Tea and Books reading challenge

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.

Mel.

Announcement

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.

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.

So now to the wrap-up. I only had one thing happen on the blog this week but I have received some books.

On Tuesday I posted a review of Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder.

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.

From Netgalley:

Through the Door by Jodi McIsaac, thanks to Amazon Publishing, which was released 23rd of April

Romulus Buckle & the City of the Founders, thanks to Amazon Publishing, which is released 2nd of July

From the Library:

Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead

From the Op-Shop:

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carre

See you all in two weeks time.

Mel.

Review: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Choose: A quick death or slow poison ... 

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.

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. 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mel.

Up next - Review: Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

Seven on Saturday - Favourite Male Characters

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.

 For the topic this week I picked my seven favourite male characters. Let's face it, basically this is my top book boyfriends.
Here are my seven:

1. Finnick Odair (The Hunger Games)

I have a confession to make. When we first met Finnick in Catching Fire I didn't really like him all that much, but as we got to know him and his story better, I couldn't help but love him.

2. Rushton Seraphim (Obernewtyn Chronicles)

Rushton is such a strong and determined character. I also love how he treats Elspeth.

3. Gilan (Ranger's Apprentice)

I like quite a few of the male characters in this book but Gilan made it onto this list because of his loyalty, humour and his ability to fight with both sword and bow.

4. Chaol Westfall (Throne of Glass)

I loved how honourable Chaol was. I also loved his loyalty do Dorian and how he was willing to open up more with Celaena.

5. Percy Jackson (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)

Percy is just so witty and really cool. He is so brave and even though this can be to the point of stupidity I still love him.

6. Sirius Black (Harry Potter)

What can I say about Sirius? I love how he treats Harry and how he is a rock to Harry. I love how bad-ass he can be and how loyal he is to his friends.

7. Legolas (Lord of the Rings)

I think Legolas was my first book boyfriend before I even knew what the term meant. I love his loyalty to Aragorn and, let's face it, I love how he can use a bow.

I have to say that this was really hard to do because I had trouble keeping it down to just seven. If there is anyone who you would add or if you agree with any of mine let me know in the comments!

Mel.

Up next: Wrap-up/Preview

Review: Merlin's Blade by Robert Treskillard

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A strange meteorite. 

A deadly enchantment. 

And only Merlin can destroy it. 

A meteorite brings a mysterious black stone whose sinister power ensnares everyone except Merlin, the blind son of a swordsmith. Soon, all of Britain will be under its power, and he must destroy the stone—or die trying. (Released April 16th)

 

Now something you might not know about me is that I love Arthurian legend. I have read heaps of different books and watched plenty of movies and tv shows that are centred on Arthurian legend, so I went into this book with high expectations and I was not disappointed.

This book is the first in the series and I felt that it was the perfect balance of setting up the world and leading to greater events, and probably the more well-known part of the myths. In this book, Merlin is only 18 years old, Arthur is around one year of age and Uther is still the High King of Briton. Although this book was used for setting up the world and the greater events, it was still action packed and well written.

I loved how Merlin was a half-blind, son of a blacksmith. He wasn’t anyone well known to the world, and even someone who was looked down on by the people in his village. I felt that this was a different take to the story. I also found it different that Merlin was a Christian instead of being a warlock and maybe aligning himself to the Druids. I felt that it was original and I liked how it added something new.

I really liked the amount that religion played in the storyline. Simply put, and without giving too much away, it was Christianity versus the pagan religion of the Druids. I found the spiritual battle between the two to be very intriguing. Again, I felt it added something different to the legend.

I loved how well written the characters in this story were. The good characters were easy to relate to and sympathise with, and yet I often found myself at least feeling sorry for some of the bad characters, because I understood the reasoning behind their decisions. I loved how some characters redeemed themselves. I also loved watching the characters grow throughout their different trials, particularly Merlin as he came to terms to what was going on in his village.

