Monday, October 29, 2012

Blog Tour: The Diviners by Libba Bray GIVEAWAY! **CLOSED**


Welcome to the Australia blog tour for The Diviners by Libba Bray! I'm thrilled to announce that today I have 5 copies of this fantastic book to give away thanks to Lara and the incredible team over at Allen & Unwin!

The Diviners is the first book in Libba Bray's new series and is the bees knees! Honestly, I cannot say how much I adored this book and I simply can't stress how much I recommend this book--if you're a fan of a good old murder mystery, fantastic characters and the roaring 20's this book is for you!

Read my 5 star review or add The Diviners on Goodreads!



Cassandra Clare meets Phryne Fisher meets Patricia Cornwell in this launch of a blockbuster series set in 1920s New York about a teen psychic and her similarly gifted friends on the hunt for a serial killer. 1920s New York.

A teen clairvoyant. An old evil. It has begun...

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old home town and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City - and she is pos-i-tute-ly thrilled! New York is the city of speak-easies, rent parties, shopping and movie palaces, and soon enough Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfeld girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of the Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult - also known as 'The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies'.

When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of it. Even Evie's new pals - hoofers, numbers runners and activists, but all swell kids - are drawn into the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer - if he doesn't catch her first...

Visit Libba Bray:
Website // Goodreads // Twitter // Facebook


GIVEAWAY!

5 followers will win a paperback copy of The Diviners by Libba Bray!

Details:
-You MUST be a follower to enter!
-To enter, simply fill out the form below! Extra entries are available.
-Giveaway is open to Australian and New Zealand residents ONLY. Sorry everyone else.
-Giveaway will run for 2 weeks from the 29th of October (today) until the 12th of November.
-Winners will be contacted by me and will have 48 hours to confirm their email addresses and provide their details before a new winner is chosen.
-Prizes won will be sent directly from Allen & Unwin and The Rest Is Still Unwritten takes no responsibility for lost or damaged items . Please see my contest policy for full details.


Extra Entries:
+2 Leaving a comment on on my review here :)
+3 Spreading news about the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook.
+2 Following Libba Bray // Allen & Unwin // Me on Twitter


Fill Out This Form To Enter!


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Good-luck to everyone who enters and I hope you all check out this amazing book! I'd also like to say a big THANK YOU to Allen & Unwin for not only allowing me to read and review the Diviners but for inviting me to be a part of the tour, and of course the ever wonderful Lara for arranging the whole thing!

Book Shelf: The Diviners (The Diviners #1) by Libba Bray

Cassandra Clare meets Phryne Fisher meets Patricia Cornwell in this launch of a blockbuster series set in 1920s New York about a teen psychic and her similarly gifted friends on the hunt for a serial killer. 1920s New York.

A teen clairvoyant. An old evil. It has begun...

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old home town and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City - and she is pos-i-tute-ly thrilled! New York is the city of speak-easies, rent parties, shopping and movie palaces, and soon enough Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfeld girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of the Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult - also known as 'The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies'.

When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of it. Even Evie's new pals - hoofers, numbers runners and activists, but all swell kids - are drawn into the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer - if he doesn't catch her first...

Add on Goodreads.....


Review:

Libba Bray’s latest release The Diviners is a darkly, seductive supernatural thriller set in the roaring 1920’s that is pos-i-tute-ly delectable!

From the cryptic opening chapter The Diviners is utterly mesmerising. Though I wasn’t thrilled with how she ended her Gemma Doyle Trilogy, I am a without a doubt a Libba Bray fan. Libba is unendingly talented in creating richly descriptive stories and she outdoes herself with The Diviners! From the very first page, Bray’s 1920’s world is fierce; rich and addictive. With her potent, flowing writing, Libba Bray drags you kicking and screaming into her novel. And I mean into it.

Throughout this entire book the captivating world was so vivid that I felt as though I was a part of it. I could see and feel the glitz and glamour. I could hear the sounds of Down Town New York; the hussle and bussle and life that was the 1920s. I could hear the crooning voices floating from the radio. I could envision the numbers runners working away for Papa Charles, the flappers and dames dancing the night away at Hotsy Totsy or one of the other theatres or speakeasies that dotted the town. The authentic dialogue and language swept me up into another time. The atmosphere was incredible; flowing and bleeding into every page and I found myself unable to do anything else but soak up every moment of it!

I must point out that The Diviners is in no way a short read. Heading towards the 600 page mark, one could be forgiven for expecting this book to be written with a lot of fluff and unnecessary pages, but this is never the case. Libba Bray expertly crafts a perfectly paced and moving plotline, told in third person, which whisks you into the story. Her ability to mix harsh themes such as murder and mayhem with the undeniable truths of the time (racism, corruption, prohibition) is outstanding and Bray weaves glitz, glamour and flair with, friendship and danger just the lightest hint of romance. Cults and rituals war with the care-free aspect of the time and are at perfect odds with one another; adding another layer or dread and excitement to the setting.

The murder mystery within The Diviners is written perfectly as far as I am concerned! I was pleasantly surprised that Bray doesn’t skirt around the gory details or let her murder mystery get lost amongst all the romance and flair of the era, as I’ve seen in the past. Rather Naughty John and his naughty activities are front and centre, driving the novel and giving me all kinds of creeps. There isn’t a lot of mystery surrounding who the killer is for the reader, but Libba Bray still manages to keep the suspense of the novel raging on and you don’t loose interest as the protagonists get closer and closer to discovering the truths for themselves. Honestly, I felt chills and goosebumps as I read this book. The anticipation and expectation was too much at times and I was always on edge---I loved it!

Throughout the course of the book our main heroine is Evie O’Neill, a small town girl who is shipped off to live with her Uncle Will, the curator of Museum of American Folklore, Superstition and the Occult (Also knows as the Museum of Creepy Crawlies) in New York City after Evie’s ability to discover information off people by merely touching an item they own gets her into trouble. Honestly, I had quite mixed feelings about Evie for the majority of the novel if truths be told.

