tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29154755300750586762024-03-05T12:18:19.547+00:00Littlechoo's Urban Fantasy Book Bloggyoung adult, paranormal romance and everything in betweenLittlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-45744177882038179912012-05-21T08:30:00.000+01:002012-05-21T08:30:01.296+01:00Review: Strange Angels (Strange Angels #1) by Lil St Crow<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/strange-angels.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-850" height="300" src="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/strange-angels.jpg?w=200" title="strange angels" width="200" /></a><em><span style="color: purple;">In Strange Angels, Dru Anderson has what her grandmother called “the touch.” (Comes in handy when you’re traveling from town to town with your dad, hunting ghosts, suckers, wulfen, and the occasional zombie.)</span></em>
<em><span style="color: purple;">Then her dad turns up dead—but still walking—and Dru knows she’s next. Even worse, she’s got two guys hungry for her affections, and they’re not about to let the fiercely independent Dru go it alone. Will Dru discover just how special she really is before coming face-to-fang with whatever—or whoever— is hunting her?</span></em></div>
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I'd had this book on my TBR pile for quite a while. It was definitely something I wanted to read but something else would always catch my eye and I would forget about it for while. Well nothing else did this time.
I liked it right from the off. The tone and the pacing felt just right. I really liked Dru. She's tough, savvy, and didn't whine and moan like some lead characters do.
It reminded me of Supernatural, only with a female lead. Obviously there's nothing wrong with that, I love Supernatural - I then read other Goodread reviews that said the same thing. I took to Graves right away as well, but I can't believe that he took everything in his stride as well as he did. Dru's reaction to her dad dying and then coping with the events afterwards were more realistic.<br />
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I would have liked more dialogue. This is my first time reading Lil St Crow so I don't know whether this is just her style, but I felt that the long narration sometimes had me biting at the bit. Don't get me wrong, I actually did liked the narration. Dru's voice was great but so much of it in a continuous chunk was a little monotonous at times.<br />
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Then things started to go a little airy. Around 60% of the way in, so slightly over the halfway mark, it just kinda started to lose it. The characters started to really annoy me. It was like the Author got to a certain point and thought shit! What now? Then threw everything together no matter how ludicrous it sounded. It was either that or someone else started writing it. I really had to force myself to finish it. I couldn't believe my quickly my feeling towards this book changed.<br />
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It was on it's way to earning itself 5 stars, but I just totally disconnected from the characters and the story. It saddened me as I was really enjoying it. However, it did kinda settle again right toward the end. I liked it more than I didn't so I'm definitely going to continue with the series.<br />
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Right, time to go empty the dishwasher ;)<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Rating: 3/6 - it was ok</span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-7277605017244995182012-05-17T08:30:00.000+01:002012-05-17T08:30:01.427+01:00Review: A Touch of Crimson (Renegade Angels #1) by Sylvia Day<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/20111121-004419.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-758" height="286" src="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/20111121-004419.jpg" title="20111121-004419.jpg" width="176" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-style: italic;">Adrian Mitchell is a powerful angel leading an elite Special Ops unit of Seraphim. His task is to punish the Fallen-angels who have become vampires-and command a restless pack of indentured lycans. But Adrian has suffered his own punishment for becoming involved with mortals- losing the woman he loves again and again. Now, after nearly two hundred years, he has found her-Shadoe-her soul once more inhabiting a new body, with no memory of him. And this time, he won't let her go.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">It was the cover that attracted me to A Touch of Crimson, that and the fact that I have a real soft spot for angels. </span></span></div>
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I found it easy to get into the story, even though I seemed a little disorientated with the mythology at first. I don't particularly like it when a book has a glossary at the beginning of the book... Okay maybe for subsequent books in the series for reference, but not the very first book. I just think that the information should be woven into the story. If I see a glossary I automatically think the story must be confusing, and to be honest I don't actually take the time to read it either. </div>
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I liked Adrian. I loved the power that oozed from his every pore. Lindsay was easy to like and like her I did. The other characters were well rounded and interesting. </div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I've read reviews on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10063343-a-touch-of-crimson" title="Goodreads">Goodreads</a> which complain that it was a slow burner, and it took them awhile to get into the story, but I can honestly say (not that I'd be dishonest, mind) I didn't find that at all. The first meeting between Lindsay and Adrian had enough chemistry to keep to keep things interesting. Nor did the opening get bogged down with to much information either. I'm easily distracted and I wasn't distracted reading this. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">The sex had a little too much dirty talk for my liking. It kinda reminded me of bad porn dialogue, and I found that calling her vagina 'her sex' just as jarring as saying the dreaded C word. It did kinda get a little crazy there at the end. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I first thought I'd found another author, and series to compare with the Guild Hunter series but I was wrong. The world building isn't as impressive and the story not as intricate but I still enjoyed it and I will definitely be reading the next book and continuing the series. </span></div>
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Rating: 4/6 - Really Liked it</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So I've been looking around for a challenge to take part of and I think I have found the perfect one...Book Chick City’s Zombie Challenge 2012!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Challenge details;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The challenge runs from 1st Jan 2012 to 31st Dec 2012 and you can c</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">hoose from 4 levels...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. One Chomp: Read 6 Zombie books</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Two Chomp: Read 12 Zombie books </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. Three Chomp: Read 18 Zombie books</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. Four Chomp: Read 24 Zombie books.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now I know for a fact that I have enough pre-purchases of Zombie books to be able to read 18 books and if I add to that the sequels I could go for Four Chomps and read 24 Zombie books. So seeing as I'm on a Zombie kick I think I'll be brave and go for Four Chomps :D</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've just read Feed by Mira Grant and I'm just about finished with Deadline, Feeds sequel... so, two books down already! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Feel up for the challenge? Follow the side link to go to Book Chick City's challenge page for the full list of rules, and to sign up of course :)</span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-89997032856865755082012-05-12T14:55:00.000+01:002012-05-12T14:55:00.063+01:00Review: Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion<a href="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/7619057.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-798" height="300" src="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/7619057.jpg?w=195" title="7619057" width="195" /></a>
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<span style="color: purple;">A zombie who yearns for a better life ends up falling in love—with a human—in this astonishingly original debut novel. </span>
<span style="color: purple;">R is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams. He doesn’t enjoy killing people; he enjoys riding escalators and listening to Frank Sinatra. He is a little different from his fellow Dead. </span>
<span style="color: purple;">Not just another zombie novel,</span> <span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Warm-Bodies-Isaac-Marion/dp/0099549344/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335965548&sr=1-1"><span style="color: purple;"><em>Warm Bodies</em></span></a></span> <span style="color: purple;">is funny, scary, and deeply moving.</span></div>
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I was a little sceptical about reading a zombie romance. I first I thought that it was going to be some kind of zombie survivors romance, but no, it's most definitely a Zombie romance.
