Review: Arcana Rising by Kresley Cole

Title: Arcana Rising

Author: Kresley Cole

Series: The Arcana Chronicles #4

Publisher: Valkyrie Press

Publication date: August 15th 2016

Format: Kindle 

Genre: YA | Fantasy | Dystopia

Goodreads

Losses mount and deadly new threats converge in this next action-packed tale of the Arcana Chronicles by #1 New York Times bestseller Kresley Cole. 


When the battle is done . . . 

The Emperor unleashed hell and annihilated an army, jeopardizing the future of mankind--but Circe struck back. The epic clash between them devastates the Arcana world and nearly kills Evie, separating her from her allies. 


And all hope is lost . . . 

With Aric missing and no sign that Jack and Selena escaped Richter's reach, Evie turns more and more to the darkness lurking inside her. Two Arcana emerge as game changers: one who could be her salvation, the other her worst nightmare. 


Vengeance becomes everything. 

To take on Richter, Evie must reunite with Death and mend their broken bond. But as she learns more about her role in the future--and her chilling past--will she become a monster like the Emperor? Or can Evie and her allies rise up from Richter's ashes, stronger than ever before?

My thoughts:

That ending. Whaaaaaat. I’m just blown away right now. 

 

 

I was scared I would be disappointed with this book considering so much has happened over the series so far. I just couldn’t imagine much more happening. But no, stuff happened. Stuff happened and it blew my mind.

This book was a perfect blend of character and plot development. While not as much happened in term of the fight between the Arcana, new alliances were formed in unexpected ways and a lot was revealed about the characters.

I do have to mention that I’m so glad I read Day Zero before this. It made such a big difference to the story to know what went on with each character before they made an appearance in Arcana Rising. Some new characters made an appearance and it was so much less confusing having already read their situation.

I am a little disappointed that Cole didn’t reveal a secret that I’m sure a lot of readers are wondering about…Jack. I need to know! I’m so much more excited for the next book because of Jack. I need to know what his deal is. I won’t say anymore for fear of spoilers but there are so many questions after reading this. I need my answers.

Also, this book ends on a cliffhanger. Guys, I think Evie has issues. I’m so intrigued as to what’s happened with her. It’s so weird - I was reading just assuming Evie was her usual self and then just BAM - nope turns out everything has just been turned on its head.

I honestly have no idea where this series is going to go from here. I love it.

My rating: 10/10 

Kresley Cole:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter

Review: The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

Title: The Madman's Daughter

Author: Megan Shepherd

Series: The Madman's Daughter #1

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Publication date: 11/04/2013

Format: Paperback | 368 pages

Genre: YA | Science Fiction | Historical

Goodreads

To uncover the truth means risking all…

London, 1894, Juliet Monreau has built a life for herself working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumours about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns her father is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations were true.

Yet what she finds on the island is twisted beyond all imagining, and out of her father's control. As the island rapidly descends into chaos, she must escape the horrors of her father's creations, but not before she discovers the true extent of her father's genius - and madness - in her own blood.

My thoughts:

After Juliet's father is accused of horrendous crimes, Juliet is forced to make do with any job that will keep her off the streets. Working as a maid in the hospital, Juliet comes across something that may mean her father is still alive. Determined to find out if the accusations were true, Juliet hitches a ride with an old friend to an island filled with unnatural creatures and a dangerous murderer that leaves three claw marks as his calling card.

Wow this book had some creepy characters. I loved every minute of it. Seriously.

I'm a big fan of creepy reads - not necessarily horror but something that raises the hairs on the back of my neck. From the very first page, I could tell that this book would be a good one. The writing immediately had a feel of suspense and dark drama that was bound to creep me out. It did just that. There were creepy characters, a murderer that had everyone afraid to leave the house and bucket loads of suspense. I couldn't stop reading.

The characters were great. I loved how mysterious they were - nothing but their basic personality and history was revealed until close to the end of the read where everything got turned on its head. I found myself starting to doubt everyone, even Juliet. Were they who they said they were? Characters who seemed perfectly innocent beforehand were seen in a new light.

By the way, I loved Montgomery he was totally steamy.

The plot with Juliet and her father was amazing. He was definitely a character I won't be able to get out of my head for awhile. Totally insane. I really liked how he still managed to get into Juliet's head even when she'd decided he wasn't worth listening to - you know, because of the fact that he's a total creep who enjoys inflicting pain in the name of science.

All in all I loved this book tremendously and I can't wait to get the sequel, especially with the way it ended. Never would have called it!

My rating: 10/10

 Megan Shepherd:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter

The Madman's Daughter:

1. The Madman's Daughter
2. Her Dark Curiosity
3. A Cold Legacy

Series Spotlight: Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness

 

Series: Chaos Walking

Author: Patrick Ness

Publisher: Walker

Publication date: 2008 - 2010

Format: Paperback

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads

Book 1 Summary:

Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a man, but in the midst of the cacophony, he knows that the town is hiding something from him -- something so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is.

 My thoughts:

I finished this series about a week ago now, novellas included, and up until now I just can't believe I put off reading it for so long. My sister read it before me and she doesn't read anywhere near as much as I do and a few of my friends started it a while ago. I've been told so many times to start it and I just had so many other books to read that I put them aside. It was pretty stupid of me considering how much I loved reading this series. At least I didn't have to wait for sequels to come out - I already had the complete series sitting on the shelf.

