Blog tour: Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini

 I'm so excited to be on the blog tour for the newest release from Christopher Paolini - Fractal Noise! Make sure to check out the other stops on the tour too, and grab a copy of the book as it's out now! Here it is:

On the planet Talos VII, twenty-three years before the events of To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, an anomaly is detected: a vast circular pit, with dimensions so perfect that it could only have been the result of conscious design. So a small team is assembled to learn more – perhaps even who built the hole and why. Their mission will take them on a hazardous trek to the very edge of existence.

For one explorer, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. For another, a risk not worth taking. And for xenobiologist Alex Crichton, it’s a desperate attempt to find meaning in an uncaring universe. But every step they take towards that mysterious abyss is more punishing than the last. Ultimately, no one is prepared for what they will encounter.

So, Christopher Paolini is one of my favourite authors, and as soon as he started telling us about branching into Sci-Fi, I knew I'd be picking up whatever he wrote. It was definitely worth it, and now he's gone and wrote a prequel to the beast of a book that is To Sleep in a Sea of Stars. I would say, if you are a bit worried about starting the giant TSiaSoS, you could very easily read this book as a standalone, or read it first if you want to start small. There's nothing in this that would confuse you or make you not understand what was happening, everything in it is well explained, so you can definitely read this first if you want to jump into something smaller to begin with!

Now getting into the actual book - this was definitely a fascinating read. The characters were so well written, each having different motives for going to explore the new planet. The MC and narrator, Alex, was especially an interesting person to read the POV of. Although you were exploring the new planet, and had lots of information thrown at you about that, you also get to read about his reason for exploring - the death of his partner. It can be a bit hard hitting at time as the book leans on that, but you really get to see his struggles with grief and at times you really feel like you are living it with him and I just found that such a thought-provoking way of reading - not one I've really dealt with before in a book, but one I would definitely read again if they're written as well as this was.

I think the suspense of getting closer to the centre of the hole they found on the planet was really well done - and the noise that the hole is making follows you through the book with a 'Thud' every few lines. I found this really good at keeping the suspense and also I think it really made you feel how much that noise would affect you if you were in the book too. I especially loved that it slowly got larger as you read, as if you really were in the book and could see how much it would affect the explorers the nearer they got.

I'll admit, I am a bit rusty in my sci-fi reading, so quite a bit of the terminology went over my head, but it was still a smooth read and I really didn't want to put the book down after starting it was so gripping. I think that the writing was so good, because even if you aren't the best with sci-fi terminology you can still pick up the plot and read along, and if you are a sci-fi buff then you'll love it too! 

Overall, I give this book: 5 cats!

Make sure to check out the other stops on the tour below, it's running until the 2nd June, and go pick up a copy of the book! It will definitely be worth it - and if you loved TSiaSoS in sure you'll love this too. I can't wait to see what else Paolini will come up with in the world of sci-fi!

Blog Tour: Blood Metal Bone by Lindsay Cummings

 So today I have a blog tour post for you all! Blood Metal Bone just sounded so interesting that I thought I would take part, and so my review is below. Don't forget to check out some other stops on the tour too.

Here's the blurb:

Her destiny was death. The shadows brought her back.

Wrongly accused of her brother’s murder, Sonara’s destiny was to die, sentenced to execution by her own mother. Punished and left for dead, the shadows have cursed her with a second life as a Shadowblood, cast out and hunted by society for her demon-like powers.

Now known as the Devil of the Deadlands, Sonara survives as a thief on the edge of society, fighting for survival on a quest to uncover what really happened to her brother and whether he is even dead at all…

I mean, after a blurb like that how could you resist reading it? I sure couldn't, especially as it was described as something fans on Throne of Glass would like, and that is one of my favourite series. It definitely didn't disappoint - I found this a fascinating book. It's a standalone, which I am grateful for because I don't think I'd have been able to wait to see what happens, so it's definitely good if you're looking for a quick fantasy fix. But, on top of that it was quite original because it was a mix of both fantasy and Sci-Fi - something I was not expecting at all.

