BR; Touch of Power - Maria V Snyder

What s the cost of a deal with the devil when you have the powers of a god? When Avry was growing up, Kazan was a prosperous land, rich in resources and served by a respected tribe of healers. Until the plague came. Developed by the poor territories to the north and west, the terrifying disease ravaged the people of Kazan and drove Avry s family away. Four years later, imprisoned for using her powers, Avry s beginning to lose hope, when a band of strange men break into her cell and steal her away. They need her special magic to save their prince. The Prince who ordered the plague s first release. Avry s freedom now rests on using her healing touch to save the very man who took away everything she loved...

Yet again Maria V snyder is creeping up to the spot of my favourite author. 'Touch of Power' was amazing! It starts as one of those throw you into a world, and explain it later books. Snyder does this very well. Her use of description really sets a scene, no matter where in the world they are. Her characters are three dimensional, and complex. 'Belen' is the most lovable character ever (Poppa Bear!) Another thing I liked is that we had two very opposing personalities, who want different things, but we don't find out their motivation until about 3/4 of the way in...which keeps us guessing, and leaves everything open to possibility. We also do not know, who we want to win this war. Estrid, Tohen, or Rhyne? Obviously the later into the novel we go, the more we make up our own minds. Snyder has allowed us a great deal of freedom in this novel.
I like the comparative elements with Snyders' world and the black death. The plague in the book is totally destructive, and has destroyed the 15 realms. So much so, that people turned against each other, and also against 'the healers', the only people who could help them. Which causes our heroine, `Avry', to become an outcast, hiding from the law, afraid to use her powers for fear of execution. This is another book, that features a heavy theme of survival in the wild. In fact most of the novel, is spent with Avry and the men trapcing through the woods or hiding out in caves. Yet it never got boring, the action never stopped. Their was definate passion driving this book. Obviously having read Snyders books before, I knew something was going to develop between Kerrick and Avry, although she didn't half make us wait! I liked the addition the author made, that meant physical contact enhanced their powers...it drew them closer.
Avry's charcter, like most of Snyder's female leads, was wonderful. Witty, sarcastic, not afraid to get stuck in, proud, and smart. She had very funny interactions with the other characters, but also had a clearly vulnerable side. We were at a bit of a disadvantage with our opinion of her, as in our first introduction she is risking her life, saving a dieing child. We have no option but to like her. But we want to like her, the more the novel goes on, the more we become attachted to her character...which we know is a bad idea, as she tells us what will happen if she heals Rhyne...we try Avrys tactic of not getting too close to any of them, but as it doesn't for her, it doesn't work for us...we grow an attatchment to these characters.
I give this book a 9/10. I'm so excited to read the next one, but have to wait till next year. Beautifully written, wonderful flow, good characters, well thought out and delivered plot... just a stunning read.



BR; Blue Bloods - Melissa de la Cruz

Within New York City’s most elite families, there lurks a secret society of celebrated Americans whose ancestors sailed on the Mayflower. They are the powerful and the wealthy—and in fact, they are not human. They are the Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires.
Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious New York City private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapidated mansion. Schuyler is a loner—and happy that way.
But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler’s life changes dramatically. She has a mosaic of blue veins on her arms, and craves raw meat. The death of a popular girl from Duchesne is surrounded by a mystery that haunts her. And strangest off all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing a sudden interest in her.
Schuyler wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

Well where to start...I guess I should congratulate the author for trying something different with vampires...that is the only slightly good thing I have to say about this book. I'm rather fed up with this clique; rich, sophisticated, bratty, beach dwelling idea of vampires. This book seems to have just jumped on this horrendous band wagon.
 I understand the point of emphasising the excessive use if brands, and clothing styles, but it is too much. These names overtake the story, seemingly replacing normal description - these confusing, long lists of brand names, take away from any potential plot line. The remaining plot, doesn't flow well at all, comes across as fruitless, with no action, or romantic interest. There was no sense of passion, no clear idea of where the book was going...
 Needless to say I didn't enjoy this book at all, it was a real effort to keep going. The characters were flat, with no emotion. There were basic layouts for some really interesting characters, specifically Dylan (was his name Dylan??) anyway all this potential went to waste...as everything seemed rushed, despite nothing happening. These teenagers just accepted they were vampires/blue bloods, in the equivalent of 15 minutes! And why the author decided to gloss over the conversation where they are told they are the undead is beyond my comprehension! I do not understand how she thought that would work.
I give this book a 2.5/10 rating. I was tempted to give it a 1/10, but it was saved a bit, because the idea behind the novel had potential, it just wasn't pulled off in the writing.

