Review: Witch Finder by Ruth Warburton

Witch Finder  (Witch Finder, #1) by Ruth Warburton
Publisher: Hoddler
Publication date: January 2nd, 2014
Number of pages: 374 pgs
Format: Kindle E-Galley via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

London. 1880. In the slums of Spitalfields apprentice blacksmith Luke is facing initiation into the Malleus Maleficorum, the fearsome brotherhood dedicated to hunting and killing witches.

Luke’s final test is to pick a name at random from the Book of Witches, a name he must track down and kill within a month, or face death himself. Luke knows that tonight will change his life forever. But when he picks out sixteen-year-old Rosa Greenwood, Luke has no idea that his task will be harder than he could ever imagine.

I've always loved stories that involved witches and magic. I had been looking forward to Ruth's new series for a while as I adored her previous witch series.
The setting of this story was set in the past, the 1800's to be exact, which I think I must have forgotten at first, but it was easily remembered while reading.

The fact it was also set in London in such a historical time was too good to pass up. I was curious to see how witches and magic would be dealt with during this time period, as if it were in the US it wouldn't have been treated well --  lets remember the Salem Witch trials, shall we?

While this book didn't blow me away, I did enjoy the story for what it was. The two characters were interesting, different but in other ways, the same.
Luke's journey was interesting. He was tasked to finding and killing one witch as part of his trials to be accepted into the brotherhood.  Rosa is a young witch who has no idea what she is about to get herself into.
They may have different POVS and journeys, but soon those gaps begin to close when their paths cross and their lives become entertwined.
I really liked these two. They don't have things easy.. as they both go through things that are difficult, but the closer they find themselves, the less they find to hate each other.

There was some interesting mythology involved in this story. If there was one thing I wish.. it would be that the ending would have packed more of a punch.  But while I have some complaints, it was still a fun and enjoyable story that I feel is only just the beginning.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hoddler for the chance to review this in an exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3.5

Review: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2) by Diana Gabaldon
Publication Date: July 1, 1992
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 743
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland's majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones...about a love that transcends the boundaries of time...and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his ....

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire's spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart ...in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising...and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves....

The second Outlander book picks up not only right after the first one ends, but also twenty years in the future. That doesn't sound possible now does it? The beginning picks up twenty years later. Claire has returned to the land that she had once fell in love with, Scotland with her grown daughter. At some point Claire had returned to her time, back to Frank pregnant. Frank made Claire promise that as long as he lives she won't tell their daughter, Brianna, who her real father is. Now it wasn't made clear to me if Frank ever believed her story or not. Just that he's not the biological father of the baby. But with the passing of Frank, Claire knows it's time to tell Brianna the truth.

Claire seeks out Roger, the adopted nephew of the Reverend, the close friend of Frank's in the first book. She wants him to find out what happened to a list of Scottish warriors. In their search, Claire makes a devastating discovery that could change everything. She then reveals the truth to her daughter, and tells her and Roger her journey through time. This is where the book picks up from the last one. Jamie and Claire are in Paris pretending to be Jacobites to prevent the Highlanders from going to war. 

Although I did love this book, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one. I've heard many complaints about how long the book is, and how a lot of it could be cut out. But that's one of the things I love about these books. We get to see their everyday lives, and it seems more realistic. Like you are right there with them. I do have to admit the beginning with them being in Paris kind of moved slow. Maybe it's just my bias towards Scotland, but the scenes placed there were my favorite.

I didn't think my love for Jamie could grow after the first book. But once again I was wrong. We saw Jamie and Claire grow as a couple. They weren't perfect, they had their ups and downs, arguments, and then there was even a few situations you weren't sure they could work through. Their love is realistic. You don't just fall in love and then happy ever after, you have to work for it.

Trying to change history isn't an easy task. And with a few surprising discoveries, they aren't sure if they can. But  with a twist of turns of events we discovered why Claire went back to her own time. I thought that at some point the story would go back to the present time and Claire and Brianna would venture back to Jamie's time, and was kind of disappointed that they didn't.

Like the first book, I thought this was just amazing. The same conflicts show up in this one as well, violence and rape. If you can't handle those subjects this isn't the series for you. Also the Scottish dialect is used and sometimes took me a few times to read a sentence to understand.

Rating: 4/5

Teaser Tuesday 27

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Want to play along?

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers
• Share the title and author

I know, I know, it's been months since I've done one of these. I always remember the day after. To make up for lost time I will post a few teasers.

The first one comes from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon, the second novel in her Outlander series. I just finished this one today, and I absolutely love me some Jamie Frasier.

“I will find you," he whispered in my ear. "I promise. If I must endure two hundred years of purgatory, two hundred years without you - then that is my punishment, which I have earned for my crimes. For I have lied, and killed, and stolen; betrayed and broken trust. But there is the one thing that shall lie in the balance. When I shall stand before God, I shall have one thing to say, to weigh against the rest."

