Review: Galia Ryan – Choices (review and giveaway)

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Choices

Galia Ryan

Welcome to Innovative Online Book Tours’ stop for ‘Choices’.

Anna has too many debts to pay – ironic for someone who works to loan money to others in need. With no bonuses at her day job, she decides to pick up some extra shifts… of both kinds. Plenty of erotica here folks, don’t proceed if you’re under the minority age of your State.

The official blurb:

Anna is broke. Really broke. Credit cards maxed out. Store cards, too. She can’t make her repayments and there’s nowhere to turn.

Educated, intelligent, and—until recently—upwardly mobile, Anna is forced to make a choice. Sink or swim. And swimming means finding a part-time job to complement her full-time career. One that would pay enough to get her head above water. Except that part-time jobs don’t pay. Usually.

Drawn into the sordid world of private escorts, Anna discovers there is little she won’t do for money, lots and lots of money. She even starts to enjoy the sex. Until she meets an unusually seductive client who introduces her to the world of Dominance and submission. Then everything changes.

CHOICES is Book 1 of the Luxuria Trilogy.

My review:

I got this book late by my standards since the email gremlins ate my review copy! So I basically sat down right away and plowed my way through this as quickly as possible to get it done in time.

Anna is likeable enough, although I completely don’t agree with her life choices. I totally don’t agree with her decision at the end. Is she saying regular sex isn’t good enough for her? Her initial decision is fine with me though – it’s her body, so it’s good 🙂 She does need to learn how to live within her means though, and work harder to save a deposit! She won’t stay young forever.

That bracelet intrigued me. I was super surprised she was accepting gifts, and that she would keep them at all. Also, I think she should have been more understanding about Jake, and offered him more of a chance.

The perspective changes were pretty neat, and something that I thought could have added even more depth to the book. Some more perspective from her strange lover, even some from Jake’s POV.

This book does not practice safe sex. At all. Which put me off. And also, although I’m not a feminist, I like women with a bit of spine, and Anna certainly lacks it with Adam. Doormat! Although I guess that’s the point. I hate to think of how ill she could potentially get. This book is probably t

Something that frustrated me the most about this book was the cliffhanger ending. There was no closure to speak of. None! Which is fine I guess, if the other two book are out, but they aren’t until 2012.

This novel seems to be written off the back of the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy, and honestly I think it does a better job. There’s variety in the sex, and something other than S&M for those who don’t go in for that as much. The language is a lot harsher though, and some of the scenes were pretty uncomfortable. I would be interested to see where the language and storyline goes for the next one.

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About the Author

Convent educated from the age of four, Galia Ryan was brought up not to question. Perhaps because of this, she has always been fascinated by all things esoteric and ‘outside the square.’ Originally from Sussex, England and now living in New Zealand with her soul-mate husband and grown-up family, Galia tries to find time between her passions for writing and reading for her other love—travel. There is always a growing list of must-see places. CHOICES is her first novel, and the first of a trilogy. SECRETS and LIES will be published by Fanny Press in 2013. You can find Galia on the Web at galiaryan.fannypress.com.

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Review: Julie Anne Peters – It’s Our Prom (So Deal With It)

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Rose Herbert

It’s Our Prom (So Deal With It)

Julie Anne Peters

I was so excited about this book coming out that I bought a hard copy. And then I got a hand signed book plate by Julie Anne Peters! Squee! There are few things I would get even vaguely fan-girl-y about, but this is one of them for sure.

Sadly, the book was a bit different to the others Peters has written, and I wasn’t as convinced by the characters as I usually am. This novel used the technique of splitting between Azure (a lesbian) and Luke (a bisexual) for perspective.

I liked Azure, and felt more in common with her. However, I didn’t get the same sense of her being super chatty from within her perspective as I did from Luke. Sometimes it seemed like she was a totally different person. Her relationship with her dad though was a very positive one, as was her pespective on not judging others (most of the time).

Luke was a character of contradictions for me. He seemed like he was very flamboyant, and that was why his brother hated him so much, but then it wasn’t all that clear because his brother did care in a strange way. And then there was his crush on Radhika, but then his play and everything at the same time. Not to mention it seemed like he never did homework!

