Book Review - Where She Went

Title: Where She Went
Author: Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay (Book 2)
Publisher: Definitions (Young Adult)
Release Date: 26 April 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1849414289

Synopsis
If you had a second chance at first love . . . would you take it?

It's been three years since Mia walked out of Adam’s life. And three years he’s spent wondering why. When their paths cross again in New York, Adam and Mia are brought back together for one life-changing night.


My Review
When I finished listening to 'If I Stay' I was desperate to find out what happened next, I had this book ready and couldn't wait to open it. Life got in the way a bit and it was about 3 days before I was able to pick this one up, but thoughts of the characters and that world stayed with me, they were in my thoughts, I even had a dream about it which was weird. So I knew I had to get back to it as soon as I could.
My initial reaction when picking up the book was disappointment - it's set 3 years after the end of Stay. That is a massive leap and I was hoping it would carry on right where the other left off. But I loved the story and Forman's writing so I decided to persevere, hoping that those 3 years would be filled in at some point to let us know how we got here.
My next shock was that this one was told from Adam's perspective not Mia's which seemed a bit alien at first but I soon found myself enjoying his voice, fitting into his world, walking beside him as he went through each day.
The book is divided between current events of Adam's life and things that have happened over the past few years.
I don't want to give too much away as I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it, but I was shocked by some of the turn of events. Not Adam's job - I always knew he would make it, but the sheer loneliness of his life was shocking, and it was almost like his waves of misery would flow off the page from him. I wanted to reach in and reassure him that it would all be ok.
The more I read, the more the gaps were filled in and I felt myself settling back into the story, and realising why it was written that way - and I have to admit it was the perfect way to do it. Everything suddenly just felt right, made sense and worked out - I understood what had happened and how they had got here and the bonus is you get a bigger look at their future. 
I actually found myself disliking Mia a little bit - some of her choices were just mean and to be honest - selfish. But after all she went through you can kind of understand that, but I still don't think it's a real excuse. 
Adam weaves his world around you until you are absorbed and I didn't want the book to end, but at the same time I was desperate to find out how it finished. 
This is honestly one of the best series I have ever read, it's story swept me up and churned me through a whirlwind of emotions. It has stayed with me and the characters feel like old school friends. 
So although not what I expected at first, I would highly recommend these books to other people, only slight warning to younger readers - some content may not be suitable but nothing too bad or shocking. 

My Rating

  

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Cover Reveal - Bound by Spells

Release Date: March 19, 2015

Aidan Montgomery hadn’t been prepared for Amelia Bradbury to walk in and then out of his life. He also hadn’t expected to find the powerful magic hidden deep within him for the last nineteen years, but he’s embracing it — finding more control and more answers every day. Now, with the help of Amelia’s best friend, Bethany, Aidan is on a quest to understand his destiny and find Amelia.

Amelia decided to stand by her duty, which meant walking away from her first chance at love. Trapped in Cresthaven at the Queen’s mercy, she spends her days with Micah — an ally she still holds at arm’s length — struggling to manage her heartbreak while keeping her mind focused on the task at hand. As she continues to unlock the secrets of the Keeper power, Queen Julia’s true motives reveal themselves, forcing Amelia to decide, yet again, how much she’s willing to sacrifice.

Will Aidan get to Amelia before it's too late, or will the very power that sustains them keep them apart?

Add it on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/15ryC4K

Haven't started the Bound Series Yet? Start reading Bound By Duty!

Amelia grew up in a world of half-truths. She knows she's an Elder but has no idea what that means. Her father reminds her daily that she must maintain control but he refuses to explain why. Even worse, she's betrothed to the prince of the Immortals and she doesn't even know his name.

Finally breaking free to live a few normal years at a community college, the last thing Amelia expects is to find her best friend in a cheeky Southern girl and to fall for a self-assured human who sees her for who she is and not what she'll be.

As she learns more about herself, Amelia realizes the line between love and duty is a thin one. As her power continues to increase exponentially and her questions are slowly answered, Amelia must make the ultimate choice. The question is, will her head or her heart win the battle?

Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Gmm13A

Giveaway!

