Review: This Must Be Love by Tui Sutherland

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Or how I made my midsummer dreams come true...

This Must Be Love by Tui Sutherland

Title: This Must Be Love (Or how I made my midsummer dreams come true . . .)
Author: Tui Sutherland
Genre:  Romance, Young Adult
Publisher:  Harper Collins Children’s Books (9th September 2011)
Blurb:

I know most good books explain a bit about the story on the back. And they often begin mid-conversation, but I think that for my story it is important to know that cast first, or else you’ll be like, “Who?” Or, even worse, you’ll get them all confused and think Dmitri and Alexander are the same person, which is SO clearly not the case, because Alex is the light of my life (even if he doesn’t know it yet).

Also, I wouldn’t want anyone calling Helena “Hermia” bt accident, or thinking I’m her, because I am the ONLY Hermia, and that’s all there is to it.

OK. Is everybody clear now? Good.

Hello? Why are you still reading this? Star the book!


Rating: ***** (5 stars)
Review:

This Must Be Love (Or how I made my midsummer  dreams come true…) is Tui Sutherland’s debut novel, and is a brilliant re-telling of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream which is one of my favourite plays (as it has some of my favourite characters).

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Review: Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey

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Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey

Title: Witch Eyes (Witch Eyes #1)
Author: Scott Tracey
Genre:  Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher:  Flux (19th October 2011)
Blurb:

A boy who can see the world’s secrets and unravel spells with just a glance.

Braden’s witch eyes give him an enormous power. A mere look causes a kaleidoscopic explosion of emotions, memories, darkness, and magic. But this rare gift is also his biggest curse.

Compelled to learn about this shadowed past and the family he never knew, Braden is drawn to the city of Belle Dam, where he is soon caught between two feuding witch dynasties. Sworn rivals Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe will use anything – lies, manipulation, illusion, and even murder – to seize control of Braden’s powers. To stop an ancient evil from destroying the town, Braden must master his gift, even through the shocking discovery that Jason is his father. While his feelings for an enigmatic boy named Trey grow deeper, Braden realizes a terrible truth: Trey is Catherine Lansing’s son and Braden may be destined to kill him.


Rating: *** (3 stars)
Review:

Witch Eyes is the first book in Scott Tracey’s Witch Eyes series, and I believe is Tracey’s debut novel. The second book in the series Demon Eyes is coming out later this year .

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Waiting on Wednesday (12)

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First, sorry there was no post yesterday. I had to take my dog to the Emergency Vet at 4am on Monday and I only got him back Tuesday evening and he’s got LOTS of meds to take. Also I came down with a 24 hour bug on the Monday. So not a fun couple of days for me 😦

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

As always, the summary provided is from Goodreads.com This week there is just one book I am eagerly “Waiting On”…

Darkness Before Dawn
by J. A. London

Published: 29th May 2012 

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters….

Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.

I’m “Waiting On” this because I think the blurb sounds really awesome. I also love the cover – it’s really moody. I like the fact that it’s only made up of black, white, and grey – so very different from the colourful colours of most YA books.

What are you “Waiting On” this week?

Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

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Trylle Trilogy #1

Switched by Amanda Hocking, UK edition cover.

Title: Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1)
Author:  Amanda Hocking
Genre:  Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher:  TOR (5th January 2012)
Blurb:

Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although she’s not the monster her mother claims she is – she does feel that she doesn’t quite fit in . . .

She’s bored and frustrated by her small town life – and then there’s the secret that she can’t tell anyone. Her mysterious ability – she can influence other people’s decisions, without knowing how, or why . . .

When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night – her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past, the answers to her strange powers, and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist: Förening, the home fo the Trylle.

Finally everything makes sense. Among the Trylle, Wendy is not just different, but special. But what marks her out as chosen for greatness in this world also places her in grave danger. With everything around her changing, Finn is the only person she can trust. But dark forces are conspiring – not only to separate them, but to see the downfall of everything that Wendy cares about.

The fate of the Förening rests in Wendy’s hands, and the decisions she and Finn make could change all their lives forever . . .


Rating: *** (3 stars)
Review:

Switched is the first book in Amanda Hocking’s Trylle Trilogy. It is a multimillion copy international bestseller.

