REVIEW: Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black

Name: Dance of Shadows

Author: Yelena Black

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Date published: 14th February 2013

Pages: 389, Paperback ARC

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 3 teacups

Vanessa doesn’t believe that her sister is a runaway. She wouldn’t leave her family behind without saying a word. The only way Vanessa can discover the truth behind her mysterious disappearance is to follow in Margaret’s footsteps, but to do so she risks her sanity and maybe even her life . . .
Vanessa Adler is one of the talented few to get a place at the acclaimed New York Ballet Academy. Between backbreaking rehearsals for the school’s production of The Firebird she desperately tries to find out what happened to her sister before she vanished. There are rumors that the pressure of performing the lead role, the same role Vanessa is now rehearsing for, drove her mad. Other girls have gone missing too. Can the role be cursed? Vanessa’s new relationship with leading-man Zep only seems to complicate things further. What is he hiding from her and can she really trust him?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Review 

Dance of Shadows has left me in a rather conflicted mood.  Stunning cover art aside, the book was not without flaws and unfortunately fell short of my expectations.

I was instantly drawn by the concept of ballet and mystery combined in a world of supernatural.  The dance aspects of the book were simply stunning: each step described in intricate detail.  I was completely engrossed as Vanessa - the protagonist - pirouetted and releved across the pages.  Unfortunately, the supernatural elements did not appear until later on.

Which brings me nicely on to the pacing of the mystery.  It was dragged out far too much, to the point that the tediousness of it made me ask myself if I wanted to carry on, and it doesn't really pick up until the last third of the book.  I found this rather frustrating as I was led to believe by its marketing that it was 'deliciously dark' but there were only supernatural hints here and there before that mind-blowing finale.

Before I tell you my thoughts on the ending, I must mention the characters.  I didn't instantly like Vanessa.  There's nothing about her that makes you really connect with her.  She was a little... flat.  And also quite stupid.  There were moments where I wanted to shake her in disbelief and shout at her how obvious some things were.  And that love triangle... Some I can handle but this one didn't convince me.  Zep was too cliched in a dark and mysterious way and Justin wasn't stretched to his full potential.

Now, on to the breath-taking finale.  It almost made up for the previous flaws.  Almost.  It was eerily atmospheric and enticingly evocative.  Yelena Black has a talent for conjuring the most stunning of images within a reader's mind and I was fascinated and gripped by the unfolding events.  If the whole book had been at this standard, I would be giving it 5 stars.

Dance of Shadows turned out to be an interesting book but unfortunately did not live up to the high expectations I had for it.  I only came to the realisation at the end that it is the first in a trilogy so despite being curious as to what happens next, I'm not sure if I can go through another instalment which only ticks all the boxes at the very end.  If you plan on picking up Dance of Shadows, I would advise that you don't expect it to be fully supernatural.

3 Teacups for Dance of Shadows

*Thanks to Bloomsbury for providing me with an ARC*

Sticky Note: I'm going to be away for a week (it was a very last minute thing!) so apart from this review, the blog is going to be pretty inactive!  Apologies about this but I hope you guys are having a lovely summer :)  Also, I think I'll have WiFi so you will probably find me on Twitter if you miss me too much :P

REVIEW: Ferryman by Claire McFall

Name: Ferryman

Author: Claire McFall

Publisher: Templar

Date published: April 2013

Pages: 336, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 3 teacups

When Dylan emerges from the wreckage of a train crash onto a bleak Scottish hillside, she meets a strange boy who seems to be waiting for her. But Tristan is no ordinary teenage boy, and the journey across the desolate, wraith infested wasteland is no ordinary journey.
Life, death, love-which will Dylan choose?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Review

A love story like no other.  Indeed.  The tale that Claire McFall has crafted is truly original, unique and at times, breathtaking.  The premise is fresh and wildly imaginative and I was immersed in the haunting world of McFall's vision of the 'afterlife.'  Ferryman stands out as a one-of-a-kind read but unfortunately, despite its potential, I did not fall for it as much as I anticipated.

While the premise is absolutely wonderful, I felt that the storyline was somewhat lacking.  The concept of Tristan being Dylan's 'ferryman' who guides her to the other side following her death is striking but I found that their journey failed to grab my attention.  I expected something breathlessly mind-blowing but it didn't deliver and I would read on hoping that something big would hit me.  The climax, I suppose, is reached near the end but by this time, I wasn't concerned for the outcome.

