Review for Angelfall by Susan Ee

Angelfall by Susan Ee 
Publisher: Hodder
Release: 23rd May 2013
Genre: YA, Angels, Romance, Dystopian
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Goodreads Summary: 

"It's been six weeks since the angels of the apocalypse destroyed the world as we know it. Only pockets of humanity remain. Savage street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When angels fly away with a helpless girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back..."

Review 
I’m a huge fan of both the Angel and Dystopia trend in YA so I really should have known that Angelfall ( a brilliant mixture of both genres ) would go on to become one of my new favourite books! I’m a little late to the party for this one but I recently found myself in a reading slump and needed something fresh and compelling to pull me out of it. I’m so happy that I decided to pick up Angelfall! I was immediately sucked into the world and I’d stay up late reading long into the night promising myself just one more chapter which would inevitably turn into several more.

Penryn lives in a future world where Angels of the Apocalypse have destroyed Earth as we know it. The world is in a state of chaos and the remaining humans are out for themselves with supplies and safe houses running low. It’s a gritty and brutal new world and if survival wasn’t hard enough Penryn also has a disabled younger sister to take care of and a schizophrenic mother who has run out of medication to stabilize her illness. All too often in Paranormal YA the characters are young, perfect, healthy and beautiful the fact that Penryn’s family have real world struggles to contend with on top of the apocalypse made them feel like real people which I couldn’t applaud more.

The book begins with Penryn and her family witnessing an Angel brutally having his wings hacked off by his own kind. Noting her sister Paige’s distress Penryn tries to help the Angel and as punishment the angels that were attacking Raffe fly away with Paige and so Penryn and Raffe are forced to work together as Penryn needs Raffe to find where the Angels took her sister and Raffe needs Penryn to navigate the human world now that he’s without his wings.

The banter between Raffe and Penryn was quick and witty. Their relationship builds at a slow and steady pace throughout the novel as they go from accomplices to something more. I loved that despite whatever Penryn felt for Raffe her priorities never shifted from saving Paige. Penryn had a good head on her shoulders and I respected her as our heroine. I loved the relationship between Raffe and Penryn - Raffe was always on hand to support Penryn but she was always more than capable of taking care of herself. Instead of the powerful angel saving the weak human girl they worked together as a team.

Although I loved them together I also enjoyed both characters separately. Penryn has quickly become one of my favourite heroines and Raffe one of my favourite book boys. Penryn was intelligent, loyal to her family, and strong both mentally and physically. She’s a total survivor and adapts to her frightening new surroundings thanks to her mentally unstable mother having her trained in several types of self-defence to protect herself against her mother’s dark episodes. Raffe was different to any other angel I’ve ever read about he’s witty, hilarious, modern and doesn’t believe in god. I loved him straight away but he’s also still so much of a mystery. I can’t wait to find out more about his past in future books!

Angelfall has such a cinematic feel to it that I could vividly picture everything in my mind making it easy to absorb myself in this gritty and harrowing world. I can’t believe I waited so long to read this absolute gem of a novel but I am glad that I now don’t have long to wait for the sequel!

Letterbox Love (30)

Letterbox Love is a meme hosted by Lynsey @ Narratively Speaking for UK based book bloggers to showcase the books that they’ve received each week.

So I haven't quite made it to a month like last time and I might have fallen off the wagon a tiny bit in regards to accepting review copies. But you guys! This month pretty much ALL OF THE BOOKS are being released, right? And thirteen books in just under a month isn't terrible is it? Terrible or not my TBR pile has shot up again however I may be moving into a bigger room in a couple of months and that means more room for bookshelves! So overall I'm not feeling too bad about this haul...

 For Review

City of Bones: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion by Mimi O'Connor
Shadowhunter's Guide: City of Bones by Mimi O'Connor
As a huge Mortal Instruments fan and with the offer to receive these early to get a cheeky glimpse of the film before it's out I'd have been crazy to say no, right? I've already had a flick through both of these and I'm now more excited than ever for the film to be released!
Little White Lies by Katie Dale
I loved Katie's debut novel and I love a good thriller so I'm looking forward to reading this one.
Severed Heads, Broken Hearts by Robyn Schneider
This is being pitched as being perfect for fans of John Green so I was all over this one. I'm also going to be taking part in the UK blog tour this month so be on the look out for that!

Angel Fever by L.A. Weatherly
I did a little happy dance when this arrived. I LOVE this series and it's the last book! I've been mentally preparing myself for the end of this series and will be getting stuck into this soon.
Soul Storm by Kate Harrison
I read and loved the first book in this series a couple of years ago but sadly didn't get around to reading the sequel last year because of my stupid whooping cough, now this final book is out I'm hoping to tackle both this summer and complete this series.
Linked by Imogen Howson
I don't know too much about this one but the synopsis sounds pretty good so I'm intrigued. Will be looking out for some reviews before I pick this one up.
Killer Queens by Rebecca Chance
I already read and loved this one! Rebecca's books are such guilty pleasures of mine and this one has to be my favourite so far. I'll have a review up soon.

