The Goddess test Review by Ninfa Sferlazzo-Hayes

 The Goddess test by Aimee Carter

Available from 29th September (UK)

www.miraink.co.uk

Welcome to Eden!

Story: For Kate Winters the last three years haven't been easy. At only eighteen,she's watching her mother die,day after day,feeling powerless against the illness that's taking away her only family and her best friend. As Kate's mum nears the end,she asks to return to her home town of Eden,Michigan,where she hopes Kate will also find a home,but things are strange in Eden,to say the least. As Kate's life takes a bizarre twist,she meets Henry,dark,mysterious and intensely handsome,and strikes a bargain that will change her life forever. Can Kate pass the seven tests she will be given and become part of Henry's world? And can she believe his claims of being none other than Hades,God of the Underworld? Kate doesn't really have a choice,if she succeeds she will become a Goddess and keep her mother alive,at least a little longer, if she fails,she will never see her mother again...

Review: “The Goddess Test” is a sweet, romantic coming of age story. I'm a big fan of myths and legends and especially Greek Mythology, and it's nice to see them revisited and refreshed for the new generations.

Although the story is perhaps a little fast in some points for me, I still really enjoyed the book and the characters.There are so many great moments to be discovered through these pages, and some great characters too.

I had lots of fun trying to guess bits of the plot and then watching them fall into place. I won't go into too much details as I don't do spoilers, but if you love the stories of the ancient and powerful Gods of Greece, this is a book for you.

Although there are many characters that I really liked in the story, I must admit to having a soft spot for Ms Winters, Kate's mum, so strong and witty, even in her darkest time, and I also particularly liked Ella and Ava and their shenanigans and little cat fights.

I look forward to the second instalment of this series, but this is one of those books that works beautifully also as a standalone, as it takes you through the complete journey without leaving any questions unanswered.

All in all, ”The Goddess Test” is a lovely and well written story that will make you dream of immortal and haunted guys and a world where mystery and magic are very much alive.

You'll love it if you like: YA Paranormal Romance, and books like “The Secret Circle” by LJ Smith, or ”The Iron Fey” series by Julie Kagawa.

Also from the author: “Goddess Interrupted” book 2 in the series to be released in 2012.

If you'd like to find out more about Aimee Carter and “The Goddess Test” this is a link to her:

Blog

Website

Facebook page

Twitter

Happy reading Bookaholics!

In Mists mailbox 14

In my mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The story siren

Every week we share the books that we got that week.

19th September - 25th September

Hear my phone go off at the end lol

Books mentioned

Gift

Sweet venom by Tera Lynn Childs - From Natalie Cleary, Thank you sooooo much Natalie!!

For review

Darkness falls by Mia James - (My Review of By Midnight book one)

Won

The ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud and some swag from Gripped into books. the book is a audio book and I've only just noticed that it's fourth in a series lol Will have to get the rest sometime!

Bought

The adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson - This is an audiobook to :)

eBooks

For review

The next thing I knew by John Corwin - I was contacted by the author asking if I'd be interested in reviewing this - It sounds like a lot of fun and I love the cover!

Also check out our current giveaways, there are links in the left column, if you've already entered the monthly giveaways you can get extra entries by tweeting everyday!

There's also going to be a whole new giveaway when the blog hits 300 followers! (only 13 to go!)

What was in your mailbox this week?

What I'm reading?

Daughter of smoke and bone by Laini Taylor

ARC for review from Hodder and Staughton

Blurb



Featuring necklaces made of wishes; an underground shop dealing in teeth; magical tattoos; a wishbone on a cord, DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE is a thrilling story about Karou and her secret life as an apprentice to a wishmonger. Karou manages to keep her two lives in balance. On the one hand, she is a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to an ...moreFeaturing necklaces made of wishes; an underground shop dealing in teeth; magical tattoos; a wishbone on a cord, DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE is a thrilling story about Karou and her secret life as an apprentice to a wishmonger. Karou manages to keep her two lives in balance. On the one hand, she is a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to an inhuman creature who deals in wishes and is the closest thing she has to family. Her life is surrounded by mysteries she is desperate to unveil

My thoughts
I've been seeig this book all over lately so after reading what it was about I decided to request it and was super happy when it came through my letter box, expecially since I hadn't had an email back to say it was actually coming!
It sounds really fun and interesting and I'm curious about the feathers on the cover. I already read about 15 pages last night but I liked it in the first few lines and I think I'm really going to enjoy this book :)

What are you reading?

Wednesdays Worldly covers - #31

Wednesdays worldly covers is a weekly thing I do where I share a book cover from around the world.

If you'd like to join in share a cover yourself and leave a link for me to visit.

This week I wanted to show you this German cover for The hollow: Wahre Liebe ist unsterblich (True love is immortal) by Jessica Verday.

I love it so much, that scarlet cover is gorgeous and the roses and the font and the girl, everything basically lol

And here of course is what it looks like here in the UK, I like it but not as much as the German one, it's a lot plainer but your instantly drawn to that dark pink in the middle and the pendant and ribbon are intriguing, I want to know what they mean to the story

Which do you prefer?