BR; Graceling and Fire - Kristin Cashore

 'Graceling' by Kristin Cashore
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Graceling-Kristin-Cashore/dp/0575085304/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296636013&sr=8-1
I finished it over the space of a few days, and it was honestly one of the best things I've ever read. Although the world was nowhere near as vast or expansive as Tolkeins' in LOTR, Cashores' world sucked you in...I found myself knowing things about the places, and ways to get to each one, pretty soon after beginning, which really helps you get into the story.
Her characters were although in some way rather typical, still captivating. More so than the individual characters, you fell in love with their relationships. From beginning to end, I was screaming for Katsa and Po, to I quote 'JUST DO IT ALREADY!' But their relationship was so sweet and in an odd way pure, that I was willing to let them take their time :) You fell in love with everyone you were supposed to; Katsa, Po, Raffin, Bitterblue, etc...and you hated those you were meant to hate; Randa, Giddion, King Leck, etc...
And the ending, although predictable to me, was so touching, it genuinley warmed my heart

A wow of a read, and I loved it so much I hobbled down to the library to get the second book.
'Fire'
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-Kristin-Cashore/dp/0575085134/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1296636474&sr=1-1
The cover for this book even more beautiful than the first. This book is set about 30 years before Graceling, and the main character is 'Fire', the 17 year old monster. I loved that in this book Kristin had invented these 'Monsters', things so beautiful that they stole your breath before entering your mind, and then eating you. Easily you can envision these brightly coloured creatures swarming in this world that now exists in my head. In my opinion the characters in 'Fire' are alot easier to love than those in 'Graceling', I just feel like I was allowed more of a connection with them in this book. I have not yet finished it, and am still currently screaming now for Fire and Bridgon to 'JUST GET ON WITH IT ALREADY!' Although I feel sorry for Archer, and hope that he too is allowed a happy ending.

I wrote this along time ago, and now know what Archer sadly does not get his happy ending...but I loved the ending. Everyone needs a Brigain in their life! So much adventure, an action packed journey I have revisited time and time again.
So inspiring, amazingly written, brilliant characters, touching relationships, emotion stirring...simply stunning.
If you get the chance...no....go out of your way to read these books, and look out for the 3rd installment ' BITTERBLUE', due to come out at some point in the future.

BR; The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. But Katniss has been clse to death before-and survival, for her, is second nature. The Hunger Games is a searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present. Welcome to the deadliest reality TV show ever...

(me cozy in bed, with my book...you know the saying a reader never goes to bed alone...)

All I heard all over the internet was how amazing this book was, so of course I had to read it, to find out for myself. I was not dissapointed!! This book was totally captivating, and I finished it in less than a day. I loved Katniss' character, she was just so strong, but had such a relatable side, you really respect her for her survival instinct. The book was rather fast-paced...with very little introduction, and explaining the characters life throughout the novel, breaking it up, which keeps the action moving, and allows character insight. The authors writing style was very easy to read, very flowing. It creates questions over what you would do to survive...these people are pushed into situations where they are forced to kill each other. Their is a real sense of an overall loss of humanity here.
 The author cleverly keeps you on your toes with Peetas' character. I could never tell what was part of the game, and what wasn't. Personally I still don't trust him...I guess we'll find out in 'Catching Fire'! (When I actually get around to ordering it) I instantly really liked Gales' character, even though he was only in the book for a chapter or two...I know he'll be a favourite of mine in the next book.
This was beautifully written, but in a very down to earth way. With lovely descriptions, and realistic characters...
There is so much I could say about this book, and also not alot at all...it is one of those books you simply must read for yourself. So I will keep this brief.
I give it a 10/10 rating, yes it's that good!


Next book review will most likley be on 'Touch of Power' by Maria V Snyder :)

BR; Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare

Magic is dangerous - but love is more dangerous still... When sixteen-year-old 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 hunted, 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.

(photo to come soon)

