Book Shelf: The Darkest Bloom (Shadowscent #1) by P.M. Freestone

In the empire of Aramtesh, scent has power.

When disaster strikes and the crown prince lies poisoned, long suppressed rivalries threaten to blow the empire apart. It’s up to a poor village girl with a talent for fragrances and the prince’s loyal bodyguard to find an antidote.

To succeed, the pair must uncover secrets – cryptic, ancient tales as well as buried truths from their own pasts – in an adventure that will ignite your senses.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Darkest Bloom is P.M. Freestone’s debut novel and the first in her Shadowscent series, sweeping readers into a passionate fantasy world where the power of scent reigns supreme and an unknown enemy is determined to change the empire.

In the kingdom of Aramtesh, scent has power and when the crown prince is poisoned, two unlikely allies must join forces in order to save him. Rakel is a poor village girl, hoping to build a life for herself in the capital using her healing abilities and talent for fragrances. Ash is a Shield—best friend and bodyguard of Prince Nasai—and a man of secrets. They couldn’t be more different, but when Nasai is poisoned, they must travel together in search of an antidote. Uncovering the clues and ancient secrets proves tricky but with time running out for the prince, Rakel and Ash will need to trust in one another if they have any hope of succeeding.

After heading into The Darkest Bloom unsure what I would find, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. P.M. Freestone’s debut was reminiscent of Maria V. Snyder’s Poison Study series and features a well told plot and beautiful writing. Adventurous in nature, all the fantasy elements I love were present in The Darkest Bloom—danger, magic, romance, excitement—just what I needed to get sucked into the story.

The story unfolds through the varying perspectives of main characters Rakel and Ash. I enjoyed the opportunity to follow them both in equal measure throughout the story and found myself really liking them both as characters. They have two distinct voices and personalities that complement one another. After beginning a shaky alliance, it was satisfying seeing them come to trust and rely on one another more as their journey progressed. Rakel is a genuine and strong willed heroine who is quick thinking while Ash is more guarded and restrained—the reason for this restraint becoming clear as the novel reaches its final few chapters—though he is undeniably capable in most areas.

I loved Ash’s closeness to his friend and charge, prince Nasai, and felt the two had a wonderful friendship. There an underlying romantic element that simmers between Rakel and Ash as they grow closer during The Darkest Bloom. Slow blossoming, but sweet with so much potential, the romance between them is just enough to fit with the action, danger and sense of adventure that comes with the story.

The Darkest Bloom offers a glimpse into a very intriguing fantasy world. P.M. Freestone begins the Shadowscent series extremely well and ends this chapter of Rakel and Ash’s story with a cliffhanger ending that is guaranteed to have readers keen to get their hands on the next novel. Highly enjoyable, The Darkest Bloom is well worth a read for fantasy lovers and leaves me ready to read the sequel as soon as it comes out!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Format: Paperback ARC
Australian RRP: $16.99
Release Date: February 7th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I highly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one!

Book Shelf: Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

Maddie thought she and Logan would be friends forever. But when your dad is a Secret Service agent and your best friend is the president's son, sometimes life has other plans. Before she knows it, Maddie's dad is dragging her to a cabin in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.

No phone.
No Internet.
And not a single word from Logan.

Maddie tells herself it's okay. After all, she's the most popular girl for twenty miles in any direction. (She’s also the only girl for twenty miles in any direction.) She has wood to cut and weapons to bedazzle. Her life is full.
Until Logan shows up six years later . . .
And Maddie wants to kill him.

But before that can happen, an assailant appears out of nowhere, knocking Maddie off a cliff and dragging Logan to some unknown fate. Maddie knows she could turn back- and get help. But the weather is turning and the terrain will only get more treacherous, the animals more deadly.

Maddie still really wants to kill Logan.
But she has to save him first.

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review: 

Not If I Save You First is Ally Carter’s latest release and is a sharp and sassy contemporary YA set in the Alaskan wilderness and full of adventure, romance and survival against the odds.

Sixteen year old Madeline “Maddie” Manchester lives in an isolated cabin deep in the Alaskan wilderness with her former Secret Service father. There’s no phone, no internet and nobody around for miles. Maddie is used to the isolation and quiet but all that changes when her former best friend Logan is dropped off as punishment for disobeying his father. Maddie hasn’t seen Logan for six years and the son of the president of the United States has changed drastically from the ten-year old she used to know. Maddie isn’t sure if she wants to kill Logan or kiss him, but when the two find themselves stranded alone with a killer on their tail, Maddie will have to decide if she’s willing to forgive Logan long enough to keep them alive. Or will the two of them find themselves victims of the madman with a gun and the elements that are getting worse with every passing moment?

Ally Carter once again brings to life a sassy and highly entertaining story with Not If I Save You First. Unfolding through the varying prospective of main characters Maddie and Logan, something I hadn’t been expecting as I thought we would only see the novel unfold through Maddie’s eyes, Not If I Save You First was a very fun and easy to read novel.

Quick reading that still manages to capture your imagination, Not If I Save You First details a compelling and amusing wilderness survival tale that sees two estranged friends forced to rely on one another when they’re attacked and then stuck in Alaska’s snow ridden woods together.