I felt that the plot was interesting and surprising. There were a few times throughout the book where I would just have to put it down in shock at what was revealed, particularly with the revelations of Owain’s (Merlin’s father) past. I also felt that the ending was really well timed. It wasn’t rushed and tidy and yet it wasn’t drawn out and too complex either. I thought that the story was really well paced.

If I had to say anything bad about this book, it would be that some of the dialogue was written for the accent and so at times it was a little hard to understand what some of the characters were saying. However, that was just a small annoyance of mine.

Finally, on a quick note, I just want to say how great this cover is. It has so many aspects that relate to the story and I really like it.

I felt that this was a good set-up to the series, and yet also a fast-paced and action packed book. I am looking forward to the release of the sequel, Merlin’s Shadow, in September. I give this book 5/5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.

Mel.

Up next: Seven on Saturday - Favourite Male Characters

Review: [Audiobook] City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Ok, so I have swapped Tuesday’s and Thursday’s reviews around seeing as how I have yet to finish Merlin’s Blade. This is due to some technical issues that I had with my ereader, mainly I couldn’t find my cord to connect it to my computer, and I can’t read on my computer for long without getting a headache. That problem is now fixed and I am currently reading Merlin’s Blade, and I have to say that I had so much trouble putting the book down to post this review. Anyway, onto the review for today.

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend. 
But nothing comes without a price. 
Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. Not to mention that he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other one. 
When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace. 
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

City of Fallen Angels is the fourth book of The Mortal Instruments. I had previously tried to read the physical copy of City of Fallen Angels before but I didn’t finish it. This was mainly because I was annoyed with both Simon and Clary. I still wanted to finish it though, so I thought that I would listen to it via audiobook, with the hope that I could put up with Simon and Clary by listening instead of reading the book.

I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook. The perspective of the book is from both Simon, who was read by Ed Westwick, and Clary, who was read by Molly C. Quinn. I really liked both these narrators, I loved the different voices that they used for each character and I felt that they just sounded like how I imagined the character’s to sound.

I really liked that the book was from both Simon and Clary’s perspective because I liked having a break from Clary. Clary annoys me so much and she does so many stupid things and it was nice to have a break from her, not that Simon didn’t do some stupid things but he did less and he wasn’t always worrying/gushing about Jace.

Now you might be thinking that I didn’t like this book, but I did. I liked the plot, with all the twists and turns and complexities. I loved the issues that surrounded Simon being as unique as he is and having the mark and I also loved the issues created by the ending of City of Glass in regards to Jace. It was very interesting to have Lilith do what she did to him, and the ending was just so good, I mean talk about a cliff-hanger.

I loved the new characters that were introduced in this book. I loved the mystery that surrounded Kyle and I loved that he was caring. The twist about his past was a little surprising to me, but I liked that he was regretful of his actions and wanted to make amends. I really liked Camille, particularly with the complications it caused for Magnus and Alec. I also liked the problem she posed for the clave and for Simon. I liked how twisted and evil Lilith was, and the problems that it caused for Clary and Jace and the rest of the shadowhunters.

I loved the romantic relationships, particularly Magnus and Alec and Simon and Isabelle. I love how Cassandra Clare gives each couple tough times and troubles. In many ways I wish that they could just have one book of being happily together with no problems and no fights, but it just wouldn’t be interesting without all the drama.

I really enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to reading City of Lost Souls when I get a chance. I give City of Fallen Angels 4/5 stars.

Mel.

Up next – Review: Merlin’s Blade by Robert’s Treskillard.

Update and a New Challenge!

So yesterday I was meant to put up a review for Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes. I have been in a bit of a reading slump and I haven't finished reading it yet. That means that I won't get the review for it up this week. Sorry guys. I will try and get my review for City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare up, but it will be on Friday. I do think I will get this finished because I am over halfway through and have a three and a half hour drive on Friday where I will listen to it.

On a different note I have signed up or another challenge. This is the 2013 Sequel Challenge hosted by Auntie Spinelli Reads. My goal is to read 10 sequels! Click the button to sign up!