Teardrop by Lauren Kate (Proof Copy)
This one was a total surprise and was another one I did a little happy dance for! I really enjoyed Lauren Kate's Fallen series and the premise of this one sounds very unique and different so I'm looking forward to reading it soon!
Cruel Summer by James Dawson
So I might have read this all in one go yesterday - it was that good! I'm still gathering my thoughts on this one but it's definitely one of my favourite reads of the summer!
It's Raining Men by Milly Johnson
I love a bit of Milly Johnson! She's one of my favourite chick-lit authors and I can't wait to read her latest!
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black (Proof Copy)
I was one of the lucky few to receive an early proof copy of this one so I'll definitely be reading it soon! I've never read anything by Holly before but I've heard so many wonderful things about her books that I'm excited to check this out.
Breathe by Abbi Glines
Okay, so I recently read Abbi's Fallen Too Far and didn't get along with it (review to come soon) but I've heard so many good things about her books that I'm willing to give one of her other series a try. I'm just hoping that the same problems I had don't crop up and that I enjoy this one!

These are all of the lovely new books that found themselves a new home on my shelves over the past few weeks. If any of these books have caught your eye and you’d like to find out more about them simply click on the title and the link will take you to Goodreads for a full synopsis, reviews, and to add them to your wishlists. As always thank you to the lovely publishing folk for the review copies. If you’re looking forward to a certain book in particular and want to request a review feel free to in the comments and I’ll do my best to get around to the book sooner rather than later. And if you decided to do a Letterbox Love, Book Haul, IMM, Showcase Sunday, Mailbox Monday or whatever else featuring the books you got this week leave me a link as I’d love to check out your books too! ^_^

 Happy reading till next time!

July Round-Up and Book of the Month!

July's Book of the Month is Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

So this month's book of the month was a close call between Crown of Midnight and Angelfall - I was so torn between the two of them! But in the end I decided to go with Crown of Midnight simply because it's a sequel so I've had more time to get to know the world and characters and so at this point favour them a tiny bit more. Also because Crown of Midnight completely upped its game and was, in my opinion, even better than Throne of Glass! You can check out my review here for more of my thoughts and a review for the incredible Angelfall will be on the blog next week.

*** Me trying to choose a book of the month! *** 

Read in July 
60.) The Sound by Sarah Alderson (3*)
61.) A Cottage by the Sea by Carole Matthews (4*)
62.) The Archived by Victoria Schwab (4.5*)
63.) Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell (4.5*)
64.) Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop by Abby Clements (3.5*)
65.) Angelfall by Susan Ee (5*)
66.) Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines (2.5*)
67.) Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (5*)
68.) Killer Queens by Rebecca Chance (4*)

July Book Awards
Best Plot: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
Best Writing: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Best Cover: Angelfall by Susan Ee
Best Characters: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Best Ending: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
Best Romance: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
Most un-put-down-able: Angelfall by Susan Ee
Most Memorable: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Best Moral: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Top 3 Most Recommended Books: In case you hadn't already guessed from the book awards it'd have to be Crown of Midnight, Angelfall and Eleanor and Park.

Books I’m Looking Forward to Reading/Being Released in August
Angel Fever by L.A. Weatherly
Deception by C. J. Redwine
Cruel Summer by James Dawson
It's Raining Men by Milly Johnson
The Redemption of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke

 How was your month in reading? Did you read any of the books I read? What are you looking forward to reading in August?

Review for Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Warning 
This is a review for the second book in the Throne of Glass series and there may be spoilers about the first book in this review.

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release: 15th August 2013
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Romance
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Goodreads Summary: 

"Eighteen-year-old Celaena Sardothien is bold, daring and beautiful – the perfect seductress and the greatest assassin her world has ever known. But though she won the King’s contest and became his champion, Celaena has been granted neither her liberty nor the freedom to follow her heart. The slavery of the suffocating salt mines of Endovier that scarred her past is nothing compared to a life bound to her darkest enemy, a king whose rule is so dark and evil it is near impossible to defy. Celaena faces a choice that is tearing her heart to pieces: kill in cold blood for a man she hates, or risk sentencing those she loves to death. Celaena must decide what she will fight for: survival, love or the future of a kingdom. Because an assassin cannot have it all . . . And trying to may just destroy her."

Review 
I’d read Throne of Glass last year when I was poorly and when I picked up Crown of Midnight I found that I couldn’t remember much from the first book (which didn’t surprise me as I was having really bad headaches at the time.) Turns out it didn’t really matter how much I remembered as Crown of Midnight is very much a new and separate story and there is clever and discreet re-capping when needed to jog the memory which made it easy to slip back into this world.

Crown of Midnight felt like quite a different read from Throne of Glass and I think those differences made it even stronger than the first book. Crown of Midnight is more mystery driven, don’t get me wrong, there is still a *lot* of fighting, although perhaps not as much as there was in Throne of Glass. Instead there are secrets, politics and conspiracy, murder, ancient magic and intrigue. With surprises and plot twists throughout, this book is expertly paced. I lost count of how many times my jaw physically dropped open in shock! Crown of Midnight showcases what a masterful storyteller Sarah J. Maas is. A good writer can write an action scene with lots of gore, blood and brutality for thrills but it takes a masterful writer indeed to weave a twisty turny mystery full of subtle hints and surprises around every corner.

