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

 

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

Series Spotlight: The Gatekeepers #5

Title: Oblivion

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Series: The Gatekeepers #5

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: 04 Oct 2012

Format: Hardback - 672 pages

Genre: YA | Fantasy/Horror

Goodreads

Having escaped from Hong Kong, the five gatekeepers - Matt, Pedro, Scott, Jamie and Scarlett - are scattered in a hostile and dangerous world. As they struggle to re-group and plan their next move, the malevolent King of the Old Ones gathers his forces in Oblivion: a desolate landscape where the last survivors of humanity must fight the ultimate battle.

My thoughts:

Wow.

Honestly, I've just put this book down and I'm a little shocked as to how it ended.

I have to say, this was a brilliant book. It was incredibly long winded at times but I expected it from a story like this at some point. Plus with a book of this length, you should probably expect it to be, at least in parts. It was the kind of book where I would have to put it down and distract myself so I can give myself a second to take in everything that's happened. 

There's something to be said about reading the last book in any series. There are so many expectations I had before even turning the first page. Even though I loved the first four books, if I didn't like the last, it would all have seemed like a waste of time. But thankfully that didn't happen. I was really happy with the way this book ended and how it rounded the series off as a whole. I'm a little upset about the ending, but anybody could have seen it coming since there were quite a few clues to prepare you for it. 

Anthony Horowitz definitely knows how to write. I mean the level of suspense in this book was on another level compared to anything I've read before. It really had me turning the pages as fast as I could. I was constantly on the edge of my seat just waiting to find out how this book ends. It didn't help that I had to wait quite a while to get this one as well.

Overall this series is a definitely must read. It's creepy, full of action and packed with amazing characters. Give it a go.

My rating: 10/10

Series rating: 8/10

 

Anthony Horowitz:

 

Goodreads | Website | Twitter

 

 

 

The Gatekeepers:

 

1. Raven's Gate
2. Evil Star
3. Nightrise
4. Necropolis
5. Oblivion

Series Spotlight: The Gatekeepers #4

Title: Necropolis 

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Series: The Gatekeepers #4

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: 04 May 2009

Format: Paperback - 400 pages

Genre: YA | Fantasy/Horror

Goodreads

Hong Kong has been taken over by the Old Ones and has become Necropolis, City of the Dead. Once in, there is no way out… Evil has been unleashed on the world and only five children – with special powers – can save it. Matt and the other three desperately need to find Scar, the final Gatekeeper, who has been trapped in Hong Kong, where puddles of water turn into puddles of blood, where ghosts, demons and hideous creatures stalk the streets. Matt has no choice but to follow her. Now, both imprisoned, their only hope of survival is to reach a secret door in the Man Ho temple. But even if Scar can find her psychic power, it may already be too late.

 

 

My thoughts:

This book has to be my favourite so far in the series. This is the third time I've read it and I still can't get enough. It's definitely one of those reads where you can't turn the pages fast enough - I don't think I'll ever get tired of it.

I love the fact that this is the first book in which all of the five gatekeepers are together at some point. I've really enjoyed getting to know all of them, especially Matt and Scar. They all have their own distinct personalities and are all equally loveable. I found Matt and Scar to be the most relatable though - they questioned everything more than the others and they came across as more vulnerable at times. 

The plot of this book was what made it stand out in the series so far. For me, there was so much more suspense involved because as I read on, I got an immediate sense of how desperate everybody was becoming. Everything was depending on the five coming together.

This book has it all for me. It has the brilliant writing of Horowitz and the complex, loveable characters. It also has the mother of all cliffhangers so I definitely can't wait to read the last book for the first time.

My rating: 10/10

Anthony Horowitz:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter

 

The Gatekeepers:

1. Raven's Gate
2. Evil Star
3. Nightrise
4. Necropolis
5. Oblivion

Series Spotlight: The Gatekeepers #3

Title: Nightrise

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Series: The Gatekeepers #3

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: 02 Apr 2007

Format: Paperback - 416 pages

Genre: YA | Fantasy | Horror

Goodreads

Darkness covers the earth.

The Old Ones have returned.

The battle must begin.

