Metro Winds by Isobelle Carmody

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Pages: 400pgs

The Story

An engrossing collection of stories from one of Australia's most loved fantasy writers, and creator of the acclaimed Obernewtyn Chronicles.

A girl is sent across the world to discover her destiny in the dark tunnels of the Metro. Another seeks a lost sister in a park where winter lasts forever. A young man fulfils a dying wish. A mother works magic to summon a true princess for her son. A man seeks an ending to his story. An old man goes in search of his shadow.

This is a world of desire and transformation, the real and the not real, from the queen of modern fantasy.

The Review

A big thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending me a review copy of this book!

I've always been a big fan of Isobelle Carmody and when I received this book in the mail I was really eager to start reading it. Not only are Isobelle Carmody's short collection of stories flawlessly written and engrossing to say the very least, but there's just so much to love about her in her own storytelling - whether it's her longer stories or her shorter ones! She's such a great author and it was a pleasure to read her new book!

Without revealing a terrible lot about the short stories, I can definitely say that each one of their own is just as perfect and captivating as the next one you read, and I don't know how the author manages to write fantastic short stories! With stories about a girl who is sent across the world to discover her destiny in the dark tunnels of the Metro, with another seeking a lost sister in a park where winter lasts forever, with a young man fulfilling a dying wish, with a mother working with magic to summon a true princess for her son, with a man seeking an ending to his own story, and with an old man in search of his own shadow . . . there's so many great stories in this book alone and I'm sure many of you who are reading this review right now are already intrigued by these tales and trust me you won't be disppointed!

Overall, METRO WINDS is a fantastic book to add to your collection and will definitely be appealing to Isobelle Carmody fans out there or even her new readers! If you haven't read anything by this particular author, then I highly recommend you start reading something of hers very soon! She's a true gem in Austrailan literature! A true gem!

The Rating 4/5 stars

Revived by Cat Patrick

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont

Pages: 327pgs

The Story

As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.

A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency's true goals, she realizes she's at the center of something much larger - and more sinster - than she ever imagined.

The Review

A big thanks to Jennifer from Hardie Grant for sending me a review copy of this book!

Unlike most teenager girls, Daisy Appleby is used to dying. Literally. Five times - as far as she can recall - she has died by accident and each one of those dying moments she has been brought back to life by a secret government drug called Revive, and with this drug alone she must start her life off fresh which means new school, new town, and most importantly, a whole new identity for herself and for her guardians aka her so-called 'parents'. But when it comes down it . . . nothing can ever really be called her own and Daisy is tired of it. As she meets new friends and a hot guy where first love could be waiting on the horizon, Daisy is left questioning what exactly she has gotten herself into and what could her government agency be possibly hiding from her and from everyone else who have also entered the program.

I was first introduced to Cat Patrick's writing with her debut novel, Forgotten, and it was by far one of the most unique YA books I've ever come across, and it had also became one of my personal favourites from last year. But with so much love and praise for her first novel, I admit I was a little worried when it came to REVIVED as I feared it wouldn't live up to my very high expectations. While this book didn't necessarily amaze me in the way Forgotten had in the past, but in all fairness it still entertained me on a great level and the book offered something a little different compared to most YA novels out there, with a modern world with a slight dystopian twist to add into the equation. It was very cool indeed.

REVIVED's main heroine, Daisy, was a character I'd liked immediately from my first encounter with her. For someone who'd died at least five times in her short lifespan, she's been taking it pretty easily for a teenage girl (it was like her saying 'I'm dead now so get over it world') and the same goes with her feel-good attitude towards moving from town-to-town, which I guess made me like her even more because she didn't fear death and understood exactly what was expected of her when her time was up. Well, for almost a second or two before being brought back to life. But the thing about Daisy was that she acted like your typical girl-next-door and I love those types of girls because I could see myself being friends with those characters, and despite all the crazy situations that Daisy seemed to constantly find herself in, she still came to grips with her new life, embraced what she had, and eventually grew up a little which was another bonus to her character arc.

