Review: Throne of Fire

Throne of Fire (The Kane Chronicles #2) by Rick Riordan

 

Title: Throne of Fire

Series: The Kane Chronicles, #2

Author: Rick Riordan

 

Published: Puffin Books; 2012

447 pages, paperback

 

Source: Borrowed from the library

 

 Description (from Goodreads):

Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the magical House of Life, they command certain powers. But now a terrifying enemy - Apophis, the giant snakes of chaos - is rising.

If Carter and Sadie don't destroy him, the world will end in five days' time. And in order to battle the forces of chaos, they must revive the sun god Ra - a feat no magician gas ever achieved. First they must search the world for three sections of the Book of Ra, and then they have to learn how to chant its spells...

Can the Kanes destroy Apophis before he swallows the sun and plunges the earth into darkness... forever?

Narrated in two different wisecracking voices, featuring a large cast of new and unforgettable characters, and with adventures spanning the globe, this second installment in the Kane Chronicles is nothing short of a thrill ride

My Thoughts:

A lot of people argue that bad reviews are the hardest to write, but, personally, I don't find that the case at all. For me it is so much easier to have to have the freedom to rant about what you didn't like about a book, you can go on and on, always finding some other little thing that bugged you but how many times can your write how much you enjoyed a book? There are so only so many times you can say amazing, wonderful, lovely, awesome... It kind of gets old quickly. We get the point that you loved it straight away there isn't any reason to go on and on about it.

Because of that, I am a little clueless about how to start this review  because I absolutely loved this. It made me laugh and smile and cry. I was never bored and I didn't want to put it down for a minute though I had to because of stupid things like sleep and school.
Rick Riordan is one of the few authors that I can honestly say nails the changing of POVs perfectly. Most authors that use this make one of their characters slightly more likeable or the POVs too similar and thus make it hard to distinguish who is who (I am glaring at you Crossed). Some authors just cannot make this work at all (yes, I am thinking about you Scarlet). Throne of Fire, however, has two beautiful points of views - Carter and Sadie - who are both equally amusing, kind, witty and lovable. I couldn't possibly pick a favourite. Both of these characters have their charms - Sadie her sarcasm and braveness and Carter his loyalty, seriousness and quick-thinking. They both hold a large place in my heart.

What I love most about this book though, apart from the lovable characters, is the mythology. If someone told me that Rick Riordan was, in fact, a god himself, I wouldn't be surprised. How else can he absolutely nail everything about ancient mythology? The way he writes it all, it feels as if he has experienced it all before himself. He writes with such vivid detail to his works that I, myself, feel as if it is all this could be real. He ingrains such minute details into the world of Sadie and Carter you begin doubting that there really isn't such things as the Egyptian gods and the Duat, that Apophis isn't trying to swallow the sun. It has a ring of truth to it and you have to love an author that can pull you in so completely.

Overall, I really cannot say much more then this is definitely a new elite favourite of mine. It nails everything I love in a book and pulled me into its world of gods and magic. I loved it and I would highly recommend it. One hundred times better than The Lightning Thief.

Review: In Too Deep

In Too Deep (In Too Deep #1) by Eliza Jane* 

Title: In Too Deep

Series: In Too Deep, #1

Author: Eliza Jane

 

Published: October 1st 2013

335 pages, kindle edition

 

Source: Received an ARR from the author

 

 Description (from Goodreads):

Gifted computer hacker Taylor is in over her head.

When she transfers to the prestigious Wilbrook Academy and begins working a case with scrumptious nineteen-year-old martial arts instructor, aka manwhore, Colt, hanging out with him becomes a necessary evil to get the job done. But resisting the bad-boy that is so off limits might be more than she can manage. He's one of those guys you just know isn't good for you –he can–and often does–have any girl he wants.

The deeper she gets involved in a troubling field assignment, the more she finds herself relying on Colt. If she can just figure out how to do the right thing and not fall for irritatingly hot Colt in the process, life can go back to normal. Baby steps.

