MINI-REVIEW: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Name: Speechless

Author: Hannah Harrington

Publisher: Mira Ink

Date published: February 2013

Pages: 263, Paperback ARC

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 teacups

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can’t keep a secret
Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.
Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she’s ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.
But there’s strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she’s done. If only she can forgive herself.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Thoughts

It didn't take me long to request a copy of Speechless.  The fact that it was authored by Hannah Harrington, the oh-so-amazing-creator of Saving June, was enough to make me want to read it straight away.

When I first met Chelsea Knot, I knew she wasn't someone I'd want to be friends with in real life. She was gossipy and shallow and I wondered how I would ever come to warm to her.  However, by the end of the book, I really empathised her and felt truly protective of her.  Character development is such a key element in Speechless and is what made the book such a touching read for me.

The secondary characters also deserve a mention for adding their own quirkiness and warmth.  Asha was such a wonderful friend, soft-spoken and kind-hearted, and Sam was definitely a swoon-worthy love interest.  All of them were such unique figures with huge individuality.

Hannah Harrington has definitely not lost her touch for addressing deeper issues with such sensitivity and Speechless proved to be another heartbreaking, thought-provoking read with an important message which rings true for all its readers.  My words cannot do this book justice, so I'd like to finish with a quote from one of the characters that nicely sums everything up:

“Hate is... It's too easy. Love. Love takes courage.”

 4.5 Teacups for Speechless!

*Many thanks to Mira Ink for the review copy and apologies for the late review*

Happy reading,

Beverley

REVIEW: The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Name: The Vincent Boys (The Vincent Boys #1)

Author: Abbi Glines

Publisher: Hot Key Books

Date published: 3rd January 2013

Pages: 257, Paperback 

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 2.5 teacups

Beau Vincent is rude, bad, and dangerous to know. So, why can’t good girl Ashton Gray keep away from him? She already has the perfect boyfriend – her town’s local Prince Charming, Sawyer Vincent. But Sawyer is away for the summer, and in the meantime Ashton is bored, and the head between her and Beau is undeniable – as well as irresistible. Ashton is about to unleash her bad girl – but what will she do when Sawyer comes home? And how will Sawyer react when he returns to find his girlfriend in the arms of his best friend – and cousin?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Review

The Vincent Boys proved to be a fitting summer read - a light, mindless break from the world.  But that was all it was.  It was a little disappointing yet strangely addictive...

Firstly, look at that cover.  I was sent the Australian version and I much prefer it to the UK and US ones.  It's promises drama and sunshine and hot boys and instantly catches the eye.

Unfortunately, everything just felt too cliche for me.  The whole good girl falls for the bad boy against everyone's approval.  I don't mind the idea but I prefer it when authors put their own twist on it.  Despite this, the major problem I had with The Vincent Boys was Ashton's betrayal of her boyfriend when he was away.  I just hated the fact that Ashton was cheating on Sawyer with his cousin.  His cousin.

Which leads me on to this 'bad' boy who was supposed to make me gasp and swoon and buckle at the knees.  I'm sad to say that was not the response Beau drew from me.  There was nothing about him that attracted me to him.  He was always complaining about how Ash should be his, how they were meant to be.  But all I could see was possessiveness and a purely sexual attraction.  I was constantly told how sexy she was, how important she was, how he loved her... but was never shown.  Or maybe the sex scenes were supposed to be an indicator of their 'love' for each other... I'm not so sure it's great for true love to be portrayed in that way to us teens.

On top of this, I just had no empathy for Ashton.  I found her unlikable and annoying and there were moments where I wanted to slap her in the face.  I understood that she wanted to live on the edge for once and embrace her wild side but the way she moaned about having to pretend with Sawyer irked me.  Cheating on him wasn't going to solve things!  And afterwards, the way she was all, 'I don't want to hurt them... I don't want to put a wedge between them' made me want to pull my hair out.  I also felt so sorry for Sawyer and I fell for him instead of Beau.

Thinking about it now, I think my problem with it must have been that it was purely centred around a love triangle.  And for me, love triangles either work or they don't.  It didn't in this case, if you haven't already figured it out.  Even so, I found myself eager to find out what was going to happen and I am curious to read the next book, The Vincent Brothers.