Now to the storyline (a bit back to front I know). One word and one person: Prom, Radhika. Both Azure and Luke want to go to the prom with Radhika, but she doesn’t like either of them in that way (or does she), given that they have been friends for forever! I think I read somewhere that originally Radhika had a perspective as well, but that this was then removed from the book. A pity, I would have liked to hear a bit more from her.

The end of the novel was altogether too happy for my liking. Others who love that kind of ending will probably be satisfied though. The same goes for the school settings they find themselves in – it is amazing that everyone is so diverse and accepting. It’s not something that has happened in Australia yet as far as I can tell, but I’d love to see a real high school in the US that has it.

I could have given this book three stars, but then reconsidered up to four. I didn’t hate it, and it’s probably not a desperate reread for me in the same way that Keeping You a Secret is, but it was reassuring to read it.

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Review: Victoria Simcox – The Magic Warble (review and giveaway)

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Rose Herbert

The Magic Warble

Victoria Simcox

I’ll start by saying this novel is a little out of my usual reading tastes. For me, this was a children’s book – listed as a ‘middle-grade’ read, ages 9-13. If the chapters were short and more episodic, it could have been suitable for those 3-9 year olds that have a good attention span for listening to things being read aloud.

It reminded me of Enid Blyton’s ‘The Faraway Tree’ which I have been reading recently. It had a good storyline, and its very child friendly (with the exception perhaps of the Queen and the blood). There are 1-2 pictures per chapter, which add a nice counter-note to the text. I enjoyed them, even though they were simple.

For me, the plot points and turning and excitement were completely transparent but for younger readers this would not be the case. Basically, any time that something went smoothly, there was a spanner in the works!

I made the mistake of forgetting to write the review for this for a little while, and then wondering what there was that I liked about – when I knew I did like it, and thought it was appropriate for its intended age group.

Something I will say – the ending was not very happy. The rat! Oh the rat! And the various betrayals and not really knowing what was going to happen irritated me a little, but I guess that’s because I wanted more depth there and some concrete finishing parts. There is a second book in this series, so if your son or daughter (or you) enjoys this kind of thing, then go for it and get it at the same time, because they’ll want to read the second right afterwards.

I received a free copy of this book after I won it in a giveaway, and then offered to do a review and another giveaway for the author. This has in no way influenced the review I have given.

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Review: Kailin Gow – Saving You, Saving Me

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Saving You, Saving Me

Kailin Gow

Welcome to Reading Addiction Blog Tour’s stop for ‘Saving You, Saving Me’.

Sam wants to become a psychologist, but does she have too many problems of her own to work it out? While she tries to get a scholarship to go to college she is signed up for helping run a teen counselling line – but is the man she is trying to help working towards the same goal?

The official blurb:

Aspiring psychiatrist and high school Valedictorian Samantha (Sam) Sullivan falls for a deeply troubled young man named Daggers during a crisis call at her watch, which leads to the unraveling of her perfect world.

A contemporary ya-mature/new adult romance with some edge.

My review:

Samantha is an endearing character, even if she’s a bit irritating at times. She has so many buried problems that we gradually get to see, and it’s a real revelation. I would have loved to see a little more of the real her, with less breakdowns involved though. It seems like she has some super big issues there.

I couldn’t believe how clueless she was though! Sawyer House, Daggers, they’re all one and the same! Arg! How can she miss something so major? The reader will be bonking their heads against the wall for how clueless she is.

Derek and Sam’s relationship is very strange. it’s part of the allure that had me unable to put the novel down, and dreading the end of the book. The romance here was good. Sam is such a sexy character, yet she’s unaware of it or unwilling to acknowledged it.

Innocents, bah. It’s like a teenage, or young adult version of fifty shades. That’s exactly what it is. Except that now they both have issues. Another problem I had with this novel was that there are some odd time jumps, where I had no idea how much time had passed, or if I did, I didn’t know where it went.

After my disappointment with Bitter Frost, I was hoping for something awesome from this novel. I went in with an open mind (as far as that’s possible) and was happily surprised. Some of the problems were the same, such as the stilted dialogue in sections (don’t is just as good as ‘do not’) and over descriptions of things, but the rest was good. I’m automatically predisposed to liking this kind of novel, with its themes of self harm and abuse. It was just what I wanted to read too.