This next one comes from On the Edge by Ilona Andrews. I've only read the first book, but I can't wait to read more of the series.

"Go brush your teeth, comb your hair, put on dry clothes, and get the guns. We're going to Wal-Mart.”

 

Review: The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

The Girl with the Iron Touch (Steampunk Chronicles #3) by Kady Cross
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Number of Pages: 384
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What's left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons—or forfeit her friends' lives.

With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke's sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him...and for Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel's desolate alleyways to Mayfair's elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine.

To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist's ultimate creation—an automaton more human than machine. And if she's to have any chance at triumphing, she must summon a strength even she doesn't know she has....

Not sure why it's taken me a few months to read this since I've been dying to get my hands on it. Maybe since it's been a while since I read the first two? Out of sight out of mind?

The book books picks up a few months after the second. There's something wrong with Griffin and he's hiding it from not only Finely but the whole gang. He's not sleeping, eating, or even really coming out of his room majority of the time. But he most pull it together when Emily is kidnapped. Finding her is important to everybody, especially Sam. Right before she was kidnapped Emily confessed her love to Sam. Before he could respond Jasper says he needs his help. He's determined to find Emily and tell her how he feels before it's too late.

What makes this series so unique is that it focuses on each person in the whole group instead of just Finely. Very rare in YA. While I do adore Emily, I just really couldn't get into the book. I found myself for the most part skimming over her parts, just wanting to get back to Finely and Griffin. I was glad to see that there was more Jack Dandy in this one than the previous. Watching Griffin get all jealous over him always made me smile. Which in this book the relationship between Griffin and Finely definitely heats up. There's just wasn't enough of them in this book, which is understandable. This book was more of about Emily and Sam. Which Sam and Finely were able to be more civil towards each other. And I am glad. I want the whole group to be close.

Like I said, I ended up skimming through a lot of the book. It just couldn't really hold my attention. I honestly can't tell you about them saving Emily. By the time I realized she was saved and the Machinist was dead again, I was already beyond that point. I hope future books are better, especially since I fell in love with the first two books.

Rating:3/5

 

Review: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander (Outlander #1) by Diana Gabaldon
Publication Date: June 1, 1991
Publisher: Delta
Number of Pages: 627
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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Unrivaled storytelling ... unforgettable characters ... rich historical detail ... these are the hallmarks of Diana Gabaldon's work. Her New York Times bestselling Outlander novels have earned the praise of critics and captured millions of readers.

Here is the story that started it all, introducing two remarkable characters, Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser, in a spellbinding novel of passion and history that combines exhilarating adventure with a love story for the ages....

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon — when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach — an "outlander" — in a Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord ... 1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life ... and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire ... and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

I only have one word...AMAZING! This book blew me out of the water. I had a friend that told me about the series a few years ago right after I discovered the Fever and Highlander series by Karen Marie Moning. It's been on my tbr list ever since, even though I have had others tell me how amazing the series is. I just never got around to reading it. Finally I made that my goal this year. And now I'm wondering why the hell did this book sit on my tbr list for three years?! I could smack myself.

Claire Randall and her husband Frank have pretty much been separated for the past six years during the war. Finally reunited they are taking a holiday in Scotland-where they got married. Frank is a historian of a sort and is trying to trace his family back, and learn more about Captain Jack Randall. Clare stumbles upon a mini version of Stonehedge, and walking through it she is suddenly taken back almost 200 years to 1743. The first person she runs into is Jack Randall, who she first mistakes for Frank. Before Jack could attack her, she is saved by some Highland warriors who take her back to their land, the MacKenzies.

The book takes some time getting used to, with it written in a lot of Scottish dialect and even how Claire phrases words since she is from 1945. And at the first it's a little slow, and really didn't pick up until about 100 pages in. But once I got past the hump, I couldn't put it down. Felt so realistic and like I could be reading someone's diary. Claire is determined to get back to the standing rocks and go back to her own time and Frank. But it proves to be a problem time and time over. But when Claire is forced to marry Jamie Fraiser, the nephew of the cheiftan of the clan and outlaw, she wonders if she will ever get back home.

It's not long before Claire actually starts to fall in love with Jamie, and her heart torn into two. And oh Jamie...along with Claire you will fall in love with him. Even has some funny lines. It was easy to forget that he's a good five years younger than Claire; a very unusual twist to the story.

I've heard complaints about abuse and rape in this book. You have to remember what time this book is set in. And the abuse, for the most part isn't really. That was how they discipline. And it's not like they beat the crap out of the women or children. These issues didn't really bother me because I'm aware of how it was back then. And how it is written, somethings it reveals it never officially confirms. You have to read between the lines.