Overall The Vincent Boys is a steamy read for the summer, ideal for lazy days by the beach when you just want light entertainment to pass the time.

2.5 Teacups for The Vincent Boys!

*Thank you to Hot Key Books for the review copy and apologies for the late review*

REVIEW: Easy by Tammara Webber

Name: Easy

Author: Tammara Webber

Publisher: Penguin

Date published: 13rd Janurary 2013

Pages: 322, Paperback 

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 teacups

I took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly before turning around. It was Lucas who stood there. His gaze was penetrating, not wavering for a moment, and my pulse hammered under his silent scrutiny. I couldn't remember the last time I'd been so full of pure, unqualified desire.
Lucas is the stranger who saved Jacqueline from an attack by a fellow student - she'd never noticed him before then, and now he's everywhere. But can Jacqueline trust him - or will the secrets he's hiding come between them?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Review

Easy was my first foray into the genre of NA and it made such an impression on me that it definitely won't be my last.  I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but I had heard nothing but praise for it so I wasn't too worried.

What I loved most about Easy was the characters.  Each of them had their own flaws, their own problems, their own secrets.  And that made them all the more raw, real, human.  I rooted for Jacqueline from the start and it was a pleasure to watch her flourish into a strong young woman who knows where she wants to go and how she's going to get there.  And Lucas played a key role in shaping her development and I fell for him instantly.  He was totally sweet and so gentle with Jacqueline.  I thought he'd turn out to be a bad boy but underneath the exterior, he was a true gentleman and always had the best intentions at heart.  Also, the emails exchanged with Landon were terribly swoon-worthy - he was such a charmer!

It seems natural for me to move on and talk about the romance.  I initially had worries that Easy would all be about love and making out and having sex (that was my impression of NA).  But I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was not.  It was much more than that and it gave the book a lot more substance.  Yes, there were some pretty hot scenes, but the way they truly cared for each other was evident.  Also, as a reader who can't decide whether I like love triangles or not, it was pleasing to see that there wasn't much of one after all (although I did figure things out pretty early one!).

Finally, Tammara Webber doesn't shy from darker, grittier themes and I applaud her for addressing them full on with a touch of sensitivity.  Subjects like rape and harassment are rarely incorporated but Webber did this with style and spread the message that you shouldn't keep quiet and hide away, instead you need to face the truth and take a stand for yourself.

Easy was a wonderful read and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't discovered the world of NA yet or is already a big fan of the genre.  It combines serious issues with characters you can't help but invest in and a romance that is very swoon-worthy indeed.

4.5 Teacups for Easy by Tammara Webber!

*Thanks to Penguin for the review copy and apologies for the late review!*

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

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

Things I Can't Forget Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway!

Today, I'm super excited to be hosting my stop for the Things I Can't Forget blog tour and I would like to take this chance to thank Giselle at Xpresso Book Tours for letting me take part!  For my stop today I have a review of the book and an international giveaway for a grab bag of Miranda's favourite books for you all to enter.  To follow the rest of the tour, click HERE.

***

Name: Things I Can't Forget (Hundred Oaks #3)

Author: Miranda Kenneally

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Release Date: 1st March 2013

Pages: 320, e-ARC

Source: For review (from publisher/blog tour)\
Rating: 4 stars

Companion to Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker.
Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…
This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt…with her.
Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

Beverley's Review

Things I Can't Forget was one of those books I just knew I had to read and I had heard endless praise for Miranda Kenneally's other contemporaries.  I had high expectations and Things I Can't Forget didn't disappoint, balancing serious issues and self-discovery and romance in one delightful, thought-provoking concoction.

Kate Kelly really stood out to me as a character.  She wasn't afraid to let her thoughts be heard and she stood very strongly by her beliefs - something I really admired in her.  I can see why this can be bad in some situations and I understand why some bloggers really loathed her in the beginning but I really took a liking to her.  I must admit the religious element of the book took me by surprise as I wasn't expecting it but I enjoyed reading from Kate's perspective.

What I loved most was the way Kate developed as the book progressed.  Although I'm not religious, I could immediately relate to her in that as you grow up, you begin to question your beliefs and the world around you.  Kenneally portrayed this superbly and provided lots of space for Kate to grow and understand that in having your own beliefs, you must accept others' too.  I always love character development and it was spot on in Things I Can't Forget - something which makes it all the more memorable.