In a time where prohibition rages, Evie is boisterous, loud and snarky; easily off putting and over the top, but while there were moments when she irked me, her charm is pos-i-tute-ly redeeming. There’s something so full of life about Evie that just fits in with this novel perfectly. With so many heavy themes explored throughout The Diviners, this book needed a heroine like her; someone so carefree and witty that shed some light on the darkness. Evie may get caught up in herself quite often; in parties and shopping; in living, but when it really counts, Evie rallies. There’s a softness to her and vulnerability when you look closely that mixes with her wit and flair to create someone that has all the potential to grow into a really thrilling heroine!

The characters within this story are the cats meow! If I didn’t already adore this book, the characters would steel my heart alone! While the goings on of Naughty John are our main focus in this instalment, we are also introduced to a whole cast of characters that make 1920’s New York their home. There’s Memphis, an attractive black numbers runner and poet who used to be able to heal people with the touch of his hand; Jericho, a handsome young man who helps out Evie’s uncle Will at his museum who is more machine than man; Theta, a stunning young dancer with big dreams and even bigger secrets; Henry, Theta’s BFF and piano player with secrets of his own; Sam Lloyd, pickpocket and small time thief who can make himself invisible to people at will and of course our main protagonist is Evie, a clairvoyant go-getter with bigger dreams than the small town in Ohio that she’s from and who’s out to make a name for herself. And that’s not all! There’s Mabel, Evie’s shy, quite friend who’s pining after another; Evie’s Uncle Will with his dark secrets possibly surrounding many of the characters; Mephis’s brother Isaiah, with gifts of his own and many, many more!

What I found interesting is that even as the case of Naughty John is going on, it’s impossible to miss that it’s part of a bigger picture; that there is more going on that just this one killer. Bray’s layered, three dimension characters slowly intermingle with one another and with their different back stories and their noticeably similar gifts, it’s obvious that they’re all a part of a bigger plan within the series. There is ancient magic and long since lost abilities rising up once more and I’m so very excited to see where Libba Bray intends to take this series. Really, the possibilities are endless.

Complete with murder mystery, adventure and hints of romance; the mysterious paranormal secrets of this book blend with all the flair, flavour and fire of the 20’s to create a thrilling opener in what promises to be an incredible series by author Libba Bray. Ladies and gentlemen, this book is the bees knees!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Allen & Unwin. (Thank you Lara!)
Format: Paperback copy.
AU Release Date: Available today!
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: This is one for fans of a good murder mystery and anyone who wants something engaging, but fresh!
Cover: I adore our Aussie cover! So alluring--it's just amazing!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes. Oh, yes, yes, YES!

 

Sunday, October 28, 2012

The Weekly Wrap-Up #2


Credit goes to Ashley of Ashley Loves Books for the picture and wrap up idea!


Welcome to this weeks wrap-up! I hope you've all had a splendid week :)

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This week at The Rest Is Still Unwritten......
 
I showcase the fab books I recieved last week in my Owl Post!
 
I Reviewed:
Amarok by Angela J. Townsend 3/5 stars!
Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone 3/5 stars!

 
 Angela J. Townsend guest posted about her writing process as part of the Amarok Blog Tour!
 
 
I was Waiting on Altered by Jennifer Rush on Wednesday!
 
 
 
Coming Soon!
 
-Tomorrow, Monday 29th the Aussie Blog Tour for The Diviners by Libba Bray stops by the blog and I'll be giving away some copies of this fabilous novel! AND I'll be reviewing :)
 
 
- On November 1st the Bookmark Blitz Tour for Jessica by Laura Deluca hits The Rest Is Still Unwritten! Make sure to stop by for an excerpt and links to where you can get Jessica FREE for a limited time only!
 
 
 
Around the Blogosphere!
 
 
-Hautnted Halloween presented by  Confessions of a Bookaholic and A Life Bound By Books is still going on complete with interviews, guest posts and giveaways all of the spooky kind. Find the complete event scedule here!
 
 
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And that's what happened this week at The Rest Is Still Unwritten. Stop by next week for more books and fun! Oh, and Happy Halloween!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Book Shelf: Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett has the unique ability to travel through time and space, which brings him into Anna’s life, and with him a new world of adventure and possibility.

As their relationship deepens, the two face the reality that time may knock Bennett back to where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate, what consequences they can bear in order to stay together, and whether their love can stand the test of time.

Add on Goodreads......


Review:

Time Between Us explores the beauty of first love and the power of friendship, in this beautifully written debut by Tamara Ireland Stone that is a delightful mix of The Time Travellers Wife, and The Future of Us!

From beginning to end Time Between Us was a joy to read. Tamara Ireland Stone’s debut novel was beautifully written, perfectly paced and effortlessly compelling. Stone’s writing was simple, but flowing and effortless; detailing the story wonderfully but never going into over the stop, unnecessary detail.

The storyline was simple; boy with ability to move through time from the future and a girl set squarely in the present that meet and fall for one another. Featuring a time travelling teen, I was surprised to discover how delightfully normal this book was. Set in 1995, the “supernatural” aspect of this book wasn’t a strong feature, but rather Bennett’s abilities slipped easily into the contemporary feel of things.

Our main characters, Anna and Bennett are prefect within the story. Both are believable and reflective of teenagers everywhere, regardless of the time period they grew up in. Anna was such a normal teen girl, with all the hopes, fears and expectations everyone experiences. And yet she was strong too and it was easily to get lost within her head as her voice was so easy to follow. Independent and driven, Anna was the best possible protagonist to have in this kind of novel.

Bennett on the other hand, was quite a mystery to me throughout this book. As Tamara Ireland Stone steadily revealed Bennett’s secrets and the truth about who he is and where he comes from, I found him to be a real sweetie. One thing I found really interesting is that Bennett’s family were so aware of his abilities. Usually with these kinds of books, the teen’s family are in the dark about what they can do so it was refreshing to know Bennett’s parents knew what he was capable of. Even if we never got to meet them personally.

