Discovering the book: The Assassin's Curse

I'm stumbling across lots of things book-related recently. So, I'm sorry to bother you all with my little discoveries XD But found this book called The Assassin's Curse (The Assassin's Curse #1) by Cassandra Rose Clarke today because a friend of mine was reading it. I first thought it was already out and my reaction was to go to the library website to request it. But then I looked up on Goodreads and found that no, there's still a good three months before it will be released!

Well, just to share with you here its cover which was released in May (haha yea I'm a bit behind aren't I?)

And the Synopsis:
Ananna of the Tanarau is the eldest daughter of a highly-ranked family in the loose assortment of cutthroats and thieves in the Pirate's Confederation. When she runs away from the marriage her parents have arranged for her, they hire Naji the assassin to murder her.

When a mysterious woman in a dress shop offers her magical assistance for dealing with the assassin, Ananna accepts. She never went in much for magic herself -- she lacks the talent for it -- but she's not quite ready to die yet, either. Unfortunately, the woman's magic fails.

Fortunately, Ananna inadvertently saves the assassin's life in the skirmish, thus activating a curse that had been placed on him a few years earlier. Now, whenever her life is in danger, he must protect her -- or else he experiences tremendous physical pain. Neither Ananna nor the assassin, Naji, are pleased about this development.Follow Ananna and Naji as they sail across the globe, visiting such mysterious places as the Court of Salt and Waves, in their desperate effort to lift the curse. Soon they will discover that only by completing three impossible tasks will they be able to set themselves free.

 (It's looking good, and hopefully won't disappoint!)

Seizure (Virals #2)

Seizure (Virals #2) by Kathy Reichs

Rating: 5 stars

Ahhh~ It was worth the long wait in the library waiting list XD Seizure is an amazing sequel to the first book in the series Virals. There really isn't much to say except that I loved this book. Science fictions can be fool-hardy and uncomfortable to read, but this series nailed it.

This is an amazing science fiction book, just as good (if not better) than Virals.
In Seizure, the main characters develop more and we see the pack of Virals becoming tighter and stronger. I really admire the heroine Tory as she is strong, determined and persuasive, she is an apt leader and knew how to tackle situation. The four Virals were also super smart and daring, I just got drawn right into the story and didn't want to put the book down until I finished. Faith, trust, determination and courage were some of the themes that stood out in this book. I experienced the emotions that the characters experienced and was in/apart of the story as much as the characters themselves. There were so much adrenaline mixed into an exciting adventure. Also, I learnt a lot of new information from reading this book (though some of them I may need to check if they are true? haha XD). In this second book, there is a hint of romance as well, I'm looking forward to see if it will bloom in the next book and where the author will take it next.I just can't wait to read the third book Code when it comes out. So excited! Go the science geeks haha XD  


Synopsis from Goodreads

The second novel in the Virals trilogy from #1 bestselling author and inspiration for the TV series Bones - Kathy Reichs!

Ever since Tory Brennan and her friends rescued Cooper, a kidnapped wolf pup with a rare strain of canine parvovirus, they've turned from regular kids into a crime-solving pack! But now the very place that brought them together - the Loggerhead Island Research Institute - is out of funding and will have to shut down. That is, unless the Virals can figure out a way to save it!So when Tory learns of an old Charleston legend about a famous she-pirate, Anne Bonney, whose fortune was never found, she can't believe her luck - buried treasure is exactly what she needs to save the Institute on Loggerhead! Trouble is, she and her friends aren't the only ones looking for it. And this time, the Virals' special powers may not be enough to dig them out of trouble . . .  

Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1)

Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

Rating: 4.5 stars

Before any of you read on, you should be warned that Bloodlines is a spinoff series of the Vampire Academy so if you haven't read VA, this book will spoil a lot of things for you, and you might get a little confused of its contents, so I recommended you read VA first. As many of my friends found out too late: they read Bloodlines first and ruined the whole VA series for themselves.

As many of you know, I am team Adrian and felt devastatingly sorry for him at the end of VA. To a book with Adrian as the main guy character, how can I not be happy?


I really loved the Vampire Academy series. I wasn't expecting to, but after the ongoing nagging of my dear friends, I finally decided to read them. To my complete surprise, I rushed through all six books and finished them in a week! So when I got news that the Bloodlines series will be tying the loose ends to the side characters in VA, I was stoked. 

