Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr (41/2)

“Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.

In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.”

The third book in the series and it has to be one of my favourites !!!!!!!! ......... Melissa definitely has to write a fourth book ...... Please ........ You cannot keep us hanging to find out what happens next !!!!!!

The story line continues with Keenan, Aislinn and Seth the love Triangle ........ Now that Aislinn is Faerie and no longer mortal will her relationship with Seth still continue ...... Or will her strong pull toward her King Keenan draw her into his arms ......... Seth has made some powerful allies in the faeirie kingdom considering he is mortal but will it be enough to hold onto Aislinn ......

Love it ...... New characters being introduced and your old faithful characters that you will love ... This is such an easy book to read my only complaint is that it ended and I wanted more !!!! :( .....

A great book on relationships and trying to juggle them to make everyone happy ....... If you love your fantasy and Faeries you will eat this book up !!!!!!!

I rate this book 41/2 ****

Books in order of series

Wicked Lovely

Ink Exchange

Fragile Eternity

P.S Did I mention that I love the covers to this series ......... I would buy them just on that alone :) ...

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr (4)

"Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance between the Faerie Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly-vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow.

17-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.

The tattoo does bring changes—not the kind that Leslie had dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faerie world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils.

Melissa Marr continues her tales of Faerie in a dark, ravishing story of temptation and consequences, and of heroism when least expected. "

Even though this is the second book in the series it follows the story of Leslie a moral who finds herself strangely drawn to Irial one of the Faerie Kings ..... I would advise to read this book 2nd as it does continue the story with Aislinn and Keenan but only in tiny snippets ....

Melissa has a great way of writing the male characters especially when one minute you really love them and then the next you dislike them .... It is a love/hate relationship .... Brilliant ......

Leslie the main character is getting drawn into a world that no one else can see ...... Those closest to her try to protect her but will not telling her about the other world do her more harm than good? ........

There is abit more violence and graphic descriptions in this book than in the first but you are talking about the Dark Faerie King here not a nice grant your wishes faerie .......

I felt it wasn't as good as the first book but still a really good read .....

I rate this book 4 ****

Books in the series in order

Wicked Lovely

Ink Exchange

Fragile Eternity

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (41/2)

Rule #3: Don’t stare at invisible faeries. Aiislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don’t speak to invisible faeries. Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don’t ever attract their attention. But it’s too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything. Faery intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in this 21st century faery tale.

The first installment of a new series and I loved it ........ Rumours are that it is getting made into a movie as well which is exciting ......

Well seems to be the fad at the moment with the number of Faery books that are floating around at the moment .... And I have to say that this one would be right up there ... I love the characters and especially love Keenan ..... He is one of those characters that you love one moment and dislike the next ........

The story is great with Aislinn suddenly finding herself with some unwanted Royal Faery attention !!!!!!! ......... Will she be able to stay mortal to stay with Seth or will the devilishly handsome Keenan win her over !!!!!!!!!

This book has abit of everything in it with fighting, Fantasy and Romance ....... Looking forward to reading the rest of the series ......

I rate this book 41/2 ****

Books in the series

Wicked Lovely

Ink Exchange

Fragile Eternity

WINNER

The winner of the new Sophie Kinsella book is.......

Elisa Hutchings.

She wrote:

"The Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer is so awesome. You have leading men that can both take your breath away...who could choose?"

Congralutions Elisa. Please email us at exclusivelybooks@hotmail.com and provide us with your mailing address so that we can post the book out to you.

Thank you all for participating. Keep dropping pass, there are ALWAYS new books being reviewed and you never know when we'll run another competition.

Happy Reading

"The Five Greatest Warriors" by Matthew Reilly [5]

Jack West Jr and his loyal team are in desperate disarray: they've been separated, their mission is in tatters, and Jack was last seen plummeting down a fathomless abyss.

IT FINISHES HERE.