Other than the weighty issues like pregnancy and teenage sex, there's a nice romance weaved in.  Matt was incredibly cute and I adored him.  He also attended church but was not as firm as Kate in his beliefs and more accepting that not everyone has the same opinions as him.  I loved the way Kate could learn from him and how he wasn't pushy for the physical side of the relationship.  He was a true gentleman and it was refreshing to read about a relationship which wasn't too physical.  He many not have completely won me over, but he was a very strong contender.

Overall, Things I Can't Forget was a thought-provoking read which dealt with interesting issues.  The main characters were a delight to read about, with wonderful support from the secondary characters and the romance was sweet and sure to be a hit with readers.  Miranda Kenneally's prose is neither fancy nor flowery, yet still succeeds in conveying the message that everyone's beliefs matter.

4 Teacups for Things I Can't Forget!

***

So, has my review given you that extra nudge to read the book?  I hope so... Get buying!:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

The Book Depository

And here is the giveaway to win a Grab Bag of Miranda's Favourite Books.  Don't forget that it's open internationally!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy reading,
Beverley x

REVIEW: Beautiful Creatures Official Illustrated Movie Companion by Mark Cotta Vaz

Name: Beautiful Creatures: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion

Author: Mark Cotta Vaz

Publisher: Penguin UK

Release Date: February 2013

Pages: 144, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)
Rating: 4 stars

Explore the making of the film Beautiful Creatures in this ultimate visual companion, lavishly illustrated with full-color photos of the cast, locations, and sets. This beautiful paperback edition celebrates the on-screen creation of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's fascinating world, brought to life by screenwriter and director Richard LaGravenese.
With never-before-seen images, exclusive interviews and personal stories, Mark Cotta Vaz takes you behind the scenes with cast and crew, uncovering intimate details of the filmmaking process.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review 

Having been rather curious about the film, I jumped at the chance to review this movie companion.  And I think everyone who's planning to see the film should read this first or even if you've already seen it, this is definitely well worth the read.

This book is full of detail and gorgeous photographs and charts the whole process of making the film.  It was particularly interesting to hear that the director wanted to keep the film as similar to the book as possible.  I don't really like it when adaptations aren't entirely faithful to the original so I'm eager to see how the film turns out so present fans of the book needn't worry!  Another thing which was refreshing to hear is that CGI wasn't used too heavily as they wanted to keep things as natural as possible to fit in with the idea that 'magical' people like Casters can meld in seamlessly in society.  The detail about how different scenes were created was spectacular and it felt as if the scenes were actually playing out in front of me as I read!

In addition to the detail, the photographs really complemented the book and added a depth of vividness. They brought the book to life and filled it with a sort of magic and splendour that pushed me further into the realms of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's world.  If a book about a film can be so stunning, surely the film must be amazing too?

I'm without a doubt very glad that I read this because when I do go and see the film, I will appreciate it even more because I'll be aware of the sheer effort and dedication that the 'backstage' crew put in.  Sometimes we forget about the people behind the scenes but this book brings fabulous awareness to them and ensures the audience do not forget that it's not only the actors who are creating the magic before them.

Overall this movie companion was great entertainment, spilling all the secrets on the film-making process and a wonderful encouragement for readers to hurry up and see the film in all its glory!  This is a must read for existing and soon-to-be Beautiful Creatures fans alike!

4 Teacups for Beautiful Creatures: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion

*Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!*

Mini-Reviews: Professor Gargoyle and The Slither Sisters by Charles Gilman

Name: Professor Gargoyle (Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #1)

Author: Charles Gilman

Publisher: Quirk Books 

Release Date: 25th September 2012

Pages: 169, Hardback

Source: For review (from publisher)

In Professor Gargoyle, we’re introduced to 11-year-old Robert Arthur and the strange world of Lovecraft Middle School. It’s a brand-new state-of-the-art facility—so why do so many creepy things keep happening? Why is the science teacher acting so strangely? And where are all the rats coming from?
As Robert explores with his new friends Glenn and Karina, he discovers that the school may be a portal to another world.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

I don't usually read middle grade fiction and both of these were unsolicited review copies so I had no intentions of picking them up any time soon.  However, exams rolled in and I had no time to read the lengthier, 'heavier' books so I decided to give this a go.