I’d recommend this novel for uncritical young adults and mature teenagers. I don’t think it has the level of complexity that would make it suitable for adults, and the sexual content (relatively mild, but still here) makes it unsuitable for younger teens in my opinion.

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About the Author

Kailin Gow has appeared on top national syndicated talk shows such as ABC Radio, Barbara Dooley show, Chat with Women on KKNW Seattle, Broadminded on Sirius Radio XM, and more as a leading authority on YA and women’s issues including self-esteem, body image, dating and sexual relationships, abuse, and bullying. Kailin has been a published author for over 10 years with over 100 titles published under her name and under pen names.

She is the founder of the community social site, The Saving You Saving Me Project,http://www.savingyousavingme.com which helps teens, young adults, and women deal with social issues like sexual abuse, self-esteem, body image, bullying, cutting, relationships, and more in a positive community environment. The Saving You Saving Me Project is an extention of her YA-mature fiction Saving You Saving Me.

Kailin Gow began writing books for tween girls to help them with self-confidence and self-esteem. Her book, Gifted Girls Activities Guide to 365 Days of the Week, became a reference book used in girls organizations across the U.S. As her tween fans grew to become teens and young adults, Kailin began writing engaging and entertaining young adult book series for them. The results are book series like the Frost Series, PULSE Series, Wicked Woods Series, Stoker Sisters, Phantom Diaries, The Fire Wars, FADE, DESIRE, and more
.

All her books are inspired by personal experiences. Saving You Saving Me was inspired by her experience as a peer counselor for young women during college and from her psychology major college roommate’s experience being in a relationship similar to the one portrayed by Sam and Collins in the book. Loving Summer was inspired by Kailin’s experience growing up with a family consisting of a mother, two sons, and a daughter who went through a similar experience of tragedy in the book. Aunt Sookie is based on herself and some actor friends she knows. The Frost Series, Circus of Curiosities Series, and FADE Series came about through vivid dreams. Never Say Never was inspired by Kailin’s experience as a radio host and working with and interviewing bands, as well as having college friends who were in bands. Kailin also played the drums and keyboard for a band she once started. A classically-trained musician, she was once led her school orchestra, playing first chair violin. Her experience in the music world and her love of Phantom of the Opera, inspired the Phantom Diaries. PULSE was inspired when Kailin was in the hospital suffering from heavy blood loss post surgery and needed several bags of blood to survive (like a vampire). Beautiful Beings was inspired by her college encounter with a young demon exorcist. A pastor once told her she had the gift of sight and that she was destined to become a prolific author, many times over.

She began taking her writing seriously when her daughter was diagnosed as being on the spectrum and her mother was fighting three types of cancer. Four years later, her daughter was no longer on the spectrum, and her mother became cancer free. Kailin believes in hope and miracles, after having been through several struggles and experiences herself. This is why she writes.

When not busy inhaling chocolate and drinking coffee by the gallon, Kailin makes time for writing fantasy books, blogging as an expert blogger for Fast Company, volunteering as an Emergency Responder and volunteering for battered women’s shelters. For fun, she plays the electric violin, and puts together a music playlist for her radio and web shows.

Her Frost Series consisting of the Bitter Frost Series, The Wolf Fey Series, and the Fairy Rose Chronicles along with her other book series are being developed into worldwide MMORPG Games by SEE GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, which is the world’s leading game developer known for developing the top blockbuster films into games.

You can find her at:

Facebook
Website
To sign up for news on new releases, contests, events, and more, join theEDGEbooks.com.
Twitter – @kailingow

Not sure if you like my opinion? Good thing this is a tour! You can look at some other reviews, guest posts and promos at each of these tour stops:

November 1- Reading Addiction Blog Tours – Meet and Greet

November 2 – Bookishly Devoted

November 3 – Willing to See Less

November 4 – My Reading Addiction

November 5 – Journey With Books

November 6 – Paranormal Wastelands

November 7 – Book Nerd

November 8 – My Cozie Corner

November 9 – Crossroads Reviews

November 11 – Kaisy Daisy’s Blog

November 12 – Much Loved Books

November 13 – BookSpark

November 14 – My Reading Addiction

November 15 – Pink Fluffy Hearts

November 16 – Up All Night Reviews

November 18 – Lovely Reads

November 19 – Addicted to Books

November 20 – Berds Fly

November 21 – Wonderland Reviews

November 22 –

November 23 – For the Love of Film and Novels

November 26 – Just a Booklover

November 27 – A Soul Unsung

November 28 – Books and Swoons

November 29 – The Cozy Dragon

November 30 – Reader Girls

Review: Kailin Gow – Bitter Frost

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Bitter Frost

Kailin Gow

Welcome to Reading Addiction Blog Tour’s stop for ‘Bitter Frost’.

Breena has dreamed of Fayland her whole life, and now her dreams are becoming reality. Whisked away after an encounter with a pixie, she is hot currency in a world that is unlike anything she has ever known.

The official blurb:

All her life, Breena had always dreamed about fairies as though she lived among them…beautiful fairies living among mortals and living in Feyland. In her dreams, he was always there the breathtakingly handsome but dangerous Winter Prince, Kian, who is her intended. When Breena turns sixteen, she begins seeing fairies and other creatures mortals don’t see. Her best friend Logan, suddenly acts very protective. Then she sees Kian, who seems intent on finding her and carrying her off to Feyland. That’s fine and all, but for the fact that humans rarely survive a trip to Feyland, a kiss from a fairy generally means death to the human unless that human has fairy blood in them or is very strong, and although Kian seemed to be her intended, he seems to hate her and wants her dead.

This edgy tale about beautiful and dangerous fairies, based on Dutch lore, will leave you breathless…

My review:

The world building is lovely in this novel. I could feel the hunting lodge and Breena’s bedroom. I loved her artwork, and the artwork that made her and the prince similar. The dialogue isn’t bad either, although in some parts it feels stilted. I liked Breena’s trick with the bread too!

Apparently this is based on Dutch lore / some type of fairytale, which I’m not familiar with. I would be interested to see whatever it is based on, and see whether I can predict what is going on after that.

I liked the idea of the differences between the two worlds. Logan’s story is just a little too coincidental for my liking – oh no! Breena will have to choose between which one she loves more! Or will she…

For me the drama was a bit transparent, as was the ‘love story’. How could Breena be so stupid? And I really couldn’t go in for her nickname of Treena either. She didn’t seem to stand up for herself in any way until she went into another world – a weak heroine.

In that way, these two novels paired together make me think of the stopped Twilight saga from Edward’s point of view. I guess that makes for a good comparison for this novel – if you liked Twilight, and were looking for something else fantasy, this novel could be for you. There are plenty of them in the series for you to look forward to if you like the first one.
I can’t believe that this novel has more in the series! I almost want to recommend it only for younger teens, but the chaste kisses which were ok for them develop into something more crude when Logan’s point of view is brought in. An uncritical audience for sure for this one.

My overall feeling for these two ‘novels’ – Bitter Frost and Wolf Fey – was of being cheated. It reminded me a bit of Thief of Hearts, where the only purpose of the story was to draw you in, and then leave you on a meaningless cliffhanger. I didn’t feel any sort of conclusion that I should have felt at the end of any novel. The inclusion of Logan’s part just made me feel even worse!

I’m also due to read Saving You, Saving Me. From the author’s blurb, I’m really hoping for an awesome story with excellent execution. Perhaps some of her other young adult novels will be what I will enjoy.

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About the Author

She is the founder of the community social site, The Saving You Saving Me P
roject,http://www.savingyousavingme.com which helps teens, young adults, and women deal with social issues like sexual abuse, self-esteem, body image, bullying, cutting, relationships, and more in a positive community environment. The Saving You Saving Me Project is an extention of her YA-mature fiction Saving You Saving Me.