My Thoughts:

In Too Deep wasn’t quite what expected, it was much, much better! I was expecting something a little more spy-ish and while it did remind me a little of Francine Pascal’s Kill Game, it was so much more! Let me start at the beginning, this is the story of Taylor Beckett. Genius computer hacker who has just been accepted into the prestigious Wilbrook Academy for gifted students and the girl who has caught the eye of Colt Palmer. Colt is the resident bad boy and martial arts instructor of Wilbrook Academy. A dark past has him doubting the very existence of love. He’s a manwhore who sleeps with dozens and dozens of girls and doesn’t even take the time to learn their name. Sex was the only closeness I got, and I couldn’t give that up. And I couldn’t risk love when it had the probability of ending so badly. But Taylor’s big blue eyes, sweet innocence and shocking immunity to Colt’s sexy smile and hot bod, leaves Colt curious… and falling for her, badly. I couldn’t concentrate on other girls until I had Taylor. She was like a drug to me. I’d had one small taste and it was nowhere near enough. Taylor knows that Colt is bad news from the long, long line of heartbroken girls that trail from Colt’s bedroom, and also from her own experiences, but he isn’t so easy to resist. She knows she’s falling for him too, but she knows as soon as she sleeps with him, he’ll forget her and move on. She needs him to give up his manwhore ways, but it isn’t that easy. She knows that’s she in too deep (Couldn’t help myself!) to just walk away though. What I loved about In Too Deep, and what made it so captivating, was the development and growth of not just Colt and Taylor’s relationship, but each of them as their own person. This isn’t an insta-love romance. Colt and Taylor didn’t just suddenly change their ways, but during the book they begin to question why they act like that. Mainly Colt, he begins to wonder if his way is the right way. Yes, it stops the risk of pain associated with rejection and heartbreak, but is it a risk worth avoiding or is it worth it? In Too Deep explores this very dilemma. Taylor and Colt explore their boundaries, testing what works for each other and learn valuable lessons about what it means to love someone. For Colt, is their more to relationships than sex? And for Taylor, is it possible for people to really change, and is it worth risking an already broken heart for the possibility for it to be fixed again? And it isn’t something that is resolved. At the end of the book Colt and Taylor are quite sure how they feel and if it is going to work. But what I loved is that they are ready to try, and really, what more can you ask for. Eliza Jane knows how to create the perfect characters with all the right ingredients to make for an enjoyable and engaging read. All of the secondary characters, excluding McAlistar, had just the right depth coupled with back stories and great personalities to give them a realistic vibe. I adored Logan, he was cute and a great friend for Taylor and MJ. While In Too Deep was brilliant, the lack of mysteriousness and espionage had me a tad disappointed. I was expecting something more complicated with a lot of cyber-hacking and covert operations. Alas, I was wrong. [The oil carrier incident (hide spoiler)]The oil carrier was a little disappointing, it wasn’t intriguing enough and kind of over and done with before it even began. Plus, McAlistar was a bit of a pathetic “villain” and the twist that Colt is his so was not really that shocking, since I guessed at it early on. Taylor's reaction to it was also a little overly dramatic, but then again just when she thought Colt was beginning to trust her, she found out her had been keeping a huge secret, so I guess I do understand. Anyway, I wasn’t disappointed for too long. The characters were just too mesmerising and I had to keep reading. I definitely recommend this to all contemporary romances fans, especially those who love their boys tall, dark and handsome. This just isn’t for fans looking for a spy thriller – you aren’t going to get that here! *a ARR was provided by Eliza Jane through the YA/NA Fanatics Group in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!* In Too Deep wasn’t quite what expected, it was much, much better! I was expecting something a little more spy-ish and while it did remind me a little of Francine Pascal’s Kill Game, it was so much more! Let me start at the beginning, this is the story of Taylor Beckett. Genius computer hacker who has just been accepted into the prestigious Wilbrook Academy for gifted students and the girl...more *Note: An ARR was provided by Eliza Jane through the YA/NA Fanatics Group in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given or received in this exchange.

Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

 

Title: The Hunger Games

Series: The Hunger Games, #1

Author: Suzanne Collins

 

Published: Scholastic; 2009

454 pages, paperback

 

Source: Bought; own physical copy

 

 Description (from Goodreads):

Winning will make you famous.
Losing means certain death.

In a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called the Hunger Games. There is only one rule: kill or be killed.

When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister's place in the games, she see it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature

My Thoughts:
(Second time reading)

 

5 brilliant stars

I read this back in grade five when it first came out. I enjoyed it. I mean it was good. Nothing too amazing, nothing too terrible.