R is a fresh zombie (just R because he can't remember his name. Zombies don't have great memories, ya know), which means that's he's not as 'rotted' as most; his flesh isn't dropping off and his organs aren't showing. Hot, right? He can speak a few one syllable words if he really, really tries (although practice makes perfect!).<br />
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R's bestfriend is M. M likes porn and women, only he doesn't quite remember what to do once he's naked. None of them do. So he spends a lot of time standing around naked with zombies of the lady variety.
R is more coherent than the average zombie. He gets married and obtains 2 children (this was a shock to me too, and seemed to come from nowhere). He wants the 2.4 children kinda simple zombie life, but then he manages to complicate things by rescuing a young woman and deciding he wants to keep her 'safe' in a boeing 747.<br />
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Part of the story is told by Perry. This happens every time R nibbles at Perry's brain; he get visions of perry's life. I found this a little confusing at first, especially towards to end. I'd be reading then realise I didn't have a clue what was going on.
There's also a zombie school where they teach zombie kids how to properly kill a living human. We wouldn't want them to starve would we! Again, like the marriage, I found this a little left field.
So, in between talking the kids to school and keeping the wife happy, R goes and falls for the stupid human. Taking her on 'dates' and entertaining her. Don't feel too sorry for the wife tho, she's at the church stepping out with some other rotter. In fact don't feel too sorry for any of them. Emotions are a distant memory so they're not really bothered.
Julie, the human, is a tough little cookie and gives off some serious attitude, which gets on my nerves a little (read quite a lot). I don't know which is worse, romance between 2 zombies, or one between a human and zombie. No, actually I do... :/<br />
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However, even though I felt all kinds of icky I wanted to keep reading, I couldn't stop.
The continuity was a bit baffling. At some point I was told that they don't have sex because there's no blood pumping through the body, so you know, it was kinda impossible. And even putting that aside, they can't remember how to do it anyway. But then he'd wake up to his wife having sex with her 'boyfriend'. I don't want to know if he's limp or that she's dry. Yeah, I did say icky :s<br />
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I was a little confused when R had a vision and was able to talk to both Julie and Perry, and they him. And I was a little EWW when julie asked R if he wanted to sleep in the bed next to her, because, really?! Even when bugs crawl out of his mouth in the morning? Takes morning breath to a whole new level.
I tried but failed to take to Julie for the first half of the story. She was just too hard faced for my liking, but she grew on me and by the end, and even though she kissed a zombie, I liked her.
The ick factor kinda faded as the story proceeded, and if you like the sound of the above this book is for you.<br />
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I couldn't bring myself to dislike it because of it. Over all it was a quick, and entertaining read. I really did enjoy it.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Rating: 4/6 - I Liked It</span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-47566852697351021292012-05-07T14:48:00.000+01:002012-05-07T14:48:00.112+01:00Review: Divergent by Veronica Moss<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/divergent.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-738" height="320" src="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/divergent.jpg?w=99" title="divergent" width="211" /></a><em><span style="color: purple;">Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.</span></em></div>
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I read this in July 2011 and July was a great month for reading. I'd been seeing reviews for Divergent pop up here and there before I really took any notice (I've kinda developed a thing for dystopia since, and as of yet it's never disappointed me), so once it was put on my TBR pile it wasn't long before I picked it up.<br />
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I've only read a couple of Dystopic stories before this but I've really liked the few I've read and I had a feeling I'd like this too, but saying that I've been a pretty bad judge of new books lately (unknown to me authors). However, I wasn't surprised to find my first thought was right. I loved it.<br />
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The story was engaging and I really liked the tone and pace. I settled into it quite quickly, then found myself carried along.
I liked Tris. Her attitude fitted her real well and was believable for someone in her situation. Both Four and Eric caught my attention early on. I thought Eric was interesting and Four intriguing. I really wanted to get to know both of them better. I liked that at first I didn't know who to trust out of the two, or if in fact I could trust either of them.
