tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23101670065048982772024-03-13T11:19:20.937+11:00Mel Reviews BooksAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-5424520566927946442013-06-30T20:08:00.000+10:002013-06-30T20:08:09.350+10:00THIS BLOG IS GOING ON AN INDEFINITE HIATUS<div style="text-align: justify;">
Life has gotten busy recently, and I also haven't had much time to do anything else that I love, such as writing and art stuff, so I have decided to put this blog on hiatus. It is likely that I will never come back, but I want to keep it open just in case I want to start it up again in the future. I have really enjoyed blogging, and I will still read the books that I read on my Goodreads, but I probably won't read every book that I read, and I won't read as often. You can still contact me via my email and I will keep my twitter active. Thanks for sticking with me, it's been fun!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mel. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-379357942004535232013-06-28T22:13:00.000+10:002013-06-28T22:13:46.697+10:00Review: The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke<blockquote style="background-color: Thistle1; border: 2px solid #FCDFFF; padding: 10px;">
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Series:</u> The Assassin's Curse #2<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Publisher:</u> Strange Chemistry<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Published date:</u> June 18th 2013<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Genre:</u> Young Adult Fantasy<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Source:</u> I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley.com, in exchange for a fair review.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Previous series reviews:</u> <a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/review-assassins-curse-by-cassandra.html">The Assassin's Curse</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Synopsis (from Goodreads):</u></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">After setting out to break the curse that binds them together, the pirate Ananna and the assassin Naji find themselves stranded on an enchanted island in the north with nothing but a sword, their wits, and the secret to breaking the curse: complete three impossible tasks. With the help of their friend Marjani and a rather unusual ally, Ananna and Naji make their way south again, seeking what seems to be beyond their reach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Unfortunately, Naji has enemies from the shadowy world known as the Mists, and Ananna must still face the repercussions of going up against the Pirate Confederation. Together, Naji and Ananna must break the curse, escape their enemies — and come to terms with their growing romantic attraction.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
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<img alt="The Pirate's Wish (The Assassin's Curse, #2)" height="400" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352903412l/15714476.jpg" width="264" /></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15714476-the-pirate-s-wish" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">So it has been a
little while since I have actually written a review so I apologise if I am a
little rusty. Before I begin, just a little warning that this will contain
spoilers for the first book of the series. I read The Assassin’s Curse earlier
in the year and I really enjoyed it, so I had been really looking forward to
reading this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">This started off
where The Assassin’s Curse left off, with Naji and Ananna still being stuck on
the Isle of the Sky with the three impossible tasks left to complete to break
the curse. Therefore, once a way off the Isle arrives, after making a new
friend, Ananna and Naji must find a way to break the curse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">For me, The
Pirate’s Curse wasn’t as good as the first book. The main reason for this was
that I didn’t like Ananna as much. I felt that Ananna wasn’t as strong a
character this time around. She was sulky and bitter at times and what I like
about her character in The Assassin’s Curse, wasn’t present as often. She was
still strong at times and showed leadership and bravery, but she got on my
nerves occasionally. There were also times when her loyalty wavered a little,
which annoyed me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">Naji was a
character that I liked getting to know a bit better. It was good to see him
open up more and see more of his good qualities such as his loyalty and
bravery. I also liked that Naji was a realistic character. There were times
when he would despair that the curse wouldn’t be broken, which I think we all
would if we had to complete three impossible tasks. I also really enjoyed watching
him become more accepting of the way he looked and less self-conscious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">The new
characters were great additions to the story. Each had their own part to play
and each were fairly different from the others. I also really enjoyed exploring
the history of some of the established characters and finding out more about
their pasts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">I really enjoyed
the relationships. I think that they were all realistic. The romantic
relationships were a little tough and rocky, and didn’t necessarily have the
perfect ending. The relationship between Ananna and her parents was what I
expected it to be like. The friendships were also realistic with their up and
down moments, but some of them were also amusing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">Another reason
that I didn’t like The Pirate’s Curse as much as the first book was that I
found the plot to be more predictable. I think that this was because there was a
certain convenience to the storyline that made it easier to guess what was to
come. I felt that the tasks weren’t actually all that impossible and that they
were accomplished neatly and conveniently such as knowing someone who just so
happened to have an item to break the curse. It was still an enjoyable
plotline, but the predictability took away from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">I did still
enjoy reading The Pirate’s Curse, but it did have a few flaws in it so I give
it 3.5/5 stars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">Mel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-22646725918449851632013-06-27T19:45:00.002+10:002013-06-27T19:45:40.129+10:00Waiting on Wednesday (#2)<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1eZRiCGolk/UcBdo3H9rFI/AAAAAAAADUI/cRfHlBzR1Ko/s200/New+WoW.JPG" style="font-family: inherit;" /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by<a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com.au/"> Breaking the Spine</a> that spotlights upcoming releases.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus, #4)" height="640" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1370008006l/12127810.jpg" style="font-family: inherit;" width="420" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12127810-the-house-of-hades?ac=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a></div>
<blockquote style="background-color: Thistle1; border: 2px solid #FCDFFF; padding: 10px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?</span>They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.</span></div>
</blockquote>
Sorry that this is a day late.<br />
<br />
Mel.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-52246868014436710732013-06-25T20:15:00.000+10:002013-06-25T20:15:24.903+10:00Top Ten Tuesday (#2)<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxLL0WxNh0M/UKG6zuATvyI/AAAAAAAABiU/L_CJc9Hd0z0/s320/toptentuesday.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish where bloggers are asked to share their Top Ten list. This weeks topic is the top books we have read so far in 2013.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327879761l/9673436.jpg" width="134" /><img alt="Poison Study (Study, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1265412116l/6691056.jpg" width="124" /><img alt="Why I Let My Hair Grow Out (Morgan Rawlinson, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348058039l/459700.jpg" width="141" /><img alt="Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361098973l/345627.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327873282l/6304335.jpg" width="132" /><img alt="Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1346007613l/4932435.jpg" width="132" /><img alt="Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1369452257l/7171637.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="The Assassin's Curse (The Assassin's Curse, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335967954l/13533650.jpg" width="132" /><img alt="Merlin's Blade (The Merlin Spiral, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1354719801l/15740507.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331952557l/10874177.jpg" width="133" /></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9673436-the-invention-of-hugo-cabret">The Invention of Hugo Cabret</a> by Brian Selznick</div>
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This was such an interesting way to tell a story! I felt that it was a beautifully written story with beautiful drawings!</div>
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2. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6691056-poison-study">Poison Study</a> by Maria V. Snyder</div>
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This was a captivating young adult fantasy that I just couldn't put down. I loved the characters and the intriguing plot.</div>
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3. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/459700.Why_I_Let_My_Hair_Grow_Out">Why I Let My Hair Grow Out</a> by Maryrose Wood </div>
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This was a fun, fast-paced read! It was a really quirky and a great read that I really enjoyed and recommend to anyone in a reading slump.</div>
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4. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/345627.Vampire_Academy">Vampire Academy</a> by Richelle Mead</div>
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I unexpectedly loved this book. I really enjoyed the friendship between Rose and Lissa and the story just sucked me in!</div>
