Review - Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:
St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever


My Review:-
I'm a fan of vampire books. I read Twilight and thought it wasn't great. I've read a few others and ...boring, boring....

But I dare anyone to tell me that this book didn't draw you in. It is funny, witty, the plots are amazing, and the characters are great (except for Lissa who I thought was a bit flaky but that's just her!). If you like vampire books, you must read it. If you hate vampire books, you must read it.

The characters are all fascinating, Rose Hathaway comes across as a bit mouthy but its all talk. It's why we love her and you can't help but admire Dimitri Belikov..


A great, great read.

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Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Synopsis:
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punish...more.
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary.
But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.



Review:
For those of you that have severe Harry Potter withdrawal then this book is for you. Sophie joins Hex Hall having little know-how of her powers (which keep doing everything but what she wants) nor any real knowledge of her father.

But things get a whole lot stranger when she's made to join a coven, and her major crush turns about to be her enemy's boyfriend. Plus her new room-mate is a vampire who allegedly killed the previous occupant of her bed.

This book is wonderfully written, almost whimsical at times. The flow and pace keep you wanting more, and the story doesn't disappoint. I thought when I started that I would hate it but I ended up loving the characters, the setting and even the magical talk which is kept to a nice minimum.

My only wish was that there would be more interaction with Sophie and Archer, and maybe a little more emotion. What we had was nice but it was quite tame considering many YA books these days have more sexual tension than some adult books.

A wonderful and, I'm sure, a great start to a new series.

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Review - The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Late one night, exploring her father's library, a young woman finds an ancient book and a cache of yellowing letters addressed ominously to 'My dear and unfortunate successor'. Her discovery plunges her into a world she never dreamed of - a labyrinth where the secrets of her father's past and her mother's mysterious fate connect to an evil hidden in the depths of history.

In those few quiet moments, she unwittingly assumes a quest she will discover is her birthright - a hunt for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, the medieval ruler whose barbarous reign formed the basis of the Dracula myth. Deciphering obscure signs and hidden texts, reading codes worked into the fabric of medieval monastic traditions, and evading terrifying adversaries, one woman comes ever closer to the secret of her own past and a confrontation with the very definition of evil.

Elizabeth Kostova's debut novel is an adventure of monumental proportions - a captivating tale that blends fact and fantasy, history and the present with an assurance that is almost unbearably suspenseful - and utterly unforgettable.

My Review:

Tremendous debut novel. Great imagery and a steady story. I love this book all the way through until near the end. Then I was HUGELY disappointed and felt the story lack the final umph! That's why I've left the final star off from becoming a 5 out of 5.

Great writing, tons of story and background.

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Review - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

3 out of 5

Synopsis:

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol. Catching Fire maintains the adrenaline rush of Suzanne Collins's series launch.

My Review:

I'm pretty sure I've developed a love-hate relationship with this series. These books aren't bad, not at all, they just can't manage to capture me! I got into the first book a lot quicker than this one; after half the book had passed I still didn't feel that need to finish it so I actually had to take a break for a while. And while the first book felt original--one of the reasons to why I did end up really enjoying it--this one felt more as a repetition of the same story. I know that it didn't end up the same, far from, but that was during the last 30% and when I actually became glued to the pages.

After that ending though, I have to read the final one. Have to, not really wanting to. Don't get me wrong, I do want to know what to happens to the characters. Very much! I just don't want to read the books. There's something about the way they're written that just feels so drawn-out and slow that I don't want to drag myself through another one. I want to read because it's fun and not find reasons to get out of reading. But I really can't leave the characters without knowing what will happen now and thus I will get the final book as well. See; love-hate relationship.

I have to say that the last part of this book did bump it up from a 2 star rating to a 3 one though. I can say one thing; even if I don't like actually reading them, there's nothing wrong with the plot and characters!

Review: The Iron Queen (Iron Fey, #3) by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Synopsis:
My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.



Review:

By far, the best of the series yet.

Meghan is stronger, more developed and now ready to make the important life or death choices. The bittersweet moments with Ash took my breath away, and I loved that Puck was ready to be the best friend that he always was.

The war is coming and Meghan must join with the Summer and Winter Courts to fight the false Iron King. And she does it in style.

The twists and turns in this book will leave you exasperated, the pages of the book will not turn quick enough, and the emotions high and low will need you wanting a tissue.

No higher praise can go to Kagawa for this wonderful inspirational story that ends with such a climax that will leave you begging for Iron Knight immediately!

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Review - The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Synopsis
Two Hearts. One Hope.
Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter's daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her---a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.
When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.

My Review:

I didn't realise this was a 'Christian' novel so sorry if my comments upset anyone.The story was good, very sweet fairytale-ish and I enjoyed it but...

Sometimes there was a little too much swooning and tears whenever she saw either of the brothers. I would have liked a little more backbone from the main character. I felt that the author overemphasised her feelings. One or two words would have been enough but sentence after sentence, it just dragged on.

There was a lot of gazing into eyes but not much dialogue (along with the swooning), I would have preferred a little more interaction and wit from the characters.

I am now aware that this is a Christian novel but I noticed towards the end that the rate of 'O God and O Lord' almost trebled along with copious amounts of bible quotes and praying. It was a little overkill.

The picture setting was great and the author clearly knows her stuff. Gunthur and Hildy were my favourites!

A good read and I've given it three stars but I wouldn't read it again.

 ~

Heres the book trailer! Enjoy!

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Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:
Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Review:

Meghan! How can you be so frustrating!!! I wanted to believe that she understood Ash’s position in the Winter Court. How many times did he tell her that the Court would play on her emotions and strip her of all feeling if she showed any. Then at the worst possible moments she blurts out that she loves Ash, right in front of his evil brother, Rowan. From then on all hell breaks loose and Meghan puts aside her naivety finally understands but for me it’s her bravery and kindness that makes her shine.

The romance with Ash and Meghan reaches new heights and he explains why he’s scared to love again. But when Puck arrives back on the scene things get a little twisted in Meghan’s head.

The story is quick paced and continues non-stop. I loved this book, but not as much as the other two before it. I nearly cried when Ash was at Meghan’s house, and she stuck by him even though he’d done those terrible things.

The writing of Kagawa is gorgeous and this is no poor sequel to Iron King. It’s so much more…

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