What usually makes up for a storyline that doesn't grip me is the cast of characters.  However, I didn't connect with Dylan at all and felt largely indifferent towards Tristan, the love interest, who are the main characters.  I wasn't convinced by their 'love' and I didn't understand how it could be as strong as they seem to claim it to be.  I didn't root for them as a couple and there was no emotional investment in them either.

Despite all this, Claire McFall showed that she has huge potential with her enticing way with words.  My only fault about her writing is that there were often large chunks of description that caused my impatient self to skim read and skip passages.  Other than that her prose has a hauntingly mesmerising tone to it.

Ferryman did fall short of my expectations but I appreciate that others may enjoy it more than me.  As a debut novel, it highlights the creativity and out-of-this-world imagination of Claire McFall and I am eager to see what she will offer us next.

3 Teacups for Ferryman!

*Thanks to Templar Publishing for the review copy!*

Beverley xx

Showcase Sunday #20

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 for the past week and to also gush over the wonderful books to other bloggers have added to their bookshelves!

Firstly, I'M BACK!!! I had a fabulous week on my school trip and it gave me some time to think about things.  Thank you for all your wonderfully supportive comments on my last post.  I've decided to take things in my own stride and work blogging around my life.  I also received a few emails about interest in co-blogging with me.  I haven't confirmed whether co-blogging is a route I will go down again but I will definitely have a call-out at an appropriate time.

Anyway... Wow... this is my first Showcase Sunday in AGES!!!!  Considering how long I've been away, I haven't received a lot of books as I've tried to cut back on what I accept/request. TOO MANY BOOKS TO READ O.O

For Review:

Coco Caramel by Cathy Cassidy: A delightfully sweet read!  I really enjoyed this one, check out my review HERE (it's feeling a little lonely :P) 

Forget You by Jennifer Echols:  I requested this one a while ago.  Jennifer Echols is big in the US and I can't wait to discover her awesomeness for myself!

You Don't Know Me by Sophia Bennett: A-MAZING. Loved this. SO. MUCH. Look out for my review which wil be coming to your screens shortly.  It also came with a cute little iPod sock - my iPod is now very cosy! 

The Drowning by Rachel Ward: A surprise from Chicken House! This one seems really chilling and I can't wait to devour it!

Thanks go to Penguin, Chicken House and Simon&Schuster!

Won: 

Undone by Cat Clarke: There is a reason why Cat Clarke is one of the best UKYA authors around. Undone was so shocking and beautiful and I absolutely adored it. Thanks to Lanna at Bloggers Heart Books!

Drummer Girl by Bridget Tyler:  Another book about a talent contest! Thanks to Nayu at Nayu's Reading Corner.

Bought:

Bad Science by Ben Goldacre: I'm planning to read some scientific books over the summer and this one was recommended to me.  I'm only 50 pages in and it's already a real eye-opener!  Thanks to my mum for the copy!

E-books

For review:

Addicted to You by Krista and Becca Ritchie: The synopsis of this book really caught my attention and I wanted to support a fellow blogger who wrote this with her sister.  Thanks to Krista for my review copy!

So, that's all the books I got. I'm looking forward to reading them over summer!

Feel free to link me up to your hauls!

Beverley xxx

The Post in Which I Ponder Over ARD's Future

Apologies for the rather grave title of this post but I thought I'd let you, my wonderful readers, get a quick run-down of what is going to happen with this little blog.

Firstly, I have some sad news to announce.  Jen has left A Reading Daydreamer to pursue a solo venture in blogging.  During my hiatus, she rediscovered her love for blogging alone and she has made the decision to start her own.  I am only sad that we didn't make it to the one-year mark but time called for a change.  I could not have asked for a better co-blogger and she will be sorely missed but I wish her luck in running her own blog - I'm sure it will be utterly fantastic!

With this sudden change, it has left me to think about the future, hence this post.  I initially thought summer would mean more time but I have weeks of work experience to do and I'll be preparing uni applications so I've decided I'm going to take it easy, maybe even just stop blogging (although I hope it doesn't come to this).  I hope you'll stick around but I can't promise to be a wonderful blogger with new posts for you to read every few days.

The departure of Jen also opens up a co-blogging space.  I'm still yet to decide whether I want to commit to taking on another co-blogger.  I'm just going to see how it goes but I'll be keeping an open mind so if anyone has any interest please feel free to shoot me an email introducing yourself, I'd be delighted to hear from you.

