Book Shelf: All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years later, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by her friends and family.

Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to her childhood friend, Lucas. He is the boy who has owned her heart for as long as she can remember - even if he doesn′t know it.

But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose - to continue living in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever.

Told in a voice that is achingly raw and intimate, this remarkably original novel will haunt and stay with you. It will fill you with Judith′s passion and longing, and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last one.

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

As a reader, there are rare times in one's life when you come across a book that changes you. Often unexpected, it's story manages to reach down into a deep, inner part inside you and wretch your emotions apart with it's haunting depth and beauty....All The Truth That's In Me is one of those books.

Having recently finished Julie Berry's stunning novel All The Truth That's In Me, I'm not really sure what to think. Or to say. Or even where to begin. This book is so far out of my comfort zone it's beyond ridiculous and yet I don't think I have the words to ensure my review does it justice. Nothing I could write would even come close to describing the unexpected brilliance and beauty, I personally, found within it's pages. This story is on another level entirely.

Written in rare second person and told in short, brief chapters All The Truth That's In Me is in no way my normal read. Admittedly, I experienced a brief difficulty getting into it in the very beginning due to the brief flashes into past experiences that I found confusing, but after this initial confusion I honestly found myself swept up into our protagonist Judith's haunting story. Author Julie Berry has done a terrific job with this historical novel. I feel wrecked having read it. There were so many moments when I felt torn apart, broken, an emotional wreck and yet I feel better having read it.

Understandably there are going to be people out there hesitant to read this book due to it's themes and the strong issues it explores, but All The Truth That's In Me is so much more than it seems. It's dark subject matter leads to a really unexpected read. Judith's story is agonizing; agonizing to read, heart wrenching at times to experience. And so incredibly beautiful.

As this book progressed, I felt more for Judith at times than I think I've felt for a main character in a long, long time. Possibly ever. Her voice is so incredibly raw and her emotions bleed through the pages. You simply can't not feel her pain and agony. Her loneliness and heartbreak take on a life of it's own and the broken, damaged way she, and others, view herself will break you. Seeing her pine for the one she thinks she can never have but still ultimately loves is so incredibly emotional.

The journey Judith goes on throughout this story is inspiring. Watching her find the strength to overcome what was taken from her and for her to want to better herself really does touch something in you. Seeing small acts of kindness for her from people in a village where the majority scorn and ridicule her; often seeing her as stupid and nothing is amazing to witness.

So, in saying how emotionally torn apart this book left me at times, it also stitched me back together. I was glued to this novel, frantically turning pages and amazed by the beauty I found in this story. Our protagonist goes though so much and as you see what it has done to her and the impact it's had on her, seeing the happy, fitting things she experiences towards the end of the novel just gives it so much more meaning.

Julie Berry takes you right into Judith's head with All The Truth That's In Me. Her voice is haunting and pain filled and as the story progresses and truths come to light, All The Truth That's In Me proves to be one of those stories that stays with you always. Despite having turned the final page, I find that Judy's story still lingers with me and I'm still lost in it's painful beauty.

Without a doubt a MUST read of 2013, All The Truth That's In Me is haunting, tragic and completely unforgettable!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Harper Collins Australia (Thank you SO much!)
Format: Paperback ARC
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Haunting, beautiful and unexpected, this book is a MUST READ!
Cover: I actually really like it. It's fitting for the time and period of the story.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone, but I look forward reading more of Julie Berry's writing!

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop *CLOSED*

Welcome to the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop!

Hosted by Kathy of I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, this hop helps celebrate all things spooky and what a better way to celebrate than with a spooky prize!

 

Possess by Gretchen McNeil

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

 

For my stop on the hop I'm giving away a PAPERBACK copy of one of the above "spooky" books to ONE (1) follower!

 

Details: 

· You MUST be a follower to enter!

· Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL. Or wherever The Book Depository ships.
· Giveaway will run from for the duration of the hop October 15th to October 31st, after which I'll pick a winner
· To enter simply comment below letting me know how your following with a way to contact you :)
· Extra entries are available but are in no way necessary by:
+1 Letting me know which book you'd pick! You're more than welcome to change if you win--I'm just curious what you're all interested in
+1 For Tweeting, Facebooking or Sharing!

_________________________________________________

 

Thanks for stopping by for the hop! I hope you continue on and visit some of the other blogs involved below!

