ARC Review ~ Storm and Stone by Joss Stirling

ARC paperback won from in a competition by the author in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: 14th February 2014

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Description:
Behind the ivy-clad walls of an exclusive boarding school, lurks a sinister web of corruption, scandal, and conspiracy. American student Raven Stone has noticed something is horribly wrong. First there were the unexplained disappearances. Then there were the teachers' lies. And now the death threats ...Also entangled in the disturbing turn of events is the enigmatic Kieran Storm - a fellow student with a killer intellect and a body to die for. He's heading for trouble and taking her with him. Raven can feel herself falling in love, but can she trust a boy she knows almost nothing about?

My Opinion

When I got an email from the author saying I had won an advanced copy of Storm and Stone for my review of a previous book by her, I squealed and did a little dance around my living room. I've had Storm and Stone on my wish list ever since it appeared on Amazon and it was one of the books I was most looking forward to reading this year, so I was eager to start it as soon as it came. Unfortunately, I had some other books I was under obligation to review first so I had to wait a few weeks (yeah I know it's not that long really). Anyway, Storm and Stone didn't disappoint and I think it's my new favourite by Joss Stirling.

The blurb didn't really give me much to go on with what was going to happen in the book so I didn't know what to expect beside some romance and mystery. I definitely didn't see Joe and Kieran's part in the book coming though. And although their roles are revealed quite early on I'm not going to ruin anything for your by saying it. I'll let you find out for yourselves.

For me the best part about this book was that it was believable - especially the relationships between characters. The banter between Joe and Kieran was brilliant and made me smile as they teased one another. I especially like Joe's joke on Kieran's class schedule! It was easy to believe they were close and I liked the differences in personality. They worked together, with Kieran's over analytical mind contrasting with Joe's easy manner that drew everyone in. Kieran's personality never failed to amuse me, especially when the comments were not appropriate for the situation.

As well as this Raven was a great character. Having had a hard time growing up, she was easy to relate and sympathise with. She was likeable, yet she wasn't weak and didn't let her tormentors get the better of her. I loved her strong attitude and how she took no nonsense from anyone-even Kieran. They balanced each other well in the relationship and I think the author did a great job of building the romance. It was sweet, fun, emotional and had just the right amount of danger.

With plenty of twists and turns, Storm and Stone kept me engaged throughout the entire book. I didn't pause once while reading it! There is plenty of action that leaves you hanging on every word and I was surprised at how the plot developed. The book was definitely not what I was expecting which made it all the more enjoyable.

Overall, Storm and Stone was a brilliant read that delivered on my high expectations for this author. I love her work and can't recommend it highly enough. If what I said above wasn't enough there is also a subtle message about stereotyping and prejudices that was cleverly woven into the book. It's not glaringly obvious but it's something I've come to notice with this author and she is one of the few, for me, who can pull it off well due to the subtlety. If you love romance, action and mystery I would definitely recommend this book to you. I just wish it wasn't a standalone as I'd love more on Kieran and Raven!

Review ~ Dragonfly by Julia Golding

Paperback purchased by myself

Description:
Princess Taoshira of the Blue Crescent Islands is appalled when she is ordered to marry Prince Ramil of Gerfal. And he's not too pleased, either. She is used to a life of discipline, ritual, and splendor. He is used to hunting and carousing. They hate each other on sight. But both of their countries are under threat from a fearsome warlord, and the only chance of peace is to form an alliance.

When Tashi and Ram are kidnapped, they fear there's no escape--from their kidnappers or from each other. Can they put aside their differences long enough to survive ambush, unarmed combat, brainwashing, and imprisonment? And will the people they meet on their adventure--including a circus strongman, a daring rebel leader, a sinister master of spies, and the best female fighter they have ever seen--help them or betray them to the enemy?

My Opinion

What can I say about this book without sounding like a total gushing, weird fan? Julia Golding was the first authors I willing read of my own accord and her Cat Royal series is what got me hooked on books. Naturally, because I loved her writing so much I went out and bought every book written by her (under this name and every other name). However, Dragonfly is by far my favourite. Although I love Cat's attitude and the adventure in that series, there is something about Dragonfly that keeps me coming back to it. 

I didn't have a blog when I first read this book but I have recently re-read it so decided to recommend it to you all. Dragonfly is one of my all time favourites and I have re-read it so many times the pages are falling apart. Even on this read (around the 25th time) it still makes my heart melt with love, sympathy and hope for the characters and I enjoy their adventure.

The main thing that I love about this novel is the fact that Tashi and Ramil obviously dislike each other upon first meeting and neither are pleased by the situation. Their lack of knowledge about each other's customs also adds to the drama and gives way to some humourous scenes because of each other's ignorance and Ramil's pigheadedness. Because of this start, it allowed the author to build the attraction and romance slowly as they undertake a journey to free themselves. The build up to a romance is always my favourite part in a book and I really enjoyed watching Ramil slowly fall for Tashi and vice versa. Ramil's stubborness and hotheadedness complimented Tashis's quieter, maybe slightly shy but determined mindset. 

Beside the romance in Dragonfly, the action kept me hooked and turning pages at a rapid rate. I don't want to reveal too much as there are many twists, turns and heart-wrenching moments that I don't want to spoil for those of you who haven't read Dragonfly. However, I could clearly envision every confrontation, location and person clearly as it was all described beautifully. The scenes with Fergox were weirdly the most enjoyable for me. These sections normally involved most action and they were slightly darker than the rest of the book as he worshiped Gods who liked sacrifice. They also created a character who you love to hate. This book had a great antagonist in Fergox which is what every adventure novel needs! You have to hate the evil one and you will definitely hate Fergox.

As they develop a plot to free themselves, Tashi and Ramil meet some interesting characters - Gordoc being someone who my heart just melted for. He could kill people with his bare hands but around Tashi he was like an older brother looking out for her and the care he put into every action was believable. Although he put a dampener on his IQ, Gordoc was an intuitive character who saw what was really going on. His advice to Ramil made me laugh at it's bluntness. I want a Gordoc!! And who can forget Thunder? The scene with Tashi towards the end with him was brilliant!

Overall Dragonfly is probably the book I have read most out of my vast collection. There is a subtle message of religious tolerance throughout but you aren't bashed over the head with it which is one of the many reasons I love this book. A lot of the things are subtle to start with and they build: action, friendships, romance, faith, tolerance. Everything is crafted beautifully. The emotions are real, the characters are believable and the writing immerses you in Julia Golding's land. If you haven't read Dragonfly or any work by this author you are seriously missing out.