I enjoyed reading about the other characters as well, and the world building was really effective.<br />
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I don't want to say much for fear of giving anything way. I loved that I didn't know much about the story before I I started read it.
Divergent is the first in a series (I'm not sure how many are expected to be written), but it could be read as a stand alone. I hope it's just the start though as I really do want to read more by this author.<br />
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Edit:<a href="http://amzn.to/IAmthB"> Insurgent</a> is just out (May 1st 2012) which I've just started reading... very late posting review<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Rating: 6/6 - Loved It</span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-85135527010467889092012-05-02T12:09:00.000+01:002012-05-02T12:09:55.987+01:00Review: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder<div style="text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="color: purple;">I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.</span></em></div>
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I went into Inside Out with no expectations whatsoever. I'd just finished Working Stiff (after much struggling I have to admit), and I'm pleased to say that, like with every other Dystopian story I've read so far, I really liked it. I found that it was just what I needed to get me back into reading after my little slump.
I found I flew through this book which I'm quite happy about. I hated being in a slump and watching the books I needed to read to keep up with my reading challenge go up and up was depressing. I think I'm currently behind by 17 (make that 25) :( but hopefully now I'm back I'll get through quite afew of those.
The difficulty I have when I like a book and get into it is that I end up not writing any notes, so I then struggle writing the review. Not good. I have a soft spot for Dystopian fiction and haven't yet read a book I didn't like, or struggle to finish.
It was no different with this book. I liked Trella and took to her right away. I like that she was 'The queen of the Pipes'. I thought that maybe I'd have trouble visualising the Cube they lived in but I didn't. I had a clear picture in my head.
That's all I can say really. Sorry about that! (Although it's not like my reviews are ever essay like) I liked it. It was a quick, enjoyable read and I recommend you read it :)<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Rating: 4/6 - I Liked It</span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-69669636267865966662012-02-26T17:24:00.000+00:002012-02-26T17:24:40.156+00:00Monthly Round Up: December 2011<br />
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Head rush, Carolyn Crane <o:p></o:p></div>
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Kiss of Frost, Jennifer Estep <o:p></o:p></div>
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Wow what a lame month. I’ve kinda lost my reading mojo
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I’ve had a lot on to be fair but hey, it is what it is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Head Rush was Decembers fave read. I’d been waited for what
felt like forever for that sucka to hit my kindle. I’m sad that it’s the last
book in the series. I know Jennifer Estep has other books out but the style of
the books puts me off; form what I’ve read they’re on the silly/over the top
side of things. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So now I now to wrap up 2011 and post my various blog
reading challenge stats. February isn’t too late for that is it? ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-67832706038223358412012-01-16T19:27:00.000+00:002012-01-16T19:27:34.289+00:00Review: Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari<a href="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/ashes-ashes_cover.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-774" height="150" src="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/ashes-ashes_cover.png?w=98" title="Ashes-Ashes_cover" width="98" /></a>
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<em><span style="color: purple;">A thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: purple;">Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park. But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her.</span></em></div>
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As with a few of the books I've read recently, I was really looking forward to this book. I wasn't very happy about the price of the kindle version though. £9.36 +_+ almost double the usual price, and a few pounds more than the physical copy. (Edit: the average price of ebooks has now gone up since I wrote this review, a lot of them are now £7+)</div>
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Although the price seemed extreme most of the reviews on Goodreads were really good, and even though I was still on my zombiefest I was looking forward to reading it. It was slow to get going, with lots of exposition and I found myself skim reading. Once it hit the halfway mark the info dumps petered out, and the story got going.
Alice is surviving on her own as the story opens. I liked Alice's independence, the fact that at 16 years old and she survived on her own for over a year, this is thanks mainly to a survival book she had the savvy to pick up along the way. I liked Aiden but I felt that, as with Del and Sammy, he could have had a little more depth. All the face and hair touching was sweet but there needed to be more to him than the fact he liked Alice.<br />
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The book felt like a start of a series, and it would be a good book to start one, and although it does stand up on its own as well it definitely felt like it could have been the beginning of something. I really hope there is a second book because I wasn't satisfied with the epilogue of Ashes, Ashes.
