Book Shelf: Weapon (Whisper #2) by Lynette Noni

I already knew he was a psychopath. But now?
He's more dangerous than ever.
And I have less than twenty-four hours to stop him.

After escaping Lengard and finding sanctuary with the Remnants, Alyssa Scott is desperate to save those she left behind ─ and the rest of the world ─ from the power-hungry scientist, Kendall Vanik. But secrets and lies block her at every turn, and soon Lyss is left questioning everything she has ever believed.

When long-lost memories begin to surface and the mysteries of her past continue to grow, Lyss battles to retain her hard-won control. Allies become enemies and enemies become allies, leaving her certain about only two things: when it comes to Speakers, nothing is ever as it seems... and the only person she can trust is herself.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Weapon is the sequel and conclusion to the Whisper duology by Lynette Noni and is a forward moving and sharp tale with twists that readers are guaranteed not to see coming.

After escaping the clutches of Lengard’s power hungry scientist Kendall Vanik and finding refuge with a rebel group of Speakers known as the Remnants, Alyssa Scott is desperate to save those she was forced to leave behind. As a Creator, Lyss on one of the most powerful Speakers there is, but her past is shrouded in mystery and the more memories she recalls, the more her questions grow. Discovering the truth may be the secret to discovering who she can trust, but as enemies become allies and allies become enemies, keeping her control may be the best shot she has and Alyssa isn’t even sure she has that.

Let me begin by saying that I LOVE Lynette Noni and I LOVE her Medorian Chronicles but while I enjoyed Whisper and its sequel Weapon, I didn’t love it. I wanted to, oh how I wanted to, and I tried really hard but something about the story fell flat at times for me. I still honestly believe without hesitation that this novel and its predecessor Whisper are solid reads; set in Australia, Weapon is well told and paced, perfectly written and with an engaging storyline. There was just something I needed I didn’t find in Noni’s duology as I have with all her previous novels.

Perhaps it was the fact that only two novels didn’t seem enough time for Noni to fully explore her world and the characters. I think she did a brilliant job with setting up Whisper but then Weapon failed to really soar—I wanted to delve further into Alyssa’s past and the world of the Speakers. I wanted to learn every nook and cranny of the various Speaker groups we were introduced to; not just be told about them—I wanted to see.

I was also disappointed by the lack of Ward in this novel, although I understand the reason for this where the storyline was concerned. I think the ending to Alyssa’s journey, though satisfactory---tying things up nicely while leaving plenty of hope for the future---would have been better felt by me as the reader if it didn’t seem rushed. All the danger surrounding Alyssa and her friends and it was all over in a few short chapters with the danger demolished…..it was too easy.

All thing being said, Weapon was a story I did enjoy reading as I honestly liked the characters and will read anything Lynette Noni writes. Though not as exceptional as I was hoping it would be, I do recommend this to readers wanting something set in Australia with an authentic Aussie setting who love their tales with a twist!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Pantera Press
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: November 4th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Not as good as its predecessor, Weapon still does conclude the series well.

Book Shelf: Smoke and Key by Kelsey Sutton

A sound awakens her. There's darkness all around. And then she's falling...

She has no idea who or where she is. Or why she's dead. The only clue to her identity hangs around her neck: a single rusted key. This is how she and the others receive their names—from whatever belongings they had when they fell out of their graves. Under is a place of dirt and secrets, and Key is determined to discover the truth of her past in order to escape it.

She needs help, but who can she trust? Ribbon seems content in Under, uninterested in finding answers. Doll’s silence hints at deep sorrow, which could be why she doesn't utter a word. There's Smoke, the boy with a fierceness that rivals even the living. And Journal, who stays apart from everyone else. Key's instincts tell her there is something remarkable about each of them, even if she can't remember why.

Then the murders start; bodies that are burnt to a crisp. After being burned, the dead stay dead. Key is running out of time to discover who she was—and what secret someone is willing to kill to keep hidden—before she becomes the next victim…

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Smoke and Key is a unique standalone fantasy novel from Kelsey Sutton that is full of magic and mystery.

When she awakens and falls to the ground from her casket, Key has no idea who she is or how she came to die, only that she’s dead and the only clue to her identity is a rusty key that lies on a chain around her neck. With no memories of who they are, those who exist in Under obtain their names thanks to the items they are buried with—Ribbon, Journal, Doll---and are content with their existence in the dark shadow world they live in. But Key is curious and determined to discover who she is. As memories from her past begin to return, Key soon finds herself drawn to the dark and enigmatic Smoke yet this is only the beginning as people begin to turn up dead. Burnt to a crisp, the dead now stay dead and with the possibly linked to their former lives, Key will need to discover the truth about her past before she herself winds up a victim.

Written as a standalone tale, Smoke and Key offers readers mystery and murder in this YA tale. An easy read that concludes solidly, I was of a mixed mind where this novel was concerned. I think the concept Kelsey Sutton has come up with was a great one—individuals in various stages of decomposition with no memories of who they are find themselves in an underground world---but I feel like the execution could have been a bit better.

