learn that Phoebe may be at the center of a startling prophecy, she becomes the target of shape-shifting assassins who will stop at nothing to suppress the truth.

Now Phoebe’s lessons about Shaper’s enemies and spycraft take on great importance as a menace stalks the campus, with Phoebe as its target. Meanwhile, what began as an unlikely relationship with Colten, quickly morphs into heartache when she suspects that something sinister lurks beneath this movie star’s glitter and fame. Suddenly, Phoebe’s caught in a mesh of lies, betrayals, and danger where she doesn’t know who to trust, and needs to rely on herself–and her secret power—to get to the truth and to stay alive."

Author Links:
Twitter , Facebook, Website

Giveaway!

Singer-songwriter Nya Jade is celebrating the upcoming release of her debut YA novel, Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four, with a Tiffany & Co. gift card giveaway!!
- (2) $100 Gift Cards.
- US only
Tiffany & Co. gift cards are redeemable at all Tiffany & Co. locations, as well as at tiffany.com.

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Birthright Blog Tour

I received this book for free from the blog tour host in exchange for an honest review.


Birthright by Willow Cross
Released: March 2nd, 2011
Series: The Dark Gifts Series [Book One]
Format: eBook
Publisher: Self Published
Pages: 226
Source: Blog Tour
Buy it: The Book Depository (free shipping) | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

For one-thousand years, Druid prophecies foretold of a young witch destined to alter the fate of both human and immortal alike. This witch-turned-vampire would be capable of harnessing the supernatural abilities of both and, in a bloody rise to power, would rule with unwavering control.

Unwillingly thrust into a world she never dreamed existed, Liz Markum is catapulted into an ancient war between rival vampire factions. She must choose between those she loves and the ever-present darkness attempting to devour her very soul.

Only one question remains: Will Liz claim her birthright or surrender to the dark gift?

One choice.

One chance.

Two destinies.

Synopsis

The Short
Birthright was a fresh take on vampires. We get a deeper understanding of a much larger world which involves magic and darker forces. The unique aspects and great cast of characters makes this story really stand out and kept me interested.


The Long
In this story, we are given a larger platform to explore in the world of vampires. You don't follow just a single vampire or a small clan, rather you are plunged into the core of the vampire rulers which has enabled a more detailed understanding on how vampires interact with one another as well as other beings.

Liz was a strong and brave character and I really liked her as a main character. She has been put into a very confronting and challenging position and the way she handles it is very respectable. When it came to her love interest, I felt that it lacked a little. I am grateful that it did not overrun the entire story, but as a sub-plot I feel like it could have been a little more fleshed out. By this I mean that I didn't see enough of the romance. Over time we are told that things are getting more serious and their feelings are growing stronger, but I did not get to see it. This is probably why I also wanted to see more of the love interest.

It was really interesting to discover who the antagonists were and their motives. The story kept getting more twisted and complex as you go, which makes me very curious about the other instalments in this series. I will definitely be getting my hands on the sequel!


The Good 
Vampires, magic, interesting world, bad-heroine


The Bad
Not enough of the sexy hunk, lack of evidence of romantic development

About the Author

Willow Cross resides in Arkansas with her husband, two children still young enough to live at home, an enormous cat named Bitsy, and a neurotic dog named Tank. Her home has been known to host the occasional ghost and several of her friends profess to be witches. Although she dearly loves Vampires and Werewolves, they are never invited for dinner.

Facebook
Twitter
Website
Blog

September Wrap Up | 2012

Buying books is such a wonderful feeling. Again, I am happy that I have stopped my book buying ban!




Books Acquired:
- Rapture by Lauren Kate
- The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
- What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
- Meridian by Amber Kizer
- The Named by Marianne Curley
- The Eleventh Orphan by Joan Lingard
- Captivate by Carrie Jones
- Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris
- Slated by Teri Terry
- Blood Storm by Rhiannon Hart



Books Read:
- Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
- A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
- Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane
- Birthright by Willow Cross
- Intangible by J. Meyers


/In Progress/
- The Burning Star by Jessie Lane
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
- The Night is for Hunting by John Marsden


October TBR:
- Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children by Random Riggs
- Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
- The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
- Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

*****

Reviews
Any Love But Mine by Debbie Davies
Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane


Memes
Top Ten Tuesday; Series I Haven't Finished


Additions to Reading Challenges
Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane - Debut Author Challenge
The Burning Star by Jessie Lane - Debut Author Challenge

Blood Song Blog Tour

Today I am here with a video review of Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart, as part of the blog tour for Blood Storm which is the sequel.


Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
Released: September 1st, 2011
Series: Lharmell Series [Book One]
Publisher: Random House Australia
Pages: 290
Source: Received through Giveaway
Buy it: Book Depository (free shipping)

I wanted to turn but I was held captive by the song on the wind. I’m coming, I told the voices. Please, wait for me.

When her sister becomes betrothed to a prince in a northern nation, Zeraphina’s only consolations are that her loyal animal companions are by her side – and that her burning hunger to travel north is finally being sated.

Already her black hair and pale eyes mark her out as different, but now Zeraphina must be even more careful to keep her secret safe. Craving blood is not considered normal behaviour for anyone, let alone a princess. So when the king’s advisor, Rodden, seems to know more about her condition than she does, Zeraphina is determined to find out more.

Zeraphina must be willing to sacrifice everything if she’s to uncover the truth – but what if the truth is beyond her worst nightmares?

Image & Synopsis

The Short
Blood Song was an unexpected surprise - I enjoyed this book so much! I wasn't sure what the story would entail, but I was continuously bombarded with mystery and action that kept me flipping those pages.


The Long

Unfortunately there was a slight mishap with the video review, I will have this fixed shortly!

The Good
World-building, mystery & secrets, awesome sidekicks

The Bad
Zilch!



LINKS

Goodreads
- Blood Song
- Blood Storm
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
1st Chapter of Blood Storm


TOUR STOPS

SEPTEMBER 20 - Inkcrush
SEPTEMBER 21 - Refracted Light
SEPTEMBER 22 - Little Book Owl (Blood Song)
SEPTEMBER 23 - Intrepid Reader Blog (Blood Song)
SEPTEMBER 24 - The Rest is Still Unwritten
SEPTEMBER 25 - Tales of the Inner Book Fanatic
SEPTEMBER 26 - The Tale Compendium
SEPTEMBER 27 - Larissa Book Girl (Blood Song)
SEPTEMBER 28 - The Eclectic Reader
SEPTEMBER 28 - Beauty & Lace (Guest post)
SEPTEMBER 29 - Treasured Tales for Young Adults (Blood Song)
SEPTEMBER 30 - Ticket to Anywhere (Guest post)

Any Love But Mine by Debbie Davies

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

Video review of Any Love But Mine by Debbie Davies


Any Love But Mine by Debbie Davies
Released: March 3rd, 2012
Series: The Erosians [Book One]
Publisher: Night Publishing
Pages: 290
Source: Author
Buy it: Amazon

Look but don't touch has never been more true...

The gods forbade her to love, but love is a powerful force. Acacia has been created purely for Eros' pleasure but discovers within moments of being summoned into his presence that he has no interest in her whatsoever. Rejected, she is banished to Earth to serve as Eros' minion with the task of promoting the blissful state of love among all those around her, a state she must never indulge in with a human being herself on pain of immediate destruction. And then comes Josh, someone whose power of attraction over Acacia is so intense she will find it utterly impossible to resist him. But is he human? Is he a god? Or is he a trick of the gods? And what would happen should they kiss?

Image & Synopsis

The Short
Any Love But Mine was a great take on Greek mythology! This aspect certainly didn't disappoint, rather I found myself pleased as my expectations were exceeded. However, there was insta-love, which was a little frustrating and confusing at times. Overall I would definitely recommend this to those who aren't completely turned off by insta-love. If you can overlook it and focus on the mythological side of things, then I am sure you will enjoy this one.


The Long


The Good
Greek mythology, intriguing characters, secrets and mystery

The Bad
Instalove

What are your opinions on Any Love But Mine?

August Wrap Up | 2012

This month has been so crazy. I had exams, a short story to write, and a complete body of work for art to finish. So not much time has been available for reading and blogging, I'm afraid. However, I do have some good news... I AM OFF MY BOOK BUYING BAN! So I accomplished one thing this month: buying a bunch of books!




Books Acquired:
- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
- Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
- A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
- Switched by Amanda Hocking
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Insignia by S.J. Kincaid
- Soulbound by Heather Brewer
- Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
- Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
- Eon by Alison Goodman
- A Million Suns by Beth Revis



Books Read:
- Any Love But Mine by Debbie Davies
- Fracture by Megan Miranda


/In Progress/
- Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
- The Night is for Hunting by John Marsden


September TBR:
- Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane
- Intangible by J. Meyers
- The Burning Star by Jessie Lane
- Paraglide by Peter Kelley
- Untraceable by S.R. Johannes

*****

Reviews
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Cloudworld by David Cunningham
Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Memes
Top Ten Tuesday; Fave Books During Life of my Blog


Additions to Reading Challenges
Fracture by Megan Miranda - Debut Author Challenge

Top Ten Tuesday (11)

I am participating in Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish! Each week, there is a specific topic for a top ten list.