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5. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6304335-beautiful-creatures">Beautiful Creatures</a> by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl</div>
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I loved having Ethan as the narrator, not only because it was refreshing to have a male main character but he was also funny and witty.</div>
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6. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4932435-finnikin-of-the-rock">Finnikin of the Rock</a> by Melina Marchetta</div>
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This was a brilliant story! I loved the complexity of the story and how it kept me guessing until the very end!</div>
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7. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7171637-clockwork-angel">Clockwork Angel</a> by Cassandra Clare</div>
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I loved going back into the world of shadowhunters! I enjoyed the the characters more in this series compared to the Mortal Instruments.</div>
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8. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13533650-the-assassin-s-curse">The Assassin's Curse</a> by Cassandra Rose Clarke</div>
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This was such a great adventure story full of pirates, curses, assassins and quests!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15740507-merlin-s-blade">Merlin's Blade</a> by Robert Treskillard</div>
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This was a really interesting take on Merlin. I really enjoyed Merlin being a young guy and having it set before he met Arthur.</div>
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10. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10874177-etiquette-espionage">Etiquette & Espionage</a> by Gail Carriger</div>
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This was really my first venture into steampunk and I really enjoyed it!</div>
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I had more trouble than I thought I would picking ten. Seven I was definite about but then I really had to toss up which books I would put in. Hope you liked my list.</div>
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Mel.</div>
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Up next: Waiting on Wednesday</div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-77591198632920255222013-06-19T20:58:00.001+10:002013-06-19T20:58:28.090+10:00Waiting on Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1eZRiCGolk/UcBdo3H9rFI/AAAAAAAADUI/cRfHlBzR1Ko/s200/New+WoW.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme created by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1365589883l/17167166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1365589883l/17167166.jpg" width="425" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17167166-crown-of-midnight?ac=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a></div>
<blockquote style="background-color: Thistle1; border: 2px solid #FCDFFF; padding: 10px;">
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Series: Throne of Glass #2<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Publisher: Bloomsbury<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Release date: August 27th 2013<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Genre: Young Adult Fantasy<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Synopsis (from Goodreads):</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.</span><span style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?</span></div>
</blockquote>
It probably isn't a surprise that this book is my first book for Waiting on Wednesday, but I am really, really excited for this book to come out!<br />
<br />
Mel.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-11418611236655630002013-06-18T21:11:00.000+10:002013-06-18T21:11:08.832+10:00Top Ten Tuesday<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxLL0WxNh0M/UKG6zuATvyI/AAAAAAAABiU/L_CJc9Hd0z0/s320/toptentuesday.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish where bloggers are asked to share the Top Ten list. This weeks topic is the Top Ten books on our summer, or winter as it is here in Australia, TBR list. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass, #2)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1365589649l/17670709.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361308921l/13477883.jpg" width="132" /><img alt="The Pirate's Wish (The Assassin's Curse, #2)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352903412l/15714476.jpg" width="132" /><img alt="Pride and Prejudice" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1371223196l/1886.jpg" width="130" /><img alt="Sense and Sensibility" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309203534l/14935.jpg" width="127" /><img alt="Quintana of Charyn (Lumatere Chronicles, #3)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331187719l/10165761.jpg" width="132" /><img alt="Insurgent (Divergent, #2)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1325667729l/11735983.jpg" width="132" /><img alt="Magic Study (Study, #2)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1308955191l/46202.jpg" width="141" /><img alt="Heart of Valour. L.J. Smith" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1288283468l/7965418.jpg" width="131" /><img alt="Shadows of Myth" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1177005058l/672815.jpg" width="128" /></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17670709-crown-of-midnight">Crown of Midnight</a> by Sarah J. Maas</div>
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I read the first book of this series, Throne of Glass, last year and I have been eagerly waiting for this book to come out! I can't wait to read it!</div>
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2. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13477883-gameboard-of-the-gods">Gameboard of the Gods</a> by Richelle Mead </div>
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I received an ARC copy of this book, but I have yet to read it yet. I really like Richelle Mead's writing and I am really looking forward to reading this. </div>
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3. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15714476-the-pirate-s-wish">The Pirate's Wish</a> by Cassandra Rose Clarke</div>
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So this is kind of cheating because I am currently reading this and I am about half-way through. I really loved the first book, The Assassin's Curse, and I am looking forward to finding out how this all ends. </div>
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4. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1886.Pride_and_Prejudice">Pride and Prejudice</a> by Jane Austen</div>
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This is a reread for me. I went to a play recently about Jane Austen and it featured some excerpts of her books and made me want to read this again.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14935.Sense_and_Sensibility?ac=1">Sense and Sensibility</a> by Jane Austen</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I haven't read Sense and Sensibility yet but I absolutely loved the BBC miniseries and I really want to read this after the above mentioned play. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10165761-quintana-of-charyn?ac=1">Quintana of Charyn</a> by Melina Marchetta</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have read the first two books of the Lumatere Chronicles and I really, really want to know how it finishes, so as soon as the book is available in my local library I will be!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11735983-insurgent">Insurgent</a> by Veronica Roth</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I read Divergent last year and started reading Insurgent but I got distracted, now I want to finish Insurgent before Allegiant comes out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
8. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46202.Magic_Study?ac=1">Magic Study</a> by Maria V. Snyder</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a book that I currently have on loan from my library and is the sequel to Poison Study, which I absolutely loved. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7965418-heart-of-valour-l-j-smith">Heart of Valor</a> by L.J. Smith</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is another sequel that I have on loan from the library, which I have been waiting for a while to read!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/672815.Shadows_of_Myth?ac=1">Shadows of Myth</a> by Rachel Lee</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another library book, this time one that I just happened to see on the shelf that I felt would be interesting. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's some of the books that I want to read this winter, but whether I will actually read these books is a little questionable. If you have read any of these books, let me know what you thought of them! What books are on your TBR?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mel.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Up next: Waiting on Wednesday.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-56510825005850206862013-06-17T18:17:00.001+10:002013-06-17T18:17:11.725+10:00OopsI am so very sorry for my sudden and unexplained absences. Things got crazy quickly in my life but hopefully things are now going to be okay. I will not be posting any book reviews this week, as I have just started my job and I am moving houses, but I am going to start doing two memes that I am sure you have seen around the book blogging world. My reviews will now be on Mondays and Fridays and I now will no longer be doing Seven on Saturday.<br />
<br />
What's happening on the blog this week?<br />
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday<br />
Wednesday: Waiting on Wednesday<br />
Sunday: Wrap-up/Preview<br />
<br />
Sorry again for my absence. Hope you have a great week!<br />
<br />
Mel.<br />
<br />
