Review: A Million Suns (Book Two in the Across The Universe trilogy ) by Beth Revis

Note: If you haven't read the first book in this series, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, this review will be containg spoilers!

First words
After reading ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, I have been incredibly eager to read A MILLION SUNS! The last book left us with so many unanswered questions and mysteries, that I couldn't put off reading this from the moment I got it home!

So, what's it about?"
Trapped on board the spaceship Godspeed, Amy trusts no one."*

The ships old leader, Eldest, is dead, and Elder must step forward and take charge as the Eldest. However, others on board disagree, and a rebellion is threatening to take over ship . . .

Amy is desperate to help Elder as he tries to take control, but she is caught it a race to  uncover the secrets of Godspeed, leading to an unthinkable result . . . before Godspeed is overcome food shortages, anger and turmoil.

"Only one thing is certain. They have to get off this ship."*

Thoughts and opinions

As in ACROSS THE UNIVERSE,  I'm in love with the ship and ideas behind Godspeed. Once again, this story captured me from the first page and quite literally took me to a different universe.

Before I start to completly gush about this book, I will point out the one negative and the one thing I've heard the most comments about in the first book. That's Elder and Amy.

We left them after Amy had found out that is was actually Elder to un-freeze her, and therefore he is the reason she is awake and alone without her parents. In the last book, Amy and Elder were never quite together, yet it felt they weren't exactly apart either. However, it's clear to everyone, that Elder wants to be more (though, he really could do with out the distraction!), but Amy isn't so sure. The 'not-there-but-not-not-there' relationship continues in this book, but you'll have to read it yourself to see if they finally realize their feelings and get together.

Again, I think the romance is a secondary plot, so I try not to judge it to harshly, and actually, I kind of enjoyed it in this book.

Now for the rest of the story - I LOVED it! I defiantly prefer this story to the first - even though that to was incredible! Now that the Feeders of the ship are off the drug Phydus, (the drug that kept them calm, happy and serine), a rebellion is threatening against Elder and the system. There are so many implications from this, as well as Elder having to step up at the age of sixteen and act as Eldest. 

However, again, there is another murder, but this time the people think that it's Elders way of showing authority. There is no frexing way that I could of guessed who the murder was! Once again, Beth Revis is a complete master of disguising the murderer and it left me completely breathless! 

In A MILLION SUNS, we also lean more about Godspeed and the mission itself, learning all the secrets that Eldest had been keeping from Elder the whole time. Again, not in a million years would I have guessed what the biggest surprise of the whole book turned out to be!

Something I want to mention, but also something that will most likely make sense until you have read it, is a page just over 1/2 through the book. Oh. My. Goodness. Ingenious! Made it seem so real, and wonderful and it was such a beautiful idea!

Final verdict
Breathtaking, suspense filled and twisting and turning every single step of the way, this is an incredible installment in this exiting trilogy!

About the author 
A MILLION SUNS, the second book in the Across The Universe Trilogy, is Amy Revis's second book. Her debut novel was the start of this series, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE. The final book in the trilogy, SHADES OF EARTH, is due to be released in May 2013!

Visit her website: http://www.bethrevis.com/
Or her blog: http://bethrevis.blogspot.co.uk/
Follow her on Twitter @BethRevis

More books like this?

GLOW by Amy Kathleen Ryan
STRUCK by Jennifer Bosworth
GIRL PARTS by John M.Cusick

Review: The Clockwork Prince (Book Two of The Infernal Devices) by Classandra Clare

*This review will contain spoilers if you haven't read the first book in the series, THE CLOCKWORK ANGEL!* 

First Words
I completely fell in love with THE CLOCKWORK ANGEL, and am not ashamed to admit I squeaked in joy when I saw this book waiting on the shelves!

So, what's it about?
"Love and lies can corrupt even the purest of hearts..."*

Deep in the magical underworld of Victorian London, Charlotte and Harry Branwell have a limited time before the Counsel removes them from head of the Institute. After the attack from the Enclave on the vampire de Quincy, killing him and his followers that where there, and the attack on the Institute where two servents died and Tessa was nearly kidnapped, they are challenged with finding Mortmain. But they only have two weeks to do it.