I buddy read this with Mei awhile ago and wow! I loved it. What was wrong with me last time, I don't know because I could barely put the book down this! Yes, obviously I already knew what would happen, but I was seriously enthralled, enraptured. I just need to read more and more. It was bloody brilliant.



Katniss Everdeen lives in District Twelve of Panem. A dystopian city where the Capitol controls the lives of its citizens. Each year the Hunger Games are held. A reality TV show where twenty-four boys and girls (one of each for all of the twelve districts) aged between 12 and 18 are selected to battle to the death. There can only be one winner.

Katniss volunteers to take her sister's place in the games and is thrust into a world where no one is who they seem, where everyone wants her dead and only the fittest and smartest will live.



But Katniss is a survivor. She isn't go down without a fight.



It takes a certain strong personality to get through something as utterly brutal the Hunger Games and be able to come out the same person.



Katniss is as tough as nail. She's kickass. Strong. Resilient. And not one to cower from fear. I loved her. She been though hell. Her father died in a mining accident. Her mother shut down with grief. She is forced to hunt illegally everyday with her friend, Gale. It's a struggle to survive. But she doesn't dare give up. She's a fighter.



Though Katniss can be a bit of a cow at times, I will say that straight out, she's focused on surviving not the feelings of people. And you know what, isn't that what would happen in real life!? Your not going to allow yourself to worry about feelings of love and whatnot while simultaneously trying to figure out how to survive the next hour without having to murder your fellow tributes in cold blood on live television.

I really cannot say how much I admire Katniss' strength of character. I would not last a minute her position. Collins has done an amazing job constructing a wonderfully realistic and true heroine.

The rest of the charters make a perfect cast. There is every sort of personality and each manage to complement each other as well as Katniss.

Peeta. He's sweet. Kind. Caring. Utterly charming. Yet, I couldn't quite connect to him. We are constantly wondering about his true intentions, but also know that he's totally heads over heels for her. to[total head of heels for Katniss. She just cannot seem to see that. (hide spoiler)] I don't really know what to feel about him.



The plotline and the suspense is what keeps you gripped with this book. There isn't a page were something doesn't happen to keep you on your toes. Getting a little dull? Lets thrown some fireballs in. No? What about mutant dogs? Yes? Yeah, that ought to do it!



I couldn't shut the book for fear of missing out. What would happen next? Who is going to survive...?

I love that throughout The Hunger Games we have parallel stories running. It isn't just a survival story or a dystopian book. There are subgenres of romance (slightly), political intrigue, mystery and so much more.

I cannot believe I didn't really enjoy it that much the first time round. This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings. I loved it.

I am eager to reread Catching Fire.  

Review: A Very Civil Wedding

A Very Civil Wedding by V.T. Davy

 

Title: A Very Civil Wedding

Series: None

Author: V.T. Davy

 

Published: Liberation Publishing; 2013

268 pages, kindle edition

 

Source: An eighty-paged ARC preview of A Very Civil Wedding was provided by V.T. Davy and Liberation Publishing in exchange for an honest review. (A complete paperback copy provided at a later date.)

 

 Description (from Goodreads):

 When Princess Alexandra, the eldest daughter of the Prince of Wales, wishes to marry her long-time partner, Lieutenant-Commander Grace Stephens, their wedding has the potential to cause a constitutional crisis. When the couple go further and request a blessing by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the British establishment must find a way to accommodate the wishes of the woman who will one day be the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

In this thoughtful and thought-provoking novel, V. T. Davy examines the relationship between the monarchy and the church; the arguments for and against same-sex marriage; how some of Britain’s oldest and most revered organisations have acted to give equality to homosexual men and women, and become stronger for it; and, what happens to institutions when they refuse to embrace the demands of an enlightened society. The novel’s surprising conclusion is that those most damaged by institutionalised prejudice are often the people you would least expect.

It is a book that will test the opinion of every reader wherever they stand on these issues.

My Thoughts:

 Charming, charismatic and thought-provoking A Very Civil Wedding was so much more than I thought.

It presents an interesting premise: what if one of the Royal family of England was gay? Would "their" children be legal heirs to the throne? How would it effect the citizenry? The crown's relationship with the Church of England?

Could it ever be possible?

This book will sure start you thinking. I loved it because of that very fact. I spent nights pondering and pondering because isn't it truly a realistic circumstance?