Over all not a bed read at all<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Rating: 4/6 - I Liked It</span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-46713571771818814672012-01-10T07:17:00.000+00:002012-01-17T19:02:45.565+00:00Monthly Round Up: November 2011I was hoping to amaze myself this month and read a heap of books and magically get myself up to date with my reading challenge. I'd also planned for either November or December to be the month I'd finish all the books I abandoned. Sadly I was way too far behind for either :( I'd had hoped to sample some Steampunk this year but that hasn't happened. Maybe I'll get to it during 2012. Last years failed challenge will at least keep me from making the same mistake with 2012's reading challenge (I'll keep my fingers crossed but I'm a glutton).<br />
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So, November's books. I managed 6 :/ but I'm sure it's not been my worst month. My favourite has to be The Scoripo Races. I adored it. Close second came Drink Deep. I'm loving the Chicagoland Vampire series. I was disappointed with the emotional connection, or the lack of one, I felt with Voyage of the Snake Lady as I loved and have very fond memories of the first adventure, Moon Riders. I was also disappointed with Crossed mainly because nothing much happened at all. I think that Ally Condie has kept all the action for the trilogy's 3rd instalment. Well, I certainly hope so!<br />
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Magic on the Line, Devon Monk<br />
The Scorpio Races, Maggie Stiefvater<br />
Crossed, Ally Condie<br />
Drink Deep, Chloe Neill<br />
Voyage of the Snake Lady Theresa Thomlinson<br />
Carrier of the Mark, Leigh FallonLittlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-15903456842981191532012-01-08T14:08:00.000+00:002012-01-08T14:09:34.987+00:00Goodbye HelloI would have liked to include my 2011reading challenge stats but I can't seem to find them on Goodreads. Maybe its they think its best to look forward not back, or something.<br /><br />Ok so I failed my 150 book reading challenge of 2011! I only read 102 books but that's no reason not to set another goal. I'll just aim a little lower this time :)<br /><br />I've been in a bit of a reading slump for the last few months so now is the perfect time to consider how to go about this. I still have a TBR pile that if the books where lined up, could wrap around the world at least once :/<br /><br />So maybe I need to get these books read.<br /><br />My goal this year is to read 75 books. That is half of last years challenge I know, and I know that I'm able to read more than that, but I'm setting myself up to win :)<br /><br />Plus I want to take it slower this year because I only end up neglecting everything else and I have a ton, a TON of reviews and various blog posts to finish and get posted, that they really need to be my first priority.<br /><br />Again, I know I've failed the 3 reading challenges I took part in from the blog sphere but I've seen a few I want to participate in. Like I said though; I'm going to keep them manageable.<br /><br />So, a goal of 75 it is. I'll think of the particulars later.<br /><br />Up next will be November and December's Monthly Round Up, then a 2011 Round Up. After that it'll be back to the reviews. I have so many to finish. Last year I tried (and did manage to keep up for a while) to post three a week but this year I'm going to stick to one, remember I'm setting myself up to win!<br /><br />Happy reading :)Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-42648646418437590872011-11-29T07:56:00.001+00:002011-11-29T07:57:15.561+00:00quick updateI have quite a few reviews to tidy up then post so there should be an update soon. Blooger should come up with a better phone app, just saying...Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-23897095531549030192011-11-10T07:51:00.002+00:002011-11-10T07:55:22.581+00:00A Little GushingItried to read Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater a few months back and I ended up abandoning it. I really did try to like it but... well heres the review I have yet to post;<br /><br /><span style="color:#800080;">I've decided I don't really like dual pov's, especially if they are quite samey. I wasn't sure how I felt about this book when I started it. I'm not sure whether or not the negative reviews I'd read influenced me. It was a bit blah. The beginning was a little slow but I eventually settled into it, or rather, I got used to it being slow. I took a break a 3rd of the way in to finish another book I had going, and then another. I actually read 5 books in the time it'd taken me to finish this one. I had to force myself to keep going back to it. I hate not finishing a book. It was okay, kinda. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. It just didn't float my boat. Okay, okay it was as boring as hell and a little simple and innocent for my tastes. Maybe I would have enjoyed it if I was younger, way younger. Say 13 years old. I just didn't connect with Grace or Sam at all. I didn't feel the romance either. It felt more of an obsession with wolves (well one wolf in particular) than a romance and even that was lukewarm. After saying all this I may read the next book but only for the fact it's part of a trilogy. Rating: 2 stars.</span><br /><br />So when I saw she had written another book I was a little ugh. Until I saw the cover<br /><br /><a href="http://pics.livejournal.com/littlechoo2/pic/000422fb/"><img alt="" src="http://pics.livejournal.com/littlechoo2/pic/000422fb" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; float: left; width: 314px; height: 475px; " /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Omg just look at it. I ADORE it. It kinda reminded me of The Moon Riders by Theresa Tomlinson which I also loved (must have been the horses). I was still a little sceptical though so I read the blurb on Goodreads<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><i><span style="color:#800000;">It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die. At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them. Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.</span></i><br /><br />It was then that I knew I HAD to read it. I haven't got a thing for horses or anything so I don't know why it appealed to me so much. I just knew I needed to read it. I'd just downloaded this<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://pics.livejournal.com/littlechoo2/pic/00043rws" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; width: 300px; height: 300px; " /><br /><br />Florence and the Machine's new album, Ceremonials, so I was listening to that the whole way through.<br /><br />I love, love, loved it. Loved them both. The two will forever be one to me from now on. I now wonder if I should give Shiver another go. I just can't get The Scorpio Races outta my head<br /><br /><lj-embed id="91"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tojCn2Y41ig" width="560"></iframe><br /></lj-embed></div>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-45297206102318866872011-11-08T07:33:00.001+00:002011-11-08T07:36:53.083+00:00Monthly Round Up: October 201189. Spider's Revenge, Jennifer Estep<br />90. Nightfall, Ellen Connor<br />91. The Diviner's Tale, Bradford Morrow<br />92. Silence, Becca Fitzpatrick<br />93. A Touch of Crimson, Sylvia Day<br />94. Fallen, kristina Douglas<br />95. Demon, kristina Douglas<br /><br />So it seems October has been a better month for reading than September was but let's face it, that wouldn't take much. I'm still on my TV buzz but not as much as last month. I'm feel quite stressed with a situation I've got going on but I really need to focus on reading if I have any chance of successfully completing my 150 book goal this year. I've kinda done better than I thought I would if I'm honest. I knew when I set my goal that around half way through I'd begin to flag, and I wasn't wrong. What surprised me though was that I still kept going. My posting of my review took a hit, and I've still have loads I need to write up and get posted but I've done okay. I was hoping to use December to finish all the books I abandoned throughout the year but I'm thinking that may not be the best idea at the moment as it might stop me reading altogether.