Finally, I'm going to be away for a school trip next week which explains why the blog will be quiet and you won't be finding me on Twitter but don't worry, I haven't disappeared forever!

Before I go, thank you so much for all your support over the past year and a half.  I seriously adore the book blogging community and I have enjoyed every single minute of being part of it.

Beverley xxx

Eileen's Birthday Bash!

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Eileen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  *throws confetti and hugs Eileen rather enthusiastically*  I hope you have a fabulous day, stuffing yourself with cake and Chinese food, with everyone spoiling you - you deserve it, girly!

So, you all MUST know Eileen, right?  You don't?  Where have you been??? Anyway she blogs over at ***Singing and Reading in the Rain*** which you really should check out because it's absolutely wonderful and colourful and truly reflects Eileen's bright nature!

Anyway, here's my post for the birthday girl's hunt!

When Asian Meets Asian

How did I have the pleasure of becoming friends with Eileen?  We met over a year ago when I was still a newbie blogger.  I remember coming across her cute blog and emailing her for blogging advice and then freaking out because she was Chinese too!  If you don't already know, I love meeting fellow Asians :D  I think everything followed on from there and I'm so glad we're friends!

Why I Love Eileen!

It's no secret that I adore Eileen!  She is such a lovely blogger: always friendly, always willing to lend a helping hand.  I seriously think the blogging community would not be as lively or as fun without her.

She's like my little Asian sis and I love talking to her on Twitter... whether it's about books, Chinese school, Chinese food or world domination.  She is probably one of the most approachable bloggers I know so don't hesitate to say hi to her.  Her enthusiasm and bubbliness never fails to bring a smile to my face, especially when I come online and there's a 'spazzy alligator' comment waiting for me (even that time when she threatened to hunt me down with her sparkly pink chainsaw and set up camp outside my house if I left blogging!)

She also runs the most amazing blog which is updated with new posts everyday - be it reviews, blog tour posts, giveaways or vlogs  No wonder she has achieved so much - she has a huge following which is greatly deserved!  Her reviews are always awesome, especially the ones she writes when she's on a sugar rush :D  And don't get me started on her Stacking the Shelves vlogs... Seriously, I smile every time I watch one because she has the most ADORABLE accent; she's absolutely hilarious (remember the time when she was figuring out how to say the author's name?) and her enthusiasm is REALLY infectious.  She is super talented too!  She posts really great covers of songs and I can't help but sing along when I hear them!  You should check them out :) Really, you should.  And I know you are going to make it to Broadway, Eileen!  We will make sure of it and then one day when you get the lead role in some amazing production, I can lean over to my friends and say with the proudest, smuggest smile ever: 'You see that girl over there?  I know her, she's a friend of mine.'

Finally, they say that 'a friend in need is a friend indeed.'  I interpret that as a true friend is one who will help you when you are in need.  And Eileen proved that to me last summer.  I won't go into all the details but she extended her help after my 'plea' on Twitter and she was utterly amazing...  I couldn't have got through it by myself and her support really meant a lot to me.  She made me realise that even though bad things can happen when you're blogging, the kindness of the community can make it all better.

Before I go, another massive HAPPY BIRTHDAY wish to Eileen for being the most amazing blogging friend I could ever ask for!  Thanks for being totally fantastic in all the time that I have known you!

***

Big thanks to Nikki over at Fiction Freak for inviting me to take part! She was the mastermind behind this Birthday Bash hunt and she deserves lots of hugs and cakes too!

Next post is by Shreya from Chocolate Coated Reviews... go, go, go Eileen!!!

REVIEW: Coco Caramel by Cathy Cassidy

Name: Coco Caramel (TCBG #4)

Author: Cathy Cassidy

Publisher: Puffin/Penguin

Date published: 6th June 2013

Pages: 263

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 5 teacups

Coco may be the youngest of the five Tanberry girls, but she can be as tough as her big sister Honey and as determined as either of the twins, Summer and Skye. Coco is always trying to save someone, whether it's the giant panda, a bullied boy or her favourite pony.
If only Lawrie, the moodiest guy in the school, would stop getting in her way, things would be fine. But has Coco bitten off more than she can chew this time?

Beverley's Review

I have a fervent belief that you can never grow too old for a Cathy Cassidy book.  Or maybe I just don't want to.  Either way, I'm sure you'll agree with me once you've read the latest instalment in her Chocolate Box Girls series.