 

This series pretty much had everything I love in a book throughout the whole trilogy. It had some of the most amazing characters I've come across yet, great action, brilliant writing and suspense to the likes of which I've never felt before whilst reading.

 

What stood out to me most though, was the fact that each book stood out on its own. Usually in a series, especially a trilogy, I expect at least one book to fall through a little bit and act as a 'filler novel' but it wasn't the case with Chaos Walking. Each of the three books offered something new. Each time the characters were a little different, the setting was a little different and the plot was no worse for wear because of it. The protagonists served as the anchor for all three books while everything changed around them the whole time they were struggling to stay alive.

 

Todd and Viola have made their way into my heart - honestly, they are two of my new favourite characters of all time. I adored the way they worked together and any time they were separated I was just on the edge of my seat waiting for them to meet each other again. It wasn't even in the romantic sense necessarily, they just worked. I would believe it when they said they could do anything together if they put their mind to it and it would break my heart when one of them falls in some way and the other picks them back up with a heartfelt speech about how they never gave up on each other before now and they wouldn't start. 

 

The character development in this series is breathtaking. The Todd at the beginning of the trilogy is a different person entirely to what he becomes at the end of the series. Best of all, it didn't happen too fast and it happened with good reason. After every major event in each book, Todd learns something new and just steadily grows up. It's amazing to read.

 

Like I mentioned before, the suspense in this book is something else. Thank goodness my sister had already read the series because I was going around the house ranting and raving about something that was happening or about to happen and how I couldn't bear it if it all goes down the way I think it will. She just laughed at me. For all three books, no matter what, 'oh my God, OH MY GOD!' was constantly going through my head. 

 

If you couldn't tell already, this series is one of my favourites now and I strongly urge you to get it if you haven't already. I love it. Please, please give it a go.

 

My rating: 10/10

 

Review: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Title: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

Author: Morgan Matson

Series: N/A

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: May 2010

Format: ebook | 352 pages

Genre: YA | Contemporary 

Goodreads

Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident.

 

 

My thoughts:

Following her father's death, Amy's family moves to Connecticut for a fresh start, but because of money troubles, Amy's mother decides she has to drive there with a friend's son, Roger. Amy's mother sets the route, books the hotels and hands over her credit card, but Amy and Roger are disappointed to see that the route set isn't one that inspires any sense of adventure…they decide to liven things up a little.

This was a great, feel good read. I really enjoyed it. I've only read a couple of books with a road trip as the main focus but it seems to be a really great way to tell a story. Especially for characters that have to get to know one another and maybe even themselves again - plenty of time to be left alone with your thoughts, close quarters with more or less a stranger and lots of things that can go wrong.

I loved how gentle the story was. Matson really took her time with the characters I think, I felt like I really got to know them. Amy was very vulnerable and the trip was her way of getting a little bit of her old self back but it took a lot of time. Nothing in this read was rushed, not one thing - not the friendships, not the romance and definitely not the closure of all the characters involved.

The characters were beyond lovely. I don't know why I'm using that word to describe them, but it seems to fit them perfectly. They gave each other so much space at first because they each had their own problems. I adored how they took their time to get to know each other, because really, doesn't it just make sense that way? Who rushes into any kind of relationship? Even of the friendly sort. 

 

I also thought it ended in such a lovely manner. It might have annoyed me if the read was any different, but I loved the fact that it was an open ending. It wasn't a bad ending in the sense that nothing was resolved - things were resolved and it ended on a good note, but it was also open to interpretation a little. I thought that for characters who had a long way to go, it would have been hypocritical in a way to end the book with full description of where the characters are going to end up and where they all stand with each other. Like Amy's mother for example, I would have liked to see how things between Amy and her changed, but I also knew that they had a hell of a lot to work out. Seeing them work it out in a couple of pages wouldn't have sit well with me I think. It was a great way to end the book.

 

Overall I loved this read and I don't have a bad thing to say about it. Not one. I'm definitely going to keep watching this author.

 

My rating: 10/10 

 

Morgan Matson:

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Review: White Cat by Holly Black

Title: White Car

Author: Holly Black

Series: Curse Workers #1

Publisher: Gollancz

Publication date: 01 Apr 2011

Format: Paperback | 336 pages

Genre: YA | Paranormal

Goodreads

No-one at home is ever going to forget that Cassel is a killer. No-one at home is ever going to forget that he isn't a magic worker. And now he is being haunted by a white cat…

Cassel's family are magic workers. Ever since magic was prohibited in 1929 magic workers have been driven underground and into crime. His grand-dad is a black-fingered death-dealer, his mother is in prison and his brothers detest him as the only one of their family who can't do magic. But there is a secret at the centre of Cassel's family and he's about to inherit it. It's terrifying and that's the truth.

My thoughts:

Cassel is the sole member of a family of magic workers without any magic. People with the ability to give good luck, dreams and change emotions as they see fit with just a slight of hand. Of course, not all workers use their magic to do good, in fact, most are criminals, some with the power to kill with a single touch or transform a person into an inanimate object. Cassel finds himself struggling to fit in with his family when he has always been an outsider and treated as such. 