Maddie and Logan both had sharp and charming voices with their personalities likable and easy to enjoy. Maddie especially was full of sass and flair; a normal teenage girl who had a sharp and intelligent mind and plenty of sarcasm. I loved that Ally Carter gave Maddie all the intellectual tools and resources to be able to survive in the wilderness. Seeing her adapt, plan and execute her rescue was entertaining and enjoyable to read.

As someone who seems to be a fan of wilderness survival tales Not If I Save You First ticked all the boxes for me. I enjoyed seeing the protagonists fight to survive in the great outdoors and the dialogue, adventure and hints of romance wrapped it all up nicely.

Ally Carter has created a fun story with Not If I Save You First that I recommend to those who love their YA contemporary with a bit of flair and adventure!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $16.99
Release Date: May 1st 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A solid and enjoyable read.

Book Shelf: The Traitor's Game (The Traitor's Game #1) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Nothing is as it seems in the kingdom of Antora. Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in the Lava Fields, but that won't stop her from being drawn back into her father's palace politics. He's the right hand man of the cruel king, Lord Endrick, which makes Kestra a valuable bargaining chip. A group of rebels knows this all too well - and they snatch Kestra from her carriage as she reluctantly travels home.The kidnappers want her to retrieve the lost Olden Blade, the only object that can destroy the immortal king, but Kestra is not the obedient captive they expected. Simon, one of her kidnappers, will have his hands full as Kestra tries to foil their plot, by force, cunning, or any means necessary. As motives shift and secrets emerge, both will have to decide what - and who - it is they're fighting for.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Traitor’s Game is Jennifer A. Nielson’s latest release and is a wonderfully written and stunning fantasy novel, set in an enchanting world of adventure and rich in danger, deception and sizzling romance.

Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in a place called the Lava Fields but is finally returning home to be drawn into her father’s political position. As second in command to the countries tyrant leader, Lord Endrick, Kestra’s father is withdrawn and demanding and has never shown Kestra an ounce of affection. Kestra dreads returning home, especially when her convoy is attacked on route and the rebels responsible for the attack blackmail Kestra into helping them. Kestra’s task is simple; she is to return home as planned, but use her position to search for and find a long lost weapon known as the Olden Blade, believed to be the only thing capable of killing Lord Endrick. Yet the rebels are in for a shock; Kestra is not the innocent maiden they believe and she’ll use all the cunning and abilities she has to outsmart them, even if it means betraying the young man she knew as a child who is currently a rebel and who should be her enemy but who is slowly stealing her heart…..

As a reader, I can easily say that YA Fantasy is one of my favourite genre’s and in saying that I’m always a little excited and apprehensive when I begin a new novel of its kind. This mainly because I’m either completely won over or very much let down; there doesn’t seem to be much middle ground. And I was a little worried where The Traitor’s Game was concerned--its description read a little like many other novels I’ve read in the past so I almost expected it to be somewhat bland in comparison, but boy was I wrong. I loved this novel, absolutely LOVED it.

From the very opening chapter, author Jennifer A. Nielsen had me impressed. The writing is eloquent and beautiful, detailing a vivid and beguiling fantasy world lorded over by a cruel and dispassionate King. The world within The Traitor’s Game is very interesting and I’m keen to learn more than what Nielsen has already introduced. With its current leader evil, there’s effectively three different sides to this war; the Dominion, the Halderians and the Coracks who are the rebels. Seeing how the story ended I’m looking forward to exploring new levels of this world in the next novel.

The Traitor’s Game unfolds through the varying perspectives of main characters Kestra and Simon and is very well told and written. All the characters have such personality and life with Kresta quickly becoming one of my new favourite fantasy protagonists. Smart and capable, Kestra exhibits all the strengths and characteristics I love in a strong female lead and author Jennifer A. Nielsen makes it clear early on that Kestra isn’t a weak willed woman; she is someone with morals and scruples. Even as Kestra finds herself backed into a hole by the rebels, she still fights tooth and nail. Kestra dares to be different from how she was raised and though her upbringing may have some impact on who she is, ultimately Kestra is choosing her own path…and I love that!

Alongside Kestra is a vivid cast of characters whose motives and intentions are not always as they appear. Male lead and love interest Simon was very easy to follow as well and I highly enjoyed the developing relationship between he and Kestra. Kestra has a witty and sarcastic sense of humor, something clear throughout the story both with her inner monologue and biting comments to other characters including Simon and the other Coracks. Nielsen has woven a very interesting world of magic and deception and I’m highly enjoying discovering its hidden depths.

The perfect blend of romance and discovering, The Traitor’s Game is perfect for fans of Truthwitch by Susan Dennard and Ruined by Amy Tintera. Richly written and splendidly paced, The Traitor’s Game races to a fantastic ending that leaves me dying to see what Jennifer A. Nielsen has in store for her characters next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: 1st July 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I absolutely adored this novel and I CANNOT WAIT until the second one is released!