Bloodlines starrs Sydney as the main character. Comparing to Rose, who was the main character of VA, she did seemed to be weaker and less determined or kick-ass. But that was to be expected as she was a human, not a half vampire. I felt a little weird at the beginning, reading in Sydney's point of view, but this feeling soon disappeared with the progress of them book. Sydney also grew stronger following the extend of the story. The book started off with an Alchemist meeting in which we met Sydney's father, her sister and a few other Alchemists. I immediately disliked Sydney's father. That man was despicable and rotten, I couldn't believe Sydney and her family wered undered him and still half respected him. He really was the worst father in the world. Sydney's sister struck me as naive and not very mature minded. This was also where we met Keith, a character whom Sydney strongly disliked. Sydney was then sent on an undercover mission to protect the Moroi Princess Jill (because of some assassination plot). She was to stay with Jill in a human High School. With due course to the plot development, we met Adrian, Eddie and even Rose. 

I may be a little biased, but I really liked Adrian in most parts of this book. At the start, he seemed to be very like his Adrian-self, flippant, flirtatious, sarcastic and never serious, but rather funny. Yet I felt that he was absolutely shattered from the fall-out with Rose. He slowly became a central part of this story and grew more serious. I liked him because whenever anyone was hurt, he was there to offer help and his support. He knew when to be serious and when to be light-hearted despite his own pain. But once or twice he seemed a little out of character with all his seriousness, other than that it was a brilliant depiction of Adrian.

Sydney also seemed to be different from who she was in VA. She seemed like such an uptight and stonic character then. She also seemed to strictly follow instructions she was given. But in Bloodlines, the reader saw so much more of her and realised that she is in fact strong and determined in her own way. She also seemed much more rebellious. The author also explained Sydney's fears and attitude which made me find her much more likable. As a character, she grew up and built up personality.

A little negative point was that I didn't like the character of Jill in this book. She didn't seem to be the innocent girl whom we knew in VA. Jill seemed so dark and gloomy in Bloodlines and her actions scared me a bit. I understood the difficulties she experienced though I hope she will learn to control her situation and herself better in the next book. 

The writing was fluid and the plot tight. I liked all the developments to the story and it wasn't predictable in the least. Though I would have liked the author to use a little extensive vocabulary, overall the read was pleasing and enjoyable. Mead knew how to balance her writing style (including descriptions) with her plot movement. Good job! 

I really need to rethink the statement about Cassandra Clare being the Queen of evil cliffhangers, Richelle Mead! How can you finish Bloodlines on such a note?! I need The Golden Lily right now!!

Can't wait to read The Golden Lily!! 



Synopsis from Goodreads

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood. 

Giveaway of Struck at Pages From My Thoughts

If you want to win a copy of Struck by Jennifer Bosworth, then head over to Pages From My Thoughts and enter the giveaway there.

Here is the link: http://www.thoughtsandroses.blogspot.in/2012/06/exclusive-interview-with-jennifer.html

It's a book which I have yet to read but am really interested in because of the many positive reviews so far. 

Iron's Prophecy Cover reveal

The Iron's Prophecy (The Iron Fey #4.5) 

I just stumbled across Julie Kagawa's author blog today, and guess what I found? Iron's Prophecy cover reveal!


Don't know if you have all read the Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa, but it is one of my favourite YA series. There are primarily four books in the series: The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, The Iron Queen and The Iron Knight. I'm usually not a faerie story person, but this is really one of the best YA series ever. I really liked the the twist and mix of Shakespeare's A Mid Summer Night's Dream into the tale. Hey! Don't go "Ughhh!" on me, I'm usually not much of a Shakespeare person either, but Kagawa's spinning of the tale hooked me right in. If you haven't read them, you should! 


Well, this is a short e-novella after the series (It's #4.5). There is also Winter's Passage (#1.5) and Summer's Crossing (3.5) which are all little e-novellas relating to the main series. It doesn't matter if you don't read these little in-betweens the author has written as they don't affect the actual series, but they are always fun to read.


Julie Kagawa is going to write a spin-off series (book 1 is called The Lost Prince) for the Iron Fey Series, starring Meghan's younger brother Ethan. I'm excited and afraid at the same time: I want more of the Iron Fey world, but at the same time fearing that the spin-off series might ruin the original series... Let's just hope that they don't have too much mixing together and that it will be good!


Anyway, looking forward to when this little treat comes out in September!  

Storm (Elementals #1)

Storm (Elementals #1) by Brigid Kemmerer

Rating: 5 stars


The cover and the blurb of the book instantly drew me to this book. (I know I know, don't judge a book by its cover, whatever... I read the blurb! XD)

So I was very excited when it came for me in the library, and as I expected: it was really good! I loved this book! :)

Storm is exhilarating, full of action, unexpected twist-and-turns and supernatural hotness all packed in one volume. I didn't expect to like it so much before I started reading it, I thought it was probably going to be a 4-star book for me at the most, but it came as a pleasant surprise. 

