500 Followers Giveaway (International)

It's that time again where I show my followers some love. I am at 500! Thank you to everyone who has supported my blog and helped me get there. I appreciate you all!

DETAILS

Up for grabs is ONE choice of the 4 prize packs below. Each prize pack has a total of 5 books and the winner will be able to choose which pack he/she wants. If I get to 600 followers before the giveaway ends, I will offer a second winner a choice of book from The Book Depository of a value of up to £10. The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.

Update: I WILL be selecting a second winner for a choice of book from TBD as I am at 600 now! Thank you all for following! :)

THE PRIZES

Pack 1:

Pack 2:

Pack 3:

Pack 4:

Click on the images to enlarge them if you would like to see the title/author of each book clearly. 

GIVEAWAY

Following is not required but I'm not complaining if you do. ;) Followers are eligible for extra entries. If you would like to enter the giveaway, fill out the rafflecopter below. Any problems or questions can be raised in the comments section or emailed to me. Please read the terms and conditions in the widget before entering.

Good luck! 

Waiting on Wednesday (#7)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog feature hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine which spotlights future releases that we are looking forward to. It has been a while since my last WOW post, but I am back with two incredible sounding books that I cannot wait to get my hands on. Click on the titles to add the books on Goodreads. Here are my picks:

Title: Blind Spot
Author: Laura Ellen
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Release Date: Oct 23, 2012

There’s none so blind as they that won’t see. 

Seventeen-year-old Tricia Farni’s body floated to the surface of Alaska’s Birch River six months after the night she disappeared. 

The night Roz Hart had a fight with her. 

The night Roz can’t remember. 

Roz, who struggles with macular degeneration, is used to assembling fragments to make sense of the world around her. But this time it’s her memory that needs piecing together—to clear her name . . . to find a murderer. This unflinchingly emotional novel is written in the powerful first-person voice of a legally blind teen who just wants to be like everyone else. 

Title: Tiger Lily

Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson

Publisher: Harper Collins

Release Date: Jul 03, 2012

15 year old Tiger Lily, proud and fierce, wild and misunderstood, doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland, and immediately falls under his spell. Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, big-hearted but hard to reach, he both scares and enthrals her. 

As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything - her family, her future - to be with the haunted, hunted, courageous boy who loves her. When - as a punishment for her rebellious ways - she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter. 

With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.

These are two very different sounding books but I am equally excited for them both. A huge thank you to Beatriz for introducing me to Tiger Lily. I love Peter Pan and this book just sounds magical. Blind Spot sounds pretty amazing too. I wouldn't usually be drawn to a book like that, but for some reason, I am. I'm very much looking forward to reading it. 

Do you like the sound of these two books? 

Leave me a link to your WOW posts if you have done one and I'll be sure to stop by. :)

Review: Immortal City by Scott Speer

Title: Immortal City
Author: Scott Speer
Publisher: Scholastic UK

Release Date: April 05, 2012

Find On: Goodreads | Amazon UK

Scott Speer delivers a wholly different sort of angel story by combining the traditional paranormal fantasy with the glitz and glamour of celebrity culture. In Immortal City, angels are not just angels – they are the faces of brands, the models on billboards, the famous stars that make the news. By and large, the angels are worshipped by the ‘ordinary’ people. It’s not uncommon to hear someone squealing over a particularly good Save they saw on SaveTube, nor is it anything less than expected to find girls shrieking over the angel heart-throb that is Jackson Godspeed. Only a small fraction of citizens in Los Angeles - quite literally the City of Angels - are indifferent to their perfect looks and flashy cars. Among them is a Maddy Montgomery. 

I had an instant appreciation for Maddy’s character, simply because she was unfazed by all the trivial nonsense that others were fixated on. Like her best friend Gwen, for instance. Right there, side by side, we have two characters that range from different ends of the spectrum. Gwen is the definition of a Gossip Girl character, while Maddy is, well essentially, something I can relate to. She has no interest in keeping up to date with latest buzz surrounding the hottest angels and she most definitely does not have an interest in Jackson Godspeed. 