Owl Post #21

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.   It's that time again!   For Review:  

  From Allen & Unwin.....   - Man Made Boy by Jon Skovron This is one I hadn't heard of before I received a copy, but it sounds quite different!   - Jump: Twinmaker by Sean Williams Loving the sound of this--my next read!   ....Thank you so much Lara!     From Bloomsbury Australia.....   - Resist by Sarah Crossan I need to read the first book in this series, Breathe. I have a copy I just haven't gotten around to it yet.   .....Thanks so much guys!     From HarlequinTEEN Australia....   - Waterfell by Amalie Howard I haven't read that many mermaid stories, but I have enjoyed the one's I've read. This one sounds fantastic--can't wait to dive into it!    - The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa SQUEE!! I LOVE Julie Kagawa's books and I'm sooooooooo dying to begin this. Oh and just LOVE that cover. It's so purdy!!   ....Thank you SO MUCH Polina!!!     And those are my goodies this week--so many fab books! What did the owls drop off for you?!?  

 

Books I'm Dying For!

Here are some books from series I love that have just released or will release in the next year or so that I'm DYING FOR!

 

Thanks to Michelle from Novels On The Run for the idea! <3

 

What is everyone dying for?!?

 

 

Book Shelf: Revival (The Variant Series #1) by Jena Leigh

Possessing the uncanny ability to fry a television set from twenty paces can really wreck a girl’s social life.

If you’re looking for proof, just ask sixteen-year-old Alexandra Parker. After catching her boyfriend in the arms of the prettiest girl in school, she made the journey from social elite to social pariah in a haze of electricity and exploding electronics. But finding herself at the bottom of Bay View High’s social hierarchy was nothing compared to the shock of discovering who—and what—she really is.

After being zapped out of a burning bookstore by the mysterious Declan—a hero nearly as handsome as he is infuriating—Alex finds herself under the protection of the powerful Grayson family. It’s through them that she learns the truth: that the world she’s always known is nothing like it appears to be... and that she has far more in common with them than she might want to believe.

Now, on the run from a fire-wielding hit man and a secretive government organization, Alex must navigate a strange and treacherous new world filled with superhuman mutants known as Variants. As she begins to unravel the many secrets of her family’s past, she uncovers the real reason for her parents’ death twelve years earlier—and finds out that the threat to her family, and to everyone she cares about, is still dangerously real.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: (Warning: Contains some minor spoilers)

Revival is Jena Leigh’s foray into the literacy world and featuring fantastic characters with a thrilling dynamic, proves to be an exciting debut full of action, excitement and tension galore!

Launching straight into the story from the opening page, I found Revival to be a really enjoyable read. Having now read this book, I have to say the cover is very unassuming and doesn’t manage to capture the essence of the book within. Revival really impressed me with its likable characters, engaging plotline and gripping story. It’s well written and well told; managing to be perfectly paced with plenty of action, humor and chemistry.

Jena Leigh will thrill fans of The Mortal Instruments with Revival who hopefully won’t find too many similarities, but will appreciate the character dynamic, wit, humor and action that unite the two. Leigh still has a lot to do with her world, and I for one would have appreciated a little bit more back story, but I look forward to some world building and expansion in future books. The mystery as to what is going on is intriguing, especially as I still have quite a few questions floating around in my head that I’m eager to have the secrets to revealed.

Leigh writes a very likable and down to earth heroine in the form of Alexandra “Alex” Parker in Revival. Having recently discovered she has the ability to effect, and more realistically, fry electronics, Alex’s life takes an unexpected and forever altering turn when she discovers that she’s not the only one in existence with strange abilities.

Mystery and secrets abound in Revival, and as Alex is thrust into a world she never knew existed, she begins to discover startling truths about her self, her family and what she’s capable of. I quite liked Alex. She’s nice, down to earth and really easy to read about, with a sassy attitude and stubborn streak at times. Alex’s story is an easy one to follow and as Leigh introduced us to fantastic character after fantastic character, I found myself more and more entranced in the story and Alex’s relationship with them.

From Alex’s normal best friend Cassie, to Variant’s Declan, Nate, Kenzie, Brian and Aiden, Jena Leigh writes the chemistry between her characters brilliantly. They have one of those brilliant dynamics that needs to be seen to be believed. Or in this case read. Declan, Nate, Kenzie, Brian and Graysen as well, brought together by tragedy and bonded through their history really read like a non-conventional family—which I love. Their interactions are great to read about. Alex has a great friendship with Cassie and as this flows over to their friendships with the others, it gives the book that perfect balance of wit, banter and chemistry between characters who compliment one another.

Now as for the romance…..it’s budding. Not to give away any spoilers, but Jena Leigh strokes the fires of her characters connections in this book but doesn’t jump head first into the flames—which I adored! Seeing an author play on the chemistry and electricity (no pun intended) that exists between some of her characters, but who doesn’t go too far past the sizzling tension and witty banter expressed between her characters is perfect. I love how Leigh has set Alex up with Declan and Nate as well as Cassie and Aiden—makes me want the next book pronto so I can get caught up in their will-they-won’t-they relationships once again.

