My review of The Iron Daughter

19/01/12 - The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey #2) by Julie Kagawa - Released 1st August 2010

Stunning. Absolutely stunning.

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

The Iron Daughter had me crying, laughing, smiling, irritated, annoyed and so completely messed up I couldn't get to sleep!

The characters. Wow, the characters...They were brilliant! I fell in love with all of them. Meghan, she's definitely got stronger as a person and as a fey! I'm incredibly jealous of her. She's got such a nice boy, who loves her and would do ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING for her! Now, everyone who's read The Iron King knows who I'm talking about, right? ASH! PRINCE ASH! PRINCE FLAMING ASH, OF COURSE! Sigh, he's such an amazing character to read about. Totally swoon-worthy. Unfortunately, (My darling) Ash had some competition. You want to know who it is? Read the book. Sorry guys, I can't tell you, it would be spoiling it for you.

I fell in love with some unexpected characters. Iron Horse? Wow, I never expected him! As you read about him, you realize that he does have a heart, that just because he's made of iron doesn't mean he's unbreakable. Puck, Meghan's best friend, was charming and funny as usual, always trying to lighten the mood with his jokes and opinions! But...we saw a different side to him in this book, he showed more emotion, but they all seemed to be negative? Anyhow, I want Puck as my best friend.

The Iron Daughter's plot was a little more dangerous. We saw some good heart ache from Meghan, but she pulled through. We saw some pretty good action from (My) Prince Ash and Puck. Damn, it was just so good! There were extreme twists and hard-hitting situations for the characters to deal with. I never expected what was just around the corner!


Absolutely breath-taking.


I rate this book:

5 Falling Books!

Interview + Giveaway with Patti Larsen!

Hey,


Guess what?! Patti Larsen agreed to an interview and a GIVEAWAY for you all! If you don't know who Patti Larsen is, then keep reading!

About the Author: Patti Larsen is a middle grade, young adult and adult author with a passion for the paranormal. Her YA thriller series, The Hunted, is available now. The first four books of The Hayle Coven series, Family Magic, Witch Hunt, Demon Child and The Wild are also out now. Her YA paranormal novel, Best Friends Forever, and steampunk series, Blood and Gold, are due early in 2012. She is a full time writer and a part time teacher of her Get Your Book Done program. Patti lives on the East Coast of Canada with her very patient husband and four massive cats.

You can check out my review for Family Magic at:
http://bookcrazedreviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-review-of-family-magic.html

Where did the idea for Family Magic come from?

I woke up in the middle of the night about three years ago with Syd's voice in my head. She badgered me until I climbed out of bed and went to my office. She insisted I write down the following: My mom is a witch and my dad is a demon and I just want to be ordinary. She's hardly be quiet since! And I'm very, very grateful for her.

Who is your favourite character from the book?

This is SO hard!! I adore Syd... but if I had to choose someone else, it would have to be her mother, Miriam. I remember the fights I used to have with my mom when I was a teenager, all the angst--going from hating her one minute to loving her the next... Miriam is so powerful, the coven leader, but she's also a mom who just wants to understand her daughter. Their relationship makes me shake my head every time.

Will Family Magic be printed?

Family Magic is already in print! You can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Magic-1-Patti-Larsen/dp/1466451033/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326911666&sr=8-1

Are you working on any other projects?

I'm always writing! Now that the first quadrilogy of Syd's story is out (Witch Hunt, Demon Child and The Wild being the sequels to Family Magic), I'm prepping the first book of a new series to send to my editor, called Smoke and Magic. It's about Syd's great-great-great grandmother, Auburdeen Hayle, based in Victorian England, a soft steampunk trilogy. I'm super excited about it! After that comes four more Hayle Coven novels, Syd's further adventures!

Did you always want to be a writer?

I've known since I was twelve. I come from a family of readers and grew up on books. I just remember finishing a book one day and realizing I could write one of my own. It took me a lot of years to believe that twelve-year-old me, but I'm glad she finally got through to me.

What is your favouite book of all time?

Oh boy... wow, so tough! If I had to choose one and only one... The Prince Commands by Andre Norton. I can't tell you how many times I read that book as a teen. I don't think it's in print any longer, but if I ever find a copy (the one my dad owned is long gone) I would cherish it forever. It's a simple story, about a boy who is raised not knowing he's a prince. If you ever get the chance to read it, do.

Do you have a writing routine?

