It's Monday...What Are you Reading?
It's Monday…What Are you Reading? is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, and is the perfect way to start the week!
Visit Book Journey to sign up and discuss what your reading this week! Sheila is also giving the chance for one lucky winner to score a $5 Amazon gift card, so head on over to check it out!
I've just finished reading:
For Darkness Shows The Stars
by Diana Peterfreund
Distopian Romance (Inspired by Persuasion)
Verdict: I really enjoyed this one. A little slow to start but once it got going I couldn't put it down!
A Witch In Winter
by Ruth Warburton
Fantasy
Verdict: A cute witchy story, which would probably appeal to the younger YA audience.
Before You Go
by Clare James
NA Contemporary Romance
Verdict: It was a really good story, but very short. If a few scenes were developed a little further this one could be wonderful.
This week I'm planning on reading:
A Song For Julia
by Charles Sheehan-Miles
NA Romance
NA Romance
(I had this one on my last week, but didn't get a chance to finish it yet :))
Animal Instincts
by Nell Dixon
Contemporary Romance
Have you read any of these yet? What are you going to be reading this week?
Review: For Darkness Shows The Stars
Labels:
Book Review,
Diana Peterfreund,
For Darkness Shows The Stars,
YA
·
Title: For Darkness Shows The Stars
Series: For Darkness Shows The Stars #1
Author: Diana Peterfreund
Published: June 12th 2012
Genre: Dystopian Romance
"No matter where I went, I always knew my way back to you. You are my compass star.' And he was hers.”
***Mild spoilers***
THE GOOD:
The story:
Although this is inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, not all fans will automatically love this one - a love for futuristic/dystopian stories would probably help. I personally love both. Persuasion was always my favourite of Jane Austen's novels (oohh Captain Wentworth), I love the idea of second chance love, and never giving up hope, which is ultimately what For Darkness Shows The Stars is about.
We follow Elliot on the struggling North Estate, when Kai or Captain Wentforth (love that name!) arrives back in town. The story follows the basic structure of Persuason, but still with enough unique elements to keep things interesting. Peterfreund does however continue in Jane Austen's tradition of questioning social hierarchy - very effectively too.
World Buidling:
I personally felt this is one of the strongest examples of world building I've read in a long time. It actually made sense…can you believe that?!
The world has effectively been taken backwards in terms of technology, with no electricity, computers or even proper modern medicine. After people pushed the limits of technology too far, with brain & DNA altering, people began having children that were "Reduced" - unable to talk or function without help. However the families who decided not to be involved in the DNA alterations etc avoided the Reduction, these people are referred to as "Ludites" (aka Elliot). The Ludites looked after the Reduced over many generations (although they used them as slaves) until the Reduced began to have healthy children, referred to as 'Posts' (aka Kai). And it is these Posts that begin the question their position in society as 'second class'.
This book looks as both sides to the argument of how far it too far when it comes messing with the natural order - it really does make you think.
The romance:
Perhaps it's my love of Persuasion and Captain Wenthworth (*swoon*) effecting my judgement, but the romance between Elliot & Kai was so heartbreakingly beautiful. I spent so much of this book on the edge of my seat, just waiting for them to forgive each other and get together. (ahh, I sound so melodramatic, but it's true). And just like in Persuasion we have to wait till the very end for the HEA
The characters:
All the characters, including secondary characters, were really well developed. Elliot & Kai are both strong and passionate, with supporting characters from the Star Fleet crew, The Noth Posts & Reduced, all having individual & unique personalities. I never got any characters confused with each other.
The Writing:
I loved how Peterfreund sprinkled the old letters between Elliot & Kai throughout the book. They gave a beautiful insight into how their childhood friendship evolved into something more. It also showed how they both felt about the society they lived in, and how they came to make the decisions they made before Kai left. It was also a very effective way of world building with info dumping!
THE BAD:
My only small criticism would be a slightly slow beginning - I found the first 20 or so pages very difficult to get into. I think this may have been because the story is told in 3rd person rather than narrated by Elliot herself. I personally prefer 1st person narration as I feel I can connect better with the characters, sometimes 3rd person can feel a little detached, which is what happened in the beginning for me. However once I got into the story it was no longer an issue.