There is something special about the way Cathy weaves in important issues to create a delightfully sweet concoction of adventure, young love, growing up and the unwavering idea that anything is possible.

Coco is the youngest of the Tanberry sisters and one of my favourites.  She's feisty and spirited and has a determination I can only dream of!  She has such passion for doing right by her family and and always at the best intentions at heart.  I especially enjoyed her naivete - it was a fresh reprieve from the pressures of real life.

The plot itself was delightfully spun and really showed off Coco at her best.  It was sweet and daring - everything Coco encompasses really.  There was a little romance swirled in to the mix too, which was very innocent and tentative.  I just love it when the secretive, moody guy reveals a different side: a kinder and softer one.

Overall, Coco Caramel is a wonderful, light read perfect for lazy days in the sun.  It explores the journey of growing up and encourages you to reach for the stars and that nothing is impossible as long as you put your heart to it.

5 Teacups for Coco Caramel!

*Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!*

Happy reading,
Beverley xxx

REVIEW: Dented Cans by Heather Walsh

Name: Dented Cans

Author: Heather Walsh

Publisher: Self

Release Date: Novemeber 2nd 2012

Pages: 148, Paperback

Source: For review (from author)
Rating: 2.5 Teacups

Sixteen-year-old Hannah Sampson knows her family is not what you would call normal. Her father compulsively buys dented cans and has a particular fondness for cans without labels, which are extremely discounted because their contents are a mystery. Her mother takes countless pictures of her family and then glues them down into the pages of her scrapbooks, but does not allow anyone to look at them. Ryan, Hannah’s mischievous fourteen-year-old brother, is headed straight for the remedial track at the local community college, if he’s lucky. Ben, her eight-year-old brother, is a walking sound effects machine, who prefers to communicate with noises rather than words. While Hannah is focused on escaping her working-class Connecticut suburb, she also finds herself being tugged back home as she worries about her brother Ben.
Hannah’s parents inflict one last family vacation on the Sampson children, a trip that goes comically wrong almost from the get-go. Hannah is forced to confront her family’s past in Disney World, of all places, when an emotional argument prompts her parents to disclose a secret they have been keeping from the children for sixteen years. Ultimately, she must decide whether to leave her hometown and not look back, or to focus on helping her family

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

I feel rather conflicted, in that during reading and after finishing Dented Cans I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about this book and its characters and its plot.  On one hand, I did seem to like it.  On the other hand, when I think about it, everything just seemed a bit.. flimsy.

We are introduced to Hannah who is desperate to break free from her strange family and make her own way in the world.  She is a snarky, sarcastic character and her voice highlighted the author's writing potential and I am curious to see what Walsh will come up with next.  However, her complaining got to a point where it became rather annoying and I just didn't like her attitude towards her family.  Yes, they seemed a little out of it with her mother's hoarding addiction and her father's fetish for collecting dented cans.  As a teenager myself, I can understand the whole 'getting away from parents' thing but in the end they are the ones who are always there for you.

What attracted me to this books in the first place is that it is about family and it's set in Disney World.  Not things that are common in YA fiction so obviously I had high hopes. Unfortunately, both were not really stretched to their potential which is a real shame.  I liked the Disney World setting but it was hard to appreciate it when all Hannah and her brother, Ryan, did was ungratefully moan about how they didn't want to be there and how awful spending time as a family was for them. I realise the author wanted to create a dysfunctional family but it all just seemed a bit sloppy, to be honest.

In the blurb, I got the impression that the 'secret' would perhaps be important in terms of character development.  I was thoroughly disappointed when the secret was revealed near the very end of the book.  I had a sort of, 'Is that it?' reaction.  It just kind of deflated from there and I felt that it was all very rushed and I didn't get the character growth I was hoping for.  The family secret was just too sudden as if it was just randomly placed in a convenient position - it didn't really tie up loose ends.

Despite being just short of 150 pages, I felt the book was almost too long.  There were moments when it just seemed to drag on and on with more complaining, more moaning, more ungratefulness and I was left wondering where on earth the book was heading.  But I still kept on reading and I must admit that Walsh has great writing potential and I liked her style.

Overall, Dented Cans by Heather Walsh was a quick, light read and did have lots of potential.  If you're looking for a snarky protagonist, look no further.  Even though it wasn't really my cup of tea, there are readers out there who would enjoy it more than me.

2.5 Teacups for Dented Cans

*Thanks to the author for the review copy*

Happy reading,
Beverley xxx