The serpent's shadow - Review

The serpent's shadow by Rick Riordan

The Kane chronicles book three.
Available now.
www.penguin.co.uk

What's it about?  

Carter And Sadie Kane, descendants of the magical House of Life, are in pretty big trouble. Despite their bravest efforts, Apophis, the giant snake of Chaos, is still threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness. Now the Kanes must do something no magician has ever managed - defeat Apophis himself. No pressure there then. Battling against the forces of Chaos, their only hope is an ancient spell - but the magic has been lost for a millennia. Will they find the serpent's shadow, or will they be led to their deaths in the depths of the Underworld?

My review

Once again Riordan has delivered another action packed book! If you're checking out this review, then you've likely read his other books and just want to know if this lives up to it's predecessors, well, it does. And if you haven't read any of his previous books, either in this series or his Greek mythology series', then where have you been?
The serpent's shadow is just full of constant action, exciting twists and turns and a great story, I really enjoyed it. It's wonderful watching both Sadie and Carter grow on their adventure and find love along the way, they're great heroes, I'd certainly call on them if I needed someone to save the world.
I've always loved what Riordan does with mytholgy, he stays true to it but modernises it at the same time which is what makes his books so unique, he makes it work really well and immerses the reader in his worlds.
And it's no different for his latest novel, being the third book in the series he's still managed to come up with lots of new ideas and keep the story going and I enjoyed the hints at what's coming next after the seemingly peaceful ending which never lasts long for our guys.
I'm seriously excited for the next book to find out what Sadie and Carters next adventure is.

My thoughts on the cover
At last! Sadie has made the cover. I really like Carter but I like Sadie to so I'm glad to see her make this fab cover, I love the big scary snake in the back and the red.

Favourite quotes

'She leaned over and kissed me.
I'd imagined this many times, but I was so unprepared I didn't act very cool about it. I dropped my protein bar and breathed in her cinnamon fragrance. When she pulled away, I was gaping like a fish. i said something like, 'Hum-uh-huh.''

'My eyes probably answered for me: No, please. Not ever. But I couldn't very well give him the satisfaction of my saying that out loud, could I? Boys can get so full of themselves.'

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What I read in... June

Here are the books I read in June!

(Links go to my reviews or Goodreads if I haven't reviewed them yet.)

Swing zone issue one by Jodi McClure

Before I wake by Rachel Vincent - Review will be posted on 7th July along with a guest post for the UK blog tour.

Temptation island by Veronica Fox - My review is written but I'm waiting on some question responses from the author so I can post both together.

The fury by Alexander Gordon Smith

Earth girl by Janet Edwards - Review up in August.

Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris

Dreams by Daniela Sacerdoti

Throne of glass by Sarah J. Maas

Destined by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Grave mercy by Robin LaFevers

What did you read?

Grave mercy - Review

Grave mercy by Robin LaFevers

His fair assassin book one.

Available now.

www.andersenpress.co.uk 

What's it about?

Young, beautiful and deadly. Trained as an assassin by the god of Death, Ismae is sent to the court of Brittany, where she finds herself under prepared - not only for the games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

My review

With the description of the book and Ismae being an assassin of death, I'll admit I expected this book to be 'bloodier' than it was and not so much focused on politics and intrigue, that's not to say I didn't enjoy it, I did, I just didn't quite get what I was expecting.
For me, the book started off really strong and hooked me right in but about half way I found myself getting a little bored as the plot seemed to drag on, but I was involved again by the end.
Ismae was nice enough, but not quite the strong character I wanted her to be, but she did find her way in the end and did what she thought was right. I found Duval to be a much stronger character and really liked him and admired his loyalty.
I thought the book was plotted out well, full of mystery that left me really wanting to know who the traitor was and what was going to happen next. And it was elegantly written, the whole idea was something new to me and I was interested to find out more and to see each persons views on what they thought was right.
Whilst I wouldn't say this is one of my favourite books of the year (so far) I am intrigued to read the next book and see where this series goes next.

My thoughts on the cover
Stunning, stunning cover, I'm a sucker for a great dress and that one is to die for! I love the way the skirt flows out and then the crossbow gives the girl a tougher edge, she's not just a girl in a pretty dress, she's dangerous, I love the castle in the background to.