I do. I write full time, so I treat it like a job. Up first thing, a bit of breakfast, do my marketing/networking/blogging in the morning then writing or editing after lunch. I'm supposed to stop when my husband gets home from work, but he knows better than to interrupt me. ;) A little TV with dinner and either reading for the rest of the night or finishing what I didn't accomplish through the day. I love my career and always tag my twitter posts with #bestjobever.

Dream job?

Is it ever. I can't imagine doing anything else. Unless it involved animals. I could cuddle baby fur balls all day!

You can find Patti:

On her website http://www.pattilarsen.com/

On Facebook www.facebook.com/pattilarsenauthor

Her writing blog http://www.pattilarsen.blogspot.com/

Her book blog http://www.pattilarsenbooks.blogspot.com/

On Twitter www.twitter.com/#!/PattiLarsen

On Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4576191.Patti_Larsen

And on Amazon.com

Remember to check out all her books! You DON'T want to miss out!

And now what you've all been waiting for....THE GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check back soon and good luck all!
Sam :D

My review of Family Magic

Family Magic (The Hayle Coven Novels #1) by Patti Larsen 
Released Date: October 17th, 2011
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

A thrilling tale of demons and complicated teens! Plenty of action and sweet romance.

Sixteen-year-old Sydlynn Hayle is the daughter of a powerful witch and a demon lord of the seventh plane. The trouble is, she just wants to be ordinary. Syd struggles to survive the minefield of her new high school while being torn between her attraction to football hero Brad Peters and the darkly mysterious Quaid Moromond. When her coven comes under attack, Syd is forced to face the fact only her power can save her family’s magic.

I loved this book! It had me laughing, smiling and slightly teary eyed.

Sydlynn Hayle is like any other teen in the world. She wants independence. She wants a normal and untroubled life. She has mood swings? Annoying parents who don't understand her? Hmmm. Well, I admire Syd for her courage and determination. Her love for her family.

You can easily relate to Syd as you read the book, you can understand her point of views, etc. I found her an enjoyable character, with a big heart hiding behind her. She has an adorable little sister, 'Meems', as Syd calls her. A sister that everyone wishes they could have! I garantee you will love her.

On to the boys. Brad, a nice boy, I thought, the kind of boy anyone could get along with. His take to Syd was so cute, but.....I am a team Quaid. Quaid, a dark and sexy boy, who has a love of smirking and popping up at awkward times. I LOVE HIM! :D

There was lots of good action scenes in this book, which makes me think it'd be a good movie. The plot was extremely interesting, and you will find yourself furiously turning pages to find out what happens next! Demons? COME ON! Who WOULDN'T want to read about demons? It was great to see that new paranormal creatures are being introduced into YA fiction. To be honest, I'm tired of reading about Vampires, Wolves, etc. People with horns? Totally my thing.


You can get Family Magic on Kindle! So if you have a kindle, why not try this book? :]

Overall, a beautifully written book. A quick read packed full of excitement! I am eagerly awaiting the sequel, Witch Hunt.

Rating

- A special thanks to Patti Larsen for providing me with an E-copy!

An Interview with Jill Hathaway!

Hey,

Have you heard of Jill Hathaway? No? She is releasing her upcoming debut Slide, in March!

Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.

About Jill

Jill Hathaway lives in the Des Moines area with her husband and young daughter. Having earned her BA in English Education from the University of Northern Iowa and her MA in Literature from Iowa State University, she teaches high school English and dual credit courses for Des Moines Area Community College.

You can visit her website: http://jillscribbles.blogspot.com
Her Goodreads page: http://www.goodreads.com/jillscribbles

What? I hear you say, you can't wait until March for Slide? Well, here's an interview to keep you sane. ;)

Where did the idea for Slide come from?

I thought it would be crazy if someone found themselves standing over a dead body with a knife but with no idea what happened. From that, the concept of sliding developed. 

Is 'Vee Bell', the main character of Slide, anything like you?

Well, her voice is obviously very similar to mine. She's had a much harder life than I have, though, and her world view is a bit darker because of that.

What is your writing routine?

I go to the library or Panera to write. Beforehand, I psych myself up with music. I have playlists for each book or revision. 

Will you be doing any signings?

I'll be participating in the Dark Days tour with Kimberly Derting in April. We'll be in Chicago, Dayton, and Boston. Not sure of the dates yet, but I'll post them on my website as soon as I know. I'll also be at the Romantic Times convention in Chicago in April.