Up next: Top Ten Tuesday.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-9003091860165394632013-06-03T19:15:00.001+10:002013-06-03T19:15:28.073+10:00Wrap-up/PreviewFirstly, I have to apologize for missing Seven on Saturday and this post being late. I had a super busy weekend and didn't have the time or energy to write either posts, unfortunately. I also know that this coming week will be busy for me so it is going to be a slightly quieter week. I am also thinking of changing the schedule of my blog again, but I will talk about that more next Sunday.<br />
<br />
What happened on the blog this week?<br />
Tuesday - <a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/review-sworn-to-raise-by-terah-edun.html">Review: Sworn to Raise by Terah Edun</a><br />
Thursday - <a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/review-why-i-let-my-hair-grow-out-by.html">Review: Why I Let My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood</a><br />
<br />
I received no books this week, nor did I buy or borrow any.<br />
<br />
What will happen on the blog next week?<br />
Tuesday - Review: The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke<br />
Thursday - Review: Gameboard of the God's by Richelle Mead<br />
Sunday - Wrap-up/Preview<br />
<br />
Hope you all had a great week!<br />
<br />
Mel.<br />
<br />
Up next - Review: The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose ClarkeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-44192342289884340262013-05-30T21:58:00.000+10:002013-05-30T21:58:10.103+10:00Review: Why I Let My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood<blockquote style="background-color: Thistle1; border: 2px solid #FCDFFF; padding: 10px;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Series:</u> Morgan Rawlinson #1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Publisher:</u> Berkley Trade<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Published:</u> March 6th 2007<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Genre:</u> Young Adult Fantasy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Source:</u> Borrowed from a friend</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Synopsis (from Goodreads)</span></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Being sent to your room is one thing. But being sent to another country? </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Morgan's boyfriend dumped her on the last day of school - it seemed the only thing to do was to hack off her hair and dye the stubble orange. Unfortunately, Morgan's parents freaked and decided a change of scenery would do her good. So they're sending her off on a bike tour of Ireland. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">But Morgan gets more than she bargained for on the Emerald Isle - including a strange journey into some crazy, </span><em style="line-height: 19px;">once upon a time</em><span style="line-height: 19px;"> corner of the past. There, she meets fairies, weefolk, and a hunky warrior-dude named Fergus, and figures that she's got some growing to do-and she doesn't just mean her hair.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Why I Let My Hair Grow Out (Morgan Rawlinson, #1)" height="400" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348058039l/459700.jpg" width="282" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/459700.Why_I_Let_My_Hair_Grow_Out" style="line-height: 115%;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: inherit;">Why I Let My Hair Grow Out is a great quick read, which was quirky
and quite funny. I enjoyed reading this book and I often found myself laughing
aloud at times throughout the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: inherit;">One thing that I really loved about the story was the main character
Morgan. At the start of the story I did find her to be a little whiny and
annoying, but that didn’t last too long. I loved how funny Morgan could be. She
was blunt, witty and could be quite comical at times. She was also a strong
character, who liked to face a challenge head-on, which I admired her for. I adored
Colin, who could be just as witty and funny as Morgan, but who was more laid
back. I was entertained by the banter between the two. I thought that the minor
characters were good too, each one adding their own bit to the story which
worked really well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: inherit;">The story was fast paced. It didn’t take long for the action to
happen, and everything that lead up to the action wasn’t lingered on for too
long. I really enjoyed how action-packed this story was, it was all packed into
such a short story, but yet there was a lot going on. The plot was full of
twists and turns and half the time you didn’t know what was going on. There
were certainly some amusing surprises. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: inherit;">I liked the writing style, as well. I felt that it was unique to
Morgan, and I hadn’t read anything like it before. It was almost like stream of
consciousness from Morgan, but not quite. It worked well by adding more humour
to the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: inherit;">Lastly my favourite part about this story was all the mythology and
Irish legends. I have seemed to have accidently picked up quite a few books
about Irish and Celtic legends and mythology recently, and I have been intrigued
by it. I thought that it was well handled, with ancient warriors, fae and all
the other magical creatures, including a talking horse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: inherit;">Overall, Why I Let My Hair Grow Out was a fast paced, great read and
I would recommend it if you are in a reading slump, because I think it would be
a good book for getting out of one. I gave it 5/5 stars!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mel.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Up next - Seven on Saturday: Books I loved as a child.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-34523115121727280732013-05-29T00:41:00.000+10:002013-05-29T00:41:31.920+10:00Review: Sworn to Raise by Terah Edun<blockquote style="background-color: Thistle1; border: 2px solid #FCDFFF; padding: 10px;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><u>Series:</u> Courtlight #1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><u>Publisher: </u>Amazon Digital <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><u>Published:</u> April 10th 2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><u>Genre:</u> Young Adult Fantasy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><u>Source:</u><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair
review.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Synopsis (from Goodreads)</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Seventeen-year-old Ciardis has grown up in poverty, a
cleaner in a small vale on the outskirts of the kingdom. But beneath her
kingdom’s seemingly idyllic surface lies a hidden secret. Whispers of an inept
crown Prince are growing ever louder—intensified by the five year anniversary
of the soulbond initiations.</span> Amidst scandalous whispers, Ciardis finds
herself chosen to train for the Companion’s Guild. She leaves her home and sets
off on a personal journey to become a Court Companion. A position she’d never
thought possible for a lowly servant to obtain, she must prove that she has the
skills to attract a Patron.<span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span> </span><span lang="EN-AU">But she must master those skills quickly. If the
legends are true, only Ciardis can harness the power to raise a Prince in an
Imperial Court sworn to bring him down.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Sworn to Raise (Courtlight #1)" height="400" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1363035617l/16061083.jpg" width="265" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16061083-sworn-to-raise" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Sworn to Raise
was an interesting book that I enjoyed reading. It was a reasonably well
written, quick read that was full of magic and action.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I really liked the
main character, Ciardis. I felt that she was a strong female character, who
still remained fairly feminine, which to me doesn’t necessarily happen all that
often in young adult books. I liked that despite her strength, she still had
fears and she still had a vulnerable side. I also liked Sebastian, who was
loyal, strong and willing to take a stand. I did find him a little arrogant at
times, which annoyed me a little, but overall I still liked him. Damias was
another character I liked because of how he mentored Ciardis and was what she
needed. I didn’t really like Serena because I found her to be too shallow and
vain for my liking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I really enjoyed
the magical elements in the story. I loved that there were different types of
mages and that they varied so much in skills and strength. I felt that maybe
this could have been explored a little bit more in the story, but maybe that is
to come in the next book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The plot was
enjoyable and I thought that it was fairly unique. I hadn’t read a book that
really covered what this story was about before. The problem that I had with
the plot though was that it was a little simple and predictable. Not much
really surprised me with the story and I was never really pushed to think about
the story line. This did make for a quick and easy read, but I was wishing for
a little more complexity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I also felt that
everything was convenient for Ciardis. For example, Ciardis just so happened to
come across the only person who could get her out of her situation and have her
offer Ciardis the way out. This happened quite regularly throughout the book
and I was often sound sitting there rolling my eyes and going “of course she
would happen to find that thing there, without really looking,” which did annoy
me a little. I also felt that the ending was a little too neatly wrapped up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Another issue I
had with the story was the pacing. I felt that the story was too fast-paced. It
was all action, action, action and there wasn’t any time for really processing
what was going on. I think that this was one of the reasons that I found the story
to be simple. I also think that it was one of the reasons that I didn’t really
connect emotionally with the story. There was a point in the plot where I should
have felt even a little bit upset but I hardly felt anything. I also would have
liked there to be a little more exploration into the character’s past because I