<br /><br />Anyway...<br /><br />Best read of October? Well Silence really surprised me. I thought I'd hate it, but even though I really struggled with Crescendo, I actually reallly liked Silence. It was a really enjoyable read, but it wasn't my fave. Biggest disappointment was Nightfall. I can't tell you how bad that let me down. I just expected so much more than it turned out to be. Maybe it was I expected more from Ann Aguirre as I really enjoyed her Corrine Soloman series.<br /><br />My favourite has to be good ole faithful Spider's Revenge by Jennifer Estep, followed by either Fallen or Demon but I think Demon has the edge on Fallen.<br /><br />So on to November. I'm hoping my Situation evens out to enable me to get back into the swing of things ready for the last push. The way it is I doubt it. I'm fighting an ox.Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-54657221877538171802011-10-18T07:36:00.001+01:002011-10-19T21:36:20.706+01:00Monthly Round Up: SeptemberSeptember has to have been one of my worst months for reading since I was 19. I thought August was bad. Well September has left August in the dust. Five. A total of five books read, and one was a short story. I have no excuse except that I'm still trying to dig my way out of my reading slump. TV is the devil :)<br />
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I have actually watched way too much TV this month. -I'm eating it up like devil cake. I'm currently enjoying;<br />
Alphas<br />
The Revenge<br />
Son's of Anarchy<br />
Terra Nova<br />
Jersey Shore<br />
The Secret Circle<br />
Downton Abbey<br />
Warehouse 13<br />
Hart of Dixie<br />
Haven<br />
Awkward (although this has just finished) <br />
<br />
And that's not including shows I'm downloading but have yet to start.<br />
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Anyway. Reading. I really enjoyed Outside In, Archangel"s Blade, and Touch of Frost. Archangel's Blade being my fave of the month. I was only a little disappointed with One Grave at a Time.<br />
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85. Outside In, Maria V. Snyder<br />
86. One Grave at a Time, Jeanniene Frost<br />
87. Archangel's Blade, Nalini Singh<br />
88. Devil to Pay, Jeaniene Frost<br />
89. Touch of Frost, jennifer EstepLittlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-53558963094397212272011-10-15T18:47:00.000+01:002011-10-15T18:47:41.563+01:00Review: The Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood and The Duchess Of Northumberland<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/the-poison-diaries1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-729" height="150" src="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/the-poison-diaries1.jpg?w=104" title="the poison diaries" width="104" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: purple;">Jessamine Luxton has lived all her sixteen years in an isolated cottage near Alnwick Castle, with little company apart from the plants in her garden. Her father, Thomas, a feared and respected apothecary, has taught her much about the incredible powers of plants: that even the most innocent-looking weed can cure -- or kill.n the right dose, everything is a poison. Even love . . .</span></em><em><span style="color: purple;">When Jessamine begins to fall in love with a mysterious boy who claims to communicate with plants, she is drawn into the dangerous world of the poison garden in a way she never could have imagined </span></em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw this reviewed on The Book Smugglers and quickly added it to my TBR list. It sounded really interesting and very different from the books I'd been reading recently.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved it's tone and I really liked Jessamine. Weed was interesting but the father drove me crazy. You definitely got a feel for the era. It was easy to read, even when I was busy my stopping and starting didn't jar the story. I felt it got a bit silly towards the end but all in all it was quick, easy and fun to read. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Rating: 4/6 - I liked It</span></span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-91614015442343327532011-10-11T07:44:00.001+01:002011-10-11T07:47:10.620+01:00Monthly Round Up: August 2011I wish I could get out of this slump I appear to be in. Yes, I'm enjoying a lot of TV shows at the moment even though there's still loads of books I want to read but never find the time. Obviously because I'm too busy sat in front of either my laptop or TV :/<br /><br />Biggest disappointment this month was Working stiff. I thought that would be much better than it was, and I doubt I'll carry on with the series. My fave was a toss between Inside Out and The enemy. I really enjoyed both.<br /><br />79. The Poison Diaries, Maryrose Wood, The Duchess Of Northumberland<br />80. The Enemy, Charlie Higson<br />81. Working Stiff, Rachel Caine<br />82. Inside Out, Maria V. Snyder<br /><br />I watched too many films during August:<br />Super 8<br />Bridesmaids<br />Kick ass<br />Up<br />Rise of the apes<br />Diary of the Dead<br />The Road<br />Friends with Benefits<br />Choke<br /><br />I've also managed to watch a lot of TV. A lot. I obsessively got into Fringe and watched all 3 seasons and I finally started series 4 of True Blood (and finished :'(). I also caught up with Bones and Sons of Anarchy, both of which I'd gotten seriously behind on. So all in all a very good month for TV, but not for reading.Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-90648689804514655782011-10-09T20:20:00.000+01:002011-10-09T20:20:44.271+01:00Review: Venom (Elemental assassin #3) by Jennifer Estep<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><strong>What kind of assassin works pro bono?</strong> </em></span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; color: purple; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-535 alignleft" height="200" src="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/venom.jpg?w=93" title="venom" width="123" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>It’s hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most. </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>To the public, I’m Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland’s best barbecue joint. To my friends, I’m the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker—Mab’s right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists. </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I’ll take my chances. Then there’s Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland’s finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I’m a cold-blooded killer . . . who is about to save her life.</em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really need to stop star rating books on goodreads immediately after I finish reading the book. I'm way too involved and often give a 5 when really it should be a 4. I want to give this book a 5 though. :/ but I have issues with it. Notably the re-capping of previous events, and also the fact that Gin kept saying "don't worry I kill him/them. You'll never have to worry about him again" then she'd mess up, but she'd keep on saying it so that I stopped believing her. It's a little thing but still :/ </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After reading Spider's bite and Web of Lie in quick succession, I couldn't wait to get stuck into this 3rd instalment, Vemon. I'm loving this series. Gin is still kick ass but we're starting to see a little beneath the surface now.
