ARC Review: After Eden (After Eden, #1) by Helen Douglas

After Eden (After Eden, #1) by Helen Douglas

Publishers: Bloomsbury Childrens Books 

Published Date: Nov 5 2013

From: NetGalley

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

Synopsis:

When mysterious new boy Ryan Westland shows up at her school Eden Anfield is intrigued. On the face of it, he's a typical American teenager. So how come he doesn't recognise pizza and hasn't heard of Hitler? What puzzles Eden most, however, is the interest he's taking in her.

As Eden falls in love with Ryan, she stumbles across a book in Ryan's bedroom - a biography of her best friend - written fifty years in the future. Unravelling Ryan's secret, she discovers he has one unbelievably important purpose ... and she might just have destroyed his only chance of success.

US Cover

Review:

Firstly I loved that this book was set in England! In Cornwall, no less!! It makes a refreshing change to read about England when the YA market is swamped by American writers. Not that there's anything wrong with that by this was just refreshing, as I said!

So, Eden spots the new boy at school. He stunningly good looking, has a strange accent and despite the more popular girls attaching themselves to him, he seems to like Eden a whole lot more. They become friends, although Eden is quick to spot irregularities in his story of why he's in Cornwall with his sister and dad. A chance mistake when she picks up her homework books has an autobiography of her best friend, Connor, in her book bag. She's eager to find out the truth about Ryan's real reason for being in Perran. What she learns is not only that her life is in danger now that she knows the truth but also that her best friend discovered another planet which in turn poisons Earth. Yes, folks, everyone is doomed!! Ryan and Eden work against the clock to change history.

This is an easy read book, I finished it in around 3 hours. The writing is simple yet image evoking and the characters are all normal teenage kids. Some of the dialogue was a little messy sometimes but I liked the clear depiction of 16 year olds living in UK. The romance was very innocent and sweet too. This isn't a book I would normally read, I would go for something with an older or wiser protagonist but Eden is young and innocent and that's just how she is.

I also loved the sci-fi aspect. The author tells us about the night sky, gas giants, constellations, planetary systems and its really interesting to learn how an author sees an alternative life-bearing planet like Earth thriving and prospering but also with similar dangers.

A great read for all younger teenagers who love sci-fi with a sprinkling of romance!

You can reach Helen Douglas here: 

Web
Goodreads

Review: Elemental: Origin (Primord #1.5) by Alexandra May

Elemental: Origin (Primord #1.5) by Alexandra May

Publishers: Pauma Publishing

Published Date: April 4th 2013

From: Bought

My rating: 4 out of 5

Synopsis:

What happened to the two missing bloodlines?
How did the Xipilé’s amass their fortune?
Who was behind Mira’s accident?
And what is Amy’s secret?

Spencer Phillips, Daisy Frost, Andrew Orelían and Aiden Deverill open up their hearts and minds to reveal some of the secrets from Elemental: The First in this in-between short story.

Review:

This wasn't what I expected at all. Elemental: Origin goes behind the scenes before that last chapter of Elemental: The First with a final chapter just after. Told from 5 different side-characters, it delves into the background of the Dacomés and Xipile´s. We learn a little more about the characters and motives. The one thing Origin taught me is not to assume anything! The world Alexandra May is weaving is becoming more clearer as another book is announced. Now I can't wait for Circle of Fire! Only marked down because it's a novella and I wanted to read more!

You can reach Alexandra May here: 

Web  Goodreads

Available from Amazon:

    

Cover Reveal: Elemental: The Circle of Fire by Alexandra May

I'm so excited to reveal the cover of Alexandra May's next book, sequel to Elemental: The First and Elemental: Origin!

I've been waiting for this for a while now. I hope there's lots of Aiden in this one!

Here it is!!

 

Elemental: The Circle of Fire
(Primord Series #2)

by Alexandra May

Rose Frost discovers from Aiden Deverill, the bad boy around town, that they are Primord Elementals in hiding. They may be from the same group of ancients, born way before humans existed on the earth, but that doesn't mean she has to like him.

Rose wakes up one morning in hospital having no idea how she got there. She soon learns that one of the Xipilé’s is dead. Rumours circulate that she killed Spencer Phillips, Aiden’s best friend, but Rose has no recollection. Her memory of that fateful night has been erased. Spurned by her friends and hated by the other Xipilés, Rose plunges to the depths of an emotional spiral that she may never get out of. The only person who can truly help her plays with fire.

On this heroic and fast paced journey, Rose begins with a key but poignant tragedy. Her time for the Unburdening and Integration into Halíka Dacomé draws near. The impeding arrival of the outer Xipilé clade, who want her dead, is looming. Strange asteroids in space draw in a new 21st century world-wide audience, linking their appearance to Halíka Dacomé. Is Ben’s plan of an apocalyptic disaster drawing near? Does he really want to rid the world of the human race and make way for the coming of the Primords?

