Review: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

Title: Shadow of Night

Author: Deborah Harkness

Series: All Souls Trilogy #2

Publisher: Headline

Publication date: 14th Feb 2013

Format: Paperback | 672 pages

Genre: Fantasy | Paranormal | Historical | Romance

Goodreads

IT BEGAN WITH A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES

Historian Diana Bishop, descended from a line of powerful witches, and long-lived vampire Matthew Clairmont have broken the laws dividing creatures. When Diana discovered a significant alchemical manuscript, she sparked a struggle in which she became bound to Matthew. Now the fragile coexistence of witches, daemons, vampires and humans is dangerously threatened. Seeking safety, Diana and Matthew travel back in time to London, 1590. But they soon realise that the past may not provide a haven...

My thoughts:

I'd been waiting for a while for this book and I have to say, I loved it even more than the first book in the trilogy, A Discovery of Witches.

The only problem I had was that i had to keep stopping and starting again since I'm doing exams at the minute. I literally had to read this a few chapters a day so as you can imagine it took a while longer than what I would've liked. 

I immediately got sucked back into Deborah's descriptive, heavily detailed writing and loved every second of it. Especially since this book has the aspect of time-travelling added to it - the way London was described and the differences between the times mentioned in the book were excellent and beyond captivating.

Of course I fell in love with the characters all over again. I really thought Diana came into her own in this book and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of following her schooling as a weaver/witch. Diana became such a well rounded character by the end of the book, full of depth which I found wonderful. I felt the same way about Matthew if not more so. I can't believe how many secrets were revealed about his past in this book - one or two huge ones as well that you will not expect. I didn't think I could like Matthew any more than I did already but I was wrong. They both work so well together.

As for the new characters introduced I found it really hard to remember who was who for the most part. There were definitely a few who stuck out, but the rest seemed a little too inconsequential. The characters who I did know and love were amazing. They had such distinct personalities and I loved the part they played in Matt and Diana's story.

The plot was delicious. There are so many different aspects to consider in this book that I wouldn't be surprised if I read it again and found I missed out on a whole lot. It's definitely one of those complicated story lines. Can't wait to see what happens after this.

My rating: 8/10

Deborah Harkness:

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Review: Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon

Title: Zenn Scarlett

Author: Christian Schoon

Publisher: Strange Chemistry

Publication date: 2nd May 2013

Format: Netgalley

Genre: YA | Science Fiction

Goodreads

Zenn Scarlett is a resourceful, determined 17-year-old girl working hard to make it through her novice year of exovet training. That means she's learning to care for alien creatures that are mostly large, generally dangerous and profoundly fascinating. Zenn’s all-important end-of-term tests at the Ciscan Cloister Exovet Clinic on Mars are coming up, and, she's feeling confident of acing the exams. But when a series of inexplicable animal escapes and other disturbing events hit the school, Zenn finds herself being blamed for the problems. As if this isn't enough to deal with, her absent father has abruptly stopped communicating with her; Liam Tucker, a local towner boy, is acting unusually, annoyingly friendly; and, strangest of all: Zenn is worried she's started sharing the thoughts of the creatures around her. Which is impossible, of course. Nonetheless, she can't deny what she's feeling.

Now, with the help of Liam and Hamish, an eight-foot sentient insectoid also training at the clinic, Zenn must learn what's happened to her father, solve the mystery of who, if anyone, is sabotaging the cloister, and determine if she's actually sensing the consciousness of her alien patients... or just losing her mind. All without failing her novice year....

My thoughts:

I'm not normally a big fan of sci-fi but this one caught my eye, plus I like to step out of my favourite genres every once in a while and broaden my horizons. This was a pleasant surprise though.

What I noticed straight off was that a lot of people will definitely give up on this read because of the language at the start. I felt like I was thrown into the deep end completely with the space lingo thrown into the story here and there. It got a little much sometimes for the beginning of a story so occasionally I got a little lost. I stuck with it though and eventually got the hang of what on earth everybody was talking about.

I really started to enjoy the imagination put into this book. The descriptions of the planet, different races of people and the variety of bizarre alien creatures really allowed your mind to run away with itself imagining what they would be like in real life. Eventually the read started to have a life of its own and I really enjoyed being part of that experience as a reader.

The plot was short and sweet in my opinion. It was nothing overly complicated and sometimes I could see from a mile off exactly what would happen - I didn't think it took anything away from me enjoying the read, but I would have loved a few more surprises. 

I really loved Zenn. She was a perfect character for the world this book is set in. Zenn had a load of different flaws which made her relatable, she had a mysterious and compelling backstory and a lovely personality to boot - plenty of depth for any character in my opinion. I was a little disappointed that I didn't see much of the other characters - there were some great ones that I would love to see more of. Liam in particular though I expect to see him a lot more often in the sequel. I'm assuming there will be a sequel based on the ending. There better be...