A fantasy book, in the form of Sonara and her Shadowblood, and a Sci-Fi book, in the form of a MC Karr being a space smuggler. And, if you really want to be picky you can also add a hint of a Western theme thrown in too! It may sound like a bit much, but I found it all blended in perfectly to create a unique plotline that was something I never even knew I needed in a book.

It did take me a little while to get used to the shock that it was a mix, as I went in expecting a total fantasy book (my mistake for not looking at the tags!), but once you get used to it you end up getting into the flow of things and really enjoying the mystery of what is happening and figuring out where, exactly, the book is going.

I will say this though, as you got towards the very ending of the book the writing was just spectacular, and as the MC Sonara was finding her way some of the snippets of her thoughts just stuck with me, her thought process was just beautifully written and, as I've mentioned many a time before, I absolutely adore when we see a MC come into themselves and really become a powerful character. Mix these powerful main characters in with all the information coming together towards the end and you have an absolutely gripping novel that you will want to read again and again.

Overall, I give this book: 4.5 cats!

Blood Metal Bone was released on the 7th January, so make sure to go and pick up a copy, I guarantee you will not regret it!

Review: To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

So, I will be one to say I was exited when I learnt that Christopher Paolini was writing a new book, as I do love the Eragon series. When I found out it was a sci-fi book I was definitely intrigued, I've recently found I like space themed books, but I have never really tried to read a whopper like this. I absolutely adored it though, and definitely recommend it. Here it is: 

Kira Navárez dreamed of life on new worlds 

Now she’s awakened a nightmare 

During a routine survey mission on an uncolonized planet, Kira finds an alien relic. At first she’s delighted, but elation turns to terror when the ancient dust around her begins to move. 

As war erupts among the stars, Kira is launched into a galaxy-spanning odyssey of discovery and transformation. First contact isn’t at all what she imagined, and events push her to the very limits of what it means to be human. 

While Kira faces her own horrors, Earth and its colonies stand upon the brink of annihilation. Now, Kira might be humanity’s greatest and final hope . . .

Can I just say, I was absolutely lost for words when I finished this book, it was that amazing. It was everything I expected when I first heard about it, and so much more. I was a bit intimidated when I first went into the book, not having read much sci-fi and also with how long this book is - over 800 pages! However, once you start you get sucked straight in. Even with the more scientific references you are still able to keep up with the book, and the plot really draws you in.

When you really get into the story you get hooked so easily as there's so much action and really big twists that you would never expect, but I suppose that's what's best about this book. In fact, the plot to this book was just mind-blowing, so much so that it kept me on edge wondering what was going to happen and the last 20% blew me away, it was so full of emotions and I even teared up at one point it was written so beautifully. 

I got my finished copy not long before publication (thanks to Tor for my review copy) and I just had to take a look through at the diagrams in the book - I love diagrams! They will definitely come in handy when I have a re-read, and I think a re-read is definitely in order just to see if I missed anything.

Overall, I loved this book and it's just proven that Christopher Paolini is an amazing writer, and one I will always read. I definitely recommend picking up a copy of this beast of a book.

I give this: 5 cats!

Have you read this yet? Comment below if so to tell me what you thought!

ARC Review: The Unspoken Name by A. K. Larkwood

I got gifted an ARC of this book by Tor after requesting it because it sounded right up my street. I'm glad to say that I was right, and it definitely didn't disappoint.

What if you knew how and when you will die?

Csorwe does — she will climb the mountain, enter the Shrine of the Unspoken, and gain the most honored title: sacrifice.

But on the day of her foretold death, a powerful mage offers her a new fate. Leave with him, and live. Turn away from her destiny and her god to become a thief, a spy, an assassin—the wizard's loyal sword. Topple an empire, and help him reclaim his seat of power.

But Csorwe will soon learn – gods remember, and if you live long enough, all debts come due.

Oh, I don't know where to start with this book at all - it was one of them books you really want to savour and so I read it slow and steady so I could really take everything in, and wow was there so much to take in! It was such a beautiful setting, and I'm just sorry I didn't get a map in the ARC, I would love to visualise everything so much more. This is probably why  I'll be grabbing a finished copy, to help me to really get stuck in with visuals on any future rereads.