Mel.

Up next - Review: [Audiobook] City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Seven on Saturday - Books that I recommend

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.

This week the topic I chose was books that I recommend. I tried to go for books that I thought were lesser known that I absolutely love. 

1. Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody

I have already spoken plenty of times about this series before on the blog, but I felt like it really needs to be on this list. I found these books to be original and the characters were easy to connect to. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes dystopian and fantasy, as well as people who like mental abilities.

2. The Legendsong series by Isobelle Carmody

This is another series that I have mentioned on the blog before, but as it is possibly my favourite series, it has to be on this list. This is one of the lesser known of Carmody's series but the originality and complexity of this series is great. It such a beautiful series with some great characters. This is a series for people who love fantasy.

3. Rondo series by Emily Rodda

Deltora Quest is probably the more well known of Rodda's work. I really loved this series. Again, it was original. It really drew me in, and I felt that it was a little more mature than Deltora Quest. This series is again for people who love fantasy.

4. Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan 

This is another favourite serires of mine. It is a great medieval style story of knights, battles and, obviously, rangers. It is a great book for encouraging boys to read. I gave the first one to my 12 year old nephew and he loves it!

5. So Much To Tell You series by John Marsden

This is such an emotional story. I read both books back in high school (so about 5-7 years ago). I remember that I cried heaps, but I really loved it. I recommend it to most people.

6. The Pendragon Cycle by Stephen R. Lawhead

I read this series when I was going through my obsession with Arthurian Legend. I really liked the complexity of the story while still being fairly easy to read. 

7. Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

This is another book that I read in high school. I could relate to it so well at that age and I recommend it to most teenagers. 

Mel.

Up next: Wrap-up/Preview

Review: Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Sorry for the late review, I somehow managed to get my days confused. As a result of this late review, I will be posting my next review on Friday instead of Thursday.

Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.

Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems.

Beautiful Darkness is the follow up to Beautiful Creatures, which I reviewed a little while ago. I didn’t necessarily enjoy this story. I did get caught up in it and I wanted to know what happened, but the majority of the book I was just feeling sorry for most of the characters. Also for the majority of the book I was in agony due to the feelings created by where Ethan and Lena’s relationship stood.

I particularly felt sorry for Lena. I don’t want to give too much away but after the ending of Beautiful Creatures, Lena is lost and she only really went downhill from there.  It was hard to witness Lena’s downward spiral, especially as we were seeing it through Ethan’s eyes. I also felt sorry for Ethan because every time you thought that things couldn’t get worse for him, it did.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters a little better, particularly Macon and Lila. I enjoyed learning about the history of both of them. I also liked getting to know Marian a little more, but there wasn’t enough of her in the book as I would like. It was great to see the characters develop particularly in their responses to certain events. I also liked the addition of new characters. I loved Liv, with her stubbornness, persistence and bravery. I loved Twyla and Arelia, with their sassiness and power. I didn’t know what to make of John Breed but I loved the idea of Abraham, even if I didn’t like him one bit.

The plot was great. I spent half the time confused at what was going on, but it was a good confused. I was confused because, like Ethan, I didn’t have all the information, so each time some other fact popped up I was able to make a theory and get a bit better idea of what was happening. There was only one plot line that I was able to guess and that was because the Beautiful Creatures movie gave away some of the story for me. I didn’t see the ending coming, but I was really happy with part of it and rather sad about another part.

I did get a bit annoyed at the length of some of the descriptions. There were parts in the book where I didn’t want to know what the shore looked like, I wanted know how everything was going to be solved. I just felt that some of the descriptions messed up the flow of the story and slowed it down.

I did like the book, it was an addictive read which I didn’t want to put down because I wanted to know the answers. I give it 3.5-4/5 stars because I didn’t exactly enjoy it and I felt that some of the descriptions were not necessary.

I read this book for the 2013 Witches and Witchcraft reading challenge hosted by Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf.

Mel.

Up next: Review - Frost Bite by Richelle Mead