I absolutely LOVE the WICCA series, ad now... I almost own all of them!
Spellbound (WICCA #6) by Cate Tiernan
Origins (WICCA #11) by Cate Tiernan
Eclipse (WICCA #12) by Cate Tiernan
Full Circle (WICCA #14) by Cate Tiernan
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Quoted!
I just found out that my review of Touch of Death (Touch of Death #1) by Kelly Hashway has been quoted in the final copy of the novel! Eeeeppp!!! I am so happy about this, this is the first time it's ever happened!
This is what was quoted:
Thursday, 24 January 2013
New Arrivals! (#35)
I bought the most amazing fantasy/dystopian trilogy I have ever read! I love the story-line and the characters in this series so, so much <3
The Wind Singer (Wind on Fire #1) by William Nicholson
Slaves of the Mastery (Wind on Fire #2) by William Nicholson
Firesong (Wind on Fire #3) by William Nicholson
How gorgeous are these covers?
Thursday, 17 January 2013
New Arrivals! (#34)
Great titles by amazing authors arrived this week:
Parvana's Promise (Parvana #1) by Deborah Ellis
Skeleton Key (Alex Rider #3) by Anthony Horowitz
Talon of the Silver Hawk by Raymond E. Feist
Friday, 11 January 2013
SWITCHED by Amanda Hocking
Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy
Book One in the Tyrlle Series
Published: Jan 5th 2012
Date Read: Jan 11th 2013
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What if your entire world was built on a lie?
Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although certain she’s not the monster her mother claims she is – she does feel that she doesn’t quite fit in...
She’s bored and frustrated by her small town life – and then there’s the secret that she can’t tell anyone. Her mysterious ability – she can influence people’s decisions, without knowing how, or why...
When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night – her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past, the answers to her strange powers and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist. Förening, the home of the Trylle.
Finally everything makes sense. Among the Trylle, Wendy is not just different, but special. But what marks her out as chosen for greatness in this world also places her in grave danger. With everything around her changing, Finn is the only person she can trust. But dark forces are conspiring – not only to separate them, but to see the downfall everything that Wendy cares about.
The fate of Förening rests in Wendy’s hands, and the decisions she and Finn make could change all their lives forever...
Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although certain she’s not the monster her mother claims she is – she does feel that she doesn’t quite fit in...
She’s bored and frustrated by her small town life – and then there’s the secret that she can’t tell anyone. Her mysterious ability – she can influence people’s decisions, without knowing how, or why...
When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night – her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past, the answers to her strange powers and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist. Förening, the home of the Trylle.
Finally everything makes sense. Among the Trylle, Wendy is not just different, but special. But what marks her out as chosen for greatness in this world also places her in grave danger. With everything around her changing, Finn is the only person she can trust. But dark forces are conspiring – not only to separate them, but to see the downfall everything that Wendy cares about.
The fate of Förening rests in Wendy’s hands, and the decisions she and Finn make could change all their lives forever...
(Description source: Backcover of book and Goodreads)
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As you get to know Wendy and her family you grow to feel sorry for her and hope that everything goes well for her. With her mother in a mental hospital because she attempted to kill her on her sixth birthday and her father deceased she only has her older brother, Matt, and Aunt, Maggie, left to turn to.
From the moment you first meet Wendy, she stands out in the crowd. When the only person who bothers to treat her nicely in any way turns up at her window after insulting her at the school dance you know that things are going to be interesting. Finn is straight forward and unconcerned with following many social conventions.
When Finn reveals that Wendy is not human and is in fact an important member of the Trylle. He encourages her to come back to her 'real' home with him, where she will feel more comfortable and relaxed, but she refuses his offer. Using her powers of persuasion, she compels Matt to take her to visit her 'insane' mother so that she can piece together the truth from Finn's revelation along with her mothers accusations that she, Wendy, has never been her child.
The truth confronts Wendy and when she is ambushed by evil Tyrlle called the Vittra and Finn comes to her rescue, she is forced to flee her home and family with only a brief goodbye to her stricken and confused brother.
