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Thursday, September 15, 2011

THE HOLLOW by Nora Roberts

Published by The Penguin Group in 2008

Pages : 318 (Paperback)

ISBN : 978 - 0 - 515 - 14459 - 8

For Fox, Caleb, Gage and the other residents of Hawkins Hollow, the number seven portends doom—ever since, as boys, they freed a demon trapped for centuries when their blood spilled upon The Pagan Stone...

Their innocent bonding ritual led to seven days of madness, every seven years. And now, as the dreaded seventh month looms before them, the men can feel the storm brewing. Already they are plagued by visions of death and destruction. But this year, they are better prepared, joined in their battle by three women who have come to The Hollow. Layla, Quinn, and Cybil are somehow connected to the demon, just as the men are connected to the force that trapped it.

Since that fateful day at the Pagan Stone, town lawyer Fox has been able to see into other's minds, a talent he shares with Layla. He must earn her trust, because their link will help fight the darkness that threatens to engulf the town. But Layla is having trouble coming to terms with her newfound ability - and with this intimate connection to Fox. She knows that once she opens her mind, she'll have no defense against the desire that threatens to consume them both ....

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I picked this book up as soon as I finished reading the 1st book BLOOD BROTHERS. I already felt like there was a bond, a familiarity with the 3 guys and loved how Quinn, Layla and Cybil were brought into the story.

It's getting closer to that fateful time when the Demon will unleash his power and cause havoc on the town once again, but this time the guys can feel that he is stronger and angrier - and feel that if they don't find a way to end his reign of terror over the town, the people and ultimately their own lives, that it could be the end for all of them.

Their friendships and relationships grow stronger, if that is at all possible - and find that through the visions they are shown, they have to delve back into the past to search for answers and a solution to rid them of the Demon.

Once again - they fight visions that to them feel real - but looking around, they see other townsfolk don't see what they are seeing. As time goes on, they find that some of the townspeople are starting to get physically hurt instead ... and their search for answers at one time reaches fever pitch.

We still have the love stories growing throughout this book - and you can feel the personal turmoil that each one of them goes through, with pain and feelings of protection over each other, as well as finding out more about the childhoods of each of the guys.

You will enjoy this book - I did

RATING : ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

RATING :

BLOOD BROTHERS by Nora Roberts

First published in the US in 2007 by The Berkley Publishing Group

Paperback : 314 pages

ISBN : 978 - 0 - 7499 - 3843 - 7

In the town of Hawkins Hollow, it’s called The Seven. Every seven years, on the seventh day of the seventh month, strange things happen. It began when three young boys—Caleb, Fox, and Gage—went on a camping trip to The Pagan Stone. And twenty-one years later, it will end in a showdown between evil and the boys who have become men, and the women who love them.

Caleb Hawkins can never forget what happened in the woods twenty one years ago - and neither can Hawkins Hollow. For every seven years, there are a few weeks in July when the locals do unspeakable things - and then don't seem to remember them. The collective madness has made itself known beyond the town borders, and has given Hawkins Hollow the reputation of a village possessed.

It is this modern day legend that draws reporter and author Quinn Black to Hawkins Hollow. She hopes to make the eerie happenings the subject of her next book. Caleb Hawkins, descendant of the town founders, has agreed to talk to her. It is only February, but Cal has already seen and felt the stirrings of evil. He will need help, from his best friends Fox and Gage, and from Quinn. She has seen the signs as well and is somehow connected to the town - and to Cal. Together they will form the cornerstone of a group of men and women bound by fate, passion and the fight against what is to come out from the darkness ....
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This book along with the other 2 books in the trilogy have been sitting on my bookshelf for awhile now - and I have to admit that the reason that I didn't pick them up and read them was because the covers weren't appealing. Poor excuse I know ... but I decided to make a start on them, and I couldn't put them down.

Blood Brothers is a great read - we go back to find out what started the whole terrible Seven, as they call it - and you get a real feel for the way this affected the lives of Cal, Fox and Gage. Each of them find their own way of coping with the horrible events that happen, and try to protect their town and the innocent people that live there, putting their own lives at risk fighting the evil demon trying to destroy them and all that they love.

The action keeps coming with each chapter - just when things seem to have settled down and the book begins to resemble a love story WHAM! ... another incident and the men are on full alert again. They fight as hard as they can, and at times have trouble telling the difference between reality and the mirages created by the demon.

If you haven't read this trilogy of books - give it a shot. Small town life is brought to you in a great read, along with interesting characters, and family lives that grown on you the more that you read. The love story that unfolds is great too!