Favourite snack while you write?

My writing fuel is Oreos and Diet Pepsi.

In 20 words tell everyone why they should read Slide.

Because you want to learn everyone's deepest, darkest secrets.

How did you celebrate when you found out that Slide would be published? My husband and I went out for steaks. The atmosphere was kind of spoiled, though, because my toddler kept throwing her food on the floor. :)

Do you have any other projects lined up?

Right now I'm working on SLIDE's sequel, which will be released in Spring 2013. 

Cats or dogs?

Cats

Horror or Romance?

Horror

Do you prefer Slide's US cover or UK cover?

I love them both in different ways. The US cover is stunning, but I think the UK cover is more fun.

Describe your book in ten words.

She sees through the eyes of a killer.

Before you go:

1. DON'T FORGET TO BUY/PRE-ORDER SLIDE!!!!!

2. I think Jill is hosting a giveaway for a signed copy of Fracture! (Int) On her website.

3. You can enter my first ever giveaway! (Click Giveaways at the top)

Check back soon!

Sam :D

My review of Lies Beneath

Lies Beneath (Lies Beneath #1) by Anne Greenwood Brown 
Release Date: June 12th, 2012 
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

A magical and thrilling tale of mermaids with a deadly twist.

Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, killing them to absorb their energy. But this summer the underwater clan targets Jason Hancock out of pure revenge. They blame Hancock for their mother's death and have been waiting a long time for him to return to his family's homestead on the lake. Hancock has a fear of water, so to lure him in, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter, Lily. Easy enough—especially as Calder has lots of practice using his irresistable good looks and charm on ususpecting girls. Only this time Calder screws everything up: he falls for Lily—just as Lily starts to suspect that there's more to the monsters-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined. And just as his sisters are losing patience with him.


Lies Beneath is an intriguing book that you won't forget. Anne Greenwood Brown has created a fascinating worlds full of exciting paranormal creatures!

Lies Beneath is told from a boy's point of view, which I really liked. Normally, paranormal romance books are told from a girl's point of view. And it all avolves around this girl finding out that a handsome guy is a vampire or werewolf of some sort. So, to have a book told from a guy's POV was a very interesting experience!

This book was a breath of fresh air!

Finally, I thought, I will be able to see into the mythical being's head! But this book wasn't at all what I expected! The beautiful, pretty, innocent mermaids I had pictured in my head before I read the book, was replaced with killer mermaids? But once you got to know more about Calder, you realize that he is different from the others, he has a heart.

You will fall in love with the characters for their actions, their thoughts, their personality, etc. I really liked Calder, I think I will find it hard to find another Merman to compete with him. Lily, hmmmm, she's strong willed and quite surprising at times. Okay, so I won't say any more about that.....


Overall, a beautifully written book, full of charming and fun characters! Mermaids; The new Vampires?

Rating

My review of Switched

14/01/12 - Switched (Switched #1) by Amanda Hocking - Released 5th January 2012

An exciting and fun adventure, with a touch of forbidden romance.

 When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth.

With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of.

When I saw it in the book shop I was curious, I'd never heard of Amanda Hocking but once I read the blurb I just had to get it. I'm so glad I did get it because it was just so freakingly amazing!

I fell in love with Finn, ahhhhh, Finn, the boy who lights up my world. Or as One Direction might sing:

"Baby you light up my world like no body else, the way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed, but when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell; you don't know oh oh, YOU DON'T KNOW YOUR BEAUTIFUL!"

I found Wendy an interesting character to read about. I think she is a very unique and fun person. I can't wait to find out what's in store for her in Torn.

Anyway, let's talk about Finn. He is a gentleman, with a big heart and a gorgeous personality. He is a Tracker (You want to know what one is? Read the book). He has feelings that he can't express because of who and what he is. He is strong and confident, a beautiful and loving boy.

If you enjoy fairytales with a twist, this is definitely your book! TROLLS. Come on! Trolls! No, not little things with long pink hair. A different kind of Trolls! So read it. Love it. Get your book signed ;).

I rate this book:

In My Mailbox

Hey,

I've just come across 'In My Mailbox' and felt that I should start it! You can find out ALL about IMM at: http://www.thestorysiren.com/in-my-mailbox

Netgalley:

This one looks good! REALLY good. I'm reading it now so I should have a review up soon. This is being released in June, yeah, sorry, guys. June 2012.

