Review: Scott Pilgrim & the Infinite Sadness

Scott Pilgrim & the Infinite Sadness by Bryan Lee O'Malley
Series: Scott Pilgrim #3
Genre: Graphic Novel
Length: 228 pages
Published on 1st May 2006 by Oni Press
Purchase: Amazon / B&N / The Book Depository
Byran Lee O'Malley: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Copy gifted from a friend

Synopsis:
Ramona's third evil ex-boyfriend, Todd Ingram, is currently dating the former love of Scott Pilgrim's life! Envy Adams broke Scott's heart a year and a half ago. Now she and her evil art-rock band are back, and they're getting Scott's band to open a show two days from now! That's just enough time for Scott to fight Todd, keep Ramona happy, fend off demented ex-girlfriends, and practice that new setlist. Right Don't miss the latest chapter in the graphic novel saga The Globe and Mail calls "Canada's answer to "Tank Girl"!"

Review: Right Click by Lisa Becker

Right Click by Lisa Becker
Series: Click #3
Genre: Romance / Contemporary
Length: 381 pages
Published on 14th May 2014 by Create Space
Purchase: Amazon / B&N
Lisa Becker: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Copy recieved from author

Synopsis:
Love. Marriage. Infidelity. Crises of identity. Death. Cupcakes. The themes in Right Click, the third and final installment in the Click series, couldn't be more pressing for this group of friends as they navigate through their 30's. Another six months have passed since we last eavesdropped on the hilarious, poignant and oftentimes inappropriate email adventures of Renee and friends. As the story continues to unfold, relationships are tested and some need to be set "right" before everyone can find their "happily ever after."

Review: Double Click by Lisa Becker

Double Click by Lisa Becker
Series: Click #2
Genre: Romance / Contemporary
Length: 308 pages
Published on 26th March 2013 by Create Space
Purchase: Amazon / B&N
Lisa Becker: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Copy recieved from author

Synopsis:
Fans of the romantic hit Click: An Online Love Story will enjoy another voyeuristic dive into the lives of Renee, Shelley, Ashley, Mark and Ethan, as Double Click picks up with their lives six months later. Are Renee and Ethan soul mates? Does Mark ever go on a date? Has Shelley run out of sexual conquests in Los Angeles? Will Ashley's judgmental nature sabotage her budding relationship? Through a marriage proposal, wedding, new baby and unexpected love twist, Double Click answers these questions and more. Readers will continue to cheer, laugh, cry and cringe following the email exploits of Renee and friends.

Review: The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass 0.1-0.5
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy
Length: 430 pages
Published on 13th March 2014 by Bloomsbury Childrens
Purchase: Amazon / B&N / The Book Depository
Sarah J. Maas: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
I bought this copy

Synopsis: Celaena Sardothien owes her reputation to Arobynn Hamel. He gave her a home at the Assassins' Guild and taught her the skills she needed to survive.

Arobynn's enemies stretch far and wide - from Adarlan's rooftops and its filthy dens, to remote islands and hostile deserts. Celaena is duty-bound to hunt them down. But behind her assignments lies a dark truth that will seal her fate - and cut her heart in two forever...

Any one who has read any of the Throne of Glass series will need to make sure they read this; I've had people tell me they weren't going to bother because they would only read short stories if it were about her life before the King destroyed everything. 

I loved this book so much, but I gave it 4 stars because it didn't grip me and make me fangirl like Crown of Midnight did, however I was reading this during the loss of one of my dogs so I'm happy I enjoyed it at all.

These novellas are such a great and important part to the series to gain a better understand of what Celaena was like before Endovier, before the loss of Sam, and before the betrayal of someone that lead her to Endovier. 

It highlights that Celaena had strong opinions and depth to her, which add further depth to the rest of the series and her actions, or lack of at times.

This book made me smile and cry, and is definitely worth the read.