RATING : ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Morning Chatter ♥

Good Morning everyone ... and I am sorry for my absence ... it's just been very hectic for us lately with real life.

Real life has been up and down lately - one of my boys has moved back home, which is good as I enjoy his company ... he really can make me laugh. On the downside, my hubby was involved in a bad road rage incident, where he was bashed by some thug - and all the witnesses said that my hubby didn't do anything wrong. Unfortunately, it looks like the guy was driving a car with false number plates, so the police really have their hands tied ... so looks like the mongrel will get away with it.

But that is behind us now ... and things are starting to look up. And with Spring on us here in OZ - and a beautiful sunny day today, it's hard not to be positive about the future

I have been doing alot of reading to help me chill out and will try to get all the reviews posted asap. And I will be doing alot of blog hopping today ... wonder what little treats I will find?

Have a great day everyone ♥


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Boomerang Books Giveaway # 1

Boomerang Books has a great giveaway happening on their site right now until July 22nd


We've got four Top Gear Boxed Sets to giveaway, courtesy of our friends from Random House. Each boxed set contains three retro Top Gear titles:My Dad Had One of Those, Midlife Crisis Cars, and Crap Cars.

Three great car books from the Emmy and BAFTA-winning Top Gear television series in the UK, presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.


You have to be a member of their site, but it only takes a minute to sign up.

(AUSTRALIA ONLY)

Monday, July 18, 2011

Maria V. Snyder Book Signing

LOCATION : Kinokuniya
Level 2, The Galleries
500 George Street,
Sydney 2000
Australia

TIME : 6.00pm to 8.00pm

WHEN : Monday August 15th 2011

Saturday, July 2, 2011

GLASS HOUSES by Rachel Caine

First Published in Great Britain by Allison and Busby Ltd
This edition published by Penguin Group (Australia 2011)
Paperback - 361 Pages
ISBN : 978 - 1 - 9218 - 8006 - 63
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Welcome to Morganville. Just don`t stay out after dark.

Morganville is a small town filled with unusual characters - when the sun goes down, the bad come out. In Morganville, there is an evil that lurks in the darkest shadows - one that will spill out into the bright light of day.

For Claire Danvers, high school was hell, but college may be murder. It was bad enough that she got on the wrong side of Monica, the meanest of the school's mean girls, but now she's got three new roommates, who all have secrets of their own. And the biggest secret of all isn't really a secret, except from Claire: Morganville is run by vampires and they are hungry for fresh blood . . .

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Yes - I loved it - this book had a little of everything for me.
Claire, smart and new to town - and picked on by the 'queen bitch' of Morganville.
Michael, mysterious and sexy - and never around when you need him.
Shane, funny and caring - watching Claire's back at every turn.
Eve, insecure and brash - trying to push people away, when she really wants them to hold her in their arms.

Put these 4 characters in the one house, in a town that is run by Vampires ... and no doubt there is going to be trouble. And where Claire goes, trouble seems to follow.
Monica Morrell has it in for Claire, just because she can! And when she learns that Shane and Claire are friends and hanging out together, that only fuels her anger towards Claire even more.

There is a learning period that Claire must go through - who to trust, who not to trust, keeping her eyes and ears open, and whatever you do - do not piss off a vampire. Once Claire finds out what the vampires are really after (apart from blood) she sets out on a mission to deliver it to them for the bargaining price of being able to live in peace. And finding out who the true 'head' vampire is, is proving harder than it looks.
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Well written book, with some twists that shocked me - especially towards the end of the book just when I thought that peace had been restored (enter Shane's father, who has a passion to kill off every vampire in the town). And so the pain, the looking over the shoulder, and avoiding being killed will continue on in Book 2 of this series.

I loved it - and can't wait to read the next book.

RATING ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (4 hearts = good read)

CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare

First published in Great Britain in 2010 by Walker Books Ltd
Paperback - 479 Pages
ISBN 978 - 1 - 4063 - 2881 - 3
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Magic is dangerous - but love is more dangerous still

When 16yo Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and haunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends, and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

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I knew nothing about this book - but was totally drawn by the cover ... I think it's amazing.
I very quickly became engrossed with the story and felt alot of empathy for Tessa as she finds herself in a horrible situation, all alone and at the mercy of the Dark Sisters - and worried about her brother who no one has seen or heard of for ages.

