Review ~ Trial by Fire (The Worldwalker Trilogy #1) by Josephine Angelini

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: August 28th 2014

Publisher: Macmillian Children's Books

Description:
Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns.
This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.

Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.

But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?

My Opinion

I will admit that when I first saw this book announced, I didn't really care what it was about, I knew I'd read it. Despite having drawn mixed emotions in me throughout her Starcrossed series, Josephine Angelini is one of the authors whose books I'd just buy without reading the blurb. However, I am glad this book went up on NetGalley and I was given the chance to read/trial it in advance to see if it was for me. It's no secret that I'm not really a fan of witches in novels so I was a little wary going into this book as to whether I'd like it. However, I decided to give the author a chance because I've loved her writing in the past and I'm so glad I did--I will definitely be buying the paperback!

Trial by Fire surprised me. It was different yet similar in ways to other books I've read. But, overall it was a refreshing and original book that combined a lot of elements into an interesting world. I loved how the author link in different dimensions that play out every alternative, spirit walking and created a location that felt both modern and medieval. I really wasn't expecting what I got and it kept me hooked all of the way through. I would have liked a little more in the world building as I did feel some parts lacked detail in the overall creation but in general things were explained well, in great detail--especially explanations.

Similarly I thought the characters were crafted well. I grew to like Lily and Rowan and thought how their bond developed was believable. I also liked that the book started in our version of a world before Lily was transported into another Salem. It didn't throw you into anything and built intrigue into what was happening with her. I found the crucible concept and using certain materials and energy to create something an interesting premise and the science behind it felt believable.

Overall, I really didn't expect to like Trial by Fire as much as I did. I went in interested because of the author but I only though it would be an okay read due to my past experiences with witches. However, it turned around my opinion very quickly and had me glued to the pages. I will definitely be waiting for book 2 as that ending was just mean! I would highly recommend any book by this author.

4.5 

Cover Reveal, Excerpt & Giveaway ~ The Moment of Letting Go by J. A. Redmerski

I'm so pleased to be hosting this cover reveal today. I love this author and she is one of the few who have managed to make me cry, so I can't wait to read this.

Enjoy everyone!

S

x

The Moment of Letting Go

Release Date: April 14th 2015

Description:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author J. A. Redmerski brings us a heart-wrenching, stand-alone new adult novel that fans of her blockbuster The Edge of Never are sure to fall in love with. In THE MOMENT OF LETTING GO Sienna Murphy finally lands her dream job. It's everything she's ever wanted...or so she thought. When she's sent on a business trip to Hawaii, she meets Luke Everett, a guy who makes her want to forget all her responsibilities and give in to the promise of all the happiness they could have together. As their passion grows, Luke makes Sienna start to question whether the carefully constructed life she leads is really as perfect as it seems.

Pre-Order Now!

B&N

IndieBound

iBooks

Kobo

Excerpt

He kisses me passionately for three brief seconds, his hands gripping the sides of my face, and we’re both breathless when he says, “I wanted to tell you about Landon. I wanted to tell you a lot of things, but I knew you had to go home and none of it would’ve mattered.”

ARC Review ~ Her Perfect Game (Hot & Nerdy #2) by Shannyn Schroeder

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: October 27th 2014

Publisher: eKensington

Description:
Spring break is supposed to be a week of fun in the sun for three childhood friends about to graduate from college. But one of them is ready to get her game on somewhere else…
Charlie Castle is an expert archer and a fierce warrior—in her favorite video game, anyway. But college life was a program she couldn't quite master. To land a cybertech job without a degree, she's entering a "hackfest" over spring break—where she also hopes to meet the sweet gamer who's been flirting with her online. Instead, she runs into the hot guy who walked away years ago, and can't fight the desire that comes rushing back. 

Jonah Best has never gotten over Charlie, whose kisses were always as deliciously creative as her coding. But now that they're face to face again, he doesn't know how to admit that her online admirer is really him—or how to convince her that he's offering her a job for her incredible skills, not her sex appeal. Can Jonah cut through their communication glitches and persuade Charlie that the next level up for them should be forever?

My Opinion

After enjoying the first instalment in this series, I was eager to read about another character from the author's cast. Her Best Shot was a quick, easy, and fun read so I was hoping Her Perfect Game would follow suit. And in essence it did.

Overall, the plot was fun, fast-paced, and interesting. I liked that Charlie wasn't the typical girl you get in romance novels. She was geeky and had an attitude. The hacker element to the book was different and it was a nice change of setting with the role-playing online.