4 stars / 5 stars

Review: The Baking Life of Amelie Day by Vanessa Curtis

The Baking Life of Amelie Day by Vanessa Curtis
Series: Standalone
Genre: Middle Grade
Length: 240 pages
Published on 9th September 2014 by Curious Fox
Purchase: Amazon / B&N / The Book Depository
Vanessa Curtis: Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Received from publisher

Synopsis:
Amelie Day loves to bake - cupcakes, biscuits, bread, tarts and muffins - so she's thrilled when she's invited to compete in Britain's Best Teen Baker of the Year. But Amelie has Cystic Fibrosis and some days she can barely breathe. Determined not to let her condition or her mum stop her, Amelie musters all her flour power, but will it be enough to get here there?

The Baking Life of Amelie Day was one of the first books I finished off this year, and I ended up devouring it over the space of two days.

Middle grade books aren't something I read very often but after reading Zelah Green by this author and enjoying it so much, I couldn't refuse seeing how another of hers was.

The Baking Life of Amelie Day is a quick and easy read, with interesting characters and a great story line - which makes it a perfect read to get out of a reading slump.

Amelie is the first character I've read about who has Cystic Fibrosis, and I think its important that this book is from Amelie's point of view because she doesn't let her illness define her and it is not the first thing that is mentioned. Her love of baking is.

She is aware how others worry and care about her, but she also knows what she wants out of life. Baking is something that makes her happy and she loves experimenting with recipes and allowing her best friend and family try them out.

When she is accepted to take part in Britain's Best Teen Baker of the Year competition television show she knows she has to attend and bake the best cake possible to win. 

I really loved Amelie as a character and her determination to do what she wanted, I like her growth throughout the book, and the experiences she goes through to make her dreams come true.

Another great thing is that her recipes are also featured in the book, I'm not a baker myself but maybe sometime the boyfriend and I can attempt to make something. I look forward to read more of Vanessa Curtis' books as they always seem to impress.

4 stars / 5 stars

Review: Deviation by Christine Manzari

Deviation by Christine Maznari

Published: 9th August 2013 by CreateSpace
Genre: Young Adult / Science Fiction
Series: The Sophisticates #1
Page Count: 430
Format: eBook
Source: From author via Xpresso Book Tours

Synopsis: Being a Sophisticate of the Program seems like it’d be a pretty sweet deal: a little genetic alteration and anyone can be smarter, faster, and stronger. It’s a dream come true. All you have to give up is your freedom. 

Cleo is a Sophisticate and she has a bright future in the Program. But she has a secret. When she gets upset, bad things happen. Explosive things. Things she can’t control. 

When her secret is discovered, she’s sent to the Academy to train in the military branch of the Program. She’s destined to be a human weapon in the war that’s been going on since Wormwood occurred nearly 30 years ago. She soon learns that although her ability is unique, there are others like her — other Sophisticates with lethal skills and odd code names like Archerfish and Mimic Octopus.

Immersed in a dangerous game of supernatural powers and dubious motives, Cleo doesn’t know who to trust. Ozzy, the annoyingly attractive cadet who has perfect aim in weapons class and deviant lips behind closed doors, begs her not to use her powers. He’s the golden boy of the Program, but can she trust him? Or will she find herself a target, caught in his crosshairs?

Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon* / TBD* / B&N

Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

*When purchasing through these links, I will receive a small amount, I will put any money earned towards hosting a giveaway.

Review:
4 / 5 Stars

I got my copy of Deviation through a review opportunity that Xpresso Book Tours brought to my attention and even though I've been in a little bit of a reading rut - yes still - I decided to try my luck with this book as the synopsis grabbed my attention and I'm super glad I was approved.

Deviation starts off introducing us to Cleo and her dystopian American world where kids likes her are made by the government as part of the Sophisticate programme to be well trained in various areas to take on the terrorists.

Cleo's area of knowledge is mostly in computers and hacking, which only gets her into trouble as she tries to track down who her parents.

This causes the strangest of reactions from her, her room becomes engulfed in fire.