I think that the fantasy world built by the Larkwood is just so beautiful and complex and I loved the idea that there is a maze with all the different worlds connected that you can get to through Gates, it just seems so wondrous and I really wish that it was a real concept because I think it would be such an adventure to go around visiting individual worlds and seeing the different places and cultures.

If you like Sci-Fi or Fantasy, or even them both mixed together, this is the book for you - add in a bit of LGBT romance and I'm sure it will tick so many boxes for certain people. Add to this that you get the see the MC Csorwe really grow and empower herself as she gets away from being the Bride of the Unspoken and it makes a stunning book that you don't want to put down.

I admit, it took me a while to get into it, but that's because I am someone who loves to make sure she's pronouncing things right, and checking to see who each character is, and this is helped by the pronunciation guide at the front of the book. I do love a guide, but that is something I kept flicking back to so I can check everything, so I think that the flow was disrupted because of that. But, if you're better at me and don't need the guide then you're probably going to get into the book a lot easier than me, and I'm sure once I re-read it I'll be breezing through the beginning of the book.

Overall this book is just immersive and intense, full of twists and turns you wouldn't be able to guess and heroic rescue plots, so I really think you should all go and grab a copy as soon as you can. It's out on 20th February so get pre-ordering now!

I give this book: 5 cats!

Have you read this already or do you plan to read this? Comment below! (and go buy a copy)

Blog Tour: Storm of Ash by Michelle Kenney

There are no words to explain how excited I was to be a part of the blog tour for Storm of Ash, I've loved each book of this series and I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed by the finale, which turned out to be true. 

If you're interested my reviews for the first and second books are here: Book Of Fire [1],  City of Dust [2])

Here's the description for this one:

"As Talia treks back through the treacherous North Mountains, she knows only three things:

Pantheon has stolen nearly everyone she loves;

Her blood is the only control over the Voynich’s oldest secret;

And Cassius won’t stop hunting Arafel until every last outsider is destroyed.

Will Talia finally face her legacy and defeat Cassius before it is too late?"

Let's just start with one thing - this beautiful cover. I mean, what an absolutely amazing cover, and it just totally fits with the plot of this book so well, when you read it you'll soon find out just why it is as it is. 

Now that the oohing over the cover is over with, can I just say wow. Guys, this was everything I wanted from the last book in the series.... it's just the epic conclusion you need/want from any trilogy. Even if there were some heart breaking scenes throughout - it did definitely take me on yet another emotional rollercoaster like the last book (thanks for the feels Michelle). I couldn't keep up with all the emotions I was cycling through whilst reading this, but it was all worth it for how the series ended.

I have always said that Talia is such a good character, and in this book it was no different, she really had to navigate some difficult things throughout and she managed it brilliantly. I think that's why I like her so much, throughout the books you always see the shine of her outsider heritage, even in difficult times. I think 'feral cat' was definitely a great way to describe her.

Also, not spoiling anything but I'll just say I still love August, even with how much I like outsiders, I will forever be #teamaugust. Now I just need to find my own August in the real world *sigh*.....

One last thing: I seriously can't get over my love for Unus the Cyclops in this series.... He's such a beautiful, friendly character and rereading just made me remember all of that. The friendship between Talia and Unus is definitely one of my new favourite friendships from a series.

I really really hope to see more of this world that Michelle has built, but either way I know I'll be reading any future books that come from her.

Overall l give this book: 5 cats!

Have you read the series? If not I highly recommend them! And don't forget to take a look at some of the other stops on the blog tour for this!

Review: Distortion by Victor Dixen

So, I was so glad to get accepted on Netgalley for a copy of this, as I adored the first book in the series (my mini review for that can be found HERE)

But, here's this book:

Six girls, six boys: looking for glory and romance on Mars 

They thought they were masters of their destiny.

They are the twelve pioneers of the Genesis programme. 

They thought they were taking part in the most extraordinary of missions.

In fact, they are the victims of the cruellest of plots.

Leonor was looking for glory - and love - on Mars.

She thought she would be able to open her heart there. 