I fell in love with not only this book, but Jamie and Claire. And ever since I finished I've been dying to get back to the bookstore and get the second book.

Rating: 5/5

 

ARC Review: The Girl with the Iron Touch (Steampunk Chronicles #3) by Kady Cross

The Girl with the Iron Touch (Steampunk Chronicles #3) by Kady Cross
Publisher: Harlequin TEEN
Publication date: May 28th, 2013
Number of pages: 384
Format: E-Galley via Netgalley
Preorder: Amazon | The Book Depository

In 1897 London, something not quite human is about to awaken

When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What's left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons—or forfeit her friends' lives.

With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke's sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him...and for Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel's desolate alleyways to Mayfair's elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine.

To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist's ultimate creation—an automaton more human than machine. And if she's to have any chance at triumphing, she must summon a strength even she doesn't know she has....

And we are back into the fascinating mysteries of Finley Jayne and her friends.

The Girl with the Iron Touch is a thrilling, fascinating and addicting read. The story Kady Cross has created has enticed me from the very beginning. The beautiful world-building, historical setting and perfectly-matched characters only just adds to this historical steampunk series that will draw a single reader based on that fact alone.

In the third book in the gorgeous crafted world, we find our characters as they deal with individual issues and situations.
Finley has her hands full with her feelings for Griffin and for them to finally understand what is it between them. We also have the return of Jack Dandy, who comes and makes a difficult situation more complicated, but Finley will soon enough discover she had made her decision long ago but never realized it until now.
The sort of- triangle comes to a close as Finley does choose between the two men in her life.
There was so much progress for these two in this book. The moment they met in Book 1, I knew they were my OTP -- only they had to realize it.  During the course of this book, both Griffin and Finley finally come to that place where they are ready to be able to accept their feelings for one another, and I say that it's about time. 

This novel also deals with the relationship between Sam and Emily. These two have always felt something so strong for one another, but good luck in trying to get them to admit that.  But when Emily suddenly goes missing --- this may be the thing that will have Sam fight for her once and for all, once he rescues her, that is.

Kady Cross has written yet another beautiful addition to this series, and while all of our beloved characters seem to have found their HEA, I did hear a whisper that we might have one more book left to tell.. in the form of Jack Dandy. Now, I am sure just about everyone would look forward to hearing his story and maybe, a happy ending?

Rating:  4.5 /5

The Heiresses by Allison Rushby | Special Giveaway

In celebration of the release of this fantastic and brilliant novel by Allison Rushby, where we are taken back into the past with glitz, glamour and fashion. Back to London 1926 where three young girls will need to determine what is more important: Their inheritance or each other?

I have been given the chance to give ONE copy of this novel away to one lucky person. Unfortunately, since I am strapped for cash right now this will have to be for Australian residents only. *sadface*

Book Description from Goodreads:

In Allison Rushby's Heiresses, three triplets--estranged since birth--are thrust together in glittering 1926 London to fight for their inheritance, only to learn they can’t trust anyone--least of all each other.

When three teenage girls, Thalia, Erato and Clio, are summoned to the excitement of fast-paced London--a frivolous, heady city full of bright young things--by Hestia, an aunt they never knew they had, they are shocked to learn they are triplets and the rightful heiresses to their deceased mother's fortune. All they need to do is find a way to claim the fortune from their greedy half-brother, Charles. But with the odds stacked against them, coming together as sisters may be harder than they think.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks to Pan Macmillian for supplying me with the book for the giveaway.

May the best person win. Good luck.

Review: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare
Publication Date: March 19, 2013
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Number of Pages: 568
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy

Tessa Gray should be happy - aren't all brides happy?
Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute.
A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.

The conclusion to Clare's The Infernal Devices trilogy is probably one of most anticipated books of the year. The book picks up not long after the last one left off. Tessa is busy planning her wedding, while Will trains his sister Cecily to be a Shadowhunter. And due to tragedy, which honestly I thought was very clever of Ms. Clare, Gabriel comes to the Institute to live.

Even though it's been quiet, Mortmain looms over everyone's minds. Having brought all of the drug Jem needs and even stopped shipping, Jem doesn't have much time left. In which Mortmain makes his move and kidnaps Tessa. Jem, on his death bed, tells Will to go after her and bring her back safe.

I don't want to go into much detail, trying to keep everything spoiler free. But there are a few twists. Most of the theories out there are right in some way. I wished Magnus was in the book more than what he was. But he was amazing as always. And the couples that end up together! Everyone is perfect!

One of my favorite quotes, it's just perfect and I can't stop laughing everytime I read it.

"The next time one of our esteemed members turns into a worm and eats another esteemed member, we will inform you immediately."