The myth is becoming legend and Rose’s sanity is being tested. Rose Frost only has seven days to find out the truth, once and for all, before it’s too late.

Expected Publication: June 2017

Check it out here on Goodreads

Review: The Battle for Arcanon Major by Alexandra May

 

 

The Battle for Arcanon Major (The Lost Dacome Files) by Alexandra May

Published Date: January 13th 2013

My rating: 5 out of 5

Synopsis:

“As daughter of our ruler I grew up in the crossfire of an ongoing war... All I’d ever wanted to be was a great warrior and ultimately lead my people into victorious battles."

With only a small army at her command Halíka Dacomé, a skilled warrior and daughter of the Elemental King, is ready to lead one final battle to save her planet. A battle against the savage, bloodthirsty Primords who want to extinguish the diminished race of Elementals once and for all.

But before battle commences her father is given an ultimatum from the enemy leader, Arfron Uhnok. If the king agrees, Halíka Dacomé must marry Arfron Uhnok to prevent further bloodshed. If the king disagrees they, as a race, will all perish.

Horrified by her fathers decision Halíka Dacomé leads her army onward regardless of the consequences. Because her heart belongs to another. A love that blossomed many years ago. A love that her father has forbidden.

Halíka faces her toughest battle yet and learns that not all battles are those fought with a sword...


The Battle for Arcanon Major is an epic love story set against the backdrop of war and is the first Prequel to Elemental: The First

Review:
Another book I championed last year was Elemental: The First. I was eagerly awaiting the sequel and surprised when Alexandra May decided to publish another book first. I can't wait for the sequel but when this came up at Net Galley I was intrigued.

And I read it in about 4 hours straight. It comes right into the story, at a crunch time and then just as you think you know how it's going to pan out, everything changes! The ending is one of the saddest I've read in a long time, and I'm very glad this is only number 1 of the Lost dacomé files because I'm dying to find out what happens next.

So, without giving away too many spoiler, Halika Dacome is threatened with a union with the opposing war lord. But they have other plans. Just as an agreement is met, lots of important people are murdered in front of her eyes and her father is spared on the assumption that all the Elementals are going to die anyway. But Halika doesn't believe that, she thinks they stand a chance of winning the war against the enemy. When her childhood friends arrive they bring war ships that enable her to stand a fighting chance. She also begins her bittersweet romance with Nerido Xipile (who I thought she hated from the first book Elemental: The First).

Anyway just as everything seems to be going to plan, it all falls apart. And not in a good way. There's an interesting chapter right at the end called Double Cross and that's exactly what happens. Except its not from all the people you expect, well it is and it isn't. You'll find out if you read it.

The world building and royal/political systems, the way of life, and the sheer characterisations in this book are mesmerising. I felt every high of happiness, and every low when it all went wrong. I even had a wobbly chin at the end when the Scribe finishes the story.

Absolutely this is a book to read. It doesn't matter if you enjoy Sci-fi or not, the story is of the characters and not of the world they live in.

5 out of 5 - I loved it!

-CB x

See my message from Alexandra May (received last year) here

You can reach Alexandra May here:

Web   Twitter   Facebook   Goodreads

x

**News Flash** Waiting on Wednesday (#4) - Elemental: The Circle of Fire by Alexandra May

** THIS WEEK **

Elemental: The Circle of Fire - Cover still to be revealed
Publishing Date: TBC

~~

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

~~

The blurb from Goodreads:

Rose Frost discovers from Aiden Deverill, the bad boy around town, that she’s a Primord Elemental in hiding and just like him, sort of. Rose always knew there was something off when he was around. She can never get a reading or feel his essence like she can other people. Her sensory abilities just won’t work.

Instead she has to use her female intuition which isn't always a good thing. He may be dazzlingly gorgeous with his sapphire blue eyes and black hair, and he may be from the same group of ancient races that her ancestors come from.
But it doesn't mean she has to like him. Until he tells her that he never wants to see her again.

Rose realises she’s on her own once more, she must find her missing grandmother, and some strange crystals to prevent the worst from happening - an apocalypse, the end of mankind. But a tragedy immediately happens for which Rose fears she may never recover from fully, and emotionally she plunges to the depths.

Her weird dreams of Nerído Xipilé make her second-guess Aiden once more. Is he really as evil as his grandfather? Does Rose have the ability to cure the black hatred that lies in his heart?

On this non-stop and fast paced journey, Rose comes into her own, discovers new abilities and the reason why she's considered The First. She faces new enemies and must deal with unexpected obstacles particularly when her gift is caught on camera exposing her to the world media.

But the only person who can truly rescue her in the end plays with fire.

