Die For Me (Revenants #1) - Amy Plum

Description
In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.My Opinion
I found this book through Amazon after being linked to it by another book I was buying. The cover instantly drew me to the book as I loved the colours and design. This book has one of my favourite covers and when I read the book I loved it just as much as the outside.

The story involves new paranormal aspects that I haven't encountered before, something I always love as it makes a book more interesting. The vampire/were-animal creatures have been slightly over used now. I am a sucker for romance and this book did not disappoint. I loved the character of Vincent and the idea that Kate was risking her life by being with him. Also by setting the novel in Paris just added that extra layer of romance which I adored. Although the 'love at first sight' romance is a bit cliche I can't help but like it. I read books to get immersed in a great story line, connect with the characters and to take me on an emotional rollercoaster. I don't read books that claim to be a 'real romance' as to be honest I don't really see the point. For me writing is a way to escape the real world and this book did everything I love.

This book kept me hooked with its twists and turn and I loved every second I spent reading it! The older Paris mixed in with the new worked great and everything was easy to understand and follow. I can't wait for the next installment and would highly recommend this book to everyone.

GAMELAND #1: Deep Into The Game - S. W. Tanpepper

SERIES DESCRIPTION:
A group of young tech-savvy hackers breaks into Long Island's Gameland, a formerly militarized wasteland that was, for years, abandoned to the Infected Undead before being reclaimed by a government-sponsored company interested in merging virtual reality and survival gaming into a single seamless entertainment package. But while breaking into The Game turns out to be a lot easier than they could ever have imagined, breaking out is one hell of a killer. 

EPISODE 1: Deep Into The Game
Jessie and her gang of game jackers discover a way to break into Gameland, but it requires the assistance of outsider Jake Espinosa. His inclusion raises tensions within the group, particularly between Jessie and her boyfriend, Kelly. After a nearly-fatal accident during preparation, emotions run dangerously high, but it only makes them all the more determined to succeed. What they don't know is that one of them has a secret reason for going, and it doesn't involve any of them returning any time soon. 

My Opinion

I have only ever read one book about zombies before and sadly that book is still sitting on my book shelf half read as I have never found the energy to finish it. Therefore I wasn't sure what to expect from this book or this genre, even after reading the description. Anyway I decided to give the book a go and I'm glad I did.

Gameland falls outside the genres I usually like to read and zombies have never really interested me as all the books I've seen kind of sound the same. However Gameland seemed different from the usual post-apocalyptic-take-over-with-only-a-few-survivours-thing and this fact kept me hooked. I loved the idea of using hackers to try break into the game (although I'm still a bit unsure of the details of what it is and how it works) and the tough personalities and attitudes moved them away from the stereotypes which was a relief. The book was fast paced and had lots of action which I loved but in some parts I would have liked a little more description to help me visualise the surroundings better.

There are a few minor downsides to the book which come in the form of some editing errors/typos but these are few and do not detract from the story. Also Tanpepper uses quite a few abbreviations and I found it hard to remember what each one stood for (as the words where usually quite technical), therefore it interrupted the flow of reading as I either had to flick back a few pages to find the full length name or stop and try to remember, which was quite irritating at times. I know sci-fi books include technical and complex language, especially when referring to new gadgets, but for me I would rather have the full words than abbreviations. I can cope with ones like IU (infected undead) but when longer ones are used frequently I find it hard to follow.

Anyway overall I really enjoyed this book. The action was great and I loved how the story line differed from most zombie novels out there.

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Giveaway

Great giveaway of mortal instrument books being held here : 

http://thinksincere.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/blogfest-2012-giveaway-mortal.html?showComment=1345574882044#c2335752510928168280

The Legend og Rachel Petersen - J.T. Baroni

Description

Outraged when The Post Gazette overlooks him for a promotion, 39 years old Sports Writer Christian Kane quits and moves to the country to write fiction. Inspiration flows from a grave he stumbles upon in the woods. He compiles The Legend of Rachel Petersen, a fascinating story revolving around the dead twelve-year-old girl lying beneath the weathered tombstone. His book becomes a Best Seller; then Hollywood makes it in to a blockbuster movie. Kane becomes rich and famous, but only to have Rachel rise from the grave to seek revenge on him for slandering her name! Or does she?