didn’t feel like we really learnt much about anyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Despite my
issues with the book, I did really enjoy it and I can’t wait to read the next
book. I give this book 4 stars. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-AU">Mel.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-AU">Up next - Review: Why I Let My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-36327542630433952642013-05-26T20:25:00.000+10:002013-05-26T20:25:18.701+10:00Wrap-up/PreviewAnother week has passed and it was a very busy one for me. I ride horses and there was a competition at one of my local Pony Clubs which I had working bees for and volunteered today. It meant a very early start for me today, but it was good fun and I got to do the vet check so I learnt heaps.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What happened on the blog this week?</div>
<div>
Monday -<a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/bout-of-books-wrap-up.html"> Bout of Books Wrap-up</a></div>
<div>
Tuesday - <a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/review-runes-by-ednah-walters.html">Review: Runes by Ednah Walters</a></div>
<div>
Thursday - <a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/review-froi-of-exiles-by-melina.html">Review: Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta</a></div>
<div>
Saturday - <a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/seven-on-saturday.html">Seven on Saturday: Books that I would want with me if I was ever stranded on a deserted Island</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I decided to lift my book buying ban this week and I bought five books. I also got one book for review. As always, click the picture to go to the Goodreads page.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2986865-eon"><img alt="Eon: Dragoneye Reborn (Eon, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1299076175l/2986865.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1037845.The_Queen_s_Fool"><img alt="The Queen's Fool (Tudors, #4)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333990863l/1037845.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/925727.Greenwitch"><img alt="Greenwitch (The Dark is Rising, #3)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1179510492l/925727.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6450319-angels-and-demons"><img alt="Angels and Demons (Robert Langdon, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355113962l/6450319.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1930955.Seventh_Son"><img alt="Seventh Son (Tales of Alvin Maker, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1190500762l/1930955.jpg" width="121" /></a></div>
<div>
I got two used books from my local op-shop and three new books. The books I bought were:</div>
<div>
Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman</div>
<div>
The Queen's Fool by Phillipa Gregory</div>
<div>
Greenwitch by Susan Cooper</div>
<div>
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown</div>
<div>
Seventh Son by Orson Scott Card</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I also received one book for review from Netgalley, that being:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16167270-the-tale-of-mally-biddle"><img alt="The Tale of Mally Biddle" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1353713269l/16167270.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>
<div>
The Tale of Mallie Biddle by M.L. LeGette, thanks to Patchwork Press and the author.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What can you expect on the blog next week?</div>
<div>
Tuesday - Review: Sworn to Raise by Terah Edun</div>
<div>
Thursday - Review: Why I Let My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood</div>
<div>
Saturday - Seven on Saturday: Books that I loved as a child</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hope you all had a great week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mel.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Up next - Review: Sworn to Raise by Terah Edun</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-62120666149179643522013-05-25T19:52:00.000+10:002013-05-25T19:52:00.573+10:00Seven on Saturday<blockquote style="background-color: Thistle1; border: 2px solid #FCDFFF; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Seven on Sunday is where I will put a list of seven bookish things
(e.g. My seven favourite book couples), with a new topic each week.</span></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_U6kN9QYRw/UMByZdCSkYI/AAAAAAAAACQ/OM9SWrRGekM/s1600/Seven+on+Saturday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_U6kN9QYRw/UMByZdCSkYI/AAAAAAAAACQ/OM9SWrRGekM/s320/Seven+on+Saturday.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The topic I choose this week was the seven books that I would want with me if I ever got stranded on a deserted island. I did cheat a little and count series as one book.<br />
So the seven books I would want with me are:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling series - I tend to reread this series at least once a year, so this would definitely be a must have for me. Plus it would take me a little while to get through it.</li>
<li>Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis - As with the Harry Potter series, Chronicles of Narnia is a reread. I have reread this series a couple of times and each time it captures my imagination. </li>
<li>Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien - This is again here for the same reasons as above. I love this story and I always manage to pick up something new each time I read it. Again it is a fairly large read and will take me a little while to get through.</li>
<li>Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody - See the past three reasons.</li>
<li>Les Miserables by Victor Hugo - I haven't read this yet but I really want to and it is a massive book that would keep me occupied for a while.</li>
<li>Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead - This is a series that I have started but that I haven't finished yet, but I really want to. I really enjoyed the first two books and it would be good to finish the series.</li>
<li>The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta - This is for the same reason as the Vampire Academy series. I loved the first book and I really want to read Quintana of Charyn to know how everything is resolved!</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What books would you want with you?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mel.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Up next: Wrap-up/Preview</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-8384582378591527922013-05-23T22:21:00.000+10:002013-05-23T22:21:00.811+10:00Review: Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta<blockquote style="background-color: Thistle1; border: 2px solid #FCDFFF; padding: 10px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Synopsis (from Goodreads)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Blood sings to blood, Froi . . . </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Those born last will make the first . . . </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">For Charyn will be barren no more. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home...
Or so he believes...</span></div>
<span lang="EN-AU">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Fiercely loyal to the Queen and Finnikin, Froi has been trained roughly and
lovingly by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family, and has learned to
control his quick temper. But when he is sent on a secretive mission to the
kingdom of Charyn, nothing could have prepared him for what he finds. Here he
encounters a damaged people who are not who they seem, and must unravel both
the dark bonds of kinship and the mysteries of a half-mad Princess.</span></div>
<span lang="EN-AU">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And in this barren and mysterious place, he will discover that there is a song
sleeping in his blood, and though Froi would rather not, the time has come to
listen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gripping and intense, complex and richly imagined, Froi of the Exiles is
a dazzling sequel to Finnikin of the Rock, from the internationally
best-selling and multi-award-winning author of <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Looking for Alibrandi</span></em>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Saving Francesca</span></em>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On the Jellicoe Road</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Piper's Son.</span></em></div>
</span></blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Froi of the Exiles (Lumatere Chronicles, #2)" height="400" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1306866851l/10165727.jpg" width="264" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10165727-froi-of-the-exiles" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-AU">Froi of the Exiles</span></i><span lang="EN-AU"> is the
second of the Lumatere Chronicles. You can read my review for the first book, <i>Finnikin of the Rock</i>, <a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/review-finnikin-of-rock-by-melina.html">here</a>. <i>Froi of the Exiles</i> was a good follow up
book, but didn’t quite live up to the first book for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-AU">Finnikin of the Rock </span></i><span lang="EN-AU">was
mainly told from Finnikin’s perspective however in <i>Froi of the Exiles</i>, as the title may suggest, the story was mainly
told from Froi’s perspective. This made me a little nervous to start this book
because Froi certainly wasn’t my favourite character in the first book and I
was a little unsure I would connect with him. However all my worries were for
nothing, I could connect to Froi and I loved learning a little bit more about
how he thinks and feels. In saying that, my favourite chapters were those that
weren’t from Froi’s perspective, but that is more because it involved my favourite
characters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Talking of
characters, the new characters that were introduced in <i>Froi of the Exiles</i> were great. I loved Quintana’s complexity and
duality. I also loved seeing her stubbornness and savagery. I pitied her but I
admired how strong she stayed despite everything she had gone through. I
absolutely adored Phaedra. I loved her kindness, her loyalty and her stubbornness.