FINAL WORD:
This was a breathtaking beautiful story of heartbreak and second chances. Incredibly well written & very thought provoking. A wonderful take on the Jane Austen classic - I absolutely loved it!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: mild
Violence: mild / passing mention of some estates abusing their Reduced slaves
Language: none
Drugs & alcohol: mild / some minor character drink at a party
Swoon Thursday
Labels:
Autumn Doughton,
Ellie Glass,
New Adult,
On An Edge Of Glass,
Swoon Thursday,
Weekly Event
·
From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, and share it on your blog.
This week, I’m SWOONING over:
Title: On An Edge of Glass
Author: Autumn Doughton
Published: March 9th 2013
Genre: New Adult Romance
"The kiss begins timidly but grows more intense as his tongue parts my lips and his hands make their way under my sweater to the bare skin just below my belly button. When his mouth moves down my throat and his tongue finds the hollow space just above my collarbone my knees start to go." - Ellie
Ben & Ellie are so swoon worthy!
So what made you swoon this week?
Review: On An Edge Of Glass
Labels:
Autumn Doughton,
Book Review,
Ellie Glass,
New Adult,
On An Edge Of Glass
·
Title: On An Edge of Glass
Author: Autumn Doughton
Published: March 9th 2013
Genre: New Adult Romance
“He looks at you like you're the only person in the room. Like he's trapped underwater and you're an oxygen tank. Like he's in anaphylactic shock and you're an EpiPen.”
***Mild spoilers***
THE GOOD:
The story:
This story basically flows Ellie's journey of self discovery and about embracing who you truly are not who you think you should be. Ben, her love interest, enters her life & shows her that it's okay to let go & stop trying to control every aspect of her life. Their romance shows Ellie that her life plan isn't as perfect as she once thought. It's a sweet romantic story with just enough angst created by the fact that their romance is somewhat 'forbidden', because of a pact that Ellie makes with her roommates not to date Ben when he moves in with them.
The characters:
Ben…well what can I say, I love him. My favourite heroes in books are usually the creative & more emotional types (bad boys are just not my thing), and Ben is oh so yummy. He's not the not a tattooed rock musician, but more of alt music guy who also plays classical music. And he is sooooo sweet - a guy who is able to show his emotions is so much sexier to me than some overprotective manwhore with anger issues (which seems to be the popular type of hero lately).
“Ellie, I came back early because I was driving everyone around me crazy. When I wasn't texting you or talking to you, I was talking about you, and thinking about you, and wondering about you...you get the idea.” - Ben
Don't get me wrong though, he's no pansy - when his ex best friend that cheated with his ex girlfriend shows up at their party & starts flirting with Ellie, he does tell him where to go!
As for Ellie, well at first I was a little worried that she was going to be a bit of a stuck up kind of character. But she wasn't, however she does like to have control of her life & could loosen up a little - enter Ben. He shows her that their is more to life than 20 year plans, and throughout the story Ellie starts to relax
The romance:
Ellie & Ben are very different characters & complement each other really well. Ben brings out Ellie's true self & shows her how to really be happy. Because Ben is a relatively sensitive character I felt the romance was very sweet & believable. It's not sappy, but Ben showed that he really knew Ellie - the real Ellie, not the 'perfect' image she's trying to be. I loved their first date, how he gave her the gummy bears instead of flowers (because he sees she has them with her all the time), and he took her to the planetarium because she mentioned in passing that she loved astrology - it really showed that he listened & cared about her.
The Writing:
It was really refreshing to read about a sweet & healthy relationship without too much teen angst. There is of course some drama (but the good kind that keeps the story moving). Doughton has written a very realistic romance - one that you could actually see happening in real life. The story flowed very naturally & I was completely caught up in their romance. Her writing style is very natural & fluid, making it a very quick & easy read.
THE BAD:
I really can't think of anything I didn't like about this book.
