Review Policy

Saturday 26 May 2012

Author Interview: Siobhan Curham + Dear Dylan Giveaway.

Author Interview: Siobhan Curham + Dear Dylan Giveaway.
What inspired you to write Dear Dylan?
I was inspired to write a novel for young adults after running loads of writing workshops in schools. My first four books were for adults but, because I enjoy working with young people so much, I wanted to write something they could read. Working in high schools also reminded me of how tough the teenage years can be, so I wanted to write books that looked at the issues teens face and that they would hopefully find helpful and inspiring.
Who is currently your favourite author?
Jandy Nelson, author of the YA novel, The Sky is Everywhere. It’s such a great book and her characters are so interesting and likeable, it leaves you wishing you lived in their world.
If you could have written any book in the world what would it have been?
I wish I had the imagination to have written The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I loved the Narnia books as a kid.
Dream destination?
America. It’s where my Grandma was from and I go back there a lot to visit my family. My dream destination in America is probably South Carolina for the beautiful scenery, lovely people and delicious food.
Cats or dogs?
I’ll have to say dogs so I don’t offend my dog Max! I got Max from a rescue centre and he was really badly treated by his previous owners. I’ve had him for five years now so he’s a lot more confident than he was when I first got him, but he’s still terrified of footballs, which is a bit random – and inconvenient, as my son is an avid footballer!
How would you describe your main character Georgie?
Georgie has been through a lot – her dad died when she was younger and her step-dad has a very violent temper, but she is one of those people who never gives up hope. She has a real zest for life and no matter what happens to her, she continues chasing her dream of one day becoming an actress. She is loosely based on a girl who came to a drama workshop I ran a few years ago. She was living in foster care after coming to Britain as an asylum seeker. She’d obviously been through a lot in her life and yet her energy and enthusiasm were infectious. I wanted to create a character readers would be inspired by – and who would hopefully encourage them to chase their own dreams.
Favourite spot to write?
In the winter I love writing on my laptop snuggled up in bed. In the summer I love to write outside, especially now I’ve moved to the countryside and have a much nicer view. Wherever I write though, my dog is always curled up at my feet, and sometimes, if he’s feeling a bit left out, he’ll start pawing away at the keyboard, like he’s trying to join in!
Any plans for a new book?
I have a new YA novel coming out next year called Finding Cherokee Brown. It’s all about a girl who’s being bullied at school and how she finds a unique way to fight back. I hate bullying and it makes me sick that it still goes on so much in schools and online. I wanted to write something that would inspire victims of bullying to find their own way of fighting back, just like the main character Cherokee does.
 
Thankyou so much Siobhan for participating in my blog and for doing an author interview for me.
 
Giveaway:
Being so kind and wonderful Siobhan has also kindly offered a copy of her books Dear Dylan.
 
Summary: A first crush. An unexpected friendship. A dream come true. Dear Dylan! Thanks so much for your email and I'm sorry about my last one when I said I love you. I hope you don't think I'm a weirdo mentalist?!!! It's just that I was watching Oprah yesterday and she said we should all say we love each other a whole lot more. Not to everyone of course. There's no way I'd tell my scummy step-dad that I love him because that would be lying. But the thing is, sometimes when I watch you on TV, I feel as if you're talking just to me and it makes me feel less alone. I know you probably get loads and loads of fan mail but I wanted to ask you - could we be e-mates? Yours hopefully, Georgie xxx                                             
To win a fabulous copy of this book all you have to do is follow the rafflecopter rules.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Review: Obsidian (Lux, #1) By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Obsidian (Lux, #1) By Jennifer L. Armentrout.                        

