ARC Review: Fireborn by Aisling Fowler

So I got sent this book when I expressed some interest, because it sounded like something I would love. I don't read much middle grade fantasy anymore, and this has really shown me how much I miss it, some MG can be so interesting and I just flew through this on my commute one day as it was such a gripping storyline - I even almost missed my stop on the train because I didn't want to put it down!

Here it is:

Ember is full of monsters.

Twelve gave up her name and identity to train in the art of hunting them--so she says. The truth is much more deadly: she trains to take revenge on those who took her family from her.

But when Twelve's new home is attacked, she'll find herself on an unexpected journey, where her hidden past is inescapably intertwined with her destiny--and the very fate of her world.

It's books like these that make me remember how much I used to love MG fantasy books - it was a quick read, full of interesting creatures and the plot was just perfect - it drew you in and kept you wanting to know more about the world the book was set in. Aisling Fowler has really written such a stunning book, one that can be loved by children and adults alike.

I absolutely adored the main character Twelve, she was just a hurt young girl with a past that haunted her, but she pulls through that and I really loved reading her come out of her shell and learn more about herself. I've always loved MCs that grow into themselves in books, and I think we will be seeing a lot more growth on Twelve's part if we see any further books in this world - and I really hope we do. She's one of the fiercest and bravest young characters I've read about in a while, everything about her really makes you love her more, especially in the end of this book where you really see her shine.

I think out of everything one of my favourite characters was Dog the guardian of the Lodge where the Hunters live. I always have a soft spot for animals in books, and, well, Dog is just one of my new favourites. I especially loved how he was throughout the book, helping with the young Hunters as he's let out for the first time in many many years. I really hope we see more of his dynamic with Twelve and the others in future books.

Overall, this is definitely a book I can see myself reading again, and I really really can't wait to see more from this storyline - I want to see where it goes and how everything comes together with Twelve's, and the other characters, storyline.

I give this book: 5 cats!

Fireborn is out next week on the 30th September, so you should definitely go and pre-order a copy if you like adventure, magic and magical companions, it's well worth the read!

Review: Brightstorm by Vashti Hardy

So, I won a proof copy of this when Amy from Golden Books Girl done a competition, but I hadn't got round to reading it until now. Mainly because I've only rarely read MG so wasn't too sure, but that concern went right out my head as soon as I started this lovely book.

Here it is:

Twins Arthur and Maudie receive word in Lontown that their famous explorer father died in a failed attempt to reach South Polaris. Not only that, but he has been accused of trying to steal fuel from his competitors before he died! The twins don't believe the news, and they answer an ad to help crew a new exploration attempt in the hope of learning the truth and salvaging their family's reputation. As the winged ship Aurora sets sail, the twins must keep their wits about them and prove themselves worthy of the rest of the crew. But will Arthur and Maudie find the answers they seek?

I absolutely breezed through this book. I started it on the train journey home one day, and finished it by the end of that night. It was short and sweet, and such an easy laid-back read: just what I needed after a busy week. You could say that I fell in love with this book - it's so lighthearted that you just can't help it.

I think the think I loved the most about this book was how it flowed, there were no parts that dragged, and that's a lot different than usual for me but definitely a great thing. The names in this book were one of the things that filled me with joy when reading - they're all so fancy and interesting (e.g. Brightstorm, Culpepper, Welby) - it made me wonder if I could come up with such fascinating names myself too (just for fun).

Also, I will say the idea of Thought Wolves, wolves that can talk to you through mind speak, were so brilliant. I really wish they were real, as I think they'd be so interesting to meet and talk to (and cuddle).

There's not much more I can say other than this was such a gem of a book, really quirky and a great read if you want a pick-me-up, and I really hope to hear more from the Brightstorm twins in the future. I give it 5 cats!

Have you read this book before? What was your favourite part? Comment below!

Review: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

So, I got this book because it was on a kindle daily deal, and I'd loved the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan too and thought I should give this a chance.

I'm glad I did as it was amazingly funny and gave me quite a few chuckles while reading.

Here it is:

How do you punish an immortal?

By making him human.

After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disorientated, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus's favour. 

But Apollo has many enemies - gods, monsters and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go . . . an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood.

Okay, I absolutely loved the Percy Jackson books (I'll probably re-read them soon and review them - so keep an eye out) so I thought that because this mentioned Camp Half-Blood I would give it a try as it would be set in Percy Jackson's world - and it was, he was even mentioned in part of it! In fact, you see quite a few old characters from Percy's books, but you still got a whole new set of MC's which was interesting to see.

My first little love of this book was the chapter beginnings - they all had a small Haiku at the beginning. They were amusing little anecdotes that gave you an idea of what may happen in the chapter you were on, and they will also definitely give you a little smile whenever you start on a new chapter (at least they gave me a smile so I hope they'll give you one too!).

When it comes to Apollo as a character he was one of my favourites out of them all - possibly one of my favourites from all the Percy Jackson books. He was funny throughout the whole book, and also gave me a few chuckles (I rarely laugh out loud when reading) and it was great to see his character development as he learnt to be more human - he slowly started to notice mistakes he was making in both his behaviours and actions and he started to change into a better person.

However, my love goes to one character in particular - Peaches the Kairos. I know, a weird choice, but he sounded so cute, and I want one of my own!

I can't wait to read the other books in this series, and I give this book 4 cats!

Have you read this book series? Did you enjoy it as much as me? Comment below!