Fourteen-year-old twins Scott and Jamie Tyler have never known who they are or where they came from, but they have always known that they possess extraordinary powers. When Scott is kidnapped by the sinister Nightrise Corporation and Jamie is framed for murder, they realise that they must use those powers if they are going to survive.

But Jamie is catapulted thousands of years into the past, bringing him face to face with the full horror of the Old Ones. Here Jamie learns that he is one of the five Gatekeepers whose power is all that stands in the way of eternal chaos. Together at last, the Five must fight the massed forces of evil. And they must win.

My thoughts:

I was looking forward to a change of pace with the third book in the Gatekeepers series. This one focuses on the twins Jamie and Scott instead of Matt and I welcomed it since I was dying to find out the other characters stories.

This book had everything I loved about the past two books. It was exciting to read and I really didn't want to put it down. I loved getting to know Jamie and his way of thinking. It becomes apparent straight away that Jamie and his brother are two of the Five and even though the story starts off a little slow, it gives a really big insight into the different life Jamie and Scott live compared to Matt and Pedro. 

I loved all of the characters in this one. I was a little disappointed in how little I got to read about Scott but it was obviously essential to the pot. I fell in love with Jamie - he was really unsure of himself at the start of the book and he just grew from there. He went a long way in the space of the story and it was great to see that brilliant character development. 

The plot itself was a little slow at the beginning and it dragged a little in the middle but overall it was fantastic. There was just the right level of suspense and excitement that I was sucked into the world of the characters and I didn't want to leave. 

This series is definitely getting better and better. I really can't wait to find out how it all comes together in the end.

My rating: 8/10

 

Anthony Horowitz:

 

Goodreads | Website | Twitter

 

 

 

The Gatekeepers:

 

1. Raven's Gate
2. Evil Star
3. Nightrise
4. Necropolis
5. Oblivion

Series Spotlight: The Gatekeepers #2

Title: Evil Star

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Series: The Gatekeepers #2

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: 03 Apr 2006

Format: Paperback - 352 pages

Genre: YA | Fantasy/Horror

 

 

It began with Raven's Gate.

But it's not over yet.

Once again the enemy is stirring.

After defeating the Old Ones at Raven's Gate, Matt Freeman thought he could get on with his life. But someone has other ideas.

Far away in Peru a second hate is about to open. Only Matt has the power to stop the forces of darkness breaking through, but now they know all about him. This time they're going to destroy him first.

My thoughts:

As usual, with any book that's in a series, I can't help but compare it to the books that came before. Whilst I thought Raven's Gate was really creepy, Evil Star was incredibly thrilling.

This book definitely had its special moments. There were times where I would get a real adrenaline rush just reading a certain chapter where the characters got into a spot of bother. It made for such an exciting read that I finished in no time. Even when there wasn't anything happening much plot wise, I would be waiting for something dramatic to happen - the anticipation was great. 

The writing was as great as ever. I really love how Horowitz has never failed so far to build up so much suspense. I really managed to feel everything I was supposed to for the characters. I was full of anxiety and amazement at parts, especially the moments where I was really gunning for the characters to get away from danger.

 

The introduction of the new character, Pedro was flawless. He was there more or less from the beginning and he was brought into the story with no hiccups whatsoever. I took a liking to him immediately and I thought he and Matt interacted really nicely - they came across as close as brothers sometimes which was incredibly sweet. 

 

Overall I thought this was a great read. I'm really anxious to find out when all of the characters get together because judging by this book, when the five come together, it's going to be epic. 

 

 

My rating: 8/10

 

Anthony Horowitz:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter

 

The Gatekeepers:

1. Raven's Gate
2. Evil Star
3. Nightrise
4. Necropolis
5. Oblivion

Series Spotlight: The Gatekeepers #1

Title: Raven's Gate

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Series: The Gatekeepers #1

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: 01 Aug 2005

Format: Paperback - 288 pages

Genre: YA | Fantasy/Horror

 

 

He always knew he was different.

First there were the dreams.

The the deaths began.

When Matt Freeman gets into trouble with the police, he's sent to be fostered in Yorkshire. It's not long before he senses there's something wrong with his guardian: with the whole village.

Then Matt learns about the Old Ones and begins to understand just how he's different. But no one will believe him; no one can help.