Unsure as to why this happened and unwilling to admit she could've possibly done this she tries to ignore it but as her next day in class only leaves her to be transferred to school for mandates that are training as part of the military branch, she realises things are only going to get more complicated.

Especially for someone who faints when holding a gun and has already gotten more than enough attention from the prickly head bitch at the school - Quinby.

What I liked about this book is how real Cleo's struggle was with adapting to a new school but also with all the secrets she starts finding out. Her judgement and reactions are believable and I really liked her growth throughout the book.

"The future wasn't something I could control; I knew that. I just had to control how I handled it."

Another bit that hooked me was the roller derby she has to compete in, I've only read one other book with roller derby and it was so great to read about it more. I loved how it fit into the story and provided a ground for Cleo and Quinby to thrash it out on.

The one downside I had with this book is Ozzy. Ozzy is supposed to he be the hero, the book boyfriend we're gushing over with Cleo, but I just couldn't find it in me to like him. At first I couldn't really place it and I thought he would grow on me more, he was pretty mysterious and seemed to know a lot about Cleo which I had assumed was more his deviation that anything but as it comes to light he was a little too creepy.

Years of stalking, being an assassin and telling me you know everything about me whilst wanting to have kissed me for the last two years when I've only known you for two weeks is not going to make my panties drop. 

I decided to try and ignore how uncomfortable Ozzy made me feel as Cleo is clearly attracted too him and i you choose to believe everything he says, he is really only looking out for her and the others. I moved on and enjoyed the book.

That was until Ozzy decided to go all straight white boy texting on her and flaunt about in a fedora.

Yes he may be well built, good with weapons and good looking but a fedora is a fedora.

The following quote happens shortly after Cleo turns down him and the dress he's bought her to wear to the dance:

"Ozzy: I was hoping to have dreams about you wearing it.

Me: Well, you'll just have to dream about me without it.

Okay I realised my mistake too late.

Me: That's not what I meant and you know it.

Ozzy: Too late. Good night, Cleo. Sweet dreams I know mine will be."

The reason this really threw me off Ozzy is because Cleo has made it pretty clear up until now that she isn't 100% sure she wants anything to do with him and he's so pushy with her and kissing her to "help her make up her mind" and it just makes me feel very uncomfortable. 

Cleo doesn't really seem to think so eventually but it just didn't sit right with me and I hope in the second book he'll calm down a bit and I'll be able to like him more.

He's the only reason its not five stars really. Ooops.

Anyhow, aside from that I really enjoyed reading this book and was really hooked the other day when I finished it. I couldn't put it down because its such a gripping ending and what people will have to keep in mind is that this book is 430 pages so we aren't thrown straight into the action and all-knowing parts, it takes its time, builds up all the important characters and their abilities (yes Cleo isn't the only one) and I definitely think as everything is already laid out, plus a small twist, that the second book will not suffer from second book syndrome and will be a thrilling read too.

Review: With Zombies by Michael F. Stewart

Assured Destruction: With Zombies by Michael F. Stewart

Published: 31st March 2014 
Genre: Young Adult / MysterySeries: Assured Destruction #3
Page Count: ?
Format: eBook
Source: Michael F Stewart via Xpresso Book Tours

Synopsis: The final book in the Assured Destruction series!

Jan Rose may already be expunged from the police department's High Tech Crime Unit. Her mother's hospitalized, and Assured Destruction's on the cusp of bankruptcy. But Jan doesn't wait on anything, she seeks out the customers who used to keep the family business afloat. That's when everything starts to go wrong.

A computer virus--aka the Zombie Worm--threatens not only her school and Shadownet, but the entire city. A skull with a chain running through its socket links a powerful gang to her former customers, and holds the secrets to why her father left and the identity of her mother's boyfriend.

To save her family and the business, Jan must determine who is friend and who is foe. And decide what type of hacker she wishes to become: Gray, white, or black. Not only her life hangs in the balance.