But what she has done is open up a Pandora's box of her past ...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I am really into the space thing at the moment! I don't think I've read many before I started blogging but I'm seeing them pop up more and more often now and I am all for this, its such a wide thing to write about so there so many untapped opportunities in it, and I really think that this is one of them: speed dating in space.

Well, I say that, this is more of a 'will they colonise Mars' plot as compared to the last book, but it definitely had more of the romances in as the final couples get married and start their lives. It was definitely interesting to see the development, as in the last book the couples only saw each other for their speed dating sessions.

I also loved that the plot got even more twisted in this book, there are so many different twists and turns and little threads coming together, leaving you to ask questions and wonder what will happen and how everything will come together in the end - and oh gosh guys, this book is certainly left in an interesting place, I can't believe I have to wait until next year to find out what happens!

You definitely begin to connect with the characters a bit more in this book, as they finally all come together and you see their real personalities as opposed to their speed-dating personalities, and you see a lot more of the boys in this one too, which makes it a whole lot better.

Altogether, definitely a great second book, and one you'll be speeding through, and you'll definitely not want to put it down towards the end!

I give this: 4.5 cats!

Have any of you read this series? What do you think? And what are your opinions on space books? Comment below!

Review: City of Dust by Michelle Kenney

So, I got this from the Author (and on Netgalley) for an early review but it took me so long to put into words, and I've been in a bit of a blogging slump that I've only just got round to reviewing it.

If you were wondering about this series I reviewed the first in it - Book of Fire previously and that can be found HERE.

Well, here's the book:

The fight is never over.

Life in Arafel is no longer safe. Not since August’s disappearance, and whispers of a ghost controlling Pantheon.

Meanwhile, Talia stands torn between secretive twin, Eli, and best friend, Max.

Betrayal forces Talia to leave the sanctuary of her forest home as she pursues the stolen Book of Arafel. A book which could destroy the freedom of all those she loves if it falls into the wrong hands. And when she enters the ancient ruined city of Isca, she fights to protect the vulnerable from the iron grip of the Pantheon, while learning to fight for the man she loves.

But with the shadow of the Black Aquila looming ever closer, will she put the freedom of others above her own, or will she follow her heart?

Okay, I will just say this, this book will leave you hanging in a way which makes you wish you could grab the next book and read it all to find out what happens. It will also tug on your heart strings, I admit I definitely went on an emotional rollercoaster while reading this - ups and downs and twists and turns came together to make an absolutely amazing book that I couldn't put down.

I think the thing I loved the most about this was you got to meet a boat load of new characters - and I love to meet new people in a series, it makes it so much more interesting. That, and the new creatures from mythology coming to life really absorbs you, and it's one of the reasons I could easily re-read these books - the characters and creatures just jump off the page.

Also, guys, FLUORESCENT CAT came back!! Well, kinda, this one was only partly fluorescent, and now I can't decide whether I would want a totally glow in the dark cat, or one that only has a fluorescent nose and ears.... which would you choose?

You also, of course, got to see more of Talia and Max, and a little of August too - and guys, I am still obsessed with this love triangle, but I think I will always be #TeamInsider/#TeamAugust. I just can't wait to see how it goes in the next book.

Overall, an amazing extension to the series, and I actually want to cry that I'll have to wait until next year to see what happens to the whole lot of characters.

I give this book: 5 cats!

Do you love this series as much as I do? Are you itching for the next like me? Comment below!

June Wrap-Up!

Yet another wrap-up for a busy travel-reads month! Some great things have been read and reviewed, and these are just a few of them with some mini-reviews attached.

Ruins (Sentinel #2) by Joshua Winning

I loved the first book in this series, but with so much to do it took me a while to get round to reading this which was a shame as it was even more action packed than the last book was, and kept me hooked when I had time to read.

I loved meeting all the new characters - my favourite being Nale with his faithful dog Zeus - and it was definitely interesting to see a few new POVs too - specifically Rae and Dawn (though Dawn's POV didn't last too long). I always think it's nice to get some back stories - and this book done that perfectly, which really helped me to connect to the characters a bit more. Though, I admit I still would have loved to see more of Malika's backstory!

Plus, I think this book was left in the most enticing way possible - it made me want to read the next one ASAP - but I'll be saving it for a little while longer. I give this book 5 cats!