This book takes place in late 2014, after Princess Alexandra becomes engaged to Lieutenant-Commander Grace Stephens. The problem? They want their civil wedding to be blessed by the church.

Cue the controversy, because it isn't that simple.

What I loved about this book was the fact that I felt everything about it. I could feel the characters, I could feel the stress, the very fraught situation in the air. The electricity of it was amazing!

I love how V.T. Davy was able to show, relay and ponder every angle of the situation from every point of view. We are shown the inside thoughts of every person involved in the process of making it possible.

You will have to read this book to discover its outcome, but I will say that I utterly love this book. The characters were real. Very real. The problem was real too. Mainly, I love this book because it made me think, deeply and whole-heartedly about what it means to love someone. Really love someone.

And I am excited to get my hands on a full copy of this book!

Review: Dreamland

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

 

Title: Dreamland

Series: None

Author: Sarah Dessen

 

Published: Speak; 2004

250 pages, paperback

 

Source: Borrowed from the library

 

 Description (from Goodreads):

Wake up, Caitlin

Ever since she started going out with Rogerson Biscoe, Caitlin seems to have fallen into a semiconscious dreamland where nothing is quite real. Rogerson is different from anyone Caitlin has ever known. He's magnetic. He's compelling. He's dangerous. Being with him makes Caitlin forget about everything else--her missing sister, her withdrawn mother, her lackluster life. But what happens when being with Rogerson becomes a larger problem than being without him?

My Thoughts:
 

See you in Dreamland.

My first

Sarah Dessen novel had a very high bar to surpass since I have heard nothing but the highest of praises about her books. She is practically worshipped as the Queen, no Goddess, of Contemporary. She is loved and read by all so I was expecting something pretty damn amazing... and that is exactly what I got.

Dreamland is the story of Caitlin. The second-best, straight-B student who lives in her brilliant sisters' shadow until one day, Cassandra runs away. Perfect, studious, beautiful, over-achieving Cass. Their mother who has spent the past eighteen years controlling and shaping her daughter's life is devastated. Cassandra's absence leaves an empty void that now only Caitlin can fill.

It's so easy to get caught up in what people expect of you. Sometimes, you can just lose yourself.

Caitlin's life begins to spiral but she finds solace in Rogerson. A mysterious boy with a wild glint in his eye and a captivating aura. As she begins to spend more time with him she finds herself slipping into a dreamland where she is scared she will lose herself, if she isn't careful.

Wake up, Caitlin... but what he didn't under­stand was that this dreamland was preferable, walking through this life half-sleeping, everything at arm's length or farther away.

I loved that Sarah Dessen made this story unfold in a way that felt so natural, it was almost as if the story was being written right as I read it. She has the most beautiful prose that flow with such fluidity that I managed to easily read it in a single standing.

I loved the characters. I loved that for once of main characters is flawed, she isn't one of those stupid special snowflakes that has to be the best at something, is flawlessly amazing or stunningly beautiful. Caitlin isn't anything like that all. Caitlin struggles to make it through each day, she makes some dumb choices, she has to pay for the consequences but I am glad she does. That way we get to take this gorgeous journey with her. This is one of those touching and moving books. The ones that makes you stop and think for a second, appreciate the moment, realise how lucky you are that you have it so good.

By the end of this book I had to take a deep breath. I was crying, I was upset but I felt so good about it all. This is a powerful book. I loved it. A lot. I just want to thank Mei for her recommendation. You were right. I enjoyed this a lot so thanks!

I was running from one problem or place to another, with no time left to study, or sleep, or just breathe. I felt pulled in all directions, fighting to keep all these obligations circling in the air above me. It was only a matter of time before something fell.

Review: Fire

Fire (Graceling Realm #2) by Kristin Cashore

 

Title: Fire

Series: Graceling Realm, #2

Author: Kristin Cashore

 

Published: Gollancz; 2011

384 pages, paperback

 

Source: Borrowed from the library

 

 Description (from Goodreads):

Her beauty is a weapon - and Fire is going to use it.

Fire's exceptional beauty gives her influence and power. People who are susceptible to it will do anything for her attention, and for her affection.

But beauty is only skin deep, and beneath it Fire has a human appreciation of right and wrong. Aware of her ability to influence others, and afraid of it, she lives in a corner of the world away from people - not only to protect them, but also to protect herself from their attention, their distrust, and even their hatred.