Well, not until he turns up at her uncle’s diner… This is the notable turning point in the story - when it starts to pick up a bit and become a lot more of an enjoyable book. The start grabbed my attention instantly as we are introduced to the intriguing world of celebrity angels. Once the initial scene-setting is over, however, the story starts to lose some of the spark it had ignited at the beginning and my attention wavered. Thankfully, Jackson and Maddy find their worlds colliding after a few short chapters and the story sets off again at a thrilling speed. 

The plot if full of excitement and romance, and Scott Speer does an admirable job combining the different aspects of the story together. While we have a romantic tale flowing between Jackson and Maddy, we are also given a gripping story of angels, immortality and demons. There is great character and story development, with Maddy and Jackson becoming easier and easier to root for as the pages turn. The mild unanswered question had me eagerly progressing through the book, anticipating a staisfying climax. Immortal City does not have the most complex of story lines, yet it still manages to present an enjoyable and engaging one. 

Although, for the most part, very entertaining, there were a few issues I had with the actual writing. Most of the time, the writing was appreciable and written wonderfully well, but there were some small flaws. This book is in third person narrative, mostly split between Maddy and Jackson, though dominated by Maddy’s perspective. Or at least that was the impression I got anyway. At times, when the two characters were together, there were subtle shifts in the perspectives, jumping from Maddy’s to Jackson’s thoughts. It didn’t flow seamlessly here and could have been handled slightly better. Having said that, the issue sorted itself out as the rest of the story made it easy to overlook the flaws. 

Overall, Immortal City was an entertaining read that shows us the angel genre still has more tricks up its sleeve. It may not quite leave the largest impression, but it is definitely worth picking up for a quick and easy read. This one is more for the entertainment value than an exploration into angel lore, but we all have our guilty pleasures, don’t we? Immortal City is one of mine. If you are looking for a fun read with a different stance on angel fiction, this is the perfect book to pick up.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Until Next Time Blog Tour: Book Review Stop

Welcome to the Until Next Time blog tour! I have a review of Amy Lignor's book for my stop on the tour today. You can view the full schedule here to read other reviews, check out guest posts, interviews and more. 

Title: Until Next Time
Author: Amy Lignor

Publisher: Tribute Books

Published: Feb 01, 2012

Find On: Goodreads | Amazon UK

Until Next Time focuses on the theme of angels, but it is unlike any other angel book. Amy Lignor puts her own unique spin on a genre that has been visited countless times and she manages to successfully craft a story that stands out from the rest. With an intriguing mix of fantasy and romance, and a wonderful set of believable characters, Until Next Time proves to be a wholly original and entertaining read.

The author approached the angel idea in a very interesting and engaging way. For once, we are given a YA fantasy that is not set up for the inevitable girl-meets-boy scenario – it is so much more than that. Matt and Emily are angel partners who are, supposedly, soul mates. As part of their mission to understand humans and gather knowledge, they are both assigned to two human shells in which they will spend their time while on Earth. The only trouble is, neither of them will remember anything of their ‘real’ lives – the ones they live up in heaven as angels. For Emily, that means she won’t remember who she belongs to, she won’t remember Matt…and her human heart starts reaching out for another.

This story is most certainly a complex one. While we are on Earth, we are essentially reading through a set of characters, Liz and Daniel, who are very different to Matt and Emily but are still Matt and Emily – only they don’t realise it, and in turn, the reader begins to forget the fact too. When Liz starts losing herself to unconsciousness every now and again during her sleepless nights, she is, in actual fact, being returned to herself as Emily in heaven. Every time Emily returns, she does so will a full set of memories from her human life and even more conflicting emotions and questions. However, when Liz returns to consciousness, she has no recollection of the angels and heaven and nothing but confusion on her mind.

Enter Jason, human love interest, and someone who is definitely not Matt. Warming to Jason isn’t difficult at all. The reader is quick to appreciate his caring manner and believable character. And so is Liz, in fact. The romance between Liz and Jason is one to be admired, regardless of the irksomely quick speed at which it developed. Amy Lignor writes each scene between the two exceptionally well, playing on the reader’s emotions with ease. The ending, in particular, consolidates the reader’s appreciation of the romantic element of this story. It is both touching and perfectly presented, setting the foundations for an equally enjoyable, if not better, sequel.