FINAL WORD:
This was a fun and sweet romance, that shows that just going with the flow is what makes life so amazing. The romance is incredibly beautiful - I didn't want Ellie & Ben's story to end. I'm not sure if there will be a sequel or any spin off stories about the other characters - perhaps about Payton & Nick the drummer *fingers crossed*
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium-strong / sex scenes (not overly descriptive)
Violence: none
Language: medium / occasional sh*t and f**k
Drugs & alcohol: mild-medium / drinking at parties
It's Monday…What Are you Reading?
·
It's Monday…What Are you Reading? is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, and is the perfect way to start the week!
Visit Book Journey to sign up and discuss what your reading this week! Sheila is also giving the chance for one lucky winner to score a $5 Amazon gift card, so head on over to check it out!
I've just finished reading:
On An Edge of Glass
by Autumn Doughton
Wait For You
by J. Lynn
Lost
by Nadia Simonenko
All three were amazing books - I'm not normally lucky enough to read 3 great books in a row! I'll be posting the reviews shortly!
This week I'm planning on reading:
For Darkness Shows The Stars
by Diana Peterfreund
A Song For Julia
by Charles Sheehan-Miles
A Witch In Winter
by Ruth Warburton
I've already started A Song For Julia & am really enjoying it so far + it's great to see a romance from a male author!
Have you read any of these yet? What are you going to be reading this week?
Review: Obsidian (Lux #1)
Labels:
Alien,
Book Review,
Jennifer L. Armentrout,
Lux,
Obsidian,
YA
·
Title: Obsidian
Series: Lux #1
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: May 8th 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance
“I didn't want to spoil the mood. This was probably the longest Daemon and I had ever spoken without some statement earning him the finger.”
***Mild spoilers***
THE GOOD:
The story:
Wow…just wow! I loved this book! As soon as Katy moves in next door to Daemon they are at each other throats, throwing insults at each other and generally giving the impression they despise one another. But it's clear that there is enough sexual tension between them to power the entire neighbourhood for a year! Every scene with them was electric!
The story is also full of lots of excitement with plenty of twists and turns as we follow the Luxens (aka 'good' alien's of light) try to protect each other & their identities from the Arum (aka 'bad' alien's of darkness).
The heroine:
The main character & narrator, Katy, is awesome - I loved how she has this real fiery, sarcastic attitude to her. She's not afraid to say what she thinks, especially to Daemon, which was a nice change from the normal push over style heroines we're used to. When Daemon was nasty or insulting her, she called him a d**khead, flipped him the bird (so many times I lost count) & poured spaghetti on him in the cafeteria (I loved that one!). She didn't take any of his crap, which I really appreciated.
“No. Sorry. You have spent months being the biggest jerk to me. You don't get to decide to like me one day and think I will forget that. I want someone to care for me like my dad cared for my mom. And you aren't him.”
I also liked how Katy has a couple of other friends that she continues to hang out with after she becomes friends with Dee & discovers she's an alien. She doesn't just forget her other friends (which seems to happen a lot in other books like this).
The Writing:
Armentrout's writing style won me over. There was a real sense of humour to it that I really enjoyed. I think some people may find the narrator's voice irritating with her sarcastic comments, but if you read the blurb this gives a very good example of how the book reads. The book doesn't feel as dark & heavy as many paranormal books do & I personally found my self laughing quite a few times, which was very refreshing!
I was also really impressed by how well this story was constructed. With explanations on how the aliens arrived, how the government were dealing with it, and also how their alien powers worked. These details are gradually released through the story, generally as Katy discovers them.