I really liked the component of elemental powers in the book, the four Merrick brothers in the book had such different personalities that it was fun to read their conversations and actions. This idea of elements and pentagons (represents the five elements) was very original in this style of writing. The main antagonist/heroine Becca struck me as a bit weak at first, but slowly through the book she became stronger. And I have to say I really liked Chris Merrick XD 

I felt quite sorry for Michael at some parts of the book because it's quite hard to manage a house full of younger brothers as the oldest only by a few years. But as the book progressed, the relationship between the brothers become more matured and pleasant to read. I'm looking forward to read the next book Spark, which will mainly focus on Gabriel's point of view. But I will miss having Chris and Becca as the main characters. :P 


Synopsis from Goodreads


Earth. Fire. Air. Water.

When Becca Chandler saves Chris Merrick from being beaten-up in the school car park, she has no idea how dramatically this one action will change her life. Chris is no ordinary guy and neither are his three older brothers. The Merrick boys are Elementals. Hot. Powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

Then there's Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time. With her life at stake, Becca doesn't know who to trust or whose secrets she should keep. and with two boy vying for her affections, and pressure rising all around her, will she find out in time who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all?

Take Cover.The storm is coming! 

Elemental Reality (Elemental #1)

Elemental Reality (Elemental #1) By Cesya Marae Cuono

Rating: 2.5 stars

I really wanted to love this book, I honestly really did want that. But because of several reasons, it prevented me from doing so. 


The biggest emotion I felt from reading this book and after I had finished it was confusion.
"Don't start what you can't finish", even the author herself had used this sentence in her book. I really thought she should have taken her own advice. I was so confused at so many parts of the story! I think the author expected us to use too much inference or experience the situation as the characters did, but there was just simply not enough clues to figure things out! I felt that most situations like that should have been better explained, the descriptions could have prolonged a bit more. For the most parts, the author was in danger of describing too little instead of otherwise. Sometimes, I have to re-read parts of the book to see if I can glimpse any other little details I have left behind in order to understand the series of events. This confusion annoyed me and exhausted me during my time reading Elemental Reality.


It was quite a typical and very predictable Young Adult novel. When I said "typical" here, I didn't mean it in a good way. It can be said as original in the way the author manipulated the plot and character, but it wasn't a necessary innovation (not sure if you got what I meant...). Even though the circumstance is different because of different characters and background, the main idea of this story seemed to have been written numerous times. I really hoped for some variety and originality from this book. 


The characters were a positive about the book. I quite liked many of the characters. The two characters I loved the most in the book were Ady and Emery. They were the main character Callie's best friends. They really were the best friends ever! They were like those true friends who could cheer you up no matter what and will always be by your side. When no one else believed Callie on some truths she found out in the story, Ady and Emery believed her and trusted her. They looked out for her too, and really cared for her. No matter what, Ady and Emery were a big reason why I finished the book and still liked it a fair bit. If I had friends like that I would be happy and miss them heaps when we are away from each other just like Callie, Ady and Emery. But I didn't like the big-headedness of Callie or Lola (the two sisters). Some of the situations were just too easy and expected. None of the characters developed over the course of the book. It was as if they were all the same from beginning to end.


Cayden was a confusing and contradicting character. The author wrote quite a few descriptions about him which I didn't know what to think of. One second he seemed good, the next apparently he was evil?! You really don't know which to believe. All of these perceptions were from the main character, who wasn't a very reliable narrator. So if she was confused, the readers were even more confused. What I really wanted to know was whether Cayden was all dark-side or what?! 


The ending was also something that greatly puzzled me. I had no idea about some "realisations" at the end. It ended on a very strange note, and it made me so frustrated that I was pulling my hair out over that one trying to get some facts straight about certain characters. It didn't seem a like a good note to finish on and it was a huge cliffhanger. I guess it was a way to keep the readers on their feet and count down to when the next book comes out, but it just felt weird to end on that note for me. 


The writing style was very simply, at times it even slightly childish. It felt like the author was just recording a day's events straight off the top of her head at some points. There wasn't enough description and the vocabulary was also quite restricted. The writing was not fluid, there was no fluidity in the joinning of sentences or sometimes paragraphs. It felt awkward to read sometimes and not enough pauses were added in dialogues. But I have to give her some credit on making up quite a pretty story world which made me manage to finish the whole book. I liked some of the ideas of the different types of Faeries and Conjurers, and the colours associated with their elemental abilities I could imagine while reading certain parts of the book. Some relationships were also valuable and worthy rooting for. But I didn't really find the "Soul mate" part overly believable. Maybe everyone had a soul mate, but they way and age which they "feel" their soul mate just seemed a bit weird. I guess you have to read to understand what I was talking about, as I don't want to ruin much of the story. 