While I love the storyline and all, but the only real complaint I have with the book is the character Matt, the love interest in the story. Don't get me wrong here, I love Matt's caring nature and his compassionate side when it comes to our leading lady, Daisy, but I thought the romance and the overall relationship between him and Daisy was a little rushed for my taste. I just couldn't really warm up to Matt . . . I'm sorry to say. I liked him when I first met him and he was off to a good start because he acted like your boy-next-door or your boy-bff, but when he found out more about Daisy's life and the whole Revive ordeal, I thought he believed in things way too easily and if I were him I would really be questioning things. Like really questioning this Daisy situation instead of saying, 'Okay you died a few times . . . that's cool. Tell me more about it because I believe you for sure'. Regardless of that part, Matt was still a nice guy but much like with this book, nothing can beat my love for the characters nor the storyline of Patrick's debut novel, Forgotten, which I had more of an emotional connection towards compared to this book right here.

All in all, I found REVIVED was an interesting YA read and if you loved Patrick's first novel, then I'm pretty sure you'll love this as well! It might not be my favourite book as of yet - considering that rushed ending and I seriously hope there's a sequel somewhere in the future because I'm not completely satisfied here - but I'm still very much looking forward to more of Cat Patrick's writing because she's a blast to read!

The Rating 3 1/2 / 5 stars

Dark Storm by Sarah Singleton

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Pages: 352pgs

The Story

Ellie is staying with her maternal grandparents for the summer, while her recently bereaved dad takes off on holiday with his new girlfriend. Upset by his apparent callousness, missing her mother, and jealous for her dad's attention, she begins to spiral into depression.

Her grandparents suggest she joins a local theatre group, to meet people her own age and get away from the dark thoughts that threaten to engulf her. But then she gets roped into a seance at the theatre, and is the only one who actually sees a real ghost.

Now a spirit is contacting her from beyond the grave - and as the dead boy's story unfolds, Ellie finds herself falling in love with him. But if she solves his mystery and helps release his soul, will he be lost to her forever?

The Review

This is the first book I've read of Sarah Singleton's and on a whole I thought her next book DARK STORM was a very enjoyable read for me. With a love of ghost stories, this book was already appealing to me before even opening the book and with a setting of a small sea side town in England, there's this somewhat fantastic dark and eerie vibe about this book that I loved so, so much, and I couldn't wait to fly through the pages. But with that said, there was still a few problems I'd encountered.

Initially the beginning of the book was the hardest part to get through. It was slowly-paced - which isn't necessarily a bad thing - and there was the main character who was straightaway moping around for all good reason mind you (but I still don't like too much moping for a character). But despite those small things and while the storyline eventually picks up the pace and you would soon learn about the mysteries the main character is trying to discover about, there was still another problem I couldn't seem to forget nor ignore in the back of my head . . . that being the characters. The characters were easily likeable, especially when it came to the characters Ellie and Alex, but the major character I didn't like whom I thought I would like was Henry. Okay, so I understand Henry is your ghost in this particular story and he was definitely intriguing like all ghosts are of the past, but I just couldn't understand the connection lying between the main character, Ellie, and Henry. Their relationship seemed unhealthy and was uncalled for through my eyes, and right from the beginning of their first meeting I'd already knew their relationship wasn't going to work out in the end . . . so that was the only real downer for me. But as for Ellie and Alex . . . they were likeable enough to make me continue on with this book because it does it better.

There isn't a fair lot I can say about this book without giveaway spoilers, except that overall this book was an entertaining read and a delightful little ghost story that will certainly appeal to a lot of readers longing for a quick book. DARK STORM as far as I know is a standalone novel and towards the end of it it quickly delivers an ending that ties up all loose ends, and I would definitely recommend giving it a go when you get the chance to because it's something great to read for a one sitting read!

The Rating

3/5 stars

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Pages: 368pgs

The Story

Earth, Fire, Air, Water - they have more power than you dream.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys - all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water - just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They're powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.
And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life's at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The Review

A big thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending me a review copy of this book!

STORM, the first installment of the Elementals series, is one of those books that sucks you in instantly and will become a classic hit with fans internationally! Review after review many bloggers I have a lot faith in are telling me what's hot and what's not in books, and they had highly recommended this book to me. While I was still sitting on the fence whether to read this title or not, but then as soon as I received my review copy from the publisher . . . I dived straight into the action, the suspense, the romance, the danger, the world - and yes the hot boys too - and like so many other people whom continued to rave about this book non-stop, I was completely sold with this series as I read the final pages and Brigid Kemmerer has truly created a real shining gem with her debut YA series!

