6 Seconds of Life Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway!

Today, as part of the 6 Seconds of Life blog tour, I will be sharing my review of the book and there is also a giveaway for an e-copy which I would strongly advise you to enter!  

 Name: 6 Seconds of Life

Author: Tonya Fitzharris

Publisher: Self

Release Date: September 1st 2012

Pages: 303

Source: For review (for blog tour purposes)

Rating: 4.5 stars

Maura has just jumped.
Now she has precisely six seconds until she hits the water below her--just six more seconds until she is finally freed from her mundane and aimless existence. Freed of all of the regrets and disappointments that have haunted her throughout her nineteen years.
She just needs to be free.
But as she falls, the most pivotal points of her life start to replay like a movie in her head: her family falling apart, her first love, her first heartbreak, and her first betrayal. As she remembers these moments that brought her to this point, will she feel a sense of peace? Or will her death be her greatest regret?

Beverley's Review

Guys.  I've just found THE self-published book that has exceeded my expectations and blown me away.  Thank you, Ms Fitzharris, for writing 6 Seconds of Life.  It was everything I wanted plus more - I hoped there would be depth and you gave me so much more than I ever expected.

The synopsis was what drew me to the book first.  I've seen a good few books which deal with suicide but it's not often the focus is on the person who actually commits it.  Curiosity overcame me to find out just how this author would deal with such a delicate matter.  Could she successfully write out all those memories spanning six seconds?

I must admit I expect less of self-published books but Tonya Fitzharris proved to me in 303 pages that she is an author worth noticing.  Despite a few grammatical and spelling errors here and there, Fitzharris writes with such a convincing, elegant style.  Each sentence held some sort of meaning and was filled with angst and sorrow and all sorts of emotion.  Her writing is what perhaps made me adore this book so much.  There is nothing flimsy or unsophisticated in 6 Seconds of Life.

Coupled with gorgeous prose, the characters added a fire of intensity to the novel.  As soon as we meet Maura, we realise what a broken young women she is.  As her memories develop, we witness all the devastating situations she suffered.  I couldn't imagine how I would react to some of the things that happened to her but her narration sucks you right in.  There were times when I'd put down my Kindle and feel empty and hollow, as if all my emotions had been sucked out.

There were some events which I felt Maura brought upon herself and I desperately wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her to her senses.  I deeply wished that someone could be there for her.  This 'someone' came in the form of Owen - a sweet, social butterfly.  He was Maura's 'light in all the darkness', someone she could rely on and turn to.  Their romance was ADORABLE to begin with and I really hoped they would last.  I adored him so when he broke Maura's heart, he broke mine too.

6 Seconds of Life is incredibly intense.  When Maura aches, you ache too.  All her emotions are reflected on to you and there is no way you won't feel her sadness and pain.  It's also one of those meaningful books which make you think.  It makes you realise how precious life is, how you should open up to people before it's too late and that you should never ever doubt if you are worthy of life.

All in all, 6 Seconds of Life is really worth picking up if you want a more serious, depressing read to cry over.  But please only do this if you're mentally prepared for the emotional rollercoaster it will take you on.  Tonya Fitzharris is an author to look out for: she writes beautifully and sensitively which makes reading her work all the more enjoyable and I must applaud her for making such a striking entrance into the YA fiction world.

4.5 teacups for 6 Seconds of Life

*Thanks to the author for the review copy for the blog tour*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Showcase Sunday #9

Showcase Sunday is hosted by the lovely Vicky over at Books, Biscuits, and Tea! It's a great way to share what you have received the past week and to also gush over the wonderful books to other bloggers have added to their bookshelves!

Bev's New Books:

Won: 

I was the lucky winner of the September prize pack for the British Book Challenge hosted by Kirsty at The Overflowing Library.  It was kindly donated by Strange Chemistry and the books they sent me look really riveting!

Pantomime by Laura Lam (ARC):  I'm feeling incredibly lucky to have received an ARC of Pantomime - I really like the sound of a circus setting and it seems really mysterious and thrilling!  And I LOVE the cover!

Shift by Kim Curran: This book caught my eye a while ago and I was intrigued by the synopsis so I am really happy to have got a chance to read this.  The idea of undoing your decisions seems really awesome but I'm eager to see how the author takes a darker turn with it.

The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke: Assassins seem to be popular right now in the YA fiction world!  I probably won't be prioritising this but I'm looking forward to reading it.