Overall, Until Next Time is a must-read for fans of YA Paranormal, especially those who are growing tired of the repetitive structure of formulaic books in this genre. This story is nothing but original and will most definitely appeal to a wider audience. It may not be a completely seamless read, but it is a surprisingly memorable one. If you are looking for a different approach to angels, this is the perfect book to pick up. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

10,000 Pageviews Giveaway Winner + Significance Winner

Thank you to those of you who take the time to enter my giveaways! Here are the winners for the two most recent giveaways:

10,000 Pageviews Giveaway Winner: Philippa R

Significance Ebook Winner: Jennifer B @ Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy

Congratulations to both of you! Please check your inboxes within 48 hours. :)

Review: Perigee Moon by Tara Fuller

Title: Perigee Moon
Author: Tara Fuller
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Published: Jan 12, 2012
Find On: Goodreads | Amazon UK

This is definitely one for the romance junkies. 

Tara Fuller impresses me with her debut novel, giving me a heart-warming tale of first love, witchcraft, and everything in between. Her writing is so effortlessly mesmerising that from the first single word - Death - right through to the last sentence, she had me completely and utterly enthralled. Not once did my attention waver from the story, nor did I ever feel disengaged from the characters. I was more than satisfied with the dynamic, layered protagonist and her equally complex love interest, and more than happy with the captivating story line. Perigee Moon was exactly my type of book. 

Meet Rowan Bliss, our teenage heroine. Plagued by the presence of death – both her mothers and her own suicide attempt - Rowan moves to Massachusetts to start a new life with her grandparents. Instantly her unique, strong voice makes itself known to the reader. She is consumed by grief and sorrow – it is obvious the memories of hearing her mother’s screams still haunt her thoughts – and I recognised and felt her pain straight away. There is nothing quite like connecting with the protagonist of a story almost immediately. It was also wonderful to see Rowan growing out of her bubble and progressing as a character throughout the book. Tara Fuller’s writing shone through beautifully through her. I loved this line, in particular: 

“I imagined that my mother was the wind. That she was wrapping around me and running her fingers through my hair, whispering that everything was going to be alright.” 

If the writing wasn’t enough to appreciate, Tara Fuller weaved together the sweetest romance between her main characters. Alex Foster is an enigma of a character, both to Rowan and, initially, to the reader. The cloud of secrecy that surrounds him is enough to drive anyone mad, but I couldn’t help but still fall for him. With his alluring blue eyes, dark hair and caring manner, Alex had me under his spell. I found myself savouring each sweet moment between him and Rowan and swooning on every other page. This isn’t a light romance, and I will admit that I was concerned that Rowan and Alex may have fallen into that typical ‘insta-love’ category, but any doubts vanished in an instant as I settled further and further into the story. In fact, I think the romance is perhaps my favourite aspect of the whole book. Here, have one more quote: 

“When he laughed it was like music, but no song I’d ever heard.” 

Another brilliant aspect of the book: the plot. A good story line with a book about witches can be very hit and miss, but Perigee Moon is definitely one of my more favourite witch books. Most chapters begin with an extract from 1692, which, at first, make little sense to the reader, but then help us to put the pieces of the puzzle together. I loved how expertly the author handled each of these entries, and how perfectly she managed to tie them in with the present. These extracts, along with the mysteries Rowan begins to uncover for herself, contributes to crafting a riveting and engaging plot. I definitely think the story takes itself up a notch during the second half of the book, especially towards the end. The climax was thrilling and written very well, but nothing too exhausting. In other words, it was just right. 

Overall, Perigee Moon is a wonderful YA read, with the perfect blend of romance and fantasy. This is a stand-alone novel, which is a shame, as I would have happily read more about Rowan and Alex. I’m just glad Tara Fuller has another book due to be released this year – Inbetween. At least that means I still have something to look forward to! But while I count down the days to Inbetween’s release, all you paranormal romance addicts should go and grab a copy of Perigee Moon. You won’t regret it.

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer

Title: Arcadia Awakens
Author: Kai Meyer
UK Publisher: Templar
Release Date: March 01, 2012
Find One: Goodreads | Amazon

Arcadia Awakens intertwines a forbidden romance reminiscent of the tale of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ with the supernatural world of shape-shifting and buried legends. Add a sprinkling of Cosa Nostra, and this book is set up to be a thrilling and unique read. We have a snarky female protagonist, a complicated love interest, and a storyline derived from ancient mythology – all of this surrounded by the exotic heat of Sicily. 