Becca, the main character, was such a blast to read about. I'll be honest with you and say I mightn't have liked her during certain points in the book and all those rushed decisions that she sometimes made (you know those moments where you find yourself yelling at a character saying, "Don't do it, girl! Just don't! Oh - you did it! You didn't listen to me, did you?), but throughout the book Becca continuously proved herself worthy as a female heroine and presented to her readers that fierce and courageous young woman that she is, but she also gave us a completely different side to her . . . this rare vulnerability which made her even more human to me and eventually, in the end, she had won me over for a main character. But as much as I love Becca, but the spotlight is totally owned by the Merrick brothers and they were my favourite part of the book. Obviously.

The Merrick brothers and the relationships shared between each and every brother was so believable. Their individual personalities meshed so well together and it brought this already close-knit family only much more closer together to truly hit home, showing what it truly means with the value of family and the lengths you would go to. While the brothers Chris, Gabriel, Nick and Michael constantly fight - like almost too violently for their own good - but as soon as trouble comes up on the horizon, each brother is always there for one another and always wanting to use their fists and elemental magics on the attackers crossing their brothers territory. It was rather sweet on thier part! Now as for their scenes together, I know writing group scenes can comes as a big challenge for any writer and for Kemmerer to tackle four insanely hot brothers I would have to say she's pretty darn talented and I don't know how she does it but she's goooooooooddddddd at it. And then there's another note-worthy character named Hunter, the mysterious new boy on the scene. Now I adored his character from the beginning because he was so complexed and yet so yummy at the same time that it definitely challenged me to be either Team Hunter or Team Chris . . . but either way you look at it both boys were so worthy of our young hearts!

The only real problem I had with STORM - one that possibly affected my overall review rating - was a certain issue raised in the book. That being the issue of rape. While readers have an idea placed into their minds regarding Becca's situation and a certain 'something' that supposedly happened to her in the past that involved a group of boys (which then led to a nasty rumor and so forth), but for a slight spoiler here there is a touchy almost gang-rape scene towards the last half of the book. Now that scene didn't bother as such since I've read plenty of books dealing with similar situtions, but considering this is a young adult book I was still taken back by this certain scene, and it was quite uncomfortable as well. I might think it was unncessary for this particular scene to be included because I kind of got the point of what was happening and I didn't think it needed any more details, but since it's in there, I would highly recommend this book for older readers. It's not to say it's bad or anything because the issue of rape is real and happening in today's society, but it's still something I wanted to make note of and let you to be aware of for those younger readers out there.

Overall, this book has taken me by surprise on several occasions which doesn't often happen with YA paranormal stories. Both refreshing, new, fast-paced, twist-turning, action-packed and containing a variety of many loveable things readers want and need from a YA storyline, STORM will most definitely not disappoint you. While STORM didn't leave me hanging with a cliffhanger (I guess since the next book is going to be told from different perspectives), but I'm still very eager to get my hands on a copy of the sequel, Spark, which, thankfully, comes out in September so be on the look out for that!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

Giveaway Winners!

Thanks to everyone who entered The Magic Warble giveaway.

The 3 winners are . . .

April

Alyssa

Selina

Congrats to all of the winners.

Your copy of the ebook will be sent to you shortly!

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Dial Books

Pages: 435pgs

The Story

Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance.

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

The Review

Ever since I read Michelle Zink's bestselling YA series, Prophecy of the Sisters, I was super keen to read more books written by her since her last series had recently ended last year and Ii wanted to see where else she could possibly takes us because Zink is such a fabulous writer in her own right as offers well-thought out storylines that could - and will - go in all sorts of directions. But along with that, she always writes about lovely romances, thought-provoking tales, and the best element that she writes above everything else . . . she can write mysteries where you will find yourself not knowing who to trust and forever questioning where your true loyalties lie, and thankfully for her new YA series, I really enjoyed this book as well.

A TEMPTATION OF ANGELS is a book that will please many readers of Cassandra Clare and despite that awesome factor, this book can also stand on its own and separate itself from the rest of the paranormal romances that are out there today, partly due to the setting of a Victorian London which will always, always be a favourite setting of mine. Now from the very first page I was hooked immediately by this storyline and it opens with the main character, Helen, whom was awoken by her mother and forced into a secret passageway in the middle of the night, with little knowing about what was really, really going on. But when her parents are murdered by merciless strangers and when they begin to look for her, Helen disappears in the streets and follows the directions her mother had given her on a piece of paper, which then leads her to the household owned by two brothers, Griffin and Darius, who are the key to open up her newfound destiny and whom can possibly help stop an enraging war from occuring and destroying the world that they hold dear.