Don’t get me wrong; Smoke and Key was in no way a bad novel, but I feel like the story could have been fleshed out a bit better and the ending—and subsequent “big reveal” seemed anti-climactic and too easy. Maybe the limitations of it being a standalone novel let Smoke and Key down, but I was just wanting it to reach that next level and I don’t think it even really did.

I appreciated that the novel was set in Colonial times and liked the mannerisms and attitudes of the characters. Protagonist Key was easy to follow and I liked the glimpses into her past and who she was in life. Her romantic connection with Smoke plays a large role in the storyline but while I liked the significance of their romance, I just couldn’t connect the way I really wanted to. They were sweet but didn't completely blow me away.

Different and unique, Smoke and Key was an enjoyable and easy to read novel. Readers will be guessing as to who the killer is until the end and trying to piece the clues together. Not a bad novel; it just needed a little fine tuning to take the brilliant concept and really make it really shine.

Smoke and Key is worth a read for fans of Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore and those who like their old world tales brimming with magic and undead mysteries.


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: April 2nd 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Smoke and Key was a different and unique novel.

Book Shelf: Rogue (Hive #2) by A.J. Betts

There was no going back; there was no choice, anymore. I'd chosen out and this was it: hot-cold, dry-wet, bright-dark and lonely.

Hayley has gone rogue.

She's left everything she's ever known - her friends, her bees, her whole world - all because her curiosity was too big to fit within the walls of the underwater home she was forced to flee.

But what is this new world she's come to? Has Hayley finally found somewhere she can belong?

Or will she have to keep running?

More info on Goodreads......


Review: 

Rogue is the second novel in the Hive series and brings the duology to a close as A.J. Betts brings to life new elements of this unique Australian dystopian.

There’s no going back for Hayley now that she has left the safe confines of the only home she’s ever known. Outside is like nothing she could ever have imagined and since going rogue she finds herself discovering new wonders every day. Yet outside is far from perfect, and for every miracle Hayley finds comes a disappointment as well. Is this outside world any better than where she came from? Or did Hayley make a mistake in leaving? As she searches for a place to belong, Hayley begins to realise that home isn’t always where you thought it was….

As Rogue brings Hayley’s story to a close, I find myself satisfied by the way A.J. Betts has concluded this duology. Picking up where Hive left off, Rogue sees protagonist Hayley discovering a whole new world and as the reader, Rogue is also an eye opener as we finally begin to discover more about the place Hayley comes from and the world that exists outside it.

I personally think Bett’s wrote the history of her fictional world very well. It was exciting discovering the series was set in Australia (gotta love an Australian setting!) and I appreciated seeing how Betts wove today’s current events and pop-culture into this dystopian world set in the future. The backstory was believable as I could imagine how our world could become the place Hayley was now discovering.

Rogue sees Hayley grow in a lot of ways and I liked her strength as she fights to find her place in the world. The naiveté she possesses dissipates throughout the novel but she still retains her wonder and hope to find a home. Her voice is young but clear and she comes across as determined but sweet. Hayley makes new friends and even finds herself a new kind of family as she explores the outside world.

The Hive duology has been a unique and easy to ready dystopian series. A.J. Betts has created a world not too unlike our own and gives it a twist with the vault. I think the beauty of this is that neither world is perfect; both where Hayley originally comes from and the world she discovers once outside. Hayley is hoping to find a place to call home, but throughout Rogue it becomes clear that perhaps the place she came from may have been a kinder place to live. I quite liked the idea that not everything is greener on the other side.

Featuring a satisfying and hopeful ending, Rogue brings to a close a fun and solid duology that will appeal to those who love dystopian but are perhaps looking for something a little bit different.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher and AusYABloggers as part of tour (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $16.99
Release Date: June 25th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A solid Australian novel, Rogue (and first novel Hive) are worth a read!

Book Shelf: Hive (Hive #1) by A.J. Betts

All I can tell you is what I remember, in the words that I have.

Hayley tends to her bees and follows the rules in the only world she has ever known.

Until she witnesses the impossible: a drip from the ceiling.

A drip? It doesn't make sense.

Yet she hears it, catches it. Tastes it.

Curiosity is a hook.

What starts as a drip leads to a lie, a death, a boy, a beast, and too many awful questions.

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review:  

Hive by A.J. Betts is a unique and original YA dystopian novel that introduces readers to an intriguing and compelling world in the vein of The Handmaidens Tale and Breathe by Sara Crossan.

Living in a world that consists of 6 hexagonal houses connected by corridors, Hayley’s job is to tend to the bees. A good girl, Hayley has always followed the rules in the only home she has ever known until she discovers the impossible; a drip of water coming from the ceiling in one of the rooms. Hayley knows this can’t be—there is nothing outside so where does this water come from? As her curiosity blossoms, Hayley finds herself seeking answers and when a mysterious encounter with a boy leads to only more questions, Hayley soon begins to realise there’s so much she doesn’t know.

A.J. Bett’s novel Hive begins with fifteen year old protagonist Hayley sharing a little bit about her world. Through Hayley’s simple and innocent descriptions we quickly realise that Hayley’s world is not like ours. Set in an unknown time and place, the world Hayley exists in is simple; made up of the Council with its Judge at the head, nurseries where babies are kept and looked after and the rest of the population---Aunts and Uncles and Mothers and Sisters who are all assigned a role and purpose within the community.