After surviving his deadly fall, Jack must now race against his many enemies to locate

and set in place the remaining pieces of The Machine before the coming Armageddon.

WHO ARE THE FIVE WARRIORS?

As the world teeters on the brink of destruction, Jack will learn of the Five Warriors,

the individuals who throughout history have been most intimately connected to his quest.

OCEANS WILL RISE, CITIES WILL FALL.

Scores will be settled, fathers will fight sons, brothers will battle brothers, and Jack and his

friends will soon find out exactly what the end of the world looks like...

If our rating system would go any higher I would give this 10 stars...

For those of you that like action, adventure and a little science fiction in your novels then this series by Matthew Reilly is a must read. From the moment you open to the first page you will not be able to put it down until you have finished the whole novel...

These are not short stories either... each book is around 450 pages.

These are not girly books, so some of you might not enjoy them, but before you dismiss them too quickly I'd give the first in the series a go!

I don't want to give the story line away to much, but it's about saving the human race from the brink of destruction using ancient devices, hieroglyphics, and brute force...

This book is the third in the series with the character of Jack west Jr.

Fantastic read and totally recommend...

I rate this book 5 stars.

In the series...

1. Seven Ancient Wonders.

2. Six Sacred Stones.

3. The Five Greatest warriors.

"A Touch of Dead" by Charlaine Harris [4]

Sookie Stackhouse is everybody's favourite cocktail waitress:

a cute, bubbly blonde... who can read minds. But Sookie's far from being the only person

in Bon Temps, Louisiana with a handicap, what with the local vampire population demanding

their unhuman rights and weres fighting for territory...

In fact, Bon Temps is a pretty lively place these days!

A Touch of dead collects together all the Sookie Stackhouse short stories in one volume.

Absolutely love the Sookie series and thought this was the next in the series...

so I was a little disappointed to find out that it wasn't.

This novel ties up some loose ends if you like... it is a series of short stories that

interweave themselves between some of the original books.

Most of the characters are people you already know and I guess the author felt like that

some of the stories needed more detail to them. Clever idea!

In all there are five short stories.

Well written, and short enough that you could easily finish this novel in a sitting.

Really looking forward to the next book in the series.

For all the Sookie fans you'll enjoy this one...

I rate this book 4 stars.

"The Silver Blade" by Sally Gardner [4 1/2]

The blade of the guillotine falls on the neck of the King himself, and the spirit of the French Revolution lies in tatters. The reign of Terror has begun.

Yann Margoza, the mysterious young man known as the magician, is helping desperate people to escape to England, where Sido, the girl he loves, waits to hear from him.

But Yann's past haunts him. He is in grave danger, and so is Sido. For under the streets of Paris, in the catacombs, the howl of a great beast can be heard. And a boy with angelic looks and an evil heart is ready to do the bidding of a man who has made a pact with the devil.

An enjoyable second novel.

When we left Yann at the end of the first novel he had rescued Sido and taken her to England to live with her aunt and Uncle. Yann decides to return to Paris to help evacuate those that are innocently being sent to the guillotine. Things don't go as smoothly as they hope and soon Yann and his friends lives are in risk.

Sally Gardner did a good job finishing the story off from the first novel.

Just like her first it is full of murder, magic, secrets and passion and you are swept away into a time of utter terror, where just a wrong look at your neighbour could send you to the guillotine.

Wonderfully written and easily read you will be totally lost inside the story.

Well worth a read.

I rate this book 4 1/2 stars.

GIVEAWAY - it's our first (competition now closed)

Over here at Exclusively Books we love a freebie just as much as anyone.

And for no other reason than just because, we thought we would run our very first giveaway.

We are giving away 1 copy of Sophie Kinsella's new book, Twenties Girl.

It's our bookclub read for November so join us.

To enter, leave a comment and let us know what your favourite chick lit book or author is. Or if you don't like chick lit just leave a nice comment saying so.

