REVIEW: The Darkest Powers Trilogy by Kelly Armstrong

After years of frequent moves following her mother’s death, Chloe Saunders’s life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she’s not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts–everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home.

At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe’s small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home–charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a “thing” for fire–Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual “problem kid” behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…

First of all, let me say that I accidentally read the second book first. Now I know that it's not really relevant, but I would not want you to do the same thing - all I can say is: "the prequel effect."
So; the book order:
1. The Summoning
2. The Awakening
3. The Reckoning


Overall, I thought that this book was a cute, light and fun read; like a paranormal version of chick lit.



To read the rest of this review, go to The Book Slooth

REVIEW: Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Corrinne Corcoran’s upscale Manhattan life is perfectly on track—until her father announces he’s been laid off and she’s shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas, to live with her grandparents. All alone in a big public school and forced to take a job shovelling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the glamorous life she’s supposed to be living. But as she grudgingly adjusts—making new friends and finding romance along the way—this city girl begins to realize that life without credit cards and shopping sprees may not be as bad as it seems.... 

Okay, so here's the deal: the story has been done before and there are no surprises - but, in saying that, it still finds a way to be really enjoyable. 

You know the story: 'little rich girl' becomes 'poor little rich girl' - literally. Moves to the country and becomes real person who isn't such a big-city-dwelling snob after all. 

Although Where I Belong does take on this story line - when I bought it I was aware of this and wasn't expecting anything else. Just a cute, fun read to take your mind off things; I found this great during a period where I had a whole bunch of school work due.

Read the rest of this review at The Book Slooth

REVIEW: Lola and the Boy Next Door

The companion novel to Anna and the French Kiss, Perkins' debut novel, Lola and the Boy Next Door does not disappoint. 

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighbourhood.
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

One of the things that I loved most about Lola and the Boy Next Door was Anna and Étienne's presence in the plot. Although they definitely could not be classed as major characters, they were not minor either. They provided comic relief and other friends for Anna while continuing Anna and Étienne's at the same time. 

The concept was really cute; girl who loves costuming wants to make Marie-Antoinette like dress for prom. Parents do not approve of her older boyfriend and hunky, old flame moves back in next door - conflict set. Spark Ignites. Match.

What is so great about Perkins' books is that all the characters are likeable.

Read the rest of this review at The Book Slooth

REVIEW: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

The first novel of the companion novel to Richelle Mead's bestselling Vampire Academy series, Bloodlines is a must read for anyone who loves VA, vampires or just a great novel.

I wasn't free of my past, not yet.

Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist—one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiances in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir—the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir—is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places—a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside—and within—the school grounds. Now that they're in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

Just a side note to say that I have read Vampire Academy prior to starting Bloodlines, so I would recommend that you read VA before as it would bring more enjoyment and a greater understanding of the novel. 

I loved Bloodlines - it was awesome - I couldn't stop reading. In true Richelle Mead style, Bloodlines is addictive, funnily enough you have cravings to read it, not to dissimilar to the vampires she writes about... hmmm.

I liked that it was a companion novel with new problems that stemmed off the old problems from Vampire Academy. It made the connection well, yet allowed the plot to focus on the story of the minor characters from the other novels.

Read the rest of this review at The Book Slooth

REVIEW: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Now, I know what you're thinking - another angel novel!?!? But just so you know, this was one of the novels that started the craze back in '09. 

What I really liked about Hush, Hush was the mood that was created by Fitzpatrick's writing. It's really hard to describe, but when you are reading, you find yourself immersed in a warm, inviting world with a spooky edge to the atmosphere. It manages to combine elements of horror, suspense and romance into an enjoyable, well paced plot. 

Read the rest of this review at The Book Slooth

REVIEW: The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

Alona Dare has it all. The perfect hair, friends, and a hot body; she's the girl that everybody secretly hates. But contrary to popular belief, Alona's life isn't what you would expect; especially when she gets run over by a school bus.
Enter Will Killian, he looks like your typical goth. As if high school wasn't hard enough for him, he can see, hear and touch ghosts. Especially when the latest ghost is the most popular girl in school, Alona Dare.
With his friend trying to figure out what's happening with him; a sleazy psychologist that thinks he's nuts; and a school full of ghosts trying to get him to 'deliver a message to their loved ones', can Will help Alona without being exposed or locked up before Graduation?

The Ghost and the Goth is light hearted, amusing and the perfect summer read.
This novel has exactly what you'd expect from a high school/ redemption after death/ slight romance/ revenge novel.
It delivers with cute one-liners, awkward teen romance moments and clichéd high school characters.

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Review: Winter by John Marsden

This book is a quick read and has an absolutely amazing plot with breath taking descriptions. I love the mysterious deaths surrounding Winter's parents, the fact that she doesn't know anything about her past makes this so much more appealing for readers since it feels like as she finds out more about herself you as a reader are extremely involved.

I love Winter [the protagonists] character development through the book. She is extremely stubborn but at the same time likeable [especially for any teen readers!] As you get more involved in the book you can understand why she acts as she does and you are able to forgive her.

This book basically follows 16  year old Winter when she returns to her family home after being sent away to live with relatives after her parents tragic deaths when she was only 4 years old. Filled with unease Winter is determined to uncover her family's dark secret and at the same time she seeks to claim what rightfully belongs to her.