When Tessa does find a way to escape the Dark Sisters, she finds herself being taken to the refuge of the Shadowhunters, with Will and Jem taking her under their care. Tessa finds her temper matching against Wills, and wondering what is going on with Jem, finding him very sickly from time to time.

The Shadowhunters are aware of Tessa's talent, and understand how the Downworld would like to have her, and use her for their own needs and desires, but they promise to protect her at all costs. And when 'All Costs' nearly does come true with Tessa's life under threat, they also find Tessa's brother Nathaniel - near death and being used by the Vampires.

Many things occur from this point - leading to danger and distrust, and also the attack on her haven, making her believe that her time with the Shadowhunters is under threat. Will and Jem come to the rescue just in time, and things between Will and Tessa change, as he thought that he had lost her to the Magister. And just when you think it's going to be a Happy Ever After ending, think again. You will have to read the 2nd book in the series "Clockwork Prince" to follow the story even further.
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I liked this book - found the characters believable and likeable - except for the Dark Sisters, and her servants.
I could clearly picture in my head the different locations, and also the characters - especially Henry, who is very quirky but not silly.
The beginning of a love story between Tessa and Will is always going to be under threat considering the talent that Tessa posesses, and the DownWorld wants. Whether Will can walk away from her, or if he takes that step to make the relationship grow, we will have to no doubt read in CLOCKWORK PRINCE.
The one downside for me was the Angel that Tessa wears around her neck .. I don't know why, but I did expect it to be more prominent in the book (maybe it has something to do with the name of the book) .. but I guess it served it's purpose.

I think you will enjoy this book .. I know that I did.

RATING ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (4 hearts = good read)

Freedom Giveaway Hop

AMAZING Giveaways - 200 Blogs are involved, with quite a few international giveaways
CLICK HERE to enter the blog hop now

And good luck to everyone that enters ♥

Friday, July 1, 2011

WOOHOO ... love the new look

.... and it's all thanks to my bestest buddy POOKER at Elegant Inspirations

Pooker has made my day - redressing 2 of my blogs and doing an absolutely amazing job too!

THANKS ... you have totally outdone yourself ♥

Monday, May 16, 2011

DARK & DISORDERLY by Bernita Harris

(E Book from Net Galley)
"I was standing there naked when my dead husband walked into my bathroom..."

Lillie St. Claire is a Talent, one of the rare few who can permanently dispatch the spirits of the dead that walk the earth. Her skills are in demand in a haunted country, where a plague of ghosts is becoming a civic nuisance.

Those skills bring her into conflict with frightened citizens who view Talents as near-demons. Her husband comes to see her as a Freak; so when Nathan dies after a car crash, she is relieved to be free of his increasingly vicious presence. Lillie expects to be haunted by Nathan's ghost, but not to become Suspect #1 for her husband's murder and reanimation.

But what's most surprising of all is the growing attraction between her and psi-crime detective John Thresher. He thinks that Lillie killed Nathan--and Nathan must agree, because his zombie is seeking revenge. Now she and Thresher must work together to solve her husband's murder--before his corpse kills her...

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The cover of this book first grabbed my attention - and when I started reading it, I was captivated = for awhile. I think Lillie is strong and vulnerable at the same time - I don't feel that she is like your typical heroine you find in most stories, that tend to be more grit and toughness than showing their vulnerable side.

I found at times that this story lost me - there were pages that I couldn't remember reading - my eyes just wandered over the pages as I got a little bored with the story.

You may read this and disagree with me - but I did enjoy the undertones of a love story ... and would like to see where the author takes Lillie in the future

RATING : 5/10

THE FORTUNES OF RUBY WHITE by Lia Weston


First published in Australia in 2010
Paperback : 370 pages
ISBN : 9780731814633

Ruby White has burnt her bridges. She has no job, no direction in life, and just enough money to last a month. if she eats only rice and her cat catches his own meals. When her best friend, Anise, holds a dress-up party, Ruby drowns her sorrows and meets Damien, whose vampire costume belies his sweet nature.
With time on her hands, Ruby soon finds herself at a seminar for those who are Hyper-Auto-Aware, a condition she never knew existed, run by the Jaasmyn Empire, a company she's never heard of. To Ruby's astonishment, and that of those who know her, she is offered a job.
Ruby's talent of guesswork and sarcasm propel her through the corridors of power until the final, hilarious climax and Ruby understands what a 'new age' life can truly bring.
For those who secretly suspect that there are a few oddballs in the metaphysical movement, put your feet up and immerse yourself in this laugh out loud, witty and biting novel.
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This book was right down my alley - I ran mediation classes, have done reiki healing and have had the odd 'vision' and received messages that I have never completely understood. I have come into contact with countless others through the metaphysical work I do - and I tell you - read this book, open your eyes and be very aware. There are lots of people out there that are whacky!!!!!!!!!!!! PMSL.