The romance within Time Between Us that blossoms between Anna and Bennett was sweet. It wasn’t over the top, but still came across strongly....if that makes sense. What I loved was that Bennett and Anna truly got to know one another over time; talking and sharing their hopes, dreams and secrets with one another. These two were sweet and endearing.

Stone writes a lot of mystery surround Bennett and his abilities while Anna learns who he is, that at times I found myself scratching my head over the various “Bennetts” at different times and moments throughout the book. Personally, I would have liked to see Bennett and his family explored a bit more seeing as they intrigued me so, but that’s just me.

The ending seemed a tad rushed for my tastes and I would have loved to have seen it stretched out and expanded on a touch more. Tamara Ireland Stone left me wanting to know how Anna and Bennett’s story continued, long after I turned the last page, but I was thrilled with the hope she left us with.

An enchanting, time travelling debut that sweeps you up from start to finish, Time Between Us is a must read for fans of Nicholas Sparks and The Time Travellers Wife!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Random House Australia (Thank you Dorothy!)
Format: Paperback.
AU Release Date: Available now!
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: Fans of Nicholas Sparks and The Time Travellers Wife will love this one!
Cover: Unfortunatly, I'm not a fan.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone, but I'd defintely be interested in reading more by Tamara Ireland Stone.

 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #34

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on....
 
Altered by Jennifer Rush
Releases on: January 2nd 2013.
Add it on Goodreads!

A story that starts with a girl and a boy. A girl who loves a boy so much , she'll risk anything for him. And a boy who knows only one thing--- kill anyone who stands in his way.

When you can’t trust yourself, who can you believe?

Everything about Anna’s life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch at the helm of its latest project: monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There’s Nick, Cas, Trev . . . and Sam, who’s stolen Anna’s heart. When the Branch decides it’s time to take the boys, Sam stages an escape, killing the agents sent to retrieve them.

Anna is torn between following Sam or staying behind in the safety of her everyday life. But her father pushes her to flee, making Sam promise to keep her away from the Branch, at all costs. There’s just one problem. Sam and the boys don’t remember anything before living in the lab—not even their true identities.

Now on the run, Anna soon discovers that she and Sam are connected in more ways than either of them expected. And if they’re both going to survive, they must piece together the clues of their past before the Branch catches up to them and steals it all away.


Thoughts:
This book just looks plain amazeballs! Everything from the killer cover to the description makes me wanna get my hands on it ASAP! With four genetically altered boys I'm hoping Rush is going to follow in the footsteps of Brigid Kemmerer and give us a novel featuring each guy. Fingers crossed! Either way I want this book soooo desperately!
 
 
 
 
What do you think of Altered? Doesn't it sound awesome?
And, what are YOU waiting on this week!
 

Monday, October 22, 2012

Blog Tour: Amarok by Angela J. Townsend Guest Post!



Welcome to the Amarok blog tour presented by Spencer Hill Press and Angela Townsend!

Today, Amarok author Angela Townsend talks about her writing process and how she likes to write.
You can check out the previous post for my review on Amarok or head here.


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Guest Post:
 
I like to visit busy cafes or crowded bookshops to write and to brainstorm and research ideas. I find that being surrounded by people even though I don't interact with them is very helpful because being a writer can be a very,lonely job. I like noise and distraction and often listen to music while writing, such as a favorite movie soundtrack or Celtic mood music.

At home I enjoy sitting in a busy space surrounded by family often with candles and a cup of Barry's Irish tea. I like to feel free to create, I don't like stiff, sterile environments where I feel suffocated. Music, candles, peace, love and laughter are all a big part of the writing process for me. I also work with a laptop so that I can be mobile if I like.

Sometimes I pack up my watercolor paints, pens and paper and head outside. I write longhand and then paint images I find in nature that intrigue me, such as an interesting tree or a swift mountain brook.




Check out Amarok!


Emma's life has been hell since she moved from sunny California to a remote Alaskan town. Abandoned by her father and living with the guilt of causing her mother's death, she makes a desperate dash for freedom from her abusive stepfather. But when her car skids off the icy road, her planned escape leads to further captivity in a world beyond her imagining.

Dragged across the tundra by an evil mountain man and his enormous black wolf, she learns that love can be found in the most unexpected places. Amarok, as she's nicknamed the wolf, is a young man from the gold-rush era enslaved by an ancient shaman. Emma's gentle touch and kind heart win his love and devotion.

When a vicious madman--trapped in bear form by the same Shaman--attacks the travelers and injures Amarok, Emma must find the strength to face her fears and free the wolf she's come to love. But that means she must face down the evil shaman, a Siberian mammoth hunter from the ice age, and he has no intention of giving up his power to her.

Add on Goodreads!
 
Pre-Order:
Amazon // The Book Depository
 
 
Meet Angela J. Townsend!
 
Angela Townsend was born in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Missoula, Montana. As a child, Angela grew up listening to stories told by her grandparents, ancient tales and legends of faraway places. Influenced by her Irish and Scottish heritage, Angela became an avid research historian, specializing in Celtic mythology. Her gift for storytelling finally led her to a full time career in historical research and writing. A writer in local community circulations, Angela is also a published genealogical and historical resource writer who has taught numerous research seminars. Currently, Angela divides her time between writing, playing Celtic music on her fiddle, and Irish dancing. She resides on a ranch, in rural Northwestern Montana, with her two children Levi and Grant.

Visit Angela:
Website // Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads


I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to both Spencer Hill Press and Angela J. Townsend for not only allowing me to read Amarok but for inviting me to be a part of the tour. To find the complete tour scedule head here.



Book Shelf: Amarok by Angela J. Townsend

Emma's life has been hell since she moved from sunny California to a remote Alaskan town. Abandoned by her father and living with the guilt of causing her mother's death, she makes a desperate dash for freedom from her abusive stepfather. But when her car skids off the icy road, her planned escape leads to further captivity in a world beyond her imagining.

