The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: HarlequinTeen

Pages: 485pgs

The Story

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle.

And one girl with search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked - and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend - a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what - and who - is worth dying for.

The Review

A big thanks to HarlequinTeen Australia for sending me a review copy of this book!

When I first heard about Kagawa's new book THE IMMORTAL RULES I was a bit taken back by what it entailed, mostly due to it being of the vampire genre. While vampires are continually being brought out in books and are not necessarily original, but with such love for Julie Kagawa herself, for her previous Iron Fey series and for the dystopian genre and all its brilliance, the fact that the author can write something both exciting and fresh, I definitely can say with all honesty that this is the best book to date when it comes to vampires. Not only does it contain a strong and a heroic young heroine, two kinds of vampires (one so dark and one so grotesque), and bringing together a storyline and characters that are none other fighting for the rest of humanity . . . but it also offers readers that rare edge about it and there's nothing more I love in a book than that edge!

Allison Sekemoto, the main character, lives on the fringe of a vampire dystopian society. Being an Unregistered citizen, defying the law and rebelling against becoming a blood bank for vampires in the city comes within Allison's nature. But when she is attacked one night while scavenging for resources with her dedicated human crew, everything goes horribly wrong. With Allison's time slowly ticking away, she is faced with a choice - to either die as a mortal or be reborn as the immortal monster she'd always feared to become. As she doesn't want to die, Allison is soon turned into a vampire despite her beliefs and with it comes many consequences lying in her wake, and once and for all, Allison will need to decide whether to accept her new destiny or continue living like a human that she will never be for the rest of her immortal life. And unfortunately for Allison, fate has other plans for her and everything will - indeed - change her forever . . .

THE IMMORTAL RULES is such a great story for horror fans like myself. There's plenty of good old-fashioned bloodshed, plenty of action, plenty of death, and even some little tiny bits of tragedy along the way, which made this book an even more perfect read for me. In most dystopian genres or in the supernatural tales, most authors are too afraid to explore the darker side of human nature and I loved the fact that Kagawa wasn't afraid to do so. Putting her character's through the most horrifying situations, challenging them non-stop, and taking them to the highest levels of choosing between what's right and wrong . . . the storyline did all of that and if not more than I expected! While I would've loved some more developed romance to take part in the story, but it didn't even matter because the storyline was what grew on me and not the romance this time round.

As for our leading lady, Allison Sekemoto, I thought she was such a beautiful character whom was completely honest and true with herself. For the majority of the book she was a total badass, but it wasn't just about her kick-assing ways of life. What really drew me to her character was her ability to survive in the dire circumstances and even when things seemed down and damn right gloomy for her . . . she still remained one of the most interesting and the most complex character's I've ever read and it's no wonder why so many readers fell in love with this one awesome chick. Just be sure to keep your distance when she's swinging that mad and super-duper Japanese katana sword around . . . because she'll truly use it when she has to!

Now onto the love interests because there's always a love interest involved in any book. In this case we have Zeke, a human boy Allison meets later in the book, who was a genuine good boy with a heart of gold. My heart may not have swooned nor skipped an actual beat for him, but he had many qualities that I admired. He's understanding, he's not quick to judge, he's forgiving in most matters but the only thing I had trouble in connecting with him was his religious ways of life. I guess when you live in a terrible society . . . people will be driven by religious beliefs but nonetheless Zeke was a great guy. But fear not my dear readers, because there's another dude on the block and I really hope he's a potential love interest for Allison in later sequels because I adore this mysterious young - I mean old - fellow. This fellow being Allison's master vampire sire, Kanin, whom is clearly the only man for me when it comes to this book. There was just something about him I was captivated by and I was soooooooo disappointed that he never got to take part in too much of the book. Only in the beginning, I'm afraid. Oh Kanin I miss and long for you! I love Zeke and all . . . don't get me wrong . . . but KANIN! I need you back Kanin in the sequel . . . we just need you back to rock this vampire-radar of the hotness charts!