This book was well researched - the story I feel told truthfully through the eyes of someone who has seen charletons at work ... Ruby was at an all time low, and from that point, she was fair game to all the rogues out there.

Sit back - do put your feet up and enjoy this read. Nice story, with a nice ending. :)

RATING : 7/10

LORD OF LEGENDS by Susan Krinard


First published in 2009
Paperback : 348 Pages
ISBN : 978-1-921-68503-3

He is Arion, King of the Unicorns. Powerful, seductive, he could possess any female he desired - until now. He is condemned to live as a man, and it is only the enchanting Lady Mariah Donnington's innocence that can release him from his curse.

Abandoned on her wedding night, frightened of her hidden, otherworldly heritage, Mariah is instinctively drawn to the mysterious stranger she discovers imprisoned on her husband's estate. But as the secret of Arion's magical identity unfolds, their friendship burns into a passion that cannot, must not be consummated. For to do so would destroy them both ...
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I haven't read the previous books in this series, and I think that maybe I should have. I did enjoy the story, and could believe the situation that Mariah found herself in - being in a house with her vindictive, nasty mother-in-law, who was always out to find a way that she could get rid of her, and being befriended by women who only wanted her out of the way ... but as for the rest of the story, well, I did find it a little ordinary. At times, I felt like the story really wasn't going anywhere. When things did start to happen, it was all at once, like desperately trying to close the book off.

Read it if you will ...

RATING - 5/10

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen

First published in the US and Australia in 2006
PaperBack : 394 pages
ISBN : 978 - 1 - 74175 - 295 - 3

When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, swindlers and misfits in a second-rate circus struggling to survive.

A veterinary student, who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that Jacob meets Marlena, the beautiful equestrienne who is married to August, a charismatic but violently unpredictable animal trainer. Jacob also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems unmanageable until he discovers an unusual way to reach her.

Water for Elephants is a story that has it all - warmth, humor, poignancy and passion. It has an energy and spirit like the feeling under a big top when the show is about to begin. It is a novel that will win your heart.
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I have to agree with this last statement, this book DID win my heart from the first few pages. I loved the way that the story flicks between the present day and the past, with Jacob remembering his time in the circus and his first stirrings of love for Marlena.

I think the story encompasses alot of different issues that we all come across in our daily lives, obviously not in the circus confines, but I think that everyone would find it easy to relate to so many of the situations that Jacob and the other performers face on a daily basis.

The love story - I enjoyed watching that grow, and right up to the end, you could still feel the love bouncing off the pages, reading from Jacob's point of view.

For me, I cannot wait to see this movie - love the story in print, and can only hope that it transfers to the screen with the same intensity of love, passion, pain and experiences.

RATING - 9/10

Monday, March 21, 2011

Sorry for my MIA ...

Yes, I know that you have heard it before ... but it's been way too long and I didn't plan on staying away this long.

The last 6 weeks have been hectic and emotionally draining ... but it looks like we are finally back on top of things and from here on things can only look up.

My hubby has had a change of job - which was totally necessary, at his age he shouldn't have been doing the physical work he was and his body really suffered for it. Thankfully now, he is back on to a desk job and his body is slowly starting to repair itself. He doesn't have anywhere near the aches and pains that he did a month ago. Downside of the job change - less money, so frantically reorganising financial commitments to see us through until the pay rise promised comes through.

Haven't done anywhere near the reading that I would have liked to get done - also had to deal with my son and the breakup of his long term relationship. Knocked him for 6 and finally now (even though he is holding out hope they will get back together) he is starting to get settled once again and he has all of his family and the friends that matter around him supporting him.

So ... apart from the odd illness that his hit us and updating my pc ... that's about it. I have been slack with my other blogs too ... and plan on getting things happening all over once again.

BOOKS READ
I did find the time to read a few books ... and I doubt that I will have time to get reviews done for them for awhile ... so here's a quick summary.
Shadow of the Moon by Rachel Hawthorne (Rating 6 out of 10)
MisGuided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz (Rating 8 out of 10)
Bloody Valentine by Melissa de la Cruz (Rating 8 out of 10)
Original Sin by Allison Brennan (Rating 8 out of 10)

I am currently reading Luxe by Anna Godbersen ... I have read it before, but after speaking to a few people that loved it, I am rereading it to see what I missed ... lol

Water for Elephants is next on my reading list - interested to hear from anyone else that has read this ... love to hear your thoughts on the book, and coming movie.