Her time for the Unburdening and Integration into Halika Dacomé draws near, she only has seven days to find out the truth, once and for all, before it’s too late.

I contacted Alexandra May recently to ask when the cover would be available. Due to personal circumstances the book will be delayed again. The Circle of Fire was originally due to be published in January 2012 but was put back to May 2012 and now its a TBC. This is Alex's message that she allowed me to share with you:

Dear Charlotte


Thank you so much for featuring Elemental: The Circle of Fire as your 'Waiting on Wednesday' feature.


People say that art emulates life and none could be so true as this book and my Rose Frost stories! It took me 18 months to finally complete Elemental: The First. I had to continue every day life while I wrote every night and it was a labour of love in the end.


Since its publication in July 2011 I've written 2 more books, one being Elemental: The Circle of Fire and the other The Lost Dacome Files: The Battle of Arcanon Major. Both are still incomplete and its been difficult to get them to a finished state because of what's happening outside of my writing.


I live in Southern Europe with my boyfriend of 12 years. In September 2011 he was offered a new position in Saudi Arabia, Middle East (who knew?). All of a sudden everything had to be put on hold. Would he take the job? Should he take it? In December, just before Christmas last year, he left to take up his new role. It was a lifetime opportunity that we couldn't turn down.


To say that I went through dark days following his departure is an understatement. For anyone who has been in a long term marriage or relationship they will understand that. I was afraid of writing anything because what I would put down on paper would be akin to lemmings jumping off a cliff. And Elemental: CoF didn't deserve any more darkness than is included already. 


Today, my partner is incredibly happy, settled and waiting for me, except I'm unable to join him in KSA because we're not married. Saudi Arabia is a difficult country to get into. They don't allow tourists and its effectively a 'closed country'. So now I'm packing up my house, arranging for 2 dogs to be vaccinated, sponsored, visa'd, and I'm getting married (to the delight of our parents) and I can finally join him once the Saudi authorities allow me entry. My life is hectic beyond belief, full of bureaucracy and endless paperwork but I'm hoping I'll be able to relocate to Saudi Arabia around June/July of this year.


Elemental: The Circle of Fire will be rescheduled for a release date towards the latter part of the year. The readers who enjoyed Elemental: The First don't deserve a book churned out just to be published. They deserve a story that's had my full attention. I'm a perfectionist so until I'm 100% happy, the story will have to wait. Being self-published isn't always easy but the upside of that is I'm in control.


For all my readers out there who are waiting to find out if Morgan and Rose make it, let me tell you this. Elemental: The Circle of Fire will be worth the wait!


Charlotte, once again, thank you for your ongoing loyalty and keep up your blogging!

With best regards

Alexandra May
info@alexandramay.co.uk
www.alexandramay.co.uk

Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Synopsis:
Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Review:
I love Sci-fi Romance, and last year I read a few but none could come up to the standard of Alexandra May or Lizzie Ford. Most left me wanting.

I read Daimon and Half-Blood right before this one so I knew I like Armentrout's writing style but what I didn't expect was such a great book with a completely different YA genre.

The main character of Katy is a great heroine, and narrator. Her perception is sound and her attitude is the typical don't-take-any-crap heroine that we all love. But what I liked so much was her hate-like-hate relationship with Daemon. She pretty much thinks he's a jerk for up to half way in the book, although she does like his twin sister, Dee. Dee is a great character too and one you can't help feeling sorry for. During their many spats, Dee stands as the go-between to Katy and Daemon, and truly acts like a best friend ought to despite her brothers attitude. In fact, all of the characters were well fleshed out and easy to imagine.

The story itself is quite a simple one once you take out the romance. However, Armentrout picks out the very best storytelling for this one and tells it well.

Now I can't wait for the second one, and I REALLY want to find out what happens next.

Armentrout has just jumped up on my list of favourite authors, and definitely one to watch out for in 2012

You can reach Jennifer L Armentrout here:

Web

Twitter

 Facebook: Profile 

Blog

Email
Goodreads

View all my reviews

So many books for 2012...

2012 is going to be sooo exciting! With so many books coming out this year plus new and exciting author debuts, we've updated our Most Wanted books page and added more.

Check it to see if we've missed any...!!

What is your 'Most Wanted' book of 2012? We'd loved to know!

Review: Exiled by RaShelle Workman

Exiled by RaShelle Workman

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Synopsis:

Stubborn, sixteen-year-old Princess Venus of Kelari wants one thing, to become immortal, that is, until someone exiles her to Earth, kills her irrihunter and takes her family.

Now she wants revenge.

First she’s got to get home. But before she can return to Kelari, the Gods have commanded her to help an arrogant boy named Michael find his soul mate. Only she doesn't know the first thing about love.

Rather quickly, her inexperience with human emotion is obscured by other matters—alien-controlled psychotic teens that are out to kill her, and a government group that is set on capturing and dissecting her.