You can find her at:

Facebook
Website
To sign up for news on new releases, contests, events, and more, join theEDGEbooks.com.
Twitter – @kailingow

Not sure if you like my opinion? Good thing this is a tour! You can look at some other reviews, guest posts and promos at each of these tour stops:

November 1- Reading Addiction Blog Tours – Meet and Greet

November 2 – Forget the Housework I’m Reading – Review

November 3 – Jennifer’s Asylum – Review

November 4 – In This World of Books – Review

November 7 – Becky’s Barmy Book Blog – PROMO

November 8 – Cindy’s Love of Books – Review

November 9 – Novel Nexus Reviews – PROMO

November 11 – My Daily Obsession – Review

November 13 – Sweet Southern Home – PROMO

November 14 –Book Spark – Review

November 15 – Escapism – Review

November 17 – A Dream Within a Dream – Review

November 18 – FireStar Books – Review

November 19 –Bookish Things and More – PROMO

November 20 – What’s On the Bookshelf – Reivew

November 22 – Lauries Thoughts and Interviews – PROMO

November 24 – Ashley’s Bookshelf – Review

November 25 – Lovely Reads – Review

November 26 –A chick Who Reads – Review

November 27 – The Cozy Dragon – Review

November 28 –Winged Reviews – PROMO

November 29 – The Book Hoard – PROMO

November 30 –Bookishly Devoted- Review

December 1 – Compelled by Words – PROMO

December 2 – Book Nerd – Review

December 3 – Inside BJ’s Head – Review

December 4 – Mom With a Kindle – Review

December 5 – Broad Minded Books – Review

December 6 – Book Briefs – Review

December 7 – My Reading Addiction – Review

December 8 – Head Stuck in a Book – Review

December 8 – Life and Lies of an Inanimate Object – Review

December 9 – Crazy Four Books – Review

December 10 – My Cozie Corner – Review

December 11 – Steph in Wonderland – Review

December 12 – What’s Beyond Forks – Review

December 13 – Keeping Up With the Rheinlanders – Review

December 13 – Little Bookstar – Review

December 14 – Michelle’s Paranormal Vault of Books – Review

December 15 – Paulettes Papers – PROMO

December 16 – In This World of Books – Review

December 17 – Known to Read – Review

December 17 – A Soul Unsung – PROMO

December 17 – The Solitary Bookworm – Review

December 18 – Pink Fluffy Hearts – Review

December 19 – Simple Books – Review

December 20- Reader Girls – Review

Review: Jodi McIsaac – Through the Door

Posted on November 25, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Through the Door

Jodi McIsaac

Cedar, Eden and Maeve have lived a relatively uncomplicated existence up to this point, with the exception of Eden’s father running off and Cedar being left heartbroken… and then of course, Eden’s new abilities.

McIsaac has nicely captured the interplay of modern invention with old world magic. This is one of the best examples of urban fantasy I have read in a while. It’s a genre I should get into far more.

I would have loved to hear more from Eden’s perspective and also from Maeve. As befitting the first in a series there are a lot of things here that can be built upon in subsequent novels. There’s a lot to be said for foreshadowing and slow revelations though.

It’s very difficult for me to review this novel without spoilers. The things you think you know are true, or at least presume all is as it seems, it isn’t really. That being said, I’d like to know how the Druid gave up what she was for such a long period of time.

The action was enthralling, and you didn’t know what was going to happen next. Nothing was as straight forward as it seemed. And oh, the twist! The suspense! Arg! It seemed like every time they almost caught up, they were gone!

I’d hesitate here, and put it in teenage fiction and adult fiction. Teenage for sure, but sometimes it is difficult to say what would tickle an adult’s fancy. There is no erotic content, and the only things are heartbreak and suspense! Which every good reader is going to enjoy anyway.

I’m quite upset that it took me so long to get around to reading this novel. It was really enjoyable, and I’m really looking forward to the next in the series. I received this novel free from the Goodreads: Frist Reads program and the author went above and beyond to make sure I got a copy. This did not influence my review in any way, but I would recommend getting a copy of this book anyway – because it was a good read!

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Review: Anne Pfeffer – Any Other Night

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Any Other Night

Anne Pfeffer

Welcome to Reading Addiction Blog Tour’s stop for ‘Any Other Night’.

Ryan’s life is falling apart and there is nothing he can do about it. Left bereft by his friend’s death, his growing feelings for Emily make him feel bad, like he is betraying Michael’s memory. Add in the fact that Mitchael had a potent secret, and you have a potent, enjoyable, teenage read.