Robert Arthur is a pretty likeable but rather flat pre-teen.  I liked reading about his transition to the new middle school and things start to get exciting when strange events occur.  The suspense would keep younger children entertained and the whole 'monster' element is sure to be a hit.  The illustrations scattered throughout also really added to the feel of the book and were superb portrayals of the descriptions.

Overall, this is a great starter to the series which I would recommend to younger children who want a fun, entertaining read which will keep them in suspense.

Name: The Slither Sisters (Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #2)

Author: Charles Gilman

Publisher: Quirk Books 

Release Date: 15th Janurary 2013

Pages: 160, Hardback

Source: For review (from publisher)

This second novel in the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series begins right where Professor Gargoyle ended. Seventh-grader Robert Arthur has discovered that two of his classmates are actually sinister snake-women in disguise. Even worse, his new middle school is full of “gates” to a terrifying alternate dimension – a haunted mansion full of strange spirits and monstrous beasts. For Robert to protect his teachers and classmates, he'll need to return to this haunted dimension with his best friends Glenn and Karina. Can they uncover the secrets of Lovecraft Middle School before it's too late?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

The Slither Sisters, I think, was a better read then Professor Gargoyle.  It still contained the same elements of adventure, mystery and hideous monsters but what was really interesting was seeing Robert grow as a character.  In Professor Gargoyle, he was your typical meek pre-teen who was a victim of a bully.  But in The Slither Sisters, he became strong and admirable and a great role model for young teens.

The storyline was quite suspenseful as we watch our main characters tiptoe around carefully, not knowing who to trust.  Glenn and Karina also proved their status as the awesome sidekicks and it was great to watch their friendship develop.

I also liked how the book ended on a cliffhanger - a very clever way to keep readers wanting more!

Overall another great, light read which kept me entertained.

REVIEW: Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Name: Alice in Zombieland (White Rabbit Chronicles #1)

Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: Mira Ink

Release Date: 5th October 2012

Pages: 404, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)
Rating: 4 stars

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.
Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.
Her father was right. The monsters are real….
To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review 

Before reading Alice in Zombieland, I'd read a few reviews which tended towards the negative side and I was hesitant at first and hoped they wouldn't affect my own opinion of the book.  Luckily, I was able to enjoy it and found it to be a wonderful start to an exciting new series.

I really enjoyed the concept of zombies being spirits.  I've never read a book about zombies as they're not usually my cup of tea but it was rather thrilling and fascinating.  It was a little disappointing that it wasn't really a re-telling of Alice in Wonderland, there are a few nods here and there but I would've liked to see more.

As soon as I got stuck in, I adored Alice's voice.  I loved the way Showalter made Alice feel so vivid, so real.  Her emotions just jumped straight off the page: her sadness, frustration, determination.  As the story developed, she really grew as a character and became a strong, determined young woman, intent on avenging her family's death.  Character growth was a major factor in Alice in Zombieland, and Showalter did everything in her power to exploit it to make the story easier to relate to.

The secondary characters also added real depth and colour to the book as a whole.  All I can say is that the supporting cast was stellar.  Kat was simply adorable: she had confidence and purpose and I loved how protective she was of Alice.  Plus, her glowing confidence made me laugh out loud at points!  There was also Alice's grandparents who were the sweetest souls ever and their love for Alice was immense.

However, I did have problems with the pacing.  It was rather slow and nothing really happened after the death of Alice's families and I was left wondering which direction it was turning in.  Thankfully, it picked up pace later on so it is a book worth sticking with as the action does accelerate.

Overall, Alice in Zombieland was a thoroughly enjoyable read, with a few nods to a much-loved classic.  Gena Showalter's writing enticed and entertained, with the zombies providing an eerie atmosphere balanced by the wit and charm of both the main and secondary characters.

4 Teacups for Alice in Zombieland!

*Thanks to Mira Ink for the review copy*

REVIEW: Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook

Name: Nobody But Us

Author: Kristin Halbrook

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: January 29th 2013

Pages: 304, e-ARC

Source: For review (for blog tour)

Rating: 2 stars

Bonnie and Clyde meets IF I STAY in this addictively heart-wrenching story of two desperate teenagers on the run from their pasts.