A gardener who looks after bees, Hayley’s voice is young and naive. She strives to do good and having known no different, mostly accepts her position in life. Unbeknown to her, the community she exists in is filled with secrecy and deception, mystery and the unknown and while almost everyone accepts what they are told and don’t question anything, there are secrets kept from the overall population that Hayley’s inquisitive nature stumbles upon.

This aspect of Hive really intrigued me. Bett’s depicts her dystopian world vividly and highlights the originality of her story. Part dystopian, part religious sect, the characters in Hive don’t have the same understanding of the world as readers will and it makes you wonder why they are so isolated and unknowing. How did they get to be this way? Why are they so ignorant to the ways of the world? They clearly know no different but manage to function and survive as an operating society.

A.J. Betts brings Hive to a close and ends this chapter of Hayley’s story very well. Concluding this stage of the duology, Hive will leaves readers ready to see what happens and what Hayley will now discover on the “outside”.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Pan Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $16.99
Release Date: June 26th 2018
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A solid read, I'm keen to see what will happen next.

Book Shelf: Undying (Unearthed #2) by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Trapped aboard the Undying's ancient spaceship and reeling from what they've learned there, scavenger Mia and academic Jules are plunged into a desperate race to warn their home planet of the danger humanity's greed has unleashed. From the mountains of Spain to the streets of Prague, the sequel to Unearthed is a white-knuckle ride that will send readers hurtling back to earth, and leave them breathless until the last page.

The earth's fate rests in Mia and Jules's hands in the epic conclusion to New York Times best-selling authors Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner's tomb-raiding sci-fi duology. 

More info on Goodreads.....

Review: 

Undying is the second novel and conclusion to the Unearthed duology by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner and brings the story to earth as protagonists Mia and Jules race against time to find a way to save their planet and those they love from an alien invasion.

Amelia Raddcliffe and Jules Addison discovered a whole new world during their time on Gaia….and lots of problems. As the Undying people prepare to invade Earth, Mia and Jules desperately attempt to get planetside in an effort to raise awareness of the impending invasion. Yet their arrival in Earth does not go well, with government and IA officials refusing to believe the supposed invasion based on the word of a couple of teenagers. Soon on the run, Mia and Jules will have to do the impossible if they want to save their planet. Can they find a way to prevent the Undying from destroying all they hold dear? Or has humanity’s greed already doomed them all?

Having loved Unearthed, I was super excited to read Undying and dived straight into it as soon as I could. While I definitely enjoyed the novel, I did however feel somewhat underwhelmed by it, especially towards the end. In my mind, Kaufman and Spooner were building towards this big Undying invasion and origin revelation, but I feel like it ended up being too easy. The supposed invasion was over too quickly and the origins of this alien race and their connection to Gaia seemed almost cheesy. I don’t necessarily think I ever would have anticipated the truth, so Kaufman and Spooner get props for surprise factor, but other than that I was a tad disappointed.

I still thought Mia and Jules were fabulous characters to follow and enjoyed seeing their relationship face different trials and hurdles now that they were back on earth. They’re still partners in all aspects of the word and complement each other wonderfully. Their vulnerabilities and insecurities (especially Mia’s) were most evident in this novel and I felt that the authors did a great job taking the time to acknowledge that their time on Gaia created a strong bond quickly and swiftly whilst still showing that it had enough strength to survive once the overwhelming danger ended.

There are new personalities within Undying with Jules previously mentioned cousin Neal playing a big role in helping our heroes keep their head above water while on the run. Two Undying named Dex and Atlanta also feature throughout the story and offer a glimpse into the world of this seemingly transcended alien race. Bringing to a close this intergalactic and puzzling duology, Undying was both hit and miss for me, although there was plenty about it to enjoy.

While I don’t think I quite loved this sequel like its predecessor, I will ready anything Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner release and cannot wait to read whatever comes from them next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: December 1st 2018
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Not as good as the first novel, I was a little let down by Undying, but I'll read whatever this writing duo release.

Book Shelf: Dragon Marked (Supernatural Prison #1) by Jaymin Eve

As a wolf shifter with razor-sharp senses, Jessa Lebron can perceive the slightest change in the air. And her lupine instincts go into overdrive right before her mother, who abandoned her years ago, returns to the pack bearing secrets that change everything.

The biggest secret of all: Jessa is dragon marked, a designation that places her in grave danger. The dragon marked are destined to resurrect the dragon king, a fearsome ancient warmonger. And they must be eliminated.

Soon Jessa is locked up in Vanguard, the notorious paranormal prison that houses criminal vampires, feys, and magic users. Thankfully, she’s not alone: Braxton Compass, her best friend and a dragon shifter, has her back. Jessa and Braxton must find a way to free themselves and the rest of the dragon marked. But can her pack mates help her stop the dragon king before his deadly return?

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review: 

Dragon Marked is the first novel in Jaymin Eve’s Supernatural Prison series, a paranormal New Adult tale that is an explosion of supernatural creatures, friendship and a storyline with plenty of twists and turns.