This weeks topic is:

Top Ten Favorite Books You've Read During The Lifespan Of Your Blog

I am excluding books I have re-read.


blood red road
anna dressed in blood



1. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

This book was phenomenal. I absolutely adored the story and the characters and the world! Certainly one of my favourite books of all time.

2. Insurgent by Veronica Roth

I thought this was a great sequel to Divergent and I thoroughly enjoyed it! So much action and drama, I couldn't put it down!

3. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola is an awesome, quirky character, and Cricket is just adorably cute. I loved the romance (even though I am incredibly jealous).

4. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

I loved Anna and St. Clair's story too, Stephanie Perkins is an amazing writer and sure knows how to create a brilliant romance story!

5. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Super creepy, and I loved it! I loved the mystery and suspense in this book. Just chilling!

6. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Books that make me cry are obviously high on my list. I cry so much in movies, but for some reason it's more difficult to do so with books. This book sure did make me cry. And so much more! It was just so humorous, and it was a lovely experience to witness Hazel and Augustus' journey.

7. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

The writing style in Shatter Me drew me in straight away. I am a huge fan of unique writing styles, and on top of that, it was just beautiful and poetic. Furthermore there is plenty of action and an epic villain!

8. Across the Universe by Beth Revis

I went into this expecting a lot more romance than what I found, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise. There is so much more to this story, and in fact the romance was very minimal. I loved the world created, and the mystery kept me hooked. And MY GOD, those twists! Insane!

9. Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Another uniquely written story - although confusing at times, kept me interested! I had been interested in this book in a long time and was so pleased with what I found.

10. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

To finish things off, I have another book with a creepy element. I loved this book so much! An awesome set of characters alongside a gripping story.

I'd love to know what your favourites were!

Cloudworld by David Cunningham

Cloudworld by David Cunningham
Released: 6th February, 2006
Series: Cloudworld Series [Book One]
Format: Published
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Source: Purchased
Buy it: The Book Depository (free shipping) | Amazon

Imagine a planet entirely covered in clouds…

Imagine an ocean of cloud, stretching away as far as the eye can see, forever shifting and changing…

Imagine peaks rising out of the clouds, their gentle slopes covered in fields and orchards…

Imagine a citadel standing on each peak…

Heliopolis. A prosperous citadel divided into five layers, its rigid social structure ensuring that it is run efficiently and the citizens know their place.

But there is one uncertainty that all Heliopolitans share. What lies beneath the impenetrable sea of cloud? An abyss of nothingness? The fiery realm of the god, Omnium? 14-year-old Marcus is about to find out. Isolated and lonely, Prince Marcus lives in the soulless palace at the very top of the citadel. When his father fails to return from a diplomatic mission, Marcus mounts an expedition across the cloudscape in search of him. But he discovers too late that danger lies closer to home - somebody wants him dead. And when his flying vessel is sabotaged, Marcus finds himself plunged into a terrifying new world beneath the clouds...

Synopsis

The Short
Cloudworld is set in a fascinating and vivid world, filled with mysterious characters and a quest that is nail-biting and leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat. It is highly enjoyable


The Long
The concept of this story was so unique, the idea of a world up in the clouds! The constant sunshine, endless see of white clouds. I like the sound of that. The unknown, what lies beneath the clouds, and all of the customs and lore associated with it. That part was especially interesting to discover.

For the most part, the descriptions were very effective and helped illustrate the gorgeous cloudscape. At some points the descriptive language slowed down the pace a little, but it didn't exceed a level of over-description which was nice.

Marcus was a great main character. He was brave, intelligent and very empathetic to the people in his kingdom. I like seeing characters in powerful (well soon to be since he is the heir) positions, who aren't solely seeking power and glory. He certainly developed and grew throughout the story. I loved seeing how much he worked towards changing how the people around him see him - acknowledging his personality and who he truly is, rather than the prince. I liked him as a character, but I always have a little trouble connecting with main characters in stories written in third person. Personally, I prefer first person for this reason - I like being able to witness every emotion and reaction and thought.

The other characters were very interesting indeed. Some of the characters are not who you think they are, which was shocking to find out. Certainly did not expect that! Then Marcus' companions on his expedition - it was great to see how close everyone got due to their situation and circumstances. Overall, those involved were amazing, with so much bravery and selflessness.

The ending leaves you satisfied with how things turned out for the characters, yet there is still so much to be explored and resolved. I am eager to continue on and read the sequel.


The Good 
Vivid world-building, great character development, shocks and twists!


The Bad
Not a strong connection with the main character.