Overall, THE IMMORTAL RULES is a traditional vampire story (but it's also an unique take on vampires) whom has clearly brought back what I love in vampires - all the blood and gore that I just can't get enough of. Just when you thought vampires were out of style, you need to think again readers because this book cannot be missed by you all! I think . . . I think . . . I think . . . I may even love this book a hundred times more than Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series and that's the shocking thing of all things when I finished this book!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

Fated by Alyson Noel

Release Date: 24th May, 2012

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 352pgs

The Story

Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter's sanity, Daire's mother sends her to live with the grandmother she's never met. A woman who recognizes the visions for what they truly are - the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker - one who can navigate the worlds between the living and dead.

There on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it's when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. Now Daire is forced to discover if Dace is the only guy she's meant to be with . . . or if he's allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

The Review

A big thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending me an ARC copy of this book!

In Alyson Noel's newest adventure FATED, the first book in The Soul Seekers series, it tells the story of Daire Santos whose life changes dramatically when she is branded by the world's celebrity magazines as a mentally unstable, crazy young girl after an unfortunate incident that occured on her sixteenth birthday. With crows flocking toward her, with glowing people calling out her name, with visions of a hot string and a gorgeous boy with most beautiful set of blue eyes that continue to plague her mind . . . she too wonders if she's crazy like everyone else believes she is. With no choice in the matter, Daire's mother sends her to live with her grandmother - someone she doesn't even know - in a place called Enchantment, New Mexico, where she soon learns that she is a Soul Seeker and must partake in this new destiny already set out for her, in order to fight all of the evils in this small town and find love in the most unexpected places.

I have to start off by saying I wasn't a hardcore fan of Noel's previous Immortals series. I mean, I liked a few of her books in that particular series but it was an up-and-down series for me, so I really hoped this new installment of books was going to impress me. And surprisingly, I really, really enjoyed this book and loved it far more than anything else Noel has ever written. Not only does the book offer a great amount of interest to me, but there was hardly anything - if nothing at all - that annoyed me about this book and again I'm thankful for that small detail.

As for the main character, Daire Santos, I thought she rocked as a heroine and while she may have had her emotions take over at the worst possible times, but I loved her much more as the novel's voice compared to Ever - a character from her Immortals series - which is a good sign for those who didn't like that series so much. For me, Daire was a refreshing character who had some good old spunk in her. She's strong, she's opinionated, she's a free spirit, and she likes to take control of her life which I admired most. Even her supporting characters - one including a possible love interest and a possible soul mate - of brothers, Cade and Dace, were a whole heap of fun to add on to the storyline and I'm game for anything to do with a good and evil brother. The whole ordeal between these brothers - and even with Daire - was fantastic and I'm looking forward to reading more from this series!

Overall, FATED was absolutely original in its own way! From the vivid descriptions to the spirtual world the author, Alyson Noel, has cleverly created, I was so intrigued and stunned that by this book that I can't wait to see where Noel takes this series to because she sure as hell has a winner right here! If you didn't love Noel's previous Immortals series like I did, then I sugguest you take a chance on this book . . . because who knows . . . you and this book could be fated to be together! A little cliche I know but hey . . . it could be destiny!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

Winners of The Industry Giveaway!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered my giveaway for The Industry by Rose Foster. I got a great number of people entering the giveaway so many thanks for that high participation! Now onto the major winners and as much as I would LOVE to give you ALL a copy of this great book, but unfortunately there can only be 10 winners and they are . . .

Lisa Y.

Bree T.

Pavan H.

Shirley G.

Rachel C.

Sarah G.

Lisa S.

Katrina W.

Rebecca A.

Kimberley S.

Congrats to the winners!

I'm sure all of you are smiling right about . . . now!

(Just had to add in this gif. of Game of Thrones's Jon Snow aka Kit Harington.)

Gorgeous, isn't he? *insert sexy-smile here* Anyway, for all those who aren't the lucky winners for today, fear not! There's another amazing giveaway coming up on my blog involving a great number of copies of a sequel to a best-selling novel (which I won't name as it needs to be a surprise for you all) that I know many of you guys are dying to read this year for 2012! So be on the look out for that giveaway early next month!