Twenty two year old Jessa Lebron is a wolf shifter, the daughter of an alpha and someone used to taking care of herself. Yet Jessa’s world changes when her estranged mother returns to the scene, bringing with her secrets that will change everything Jessa thought she knew about herself. With the recent revelations sending Jessa’s lupine nature into a spin, the only thing keeping Jessa sane are her four closest friends and quadruplets, the Compass brothers. Discovering she is one of the dragon marked, individuals hunted and killed, Jessa soon finds herself locked up in Vanguard, a prison for supernaturals. Thankfully Jessa isn’t alone; her best friend Braxton is by her side, but with various groups determined to bring Jessa and her family down, Jessa and Braxton will have to find a way to escape before the inmates within Vanguard silence them forever.

For me, Jaymin Eve is one of those authors whose novel’s I head into just know I’m going to enjoy. Her ability to create vivid and complex worlds with strong willed characters wins me over every time, and although Dragon Marked wasn’t my favourite of her novels, I still found it to be easy reading with a storyline that was very forward moving. There was a lot thrown into the tale and readers will quickly find themselves caught up in the story.

Dragon Marked introduces readers to determined, food obsessed and mouthy wolf shifter Jessa. Jessa has a very strong personality that comes across throughout the novel through her sharp and sassy inner monologue. There were a few occasions whilst reading where I felt Jessa’s personality did come on too strong for my own personal liking, but overall I found her to be easy to follow.

Jaymin Eve introduces a lot of characters to this novel including the four Compass brothers Braxton, Maximus, Jacob and Tyson. The closeness between Jessa and the brothers was sweet—they essentially consider themselves a pack but again, on occasion, I felt like there was too much thrown into the story. Their personalities and domination came across as excessive and I think the novel would have benefited a subtler approach in this respect. That being said, I did like them, as well as Mischa and Grace who I’m hoping to see more of.

Overall, I found Dragon Marked to be well worth a read. Jaymin Eve concludes this installation at the perfect moment to leave you wanting more and I find myself keen to see what happens to Jessa and her friends next!

Rating:  
Source: Read via Kindle Unlimited
Publisher: Skyscape
Format: Kindle copy but I also own a signed paperback
Release Date: November 17th 2015
Purchase: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: I think this series is very promising and am looking forward to reading more.

Book Shelf: The Connelly Boys (Celtic Witches #1) by Lily Velez

The Connelly boys are practically royalty at St. Andrew’s Prep. Popular, wealthy, and devastatingly beautiful, the four brothers have long cast a spell over their classmates and over the sleepy seaport town of Rosalyn Bay, Ireland.

There’s just one problem: they’re also cursed.

...Or so the rumors say.

Seventeen-year-old newcomer Scarlet Monroe has never been one for rumors, but when she inadvertently banishes a demon while trying to help eldest brother Jack Connelly, the most breathtaking of the boys and the one to whom she feels inexplicably drawn, she quickly discovers there may be more to the local superstitions and folklore than she originally thought.

Before long, the Connellys pull her into a dark and mysterious world filled with ancient magic, powerful spells, kidnapped souls, and deadly enemies. But none of it compares to Scarlet discovering the truth of who she really is...or what she’ll have to become to defeat a rising evil older than humankind itself before she loses everyone she loves—that is, of course, if she can survive the world of the Connellys long enough.

More info on Goodreads......


Review: 

The Connelly Boys is Lily Velez’s debut novel and is a YA fantasy tale rich in Irish mythology and Celtic folklore that is equal parts action and mystery.

Seventeen year old Scarlet Monroe is still grieving the loss of her mother when she moves to Ireland from America to live with her estranged father. Though she hasn’t seen him for years, Scarlet is determined to make things work with her dad, but nothing can prepare her for the trouble coming her way. Beginning at a new school, Scarlet finds herself drawn to the dark and mysterious Jack Connelly, one of four brothers who are seen as cursed by the small seaside town of Rosalyn Bay. Then Scarlet saves Jack’s life from a demon and finds herself drawn into an ancient world of magic and spell craft. As witches, the Connelly brothers possess powerful abilities, but something dark and deadly is happening within the witch clans and Scarlet quickly discovers that she has a role in it and a destiny she never expected…..

The Connelly Boys is a hard novel for me to review; mainly because I can’t quite wrap my head around the way I feel about the story. Having been offered the opportunity to read an eARC thanks to the author, I was super excited to read The Connelly Boys. To begin with, the cover is absolutely stunning and the description really made me excited to dive into the story, yet even though I did ultimately enjoy The Connelly Boy’s there was something missing from the novel to take it to the next level.

From the very beginning of the novel Lily Velez draws you in effortlessly. The detailed and flowing writing is spot on and precise; the dialogue sharp and intelligent. Velez takes inspiration from a lot of Irish mythology and weaves it’s folklore and history into her story with beautiful results; creating a detailed storyline that offers readers a glimpse into a world of witches with a rich and vivid history seeped in Celtic history.

I feel like Lily Velez put a lot of thought and effort into creating the world within The Connelly Boys. I can’t fault her world building and the backstory she has created, but I still felt somewhat disconnected from the characters and even the storyline at times. The Connelly brothers reminded me of the raven boys from Maggie Steifvater’s Raven Cycle so I appreciated their aura of magic and mystery but I was still waiting for that extra spark.