Summary: Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don't kill him first, that is.
Review: Well as you probably all.....already know, this book has very good reviews. But I just thought why not I join in the review rave because this but deserves it, its possibly the best book Ive read so far this year! And I mean that (even if I have only read about 8 books haha) I pre-ordered this book months back and when I saw the summary when I first purchased it I couldnt possibly understand why no one had really talked about this book yet because it looked fabulous. So when I ended up getting it through the post I noticed big responds for this and I guess it must of led up to its expectations. This book from even the start picks up quick. From the first page I was like I cannot put this book down I must read it all. It is about a girl called Katy who is a awesome character just from the start. She is a book blogger people! Something we can all relate to obviously. Who pretty much hasnt got a adventurous life, shes like your plain jane, hasnt got many friends and stays in her bedroom most of the time.
So when her dad dies of course they move and of course this is where the sexiest, brooding male character comes into it. Daemon. Hes in this book straight from the beginning, from the moment Katy knocks on the door to introduce herself. No sad sob story that takes up a quater of the book about Katys past life. We get straight into it and for that Jennifer I pat you on the back. We also get introduced to his sister Dee who is such a lovely character too, she just wants to make friends with everyone and clearly treats Katy like a sister. From the start Daemon hates Katy but because of him using his alien powers in front of her it leaves a mark which leads to him having to look after her all the time because he could get her killed. Of course while he pretends to hate her and seems to have a soft spot for her really, he also has to be careful because hes being chased after by other aliens that want to kill him because of the powers him and his "Alien friends" have.
Its really, really good. But I dont want to say to much, because I would be ruining it. But theres so much to this story. We have a powerful romance that touches you and alien magic going on. Its such a unique book and different to what Im used to reading. I cannot wait for the next book out. You must get this book if you havent read it yet. I rate this A+

Waiting On Wednesday: Splintered #6

Waiting On Wednesday:
Hosted By Breaking the Spine. Every wednesday you pick a book your waiting to be released that you're excited for and share it with your book pals.

This week I picked Splintered By A.G.Howard.

Summary: For sixteen years, Alyssa Gardner has lived with the stigma of being descended from Alice Liddell -- the real life inspiration for Lewis Carroll's famed novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. But cruel jokes about dormice and tea parties can’t compare to the fact that Alyssa hears the whispers of bugs and flowers ... the same quirk which sent her mother to a mental institution years before.

When her mother takes a turn for the worse and the whispers grow too strong for Alyssa to bear, she seeks the origins of their family curse. A set of heirlooms and a moth tied to an unusual website lead Alyssa and her gorgeous best friend / secret crush, Jeb, down the rabbit hole into the real Wonderland, a place more twisted and eerie than Lewis Carroll ever let on.

There, creepy counterparts of the original fairytale crew reveal the purpose for Alyssa’s journey, and unless she fixes the things her great-great-great grandmother Alice put wrong, Wonderland will have her head.


Date Release: January 2013.
Publishers:  Amulet Books.

When I saw this book had a twist of Alice in wonderland to it I just thought omg I need to get my hands on this book. I havent saw any books have a telling on this classic yet, so Im pretty excited! We will have to wait until 2013 though.

Monday 21 May 2012

ReVamped By Ada Adams Giveaway

ReVamped By Ada Adams Giveaway.

Summary: A simple mission turned deadly.

Nineteen-year-old vampire Dawn has led a sheltered life within the confines of her father’s presidential headquarters. Upon being sent on a mission to revamp four goofy misfits into guardians of a peaceful little town of Angel Creek, Dawn believes that all her dreams have finally come true. What starts off as a simple task, turns into something unexpected, changing Dawn’s life forever and leading the action-loving, thrill-seeking vampire teen on a path of mystery, danger and intrigue.

When a human girl is kidnapped by a group of rogue vamps, Dawn discovers that there is more going on in Angel Creek than meets the eye. And it all connects to Ethan, the cute newcomer who seems too perfect to be true, Sebastian, the mysterious vampire with a turbulent past, and even Dawn herself. Dawn must not only succeed in revamping the troubled recruits, but must also prevent the vampire race from being overtaken by a malevolent villain who has a strange and obsessive fascination with her. As threat escalates, romance blooms, and ghosts from her past begin to surface, Dawn is sure of only one thing: her life will never be the same.


Giveaway Time: First of all how beautiful is that cover seriously! Ada adams is such a lovely lady that shes even offered to give away a ebook of her revamped book but not just that but some awesome ReVamped SWAG to go with how awesome right?! Just follow the rules of the rafflecopter. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday 20 May 2012

Letterbox love (1)

Letterbox Love is a weekly book meme, showing everyone what books you have brought, been gifted and been sent in the week. Showing your love at the end of the week, with everything you have recieved in the letterbox.