Till next time ... xoxoxoxo

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Follower Love Giveaway Hop - Feb 8th to 13th

Head on over right now and check it out - there are over 200 blog giveaways!

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Go to BOOK'D OUT ... an amazing book giveaway happening right now

I've entered ... guessing you all will too!

DARK OF THE MOON by Rachel Hawthorne

First published in 2009 by Harper Collins

Paperback : 262 pages

ISBN : 978 0 06 170957 - 9

Brittany is determined to prove herself to the Dark Guardians. And yet, she's been keeping a devastating secret : She hasn't experienced any of the intense, early signs of change that mark a Dark Guardian's transformation. The only intense feelings that she has are for Connor - and she's kept that a secret too. But she knows she'll never truly have Connor's love if she's not a shifter like him.

At the first full moon after her birthday, her greatest fear is realized : She doesn't transform. Brittany is so desperate to become a wolf that she'll go to extremes she never thought possible ... and put all the Dark Guardians in incredible danger.

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Another easy book to read in this series - read it quite quickly, and even though I did, I enjoyed it, but it's light reading. We follow Brittany through trying to keep her secret from everyone, except her friend that she confides in. Together, they are wondering if maybe Brittany's birth certificate is wrong, and she may just have to wait a bit longer. That said, she has to keep her guard up to make sure her secret stays just that, just a little longer.

And once Connor starts to pay her attention, she fears telling him the secret that could effectively end their chance at a relationship. Throw in the 'mad' scientist Mason who is after them, at all costs, to try and make a serum from their blood and be able to transform - no matter what, that is his ultimate goal.

Enjoyable read - with a predictable ending.
Next book in the series is SHADOW OF THE MOON

RATING - 6/10

THE FOREST OF HANDS & TEETH by Carrie Ryan

First Published in Great Britain in 2009 by Gollancz

Paperback : 310 pages

ISBN : 978 0 575 09085 9

In Mary's world, there are simple truths.

The Sisterhood always knows best.

The Guardians will protect and serve.

The Unconsecrated will never relent.

And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.

Now she must choose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death?

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This book intrigued me from the beginning - and that was before I even opened the cover - the name itself was enough to have me thinking it should be interesting.

The story revolves around Mary, a teenager living in a society that cannot leave the confines of the village. On the other side of the gates, the undead walk and thirst for blood. Mary has seen many people lost to the Forest, and she is about to see alot more. Mary struggles with the belief that there is nothing outside the village - that the world is gone, and all she wants to do is follow her dreams and see the wonderful ocean that her mother told her about growing up as a young child.

Through a tragedy, Mary finds herself in the hands of the Sisterhood, who try hard to break her spirit and make her conform, as no-one stood up and asked for Mary's hand. But nothing will stop her questions, and her thirst for more. When a 'visitor' appears in the Cathedral one night, Mary finds herself pushed to the limit to find out where they came from - but before she gets the chance, the visitor is gone.

As always, there is a love story, which has many twists and turns, and when a small group of them find themselves wandering the path between villages, all the while being stalked by the Undead on the other side of the fences, emotions run high and deep, as they try to come to terms with what has happened to them, and the bleak outlook for their future.

For me, Mary was stubborn and a little more mature I guess than most of the YA heroines we come across in books these days. You will ask yourself if Mary is putting her desires over the safety of the group, and in the end you will see reconnection between brother and sister that you thought was lost for good.

Enjoyed this read, and looking forward to the next 2 books THE DEAD TOSSED WAVES and THE DARK HOLLOW PLACES.

Rating - 7/10

DIVINE BY BLOOD by P.C.Cast

First Published in Great Britain in 2010
by MIRA Books
Paperback - 392 pages
ISBN - 978 0 7783 0363 3

"You are divine by blood and have power beyond your wildest imaginings"

Morgan bit her lip. Power beyond her wildest imaginings - WOW! That must be some power, because she definately had an excellent imagination.

Conceived in a lie to a goddess plagued by evil and a father that sacrificed himself to stop her. Morrigan is raised as a normal girl in Oklahoma.

Now eighteen, Morrigan is finally learning the truth about her past and discovering an ability to harness magic. Finding her way to Partholon, she hopes to be respected as the daughter of a goddess - she's ready to be worshipped!