The official blurb:

Any other night, Ryan Mills would have driven his best friend, Michael, to Emily’s sweet sixteen party at the Breakers Club. Instead, determined to win over the birthday girl, he goes to the party early and alone, setting off a chain of events that ends with a car accident in which Michael dies.

Ryan blames himself for what happened to Michael. As far as he’s concerned, he doesn’t deserve to have love or ever be happy again. Then he learns Michael left a secret behind. Ryan feels compelled to take on his friend’s unfinished business, and in the process, changes his life forever and becomes a man.

This book was published in October 2011 under the title Loving Emily. In May 2012, it was reissued with its content unchanged as Any Other Night. The book was named a Finalist in the 2012 Indie Reader Discovery Awards competition.

My review:

Pfeffer has a good mix of past and present at the beginning of the novel to really expose what Michael was like when he was alive, and why he meant so much to the protagonist.

Opening a novel on a party scene, even one with a seemingly Mexican theme is a pretty thrilling beginning! It won me over, and I had to keep reading.

By avoiding introducing the fact that Ryan is a rich boy (except the mention of his car) until after the party, we sort of see more clearly that he is more than just a rich white guy who likes girls and partying. By the time I read that section, I already liked him too much and couldn’t be too prejudiced against him for his parents.

The Chrissie storyline really forced Ryan to grow up, to become more responsible. The theme of not knowing what you are going to do with your life and being anxious about it is one that would resonate with many teenagers and young adults.

Grief and denial play a heavy role in Ryan’s life. These feelings are mied with the attraction he feels towards Emily. Ryan treats his parents like crap, and you know there must be a reason behind that, but nothing is made certain. Tidbits of information are fed to the reader at just the right time to enhance our understanding.

The use of drugs in this novel is not glamorised in any way. It seems horrifically easy how these teenagers are able to get them though. So many lives potentially wasted. I would have said the thrills of drugs weren’t worth any of the other problems associated with their use, and this novel definitely confirms it.

I read this novel before having seen the cover, and now that I do see it, it makes it seem a bit like it’s more a romance than anything, but that’s not true! It has depth and detail, and makes you want to read more. The new title of ‘Any Other Night’ is far more appropriate than ‘Loving Emily’.

This novel is a gem, particularly for the reluctant teenage male reader. I’m not saying girls won’t enjoy it too, just that it might be a good option for males. For me, this is in the realms of Brent Runyon’s amazing writing. I look forward to further novels from Pfeffer.

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About the Author

Anne Pfeffer is the author of Any Other Night and The Wedding Cake Girl. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.

You can find her at:

Website http://www.annepfeffer.com/p/home.html

Twitter @AnnePfeffer1

Not sure if you like my opinion? Good thing this is a tour! You can look at some other reviews, guest posts and promos at each of these tour stops:

November 16 – Paranormal Wastelands – Review div>

November 17 – Reading With ABC – Review

November 18 – Tumbling in Books – Review

November 20 – Read-A-Holicz – Review/Interview

November 22 – The Cozy Dragon – Review

November 25 – Moosubi Reviews – Review/Interview

November 26 – Just Books and Books – Review

November 26 – Addicted to YA Books – Review

November 26 – Wonderland Reviews – Review/Interview

November 26 – The Reviewing Shelf – Review

November 27 – Book Nerd – Review

November 27 – Bound By Words – Review

November 29 – Willing to See Less– Review/

November 30 – Bookishly Devoted – Review

December 1 – In Wonderland – Review

December 2 – The Adventures Within – Review/Interview

December 4 – My Cozie Corner – Review/

December 6 – Books Down My Pillow – Review

December 8 – Reading Under the Stars – Review/Interview

December 9 –Kaisy Daisy’s Blog – Review

December 10 – Always YA at Heart – Review

December 11 – Sweet Southern Home – Review

December 12 – Memories Over Taking Me – Review

December 13 – Pink Fluffy Hearts – Review/Interview

Review: Mercedes Lackey – Home from the Sea

Posted on November 18, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Home from the Sea

Mercedes Lackey

Nan and Sarah have been charged with a task now that they have returned from Africa – to find the brand new Water Master who has sprung up on the coast. Little do they know that this Water Master has a bit of a surprise in store for them – definitely not what Lord A was expecting either!