If the premise for this book wasn’t enough to draw me in, I wouldn’t know what could. To say my expectations for this book were high is as much of an understatement as is possible to make. They were exceptionally high, and for the most part, Kai Meyer managed to deliver. I was given the creative story I had wanted and the believable characters I wanted to adore. It wasn’t a seamlessly perfect read, however, and I did have a few issues with it occasionally. But I more often than not found myself thrilled to be reading the story. 

I blame ‘The Godfather’ entirely, but I cannot help but be strangely fascinated by The Mafia. Not that I approve of the criminality or even the unhealthy rivalry, but any story, TV show or movie featuring Mafia is set to be an exciting one and full of action. That’s what I had been hoping for with Arcadia Awakens and that’s what we are given. Kai Meyer expertly handles the portrayal of the Italian mob in a believable and accessible way, to provide readers with a comfortable reading experience. The ideas are clearly well researched (or at least, appear to be that way – I’m hardly an expert) and are moulded into the story line with the ability to both engage and thrill the reader. 

If it wasn’t impressive enough that Meyer managed to include Mafia in a YA novel (are there any more of these stories? – someone point me in the right direction!) I also loved the fluid way he managed to tie it in with the fantasy world. Shape-shifters are among the wide array of supernatural beings I love to read about and Meyer had me incredibly captivated by his unique presentation of them. The very particular way each transition to and from animal form was described was written impeccably well. I admired the author’s writing the most here – where it appeared unbroken and mesmerising. 

I would have believed this book to be deserving of a higher rating had I not had problems with the start. Although the beginning of the story does introduce us to Rosa in a way which allows us to instantly appreciate her snarky comments and hard exterior, it did feel a little too slow at times. I felt the first handful of chapters could have been condensed or at least have a little more substance. However, when the story did get going, it was full of action and suspense and most definitely worth reading. I only wish I could have gotten that earlier on.

Another aspect of this book I wasn’t always completely sure about was the romance. There is nothing I quite like more than a forbidden romance and we are given this idea with Meyer's own spin as Rosa and her love interest come from rival family clans. Alessandro and Rosa were both entertaining and layered characters which I grew fond of almost immediately. Thankfully, this YA novel is devoid of any tiresome love-triangles or that awful ‘insta-love’ factor. Due to those reasons, I found myself rooting for the pair and their relationship. Having said that, there were still times when I wished there had been a little more for me to cheer them on for. Occasionally the spark between them would start to dim, and I couldn’t help but notice it.

Other than these few flaws, Arcadia Awakens proved to be a wonderfully different, sometimes strange, YA story. This is definitely a book I am glad I picked up and I’m eager to see where Kai Meyer has taken the story in the next instalment. Hopefully book 2 is just as good as this one, if not better.


Rating: 3.5 stars

Cover Reveal: Inbetween by Tara Fuller

I have the pleasure of revealing yet another cover for Entangled Publishing. They seem to be on a roll with signing on new YA authors and Tara Fuller is definitely another to watch out for. I am currently reading Tara Fuller's Perigee Moon (published by Crescent Moon Press) and love it so far! You should all add it to your TBR piles. ;)

But FIRST, I bring you the cover of Inbetween, Tara's YA novel to be published by Entangled some time around August 2012. Here it is...

I am kind of transfixed by the model's hair. :) Here is the book synopsis if you haven't come across this before:

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option. 

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left...his soul.

Inbetween has been on my TBR for a while now so I am thrilled to finally see the cover. I love that this book has reapers in it. And romance! It definitely sounds like something I will enjoy.

So what do you think of the cover? Feel free to leave me your thoughts on the synopsis, too. :)

Goodreads | Amazon

In My Mailbox (#9)

Edit: If you're wondering where my last post went, I decided to take it down as Hilda managed to sort out the problem. I'm so happy for her! You should all head over and follow her anyway as she is a great blogger. :)

IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren, where bloggers share the books they have received with other readers. Apologies for not linking anything up (I am feeling particularly lazy this week). Here is what I got: 

Won/Gifted/Other

The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

20 Years Later by E. J. Newman

Thank you to Rebecca Hamilton for gifting me a copy of her book and E. J. Newman for the prize. A huge thanks to my sister for loaning me her copy of Beautiful Disaster. I have heard so many mixed thoughts about that book (and its characters) that I'm very intrigued now to find out what I will make of it. Hopefully I will enjoy it! :)

