Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 352pgs

The Story

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

The Review

I liked Veronica Rossi's debut book, Under the Never Sky, well enough to continue on with this series but I didn't necessarily love it either. But with so many other readers loving and throwing high-praises at me with its second installment, I knew there was going to be something special coming my way from this much anticipated sequel, THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT. And there was definitely something special for sure - even to my own surprise - because I actually enjoyed this book much more than the first book and that's saying something for me. Really saying something.

First and foremost, I have to say the character highlight for me was Roar, Aria's amazing and unwavering friend who is always there for her no matter the drama going on in her life. I love you, ROAR <3. I mean, I liked his character from book one but he completely blew me away in this sequel and I know I'm not the only one here feeling the same way as me. He was just completely adorable and deserved so much more than that Liv character, the person he 'loves'. But just so you know . . . I totally ship Roar and Aria - even if it will never, ever happen. Anyway, apart from him, the other characters were definitely more driven this time round in the sequel and you can clearly tell they have grown up so much and have matured too as individuals, so I'm really glad there was more character development in those respects. Take for example, Aria, the main character, who was really great and so was that Perry dude, although Perry still makes me mad over certain things because he questions Aria quite a lot . . . boy you really need to trust Aria. Fully now. Trust those creepy smelling scenes of yours because that girl loves you without a doubt even though I would much prefer the fantasy of Aria and Roar getting together. Oh, my poor, now sunken Aria/Roar ship.

But the real difference I felt from this second book compared to the first (which was perhaps the main reason why I liked this sequel much more) was its fast-pacing and how there was a lot going on all at once in the book. It was exciting and refreshing, and totally addictive. I just couldn't stop reading this book . . . not once. Whereas the first book I had to put it down and then force myself to read some more, you know? So I'm very happy that I got the complete turnaround from this sequel. I really needed it because I would have a lot of readers breathing down my neck if I didn't love this sequel. I just know that would have happened.

Overall, THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT really showed me what a standout this YA book series really is and I finally understand why readers are so obsessed with it. I am now and for that I'm glad. Now bring on book 3 I say!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

Catherine by April Lindner + Giveaway

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Poppy

Pages: 320pgs

The Story

A forbidden romance. A modern mystery. 

Wuthering Heights as you’ve never seen it before.

Catherine is tired of struggling musicians befriending her just so they can get a gig at her Dad’s famous Manhattan club, The Underground. Then she meets mysterious Hence, an unbelievably passionate and talented musician on the brink of success. As their relationship grows, both are swept away in a fiery romance. But when their love is tested by a cruel whim of fate, will pride keep them apart?

Chelsea has always believed that her mom died of a sudden illness, until she finds a letter her dad has kept from her for years—a letter from her mom, Catherine, who didn’t die: She disappeared. Driven by unanswered questions, Chelsea sets out to look for her—starting with the return address on the letter: The Underground.

Told in two voices, twenty years apart, Catherine interweaves a timeless forbidden romance with a compelling modern mystery.

The Review

CATHERINE was such an amazing modern retelling of Wuthering Heights (I kid you not) and I loved it even more than April Lindner's previous book titled Jane, another modern retelling of Jane Eyre. So what surprised me most about this book? Why did I love it so much? Well, despite the fact that Wuthering Heights is one of my absolute favourite classic books of all time, but I actually cried a little after reading this one not only because it was quite sad in a sense but it was because it reminded me so much of how the original book made me feel (how much I fell in love with the book) when I first read it and I loved that feeling!

In this new, fresh modern retelling, the story is told between two girls, Catherine and Catherine's daughter Chelsea, whose stories are separated and are told twenty years apart. Now I don't want to spoil things of the storyline so let's just say I really loved both of these girls! They were so interesting, headstrong, brave, determined, and let nothing stop them. So while I did love Chelsea's journey in finding out what happened to her mother who'd disappeared years ago when she was a child and even her interactions with characters including Cooper (who I just loved!), I thought Catherine in particular was a voice that I couldn't help but be captivated by, much like how I was with the character Catherine in the original book. But most of all, I really loved reading about Catherine's love for Hence, the character who is obviously inspired by Heathcliff of Wuthering Heights, and how their powerful connection destroyed them both. Those two, Catherine and Hence, were so intense and raw and even for a retelling you just wanted them to be together no matter what. No matter their frustrating actions caused by jealousy and getting back at each other. But after one obstacle after another . . . you know it's just not going to happen for them and that's what I loved, the fact that the author followed Wuthering Heights as close as possible while also adding on her own couple twists here and there. And it was just so good!