Now lost in a world she does not know and forced into a position she does not want to be in, Wendy must fight for what she believes in and follow her heart amongst rules, obligations and a social hierarchy that she feels she will never understand.
The characters in Switched are complicated and show conflicting emotions, like any real person has, and are deep and easy to relate to. Wendy cares about her family and will do anything to keep them safe, she comes to discover love and experience other emotions she never thought that she could feel. Finn is the kind of character who is elusive and distant at the beginning but as the story progresses you come to find that you know him better than you originally thought you would. Finn shows loyalty and eventually compassion which makes him likable that goes with his intense and dark, yet alluring image. Besides the Wendy and Finn, I found that I grew to love Matt's adoration and love for his youger sister Wendy but I grew to absoloutely Rhys, with his quick witted comments and easy-going nature along with his strong loyalty and compassion for his friends.
The plotline was creative and not one i had read about before, the use of description was good but not overdone so that I felt bored and like the story was going nowhere. To me the idea felt quite original and I was quite intrigued as to how it would all play out. The setting was absorbing and I felt drawn into the world of Switched even more so because of how well the scene was set.
The ending to Switched was something I never expected to happen, where she left it was a perfect balance between leaving some questions answered and some not.
Right now I am itching to purchase book two in the series, Torn! I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in
Paranormal/Fantasy/Fiction books that are sick of the usual storylines or wanting to try something a little bit different.
From the moment you first meet Wendy, she stands out in the crowd. When the only person who bothers to treat her nicely in any way turns up at her window after insulting her at the school dance you know that things are going to be interesting. Finn is straight forward and unconcerned with following many social conventions.
When Finn reveals that Wendy is not human and is in fact an important member of the Trylle. He encourages her to come back to her 'real' home with him, where she will feel more comfortable and relaxed, but she refuses his offer. Using her powers of persuasion, she compels Matt to take her to visit her 'insane' mother so that she can piece together the truth from Finn's revelation along with her mothers accusations that she, Wendy, has never been her child.
The truth confronts Wendy and when she is ambushed by evil Tyrlle called the Vittra and Finn comes to her rescue, she is forced to flee her home and family with only a brief goodbye to her stricken and confused brother.
Now lost in a world she does not know and forced into a position she does not want to be in, Wendy must fight for what she believes in and follow her heart amongst rules, obligations and a social hierarchy that she feels she will never understand.
The characters in Switched are complicated and show conflicting emotions, like any real person has, and are deep and easy to relate to. Wendy cares about her family and will do anything to keep them safe, she comes to discover love and experience other emotions she never thought that she could feel. Finn is the kind of character who is elusive and distant at the beginning but as the story progresses you come to find that you know him better than you originally thought you would. Finn shows loyalty and eventually compassion which makes him likable that goes with his intense and dark, yet alluring image. Besides the Wendy and Finn, I found that I grew to love Matt's adoration and love for his youger sister Wendy but I grew to absoloutely Rhys, with his quick witted comments and easy-going nature along with his strong loyalty and compassion for his friends.
The plotline was creative and not one i had read about before, the use of description was good but not overdone so that I felt bored and like the story was going nowhere. To me the idea felt quite original and I was quite intrigued as to how it would all play out. The setting was absorbing and I felt drawn into the world of Switched even more so because of how well the scene was set.
The ending to Switched was something I never expected to happen, where she left it was a perfect balance between leaving some questions answered and some not.
Right now I am itching to purchase book two in the series, Torn! I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in
Paranormal/Fantasy/Fiction books that are sick of the usual storylines or wanting to try something a little bit different.
“The desperation was coming off you in waves. You were all but begging to dance with me. I am doing you a favor.”
― Amanda Hocking,
Switched
I rate Switched five out of five stars!!
Thursday, 10 January 2013
New Arrivals! (#33)
Some amazing new books have arrived!
Undeadly (Reaper Diaries #1) by Michele Vail
Toxic (Denazen #2) by Jus Accardo
Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Sunday, 6 January 2013
The Host Movie!