Ariadnis By Josh Martin

I got this book when I went to Drink YA in one of the goodybags, and it looked so interesting that I picked it up relatively quickly considering my TBR pile is getting larger and larger. I loved the premise, and the plot kept me hooked wondering just where this would turn out.

I think the one downside I could find was the short chapters, switching between the two MCs did confuse me a bit at first because I got a bit confused as to who was who and trying to figure out the two different cities, but I got over that and then I got sucked in.

I think one of the cutest things were the illustrations of the MCs on the back inside cover, they really helped me to imagine everything, that and the illustration of the two cities before the book started. Overall, definitely an interesting read, and I saw there was another book in the series which I will definitely be picking up! I give this book 4 cats!

Ascension by Victor Dixon

So, I got this on Netgalley, and then won a finished copy in a competition on twitter, but I was a bit late to read it. Which is such a shame because it was amazing.

I've not read many space books, but it seems to be something that's coming back, and I kinda love it because there are so many takes on space to go for, and this was just one amazing take on space travel. Speed dating has always interested me - how can you possibly meet someone and decide so quickly on if you like them or not? - and add in a bit of space this made this such an interesting read!

I already want the next book, even though this has just come out, and I can't wait to see what will happen to everyone after the crazy conclusion! I give this: 5 cats!



Under a Sardinian Sky by Sara Alexander

I got invited to a HQ event, where they showed off some upcoming books. A lot of them weren't my usual (AKA they were adult fiction not YA) but I picked up lots of new books including this one.

I adored it. That's all that I can say really. It was such a nice refreshing read, just what I needed when I was in a bit of a YA slump, and it made me really just want to go to Sardinia to see if it's as beautiful as the author described it.

I think what I liked most about this book was the fact that it was a mix of historical and modern day, which is something I do love in books, and it also had a tiny bit of mystery so I was left guessing what would have happened to the MC throughout. Plus, it was so nice to go back to a romance read, I used to read them a lot more a few years ago, but got into Fantasy after a while instead.

Overall, I give this 5 cats! I'll definitely be reading more like it (and I picked up the authors next book so that will be interesting!)

ARC Review: Nyxia by Scott Reintgen

I got this book from Netgalley, for an honest review.

So, I am especially happy to be posting this as it was this book which was my first Netgalley acceptance, so, although I had to wait a while to post this review, know that I wanted to post it ages ago and share this amazing book with you.

And when I say amazing, I mean amazing. This was one book that pulled me in quickly and then left me wanting more at the end.

If you're a fan of the Maze Runner series by James Dashner or The Testing series by Joelle Charbonneau then I'm sure you'll love this series too.

So, here it is:

Emmett Atwater isn’t just leaving Detroit; he’s leaving Earth. Why the Babel Corporation recruited him is a mystery, but the number of zeroes on their contract has him boarding their lightship and hoping to return to Earth with enough money to take care of his family.

Forever.

Before long, Emmett discovers that he is one of ten recruits, all of whom have troubled pasts and are a long way from home. Now each recruit must earn the right to travel down to the planet of Eden—a planet that Babel has kept hidden—where they will mine a substance called Nyxia that has quietly become the most valuable material in the universe.

But Babel’s ship is full of secrets. And Emmett will face the ultimate choice: win the fortune at any cost, or find a way to fight that won’t forever compromise what it means to be human.

At first, when I started reading this book, I was worried I wouldn't be able to get into it easily, as sometimes I have trouble when a book has a male POV. But, my worries were for nought, I got sucked into this world so quickly, enough that I had trouble putting my kindle down! (unfortunately I had to as the week I was reading this was a full work week, so I had to read it during breaks - though I did end up being a bit late back from breaks because I lost track of time while reading this) 

But, isn't it just great when you find a book that you just don't want to put down? It just shows how amazing that book is.

I loved the way the author wrote the characters, especially the main character Emmett, it was so easy to connect to Emmett in the book, which was unusual for me as I sometimes have trouble connecting with with male characters. 

One thing I loved was the way that the author had Emmett filing away his emotions under different letters e.g A for Anger, it was an interesting way to get the reader to connect with emotions. In fact, I think it just helped to make this book an emotional rollercoaster, with all the ups and downs and different emotions shown throughout.