I felt like I could relate to her and I was always anxious to know about her
story line. I loved how well written Gargarin, Arjuro and Lirah were, even if
at times I didn’t like the characters and I can’t wait to know more about their
storylines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I found the plot
was suspenseful and unpredictable. There were so many twists and turns that I
didn’t see coming. Some of the twists were related to the major plotlines, but
even some of the smaller character lines had some surprises that I didn’t see
coming. I really enjoyed the depth of the story and the complexity kept it
intriguing and kept me guessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I have to say
that I love the way Melina Marchetta writes! I love the way that she is able to
make readers feel the emotions of the characters. I love the way each character
she writes has their own unique voice. I love the way she describes scenes and,
particularly in this series, I love her world building. In saying that, I did
have a little, and I mean teeny tiny, problem with the pacing of this book. I
felt at times that it did drag on somewhat, but I still think that Marchetta is
a genius. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Overall, <i>Froi of the Exile</i>s was a great book, and
a really good follow up to <i>Finnikin of
the Rock</i>. I had a few minor issues with the book so I gave it 4.5/5 stars!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I read this book for the Australian Women Writer's Challenge 2013 and the 2013 Sequel Challenge.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://australianwomenwriters.com/2013-challenge/sign-up/"><img alt="awwbadge_2013" height="200" src="http://auswomenwriters.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/awwbadge_2013.jpg?w=600" width="133" /></a><a href="http://auntiespinellireads.org/2012/12/2013-sequel-reading-challenge-sign-ups/"><img height="195" src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u46/geobobspinelli/2013seqchall2.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Mel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-21434662568553309302013-05-21T20:00:00.000+10:002013-05-21T20:00:06.230+10:00Review: Runes by Ednah Walters<blockquote style="background-color: Thistle1; border: 2px solid #FCDFFF; padding: 10px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Synopsis (from Goodreads)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Runes" height="640" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1363177877l/17563021.jpg" width="425" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17563021-runes" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Runes is a book
that takes elements of Norse mythology and places them in a modern day setting.
I have always been intrigued by Norse mythology but I don’t know that much
about it. I really liked this aspect of the story and it was great to learn a
little more. It was a really intriguing storyline and I really enjoyed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I thought that
the characters were well written. I found Raine was easy to connect to and she
was a good main character. She was strong and she certainly wasn’t whiny. I
thought that she acted realistically to all the crazy stuff that was going on
in her life and I thought that she was a realistic character. I really liked
Raine’s friendship with Cora and I loved Cora’s loyalty and also her humour. I
am not really sure I like Eirik, he was fairly loyal but I felt that his
character lacked a little depth. I loved how evil Maliina was and how twisted
Andris was. I absolutely loved Torin St. James. He was badass, loyal and he was
always there for Raine when she needed him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">As I said
before, the storyline was intriguing. I found the plot to be convoluted and
twisted with people who seemed to have their own agenda working for someone and
people who seemed to be working for someone else having their own agenda. There
were some great surprises in the plot, and it wasn’t predictable for me. It was
complex and you could never really guess what was coming and what/who people
were. The ending was really well done and a great way to set up for another
book, even if it was a mean ending.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I really enjoyed
the writing style. I found that the story was fast-paced and it was really well
balanced between action scenes and scenes that built up the story. The story
flowed really well and the writing style sucked you in. I also found the
descriptions to be short, but detailed enough that you could picture everything
vividly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I only had one
small problem with this book, and that was the love triangle. I did think that
it was really well done, but I still didn’t like it. I really wanted her to end
up with the guy she wasn’t with but I didn’t want that guy to get hurt. I felt
that the love triangle was a little unnecessary, too. I think that the story
would have worked well without it. In saying that, I think that it has been set
up so that it can be resolved in a way where no one will get hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Overall, this
was an intriguing, quick read and I really enjoyed Runes. I rate 4.5/5 stars!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Mel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Up next - Review: Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-46339199347879077072013-05-20T18:47:00.000+10:002013-05-20T18:47:53.425+10:00Bout of Books Wrap-up<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am excited because not only did I finish my first
ever read-a-thon but I completed my goal of reading four books! I did alter
from my plan slightly, but I am still really happy that I succeeded! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How did I differ from my plan, you might ask. Well I
did plan on finishing Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta and Hood by
Stephen R. Lawhead, but both books are quite long, and I am not that quick a
reader. I didn't start Hood, but I did get part way through Froi of the exiles,
and I am adding the pages I read into my total, I just decided to put it aside
because I knew I wouldn't get it finished in time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17171950-through-the-door"><img alt="Through the Door" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1362515730m/17171950.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17563021-runes"><img alt="Runes" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1363177877l/17563021.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5069868-sanctuary"><img alt="Sanctuary (Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348017380l/5069868.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/459700.Why_I_Let_My_Hair_Grow_Out"><img alt="Why I Let My Hair Grow Out (Morgan Rawlinson, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348058039l/459700.jpg" width="141" /></a></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the first book that I read for Bout of Books was
Through the Door by Jodi McIsaac. I have already posted a review for this,
which you can find <a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/review-through-door-by-jodi-mcisaac.html">here</a>, and I gave it 3/5 stars.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second book I read was Runes by Ednah Walters. I
really enjoyed this book. It was a fairly easy read and it was an intriguing
story line. I will be posting a review soon, but I gave it 4/5 stars!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The third book I read was a graphic novel, which I
managed to read in the time it took me to catch a tram from the library to my
house. The book was Sanctuary by Melissa Marr with the illustrations being done
by Xian Nu Studios. It was my first ever graphic novel and I enjoyed it. The
story was interesting, except maybe a bit too much romance and not enough
faeries for me, and I thought that the graphics were pretty good. I gave it 3/5
stars!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last book I read for Bout of Books was Why I Let
My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood. I really loved this story. It was funny, a
little quirky and very funny! I gave it 5/5 stars and I will have a review for
it up soon!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So overall, I reached my goal of four books, which added
up to 1077 pages read! I really enjoyed my first ever read-a-thon and I will
definitely have to participate in one again!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you participated I hope you did well and reached
your goals!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S. Click the picture is you would like to go to the Goodreads page for each book!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up next - Review: Runes by Ednah Walters.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-84212131659999780582013-05-19T20:00:00.000+10:002013-05-19T20:00:00.529+10:00Wrap-up/PreviewMy first full week back on blogging and what a week it was!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What happened on the blog this week?</div>
<div>
Monday - <a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/mays-new-releases-that-i-am-looking.html">May's New Releases that I am looking forward to</a></div>
<div>
Tuesday -<a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/review-through-door-by-jodi-mcisaac.html"> Review: Through the Door by Jodi McIsaac</a></div>
<div>
Thursday - <a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/review-clockwork-princess-by-cassandra.html">Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare</a></div>
<div>
Saturday - <a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/seven-on-saturday-book-worlds-that-i.html">Seven on Saturday: Book worlds that I would like to live in</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I am still going strong on my book buying ban, I have not bought any new books. Neither have I received any review books and I am still waiting for a couple of books to come into my library. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What will happen on the blog next week?</div>
