Illusions by Aprilynne Pike

Release Date: 3rd/28th May, 2011

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Pages: 375pgs

The Story

Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.

But as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

The Review

I have a confession to make. I was never into this particular series. It has puzzled me since the book came out onto the shelves, because I don't know why. While I do love fantasy worlds of faeries and paranormal romances, and the unique take of Pike's own little world, but nothing never really clicked with me with this series. However, in the third installment of the Wings series, ILLUSIONS, it definitely surprised me how the events came together. The story itself didn't have much development as it was more focussed on the romance department than the actual world building, which slowed down the entire book down. But . . . I did find myself liking the characters a little bit more than in the previous two books. Though trust me on this, there's still something off about the story. Mind you, I'm an anti-Laurel fan. I know, I KNOW! But I can't help it!

In ILLUSIONS, the story doesn't start off where the last book, Spells, left off. Some time has passed between the books. I think a year at least. Laurel, the main character, hasn't seen Tamani - her sort-of-hot-faerie-ex-boyfriend - since she begged him to leave her. But her heart still aches for him. *insert eye roll* Since Tamani left her, Laurel has spent most of her time with her boyfriend, David, as she tries to be a normal girl again. *inserts another eye roll* I whisper with this, "You can never be a normal girl with a plant on your back!"

Without revealing anything major from the plot, let's just say a special someone - being Tamani - turns up again and ruins the "normal" girls life. Tamani brings bad news about the world of Avalon, the war of the trolls, and Laurel faces yet again . . . more relationship issues, and other whatknot that's about to bring her world crumbling down. Yes, it's a hard life of a teenager. I mean, of course it's hard when you're like a plant fairy and you have two hot-but-very-sweet guys wantings your affections. And there I thought my life sucked. :P

Like the many fans of this series, readers are torn between David and Tamani. I thought both of these young men are perfect for Laurel in their own way: you have the sweet guy and the over-protective-sometimes-sweet-sometimes-serious guy. But hey, I'm a bit biased here. You know, because I love Tamani. The only thing that really made me cringe over this book was the relationship between Laurel, David, and Tamani. Laurel continues to be torn between the two hot guys and then she confuses the whole situation by not picking anyone, then changing her mind over and over again. I dislike girl heroines who are like that. They should know their own heart. And . . . GO WITH IT! While I remain a HUGE Team Tamani fan all through the book, but it's kind of plain obvious who Laurel wants the most. For those who have read this, you know what I mean!

ILLUSIONS is perfectly paced - like Aprilynne Pike's other books Wings and Spells - and I think it was the best book out of all the three within the series. There's more romance that readers 'might' appreciate, lot's of action and tension scenes that everyone will love, and of course, there's a deadly cliffhanger that isn't good for the soul. Cliffhangers are the shotgun to the heart! If you haven't already read this series, then be sure to pick up a copy if you love the likes of Melissa Marr and Alyson Noel. While I might not be a hardcore fan of Wings, but ILLUSIONS is a fairly good and quick-paced read for all those paranormal fans like myself! And it'll be interesting what the fourth installment has to offer!

The Rating

3/5 stars

Win a signed paperback copy of Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare!

In celebration of the CLOCKWORK PRINCE's cover reveal which you can see both here and down the bottom of this post, the lovely Jenny from Walker Books Australia has sent me a SIGNED - yes SIGNED - CLOCKWORK ANGEL book to giveaway here on my Tales of the Inner Book Fanatic blog! How awesome, right? Unfortunately for some of my international readers, this giveaway is limited to Australia only! Sorry folks! Since Cassandra Clare visited Australia this month, I thought it would be fair to those who didn't have a chance to see her at her signings - like myself since I live in Brisbane!

To win a signed copy of CLOCKWORK ANGEL,

fill in the required form & answer the following question

Name your favourite character from the ID series and why?

Or if you haven't read the book yet, just tell me your fave TMI character!

Best entry will win! So be creative!

CLICK HERE

Australia only!

There are extra entries on the form too!

Giveaway ends June 21st, 2011

Honestly, may I add . . .

I can't get enough of this lovely Jem cover!

Love you Jem!

Clockwork Prince is the second installment in the New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series set in Victorian London by Cassandra Clare. Out December this year, visit Walker Books Australia Website for more information on the Infernal Devices.