Again, it's action packed and fast paced. One of the many reasons I love this series. The only thing I don't like (and I've already mentioned) is the way Estep re-caps everything that happens in the previous books. Everything! All the time. It's like the start of a TV show "previously on..." but throughout. I find it jarring, and it makes me skip ahead a lot and I don't want to do that. This happens in every book and by the 3rd book I wanted to pull my hair out. Okay, it didn't bother me that much and the fact that it's a great series makes it up a little but I wish it would stop. I know there's a reason for it but it's getting repetitive, and to be fair, if you're going to start a series in the middle, or 3rd book in you deserve to not know what the hell is going on (IMHO). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> All in all Vemon is a great read. You get everything you expect from Gin and more, although, please start at the beginning of the series :) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rating:<span style="color: red;"> 5/6 - Really Liked It</span></span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-10355221107282883632011-09-10T11:51:00.001+01:002011-09-10T11:51:21.295+01:00So behindApologies if you read my blog. I've gotten so behind with posts. I can't even blame it on slow reading because I have at least 10 reviews in first drafts. They just need a bit of work and posting. My home and work life have become a little hectic so by the time I get home from work I have to start all over again at home, which makes going on the laptop feel like a chore.<br />
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Still, that's no excuse. Tonight is the night I clean the deck and get organised. Wish me luck!Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-12311510669185061452011-09-03T22:49:00.001+01:002012-05-11T21:26:37.517+01:00Review: Street Magic (Black London #1) by Caitlin Kittredge<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/street-magic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-702 alignleft" height="320" src="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/street-magic.jpg?w=93" title="street magic" width="198" /></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> Her name is Pete Caldecott. She was just sixteen when she met Jack Winter, a gorgeous, larger-than-life mage who thrilled her with his witchcraft. Then a spirit Jack summoned killed him before Pete’s eyes—or so she thought. Now a detective, Pete is investigating the case of a young girl kidnapped from the streets of London. A tipster’s chilling prediction has led police directly to the child…but when Pete meets the informant, she’s shocked to learn he is none other than Jack. Strung out on heroin, Jack a shadow of his former self. But he’s able to tell Pete exactly where Bridget’s kidnappers are hiding: in the supernatural shadow-world of the fey. Even though she’s spent years disavowing the supernatural, Pete follows Jack into the invisible fey underworld, where she hopes to discover the truth about what happened to Bridget—and what happened to Jack on that dark day so long ago</em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I'd seen a review for this somewhere (most probably Goodreads) and it instantly caught my attention. It sounded dark and gritty, both of which I really love so I kinda had high hopes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">We meet Pete in the middle of a case where children are going missing. It felt like I'd been dumped in the middle of something and didn't know what the hell was going on, but saying that, that can be a usual thing for me. And although I liked</span><span style="color: black;"> Pete right away I Initially I found the 3rd person narration a little confusing. I don't normally, but for some reason I did while reading this.</span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I was disappointed to be honest. Street Magic had everything I like but it never got me excited. There was just something missing that I can't put my finger on. I don't know whether it was the fact that Jack was a heroin addict, or that there was no spark between the two, I just don't know. And I don't just mean a romantic spark SPOILER (scroll to see) <span style="color: white;">incidentally, I really didn't understand why she'd offer to die for him. Up to that point it came across as she really didn't care for him at all</span> END SPOILER.</span> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I need to mention the swear words. They were so distracting. On one page it would be all Wankstick, demon-buggering gits, then on the next it would be fucking cunts and dickheads. You either commit to swearing or you don't. The strange mix of hard and soft swear words just sounded stupid.</span> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Also I never really believed that they were in London. The story could have took place anywhere really. I first thought that it was maybe it was London USA until Big Ben chimed. But I never really felt it but that could be just my predjuice. If I think of London I think dank and dark Jack the ripper London.</span> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I never connected with Jack and I know it's not the actual drug theme as I never had a problem with the drug use in the Downside Ghost series. It's because he's a heroin addict. It's just a dirty stanky drug. I think if he'd had an addiction to a fictional drug, or pills, or anything else but heroin I would have felt differently but I just didnt like him because of that drug, and couldn't take to him on an emotional level. I've already said that I liked Pete, and I did at the start but Jesus H Christ what a nag she was. I felt like yelling for her just to stop. She didn't shut up whinging and moaning and after a while it wore on my nerves a bit.</span> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I<span style="color: black;"> just didn't become emotionally engaged in the two leads or the story at all. Not at any point of the story did I feel like I knew what the hell was going on, even the magic wa</span>s<span style="color: black;"> confusing and wasn't very visual. The second half of the book was much better than the first but it wasn't enough. I will read the 2nd book in the series though. I thought it was okay (I did finish it) but I had issues with it. I'm sorry I didn't like it as mu</span><span style="color: black;">ch as I thought I would</span>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Rating: <span style="color: red;">3/6 - it was okay</span></span></span></span></span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-33406185916289378242011-08-25T21:42:00.001+01:002011-08-25T21:42:55.214+01:00TBR Thursday<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I've not been reading as much as usual it's not stopped me adding to my forever expanding list. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First up is Switched by Amanda Hocking. I actually added this some time ago but it has a new cover and I love it. I adore the colour more than anything.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Switched - the first book in the Trylle Trilogy...<br /><br />When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right.<br /><br />With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it.</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up is The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. I've added this because I've fallen in love with the story but I've experienced </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Maggie Stiefvater before. I really, really struggled with Shiver. In fact I've not even finished it. I started reading in January and finally abandoned it at some point in July. However, it has not put me off reading the aurthor's book, well it had before I read the synopsis for this story :)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.<br /><br />At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.<br /><br />Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So not as many as last week, or even the week before but considering the amount (or lack of) I've read these past few weeks it's not surprising </span></div>