Switched by Amanda Hocking

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Tor

Pages: 335pgs

The Story

What if your entire world was built on a lie?

Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although certain she's not the monster her mother claims she iis - she does feel that she doesn't quite fit in . . .

She's bored and frustrated by her small town life - and then there's the secret that she can't tell anyone. Her mysterious ability - she can influence people's decisions, without knowing how, or why . . .

When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night - her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past, the answers to her strange powers and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist. Forening, the home of the Trylle.

Finally everything makes sense. Among the Trylle, Wendy is not just different, but special. But what marks her out as chosen for greatness in this world also places her in grave danger. With everything around her changing, Finn is the only person she can trust. But with dark forces are conspiring - not only to separate them, but to see the downfall everything that Wendy cares about.

The fate of Forening rests in Wendy's hands, and the decisions she and Finn make could change all their lives forever . . .

The Review

SWITCHED was a delightful cutesy read for me and it was a great departure from your average YA fantasy novel that we read nowadays, and since everyone had been praising this author up like crazy, I knew I had to pick up this book no matter what book I was currently reading. And boy, I'm really glad that I did read this book. Not only has this author, Amanda Hocking, come a very long way from self-publishing and now onto the big bucks, while also becoming a great inspiration to me, but she's also done something quite remarkable and unheard of . . . to write about trolls no less and not focus on your vampires . . . werewolves . . . fairies . . . and whatever else there is out there to do with YA fantasy. I mean, I honestly HONESTLY overlooked reviews when it came to this book because when I read it was about 'trolls' or rather Trylle as the characters prefer to call themselves as, it was a big-but-nice surprise when I opened up this book. That's for sure!

While I will admit the events in this book happen far too quickly, but the storyline was always engaging and addictive because one after the other (almost like uncontrollable firecrackers), shocking twists and jaw-dropping secrets were soon revealed and they alone made you wonder and second-question whom to trust in this new mythological world the main character is about to embark on. Regarding the characters themselves, while they had their own personal issues to sort out and plenty of drama to add to the storyline itself, but they too were super addictive. For the most part, I really enjoyed entering Wendy's world and experiencing everything she's experiencing. Toward the beginning of the novel, Wendy was a bit of spoiled brat with a quick tongue but as the novel slowly progresses she matures, so it was nice to see that change in her. As for Finn, the "love interest" I suppose, I was already on his team when I met him. He had that ooh la la factor about him. In some ways you don't know whether to trust him or not, but once his heart is out on his sleeve and his fiercely protective side over Wendy escalates into something much more . . . every fibre of his being has that sizzle that you're dying to feel and trust me here . . . you'll totally be rooting for Finn and Wendy, even when it seems impossible to get them together in the same room without arguing.

Overall, it's easy for me to see why so many fans - new and old - adored this series and why it has become a MUST book to read for this year of 2012. With a consistent easy-to-read storyline, a variety of strong and handsome characters with their own set of personal stories, and a mythology and a new love to fascinate all, SWITCHED is one of those reads where you just HAVE to read it for the sake of it because when you look past its cliches, its cheese (but the kind of cheese that's tasty) and its frustrating romances . . . you can see the amazing side of what's to come from this author, Amanda Hocking, which I'm sure will be many great things in the future with her writing career.

The Rating 4/5 stars

Bargains and Betrayals by Shannon Delany

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Pages: 303pgs

The Story

Locked away at Pecan Place, Jessie finds her situation to be even more dangeorus than she feared. While she struggles to maintain her sanity and discover answers about the group that seems less and less like an legitimate government agency, Pietr fights to keep their relationship alive. But very aware that his mother's time is running out, Pietr makes a deal he doesn't dare tell Jessie about. Because the deal Pietr's made could mean the death of far more than his tenuous relationship with the girl he loves.