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In My Mailbox (11)

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In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren, it is a weekly meme where people record what books they received that week. As I don’t receive books every week, I do the meme as and when I can.

This week I want to say a HUGE thank you to Mum who got me all 3 books – I’d also like to wish her a very happy birthday!

A Blood of Eden NovelThe Hunger Games #2

Angel (Angel #1) by L. A. Weatherly[Goodreads]
The Immortal Rules (A Blood of Eden Novel, #1) by Julie Kagawa [Goodreads]
Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins [Goodreads]

So that was what’s in my mailbox this week, what was in yours?

Review: Intangible by J. Meyers

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Intangible by J. Meyers

Title: Intangible (Intangible #1)
Author:  J. Meyers
Genre:  Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher:  J. Meyers (31st January 2012)
Source: From the author
Format: E-book
Blurb:

Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret—she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they’ve helped those in need on the sly. They’ve always thought of their abilities as being a gift.

Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they’ve always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke’s ability? He’s always right. And he can’t do anything about it.

– from Goodreads.com

Rating: *** (3 stars)
Review:

Sera and Luke Raine are just like any other teenagers, except that they have a secret: they both have strange powers. Sera can heal with a touch, and Luke can see the future.

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Review: Once Dead, Twice Shy: A Novel by Kim Harrison

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Madison Avery #1

Once Dead, Twice Shy: A Novel by Kim Harrison

Title: Once Dead, Twice Shy: A novel (Madison Avery #1)
Author:  Kim Harrison
Genre:  Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher:  HarperTeen (26th May 2009)
Source: Won on Kim Harrison’s Manic Monday
Blurb:

My name is Madison Avery, and I’m here to tell you that there’s more out there then you can see, hear, or touch. Because I’m there. Seeing it. Touching it. Living it.

Madison Avery’s prom was a killer – literally. For some reason she’s been targeted by a dark reaper – yeah, that kind of reaper – intent on getting her, body and soul. But before the reaper can finish the job, Madison was able to snag his strange, glowing amulet and get away.

Now she’s stuck on Earth – dead  but not gone. Somehow the amulet gives her the illusion of a body, allowing her to toe the line between life and death. She still doesn’t know why the reaper is after her, but she’s not about to just sit around and let fate take its course.

With a little ingenuity, some light-blending, and the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys! Maybe . . . ), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison’s ready to take control of her destiny once and for all, before it takes control of her.

Well, if she believed in that stuff.


Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review:

This is the first book in Kim Harrison’s YA trilogy. I’m a fan of Kim’s The Hollows series, so when I won this on her giveaway I thought I’d give it a go.

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Review: Immortal City by Scott Speer

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Immortal City #1

Immortal City by Scott Speer, UK edition cover.

Title: Immortal City (Immortal City #1)
Author:Scott Speer
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult
Publisher:  Scholastic Children’s Books (5th April 2012)
Blurb:

Jackson Godspeed is the hottest Angel in a city obsessed with Immortals. Everyone loves him.

Everyone except Maddy Montgomery, that is. She’s not interested in shallow celebrities . . . Until Jackson takes refuge in the diner where Maddy works and an irresistible connection pulls them together.

But as Maddy is drawn into Jackson’s glamorous world, she’s exposed to more than the paparazzi. A serial killer is murdering Angels. Maddy and Jackson could lose each other for ever.

Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review:

Immortal City is Scott Speer’s debut novel. It tells the story of a mortal and an Angel falling in love in the city of Los Angeles.

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Waiting on Wednesday (11)

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“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I am waiting on the final book in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. The summary is from Goodreads.com

The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #6The Enchantress (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #6)
by Michael Scott

Published: 24th May 2012

The two that are one must become the one that is all. One to save the world, one to destroy it.

San Francisco:
Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel have one day left to live, and one job left to do. They must defend San Francisco. The monsters gathered on Alcatraz Island have been released and are heading toward the city. If they are not stopped, they will destroy everyone and everything in their path.

But even with the help of two of the greatest warriors from history and myth, will the Sorceress and the legendary Alchemyst be able to defend the city? Or is it the beginning of the end of the human race?

Danu Talis:
Sophie and Josh Newman traveled ten thousand years into the past to Danu Talis when they followed Dr. John Dee and Virginia Dare. And it’s on this legendary island that the battle for the world begins and ends.