As the protagonist, Scarlett fits her role well but also seemed very cardboard cut-out as a main character. Lily Velez writes Scarlett as a very normal teenage girl drawn into a world of witches and witchcraft who has a destiny she never expected. Personally I’m hoping to see a lot more growth in Scarlett but given what she has faced already I do feel she is holding her own.

Overall, even though I had difficulty connecting with the story, The Connelly Boys was worth a read. As a first novel it does a lot to set up the storyline and explain the history of its world and I do feel the series has potential. Well written but with a languid pace, I’m interested to see what Lily Velez does next and am hoping that I may connect a little bit more a second time around and I feel there are a lot of readers out there who will truly adore this novel.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by author (Thank you Lily!)
Publisher: Published independently
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: September 12th 2018
Purchase: Amazon
Final Thoughts: Despite a few concerns I had with this novel I am interested in reading the second novel to see what happens next.

Book Shelf: The Belles (The Belles #1) by Dhonielle Clayton

Camellia Beauregard is a Belle. In the opulent world of Orléans, Belles are revered, for they control Beauty, and Beauty is a commodity coveted above all else. In Orléans, the people are born gray, they are born damned, and only with the help of a Belle and her talents can they transform and be made beautiful.

But it’s not enough for Camellia to be just a Belle. She wants to be the favorite—the Belle chosen by the Queen of Orléans to live in the royal palace, to tend to the royal family and their court, to be recognized as the most talented Belle in the land. But once Camellia and her Belle sisters arrive at court, it becomes clear that being the favorite is not everything she always dreamed it would be. Behind the gilded palace walls live dark secrets, and Camellia soon learns that the very essence of her existence is a lie—that her powers are far greater, and could be more dangerous, than she ever imagined. And when the queen asks Camellia to risk her own life and help the ailing princess by using Belle powers in unintended ways, Camellia now faces an impossible decision.

With the future of Orléans and its people at stake, Camellia must decide—save herself and her sisters and the way of the Belles—or resuscitate the princess, risk her own life, and change the ways of her world forever.

More info on Goodreads......


Review: 

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton is a unique and richly told story of magic, deception and unexpected betrayals set within a world where beauty is more important than love and loyalty.

Sixteen year old Camellia Beauregard is a Belle. In a world of opulence and luxury, Belles are revered for their ability to control magic that is able to change the appearance of anyone they wish. In Orléans, everyone is born grey and only with the help of a Belle are they able to be transformed and made beautiful. Yet Camellia isn’t satisfied just being a Belle, she wants to be the Favourite, the Belle chosen by the ruling Queen to live at the palace and tend to the royal family and their court. Being the Favourite comes with spoils Camellia wants more than anything, but the position also comes with a lot of responsibility and secrets Camellia could never have imagined existed. The truth about the Belle’s have been kept from Camellia and her sisters their whole lives and when strange things begin happening Camellia will need to decide what is more important; beauty or her life?

There are some books that are harder to review than others and for me, The Belles is one of those books. There’s no denying that author Dhonielle Clayton has created was lush and unique but there was also moments where I struggled to really connect with the story. When The Belles picked up pace, the story became more appealing and addictive. Oddly enough it was the ovely detailed descriptions and settings that brought it down for me.

The concept within the novel is very different and I have to give the Clayton props for daring to create a world so vivid and rich, but I also found it difficult to stomach on occasion too. The Belles is full of luscious, candy-coated descriptions and depictions but sometimes this was just too sickly sweet. It went a long way in setting the scene, but made the novel seem convoluted and congested. I feel like some of this could have been removed and it would not have taken anything away from the overall storyline. In fact, it may have been beneficial.

I quite enjoyed the diversity of the characters within The Belles. Clayton introduces so many vibrant personalities and people’s from different walks of like that makes for some interesting reading. Protagonist Camellia grew on me. At the beginning of the novel I found her overly ambitious, fickle and difficult to like. I appreciated seeing her grow and come to care about the important things in life. I actually began to care about her and this made the story a more enjoyable reading experience.

The Belles cleverly addresses society’s obsession with looks and beauty. The extremes some characters go to in The Belle’s in pursuit of the ultimate look and in the name of becoming beautiful is mind boggling. The idea that this is the norm is both thought provoking and entertaining. Made for some intriguing reading seeing the things the Belles were capable of and what people’s ideas of beauty were.

Even though I had a few concerns with this novel, for the most part I did enjoy it and I am keen to see what happens in the next instalment. The final few chapters of The Belles were by far some of the best with developments and betrayals I wasn’t expecting coming to light. This especially makes me eager to see what will happen to Camellia next and leaves me hoping that Dhonielle Clayton continues to improve the series with the second book.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Format: Kindle ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: February 6th 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: The Belles definitely got better as it progressed and I'm interested enough to read the next novel when it comes out.

Book Shelf: Moonlight And Midtown (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1.5) by Christina Bauer

“Mixes cherished fantasy classics with modern magic and moxie” – Foreword

After battling werewolves and evil aunties, Bryar Rose is ready to enjoy her new life. No more crazy aunties. Her curse is toast. And Bry’s new man, Knox, is literally a dream come true. Best of all, Bry will soon attend a regular high school. Forget those sketchy tutors! To get ready, Bry is dedicating the rest of her summer to some serious back-to-school shopping with her best friend, Elle. It’s a blast, except for one thing:

Mysterious strangers are following Bry across Manhattan.