They’re young. They’re in love. They’re on the run.

Zoe wants to save Will as much as Will wants to save Zoe. When Will turns eighteen, they decide to run away together. But they never expected their escape to be so fraught with danger....

When the whole world is after you, sometimes it seems like you can’t run fast enough.

Nobody But Us, told in alternating perspectives from Will and Zoe, is an unflinching novel, in turns heartbreaking and hopeful, about survival, choices, and love...and how having love doesn’t always mean that you get a happy ending. Described as “beautiful, heartbreaking, and exhilarating” by Kody Keplinger, author of The DUFF, Nobody But Us will prove irresistible to fans of Nina Lacour, Jenny Han, and Sara Zarr.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

I saw this book on other blogs.  I fell in love with the synopsis.  I decided I NEEDED this book.  I jumped at the chance to read it.  I began the book, expectations at a high for this promising contemporary romance.  Few chapters in, my hopes fell flat.

I'm going to be honest: I was really disappointed by Kristin Halbrook's debut.  Considering I was eagerly anticipating it, it just didn't deliver on so many aspects.  The only thing I can gladly say for sure was that the dual POVs were handled brilliantly.  Halbrook created two very distinct voices and you could always differentiate between Zoe and Will.

Before I go on to comment on the characters, I must mention the whole 'romance' that's going on.  Zoe and Will claim to be 'in love' with each other and practically every page was dripping with how much they adore the other etc. etc.  Let's just say, there reached a point where it just got annoying.  I was constantly told how much they loved each other, but was shown nothing to see how they did.  Their relationship didn't even seem solid at all - I mean, they'd only been dating for two months, for goodness' sake, before deciding to run away together.  Does two months give you enough time to really get to know the other person?  Can you decide if you want to spend the rest of your life with someone you've only been with for two months?  To me, it wasn't a proper romance - which conflicts with the idea that this is a 'love story'.  Tell me something's a love story and I expect something strong and beautiful, the romance in Nobody But Us was flimsy and just wrong.

Because of this supposed romance, which to me wasn't really a romance, I couldn't connect with the characters.  Zoe was too weak and naive, maybe due to her age of fifteen.  Oh yes... I forgot to mention: Zoe is 15 and Will is 18.  At eighteen years of age, Will is a responsible adult.  He should be using his common sense and realise that running away with a girl three years his junior is not going to end well.  I could forgive Zoe for being innocent and wanting to be loved after such a traumatic childhood but I couldn't STAND Will's impulsiveness and anger.  That guy really needed to control his temper and stop putting his girlfriend in danger.  If he truly loved her, he wouldn't have dragged her further and further until there was no way of going back.  True love is when you genuinely care for the other person and want the best for them.  This wasn't the case in Nobody But Us.

The story had so much potential to be something with emotional depth but it was put aside in favour of the 'romance.'  Zoe's mother died when she was young and for years, she has had to put up with an abusive father while Will was abandoned by his young mother and put in care.  Both of their pasts could have been reached into to give these characters real depth but it was only touched upon at times and I could never really realise the full extent of their terrible pasts, making it more of an inevitably hopeless love story to roll your eyes over than a story about two people mending each others' broken heart.

The ending, I must admit, came as a shock.  It took me a few seconds to get a grasp on things, but when I put the book down, I realised it was a reasonable way to conclude despite the surprise factor.  It was out of the blue and I did not expect it at all but to be really honest, I didn't care about what happened to our 'lovestruck' pair because I had stopped caring long before.

Overall, Nobody But Us was a somewhat disappointing read with a lacklustre romance.  Despite being let down by the relationship between the two lead characters, the book was actually strangely addictive and I wanted to hurry up and get to the end to see what the outcome was for the couple (either that, or I just wanted to finish the book and get away from it all!).  Even though I didn't enjoy it as much as I would've liked, I suggest you pick it up if you're interested in it because it may be the book for you!