After reading some less than flattering reviews of this novel on Amazon, I wasn’t feeling all too positive about it, and I didn’t pick it up from the library the moment I knew it was out. I’ve had a couple of disappointments with Lackey’s work recently, which is sad.

Since I wasn’t expecting much, I wasn’t disappointed in this one! For the first parts of the novel, it really felt like nothing was happening, and I didn’t get a bigger picture of what could go wrong. Just not that great in my opinion.

Number 8 in the Elemental Masters series and I feel like it’s losing its momentum. There are only so many times that you can redo the theme, and relying heavily on fairytales (such as Mari’s three trials) is getting a bit stale for me, at least from Lackey.

I think Nan and Sarah’s characters were really flat. Completely flat. They had hardly any motivations, and half the time it just seemed like they were picnicking on the surf without a care in the world. Mari was a bit better, but even her insights into her father felt stilted. More could have been done with the seals too.

Some parts of the novel also felt repetitive within the novel, which could be a problem with the editing team, or something else, like them thinking the reader is too dumb to remember somethign that happened at the start of the book. Either way, I want them to expect more from me! I’m not a stupid reader, and I really want to get into a good book, not pick on it.

I didn’t really get a sense of threat from the Constable, and only a brief worry about the Selkie chief. The ending was a bit abrupt too. It’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, and I did find it difficult to put it down in the second half, but I think that may have been because I wanted to know what Mari was going to do next.For adults and teens alike this one. But I wouldn’t start with this novel if you’re a new reader of Lackey’s works. It’s not a good example of her brilliance.

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Review: Henry James – Daisy Miller

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Daisy Miller

Henry James

Daisy Miller is a text for my *final* Bachelor of Arts unit, American Literature. As such, I wasn’t too excited to read it, but it was necessary. It was a very short read, around an hour (possibly less), so it’s an easy investment if you like the Classics.

Henry James is a well-known American writer that all classics readers should know of. He reminds me a bit of Irish literature actually – simply due to the writing style and his name. Oh yes, that would be my brain telling me James Joyce is similar, but of course, the two styles are not identical and they have different focuses.

The characterisation and narration of this novel are what add interest. The whole point of the novel is that the main character, Winterbourne, filters the reader’s perception of Daisy Miller. Daisy is an enigma – is she a simple flirt, or is she something else?

Above all, this novel is a tragedy, although the reader does not necessarily feel that way about Daisy entirely. It’s whether you feel that she had the end coming to her or not. References to going to and coming from are rife throughout the text.

In the preface/introduction to my version, the editor complains about the changes between the two editions, one which James revised and one which was the original. Interestingly enough, this novel was also adapted as a play, although that was apparently very unsuccessful.

As with any Arts text, it wasn’t enthralling. At least this one wasn’t too painful though. Let me get back to you on that once I’ve written the essay…

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Review: Sharon Wood – Keepers of the Zodiac (review and giveaway)

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Keepers of the Zodiac

Tonya Fitzharris

Welcome to Reading Addiction Blog Tour’s stop for ‘Keepers of the Zodiac’.

Syrie has been given the most important task – to collect the 13 Keepers of the Zodiac and prepare them for their new roles. He falls in love with one though, and that complicates things beyond what he could have ever imagined.

The official blurb:

The stars have shifted and the Earth is rapidly moving into the throes of chaos.

Four god-like beings known as the Zodiac High Council, send their winged herald, Syrie, out

with twelve sealed envelopes. His mission? To bring a chosen group of thirteen future Zodiac

Keepers, including a set of mesmerizing twins, to the Isle of Oriba for training. Syrie never

could have imagined that he would fall in love along the way—ultimately forcing him to choose

between betrayal and death. Keepers of the Zodiac is an enthralling tale of obligatory fate,

temporary hope, and impossible love.

My review:

This book looked like a fun read, and the concept initially reminded me of the Power of Five series by Anthony Horowitz (which I have been waiting for the fifth book for a long time). I was happy to review it particularly because this tour company is excellent at getting novels to me in a timely manner so I can really read and enjoy them before posting a review.