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</span></span></span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-81129413141560947742011-08-16T17:41:00.001+01:002011-08-16T17:42:21.699+01:00Review: Kiss of Snow (Psy-Changeling #10) by Nalini Singh<a href="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/kiss-of-snow.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-694" height="150" src="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/kiss-of-snow.jpg?w=97" title="kiss of snow" width="97" /></a>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would've been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.
Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other's secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight… </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna's darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home…and the alpha who is its heartbeat…</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It feels like I've waited for this book for so long. I adore this series. Nalini singh is the author I use to judge all other paranormal romance by. In fact she has spoiled me. I was introduced to this series at the start of my foray into PNR/Urban Fantasy by a friend and it set the standard. Sometimes I wish I'd read Christen Feehan first, because at least then I wouldn't have something good to compare it too. No one can beat Nalini Singh. No one. Hers are the only books I don't ever roll my eyes too (okay admittedly maybe once during the first book!). They are the only books I've come across that have great romance coupled with an interesting and kiss ass plot. No other series/book combines the two quite as well, no where near as well.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hawke's story is one that has been slowly burning away in the background from book one (<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/178476.Slave_to_Sensation" target="_blank">Slave to Sensation</a>), and one I've been desperate to read. I'd read excerpts/quotes on Singh's website and on Goodreads and they only whetted my appetite.
I wasn't disappointed. It was everything I'd hoped for and more. Hawke and Sienna's history being what it is, every look and interaction was filled with sexual tension, and both of them were at breaking point.
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second romance between the pack healer, Lara and, Walker Sienna's uncle, was an added bonus but I do wish they had their own book. I think they deserved that. There was also the birth of Sascha and Lucas's baby which was lovely, and I enjoyed seeing the Changelings reaction to this.</span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are still a lot of questions that need to be answered surrounding the Psy, and to be honest I was far more interested in the Changelings this time round. I really need to reread the book again (maybe slightly slower this time :) ) to enable me to take more information in.
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A fantastic read. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rating:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> 6/6 - It Was Amazing</span></span></span></span><br />
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</span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-60568955669409767412011-08-11T12:00:00.000+01:002011-08-11T12:00:00.172+01:00TBR Thursday<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first book that's going on my TBR list this week is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Dragon Bound</span><span style="line-height: 17px;">. I saw this on <a href="http://allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com/">All Things Urban Fantasy</a> and was like 'oooooh hot guy and dragons! I like' Reading the blurb (from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9637479-dragon-bound">Goodreads</a>) made me hesitate but I'm going to try it anyway. I'm usually hit and miss with PNR but fingers crossed.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful-and passionate-of the Elder races.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Next up is Alpha Instinct by Katie Reus. It's not out yet, and with a 2012 release it's a long wait. Alpha Instinct is the first book in the Moon Shifter series. I love a good werewolf series (I haven't found anything to knock Mercy Thompson off the top spot though). I found this book on </span><a href="http://www.bookchickcity.com/" style="line-height: 19px;">Book Chick City</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">'s wishlist. Okay so the blurb isn't the best, hardly tells us anything, but I like the cover, even if other people dislike the 'girl with tattoo' cliché that Urban Fantasy covers are known for (although this title is classed as PNR, it sure does look lie UF).</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The series all feature a pack of shifters battling a radical hate group intent on destroying all paranormal beings.<br /><br />Alpha, Connor Armstrong, will do anything to protect his intended mate and newly founded pack. Unfortunately when he offers protection things don’t go quite as planned. His new mate is as stubborn as she is sexy and getting her to submit proves almost impossible.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another book from <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookChickCity/~3/s-MM30UWQdw/book-review-avengers-angel-by-heather.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email">Book Chick City</a> is Avenger's Angel, book 1 of Heather Killough-Walden's The Lost Angels series. The cover is really pretty, and the review by Carolyn is very good indeed. With November 2011 release I'm still going to have to be patient. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The first in Heather Killough-Walden's fantastic new paranormal series, the Lost Angels, features Uriel, the Angel of Vengeance Four thousand years ago, four archangels were cast down to Earth in human form. God's favourites, they came to find their mates, the other half of their souls made only for them, without whom they will ever be complete. Uriel, Gabriel, Azrael and Michael, however, were not alone. They were followed by another, determined to find the archesses for himself, and whose power cannot be underestimated. But after centuries of fruitless searching, the archangels -- and their enemy -- have all but given up hope. Until one day beautiful and gifted Eleanore Granger crosses paths with Uriel, the Angel of Vengeance. And as a storm rages, outside forces conspire together, initiating an age old battle of good versus evil to win the first archess.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's 3 PNR books I've added to my TBR list so I think it's time I go look for some Urban Fantasy :)</span></span></div>