Worst of all, Venus will suffer a painful death-by-poisoning, thanks to Earth’s atmosphere, if she remains on the planet longer than one week. Still, Venus is a Princess and she's got a plan. Surely, with her help, Michael will fall in love with a human.

But time is running out and Michael is falling for the wrong girl—her.

Review:

I'm sooo disappointed. I've been waiting to read this book for so long but....

The writing was okay. In parts the dialogue was terrible. The teenage lingo-speak dialogue was cringe-worthy. The stereotypical high school elements were nauseating.

The only solid character in the whole book was Zaren. Solid, through and through. All the rest including Venus were so opaque it wasn't funny.

The story was so confusing and preposterious (especially near the end) that it made a good idea too complicated to read easily, I had to keep checking back to try and understand the story. Plus, large parts of 'tell' and no 'show'.

The romance was icky,and Venus was jumping off the walls every time Michael or Zaren were nearby.

Thoroughly disappointed and I love YA sci-fi. If you want to read a good book try Keira's Moon by Lizzy Ford or Elemental: The First by Alexandra May. So much better.

View all my reviews

Review: Elemental: The First by Alexandra May

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Synopsis:
Just who is Halíka Dacomé?

To Rose Frost, moving house every six months is normal. Another new town here, another new school there, her ability to adapt is as easy as breathing. But everything changes when her parents go overseas and Rose moves in with her grandmother. She enjoys meeting new friends and catching up with old ones from her childhood holidays — except now she must hide a precious secret from everyone, a gift from birth that defies modern day science.

Her dreams become riddled with a warrior woman called Halíka Dacomé, but are they visions or messages from the future? She starts her own investigation but encounters more questions than answers. Living right on the edge of Warminster in Wiltshire doesn’t help with its folklore and myths about strange lights in the sky and ghost stories of the Salisbury Plain

Not only that, her troubles really take hold one night when the mysterious Aiden Deverill with his alluring smile, his gorgeous dark looks and hypnotising blue eyes, saves her from a freak fire. Or did he?

For Rose, her new life is beginning but she soon realises that despite assurances people are not always what they seem. What she always believed to be a happy family and a friendly town soon turns on its head when she discovers that her family secret, Aiden Deverill and the truth behind Halíka Dacomé is at the heart of the whole conspiracy.

My Review:

RECOMMENDED!!!

This is original and different and for all intents starts as a good book about a gifted girl. But nothing is as it seems!

Rose is taught from an early age not to trust anyone and also not draw any attention to her mysterious gift. With the help of her family she goes through childhood believing she's ordinary but with something extra. Her father has a dangerous job so secrecy is paramount. They often have to move home quickly, to new locations, because bad people are after him. This time her parents are moving abroad but Rose must live in the safety of her grandmothers home. A home she knows well from childhood holidays.

When Rose moves back to Warminster she meets up with two old friends and starts to fit into a new normal life. They accept her as she is and quickly she's pulled into helping out another friend who's father has gone missing. Rose starts to have feelings for Morgan, and he's perfect and clearly likes her in return but someone else occipies her thoughts. She's drawn to Aiden in a different way, almost like her gift wants to reach out to him. He's mysterious, dangerous and gorgeous but she knows that something isn't right about him. If anything he's more like her than anyone she's ever met.

But Rose must focus on the main issue and that is finding her friends father but little does she know that the mystery surrounding the missing townspeople has more to do with her, her past and the strange woman that occupies her dreams.

As the threads start to pull together there are twists and turns at every moment. Just when you think you have an idea about who is the culprit, another clue crops in and sends you into another direction.

This book is a mystery, suspense, romance with an alternative take on the conspiracies and myths surrounding Wiltshire, England. The suspense is nicely paced and the ending is a show stopper. This is the kind of book I like. For one thing while it might annoy some people, it's isn't fast and pacey to get through lots of pointless filler. In fact, the story doesn't stop from the beginning to the end. The other characters are great including Daisy (Rose's grandmother). The beautiful descriptions shouldn't be missed as you realise that clues are given to you from the beginning, you find your sense of being in the book and by the end you know your way around and don't want to leave. The area of Wiltshire sounds fascinating and May does a great job of including local myths and folklore.

I loved the romance part of it! It kicks in half way through and you are torn between Morgan and Aiden (Team Aiden). This isn't a love triangle as I originally thought. Something much deeper is going on with these two and when you find out the truth it stuns you.

This is an absolutely unique and original story and I recommend EVERYONE of all ages to read it!!

For a first novel the author's done a fantastic job. Looking forward to the second one now.
-CB

See my message from Alexandra May here

You can reach Alexandra May here:

Web   Twitter   Facebook   Email    Goodreads

x

Here's the Book Trailer! Enjoy!

View all my reviews