For Review

The Treachery of Beautiful Things by Ruth Frances Long (via NetGalley)

Oppression by Jessica Therrien

Heaven by Christophe Marzi

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (via NetGalley)

Welcome Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell

Welcome Caller, This is Chloe really isn't my usual type of read but it looks hilarious. I'm hoping it will be the perfect light read to break up some of the other books on my list. I'm also very much looking forward to The Treachery of Beautiful Things. It sounds wonderful and I really do hope it lives up to my expectations. Oppression is another I am crossing my fingers for. The description for that book is what drew me to it in the first place (and not the cover for a change! - which is stunning), so I'm eager to get started on it soon. A huge thank you to the publishers, NetGalley, and Jessica Therrien for the review copies. 

Freebies

The Willows Haven by Hope Collier

Bound by Kira Saito

Awakening by Karice Bolton

Coexist by Julia Crane

As you can see I have broken my freebies ban. That really didn't take very long. They all have such gorgeous covers though and I couldn't help myself. I am especially looking forward to getting round to Coexist as I don't think I have ever read a book solely about elves before. It'll be nice to try something different. 

And that's my book load for the week. It's nearly all fantasy...which, I guess, is normal for me. But anyway, I am planning to go on a book shopping trip in a few days (it's probably about time I made use of the gift-cards I received for Christmas) so who knows what will end up in my post next time... What did you get in your mailbox this week? Let me know if you have read any of these books! 

Review: The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman

Title: The Book of Blood and Shadow

Author: Robin Wasserman

Publisher: Atom

Published: Jan 19, 2012

Find On: Goodreads | Amazon

'I should probably start with the blood.' 

When a book has an opening line as wonderful as that, the only rational reaction would be to be intrigued. I most certainly was. What blood? Whose blood? First line in and Robin Wasserman already had me asking questions. And then we are followed by this: 

'If it bleeds it leads and all that, right? It’s all anyone ever wants to know about, anyway. What did it look like? What did it feel like? Why was it all over my hands?' 

I got comfortable then. This was going to be a good book, I could tell. What I wasn’t expecting, however, is for it to be so…strange. 

The Book of Blood and Shadow was an almost completely different story to what I had assumed it might be from reading the synopsis. That’s not to say the change wasn’t welcomed. I was glad this book turned my expectations on its head because it was so much more breath-taking than I could have possibly imagined. Robin Wasserman promptly grabbed my attention at the very first instant and didn’t let go of it for a long time. To say she is a skilled writer is one heck of an understatement. Her writing was beautiful and admirable, and really did make me quite jealous. That in itself is saying something about how wonderful she is with words – I’m not even a writer. 

Her talent shone through Nora’s personality in the best possible way. Nora, a girl so determined and reasonable, was quite unlike other YA protagonists. For a start, she isn’t in the slightest what I would assume a comical character to be, yet she had an uncanny ability to make my lips jerk into a near-laugh several times throughout her narration. At the same time, her quite obvious intelligence (she can translate Latin! At least I think it was Latin…) had me almost getting dreamy-eyed over her myself. By the end of the book, I wasn’t sure whether I want to be her or just give her a big hug. She goes through all sorts of crazy situations in this book but remains remarkably sane at the end of it. I’m not sure I would fare so well. 

The other characters, namely the three boys - Max, Chris and Eli – and best-friend Adrianne, all drew a varied range of feelings from me. I made the awful mistake of getting too attached to Chris even when I knew he wasn’t going to be present in the story much longer. When the moment finally came, I was devastated. Chris had the most heart-warming personality and enviable relationship with Nora. Who wouldn’t want a best friend like him? I really did feel for Nora, especially when it turned out her newly found boyfriend Max had fled with a possible ‘guilty’ sign hanging over his head. Max…isn’t so easily appreciated as Chris. At least, not for me. Very occasionally, Max would come across as the sweetest boy imaginable, but, for the most part, he creeped me out a little. And I guess I was right to think that. 