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Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-77123309163944750772011-08-08T12:00:00.000+01:002011-08-08T12:00:22.430+01:00Review: Magic Slays (Kate Daniels #5) by Ilona Andrews<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/magic-slays.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-689" height="150" src="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/magic-slays.jpg?w=92" title="magic slays" width="92" /></a><em></em></div>
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<em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job. </span></em></div>
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<em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep 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, and many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate. </span></em></div>
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<em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price.</span></em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I re-read the first 4 books in the Kate Daniels series in January (for the 3rd time). Mistakenly thinking this was due out the beginning of February. I was wrong and I was only slightly annoyed that I had to wait another few months (yeah this review is kinda old).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this series. I love Kate and Curran, and I love Ilona Andrews. Although I didn't get ecstatic over the scenes from Curran's pov, I did enjoy them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Magic Slays was released on the same day as Kiss of Snow, the 10th Psy-Changling book, and another favourite series of mine. I ended up reading Kiss of Snow first because I've been impatiently waiting for that one for what felt like ages, but that's neither here nor there regarding my preference.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The one thing about this series I'd forgotten about was the humour. In those short months I forgot how funny these books were. As with the other books, Magic Slay had me laughing out loud. I love Kate's and Curran's relationship and how they bounce off each other. The one thing that jumped out at me though was how violent they can be together when Kate is super angry. They get very physical and sometimes it's hard to read.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As usual the story felt very visual. I love the world building of this series, and Andrew's ability to put you in her world so easily.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A great read, and if you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rating:<span style="color: red;"> 6/6 - It Was Amazing</span></span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-41918516335624587432011-08-06T17:23:00.003+01:002011-08-06T17:24:19.546+01:00I got the tells...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a little late with this but hey, what's new :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've just read an excerpt of Stacia Kane's next book, Sacrificial Magic <a href="http://www.stellarfour.com/2011/07/s4-exclusive-excerpt-from-stacia-kanes.html">here</a>. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8786358-sacrificial-magic">Sacrificial Magic</a> is the 4th book in the Downside Ghost series and it is one of my favourites. I'm kinda desperate to see what the cover is going to look like.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we're reading excerpts, I've finally read the first 3 chapters of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Grave-Time-Night-Huntress/dp/0061783196/ref=lh_ni_t">One Grave at a Time</a> (Night Huntress #6) by Jeaniene Frost. I love Cat and Bones. Read them <a href="http://jeanienefrost.com/books/one-grave-at-a-time/chapters-1-3/">here</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both of these have me very excited!</span></span></span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2915475530075058676.post-22977961365551752922011-08-06T12:00:00.000+01:002011-08-06T12:00:12.266+01:00Review: Grave Witch (Alex Craft #1) by Kalayna Price<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/grave-witch.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-675" height="150" src="http://littlechoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/grave-witch.jpg?w=93" title="grave witch" width="93" /></a><em></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a grave witch, Alex Craft can speak to the dead-she's even on good terms with Death himself. As a consultant for the police, she's seen a lot of dark magic, but nothing has prepared her for her latest case. When she's raising a "shade" involved in a high profile murder, it attacks her, and then someone makes an attempt on her life. Someone really doesn't want her to know what the dead have to say, and she'll have to work with mysterious homicide detective Falin Andrews to figure out why.</span></em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw this book a while ago on a book blog or Goodreads, I forget which and I managed to picked it up a few weeks ago. It was the cover that caught my eye originally but the story also sounded really interesting so I didn't wait too long before starting it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alex is a grave witch. She can raise and speak to the dead but she goes near blind afterwards. I really liked that using her grave sight had a price -I not sure why I like the fact that she became vulnerable, but I did. She isn't stupid and that is a big plus for me. There’s nothing I dislike more than an annoyingly stupid heroine (coughMacfromDarkfevercough). Okay she rushes ahead sometimes and that can get her into trouble, but you can see why she couldn't wait around so it's easy to let that go.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Death (a sole collector only Alex seems to be able to see), and Falin (a police detective) are the two love interests and I liked them both. I felt that Death could have played a bigger part in the whole scheme of things than he did but because there was a lot more of Falin, it was him I felt I 'knew' better so was rooting for him throughout.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was very easy to get into and the writing was really good. Alex is a rounded character and very likable. Death was cool but Falin was sexy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I couldn't put it down. I really, really enjoyed it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A great start to a promising series.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rating:<span style="color: red;"> 5/6 - Really liked it</span></span>Littlechoo2http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258862807747501398noreply@blogger.com2