Will is busy helping to track down Mortmain; he's hoping that the man will be able to lead them to the Magister - giving Tessa the answers about her whole existence, and Will the freedom from his secrets. But this alone isn't enough for him, and he seeks the help of Mangus Bane to rid him of his secret once and for all.

Tessa finds herself drawing closer and closer to Jem, despite her longing for Will, and after her brother betrayed her, she is at a loss with what to do.

Time is running out, and lies are being held in every corner . . . with someone betraying them from the inside, who can they trust?

Thoughts and opinions
I've been dying to talk about the romance in this book since the moment I turned the final page, so for once I'm going to start here!

Jem. Will. Jem. Will. Jem. Wi- Okay, I'm sure you get the picture. Usually, when there is a love triangle, I have a clear favorite. The one that is the obvious choice, the one that she is obviously going to end up with. This isn't like that. I genuinely love both of the boys.

Will has his fair share of problems, and is in no way treating Tessa like someone should if they are in love. However, in this book we do learn the reasons behind Will's behavior, and through this revelation we see a very different side of Will. By the end of the book, while still holding onto his unmistakable whit, he becomes a much nicer character, but still stays enough 'bad-boy' if that's why you fell in love with him!

Jem on the other hand. . . Well. these boys couldn't be more opposite. Also, lets not forget that the drug that Jem needs to keep himself alive, is slowly killing him. Tessa is confused by her feelings for Jem, but  then he is incredibly sweet and kind. There is a huge twist by the end of this book, and I didn't expect it to come quite so soon, but I am SO, SO intrigued to see what happens in the next book!

As always, Cassandra Clare's writing style is second to none, and as the action picks up, it flicks quicker and quicker between the different characters point of view. Unlike some books, where you start to favor one voice over another, here each voice is as anticipated and enjoyed as the next.

I love that Magnus Bane is a part of this book, and we see more of him here than we did in CLOCKWORK ANGEL. Towards the end of the book Jessamine has a larger role to play, although I think it's possible a little obvious, but maybe that's just because now I have read it, it all makes perfect sense that she would do it.

The plot is solid and complex, Will's secret is incredibly intriguing, and it's incredible what he's done to keep it, him and everyone else safe.

What I love most about this, is while the romance is a key part of these series, the world of the Shadowhunters is one that is so detailed and complex that the romance only adds to it. If you were to take it away, this is still an incredible world that has been created.

Final verdict
Thrilling, action packed and surprising, this book reaches the same incredible level that we have come to expect from the exceptionable Cassandra Clare.

About the author 
Cassandra Clare has also written a sister series named THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, sixth and nect book of which is out in September, 2014. The third book of THE INFERNAL DEVICES is out on March 18th 2013! A third series of books featuring the Shadowhunters is due out in 2015 called THE DARK ARTIFACTS!

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS movie is currently being cast which is extremely exiting!

More books like this? 

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS by Cassandra Clare
FATEFUL by Claudia Grey
DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum

*This quote is taken from the blurb of CLOCKWORK PRINCE. 

Review: Fateful by Claudia Gray

First words

As soon as I saw that this story is set upon the Titanic, I was so exited to read it! I'm also a huge fan of books set in the 1800's, to early 1900's, so this was high on my 'to-read asap' list!

So, what's it about?

"One wants her dead, the other wants her heart. The ocean wants them all."*

Tess has served the Lisle family since the age of thirteen - but she doesn't want to settle for being a lady's maid for ever. 

The perfect opportunity to escape comes in the shape of a ship... the america bound Titanic. Boarding with the Lisle's, with her mind made up to quit as soon as they dock, Tess couldn't begin to imagine what is waiting for her and every single soul upon the 'unsinkable' Titanic...

But the ice-cold waters of the Atlantic ocean isn't the only danger that awaits her. On board, are two strangers following her every move with eyes like wolves - and on a ship, there are only so many places you can hide before you are found. 

Thoughts and opinions

Firstly, this is a book to be read late at night, hidden beneath the sheets, preferably with a torch. It really is wonderful. 