The Review

After reading the first two books in the 13 to Life series, I'm going to admit to you all here that I wasn't a huge fan from the very beginning. The first book was an okay read for me but offered nothing really special nor unique to the paranormal YA genre (again what doesn't lately), and as far as the sequel goes . . . things just got worse for me as I trudged through this complicated journey of Shannon Delany's. But since I like to stick with a book series just to stay, wait and hope for better things for the storyline's sake - you know give the book the benefit of the doubt, I decided to go against my thoughts (since I actually refused to read this book but I then changed my mind) and give this third book another try to understand what other readers were seeing and praising about. And judging by the majority of the reviews on goodreads, it was either an 'okay read' for them or an 'absolutely brilliant read', however for me I just couldn't see what they saw unfortunately.

BARGAINS AND BETRAYALS, the third installment of the 13 to Life series, wasn't the worst book in the series - as it certainly got better in certain parts of the book - but it started off with a bad beginning which isn't a good thing obviously. Same goes with the entire book. The story was slowly-paced, there was nothing really exciting happening, there was far too little of life in the main characters let alone with the supporting cast, and there was a dual perspective told between the main character and another supporting character which I found had a greater effect on my low star rating than the storyline itself. Not only was this supporting character's perspective - unfortunately - boring but it just didn't make sense having that certain character's view on the world and it was quite a shame considering I usually like dual perspectives.

As much as readers love Jessie and Pietr, the main characters of the book, but my interest in them only dwindled far more in this book. Just when I thought these two characters were in a solid relationship and were going to support one another through these rough times in the book, there was just more and more of poor decision making made from them, and they rarely listened to logic which frustrated me a lot. Jessie for example was a strong girl in the first book, 13 to Life, and she may be your average teenage girl, but in this book I was very disappointed in her actions and thoughts. She was love sick and while it's good to be in love and all that shiz, but really? What's with all the melodrama? Where's the dangerous twists and lies that I was expecting? I miss the old Jess.

When it comes to another important and central character of the storyline, again nothing improves either with Pietr's character, Jessie's one and only love interest. Oh Pietr . . . you give me the creeps even though I admire you - even just a little - in the previous installments. But my main problem in Pietr's case was that his thoughts were constantly all over the place, and all he thought about was his downstairs department rather than using his head on the most dangerous and the most twisted of all situations. Yes, you know what I mean there readers and don't take it lightly. I mean, Pietr was too pressuring and dominating when it came to Jessie and I didn't like that one bit. And really, Jessie shouldn't have to give in so quickly to Pietr's frustrations because that boy needs a leash . . . seriously. So when combining a complicated girl with a very frustrating-bossy-but-also-complicated boy things just . . . don't work out for them. On the plus side though, while I did enjoy having some questions answered in this book and enjoyed some dialogues exchanged between the supporting characters, but the story shouldn't be about them . . . it should focus more on the main characters and loving them more and more than the supporting ones featured in this book. After all, the main characters's roles are to drive the novel in the right direction and make us readers care about them. But I guess it just wasn't the right read for me and whether or not I decide to will myself in reading the fourth book . . . I guess I'll just let fate decide for me when the time comes around.

Overall, readers should not feel discouraged about my review nor my book rating because clearly there are plenty of other readers out there whom loved this book and even the characters inside of it. The storyline in BARGAINS AND BETRAYALS maybe insane and leave you saying, "Oh no they didn't! Really?" but if you love some decent melodrama, some crazy scenes that come out of the ordinary, or if you have the love of the 13 to Life book series, then this book right here will be perfect for you!

The Rating

2/5 stars

Follow Friday

This weekly event is hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read.

This week's question: Fight! Fight! If you could have two fictional characters battle it out (preferably from books), who would they be and who do you think would win?

My answer: Hmmmm . . . that's a tough question to answer but only two characters come to mind right now which are Rose Hathaway from Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series and Buffy Summers from the popular tv show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While Buffy is a television show however there are books (some I own), so she technically counts for a fictional character in a book. Anyway I would pay money to see a fight go on between these two leading ladies because they share many things in common - their wit, their matched strength, their skills in killing vampires and their ability to always put their friends before themselves - making this battle an almost impossible one to win . . . but who knows they might end up killing each other or more likely they would have a tie, shake hands and then become friends!

So who would be your two fictional characters in a fight?