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About Stormy Smith

Stormy Smith is the author of the Amazon best-seller, Bound by Duty. She calls Iowa’s capital home now, but was raised in a tiny town in the Southeast corner of the state. She grew to love books honestly, having a mom that read voraciously and instilled that same love in her. She knew quickly that stories of fantasy were her favorite, and even as an adult gravitates toward paranormal stories in any form.

Writing a book had never been an aspiration, but suddenly the story was there and couldn’t be stopped. When she isn’t working on, or thinking about, her books, Stormy’s favorite places include bar patios, live music shows, her yoga mat or anywhere she can relax with her husband or girlfriends.

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Blog Tour - Haven Waiting

HAVEN WAITIG BOOK BLURB

Fifteen-year-old Jamie Peters is a Soul Saver. She helps ghosts finish their business and move on. When a mysterious map comes into her possession, she knows a new adventure is waiting. With the help of her friends, Peter and Camille, she follows the map. Her friends hope to find treasure, but Jamie suspects there is more to the map than riches. She never imagined the map would lead her to Haven—and a book of spells.

Haven Mills was accused of practicing witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials. Unlike the other women hung during the trials, Haven wasn’t as innocent as she claimed to be. In one moment of weakness and desperation, she did something sinister—something that has been bringing evil to the world for centuries.

Jamie promises to help Haven, but the reality of what that promise entails comes back to haunt her as she fights not only for Haven’s soul, but for her own as well.   

TIFANI CLARK AUTHOR BIO

Tifani Clark grew up on a farm in southeastern Idaho (yes, that’s where they grow all the potatoes) as the middle of five children. She had a lot of space to imagine and daydream and often pictured herself as a character in one of the many books she read. She was habitually found pretending to be Scarlet O’Hara. Tifani loves mysteries and hates it when one goes unsolved. She is married to the love of her life and is the mother to four fabulous children. When not writing, she enjoys playing the violin and piano and traveling to new places. She especially enjoys visits to national parks and places of historical significance.


  Links:
 Haven Waiting - Amazon  
Shadow of a Life - Amazon  
Facebook 
Twitter: @TifaniClark 
Tifani Clark Blog

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City of Bones

City of Bones is the first book in the YA urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.

It’s just another night for Clary when she and her best friend Simon are hanging out at the Pandemonium Club in New York City – but when she happens across a strange scene that no one else seems to see, her life takes a turn for the otherworldly.

Trying to brush off the fact that no one else – including Simon – saw the teenagers with peculiar markings covering their skin talking to another teen they kept calling a “demon”, Clary returns home to an overprotective mother that is so upset that Clary is a little late that she wants to take the two of them away for the summer with family friend Luke.

Fuming, Clary finds solace with Simon – until she has another encounter with those mysterious teens and finds out they are Shadowhunters – warriors devoted to purging the earth of demons and keeping other not-fully-human creatures like vampires and werewolves in line.

When her mother disappears and monsters show up at her home, Clary realizes that she has somehow become part of something dangerous and secretive – and everyone she loves is now in jeopardy.

But why do the demons want to go after Clary?

Hmm.

I’m torn, people.

Despite some interesting world building and a good helping of fantasy and supernatural suspense, I had difficulty connecting with the characters of City of Bones. I’m not entirely sure if it was the writing – which was, I feel, at times rather juvenile – or the overall personalities of the characters…

They just didn’t jive with me very smoothly.

However, a vulnerable, sad, horrid personal story from Jace – the main, attractive Shadowhunter Clary meets – did make me feel more empathetic toward him. It brought a bit of a psychological aspect to him, at least. This helped when late in the novel he started doing things that really irritated me – yet I could sort of see why he would make those decisions…

Sort of.

Anywho, with less interrupted reading time, I was able to start getting more entertained by City of Bones. It’s certainly fast paced and has a decent plot. It started to grow on me a little and as it picked up – though still not head over heels – I began to understand the appeal.

Unfortunately, I had been informed of a big twist before reading the book – the unnamed person shall be forevermore banned from discussing books with me – and that certainly didn’t help. It’s a huge reveal – but kind of odd and makes me curious why Cassandra Clare went there….?

But hey – I’m intrigued enough to try book two.

Right now, though, I’m not clamoring.

P. S. I am not a fan of this cover. Not to mention, there are no scenes - from my memory - that included a half naked male. Therefore, not only is the cover not a favorite of mine but it also isn't accurate! Argh.