Dragged across the tundra by an evil mountain man and his enormous black wolf, she learns that love can be found in the most unexpected places. Amarok, as she's nicknamed the wolf, is a young man from the gold-rush era enslaved by an ancient shaman. Emma's gentle touch and kind heart win his love and devotion.

When a vicious madman--trapped in bear form by the same Shaman--attacks the travelers and injures Amarok, Emma must find the strength to face her fears and free the wolf she's come to love. But that means she must face down the evil shaman, a Siberian mammoth hunter from the ice age, and he has no intention of giving up his power to her.

Add on Goodreads!


Review:

Angela J. Townsend’s debut novel Amarok is a richly descriptive tale of one girls fight for freedom and love, told against an Alaskan backdrop that is delightfully enjoyable!

Despite it’s slow pace, this book was surprisingly addictive and I easily read it in one sitting. It was well written and the lush world of the Alaskan wilderness provided a beautiful setting for the events of this novel. While it’s certainly not the best book I’ve read, nor did it blow me away, I found Amarok to be a really nice, enjoyable read. There were a few things I was unsure of in regards to plot, and at times I did struggle with the connection between Emma and Amarok that comes on so suddenly, but as a whole I easily found myself engrossed in this story.

Townsend tells of Native American tales as well as stories of Sharman and curses as she details Emma’s journey after being kidnapped by a reclusive and evil “mountain man”. Told in dual perspective, the short chapters revert back and forth between main characters Emma and the “wolf” Amarok.

As a heroine, Emma was decent enough and fit the story well. Strong and brave, with a tortured past and painful home life, Emma never gave up and was a fighter from the very beginning. I found I really adored Amarok and loved seeing things from his eyes, especially as a wolf. Townsend had written his POV very well and you can’t deny the anguish and frustration he feels being trapped as a wolf.

Admittedly, the bond that forms between Emma and Amarok stems a lot from the fact that they both have no one. Alone and lonely, both know only cruelty and the kindness and affection they find in one another connects them as they go through their tremendous journey. Honestly, I think the “love” they feel for one another, especially on Amarok’s side, comes on very suddenly but I still believe the bond they share, if not the love.

Overall, Amarok is an exciting read, one that left me wanting more!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Spencer Hill Press. (Thank you Kate!)
Format: Paperback ARC.
Pre-order it: Amazon // The Book Depository
Recommendation: If you're after something different.
Cover: I like the blue and the girl is how I picture Emma perfectly.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone.


Sunday, October 21, 2012

The Weekly Wrap-Up #1


Credit goes to Ashley of Ashley Loves Books for the picture and wrap up idea!


Hello my lovelies!

It's been a long time coming, but I've finally caved and decided to start a weekly wrap up post to showcase the goings on at The Rest Is Still Unwritten during the week! Seeing as I'm lazy right now (I know, I know, silly me) I've decided to pinch the wrap up picture from one of my fave blogs to browse Ashley Loves Books so thanks Ashley for the awesome picture!

The Weekly Wrap-Up will appear on Sundays and link to my reviews, interviews, blog tours, giveaways, etc for the week. You know the drill--there are tonnes of these kind of things around the blogosphere :)

I'll also be letting you know about any upcoming news that will happening on the blog in the coming days/months as well as any awesomeness I've discovered throguhout the week.

__________________
 
 
This week at The Rest Is Still Unwritten......
 
I showcase the fab books I recieved last week in my Owl Post!
 
I Reviewed:
- Spark by Brigid Kemmer 5/5 Stars!
- Cinder by Marissa Meyer 4/5 stars!

I Interviewed:
- Brigid Kemmer as part of the Aussie Blog Tour for Spark.
 
 
 
 
Coming Soon!
 
-The Amarok Blog Tour stops here tomorrow the 22nd of October and I'll be both reviewing and hosting author Angela J. Townsend, who'll guest post.
 
-I just finished reading The Diviners by Libba Bray and it was AWESOME! Well on the 29th of October I'll be both reviewing as well as giving away 5 copies to Australian followers as part of the Aussie Blog Tour thanks to Allen & Unwin.
 
- In a couple of weeks I'm going to be interviewing Gena Showalter, author of Alice in Zombieland, amongst many others, on the blog. I'll also be giving away a couple of copies of Alice in Zombieland to AU residents so stay tuned for more info on this!
- And on a little bit of a personal note, Tuesday the 23rd of October is my birthday! The big 21! Fingers crossed the fam gets me lots of book goodness, but they've told me time and time again no books for brithdays/Christmas's etc, so we'll see ;)
 
 
 
Around the Blogosphere!
-It's almost Halloween time again, and Confessions of a Bookaholic and A Life Bound By Books once more present us with Haunted Halloween complete with interviews, guest posts and giveaways all of the spooky kind. Find the complete event scedule here!
 
 
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That's it for my first Weekly Wrap-Up! Hope you all have a fantastic week with lots of books and reading. More from me soon :)
 
 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Book Shelf: Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Add on Goodreads!


Review:

As far as fairytale retellings go Cinder is one of the best. Set in New Beijing, Cinder blends together the traditional fairytale of Cinderella with futuristic machines and royal affairs in a fun, easy read that you simply can’t help but get lost in! The traditional plot housed within Cinderella gets an overhaul as we see Cinder, a mechanic and cyborg navigate the world of New Beijing where she discovers secrets, finds blossoming romance and then faces some shocking truths.

One of the things this book had going for it was the setting and overall feeling! Marissa Meyer has done a fantastic job with her world building and her detail and descriptions easily allow you to fall into the story. The science fiction world that Cinder and her friends inhabit is enthralling. It’s captivating. You cannot help but become addicted to the story set within this amazing world. While the plot was somewhat predictable and not at all surprising it was easily entertaining. There was plenty of adventure and humour to keep me entertained and just the right amount of hinted romance to keep me on my toes. If ever there was a way for a been-there-done-that fairytale to get a makeover it’s Cinder!

With such a vivid world, the story needed a cast of fantastic characters to back it up and Meyer doesn’t disappoint! Almost every character Cinder meets throughout the story is fabulous and well crafted, especially the vibrant android Iko Cinder’s closest friend and the charming Prince Kai. They all helped build the story and make it what it was and their animated personalities and fun interactions with Cinder managed to steal my heart every time.