Goodreads

Purchase: Amazon UK* / Amazon US / Smashwords / TBD / B&N / Kobo

Michael F. Stewart: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

*When purchasing through this link, I will receive a small amount, once I have enough saved up I will put it towards a giveaway.

Review of books one and two can be found here.

Review:
4 / 5 stars

So here we go, third and final book of the Assured Destruction series. Did you see that? I started and finished a series in the same year, now to tackle all the others on my list ha.

With Zombies is a strong finale to the series, which only backs up the points I've made about the other books. 

It continued to wrap up loose ends, develop characters that would have otherwise been in the shadows and provided a well told story even with Jan's unbalanced emotions.

And whilst I really enjoyed this series I do also believe it could have worked as one larger standalone. But having it as three doesn't diminish my love for it.

A lot happens within this last book and of course anything I talk about here on forth will be a spoiler for its predecessors.

With Zombies doesn't waste a moment and dives in where it left off, Jan back home, fuzzy on medicine, Mum in hospital and waiting on Jonny.

Something that I really liked about this was that things didn't just magically start getting better or easier for Janus, they got more difficult in fact and she ended up suffering rather badly for it - nothing that a few weeks in hospital couldn't solve. 

But it was there. It was real. Showing how a real person in every day life would have reacted too all the pressure Jan had been under lately.

I really liked it. Something so simple but just so right.

Whilst dealing with her own and her mum's not-so-good health, she also has to become a seller for a cure for a current zombie virus, findi out the truth about her Dad leaving, find out the secrets her Mum's current interest may have, possibly infiltrate a hacker gang and well you know, on top of all this, attend school accordingly.

Oh and find out what to do now she lost her home.

So as I said a lot happens but the best thing is, everything is tied up. 

There are sad moments and happy moments and over all a very pleasing end to the trilogy.

In my opinion, this series is definitely worth reading, especially seeing as though they're fairly short and are easy to dive in and out whilst schooling is coming to an end.

Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Published: 1st May 2012 by Katherine Tegen Books
Genre: Young Adult / Dystopia
Series: Divergent #2
Page Count: 529
Format: Paperback
Source: RAK from Ciska

Synopsis: One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

Goodreads

Purchase: Amazon UK* / Amazon US / TBD* / B&N / Kobo

Veronica Roth: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Tumblr

*When purchasing through this link, I will receive a small amount, once I have enough saved up I will put it towards a giveaway.

Review: 

4 / 5 stars

I'm really happy that Ciska chose to send me this book for a RAK month shortly after it came out, and it didn't take me long to start reading it, however those that had read it warned me there was a cliffhanger so I left it until Allegiant came out.

I still don't even have a copy of Allegiant because the paperbacks aren't out yet, and of course it will need to match but I decided to go ahead and read Insurgent anyway.

For me though this book was really split in two.

The first half I enjoyed, found the pace to be fairly good and the story kept me guessing what would happen, but soon after reaching just half way the tumblr book blogs decided to break their no spoiler posting rule or didn't tag their spoilers for a funny text post floating round.

Comparing the actors of TFIOS and Insurgent and their roles and ahem certain events.

Hah. Brilliant. Thank you.

So for the last half I struggled to get through this book as I knew what happened in the third and was basically pulling a very pissed off face at the book when I was reading it.

I'm really gutted about this because I think I would have enjoyed it more if this hadn't happened or if I hadn't let the spoiler ruin my enjoyment of the book.

I did however really enjoy getting to see inside the opposing faction and the factionless, and seeing how these people tackled things.

The downside of this I do think things may have run a lot smoother if Tris would've just actually talked to Four and other people too, and realising asking for help is not a weakness.

But I guess that isn't part of Tris' character or her strong points.

I must say thought that for most of this book I felt it was a good and solid three stars, however the ending really made it for me and bumped it up to four stars because to have it explained exactly why the factions exist and why divergence is hunted for really made the story feel a lot strong and more realistic.