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Book Review - Frostfire

Title: Frostfire
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: Kanin Chronicles (Book 1)
Publisher: Tor
Release Date: 15 Jan. 2015
ISBN-13: 978-1447256649

Synopsis
Will she give up her dream to follow her heart?

Bryn Aven is determined to gain status amongst the Kanin, the most powerful of the hidden tribes. But as a half-blood, winning respect is a huge challenge. Bryn's almost-human community distrusts people, and those from other tribes are almost as suspect.
She has just one goal to get ahead: to join the elite guard protecting the Kanin royal family. And Bryn's vowed that nothing will stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss, Ridley Dresden.
But her plans are put on hold when fallen hero Konstantin starts acting dangerously. Bryn loved him once, but now he's kidnapping Kanin children - stealing them from hidden placements within human families. She's sent to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?

My Review
I received an email advertising this book and it offered a copy of the book in exchange for honest reviews. At first I almost didn't reply - I read Amanda Hocking's first trilogy the "Switched" series and struggled a bit with it, although I know I enjoyed it in the end. So I decided it could be worth a try. I received my paperback copy (Thank you very much!) just after Christmas and thought straight away how gorgeous the cover was, all of Hocking's books always have such beautiful covers but I particularly loved this one. The striking red of her coat against the snowy back drop, just wow.
Anyway, I was a bit worried then that I wouldn't remember enough of the original series and this wouldn't make sense but don't worry there - you don't have to have read that series for this to make sense. If you have read them then you will recognise some names and possibly characters but if not then it's fine - this works perfectly as it's own stand alone series. Everything needed is explained and introduced and then you are off and away.
I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised by this book, I don't have a lot of time to read at the moment so I have to snatch it when I can and unless I am hooked in a book I tend not to pick them up as much, but with this book I was immediately hooked and couldn't stop squeezing in every moment I could with it. 
The book starts off with a big event that gets you to know the main character - Bryn and makes you want to know more about what just happened and what is to come. 
We then follow Bryn as she seeks out answers, followers orders and breaks a few rules all whilst trying to find out the truth behind all these events and whether or not they are chasing the right guy. 
This book is a magical fantasy mixed with a little bit of a mystery crime story and it's woven together beautifully. Bryn is a fabulous character - quite fiery at times and she has a bit of a temper to her but she is also loving, caring, loyal, impulsive, quick thinking and brave. I really liked her attitude and dedication and we even glimpse at her vulnerable side. Although I would have liked to see a bit more about some of her personal issues, and I'm hoping we see more of her in the next book. But as a character she does keep her emotions close to her chest so who knows. I have a feeling she is a softy under that tough exterior.
The book is fast paced and is a real page turner, I just had to keep reading and in the end finished it a lot quicker than I thought I would. 
I am so pleased with this book and excited to see more - I will be waiting for the next book to come out eagerly and am so glad that I chose to give this a chance and grateful for the publishers for sending me a copy. 
Definitely worth a look!
  
My Rating  

  

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The Well of Lost Plots

The Well of Lost Plots is the third book in the book lover’s fantasy series Thursday Next by Jasper Fforde.

Though it’s been said that these books stand well on their own – I still STRONGLY recommend reading them in order. That means The Eyre Affair first, Lost in a Good Book second and THEN The Well of Lost Plots.

To avoid any potential spoilers for the first two books, I also recommend not reading this review unless you’ve read the prior novels. Deal?

After burning some serious bridges at her Spec Ops-27 Literary Detective job, being pursued by the power-mad Goliath Corporation and continuing to carry the child of a husband that no longer exists, Thursday had to get away.

Where better to get away than inside a book?

Being one of the rare individuals that has entered BookWorld as a non-fictional character, Thursday has been granted permission to participate in the Character Exchange program – allowing a character in the unpublished Caversham Heights go on holiday while Thursday steps in to take her place for, presumably, the next year.

While taking care of herself and her unborn child, her Jurisfiction mentor, Miss Havisham, will continue to teach her the ways of book jumping and book monitoring, as well.

Despite getting cozy in her temporary home, Thursday soon finds out that the hackneyed, pulp mystery mess that is Caversham Heights is up for potential salvage – which is when BookWorld hawks plot devices, characters, etc., on the black market of the Well of Lost Plots.