THE BAD:
I have to admit I did find Daemon a little irritating at the beginning - I know that was his intention, to push her away to keep his sister safe, but I just felt at times he went a bit too far & was straight out nasty. As the book went on I started to like him more & when I read the few chapters at the end of the book told from Daemon's point of view, I started to understand his actions better. I think the story could have actually benefited from having both Katy & Daemon's perspective throughout the book (but I always love dual POV stories)
FINAL WORD:
Overall this was a really enjoyable book - fun, adventurous & smothered in sexual tension! Bring on Onyx!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium / intense kissing with partial nudity, discussions of sex
Violence: medium / character attacked & almost sexually assaulted, fighting scenes with aliens killed
Language: mild-medium / d**khead, douche bag etc
Drugs & alcohol: mild-medium / underage drinking at party
Review: Emblaze The Violet Eden Chapters #3
Labels:
Book Review,
Emblaze,
Jessica Shirvington,
Violet Eden
·
Title: Emblaze
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters #3
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Published: March 5th 2013
(First published in Aus Oct 11th 2011)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
“Would you die for her?' I almost stopped breathing. I could feel his eyes on me. 'I do. Every day.” - Lincoln
***Mild spoilers***
THE GOOD:
The story:
This third instalment in the series takes us on the journey of trying to get the scripture from Phoenix, and it all leads up to a spectacular good vs evil show down at the end. However along the way it becomes difficult to tell who is actually good or evil eg.Phoenix has done some horrible things, but I can still see some good in him and so can Violet.
The romance:
Violet & Lincoln's relationship is frustrating in all the right ways (yes there is indeed a good kind of frustrating). We all know they should be together, they even know they should be together, but of course they can't be - insert sexual frustration! (omg the scene near the end of the book where Violet asks Lincoln to stay with her for the night (just to sleep of course) was soooo yummy)
Secondary characters:
I really liked how Spencer & Violet's friendship was developed - there is absolutely no romance there, and that's what I like about it. It shows that it is possible to have a guy that's just a friend. And was really refreshing to see that this relationship isn't going down the path of romance, which it so easily could have - top marks for Jess Shirvington!
The Writing:
Shirvington's writing is what takes this book from being great, to exceptional. All her books are well researched, yet she never commits the awful sin of info dumping. With beautiful pacing the book never falls into empty boring patches - there is always sometime going on wether it be kick-ass Grigori fighting or intense sexually charged scenes - my heart was racing from start to finish (for various reasons *wink wink*)
THE BAD:
Zero…nothing…
THE FINAL WORD:
With each book in this series the intensity & passion increases and this one is off the charts! I'm not sure how much better this series can get but I look forward to finding out!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium / heavy kissing
Violence: medium / fight scenes, murder scenes
Language: medium / occasional use of f**k
Drugs & alcohol: medium / underage drinking at nightclub
Review: Entice (The Violet Eden Chapters #2)
Labels:
Book Review,
Entice,
Jessica Shirvington,
Violet Eden
·
Title: Entice (Enticed - Aus version)
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters #2
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Published: September 4th 2012
(First published in Aus March 29th 2011)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
"His lips, delicious as ever, found safe landing on mine, and the second they did, my frozen state melted in the absolute steaminess between us"
***Mild spoilers***
THE GOOD:
The story:
With Embrace, the main storyline was following Violet's path to her embracing her Grigori powers. With Entice, we have a new storyline & set off on an adventure to find the Scriptures - documents that could either save or destroy our world, depending on who's hands they end up in. This story is very much good vs evil adventure!
The romance:
I thought that there was sexual tension in Embrace…well…all I can say is the scene with the bookcase was oh so sexy (I love my bookcase, but if Lincoln wanted to break mine I'd be all for it *wink wink*)
Violet & Lincoln's relationship develops in this novel & we start to truly see how they feel about each other (especially Lincoln). Nothing ever feels forced between them, like the only reason they are together is because that's what happens it YA romance. I truly believe their feelings for each other.
The characters:
The secondary characters that were introduced in this book were really fun and added a real punch to the story. I loved Spencer & Zoe, they both really added a bit of spark to some dark & heavy scenes. The dialogue that they both add was always quick & witty, and they were just such vibrant characters.
The Writing:
Again Shirvington has written a smart & intelligent novel. She drops clues along the way, but doesn't throw them in your face in the first two pages, leaving you to wait for the characters to wander around blindly for most of the story figuring what you already know. She doesn't underestimate the intelligence of her readers, which is why I think this is one of the YA series that will appeal to all ages.
THE BAD:
As with Embrace I can't think of anything that I didn't like!
