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

Stitch Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway!

Today I'm delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for Samantha Durante's debut book, Stitch, which is also the first in an exciting new trilogy.  For the tour, I am reviewing the book itself and there is also an opportunity for you to win an e-book copy.


Name: Stitch

Author: Samantha Durante

Publisher: Self

Release date: August 1st 2012

Pages: 314

Source:  For review (from author for blog tour) 

Rating: 4 stars

Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa's body screams at her to run... but yet she's powerless to move.
Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence. In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees - and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell - Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless. But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.

Because what Alessa hasn't figured out yet is that she's not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university's idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface...

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

The striking premise which had such space for development was what first drew me to Stitch.  The synopsis itself had me hooked and I wondered how Samantha Durante would spin this tale of love and torment and mystery.

True to its word, Stitch spans different genres and it is difficult to classify it under a particular one.  This is perhaps what makes it so tantalizing and appealing.  Elements of paranormal and romance, sci-fi and dystopian are all thrown into the baking mix to create a pleasing cupcake of a read.  Before reading, I had reservations and suspicions that the author might be trying too hard and that the result would be a  confusing slush pile.  However, I am glad to be proven wrong and that the result was indeed a fine experience.

Another aspect which pleased me was that the potential of the premise was explored and developed.  The storyline was nothing short of complex and new discoveries were constantly made, a factor which  made my hand turn the pages frantically.  I'm still wondering how on earth Samantha Durante thought up the core idea and put it in writing... it is certainly original and unique.

However the pacing wasn't to my tastes.  The beginning of the book was slow, almost a tease.  I wasn't even sure where the story was heading and there were times where I wanted to give up on it.  But it's a book worth sticking with, no matter how hard it is to get into initially.

As the story ploughed on, I was glad to see some character development.  At the start, I didn't connect with Alessa on a deeper level.  This wasn't helped by the fact that the book is told in third-person.  I was able to watch her grow and as she recovered her fearlessness and strong desire to make things right, she became a character worth investing in and admiring but unfortunately, I still wasn't able to really connect with her.  I also wasn't convinced by the chemistry between her and Isaac so I'm hoping these points are developed further in the sequel.

All in all, Stitch is a riveting addition to the world of YA fiction and is one that will make its mark. Despite several flaws, it still succeeds in being a thoroughly enjoyable read, with complex characters and plots.  So before you overlook yet another self-published book, take a chance on Stitch.

4 teacups for Stitch!

*Thanks to the author for sending me a copy for the blog tour*

Hopefully I've enticed you enough to pick up Stitch! Wait no longer because Samantha has kindly offered an e-book copy for me to give away.  Just fill in the Rafflecopter below to be in with a chance.  The giveaway ends on November 5th 2012. (starts in about 8 hours since RC is set in EST time)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

May the odds be ever in your favour!

Showcase Sunday #8

Showcase Sunday is hosted by the lovely Vicky over atBooks, 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 other bloggers have added to their bookshelves!

Jen's New Books

Borrowed:

Before I Die by Jenny Downham: I already finished listening to this one on audio and it's AWESOME. Will definitely be picking up more books by Jenny soon. My review will be up soon!

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini: I bought this on Kindle awhile ago, but I figured I would try the audio. :)

For Review:

Gravity by Melissa West: I'M SO EXCITED. :D Sounds so awesome! I've been waiting forever to read this. For blog tour!

Uses For Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt: This one sounds really cool, and I love the cover! Couldn't resist. :P

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell: SERIOUSLY? The most awesome name ever, this author. And it's blurbed by Stephanie Perkins AND Gayle Forman. Yeah, it's an obvious yes for me!

MUCH thanks to Melissa West & Shane (for hosting the blog tour!), St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley!

Beverley didn't get any new books in the past two weeks because she's trying to hold out on requests as she has been swamped by school life.  But there is a way for you to cheer her up... Fill out her form HERE for an upcoming event she and Jen are currently planning!

Happy reading,
Bev and Jen x