Book Shelf: Show Stopper by Hayley Barker

Set in a near-future England where the poorest people in the land are forced to sell their children to a travelling circus - to perform at the mercy of hungry lions, sabotaged high wires and a demonic ringmaster. The ruling class visit the circus as an escape from their structured, high-achieving lives - pure entertainment with a bloodthirsty edge. Ben, the teenage son of a draconian government minister, visits the circus for the first time and falls instantly in love with Hoshiko, a young performer. They come from harshly different worlds - but must join together to escape the circus and put an end to its brutal sport.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Show Stopper by Hayley Baker is a unique circus tale, introducing readers to the Cirque, a place of death defying stunts, treachery and untold danger.

In futuristic England, society is separated into two very distinct divisions, the Pure and the Dregs. The Pure are those of English heritage and live comfortable, structured lives while those of mixed, foreign or poor decent are known as Dregs and find themselves struggling to survive; treated less then human. Ben Barnes is a Pure whose mother holds an esteemed job in the Pure government administration. When she’s invited to the opening night of the Cirque, a circus featuring Dregs, Ben and the rest of the family attend alongside her. Hoshiko is a trapeze artist and a member of the Cirque, forced to perform for demanding Pures, wanting an escape from their lives in the form of the circus's deadly show. Ben and Hoshiko couldn’t be more different, but when they meet and instantly fall in love, the two teens must find a way to get Hoshiko free of the traveling circus and it’s demonic ringmaster.

Introducing readers to a circus world full of violence and death, I found Show Shopper to be an interesting and unique novel. It wasn’t until I began reading it that I realised it was on the receiving end of very mixed reviews, but I found it somewhat entrancing myself. Author Hayley Baker has created a world of division, oppression and violence in this novel where those of lesser classes are forced to participate in demeaning shows where the audience want the performer to meet a violent end.

Show Stopper really made me think as I read the story. The division between the two levels of society was huge. Dregs were considered less than human, incapable of intellectual thoughts or feelings. The Pures saw them as a race to be exterminated and the lack of respect they had for them was mind boggling. I mean to take pleasure from someone else’s pain, to see their deaths as sport and entertainment---it was brutal. And the Dregs really were just normal people….I personally liked what author Hayley Baker did with the novel here—it made for some intriguing reading.

Show Stopper unfolds through both Ben and Hoshiko’s POV’s and features quick, short and effective chapters. Baker allows readers to witness things from both sides, which is very effective in setting the scene especially as you witness the horrors Hoshiko and the other performers are subjected too. It’s heart breaking, but makes you appreciate the closeness of their group even as pain continues to play a large part in their lives.

The brutality and harshness of this story is what sets it apart. Ben and Hoshiko were both likable enough and were sweet in an endearing and hopeful way as a couple, but it wasn’t their romance that made Show Stopper enjoyable for me. There was something beguiling about the cruelty of this novel and the possibility that any race could be treated as the Dregs were. As a reader you were waiting for the moment something goes right for them and I think Barker did a good job setting the stage.

Dark but thrilling, Show Stopper was a story unlike anything I’ve read lately and I do believe it’s actually worth a read

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Scholastic
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $16.99  
Release Date: October 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A unique novel with a circus theme, Show Stopper is actually very much worth a read.

Book Shelf: All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater

Here is a thing everyone wants: a miracle.
Here is a thing everyone fears: what it takes to get one.

Any visitor to Bicho Raro, Colorado is likely to find a landscape of dark saints, forbidden love, scientific dreams, miracle-mad owls, estranged affections, one or two orphans, and a sky full of watchful desert stars.

At the heart of this place you will find the Soria family, who all have the ability to perform unusual miracles. And at the heart of this family are three cousins longing to change its future: Beatriz, the girl without feelings, who wants only to be free to examine her thoughts; Daniel, the Saint of Bicho Raro, who performs miracles for everyone but himself; and Joaquin, who spends his nights running a renegade radio station under the name Diablo Diablo.

They are all looking for a miracle. But the miracles of Bicho Raro are never quite what you expect.

More info on Goodreads......


Review: 

All the Crooked Saints is Maggie Stiefvater’s latest release and is a unique and compelling story about the power of miracles and the individuals who wield them.

Set in the 1960’s, All the Crooked Saints introduces readers to the small town of Bicho Raro, Colorado, a place where the desert is home to miracles and mayhem, as well as an oddly eccentric family who have the ability to perform strange miracles. Cousins Daniel, Beatrix and Joaquin are members of the Soria family and all long for a different future. Beatrix is thought to be a girl without feelings and longs for the silence to examine her thoughts; Daniel is the Saint of Bicho Raro, tasked with using love and understanding to help the pilgrims who journey in search of help, but yearns for a different kind of love; while the youngest of the trio Joaquin wants to travel to the city where his alter ego Diablo, Diablo can light up the airwaves with music and passion. Everything changes with the help of an old box truck, a radio and the arrival of two strangers who are about to witness the biggest change Bicho Raro has seen in decades.

As someone who always adores Maggie Stiefvater’s novels, I knew heading into All the Crooked Saints that I was in store for something uniquely different. And Stiefvater definitely didn’t disappoint in this regard. Beautifully written, described and infused, All the Crooked Saints allows readers to visit a daring desert world of whimsical nature and magic in this very different, but alluring story.

I very much felt as though I was in another time and place with All the Crooked Saints. Not only was it set in the 1960’s where life was very different than it was today, but Stiefvater also added a lot of otherworldly occurrences and individuals to the story. Giant men, a priest with the head of a coyote, a man covered in moss and a woman who constantly had rain pour on her and her alone----these were only a few of the strange and unusual things we found within the desert surrounds of Bicho Raro.