Apart from the characters (even though it was the main reason why I hugged this book like . . . a lot), but what had really impressed me the most was the setting! Now for some retellings - especially modern ones - it will either work or it won't for a story, but for me it totally worked! It just captured the essence of the original work and I found the modern setting finally brought something new onto the table for new readers who haven't read Wuthering Heights before so I think - and I hope - it will make those readers want to read the original book. Trust me, it's just as awesome as this one right here. And as for the ending of this book . . . so beautiful in its own special way and I cried. Well, just a little though. Hehe.

Overall, CATHERINE lived up to every one of my very high expectations and it played out like a fantastic drama, one you wished never came to an end. Filled with intense characters, gripping storylines, and a piece of work that stayed true to the original work of Wuthering Heights, I think this book will be a real hit with its readers!

The Rating

5/5 stars

Since I loved this book so much, I want YOU to have a chance to read it as well. So in celebration of this very awesome modern retelling, I have two books for two lucky winners to giveaway on my blog. The giveaway includes a finished copy of Catherine by April Lindner (INTL giveaway for anywhere book depository can ship to you) and a copy of the classic tale and one of my favourite books ever Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (AUS giveaway only). To enter, simply click and fill out the form below:

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Giveaway closes February 28th.

The winners will have 48 hours to reply to my email. Good luck!

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Random House

Pages: 369pgs

The Story

When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

The Review

I haven't always loved contemporary YA books (I admit this) but the two books that made me fall back in love with the contemporary genre years ago was Gayle Forman's breathtaking and emotional-wreck books, If I Stay, and its companion sequel, Where She Went. Not only was those two book titles amazing and had brought me close to tears unlike any other book I've read, but Gayle Forman is such a beautiful and a very talented writer that I know of and I will love pretty much anything she writes next and I did with her new book!

JUST ONE DAY had it all in one single book. Intriguing romance, Shakespeare plays, international travelling, great character development, journeys of self-discovery . . . honestly what more could you possibly want from a book by Gayle Forman? But the one thing I will always admire about Gayle Forman's writing, apart from what I've already mentioned above, is the fact that she will always make her readers absorb everything about her storyline - to get involved with it - and somehow become the main character, and feel what they're feeling at that moment in time. And that takes quite a lot of talent if I do say so myself and I totally fell for it!

Allyson and her alter-ego, Lulu, may not be perfect but there was something really special about her character. Something both compelling and unique. She had so many dreams, so many expectations to uphold with her parents and it was really nice reading about her own self-discovery of her own person, especially as she travels around to the likes of Europe and especially when she falls in love with this stranger named Willem. Now as for Willem's character, he is someone I absolutely do not understand as a person - and possibly want to hate him for doing what he did to Allyson - but I can't help but be interested by him like Allyson was throughout this entire book. I could see what she saw in him but I can't necessarily say I would ever fall for the likes of this Willem - someone whom Allyson really does not know at all - but it'll be interesting how his story works out in book two, as it is in his perspective after all. I hope he can redeem himself for the sake of our main character and hopefully we can understand him more, and why he did what he did to Allyson.

Then, of course, there's that ending. My gosh, what an ending it was! I totally saw this ending coming too but really? How could you leave it like that, Ms. Forman?!?! You're killing me here! Really . . . you're killing me and now I'll have to wait longer for the sequel.

Overall, JUST ONE DAY is a fantastic read and such a page-turner too! Richly detailed in characterization and in different cities of different countries, and containing a great mentions of some of my favourite Shakespearean plays including As You Like It, I think many will enjoy this book because it's well . . . written by Gayle Forman! Enough said.

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 432pgs

The Story

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

The Review

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

THE INDIGO SPELL, the third installment of Richelle Mead's VA spin-off Bloodlines series, is definitely a hat full of tricks what with its new dangers, obstacles, complicated romances and plenty, plenty of paranormal drama to entertain its huge following of readers. Not to mention those fans of Sydney Sage and Adrian Ivashkov - especially those readers left with that cliffhanger at the very end of The Golden Lily - will most definitely not be disappointed with this book!