 

I had no idea what to expect from this book. I'd heard good things, so I bought it. Aside from that, I knew nothing - no reviews were read, I didn't ask anybody about it, I just bought it. Turns out I really loved it.

 

More than anything, I loved Cassel's point of view. I thought he was a brilliant character, full of depth, witty, charming one minute and devious the next - he was a really well rounded character that I kept learning about throughout the read. He had enough personality to keep me interested to the end of the book. 

 

I've never picked up on this in any other books, but I noticed the dialogue in this novel was incredible. I mean it in the simplest sense. I found myself really enjoying whenever Cassel was having a normal, day to day conversation with someone from his family or school. Nothing involving magic or assassination plots, just everyday stuff. It's a testament to how much I like Cassel's character but I loved how Holly could make dialogue seem so natural, enough so that I could imagine myself speaking in that way to my own family. Until I started talking about death workers and losing my memory of course…

 

This was the first book by Holly Black that I've read but it's certainly not going to be the last. I've already started on the sequel to this book - Red Glove. If anything the plot and world building made me ever the more eager to get on with the next one, just to get a bit more of the suspense and the awesome way Cassel can pretend to be someone he's not to cultivate a con. This book was exciting. I got nervous when Cassel and his friends tried to pull off something a little complicated. I worried that plans would fall through. I was surprised when Cassel showed a hint of genius when he suddenly announced he had a failsafe ready anyway. It made my heart race in the way only a good writer can - by immersing me in the story completely.

 

All in all I really enjoyed this one and fully recommend it to anybody who reads YA. And even those who don't!

 

My rating: 10/10

 

 

Holly Black:

Goodreads | Website | Livejournal | Twitter

 

Curse Workers:

1. White Cat
2. Red Glove
3. Black Heart 

Review: Frostbitten by Kelley Armstrong

Title: Frostbitten

Author: Kelley Arsmtrong

Series: Women of the Otherworld #10

Publisher: Orbit

Publication date: 06 May 2010

Format: Paperback | 416 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy 

Goodreads

After years of struggle. Elena Michaels has finally accepted her life as a werewolf, and learned how to control her wild side.

At least, that's what she believes when she sets off to investigate a series of gruesome murders outside Anchorage. The truth, however, is more complicated. Trapped in a frozen, unforgiving terrain, Elena is forced to confront a deadly secret, and her own, untamed nature…

My thoughts:

A routine mission for the Pack soon throws Elena Michaels in the deep end as she travels to Anchorage, Alaska to apprehend the mutt responsible for multiple killings. Alaska soon turns out to be more than it seems when strange lights appear in the forest and talk of strange beast sightings has the resident werewolves talking. 

After reading 10 books in this series I have to say, Elena is by far my favourite character. I love her relationship with Clay, the rest of her Pack and the other 'women of the otherworld'.  I love her flaws and insecurities and how she hides them from most but is completely honest with her mate. She is what most readers love in a heroine - especially in urban fantasy. She's strong, knows how to kick butts and she's loyal. She is what made me fall in love with this series.

Because I was a little iffy on the last two books in the series, I was seriously excited when I saw the next book featured Elena. It really didn't disappoint me and it brought back to light all the reasons I love this series.

The plot made evident Kelley Armstrong's strengths in writing. The suspense and action had me reading this book only in two sittings - I only put it down to eat and then got right back to it! I loved how this book features something new in the supernatural community and how the world of werewolves and all things that go bump in the night is steadily getting bigger and bigger. 

All in all this was essentially a reminder of why I started reading this series. I loved it. There was a brilliant plot, amazing characters and action that has you biting your nails in anticipation. 

My rating: 10/10

 

Kelley Armstrong:

 

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

 

 

Women of the Otherworld:

 

1. Bitten
2. Stolen
3. Dime Store Magic
4. Industrial Magic
5. Haunted
6. Broken
7. No Humans Involved
8. Personal Demon
9. Living with the Dead
10. Frostbitten
11. Waking the Witch
12. Spell Bound
13. Thirteen

Review: Angelfall by Susan Ee

Title: Angelfall

Author: Susan Ee

Series: Penryn & the End of Days #1

Publisher: Hodder

Publication date: 23 May 2013

Format: Paperback | 336 pages

Genre: YA | Fantasy

Goodreads

It ha been six weeks since the angels returned to earth and destroyed the world as we know it.

When they fly away with a helpless little girl, her sister Penryn will do anything to get her back…

My thoughts:

How has it taken me so long to get to this book? I'm fangirling so hard right now...

I loved this read. I loved, loved, loved this read. Guys…I really loved this book.

Raffe was just yum and Penryn was such an amazing heroine. They both kicked backside to next Tuesday and it was awesome. This duo is seriously one of the best things ever.

I don't even know what to say…I just can't even.

This book had everything I like in a read. It had tension between characters, I mean, they're meant to be enemies but Penryn is desperate to get her sister back. There's suspense coming out of your ears, there's loads of action that has you reading pages over and over again out of excitement and there's a little humour thrown in for good measure.

I don't have a bad thing to say about this one and I know that I'll never get sick of rereading it. I can't wait to get the next two. Please check this one out if you haven't. It's something special.