Personally, I appreciated the uniqueness of All the Crooked Saints. Maggie Stiefvater weaves adventure, romance and familial bonds together in this luscious and adventurous story. There’s nothing this author could write that I wouldn’t adore and I enjoyed following all these different individuals on their journey. It was entertaining and delightful.

All the Crooked Saints is another enjoyable story from one of my favourite authors that is sure to satisfy readers with this difference and vitality. Can’t wait to see what Maggie Stiefvater releases to the world next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: October 10th 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A beautiful but highly unique story.

 

Book Shelf: The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4) by Maggie Stiefvater

The fourth and final installment in the spellbinding series from the irrepressible, #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater.

All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love's death. She doesn't believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

The Raven King is the fourth and final novel in Maggie Stiefvater’s Raven Cycle series and is a vividly told ending to a magical and whimsical series full of wonder and adventure!

All her life Blue Sargent has known that her true love would die if she ever kissed him. Her curse has never been a problem as Blue has never believed in love, but since becoming friends with Gansey, Ronan, Adam and Noah it’s become impossible not to believe in impossible things. Now Blue and the Raven Boys find themselves nearing the end of their search for a slumbering Welsh king and with strange and deadly things starting to happen in their town of Henrietta, the end by come sooner than any of them think…..

Maggie Stiefvater has always been one of my favourite authors; ever since I read her debut novel, Lament: A Faerie Queen’s Deception. Her imaginings never fail to win my heart, but I truly do believe The Raven Cycle has been the most unique and vivid creation of hers yet. Before the first novel, ley lines were something I had never heard of and now I feel like I know them and their reasoning’s better than I ever expected.

Throughout the series I’ve constantly enjoyed being swept up into tales of magic, dreams and premonitions and The Raven King is no exception, ending the series in spectacular fashion. This instalment is whimsical and full of incredible things but also dangerous and deadly with no one guaranteed to make it out alive.

I’ve loved following Blue and the boys throughout the series and seeing the story unfold in third person has always allowed for a very well rounded reading experience. I love being able to see what is going on with Ronan and then follow Blue or Gansey for a chapter. Even some of the smaller roles; Grey Man, Piper and others have helped enhance all that is going on throughout the story.
 
Stiefvater has created such a unique and different cast of characters within this series and I’ve loved following them all. Gansey, Ronan and Adam have a strong friendship and Blue brings more life to their dynamic. Even Henry manages to become a more focal part of the story and wins himself a place within Gansey’s group of merry men. There’s wonderful romance between Blue and Gansey who have fought the inevitable but ultimately can’t deny now they feel…..and Ronan and Adam! Totally didn’t see that coming but loved it none-the-less!

The stakes have never been higher than they have in The Raven King. Our beloved characters will have to make some tough choices and as always, Maggie Stiefvater keeps you guessing until the very end. Beautifully represented and lyrical, The Raven King is a thrilling final novel and leaves the series at a perfect place.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Format: Hardback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: Originally April 26th 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A great ending to the series, I'm thrilled with how Maggie Stiefvater concluded things. 

 
 

Book Shelf: Take the Key and Lock Her Up (Embassy Row #3) by Ally Carter

The princess is dead. Long live the princess.

Centuries ago, the royal family of Adria was killed…or so everyone thought.

Now Grace Blakely knows the truth: There was one survivor, and that survivor’s blood runs through her veins. This simple fact could cause a revolution—which is why some people will stop at nothing to keep it from coming to light.

There is only one way for Grace to save herself, save her family, and save the boy she loves. She must outmaneuver her foes, cut through the web of lies that has surrounded her for years, and go back to the source of all her troubles, despite the risk.

If she wins, she will inherit a throne.

And if she loses, she will inherit the fate of all the dead princesses who came before her.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Take the Key and Lock Her Up is the third and final novel in Ally Carter's Embassy Row trilogy and brings the series to a close with Grace facing her final confrontation against those who will stop at nothing to keep the truth about Adria's history a secret.

Grace Blakely knows the truth. Centuries ago the royal family of Adria was killed in a coup, but unbeknownst to most, a single family member managed to survive. And two hundred years later, the blood of that lost princess runs through Grace's veins. Though she wants nothing to do with it, Grace is the rightful heir to the Adrian throne and it's a secret people will kill to protect. Everything Grace has been through has been leading up to this discovery and as Grace faces the source of all her pain and troubles, will she be able to save herself, or will Grace be destined to end up a tradgedy.

Bringing to a close the Embassy Row trilogy, Take the Key and Lock Her Up will finally answer many of the questions readers will have about who has been behind so much of Grace's loss and difficulties. Admittedly, I was a little underwhelmed with Take the Key and Lock Her Up and really the series as a whole if I'm being honest. I don't think Embassy Row was a bad series. I just feel like the first novel had such potential, but the series never seemed to reach a really big climax. There was plenty of danger and excitement and surprising moments, but at the same time I feel like part of the spark was missing from this final book I enjoyed with the first.