I have to say that the concept was awesome, very interesting, but then the execution was a little flawed. I felt like most parts of the novel were quite stilted in their extravagant descriptions of things and I ended up skipping over them. The dialogue was also quite stilted, and I didn’t really get into the characters’ minds. This was a plot driven novel wholeheartedly (nothing wrong with that, just not usually my style of thing).

The almost steamy kissing scenes would make this novel suitable for older teens, if your younger teen is wary of such a thing. I know some 13 year olds that would be grossed out simply by the thought of kissing! I guess it’s boy cooties or something. This novel could equally be for males or females, but I feel that because of the romance element its more of a girly book.

Poor Syrie! Of all the characters, I felt for him the most. I was a little leery of his island naming, and I couldn’t believe that coincidences such as that happened in such a structured world. Not to mention the revelations for him, and his future. To love, and then to lose. Throughout the novel I felt like there had to be more going on than what met the eyes…

The ending is a cliff hanger. I would quite like to read the second book in this series, simply because it’s so uncertain! How can so much happen in a day? And what is going on with Syrie? Arg! Those twin sisters are nothing but trouble. Perhaps a borrow from the library book.

People who follow and believe in the Zodiac may be a little affronted by this novel, because I don’t think it necessarily reflects those beliefs accurately. Not being a follower myself, I doubted that all the signs could have all those positive portrayals. I might have enjoyed the novel even more if I remembered each of those.

Ew, foot flakes. Gross. That’s all I’ll say about that, but really, it’s quite humorous. There’s some other points of humour, but as a whole it’s quite serious, as befits a novel that is trying to prevent the collapse of the world as we know it.

Three stars from me for this novel. Plot yes, execution no. An easy read, probably well suited to teenagers that have less experience than me for pulling novels apart.

Find it on:

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Giveaway!! (sorry, US & Canada only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Sharon Wood is a married, mother of two boys. She was born and raised in Northern California, and attended college at San Jose State University, where she studied Marketing. A self-proclaimed Disney fanatic, Sharon enjoys collecting Vinylmations and talking about Disney related things to anyone that will listen. Besides writing, she enjoys playing and coaching volleyball, dancing, and reading. Keepers of the Zodiac is her first novel, and she is currently hard at work on the sequel!

You can find her at:

Website n>

Facebook

Not sure if you like my opinion? Good thing this is a tour! You can look at some other reviews, guest posts and promos at each of these tour stops:

November 13 – Reading Addiction Blog Tours – Meet and Greet

November 14 – The Cozy Dragon – Review

November 15 – Wonderland Reviews – Review/Interview

November 16 – Corssroads Reviews – Review/Interview

November 17 – Lovely Reads – Guest Post/PROMO

November 18 – Pink Fluffy Hearts – Guest Post/PROMO

November 19 – Winged Reviews – Guest Post/PROMO

November 20 – My Cozie Corner – Review

November 21 – The Solitary Bookworm – Guest Post/PROMO

November 22 – Emily Ward – Interview/PROMO

November 23 – Lost in Fictional Worlds – Review/Guest Post

November 24 – Oh Chrys! – Guest Post/PROMO

November 25 – Book and Appointment with Wisdom Books – Review/Guest Post

November 26 – LovLivLife Reviews – Guest Post/PROMO

November 27 – Inside BJ’s Head – Review/guest Post

November 28 – The Book Maven – Review

November 29 – Books and Swoons – Review

November 30 – Books, Books, The Magical Fruit – Gues Post/PROMO

December 1 – In This World of Books… – Review/Interview

December 2 -A Bibliophiles Thoughts – PROMO

December 3 – Getting Your Read on – Review

December 4 – My Seryniti – Review/Guest Post

December 5 – Rolling With the Moments – Review/Guest Post

December 6 – YA Novel Reader – Review/GuestPost

December 7 – Bookworm Lisa – Review/Guest Post

December 8 –Fiction Prediction – Review/Interview

December 9 – Pa
ulette’s Papers – Guest Post/PROMO

December 10 – Read-A-Holicz – Review/

December 11 – Willing to See Less – Guest Post/PROMO

December 12 –Bookishly Devoted – Review/Guest Post

December 13 – My Reading Addiction – Review

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