Overall, it was an OK read, a book which you can read and maybe will like when you've time to waste or when you are bored. It had a good idea forming but the way the writing was presented dimmed it a little. I liked it but it's not a book I will re-read or really wish to own. If you like Faeries and elemental abilities, feel free to give it a go, but don't have too high an expectation when you start. Who knows, you might love it! I'm still interested to see where the second book will lead to though. Fingers-crossed it will not be more forthcoming and well paced! :) 

Synopsis from Goodreads 


When Callie Pierce was ten, her mother disappeared without a trace. On the eve of her disappearance twelve years later, the earth seemingly comes alive. The elements speak to Callie, and that's only the beginning. Everything she has ever known was a twisted fabrication to protect her. Now the truth is set free. Callie and her sister are more powerful than any Faerie ever born. Now they have to use their powers to save their mother and family from the evil hands of fate that threaten to tear them apart. Welcome to her elemental reality. 

Giveaway at A Reading Daydreamer

Wow, looks like someone is out to celebrate! Beverly at A Reading Daydreamer has already reached 270 followers!! Now she's got more than 300 XD Lucky girl!! Hope you will reach your 500 mark soon :)

But yea, she is holding an awesome giveaway. The link is: http://a-reading-daydreamer.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/270-followers-international-giveaway.html?showComment=1341444751762#c5927289107301249266

Concert Band Tour and Shadow and Bone Review

So firstly, sorry for ignoring my blog for a little while. I haven't been very active the past week or two because I was on a tour! I play in the top Concert Band at school and we have just had a tour around New Zealand (mainly in Rotorua) with the band. It was good fun and I got to know a lot more people as well as making some new friends. In Rotorua we also participated in the Rhapsody Festival (an Australasian competition) and took home two gold awards! Yippy! XD So yea, I didn't have any access to internet all that time so my appologies! So glad to be back :)

Anyway, that also means I owe you a review for the last week, and here it is! I finished Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. It was an amazing read.

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Rating: 5 stars

Magic, war, adventure and love, mixed together, BAMM! How can you not love it? Shadow and Bone was an exquisite read, it really was amazingly written with an unexpected plot.

I first saw this book on Goodreads and I was skeptical about whether or not it will be a good read. Then when it arrived for me in the library shortly after its release date (I got in fast on the library waiting list, yay!) I was getting quite excited from all the positive reviews I had previously read. Turned out, I absolutely loved Shadow and Bone!

The whole idea of the book tuned me in right from the beginning, especially about the strong friendship between the central female and male characters. When I saw the synopsis of it saying that Alina would be separated from Mal, I further lowed my expectations. I didn't think that the author can make the book interesting with just Alina's thoughts and actions. Fortunately, I was proven wrong. This is the only book I have read so far which successfully separated the two main characters but still continued a brillant story that hooked me in. The friendship between Alina and Mal was so pure and intense, and I was very moved by their relationship. It's hard to have something like that, and one should always treature it while it lasts. The invention of Grishas was innovative. The writing style of the book was also something I really came to love. It reminded me of the writing style of Graceling: slightly olden-day styled yet suitable for fantasy. 

The main character started off as a bit petite and weak but grew up and built up personality and strength as the story progressed. We the readers grew up with the character, that was a powerful thing the author did there: she connected our lives and feelings to Alina. Mal was something of a constant, he symbolised strength and trust. I didn't like him at first because of his flamboyant personality at the beginning of the book, but because of various events and insights, I came to like him and understand him.

The Darkling was something of an enigma, as to why he is, you will have to read and find out! I can't really figure him out that well; even till the end of the book, there were still things which I didn't quite get, questions which I still wondered about. But it was hard to like or not like him (hard to have an opinion of him). I guess that's why there is a next book coming. All in all, I thought Shadow and Bone could have been a stand-alone book. But I am intrigued to see where the author will take it next. If you like a good fantasy, you should totally read this! 


Synopsis from Goodreads:


Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. 

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. 

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.

The Torn Wing Cover and Release date

The Torn Wing (The Faerie Ring #2) by Kiki Hamilton

 The Torn Wing is the second book in the Faerie Ring series by Kiki Hamilton. The first book The Faerie Ring, was brilliantly written, it is one of the few books involving Faeries which I liked. The time of this series is set in Victorian Time. The writing style is descriptive and fluid, a very enjoyable read. I also loved the whole idea of making the main character a street urchin in the beginning (but then there's a whole big story behind why she is what she was).

I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good read (it doesn't matter if you don't like Faeries, it really isn't your typical faerie young adult book).

Now, here is the long waited cover!! I can't wait till it's release on October 2nd 2012!!! Still so long to go...

Here is the back cover as well as showing the cover of the first book The Faerie Ring.