Ally Carter has woven plenty of mystery and intrigue into this series, and in the tradition of Anastasia, throws a lost princess and a royal coup into the plotline. It's impossible not to draw comparisons between Amelia and Adria with the infamous missing princess Anastasia and the Russian mystery and I do wonder whether this was intentional by Carter or not.

Brimming with ultimatums and with sacrifices needing to be made, Take the Key and Lock Her Up ends the series in a good place. Easy enough reading and decent enough to entertain, I don't regret reading this trilogy and will most likely read more by Ally Carter in the future.
 
Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Format: Hardback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: February 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A decent ending to a series that has been easy to read. It didn't blow me away but it left me satisfied.

 

Book Shelf: The Kill Order (The Maze Runner #0.5) by James Dashner

Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the earth and mankind fell to disease.

Mark and Trina were there when it happened, and they survived. But surviving the sun flares was easy compared to what came next.

Now a disease of rage and lunacy races across the eastern United States, and there’s something suspicious about its origin. Worse yet, it’s mutating, and all evidence suggests that it will bring humanity to its knees.

Mark and Trina are convinced there’s a way to save those left living from descending into madness. And they’re determined to find it—if they can stay alive. Because in this new, devastated world, every life has a price. And to some, you’re worth more dead than alive.

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

The Kill Order is the fourth book released in James Dashner’s Maze Runner series, but is prequel novel to the main trilogy, set before there was any need for the Maze and detailing the events after the sun flare first hit Earth.

Long before Thomas and the Gladers found themselves in the Maze, sun flares hit the Earth and soon disease starting infecting the survivors. Mark and his best friend Trina were lucky enough to survive the horror that accompanied the sun flares, but now a year later they’re facing a new challenge as an unknown group begin attacking survivors and unleashing a virus upon them that sees those infected descend into madness. As Mark and his close group of allies fight to protect each other from this new threat, will Mark and Trina be able to stay alive, or has their luck finally run out?

Though not my favourite book in the series by a long shot, I really did appreciate The Kill Order for what it was. So much that made The Maze Runner series great was the mystery and unknown that surrounded the storyline, but it was also great to go back to the beginning and get a glimpse of how things came to be.

James Dashner keeps The Kill Order forward moving with a fast paced plot and lot of action. There’s an aspect of bitter-sweet tinging the story as those who’ve read the rest of the series will be aware of the horrors the world would soon face as the effects of the Flare would spread throughout humanity.

Mark was an easy enough character to follow and I appreciated the closeness of his group as they fought to live and survive together. Dashner’s writing is as solid as ever, as is his ability to tell an action packed story, full of survival and the power of human nature.

Perfect for those who ever wondered how they Flare first began, The Kill Order is an eye opening and informative read worth reading if you’re a fan of this series!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you Sarah!)
Publisher: Chicken House, Scholastic imprint
Format: Paperback
Release Date: January 1st 2013
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Worth reading, but not up to the same scratch as the rest of the Maze Runner books.

Book Shelf: The Death Cure (The Maze Runner #3) by James Dashner

The Trials are over. WICKED is planning to restore the survivors' memories and complete the final cure for the Flare.

But Thomas has already remembered more than they think. And he knows WICKED can't be trusted...

The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine. Will anyone survive the Death Cure?


More info on Goodreads......


Review:

The Death Cure is the third book in James Dashner’s exhilarating Maze Runner series and though not the final novel written by Dashner in this series, concludes Thomas and the Gladers experience in the Trials in fast paced and riveting fashion.

After everything they’ve been through in the Maze and the Scorch, Thomas and his friends have successful completed the trials and Wicked are ready finally to restore their memories. But after coming to see things in a new light, does Thomas really want his memories back? From what he remembers so far, Thomas knows Wicked are not to be trusted, but as those closest to him struggle with decisions and shocking revelations, will Thomas and his friends find a way to escape Wicked? Or will they find themselves paying the ultimate price in Wicked’s relentless search for a cure?

Though I’m aware a lot of readers were unsatisfied with the conclusion The Death Cure brought to the series, I personally felt James Dashner ended the trilogy well. Featuring all the action, danger and mystery I’ve come to anticipate with this series, The Death Cure was emotional, absorbing reading with none of the characters safe in this final instalment and Dashner pretty much guaranteeing not everyone will make it out alive.

Fast paced and action packed, The Death Cure sees Thomas make great sacrifices and experience great loss, highlighting once more what a wonderful protagonist he has been. Thomas has always been a strong voice to follow and I’ve loved his way of thinking, calculating and planning as James Dashner has told his tale. As someone who predominantly enjoys following female characters, Thomas has never been anything but wonderful to read about and I commend Dashner for writing a male lead a female reader genuinely enjoys reading about.

After all the developments with Theresa throughout the series, I was initially perplexed when it seemed Dashner planned to give Brenda a bigger role within the storyline as he slowly lessened Theresa involvement. However over time I really came to love Brenda and her personality within the series. She was sharp and I know Thomas seemed to really care for, possibly even love, Theresa but I really liked his relationship with Brenda and thought it was sweet how his subconscious automatically thought of her in times of peril.