Blackwood by Gwenda Bond: I'd never heard of this until it came in the post and the cover is slightly scary... maybe I'll leave this one for a summer night when it's not so dark outside...

Jen's New Books:

For Review:

Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas: Got this one for a blog tour coming up on the 8th of November! So excited to read this one.

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young: I was totally going to buy this one sooner or later, since I've heard so many superb things about it!

**Thanks to Shane, Stephanie Thomas, Entangled, Netgalley, and NAL!

Borrowed (Audio):

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga: This book. LOVE. Got it for Halloween, and guys, I didn't think I would like it but so far, it's freaking awesome.
Split by Swati Avashi: I've heard FREAKING AWESOME things about this one, so of course I want to try it!

Kindle Freebies:

Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey: I've been wanting to read this one for so long! (It's not free anymore, sorry guys!)

The Deepest Cut by J.A. Templeton: This one is a horror, believe it or not. It's gotten rave reviews, and Giselle from Xpresso Reads loved it! :)

Released by Megan Duncan: That cover. Kick-butt. That is all.

Inhale by Kendall Grey: I've heard this one is super hot, so of course I have to read it ;)

Mortal Obligation by Nichole Chase: Haven't heard too much about this one, but it sounded interesting and had pretty good reviews!

Wander Dust by Michelle Warren: Pretty cover! The synopsis is really unique. :)

That's it from us this week!  Don't forget to link us up to your hauls!

Happy reading,
Beverley and Jen xxx

REVIEW: Snake Beach by Lisa Glass

Name: Snake Beach

Author: Lisa Glass

Publisher: Self

Release Date: unknown

Pages: 200

Source: For review (from author)

Rating: 2.5 stars

Life is good for Jenny Grand, living in a beachside chalet on the Cornish coast, chilling out and body-boarding, until one day her ex-boyfriend Han returns to her home town of Hayle. Shortly afterwards, the town is invaded by TV modelling talent show Britain's Next Catwalk Queen, and everything begins to go wrong.
Part romance, part mystery, and part coming-of-age story, Snake Beach is a gripping novel for young adults.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

I'm struggling to write this review because I really, really wanted to love this but I was left disappointed.  I was hoping for a thoroughly gripping mystery which would have me hooked from beginning to end and maybe a thrilling romance, as suggested in the blurb.

One of the main factors which must be done well in order for me to enjoy a book is the characters.  None of the characters really stood out.  I felt Jenny was a little flat and she lacked an individual personality.  She was also a little immature and occasionally outwardly rude which irked me. The love interest, Han, wasn't really special either.  To me, he was too two-dimensional and I felt he could have been developed more.  I wasn't swept off my feet by him and I didn't understand why Jenny was so smitten with him.

Talking of Han, I felt a little misled by the blurb.  Snake Beach is supposed to be 'part romance' but the romance felt quite secondary.  It wasn't exactly insta-love but what I gathered was: Jenny and Han had a 'thing' in the past, Han leaves Cornwall, comes back... BOOM! - they're 'in love' again.  There was no build up to the rekindling of their past relationship and there was no explanation as to why Jenny liked him so much.  It was all quite sudden and unexpected.

The 'part mystery' I was promised also didn't really deliver.  The build up wasn't explored deep enough and the 'truths' were revealed a little too hastily at the end.  I found myself not really caring for the plot.  In places, it just felt unrealistic and impossible which meant I wasn't hooked by the whole mystery.

My dismissal of the plot was perhaps due to the writing.  It was mediocre and not very sophisticated, unable to draw me into the book.  Perhaps, Glass was trying to develop some sort of quirky style for our Cornish protagonist, Jenny.  But it just didn't work for me and detracted from my enjoyment of the story overall.  However, I cannot deny that the ideas were both original and unique.  I don't think anyone's ever written something like it and I do wonder how Glass managed to mix everything together.

Despite the flaws, what I like most about it and what led me to accept the book for review in the first place was the setting.  It's set in Cornwall - a place which I adore - and hardly any books are set in such a quiet place so I was eager to see how Glass would throw in a mixture of misfortunes and scandal.  The coastal, beach location brought back many childhood memories and made me a little nostalgic which I was grateful for.