THE FINAL WORD:
An incredible sequel to Embrace. The Violet Eden Chapters is setting out to be one of the best YA paranormal series out there! A passionate and steamy adventure!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium / heavy kissing, discussions of sex
Violence: medium / fight and murder scenes
Language: medium / occasional use of f**k
Drugs & alcohol: medium / underage drinking at night club
Review: Embrace (The Violet Eden Chapters #1)
Labels:
Book Review,
Embrace,
Jessica Shirvington,
Violet Eden
·
Title: Embrace
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters #1
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Published: March 6th 2012
(First published in Aus October 1st 2010)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
“Kissing you is.. I tried so hard for so long to deny myself. I tried to do the right thing. But ever since we kissed on your birthday I knew once I started I'd never be able.. even through we can't..” - Lincoln
***Mild spoilers***
THE GOOD:
The story:
To be honest I was a little wary about starting this one. I have only read 2 other Angel stories in the past, Halo & Fallen and hadn't really enjoyed them, I was starting to think maybe angel books are not my think. But Embrace is simply amazing, the concept of Grigori's & their partners was good & Shirvington has obviously done her research into the mythology. This is not just a romance with a few mythical/paranormal creatures thrown in for fun - there is a really strong mythical storyline pushing the book forward, with an even balance of romance. It's an adventure as we follow Vi discovering her identity & having to make the choice of wether or not she will 'embrace' her Grigori powers.
The romance:
Wow, this books is just dripping with sexual tension, seriously *fans self*. The tension between Violet & Lincon was so intense, they just had to be in the same scene for you to feel it. What's best about their relationship is that it began as a really strong friendship, which makes their love so much more real (no insta-love, yay!!)
“Did you ever think we would be anything other than unbelievable?” - Lincoln
There is also somewhat of a love triangle, however I personally believe there is only one obvious choice (team Lincoln here!) I usually loath love triangles, but this one actually works and just adds to the sexual tension building between Vi & Linc.
The characters:
I found Violet to be such a relatable character. She responded to situations in realistic ways - like when confronted with the idea of being a Grigori she didn't just suddenly become a kick-ass ninja warrior, she was scared & unsure what to do.
Lincon is the perfect hero, caring, protective (but not in a stalkerish way) & of course hot!! But best of all he actually knows Violet - not just the obvious or superficial things, but all the little quirks that make a person who they are.
Phoenix is the 'bad boy' sort of guy, but it's not as simple as him just being the evil guy. He has so many layers & I really believed that there is some good in him (and I still do). He can be really sweet to Violet, but then can turn around & do something so evil. It's almost like he believes that because of who he is, he is meant to do bad things, and therefore does. Like he has no choice & isn't allowed to be good even if he wants to be.
The Writing:
This is a beautifully creative & incredibly well written novel! Jessica Shirvington's writing style is clean & sophisticated. The story is well structured and flows so naturally. There has also been a lot of research put into the mythology of angels, which was great to see. I also felt Shirvington handled the religious side to the story very well - at no point did the story become either preachy nor disrespectful. Weather your religious or not this book shouldn't offend anyone.
With so many books being published in the YA paranormal romance genre, I feel that books are being rushed out too quickly that they lack the proper research & editing. It's so refreshing to see such polished writing - great work Jessica!
THE BAD:
I really can't think of anything I didn't like about this one…nope…nothing!
FINAL WORD:
This is a superbly written paranormal romance and Jessica Shirvington's beautiful writing makes this one a must read! I cannot wait to read the sequel!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium / heavy kissing, fade to black sex scene, mention of near sexual assault
Violence: medium / fight scenes, blood, murder scenes
Language: mild-medium / occasional use of f*ck
Drugs & alcohol: medium / underage drinking at nightclub
Welcome to the Reading Realm!
·
Welcome to the Reading Realm!
On this blog I will be posting reviews of fantasy, paranormal and contemporary romance novels in both YA/NA & adult fiction (plus some random books that I may happen to be reading)
I'll also be posting some discussions & opinion articles along the way.
So to anybody who may be reading this blog, please join in with your views and opinions!
Thank you and happy reading!
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