Overall I do recommend this read. Especially for someone wanting to get their hands on sci-fi - I would start off with this one, if only because of the amazing world-building.

My rating: 7/10

Christian Schoon:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter 

Review: Harken by Kaleb Nation

Title: Harken

Author: Kaleb Nation

Series: Harken #1

Publication date: Jan 9th 2013

Format: Kindle

Genre: YA | Paranormal

Goodreads

After surviving an assassination attempt, teenager Michael Asher discovers that he is at the centre of a worldwide conspiracy reaching higher than any earthly power. A supernatural organisation desperately wants him dead. He doesn't know why. Everyone who might have the answers has already been killed.

Tumbling into a web of international secrets, Michael is forced to fight back and dig up the truth. He begins to question how much of the world is truly as people are led to believe it is. Are there things that humanity is not being told? Who is the puppet master? And how far into the maze can he venture before he is lost forever?

My thoughts:

I have to say this was not what I was expecting. Not one bit.

What hit me most of all was how original the story was. For me, if a book has any sort of new, unused content instead of the cheesy romances, vampires and werewolves, soulmate kind of thing, then it's already well on its way to becoming a great read. I really liked the new wolverine-esque powers and the way they came about. The plot was also more original than anything I've read in a while - it was refreshing.

 

The plot was incredibly fast paced. There was no doubt in my mind from when I read the first few chapters that the rest of the book would be just as packed with action and suspense. There was always something happening, whether it be action and fighting or something with the characters. There was a great mixture of drama with the bad guys and character development. There is a little bit of romance in the book too - I really loved that the storyline still remained focused on the action instead of Kaleb letting the romance become the main event in the story overall. I have to say as a whole though, sometimes I wished the story would slow down a little - I wanted to get to know the characters a little more and have them bond without them getting shot at.

 

Speaking of the characters, in my opinion, they were good but not great. I was waiting for that little bit of a push from the author - where something inevitably happens in the story that gives characters just a bit more depth. When something really compelling did happen to one of the characters though, I kind of got annoyed with the protagonist. Not in his reaction, but the way he changed after. I thought he lost a lot of what I liked about his personality in the first place. I also think that might be due to me wanting more time to get to know the characters - maybe I just didn't relate to them I don't know.

 

That aside, I thought the writing was marvellous. I was captivated with the story after the first page and stayed that way for the majority of the book - it was only when life got in the way that I would put it down. That alone tells me I will definitely pick up the sequel to Harken. 

 

My rating: 7/10

 

Kaleb Nation:

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Review: The Bane by Keary Taylor

Title: The Bane

Author: Keary Taylor

Series: The Eden Trilogy #1

Publisher: Keary Taylor Books

Publication date: March 5th 2013

Format: Kindle | Netgalley

Genre: YA | Dystopian | Sci-Fi

Goodreads

Before the Evolution there was TorBane: technology that infused human DNA with cybernetic matter.  It had the ability to grow new organs and limbs, to heal the world.  Until it evolved out of control and spread like the common cold.  The machine took over, the soul vanished, and the Bane were born.  The Bane won't stop until every last person has been infected. With less than two percent of the human population left, mankind is on the brink of extinction.

 

Eve knows the stories of the Evolution, the time before she wandered into the colony of Eden, unable to recall anything but her name.  But she doesn't need memories to know this world is her reality.  This is a world that is quickly losing its humanity, one Bane at a time.

 

Fighting to keep one of the last remaining human colonies alive, Eve finds herself torn between her dedication to the colony, and the discovery of love.  There is Avian and West – one a soldier, one a keeper of secrets.  And in the end, Eve will make a choice that will change the future of mankind.

My thoughts:

Unfortunately, this book was my first DNF (did not finish) since I started blogging. I've spent a while thinking about whether it would be fair to actually post a review since I didn't finish the book, but I've decided to just keep it a short and simple review instead of none at all.

 

First off I would encourage you to give this book a go - the reasons I didn't like this book are just my opinion and it doesn't mean you'll feel the same way, as is evident in other reviews of this book. 

 

The main reason I couldn't finish this book was the writing. I just couldn't connect to it on any level and a lot of the time it just frustrated me. It was basically just too many short sentences and not enough depth. As a result of my problem with the writing, I couldn't connect to the characters - not even on the most basic level - I didn't like them. Eventually there wasn't enough reason to carry on and here we are...

 

Again, just my opinion, and as a last point, the book was incredibly fast paced which is one thing it had going for it, but for me, it wasn't quite enough. 

 

My rating: DNF

 

Keary Taylor:

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Series Spotlight: The Hunger Games #3

Title: Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication date: August 25th 2010

Format: Paperback | 455 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Kat, her family, friends, and entire District 12.

 

 

My thoughts:

So it's taken me this long to finish the series. Don't judge me :P To be honest, I've waited so long to finish these three books that I don't really know what to do with myself now.