Overall, I had high hopes for Snake Beach and unfortunately it fell short.  It had an original focus but the characters and writing style were too mediocre to create an enticing read.  I feel that if I had read this during my pre/early teen years, I would have maybe given this 4 stars so despite being marketed as a young adult book, I believe younger teens would enjoy this far more.

2.5 Teacups for Snake Beach

*Thanks to the author for the review copy*

Alfie the Sniffer Pup (November '12 Edition)

Alfie the Sniffer Pup is a monthly feature here on A Reading Daydreamer where I spotlight exciting upcoming releases and book-ish news which my pup, Alfie has kindly 'sniffed' out for me!

Alfie has been working hard this month to sniff out some awesome releases for you despite the cold weather! If, like Alfie, you're not particularly fond of freezing cold temperatures, why not cosy up with one of the books featured below?

Reached by Ally Condie

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Undeadly by Michele Vail

Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Renegade by J.A. Souders

Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Echo by Alyson Noel

Morningside by Ashley Madau

Lullaby by Amanda Hocking

Witch World by Christopher Pike

Bad Hair Day by Carrie Harris

Greta and the Goblin Kind by Chloe Jacobs

Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas

Touched by Corrine Jackson

Lots of amazing book coming out this month, huh?  I'll probably cosy up in a blanket on the sofa and snuggle down with a good read, while blissfully listening to the fireworks outside!

That's another Sniffer report from me and Alfie for the coming month!  Hope you guys have a splendid November!

Happy reading,

Beverley xxx

REVIEW: Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer

Name: Smart Girls Get What They Want

Author: Sarah Strohmeyer

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Release Date: June 26, 2012 (US)

Pages: 352, Hardcover

Source: ARC from Library group

Rating: 4.5 Teacups

Gigi, Bea, and Neerja are best friends and total overachievers. Even if they aren't the most popular girls in school, they aren't too worried. They know their "real" lives will begin once they get to their Ivy League colleges. There will be ivy, and there will be cute guys in the libraries (hopefully with English accents)! But when an unexpected event shows them they're missing out on the full high school experience, it's time to come out of the honors lounge and into the spotlight. They make a pact: They will each take on their greatest challenge--and they will totally "rock" it.
Gigi decides to run for student rep, but she'll have to get over her fear of public speaking--and go head-to-head with gorgeous California Will. Bea used to be one of the best skiers around, until she was derailed. It could be time for her to take the plunge again. And Neerja loves the drama club but has always stayed behind the scenes--until now.
These friends are determined to show the world that smart girls really can get what they want--but that could mean getting way more attention than they ever bargained for. . . .

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

Guys, this book was SO SO CUTE. Like I love it a lot. This book was MADE for me, I swear. Not only did the cover & title attract my attention, but I instantly knew that I would be able to connect with the characters in the book, because, well, I'm a nerd, too. I'm so glad to say that my hypothesis was correct; I completely understood the characters and thoroughly enjoyed Smart Girls Get What They Want.

I'm not even quite sure if there is anything that I didn't like about this book. As I mentioned before, the characters were so awesome. ALL three main protagonists were fresh, funny, and sweet. I so need a group of supportive friends like Bea and Neerja! I loved all of them equally.

And let's not forget about the boys of the book. Will was totally swoon-worthy, in the beach boy type of way. But towards the end, I decided to fall for the other boy, Mike. In contrast, Mike was annoying in the beginning, but his sweet side shines through in the end it's just freaking cute.

The plot was extremely fun as well! The concept was pretty simple but Sarah Strohmeyer was capable of making it interesting. I wasn't bored for a second! Just the everyday lives of the high school girls were entertaining to read about. There were just so many elements in the novel that was so relatable that made it smooth and easy to read through (it freaking scared me how similar Gigi's life is to mine! i.e. We both want British husbands, we're both taking advanced chemistry, etc.).

That said, I would reread it again without hesitation. Smart Girls Get What They Want is an adorable contemporary that readers will enjoy (especially if you're a smart girl yourself! ;)) If you're looking for a fun, light, cute read, this one is highly, highly recommended!

4.5 Teacups for Smart Girls Get What They Want!

REVIEW: Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Name: Mockingbird

Author: Kathryn Erskine

Publisher: Usbourne

Release date: January 2012

Pages: 223

Source:  For review 

Rating: 4 stars

11-year-old Caitlin has Asperger’s syndrome, and has always had her older brother, Devon, to explain the confusing things around her. But when Devon is killed in a tragic school shooting, Caitlin has to try and make sense of the world without him. With her dad spending most of his time crying in the shower, and her life at school becoming increasingly difficult, it doesn’t seem like things will ever get better again.     