There is no proof.

There is no logic.

There is just the Gate.

My thoughts:

This is one of the first books I read when I started to read constantly. I've always had a soft spot for this series, similar to Harry Potter, because I kind of grew up reading it. Since I haven't read it since starting the blog, and the fact that the last book in the series, Oblivion, just came out, I thought it would be good to do a series spotlight on it.

I remember reading this when I was about eleven years old and being seriously creeped out. It brought back memories of that feeling reading it this time round too. This book definitely has elements of a classic horror story to it. The character gets lost in the woods, gets chased by demonic dogs and is living in a village of seriously crazy people. It definitely has the basics of a great creepy read and I thought it still managed it with me reading it eight years later. 

I still really enjoyed Horowitz's writing. It has this simple structure to it that makes you breeze through the book in no time. It's also got bucket loads of suspense and that creepy factor that sends a shiver down your spine. It's simple and effective.

Raven's Gate's plot is great but you can definitely tell it's the beginning of a series. It mostly feels like an introduction into Matt and Richard's new world and an introduction into the series' plot as a whole. Two of the main characters are introduced and you can tell that a lot more are going to be included along the way. It doesn't really take anything away from the main plot of the first book but it has a certain kind of charm in itself. You feel that you're at the start of a great journey if you want me to be cheesy about it. However, if it was a stand alone, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much - I have a load of questions I need answering. 

My rating: 8/10

 

Anthony Horowitz:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter

 

The Gatekeepers:

1. Raven's Gate
2. Evil Star
3. Nightrise
4. Necropolis
5. Oblivion

Series Spotlight: Parasol Protectorate #5

Title: Timeless

Author: Gail Carriger

Series: Parasol Protectorate #5

Publisher: Orbit

Publication date: 01 Mar 2012

Format: Paperback - 384 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy | Steampunk

 

 

Alexia Tarabotti has settled into domestic bliss...

Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London high society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put  a dampener on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle.

Until, that is, she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Alexia can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?

My thoughts:

I always hate finishing a series that I really enjoyed reading. It's made a little bit better since I know there's a spin off series coming along soon enough and a YA series coming out in February set in the same world. Now that I have finished the entire series though, I know it's definitely one I will want to come back to over and over again.

Out of the whole series I think the first book, Soulless and this one, Timeless, are my favourites. Soulless has a different tone to the rest of the books, mainly because of the introduction to the characters. It was less plot based and more character based. After Soulless, the books took on a different edge with really exciting plots and more of a look into supporting characters lives in the past. Timeless was just incredibly engrossing with its incredible plot. I found out so much more about Alexia in this book than in any of the others. Not just her, but her father, her butler, her husband and even her slightly eccentric best friend. It was an amazingly exciting book to read - it didn't slow down for a second.

I loved the characters just as much as ever. I thought all of them were included just enough that I enjoyed a lot of Lord and Lady Maccon and an equal amount of Lord Akeldama and his entourage. There were a lot more of the different p.o.vs which I enjoyed - especially when it came to Biffy and Lyall. Every character has their own story and their own distinct personality that pulls me even further into the story every time they come up. 

Gail Carriger has definitely steadily made her way into my (mental) list of favourite authors. Over the past five books I've really enjoyed her quirky, humorous writing style and how she's managed to keep the read enjoyable even if nothing is particularly happening. I've found myself giggling at some of the characters antics in the book and smiling at Alexia and Conall's sweetheart moments and that's all that I can really ask for in a book - that it manages to elicit some kind of reaction from me. 

My rating: 10/10

My rating of the Parasol Protectorate series: 10/10

 

Gail Carriger:

 

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter 

 

 

 

Parasol Protectorate:

 

1. Soulless
2. Changeless
3. Blameless
4. Heartless
5. Timeless

Series Spotlight: Parasol Protectorate #4

Title: Heartless

Author: Gail Carriger

Series: Parasol Protectorate #4

Publisher: Orbit

Publication date: July 2011

Format: Paperback - 385 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy | Steampunk

 

 

When a mad ghost threatens the queen, Alexia is on the case, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement (shocking!), Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention and a plague of zombie porcupines.

Will she be able to figure out who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it's too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing? And do they really have to take up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet?