Everyone knows the heartbreaking and tragic journey that the Titanic makes, and so the whole book is read with baited breath, waiting for the sinking to start. Because everyone will know that that happens, it's safe for me to talk about it. It is written absolutely beautifully, capturing the fear, panic and horror as water starts to flood into the ship. I was reading this chapter at about one o'clock in the morning with rain hammering the window, and myself buried deep into my duvet. It was like watching it all play out in front of my eyes, and I kept getting images of the film Titanic  bouncing into my head, only making the words on the page seem even more real...   Incredibly captivating. 

Tess is sweet, humorous at times, and generally a very likable character. She is set on escaping to a new life as soon as they land in America, and I find her determination wonderfully admirable! She has a definite sense of right and wrong, and I think she struggles with this through out the book. She has to try and stay her place as a third class passenger and member of society, yet as the passage progresses, situations occur and she starts finding herself stepping out of line and chanlenging those boundaries.

Then, there's the unreachable, unattainable, rich, handsome Alec. While her employer, Lady Regina, is trying to marry her daughter off to him (or any suitable man she can), Alec is busy hiding a burning secret. From the first chapter, and probably the blurb as well, it's not that hard to guess what that secret is, but then again, I don't think that his secret is the biggest factor in the story. It's more about the options he has, and the choices he'll have to make, as well as his relationship with Tess. I actually really like Alec's father as well; he seems like such a lovely character, I'm glad for the part he plays in the story.

Tess is in danger from the moment she boards the ship, and it turns out she isn't the only one. The nice thing is that it isn't actually Tess that is in danger, but something she has access to/ what she knows. I like this because it's more like she is in this by accident, which adds another dimension to the whole story, especially her relationship with other characters.

Obviously, this book is set over a short period of time, but every second is filled with action. Usually, such a book would put me off, because any romance, or any relationship, feels rushed and unobtainable, but this didn't feel that way at all. 

Final verdict
Imaginative, breathtaking and heart pounding, this is a wonderful story by Claudia Gray. Crossing history and the paranormal works so well, and this definitely sticks it's head above the crowd! 

About the author
Claudia Gray, is the author of the EVERNIGHT series, as well as recently the novel BALTHAZER which features one of the characters from the main books.

Visit her website: http://claudiagray.com/
Check out her blog: http://claudiagray.com/blog/

Follow her on twitter: https://twitter.com/claudiagray
Or, like her on Facebook!: http://www.facebook.com/authorclaudiagray

More books like this?

CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare
SHIVER by Maggie Stiefvater
SLUMBER (THE FADE #1) by Samantha Young
DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver 

*Quote taken from the blurb of FATEFUL. 

Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate

First words
I first read FALLEN back in 2009 when it came out. Now that the last book, RAPTURE, has been released, I've decided to re-read the whole series so I can do it justice! I haven't read FALLEN for a year or so now, but it's been like meeting up with an old friend that I haven't seen for a while, then suddenly realize how much we get on!


So, what's it about?
"Some angels are destined to fall..."*

When Luce arrives at Sword & Cross, a reform school by order of the court, it's a far cry from her old private school at Dover. But Luce doesn't belong here - at least that's what she says. However ... after the accident last summer, no one believes her.

Luce soon catches the attention of the charming Cam, and with his dark hair and green eyes, he's a welcome distraction from her new life . . .

Then she sees Daniel. From the moment their eyes meet, Luce feels like she knows him from somewhere . . . not just that, but these feelings she has for him . . . why does it feel like this has happened before?

Thoughts and opinions
First, before the story has even begun, is a quote that has stayed with me since the first time I opened the book.

"But paradise is locked and bolted ... We must make a journey around the world to see if a back door has perhaps been left open."

-Heinrich Von Kleist, 'On the Puppet Theater.'

What a perfect idea this is on its own. Even more so when you read it from the context of Luce or Daniel, and realize that it's true for them too.

This entwined love story is beautiful, dark and twisted all at once. It's complicated and seemingly destined to fail, yet you can't help but feel a sense of hope. Sometimes, a story where love, or at least extremely strong attraction, seems to come on very quickly, and from not a lot, can feel wrong and unexplained. This does not. Luce is, yes, interested in Daniel from the start, but I think she is also intrigued by him, and not just because she 'likes' him. 