One entry per person and the competition closes 9pm central daylight savings time on Sunday, 25th November 2009.

We'll announce the winner on Monday.

Good luck and happy reading.

"The Red necklace" by Sally Gardner [5]

Paris 1789

While the aristocracy dine, dance, gossip, and

gamble their way to disaster, the poor and starving

dream of revolution.

Enter the boy Yann Margoza, destined to be a hero;

Tetu the dwarf, his friend and mentor;

Sido, unloved daughter of the foolish Marquis de Villeduval;

and the sinister Count Kalliovski, who holds

half the aristocracy in thrall to him.

The drama moves from Paris to London and back,

as the Revolution gathers momentum, and the hope of liberty

and the dream of equality are crushed

beneath the wheel of terror.

This is a story that has everything, murder, mystery, passion and even a little magic.

Beautifully written... you will breeze through this novel before you even realize that you have finished.

From the very start to the finish you are transported into the terrifying world of the French Revolution...

Her characters are people that you identify with straight away...

You eagerly encourage Yann to fulfill his destiny...

Your heart breaks for Sido, all she wants is to be loved by her cruel father...

You cringe when the evil Count Kalliovski comes calling at Sido's home to make her father an offer...

Laugh at the antics of Tetu and his friends...

This book leaves you wanting more...literally...

Her story continues with "The Sliver Blade"

For me it is a must read, totally captivating.

I rate this book 5 stars.

"Blackthorn's Betrayal' by Elizabeth Pulford [4]

Blackthorn's greatest desire -

to become a Trahern warrior -

is dangling within her reach.

Blackthorn must embark on a treacherous mission,

travelling deep into enemy territory, to infiltrate the Doane camp.

But the stakes are higher than she could ever imagine.

As the mission takes a sinister twist, her instincts are put to the ultimate test.

Second book in this young teen series.

It has been a few years since Blackthorn has gone to live in the forest

and she has learnt a great deal. Still her one wish, to be recognized as a Trahern warrior

is still not fulfilled. When a man named Esil comes with a certain mission for her, she feels it is the only way she can show that she is worthy of being a Trahern warrior.

Blackthorn still has much to learn and this mission will teach her that.

Another fast-paced adventure that the younger readers will enjoy.

Elizabeth Pulford writes with poetic flare... the story comes to life as you emerge yourself into it.

Plenty of action as well as lessons to be learn.

Great read.

I rated this book 4 stars.

In this series

1. Blackthorn

2. Blackthorn's Betrayal

"Blackthorn" by Elizabeth Pulford [4]

Following the death of her father,

a great Trahern warrior, Alyana is determined

to stay true to her heart and follow in his footsteps.

She flees the confines of her Uncle's

family to make a life for herself in

her beloved forest.

There, she becomes Blackthorn,

the warrior.

But life in the forest is tough

- it's a struggle just to survive.

What a great adventure novel for the young teens. This is a series of novels by this author.

With just over 200 pages I got through this book in a couple of hours, so it isn't too taxing for the kids to read.

As a young girl Alyana has always dreamed of being a warrior just like her father.

With his death she makes the decision to finally achieve this dream.

What she doesn't seem to count on is all the pitfall's that this brings.

For every young boy or girl who has dreamed of being a warrior this series is for them.

It is full of adventure ...

You have to believe in yourself...

and dare to dream...

I rate this book 4 stars.

"The Angel's Game" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon [4]

In an abandoned Barcelona mansion David Martin is working himself to ill health

churning out steamy melodramas under a pseudonym, while yearning for the unattainable Cristina. When his own novel is published, to scathing reviews, David is close to despair.

Then he receives an extraordinary proposal from a reclusive French editor

named Andreas Corelli - a proposal that could bring hi great wealth and fame.

But David has discovered photographs and letters hidden in his house that hint at a sinister

mystery. And, like a slow poison, the history of the place seeps into his bones.

Fifth book read in the romance reading challenge.