I haven't read the Mortal Instruments' series yet, and decided to instead start with 'The Infernal Devices', the prequel to the series. Firstly I must say. the setting was really appealing to me - rainy, Victorian London, this was very atmospheric. I really think Clare made the right choice regarding the time period of this story. It allowed the characters to have much more depth.
Tessa is a great example of this. Her character fighting against the courtesys and morals of her upbringing, to become a fighter and to become equal to men. This book is very much about female empowerment, and is full of strong feminine characters. Charlotte and Henrys relationship is also a good use of characters breaking away from their stereotypes. Charlotte is the one who is incharge of the organisation, whilst her husband is more than happy to step back and entertain himself. Their relationship would obviously be considered backwards in everyday Victorian Society, and even other characters in the order have a problem with the way Henry presents himself.
This book also has elements fantasy and steampunk. The role of the automatons was very cleverly used, and it helped emphasize the humanity of the other characters. Humanity being a theme that reaccurs throughout the book. Specifically revolving around Tessas' character who is struggeling to maintain her humaity, and is fighting against this label of 'Warlock'. The book was left on a good cliff-hanger for the next one, due out in November, and I for one will definatley be reading it. As I hope there is a lot more development for Tessa and Wills' relationship...something I feel was lacking in 'Clockwork Angel'. It was obvious that Clare was trying to make Will as solitary and mysterious as she could, but I think there should have been a stronger connection established between these two characters. We don't know much about Will at all, except that he does indeed have a gentle side, but only when it comes to 'Jeb' who he greatly cares about. Pretty much everything about him is still a mystery, which i think will bring many readers back to the next book.
Overall this was a good interesting read. I didn't feel overwhelmed with the fantasy element, yet everything remained well explained. The characters were interesting and relatable. Clares' writing style had a very natural feel to it, with a good amount of description but again not overwheming the reader. I would give this book a 7.5/10, but definatley recommend it is read, as I feel the follow up book, will bring better things.

BR; The Magic Cottage - James Herbert

The last James Herbert book I read was 'The Secret of Crickley Hall', which left me hiding under my duvet, and quaking in my slipper boots, at two in the morning. So I had very high expectations for this book.
Firstly I'm unsure on whether I liked the fact the novel was written with hindsight - I think perhaps this spoiled some of the tension that should have occured naturally. The thing that struck me most to start with was the writing style. It is written to the reaser, not FOR the reader. It was so different from 'Crickley Hall' it took some time to adjust. The writing style also narrowed our own opinions, looking through the eyes of a biased man throughout.
But once I got used to it, I allowed myself to be sucked in by the changing moods and atmospheres. Herebert created these very well, allowing a great deal of empathy. He used alot of imagrey and vivid description, which really set every scene. I was impressed by Herberts ability to create a serene, magical atmosphere - I thought it may have been out of his comfort zone, but he was surprisingly good at it. The words and feelings were beautiful.
After reading his other work, I couldn't help but compare them. And this book was so....slow... nothing happened. Only very mild spikes of action were envoloped in this perfect world. And that action that did take place was not at all dramatic. I don't feel I developed a connection with the characters at all...I had no qualms over whether they lived or died. We were forced to focus so much on 'Graymere' as a place and it's energy, I just didn't get that character bond I always look for.
I give this book a 6/10. It was definatley not Herberts best work, by far. And knowing that probably lowered this score another point. I expected much more...plain and simple.

BR; Goddess Of Legend - PC Cast

Isabel, a world-weary photojournalist, is grounded back home in Oklahoma, when her car plummets off a bridge into a lake. Struggling on the edge between life and death, she's miraculously saved by the Water Goddess, but with one tiny caveat: Isabel must travel to another time to seduce the legendary Lancelot du Lac away from Queen Guinevere. Simple. After all, the handsome knight is a dream for any woman in any century. Unfortunately Isabel is the one who's seduced - by the soulful eyes of the wise and soft-spoken King Arthur. But for Isabel, a deal is a deal. Now, the King watches as fate takes from him the mysterious beauty he has come to worship, knowing all too well that any interference on his part could destroy the kingdom he loves.
This is the first book I've read of PC Casts' Summoning Series', and I must say it was a pleasant surprise. 99% of the book is set in Camelot, where our leading lady is sent back in time, to save Arthur and Merlin. Although she's supposed to be around the age of forty, Isabel was a very relatable character, this could be due to the easy-going nature with which the book was written. Despite the use of historical, old-age language, it still felt like reading any other modern day fiction...because our main characters thought patterns, were told in our language as she was from our present day. However the language barrier between Isabel and the rest of Camelot caused some rather funny moments (GOOSE POLE!)
This book was very wordy, almost entirley dialogue. Very little action occured, and that which did was very far apart - although to Casts' credit the book never got boring, and she kept us engrossed using emotion and relationshiops.
King Arthurs physical description waws very appealing... but, and this may have been Casts' intention, he came across as way too perfect, practically flawless. This could have been the authors way of saying that as a modern day woman you have to travel back in time to find a decent man. Arthur did have some bad points, but these were mainly related to his time period. His way of thinking was different to Isabels which caused a few arguments.
As a contrast to Isables mature character, we were given Gwyn, who came across as a fickle teenager. She really annoyed me, playing the incompitent fool. But it made me appreciate Isabels demeanor more.
Now...Usually I would complain that the heroine accepted time travel and magic, goddesses and quests, way too quickly and that that is really unrealistic. But in yet another clever move, Cast put her character on the other side of death, making anything seem possible to our heroine, and she became more acceptant.

I would give this book a 7/10. It was really interesting, a great example of using historical context, and generally a book on female empowerment, which usually earns a few more points ;)