Luce is written from third person, but it such a way, most of the time I forget and I feel like I'm reading in first. I really feel for Luce and the things she goes through, and, so far I really like her as a character. She has her funny moments, and she doesn't act stupidly and get herself into danger for the sake of it! I love the way that she has had the shadows for a long time, and that she figured out how to pretend everything is normal so that her parents stop sending her to shrinks. I think we have all done things like that in out lives, (I know I have anyway!) and it makes Luce much more accessible to be understood. Another thing I really enjoyed, is how we don't find out all the information all at once in one big sitting. It leaks out from the start; the thing that happened in the summer; the way she recognizes Daniel; it really captures your attention and keeps you hooked until the very end!

For the start of the book, we only really see Daniel from the distance (but not so in the distance it's in any way boring at all!) , so I'm actually going to start with Cam. In some respects, it's hard to make Cam out. He's the dark haired, green eyed boy with smooth words and shameless flirting. You start to think maybe he's not so bad actually maybe he's okay after all ... well I let you read the book to learn whether he is or not!

While Daniel is mentioned lots in the first half of the book, him and Luce don't really start talking properly until the story has progressed a little but more. This actually works well, as it gives Cam's character a chance to develop further. As Luce and Daniel start to grow, we learn more about him and why there's a connection between him and Luce. (Sorry, this is all quite vague, but I don't want to ruin the plot in any way, and so if I don't do that, there's lots of things I can't say!) It's nice to have a change, and have the lead male as someone with blond hair instead of the usual dark and mysterious type that likes to haunt this genera, especially surrounding things such as fallen angels.


Final verdict
Intriguing, darkly romantic, with a forbidden love that's stronger than time, FALLEN is an incredible start to a thrilling series.

About the author
THE BETRAYAL OF NATALIE HARGROVE was the first novel by Lauren Kate.   FALLEN is her second book and the first in the Fallen series. Next is, TORMENT, then PASSION and the final book is RAPTURE. A book named FALLEN IN LOVE is labeled book 3.5, and is a collection of love stories set in the world and people surrounding Luce and Daniel.

A FALLEN movie is in pre-production, and the screen play is currently being written, with author Lauren Kate involved in a consulting capacity. Disney optioned the rights to the series in 2010.

Learn more about Lauren Kate at her website: http://laurenkatebooks.net/
Check out the FALLEN website: http://www.fallenbooks.com.au/ /  http://www.fallenbooks.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter: @laurenkatebooks
Or, like the series on FaceBook:  http://www.facebook.com/fallenbooks

Other books like this?
DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth
KISSED BY AN ANGEL by Elizabeth Chandler
HUSH-HUSH by Becca Fitzpatrick

*This quote is taken from the blurb of FALLEN. 

Review: Until I Die by Amy Plum

This review will contain spoilers if you haven't yet read the first book in the series, DIE FOR ME!

First words
Having recently re-read DIE FOR ME, I went and brought UNTIL I DIE, eager to carry on the story! I adore the cover of this book; it's beautifully designed, and I love the shiny silver swirls that surround the title.

So, what's it about?
"My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.."*

Vincent is a reverant; an immortal being that is compelled to die in order to save a humans life. His 'life' is put in danger every time he tries to save someone - and that was his existence. Until he met Kate.

He has sworn to fight against his very nature to be with her, to grow old with her.

But, Kate can't stand by and watch the boy she loves die over and over - death haunts her past, her parents died in a car crash just a short time ago..

Resisting death causes Vincent immense suffering, but he's determined to find a way to overcome it. So is Kate. Unable to sit around and watch Vincent suffer any longer, she's determined to find another way, and in the process discovers something that might put a stop to their enemies, the numa, for ever. But her actions aren't going unnoticed...

She's unknowingly putting everyone she loves in danger.

And in the process, made herself not just a player in the game ... but a target.

Thoughts and opinions
This book flows nicely from where DIE FOR ME left off, and Kate and Vincent bounce beautifully off one another from the start.

Jude is along for the ride, adding his flirty amusement to the story at all the right times. Again, there's a bit of a wondering if Jude 'likes' Kate, or if he really is just that flirty with everybody!

So, Vincent's trying to find a way to fight his urge to die, so to speak, and Kate's desperate to help him. However, they are both starting to keep secrets from each other. When Vincent start's to look like death Kate knows something is wrong, but Vincent won't tell her whats going on. So she decides to go and look herself, leading her to the old areas of Paris, trying to discover people who might be able to help her.

I truly believe their love is true, strong and real, but the fact that Vincent's death is imminent all the time, is a huge deal breaker for Kate. Saying it like that, it could be easy to think 'that's selfish, he can't help dying' ect, however, this is a girl who has had her parents die recently, and had to move all the way from america, to Paris. To be honest, I don't think many people could knowingly watch someone they love die again and again, waiting for them to come back to life each time, and in Kate's case this feeling must be multiplied.

Numa (the evil revenant's) are those who became revenants by taking life as apposed to saving it. This is such a simple idea, and it works so, so well, because they are essentially the same, yet so totally different at the same time.

That ending .... oh my goodness!! WHAT a cliff hanger! Desperate to read the next book - counting down the months till it is released!

Final verdict 
Fabulously gripping and stunningly written, UNTIL I DIE is an brilliant addition to this fabulous trilogy -  the end will leave you screaming out for more as soon as possible!  


About the author
DIE FOR ME was the first novel by Amy Plum. This book, UNTIL I DIE, is the second in the trilogy and the final book, IF I SHOULD DIE, is due to be released in May 2013!

Visit her website at: http://www.amyplumbooks.com/
Check out her blog at: http://www.amyplumbooks.com/blog/
'Like' her on FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/amyplumfanpage?ref=sgm
Follow her on Twitter: @AmyPlumOhLaLa

More books like this? 
FALLEN by Lauren Kate
EVERMORE by Alyson Noel
CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare

*This quote is taken from the blurb of UNTIL I DIE. 

Review: Clockwork Angel (Book One of The Infernal Devices) by Cassandra Clare

First Thoughts
I found THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS completely brilliant, but for some unknown reason, I kept putting off starting THE INFERNAL DEVICES. I'm completely kicking myself now - I loved every single page, and can not wait to get my hands on the next book in the series!!

So, what's it about? 
"Magic is dangerous - but love is more dangerous still."*

It's Victorian England, and a ship is docking from New York. On it, is sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray waiting to meet her brother, but when she arrives, she is kidnapped and forced to practice powers she never knew she had.
Suddenly rescued by Will, alone and afraid, she takes refuge with the Shadowhunters - those who hunt demons. Here she learns about the Downworld; a place of vampires and warlocks and a whole array of other supernaturals.
As she learns more about the world she is quickly tumbling deeper and deeper into, she starts to feel something for two boys who are as close as brothers... But she's being hunted. Someone wants her. And her powers.

Thoughts and opinions
Because I'd already read THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, I'm familiar with the world of the Shadowhunters and the Downworld, and it was one I've been itching to return too.
The difference is that this series, has been set at a much earlier date than the first. I'm a huge lover of stories set in the Victorian era for a number of reasons. So, the first, and the biggest, is how relationships had to be conducted in order to be 'proper'. Character A cannot simply fall into bed with B and then pretend that nothing happened; okay, yes, they could but the implications are much higher than that of those set in current times. For relations to develop to that respect, marriage has to (/should) happen, which again adds all sorts of boundaries to cross in itself. Small touches and words seem to carry more weight, with small things such as calling people by their first name, or even more so shortening their first name, means a lot.
Onto the characters! The majority of the book is following Tessa, (although it does swap to others at times, especially towards the end,), who is wonderful! She's witty and quick, and the comebacks that expire between herself and Will do cause some real laugh out loud moments!
Will is also an incredible character. He's painted as the 'dark moody' kind of guy, but he's very quick witted with it, and is a constant source of amusement. From the first few chapters, he fast shot up on my list of favorite male leads, simply from the way him and Tessa bounce off each other.
For readers of THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, a familiar face makes his appearance, and I was so happy to see him here, being his usual self, and it's clear that he's staying through the next book at least!
The last few chapters were really intense, and there's no way at all I would have seen those twists coming from a mile away! It's a complete cliff hanger at the end, and I'm hoping I can pick up a copy of CLOCKWORK PRINCE (the second book in the series) really soon!

Final verdict 
Beautifully written and crafted, this is a must for any paranormal romance lover! Victorian London is the perfect setting for this intense tale, and it will leave you waiting and wishing for your next fix of Shadowhunters!

About the authorCassandra Clare has also written a sister series called THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, the sixth and next book of which is out in September 2014.  The third book of THE INFERNAL DEVICES is out in March 19th 2013! A third series of books featuring the Shadowhunters is due out in 2015 called THE DARK ARTIFACTS! THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS is currently under casting for the movie that is on the way!

Visit her website: http://www.cassandraclare.com/
Check out her blog:  http://cassandraclare.tumblr.com/
Follow her on twitter:@cassieclare
Or learn more about Shadowhunters here!: http://www.shadowhunters.com/index.php
More info about the movie!:  http://www.cassandraclare.com/faq/who-has-been-cast-in-the-mortal-instruments-movie/

More books like this? 
FALLEN by Laura Kate
THE SPLENDOR FALLS by Rosemary Clement-Moore
ALL THESE THINGS I'VE DONE by Gabrielle Zevin

*This quote is taken from the prologue of CLOCKWORK ANGEL. 

Review: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

First thoughts 
I've really been loving Dystopian fiction recently, and I think after the success of THE HUNGER GAMES movie, we'll be seeing more of it over the next couple of years.


So, what's it about? 
It's New York, and the year is 2082.
In a world where many things, including chocolate, caffeine and camera phones are banned, a sixteen year old girl is being arrested, and facing imprisonment, for attempted murder.
With her grandmother only alive thanks to life support machines, her eighteen year old brother with a mental age of eight, and her little sister to look out for, Anya needs to be there for them.
That's when the District Attorney offers her a choice. She can watch helplessly as he destroys her family; or she can stay away from his son. Easy choice? Not when his son is the boy Anya loves.
With her parents dead, and the rest of her family deep in the criminal underworld, to keep everyone safe, she's going to have to make the right choices.

Thoughts and opinions 
Straight away, I loved Anya. She's strong, funny and witty, reminding me of other protagonists such as Katniss, (THE HUNGER GAMES) and Triss (DIVERGENT).
Having a protagonist that is feisty is always brilliant and adds some laugh out loud moments, and with in the first few chapters, this is shown in abundance! However, soon her 'spirit' leads her into trouble... of course.
Religion has been wound into the story cleverly, and has its place through out. It adds dimensions too, and I think it's actually an important thing to include when a story is set in the future. If religion has lasted through the years of scientific discovery, chances are it's not going away any time soon, and it helps make this story feel very real. (Although, it's worth pointing out, what ever religion you may or not be, it will make no difference to your enjoyment of the story! Its just something I always find interesting when authors include it in their writing.)
Gable, Anya's boyfriend at the start of the book (soon to be -ex boyfriend,) is someone I would like to kick. Hard. Where it hurts. Which is good, because it makes Anya's actions completely understandable (and okay, yes, encouraged!).
Will and Anya have a Romeo and Juliet romance, with Anya's family being deep in the criminal underworld, and Will's father being the District Attorney. It's clear that their relationship isn't going to happen easily, and they have a lot of things to work though if they are going to be together. Will is wonderful, he's strong and funny and I think he's going to be very loyal over the series.
So, sometimes, secondary characters really are just that - secondary. They become blurs in the background, people whose name you forget when you've put the book down for a day or so. The families become known more by their labels 'brother', 'sister' ect; but not here. In fact, I'm going to mention them now.
Leo is Anya's eighteen year old brother. He should be the head of the family, looking out for the rest of them. However, at the age of eight, an accident left him severely brain damaged, and his mental age hasn't been able to progress. We watch as he tries to make his own decisions, and the incomprehensible frustration of knowing what has happened to him, but being unable to do anything about it.
Then, we have to watch Anya's grandma, only alive thanks to a single machine that she's on all the time. Along with the little sister, Natty, Anya has to watch out for everyone - a lot of responsibility for a sixteen year old.
Also, the rest of their family play a big part in the plot. Making it a family business, means there's always going to be the strong connection too them, as hard as Anya tries to keep Leo away and her small little family safe.


Final verdict
Action packed, cleverly crafted and attention grabbing from the first page, this is defiantly a series to watch out for! Defiantly looking forward to the next book coming out asap!


About the author 
ALL THESE THINGS I'VE DONE, is Gabrielle Zevin's fifth novel, the first in this series. Her other works for young adults are MEMOIRS OF A TEENAGE ANIMISTIC and ELSEWHERE. She has also written two novels for adults.

Visit her website here: http://www.memoirsofa.com/
Her blog here: http://gabriellezevin.tumblr.com/
Or follow her on twitter: @gabriellezevin
Or like on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gabriellezevinfanpage



More books like this? 
THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins
DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver
DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth

Review: Die For Me by Amy Plum

First words
I loved this book from the start. The cover is gorgeous and I was dawn into it from the very first page. From then, it kept me stuck to my seat until I turned the final page!


So, what's it about? 
"[She] had said that meeting me had transformed Vincent. I had given him 'new life'... But was he expecting me to save his soul?"*

When sixteen-year old Kate, and her older sister, Georgia, move to live with their grandparents in Paris, Kate isn't living - she's just existing. A week before Christmas, a car crash killed her parents, and now she's far away from everything that was her old life in Brooklyn. She looses herself in a world of books and art - then Vincent appears.

With his dark hair, olive skin, and clear blue eyes she's entranced from the moments their eyes meet.

But he's hiding something...

When Kate watches helplessly as his friend pushes a man from the tracks of the train, before being hit himself, she knows that this is bigger than anything she could have imagined ... and she's walked straight into the middle of it.

What will she sacrifice for love?

Thoughts and opinions 
Take me to Paris. Now. Pretty please?!
The city is described in such a wondrous way; with winding paths and ancient architecture, quaint, petite cafe's and romantic moonlight - it's beautiful! Not many books of this genera, (actually, any, that I can think of off the top of my head!), are set in France. With Paris having well earned it's romantic airs, any story set here is sure to have a love story to rival all others - Kate and Vincent most defiantly do. 

Kate is wonderful - she's quick, witty and funny, with more than enough heartbreak in her past to sympathize  with and all together shape her into a whole, real, feeling person. Any protagonist that has a true love of books, is destined to be a favorite character of mine, and the way in which Kate escapes into a world of words and art, is one I fully relate to in every way!

Vincent is firstly, yes, (*sigh!*), simply gorgeous. With dark hair, olive skin, blue eyes and a french accent he is the ideal of dark, sexy and mysterious. The catch? He's sweet, funny and kind. Forget Patch of HUSH-HUSH or Jace from THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, Vincent has the 'bad-boy' vibe with out any of the cockiness or harsh words.

But, of course, it's not as simple as it seems.

This take on Revenant's is clever. It's unique. It has consent, heart aching consequences and a gang of deadly, killer enemies.

The rest of Vincent's group, are made up of a brilliant mix of characters, and there's even the small hints of a love triangle.. . it has everything, all in one stunningly written package.



Final verdict 
Fresh, breathtaking and beautifully told, DIE FOR ME will keep you to clinging to every last word. It will take you away to Paris in all it's splendor and glory, all it's culture and all it's mystery; this is truly a story you will not want to miss.


About the author
DIE FOR ME is the first novel by Amy Plum. The second book in the trilogy is UNTIL I DIE and the final book, IF I SHOULD DIE, is due to be released in May 2013!

Visit her website at:  http://www.amyplumbooks.com/
Follow her on twitter:  @AmyPlumOhLaLa 
Like her FaceBook page:  http://www.facebook.com/amyplumfanpage?ref=sgm
Or, check out her blog!:  http://www.amyplumbooks.com/blog/

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PROVIDENCE by Jamie McGuire
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*This quote is taken from the prologue of DIE FOR ME.