The plot once again follows our beloved characters: Celaena, Chaol and Dorian, who have their own subplots and secrets that come together as the book goes on. We get to learn more about Celaena’s life before the tournament as she goes back to her roots as an assassin only this time tasked to kill for the King now that she is his champion. She also uncovers secrets in the castle about the King and his plans along the way. Meanwhile Chaol is struggling to balance his loyalty to the King with his ever growing feelings for Celaena and his need to keep her safe. And Dorian is hiding a powerful secret of his own that could cost him his life. I loved following each character and their stories individually and together, there was so much going on with each of them! The character development was wonderful and I felt like each character grew in this novel and that I got to know them all a bit better.

I’ve been on the Chaol and Celaena ship since day one and I loved watching their flirty banter from Throne of Glass build into a consuming romance in Crown of Midnight. Their relationship is fiery, passionate and emotionally compelling – it was well worth waiting for! Unfortunately the couples love story isn’t a smooth one and my heart would break for both characters at times. Celaena and Chaol’s romance struck me as an epic, end game, all time love and no matter what happens I will be pushing for them to end up together throughout the rest of this series!

Sarah J. Maas has completely upped her game with this stunning sequel. The world, the characters, and the plot everything is more vivid and polished compared to the first book. Crown of Midnight felt darker, more romantic and was entirely unpredictable. The quote from the cover “Before she was deadly. Now she is unstoppable” is completely true for Celaena’s character development as we see a darker more deadly side to her awaken in this book. Crown of Midnight is without doubt one of the strongest sequels I’ve ever read and is a favourite of mine for 2013. After that huge game changer of an ending I can’t wait to see what Sarah J. Maas has in store for us in book three!

Review for The Sound by Sarah Alderson

The Sound by Sarah Alderson
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release: 1st August 2013
Genre: Young Adult, UKYA, Thriller, Contemporary, Murder Mystery, Romance
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review




Goodreads Summary:

"When aspiring music journalist Ren Kingston takes a job nannying for a wealthy family on the exclusive island of Nantucket, playground for Boston's elite, she's hoping for a low-key summer reading books and blogging about bands. Boys are firmly off the agenda.

What she doesn't count on is falling in with a bunch of party-loving private school kids who are hiding some dark secrets, falling (possibly) in love with the local bad boy, and falling out with a dangerous serial killer..."

Review 
I’m a big fan of Sarah Alderson’s Lila series so The Sound was a book I was eagerly anticipating. I loved the synopsis, the gorgeous cover, and the promise of a contemporary thriller set against a beachy, summer backdrop. The Sound sounded like a book that I’d love but in reality it was a bit hit and miss for me, I’m afraid.

Like the Lila books I enjoyed the English girl in America storyline as Ren is nannying in Nantucket for the summer. I loved the setting and as always Sarah Alderson’s writing was on the money and quickly pulled me into the story. But after the first fifty or so pages I started to wonder when we were going to get to the good stuff and when we’d get to the thriller aspect of the book that I was waiting for. I know that Sarah Alderson is more than capable of writing thrilling, none stop action scenes having read the Lila series but unfortunately it was lacking in this book. The Sound read more like a summer contemporary than a thriller until the very end. The pacing for the thriller/murder mystery aspect wasn’t the best. Although I enjoyed the contemporary side to this story I was expecting more action and was constantly waiting for something to happen.

I had mixed feelings on Ren as a heroine. On the one hand I loved that she was bookish and a blogger and I could relate to that side of her personality. On the other hand she’d constantly go on about not wanting to be a “Bella” but would then go ahead and make dumb choices of her own. I’m sorry, but if there was a serial killer targeting young, foreign nannies in the area and I was a young, foreign nanny I would haul ass out of there! Hot guy or no hot guy!

Ren’s love interest Jesse on the other hand *takes a moment to fan self* he gets an A+. I’ve got to hand it to Sarah Alderson she knows how to write really hot guys and I came to love Jesse just as much as Alex from the Lila series. Jesse is a misunderstood and brooding character who is loyal to his family, a Nantucket misfit, plays in a band and reads books. It took some time to figure out if I could trust Jesse but as we get to know him I loved him more and more and he was without a doubt my favourite thing about this book.

The ending was pretty intense but I was sad to discover that I’d sussed out most of the twists along the way and the big who done it reveal which is always disappointing when it comes to a thriller because you want to be shocked and surprised. However, I was gripped regardless and loved the danger and action that was finally delivered. I just wish that it wasn’t all saved until the end and was paced throughout the novel.

Overall The Sound was a book that I wanted to love but ended up being a bit hit and miss for me. However, despite wishing there was more action and feeling like it took too long to get going I’d recommend reading this book for Jesse alone. He was a brilliant distraction from the things that I didn’t enjoy about this book.