All these stalkers have oddly familiar scents and an uncanny ability to slip into the shadows whenever Bry tries to confront them. Even worse, their presence is making Knox act crazy with a capital C.

“Bauer’s unique voice blends magical fantasy, swooning romance, and a bucketful of teenage sass.” – Booklist

But Bry’s having none of it. Enough of her life has already been ruined by secrets. With Elle’s help, Bry plans to confront these strangers, find out what they want, and send them packing. Trouble is, the truth about their identity won’t be so easy to manage, especially when Bry finds out how these stalkers could change her future with Knox…and not for the better.

Perfect for readers who love young adult books,gamma guys, contemporary fantasy, fairy tales, satire/comedy, paranormal romance, fairies, magic users, shapeshifters, and coming of age stories.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Moonlight and Midtown by Christina Bauer is a fun but quick novella in the Fairy Tales of the Magicorum series that draws readers back into this magical world of mischief and adventure.

Having battled zombies, werewolves and evil aunties, Bryar Rose is ready for the next stage in her life which includes learning the ins and outs of her new werewolf side and spending time with her man Knox. Oh, and best of all, she’ll also be starting at a regular school soon. If only she could find clothing that doesn’t shred the moment she transforms into her wolf? Enter a fae shopping spree to find indestructible clothes and soon Bryar and Elle find themselves caught in the middle of a fight against some fairies and in way over their head. How will Bryar get out of her latest mess?

Taking place between books 1 and 2, Moonlight and Midtown is an enjoyable look into Bryar Rose’s life that allows readers to discover how our heroine is adjusting to life now that her werewolf nature has been released. Short and easy, Moonlight and Midtown sees Bryar, Elle, Knox and Alec back along with two new characters; hilariously adorable and hopeless werewolves Abe and Hollywood, who just want to be helpful.

Definitely a must read for fans of the series, Moonlight and Midtown is a quaint read and is a great way to tide yourself over until the next full length novel in the series releases.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Monster House Books, LLC
Format: Kindle ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: May 27th 2018
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: A fun bridge between books 1 and 2--worth a read.

Book Shelf: Hunted by Meagan Spooner

Beauty knows the Beast’s forest in her bones—and in her blood. Though she grew up with the city’s highest aristocrats, far from her father’s old lodge, she knows that the forest holds secrets and that her father is the only hunter who’s ever come close to discovering them.

So when her father loses his fortune and moves Yeva and her sisters back to the outskirts of town, Yeva is secretly relieved. Out in the wilderness, there’s no pressure to make idle chatter with vapid baronessas…or to submit to marrying a wealthy gentleman. But Yeva’s father’s misfortune may have cost him his mind, and when he goes missing in the woods, Yeva sets her sights on one prey: the creature he’d been obsessively tracking just before his disappearance.

Deaf to her sisters’ protests, Yeva hunts this strange Beast back into his own territory—a cursed valley, a ruined castle, and a world of creatures that Yeva’s only heard about in fairy tales. A world that can bring her ruin or salvation. Who will survive: the Beauty, or the Beast? 

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Hunted by Meagan Spooner is a lavish and elegant Beauty and the Beast retelling, offering to readers a story of yearning and magic set within a winter wonderland and woven together with Russian folklore and mythology.

The youngest of three daughters, Yeva is more at home in the forest than amongst the aristocrats of the city where she and her family live. Taught by her merchant father the art of hunting and tracking, Yeva is secretly relieved when her father loses his fortune and has no choice but to move Yeva and her sisters into the cabin in the woods. No longer having to suffer idle small talk with wealthy lords and ladies, Yeva happily throws herself into daily life at the cabin until her father goes missing in the woods and Yeva ventures out in search of him. Despite her sisters misgivings, Yeva is determined to hunt her fathers hunter and in her effort comes upon a Beast unlike anything she has ever seen. Attacked herself, Yeva soon finds herself prisoner in a strange castle and discovering creatures she thought only existed in fairytales. The Beast may be more monster than man, but as he urges Yeva to help him hunt creatures of legend, who will win? Beauty or the Beast?

Having read and adored Meagan Spooner's Skylark and Starbound series in the past, I was very excited to read Hunted. Beauty and the Beast re-tellings are always some of my favorites but although Hunted featured some absolutely beautiful prose and a stunning atmosphere, I didn't love it like I thought I would. I still thought it was an enjoyable novel, it just failed to blow me away as anticipated it would.

Though Hunted leaves me with somewhat mixed feelings, there's no doubt in my mind that the world within Hunted was very well depicted and thought out. Meagan Spooner fills this world of mystery and magic with beauty and elegance, detailed descriptions of a wild wilderness and a gothic castle in disrepair.

Yeva is a strong willed and capable heroine who knows who she is. She makes no apologies and knows she doesn't fit in with the normal society of her time. Yeva yearns for something she cannot name and it is this that sees her venture out, searching for something elusive. I did like her, and many of the minor characters including her sister, but I felt somewhat disconnected from her at times too.