<div>
Monday - Bout of Books wrap-up post</div>
<div>
Tuesday - Review: Runes by Ednah Walters</div>
<div>
Thursday - Review: Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta<br />
Saturday - Seven on Saturday: Books that I would want with me if I was stranded on a deserted island</div>
<div>
Sunday - Wrap-up/Preview</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bout of Books update</div>
<div>
Currently Reading: Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta and Why I Let My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood</div>
<div>
Pages read of Current Read: 186 and 134, respectively.</div>
<div>
Total Pages read: 993</div>
<div>
Books read: 3</div>
<div>
Goal: 4</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hope you all had a great week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mel.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-59263989561541200542013-05-19T02:05:00.000+10:002013-05-19T02:05:35.315+10:00Seven on Saturday: Book Worlds that I want to live in!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_U6kN9QYRw/UMByZdCSkYI/AAAAAAAAACQ/OM9SWrRGekM/s1600/Seven+on+Saturday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_U6kN9QYRw/UMByZdCSkYI/AAAAAAAAACQ/OM9SWrRGekM/s320/Seven+on+Saturday.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This weeks topic on Seven on Saturday was the top seven book worlds that I wanted to live, so in no particular order, they are:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Hogwarts (Harry Potter series)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ever since I first read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, I really wanted to go to Hogwarts and be sorted into a house. I wanted to learn magic and play quidditch.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Narnia (Chronicles of Narnia)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I would love to live in Narnia, especially the Narnia when the Pevensies ruled after The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I would love to talk to animals and be friends with Mr. Tumnus and see the stone table.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Camp Half Blood (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I would love to live at Camp-Half Blood. I would love to have a cabin to live in and cabin mates that were my brothers and sisters. I would love to play capture the flag and sit by the bonfire.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Alagaesia (Inheritance Cycle)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Probably the main reason why I would want to live in Alagaesia would be for the dragons. I would love to be a dragon rider and be connected to a dragon. I would also love to see the dwarves in Farthen Dur and the elves in Ellesmera.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Araluen (Ranger's Apprentice series)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The thing I loved the most about Araluen was the medieval feel. I would love to live at Castle Redmont or visit Malcolm in Grimsdell forest.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Keltor (Legendsong series)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Despite all the political turmoil happening in Keltor, I really feel like it would be such a magical and vibrant place to live.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Lumatere (The Lumatere Chronicles)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I would love to live in the Lumatere that is ruled by Isaboe and Finnikin. I think that it sounds like a beautiful place to live, even if it wouldn't be the easiest life. I would also love to have Isaboe as my Queen!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What book worlds would you like to live in?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mel.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bout of Books Update</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Current read: Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pages read of current read: 186</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Total pages read: 667</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Books read: 2</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Goal: 4</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Up next: Wrap-up/Preview</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-30182174663053033132013-05-17T00:41:00.000+10:002013-05-17T00:45:45.515+10:00Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare<blockquote style="background-color: Thistle1; border: 2px solid #FCDFFF; padding: 10px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Synopsis (from Goodreads)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2)" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1339605943l/10025305.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10025305-clockwork-prince" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Clockwork Prince
is the second book of The Infernal Devices, <a href="http://melreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/review-audiobook-clockwork-angel-by.html">here</a> being my review for the first.
I really enjoyed going back into the world of shadow hunters and discovering
more about Tessa, Will, Jem and the other characters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Firstly, I have
to say that Cassandra Clare really knows how to write endings. The ending of
Clockwork Prince was very much a surprise for me and had me yelling, “Wait!
What?” which probably surprised my housemates. I am really eager now to get my
hands on a copy of Clockwork Princess as soon as I possibly can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I kind of felt
that this book was kind of a fill-in book. I felt like there was no major event
in the story just an accumulation of minor ones. I felt that the book is here
to tie-up loose plot ends of Clockwork Angel, and to set-up the scene for
Clockwork Princess. In saying that though, I still really liked the story and
we did learn a lot about the different characters. The plot wasn’t predictable
and it didn’t feel slow either, I just felt that a major event was missing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I love the
complexity of the world that Cassandra Clare has created. It is so vivid and
convincing and half the time I feel like it could exist. It is very easy to
picture the world that Tessa is walking through and I feel that there is so
much detail about it, yet none of it takes away from the pacing of the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I love how
complex the characters are. There were many times throughout the book when I
thought that I knew a character and then something would happen and I would
have to change how I thought about them. I love that Tessa is not a whinny
character and the she is strong and fairly independent, and quite a bit
stubborn as well. I love Jem’s steadiness and loyalty, Charlotte’s kindness and
Henry’s eccentricity. I think most of all I love Will’s complexity, he is
broken in so many ways yet yeah manages to stay strong and loyal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I have to say
that I really like the romance. I am not a fan of love triangles, but this one
is really well written. I don’t necessary like that there is a love triangle,
because someone will get hurt and I don’t want that to happen, but I like that
Tessa really does love both of them and how the choice is going to be very hard
for her. It is one of the few love triangles that I think is well done. I also
love Charlotte and Henry’s relationship. There was one scene in the book
between the two that I cried reading because of the gorgeous fluff between
them. I really hope that they end up happy together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Overall, I
really enjoyed the story, and I think that I have to say that I like The
Infernal Devices more than The Mortal Instruments, because I feel I can connect
to the characters better. I give Clockwork Prince 4/5 stars!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I read this book for the 2013 Sequel Reading Challenge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.auntiespinellireads.com/2012/12/2013-sequel-reading-challenge-sign-ups.html"><img alt="" height="196" src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u46/geobobspinelli/2013seqchall2.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span lang="EN-AU">Bout of Books read-a-thon update.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span lang="EN-AU">Currently Reading: Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU"><span lang="EN-AU">Pages read of current read: 90/593</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span lang="EN-AU">Books read so far: 2<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span lang="EN-AU">Goal: 4 books</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU"><span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Mel.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
Up next - Seven on Saturday - Book Worlds that I want to live in</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-75027409171469693962013-05-15T01:21:00.001+10:002013-05-15T01:21:54.514+10:00Review: Through the Door by Jodi McIsaac<blockquote style="background-color: Thistle1; border: 2px solid #FCDFFF; padding: 10px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Synopsis (from Goodreads)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">It’s been seven years since the love of Cedar McLeod’s life left with no forwarding address. All she has left of him are heart-wrenching memories of happier times and a beautiful six-year-old daughter, Eden. Then, one day, Eden opens her bedroom door and unwittingly creates a portal that leads to anywhere she imagines.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But they’re not the only ones who know of Eden’s gift, and soon the child mysteriously vanishes.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Desperate for answers, Cedar digs into the past and finds herself thrust into a magical world of Celtic myths, fantastical creatures, and bloody rivalries. Teaming up with the unlikeliest of allies, Cedar must bridge the gap between two worlds and hold tight to the love in her heart…or lose everything to an ancient evil.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first in the Thin Veil series, Through the Door is a pulse-pounding adventure that takes readers across the globe and deep into the hidden realms of Celtic lore.</span></div>
