Review: Briar Rose by Jana Oliver

Briar Rose by Jana Oliver
Publisher: Macmillan
Publication date: September 12th, 2013
Number of pages: 470 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

For Briar Rose, life is anything but a fairy tale. She's stuck in a small town in deepest Georgia with parents who won't let her out of their sight, a bunch of small-minded, gossiping neighbours and an evil ex who's spreading nasty rumours about what she may or may not have done in the back of his car. She's tired of it all, so when, on her sixteenth birthday, her parents tell her that she is cursed and will go to sleep for a hundred years when the clock strikes midnight, she's actually kind of glad to leave it all behind. She says her goodbyes, lies down, and closes her eyes . . . And then she wakes up. Cold, alone and in the middle of the darkest, most twisted fairy tale she could ever have dreamed of. Now Briar must fight her way out of the story that has been created for her, but she can't do it alone. She never believed in handsome princes, but now she's met one her only chance is to put her life in his hands, or there will be no happy ever after and no waking up

I admit I have never read any of Jana Oliver's work, so this was my first time with her writing. Briar Rose is basically an enchanting modernized fairytale.
Briar has been having dreams of fairytales for years and always wished for a prince to come and save her, take her out of her town to someplace else. Someplace that does not suck.
This is a very clever idea Jana has portrayed and I absolutely loved the world she created, her characters and the taste of forbidden love.

A magical world full of monsters,romance, trickery, heroes and mayhem. It's not your average fairytale, but it is one that is unforgettable and a definite page-turner.

It starts off with Briar, whose family has a troubled history with another, who, the son of she is forbidden to talk to, less alone, look at.
Joshua I adored from off the bat. He doesn't understand why he is forced to stay away from Briar, but that does not mean he can't look at her from afar, which is basically the only thing he can do. It doesn't help matters that their best friend happens to be the same girl, so how does one stay away from someone when they are close to the very same person?

When Briar gets told of her curse that has been throughout their family for generations, she believes it. And it's not until it does take place the fun really starts.
In her dream-state, Briar gets involved in a world, not like her imagination always wanted, but real all the same.
Briar changes a lot throughout the story, she has to do lots of things she normally wouldn't, but that comes with not having a chance in her curse. She has to find a way out, and for that to happen she has to conquer certain things.

I loved seeing the relationship between Briar and Joshua develop. It is one I was rooting from the very beginning and it was obvious these two were meant to be, it was just a matter of them finding that out. I feel their relationship really begins to blossom during her dream-state after he goes in after her. Whether that's to save her, or just to protect her from whatever may be out there. But it's because of this that enhances the story so much more.  The romance between the two of them was done so beautifully. It was almost like a romeo and juliet thing --  except for a different outcome ;)

While Briar might have wanted a prince to come and rescue her in real life, she may discover that what she wanted has been standing in front of her the entire time, she was just too obsessed with a fairytale to notice --- until now.

We get introduced to other characters. Ruric, who was an actual prince, to Aurora herself, who is not what you imagined, but all important just the same. Every character has a role to place if they want to survive the things that happen. Sacrifices need to be made, and hope they can make things a better place.

I loved every bit of this story, and could not recommend it enough.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter

Through the Zombie Glass (White Rabbit Chronicles, #2) by Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin Australia
Publication date: October 1st, 2013
Number of pages: 480 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon |  The Book Depository | Bookworld Australia

Inspired by the childhood classic Alice in Wonderland, this harrowing and romantic story features teen zombie slayer Alice Bell who has lost so much—family, friends, her home. After a strange new zombie attack, Alice fears she may be losing her mind as well. A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do wicked things. The whispers of the dead assault her ears and mirrors seem to come frighteningly to life. She’s never needed her team of zombie slayers more—including her boyfriend, Cole—than she does now. But as Cole strangely withdraws and the zombies gain new strength, Ali knows one false step may doom them all.

Ever since I devoured Alice in Zombieland I have been anxious to read the sequel to this unique and fascinating story. There is nothing from this author that I would not read. Her adult books devour me. And just as much so, this YA series is just as interesting as her PNR ones.
I fell in love with Ali and Cole.. with all of the characters, the world. I could not wait until to read what this installment had in store for us.
I was lucky to be able to get an ARC a few weeks before the release date and I couldn't have been anymore happier.