2 Teacups for Nobody But Us

REVIEW: The Wolf Princess by Cathryn Constable

Name: The Wolf Princess

Author: Cathryn Constable

Publisher: Chicken House

Release Date: October 4th 2012

Pages: 288, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4 stars

Alone in the world, Sophie dreams of being someone special, but she could never have imagined this.
On a school trip to Russia, Sophie and her two friends find themselves on the wrong train. They are rescued by the beautiful Princess Anna Volkonskaya, who takes them to her winter palace and mesmerises them with stories of lost diamonds and a tragic past. But as night falls and wolves prowl, Sophie discovers more than dreams in the crumbling palace of secrets.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

The Wolf Princess is a beautiful, heart-warming tale of three British teenage girls who get whisked off to Russia in a whirlwind of secrets, diamonds and forgotten palaces.  It is a truly sparkling debut from a promising new British author for younger teens.

The setting of this book is what made it a truly magical experience.  There was always a rather dreamy atmosphere present in the pages and this was heightened when the three girls journey to Russia.  Cathryn Constable was generous with beautiful, entrancing descriptions of the country renowned for its palaces and plentiful snow.  Every time I picked up the book, I felt as if I had been transported to an entirely different world.

The characters were pretty average young teenagers but I think younger readers would find it easier to connect with them.  Sophie's selflessness was what really stood out and she would make a great role model for tweens.  Her best friends came in the form of Delphine, the beautiful, rich girl, and Marianne, the typical nerdy friend.

The plot itself was quite interesting and enchanting, and I loved reading about the history and learning about the wolves.  I also picked up a few Russian words (although my pronunciation must have been terrible!) and there was so much culture and magic from the pages.

The Wolf Princess is a truly captivating read, perfect to pick up beside a crackling fireplace.  Sometimes we all need a gentle reprieve from heavier YA books and The Wolf Princess is perfect if you want something to evoke childhood memories and the sense of innocence you always get from books like this.  Let Cathryn Constable whisk you away on a train through a cold, Russian winter night...

4 Teacups for The Wolf Princess

*Thanks to Chicken House for the book!*

REVIEW: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Name: Throne of Glass

Author(s): Sarah J. Maas

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Release Date: August 2nd 2012

Pages: 404, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 stars

Meet Celaena Sardothien. Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for greatness.
In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake: she got caught.
Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament—fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

I'm not usually a huge fan of fantasy but the trickle of glowing reviews made resisting requesting Throne of Glass incredibly hard.  So I took the plunge into a world of magic, assassins and gorgeous princes.

What struck me first was the world-building.  It was simply... perfect.  It was written so beautifully: it wasn't overdone, giving you the chance to slowly take it all in and develop an appreciation.  Through Mass's elegant prose, I could clearly envision the harsh kingdom in which Celaena Sardothien lived.  Maas has a unique style of writing, one which I happily allowed myself to be wrapped in.  And the plot... it was so intense and gripping.  I found myself flipping through the pages eagerly, hungry for explanations and answers.

Aside from the writing, what really did it for me were the characters.  A quick glance at the cover promises a kick-ass, female protagonist and I do adore my strong-willed, determined heroines.  Celaena has raised the bar in terms of female-kick-ass-ness.  She epitomises the word the world itself and yet brings her own flavour to it.  What I loved most was being able to see past the assassin part of her.  Despite her job is to kill, her compassion shone through as the book progressed.  As her tough facade faded, she was just a broken, delicate girl in need of love which really fascinated me.

And then there was Dorian Havilliard and Chaol Westfall.  I adored them both.  As the Crown Prince, Dorian was a right charmer and I adored the banter exchanged between him and Celaena.  His most attractive feature though was not his flirty ways but rather the fact that wasn't like a typical Royal.  Okay, he was occasionally arrogant but he wasn't high and mighty and didn't do things just for his benefit.  On the other hand we had the Captain of the Guard, Chaol.  I didn't fall for him straight away but he grew on me.  I found him to be quite an enigmatic character and I didn't really swoon over his dark glares and moodiness.  However as he developed an understanding of Celaena's situation and grew to trust her, I began to place affection on him.

Despite such strong central characters, a minor flaw did appear.  THE LOVE TRIANGLE.  Usually I don't really mind them and by the end, can have a pretty much certain idea of who I want the girl to end up with.  This wasn't the case here: it frustrated me a little.  I adored them all as separate characters but the love triangle sadly was a let down.  Celaena just couldn't make up her mind!  Did she want Dorian? Or was Chaol the man she loved?  I couldn't help but feel she was stringing them both along and it actually hurt me to think she might upset them both!  I am eagerly anticipating the next book to see this cleared up.