The Host by Stephenie MeyerPremieres: 28th March 2013
Director: Andrew Niccol
Starring:
Saoirse Ronan as Melanie Stryder / Wanda (Wanderer)
Max Irons as Jared Howe
Jake Abel as Ian O'Shea
Diane Kruger as The Seeker
William Hurt as Jeb Stryder
Chandler Canterbury as Jamie Stryder
Description: (From IMDB)
A parasitic alien soul is injected into the body of Melanie Stryder. Instead of carrying out her race's mission of taking over the Earth, "Wanda" (as she comes to be called) forms a bond with her host and sets out to aid other free humans.
Saturday, 5 January 2013
Stargazer by Claudia Gray
Book Two in the Evernight Series
Published: Mar 24th 2009
Number of Pages: 329
Date Read: June 18th 2012 (Reread)
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The vampire in me was closer to the surface...
Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous students of all—vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them.
But Bianca fell in love with Lucas—a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when his true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school.
Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross—or deceiving the powerful vampires of Evernight. Bianca's secrets will force her to live a life of lies.
Yet Bianca isn't the only one keeping secrets. When Evernight is attacked by an evil force that seems to target her, she discovers the truth she thought she knew is only the beginning....
Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous students of all—vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them.
But Bianca fell in love with Lucas—a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when his true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school.
Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross—or deceiving the powerful vampires of Evernight. Bianca's secrets will force her to live a life of lies.
Yet Bianca isn't the only one keeping secrets. When Evernight is attacked by an evil force that seems to target her, she discovers the truth she thought she knew is only the beginning....
(Description source: Backcover of book)
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Evernight Academy is a dark, mysterious, vampire boarding school, used to reeducate vampires in ways so that they can more easily make the transition into modern day society.
Bianca is a half vampire, born in an unconventional and rare way to two vampire parents. Bianca suddenly is wrenched away from her newly found love when his identity as a vampire hunter is revealed. They refuse to let go of each other by arranging secret meetings behind everyone elses' back.
When Balthazar catches Bianca returning from a secret rendezvous, Bianca makes a deal with him to help him to find his sister in return for him keeping quiet about her seeing the rebellious and dangerous vampire hunter, Lucas. As school resumes, eerie events begin to take place that seem to connect to Bianca and the mystery of humans being allowed to attend Evernight and Bianca. Along with her loyal friend Balthazar they begin to uncover the mysteries that Evernight holds dear.
Stargazer was a wonderful extension further into the enchanting world of the mysterious Evernight Academy. It is powerful, enticing and nail biting as it pulls you further into Bianca's world. Biance becomes more of a multidimensional character and although she can be stupid and over the top at times I love the way her character develops over the course of Stargazer and how relationships with other characters form and blossom. Even the minor characters grow in themselves and as they develop an attachment forms to some of them even though they may not hold a crucial role.
The plotline was creative which gave the book a different feel to it and made it a fun read. It wasn't overbearingly descriptive or slow and kept flowing well with plenty of twists, turns and excitement. It wasn't too long and ended at the right point, leaving some suspense and questions to keep you wanting the next book. I cannot wait to get my hands on Hourglass and see what happens in the next chapter of Evernight!
The plotline was creative which gave the book a different feel to it and made it a fun read. It wasn't overbearingly descriptive or slow and kept flowing well with plenty of twists, turns and excitement. It wasn't too long and ended at the right point, leaving some suspense and questions to keep you wanting the next book. I cannot wait to get my hands on Hourglass and see what happens in the next chapter of Evernight!
“He’d protect me and shelter me forever. But I was beginning to realize that being sheltered came at a price.”
―
Claudia Gray,
Stargazer
I rate Stargazer four out of five stars!!
Thursday, 3 January 2013
New Arrivals! (#32)
This weeks' new books help me complete my collection of some incredible series:
Parvana's Promise (Parvana #4) by Deborah Ellis
Skeleton Key (Alex Rider #3) by Anthony Horowitz
Talon of the Silver Hawk by Raymond E. Feist
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
BLOG TOUR: Interview with Touch of Death Author Kelly Hashway!