The plot in this book is just plain crazy. I really wasn’t sure what I was reading sometimes, but I am sure that I loved the mystery and the thrilling ride. I could hardly predict anything and each twist and turn had me completely gobsmacked, especially where they concerned the characters. Forget about Nora - I wasn’t sure who to trust half the time! I admired the unpredictability of the plot and loved how utterly eager I was to get my answers. Again, I have to appreciate Robin Wasserman’s skills here. She delivers a thoroughly intriguing story line and follows it through right to the end with immaculate care. 

When I did reach the end of the story, I was looking back on the whole thing with awe. This book is in a category of its own. It managed to successfully enthral me in a bizarre plot I would normally under no circumstances enjoy. I haven’t actually mentioned what the plot was but that is merely because I am certain I will get it wrong. Sometimes this book was too complicated for my simple thought processes, but I enjoyed it immensely. The Book of Blood and Shadow is most definitely worth a try. 

Rating: 4 stars

Beyond Giveaway Winners

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway of Beyond by T. P. Boje. Two winners have been selected! Congratulations to...

1. Rachel B

2. Josefin J

Winners have been emailed, so check your inboxes! There are a couple of giveaways still running on my blog, so be sure to check them out under the 'Giveaways' tab if you are interested in entering. :)

Cover Reveal: Gravity by Melissa West

Do you remember when I had Gravity by Melissa West as one of my Waiting on Wednesday choices a few weeks back? I was so excited for it that I chose it for my WOW post even though it didn't have a cover at the time! Well, now it does. And it's GORGEOUS. Treat your eyes to this:

How amazing is that?! I love everything about it, from the colours right down to the decorative font the used for the title. I can only imagine how wonderful this book will look on my shelf. Here is the synopsis if you haven't yet come across this book:

In the future, only one rule will matter: Don’t. Ever. Peek. 

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed--arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die. 

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know--especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

I didn't think it would be possible for my excitement for Gravity's release to grow, but it has! You should all also follow @MB_West on Twitter. The author is the sweetest and her tweets are awesome. I do a good job of stalking her on there and she does an even better job of putting up with me. ;)

And finally, if you haven't done so already, add Gravity to your Goodreads shelves! 

Review: BZRK by Michael Grant

Title: BZRK
Author: Michael Grant
Publisher: Egmont
Release Date: Feb 28, 2012
Find On: Goodreads | Amazon UK

You can’t go wrong with a Michael Grant book. BZRK is no exception. 

This YA thriller showers its readers with science-fiction goodness, nanotechnology heaven, and a sprinkling of heart-stopping action. As always, Michael Grant weaves together a complex but suspense-filled plot, while managing to mould the most intriguing array of characters. From the first chapter, where the reader can only guess what BZRK actually is, right through to the end, where the reader is hanging on to every last word, this book knows how to give loyal Michael Grant fans exactly what they want. 

Being an avid reader of Grant’s Gone series, I knew as soon as I heard about this book that I would need it in my possession as quickly as possible. The premise for this book sounded fantastic. Nanotechnology? DNA-based biots? Um, yes please! I couldn’t wait to get started on what sounded like a brilliantly exciting book. And thankfully, BZRK didn’t disappoint. 

Picture a futuristic world where nanotechnology is twisted into a form of weaponry. Two conjoined Twins, Benjamin and Charles Armstrong, have taken advantage of the scientific advances to develop their ‘nanobots’. These microscopic creatures are programmed with the ability to alter the brain activity of their victims, essentially controlling their thoughts and emotions. The aim? The Armstrong twins want to ’connect all people, everywhere, into one great race: the human race’. This robotic utopia may be desired with good intentions – after all, if we think and feel as one, there would be no hatred, no cruelty, no war. However, BZRK, a group actively fighting the efforts of the Armstrong Twins, can see the further implications of this movement do not outweigh the benefits. What would happen to free will? What would become of our ability to love who we choose to love or fear what we choose to fear? To resist the Armstrong’s efforts, BZRK are attacking back with their own biots. The question is, which side will win?... 

Following such a complicated story line through the book was a roller-coaster of a ride. This story is rich in pulse-racing action and each twist and turn had me eagerly turning the pages. As with any of Grant’s books, it is most definitely up to the reader to pay attention to each detail of the plot. Very occasionally, given the intricacy of the story line, I struggled to understand what was happening in certain scenes. (Though that is perhaps more my fault than the books – reading past midnight does little wonders to my attentiveness.) However - after refreshing my memory a little when needed - once I fully understood what was happening, I couldn’t help but appreciate how insanely clever the book was. I do enjoy a book which makes it difficult for me to predict where the plot is going to turn next. BZRK had me guessing right up to the final words and perched on the edge of my seat throughout the whole thing. 