Favourite quotes

'I pray to Mortain for the insight and clarity to see my way through the thicket of loyalties and alliances that surround me. I pray for the wisdom to discern His will in this matter. and most of all, I pray that I am not falling in love with Duval.'

'"Whenever you are ready, or if you never are, my heart is yours, until Death do us part. Whatever that may mean when consorting with one of Death's handmaidens."'

Find the author
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UK vs THE WORLD (28)

UK vs. The world is a weekly meme I made up lol.

It's simlair to UK vs. US except the UK covers are battling it out with their foreign counterparts from all over the world, because who doesn't love judging books by their covers!

UK                          vs.                   Bulgaria

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines book one.

('Кръвни връзки' translates to 'Blood ties.' - According to google translate.)

Mist: The Bulgaria cover is pretty but it's kinda plain and boring to. I much prefer the deep colours of the UK cover and the model looks more like the image I have of Sydney and the half a guy in the cover is intriguing. UK win!

Ninfa: I've always loved the UK cover, the stark contrast with the red background and the beautiful font of the title. I love the live version cause you can see the raised parts of the title as well, it's just a wonderful cover.
 The Bulgarian cover is lovely too, I like the tattoo on the cheek (though I prefer how it's done in the UK cover) but the model is a little too sweet looking to be Sydney in my opinion.
 All in all the Bulgarian cover is nice, but the UK cover kicks ass :)
UK wins.

Which do you prefer?

Throne of glass - Review

Throne of glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of glass book one.

Available August 2nd 2012.

www.bloomsbury.com

What's it about?

Celaena Sardothien is a daredevil assassin with unrivalled fighting skills. After a year’s hard labour in the salt mines of the kingdom of Adarlan, Celaena is offered her freedom on one condition—she must fight as handsome Prince Dorian’s champion in a contest sponsored by the king, facing the deadliest thieves and assassins in the land in a series of set-piece battles in the country’s stunning glass palace. But there is more at stake than even her life—for Celaena is destined for a remarkable future...

My review

I hadn't heard of this book when I was emailed by Bloomsbury about it, but it sounded just like my thing so I snapped up an early proof copy and was glad I did because I really enjoyed it.
First off, let me start with the main character Calaena, I loved her, she's so confident in her abilities and looks, but not to the point of arrogance, which is rare in YA books which I often notice have "plain Janes" who can't understand why the boy likes her. Not Calaena, she knows she's sexy and she knows she's lethal and she's not sorry for it either, the only time she'll be question a guy is when he doesn't like her, these were all traits I admired in her and she's also a loyal friend, she tries to come off unfeeling but underneath she's not and she's someone I'd love to have in my corner. And, she loves to read, always a plus for me!
I also loved Prince Dorian, *sigh* he was a good guy who see's who his father is and isn't afraid of him, he knows the man he wants to be.
Next, the story, this book reminded me of so many books at different times but had it's own voice too, it had a well woven plot that kept me entertained with lots of interesting characters and mysteries to keep me guessing. Maas did a great job with the ending, the book ended well and has left me intrigued for the next one.
The world building was another great aspect of the book, the author has really created a wonderful fantasy world full of places I'd love to visit, particularly the glass castle! I do hope the finished version has a map, this is one of those books that needs a map!

My thoughts on the cover
This cover personifies Calaena so well because she's such a bad ass lol The back has a picture of Calaena from the behind, wearing a dress, which is also really cool. I really like the colours used and the bold font, I think if Calaena designed the cover it would look just like this.

Sorry, no favourite quotes as I read an uncorrected proof which cannot be quoted from.

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Sunday treats (9)

Sunday treats is a meme hosted here by me!

Each week I will be treating you to a hunky treat to drool over because after a week of hard work you deserve it!

To keep it loosely book related I'll post pictures of actors that have played roles in films or TV programmes made from books, unless a guys just so damn hot I have to post him anyway!

If you wanna join in then just post your own hot guy and come and link back so I can come and drool look.

I promise no boys were hurt in the making of this post.

And here's this week’s guy.