My thoughts:

This was another great read from Gail Carriger. I enjoyed it just as much as the other books in the series if not more, just because there's a little special difference in Heartless. I don't want to ruin it for anyone who hasn't read the series, even if it is in the summary everywhere, it shouldn't be!

 

I loved reading about Alexia again. I find her attention to details hilarious sometimes - she does notice the funniest things. She's also the most demanding woman I've ever read about in a book. She seriously has no end of demands for everybody around her, especially for things like tea and treacle tart! The way she interacts with people really makes me laugh time and time again, whether it be her husband, her former butler Floote or vampires trying to kill her. Alexia is probably the only heroine I've read about that worries about being civilised towards someone who is proceeding to assassinate her. 

 

The supporting characters were also just as brilliant. Akeldama appeared more in Heartless that in the previous book which I enjoyed - I do love Lord Akeldama and he didn't appear in Blameless anywhere near enough, so his appearances in this one were much appreciated. Lord Maccon was incredibly sweet in this book - I never thought we would see that side of him but when it came out, my heart almost shattered it was the most adorable thing ever. We also get to see a part of Lyall that hasn't made an appearance before. There's an interesting tidbit about his backstory that played a huge part in the whole Woolsey pack's life. It took me completely by surprise.

 

I did feel the plot wasn't as exciting as it was in the previous books until it got towards the end of the book where everything started happening at once. I still enjoyed getting more of the characters in the beginning even if it was a little slow going. The ending was great though, it had loads of action, humour and some really exciting events occur. 

 

I really can't wait to find out what happens next since the book ended the way it did. 

 

My rating: 9/10

 

Gail Carriger:

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter 

 

Parasol Protectorate:

1. Soulless
2. Changeless
3. Blameless
4. Heartless
5. Timeless

 

Series Spotlight: Parasol Protectorate #3

 

Title: Blameless

Author: Gail Carriger

Series: Parasol Protectorate #3

Publisher: Orbit

Publication date: Sept 2010

Format: Paperback - 374 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy | Steampunk

 

 

Quitting her husband's house and moving back in with her horrible family, Lady Alexia becomes the scandal of the London season.

Not only does Queen Victoria dismiss her from the Shadow Council, but the only person who can explain anything, Lord Akeldama, unexpectedly leaves town. To top it all off, Alexia is attacked by a homicidal mechanical ladybugs - indicating, as only ladybugs can, the fact that all of London's vampires are now very much interested in seeing Alexia quite thoroughly dead.

While Lord Maccon elects to get progressively more inebriated and Professor Lyall desperately tries to hold the Woolsey werewolf pack together, Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires - and they're armed with pesto.

My thoughts:

 

 This was the first book I read in 2013 and I have to say, it got the year off to a great start. I loved it just as much as the previous two books.

 

I thought the plot was a lot more exciting than the second book in the series, Changeless. Changeless was a little bit of an in-between book for me and even though I loved it regardless, this read had a more substantial plot. The settings change too as Alexia travels to Italy which was definitely fun. It made the read more engrossing as a whole because of the non-stop action. There was a little bit of a mystery side to it too. So the book would switch between Lord Maccon's Beta Lyall trying to figure out where Lord Akeldama disappeared off to and then back to vampire drones trying their best to murder Alexia.

 

Blameless was just as funny as the previous books in the series too. When Lord Maccon makes his appearances in the book, he is mostly drunk on formaldehyde of all things and consequently came out with the most hilarious things imaginable. Alexia was just as witty as ever too, even when her life was at stake. I loved it. I just adore books with plenty of humour in them - it makes them so much more gripping, I seriously can't turn the pages fast enough.

 

I was a little disappointed in how much Lord Akeldama played a part in this book. He only made an appearance towards the end and since he's one of my favourite characters I wanted to see a lot more of him. I also wanted to see more of Lord Maccon to be honest, i really  enjoyed how he and Alexia interacted and there wasn't a lot of that in this read. I think he'll play a bigger part in the next book though.

 

Overall I loved this book. I'm definitely a big fan of this series now and I want to read all of the authors books in the future. 