My Opinion

When I read the description for this book it intrigued me greatly. The book sounded like it was going to be a nail biting thriller and in parts it was. The book follows a few different characters in different time period, which sometimes confused me slightly as it jumped from one time period to the other quite drastically. However this was helpful to understand the background and details of Rachel's death.

I loved the initial concept and the book reminded me of “My Sword Hand is Singing” by Marcus Sedgwick (one of my favourite books). It was exciting, kept me hooked and I found myself not wanting to read it in the dark as I have an over active imagination.

I must say though, I found some parts of the story quite predictable and I struggled with some of the language, especially in the civil war sections as I was unfamiliar with the names and some language (e.g guns, hunting related words). This didn't stop me reading though, it just meant I had to google a few things to help me visualise the story. I was really enjoying the book until I got towards the end. I knew from the request that there was a double twist and as I uncovered one it became obvious what the second twist would be, and sadly I knew I wasn't going to like it. I won't tell you what happens as I don't want to ruin the book but for me the ending didn't satisfy me. It seemed to conclude a well written, enthralling book on a bad note and I came away feeling a bit disappointed.

However, overall the main body of this book is great. Once you've wrapped you're head around which character belongs to which time period it is quite simple to follow and the story keeps you hooked. The story had me on edge and it was certainly a thriller. It unfortunate about the ending but I would recommend this for anyone interested in this genre. 

Reviews!

I have just cleared my TBR pile so if there are any authors wanting a reveiw of their work or an author interview now would be a good time to send me a request. 

I'm looking mostly for YA, paranormal romances at the moment but will accept other genres if the book interests me as I will try anything once!

Please check out my review policy first though for more details as I require certain information before I agree to review your book as this makes it easier for me when I come to deciding to accept and posting reviews.

Alpha (Shifters #6) - Rachel Vincent

Description

The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder and treason. Yeah, we've been busy. But now it's time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother's death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.

It's not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I'm heading for a final showdown that can--that will--change everything forever. A showdown I'm not sure I'm ready for.
But life never waits until you're ready.

My Opinion

I didn't want to start reading this book because I knew that as soon as I picked it up I wouldn't be able to stop reading, meaning the series would end much too quickly. However I don't have much will power when it comes to books (especially great ones!) and as soon as I finished Shift I started reading Alpha.

The story picked up from where Shift left off and straight away I was immersed in Faythe's problems and life dramas, making it easy to lose myself in the story straight away. I couldn't put this book down until the end. And even though I was nervous about how Rachel Vincent would end the series (after experiencing more than a few disappointing ends to some other series by different people) I'm glad to say it didn't disappoint me. For once the ending played out the way I wanted it to and I felt good about the it rather than being left with questions. The series ended on a good note and it sums everything up well.

Overall this series was worth the money and time spent reading it. I loved every second of reading the books and I wasn't as sad as I thought I'd be when it ended, as it felt final and ended well. This series is definitely one of my favourites, especially with the amount of action the books contain and I would highly recommend this and any other books by Rachel Vincent!

Shift (Shifters #5) - Rachel Vincent

Description

Being the first female werecat enforcer isn't easy. Scars accumulate, but I'm stronger in so many ways.
As for my personal life? It's complicated. Choices worth making always are. Ever since my brother's death and my father's impeachment, it's all I can do to prevent more blood from spilling. Now our Pride is under attack by a flight of vicious thunderbirds. And making peace with our new enemies may be the only way to get the best of our old foe.
With the body count rising and treachery everywhere, my instincts tell me to look before I leap. But sometimes a leap of faith is the only real option.

My Opinion

I am running out of words to describe this series, everything about it is just so good. I love how the characters have developed throughout, especially in this book where you will see Faythe step into an Alpha role even more and the introduction of the Thunderbirds gave the book another dimension that intrigued me more. We have been introduced to Bruins, heard what happened to the wolves and now there is another species adding to the trouble the Pride faces.

I hated how the love triangle developed and felt so sorry for both Marc and Jace at points during reading this but it kept me reading as I wanted to find out what happened to them all. As well as this I loved the fast paced and detailed action. Rachel Vincent has a great style and in both this series and the Unbound series she shocked me, in a good way, with the level of detail she went into about the fights. Everything was so easy to visualise I was immersed in the story and not once did I find myself confused or lost.

I've probably said this in every review for this series but it is a must read and those of you who don't will miss out on such an amazing series! 

Prey (Shifters #4) - Rachel Vincent

Description

Sometimes playing cat and mouse is no game...