I look forward to the finale of the trilogy but I don't think I'll be rushing to it any time soon, thanks tumblr.

Series Reivew: Scott Pilgrim #1-2 by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Published: 2004 - 2010
Publisher: Oni Press

I can not promise that these reviews will be spoiler free, especially as they're graphic novels!

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life

Goodreads
Page Count: 168

Read Date: 13th January 2013

Synopsis: Scott Pilgrim's life is totally sweet. He's 23 years old, he's in a rock band, he's "between jobs," and he's dating a cute high school girl. Nothing could possibly go wrong, unless a seriously mind-blowing, dangerously fashionable, rollerblading delivery girl named Ramona Flowers starts cruising through his dreams and sailing by him at parties. Will Scott's awesome life get turned upside-down? Will he have to face Ramona's seven evil ex-boyfriends in battle? The short answer is yes. The long answer is Scott Pilgrim, Volume 1: Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life.

Review: I spent a lot of time deciding whether I would review the Scott Pilgrim series and finally decided to take a shot at it, unfortunately I'm pretty sure they'll all end up as mini-reviews as not only are they short, they're also graphic novels so a lot of the story-telling is down to the art. As someone who has watched the movie at least five times I figured it was about time to read the books too as I had bought them all for the boyfriend, unfortunately I think this didn't help when it came to picking volume one up. Whilst I adore the humour, story and art of this series I kind of expected there to be more than what was shown in the movies, you know a little more padded? and it wasn't. I know I shouldn't really criticise the book for this, but instead congratulate the movie for cutting so little out, but it did leave me feeling a little disappointed which is why I couldn't go for a full 4 stars. I think now that I know to expect it to my very very similar to the movie I'll enjoy the rest of the series more.

3.5 / 5 stars

Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World
Goodreads
Page Count: 200
Read Date: 24th December 2013

Synopsis: Does Scott and Ramona's burgeoning relationship have a future? Isn't Scott still supposedly dating Knives Chau? Who is Ramona's second evil ex-boyfriend, and why is he in Toronto? Who are The Clash At Demonhead, and what kind of bizarre art-punky music do they play? Who's their hot girl keyboardist, and what is Scott's relation to her? Why are they Knives Chau's new favourite band? Fights! Drama! Secrets revealed! The answers to all these questions and more!

Review: This book follows Scott as his relationship with Ramona becomes a little more solid, he realises he'll have to face his ex at some point soon and the leading up too and "training" to fight Ramona's evil ex-boyfriend #2. I can finally see what the fuss is about, I definitely preferred this book seeing as though it had less similarities with the movie which allowed me to enjoy reading it more. My favourite scene that wasn't in the movie would have to be Knives Chau and Ramona's meeting/fight scene in the library, which makes me feel like that Knive's character is a lot more developed in the story which I'll be happy to read more about.

4 / 5 stars

Amazon: UK | US
Bryan Lee O'Malley: Website | Twitter | GR | Facebook

Short Story Review: Dealing With It by Christina Channelle

Dealing With It by Christina Channelle

Published: 29th March 2013 by Christina Channelle

Genre: Short Story

Page Count: 37

Format: eBook

Source: Freebie

Synopsis: One girl goes through the five stages of grief after the loss of a loved one whilst another deals with her emotions after a traumatic event.(Author's Note: These two short stories combined are approximately 5,000 words in length).

Goodreads

Purchase: Amazon UK* / Amazon US
Free: Smashwords / iTunes / B&N

Christina Channelle: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

*When purchasing through this link, I will receive a small amount, once I have enough saved up I will put it towards a giveaway.

Review: 

4 / 5 stars

I was lucky enough to grab a copy of this book whilst it was still free on Amazon, I've worked with this author before on book tours and this will in no way effect my review on this book.

Dealing With It includes two short stories about the emotions we're faced with when going through tough events in life, and eventually dealing with it.