I loved Cinder! As the protagonist, she had plenty of fire and spirit, and despite her cyborg nature was very human. Considering that she’s part machine and that wires make up a lot of her internal system, I was thrilled to see how normal Cinder remained. She felt natural fears and insecurities a normal person would and even though she wasn’t able to show her emotions, she still felt them. Smart and quick thinking, with an intelligence that allowed her to look at things critically, Cinder was self sufficient and able to get what had to be done, done.

Now as for Prince Kaito, I found Kai to be charming, kind and extremely likeable. This guy is awesome! Unlike some male leads in fairytales, Mayer has managed to give him some actual personality and it was easy to see just how deeply he cared about his people, wanting to do right by them. Choosing their interests above his own shows a lot about his character and it’s no surprise that Cinder fell for him.

Throughout the story, with the future of the Eastern Commonwealth always on the line, it was interesting watching the friendship and even relationship that develops between Cinder and Kai. Knowing the secrets Cinder keeps and then learning more about her, as the reader you always know that their relationship is in for some tough times. However as it blossoms slowly, into a sweet and endearing one, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m vying for them. Meyer broke my heart with what she did to them and I’ll certainly be praying for a happy ending for them.

There are some big developments at the end of this book, ones that change everything Cinder knows. Marissa Meyer ends her first novel in The Lunar Chronicles with a cliffhanger that’s just downright mean! Cinder is an impressive futuristic debut by Meyer that will captivate you and leave you begging for more, more, MORE!


Rating:
Source: I bought. Format: Paperback.
AU Release Date: Available now!
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: If you love fairytale retellings and sci-fi then this book is for you!
Cover: I LOVE this cover. It's simple but sooooo striking!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES!

 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Blog Tour: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer Interview



Welcome to the Australian blog tour for Spark by Brigid Kemmerer, thanks to Allen & Unwin and of course the lovely Brigid Kemmerer!

Today, as part of my stop I will be chatting with Brigid about the second book in her Elemental's series, Spark. You can also check out my review of Spark in the previous post or head here.

__________________
 
Interview:
 
Hi Brigid! Thanks so much for agreeing to this little Q & A with me. I’m really excited about the chance to chat with you about your latest release Spark!

Let’s begin, shall we? :)

1. First I have to say congratulations on Sparks’s release! I quite literally devoured Spark the moment it hit my greedy little paws and I couldn’t help but feel the difference between it and its predecessor Storm. Obviously, this time we’re seeing things from Gabriel’s eyes and he’s quite different from his brother Chris, but what’s the biggest difference for you this time round?
Well, definitely the character. Chris was unsure and kind and struggling to find out how to stand out among his brothers. Gabriel is full of rage and guilt and doesn’t know how to deal with that. On top of that, Spark took a lot of research. I wanted to make sure I nailed the feel of being inside a fire, so I repeatedly interviewed my local fire chief, and even then, sent him dozens of midnight emails.

2. Readers all over the world have fallen in love with your series and I know I speak for them all when I say how excited we were to finally get to hear Gabriel’s tale. Tell us all the about workings going in your mind as you’re writing about him?
Gabriel is quite possibly the easiest Merrick brother to write. He thinks something, and he says or does it. I think we all have anger inside that we just can’t express, because of societal pressures or expectations or whatever (like, I can’t punch someone who steals my parking place). With Gabriel, if he feels it, you know it, and it was almost cathartic to write a character that way.

3. Gabriel may steal the show in Spark, but there’s no way I can forget about Layne. Despite her past, she’s such a strong, independent young woman. Is there anything of yourself written in Layne?
Oh, dear Layne! I used to ride horses competitively, so I definitely threw that in there from my own experiences. But she’s also shy and insecure but not afraid to stand up for herself. I was taunted and teased in grade school, and my mom taught me to stand up to those bullies, so there’s definitely some of that in Spark.

4. So far you’ve written about two awesome heroines, and both books have been filled with incredible characters but everyone is quite rightly going gaga over the four very different, but still oh so sexy Merrick brothers. I have a certain soft spot for Micheal, but is there a brother who holds an extra special place in your heart?
I love them all! Honestly, I could no sooner choose one of my kids. (Okay, I do have a special spot in my heart for Michael, too.)

5. Hehe. Glad I'm not the only one loving Michael ;) In most series authors give us a sexy male lead, sometimes two if we’re lucky. You’ve given us FIVE—the Merrick brothers AND Hunter! Let me just say THANK YOU! (Haha). One swoon worthy male character just wasn’t enough, huh?
Haha! I guess I just love the brotherly dynamic. They’re so much fun to write. In Spirit, which follows Hunter, it’s very different to see the Merrick brothers from the outside.

6. There’s so much depth to your novels. They’re not just action-packed and supernaturally driven, but rather stories full of flawed and layered characters. Why was that so important for you to write this way?
Thank you! When I started writing, I knew I wanted to write something paranormal, but I didn’t want to ignore the people. That’s what I like so much about television shows like Supernatural or The Vampire Diaries – there’s a human element, too.

7. You're more than welcome Brigid. Do you have a special place you like to write?
Yes! I love to go to Starbucks.

8. Who has been the biggest inspiration throughout your life?
My mom! She’s always supported me. My husband is pretty great, too.

9. Nawww. My mum's my biggest inspiration too--looks like we have that in common! If you could meet one person, living or read, real or fiction, who would you want to meet and why?
Christopher Pike! I was a big fan of his novels when I was a teenager, and I’d love to meet him and figure out how his brain works.

10. Your third Elemental novel, Spirit, will be released in May of next year. We all know it’s going to feature Hunter (yay!) but any hints on what we can expect?
Oh, Hunter! It was tough living inside Hunter’s head. He has a very different outlook on life. But don’t think you’ll be missing the Merrick brothers. After a fallout with his grandfather, Hunter finds himself needing a place to live…

6 Quick Questions:

1. Cats or dogs? Dogs!
2. Favourite colour? Green
3. Favourite food? French fries
4. Lucky number? I … don’t know.
5. Day or night? Day. I’m a morning person.