I really enjoyed this book. The most disappointing thing to me though, was that I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the second book in the trilogy, Catching Fire. I could guess a lot of what was going to happen so it lost a bit of the excitement and intensity I loved in the previous two books. 

To get all of the problems I had with this read out of the way, I also found it to be lacking at the end. I found the ending a little rushed, especially when it came to the Capitol's fight. It all seemed a little too easy in a way - too quick. And I was hoping that whoever Katniss ended up with would have some heart wrenching speech to give before the book ended happily ever after - I was denied the lover's speech!

However, the book was still one that I couldn't put down, and when I had to, it took over all of my thoughts. The plot was still incredibly intense - everything is balancing on the thinnest thread and chaos is threatening to reign. A lot of lives hang in the balance and not finding out who Katniss ends up with until the end drove me crazy. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I was very happy with the choice by the way.

I was also really happy with the characters. They were just as loveable as ever, and Katniss was just as strong as ever. They were all really well written and I can't believe what happened to some of them - brought me to tears. Peeta was just as sweet and Gale was a little more involved which I enjoyed. 

 

Overall, I really liked reading this one. It was chocked full of suspense and action with just the right amount of romance - enough that it keeps you wanting more from the characters, but not too much that it takes anything away from the main focus of the story. 

 

My rating: 8/10

 

Suzanne Collins:

Goodreads | Website 

 

The Hunger Games:

1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay

Series Rating: 7/10

Series Spotlight: The Hunger Games #2

Title: Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication date: Sep 2009

Format: Paperback | 472 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol -- a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

 

 

My thoughts:

Oh my, what an amazing read that was. Excuse my fangirling while you read this review.

For one, I'm still trying to get over what actually happened. I did not expect that at all! Not any of it! Honestly, it was kind of a worry of mine that this book would get a little predictable - for me, this book would be completely ruined if I guessed even a tiny bit of something happening. But no, everything took me completely by surprise. I am so happy I have the last book already because I would not have been okay with waiting for the last book to come out like so many people had to.

I mentioned in the review of the first book in the series that I wished Gale was in the story a little more. I still feel that way to be honest - he was around a lot more but I wanted to get to know his character better than I did. I loved Gale when he was around though, and Peeta too. My God Peeta has to be the sweetest guy I've ever had the pleasure of reading about - the things he says to Katniss, so honestly too, just make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

The new characters introduced were brilliant. I fell in love with Finnick straight away. He appeared to be arrogant from the moment Katniss met him, but he slowly revealed his insecurities and weaknesses and I loved him for it. And I have to mention Haymitch - a lot more was revealed about his past and why he is the way he is. I think he became even more relatable and I started to understand his actions in this book - I actually thought Katniss is a lot like him in quite a few ways.

 

This book is just packed with suspense. When I got towards the last quarter I just gave up and stayed up into the early hours of the morning to finish it, I just couldn't resist - I tried to fall asleep and it was just calling to me...

 

Overall this was a fantastic book full of action and surprises that will get you on the edge of your seat biting your nails. I need to go and find out what happens now.

 

My rating: 10/10 

 

Suzanne Collins:

Goodreads | Website 

 

The Hunger Games:

1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay

Series Spotlight: The Hunger Games #1

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication date: Sep 2008

Format: Paperback | 454 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads

Winning will make you famous. Losing means certain death.

In a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called the Hunger Games. There is only one rule: kill or be killed.

When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister's place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature. 

My thoughts:

What can I say about this book that hasn't been said already? It's fantastic.

I have read this one before but since I haven't gotten to the second book in the series I thought I would do a series spotlight on it. I'm a little glad that I've waited so long to start reading the series again - I feel like I've gotten past the hype of the books coming out and the film enough for me to concentrate on how I feel about the story itself and not how it will live up to my expectations. 

This book though, is honestly one of the brilliant ones that can be put on your shelf forever and only be taken down to be read over and over again. The writing sucks you in straight away with the build up of suspense from the beginning of the book. First it's a build up to the reaping, then to the actual games, and then to the after the games where you realise that was only the introduction the series.

I did feel like I didn't have enough time to get to know most of the characters aside from Katniss and Peeta. Gale, for example, wasn't mentioned that much but I think that will change in the next book. What I did get from the characters though was great. I loved the fight in Katniss and her stubborn desire to make the best of things and keep her family going. Peeta was just a sweetheart…end of. Loved him.

The plot was definitely what stood out most. It really does have the shock factor - you don't know what to expect when you're reading and I still have no idea what to expect from the next two books.  It's also incredibly original. There's no worrying about whether you'll be disappointed with something you've seen over and over in a YA book. 

 

Overall this is definitely one of my favourite books and I seriously can't wait to find out what happens next. Plus, if you haven't seen the film already, go see it.

 

My rating: 10/10

 

 

Suzanne Collins:

Goodreads | Website 

 

The Hunger Games:

1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay