Tuesday 31 May 2016

Review: A Gathering Of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

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Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift, and into Black London.

In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries—a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again—meaning that another London must fall.



Ok so I have been rather late to this party, only having finished A Darker Shade Of Magic the other week. But I had to dive into this one straight away. I have instantly fallen in love with Schwab's writing style and once more I haven't been disappointed.

We come back into the story a few months later. Lila and Kell are both getting to terms with life after what happened in book one. While Lila is now where she wanted to be, on a  ship seeing more of the world, Kell is back at the palace trying to get used to the link between him and Rhy. Both however cant sop thinking about the other.

Because of a magic tournament Lila's captain is steering the ship back to London. A tournament which will see many interesting and surprising participants. Will Lila see Kell again? And who really is Lila's captain? While the big tournament is going on, there is something else brewing in white London.

I wont give much more away, I want to keep this spoiler free. I have loved the new characters, they added to this story so much, most of all the captain Alucard.  He made me laugh so many times. But new characters or not, Lila is still my absolute favourite. She is fierce, amazing and I just love her. She has easily become one of my most favourite book characters.

Schwab has an amazing talent to detail, while I couldn't see the big picture of the story at first, that in no way stopped me from enjoying it. I enjoyed every detail of the story. The characters will always leave you wanting to read more about them and I feel like I know them very well. And just like in the first book the world building is, once again, outstanding.

Magical, stunning and unforgettable.

I couldn't get enough and found it very hard to put this down. If you haven't gotten round to this series yet, then you should right now. It doesn't compare to anything else I have ever read. Its not only a very unique story but also a very unique style.

Thank you to Titan Books for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

A Gathering Of Shadows is out NOW and you can read my review of A Darker Shade of Magic here.

Sunday 29 May 2016

Weekly Wrap Up and Stacking the Shelves #22

Weekly Wrap Up...

Nooo!!! I cant believe it. Once again I have only managed to finish one book. It was an incredible book, one that gave me the biggest book hangover ever but, still, its only one book. I have however promised myself that I will do my very best to read 3 next week. I am off work so this should be possible. The book I have finished this week is A Court of Mist and Fury and its probably my favourite one this year so far. Here is my review.

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Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.


Stacking the Shelves...





Nothing... there is nothing new on my shelves this week. However I have ordered 3 with my birthday vouchers and I cant wait for those to come through.

Thursday 26 May 2016

Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

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Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.




Holy mother... where do I even begin? I don't think anything I can say will be good enough for this book! My head just wants to release all kinds of jiberrish, which would make very little sense to anyone else. It wont be easy to put my thoughts together in a way that everyone can understand, and that doesn't consist of me purely shouting: 'oh the feels!!' all the time. This book has just thrown emotions at me all the time, all kinds of emotions, I don't think it left any out. This isn't a book hangover this is a book whiplash.

While I have been in love with the first book this one has gone and completely overshadowed it. Like, by miles and miles. It is in a league of its own.

I daren't mention anything about the actual story because I don't want to spoil this for anyone, not one little bit. But let me tell you this, the characters we already know just grow so much in this book. You will love some even more then you already did while you find hating others you may have loved. Fayre is so much more, she is finally the amazing Fae she was made to be. While broken from what she had to go through in book one she begins to heal and grow.

But I love all the new characters so much too, they bring so much more to this book. I wanna be their friend, be on their side.

Can we just mention Rhysand? I mean helloo!!! I couldn't get enough of him and I would quite happily follow him through anything. He is by far my new favourite book boyfriend.

What a way to turn this whole story upside down, to deliver something so different to the first book, while still completely making sense and following up on book one.

While this book is very long, it in no way, ever, got boring. Not for a second. There is nothing I would leave out. It all leads to an ending that had me die of all the mixed emotions. That's what this book is: a full load of emotions. It broke my heart, it mended it, it made me angry, it made me fall in love, it made me hate and it made me happy and smile.

The world building is just outstanding, Maas' talent knows no boundaries. If she can lift the bar again for the next book it might emotionally destroy its readers. The ending seriously leaves you wanting more, wanting it now, just a chapter, a page.... please? It certainly delivers a very interesting foundation for the next book. Promising another unpredictable twist in this story.

Wednesday 25 May 2016

WWW Wednesday (25th May)



 WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.
The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?



I am currently reading...

26236443


Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift, and into Black London.

In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries—a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again—meaning that another London must fall.



I have recently finished...

17927395


Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.


I plan on reading next...

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Nanette O'Hare is an unassuming teen who has played the role of dutiful daughter, hard-working student, and star athlete for as long as she can remember. But when a beloved teacher gives her his worn copy of The Bubblegum Reaper - the mysterious, out-of-print cult-classic - the rebel within Nanette awakens.

As she befriends the reclusive author, falls in love with a young but troubled poet, and attempts to insert her true self into the world with wild abandon, Nanette learns the hard way that sometimes rebellion comes at a high price.

A celebration of the self and the formidable power of story, Every Exquisite Thing is Matthew Quick at his finest.

Monday 23 May 2016

Review: Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

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Over ten years since the Nazis won the war, 18 yr old Yael has one mission: to kill Hitler - a captivating second novel from Walled City author, Ryan Graudin.Once upon a different time, there was a girl who lived in a kingdom of death. Wolves howled up her arm. A whole pack of them-made of tattoo ink and pain, memory and loss. It was the only thing about her that ever stayed the same.Her story begins on a train.

Germania, 1956. Over ten years since the Nazis won the war. 18-year-old Yael is part of the resistance, and she has just one mission: to kill Hitler.

But first she's got to get close enough to him to do it.

Experimented on during her time at Auschwitz, Yael has the unique ability to change her appearance at will. The only part of her which always remains are the five tattooed wolves on her arm; one for each of the people she's lost. Using her abilities, she must transform into Adele Wolfe, Germany's most famous female rider and winner of the legendary Axis Tour; an epic long distance motorcycle race from Berlin to Tokyo, where only the strongest (and wiliest) riders survive. If she can win this, she will be able to get close enough to kill the Fuhrer and change history forever.

But with other riders sabotaging her chances at every turn, Yael's mission won't be easy. . .


When I first started reading this book I just wasn't convinced. What a strange mixture it was, a girl that's being experimented with, that can change her appearance and look like anyone she wants, all while Hitler is still in Power and to add to this a motorcycle race around the world. I could not wrap my head around it. But after a few chapters I really got into the story and I really started to enjoy it.

We are mainly in the year 1956, Hitler more powerful then ever, Yael a young girl with wolf tattoos, is on a mission to kill Hitler. However he is very much impossible to get close to. Since Yael can shift into anyone she wants, she is about to take the identity of Adele Wolfe, the first female who has won the Axis Tour. Being the winner the previous year, Adele got to dance with Hitler as the result. Yael now has to win the race, dance with Hitler, kill him and start the rebellion. Much easier said then done. The race is long, hard and brutal, also surprisingly emotional. And while Yael thought she learned everything about Adele to pretend to be her, she will soon find out there is still a lot she doesn't know.

In between we get to see why Yael got her wolf tattoos, every story is explaining more of her journey to where she is now and the people her wolfs represent.

This has been incredibly exciting all the way through. Once I got into the story I couldn't put it down. Its a fast paced adventure. Graudin has build a world like no other and told a very unique story. It takes the whole idea of: what if the Nazis won the war, to a new level, with a very new twist. While its very powerful, it still has a lot of heart.

Most of all, I did NOT see the end coming at all. It was a huge surprise and let me tell you it promises an amazing second book.

Unique, unforgettable and utterly unpredictable. Just how I like it.

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy in exchange for my honest review.


Sunday 22 May 2016

Weekly Wrap Up and Stacking the Shelves #21

Weekly Wrap Up...

This week I have only finished one book. But that's ok because I am currently reading A Court of Mist and Fury and that is just huuuuge. I am hoping to finish that tomorrow. The book I have finished this week is Wolf by Wolf and while I had some reservations about that one at first I ended up loving it. My review will follow tomorrow, hopefully, if I can tear myself away from A Court of Mist and Fury that is.

25907472

Over ten years since the Nazis won the war, 18 yr old Yael has one mission: to kill Hitler - a captivating second novel from Walled City author, Ryan Graudin.Once upon a different time, there was a girl who lived in a kingdom of death. Wolves howled up her arm. A whole pack of them-made of tattoo ink and pain, memory and loss. It was the only thing about her that ever stayed the same.Her story begins on a train.

Germania, 1956. Over ten years since the Nazis won the war. 18-year-old Yael is part of the resistance, and she has just one mission: to kill Hitler.

But first she's got to get close enough to him to do it.

Experimented on during her time at Auschwitz, Yael has the unique ability to change her appearance at will. The only part of her which always remains are the five tattooed wolves on her arm; one for each of the people she's lost. Using her abilities, she must transform into Adele Wolfe, Germany's most famous female rider and winner of the legendary Axis Tour; an epic long distance motorcycle race from Berlin to Tokyo, where only the strongest (and wiliest) riders survive. If she can win this, she will be able to get close enough to kill the Fuhrer and change history forever.

But with other riders sabotaging her chances at every turn, Yael's mission won't be easy. . .




Stacking the Shelves...







This week I have added 3 books to m y shelves and let me tell you they all have been bumped up my TBR because I am very excited about every single one of them. I feel so so honoured to have received early copies of these beauties.

Thank you to Bookbridger, Headline and Francess Gough for Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick!

Thank you to Penguin Random House and Harriet Venn for the stunning And I Darken by Kiersten White. How amazing is this cover??

And also thank you to Harper Voyage and Emma Coode for probably my favourite cover in a long time, Nevernight by Jay Kristoff. High expectations for that one and so excited.






Thursday 19 May 2016

Review: The Crown by Kiera Cass

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When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined.


Now let me begin by telling you I didn't like The Heir, which is the book before this one and the first one about Eadlyn. That was mainly because I didn't like Eadlyn, I found her very spoiled and annoying. So I haven't bought the next book by myself, however I won a review copy with Maximumpopbooks so I gave it a go. Fully expecting to still dislike Eadlyn, only to be proven wrong.

Eadlyn is still in the middle of her selection, after her mother suffers a heart attack however she reduces the number down to just the Elite. While her mother is recovering, her father is by her bedside at all times. Which means Eadlyn has to take on more responsibilities. With little time for the boys left in the selection the choice isn't easy. And it seems like she is running out of time. She will have to make a choice very soon. But how will she choose? And will she make the right choice? Can Eadlyn handle the responsibilities and the selection?

This book has really saved the series for me. While I enjoyed the first 3 books I wasn't a fan of The Heir. I honestly thought I would never finish it and I was happy with that. But now I am glad that I did. In this book Eadlyn just blossoms and completely changes. From the spoiled little brat to the strong amazing and beautiful princess. I have gone from disliking her to really loving her character. While I think the selection and the romance have taken a step back in this one, I don't mind at all.

There was only ever two boys, in my opinion, who stood a chance to win the selection. While it was obvious to me who its going to be I do like the little twist and I love how she has dealt with it all.

All in all this has been a very sweet and easy little read. With a lovely and satisfying ending.

While its not a mindblowing story it was still very enjoyable, I still love the world building and the idea of the selection. I really enjoyed the characters and all the pretty dresses.

If you have enjoyed any of the books before this one then you should certainly finish this series. The Crown closes the series  beautifully.

Thank you to Maximumpopbooks for my stunning copy.

The Crown is out TODAY in paperback! 


Wednesday 18 May 2016

WWW Wednesday (18th May)



 WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.
The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?


I am currently reading...

25907472

Over ten years since the Nazis won the war, 18 yr old Yael has one mission: to kill Hitler - a captivating second novel from Walled City author, Ryan Graudin.

Once upon a different time, there was a girl who lived in a kingdom of death. Wolves howled up her arm. A whole pack of them-made of tattoo ink and pain, memory and loss. It was the only thing about her that ever stayed the same.Her story begins on a train.

Germania, 1956. Over ten years since the Nazis won the war. 18-year-old Yael is part of the resistance, and she has just one mission: to kill Hitler.

But first she's got to get close enough to him to do it.

Experimented on during her time at Auschwitz, Yael has the unique ability to change her appearance at will. The only part of her which always remains are the five tattooed wolves on her arm; one for each of the people she's lost. Using her abilities, she must transform into Adele Wolfe, Germany's most famous female rider and winner of the legendary Axis Tour; an epic long distance motorcycle race from Berlin to Tokyo, where only the strongest (and wiliest) riders survive. If she can win this, she will be able to get close enough to kill the Fuhrer and change history forever.

But with other riders sabotaging her chances at every turn, Yael's mission won't be easy. . .


I have recently finished...


26074181


When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined.



I plan on reading next...


17927395

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.











Monday 16 May 2016

Blog Tour: Unrivalled by Alyson Noel

I am so honoured and excited to be part of the Unrivalled Blog tour. When I have been asked to take part I couldn't resist, as a fan of Alyson Noel it was a MUST. Here is my review as part of the ongoing blog tour. #WelcomeToTheParty



Everyone wants to be someone.

Layla Harrison wants to leave her beach-bum days for digs behind a reporter’s desk. Aster Amirpour wants to scream at the next casting director who tells her “we need ethnic but not your kind of ethnic.” Tommy Phillips dreams of buying a twelve-string guitar and using it to shred his way back into his famous absentee dad’s life.

But Madison Brooks took destiny and made it her bitch a long time ago.

She’s Hollywood’s hottest starlet, and the things she did to become the name on everyone’s lips are merely a stain on the pavement, ground beneath her Louboutin heel.

That is, until Layla, Aster, and Tommy find themselves with a VIP invite to the glamorous and gritty world of Los Angeles’s nightlife and lured into a high-stakes competition where Madison Brooks is the target. Just as their hopes begin to gleam like stars through the California smog, Madison Brooks goes missing. . . . And all of their hopes are blacked out in the haze of their lies.


I was a huge fan of Noel's Evermore series, so you can imagine I have been very happy to hear that there will be a new book. And I needed to get my hands on this. I am not going to lie, the first 20% have been rather slow, but stay with it. This book is a grower. Its as if it gets over the hill and then speeds up faster and faster. Because as you read along it just gets better and better.

The first 20% however only seem slow, because there is so many characters to meet. Ira is rich, famous and intimidating, he owns a chain of nightclubs and designs a competition for promoters. The winner gets not only cash but their dreamjob. The main applicants couldn't be more different and they all have completely different reasons to enter. And not all reasons are straight forward.

Layla wants to be a journalist, she is a blogger already but she wants to go to Journalism School. She enters the competition to find out what happened to Carlos and make this her first story.

Tommy does it to meet and probably impress his father, but also because he is fired from his job and out of money.

Aster enters to escape her very controlling parents, to have the career she wants and not the one that's mapped out for her. She wants to be an actress and make new contacts in the nightclubs.

And then there is Madison Brooks. Hollywoods sweetheart who has more to hide then any of them. She is on top of every vip list and everyone would love to get her into their club to win the competition. But at what price?

They are all competition, all but Madison, and they all want to win. Its all a little bit like the apprentice at times. But like the apprentice with bite and money. With glitz and glamour. I loved it. The competition begins to change people. Who can you trust? Who is your true friend and who is going to surprise you?

This has been getting more and more interesting with every page. The plots started to thicken and the end was just wow. Its the end that truly makes this book fantastic! There is more right? I sure hope so. I think the main characters and even the ones around it have blossomed in the book and I want to read more about them. Not only that but I think they have so much more to give.

Honestly pick this up and stick with it, it will grow on you like it did on me and in the end you will thoroughly enjoy it. Its like the apprentice meets gossip girl!

Glamourous, captivating and thrilling. Most of all completely unpredictable.


Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion and for allowing me to be part of this blog tour.

Unrivalled has been released on May 10th.

And you should certainly follow the rest of the Unrivaled blog tour, here are the dates...



Sunday 15 May 2016

Weekly Wrap Up and Stacking The Shelves #20

Weekly Wrap Up...

I have finished 2 books this week, yay, after my one book week last week I am rather happy with that. Also considering my husband has been at home all week, which resulted in my routine going out the window, I think 2 books is pretty good. The first book I have finished is A darker Shade of Magic, which has been a fantastic book and I wish I have had read it much sooner. You can read my review of it here. The second book was The Crown, which was the last book in The Selection series. I have been putting off reading it and only finally picked it up because I won a copy on maximumpop. But I am certainly glad that I have finally picked it up.


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Stacking the Shelves...