The relationship between Yeva and the Beast felt lacking to me also. I did not feel any real romance or connection between them given that the relationship between Beauty and Beast is so pivotal in the original tale. This does not seem to be as explored in Hunted as I wished to would have been, nor does the Beast seem to encompass the character and personality he has in other re-tellings and versions I have read or watched.

Yet, even with it's faults in my eyes, Hunted is still a wonderfully depicted novel. I have no doubt that it will be a favourite amongst many readers and definitely do not regret reading it for there was something within it's pages I found haunting and compelling too.

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Paperback
Release Date: March 14th 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Nowhere near what I expected, but still beautiful in it's own right

Book Shelf: Bound to You by Alyssa Brandon

A teen werewolf finally meets her destined soulmate only to discover that he's not quite what she expected in this steamy debut romance.

She's met her mate . . . and he's met his match.

Megan Ross has been waiting her whole life for her mate to come and sweep her off her feet. But the wolf she meets on the beach is NOT the sweet gentle boy she's been dreaming of. Instead, he's a warrior, one whose suffering has led him to lock his heart away in a prison as cold and hard as a diamond, who fights to resist the bond and their deep sexual attraction.

Far from home, with a soulmate who is still a stranger, Megan learns that the path to true love isn't quite as straight and easy as she thought . . .

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review:

Bound to You by Alyssa Brandon is a NA paranormal romance and introduces readers to an urban fantasy world of supernatural creatures, undeniable attraction and swoon worthy romance.

Eighteen year old Megan Ross has waited her whole life to find her mate. The daughter of an alpha, Megan knows exactly what she wants and the werewolf she meets on the beach at a party is definitely not what she always envisioned. Brooding and cold, James is the leader of a legendary tier of warrior werewolves tasked with protecting the werewolves from their natural enemies; creatures known as wraiths. Moving from her family’s home to her new pack’s compound in Canada, Megan wants nothing more than to connect with James, yet he continually tries to push her away. Haunted by his past and determined to keep Megan at arm’s length, James’s actions may be the thing that keeps Megan and him finding true happiness. The attraction and bond between them is undeniable, but will Megan be able to convince James to give their relationship a shot? Or was there never a chance to begin with?

I’m going to be honest; in a lot of ways Bound to You reads like fanfiction. Well written, deeply enjoyable fanfiction, but fanfiction none-the-less. And yet, gosh, there was something about Bound to You I really found myself enjoying. Unfolding primarily through Megan’s POV as well as the occasional chapter from James, Bound to You introduces readers to a world of werewolf packs and a century’s old war between them and their enemies, wraiths as well as a romance with a reluctant male lead and a determined heroine.

Bound to You centres around Megan who has finally found her mate in the form of surly and reluctant James, who, even though he can’t help but desire her, isn’t too happy about finding his other half. I must admit, I find myself intrigued by the world introduced by Alyssa Brandon; more than I thought I would when the story first began. The concept surrounding James and his fellow pack members is interesting and I genuinely liked them all. Living in a barren and empty manor, I enjoyed seeing these warrior wolves loosen up and connect as Megan made attempts to bring them together.

The relationship between Megan and James plays a large part in the story and I thought they had a decent connection. The attraction and chemistry was there and considering the idea of mates and what finding a mate entails, I appreciated seeing Megan and James get to know each other throughout the story. I think this made it all that more satisfying when they eventually began to find a rhythm together.

As I previously mentioned, I was intrigued by many of James’s pack and am keen to see if Brandon will writes novels featuring the other characters. Lucy especially has been set up to feature some kind of painful history that I’m sure could transfer over into further storyline arcs. Either way I’ll be keeping an eye out to see what Alyssa Brandon does with this series next.

Rating:  
Source: Sent for review by Xpresso Book Tours and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: April 10th 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
Final Thoughts: I do feel that this series has potential and the author has set the stage for future books. I'm keen to see what happens.

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: Mindstormer (Mindwalker #2) by A.J. Steiger

When Lain Fisher wakes up in a hospital bed she can't remember anything of the last few months. As a mindwalker herself she knows about erasing peoples memories. She just never thought it would happen to her. Before she can get any answers to her questions she is rescued by two young men. Ian she remembers, but Steven is a complete stranger. Through accessing her memories, Lain relaizes that IFEN isn't at all what she believed and that before her memories were erased she had fallen violently in love with Steven.

Soon the battle for survival is personal. Lain and Steven join a group of rebel fighters to take on IFEN. But does she love or mistrust Steven? And are the rebel group as bad as IFEN? A twisting, intelligent, enthralling adventure about a future world that might just be on our own horizon.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Mindstormer is the second novel in A.J. Steiger’s Mindwalker duology and brings the series to a climactic close.

When Mindwalker Lain Fisher wakes up in a hospital bed, she has no memory of the last few months. Told she was tricked into aiding and abetting known terrorists, Lain is shocked to learn of her recent actions, although something simmers at the back of her mind, telling her that not everything is as it seems. Then she is rescued by two young men; Ian who she knows and Steven, a perfect stranger. Steven seems devastated by Lain’s lack of memories and as he and Ian find a way to restore her memories, Lain quickly discovers that IFEN are not the organization they proclaim themselves to be and she was deeply in love with Steven before having her memories altered. Fighting back against IFEN seems like the only course of action, but when doing so means bloodshed across the board, will Lain find the strength to do what needs to be done or will IFEN manage to bring the rebels to their feet once again.