This is a dark saga, but those are the best kinds, right? It takes a fairytale story and Gena has made it work in her own, interesting way. To bring Ali to such limits, to make her into this character which you never ever saw before. She had her ups and down in the first book to this series as she dealt with the deaths of her family, and then being forced to live with her grandparents. Then there was dealing with the fact she can see  monsters out there in the world that not many people can, only a select few, but she was lucky enough to be able to befriend some of these unique people and form her own new group of friends, a surprisingly new relationship which did not come easy, and found that life might not be so bad after all in this new town.

When we pick up this story, not much time has passed and Ali is still recovering. She yearns to be in Cole's arms, but when he suddenly starts ignoring her, she discovers that a new batch of Zombie Hunters have arrived in town, and not only does she have to deal with his recent ex, yet another girl from Cole's past makes her entrance, and she sure does not like Ali. That's not all she has to deal with... the moment she gets a look at one of the new guys.. something strange happens --- yep, you guessed it, a vision, which is something, I felt she thought her and Cole only shared. The question is.. what do these visions actually mean, and what really is the whole purpose of them? I want to know this answer too.

Ali and Cole are my favourite part of this series, and this book is no different. There are some scenes... well, you just know she has an PNR background because of how hot and saucy they are. There is something to say about a sexy scene without sex being involved -- yet. And these two are the perfect counterparts to a hot duo. There is nothing Cole wouldn't do for Ali, although, yes, he can be overprotective but I think it's because he has never felt like this for someone else and so it's new territory for him as well.
They have their issues during this book.. some which make me scream and pull out my hair, but with all great romances, things end up where they belong.

Ali goes through a crazy, dark and interesting period that involves the Zombies, and it provides a different take on her character. Some will like it, some won't. Ali was battling more than Zombies in this installments --- in more ways than one, she was also battling herself. 

I loved the direction of the relationship between Kat & Frosty, they don't have the easiest relationship either, maybe moreso than most, but I loved we got to see more of them and understand Kat a little more, getting more into her personal life. These two are meant for one another, no matter how many times they may break up and get back together.

There was lots of action and heartbreak to go along with the romance.  There was new characters, I really liked Gavin. He is a major flirt, actually more than that, but I liked that in the end.. he wanted something more someday. It was progress I felt. I hope he does find the happiness he deserves.

I look forward to the next (Last?) installment to this epic, fascinating story.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: April 23rd, 2013
Number of pages: 323pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository | Book World Australia

The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Selection.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Iléa.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Everything begun with The Selection. America went from not wanting anything to do with it, to a point where she decided it was where she wanted to be.
The first book in this amazing trilogy introduced you to our beloved characters, plot and the world which Kiera created. It was the book in which I fell in love with this story. Not only for America & Maxon, but also because I knew there was trouble  rumbling deep down in the rebellion. Not everyone is happy....

In The Elite, America finds herself competing, in the real sense for the affections of Maxon. But along with the competition, America finds out some interesting things about her country, how it was formed and how some change has to come into affect at some point.
Not everyone is happy about the way things are done. The fact this competition is even around. And those people start to become more of a threat than they were before.

What I loved about this book was that it got a bit more darker than the previous. More attacks. More rebellion. It also had more romantic moments, with more than one boy. But I think America had made her choice very early on... and even though some things have challenged that decision., there is no doubt it sticks and will continue to do so throughout the final book.
I know there are many people who didn't like some of the things, actions that took place... but when I actually thought about the reasons.. I understood why they did the things they did, and I forgave them. They are still... after all young people trying to understand the laws of nature and find their place in the world.

While the actions of both America and Maxon could sometimes get on your nerves, in the long run.. I don't think those problems will cause any affect.


There are some characters like Aspen and Celeste who got on my nerves. Celeste, well.. nobody likes her and she has always been on my last nerve since she was introduced...but Aspen, I felt was in the background and really didn't serve any purpose apart from being in this so-called triangle. Although, toward the end.. I did feel a bit of a hint that he might be able to move on.. with someone else *cough*.