What I got this week:
Bought:
1. Jersey Angel.
2. In Honor.
3. Second Chance Summer.
4. The Pledge. Was only 1.99 in The works!
5. Obsidan. (Im reading this atm and it is just so amazing seriously, I can see what the hype is about)

As you can see theres quite a summer theme going on this week. Im trying to read as many summer books as I can this summer. Aha, any sugestions let me know?

What books did you get in your letterbox this week? x

Monday 14 May 2012

The Golden Lily By Richelle Mead Giveaway

Giveaway: The Golden Lily By Richelle Mead.

 Summary: The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

Giveaway: Want to win a pre ordered copy of this beautiful book? Then heres how. 1.) Must be a subscriber of mine +1 entry and the main entry. GFC: Enchantedbooks 2.) Follow me on twitter (@enchantedbookss) Will give you an extra entry +1. 3)And for an extra two entries, retweet this on twitter. Check @enchantedbookss amazing giveaway, The Golden Lily By Richelle Mead the second in the bloodlines series. http://www.enchantedbooks.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/golden-lily-by-richelle-mead-giveaway.html  Once you have done the following up above, write it down in the comments section along with Your GFC and your email address.

The giveaway closes 29th May. This is international.

Sunday 13 May 2012

Review: Scarlet By A.C. Gaughen

Title: Scarlet
Genre: Young adult/ Action.
Author: A.C. Gaughen.
Publisher: Bloomsbury.

Summary: Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.


Review: So I was this book for review from the lovely publishers bloomsbury. Not really knowing nothing about the book, just knowing it was a tale based on Robin hood. And Im actually happy  that I didnt read reviews on this before I read it because I think thats what made this book so much more exciting! It was action packed from the first page and I instantly took to enjoying this book. Our main character is Scarlet. Known to others as Will Scarlet. Dressed as a boy, only the closest in her gang know that she is actually a girl. Shes part of Robin Hoods group and helps them with keeping the poor safe from the nasty sheriff. Obviously thats where the tradtionally classic is a part of this book but whats so different is we dont just see Robin Hood as a main part but someone else. I liked that Scarlet was fiesty and fierce. She was deffinetly different from most fictional girls. She was tough and deffinetly not a weak person.

The whole point to the story is to keeping the poor safe and getting them all to manage to pay their taxes by the end of a certain date. But along the lines there are alot of other story lines going on aswell like Scarlets big secret, a secret that is the only thing that Scarlet is actually scared of. But I wont spoil it. If you havent read it go read it.

The romance was so cute aswell! I loved Robin and Scarlet and how deeply in love with the other they were and how both their pride and protectiveness tried to hide all this. Robin is so charming and tough all at the same time. Hes just one of the characters that everyone loves. The risks and things he will do to keep his town safe are just really amazing. He is just someone trying to look after everyone around him. There were also characters like Little John and Much that were big characters in the story. You see John has feelings for Scarlet aswell and that Much looks up to Scarlet like shes his big sister. The gang of them really do adore and care for Scarlet and by reading this book you realise how much people will go to look after the ones they love.

And thankyou to A.C.Gaughen for explaining at the end of the book on why you wrote this retelling of Robin Hood it was actually really interesting to read.

I rate this one an A.

Tuesday 1 May 2012

R.A.K. April Wrap-Up!

R.A.K. April Wrap-Up
Random act of kindness is open to everyone. Its a place where people give and recieve books and have an awesome time doing it. Hosted By BookSoulmates.

I had an awesome RAK this month.
I sent:
Beks - Hex Hall. -
http://justanotherteenagebookworm.blogspot.co.uk/

Violet - You are so undead to me -
http://bingeingonbooks.wordpress.com/

Lethea Benson -
@Luvdaylilies

RAK's recieved:
£10 amazon gift card off Luvdaylilies.
Violet - Judy Blume Forever
Miri - An Abundance of katherines - http://itishowyouarenot.blogspot.com/
Beks - The Iron King -
http://justanotherteenagebookworm.blogspot.co.uk/

Thankyou ever so much guys, it was an honor to get books from you all.
XOXO