Play? "Right." My Pride is under fire from all sides, my father's authority is in question and my lover is in exile. Which means I haven't laid eyes on Marc's gorgeous face in months. And with a new mother "and" an I-know-everything teenager under my protection, I don't exactly have time to fantasize about ever seeing him again.
Then our long-awaited reunion is ruined by a vicious ambush by strays. Now our group is under attack, Marc is missing and I will need every bit of skill and smarts to keep my family from being torn apart. Forever.

My Opinion

This series just keeps getting better and better. In this book the emotions get stronger and the storyline becomes more cruel due to what happens to Ethan (which I'm not happy about by the way). In Prey we see the characters evolve more, with Faythe becoming more willing to stay in the pride and fight for her territory. She becomes more focused on the job of finding Marc and ruthless in her search. The encounter with Pete Yarnell (a stray) shocking me quite a bit as you no longer see the squeamish Faythe. As well as this you also see her taking on more responsibility, like looking after Kaci and even though I liked the rebellious Faythe, this change has made her slightly darker and it is exciting to see how far she will take things.

As well as Faythe, Jace also become stronger and more dominant. I wasn't entirely keen on what happens between the two of them but that is because I am a fan of Marc more. He has decided he is Alpha material and with Marc gone he is fighting harder for it. I love the twists in this book and it keeps you hooked all the way through, so I haven't been able to slow down reading this series unluckily.

Overall this series just keeps getting more exciting and enthralling, it is a must read for anyone!

Pride (Shifters #3) - Rachel Vincent

Description

I'm on trial for my life. Falsely accused of infecting my human ex-boyfriend--and killing him to cover up the crime. Infecting a human is one of three capital offenses recognized by the Pride--along with murder and disclosure of our existence to a human.

I'm two for three. A goner.
Now we've discovered a rogue stray terrorizing the mountainside, hunting a wild teenage tabbycat. It's up to us to find and stop him before a human discovers us. With my lover Marc's help, I "think" I can protect the vulnerable girl from both the ambitious rogue and the scheming of the territorial council.
"If" I survive my own trial...
My Opinion

First of all I really think I should slow down with my reading as I am definitely not getting my money's worth out of these books when I am reading one or two a day. I started Pride straight after I finished Rogue and finished it in the same day, granted I stayed up past midnight because I couldn't put it down, but that's besides the point...

This book was great and once again Rachel Vincent has me hooked on one of her series with her fantastic writing and engaging story lines. Pride take place mostly off the ranch and evolves around Faythe's tribunal but the story is linked with strays appearing in the surrounding woods. Both of these story lines together helped to sustain my interest as there was always something happening. I loved this book however I did skip or skim read parts due to the amount of detail Vincent went into describing corpses, hunts or killing animals as sometimes it seemed a little excessive at times (and yes I know cats hunting is natural but it's personally not something I enjoy hearing about in great detail).

I wasn't keen on how the book ended but that's due to a personal preference towards a character and hopefully it will get better in the next few books. Other than that this book is great. Once again it leaves you on a terrible cliff hanger that leaves you wanting more and was impossible to put down.

Rogue (Shifters #2) - Rachel Vincent

Description

Okay, so cats don't always land on their feet.
I know that better than most. Since rejoining the Pride, I've made big decisions and even bigger mistakes: the kind paid for with innocent lives. As the first and only female enforcer, I have plenty to prove to my father, the Pride, and myself. And with murdered toms turning up in our territory, I'm working harder than ever, though I always find the energy for a little after-hours recreation with Marc, my partner both on- and off-duty.
But not all of my mistakes are behind me. We're beginning to suspect that the dead are connected to a rash of missing human women and that they can all be laid at my feet--two or four, take your pick. And one horrible indiscretion may yet cost me more than I can bear...

My Opinion

Wow! The second book in this series definitely equalled the first. It kept me hooked throughout with a fast pace and lots of action. There is a slight change in Faythe as she takes on the role of an enforcer but her rebellious streak is still there at times and the contrast between the two sides of her is really interesting. I also like how her random thoughts (normally a reprimand to herself) are added, and some made me laugh at the witty humour.

Not being as long as Stray I was able to finish this book in a few hours and the cliff hanger it leaves you on made me start reading the third instalment almost instantly. I love how the relationship between Marc and Faythe develops in this book, and unlike romance novels their relationship is unpredictable due to Faythe's unwillingness to settle down. Which only adds to the books excitement, especially when Jace is added to the storyline.