Most of our questions were answered in the book. I was more surprised what Tessa ended up being, and thinking about it more raises a few more questions. I'm still not sure how I feel exactly about the ending. One part of me feels like it was a copout. But the majority what I feel is it's perfect ending.

This book was an emotional roller coaster.It will make you laugh, cry, even cuss and want to throw the book out the window. Which I will admit I had wanted to do a few times. Did I mention that it will make you cry? There were several times I had to stop reading because I couldn't see the words through my tears. YOU WILL NEED TISSUES WHEN YOU READ THIS BOOK. This book was just about perfect. A few issues I had, but overall amazing.

Rating: 4.5/5

 

Jen's review of "The Girl in the Clockwork Collar" by Kady Cross

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar (Steampunk Chronicles #2) by Kady Cross

Publication date: June 1st, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Number of pages: 416

Format: Paperback

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Description: Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade—the dangerous device Jasper stole from him…for the life of the girl Jasper loves.

One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens.

From the rough streets of lower Manhattan to elegant Fifth Avenue, the motley crew of teens with supernatural abilities is on Jasper's elusive trail. And they're about to discover how far they'll go for friendship.

More than ever, Finley Jayne will rely on powerful English duke Griffin King to balance her dark magic with her good side. Yet Griffin is at war with himself over his secret attraction to Finley…and will risk his life and reputation to save her. Sam, more machine than man, finds his moody heart tested by Irish lass Emily—whose own special abilities are no match for the darkness she discovers on the streets.

Now, to help those she's come to care for so deeply, Finley Jayne must infiltrate a criminal gang. Only problem is, she might like the dark side a little too much….

In the sequel to 'The Girl in the Steel Corset', Finley and the gang find their way heading toward New York City to help out their friend, Jasper who has been arrested for something he may or may not have done. 

Upon arriving, they soon discover that not everything as it seems, and nor are the people. Each one of them will have to navigate their way around the city to try discover the real truth of what went down and find a way to free their friend from this mess he has found himself in.

Meanwhile, Griffin and Finley's relationship takes an interesting turn, as they try to work out just how they feel about one another.
I have loved these two ever since she ran into him at their first meeting in the first book of this series. I knew, I was definitely Team Griffin back then, and I never swayed.
There is this push and pull factor with them. Either they don't think they are good enough for the other, or some other reason, so I was glad there was definite progress made in this book. I can't wait to see where things go next from here on out.

Sam and Emily also have an interesting relationship. She is into him. He is into her, but neither has had the guts to tell the other. Sam thinks he is into Jasper, and Emily just won't acknowledge her feelings enough to tell him.
It was nice to see some progress for these two as well, even if they are side characters. They are important ones.

Last but not least, Jasper learns some valuable lessons in this book, as he finally understands where his true friends life, the truth about his past .. along with some shocking deceptions that he won't see coming.
But by the end, I feel he is better for the things he discovers and knows, which will help him in the long run.

A great sequel, and I can't wait to see what is next.

Rating: 5 out of 5

April's review of 'the Girl in the Clockwork Collar' by Kady Cross

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar (Steampunk Chronicles #2) by Kady Cross
Publication Date: May 22, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teens
Number of Pages: 416
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Description:  In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous.

Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him...for the life of the girl Jasper loves.

One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens.

Even though I loved the book, I didn't think it was as good as the first. Those who love Jack will be disappointed that he's not in the book. But there are mentions of him. Which makes sense since the gang is in NYC trying to rescue Jasper. To save their friend, Finley has to get close a man that is ten times more dangerous than Jack and would not hesitate to kill her. 

Even though my love for Finley and Griffin grew in this book, there were points where I wanted to slap them both. Griffin even broke my heart a few times. At the end they both come to an understanding and hope filled my heart for them. 

If you loved the first one, you will love this. A very quick pace book. And once again I found myself not being able to put this book down, and afterwards wanting more. 

Rating: 5/5 

April's review of 'The Girl in the Steel Corset' by Kady Cross

The Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles #1) by Kady Cross
Publication Date: May 24, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Number of Pages: 473
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Description:  In 1897 England, 16-year-old Finley Jayne is convinced she's a freak. No normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch. Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special . . . that she's one of "them."






Only one word can describe this book. AMAZING. I just couldn't put the book down. I love books with kickass heroine, and Finley Jayne is just that. While she is learning to control and merge both sides of her in one, she can't help but feel a connection to Griffin, the duke who took her in, and has his own band of super heroes that has their own special abilities like Finley. The dark side of her is attracted to Jack, a very dangerous man. 
 
I was immediately on Team Griffin. Even though I do love Jack, and love that he makes Griffin jealous. Griffin is just the perfect gentleman. This book is filled with everything: romance, murder, mystery. Historical romance at it's best with a twist. 

Rating: 5/5