This week I have added 4 books to my shelves. The first one was Clockwork Prince which arrived a day late for my birthday but it has now made my collection complete and it looks amazing on my shelf. After finishing A darker Shade of Magic this week I have been so chuffed to get V.E. Schwab's upcoming book This Savage Song in the post, which was a big surprise from Titan Books, thank you so much. Chasing the Stars is another one I have won with Maximumpopbooks, I literally love this account on twitter so much. I have had the book on my Wish list for some time and it looks and sounds amazing. The last book to arrive this week is All Things Cease To Appear, which is a thriller I cant wait to sink my teeth into, thank you to Elizabeth at Quercus Books for my copy.




Friday 13 May 2016

Review: A Darker Shade Of Magic by V.E. Schwab

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Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.

Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped.

I am really late to this party and I am really disappointed that I have been missing out on this for so long. This book is unlike anything I have ever read before.

At first it took me some time to wrap my head round the story, only because its such a well thought out and complicated world that Schwab has created. A world in which there is 4 different London's. They all the same and completely different. And  Kell being the only one of two people in the world
who can travel between the different London's. Kell belongs to the royal family of Red London, he takes messages between the royals of the different worlds and while doing that he also smuggles some other stuff too.

I fell in love with the book, however, once Lila turned up. I instantly liked her and the story got much more interesting. Lila is a thief trying to get some money together for her own ship, forever dreaming of big adventures.

When Kell makes a big mistake, their paths cross and suddenly both their lives are in danger. They become a very unlike team and Lila might just get the adventure of her life.

This book is so original I don't even know where to begin. The world building is another level. Rarely will you find a world that is so perfectly planned out. The story is filled with magic to the brim and you will discover something new about it in every single chapter.

Magical, original, compelling and absolutely unforgettable.

This is a book you can not miss. Schwab has gained a new fan and I cant wait to read the next book, very very soon.


Thursday 12 May 2016

Blog tour: Hadrian's Rage by Patricia Marie Budd



    Today its my stop on the book tour for the amazing Patricia Marie Budd and her Hadrian's Rage. I am very proud to be sharing with you the Pro-Creation policies in Hadrian. Hope you enjoy!




    Pro-Creation policies in Hadrian





            Set in a future buried deep in excessive human population, extreme measures are being taken to quell humanity’s overwhelming presence on earth. When Hadrian was first formed the founding constitution limited the country’s population to ten million. Initially Hadrian strove for the most humane approach to controlling population growth by restricting each person to the birth of one child. Couples choosing to live together could collectively raise two children. In vitro fertilization clinics, and government-employed surrogates, were established to provided same-sex couples, intersex and transgendered citizens with the means by which to procreate. Natural pregnancies were approved for opposite sex couples and any individual preferring the ‘natural approach’. Regardless of gender or sexual orientation, all Hadrian citizens were expected to comply with the one child policy. It did not take long, though, for the natural approach to be deemed too dangerous as too many ‘natural accidents’ were occurring and these women and their spouse were refusing to abort the ‘extra’ child. Terrified of falling into the trap of unchecked population growth the more conservative forces began to see opposite sex coupling and natural birthing as the most likely means of perpetuating humanity swarming over the face of the earth. Thus it was decreed that every woman, whether the genetic mother or a government surrogate hired to bear the child for the barren, men or transgendered citizens, becomes pregnant through in vitro fertilization. Hadrian’s procreation laws were amended making ‘natural pregnancies’ illegal. Any woman found to be pregnant outside of government controlled in vitro fertilization clinics was required by law to abort. Once this law was in place it was only a matter of time for opposite sex coupling to be deemed immoral. Eventually it came to pass that opposite sex coupling itself was a danger to world population and all forms of heterosexual behavior became illegal in Hadrian.



            I would also like to share with you some information of the author.





            Patricia Marie Budd was born and raised in Saskatchewan, Canada. In her early twenties she studied mime in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (1983/84) and then later renewed her interest in physical theatre by studying with Phillip Gaulier in London, England (1996/97). As a result of her extensive training in drama much of Patricia Marie Budd’s writing is theatrical in nature. Patricia has self-published three novels thus far: A New Dawn Rising; Hell Hounds of High School and the highly acclaimed Hadrian’s Lover. Patricia’s fourth novel Hadrian’s Rage, will be released May 3, 2016. Her current residence is in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada where she has been teaching high school English since 1991.



            Social media and web links:


            Buy the books:

            Hadrian’s Rage:
            Canada
            USA
            UK

            Hadrian’s Lover:
            Canada
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            Wednesday 11 May 2016

            WWW Wednesday (11th May)



             WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.
            The three Ws are:

            What are you currently reading?