My rating: 10/10

Susan Ee:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter

Penryn & the End of Days:

1. Angelfall
2. World After
3. End of Days

 

Review: Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Breaks

Author: Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels #7

Publisher: Ace

Publication date: 3 March 2015

Format: Paperback | 416 pages

Genre: Adult | Urban Fantasy 

Goodreads

As the mate of the Beast Lord, Curran, former mercenary Kate Daniels has more responsibilities than it seems possible to juggle. Not only is she still struggling to keep her investigative business afloat, but she must now deal with the affairs of the Pack, including preparing her people for attack from Roland, a cruel, ancient being with godlike powers.

As Roland's long shadow looms ever nearer, Kate is called to attend and gathering of leaders from Atlanta's supernatural factions. When one of the Masters of the Dead is found murdered by a shapeshifter, Kate is given less than twenty-four hours to hunt down the killer. And this time, if she fails, she'll find herself embroiled in a war that could destroy everything she holds dear…

My thoughts:

I have yet to find a series that manages to make me fan girl like this one. It took me so long to get my hands on Magic Breaks, but I would find myself thinking about it every day at the very least. What was going to happen to all my favourite characters? Will Kate finally meet her Dad? Will he be evil enough? And will there be a final, epic showdown with Hugh? It was constantly running through my mind. And then I read the book and boy, it exceeded any expectations I had.

What I really have to point out straight off is that Ilona Andrews has no fear when it comes to fleshing out every single character so each one is just as entertaining to read about as Kate and Curran. I love all of them. The thought of any of them dying makes my heart skip a beat…not in the good way.

But of course, no one compares to Kate and Curran. As individual characters they take the biscuit and even while apart they are more than able to stand on their own. But together, that's where the story really starts to get going. When they fight together you bite your nails in anticipation, when they put their heads together you're in awe of what they can accomplish and the sexy times are a lovely bonus that make you root for them as a couple to the ends of the Earth and back.

I loved how I was kept in the dark with what would happen throughout the story. I had no clue as to what would end up going on and I loved the not knowing. The anticipation was killing me even whilst reading. I wanted to get to the end to finally find out what happens to the Pack but when I did, I wished I could read it for the first time all over again. I wish I didn't have to wait for the next book…sigh.

What more do I need to say? If you haven't picked up this series yet, please do, because you're seriously missing out on some deliciousness. This was my favourite one yet!

My rating: 10/10

Ilona Andrews:

 

 Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

 

 Kate Daniels:

 

1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
4. Magic Bleeds
5. Magic Slays
6. Magic Rises
7. Magic Breaks
8. Magic Shifts
9. Untitled
10. Untitled

 

Review: Shadow Wave by Robert Muchamore

 

Title: Shadow Wave

Author: Robert Muchamore

Series: Cherub #12

Publisher: Hodder

Publication date: August 26th 2010

Format: Hardback | 352 pages

Genre: YA

Goodreads

After a tsunami causes massive devastation to a tropical island, its governor sends in the bulldozers to knock down villages, replacing them with luxury hotels.

Guarding the governor's family isn't james Adams' idea of the perfect mission - and then retired agent Kyle Blueman comes up with an unofficial and highly dangerous plan of his own.

James must choose between loyalty to Cherub, and loyalty to his oldest friend. 

My thoughts:

Shadow Wave is the last book in the Cherub series *sob*. It follows James' last mission as a Cherub agent as he finally ends his part in the operation to infiltrate the Brigands M.C. Satisfied that his Cherub career ended on a high note, James isn't too happy with the thought of babysitting a couple of spoilt rich children of a Malaysian government official. 

Honestly, I'm a little upset right now. I started this series in the middle of high school and to think that it's over now is really depressing. This was the last time I've read one of the Cherub books for the first time - rereading them won't be the same. Booknerds understand this problem so at least I'm not alone! I still can't believe I waited until I'm almost 21 to actually finish the series.

I really love how much James has grown up throughout the series. This book wasn't so much about the Cherub missions and all the action they entail, it was focused on how far all of the characters have come. They've all grown up! All my complaints about James being a right idiot with some of his decisions have just flew out the window with this read. He's matured to a huge extent with his talk of future plans and his attitude towards people in general. It makes me sad.

This read was perfect for what it was supposed to be. A lot of people would be disappointed with how different or even how much more dreary this book is compared to the rest of the books in the Cherub series. I liked it for what it was. It was a final goodbye to all of the characters I've grown to love and know so well. While it had enough action in it to satisfy me, I needed the full on tying up of loose ends to satisfy the ending of a whole series, not just the one book and that was provided.

Overall I loved this whole series. I would strongly recommend it to anybody who's a fan of YA books in general.

My rating: 10/10 

Robert Muchamore:

 

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

 

Cherub:

 

1. The Recruit
2. Class A
3. Maximum Security
4. The Killing
5. Divine Madness
6. Man vs. Beast
7. The Fall
8. Mad Dogs
9. The Sleepwalker
10. Dark Sun
11. The General
12. Brigands M.C
13. Shadow Wave

Review: Shadow's Edge by Brent Weeks

Title: Shadow's Edge

Author: Brent Weeks

Series: Night Angel #2

Publisher: Orbit

Publication date: 04 Aug 2011

Format: Paperback | 672 pages

Genre: Adult | Epic Fantasy

Goodreads

Kylar Stern has rejected the assassin's life. In the wake of the Godking's violent coup, both his master and his closest friend are dead. His friend was Logan Gyre, heir to Cenaria's throne, but few of the ruling class survive to mourn his loss. So Kylar is starting over: new city, new companions, and new profession.

But when he learns that Logan might be alive, trapped and in hiding, Kylar faces an impossible choice: he could give up the way of the shadows forever, and find peace with his young family. Or he could succumb to his flair for destruction, the years of training, to save his friend and his country - and lose all he holds precious.

My thoughts:

Shadow's Edge begins where the first book in the trilogy, The Way of the Shadows left off. Kylar leaves his birthplace and the city he used to call home to make a better life for himself and Elene. In order to get away from the chaos of war, Kylar has to leave behind his wetboy ways and stop killing to keep Elene happy. He soon finds however, that trouble has its way of following him and Kylar finds it more of a challenge to stop killing than he anticipated.

I have to say I don't even know where to begin with this review. I adored this book even more than the first one. Kylar grew into even more of an amazing character with all of the troubles he faced in this read and he really ended up coming into his own. I loved all of his flaws along with his cool as heck, newfound abilities. But most of all, I loved how unsure he was of what he was doing. This book was a huge journey for Kylar that hasn't even ended yet - he still doesn't know his purpose in life and he doesn't know how to deal with all of his losses. 

The ending to this book is still driving me crazy a day later. I can't wrap my head around it - honestly it was a brilliant ending, but it came out of nowhere. I feel sorry for people who read this book before the last book in the series had been published. Thank God I already have the last book on my shelves. If I had to wait I don't know what I would have done.

Overall I love this read and the series so far. I can't wait to get stuck into the last book.

My rating: 10/10

Brent Weeks:

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

Night Angel:

1. The Way of Shadows
2. Shadow's Edge
3. Beyond the Shadows

Review: The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks

Title: The Way of Shadows

Author: Brent Weeks

Series: Night Angel #1

Publisher: Orbit

Publication date: 04 Aug 2011

Format: Paperback | 672 pages

Genre: Adult | Epic Fantasy

Goodreads

For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art. And he is the city's most accomplished artist, his talents required from alleyway to courtly boudoir.

For Azoth, survival is precarious. Something you never take for granted. As a guild rat, he's grown up in the slums, and learned the hard way to judge people quickly - and to take risks. Risks like apprenticing himself to Durzo Blint.

But to be accepted, Azoth must turn his back on his old life and embrace a new identity and name. As Kyler Stern, he must learn to navigate the assassin's world of dangerous politics and strange magics - and cultivate a flair for death.

My thoughts:

Azoth has had more than enough of living in fear so when Durzo Blint comes along, the most feared wetboy in the city, Azoth takes a risk and becomes an apprentice to an assassin. As time passes, Azoth becomes Kyler, a skilled fighter with dreams of becoming all that Blint wants him to be. Things soon change though when a kingdom to the north plots an invasion that threatens everything Kyler knows and loves.

I. Loved. This. Book.

I could probably just leave it at that but it doesn't really say much about why you should read it. Just a bit of a fair warning though, I most likely won't make much sense in this review.

The characters in this book are so well written that I had a hard time figuring a lot of them out. I've rarely been in the position where I can't draw the line between good and evil - there were characters that I loathed until the very end where something's revealed that makes all of that character's actions seem like acts of love where they didn't before. I never saw it coming. Lately the books I've been reading have been so predictable that it became tiring to carry on reading them, it just made The Way of Shadows that much better in comparison. Even the characters that are clearly labelled as the 'villains' have elements to their makeup that make them seem pitiful instead of just the character you're supposed to hate. I found myself feeling sorry for some which made the read very interesting indeed.

I also thought this read was incredibly intense. I dreaded having to put this book down because it was so chocked full of suspense. There was no end to the action throughout the read as well as an amazingly detailed plot. There were a few subplots within the read which were just as intriguing as the plot mainly focusing on Kyler. I couldn't race through this one fast enough and then, as usual with a great book, I didn't want it to end.

Honestly, if you like this genre anyway, please pick up this book. I for one, am really looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy. 

My rating: 10/10

Brent Weeks:

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

Night Angel:

1. The Way of Shadows
2. Shadow's Edge
3. Beyond the Shadows

Review: The General by Robert Muchamore

Title: The General

Author: Robert Muchamore

Series: Cherub #10

Publisher: Hodder

Publication date: 4th September 2008

Format: Paperback | 352 pages

Genre: YA

Goodreads

The world's largest urban warfare training compound stands in the desert near Las Vegas. Forty British commandos are being hunted by an entire American battalion.

But their commander has an ace up his sleeve: he plans to smuggle in ten Cherub agents, and fight the best war game ever.

My thoughts:

For those of you that haven't heard of this series before, it follows a secret organisation that uses child spies to get criminals locked away for a good long while. Of course, since children are involved, the characters get up to some crazy, hilarious stunts both during missions and at the Cherub campus. The General, mostly focuses on James and his sister Lauren as they test soldiers to the limits in a training compound in the middle of an American desert. 