Top ten Tuesday #15

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The broke and the bookish, each week we list a top ten! Head on over there to play along.

This week it's

Top ten books I feel everyone has read but me!

In no particular order



1. Wither by Lauren DeStefano - A friend got me this for my birthday in June and so sad I still haven't had chance to get to it, everyone tells me it's so great!

2. Passion by Lauren Kate - I preordered this months before release, so when it came out I got it right away, yet somehow I've not read it, I think it's because I was a little disappointed with the second book so I just haven't built up the excitement.

3. Tigers curse by Colleen Houck - I have so many friends who love these books and a few weeks ago a friend actually gave me the first two, so really I have no excuses now!

4. Succubus blues by Richelle Mead - So many love this series and I just heard the recently released book is the last one, I really really love Vampire academy so I don't know why I haven't read Richelles other books!

5. The Vampire diaries by L.J. Smith - I have the first five books in this series and I've watched the TV show, why haven't I read them? I really don't know.

6. Anna dressed in blood by Kendare Blake - This has only recently released but over the last month I've watched nearly every blog and page I follow either review it or have it in their IMM, if I don't get a copy soon I might die!

7. Wildefire by Karsten Knight - The world and his brother has read this book and I don't even own it!! If you have a spare copy lying around that you just don't want, here's my address... lol

8. My love lies bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey (AKA Hearts at stake in the US) I bought this book when it was the only one in the series, now there are four! I seriously need to catch up because so many of my friends talk so highly of it!

9. Fallen star by Jessica Sorenson - This is one that's started coming to my attention over the past few weeks, I think the second one has recently come out or is about to. Lots of people seem to like it, I think it's one of those ones that's slipped my attention but it's in my sight line now.

10. Perfect chemistry by Simone Elkeles - I heard of this book so long ago but I didn't think it was for me, but I'm seeing more and more people love it and the series lately that I'm thinking I should jump out of my comfort zone and try it.

What's in your list?



What I'm reading?

The Mephisto covenant by Trinity Faegen

Blurb

Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger—Sasha is Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx’s biggest threat.

A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant—God’s promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo. After a thousand years, he’s finally found the girl he’s been searching for: Sasha.

With the threat of Eryx looming, Jax has to keep Sasha safe and win her over. But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?

My thoughts

Yeah it was the cover that first attracted me, but I mean, look at it! And the book does sound awesome to so I was thrilled when my NetGalley request was approved! I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into it, I've just written and sceduled the next two days regular posts so I'll have lots of time off to read it!

What are you reading?



Winners!

We've had a few giveaways end this weekend and here are the winners for them all.

If you see your name but haven't yet been contacted, don't worry you will be :)

Suzy Turner giveaway

Natalie Cleary

Dianna Hardy giveaway

Swag winner - Melissa Silva

eBook winner - Melissa Andrews

Nicoles Immortals giveaway

1st place -  Marybelle

2nd place - Christine

200 followers giveaway

1st place - Lisette Martinez

2nd place - Malvina Beatrice

3rd place - Ifrah Kamil

4th place - Valerie Jaafari

And that's it, congratulations to all our lucky winners!

Don't forget our giveaway for a signed copy and an eARC of Bound by Lee Taylor is still running and of course both of our monthly giveaways, there are links over on the left (under 'Current Giveaways' surprisingly enough lol)

We also have a giveaway to win Jamie Magee eBooks, just visit us on Facebook and find the appropriate note on the notes tab :)

In Mists mailbox 13

In my mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The story siren, every week we show off the books we got that week.

12th September - 18th September

(Book links of course go to Goodreads)

Think I'm getting better at this video thing :)

Sorry for the bad quality, I couldn't turn on the overhead light because baby was sleeping

Books mentioned

Bought:

Ingo by Helen Dunmore

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Mist by Kathryn James

RAK:

The Haunted by Jessica Verday - Thank you Emma at BelleBooks!

Gift:

Dreaming of Amelia by Jaclyn Moriarty - From Donna from Book passion for life

Won:

The poison diaries: Nightshade by Maryrose Wood - From Donna and Jess at Book Passion for life

For review:

Mister Creecher by Chris Priestly - From Donna again lol

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan - From PanMacmillan

eBooks

For review:

Lucky girl by Cate Lord - Entangled publishing randomly sent me this, I think they got my email from NetGalley but it sounds fun so I agreed to review it.

This week in review

Outpost by Adam Baker

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Divergent by Veronica Roth

A beautiful dark by Jocelyn Davies

The Diviners by Julian White

Getting away with it by Julie Cohen - Guest review by Author Morwenna Drake

Don't forget to check out all the giveaways we have going on right now - links are on the left!

What was in your mailbox this week?

The Diviners review

The Diviners b yJulian White

Available now

What's it about?

"The woman swam closer. She twinkled as the light passed through her. Her fingernails had smoky tips. Her body was young but her eyes and mouth were pockets of crow's feet ...”

Four people in a small town find themselves persecuted in different ways by the same terrifying supernatural force.
Karen was happily married – until her husband became a religious maniac and set himself on fire. Since then, she has worked on her own to raise their daughter and establish an elegant seaside bistro – all by the age of 27. Now her husband's back, madder than ever, and she sees her polite, chattering customers transformed into a raving monster bent on destroying everything she loves.