Throne of Glass is a captivating read which gripped me from beginning to end and certainly lived up to my high expectations of it.  The plot was perfectly paced and the characters were brilliantly portrayed.  Sarah J. Maas is definitely one to watch for - she has a talent for crafting such complex stories, weaving between fantasy, death, magic and romance.  I couldn't think of a better book to write a review on to finish 2012 than Throne of Glass.

4.5 Teacups for Throne of Glass!

*Thank you to Bloomsbury for the review copy!*

REVIEW: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Name: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

Author(s): Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Publisher: Mira Ink

Release Date: October 5th 2012

Pages: 260, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4 Stars

I've left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you dont, put the book back on the shelf, please.

Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions? Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

Beverley's Review

Thankfully, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares didn't turn out to be a cheesy-Christmas-movie of a read.  I feared the festive backdrop would make it tacky or cringe-worthy, however it was anything but.  Sure, it had its cute moments but it wasn't over the top with cliché Christmas references.

Let's start with the plot which had me sniffing with jealousy.  I WANT TO FIND A RED NOTEBOOK AND GO ON AN ADVENTURE WITH A BOOKISH GUY!!!  Now we've cleared that up, I'm guessing you can tell I completely, whole-heartedly adored the plot.  It was new and exciting and totally enthralling.  Exchanging their inner-most thoughts through a simple notebook was just so romantic - but not in the slightest cheesy.  My favourite parts were where Dash and Lily hadn't actually met in person yet since when they did, I didn't feel real spark or chemistry between them which disappointed me a little.

Despite this, Dash and Lily were the perfect match.  Dash was a snarky, cynical guy.  I loved him even more for his sarcastic quips and book-ish charm.  Come on, who doesn't love a guy who loves reading and uses intimidatingly long words?  Sometimes he bordered on pretentious - dare I say - but overall, he just made me giggle with his 'cultured' ways and stark honesty.  He was... delightful.  And then there's our 'Lily bear.'  She should be my best friend!  She's such a quirky, stand out character and I loved reading from her POVs.  Her enthusiasm and cheerfulness radiated from the pages and every moment spent seeing things through her eyes was thoughtful and happy.

Talking of POVs, I think Cohn and Levithan dealt with each perspective perfectly.  Cohn wrote Lily's while Levithan wrote Dash's.  I adored both POVs equally.  Each had their own distinctive quality and as I was reading, I forgot it was a co-written book as the words and paragraphs all blended together harmoniously.  I can say for sure Cohn and Levithan ticked all the right boxes for writing in dual narrative.

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is a wonderfully crafted, gingerbread of a book: warm and spicy and festive.  This is definitely a book you should read before the festive season ends and it really encouraged me to get into the Christmas spirit.  So, kick up your feet, wrap yourself in a blanket and snuggle up with this charming read - oh, and don't forget the hot chocolate!

4 Teacups for Dash and Lily's Book of Dares!

*Many thanks to Mira Ink for sending me this delightful book!*

REVIEW: Possession by Elana Johnson

Name: Possession

Author: Elana Johnson

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: June 7th 2011

Pages: 416, Kindle

Source: Author/Blog tour

Rating: 2.5 stars

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don’t walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn…and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi’s future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.
But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they’re set on convincing Vi to become one of them….starting by brainwashed Zenn. Vi can’t leave Zenn in the Thinkers’ hands, but she’s wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous: everything Zenn’s not. Vi can’t quite trust Jag and can’t quite resist him, but she also can’t give up on Zenn.
This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

Unfortunately, I didn't particularly enjoy Possession.  While the synopsis and concept really held me, there were aspects of it which just didn't work for me.  It was an intriguing read but not one while is likely to be memorable.

Let's start with the world-building.  While the whole idea of having a divide between the 'Goodies' and 'Baddies' was fascinating, I felt the author tried to cram in too much and I was a little overwhelmed by it all - the different gadgets, their lifestyle, the system of Directors and Thinkers.  It just all felt too overdone as if the author was trying to impress me with her dystopian world and persistently dangling it directly in front of my face.