Overall I'm loving this series and can't wait to see how it ends. 

Stray (Shifters #1) - Rachel Vincent

Description

There are only eight breeding female werecats left . . .
And I'm one of them.

I look like an all-American grad student. But I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds.
Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself. Until the night a Stray attacked.
I'd been warned about Strays -- werecats without a Pride, constantly on the lookout for someone like me: attractive, female, and fertile. I fought him off, but then learned two of my fellow tabbies had disappeared.
This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back . . . for my own protection. Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever -- and whoever -- I have to in order to find my friends. Watch out, Strays -- 'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them . . .
My Opinion

It took me awhile to get round to reading this book as I kept putting it off for some reason or another, but yesterday it seemed like the perfect excuse to sit in the sun all day. And that is what I did, I spent the whole day reading it and finished within the day, even though it is over 600 pages. I loved this book, it was really engaging and I couldn't put it down until I had reached the end.

I liked the main character, Faythe, as she was both vulnerable yet a strong female lead. Her bad attitude and unwillingness to comply with the Pride's traditions, regimes and lifestyle kept me hooked and the love triangle that went back and forth between the book kept me in suspense of who she would end up with (if she ever was going to).

There was constant action in this book and it keeps you enthralled to the end and I'm so glad that I bought the whole series at once. Even though this was Rachel Vincent's first work it the last series I've read from her. After loving the Unbound and Soul Screamers series I had high hopes for this series and the first instalment has not disappointed. It's safe to say I'll be spending the next week reading the rest of the series.

Deconstructing INFATUATION – Merce Cardus

Description

Sometimes, whether you're single or with a significant one,
somebody appears in your life unexpectedly.
We feel the need to know who this person is,
the need to know exactly who this person is.
A story may offer different interpretations, even with several irreconcilable and contradictory meanings. As in Francesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta's story in Dante's Divine Comedy, this story is not about unfaithfulness either. This story is about infatuation: what burns inside of oneself when we let ourselves fall madly for someone.

My Opinion

I'll start by saying that when I received a request to review Deconstructing INFATUATION I was quite excited to read it. From the description it sounded like it wasn't going to be a normal romance story that sugar coated everything and it wasn't. This book was realistic and therefore intrigued me as I wanted to see how the story would develop outside the normality of the romance genre. 

The story follows Helen's life and how it is turned upside down by her new room mate Tiziano but for me there was a lot of detail missing. The book was fast paced but I found myself quite confused by the constant jumping around as I never really felt it went into enough description to help me understand. I would have liked to know more about the character's backgrounds to help me connect to the characters as I always felt distant from the story and never got lost in it.

This book (well it's really more of a novella) doesn't necessarily have a happy ending but I didn't mind that, it made a change from the 'they lived happily ever after' ending and kept in line with the realistic nature of the book. However for me it felt very rushed and didn't give a definite resolution, I would have liked to know a bit more about what each character did after and how they coped with the situations they find themselves in.

Overall I liked the initial idea and concept, the book kept me hooked but that was only because I was hoping that the story pick up and go somewhere, which in the end never happened. For me the story needed more detail and description as it seems a little rushed in places.

   2.5

Out of Sight, Out of Time (Gallagher Girls #5) – Ally Carter

Description

The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers that months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie's summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.
Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It's a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

My Opinion

I had got a bit bored of this series up until now, the plot line of the previous two books didn't really engage me enough but Out of Sight, Out of Time has renewed my interest in the series. I could not put this book down, even when I had to.

This book seemed to have more action and mystery to it than the rest, which was great. The way it was written was really clever, especially the way Ally Carter linked all the clues together to try and help Cammie remember. There was a darker side to Out of Sight, Out of Time and sometimes it really felt like I was inside Cammie's mind, which was quite worrying, but the fact I was able to do this intrigued me more as I sympathised with Cammie.

I love books that deal with darker and grungy story lines and this was the first time in the series I saw this. I felt that the characters (especially Cammie) were no longer girls from a boarding school, trying to learn spy skills. Instead they were having to put the, into use in difficult and frustrating situations that keep you hooked.

Overall I was considering giving upon this series but this book had renewed my interest and I definitely want to know more now, so hopefully the wait won't be too long for book six.