What an interesting book this has turned out to be. I initially picked this book up because the cover intrigued me and when I read the back I thought I'd read it for this challenge. It hasn't turned out to be a romance in the true sense of romance novels, but nevertheless it does still come under that title....it has a lot of mystery woven into it too!

David Martin is a struggling author who writes short story's for the newspaper he is working for.

He is befriended by a well known author and taken under his wings. He meets and falls in love with Christina who's father is the driver for the novelist. Over the next 10 years or so of his life changes occur and decisions are made that don't bring him any closer to his beloved Christina.

Then one day he gets involved with a French author and his life takes a dramatic turn and it's a race to save all he loves.

This is a bewitching novel that will keep you guessing until the end and even then you'll

Intrigue, passion, humour and suspense it has it all. Thoroughly enjoyable novel that has twists and plots enough to keep anyone guessing and in between is this romance that is seemingly unattainable.

Well worth the read.

I rated this book 4 stars.

"The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman [4]

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy.

He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a graveyard, being raised by ghosts.

There are dangers and adventures for Bod in the graveyard. But it is in the land of the living, that real danger lurks for it is there that the man Jack lives and he has already killed Bod's family.

"A truly captivating read."

I absolutely loved the movie "Stardust" and when Irish told me that it was the same author I had to read this book, for the read your name challenge.

What a wonderful sense of humour the author has...

All kids from the age of 10 and up would really enjoy reading this novel...

especially the boys!

Who would think that a child could be raised in a graveyard by ghosts and come out normal...

or does he?

Lots of adventure, secrets to uncover, and friendships to make.

Well worth reading.

I rate this book 4 stars.

[Hope he writes one to continue the story.]

Hey I've finished my first challenge...

The Season by Sarah MacLean (5)

Seventeen-year-old Lady Alexandra Stafford doesn’t fit into the world of Regency London – she’s strong-willed, sharp-tongued, and she absolutely loathes dress fittings. Unfortunately, her mother has been waiting for years for Alex to be old enough to take part in the social whirlwind of a London Season so she can be married off to someone safe, respectable, wealthy, and almost certainly boring. But Alex is much more interested in adventure than romance.

Between sumptuous balls, lavish dinner parties and country weekends, Alex, along with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, manages to get entangled in her biggest scrape yet. When the Earl of Blackmoor is killed in a puzzling accident, Alex decides to help his son, the brooding and devilishly handsome Gavin, uncover the truth. It’s a mystery brimming with espionage, murder, and suspicion. As she and Gavin grow closer, will Alex’s heart be stolen in the process?

Well I blame Legs for the bags under my eyes today ....... lol ........ I stayed up until the wee hours reading this novel ....... And for a debut novel it is excellent ........

I love all the characters ....... Especially Blackmoor and Freddy ......... If you just want to be whisked away where Manners are everything ........ Men where either Gentlemen or scoundrels ....... Woman dancing all night and in between all that you have a murder mystery to solve as well .......

This is a gorgeous book to read ........ Nice and clean ........ But with a hint of cheekiness ...... A story of friendship between 3 girls .... And their parents search to find them a husband ....

Ok ...... AS you can see I loved it ........ If you haven't picked a copy up yet ........ Please do ....... And the hardbook cover is lovely ........ This book is definitely one for the book shelf ......

I rate this book 5*****

Books in order of Series

The Season

Hurray yes she is going to be doing 2 more to this Series .... Hopefully coming out 2010 !!

The Struggle (The Vampire Diaries) by L J Smith (4)

In book two of the first Vampire Diaries omnibus, The Struggle, Elena quickly realizes that the only thing more dangerous that being in love with a vampire is being desired by two. As Stefan struggles to suppress his instinctive thirst, Damon persists in his quest for Elena's heart. A dark turn of events forces Elena to risk her mortality to save one of her immortal suitors.