Sandra holds down a tough job as a district nurse, looking after the sick and elderly in her neighbourhood. She has money worries, guilt over the death of her abusive mother and disturbing memories about a mysterious event in her past. Her life slides into chaos when one of her patients turns up dead in the boot of her car and she can't get rid of the rapidly decaying body.

Felix is a dull provincial solicitor – so dull, in fact, that his wife goes elsewhere in search of sexual fulfilment. When a perverse young couple hold her captive in a luxurious house, he comes to the rescue, only to find that something utterly evil and as ancient as civilisation itself lurks beneath the sparkling surface of their swimming pool.

Mick is still licking his wounds six months after being dumped by his girlfriend. In hopes of forgetting her, he goes to bed with an enigmatic lady whose hair smells of blackcurrants. As a result, he undergoes a transformation into a creature out of an insane nursery story.

And that's only the beginning. When these four stories converge, the stage is set for an earth-shattering climax.

Welcome to the world of the Diviners' Guild.

Who are they? The answer takes in cannibalism, deadly maggots, reincarnated cats, body horror, psychological chills, blood magic, black farce, breakneck action, a thousand-year-old secret, a silver coin and a supernatural threat to Creation itself.

My review:

3/5

This book started off really strong and I was enjoying it but I felt bout half way through it lost it's way a little, I felt that the crazy events that set the scene for the book were starting to drag and really want some info on why it was happening and who the diviners guild were. Then three quarters of the way in when I did find out who they were I had to read it twice to really get a grasp on who they were and what they were doing, I still finished the book a little confused, I just didn't feel like things were explained enough.

In itself thou it's a good book, there's always a lot going on as we follow the four main characters through their journeys and wonder who will come out on top and who will be less fortunate, I really had no idea how the book would end.
The writing was good, I felt the book was articulated really well and I didn't struggle to visualise things, bizarre as they were. There were a few points I felt it was trying to hard to be shocking and came off more as cheesy horror but that made the book more fun.
It was left open at the end which makes me think that the may be a sequel something I'd be interested in giving a go in the hopes to find out more about the elusive Diviners guild and just exactly what they're about.

My thoughts on the cover:

I really like this cover, the frozen girl is instantly intriguing, it also gives off a creepy feel. The water to is interesting and I like the dark blue at the top which is reflected in the water. It's a lovely cover that fits in well with the book.

Favourite quotes:

 The needle had lodged itself a full inch under her nail. The whole length of her finger was red and hot, it's message of hurt pulsing like Morse code.

 The sight of his flesh knitting together was so welcome it almost made him forget the girl.

The Diviners on Facebook

Julian Whites blog

A beautiful dark review

A beautiful dark by Jocelyn Davies

Available September 27th 2011 (US)

October 20th 2011 (UK)

www.harpercollins.com

www.harpercollins.co.uk

What's it about?

Skye never questioned the story of her life. Her Aunt Jo adopted her after the death of her parents when she was just a child, and together they flip through memories the way some people flip through photo albums.

She never questioned if the stories were true.
Until the night of her 17th birthday, when the arrival of two strangers intrudes on her cozy life. Polar opposites, like fire and ice, Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair, cold, and aloof. Skye has no idea what they want—only that their presence coincides with the beginning of some shockingly strange events. Events that Skye, if she dares to think it, might be responsible for causing.
High up in the mountains of Boulder, Colorado, Skye finds herself caught in the middle of an ancient battle, one that began untold millennia ago. Torn between unpredictable Asher, whom she loves, and the infuriating Devin, who she can’t stay away from, her fate is murky as a starless night. And as the secrets of her true identity are revealed, Skye realizes that her destiny may reside in the Heavens—or somewhere darker.

My review:
4/5
Whilst I liked this book, I didn't love it, I have to admit a lot of it felt like things I'd already seen before so whilst it was enjoyable I didn't find it addictive. Towards the end though the story did take on a more unique life of it's own and left us on a deadly cliffhanger that made me want the next book.
Our main character Skye is nice enough and stands up for herself and doesn't crumble under the pressure that is unfolding in her new life. I also really liked her best friend Cassie, I thought she was a lot of fun.
The guys were nice to, I haven't decided yet which team I'm on lol
I've used the word nice a lot because that is basically how I felt, the book was good but not memorable to me just because it has similarities to other books that I've read which makes it blend in.
It's written really well and flows quickly so it didn't take me long to read at all and I know I'll read the next one.

My thoughts on the cover:
Gorgeous!! There are so many cover trends lately and as far as I know this doesn't fit into any which makes it all the more unique. I love how the girl looks like she's flying and the dress makes her look a million miles tall. The background and font are simple so the girl really grabs your attention.

Favourite quotes:

If I kissed him right now, he'd taste like mint,I thought - and then immediately wished I hadn't. - Skye

Slowly I reached my hand out as well. He met me halfway. When our hands touched, a tiny wave of goosebumps trailed up my arm. I quickly pulled away.

Jocelyn Davies on Facebook

Jocelyn on Twitter