Sydney Sage would have be my favourite character in this entire series (I say this again and again) and one that can actually beat my love of Vampire Academy's main heroine, Rose Hathaway, which is such a major leap for me considering (once upon a time) I used to love Rose like no other book heroine. But I don't know . . . there's just something about Sydney I love and she's always just that kind of heroine who is slowly growing as a person and trying to find herself out there in the big, wide world, and I love reading about such a development in any of my favourite characters. I just love it! So when it comes to this third book I found she was opening up a lot more now and questioning things around her that she never dared to question before . . . turning her into the ultimate bad-ass. Trust me you guys . . . she IS a total bad-ass in this book so don't go thinking she's boring, naive, and weak. She is NOT any of those things!

Then, of course, I have to mention the romance slowly blossoming between Sydney and Adrian. I know, I know in this review I just HAVE to mention Adrian. Like Sydney, Adrian is also a character trying to find himself in the world and to see exactly where he belongs in it, and even though in the majority of the book he is always trying to push Sydney's buttons (in the best way possible of course) and can sometimes be this lovesick guy but . . . I love him for being well . . . Adrian because it's a completely different love-sick guy that we used to know back when he was with Rose. Completely different. In fact, the chemistry flying between these two characters is SIZZLING is this third installment and I think this book wouldn't be as awesome if it didn't have that romance in it, so way a go Richelle Mead for writing interacting scenes with Sydney and Adrian. The banter, the frustrations, the mere unspoken words that are only expressed through faraway but very secretive glances . . . yeah there is plenty of Sydrian moments in this book and I know fans will eat it right up like I did.

But the only complaint I have with this book apart from its awesome characters (except for Marcus Finch whom I thought was going to be this awesome guy but wasn't though he definitely made Adrian look like a better person) is with the storyline itself. Now I really hate to say this - really I do - but I found the storyline was lacking something good compared to the previous two books, Bloodlines and The Golden Lily. Sure the romance was fantastic (it was everything I was hoping for and more) and so was the action (even the humor was spot-on for my tastes), but the actual direction of the storyline went a bit off track for me at times and even the parts leading up to the ending was needless to say disappointing. I was expecting . . . more. Still, regardless of that, I enjoyed this book, mostly because of all of the Sydrian moments and really that's all I care about at the moment! I love those two to bits and it'll be interesting where the next book will take us to next considering THAT ending! Argh. That ending! I so KNEW that was going to happen eventually and it did, and I just KNEW it! I knew it!

Overall, while the storyline was a bit disappointing but THE INDIGO SPELL still sets up yet another great installment in the Bloodlines series and I can't wait for more! Bring on The Fiery Heart, I'm so ready for it now! Just please let Sydrian remain together . . . I couldn't bear another heartbreak or another reason why these two crazy kids can't be together. My heart cannot take it anymore!

The Rating

4/5 stars

Also I won't spoil for you guys, but be sure to check out my Goodreads status's HERE from when I read this book. I hope you find it entertaining! It's a little taste of what's to come.

Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

Pages: 384pgs

The Story

A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

The Review 

The dystopian bandwagon is something I'm more than happy to jump aboard on, but lately I've been hesitant in reading the genre lately as no other author has really done anything too original or special with it (especially with fantasy elements added onto dystopian worlds). But moving past that, Elizabeth Richards's debut novel, BLACK CITY, offered something new and exciting to the genre - maybe not so much in the romance department, but there was just enough there to get me hooked on the storyline and I'm quite taken back by how much I actually enjoyed it.

Within the protective walls of BLACK CITY, we are quickly introduced to a world of ruin, blood, controlling governments, and a very deadly war that is pitted against two entirely different races - those belonging to humanity and those of dark and deadly creatures referred to as Darklings. Vampire creatures basically. So with humans not being too accepting of Darklings, it not only increases the tension around this new American-like world but it also causes riots around the city as people want to only seek peace from this war. But surrounded by this very interesting and cruel world there are two teenagers, Natalie, a human and the daughter of an Emissary official, and Ash, the half-Darkling boy, who will soon become forbidden, star-crossed lovers and who may be the only key to putting an end to this bloody war.

Story-wise I thought everything was brilliantly written! Fast-paced, action-packed, romantic, full of hair-raising tension, and completely captivating in all descriptions of the world, there's really nothing bad to say about this book except for the romance that was developed between two of the main characters which was - at times - a little off-putting and not believable enough for my own liking (even though this sudden romance and connection is explained later in the book). But despite that, I loved everything else . . . even the romance which was still addictive to read about. But as far as the characters go, I have to say they were the best part of the book more so than the actual storyline!