The first is about the loss of a loved one, each chapter focusing on a certain emotion and state she feels to cope (or not cope) with the death, I thought this was beautifully executed and pin pointed the effect of each emotion well.

The second follows a girl attempting to face facts with a traumatic event she went through, this story was definitely the shorter of the two but it hit the nail on the head with the effects of abuse and the damage it can cause to not only the person but those around them.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more on both, I hope the author chooses either to revisit these characters or do other stories similar to this theme.

Short Story Review: Before The Moon Rises by Catherine Bybee

Before The Moon Rises by Catherine Bybee

Published: 22nd March 2010 by Catherine Bybee
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Shapeshifters
Page Count: 86
Format: eBook
Source: Amazon Freebie (Still free)

Synopsis: After a twelve-hour shift in a busy emergency room, Janet O’Brien is beat. Her last patient arrives unconscious and naked. She’s lead to believe he’s a psyche patient off his meds. However, once he awakens, Janet is charmed by his million-dollar smile and agrees to give him a ride home. 

Werewolf, Max Ritter notices the sassy nurse when he wakes after a night under the full moon. Unfortunately, his archrival is drawn to Janet as well. In order to keep her out of harm's way, he opts to keep her close. When the chemistry between them sparks, Max discovers a completely new reason to keep Janet safe.

Goodreads

Free: Amazon UK* / Amazon US
Purchase: B&N 

Review: 

4 / 5 stars

I was browsing the amazon freebie selection which happens far too often and picked this up on a hunch,  months pass and amazon freebies stack up high until I finally decided to tackle at least one of them.

(I should really count through my ebooks and figure out just how many I've gotten this way, its probably an insane proportion of them).

I'm really happy I chose to read this book because I'm always worried the reason behind them being free is because they're terrible, I mean sure some of them probably are but this isn't the case with this one.

At 86 pages this book can easily be read in one sitting, and like all my short story reviews I'll try not to give too much away.

As mentioned in the synopsis Janet is a nurse treating Max, who unknown to her is a werewolf. Max is good looking, charming  and upon noticing his arch-rival has picked her out for his next victim, takes it upon himself to keep her close and safe. 
Of course the two get along more than well and things heat up which you can expect from before the two talk, the book is cheeky from the get go which made its enjoyable, especially for the cuter movie watching scenes and the jokes about wolves going over Janet's head.

There's also a lot of tension and fighting towards the end of the book, when the werewolf packs confront each other, which adds a nice contrast and changes the pace of things.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, and its great reading something about werewolves again, I really don't allow myself to read a lot of supernatural based books lately which I should.

Catherine Bybee: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

*When purchasing through this link, I will receive a small amount, once I have enough saved up I will put it towards a giveaway.

Endure by Laura Diamond - Review

Endure by Laura Diamond

Published: 12th July by Etopia Press
Genre: Young Adult
Page Count: 269
Format: eBook
Source: Etopia Press

Synopsis:Seventeen-year-old Justin's anemic blood is a blessing. Or a curse. It all depends on who you ask.

To most of the immortal Vie, his blood is a scourge: untouchable and useless. To some Vie, his blood is a drug. To Justin, it's something that gets him in a lot of trouble. Being poisoned by a Vie is just one example. His sister getting kidnapped is another. Whether it's being coerced by a deluded cult leader, or negotiation with Alex - an Vie scientist addicted to Anemie blood - Justin struggles to keep every mutated drop of blood he's got.

His fight for survival gets more complicated when he meets Alex's slave, Care. Despite coming from different worlds, they're both prisoners, at risk of being drained by a hungry Vie any moment. When she risks her own neck to help Justin find his sister, he's left with a terrifying choice.

Saving what's left of humanity.
Saving his sister. Saving the girl he loves.
Or sticking a stake in Alex's chest.
Justin can't decide which option will get him killed first.

Goodreads

Purchase: Amazon UK* / Amazon US / B&N / Kobo 

Review: 

4 / 5 stars

I was fortunate enough to receive an eArc copy of Endure in exchange for an honest review from Etopia Press, this will in no way effect my opinion on the book.