But Morrigan is plagued by doubt - are the voices she hears a connection with the goddess of Epona, or the evil that controlled her mother.

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This book took me a little bit to get into ... I wasn't a fan of Morrigan, she seemed like deep down she had the makings of another Rhiannon, which annoyed the heck out of me.

It was like going back to the beginning again, once Morrigan crosses over into Partholon, and she has to be looked after by Brita, who was the High Priestess before she appeared to them. But slowly, I tended to have a softness for Morrigan - how could she not have some of Rhiannon's dark side running through her, considering the circumstances before and during her birth.

The story grew on me, and I came to understand where she was coming from - fighting the ultimate battle - good vs evil. The way the book ends, is just right for the 2 follow up books in the series ELPHAME'S CHOICE and BRIGHID'S QUEST.

Take the chance ... grab these series of books and lose yourself in a mystical fantasy story of love and discover.

RATING - 7/10

Friday, January 21, 2011

DIVINE BY CHOICE by P.C.Cast


First Published in 2009 by MIRA BOOKS (GB)
Paperback : 377 Pages
ISBN : 978 0 7783 0358 9

Shannon Parker has finally come to terms with life in the mythical world of Partholon. She loves her centaur husband, her connection to the goddess Epona and the pampering that comes with both! She’s almost forgotten her old life on Earth – especially when she discovers she’s pregnant…

Then a sudden burst of power sends her back to Oklahoma. Without magic, Shannon can’t return to Partholon – and so she needs to find help. Trouble is, it might take the form of a man as tempting as her husband. And along the way she’ll discover that being divine by mistake is a lot easier than being divine by choice…

Shannon has started to settle into life in her magical world. She has a husband that adores her, and she adores him right back. He is away tending to the mess left behind from the attack of the Formorians - and she is missing him. Thankfully her trusted friend Alanna is there to guide her, talk with her and do what friends do.

Everything is perfect in Shannon's world - she believes that this world is where she is meant to be - and then suddenly she is ripped away and forward through time to the world she originally left. She is devastated, and with the aid of Clint (who bares a striking resemblance to her husband ClanFinton, the High Shaman Centaur) and the help of her father, they all have to face a battle not expected in their current time - Rhiannon has called on the Dark Side believing that like everything she was ever taught to believe, it would bow down and follow her every command. Shannon must fight her - and teaming with Clint, and the wonder of nature, she is assured that she is the Chosen One and stands against her ... with one aim in mind - getting back to the old world.

I loved it - the story continues in great style - and leaves me reaching for the next book in the series DIVINE BY BLOOD

RATING : 8/10

DIVINE BY MISTAKE by P.C. Cast


First Published in in 2009 (GB) by MIRA Books
Paperback : 571 pages
ISBN : 978 0 7783 0357 2

The only excitement Shannon Parker expects while on summer vacation is a little shopping. But when an antique vase calls to her, she finds herself transported to Partholon, where she’s treated like a goddess. A very temperamental goddess…

Somehow Shannon has stepped into another’s role as the Goddess Incarnate of Epona. And while there’s an upside – what woman doesn’t like lots of pampering? – it also comes with a ritual marriage to a centaur and threats against her new people. Oh, and everyone disliking her because they think she’s her double.

Somehow Shannon needs to figure out how to get back to Oklahoma without being killed, married to a horse or losing her mind…


When I first opened this book, this is what I read on the inside ... something that PC Cast had written to the readers. "I told myself I was going to write The Book I'd Most Want to Read, and that's exactly what I did". I have to say, I thought okay - this is going to be good. I hope it's the book I most want to read to!

The first chapter of the book had me thinking, um hurry up move along, and then it did. With a bang. Changes to everything Shannon had ever known - a whole new world in a whole new time, where she is treated like a princess. And everywhere she looks, all the people close to her mirror people from her life in the 'other world'.

Shannon finds herself very slowly beginning to care about the people around her, and when she is confronted with having to deal with the evil that she visits and sees when the Magic Sleep takes over, she knows that she is bound to this place more than she could ever realise. She is the Chosen One, not Rhiannon who switched places with her.

Read this book- and find yourself transported to a gentler time ... and fall in love with the fantasy that will surround you - especially in your dreams.

RATING : 8/10

NIGHT STAR by Alyson Noel


First Published in 2010 by Martin's Press (US)
Paperback : 302 Pages
ISBN : 978 0 330 52811 - 5

LOVE & HEARTBREAK BELONG TOGETHER

There are some secrets you're better off not knowing.
But once Ever Bloom is given a glimpse of what Damen is keeping from her, she has to find out more - whatever the cost.