Natalie, one of the main characters, was someone I liked from the very beginning. However, it did take me a while to actually warm up to her character. I guess, in some instances, this had a lot to do with her many conflicting emotions that she experiences on and off again in regards to Darklings and other related war things in her strict world. But, on a whole, I really liked her as a character and she grew on me later on too, especially when she became much more stronger and mature at the half-point of the book. She had learned more about herself by then.

But the true shining star of this book - in all honesty - would have to be Ash, the half-Darkling boy Natalie falls hopelessly in love with and for unexplained reasons (though you do eventually find out why she loves him in those insta-love ways). He was just . . . the awesome love interest you can't help but love. No really he was pretty great! Sure he was a little . . . moody and a little too proud for his own good, but he was still one awesome dude to read about. I mean, Ash just has this really convincing voice and he seemed such a genuine sort of character as well, which I guess made me believe more in him than of Natalie's character and it's probably the main reason why I liked him so much. But together or not, he and Natalie are perfect as a couple and as individuals, and I hope they remain so in the upcoming sequel.

Overall, BLACK CITY has everything going for it and has become a favourite book of mine too. While you can quickly move past the insta-romance, in the end all of the right elements molded perfectly together and I'm really excited to read the next sequel, Phoenix, which I'm sure will be just as brilliant as this book. I just have one of those feelings.

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

Blogspiration (5): Nerds Like Us

Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by GrowingUp YA & Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers & writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author’s choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation & just a little SOMETHING.

This is my fifth blogspiration post! I hope you enjoy this next quote!

It's John Green and he knows how to speak to the inner (and outer) geek like me. 

Enough said.

So what about you? What inspires you today?

Shine Light by Marianne de Pierres

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Random House Australia

Pages: 300pgs

The Story

Ixion. The island of ever-night. 

If she had a choice, Naif wouldn't go back. But her friends will die if she doesn't find a cure for the badges that are slowly killing them, and her brother is there, fighting against the Ripers who hold everyone in thrall. And Naif has knowledge that might save them all.

First she must solve the mystery of Ixion’s eternal night. Then she must convince everyone – rebels and revellers alike – to join her cause. And all the while, she must fight the urge to go to Lenoir – her greatest love, her mortal enemy. 

The secrets of Ixion must be revealed. The evils must be stopped. A new dawn will come.

The Review

SHINE LIGHT is the third installment to the Night Creatures series. Having loved its predecessors, Burn Bright and Angel Arias, Marianne de Pierres has certainly set up a very lush and a very unique world for her readers and one where you cannot help but be swept up by it all. And, in this final conclusion, it bears no difference through my eyes because it's just as adventurous, as dark, as thrilling, and equally as intoxicating as Pierres's previous titles!

Unlike the other two titles, what I loved most about SHINE LIGHT was how fast-paced it was and how it had this race-against-time kind of vibe going on with it . . . I just loved it! It didn't waste time with the unnecessary details that we were already aware of (which a lot of sequels tend to do nowadays) but rather just dived straight into the action of where these teenagers are trying to survive and fight against these night creatures terrorizing all of humanity. Or rather what's left of it. It was sure thrilling to say the least! But not only that, I loved the characters too - including Rollo, Suki, Markes, Ruzalia, Dark Eve and Lenoir - who had played such a prominent role this time round in the book, and gave our main character, Naif, such strength towards the final climax of the book!

Now all of my love and high praises goes straight towards Naif, our main character, who was such a joy to read about and she has grown so much within the course of this series! I don't know what it is about her but there was always something so compelling about Naif's character and for those readers who have actually read this book . . . you will know what I mean! But then there's Lenoir, a favourite character of mine, who I was always cheering for despite some people not liking him so much. I guess he's not exactly a hero nor the good guy you want him to be but . . . I loved him and I guess I was hoping for something more from his character but . . . I'll take what I get from him and it was enough! Trust me.

Overall, SHINE LIGHT was such an enjoyable read for me! Even though the ending didn't entirely satisfy me as there were so many questions left unanswered and where I expected so much more to happen in the actual ending, but regardless there was still enough love there in this book and I can't wait to see what else this Aussie author has up her sleeve next! I'm sure it will be amazing as this series was!

The Rating

4/5 stars