Who do you think would win?

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Release Date: March, 2012

Publisher: Pier 9

Pages: 364pgs

The Story

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police - instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior - instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living iwth her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.
That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings . . . the only boy Ember has ever loved.

The Review

This review is very difficult for me to write because I absolutely adored this book and every single detail inside of it. If you've heard about the hype then it's correct. It is one of the best and one of the most entertaining dystopian reads I've ever read in a while. And honestly . . . there are no words to describe this unique dystopian tale except that it's awesome, it's startling and all the words have truly hit home for me.

In the world of ARTICLE 5, the War has changed everything for mankind. With the rights of each citizen having been revoked and therefore must adhere to the current Mortal Statues, seventeen-year-old Ember soon gets her own dose of reality and with the laws of Article 5 being revised, her and her mother's life are now in danger because of it. Ember knows the true realisation of her life and the consequences she may soon have to face - where people are always arrested for crimes of the simplest of things - and yet despite knowing of those strict laws surrounding her world . . . she's still willing to put herself out there and continue to fight for justice. However as she struggles, the last thing Ember expects is to have help from a familiar face . . . a boy named Chase whom just happens to be her childhood boy-next-door neighbour and also her longtime crush. But with Chase being one of them - a military officer like so many others - Ember will need to question where everyone's - including herself - loyalties lie.

Dystopian books have become a hit or miss factor for me, either because nothing WOWS me anymore or simply because it's hard to come by an amazing and honest dystopian book. With so many greats out there such as The Hunger Games or even The Forest of Hands & Teeth, it's still really hard to compare them to others or find another title that is simply better than the rest of them. For this book however, I found that it certainly measured up to the great stars of the dystopian genre and found it was so much more entertaining and equallly as addictive as the bestsellers out there. With Kristen Simmon's debut novel ARTICLE 5 it's without a doubt one of those books that comes around unexpectedly and rocks your world forever. With the perfect blend of spine-tingling action, breathtaking and wildly-intense suspense, vivid imagery and an almost world-like atmosphere, it's no wonder why I loved this book so, so much and why so many have praised it up on the high bar!

With the storyline rocking my world (clearly) so did its main characters! Ember was straight off one of the strongest characters I've ever come across and is one of the best, too! What I admire most in my heroines is what they stand for in their broken societies and for Ember's character in particular, she was one of those few girls that stands up for herself no matter the consequences that stands in her way. Being her mother's rock and the strongest person within her family, Ember had no choice but to take charge when it was necessary and even when she faces severe series of torment - both physically, emotionally and psychologically - just by reading about her fears alone and her mere desperation to find out what happened to her mother made it so much easier to sympathise with her and I guess in a way I formed a bond with her. She's a survivor and a bit of rebel . . . my favourite kind of heroine if I do say so myself!

In the case of love interests, Ember's relationship with Chase was a great thing to have in a book such as this one. You have to love those childhood friends and childhood crushes. I mean, beyond the surface of these two characters right here - Ember and Chase - and the past that they tried to leave behind them, you can immediately sense a variety of unresolved feelings rotating between the two of them, but just like Ember's character, this boy Chase manages - just barely - to keep these intense feelings hidden inside of him and that's why I loved this boy so much. Throughout the book you get to see two sides to Chase - one from the past who is both sweet and tender and the other one of the present is broken, hardened, and cold. Seeing those two sides of him only proves how well the author has created depth to her characters (really she has created so much depth to them) and oh boy Chase . . . his presence alone was incredibly intense and he soon begins to crack open Embers heart once more - the heart of the past - and morphs it into something so beautiful that I will never stop talking about it. Yup, I'm totally gushing over him right now and I regret nothing!

Overall, the author captures the brutality of war, love and a little bit of everything in between so creatively and I'm addicted to it all. Jam-packed with pulse-racing action, engaging characters, impressive world-building, skilled writing, and of course filled with a breath of fresh air to make this book come to life . . . ARTICLE 5 has definitely become one of my favourites for this year so do yourself a favour and go check it out!

The Rating

5/5 stars