From start to finish Revival is beguiling. Leigh does a great job introducing us to her characters and her world, revealing only enough about both to leave us satisfied with where the stories heading, but completely eager for book two. If you’re a fan of smart, sassy and fun reads with paranormal elements thrown in in the best way, then Revival is the book for you!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author in exchange for an honest review (Thank you Jena!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Amazon (Kindle) | AmazonPaperback | Smashwords
My Recommendation: Fans of The Mortal Instruments will bet a kick out of this! 
Cover: I love the colors, but doesn't do that much for the book.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes!

Waiting on Wednesday #48

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.....
 

The Fearless by Emma Pass
Releases in: 2015
Add on Goodreads!

The Fearless. An army, powered by an incredible new serum that makes each soldier stronger, sharper, faster than their enemies. Intended as a force for good, the serum has a terrible side-effect - anyone who takes it is stripped of all humanity, empathy, love. And as the Fearless sweep through the country, forcing the serum on anyone in their path, society becomes a living nightmare.

Cass remembers the night they passed through her village. Her father was Altered. Her mother died soon after. All Cass has left is her little brother - and when Jori is snatched by the Fearless and taken to their hellish lair, Cass must risk everything to get him back.

Thoughts:
I enjoyed Acid, Emma Pass's debut, so I'm excited for this one. The cover is kick ass and I like the story idea!

What do you think of The Fearless?

And what are you waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: Countdown by Michelle Rowen

3 seconds left to live. Once the countdown starts, it cannot be stopped.

2 pawns thrown into a brutal underground reality game.

Kira Jordan survived her family's murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis.

1 reason Kira will never, ever trust Rogan.

Even though both their lives depend on it. Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira's psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan's secrets prove evermore deadly, Kira's only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can't escape.

GAME OVER

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Countdown by Michelle Rowen is an exciting, heart racing story in the tradition of The Hunger Games but featuring its very own unique, and addictive storyline. It's The Hunger Games meets Saw in this fantastic read that blends dystopian with sci-fi and that is sure to please from the get go!

Heading into Countdown, I was really excited. It's my first book by Michelle Rowen, but it sounded so good. I hoped it would live up to my expectations.....and you know what? It totally did! From the very opening pages, I was glued to this story. The stakes were always immensely high; leaving me no choice but to keep reading. I had to know what was going to happen next. And as the story progressed, this stayed the same; Countdown held my complete and utter attention all the way through!

I was really impressed with this story. In a way there's something very simply about the idea, but Rowen's execution is perfect; her writing flawless, lending so much to a really exhilarating story. I liked the way Rowen brought to light little twists and developments over the course of the book that impacted on the story and drove it.

In Countdown, main characters, Kira and Rogan find themselves in an unexpected and shocking situation when they wake up and discover they are in the middle of Countdown; a horrendous game where contestants compete for their very lives over a course of death defying levels to the delight of a group of underground Subscribers who enjoy watching the game. Complete the task on each level and you move on, or fail it and be killed. What ensues is a lot of danger, excitement and shocking revelations as Kira and Rogan must learn to trust each other amidst a game where nothing is as it seems!

I seriously loved Kira! Admittedly, there is a real vulnerable side to her that we get to discover throughout the book, but she really was one brave and feisty heroine. Amidst a bad situation, Kira learns so much about herself and does what she has to do to survive, while still staying true to herself and her morals--I admire this! Basically, she was just one really likable character to follow throughout the story.

As Kira's partner in crime, Rogan proved to be a real conundrum. In the beginning of the book it's clear that there's so much more to this notorious criminal than meets the eye, but it's unclear what. As the reader, I found it thrilling seeing Kira discover the unexpected truth behind Rogan Ellis. Rogan was dark and sexy and a real diamond in the rough. He and Kira form an unexpected bond over the course of the book that had me very satisfied, and often giddy, with their chemistry and connection. Me likey!

From beginning to end Countdown is a thrilling read. There's plenty of story developments to keep things progressing nicely amidst the danger and high stakes that is the game of Countdown. My only issue with this book is that I feel there is so much left to explore about Rowen's world, most importantly Kira's ability and where they've come from. After reading this fantastic story, I find myself crossing my fingers that Michelle Rowen will allow us readers to visit Kira and Rogan once more with a sequel!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by HarlequinTEEN Australia (Thank you Polina!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Looking for an exciting, fast paced novel? Countdown is it!
Cover: It doesn't really showcase the story inside, but Kira & Rogan are on the front, so I like it =D
Will I read sequel/continue with series: At this point if Michelle Rowen were to write a sequel I'd read it for sure!