Their past together is not what she thinks - and only he remembers everything. Until now, when a vengeful friend lets her in on his secret. And it may just push Ever into someone else's arms ...

This is Book 5 in the Immortals series.

Damon and Ever can still only truly be together in Summerland ... the spell has not been broken, and they continue in their search for a way to break the spell that was placed on them by Roman.

Haven is on a mission to destroy the relationships Ever has with Damon and Jude and goes out of her way to make life a living hell for Ever. She tells Ever that there are secrets Damon is keeping from her that will change the way she feels. Ever searches for answers and stumbles across something that makes her heart heavy and her mind crazy. At this time, Jude is there to support her, unsure why she is keeping her distance from Damon, but also hoping that it could be the start for them as a couple.

Throughout this book - the story takes many twists and turns - Miles is the surprise, coming back from a summer in Paris, with his mind and eyes open and looking pretty hot if he says so himself!

Read this book - you will feel the love and the pain, and at the end, be looking for the next book - there has to be another one!

RATING : 7/10

BLOOD OATH by Christopher Farnsworth


First Published in 2010 by Hodder & Stoughton (GB)
Paperback - 390 pages
ISBN : 978 0 340 99814 4

ONLY ONE MAN CAN SAVE US… AND HE’S ALREADY DEAD.

Zach Barrows is an ambitious young White House staffer whose career takes an unexpected turn when he’s partnered with Nathaniel Cade, a secret agent sworn to protect the president. But Cade is no ordinary civil servant. Bound by a special blood oath, Cade has spent more than 140 years in service to the president, battling nightmares before they can break into the daylight world of the American dream.

Immediately Zach and Cade receive their first joint assignment: one that uncovers a shadowy government conspiracy and a plot to attack the Unites States with a gruesome new biological weapon. Zach soon learns that the world is far stranger, and far more dangerous, than he ever imagined . . . and that his partner is the least of his problems..

This book started off more like a spy thriller than a normal Vampire Book that we've read in the past .. and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it grabbed me. The story flowed quite well - as each character was introduced, you were given time to get to know them and have them settle into the story easily. There is a mixture of science fiction, fantasy and mystery mixed in with the supernatural.

This book was great reading - the movement of the old partner to the new - Zach. who actually can't believe that he is now spending every day side by side with a vampire. A real vampire. And when they receive their first assignment, Zach had no idea of what they are walking into and the changes that will happen to him. Because really, he is a snivelling little boy until he is made to grow up and face some realities about the world around him.

Naturally we have the good and bad sides in this book - wouldn't be much of a story if we didn't - and it's interesting watching the way they are dealt with.

This is the first book for Christopher, with the 2nd book in the Series - the President's Vampire to be released in April 2011. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to move away from YA Vampire style of books.

RATING : 8/10

Sunday, January 2, 2011

VAMPIRE ACADEMY FANS ...

*Vampire Academy is being made into a graphic novel!

*Vampire Academy film options have been sold! Read this to learn what's true and what's not--and how you can help get a movie made.

* Want Vampire Academy shirts, jewelry, and more? Click here.

LAST SACRIFICE by Richelle Mead

First Published in 2010
by Penguin Books Australia

Paperback : 594 Pages

ISBN : 9781921518904


Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules.

She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you?

This much awaited final installment in the Vampire Academy series of books does not let you down from start to finish. Rose and Dimitri are on the run, keeping Rose away from Court, while her friends work at proving that she did not kill Queen Tatiana. But as we all know, Rose has a way of letting trouble find her along the way - so she fights Strigoi once more, battles once again with Victor (can she trust him) and gets the last clues which will help prove her innocence, but destroy the heart of one of her closest friends.

Throw in the passion that she sees in Dimitri's face when he looks at her, and meeting up with Adrian in her dreams - she is confused about her feelings. I loved watching the way Rose dealt with it.

This book is brilliant - ties up loose ends, and brings true love together, for a perfect finish to the story.
If you are a Vampire Academy fan - you will love this book - I did.

Rating : 8/10

SISTER by Rosamund Lupton

Published By: Piatkus
Publication Date: September 2nd 2010
ISBN: 9780749942014
Format: Paperback

Nothing can break the bond between sisters …

When Beatrice gets a frantic call in the middle of Sunday lunch to say that her younger sister, Tess, is missing, she boards the first flight home to London. But as she learns about the circumstances surrounding her sister's disappearance, she is stunned to discover how little she actually knows of her sister's life – and unprepared for the terrifying truths she must now face.