I'm already a big fan of this series but this book just took the biscuit for me. I couldn't stop laughing for the life of me. The beginning of the book was great for more serious action with James' first mission, but after that went wrong, things just got a turn for the hilarious. I loved what went down in the training compound - it was a perfect mix of chaos, childish pranks and combat training. Muchamore's ability to keep reminding readers that these agents are still kids is brilliant.

I also enjoyed the great mix of characters that played a part in this story. James and Lauren are favourites of mine just because of their great relationship as siblings but the rest of the gang played their parts too and it led to some brilliant moments. The instructor Kazakov has definitely become a new favourite of mine because of his genius antics in this book. 

Nothing really comes to mind when I think about what I didn't like about this book. I suppose I would have liked to have seen a bit more of a fight between Dana and James when all that drama went down. It was over a little too quickly and James seemed to get over Dana awfully fast for someone who claimed to love her. I guess his heart's elsewhere.

Overall I loved this book and I thought it was a fantastic addition to the Cherub books. I'm looking forward to starting the next one.

 

My rating: 10/10

 

Robert Muchamore:

 

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

 

Cherub:

 

1. The Recruit
2. Class A
3. Maximum Security
4. The Killing
5. Divine Madness
6. Man vs. Beast
7. The Fall
8. Mad Dogs
9. The Sleepwalker
10. Dark Sun
11. The General
12. Brigands M.C
13. Shadow Wave

Review: Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor

Title: Dreams of Gods and Monsters

Author: Laini Taylor

Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication date: 17th Apr 2014

Format: Hardback | 528 pages

Genre: YA | Paranormal

Goodreads

 

 

By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her, if there can even be a future for the chimaera in war-ravaged Eretz.

Common enemy, common cause.

When Jael's brutal seraph army trespasses into the human world, the unthinkable becomes essential, and Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the threat. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people.

And, perhaps, for themselves. Toward a new way of living, and maybe even love.

But there are bigger threats than Jael in the offing. A vicious queen is hunting Akiva, and, in the skies of Eretz ... something is happening. Massive stains are spreading like bruises from horizon to horizon; the great winged stormhunters are gathering as if summoned, ceaselessly circling, and a deep sense of wrong pervades the world.

What power can bruise the sky?

From the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond, humans, chimaera and seraphim will fight, strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy. 

At the very barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? And does anything else matter? 

My thoughts:

Dreams of Gods and Monsters is the third and final book in the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy. It starts off essentially where the second book, Days of Blood and Starlight, left off, with Karou and Akiva trying their best to unite the seraphim army, known as the misbegotten, and the surviving chimaera.

 

Every since I finished the second book of the trilogy, I've been simultaneously dreading and anticipating the release of the last book. The second book ended with such a surprising turn of events that I really didn't know what to expect to happen with this one. I just had the feeling that everything was going to get so much worse for the characters and there's no way they could get out of the situation they were left in. Especially for Karou and Akiva, I couldn't bear the thought of them not being together in the end and so I was so nervous to see what would happen between the two.

 

Honestly though, just like the last two books, this book was an absolute joy to read. Not because everything was all puppies and roses, it wasn't, it's just that Laini Taylor has this beautiful, mystical way of writing that sucks me into her world and lets me see what she sees. As of writing this review, I'm emigrating and you can imagine that takes a lot of work and a half! This book proved to be the most perfect distraction when things got a little too stressful and gave me the most amazing place to escape to so that I could forget about reality for a little while and go into a world filled with flying, blue-haired girls and angels with golden eyes.

 

The characters in this book are amazing. The story is amazing. The writing is beyond amazing.

 

There's absolutely nothing more I can say that will do this whole trilogy justice. If you haven't already, please, please give it a go. 

 

My rating: 10/10

 

 

Laini Taylor:

Goodreads | Website 

Review: The Singing by Alison Croggon

Title: The Singing

Author: Alison Croggon

Series: The Books of Pellinor #4

Publisher: Walker 

Publication date: September 1st 2008

Format: Paperback | 496 pages

Genre: YA | Fantasy 

Goodreads

In a desperate race against the Dark, Maerad must solve the final Riddle of the Treesong. Only then will the Nameless One be defeated and peace restored to the Seven Kingdoms. But Maerad only holds the key to half the riddle - her long-lost brother, Hem, has the other.

After an epic confrontation with the Landrost, Maerad and her mentor, Cadvan of Lirigon, embark on a perilous journey to find him. But the dark grows ever more powerful - will brother and sister reach one another in time or will all be lost in a final, apocalyptic battle?

My thoughts:

This was by far my favourite book out of the entire 'Books of Pellinor' series and for quite a few reasons.

 

This book features both Hem, Maerad and the rest of the gang I've grown to know and love as they fight to finish their quest of defeating Sharma or the 'Nameless One'. The plot of this book, which is kind of typical for the last book in any series, isn't as complicated as the previous books if only because all the secrets have been revealed and all that's left to do is get on with it and get rid of the evil plaguing the land. Of course it sounds simple when I put it like that but it proves to be a little bit more complicated since Hem and Maerad start off with hundreds of miles between them and have to race to get back together before it's too late.