 

My rating: 10/10

 

Gail Carriger:

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Parasol Protectorate:

1. Soulless
2. Changeless
3. Blameless
4. Heartless
5. Timeless

 

 

Series Spotlight: Parasol Protectorate #2

Title: Changeless

Author: Gail Carriger

Series: Parasol Protectorate #2

Publisher: Orbit

Publication date: Sept 2010

Format: Paperback - 388 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy | Steampunk

 

 

Lady Alexia is rudely awoken in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find rather peculiar events transpiring.

Her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, is yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears - leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts and an angry Queen Victoria.

But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions and an arsenal of biting civility. Even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared - upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can.

She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.

My thoughts:

I'm writing this review straight after finishing this book and honestly, I'm a little upset right now about what happened at the end. I'm finding it hard to get over it! It really tugged at my heartstrings…Conall needs a slap around the back of the head. I'm hoping Alexia provides him with one in the next book.

I found myself loving this book just as much as I did the first. It did seem to be like an in-between kind of book and wouldn't really stand on its own if it wasn't part of a series. But, honestly, I don't care because I'm loving the series as a whole anyway. I thought the plot was great. It wasn't as good as the first book in the series but it held its own and I liked it regardless. I still found myself turning the pages as fast as I could.

 

What really stands out in these books, this one especially, is the characters and the writing. Alexia and Conall in particular, they really had me laughing a lot of times throughout the read. They also really made me feel for them whenever they were anxious or upset. This is where the ending comes in again. I swear I felt my heart fall into my stomach. It says a lot about a writer when a reader can identify or relate to any character at that level. It makes reading the book an entirely different experience to a book where I couldn't really care less about the main characters. 

 

I can't really say anything more about this one. I just adored this book and really recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of urban fantasy - I can guarantee it will get a laugh out of you at least, it's just too witty not to. 

 

My rating:  10/10

 

Gail Carriger:

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter 

 

Parasol Protectorate:

1. Soulless
2. Changeless
3. Blameless
4. Heartless
5. Timeless

 

Series Spotlight: Parasol Protectorate #1

Title: Soulless 

Author: Gail Carriger

Series: Parasol Protectorate #1

Publisher: Orbit

Publication date: Oct 09

Format: Paperback - 365 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy | Steampunk

 

 

First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster who father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire - and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia is responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

My thoughts:

This was yet another book that I can't believe I didn't pick up before now. It had exactly the witty writing style that I absolutely adore. 

 

I immediately fell in love with Alexia Tarabotti. She was an incredibly steadfast, intelligent and hilarious character that never failed to make me laugh out loud enough for everybody to look at me like I'm insane. She made the whole book in my opinion. I also loved all of the supporting characters. Especially Lord Maccon, for reasons that will definitely become apparent if you read the book. The relationship between Alexia and Maccon just had me in hysterics, more so than ever when I found out what all the fuss was about the hedgehog. 

 

The plot was really inventive and definitely kept me turning pages as fast as I could. There was a perfect mix of everything that a book needs so the plot developed at a great pace. Where the story line was progressing a little slowly, there were moments where the characters got to shine. Then when the plot picked up again, so much suspense was involved I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. 

 

What I loved most about this book though, was the writing. I know a lot of people would take a while to become accustomed to it. I find this writing style so entertaining though so when I read the first page, I was jumping up and down with excitement in my head. 

 

Overall though, I'm seriously excited to read the next book in the series. I can't wait to see what direction it's taken in and to get back into the world of Alexia and Lord Maccon. 

 

My rating: 10/10

 

Gail Carriger:

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter 

 

Parasol Protectorate:

1. Soulless
2. Changeless
3. Blameless
4. Heartless
5. Timeless

 

Series Spotlight: Need #4

Title: Endure

Author: Carrie Jones

Publisher: Bloomsbury (UK | US)

Publication date: UK - 10/05/2012 

Format: Paperback - 288 pages 

Genre: YA - Paranormal

 

 

There was a time, not long ago, when all Zara wanted was to have Nick back. Rescuing him from Valhalla should have made all her problems disappear. He's Bedford's greatest warrior, not  to mention Zara's true soulmate. Except Nick isn't the person he used to be. And neither is Zara. She's a pixie queen. Astley's queen.