</span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Through the Door" height="400" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1362515730l/17171950.jpg" width="265" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17171950-through-the-door" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I am still not
really sure how I feel like this book. I found it to be a quick and easy read,
and I liked it, but I felt that it was missing something. I really enjoyed the
mixture of our modern day world with Celtic and Irish mythology. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">When I read the
synopsis, I was immediately intrigued by the idea. I felt that it could be a
really interesting story if it was executed correctly. In terms of the plot, I
did feel that it was well done, but there was a certain predictability that didn’t
make the read as enjoyable as it could have been. I found that I was guessing
what was going to happen before it did happen and not once was I surprised by
the storyline. In saying that, I still enjoyed the story, it just wasn’t as
captivating as I would have liked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">As I said
earlier, I really liked the Celtic and Irish Mythology that was incorporated
into the story. The addition of magic and mythical beings really added to the
story. I felt that the mixture of mermaids, leprechauns, druids and old
gods/fairies was really well balanced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The writing
style was reasonably good. I felt that sentence structure was good and made it
easy to read. I did feel that maybe things were described in too much detail,
or unnecessary things were mentioned. I felt that this took away from the
pacing of the story, and I often found myself skimming through the descriptions
because I wanted to know what was happening in the story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Another thing
that I didn’t really like was the changing in perspectives. I was never
confused by which character’s point of view I was currently reading but it made
the story feel a little choppy and I felt at times that the story was jumping
around different time points of the story when we changed perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I also felt that
I couldn’t connect the characters that well. There were times in the story when
I should have felt emotion and I didn’t really feel anything and I think it was
because I couldn’t relate to the characters. It may be because I have never
been in the character’s shoes, but that hasn’t really stopped me from
connecting before. In saying that, I did like the characters. I felt that each
character was an individual and there were no unnecessary characters. I liked
that despite everything she had been through, Cedar was a strong character and
I also liked how twisted Nuala was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Overall it was a
good read, but not a story that I felt was memorable. I give it 3/5 stars, because
I did like the story, I just feel it could have been executed better.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-AU">I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Bout of Books
read-a-thon update.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Currently
Reading: Runes by Ednah Walters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Books read so
far: 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Goal: 4 books<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Mel.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Up next –
Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-17850566478164479462013-05-13T20:00:00.000+10:002013-05-13T20:00:15.469+10:00 May's New Releases that I am looking forward to!<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are some great books set to come out this month. Here are some that I am looking forward to! The usual applies, click the picture to go to the Goodreads page.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101128-the-5th-wave"><img alt="The 5th Wave (The Fifth Wave, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1359853842l/16101128.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13721337-chantress"><img alt="Chantress (Chantress, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345892986l/13721337.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12578313-golden"><img alt="Golden" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347856320l/12578313.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11861715-icons"><img alt="Icons (Icons, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1360875178l/11861715.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11438693-loki-s-wolves"><img alt="Loki's Wolves (The Blackwell Pages, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351015670l/11438693.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12437907-silence"><img alt="Silence" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1359981453l/15824173.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13260426-maid-of-secrets"><img alt="Maid of Secrets (Maids of Honor, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361195517l/13260426.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14744489-the-summer-i-became-a-nerd"><img alt="The Summer I Became a Nerd" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1366135177l/14744489.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15826934-school-spirits"><img alt="School Spirits (School Spirits, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1354294039l/15826934.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15989598-the-beautiful-and-the-cursed"><img alt="The Beautiful and the Cursed" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348791497l/15989598.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16248311-the-perfume-collector"><img alt="The Perfume Collector" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358532124l/16248311.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15806868-towering"><img alt="Towering" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351414732l/15806868.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16103765-night-school?auto_login_attempted=true"><img alt="Night School (Night School, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1350982927l/16103765.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15799400-the-resurrectionist"><img alt="The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351367463l/15799400.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16075147-the-fall-of-arthur"><img alt="The Fall of Arthur" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349706081l/16075147.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Fifth Wave (The Fifth Wave #1) by Rick Yancey - Putnam Juvenille - 1st May 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chantress (Chantress Trilogy #1) by Amy Butler Greenfield - Margaret K. McElderry Books - 7th May 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Icons (Icons #1) by Margaret Stohl - Little Brown Books for Young Readers - 7th May 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Loki's Wolves by K. L. Armstrong & M. A Marr - Atom - 7th May 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Maid of Secrets (Maid of Honor #1) by Jennifer McGowan - Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - 7th May 2013<br />
<br />
Silence (Queen of the Dead #1) by Michelle Sagara - DAW - 7th May 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Summer I became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller - Entangled Teen - 7th May 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Golden by Jessi Kirby - Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - 14th May 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
School Spirits (School Spirits #1) by Rachel Hawkins - Disney-Hyperion - 14th May 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Beautiful and the Cursed (The Dispossed #1) by Page Morgan - Delacorte Books for Young Readers - 14th May 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro - Harper - 14th May 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Towering by Alex Finn - HarperTeen - 14th May 2013<br />
<br />
Night School (Night School #1) by C.J. Daugherty - Katherine Tegen Books - 21st May 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black by E.B. Hudspeth - Quirk Books - 21st May 2013<br />
<br />
The Fall of Arthur by J.R.R. Tolkien - Harper Collins - 23rd May 2013<br />
<br />
What books are looking forward to the release of?<br />
<br />
Mel.<br />
<br />
Up next - Review: Through the Door by Jodi McIsaac</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-61265906775374828092013-05-12T21:20:00.001+10:002013-05-12T21:20:36.897+10:00Bout of Books 7.0So I have been looking for a read-a-thon to participate in for a little while. I have seen quite a few different bloggers sign-up to Bout of Books 7.0 so I checked it out and decided that I would participate.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Bout of Books"><img alt="Bout of Books" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YAnHrCxbeZc/UWmp0eeT6II/AAAAAAAAIqs/Aa7urfrndI0/s200/BoB7.0-200x200-old.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fae8b2; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team</span><br />
<br />
My goal for this is to read three-four books. I am not really sure what books I will read yet, I tend to read according to my mood.<br />
<br />
Check it out if you want to join in!<br />
<br />
Mel.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-17577090730580530572013-05-12T20:00:00.000+10:002013-05-12T20:00:02.889+10:00I'm back!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hey guys so I am now back from my two week holiday! I didn't actually get as much reading done as I would have liked doing because things went a little crazy there. However, I am back and really looking forward to getting back into it! Today's post is just a quick preview on what to expect in the coming week!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Monday - May's New Releases that I am looking forward to!</div>