One thing I'm sure anyone would agree on who has read this or who will read this book is that there are so many twists and turns, and all because of the machinations of the company Babel, who was in charge of the space mission. Babel has so many secrets that it had me trying to guess them all while reading, and let me tell you, I didn't even manage to come close to guessing what the secrets were (of the ones that were revealed in this book). 

I've been left trying to guess what the other twists will be in the next book, and I'm sure that Scott Reintgen will not disappoint in that respect, but I just feel like I can't wait for the next book to come out!

I give this book: 5 Cats!

All I can say about this book is that it will leave you hooked and wanting more, so I think you should all read it if you love SciFi books!

ARC Review: Book of Fire by Michelle Kenney

So, I got this book from Netgalley, as an e-copy in exchange for a review.

I was extremely excited to read it. I had a bit of a slump while reading, so it took me longer than usual, but my slump was definitely not because of this book.

I loved this book. One word I can think of to describe it, is: Amazing.

Here it is:

Life outside the domes is not possible. At least that’s what Insiders are told.

Twins Eli and Talia shouldn’t exist. They’re Outsiders.

Their home is a secret. Their lives are a secret. Arafel is a secret.

An unexpected forest raid forces Talia into a desperate mission to rescue her family while protecting the sacred Book of Arafel from those who would use it as a weapon. As Talia and her life long friend Max enter the dome, she makes some unexpected discoveries, and allies, in the form of rugged Insider August, that will change the course of her life forever.

She’ll stop at nothing to save her family but will she sacrifice her heart in the process?

The Fire Sermon meets Gladiator in this brilliant YA debut.

Guys, I just do not know how to express my love for this book. It was so good! If I hadn't have had my slump I would have read this so quickly I'm sure, and I will probably re-read it a few times too!

This book is all about Talia, a girl who lives in a forest village, after a nuclear war. The world is split into 'Insiders' who survived inside a Dome after the devastation from the war, and 'Outsiders' who, according to those inside the Dome, should not exist.

While in this book, you see so many wild and weird creatures, all thanks to the genetic engineering of the Insiders. Creatures from history and mythology, such as Griffins or Cyclops, and just random creatures, like fluorescent cats. (This particular cat was only mentioned in the book once, but you know what I'm like with cats, so it stuck with me!).

The imagery in this book is just stunning, and it had me able to imagine all of the little details of the creatures, and places, and so I definitely congratulate Michelle on how well this little book world is written.

And guys, I doubt I've said this before, but I do love a love triangle! I don't know why, but they really draw me in to a book, and I love to take sides (apparently I usually choose the least popular side).

And what did this book give me? A love triangle! Talia had to choose between an Insider, August, and an Outsider she grew up with, Max.

I'm so routing for her and August (feel free to disagree with me in the comments if you've read the book!).

So, yes, a love triangle, genetic engineering, a Fluorescent cat, and a strong female main character, it all makes an amazing book that I highly recommend!

My rating: 5 cats!

This book is out this week (25th August) and it has recently been confirmed that it will be part of a trilogy! Yay!

Have any of you read this? Or are planning to read this? Comment below!

Review: Magpie's Song by Allison Pang

So, this was a later request of mine from Netgalley, but as it was soon to be published (August 8th) I thought I'd read and review it before my other Netgalley acceptances!

So, as I said, this book is due to be published on August 8th, and before I even review it I'll tell you it is definitely one to read! I was drawn to the cover on Netgalley, and the description had me intrigued, so I decided to be hopeful and request it. And, voila! It got accepted, and I was so happy, as it was my third acceptance from Netgalley!

Here it is:

In the slums of BrightStone, Moon Children are worth less than the scrap they must collect to survive. It doesn’t matter that these abandoned half-breeds are part-Meridian with their ancestors hailing from the technologically advanced city that floats above the once-thriving, now plague-ridden BrightStone. Instead they are rejected by both their ancestral societies and forced to live on the outskirts of civilization, joining clans simply to survive. Not to mention their role as Tithe, leading the city’s infected citizens deep into the Pits where their disease can be controlled. 