Thanks so much for answering my questions Brigid! Congrats once more on Sparks release and good luck with all your upcoming endeavours. I can’t wait to see what we get from you next!

_____________________


Check out Spark!
 
 
Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.

Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. Like the fire that killed his parents.

Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he’s not doing it.

More than Gabriel’s pride is at stake -- this could cost him his family, maybe his life. And no one seems to hear him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.

Gabriel can’t let her guess about his brothers, about his abilities, about the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.

The fuse is lit…

Add Spark on Goodreads!

Purhcase Spark:
The Nile // Booktopia // The Book Depository

 
 
Meet Brigid Kemmerer!
 
 
Brigid Kemmerer finds the time to write somewhere between caring for her family and working at her day job, but sometimes she ends up mothering her coworkers and managing her family.


Visit Brigid!
Website // Facebook // Twitter // Goodreads
 
 
 
 
I'd like to thank both Brigid Kemmerer and Allen and Unwin for inviting me to be a part of this tour. Don't forget to check out the next tour stop with Erin over at Tales of the Inner Book Fanatic on the 22nd of October!

Book Shelf: Spark (Elemental #2) by Brigid Kemmerer

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.

Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. Like the fire that killed his parents.

Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he’s not doing it.

More than Gabriel’s pride is at stake -- this could cost him his family, maybe his life. And no one seems to hear him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance.

Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own. Gabriel can’t let her guess about his brothers, about his abilities, about the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.

The fuse is lit...

Add on Goodreads!


Review:

Spark is the sizzling follow up to Brigid Kemmerer’s debut novel Storm and does not disappoint with its electric romance and exciting action!

After the brilliance that was the first book, I was so excited to have the chance to dive back into this series. The first book was amazing, and in my eyes this one was equally so---for the same reasons and more! Brigid Kemmerer delights one again with her world of Elementals with the high stakes action blending together with high school drama and a tangle of emotion.

My goodness is Brigid a talented writer! She blew us all away in Storm, and she once again shows us she’s not lacking in her humour and expert writing in Spark. Weaving together a novel full of action, romance and passion, the fabulous dialogue and humour found in Spark balance a perfectly planned story of the paranormal and with issues facing teens today. I think one of the most interesting things about this series is that Brigid looks at the whole picture. Her characters are largely flawed but with each book Kemmerer explores the why behind this. And there’s always a reason. Not shying away in any sense, Kemmerer looks at harsh issues like bullying and the effects it has on its victims. There’s so much emotion and raw vulnerability found in each book.

As tension continues to skyrocket for the Merrick brothers, the stakes are higher than ever as they embark on the next stage of the journey Brigid Kemmerer has them on. Kicking off right where Storm, left off Spark features Gabriel Merrick, the hot head of the family who often acts before he thinks. One of the best things about Gabriel’s characterisation is that he really is his element. Brigid Kemmerer writes Gabriel so that he truly personifies his element. He encompasses everything fire is; he’s passionate, explosive, fiery, volatile but he’s also so much more. So, SO much more. If you thought you knew Gabriel Merrick in Storm, I’ve got news for you....you don’t!

I was actually quite surprised to discover how much Gabriel struggles with his element, more so than any of his brothers. There’s a fire in him, both literally and metaphorically, that he can’t always control and this guarantees him a lot of trouble throughout the course of Spark. Gabriel struggles an awful lot with guilt over his parent’s deaths and finds himself not good enough over many aspects of his life. One again, this surprised me about Gabriel. In the previous book he appeared so cocky, and sure of himself, however throughout the course of this book we discover how much of a facade this is and glimpse the true pain and anguish he hides. Pain and aguish Gabriel so masterfully manages to hide from this loved ones with sarcasm and bad behaviour.

With a series of arson attacks in town making his brothers question if he’s behind them and his twin Nick following in Chris’s footsteps and finding romance of his own, Gabriel feels more alone than ever. And then along comes Layne Forrest; brainy, shy, quite happy to fly under the radar and the last person Gabriel expects to connect with, but he does......

Layne Forrest isn’t like other girls. With a painful history and a parentless home life, Layne is scarred both inside and out. She’s happy to hide behind her clothes and her books, but when Gabriel Merrick needs her help Layne’s acts without thinking, soon realizing that he isn’t the heartless jock she thought him to be. Layne was a wonderful character to follow in Spark and she certainly wasn’t the shy, quiet person she appeared on the outside; rather a strong, independent young woman who stood up for, and took care of, her younger brother Simon. Once more Kemmerer writes Layne beautifully, with her vulnerabilities perfectly emphasisable and understandable; her insecurities something that as a reader you can understand and feel.

Amazingly Gabriel and Layne were a perfect match! Considering their histories and the fires that played a part, these two connected beautifully. I think it was terribly smart of Brigid to write in their histories and give them something truly substantial to connect over. Here are two individuals who couldn’t appear any different on the outside; a jock and a brainiac, and yet who share such similar insecurities and pains that the bond that develops between them burns so bright it’s undeniable. Their romance develops steadily over time, and is both endearing and electric. These two are too perfect for words!

Despite the amazing idea of Elementals that Kemmerer has thought up, the main driving point that makes series so special is the four brothers it focuses on and the bond they share. They have such a complicated history and their relationships are turbulent at times, but Michael, Gabriel, Nick and Chris share such a great family dynamic throughout both books. Their brotherly relationship is one I’ve loved from the very beginning and it was wonderfully to see Brigid explore it in such a real way with brothers bonding and struggling too. I loved seeing Michael and Gabriel share so many sweet moments in this book and though he may not be a Merrick brother by blood, the friendship that Gabriel struck up with Hunter during Spark also tugged on my heartstrings.