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway for review, needless to say, it was amazing! And even luckier am I that I got to interview Kelly; here are my questions and her answers:
1. What aspect of Touch of Death did you come up with first?
It all started with a lesser-known myth about Medusa and the 13th sign of the zodiac. Jodi's character developed from there, and the story almost wrote itself.
2. Was the whole story line planned out from the beginning, or did you come up with it as you were writing it?
I had 24 pages of planning before I started drafting, but once I began writing, I really didn't use my planning. My characters took the wheel, and I just went along for the ride.
3. Has anything that you have written ever surprised you?
Yes, the climax in Touch of Death was really unexpected. I literally stopped typing and said, "Wow, I didn't see that coming!" I love when that happens.
4. What are your favourite kinds of scenes to write?
It's a tie between intense/kind of creepy action scenes and swoon-worthy kiss scenes.
5. Is there any specific place you need to be or thing you need to do before you write?
No, I can write just about anywhere. (Sometimes even in the shower!)
6. Who was your favourite character to write in Touch of Death?
Jodi, but Alex was a close second. I got to know them both so well, I felt like they were real people.
7. Who/what inspired you to write that character the way that you did?
Jodi sort of came to me on her own, although she and I do share a lot of traits. We're both very accident-prone, have the same birthday, and love our tea and showers scalding hot.
8. What characteristics do you feel are most important to clearly define in your characters?
They have to be real, and to me that means they need to be flawed. No one is perfect, and flaws give everyone character.
9. Are there any aspects of the story line or the character(s) that you would change if you re-wrote Touch of Death?
Not really. My editor, Trisha Wooldridge, had some great suggestions to make the story better, and I'm so happy with the way it turned out.
10. What can be expected from the sequel (Stalked by Death)?
I don't want to give any spoilers, but I'll just say Jodi hasn't seen anything yet. Things are about to get crazy.
Once again, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions, and congratulations on Touch of Death :)
Thank you so much for having me!
Kelly Hashway
http://kellyhashway.blogspot.com/
LOVE ALL, Swoon Romance, January 2013
STALKED BY DEATH, Spencer Hill Press, July 23, 2013
THE MONSTER WITHIN, Spencer Hill Press, April 2014
THE DARKNESS WITHIN, Spencer Hill Press, TBA
INTO THE FIRE, Month9Books, Spring 2014
CURSE OF THE GRANVILLE FORTUNE, Month9Books, 2016
Waiting on Wednesday! (#11)
This is a weekly meme 'Waiting on Wednesday' that I take part in, it is hosted by Breaking the Spine
It is a meme where you post about a yet-to-be-released book that you are looking forward to reading. Here is a book I have been highly anticipating:
Stalked by Death (Touch of Death #2) by Kelly Hashway
Expected publication date: July 23rd, 2013
Number of Pages:
Description source: Goodreads
Jodi knows that any slip-ups made by the Ophi--a special group of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac--will fall on her shoulders... and that Hades is just waiting for them to screw up so he can wipe out the Ophi line.
Unfortunately, Jodi has only convinced one Ophi to join her school: A hot guy named Chase who jeopardizes her relationship with Alex. Jodi loves Alex, but Chase can enhance her powers with just a touch—making her stronger than any Ophi has ever been.
Her mixed emotions send her powers surging out of control, and the dead start rising without her conscious summoning—exactly what Hades doesn't want! If she chooses Alex over Chase, she may lose the battle to Hades, leading the Ophi race to extinction. If she chooses Chase, she might be able to stop Hades for good… but lose everything else.
Jodi needs to figure things out fast--because death is stalking her at every turn.
Unfortunately, Jodi has only convinced one Ophi to join her school: A hot guy named Chase who jeopardizes her relationship with Alex. Jodi loves Alex, but Chase can enhance her powers with just a touch—making her stronger than any Ophi has ever been.
Her mixed emotions send her powers surging out of control, and the dead start rising without her conscious summoning—exactly what Hades doesn't want! If she chooses Alex over Chase, she may lose the battle to Hades, leading the Ophi race to extinction. If she chooses Chase, she might be able to stop Hades for good… but lose everything else.
Jodi needs to figure things out fast--because death is stalking her at every turn.