Nineteen-year-old Raggy Maggy is no different, despite the mysterious heart-shaped panel that covers her chest. Or at least she wasn’t… Not until her chance discovery of a Meridian-built clockwork dragon—and its murdered owner. When the Inquestors policing the city find Maggy at the scene of the crime, she quickly turns into their prime suspect. Now she’s all anyone can talk about. Even her clan leader turns his back on her, leading her to rely on an exiled doctor and a clanless Moon Child named Ghost to keep her hidden. In return, all she has to do is help them find a cure for the plague they believe was not exactly accidental. Yet doing so might mean risking more than just her life. It also might be the only key to uncovering the truth about the parents—and the past—she knows nothing about.

Isn't the cover just beautiful? I had an e-book version of this book, but for the cover alone I am very tempted to buy the paperback version when it is out. In the kindle version, the breaks in the book are separated by the pretty feathers illustration like the ones on the cover, and it makes the book all the more spectacular (I hope it's like this in the paperback too).

I liked this book because it had so much going on in it, it was never slow, it was fast-paced and busy and I love books like that. For me, books that are fast paced and never-stopping are much quicker to get through and this book especially made me feel like I was trying to keep pace with Maggy, whether she was running over rooftops, shimmying up drain-pipes or just trying to find a place to hide. It was just such an action packed book. There is even a little bit of a romance for those of you who like that in your books (a bit of a slow-burn though).

The main character Maggy is my favourite, though I do love some of the other characters too. Come on though, she has an iron heart, a mysterious one at that, one which no-one knows where it actually came from, other than that it is technology from the flying city of Meridion (which no-one has gone to since the mysterious plague broke out in Brightstone). It is the one mysterious thing in this series that I am itching to find out about: why Maggy, an orphan, was given this iron heart in the first place.

I'll warn you now, the end of the book will leave you wanting more as it stops just as you expected more action (I even tweeted the author Allison Pang and told her how much I wanted to read the next book in the series even before the first one had come out).

One thing I actually thought was great about the book was that at the beginning of each chapter was a little rhyme. Granted, they are similar to our rhymes, but with a much darker twist to them, but they were interesting little starts to the chapters and kept me amused through out waiting for the next one on the next chapters.

The next book in the series will be called Magpie's Fall (publication in December) and I know I will definitely be trying to get a copy of it! 

I definitely would recommend this book to Fantasy and SciFi lovers out there, and it can be bought from August 8th!

Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Okay, so, I admit, I used to be a Twihard (obsessed with Twilight) and so, when looking at Stephenie's website I found out about this book: The Host.

The blurb drew me in, it just sounded so interesting, and I bought it. And, guys, this book has had so many uses. Like, the copy I have is very loved and very battered from so much use. So, without further comments, here's the book:

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.

Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining “wild” humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading “soul” who has been given Melanie’s body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn’t expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Wanderer probes Melanie’s thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer’s mind with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body’s desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

One of the things I love about this book is the journey that both Melanie, the human who has been taken over, and Wanderer (later dubbed Wanda), the 'host' that has taken over Melanie's body, take to becoming friends. It's a slow go, but it was great to see the friendship and understanding between the two girls grow throughout the book.

I'll warn you now, the romance situation in this book is certainly weird, but it is also interesting as Wanda learns just what love is, and then later has to decide if it is just Melanie's feelings that she is feeling, or if they are her own. In fact, in this book there is kind of a love triangle (or a love square if you count the fact that Melanie is still her own person in Wanda's mind), so if you like interesting romance plots mixed into YA fantasy/SciFi, this book is definitely for you.

However, the romance side isn't everything in this book, in fact the main plotline of this book that I see is Human's that hate these invaders slowly learning about and understanding them because of the experience of living with one of the other species (Wanda).

All I can say without spoiling anything nearer to the end is that I love this book, and it always seems to make me cry as there are so many different emotions throughout it. I feel like I'm on an emotional rollercoaster when reading this (a good one).

I just love it. And I'd highly recommend it to anyone that like SciFi or Fantasy books.

Have any of you read The Host? And do you agree with my love of the book?