To tie in with this, the storyline was sometimes fast, sometimes slow.  It was just a little too inconsistent for my liking.  At first, I was totally unsure of where the book was heading but it does pick up the pace if you stick at it - although sometimes I couldn't completely understand what was going on, leaving me in my own confused bubble and trying to figure out what had just happened.  While I like books that keep me on my toes, I'd rather not spend too much time trying to navigate my way round a plot.

Okay, so the world-building and plot didn't quite work so well... The characters, I hear you ask.  If everything else doesn't tick my boxes, captivating characters might just pull the rating up a little.  However, the characters didn't really stand out either.  I hoped Vi would be a really kick-ass character, fighting off the villains one by one in her tech-obsessed society.  While she was a strong heroine, I didn't really connect with her which is something that annoyed me.  And the love triangle. OH NO.  I usually quite like love triangles.  This one just wasn't happening for me. It was all, 'Zenn's so sweet and lovely' but I was constantly told this and never shown.  Also, the connection between Vi and Jag was a bit too 'insta-love' for me.  I wasn't at all convinced my their supposed love for each other.  In this way, I finished the book feeling no preference at all for either boy.

Overall, I found Possession to be quite a disappointing read.  It had potential to be a really captivating read but for me, too many aspects fell below the standard I was expecting.  Although I didn't love it, I would still encourage you to give it a go if it sounds like you cup of tea.  Just because it wasn't mine, doesn't mean you won't enjoy it.

2.5 Teacups for Possession

REVIEW: Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Name: Unspoken

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Release Date: September 13th 2012

Pages: 370, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 stars

Kami Glass is in love with someone she's never met - a boy the rest of the world is convinced is imaginary. This has made her an outsider in the sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale, but she doesn't complain. She runs the school newspaper and keeps to herself for the most part - until disturbing events begin to happen. There has been screaming in the woods and the dark, abandoned manor on the hill overlooking the town has lit up for the first time in 10 years. The Lynburn family, who ruled the town a generation ago and who all left without warning, have returned. As Kami starts to investigate for the paper, she finds out that the town she has loved all her life is hiding a multitude of secrets- and a murderer- and the key to it all just might be the boy in her head. The boy who everyone thought was imaginary may be real...and he may be dangerous.

Beverley's Review

Unspoken was not what I expected but I loved it even more for that.  It surprised me and swept me from my feet.  A truly unique and original read that is sure to get your spine tingling...

Set in a quiet town in England, Sarah Rees Brennan perfectly captured the eerie, chilly atmosphere: the ancient buildings, the dark depths of the woods, the authority with which Aurimere House stood.  Brennan's writing is like a not-so-subtle poke in the back from out of nowhere, awakening all your senses and making you look behind you warily as you turn the pages frantically.

You can't have such a wonderfully evocative setting without equally wonderful characters.  I'm happy to report that Brennan delivered!  There's Kami, one of the main characters, who was so full of exuberance and enthusiasm I could feel her vibes jump right off the page.  She was the perfect protagonist, breezing in on my reading slump like a welcome gust of fresh air.  Her bright, witty one-liners kept me reading through the night.  Although the way she spoke was unlike any other teenager I've met, I adored her even more for it.  She is such a quirky, in-your-face (in a good way, of course!) character, I'm sure she will carry on capturing hearts.

Perhaps because of Kami's bright presence, she overshadowed some of the other characters.  I felt mostly indifferent to Jared.  He was your typical 'bad' boy and I found him a little clichéd. I didn't fall for him or swoon, which was slightly disappointing.  I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in later book, though.

And lastly but not least... the PLOT.  Sarah Rees Brennan must have a wild imagination, crafting such an eccentric, complex story.  It was so different from other books I've read... yet it felt familiar, if that makes sense.  The whole 'imaginary friend in you head becoming real' fascinated me and I loved the way with which Brennan dealt it.  However, the pacing at the beginning was a problem for me.   Going through a reading slump, you naturally need a book to keep you on your toes which meant things only picked up in the later two-thirds.

Overall, Unspoken is a darkly refreshing read, bringing all its originality into the YA world.  It has all the elements of a intriguing read, throwing the reader in a world of mystery and magic.  I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the trilogy! Are you brave enough to venture into the woods?

4.5 teacups for Unspoken!

'Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for the review copy*