            What did you recently finish reading?

            What do you think you’ll read next?



            I am currently reading...

            23403402

            Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.

            Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now.

            Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.

            But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped.


            I have recently finished...

            26116460


            Everyone wants to be someone.

            Layla Harrison wants to leave her beach-bum days for digs behind a reporter’s desk. Aster Amirpour wants to scream at the next casting director who tells her “we need ethnic but not your kind of ethnic.” Tommy Phillips dreams of buying a twelve-string guitar and using it to shred his way back into his famous absentee dad’s life.

            But Madison Brooks took destiny and made it her bitch a long time ago.

            She’s Hollywood’s hottest starlet, and the things she did to become the name on everyone’s lips are merely a stain on the pavement, ground beneath her Louboutin heel.

            That is, until Layla, Aster, and Tommy find themselves with a VIP invite to the glamorous and gritty world of Los Angeles’s nightlife and lured into a high-stakes competition where Madison Brooks is the target. Just as their hopes begin to gleam like stars through the California smog, Madison Brooks goes missing. . . . And all of their hopes are blacked out in the haze of their lies.


            I plan on reading next...

            26074181

            When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

            Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined.






            Sunday 8 May 2016

            Weekly Wrap Up and Stacking the Shelves #19

            Weekly Wrap Up...

            So I've had a really busy week, I have DNF and one crazy but amazing birthday weekend. Including Disney on Ice on Friday, day at the seaside in Blackpool on Saturday and shopping on Sunday. Plus managed to visit some friends and had some guests too, Which resulted in me only finishing one book. Which I am on the blog tour for so there is also no new reviews this week. Sorry about that. The book I have finished is Unrivaled by Alyson Noel. I loved her Evermore series and was really eager to read this. I will be on the blog tour on may 16th.

            26116460


            Everyone wants to be someone.

            Layla Harrison wants to leave her beach-bum days for digs behind a reporter’s desk. Aster Amirpour wants to scream at the next casting director who tells her “we need ethnic but not your kind of ethnic.” Tommy Phillips dreams of buying a twelve-string guitar and using it to shred his way back into his famous absentee dad’s life.

            But Madison Brooks took destiny and made it her bitch a long time ago.

            She’s Hollywood’s hottest starlet, and the things she did to become the name on everyone’s lips are merely a stain on the pavement, ground beneath her Louboutin heel.

            That is, until Layla, Aster, and Tommy find themselves with a VIP invite to the glamorous and gritty world of Los Angeles’s nightlife and lured into a high-stakes competition where Madison Brooks is the target. Just as their hopes begin to gleam like stars through the California smog, Madison Brooks goes missing. . . . And all of their hopes are blacked out in the haze of their lies.


            Stacking the Shelves...





            Now while my weekly wrap up is rather short this one is the opposite. Since its my birthday today I have added lots of new books to my shelves. YAY!!! Can I have a birthday more often?

            I have finally gotten the Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer. I have been wanting this for soooo long.


            Also got the new Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Princess... However my Clockwork Prince is still on its way. I cant wait to have them all on my shelf right next to The Mortal Instruments. So beautiful, they will have the best spot for sure.





            My A Court of Mist and Fury has come with all my bday books. Sooooooo cant wait to get started on this. Also received An Amber in the Ashes and The Star Touched Queen. Ahhh I love a good bday when you can finally get all the books you have been eying up for ages too.


            Not all have been birthday presents this week tho. I have also won The Crown on twitter via  Maximumpopbooks. I love this account, I have read the previous books and for some reason I haven't had chance to read the last one yet. But I will asap now to review it for Maximumpopbooks. Thank you so much.






            Wednesday 4 May 2016

            WWW Wednesday (4th May)



             WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.
            The three Ws are:

            What are you currently reading?

            What did you recently finish reading?

            What do you think you’ll read next?

            I am currently reading...


            26116460


            Everyone wants to be someone.

            Layla Harrison wants to leave her beach-bum days for digs behind a reporter’s desk. Aster Amirpour wants to scream at the next casting director who tells her “we need ethnic but not your kind of ethnic.” Tommy Phillips dreams of buying a twelve-string guitar and using it to shred his way back into his famous absentee dad’s life.