If you have read the Gone books you will know Grant likes to include a lot of characters in his stories. Again, I would sometimes have to flick back a few pages for some much-needed clarification on who was who when I missed something important. For the most part, I enjoyed reading about such a wide mix of personalities and ages. Sadie and Noah, the central characters, are both teenagers who are plunged straight into the nanotechnology war and made to work together. I loved Sadie’s tough-girl nature and adored her for most of the book, but Noah was a strange one for me. I couldn’t quite figure out what kind of character he was. I felt he could have stood out slightly more, but I did like him all the same. The secondary characters were all wonderfully crafted, especially the twins, whose thoughts and words gave me genuine chills. 

Overall, BZRK is an intensely entertaining YA book that managed to both grip me and freak me out (some of the descriptions are very gruesome!). Although it wasn’t a seamlessly perfect read, it was enjoyable to pick up and I’m very much looking forward to seeing where the story goes in the next instalment. I’d definitely recommend this to ardent science-fiction readers and also perhaps to those of you who don’t usually dabble in science-fiction. I can’t think of a better way to be introduced to this genre than with a Michael Grant book. 

Rating: 3.5/4 stars

The Priest and the Peaches Blog Tour: Guest Post by Larry Peterson

Welcome to The Priest and the Peaches blog tour! Today we have YA author Larry Peterson  stopping by to share a personal guest post about his journey to where he is now. But first, here is a little more about his book:

Title: The Priest and the Peaches

Author: Larry Peterson

Publisher: Tribute Books

Published: Jan 2012

Find: Goodreads | Amazon

Description: Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.

They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

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My Road to Publication by Larry Peterson

It was suggested that I write a bit about my "road" to publication and some of the obstacles and personal experiences I have encountered. I really do not like talking about myself but I have found that doing so, like it or not, is somewhat a sub-text of the writer's life. Okay, here we go. 

First of all, I have always wanted to be a writer but my journey  followed a winding sometimes circular road in getting to my destination. I spent 15 years  working in the building trades in NYC with the Metal Lathers/Reinforcing Iron Workers until I was forced to leave that business when an insidious little demon known as MS (a handy little acronym for Multiple Sclerosis) attacked my central nervous system causing me to begin stumbling around like a drunk and then leaving me almost unable to walk at all. That was 30 years ago and today, after a lot of prayers, hard work and therapy, I use no walking aids of any kind and get around like most everyone else. My wife, Loretta, my three kids and I moved to Florida (doctor's advice) when this was all going down and I have been here ever since.

Loretta died nine years ago from cancer (melanoma) and I married a widow, Marty, about five years ago. Marty spent almost all of 2011 undergoing chemo treatments for cancer (Lymphoma) and, thank God, she is now in remission. I myself had prostate cancer and, in May, I will be five years out. It seems that cancer is like Al-Qaeda---always sneaking around and attacking people trying to kill them. Fortunately, due to incredible advances, cancers are not nearly as successful as they used to be but there is still a long way to go before, like Al-Qaeda, they are eradicated.

I began to write seriously about four or five years ago and my first book "Slippery Willie's Stupid Ugly Shoes" (children's) was released in January of 2011. My first novel is "The Priest and The Peaches" and was officially launched January 1 of this year. So, I am a husband, father, grandfather and officially a "senior citizen". Experiencing the life of a writer is my "permanent senior moment. It's ALL GOOD and I am not turning back. I could plod onward but I think I have summed "ME" up in the most pithy way possible. Thank you for having me.

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A huge thank you to Larry for sharing his experiences. You can find Larry at these links:

Blog | Facebook | Twitter

If you would like to follow the rest of the tour, you can do so here. 

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Also, just a quick note to say Happy Valentine's Day! I will be doing my own guest post on The Book Barbies blog tomorrow (Feb 15) with a bunch of other bloggers as we discuss our perfect literary dates. Stop by for the fun! :)

And apologies for the awful formatting of this post. Blogger is being strange again.