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I am looking forward to reading Stalked by Death, I really quite enjoyed reading the first book in the series, Touch of Death. Though it sounds as if there is going to be a love triangle, which I'm seriously not too fond of, I still think that Stalked by Death will be great.
What do you think of Stalked by Death?
Have you read Touch of Death (Book One)?
What are you looking forward to reading?
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
2013 Review List!
This is the post where the links for all reviews posted in 2013 will be archived. This post is linked under the reviews tab. All the reviews are listed in alphabetical order according to the authors first name :)
A -
Alexandra Bracken - (Darkest Minds #1) Darkest Minds
Ally Carter - (Gallagher #5.5, Heist Society #2.5) Double Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Story
Ally Carter - (Heist Society #1) Heist Society
Ally Carter - (Heist Society #2) Uncommon Criminals
Alyson Noel - Art Geeks and Prom Queens
Alyxandra Harvey - (Drake Chronicles #0.1) Corsets and Crossbows
Alyxandra Harvey - (Drake Chronicles #0.5) Lost Girls
Amanda Hocking - (Trylle #1) Switched
Amy Plum - (Revenants #1) Die For Me
Amy Plum - (Revenants #2) Until I Die
Anonymous - Go Ask Alice
B -
Bethany Lopez - Indelible
C -
Claudia Gray - (Evernight #2) Stargazer
D -
Darby Karchut - (The Adventures of Finn MacCullen #1) Finn Finnegan
Debra Driza - (MILA 2.0 #0.5) Origins: The Fire
E -
Elizabeth Norris - (Unravelling #1) Unravelling
Elizabeth Norris - (Unravelling #1.5) Undone
F -
G -
Gabriella Poole - (Darke Academy #1) Secret Lives
Gabriella Poole - (Darke Academy #2) Blood Ties
Gabriella Poole - (Darke Academy #3) Divided Souls
Gabriella Poole - (Darke Academy #4) Lost Souls
Gabrielle Lord - (Conspiracy 365 #1) January
H -
Harvard Lampoon - Nightlight
I -
J -
Jennifer Allis Provost - (The Copper Legacy #1) Copper Girl
Jennifer Lynn Barnes - Every Other Day
John Marsden - Checkers
John Marsden - Staying Alive in Year 5
John Marsden - (Tomorrow Series #1) Tomorrow, When the War Began
Jus Accardo - (Darker Agency #1) Darker Days
K -
Kelly Hashway - (Touch of Death #1) Touch of Death
Kimberly Ann Miller - Triangles
L -
Lisa Amowitz - Breaking Glass
M -
Marcia Lynn McClure - Midnight Masquerade
Marie Lu - (Legend #0.5) Life Before Legend
Marie Lu - (Legend #1) Legend
Melina Marchetta - (Lumatere Chronicles #1) Finnikin of the Rock
M. Malone - (The Alexanders #0.5) Teasing Trent
M. Malone - (The Alexanders #1) One More Day
M. Malone - (The Alexanders #2) The Things I Do For You
M. Malone - (The Alexanders #3) He's The Man
N -
O -
P -
Paige Harbison - New Girl
Patricia Briggs - (Mercy Thompson #1) Moon Called
Q -
R -
Richelle Mead - (Bloodlines #1) Bloodlines
Rick Riordan - (Percy Jackson and the Olympians/The Kane Chronicles crossover) The Son of Sobek
Rick Riordan - (Heroes of Olympus #3) The Mark of Athena
Ron Koertge - Margaux With an X
S -
Soman Chainani - (The School for Good and Evil #1) The School for Good and Evil
T -
Timothy Miller - Awoken
U -
V -
W -
Will Kostakis - The First Third
X -
Y -
Z -
New Years Resolutions!
As this new year kicks off, what I have to say is that I have a lot in store for Book Savvy; new challenges, giveaways, blog tours and more!
My personal goals for the blog this year are:
1. Post at least three new reviews per week
2. Write some book-to-movie comparisons
3. Post memes much more regularly
4. Tweet links to all my reviews
5. Regularly update the Book Savvy Facebook Page
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