But guess which silly book blogger typed up the entire review and accidentally deleted it and has been too upset to tackle it again since then. Yeah that was me. I'm pretty annoyed by the whole experience but *sigh* what can you do.

Any how, when this book turned up in my inbox I hadn't requested it or read the synopsis so I just picked it up and read it on a whim and that the cover was pretty. 

And because of this, it surprised me.

Judging by the cover alone I'd have guessed we'd have yet another female narrative but no not here. Finally I have actually read one of the very few YA books that have a male narrative and I loved this. 

It was definitely a nice change, the writing felt different and new and it came across clearly that this was in fact a boy. It was great to see things from a boys point of view for a change.

I may have been one of the boys growing up but I certainly don't have the mind set of a boy. 

Endure is about Justin, an anaemic teenage boy, looking after his younger sister whilst trying to survive as the Vie take over Earth - building a dome over the city to help their own survival, making humans into slaves and being in charge of their every movement, feeding and breathing. Its pretty scary.

At first I figured the Vie were Aliens, if you've seen the TV series "V" you'll have an idea how I was imagining this world but as the story unravelled, very quickly I realised I was wrong. I was thrilled to find out the Vie were in fact Vampires!

Wooo. I'm pretty sure this is one of the only books I've read this year about Vampires. 100% real and not made up to get the girl Vampires.

What is even better is these aren't dreamy-fall-head-over-heels-for-Vampires, but in fact they're terrifying, blood thirsty and mind controlling Vampires, getting high of anaemic blood.

Justin's sister is taking captive by a Vampire named Alex, who has a definite interest in Justin once he manages to resist Alex's mind control.

So here beings Justin's quest to rescue his sister but its not an easy task at all.

Along the way he ends up with a group of anaemic kids who believe he is the saviour mentioned in a prophecy, he ends up being tortured and almost drained to death on more than one occasion, fights vampire after vampire - though not always successfully - and of course meets a girl who he likes.

Probably one of my favourite aspects of this book was the dynamic between Alex and Justin, the conversations between the two and each of them figuring out what the other is up too. Its was great to see the story unfold between these two characters but I do have to say Alex wasn't the only one that got annoyed with Justin's stubbornness.

However, whilst I really enjoyed reading this books and I have very little to complain about, I do believe that it was more of a build up to the sequel, the way the story ended on such an open cliffhanger just made it seem like I should be expecting a lot more to happen in the future.

Which is why I'm very excited and waiting (somewhat patiently) for the sequel.

Laura Diamond: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

*When purchasing through this link, I will receive a small amount, once I have enough saved up I will put it towards a giveaway.

Burn Out by Ruthi Kight - Giveaway & Book Tour Review

Burn Out by Ruthi Kight

Published: 10th August by Ruthi Kight
Genre: New Adult
Page Count: 176
Format: eBook
Source: Girls Heart Books Tours

Synopsis: Pyromaniac. Murderer. Burn Out.

Ten years ago Delia's life went up in smoke. Literally. After a decade of hiding, she is forced back into the world. With only her wits to guide her, she must now figure out how to live in a town that knows her only as a murderer. Her family is gone. The people all hear her. She has nothing holding her in Sunny Shores... until she meets Liam. He's heard the stories. He knows he should stay away from her, but he's drawin to her like a moth to a flame.

Life seems to be looking up from them... until her past comes back like a bitch slap to the face.

Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon UK* / Amazon US

Review: 

4 / 5 stars

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of Burn Out for part of a book tour hosted by Girls Heart Books Tours, this will in no way effect my opinion on the book!

Surprisingly it was the cover that drew me into this book when I saw it needed more hosts (update: truly sorry for being a terrible one and missing my day!). I say surprisingly because I really do not like the colour pink and try my hardest to steer clear from it. However it works great in this cover and really pulled me in.

After reading the synopsis I was sold. I had questions and needed to know how and why a known murderer was forced to return to their old life.

I absolutely love that this book is not what it seems.

Burn Out introduces us to Delia during her last session with her therapist, and her last night in the mental asylum she has been locked away in for the last ten years.

A little different to what I expected from the synopsis but it was a nice surprise.

Delia leaves her prison, and returns to the only place she knows. Home. Sunny Shores.

Upon arriving she meets this drop dead gorgeous guy, Liam, who doesn't seem to care who she is or what she is supposed to have done. (The excerpt below is part of the scene where they first meet)

Liam welcomes her into his home after a day of somewhat getting to know each other, and the sparks between the continue to fly.

But this isn't what the story is about. Nope.

Its main focus is about Delia as she adjusts to this new life, the freedom, the lack of medication and trust from the town around her. But luckily she lands herself a job at the Surf shop and starts to piece herself back together.

Including some memories from that night long ago, memories she thought she wanted to keep buried with guilt. But is that so? Is there more she has forgotten about that night.

The chemistry between Liam and Delia continues throughout and I really like the growth of their not-quite relationship.

However they do have a tricky patch pretty early on about Liam's friend with benefits girl he has round and whilst he and Delia weren't exactly an item it was a bit of an odd thing to do and didn't really make sense, but this was pretty much the only flaw the book had for me.

But was it the only flaw Liam had? Maybe, hehe.

Maybe not.

As Delia comes closer to solving the puzzle that left her in a psych ward for ten years, things get tough and she has to face some demons from her past.

Do not expect a happily ever after though and whilst some have griped about this and been upset, I was actually really pleased with the ending and it seemed right to me.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, and so far since moving to this new city, its the only book I've managed to get through. Kudos to you Ruthi.

Excerpt:

With my thoughts running amok, my cheeks began to feel warm, betraying me. The heat spread from one side to the other quickly, giving my face a nice rosy glow. He chuckled and I almost came apart. Did this man have any idea what that one small sound did to a girl? I bet he did, he had to, given his current shit-eating grin. There was no way that he couldn’t know. Guys like him knew they were walking fuck-me advertisements. 

“Careful. It’s a little too soon to fall for me.” He smiled, dimples and all, and I nearly lost it again. Dimples! I was in serious trouble already and I hadn’t been out of the loony bin for an hour yet. 

“Not likely,” I replied. I righted myself and leaned back casually. “Are you planning on being here long?” 

He quickly scanned my face, and then returned his focus to the book in his hands. “Not sure. Ask me again in an hour.” 

Argh! Infuriating and sexy as hell? Great combo. My head told me to walk away, but my traitorous body was trying to convince me to inch closer to him. With a quick scoot, I was mere inches from him, our legs nearly touching. 

“Whatcha reading?” I tried to get a look at the book, but he closed it before I could figure out what it was. 

“Homer.” 

“Simpson?” 

A slow grin spread across his face. “As in The Odyssey. Greek epic poem…ring any bells?” 

“No. The only Homer I know is married to a woman with a giant blue beehive.” 

With a shake of his head, he opened his book once again. “Sheltered?” 

His attitude was really starting to piss me off. “No. Unless you consider ten years in the wacky shack as sheltered.” I had expected my words to have some sort of impact. Nothing. He didn’t even flinch.

Author Bio 

Ruthi Kight

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

Ruthi Kight currently lives in her home town of Columbia, SC, with her fiancée and five year old daughter. She has an unhealthy addiction to books, music, and chocolate, but not necessarily in that order. When her dream of being a rock star didn't work out, she focused on her other passion: writing. She is the author of Knotted Roots, a YA Coming of Age story, and is currently working on two other novels that are due out this year.

Giveaway!

Lots and lots, so enter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*When purchasing through these link, Northern Plunder will receive a small amount, once I have enough saved up I will put it towards a giveaway.

Don't forget to follow the tour by clicking this link!