On top of that, a murderer is targeting Jurisfiction personnel.

So much for rest and relaxation!

Oh, Jasper Fforde!

It’s relatively rare that you are utterly floored by originality. Fforde manages to do that to me. I mean, WOW!

The Well of Lost Plots is truly ingenious – ready for multiple re-reads to fully understand this complex, intricate, fascinating world called BookWorld.

It’s stuffed full of bookish creatures, wondrous rules, clever laws and actions and oh-so-much wittiness! There’s humor, suspense, mystery!

This really is a world as multifaceted, imaginative, involving, entertaining and DIFFERENT as a Harry Potter type of environment. I am a tough one to get to compare to Harry Potter – but the Thursday Next series definitely steps up the game.

Too much fun – yet extremely intelligent, demanding attention and memory to fully enjoy The Well of Lost Plots – I am overcome with the desire to read the whole series RIGHT AWAY.

Thank you, Jasper Fforde!!!

Strongly, strongly recommended!

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Book Review - If I Stay

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay (Book 1)
Publisher: Doubleday
Release Date: 7th May 2009
ISBN13: 9780385616201

Synopsis
For seventeen-year-old Mia, surrounded by a wonderful family, friends and a gorgeous boyfriend decisions might seem tough, but they're all about a future full of music and love, a future that's brimming with hope.
But life can change in an instant.
A cold February morning . . . a snowy road . . . and suddenly all of Mia's choices are gone. Except one.
As alone as she'll ever be, Mia must make the most difficult choice of all.
Gripping, heartrending and ultimately life-affirming, If I Stay will make you appreciate all that you have, all that you've lost - and all that might be. 

My Review
I have heard a lot about this book over the years and always wanted to read it but never really made the time for it. Then I saw a movie trailer for it that looked really good and I knew I just had to read it. In the end I actually listened to this on audiobook - I always have one in my car and with studying and work at the moment I don't have as much time to read books for fun so utilizing my time in the car is the best way to discover more stories. I am going to review it as normal though as I am reivewing the story and content not the audio presentation - although I will say quickly that the narrator was very good and really presented the story well, the accent and emotion in her speech was just amazing.

The story is told from Mia's point of view and gives you a look into her life. Her dad used to play drums in a band, her mum is a cool rock chick, her little brother is 10 years younger than her but totally sweet and the apple of her eye. Mia herself plays Cello and is a fairly quite young lady. Then we have Adam her boyfriend who plays guitar in a band that is just becoming successful. Life seems to be going well, finally working out and exciting things are coming up. But then everything turns upside down. Everything gets shut for a snow day, but it's actually only a light covering, so Mia, her brother and parents decide to go out for a drive, maybe to visit some friends.
That's when it happens. In a horrendous road accident Mia discovers her parents have been killed on impact and she isn't sure where her brother is. She then discovers her own body and realizes that she is having some strange out of body experience. She can see and hear everything, she can open doors and move around but no one else can see, hear or feel her. She now has to choose, does she give up the fight and move on to join her parents wherever they may have gone - if there is a beyond. Or should she stay and face life, a life without her family but with the possibility of a future.
The story alternates between Mia's progress in hospital and her out of body experiences and her recounting times throughout her life - first meeting Adam, learning the Cello, family events, etc.
I found this book to be very powerful, right from the start I was hooked and wanted to know more. I found Mia to be a very well developed character and I immediately liked her. The writing punches you in the gut and wraps itself around your brain - refusing to let go, taking your breath away, absorbing you totally and I loved it. 
I would find myself leaving early so I could sit in my car for a few extra minutes each time just so I could hear more of the story, not wanting to get out. And then I would be desperate to get back into my car to hear more later, and it would stay with me. I would find myself thinking about it and wondering what would happen next. 
It's a very sensitive subject and quite disturbing in parts but very well dealt with and very moving and it really just makes you feel. I was involved in Mia's story, and I had to know what would happen to her.
I am now desperate to read book 2 and find out where she goes next and what comes of everything. I just can't get over this book, it really has moved me. It's amazing and the writing is just incredible. 
I will definitely be seeing the film too - I just hope it can live up to the book, which will be hard.

My Rating

 
   

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