The police, Beatrice's fiancé and even their mother accept they have lost Tess but Beatrice refuses to give up on her. So she embarks on a dangerous journey to discover the truth, no matter the cost.

The bond between sisters - is proven unbreakable in this book.

We follow the story of Beatrice jetting back to London, to help try to find her sister who is missing. And when Tess' body is found, it only pushes Beatrice further to squash the prejudiced verdict that she committed suicide. She knew her best, and refuses to believe that her funloving sister would take her own life.

The book is written in a way - that Beatrice has flashbacks to different times and places and the experiences that she shared with Tess, and at one point she feels like she is losing her mind. She's already lost her job back in the US and her fiancé is just one short step from leaving her for good.

But through all the dramas, hurdles and people that cross her path - she does get the answers - which shock her, but also gives her a peace that she would not have been able to find if she had accepted the original findings into Tess' death.

Read this book - you will enjoy it!

Rating : 7/10

HOMECOMING by Sue Ann Bowling

Copyright © 2010
Published by iUniverse Books

Paperback : 317 Pages

ISBN : 978 - 1- 4502 - 1315 - 8

Only a single R'il'nian, Lai, is left alive in the Confederation, and he is mourning his lost Human love, Cloudy. Humans are now running the last R'il'nian planet, Central, which has become both the de facto Capital of the Confederation and the hub of the slave trade in the Confederation.

Snowy, a young slave dancer, has a secret, one his mother told him would lead to his being killed if he were ever found out. He feels the emotions of others. More, he is capable of reading the minds of others, making objects move, and even Healing his own injuries and those of his friends. But he does not dare to tell even his slave friends of his abilities, which are frighteningly similar to those of the R'il'noids, and some of his cruelest masters have been R'il'noids.

Not all of the R'il'noids are monsters. Snowy and his friends are sold to Lai's half-brother, Derik, and when Snowy falls ill Derik is able to recognize the disease as Kharfun syndrome, which leaves Snowy totally paralyzed. Could Snowy himself be R'il'noid? His first response is the firm conviction that he is being lied to, though there isn't much he can do about it when he can't even move.

But beyond the borders of the Confederation is Riya, settled long ago by the R'il'nai. Here Marna is the sole survivor of a planet-wide epidemic, kept alive only by her determination to warn off any other R'il'nai who may find the doomed planet. She was on an isolation satellite studying a different disease when the epidemic started, but now the life-support system of the satellite has broken down. Can she avoid being infected, two centuries after everyone she has ever known has died? Does she even want to?

Lai, Marna and Snowy (now renamed Roi) have the potential to keep the Confederation going without turning it into the R'il'noid dictatorship envisioned by Lai's R'il'noid heir, Zhaim, but they will need all of Derik's help, and everything Roi has learned during his slavery, to succeed against Zhaim's machinations.

I knew absolutely nothing about this book when I got it. Into the first chapter, I felt like there was a possibility this book may just be 'over my head' ... we were introduced to a lot of characters and it was a bit of a struggle to keep them all lined up where they belonged. But, as I kept reading, I found that the characters helped me understand certain aspects that normally would have had me scratching my head.

You will fall in love with Snowy (Roi) - we've all known someone like him, and at times it was hard to remember that he was a teenager. But as a mother, I found that his safety and sanity became very important to me throughout the story.

Other characters - Lai, Marna and Derick all found a place in my heart - I think that Roi brought out elements of these characters that they themselves had (a) buried away deep inside or (b) never believed they possessed.

I found so many aspects of this book rang true for me. It should make us all stop and think - to learn to look after our planet and the people we share it with a lot better.

Thanks also Sue Ann - found something useful in there that I plan to use with my Reiki healing - maybe it's what has been missing for me. All in all, this is a good book. It gets hold of you and you will become totally engrossed in the story and characters and you'll actually be sad when you turn the page to find the story has finished. I would love to see this book made into a movie - it would be really interesting.

The only down side I could find to this book was that I struggled to picture the characters and the locations mentioned - but I am sure that was just me.

Do yourself a favor - READ THIS BOOK!

Rating : 8/10

Happy New Year - Welcome 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Let's hope that 2011 is going to be an amazing year for all of you.

Lots of great stuff planned for this year - looking forward to whatever it throws my way.

I hope that you all had a wonderful NYE and are looking forward to great things.