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Tuesday - Review: Through the Door by Jodi McIsaac</div>
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Thursday - Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare</div>
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Saturday - Seven on Saturday: Book worlds that I want to live in</div>
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I am still on my book buying ban, which I am amazed I haven't yet broken, and I have yet to get anymore library books. I did receive one book from Net Galley though, that being Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead, thanks to Penguin Books Australia which is to be released on 6th of June. As always click the picture to go to the Goodreads page.</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13477883-gameboard-of-the-gods?ac=1"><img alt="Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X, #1)" height="400" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361308921l/13477883.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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Hope you have all had a good time while I have been away and you are looking forward to the week as much as I am!</div>
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Mel.<br />
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Up next: <span style="text-align: justify;">May's New Releases that I am looking forward to!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-45167688712821273762013-04-29T12:09:00.000+10:002013-04-29T12:09:38.748+10:00Tea and Books reading challenge<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have decided to sign-up to the Tea and Books reading challenge, hosted by The Book Garden. The book has to be over 650 pages to count in the challenge, with books being over 1200 being counted as two. As I have a few large books that I plan to read, I thought that this would be good motivation to read them. I signed up for the Chamomile Lover level, which means I have to read two books. To sign up click the button below.</div>
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<a href="http://the-book-garden.blogspot.co.at/2012/11/tea-books-reading-challenge.html"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuhlz3z0OrE/UKy_YW6LJWI/AAAAAAAAFUY/3D90la841Ew/s320/Tea+&+Books+Reading+Challenge+Button.jpg" /></a></div>
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Mel.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-2891801673372290842013-04-27T20:20:00.000+10:002013-04-27T20:20:19.535+10:00Announcement<div style="text-align: justify;">
Firstly I apologise for not getting a review up on Thursday. I was super busy on Thursday and then on Friday, I was back at the dodgey internet house. Today I was meant to do Seven on Saturday but I am going to do a wrap-up post instead, but first I have an announcement.</div>
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This blog will be going on a two week hiatus. I have gotten a bit behind on my reading and I am going to take two weeks off the blog to catch-up on reading. This means that I will be back on the 12th of May with a preview of that week. Hope you all have a great two weeks.</div>
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So now to the wrap-up. I only had one thing happen on the blog this week but I have received some books.</div>
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On Tuesday I posted a review of Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder.</div>
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The books that I received were from my library, an op-shop and Netgalley. As usual click the picture to go to the goodreads page.</div>
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From Netgalley:</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17171950-through-the-door"><img height="200" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/netgalley-covers/cover29811-small.png" width="133" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17043700-romulus-buckle-the-city-of-the-founders?ac=1"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/netgalley-covers/cover24087-small.png" /></a></div>
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Through the Door by Jodi McIsaac, thanks to Amazon Publishing, which was released 23rd of April</div>
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Romulus Buckle & the City of the Founders, thanks to Amazon Publishing, which is released 2nd of July</div>
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From the Library:</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/557985.Hood"><img alt="Hood (King Raven, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348045042l/557985.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead</div>
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From the Op-Shop:</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/96132.Tinker_Tailor_Soldier_Spy"><img alt="Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328343080l/96132.jpg" width="123" /></a></div>
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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carre</div>
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See you all in two weeks time.</div>
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Mel.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310167006504898277.post-62460108582674788562013-04-24T02:06:00.000+10:002013-04-24T02:06:25.068+10:00Review: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder<blockquote style="background-color: Thistle1; border: 2px solid #FCDFFF; padding: 10px;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Synopsis (from Goodreads)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Choose: A quick death or slow poison ... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">On the eve of her execution for murder, Yelena Zaltana is offered an incredible reprieve - on the condition that she becomes the food taster for the military leader of Ixia, Commander Ambrose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Avoiding poison is the least of her troubles, however ... General Brazell, father of the man she killed, has vowed bloody revenge; she's beginning to have feelings for her captor, Valek; and someone is plotting the downfall of the current regime. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">In a desperate race against time, Yelena must learn to control the growing magical talent withinn her and master the demons of her past. The Commander's life, the future of Ixia and all those she loves depend on it</span></div>
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<img alt="Poison Study (Study, #1)" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1170542921l/60510.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60510.Poison_Study" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsc94610e9.png" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">Wow. This book
was amazing! It was the sort of book that I just couldn’t put down, no matter
how late it was or how tired I was. I read this in one day and pretty much in
one sitting, except for a little break to watch Doctor Who. I found that the
story was really captivating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">I loved the
plot. I hadn’t read any books before where the main character was a food taster
and it was a really interesting idea. I enjoyed the little touch of magic that
was sprinkled throughout the plotline which made the story more intriguing and
created more potential. There was some predictability in the plot, in that you
knew who the bad guy was and who was behind everything, to an extent. In saying
that though, I found the outcomes to be unpredictable as well as who was a
magic user and who wasn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">I really liked
the characters in this book. I liked that Yelena was a murderer who wasn’t remorseful
for what she had done. It was great to see a flawed character, who was haunted
by her past and unsure of who she is. I also loved how she stayed strong in the
books even when she had no hope of surviving. I absolutely loved Valek. He is
another character who is so flawed, he has a bad temper, a jealous streak and
not to mention that he has killed a lot of people, but underneath all that he
does have compassion and a caring side. I loved how complex both Yelena and Valek
were. I loved Ari and Janco, and hope that we get to see more of them in the
next books. I loved Janco’s humour and Ari’s loyalty. I did find the Commander
to be a little one sided at times, but his history did kind of explain why he
was so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">I loved how well
written the “bad” characters where in this book. Some of them had reasons
behind their actions and their betrayals and others you constantly questioned
their actions. I loved that some characters started out as bad and where trying
to kill Yelena and then changed and helped her. I really loved how one
character tried to kill Yelena and then became friends with her and then kept setting
up ways for her to be killed and trying to save her every time. It just summed
up the complexity of the characters and the complexity of the plot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">I really liked
the world-building in this story. I could imagine the world vividly, and when
Yelena was walking through a setting, I could visualise everything around her. I
felt like I was walking through the world with Yelena. The descriptions were
concise so they didn’t take away from the pace of the story and they also
allowed room for imagination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">I really enjoyed
the intriguing plot and world building in Poison Study. I really loved the
characters in this book, and I look forward to reading the second book. I give Poison
Study 5/5 stars.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-AU">Mel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">Up next - Review: Lament by Maggie Stiefvater</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376107312312009703noreply@blogger.com0