WHY does THE ONE have to be a year away? Since Kiera just announced it won't be released until May 6th, 2014! Ahh.. well, she better give me plenty of AM stuff to tease me with until it comes out.

Review: 5/5

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

 

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Puffin
Publication date: February 7th, 2013
Number of pages: 452
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository
The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Just when you didn’t think Marissa Meyer’s “Lunar Chronicles” cannot get any better, well think again boys and girls. This VERY high anticipated sequel to the breath-taking “Cinder” not only lives up to expectations, but exceeds them to the utter most degree.
After the events, realisations and revelations that came about in book 1, Scarlet starts right off the back to where we left off.
While we do get multiple POVS, including what is happening with Cinder and where she is off to know she was told to escape her prison, but this is much more of a Scarlet aka Red Riding Hood story.
There are so many things that happen in such a short amount of time, and I was clued to every single page. I could not flip fast enough it seems.
Cinder, as she tries to fight her way out of her cell, gets introduced to a new character. Captain Thorne. He is someone who helps Cinder on her way, and also finds a way to escape the prison himself since he believes he should not be there to begin with, yes, well.. and off Cinder makes a new friend.
We also get to see what Prince, Emperor Kai is now up to. His decisions, emotions and actions are all boiled down in one. He doesn’t have the easiest time of things. He has no much people expect of him. Things he wants for himself and what is best for the country are two separate things. When everyone is counting on you to do the right thing…. is the right thing something you wouldn’t wish on your greatest enemy?
Queen Levena is out to settle a score. To take over and she doesn’t care who gets in her way. It’s just a matter of if Kai will be her ally or enemy, and at this point, she doesn’t care which.

We quickly meet Scarlet, who is in search of her grandmother, who suddenly went missing out of the blue. After her leads go dead, she meets newcomer, street-fighter ‘Wolf’ who seems like he knows more about things than he should.
After discovering that he might have information on her grandmother’s whereabouts, Scarlet decides she has to trust him because she really doesn’t have much choice at this point. The journey they go on leads them to some interesting discoveries. Not only about why her grandmother was taken, but also about who they are, Scarlet and Wolf included. The stakes are raised in this mind blowing sequel.

I really loved this book. After my stupid hestitation on the first, I got this book as quickly as it came out, and I was not disappointed. We begin to realize that not everything is as it seems. The world that Marissa has created just grows even more so, as you discover so much about the lunars, and how there are more out there, and close to home than you realize.
I love how Scarlet and Cinder find themselves connecting, as their stories bridge together. Each knowing something about the other, searching for the same thing, as their worlds collide.

If you haven’t read this series yet. I suggest you go and pick up Cinder, because this is a story you should not miss.

5 out of 5.

Review: Nameless by Lili St Crow

Nameless (Tales of Beauty & Madness #1) by Lili St Crow
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date: April 4th, 2013
Number of pages: 304
Format: E-format
Source: E-copy via Netgalley and publisher.
Preorder a copy: Amazon | The Book Depository

When Camille was six years old, she was discovered alone in the snow by Enrico Vultusino, godfather of the Seven—the powerful Families that rule magic-ridden New Haven. Papa Vultusino adopted the mute, scarred child, naming her after his dead wife and raising her in luxury on Haven Hill alongside his own son, Nico.

Now Cami is turning sixteen. She’s no longer mute, though she keeps her faded scars hidden under her school uniform, and though she opens up only to her two best friends, Ruby and Ellie, and to Nico, who has become more than a brother to her. But even though Cami is a pampered Vultusino heiress, she knows that she is not really Family. Unlike them, she is a mortal with a past that lies buried in trauma. And it’s not until she meets the mysterious Tor, who reveals scars of his own, that Cami begins to uncover the secrets of her birth…to find out where she comes from and why her past is threatening her now.

I was THRILLED when I discovered that Lili was coming out with a new YA series. A fairytale re-telling at that. It seems this kind of thing is quite the thing these days.
If you couldn't tell by the description, then I am sure the cover is a BIG hint as to what re-telling this novel is about. Yes. Snow White, but it's certainly not your average version of the story.
No. This is a version you have never seen before.
This story will leave you panting with anticipation and breathless from excitement.