Yet Fire is not the only danger to the Dells. If she wants to protect her home, if she wants a chance to undo the wrongs of the past, she must face her fears, her abilities, and a royal court full of powerful people with reason to distrust her.

Fire is a powerful tale of intrigue, death-defying adventure, monsters and unexpected love.

My Thoughts:
 

 This review may contain some minor spoilers for Graceling .

Fantasy is a genre that I particularly enjoy but there is a certain beauty to high or epic fantasy that I find much more compelling. Whether its the realms with their kings and queens and political intrigue or the historical eras with the long horse-ridden journeys or even the magical qualities that the land or people are blessed with - powers and abilities and unusual qualities. Kristin Cashore has mastered the rare skill of perfecting a incredible world coupled with beautiful characters in one of the best high fantasy I had read this year - topped only by the previous book in the series, Graceling.

Fire is a monster. Intoxicatingly and perfectly beautiful. Ordinary people are struck dumb on their first appearance, rendered speechless, incapable, and more often than not, unwillingly in love with her. Most people – mainly jealous women and embarrassed men – despise her for this unnatural beauty, including Fire herself. For coupled with her mind-reading and mind-control powers, Fire is a freak of nature and at war with herself with many moral dilemmas to dwell over in regards to the usage of these powers. In Fire, we see her struggle with her “gifts” and debate their appropriate use – is using her powers for seemingly “good” reasons, okay? Or is it still wrong?

I read this with a bunch of my fellow Goodreads friends and most of them found Fire to be tediously slow paced and a tad uneventful. Unfortunately, even though I quite enjoyed this book, I must agree with the latter.

What I loved most about the second instalment in the Graceling Realm series, was the characters. Katsa and Po in Graceling were the most beautiful characters. I admired their strength, bravery, courage, and though I can see how some readers may be iffy towards Katsa’s attitude towards marriage and feminism, I manage to disregard that. Fire is not Katsa by any shape or form so if that is the only reason you plan on reading Fire I would not bother. Katsa was kickasss, strong and a fighter. Fire is more relatable, she’s real, strong in a different way but she cries, breaks down and complains about the unjustness of her life. This doesn’t make her unbearable though, in fact it made her more of a relatable, beautiful, real character and I loved her for it.

The rest of the characters all had an important part to contribute to the plot and were really just lovely and beautiful and I cannot seem to find the words to describe them. Archer. Brigan. Nash. Hanna. Roen. Clara. Garan. Brocker. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect!



What made this book so incredibly readable was the romantic subplot. I have to say this is actually the best developed romance I have ever read. Yes, ever. I am not exaggerating I swear. While it was a little bit predicable who was going to fall for whom (I leave out names for future readers though), it was planned out slowly. It unfolded from a cold sort of disinterest to a friendship where it bloomed beautifully into a little more into a little more until… I leave you to find out! But seriously, the development over the course of the book is done with such a gradual and natural grace that it is one of my – hand down! – favourite romances, ever.



Overall, while Fire lacks an eventful and captivating plotline in general, this book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster so intense that you will never forget it. I know I won’t. It was beautiful. I can see the problems for my buddy reading friends but I must say I disagree.



Note: this book is a prequel to Graceling. It is based roughly in the same realm and contains a few cross-over characters but is mostly a separate novel. It may be read as a standalone though I would recommend reading Graceling first and not just because I loved it but it may give some extra information that would be beneficial when reading Fire.

 

Catch Up

 
Unfortunately, I haven't been that active lately. I have been busy going back to school and actually just finished my first week yesterday. It was crazy! Now homework is taking over my schedule... and my reading has hit a bit of a slow run.
 
This year, so far, I have managed to read 27 books - a record for me! I am hoping to get a lot of books read this year but this increased number also means a lot  more reviewing for me, and now I am finding myself to be very much behind! I am working on that though so keep an eye open for the following reviews:
 
Airhead by Meg Cabot
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Megan Spooner
 
At the moment I am reading Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz, the second instalment of the Blue Bloods series, and next on my list is Just Listen by Sarah Dessen, The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling and August by Gabrielle Lord - all of which I am excited to start. Keep an eye out for my reviews which will be coming shortly.
 
I think I will be very busy over the next month so please keep an eye out for my future posts. I am hoping to get myself involved in some routine posts and maybe even book tours. I will let you know.

Happy reading!