Scathach, Prometheus, Palamedes, Shakespeare, Saint-Germain, and Joan of Arc are also on the island. And no one is sure what—or who—the twins will be fighting for.

Today the battle for Danu Talis will be won or lost.
But will the twins of legend stand together?
Or will they stand apart—
one to save the world and one to destroy it?

I have been really enjoying reading this series, and I cannot wait to get my hand on this – the sixth and final book. If the first five books are anything to go by, this should be an interesting read.

So, that was the book I’m “Waiting On” this week – what are you “Waiting On”?

Top Ten Tuesday (7)

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Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish. They’d love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

This weeks Top Ten topic is a free one (I am choosing to ignore the reality TV options as I don’t watch any reality TV), so I’m going to pick:

Top Ten Books to Take With You to a Desert Island

I’m also going to change it up a little. Coincidentally Misty from The Book Rat is holding a Book Chat where the topic is Desert Island Books (for more details click here). So I’m going to do both this week – 10 books total, but 5 of them are going to be used towards Misty’s challenge. I’m also going to cheat a little bit and assume that I can get complete series in one book.

1. A book I’ve read before but want to re-read.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I always enjoy re-reading Pride and Prejudice. It’s like as soon as I start reading it, I forget what’s going to happen next because I become so engrossed in the story.

2. A book I’ve never read but have always meant to read.

The Annotated Brothers Grimm

I have always enjoyed reading fairy tales, and fairy tale re-tellings so I should probably at some point get around to reading the Brothers Grimm.

3. A childhood favourite.

Fleabag and the Ring Fire by Beth Webb

I have always enjoyed reading this. There is just something about Fleabag . . . My copy’s a little well-worn.

The Song of the Lioness Quartet4. A favourite series.

The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce

This has one of my favourite heroines in it. Although truth be told, I would quite like to take all of Pierce’s Tortall books in one volume with me to this desert island but that really would be cheating. Still, it’s nice to dream 😉

5. A book that has been recommended a lot but I haven’t read it yet.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I have heard great things about this series, and the first book is currently in my TBR pile. I really enjoyed watching the film, so I would quite like to read this book. It sounds like it should be interesting.

6. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

How could I not take a nice thick book like this to a desert island with me? It’s a book to become absorbed in. Okay it can be a bit boring at times, but Tolkien is awesome at descriptions and the poems and riddles within the book are brilliant.

The Chronicles of Narnia #27. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

This is one of my favourite series from childhood, and I adore re-reading it. I just get absorbed in the world. I also like the simplicity of the world – it’s kinda nice to only have black or white, and not complex shades of grey. Besides, this book will probably remind me of home so it will probably be a really good idea to bring it with me, or a really bad one.

The Belgariad #18. The Belgariad by David Eddings

There’s just something about David Edding’s writing that I adore reading. Yes, if you’ve read one series you’ll have a pretty good idea what happens in the other ones, but . . . But he has created some of the most brilliant characters, and I really enjoy reading about them. I had a hard time choosing between this and The Redemption of Althalus which Eddings wrote with this wife. However, there are six books – plus a couple of extras – in this series so it should keep me entertained on the desert island.

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter9. Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter by Laurell K. Hamilton

This is a LONG series and it’s an incomplete one – so could I get a self-updating edition of the book, so I can keep up to date? K, thanks. Now that that’s sorted . . . There are times when this series really frustrates me, but somehow I’ve fallen in love with Anita and her world. And with the fact that Hamilton generally writes one book a year for the series, I don’t think I would run out of anything new to read for a while so it would be great on a desert island.

Women of the Otherworld #110.  Women of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

I adore this series, and quite honestly I can’t imagine not being able to re-read it. As long as the thirteenth and final book is included in my edition before I am cast away then I will be a very happy girl indeed.

Honourable mentions (those books I’d try to sneak with me): The Curse Workers by Holly Black, The Demon’s Lexicon Trilogy by Sarah Rees Brennan, The Hollows by Kim Harrison, Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, and Bloodlines by Richelle Mead.

So, there are the top ten books I’d take with me to a desert island – though honestly, if I knew I was going to be stranded on one unless I could have a computer with internet access and shelter and food provided indefinitely I would be running for the hills.

What did you choose to do your top ten on this week? Leave a comment and a link and I will check them out.