Both mystery and romance feature heavily in this book as Kemmerer races her characters through danger after danger that will leave you breathless with it’s intensity and wondering just what on earth is going to happen next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Allen & Unwin (Thank you Lara!)
Format: Paperback.
AU Release Date: Available now!
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: This book is one you don't want to miss!
Cover: Awesome--the AU covers in this series are epic.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Absolutley!

 

Owl Post #6


Hello my lovelies and welcome to another Owl Post here at The Rest Is Still Unwritten!

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.
 

Here's what I got this week.........

For Review: 
 
 From Random House Australia.....

- Mystic City by Theo Lawrence
This book looks amazingly good--the kind I love and I cannot wait to read it. Oh, and I just LOVE the cover!
 
- Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
I hadn't heard of this one before it ended up on my doorstep, but I'm quite excited to read it. Makes me think of The Time Travellers Wife and looks so sweet.
 
....Thank you Dorothy and Random House!
 
 
From Bloomsbury Australia.....
 
- Breathe by Sarah Crossan
YAY! Soooo wanna read this book. Sounds so amazing!
 
.....Thank you Sonia and Bloomsbury Australia!
 
 
From Allen & Unwin......
 
- The Diviners by Libba Bray
Although I wasn't thrilled with how Libba's Gemma Doyle Trilogy ended, I'm quite a fan of Libba Bray's writing. This book looks incredible and I'm about to start it now! Love our Aussie cover!!
 
.....Thank you Lara and Allen and Unwin!
 
 
 
 That's me for this week :)
Tell me what the owls dropped off in YOUR mailbox this week!
 
 

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Book Shelf: Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1) by Sarah J. Maas

Meet Celaena Sardothien.
Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for greatness.

In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake: she got caught.

Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament—fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted?

Add on Goodreads!


Review:

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas’s is a beguiling debut which blends high stakes fantasy with court politics and action, all the while brimming with friendship, love and romance.

Going into this novel, I must say I had quite high hopes. And while the book didn’t live up to my expectations entirely, I found Throne of Glass to be quite an enjoyable read. The book is steady paced and admittedly seems long at times with very little occasionally going on, but the mystery that surrounds the goings on at the palace are enough to keep one entertained, with the relationships that develop between the characters and the plotline demanding your focus.

Sarah J. Maas is extensively talented for a debut novelest. From the very beginning her writing draws you into the story. Written in the third person, it’s beautiful and extensively descriptive; detailing a fantasy world incredibly vivid. Maas spared us nothing; painting a rich, lyrical world both war torn and beautiful. Maa’s plotline is intricate and politically driven. Intrigue and deception go hand in hand with friendship, trust and loyalty all playing important roles within the story.

It’s quite clear that Maas has put a lot of thought into the creation of the world of Erilea. Evident from the detailed map we see at the beginning of Throne of Glass, Maas’s world building shines with ancient history warring with current tradition. Magic and leaders from the past haunt of heroine and shape the novel. With so much left unexplained, but hints towards more made throughout, I’ve looking forward to where Maas intends to take this world.

Featuring such an alluring setting, Throne of Glass was lucky to feature a handful of really fabulous characters. Maas’s characters were surprisingly layered, where assassins and thieves prove be kind-hearted and deep and those of the court (unsurprisingly) were deceptive and self driven. Obviously, Celaena stands out as long with male leads, Prince Dorian and Captian Chaol Westfall, but Nehemia, the princess of Eyllwe and Nox a charming thief all prove to be fantastic additions to the storyline.

Our heroine, Celaena Sardothien is the world’s best assassin. Beautifully. Deadly. And quite an exceptional leading lady. It took me a little while to warm up to her, but as the book progressed, I really came to like Celaena. A trained assassin more than capable of killing with her bare hands, Celaena is a delicious mix of innocence and killer. There’s no mistaking the strength of her. Celaena was all sassy arrogance and snark on the outside, but surprising sweetness and femininity inside. There was a definite difference to face she projected to court society and the Celaena she was to those she grew close to. I found I really loved the contradictions to her; fighter one moment, girly the next. I liked that she had insecurities as a woman but strength and confidence in her fighting skills and who she was as an assassin. Intelligence, courage and bravery all shone from her. Here is a girl who truly didn’t need a man to survive and was fully capable of taking care of herself and I found that empowering!

Throughout Throne of Glass there are two prominent male leads. Crown Prince Dorian and his best friend Captain Chaol Westfall. As the novel is told in third person, we get glimpses into these two very different yet still so intriguing young men. One the future king; cocky, arrogant and a complete womaniser and the other Captain of the guard; quiet, shy and guarded but with a mesmerising personality. Both have amazing heart and intentions and both clearly come to adore Celaena as they get to know her and she worms her way into their hearts.

Maas writes Celaena’s relationships with both men wonderful. There are two very different relationships here and yet both were so perfect. Celaena and Dorian’s relationship is flirty and fun, while Celaena and Chaol bond over their shared skills and experiences. Both male leads have chemistry with Celaena, sharing endearing moments with her. It’s really impossible to see where this love triangle will go—really, at this point it’s anyone’s guess. There’s an added complication that both Chaol and Dorian are close friends and while I’m still not completely sure who Celaena will choose, I know who my heart belongs to. I have a special place in my heart for Dorian (He reminds me of Adrian from Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead) but at this point I’m strictly on Team Chaol. There’s just something so appealing about that deep, stoic solider that I can’t fight.

Featuring an exciting, edge of your seat battle leading up towards the ending, fans of Maria V. Snyder’s Poison Study will adore this book and with this stage of Celaena’s journey wrapped up nicely, I find myself very eager for the next instalment!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Bloomsbury Australia (Thank you guys!).
Format: Paperback.
AU Release Date: Available now!
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: This is one for fantasy fans and those who love Maria V. Snyder's books!
Cover: It's pretty kick-ass, although I am partial to the US one a bit more.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes, I will. I'm eager to see what happens next.

 

Friday, October 12, 2012

Book Shelf: The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld #9) by Gena Showalter

Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive—but his potent allure comes at a terrible price. Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die. And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he'd thought was forever beyond his reach…until now.

Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet in Paris's arms, the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up.

Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally—or tear them apart?

Add on Goodreads!


Review:

The Darkest Seduction proves to be one of the most exciting, heart-pounding Lords of the Underworld stories, and Gena Showalter doesn’t disappoint with the tale pretty much every LOTU fan has been waiting for!

I’m finding it really hard to explain my feelings on this particular book and actually have it make sense. I had both high expectations and no expectations at all when going into this book. I adore this series, but I felt as though Showalter was beginning to struggle after the last two books. I loved both Amun’s and Strider’s tales, but there was this tiny inkling in the back of my mind that told me they weren’t up to the same standard as some of the earlier books in the series. And yet the Darkest Seduction is the Lord of the Underworld series at its best! This is one of my fave LOTU books! Showalter wrote it so spectacularly—everything fit and went together perfectly and the entertaining and sensual plotline had my attention from the first page! It had everything I’ve come to expect from this series....heart-stopping action, incredible romance and all the humour that make this series a joy to read.

In this book we finally get to see Paris get his girl. Paris and Sienna have had the most complicated relationship in this series. Their few interactions in the past have been shaky at best and a mess at worse. He attempted to use her, she kidnapped him so the Hunters could torture him, they then had “apparently” emotionless sex together so he wouldn’t die and then he tried to flee and she died as a result. And yet for whatever reason none of them understood they were drawn to one another, often not knowing if they liked or hated each other. Then....after her death things changed. Suddenly events allowed them to see each other in different lights and their feelings changed until all they both wanted was to be with the other. Honestly, it seemed strange to me, all that yearning to be with each other but in this book it made complete sense. I felt their desire to be with each other, even if it seemed hopeless.

You know, I’ve never really loved Paris. Oh, I liked him enough. I emphasised with his pain and I felt for him, but he never really stood out for me. His pain and torment has been such a prominent feature in the series for so long now that I really just wanted him to find his woman and get on with it. I still never saw him as anything other than a tormented man in the background..... but sure has changed how! What a fantastic character Paris is! Who would have guessed that the man who housed Promiscuity would be the Lord that craved monogamy and commitment the most? My heart broke for him in this book. It really did. Until this book, until I got this glimpse into his head and saw his dedication and devotion to Sienna in a new light I never completely understood their relationship and why he felt so strongly for her.

I never understood why he wanted her the way he did and with their complicated history, why he would risk so much for her. Now I think he may potentially be one of the strongest of the Lords. To go through everything he’s been through and everything he’s willing to do for her...it takes a lot of strength. With Sienna being the only woman Paris could apparently be with more than once it opened up a new door for him, the chance to be with the woman he cared about and truly loved. I loved his fierce protectiveness and desire to be with her and take care of her no matter what—it was wonderful.

Alight, who here doesn’t like Sienna? Have you lost your freaking mind people?!? Hunter or not, Sienna is one of the best leading ladies to grace this series! I know I’ve probably said that about heriones in the past, but Sienna is everything a heroine should be. While she’s far from perfect, she’s brave and manages to find her spirit throughout this book. She’s very normal, and even somewhat plain, but that’s the beauty of her. She’s very normal, and as everything she’s been through and is currently going through changes her it just makes her even better to read about. Her ability to accept Paris exactly as he is, to be able to let go of everything he’s done in the past and to make him understand he doesn’t need to be ashamed with her is just remarkable. She’s exactly what he needs and she allowed him to be himself.

Paris and Sienna as a couple are incredible. Despite their history, or perhaps because of it, the sparks between them run wild! Neither is the same person they were when they first met, but their desire to be with each other strengthens their relationship. Seeing them fall in love after all they’ve both been through is beautiful. Their interactions were entertaining and the sex between them hot. I love how highly they think of one another; how Sienna loves Paris for being nothing more than who he is and who is able to ignore all the horrible, however justified, things he’s done in the past and how Paris sees Sienna as the most beautiful thing in his world and how he won’t take other people disrespecting her, even his friends. They accept each others fault and mistakes in the past and they love each other regardless—it’s beautiful.

Showalter has written this story perfectly, however there is a lot going on throughout the book. With so many sub-storylines taking place and unfolding, one could be mistaken for getting a tad confused. But it you manage to keep track (like I just barely managed to) you’ll see all the incredible possibilities set up for this series and even Showalter’s new spin-off Wicked Nights series that have been set up! There are only three Lords left single now, Torin, Kane and the sad, but beautiful female Cameo and I’m oh, so eager for their stories! I’m thinking Kane will be next and we’ll get to see what happens to him and his mysterious female Horseman. That leaves Torin and Cameo and with some new developments in this book for Torin I’m hoping he’ll finally find his HEA with a woman he can touch...hmmm, how about Viola? A hilarious new addition to the series, this goddess and houser of Narcissism looks to be an interesting character. Cameo will be interesting and now I’m wondering about Hades. It seems like an odd fit, but the “Shadow Man” proved to be an interesting new development and considering who and what he is, who better to be with the Lord of Misery?

Oh, but then there’s William, Galen and Legion. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Galen and Legion need to be together. I’ve always throughout Galen was more than he seems and in The Darkest Seduction he proves he truly cares about Legion and after all the horror she’s endured, she deserves to find some happiness and feel safe and loved. And Willy! Yes Willy! We all know who his heart belongs to even if he’s too afraid to go there. Gena Showalter has got a lot in store for him and I for one cannot wait to see what awaits him in his story.

As the 9th book in the series, The Darkest Seduction comes with big revelations and big shocks! Major plot changes, and completions, will see the series head in a new direction and the inclusion of new characters shows that Gena Showalter is far from done when it comes to this series! CANNOT WAIT FOR MORE!


Rating:
Source: I bought it.
Format: Paperback.
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: This is one of my fave PNR series and I highly reccomend it to anyone who loves strong heriones and tortured heroes as well as humor, action and romance!
Cover: It's the prettiest of them all, even if this isn't how I picture Sienna.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Hells to the yes!!