After my disappointment toward her ending of her Strange Angels series. Yes, that is NOT how I envisioned it ending, and I am still bitter about that to this very day. Lili, if you are listening... how about like.. a novella that will tell the events of after the ending... after like Graves returns, eh?
Anyway different story. Lets keep to topic now.

Lili does an amazing job on this re-telling. It's dark, romantic and dangerous.

We are first introduced to Cami as a young girl as she is found by the head of one of the most powerful families residing in magical-town, New Haven. She is mute. We then skip over the next ten years and things have changed. Sure,  Cami can now speak, but there are certain factors that have stayed the same.

Cami finds herself falling in love with the one person who hated her as a child. She is someone close to her, and the story between there is sweet, sensual and perfect. Niko, is the son to  Papa Vultusino, he will do anything for Cami. Protecting her. Loving her. There is nothing.. no cost less. Nothing that will change the way he feels about her. But Niko himself has Family stuff to deal with when things suddenly change in the household.

Cami knew she was different from them. She is Mortal, and they weren't... and she has always felt that she shouldn't be included as one of them. We soon discover there is more to her past than she knows, or remembers.
Things start to come to light upon the new arrival of Tor.. who seems to know more than he is letting on, and the friendship he forms with her will either help or destroy her.
It's knowing who to trust, and whether to believe in what feels the impossible.
Does Cami's flashes of memory mean something? Or are they just useless pieces of information that will lead nowhere?

I'm interested to see whether these characters will carry on throughout the series and the characters connect to one another like Marissa Meyer's series does, or whether each book will be a stand alone story. I suppose we'll discover at some point that answer.

I do look forward to see the next installment. To see what fairytale it shall be. 

If you are wondering on whether you want to read something else by Lili after the disaster of the ending to Strange Angels, fear not... this is not a book which will disappoint. It will take you through twists and turns. It's a journey of self discovery, of a love so tender and passionate. 
This is a story you will never forget....

Be sure to pick this book up once it releases in April.

Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Puffin
Publication date: January 5th, 2012
Number of pages: 387
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

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

I had put buying this book off for the longest time. I was very hesitant that it would be something that I'd like. But after some friends telling me how great it is and seeing some wonderful reviews, I decided to bite the bullet and take the chance.
I think what put me off was by the word "cyborg", for some reason I thought that meant some kind of... err monster. I think I was thinking more on the lines of Percy Jackson for some reason, hah. After giving it a shot, I now could smack myself for not getting this sooner. This seems to happen to me a lot of the time lately, where I think something of a book and it turns out to be so completely different from my expectations.

This is a re-telling of a beautiful fairytale, and it's one which you'll never forget. I think it's also one that will expand the entire series, bit by bit before a happy ending can occur.
We are introduced to Cinder, who is half machine and half human. She doesn't remember anything from before her father adopted her from overseas and brought her into his family.  After being the best mechanic in New Beijing, Cinder soon meets the royal Prince Kai. And that is only the beginning of their story.
As these two young people soon discover they have more in common than they may realize, Prince Kai will have to decide which he can live with --- happiness, or doing what is right for his people when the time comes when everyone has to rely on him for guidance.

Cinder is everything I love about a female lead. Strong, honest who loves her family. She is willing to do whatever it takes to saves the ones she loves, and her loyalty knows no bars. I really adored the relationship she has with her younger step-sister, who is certainly not as bad as her other step-sister, who takes the word 'evil' to a new level.
Don't even get me started on her step mother. If you didn't know this was a re-telling, then this family situation should clear up any misunderstandings.
Cinder goes through so much in this story to understand who she really is, and just what she does discover may shock her system to the core. She won't see the reveals coming.
I saw clues throughout the book, and I was glad when they were confirmed. It's gonna be interesting to see how things progress from here on out, given the kind of cliffhanger we were left with. Marissa gave you enough to keep wanting and needing more.

This story has a mixture of mystery, greed, jealously and death.  If you are looking for a full-on romance between Cinderella and her Prince, this isn't it. I have a feeling a happily ever after for these two won't come easy, but who said love stories were anything but?

Thankfully, Scarlet just came out here, and I hope to start it soon. I know it focuses on a new couple, but I look forward to reading about new developments in this story.

Verdict: 5/5