The Queen's Lady by Eve Edwards

Release Date: 3rd February, 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 324pgs

The Story

1584 - Surrey, England.

When Lady Jane Rievaulx begins service to the Queen of England at Richmond Palace, she is thrilled at the court's newest arrival . . . Master James Lacey. Despite her courtship with his older brother, James is the man she truly loves. And for his part, he cannot deny his fascination with her. However, James is setting sail on a treacherous journey to the Americas, seeking absolution for what he sees as past sins. But when Lady Jane is forced into a terrible situation by her own family, there is only one man to save her. Will Master James return to his lady - before it's too late?

The Review

Last year, I ADORED and LOVED Eve Edwards debut novel, The Other Countess. Anything with historical elements and romance is my type of book, and since I loved Edwards first book, I was definitely looking forward to reading its sequel. While it still disappoints that Will and Ellie are no longer the main characters (though they do make a few cameo appearances throughtout the book), but reading an Eve Edwards book is like slipping into the most comfortable chair and shoes, where you're able to be whisked away into a world of Queen Elizabeth I's court and a Tudor England.

THE QUEEN'S LADY is a story about Lady Jane Rievaulx (her name has changed by marriage), a character whom played a minor role in The Other Countess and it was a nice story to learn more about her. We read about her being recently widowed, still at the very young age of eighteen, and she's devastated by the loss of her elderly husband, who through kindness and sweet friendship saved her from her own family, and now with him gone, Jane must deal with the greedy and damn wicked stepsons who believe they have more claim on their father's money than herself. Now, Jane must seek refuge with the Queen as the Lady in waiting, and she's absolutely happy when she discovers James Lacey returns to the court - her feelings still stronger than the last time they spoke. For those who don't know James, he was the brother of Will (the main character of The Other Countess).

As for James himself, he is dealing with his own demons and like the stubborn boy that he is, he thinks he's not worthy of Jane's love. *insert eye roll here* In effort to rid of his lost soul and to become a better man for Jane, he plans to set sail on a dangerous journey to the newly discovered America. Problem for Jane is that her father and brother (whom I hate more than ever), have plans to marry her off again.

While I prefer Will and Ellie's character from The Other Countess, but Jane's character is much more likeable in this sequel. Though we do see a change in her from the Jane we saw in the first book. She's less . . . animated. But nonetheless, I felt sorry for her. She is a young girl who is being used as breeding stock for her own families gain and I couldn't imagine the pressures of this in this particular society, and unfortunately for Jane, she is the subject of gossip. Ones that have some consequences. Yet through and through, Jane has such a strong prescene about her because no matter the hardships she faces, she still remains to be strong, loyal, and a kind person.

The main thing I think everyone loved about THE QUEEN'S LADY was the romance between Jane and James. Kind of ironic they both have the same J in their names. Jane is one of the most respected young woman in the court (a kind person at that) and James is probably the complete opposite. He's broody, a little mysterious, and a little tortured like a lot of boys are in fictional novels. And we can't get enough of them. Anyway, their romance was a lovely thing to read about because they brought out the best in each other and cursed the others who thought otherwise of their romance. Also have to mention, I love how the likes of Will, Ellie, and Milly made appearances in the book . . . so we haven't lost the touch of what we loved about The Other Countess.

Overall, once again Eve Edwards has wrote another great addition to the series - all with beautiful descriptions and wonderful historical detailings. From the rich descriptions of costumes to the vivid scenes of Tudor times, Eve Edwards has become one of my favourite authors. And while THE QUEEN'S LADY wasn't as strong as her first novel, The Other Countess, but with my love of history, romance, and an interest in the England/Tudor times, THE QUEEN'S LADY has impressed me.

The Rating

4 /5 stars

Oh my Jem !

*soul floats away from body* I believe I have just died. Let me present to you, CLOCKWORK PRINCE's cover! And it's by far . . . my FAVOURITE cover of all the Cassandra Clare books! 1) Because it's so hot and 2) Because my beloved Jem is hot and 3) Jem is hotter than Will's cover model - so beat that WILL FANS! And did I mention the cover model for Jem is HOT? HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT! I want to kiss this cover! TEAM JEM!

So you guys, what do you think of the cover?

Are you Team Jem like me or Team Will?

Richelle Mead reading Bloodlines

Came across this video from the Shadowkissed website. It's Richelle Mead reading an excerpt (I think it's the first chapter) from her upcoming Vampire Academy spinoff book, BLOODLINES! You may have to turn up the volume to hear something . . . but it's the only video I could find on youtube and with the best quality!

By the way at BEA this year, there was a limited number of ARCs for BLOODLINES and I'm sooooooo very jealous of those few who got them! *insert sad face* I plan to attend BEA next year, so fingers crossed I can have a chance to go! Seems like a reader, writer, and bloggers dream! Anyway, tomorrow I'll be posting a book review of THE QUEEN'S LADY by Eve Edwards and tonight I'm going to be reading more of HUNTRESS by Malinda Lo which is fantastic so far!

Pretty Twisted by Gina Blaxill

Release Date: 13th May, 2011

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 352pgs

The Story

As the train entered the tunnel, it struck me just how bizarre this all was.

It could be a chick-flick tag line; 'girl likes boy but keep it hidden as

she helps boy search for the girl he loves.'

Ros met Jono online just a couple of weeks ago. Now Jono's beautiful ex-girlfriend Freya has disappeared without a trace . . . and disturbing evidence is coming to light. So Rose agrees to help him search for her - but she is hiding a secret of her own.

This is only the beginning.

This story is about to get PRETTY TWISTED.

The Review

PRETTY TWISTED is the first novel written by Gina Blaxill and I was pretty surprised to find this book waiting for me in the mail. Best of all, I didn't even know I was getting it. But thanks to the lovely publishers of Macmillan Children's Books UK, they were very kind to send this book for me to review and it sure was a very interesting one. While the story itself was well-written, but there were definitely some up-and-down's with this title. However, from start to finish, I really enjoyed the mystery the story it offered - cause I love mysteries since I'm a huge Nancy Drew geek - and at the very last page . . . you learn some things from the book too.

PRETTY TWISTED is told in double narratives with alternating chapters from the two main characters, Ros and Jonathan, who meet by accident online. They share a few things in common: they're lonely, not sure where they fit in, and they just want someone to talk to. Of course, when they meet, the characters instantly click. Jonathan is 16 and living in rural Norfolk. His girlfriend, Freya, is living in London while his parents are forcing him to do A levels - which he doesn't want. Like the boy loner, he doesn't have any proper friends and he feels like his girlfriend is the only person he can really talk to. Whereas Ros is 14 (though she pretends to be 16 when she meets Jono online) and is living in London . . . but she's a bit lost. She isn't cool like her friends, doesn't like talking to boys and has a group of friends that don't treat her well. Online, Jono thinks she's a hero of some sorts which ends up turning Ros's feelings for him, into something more.

What I liked most about the book was it's believeability and what the topic was about - online networks. Nowadays nearly every teenager has the likes of Twitter, Facebook, Hotmail, Myspace, and other sorts of friendship connections on the internet, and I admit, it's a great way to make friends all over the world. It's the new penpal system. Problem is, do we really know who we're talking to? Do we really think it's a teenage boy and/or girl on the other end of the computer screen? How do we know it's not a sleazy old man? *shivers* It's scary when you think about, right? The internet is a networkers dream and it's easy to grab a picture from Google and steal another's identity and even LIE your way through conversations . . . and that's the main issue the author discusses in PRETTY TWISTED.

Take for example, in the book, Ros is a young girl who thinks she isn't pretty enough for boys and maybe that's because she's only 14 - all girls go through that awkward stage! And then, she get's herself into a little mess. She pretends to be someone she's not. While her true personality and advice shines through the endless conversations, but when Jono starts to talk about his girlfriend issues and then even suggests they meet up, Ros tells him she's 16 and ends up uploading a picture of her and her older sister . . . pretending to be the older sister. Becuase she's the pretty one. That's one of the things that ticked me off. Especially when I found out she was 14. It felt . . . wrong somehow.

When Jono's (Jonathan) girlfriend disappears right after she dumped him, he starts to lose it. But Ros is always there to comfort him online. He feels like he might actually have someone in his life who cares. But when Ros falls for Jono and ends up getting caught up in the mystery of the missing "ex", her character really creeped me out. But I continued to remind myself that she was a naive fourteen-year-old girl. Still . . . she creeped me out. Despite some stalker qualities in her, I thought Ros was a great character. She reminded a little bit of me (and NOT the STALKER bit cause I'm more obsessed over hot celebrities than random guys on the internet cause that's weird) more so, with hanging around people who didn't really appreciate you and having this group do things you never really approved of. The ones who don't want to leave a party, but you do and you get mad. Those types. However, when it comes to the second main character, I loved Jonathan despite his possession over Freya. He was the nerd boy who had the hot girlfriend. But what I liked most about him: he was a very nice guy, through and through.

Overall, the only thing I can honestly say that bothered me about the entire book, was how Ros pretended to be someone she not. But reminding myself AGAIN, she's young and has a lot to learn. But in the end, it goes to show that people do lie and sometimes we don't claim to others who we really are. It's kind of human nature when you think about it, wanting to prove something to other people. Without any spoilers, I can say if you like yourself a fast-pace mystery and the likes of Pretty Little Liars-like mysteries, then be sure to pick yourself up a copy! PRETTY TWISTED didn't exactly BLOW MY MIND but it was a great read for those who love a little mystery like I do!

The Rating

3/5 stars

Hunger Games - Katniss!

While I'm taking a well deserved and a very much relaxing reading break, I didn't plan to post anything for about week . . . but it was a MUST post today! Released just hours ago, may I introduce to you Hunger Games leading star, Jennifer Lawrence as . . . KATNISS EVERDEEN!

OH MY GOD! Wow! I admit, I was one of those fans who didn't like the choice of Jennifer becoming the Katniss! She was blonde and wasn't how I imagined the heroine. But now after the many weeks of knowing her from watching video interviews and seeing this exclusive photo of her dressed up as the leading lady of Hunger Games, I'm now officially convinced that she's perfect for one of our favourite YA characters! I can't wait to see what Peeta and Gale will look like, dressed up for their roles and ready to kick butt. I really need to grab this magazine and FIND OUT more! It'll be interesting what Josh (aka Peeta) will look like . . . I really hope he goes BLONDE! As for Liam (Gale), he's perfect for the role . . . and he's a great choice for Gale's character.

So what do you guys think? Is she your Katniss or isn't she?

It doesn't matter. I just DEMAND the HUNGER GAMES film NOW!

Just a quick note

Like dear Jack here searching for his Rose, I've been off the book radar for the last few days. I'm supposed to be reading HUNTRESS by Malinda Lo (a lovely copy that I scored from ATOM books cause I'm awesome at winning things) and THE QUEEN'S LADY by Eve Edwards, but unfortunately for my awesome book blog, I've decided to take at least a week's break from reading and everything book blog related. Just a small break. So bear with me if I don't update like I usually do. I should be back to reading in a week or so. Maybe two. We'll see. Erin. xox

Red Glove by Holly Black

Release Date: 5th April, 2011

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Pages: 320pgs

The Story

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth - he's the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything - or anyone - into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion work mom. And if Lila's love story is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel's older brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue - crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too - they know valuable he could be to them. Cassiel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone - least of all, himself?

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

The Review

Note: This review maybe a little different from my previous one made on 12/5/11 (stupid me didn't type an extra copy of the review), because of blogger shutting down and not returning my original post, and also ruining my blogger life and those who read my posts. So bear with me if it's a little rushed. :)

RED GLOVE has higher stakes than what we've seen in the previous installment, White Cat, and my God . . . it's so much BETTER too! The thing I love most about Holly Black's writing is that it's so vivid and crazy, and again, she's made me even more in love with her main character, Cassel. It's like no matter how messed up he is or how broken he has become, he'll always be a great character to read about!

Oh Cassel. My poor, poor Cassel. How can a boy like him be so broken? Why can't he have some happiness in his con-artist-family-of-a-life? Cassel may not be your traditional main heroine, but he's intelligent, smart, knows how to play the game, and most importantly, he's pretty badass when you come to think of it. And oh yeah, did I mention he's AWESOME?! I think the main thing that draws me to Cassel's character is that he can get kicked around, betrayed, and even be bullied into doing things now and again, but in the end, he always come back on top and deal with things his own way. If there was any character I could hug, Cassel would be one of them! He has had it tough!

Getting down to the point of the story, this time round Cassel's brother is murdered and now the FEDs are showing up and asking for his help - to find his brother's killer. Now, while being constantly surrounded with dangerous mobsters and a very crazy world, Cassel has some trouble in trusting people with who he is and you can't really blame him. I wouldn't trust anyone either. But while he's searching for clues that could possibly bring his brother's killer to "justice", there is the other issue: Lila. For those who've read White Cat, Lila is the girl Cassel thought he'd killed but didn't. He actually transformed her - or rather cursed her - into a white cat. To save her. But after he found a way to change her back, little did he know his own con-artist-of-a-mother put a little curse of her own onto Lila. A curse to love. All Lila can do is think about Cassel and want to please him, but even though Cassel loves her so much, he doesn't want any part of this fixation.

The only problem in this book is Lila, at least for me. Over the many book reviews, I've read people liked her a lot as a love interest, but I don't really see the appeal of her character. Nor do I like her. I had hoped in RED GLOVE things would improve with her character and I would actually start to like her, but that didn't happen. While she's in love with Cassel, but that's just the curse talking. In some parts of the book, you can see some little bits of Lila possibly loving Cassel back without the curse, but otherwise she's not really a nice person. Cassel admits this too. But like a lovesick guy, he still loves her. Eh . . . I just want someone to treat Cassel with some respect and admiration, because despite some flaws, he's a really nice guy when it comes down to it.

Anyway, what I love most about RED GLOVE is that it's written like a classic black-and-white mobster film, the ones I love. I must confess that I'm a big fan of mobster stories and you definitely get an exciting read with the mobster world in RED GLOVE. It's fascinating and so very unique. RED GLOVE is far more engaging than White Cat and I love all the twists and turns that Holly Black throws out to her readers! The Curse Workers series is edgier than any other YA book that I've read with a male lead character and definitely something you should sink your claws into! Holly Black has the ability to write realistic characters and blend them through a modern world with a little darker paranormal element into it. If you like the likes of Cassandra Clare, then pick this up! I'm looking forward to next year, because the third installment Black Heart is going to be out!

The Rating

5/5 stars

Note: I was going to give the book 4 stars but I'll give an extra star for Cassel's hotness!

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Release Day: 10th May, 2011

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers

Pages: 402pgs

The Story

Another town. Another school. Another Mclean.

Ever since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her father have been fleeing their unhappy past. And Mclean's becomes a pro at reinventing herself with each move. But in Lakeview, Mclean finds herself putting down roots and making friends - in part, thanks to Dave, the most real person Mclean's ever met. Dave just may be falling in love with her, but can he see the person she really is? Does Mclean herself know?

The Review

Honestly, I don't read contemporary teen books. But with the likes of Susane Colasanti, Sarah Dessen is one of those teen authors that is the exception. She is a brilliant writer when it comes down to teen drama, an interesting story, and of course, sweet teen romance. Each one of her novels keeps getting better and better, and I guess that's because she is becoming a better writer as well with each book release. And while Along for the Ride - the book published before this lovely baby - still remains to be my favourite Dessen novel, however WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE has clearly made it to the top of my favourite contemporary teen novels out there in the world!

In the latest piece of WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE, it tells the story of Mclean (I mean what kind of name is that because it reminds me of a burger) who moves around a lot with her dad since her parents had a nasty-ish divorce. Town to town. Changing her identity. She doesn't get close to anyone. Doesn't want to make friends. Doesn't want to get emotionally attached. It's been a lonely life for Mclean. She's been Eliza, Lizbeth, and Beth until one day, when she moves to the quirky Lakeview, and now she's just known as Mclean. For once in her life, she's being introduced as herself - even though she doesn't know it yet - but she's letting people know who she is and that's something she needs to get use to.

But like in many Dessen novels, there is romance.

With Mclean forming many friendships with the locals, she also starts to form an unexpected romance for the boy next door. Who doesn't love that cliche boy-next-door thing? I love it. And just when romance starts to bloom around the corner, Mclean realizes her biggest mistake. She's getting attched. To the town. To the boy. To her friends. To her life. But the more she explores this unknown territory, she also understands that she's not running away from love . . . she's running away from her true self. One person she has missed for quite some time. And it's up to her to make things right and BE Mclean again!

I think what I love most about Sarah Dessen is that she has this amazing ability to write characters and stories so real that they each have a personalized feel to it - at least containing one element of the book that readers can relate to. Teenagers are constantly changing themselves to somehow fit in more, but the thing we all forget about is that we need to be ourselves and that we shouldn't change . . . because what is the point of that? We are different and in all reality, no one really knows who they are. Not really. Not yet. We need to grow up more and experience real life before we can see ourselves! I would have to say Sarah Dessen tackles this identity issue in WHAT HAPPENS TO GOODBYE and I loved every moment of it!

The Rating

4/5 stars

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View.

This week's question: The Blogger Apocalypse made me a little emotional. What is the most emotional scene in a book that you have read lately?

My answer: Well, to be honest, there haven't been books - ones I've read lately - that have made me cry! But I guess it would have to be a scene in RED GLOVE by Holly Black! Cassel, the main character of the Curse Workers series, is in love with a girl who is cursed to love him. That being Lila. He loves her more than anything, but even he knows that love can never be returned. So, he asks a friend of his to help him and curse Lila again, to make her feel nothing for him instead. That is frustrating because even though I don't like this Lila girl, but my heart goes out to Cassel because he's such a beautiful person, maybe a little tortured and badass-cool, but doesn't he deserve a little more love in his con-artist of a life!

So, what about you guys? What scene has made you cry lately?

Have an awesome weekend you guys!

Note: This post ran a little late, due to the blogger issues.

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is hosted by Al at Parajunkee's View.

This week's question: Circle time! Time to share. What character in a book would you most like to be, what character in a book would you most like to date?

My answer: What a perfect question for this week and what an incredibly hard one to answer as well. There are so many books and so many characters out there on my bookshelf, with characters I love and adore for all different reasons. But on the top of my head, I would have to say the character I would most want to be like would be Rose Hathaway from Vampire Academy! While she may have complicated romance issues, but she's the type of person you would want to be! She's smart, straightforward, hilarious, kickass against evil vampires, and of course, she knows what she wants - well probably not in her relationships but nonetheless she will stop at nothing until she get's what she wants! The perfect heroine. Plus, she has Dimitri Belikov! That's just an added bonus! ;) wink wink As for which character I would want to date . . . it would have to be the delicious, most handsome hottie on the fictional planet, Bones from Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series! If you guys haven't met Bones yet, then you're totally missing out on him and missing out on this great series that will never disappoint readers! He's perfect in every way! He has the best humour to keep you in a laughing fit, he's always on his guard when trouble comes its way, and he is always true to his word . . . plus if you are the one he loves (a girl can only dream), then he will always be there for you! If only he was real! But since he's probably too old for me, an "appropriate" option would be the likes of Simon from Cassandra Clare's series The Mortal Instruments since I love this guy to death! He's such a loyal friend and definitely someone you can trust! And that alone is very important quality in a relationship!

Note: Good old Simon! Wished he was my bff!

Note: Like I said, Bones is hot!

So, followers . . . what do you think?

What character would you want to be and who would you date if you had the chance?

I would LOVE to hear your answers!
Have an awesome weekend you guys!

Updates

Since I'm taking a couple of days off from reading, I thought I should share with you guys the book trailer for Veronica Roth's Divergent book trailer!



It's pretty awesome right? I particularly like the music used in this trailer since it kind of sets the mood of the entire book's epic events! Anyway, if you haven't already picked up a copy of this awesome dystopian book offered by this great debut author, then be sure to pick up one NOW!

In other news, there have been rumours that Mike Preger - the producer of Vampire Academy - is taking some meetings downtown in LA for the potential movie series! So, it'll be interesting what news this will be for us fangals! To be honest, I don't know what to think if my FAVOURITE ALL-TIME young adult series being made into a movie! Though, I DO trust the people who have the movie rights in their hands right now! Let's hope they can get us readers the Dimitri Belikov we WANT!

*whispers in a low voice* Ben Barnes, please!

SILENCE COVER REVEAL!

Holy WOW. Holy WOW WOW!

Honestly, this is one of the best covers I've EVER seen on a young adult book and it's the best cover of the Hush Hush series! FINALLY we get to see a cover featuring Patch and Nora - together at last! It's so beautiful, don't you think? The black-and-white photography of a winged, shirtless man in black jeans holding onto a young girl is so . . . magical that I can't even keep my eyes off it! So, consider it a job well done for the cover artist team! You guys totally blew this one out of the water!

Now thanks to Hollywood Crush, they also posted a lovely excerpt to Silence and it's making me feel very annoyed that I don't have a copy in my hands right now:

He closed the distance between us, and just when I thought he'd drawn me against him, he stopped, holding himself in check. I exhaled, trying not to cry. He leaned his elbow on the door jam, just above my ear. He smelled so devastatingly familiar, soap and spice, the heady scent bringing back a rush of memories so pleasurable, it only made the current moment that much more difficult to bear. I was seized by the desire to touch him. To trace my hands over his skin, to feel his arms tighten securely around me. I wanted him to nuzzle my neck, his whisper to tickle my ear as he said private words that belonged only to me. I wanted him near, so near, with no thought of letting go.

"This isn't over," I said. "After everything we've been through, you don't get the right to brush me off. I'm not letting you off that easily." I wasn't sure if it was a threat, my last stab at defiance, or irrational words spoken straight from my splintered heart.

"I want to protect you," Patch said quietly.

He stood so close. All strength and heat and silent power. I couldn't escape him, now or ever. He'd always be there, consuming my every thought, my heart locked in his hands; I was drawn to him by forces I couldn't control, let alone escape.

"But you didn't."

Like I said . . . HOLY WOW. HOLY WOW WOW.

Defiance by Lili St. Crow

Release Date: 19th April, 2011

Publisher: Penguin / Razorbill

Pages: 259pgs

The Story

The heart-stopping fourth novel in New York bestselling author Lili St. Crow's Strange Angels series.

Now that sixteen-year-old Dru's worst fear has come true and Sergej has kidnapped her best friend Graves, she'll have to go on a suicidal rescue mission to bring him back in one piece.

That is, if she can put all of Christophe's training to good use, defeat her mother's traitor, Anna, once and for all, and manage to survive another day . . .

The Review

From the very beginning of the Strange Angels series, I always thought of Dru Anderson to be the perfect female heroine. She was tough, had that diamond-in-the-rough edginess about her, and had a smart-ass mouth which I loved most about her. Plus, I loved every book that was published in this series cause it had everything you wanted in a YA novel. So when I saw this shiny baby lying on my doorstep, I had a "minor" fangal freakout and went straight to diving into the pages . . . but this fourth installment of the series disappointed me in so many ways. I think it was because the book was way shorter compared to the other three books I've read, and that left me with a big sad face.

Before I get into those "reasons", I just have to say something. The thing I love about St. Crow's writing - both in her adult and young adult books - is all the non-stop action scenes she offers up to her readers: the blood, the gore, the guns, the knive-throwing, and the little hint of danger knocking on every doorstep. Not to mention badass characters. It's the one thing that I know she can write successfully! Her writing is so raw and vivid when it comes to ACTION, and everyone who has read this series will know that she has the amazing ability to write like you're watching an action movie! You gotta love her for it!

In DEFIANCE we get to see Dru developing and reaching into her "blooming" stage (and no it has nothing to do with growing flowers) and of course danger follows her everywhere, no matter where she goes. With Graves "kidnapped" Dru is more than determined to find him with the help of her little gang and the handsome, young, son-of-the-devil Christophe. While it was great reading about Dru becoming a stronger and a more independent young woman, but man, she annoyed me a lot more in this book. That's new for me. I don't know whether it's because she was pining over Graves or that she was just the type of girl who wanted to annoy me in mockery.

In this installment I was reading about how she missed Graves and how she kept pushing everyone away because she was missing him, and it was a tad bit depressing. And don't get me started on Christophe. I loved him in this book because we got to see more of him and we also started to get a glimpse of him as a person, rather than the ghost who appears and disappears now and again. I was totally on TEAM CHRISTOPHE and hoped for some romance to seep into Dru and Christophe's relationship, but instead, when Dru hears a bit of information that seems fishy, she immediately distrusts Christophe and throws him like yesterday's trash. I'm. Upset. About. This.

Christophe. Christophe. Christophe. I love everything about him and while sometimes you don't trust him yourself, but all-in-all he is someone you want on your side. He's loyal to Dru, you can easily tell by his protectiveness over her. Problem for me is . . . Dru can't see him the way I see him. Peeves me off. Anyway, I'm also a big fan of Graves and I was glad we got to see him again towards the end of the book. Good old Goth Boy that we'll always love and adore. Still . . . CHRISTOPHE! <3

Overall - without spoilering everything - I can say the ending was the major thing that made me flick a star from my originally planned four star rating. I kind of felt cheated to be honest. But I guess you will have to be the judge to determine whether you love this book or not. It's kind of a love and hate relationship at the moment. But nonetheless we still have plenty of action that I always love in St. Crow's book and while there were scenes that left me so confused that I had to read it again to actually GET IT, I'm still looking forward to the fifth installment of the series and I just hope it's a much bigger book, one with plenty of Christophe and plenty of Graves, and with a less depressing Dru . . . cause she's more . . . well, badass now if you get my meaning [IN THE END YOU'LL SEE].

The Rating

3 1/2 /5 stars

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Release Date: 1st March, 2011

Publisher: Hyperion Books

Pages: 359pgs

The Story

Sophie Mercer though she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie's a demon, one of only two in the world - the other being her father. What's worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They're demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they're using Archer to do it. But it's not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

The Review

For starters, let me say that Rachel Hawkins has the gifted - almost sinister - ability to make me giggle like a little five-year-old girl! No kidding! I thoroughly enjoyed Hawkins's debut novel, Hex Hall, and I think she pretty muched nailed its sequel DEMONGLASS in all sorts of ways! We have a bit of snark, a bit of danger, a bit of magic, a bit of betrayal, a bit of romance . . . and a bit of awesome Sophie/Cal/Archer scenes that fangals will LOVE!

I think what I loved most about DEMONGLASS was meeting new characters, seeing a rather darker side to the mystical Hex Hall world and having a nice change of setting away from the whole academy thing! And of course, we get to travel to London! Last time we saw Sophie, she wanted to have The Removal - to rid her demonic-like powers and be non-magical to protect herself as well as her loved ones as her family have quite a dark past - and she needed her father to help her do that. So, in this installment her father finally comes into the scene and takes her off to London, to sort of persuade her NOT to remove her powers and focus on trying to control them, while meeting other demons like her. The thing I liked about the father and daughter relationship is that both Sophie and her father share the same sarcasm, it made me laugh a few times, unexpectedly too! I thought to myself, "Why would this serious Head of Council man be so funny?" It seems impossible right? He's supposed to be this powerful guy and we get a hilarious man whose personality definitely clashes with Sophie's . . . they're so the same in many respects.

Moving on, for those fangals wanting to know what's happening in the romance department, I can definitely say the romantic chemistry in DEMONGLASS is still consistent and written brilliantly. I can't help but mentioned that I was a HARDCORE fan of Archer and I didn't care who he worked for . . . I just wanted him and Sophie to pash! But while we didn't see much of Cal's character in the first book, we do however see a lot more of him in DEMONGLASS and have some history behind him rather than knowing him as "healer-boy". And like so many girls who switch boy teams, my feelings towards Archer have leaned on Cal a hell of a lot more! I know! I know! Kill me now! Don't get me wrong here, because I still love the dangerous Archer, but Cal is such a sweet thing and I honestly think he's a better choice for Sophie! But bad boys always hit my weak spot! It's in a girls nature to love and hate them! Still . . . can I be half-team Archer and half-team Cal?

Overall, DEMONGLASS is just as good as the previous novel Hex Hall! While the ending disappointed me (it's such a bummer when it's a little bit rushed and then it ends on a cliffhanger . . . GOSH don't get me started on cliffhangers!!!) there's still plenty of cool twists and turns, with some great action scenes popping up now and then. I think what I love about Hawkins's writing is how easy it's to read, since it's so fluent in a teenagers mind and you can definitely expect to laugh out loud whilst reading the dialogue! But don't worry, your family and friends will never understand when you're laughing to yourself in your quiet reading space! Just tell them, "Book. Don't worry! I'm fine, really!"

The Rating

4 /5 stars