I won’t touch too much around the losses experienced in The Death Cure to avoid spoilers, but will say James Dashner takes the life of two fairly focal characters. These deaths saddened me, especially as one kind of came really unexpectedly, but I’m going to put it down to Dashner wanting to highlight how dangerous everything Thomas, the Gladers and their other friends went through. With so much violence and brutality within Dashner’s world, loss of life almost seems inevitable at times…..

Exciting and daring, The Death Cure concludes the first three books in the Maze Runner series focusing on Thomas and the Gladers. I know James Dashner has released a couple of others since The Death Cure’s initial release and I love forward to reading those and discovering more of this dangerous Flare infected world.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Chicken House (via Scholastic Australia)
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $18.99
Release Date: October 11th 2011
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: An interesting, and often unexpected, ending to Thomas's trilogy--I'm looking forward to reading more of Dashner's Flare infected world.

Book Shelf: The Scorch Trials (The Maze Runner #2) by James Dashner

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.

In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety... until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.

Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim... and meal.

The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Scorch Trials is the second book in James Dashner's exhilarating and cryptic Maze Runner series and is another fast paced mysterious tale full of danger, excitement and the unexpected.

Solving the Maze saw Thomas and his friends escape it's dangerous confines, but as the Gladers quickly realize their rescuers aren't rescuers at all, they'll soon be forced to embark on the next stage of the trials if they want to survive. Stuck in a barren and burning wasteland, the Gladers have two weeks to make it across this desert land to reach a seemingly safe haven. But nothing is as it seems. Friends may not be friends and there's new dangers around every corner. Forced to cross the Scorch, Thomas will have to be stronger than ever if he hopes to save his friends.

Having enjoyed The Maze Runner, I was excited to finally begin the next installment in Thomas's journey and was impressed with The Scorch Trials. I'm aware of a lot of mixed reviews where this series is concerned, but so far I'm really enjoying it. Thomas is a strong voice to follow and James Dashner has woven together a story that continues to be exciting whilst managing to keep you guessing and wondering all the way through.

Sometimes when following a protagonist, it seems like all the answers are staring them in the face, while in this series, I never know what's going to happen next or what everything means. I have no doubt all these little clues and developments mean something but right now I'm just along for the ride as Thomas and the Gladers stumble their way to safety, and hopefully freedom. And I like that. I'm enjoying only knowing as much as my main character and learning as they do.

In this riveting sequel, Dashner continues to develop the overall series, adding in new characters and new layers to the plotline. Personally I quite liked the inclusion of Brenda, who proves to be a shakeup to Tom and Theresa's relationship as Dashner utilizes the aura of mystery in this series to twist and turn them until even you as the reader have no idea whose motives are pure.

As far as sequels go, I thought The Scorch Trials easily satisfied. The story jumped straight into the action and danger as the Gladers continued to fight for safety. The ending was a bit perplexing and leaves me with more questions than answers as James Dashner sets up the next novel.

Fast paced and exciting, The Scorch Trials was a worthy sequel and leaves me ready to dive straight into the next novel in the series, The Death Cure.
 
Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you Sarah!)
Publisher: Chicken House; Imprint of Scholastic Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $17.99
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I quite enjoyed this sequel and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Book Shelf: The Call by Peadar Ó Guilín

3 minutes and 4 seconds. The length of time every teenager is 'Called', from the moment they vanish to the moment they reappear. 9 out of 10 children return dead. Even the survivors are changed. The nation must survive.

Nessa, Megan and Anto are at a training school - to give them some chance to fight back. Their enemy is brutal and unforgiving. But Nessa is determined to come back alive. Determined to prove that her polio-twisted legs won't get her killed. But her enemies don't just live in the Grey Land. There are people closer to home who will go to any length to see her, and the nation, fail....

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Peadar Ó Guilín’s latest release The Call is a compelling and at times gruesome tale that mixes Irish folklore and mythology into a fast paced and dangerous dystopian style read perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent!

Ireland is a nation cut off from the rest of the world after a war against the Sidhe (also known as faeries) saw the Irish banish the Sidhe into the dark and colourless Grey Land. In retribution, the Sidhe now Call every Irish child at some point during their adolescence to last three minutes in the Grey Land where they are hunted down and slaughtered by the Sidhe. Few return alive and those that do are fractured shadows of themselves, often deformed and twisted. Having learnt the truth about the future that awaits her at ten years of age, Vanessa "Nessa" Dohtery has spent the last four years of her life, training, preparing and anticipating the moment when she will be Called. Affected by polio as a child, Nessa knows her chances of surviving the Call are slim, but that doesn’t mean she’s going to give up without a fight…..

I was actually really impressed with The Call and found it to be a truly engaging read. Peadar Ó Guilín's storytelling is really impressive—his writing is lyrical and descriptive as he paints an often dangerous scene with lives lost and deaths aplenty. Reminiscent of The Hunger Games as Ireland’s teens spend three minutes fighting for their lives, where in the Grey Land three human minutes can be realistically days or weeks, The Call is very exciting and riveting at times.

The Call is told in third person and predominately follows main character Nessa, although Ó Guilín often tells chapters through the eyes of other characters within the story, normally Nessa’s fellow students and victims of the Call. Witnessing the last moments of individuals as they fight for their lives is heart breaking and gruelling with Peadar Ó Guilín depicting various fight scenes that end bloody and painful.