            But Madison Brooks took destiny and made it her bitch a long time ago.

            She’s Hollywood’s hottest starlet, and the things she did to become the name on everyone’s lips are merely a stain on the pavement, ground beneath her Louboutin heel.

            That is, until Layla, Aster, and Tommy find themselves with a VIP invite to the glamorous and gritty world of Los Angeles’s nightlife and lured into a high-stakes competition where Madison Brooks is the target. Just as their hopes begin to gleam like stars through the California smog, Madison Brooks goes missing. . . . And all of their hopes are blacked out in the haze of their lies.


            I have recently finished...

            24889218


            The one guy she can’t have is the one she can’t forget.

            Liam Quinn is one of the biggest movie stars in the world…and the only man Elissa Holt has ever truly loved.

            After being out of her life for six years, he and his gorgeous fiancé are set to star in the new Broadway show Elissa is stage managing. The only trouble is, when late night rehearsals bring Elissa and Liam together, the line between what is and what could have been gets blurred. Now one moment of weakness is about to create a scandal that will echo around the world.

            Elissa knows that falling for Liam again would be a tragedy in the making, but as any good romantic knows, love doesn’t always follow the script.


            I plan on reading next...

            26128897

            Meet Daniel Sullivan, a man with a complicated life. A New Yorker living in the wilds of Ireland, he has children he never sees in California, a father he loathes in Brooklyn and a wife, Claudette, who is a reclusive ex-film star given to shooting at anyone who ventures up their driveway.
            He is also about to find out something about a woman he lost touch with twenty years ago, and this discovery will send him off-course, far away from wife and home. Will his love for Claudette be enough to bring him back?
            Maggie O'Farrell's seventh novel is a dazzling, intimate epic about who we leave behind and who we become as we search for our place in the world.


            Tuesday 3 May 2016

            Review: Wicked heart by Leisa Rayven

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            Liam Quinn is talented, gorgeous, and one of the biggest movie stars in the world.

            He's also the only man Elissa Holt has ever truly loved.

            After being out of her life for six years, he and his gorgeous fiancé are set to star in the new Broadway show Elissa is stage managing. The only trouble is, when late night rehearsals bring Elissa and Liam together, the line between what is and what could have been gets blurred, and one moment of weakness will lead to a scandal that echoes around the world.

            Elissa knows that falling for Liam again would be a tragedy in the making, but as any good romantic will tell you, love doesn’t always follow the script.



            You have no idea how excited i was about this book. I have absolutely loved the first two books in this series, Bad Romeo and Broken Juliette. Two amazing books, they have even made my top 10 last year. So when I saw this one I just had to have it. And boy I was not disappointed. This has been just as good.

            While the first two books have been about Cassie and Ethan, Wicked Heart is about Ethan's sister Elissa. Its a little similar in the raw story line. Elissa met the man of her dreams six years ago, Liam, who she had a very short but very intense romance with. Soon after he bagged himself a movie deal and moved from New York to LA. That's where Liam starts dating his co star Angel. 6 years later fate throws them together again. Elissa gets a job as a stage manager in a new show, in which Liam and Angel are the leading stars. So much has changed in Liam's life, now a mega superstar and very rich. One thing that hasn't changed is Elissa's feelings for him. Watching him with his now fiancé isn't making things any easier for her, especially when the fiancé is as nice as Angel. How will Elissa cope?

            This has been just a totally stunning read. I couldn't get enough, it was impossible to put down. I don't think I have ever routed for someone as much as I have for those two. The glamourous and the ugly side of fame and money has made this extra interesting. While I could guess the end, it hasn't stopped me from enjoying every single page. Because while you sort of know where its all going to end you have no idea how we going to get there. Which is the right and only way to write anything about love.  But the biggest question remains; Where can I get myself a Liam??? I need one of those in my life. New book boyfriend right there. Think I might have fallen in love myself.

            Beautifully written, absolutely emotional and soooo sexy. It certainly made my heart beat faster numerous times.

            Leisa Rayven has once again delivered a superb New Adult that is tasteful and oh so glamorous. You wont be able to resist. But if you haven't yet, then you should start by reading Bad Romeo and Broken Juliette.

            Wicked Heart is out on May 17th! And you NEED a copy! I mean look at the cover... that alone needs to be on your shelf.

            Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for my copy in exchange for my honest review.