Zara has a plan to stop all the evil pixies that are ravaging her town, and her ideas are not the same as Nick's or Astley's. One thing they can all agree on though: war is here. And not everyone will survive. Zara's gravest choice is yet to come.

My thoughts:

I was really apprehensive before reading this one since I wasn't a big fan of the second or third in the series. It was sort of the last chance to get me enthusiastic about the whole pixie taking over the world idea.

I have to say it was definitely a big improvement to Captivate and Entice. I had a big problem relating to or caring for any of the characters in the second and third book. This one was different though. Zara especially seemed so much more mature and decisive which I found a really great relief. Nick was less obnoxious and Astley behaved realistically for the most part. It wasn't to the level as I found it to be in the first book, Need, but it was getting there. 

What I didn't like, that I actually didn't have a problem with in the other books, was the fact that Zara was so easy to sway in terms of who she wanted to be with. It was decided in an instant and I found that really annoying. I'm not a fan of the really unrealistic 'soulmate' idea so that really bugged me. I won't say anymore in case there are those of you who don't know who she ends up with but it was pretty obvious to be fair.

The plot was so much better in terms of how it was paced and what happened when. It was similar to everything else that had happened in previous books - it was almost like reading the same book over and over again. There was a lot less predictability and a lot more intensity which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Overall this series was pretty much average for me. I do recommend it for people who are big fans of pixies, fey and the like. It was definitely full of mythology - plus, there was loads and loads of glitter!

My rating: 7/10

My rating of the whole series: 5/10

Carrie Jones:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

Books in the series:

1. Need
2. Captivate
3. Entice
4. Endure

Series Spotlight: Need #3

Title: Entice

Author: Carrie Jones

Publisher: Bloomsbury (UK | US)

Publication date: UK - 04/01/2011 | US - December 2011

Format: Paperback - 272 pages 

Genre: YA - Paranormal

 

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together for ever. But that's not quite how things have worked out. For starters, Nick has gone. He has been taken to the mythical place for warriors known as Valhalla. Zara and her friends might be able to get him back , it's just not going to be easy. Meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But even if Zara and her friends do discover the route to Valhalla, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't turned into just any pixie…She's Astley's queen.

My thoughts:

 After just finishing this the first thought that came to mind was that it disappointed me. I had hoped after enjoying the first book in the series and not the second so much that it would improve. I have to say, the first book seems like it's part of a different series altogether, even by a completely different author.

 

Mostly, what I didn't like in the second book of the Need series, Captivate, I had the same problems with in this one, especially the characters. I've already mentioned that I didn't like the way the characters seemed to drastically change for no apparent reason apart from it being the second book. It made me completely unfeeling towards them if anything (bad or good) happened to them. I couldn't root for one character or another so it made the read pointless in a way. If you don't care for any of the characters then what is the point in reading a book?

 

I did think the plot was better than both the first and the second book. It had a lot more substance, more to gain if all goes to plan and definitely more to lose if things didn't turn out the way they were supposed to. There was a lot more suspense involved which made the book that much more intense. I did think that far too much happened too quickly at moments. One big event would occur and then another in the next page - partner that with not really caring about what happens to any of the characters led to said events being anticlimactic. 

 

What I most liked about this read was that it was incredibly focused on one thing, making it incredibly fast paced. It all revolved on the characters rescuing someone they care deeply about and everything else was put aside for the moment. The end of the book all came down to whether they achieved this or not - it got pretty exciting towards the end. I did like the end too - it was really different and it was described in this really magical and captivating way. I thoroughly enjoyed the end of the book. 

 

My rating: 6/10

 

Carrie Jones:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

Books in the series:

1. Need
2. Captivate
3. Entice
4. Endure

 

Series Spotlight: Need #2

Title: Captivate

Author: Carrie Jones

Publisher: Bloomsbury (UK | US)

Publication date: UK - 05/04/2010 | US - December 2010

Format: Paperback - 288 pages 

Genre: YA - Paranormal

 

 

Zara and her friends thought they'd solved the pixie problem. And they had - sort of. They're locked away, deep in the woods. But the king's needs grow stronger each day that he's in captivity, while his control over his people weakens. Who will fill the power vacuum? Astley. He claim's he's different. He claims that it doesn't have to be violence and nastiness all the time. Zara wants to believe him.. until Astley also claims that she's fated to be his queen.