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

Mockingbird is a heart-warming tale of a young girl suffering from Asperger's syndrome and who must deal with the aftermath of her brother's death.  When Caitlin's older brother, Devon, dies in a tragic shooting, her world falls apart.  She has relied on him to give her answers and guide her way through life.  Will she ever be able to find closure?

Kathryn Erskine has created an incredibly sensitive account and brings forward a truly unique perspective.  There are books that can be enjoyable without complex characters and twisting plots, and Mockingbird is the perfect example.  The language is simple yet evocative, inducing smiles, laughs and tears.

Due to Asperger's syndrome, Caitlin sees life in a very pure and innocent way.  She views things as they are and does not look deep beneath the surface, thus the first-person narration is very naive, leading you straight into Caitlin's world to experience her perspective.  I found this to be really interesting and it gave me a greater understanding of people with Asperger's.

Because of this insight, it didn't matter to me if the plot was slow-paced.  Sweet, poignant moments cropped up every now and then, especially ones where Caitlin's only friend Michael was featured.  Also seeing Caitlin grow as a character and pull through her grief filled me with such warmth and pride as if I was watching a little sister spread her wings.

Mockingbird made me realise that even though we all live in the same world, others can view it so differently and it is our duty to embrace them and not isolate them from society.  Despite not being entirely original, Mockingbird is certainly a poignant, refreshing read, giving the reader a perceptive insight which is sure to touch their hearts.

4 teacups for Mockingbird!

*Thanks to the author and Usbourne for sending me a review copy*

Gravity Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway!

Today I am here as a participant for the Gravity Blog Tour, hosted by the lovely Shane at Itching For Books. Thanks so much for having me on this tour! I have my review of Gravity to share with you guys, as well as a giveaway! Yay! Check out the rest of the blog tour here.

Name: Gravity

Author: Melissa West

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Release Date: October 30, 2012 (US)

Pages: 350, Paperback

Source: Received for Review (Blog Tour)

Rating: 4 Teacups

In the future, only one rule will matter:
Don’t. Ever. Peek.
Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed — arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.
Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know — especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

Prior to reading the book, I didn't really know what Gravity was about. The synopsis is a bit vague--you've got a rebellion-like thing going on, a military legacy girl who is falling in love with a guy she shouldn't be falling in love with, and a planet on the cover. Out of the world creatures, perhaps? I don't know about other readers, but I was still confused as to what this supernatural creature exactly was until nearly halfway through the book, thus causing an instant downfall in my enjoyment for the book. No one likes to be confused for THAT LONG. It took much too long for the concept to be introduced. Other than that, Gravity had an exciting plot and a kick-butt main protagonist that was able to keep my interest throughout the entire novel.

As I mentioned before, the reader doesn't find out what the supernatural creature of the novel is until about 30%-50% of the novel is done. Ancients, is what they're called. I was confused and wondering to myself for the longest time, and God knows it's the most frustrating thing ever! No reader likes to be kept in the dark for so long. It also makes it a bit difficult to enjoy the story. Not only was the identity of the creature difficult to fathom, but also "the Taking". What was its purpose? It didn't make sense to me; I think it could have been explained better.

While the concept was a bit confusing, the plot was not. In fact, the plot was really exciting and there were tons of great plot-twisting! It kept me flipping pages; I HAD to know what happened next! Melissa did a great job keeping the reader intrigued.

The best part I think was Ari, the main character. Even though her father was a Commander and she was a military legacy, Ari wasn't strong because of this. I felt like Ari was bold and strong on her own, and I totally admired that about her. While she was hesitant about being with Jackson, she wasn't ever… afraid. She was confident in what she had to get done; in other words, she's a good rebel. *oooooooh, gasp*

Overall, Gravity was a highly enjoyable novel if you are able to see past the confusing section in the beginning of novel. Rebellions, out-of-this-world creatures, and a kick butt character, Gravity is a novel that will captivate you until you finish turn the last page.

4 Teacups for Gravity!

______________________________________________________

Now for the giveaway! One lucky winner will win a signed copy of Gravity, as well as swag!

US readers only, please!

a Rafflecopter giveaway