 

For me, Cadvan and Maerad really stole the show in this book. I love Hem and all but I feel so much closer to Maerad and Cadvan since they've been there since the beginning of the series. I feel that they've been through so much more on their journeys and grown so close together that I can't help but get excited every time they come into play in the story. The couple were so nice to read about - more so than in the other books - the fact that they really care about each other and are so anxious about each others safety is really apparent the entire way throughout the book. It added a really refreshing element to the book - something different to novels focusing more on romance that can end up lacking a great plot.

 

 The plot was more straight forward than previous books but it made the read no less intense. I couldn't stop turning the pages and every time I had to put the book down, it would constantly be playing on my mind. I counted down the seconds until I could pick it up again. The fact that this is the last book only added to the suspense for me since I had no idea in what direction the story would go in the end. I have to say, I'm more than a little upset that it's over.

 

Overall I found this to be a fantastic read. I definitely recommend this entire series for those of you who haven't read it already, especially for fans of the fantasy genre. 

 

My rating: 10/10

 

Alison Croggon:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter

 

The Books of Pellinor:

1. The Gift
2. The Riddle
3. The Crow
4. The Singing

Review: Mad Dogs by Robert Muchamore

Title: Mad Dogs

Author: Robert Muchamore

Series: Cherub #8

Publisher: Hodder

Publication date: October 1st 2007

Format: Paperback | 394 pages

Genre: YA 

Goodreads

The British underworld is controlled by gangs. When two of them start a turf war, violence explodes on to the streets.

The police need information fast, and James Adams has the contacts to infiltrate the most dangerous gang of all. He works for CHERUB.

My thoughts:

Well this was definitely the most violent and action packed Cherub book I've read so far to say the least!

I don't really know what I can say about this book that I haven't already mentioned in previous reviews for past Cherub books. I really do love how fast paced these books are - they always go back and forth from Lauren and James' point of view and when both of them are getting up to no good, I end up flying through the pages. 

Another great aspect of the book was how it started off featuring Gabrielle and Michael. Gabrielle is a character I wanted to see more of so to have this book featuring her in such a way that it did was great. I loved her relationship with Michael and how they looked out for each other even when they weren't together - they were a really sweet, breath of fresh air kind of couple.

I'm really enjoying getting to know James more and more as the series goes on. He seems to have grown up a lot in this book especially. He's a lot more mature in dealing with the problems that come his way and I have noticed that he lashes out a lot less when someone annoys him. 

Overall this is a brilliant read. It has all of the good qualities a reader looks for in a book that makes the read a perfect one to keep coming back to. 

My rating: 10/10

 

Robert Muchamore:

 

 

 

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

Cherub:

 

 

 

1. The Recruit
2. Class A
3. Maximum Security
4. The Killing
5. Divine Madness
6. Man vs. Beast
7. The Fall
8. Mad Dogs
9. The Sleepwalker
10. Dark Sun
11. The General
12. Brigands M.C
13. Shadow Wave

Review: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Title: Second Chance Summer

Author: Morgan Matson

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: May 2012

Format: eBook | 480 pages

Genre: YA |  Contemporary 

Goodreads

Sandwiched between two exceptional siblings, Taylor Edwards never felt like she stood out—except for her history of running away when things get too complicated. Then her dad receives unexpected, terrible news, and the family makes the last-minute decision to spend the summer together in the cramped quarters at their old lake house.



Taylor hasn’t been to the summer house since she was twelve, and she definitely never planned on going back. Up at the lake she is confronted with people she thought she left behind, like her former best friend, Lucy, and Henry Crosby, her first crush, who’s all grown up…and a lot cuter. Suddenly Taylor is surrounded by memories she’d rather leave in the past—but she can’t run away this time.



As the days lying on the beach pass into nights gazing at the stars, Taylor realises she has a second chance—with friends, with family, maybe even with love. But she knows that once the summer ends, there is no way to recapture what she stands to lose. 

 

 

My thoughts:

Okay. So now that I've finally stopped bawling my eyes out maybe I can actually get a review up.

 

This is one of those reads where I feel anything I write in a review couldn't do it justice. The emotions involved in this book just blew me away and honestly, I don't think I'll be able to read for at least the rest of the day because I'll still be thinking about this book.

 

Second Chance Summer is truly a beautiful read. It has lovely descriptions of summer, a charming romance, endearing characters and a heartfelt plot that is guaranteed to make you cry at least once. It was one of those books that play on your mind well after you finish reading it and to me, that's what tells me I've just finished reading something I'll no doubt come back to. 

 

I could go on and on about how amazing the characters were and how invested I got in their lives, but I'm not going to. I want you to go and get this book as soon as you can and trust that you'll enjoy every moment of it. It was an experience to say the least. 

 

My rating: 10/10

 

Morgan Matson:

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

Review: Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Rises

Author: Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels #6

Publisher: Ace 

Publication date: 30 Jul 2013

Format: Paperback | 368 pages

Genre: Adult | Urban Fantasy 

Goodreads

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta.

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap…

My thoughts:

I have no idea what to think about what just happened. I've just been taken on one hell of an emotional roller coaster. This is most likely going to be a really short review just so I can stop myself from fangirling all over the place. 

I didn't think this series could get any better but this book blew every book before out of the water completely. There was so much action - and amazing action at that - I couldn't take it all in at once and ended up reading over the best fights over and over just to take in the sheer awesomeness that just happened. I'm hardly making any sense right now in all the excitement.