If I correctly kept with the timeline of The Call, Nessa and her fellow students are supposed to be around fourteen years of age during the story, but really do read as older. Whether this is unintentional on the author’s part or a result of their growing up faster due to what awaits them in life, I couldn't help but picture the characters as older as I read the story.

Despite the often fast paced scenes within the story, The Call is a sombre book at times as Ó Guilín depicts a world where loss of life is an everyday occurrence that really can’t be helped. There’s some unexpected twists towards the end that see certain characters betray their people for the sake of themselves and a big battle occurs between the teachers and students of Nessa’s collage and the Sidhe.

For all that happens within this story, don’t expect an ending where the baddies are completely defeated and our characters living happily ever after….because you won’t find it within The Call. And you know what? I actually preferred to see Peadar Ó Guilín conclude the story the way he did. Sometimes there’s no fixable solution to problems; sure there’s a way to make them better for a time, but in the end all you can really do is continue on the best you can.

A great standalone tale, The Call is a thrilling read that takes you on one hell of a dark and dangerous journey. I wouldn’t mind venturing into Peadar Ó Guilín’s vivid world again down the track if the chance ever arose but right now I’m pretty satisfied with how the novel concluded. An enjoyable and vivid read well worth reading!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: David Fickling Books via Scholastic Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: September 2016
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | Amazon
Final Thoughts: The more I think about it, the more I seem to have enjoyed this book--definitely recommend!

Book Shelf: See How They Run (Embassy Row #2) by Ally Carter

Inside every secret, there's a world of trouble. Get ready for the second book in this new series of global proportions--from master of intrigue, New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.

Grace's past has come back to hunt her . . . and if she doesn't stop it, Grace isn't the only one who will get hurt. Because on Embassy Row, the countries of the world stand like dominoes, and one wrong move can make them all fall down.

The twists get twistier and the turns get even more shocking in the second thrilling installment of Embassy Row.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

See How They Run is the second novel in Ally Carter’s Embassy Row series and continues on with all the mystery, intrigue and secrets so prominent in the first book with our heroine learning even more shocking truths…..

In the first book, All Fall Down, Grace Blakely learnt some startling secrets about the truth behind her mother’s death and what really happened that fateful day. Now in See How They Run, Grace is struggling to reconcile her involvement with what she now knows happened. In the midst of finding her feet, an unexpected murder occurs and someone Grace loves is suspected of being the murderer. Fighting to prove their innocence, conspiracies begin to come to light and it soon becomes clear that no one is safe, especially Grace, and wanting the truth to come out may just put her in even more danger than ever.

You know what? I really enjoyed See How They Run. It was a worthy follow up to the first book that touched on what previously happened and continued on with an intriguing storyline; evolving previously introduced concepts and introducing brand new mysteries. Embassy Row sure is a dangerous place to live and Ally Carter manages to have her characters situated in the very heart of it. All Fall Down was a steady paced novel for me, while See How They Run seemed to move swifter and at a faster paced. I definitely enjoyed this book more than the first.

Grace is an interesting main character to follow. At sixteen she’s still relatively young and does read like a normal teenager. Yet Grace is also a very fractured individual and her mental stability often comes into focus; especially where those who know her becomes concerned. There’s a lot of guilt there in Grace over her role in her mother’s death and I commend Carter for writing this so—Grace has a lot to come to terms with and she’s only taking baby steps at times and everything continues to fall apart around her.

By Grace’s side during the story and her attempts to discover answers are her friends Noah, Megan, Rosie and Alexei, as well as her older brother Jamie who pays her a visit at Embassy Row and Noah’s twin Lila who becomes an unexpected ally. Personally I like all the characters and feel they fit the story well. Grace continues to care for Alexei and he obviously cares for her deeply if his actions in this instalment are anything to go by. I’m looking forward to seeing them take the next step in their relationship—I feel like it could happen at any moment.

Ally Carter sure packs a lot into the last couple of chapters. There’s danger, excitement and some very unexpected revelations. The life of someone Grace loves is left on the line at the end of this book and See How They Run concludes at a powerful moment.

A worthy follow up to its predecessor, See How They Run sets the stage for the next novel and all future ones to follow and Ally Carter leaves me highly intrigued to discover what will happen to Grace next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Scholastic Australia (Thank you guys!)
Format: Hardback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: If you enjoy contemporary mystery and intrigue, this is the series for you?
Cover: I do actually like this cover--it fits the story and goes well with first book's cover.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes. I want to know what happens next!

 

Book Shelf: The Sin Eater’s Daughter (The Sin Eater’s Daughter #1) by Melinda Salisbury

I am the perfect weapon.
I kill with a single touch.

Twylla is blessed. The Gods have chosen her to marry a prince, and rule the kingdom. But the favour of the Gods has it's price. A deadly poison infuses her skin. Those who anger the queen must die under Twylla's fatal touch.

Only Lief, an outspoken new guard, can see past Twylla's chilling role to the girls she truly is.

Yet in a court as dangerous and the queen's, some truths should not be told...

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Melinda Salisbury's debut novel The Sin Eater's Daughter is a lush and lyrical fantasy novel in the tradition of Maria V. Snyder's Study series and Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass and is well written and wonderfully paced.