While the storyline was a little bit like Gone with the Wind, but for me the strongest element of the book was its characters and it was quite possibly the main reason why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. Both wonderfully fleshed out and distinctive with each and every character presented in the book, it's no wonder why Zink has become a favourite author of mine because her characters are so innocent and so very interesting too! The highlight for me was the main character, Helen Cartwright, because she was a wonderful character. Zink portrayed her brave, scared and grieving side all too well, and while other readers may not have been a fan of her, but as the chapters flew by she'd eventually became a heroine I admired as she stayed true to herself and built up on her own strength that was there all along which I loved.

The same happened with the Channing brothers, Griffin and Darius, whom were such a delight to read about. Darius was the rude and sarcastic brother (gotta love him for his dark wit), whereas Griffin was the total sweetheart and the bright, shining star that also had a dark side to him (he was pretty cool too). I mean, talk about hot boys! There was another boy too, one you will soon come to meet during the book, whom I loved also. However with that said, I still firmly believe there was an unnecessary love triangle in this book. And personally . . . that was its only true downfall. But if this is the case - if there's in fact a love triangle coming up in this series - then I'll prepare myself for this love triangle and see how it plays out. I mean who knows, it might turn out to be perfect since I love all of the boys involved!

The bottom line is A TEMPTATION OF ANGELS maybe predictable at times, but it was still a great introduction to another YA series. With a heart-wrenching story about angels, demons, secrets, love and friendship, and most of all, a classic tale about good and evil, you will most definitely be guaranteed one of the most refreshing and captivating series I've read this year, and I know many of my readers will enjoy this one too! If you love books by Cassandra Clare or anything else with a new-ish twist to the angel and demon worlds (since it's not exactly all about angels), then this book is a must read for all and one you will need to add onto your list as soon as possible!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Harlequin

Pages: 416pgs

The Story

In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous.

Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him . . . for the life of a girl Jasper loves.

One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens.

The Review

A big thanks to the publisher on netGalley for accepting my request in reading this book early!

THE GIRL IN THE CLOCKWORK COLLAR is the second installment of the young adult series Steampunk Chronicles that features the fiesty heroine Finley and her gang of misfit friends. Unlike what happened in the previous book, The Girl in the Steel Corset, this time round the characters find themselves travelling across over to New York to rescue their beloved friend, Jasper, whom was hauled away on murder charges the last time we'd seen him.

Just like in the first novel of this steampunk YA series, the main character Finley remains to be that "I'll-do-what-I-want" and that same old kickass girl we know her to be. In fact, many readers will be really impressed by the maturity Finley has developed from books one and two, and even though for the majority of this book she's struggling against her two personalities as seen in the previous novel, but in the end of this sequel, she's still that girl we love and adore. Only she relies more on her brain cells rather than her fists. And for those hearting over Finley and Griffin, readers will be grateful to see there's also less awkward scenes going on between these two characters and there's far more chemistry sizzling between them which was great to read about!

With that said, while I thought this sequel was a pleasantly enjoyable one and entertaining in its own right just as I expected from Kady Cross's writing, however I still firmly believe the first book was slightly better than this one especially since it had more steampunk elements which I loved, and which this sequel did not have as much. Also, there was another aspect I was disappointed by such as things like the new character Mei and her relationship with Jasper, which wasn't really my cup of tea and I couldn't really warm up to either of those two characters, the ending where there was lack of a I-want-more-of-this-series kind of ending, and also I thought many of the events featured in this novel were a bit too predictable for my taste. And as for those fans of Jack Dandy such as myself, unfortunately for us there is no appearance from him whatsoever in this new sequel which was really, really disappointing for me because I completely and wholeheartedly adored his character from the first book. But regardless of those few downers, I still enjoyed this book and everything it offered up onto the plate.

Overall, Kady Cross's sequel THE GIRL IN THE CLOCKWORK COLLAR was an easy-to-read and flowing novel. With the main heroine, Finley, still remaining on top compared to the other supporting characters and still continuing to be that kickass chick we love her for, I think many readers of this series will find the sequel another great installment and will certainly help gear you up for the third and final book in the series!

The Rating 3 1/2 / 5 stars