Magic Rises makes a huge step forward in terms of plot development. Everything pretty much changes in this book and I have a feeling it will carry on changing throughout the rest of the series. The cat is definitely out of the bag.

Overall I seriously enjoyed every moment of this read and I can't fault it for the life of me. I loved Curran and Kate's every moment together, all the action, the new characters and all the emotions this book has made me feel. Please, please, please read this series - you won't regret it.

My rating:  10/10

 

Ilona Andrews:

 

 

 

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

Kate Daniels:

 

 

 

1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
4. Magic Bleeds
5. Magic Slays
6. Magic Rises

Review: Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Slays

Author: Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels #5

Publisher: Ace

Publication date: 31 May 2011

Format: Paperback | 320 ages

Genre: Adult | Urban Fantasy 

Goodreads

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, but she's still knee deep in in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be - now that the Order is disparaging her good name. Plus, many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate's mate.

So when Atlanta's premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. But it turns out that this is not an isolated incident. Kate needs to get to the bottom of it - and fast, or the city and everyone dear to her may pay the ultimate price…

My thoughts:

Even with my high expectations, this book still managed to impress me. It was another brilliant addition to the Kate Daniels series.

What I enjoyed most about this read was the fact that I knew where Curran and Kate stood from the beginning of the book. The time of the two characters playing games with each other for affection is over for the most part - they still have their moments, but this book is more focused on how well they work together as a team now that they're sharing all aspects of their lives with each other. It brought something completely new to the table and kept the series interesting. I loved seeing how the couple started to develop their relationship and eventually trust each other completely to the point that one would allow the other to risk their life for someone they both love. 

The new characters introduced were both hilarious and endearing. I love Ascanio and I can see myself having a real soft spot for him, especially with how he played a part in this plot. He reminded me of Julie in a way, like a lost child in need of a helping hand. I also really liked the witch and volhv family involved - they really made me laugh and I can see them playing a big part in the future Kate Daniels books. Most of all though, I loved Kate's development as a character - she learns even more about her family in this book, some of which is pretty painful, so I loved how she dealt with it. There's a huge, noticeable difference between how she deals with family secrets in this book compared the first couple in the series - Kate has grown a huge amount.

As for the plot, it was a typical Kate Daniels novel in terms of action, humour and romance. There was loads of action to keep things thrilling with a bucketload of suspense thrown in towards the end where someone's life is in the balance. Just like the past books, I adored every single Kate and Curran moment and there were plenty in this read - about three quarters of the way in, Curran gives a heartfelt confession which almost had me burst into tears. I didn't think I could love Curran any more than I did already but I digress.

Overall I thought this book was pretty much perfect. It had everything I could ask for in a book and then some. If you haven't checked out this series yet, please do.

My rating: 10/10

 

Ilona Andrews:

 

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

 

 

Kate Daniels:

 

1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
4. Magic Bleeds
5. Magic Slays
6. Magic Rises

Review: Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Bleeds 

Author: Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels #4

Publisher: Ace

Publication date: 25 May 2010

Format: Paperback | 384 pages

Genre: Adult | Urban Fantasy 

Goodreads

Kate Daniels works for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, officially, as a liaison with the mercenary guild. Unofficially, she cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to handle - especially if they involve Atlanta's shapeshifting community.

When she's called in to investigate a fight at the Steel Horse, a bar on the border between the territories of the shapeshifters and the necromancers, Kate quickly discovers there's a new player in town. One who's been around for thousands of years - and rode to war at the side of Kate's father.

This foe may be too much even for Kate and Curran, the Beast Lord, to handle. Because this time Kate will be taking on family…

My thoughts:

Wow! This writing duo certainly kicked it up a notch with this one!

What can I say about this book other than I loved it so, so much. I'm normally a little anxious about reading on in a series - especially urban fantasy series - just because I get so disappointed when they go downhill after a great start. The first book in the Kate Daniels series was brilliant, so I couldn't imagine it getting any better. Boy was I wrong!

 What got me most was the humour. There were little funny moments here and there in the past three books of this series but this one just took the biscuit. Every time Curran and Kate are in the same room together, something happens that makes me laugh, no exception. Quite a few moments in this book will make any reader realise that those two are really made for each other. It made for some really hilarious reading let me tell you.

In the past three books there has been mention of romantic interest between Curran and Kate but it never really got anywhere. In this book there was about equal focus on the paranormal problems of Atlanta Kate has to deal with, and Kate's relationship with Curran. Normally I don't like romance to take a huge chunk out of the book, but I love the two characters so much that I welcomed it. If anything, it added to the overall plot of the story since Kate had more to worry about than ever.

The new characters introduced in this book were amazing. Kate's new enemy was pretty much an overpowered creep. She really led to some thrilling action throughout the read where I got seriously worried for some of the characters involved. Plus a shapeshifter that turns into a crocodile warrior? Awesome!

Overall I thought this was the best book yet - I'm starting to think that I'll be saying that for every new Kate Daniels book I read but I don't want to let my expectations get too high.

My rating: 10/10

Ilona Andrews:

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

Kate Daniels:

1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
4. Magic Bleeds
5. Magic Slays
6. Magic Rises