Similarly, I liked the romance as a whole. The general theme behind it was good; it kept me interested as the two of them reconnected and then had to face certain secrets coming out. Because of the short length, I did feel it was all a bit to quick and that Charlie bent to Jonah's will too easily. I would have liked a bit more build up before she jumped into bed with him. As well as that the ending irritated me. It just stopped when I was expecting more. It all felt very rushed and abrupt, leaving me with a few questions an little satisfaction. I wanted more of a natural resolve and proper forgiveness--it all felt too easy.

Saying that though, this was an enjoyable, easy read. It was quick and engaging, I just wanted a little more.

3

ARC Review ~ To Catch a Star by Romy Sommer

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: September 25th 2014

Publisher: Haper Impulse

Description:
Teresa Adler is the ultimate Ice Princess, with a heart as frozen as the winter landscape of her beloved home, Westerwald. All her life, she’s belonged to the ‘inner circle’ of wealth, privilege and position.

Christian Taylor: Heartthrob. Movie Star. Bad boy. The mischievous actor sets temperatures soaring in the picturesque baroque principality – and with a wicked glint in his eye and a chip on his shoulder he sets his sights on the one thing he’s told he can’t have. Teresa.

While Tessa holds the ultimate clue to the secret of Christian’s parentage, it is the heat of his touch that will make this Ice Princess feel more alive than she ever has before…

Another magical, gorgeously romantic modern fairy tale from Romy Sommer!

My Opinion

I think this was my favourite from the whole series. When I downloaded it from NetGalley I didn't realise it was the third book until I saw the mention of rings. It was the "ice queen" personality that caught my attention and I couldn't wait to start it.

I loved the start and it set everything up nicely. It was engaging and made me laugh quicker than I expected. It also set the scene for Christian's lifestyle incredibly well and I thought the chaotic and busy nature of his work was continued and carried out well throughout the entire book. Similarly I thought the development in the book was well paced and believable. I loved Christian as he was a mixture of strong, leading male but was battling inner conflicts about his past and beliefs. I'm glad he decided to fight for what he wanted and he got what he deserved.

I'm not sure I can say the same for Teresa. She's one of those characters who's split my opinion. I liked her for most of the book, and thought how she became less of an ice princess was believable and developed well. However I just didn't agree with some of her decision and at times thought she was being stupid. I'm glad it all works out but I'm not sure I like how it got to that point due to personal preferences on subject matter.

Saying that though, in general everything progressed well and was believable. I liked the movie backdrop and that the author made it more realistic than the Hollywood glamour you sometimes see. There were also moments that made me laugh--the balcony scene being the first that comes to mind. It balanced the heartache and troubles well making this an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend this book.

4.5
Click below to buy.

ARC Review ~ The Year I Met You by Cecelia Ahern

Paperback recieved via Love Reading in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: October 9th 2014

Publisher: Harper Collins

Description:
A thoughtful, captivating and ultimately uplifting novel from this uniquely talented author

Jasmine know two things: one, she loves her vulnerable sister unconditionally, and will fight to the death to protect her from anyone who upsets her. Two, she's only ever been good at one thing – her job helping business start-ups.

So when she’s sacked and put on gardening leave, Jasmine realises that she has nothing else to fill her life. Insomnia keeps her staring out of her bedroom window, and she finds herself watching the antics of her neighbour, shock jock Matt, with more than a casual eye. Matt is also taking a forced leave of absence from work, after one of his controversial chat shows went too far…

Jasmine has every reason to dislike Matt, and the feeling appears to be mutual. But not everything is as it seems, and soon Jasmine and Matt are forced to think again…

My Opinion

I know I will probably be in the minority here, but I just couldn't bring myself to like this book. Having read a few other novels by this author, I thought I'd give her one more chance to sway my opinion on her work. Although I haven't disliked the other books I've read, they have never been something that have excited me. 

So, I went into reading The Year I Met You really hoping I liked it, especially when I saw the beautiful cover. Sadly though, it didn't engage or connect with me. My biggest problem was that I find this author to be very text-heavy and not use speech as often. Personally, this makes it very hard for me to connect with characters and stay interested as I feel they don't really have a voice. I never felt connected to Matt or Jasmine in the way I like when reading.

I had the same problem in with Ahern's other books. Things do get better towards the end, but it's always too late in the story for me. I find myself asking why it couldn't have started earlier with this author and it does becomes frustrating.

Moreover, I read to escape the troubles of real life, and even though there are some novels by this author I've liked, most don't do much for me as they are too close to normal lives. I like more drama in books and to read about exciting things. I just feel the whole of this book was too calm and normal. I don't want to say boring, but it really was a slow read for me.


I hate to say that about books and I really did want to like it but I just couldn't bring myself to care about the characters. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be reading more by this author as I don't think her work is right for me. I have no doubt other people will probably enjoy this read if you like this author and kind of book, it's just not my kind of read.

2.5