There's no way Zara would ever turn pixie. And she's got good friends who'll make sure of that. Besides, she and Nick are so in love they're practically inseparable. But when the very thing Zara most wants to protect is exactly what's at risk, she's forced to make choices she never imagined,

My thoughts:

I know you've all probably heard this a hundred times but it's so hard not to compare a sequel to the previous book. After immediately finishing this book I thought 'it's not as good as the first'. It's so hard to stop doing that, more so with the second book than say the third or fourth. The characters and the settings have already been established and you already have a feel for how the author writes. When any of that changes to a point that doesn't suit you, anything you ever found great in the book is thrown out the window. I think you've all guessed that I felt this was for Captivate. 

To me the characters in this read were like completely different people to the first book (there go the comparisons again). Zara was so sensible and mellow which I really loved. In this book she's such a 'girly girl', using completely different language and making different choices to what I would expect of her based on what I already know from when she was introduced in Need. I felt the same about Nick. I really liked Nick in the first book and now I find him so dull - I'm really sorry to say it too. It's probably only Issie and Devyn who are anywhere near the same as what they were in the first book. 

 

The plot wasn't great but it was still a good read. I thought the first half of the book could have had a little more action in it - it did get a little tiring to read until it picked up. When it did pick up it was quite enjoyable. I did predict the end result though which annoyed me a little but the other events took me completely by surprise. I have to say I hated the fact that I couldn't feel for any of the characters though. If a book is a good read then what the characters go through is supposed to affect me. Where I was supposed to be upset I couldn't care less and I'm pretty sure it's not because I have a heart of stone.

 

Overall I thought this was an okay read - it was over really quickly - I didn't really have enough time to start enjoying it.

 

My rating: 5/10

 

Carrie Jones:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

Books in the series:

1. Need
2. Captivate
3. Entice
4. Endure

 

 

Series Spotlight: Need #1

Title: Need

Author: Carrie Jones

Publisher: Bloomsbury (UK | US)

Publication date: UK - 01/02/2010 | US - December 2009

Format: Paperback - 306 pages 

Genre: YA - Paranormal

 

 

Zara White suspects a freaky guy is stalking her. She memorises phobias and chants them when she's nervous. OK, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But moving to a freezing Maine town to stay with her grandmother is supposed to be the perfect fix - so her mum says.

Except, this plan of sending Zara away to help her stay sane? Yeah, not working. Turns out the stalker is not a figment of Zara's imagination. He's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs are pointing to Zara.

My thoughts:

The first thing that came to mind after finishing this read was the fact that it was over so quickly. I literally finished it in about two hours and I was quite upset about that in a way - I was enjoying it.

I thought the plot of this one was a little odd. It was too simple for my tastes which meant it was entirely too predictable. Literally every single supposedly shocking event was no shock to me since I already knew it was going to happen ever since the first few chapters. I still enjoyed reading it but I felt that I would have enjoyed it a lot more if it weren't so obvious. I am looking forward to what the next book holds in store in terms of the plot though - it may be a lot better.

The characters have to be my favourite aspect of the book. I really enjoyed how cute they all were. Nick was a sweetheart when he wasn't in a temper and Devyn was just adorable. Issie was hilarious and someone I wish I knew in real life - she was really fun and energetic but also enigmatic in a way, I really want to see a lot more of her. Zara, the protagonist, was really quirky. She came through great in the book evident by the fact I took a shining to her immediately. She was very different to any character I've read before so it was greatly refreshing to read her sometimes exasperating one-liners and funny stuff she seems to just blurt out. 

Even if I don't think the book fulfilled the potential it does have, I started to really like the author's writing style towards the end. I thought it was confusing and weird at first because I thought I was thrown into the deep end a little bit. However, once I warmed up to how different and sometimes strange the characters were I started to really like it - it was definitely something different. 

 

All in all this was a quick and easy read, especially for the first book in a series. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

 

My rating: 7/10

 

 

Carrie Jones:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

Books in the series:

1. Need
2. Captivate
3. Entice
4. Endure