The Sin Eater's Daughter's follows seventeen year old Twylla, a young woman who is both insanely blessed and cursed by her Gods. Betrothed to marry her kingdom's crown prince, Twylla is also able to kill with a single touch thanks to a poison that runs through her veins. Lonely but very guarded, Twylla's life takes drastic turn when a new guard assigned to her attempts to get to know the girl behind the poisonous touch and it becomes clear that making enemies within the palace, especially that of the Queen could have deadly results.....

The Sin Eater's Daughter's had a lot of promise for me and there were times when it really shone and times when it didn't so much. Melinda Salisbury's writing for a debut novelist was beautiful and her ability to develop her story was wonderful. I liked the stunning world of palace politics, forbidden romances and unexpected betrayals and certainly appreciate how Salisbury managed to surprise me.

Unfolding through the eyes of Twylla, The Sin Eater's Daughter's was a decent fantasy read. Twylla was easy to follow likable and Salisbury made her someone you enjoyed watching grow. The concepts of the Sin Eater and the Daunen Embodied were really unique and I'm eager to see what will happen next with the Bringer and the Sleeping Prince. Melinda Salisbury did a great job creating a unique backstory and ideology.

Twylla has two love interests in The Sin Eater's Daughter's in the form of her betrothed Marek and Lief, the guard who worms his way through her defenses. I'm a hopeless romantic by nature, so it goes without saying that romance between characters are often a selling point for me. While I liked the romance between Lief and Twylla, I wasn't blown away by it either. I'm certainly vying for them, though I do love Marek too, and hope Salisbury offers Lief and Twylla some redemption in the next novel.

Rich and surprising, The Sin Eater's Daughter's is a solid debut on Melinda Salisbury's part and introduces readers to a thrilling new fantasy world. The final few chapters were a real surprise, but the ending came too swiftly for my liking. I'm ready to see what is in store for Twylla next and look forward to following her once again!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Scholastic Australia (Thank you guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Perfect for fans of Maria V. Snyder & Sarah J. Maas
Cover: I think the green of this colour is wonderful and do like the theme!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes. I'd like to see what happens next.

Book Shelf: Hacked by Tracy Alexander

Dan had been diagnosed as ADHD as a child. He quite liked the ritalin, but then he got into computers, and for his parents a geek was better than something feral. It was hard to remember when the genuine hacking started; but free phone credit was the first illicit, tangible "real-life" results of a hack, though not the last.

By the time Dan is contacted online by "Angel," he is eager for the challenge laid before him - creating tricky bits of code. But Dan begins to suspect that something more nefarious may be planned for his code than he thought. He will have to decide what truly matters more - protecting his anonymity and freedom or preventing a deadly terror attack ...

More on Goodreads......


Review:

Hacked is Tracy Alexander’s debut novel and is an interesting novel that explores the line between cyber-geek and cyber-terrorist and what happens when one boy crosses the line, with almost tragic results.

Sixteen year old British teenager Dan Langley is known to his friends and school mates for his hacking skills. Somewhat of a recluse, Dan is a cyber-geek with skills; able to hack into almost anything, a talent and passion that has helped him out, but also earned him a bit of a reputation. Yet for Dan, he finds himself crossing the line from cyber-geek and cyber-terrorist when a challenge by online peer and fellow "hacker" Angel sees Dan hack into a US drone, only to give the codes required for access to Angel, who takes over and hijacks the dangerous weapon. Plagued by his part in this seeming act of terrorism, Dan has no choice but to go to the authorities, telling them of his involvement and all he knows, an act that will see him thrust into the spotlight and facing the harsh consequences of his actions.

For me, Hacker was a decent read that started out slow, but steadily progressed. Even as a female author, Tracy Alexander manages to convey an authentic sounding male voice and a distinct male way of thinking in Dan; something not all authors manage to get right. The writing was solid, although I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that some of the technical terms and descriptions were lost on me, but Alexander wrote in such a way that I still understood the gist of what Dan was referring to.

At its base the storyline was simple; teenage hacker hacks drone, gives codes over to unknown online friend who then takes control of the drone, making threats to the London population while Dan has to deal with the fallout of his involvement; something that included the media coverage, criminal case and possible prosecution or extradition. And yet I liked how Alexander explored how easily doing something as simple as editing some online code and hacking can escalate; especially when someone isn’t aware of the risk they take or are being taken advantage of without their knowledge.

Overall I liked Dan. He was easy enough to follow, and I liked his running internal monologue. He didn’t blow me away as a character, but I felt he grew throughout the story and certainly learnt his lesson where hacking is concerned. Alexander writes a decent male lead and I enjoyed the authentic interactions Dan had with his family and friends.

Despite it’s slow start, Hacked turned out to be an enjoyable read that kept me on the edge of my seat towards the end as we fought to determine what Dan’s future would be. With Hacked concluding nicely, I’ve discovered that Tracey Alexander has written a companion novel, Alias, detailing Angel’s story and considering Angel’s role within Hacked, I’m intrigued to see what Alexander has planned there!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Scholastic (Thanks guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: I think this book is something male readers will really get behind.
Cover: I do dig the cover--it's pretty cool!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: I am intrigued to read the companion novel Alias, and may check it out........