Josh Duhamel has been in a number of movies, including all three films in the Transformers franchise, none that were books first (that I know of) yet!

Birthday giveaway

It's my birthday, hooray!

To celebrate I'm giving away an uncorrected proof copy of Pushing the limits by Katie McGarry to one lucky person.

SO WRONG FOR EACH OTHER...AND YET SO RIGHT.No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with “freaky” scars on her arms. Even Echo can’t remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo’s world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she’ll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

As I mentioned, this giveaway is for an uncorrected proof copy, so the book actually looks like this, but it's brand new, never been read :)

The giveaway is open to all as long as I can post to you from England, you just have to fill in the form. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

UK vs THE WORLD (27)

UK vs. The world is a weekly meme I made up lol.

It's simlair to UK vs. US except the UK covers are battling it out with their foreign counterparts from all over the world, because who doesn't love judging books by their covers!

UK                        vs.                  Poland

Clockwork angel by Cassandra Clare

The infernal devices book one.

('Mechaniczny Anioł' translates to 'Mechanical angel.' - According to google translate.)

Mist: It's a bit of a draw for me I think, I love the backgroud of the Polish cover but I prefer the guy on the UK cover, but since I also like the backgroud and style of the UK I guess I'm leaning to that one more, both are pretty cool though.

Ninfa: These covers are so very similar in design and feel it's a difficult choice to make :)
I do think the UK cover is a little more stylish though, and better executed.
 The Polish cover just seems a little "rough on the edges" compared to the UK one.
 Overall this has always been a cover that catches my attention, with its very defined Steampunk style.
 UK win it is

Which do you prefer?

Destined - Review

Destined by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

House of night book nine.

Available now.

www.atombooks.net

What's it about?

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet - which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together - if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow...

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia's handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more - or possibly less - than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there's something strangely familiar about him...

Will Neferet's true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox's humanity in time to protect him - and everyone - from his own fate? Find out what's destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

My review

As a big fan of this series, (I even have HON tattoos!) I can't help but start to feel short changed with these books as the story drags out and nothing much really happens to progress it, by the end of Destined very little was added to the main story arc and I felt like I could've just skipped to the next book, when it's out, without really missing much.

As with some previous books, at some point there was a poem and a vision that predicted a bad event the gang try to avoid, yet somehow it still happens but not how they imagined it was going to. It made the book predictable, this formula isn't surprising any more because it's happened before and as the reader, I was expecting it, there were other parts that were predictable but I don't want to mention them and spoil. It wasn't shocking or gripping, there's no growth in the characters - except one - and I'm sad to say that I'm starting to feel let down with this series, either it should have ended three books ago or a new story arc introduced. 

Never the less, after coming so far, I expect I'll continue to read the books to see how it all ends in the hopes that they will get better because I do love the girls writing and ideas, it's just the story that's feeling stale.

My thoughts on the cover

I do love these covers and this one is no exception, I especially love the red and the necklace.

Favourite quotes

'We lost ourselves in each other then. Stark's touch chased away death and despair and fear. Together we reminded each other of life and love and happiness.' - Zoey and Stark.

'"Yes. I know." He caressed the side of her head, loving the softness of her hair, and let his fingers trail slowly down her neck and shoulder.' - Rephaim and Stevie Rae.

Find the authors
P.C. Casts Website
House of night website
Facebook
Kristin Cast Twitter
P.C. Goodreads
Kristin Goodreads

Sunday treats (8)

Sunday treats is my brand new meme hosted here by me!

Each week I will be treating you to a hunky treat to drool over because after a week of hard work you deserve it!

To keep it loosely book related I'll post pictures of actors that have played roles in films or TV programmes made from books, unless a guys just so damn hot I have to post him anyway!

If you wanna join in then just post your own hot guy and come and link back so I can come and drool look.

I promise no boys were hurt in the making of this post.

And here's this week’s guy.

Well I couldn't do Sunday treats without this guy at some point! Jensen Ackles plays Dean Winchester in the awesome Supernatural, he's also had parts in Dawsons creek, Smallville and Dark angel. But as far as book to movies/tv, I don't think he's been in any lol