 

Isn't the cover cool? I think this is a re-print or something because I don't think the first cover looked like this one. I think this on is being released in February, so you haven't got that long to wait if you want to read it! I will try to read this one this week so I can get a review to you ASAP.

I'm not quite sure what this one is about but I requested it because of the cover? Hehehe, I am a sucker for 'em. It looks good, don't you think?

The reviews for this book didn't state that this book was brilliant, so I'm a bit worried but I'll try it?

I won:

I won this from Aimee! I'm so happy! :D Look at the cover! I will post a review ASAP. This is available in March and you can find out ALL about this book on her website. (Google her ;D)

Books:



I've ordered this from the library because I've just read Bloodlines and I loved it, so I thought I should try out some of Richelle Mead's other books.

I HAD to order this from the library, I've just read If I stay and I freakin' LOVED IT! This book needs to hurry up so I can finally read the ending.

Well guys, that's my week. I shall post another IMM next week! Check back soon and don't forget to enter my giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sam :D

My review of Waterfall

11/01/12 - Waterfall (Waterfall #1) by Lisa T. Bergren - Released 1st February 2011

A unique and exciting read. Recommended to all.

What do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives among the romantic hills with their archaelogist parents. Stuck among the rubble of the medieval castles in rural Tuscany, on yet another hot, dusty archaeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds...until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

Knight in shining armour. Beautiful girl. A complicated situation. A different time. This book was definitely exceeded my expectations.

When I read the blurb, I thought that this would be like any other time-travel book, but I was SO wrong! Waterfall was fun, packed with action and great characters! Let me break this review down:

Characters

Gabi; a strong and beautiful heroine! She was full of life and a determined mind. I found her a great character to relate to, eventhough I don't know how to fence, ride a horse or speak like I'm from the 14th century!

Marcello; Every book needs a knight and shining armour but in this book you LITERALLY get one! I fell in love with this curly-haired boy from the page that I met him. I don't think this book would have been the same with out him.

Lia and Luca; First of all, Lia. We didn't see much of her in the first half of the book because she and Gabi got seperated, but when we did finally meet her, I liked her. She had similar qualities to her sister and her blossoming relationship with Marcello's cousin, Luca, was sweet. Okay, so maybe Lia hasn't taken to Luca yet but maybe in the next book?

Plot

The first half of the story was based on Gabi looking for her sister. So every page I turned there was: I must find Lia. Yes, we need to look for Lia. COME ON WE HAVE TO FIND MY SISTER.

But lots of situations got in the way which made it so much harder for Gabi to find Lia, but luckily I had Marcello to drag me out from the drama!

You can't miss this epic adventure.

I rate this book:

Giveaway Blog Hop!

Hey,

I'm hosting my FIRST EVER giveaway! WOOOOOOOOOP! Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Martha's Bookshelf.

This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL as long as THE BOOK DEPOSITORY SHIPS TO YOU! Winner must reply within 48 hours. 

Here is what's up for grabs:

           



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck everyone! :D Want more givaways? Click here.
Sam :)

My review of If I Stay

If I Stay by Gayle Forman 
Release Date: April 9, 2009
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make -and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

One of the most emotional books I've ever read. I couldn't even stop crying.

Gayle Forman has done an AMAZING job writing such an outstanding book! There are no words to describe it. You need to read it.

A bunch of delightful and fun young characters, full of spirit, personality and emotion. I got lost in the Mia's thoughts, she is such an interesting character to read about! She has an extrodinary life, with really cool parents. And adding to that all, she has a charming young rock-musician as a boyfriend! Adam......I'm in love. If only a boy would get into so much trouble to see ME in the hospital. I WANT AN ADAM!

Like I said, I want an Adam. Sadly, I've never actually met anyone LIKE Adam. If only Gayle will tell me where to find this 'Adam'.

The book just hooks you in and keeps your interest through out. I started reading this at around 10pm, then, suddenly, I looked at my clock and it said 2am. I was like AHHHHHH. So, here is my advice:

1. Don't read this on a school/work night.

2. Don't read this in the living room, where everyone can see you cry.

3. Keep this book forever.

The second installment is called, 'Where She Went'! It sounds really good. It's told from Adam's point of view....it shall be interesting.

Favourite Quote:

“Sometimes you make choices in life and sometimes choices make you.”

Rating