I have to say I’ve really enjoyed this duology; a lot more than I anticipated I would heading into it and am sad to see it come to an end. Mindstormer was a well written follow up to its predecessor, although I must admit I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did Mindwalker. That being said, it was still a great book and allowed me to join Lain and Steven once again.

Introducing readers to a new aspects of the series in the form of the Blackcoats and the underground rebellion being waged against IFEN, Mindstromer is told in three parts; the first with Lain having no memories of the events that have recent;y occurred, the second where Lain is “reliving” her memories and we get to experience what has happened in the past and the third where Lain’s memories have been completely restored and she, Steven and Ian are looking to reunite with their allies against IFEN.

Though I understood the reasoning’s behind their actions, I wasn’t a fan of the Blackcoats all too much. They were violent and tyrannical in many of their ways. Their terrorist actions did have an impact and though I applaud them for wanting to change the system, I very much thought Lain’s ideas where better placed overall. As was A.J. Steiger’s plan I guess.

Overall the Mindwalker duology was an enjoyable read, although I think the ending felt a bit rushed and perhaps the series would have benefited from a third installment as things could have progressed slower. That being said, Minstormer explores a bit more of Steiger’s world before bringing it to a close in high stakes fashion!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Rock the Boat (Bloomsbury Imprint)
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $17.99
Release Date: September 1st 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Mindstormer wasn't as good as the first book but I am glad to have read how the duology ends.

Book Shelf: Gray Wolf Island by Tracey Neithercott

Right before Sadie died, she begged her sister, Ruby, to do the one thing she could never do herself: Find the treasure on Gray Wolf Island.

With just a mysterious treasure map as a guide, Ruby reluctantly allows some friends to join her on the hunt, each of whom is touched by magic: a boy allegedly born to a virgin, a girl who never sleeps, a boy who can foresee his own death, and a boy with deep ties to the island. Each of them is also keeping a secret—something they’ll have to reveal in order to reach the treasure.

As the secrets come to light, Ruby will have to decide: Can she make peace with her friends’ troubled pasts and continue to trust them? Can she forgive herself for doing the unspeakable? Deep in the wilderness of Gray Wolf Island, Ruby’s choices will determine if they make it out with the treasure—or merely with their lives.

From debut author Tracey Neithercott comes a darkly compelling tale of profound friendship, adventure, and finding the strength to tell the truth.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Tracey Neithercott’s debut novel Gray Wolf Island is whimsical and deeply mysterious tale that will sweep you into a tale of wonder, adventure and unexpected discovery. 

Seventeen year old Ruby has a secret about the day her twin sister Sadie died, a secret that keeps her from being able to move on. All Ruby can think about is that day….and the one thing Sadie wanted she never had the chance to do; find the treasure on Gray Wolf Island. After finding a mysterious treasure map, Ruby sets out with a band of unlikely friends who join her on the hunt; a boy allegedly born to a virgin, a girl who cannot sleep, a boy who has foreseen his own death and a boy whose whole life seems to have been searching for the treasure. Together the unlikely group delve into Gray Wolf Island, but with the island determined to see the teens reveal their truths, will Ruby’s grief keep her from truly living?

Heading into Gray Wolf Island, I think I had a specific picture in my mind of what I thought the novel would be. I envisioned something more fantasy-like in nature, maybe set in a fantasy world with elements of magic or something like that. Instead Gray Wolf Island is set in a small modern day town and takes place near the coast of Maine. I’ll admit; this threw all my thoughts of the novel out the window and instead left me with something similar to Maggie Stievfater’s The Raven Cycle series.

Gray Wolf Island had that aura of wonder and light-hearted innocence woven together with mystery that really keeps you thinking throughout the story. Neithercott does a good job detailing the story, although the pace of the novel is slow, even if the prose itself beautiful and lyrical.

The characters were decent enough to follow including main character Ruby whose eyes the majority of the story unfolds through. Elliott, Gabe, Charlie and Anne all join Ruby on her travels to Gray Wolf Island and there’s also the mysterious individual called Cooper whose motivation and importance readers will definitely wonder about.

I don’t want to give away spoilers, but Gray Wolf Island isn’t what is seems and no one is as they appear. There’s a few unexpected revelations—especially the surprising ending that will leave you shaking your head; possibly in exasperation, possibly in disappointment. Personally, I was a little bit underwhelmed with the conclusion of Gray Wolf Island. For everything that happened during the story, I was just expecting something a bit more impressive with the ending.

Overall, despite my issues with the ending, Gray Wolf Island is a unique and lyrical tale worth a read and is promising until it’s somewhat lackluster ending. I’ll be interested to see what Tracey Neithercott writes next however as I think she has a lot of potential.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review via Netgalley and the publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Format: Kindle ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: October 10th 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A well written story, Gray Wolf Island is perfect for those who enjoyed The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater.