Cover Reveal

I think I've just died. This is Kendare Blake's sequel to Anna Dressed in Blood and my god isn't it the most beautiful cover you've ever seen in your life? I'm speechless. Wow. Oh my god wow. So what do you think of this uber-amazing cover? Are you in love? Does it beat the first book's cover completely? It sure has won me over.

Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Pages: 368pgs

The Story

London, 1838. Sixteen-year-old Liza's dreams of her society debut are dashed when her parents are killed in an accident. Penniless, she accepts the position of lady's maid to young Princess Victoria and steps unwittingly into the gossipy intrigue of the servant's world below-stairs as well as the trickery above. Is it possible that her changing circumstances may offer Liza the chance to determine her own fate, find true love, and secure the throne for her future queen?

Meticulously based on newly discovered information, this riveting novel is as rich in historical detail as Catherine, Called Birdy, and as sizzling with intrigue as The Luxe.

The Review

I picked up this book on a whim at the local library. But for two reasons and two reasons only. For one, because of the gorgeous vintage-like cover which immediately drew my attention to it. And two, because the story revolved around Queen Victoria whom I've been fascinated by for a while now. For the last year or so I've been getting back into the historical genre and I'm glad to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. More than I thought I would. Once I started reading it I couldn't dare myself to put it down and the writing was spectacularly awesome and I'm sure a lot of readers who don't love historical fiction will end up loving this one.

Without revealing too much of the storyline, what I loved most was how Michaela MacColl's had written the most engaging characters and developed them into this empowering storyline. PRISONERS IN THE PALACE had a little bit of everything: drama, suspense, deception, romance, humour and intrigue, but when the author used various newspaper articles, journal entries and other written letters, it made the book even more fascinating than it already was. And based on everything I've read, what surprised me was how closely the book followed true facts of Queen Victoria- the young girl before becoming a Queen - and her London society, which added an in-depth realism to the book in question.

For me the main character, Liza, was a great protagonist and in the time period she was surrounded in, I enjoyed reading and relating to her experiences that all women face regardless of the era - the longing for love, acceptance, success, and the most important one of all, independence. I admired her strength in an all-man world, her determination, her courage and the way she encouraged the young Victoria that went beyond her expected duties . . . something that was much more than a servant and royalty relationship.

Supported by other intriguing characters such as the adorable Will, the young entreprener who publishes his own news, and the humourous scoundrel Inside Boy who surprises you in every turn he makes, I just loved their characters and their own personalities, especially Will's. But what made this book even more special was learning about Victoria before she became the peoples' Queen and the events that unfolded before such events occurred. It was a real treat.

The great thing about historical fiction is that everyone can love it. And I thought Michaela MacColl did an amazing job with her research and the way the romance outshined the historical aspect. Ahhhhh . . . how I loved the romance and how it didn't dominate the storyline. It was very sweet to read about. Overall if you love historical fiction or - like me - were already interested in Victoria's young life before she became the Queen or perhaps are looking for something interesting to read in your spare time, then definitely go out to your local library or go buy it yourself, because with well-rounded characters and a great, well-plotted storyline, PRISONERS IN THE PALACE was such a delightful read and I wished it didn't have to end.

The Rating

4/5 stars

Tales of Terror from the Tunnel's Mouth by Chris Priestley

Release Date: 7th March, 2011

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Pages: 288pgs

The Story

The spine-chilling third title in the brilliantly received series of ghost stories by Chris Priestley.

Robert is taking the train by himself for the first time, but what should be a thrilling journey turns into something much scarier when the train breaks down at the mouth of a dark tunnel.

As the hours pass and no help comes, a kind woman tells him a series of spine-chilling stories, each one stranger than the first, and Robert begins to wonder whether she has a much darker side . . .

Read on to the final terrifying destination . . . if you dare.

The Review

A big thanks to Jess from She Known As Jess Blog Spot for sending me a copy of this book!

Some books are made for summer afternoons, but others like TALES OF TERROR FROM THE TUNNEL'S MOUTH is the perfect read for those - like me - who love staying up late and reading in the dark of the night. You know, those kind of nights where you hear creepy noises from the creaking floorboards, where you mistake your air-con for ghostly paranormal activity and the cool gust of wind outside your bedroom window? Yeah those precious ones. This is my first Chris Priestley book and because of my love of horror stories I thoroughly enjoyed this book and what it had to offer.

Robert, the main character, is on a train back to boarding school and when the train stops at the entry of a tunnel, a mysterious woman tells the boy stories to help pass the time. But these aren't your typical fairy tale stories. Instead, they are dark tales of absolute terror that are uniquely creative, entertaining, and a joy to devour because each and every story has a great twist to it.

In TALES OF TERROR FROM THE TUNNEL'S MOUTH there are about nine collections of short stories. Probably one of my favourite tales is the one of A New Governess, a story about a mean Governess who get's her just desserts and I love the contemporary issue of the Catholic church's abuse in this old-fashion Gothic tale of terror. But for you to understand what I'm talking about, you will need to pick up a copy of this book. Overall, I enjoyed all of the stories mentioned in the book and be sure to check it out when you get a chance, because they are short reads with enough packed fun and action in them. And did I mention very creepy? Yeah . . . they're quite creepy. But that's the fun of it.

The Rating

4/5 stars

Shine by Lauren Myracle

Release Date: 1st May, 2011

Publisher: Amulet Books

Pages: 350pgs

The Story

When her best guy friend falls victim to a vicious hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover who in her small town did it. Richly atmospheric, this daring mystery mines the secrets of a tightly knit Southern community and examines the strength of will it takes to go against everyone you know in the name of justice.

Against a backdrop of poverty, clannishness, drugs, and intolerance, Myracle has crafted a harrowing coming-of-age couched in a deeply intelligent mystery. Smart, fearless, and compassionate, this is an unforgettable work from a beloved author.

The Review

SHINE is an emotional rollar-coaster ride that opens straight into newspaper articles, detailing the attack on Patrick - our heroine's best friend. Patrick was bashed with a baseball bat and left bound to a gas pump with its nozzle duct taped to his mouth, and many other disturbing things that will make your skin crawl and things I would rather not mention. But we know something for a fact: a vicious crime was committed - kind of obvious there - and we're immediately thrusted into Cat's determined investigation, finding out who in the town was responsible for this heinous attack.

SHINE had a lot of great things going for it. It was a dark tale that would appeal to a lot of readers, there was a realistic feel when it came to the vivid descriptions of this small Southern town, and most importantly, readers would love the mystery that was well-plotted throughout the book. The only problem I could honestly say that was wrong with the book was the pacing. A lot of the mystery and the secrets could've been solved a little early on, but other than that it was an enjoyable read.

Overall I thought the book SHINE was a very compelling read, especially when it came to dealing with full-on human emotions. With a descriptive prose and tackling tough issues such drug use, rape and prejudice, I recommend this book to anyone who loves a darker, raw-toned, holding nothing back type of book.

The Rating

3/5 stars

Strings Attached by Judy Blundell

Release Date: 5th May, 2011

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages: 313pgs

The Story

Kit Corrigan has always dreamed of being a star. But in order to get there, she needs to break up with Billy, who's going to Korea, and leave her family in Providence, Rhode Island, to move to New York City. There, she finds small roles and a city that's tough to live in. After she meets with Billy's father, Nate, things get a little easier. But Nate is a lawyer who defends mobsters, and soon Kit realizes that she has to do what he asks of her. Kit's life starts to feel beyond her control, especially once she uncovers a mystery that she needs to solve in order to protect the people she loves.

The Review

STRINGS ATTACHED is one of those books where you're not sure whether you liked it or not. At least not as a whole book. Before I go into further details, what captured me first was the cover - a beautiful blue coloured background and a covermodel that was dressed for the book's time period. It was a very eye-catching cover when I first picked up this book and judging by the storyline, what also drew me in was how it reminded me of Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen. But like I said, I'm still on the fence - have an average feeling here - about loving and liking this book. Nonetheless it was still a great book for a one time's sake reading.

There were definitely some elements of the book I liked. I enjoyed the realistic sense of the period and the fact that it didn't overload you with too many historical facts. The author, Judy Blundell, in that sense was very clever in writing this jazzy setting with well-rounded characters. But what I really liked was Kit and even her 'love interest' Billy, whom I felt made the book stand strongly on its own. Kit for example didn't grow as a character the way one would expect but she did grow a lot when it came to making decisions on her relationships and her own life. While I couldn't connect with her as much as I hoped but her personal story was layered out well and you'll still be able to understand who she is as a person. And while I'm on characters . . . let's talk about Billy.

Now he's the character that you love and hate. There are certain points of his personality where you felt for him and his current situation, but he also had qualities that tended to annoy me as a reader. He sometimes had an aggressive and possessive way of handling Kit, but then again, towards the last half of the book he had good reason for this. But I think if the author developed his character a little bit more - you know, in getting to know him better - I would've found him a more appealing character. However despite some minor faults, I felt other things lacked in development rather than the characters themselves. The major thing for me was when the chapters were dated with the months and years. While this is a good approach to a historical book, but when one chapter starts in a certain year and then the next it goes back another year . . . let's just say I started to get confused in which year I was in.

All in all STRINGS ATTACHED was full of likeable characters and an interesting plot line that keeps you there til the end. Despite some pet peeves of the book, I did enjoyed reading about the whole gangster feel and I know you guys will too! So I recommend it to readers of Anna Godbersen and historical YA readers, because I know you'll like it - or perhaps love it!

The Rating

3/5 stars

Beautiful Days by Anna Godbersen

Release Date: 24th August, 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 360pgs

The Story

For the bright young things of 1929, the beautiful days seem endless, filled with romance and heartbreak, adventure and intrigue, friendship and rivalry.

After a month in New York, Cordelia Grey and Letty Larkspur are small-town girls no longer. They spend their afternoons with Astrid Donal at the Grey's lush Long Island estate and their nights in Manhattan's bustling metropolis. But Letty's not content to be a mere socialite. She is ready at last to chase her Broadway dreams - no matter the cost.

Cordelia is still reeling from the death of her father at the hands of Thom Hale, the man she thought she loved. Now she is set to honor Darius Grey's legacy . . . and take her revenge.

Promised to Cordelia's half brother, Astrid is caught up in a world of dazzling jewels and glittering nights - and the sparkle is blinding. Charlie Grey is a gangster playing a dangerous game; and for Astrid, Cordelia, and Letty, the stakes could be deadly.

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Luxe comes the second book in an epic series set in the dizzying last summer of the Jazz Age.

The Review

This book is second installment in the Bright Young Things series by Anna Godbersen which is set in the jazz age of the 1920's. Being a huge fan of the author's previous series, The Luxe, I'm so glad Godbersen continued to write yet another great young adult series. Now in this series, this particular decade has been a big obsession of mine. Flappers, bootleggers, fringed dresses, gangsters and jazz music . . . clearly this book is a winner through everyone's eyes and mine. It's instant love with me and this series and it was everything I hoped for. Now unlike the story of Bright Young Things - where the girls were introduced to the wonders of New York City - in BEAUTIFUL DAYS it's all sin and the dangers of what this big and bright city has to offer. And that's why I'm in love with Godbersen's work because she not only nails the setting, but she also makes you feel like you're right there in the dazzling action!

BEAUTIFUL DAYS picks up right where Bright Young Things left off and while Cordelia was my favourite gal in the first book, but now I'm totally a fan of Letty's character. For me in this book, I couldn't connect to the other girls as much as I did in the first book, but I loved Letty inside and out. She was the true star of the show - and Cordelia as well. But I loved Letty and how we read about her story of many ups and downs, and what really drew me to her character was the glitz and glamour of her trying to pursue a Broadway career. To make a namesake for herself. Now that's the roaring twenties that I know, love and appreciate! As for the girls and boys, and all the other characters that readers are introduced to, I thought every single one of them was awesome and I'm glad to see our characters developing in all sorts of interesting ways.

The best thing about Anna Godbersen is that she writes with such realism. While the series maybe set in the past, during a period I can't help but love, but Godbersen deals with the girls situations so well and deals with the many issues that are still relevant today - including heartbreak, betrayal, jealously, and of course the ultimate one, love. Overall if you're already a fan of Anna Godbersen or have yet to read her books, then definitely check out the Bright Young Things series because with all that Jazz, what's not to love?

The Rating

4/5 stars

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Point

Pages: 353pgs

The Story

Scarlett Martin has grown up in a most unusal way. Her family owns the Hopewell, a smart Art Deco hotel in the heart of New York City. When each of the Martins turns fifteen, they are expected to take over the care of a suite. For Scarlett's fifteenth birthday, she gets both a room called the Empire Suite and a permanent guest named Mrs. Amberson. Scarlett doesn't quite know what to make of this C-list starlet and world traveler.

And when she meets Eric, an astonishingly gorgeous actor who has just moved to the city, her summer takes a second unexpected turn. Before the summer is over, Scarlett will have to survive a whirlwind of thievery and romantic missteps. But in the city where anything can happen, she might just be able to pull it off.

The Review

I've heard a lot of great reviews for Maureen Johnson's books and when I came across this one at my local library, I immediately picked it up and read it. Now comes the tricky part of the review. Readers should know this book reviewing process: you're either going to get a great story with everything you could possibly like in a book and then there's those other books that will fall flat. For this being my very first Maureen Johnson book, I have to say - sadly - that I wasn't entirely impressed with SUITE SCARLETT. With the book having a feel of Gossip Girl to it, I thought perhaps I could like it . . . but I didn't. I don't know whether it's the storyline that bothered me or the characters themselves.

It's hard giving a review when you weren't entirely invested in the book you're reviewing and that's how I feel for this one. The main problem of the book was the development of the characters. Sure, I liked Scarlett as the main character. She was nice girl but sometimes niceness doesn't cut it, not even to make you like the entire novel. Aside from some character issues of mine, who I did like was the little romance of Eric. Sure he wasn't exactly the 'perfect' love interest that was flawless to the bone, but he definitely added some quality to the book.

Overall I liked the New York setting and I mean who doesn't like New York City for what it is? It's the perfect setting for a book like this one but clearly - a lot like Scarlett's nice character - it wasn't enough to pull me through and enjoy this book. But I did finish it though, which is a good thing I suppose. Will I read the sequel? Probably . . . but then again, probably not. Should you read it? It's entirely up to you. This book has received some mixed reviews so it seems likely that it'll be a 50/50 chance that you'll like it. But I recommend this book to anyone who loves a Gossip Girl feel or anyone who loves a quick but cute-comedy read.

The Rating

2/5 stars