The second book in the series .... 'The Vampire Diaries' .... namely 'The Struggle' and as the title suggests it is a struggle for Elena to choose the right brother !!!

Really fast paced and I read it in a couple of hours ...... Loved it ...... And now have to go out and scout around for the next few books .........

Damon just doesn't seem to want to leave ....... He has his eyes set on Elena and no one else will do ........ Can Stefan protect her? ......... And will the towns people start to get suspicious?

Again really well written that you really don't want to put it down ....... I love the characters and you cannot help but love the bad boy Damon !!!

Another great fantasy read !!!

I rate this book 4****

Warning: There is some blood-drinking in this book !!

The Awakening (The Vampire Diaries) by L J Smith (4)

In book one of the first Vampire Diaries omnibus, The Awakening, Elena is a high school golden girl, the one boys want and girls want to be. And Elena is used to getting what she wants. When she meets handsome, haunted Stefan, he struggles to resist her because of his dark secret. Stefan is torn by guilt over his past, and mindful of the threat that his vengeful brother, Damon, poses to anyone Stefan gets close to. Soon Elena finds herself torn between two brothers—and in terrible danger.

This is another series that you have bound to have heard of because of the new series that just started based on the books. The Vampire Diaries Books have been out a while well before Twilight so it was interesting to see if there was any similarities with the two of them .....

The characters in the series are a little bit different than the book but I suppose it had to be fluffed out abit of TV ....... But don't get me wrong I am lovin the Tv series at the moment ...

Anyway back to the book ...... Elena is blond, feisty, and the queen bee of the school ... Everyone adorns her or wants to be her ...... Her parents died 3 years prior and her and her baby sister are now living with her Aunt .... Things start to change when a new mysterious boy starts to turn heads ...... But for some reason he is avoiding Elena ...... She is going to have to use all her womanly charms on in order to catch him ...

But then strange things start to happen around town ..... And the eerie feeling that someone is watching her ........ Enter handsome but bad Damon ...

I took me abit to get the character of Elena in my head because she is different than the character in the TV series ....... But she is one Strong lady :) ........

I really enjoyed the book and it flowed really well ... Interested on how the relationship between the two brothers develop as the books go on ....

So if you love your fantasy and Vampire Books this is a must series for you to own and read ....

I rate this book 4 ****

Books in the series in order:
The Awakening
The Struggle
The Fury
Dark Reunion
Nightfall

And just to wet your appetite here's a pic of the cast of 'The Vampire Diaries' check it out if you haven't already ....

"No Going Back" by Jonathon Langford [4]

The book club was offered to review a book that is about to be published in the states entitled

"No Going Back"

The story basically is about a young Latter-Day-Saint boy who discovers that he likes boys and how he deals with the beliefs he has and the feelings that come with this problem. He wants to be a good Mormon boy and he believes that being gay is wrong in God's eyes and his, but he has these overwhelming feelings that are hard to control.

The book goes into how his family feel about him coming out and also his best friend and how he deals with it as well as his family.

Having three boys of my own this story touched my heart. While I personally feel being gay is wrong, I don't feel it is right to persecute others who wish to explore this way of life.

I thought the author did a good job of writing from a boys point of view and as a mum it helped me a little to see where they are coming from.

I was a little disappointed with the way that the author chose to use bad language in it. I don't think he dealt fairly with the reaction from the members in the ward or the bishop. I think that some people will have a hard time understanding some of the terminology, unless they have had some experience with the Mormon church.

Overall it was well written. To me though I think it is a young adult read, not for kids.

Well done for a first novel.

I'd rated this book 4 stars.

Memoirs of a Scandalous Red Dress by Elizabeth Boyle [3 ]

What if all you have are the memories of a rake...

and the scandalous red dress that nearly brought you to ruin?

Reminders of the kisses he stole? Or his seductive, rakish smile as he charmed his way into your bed, stole your innocence and your heart? To proper and respectable Philippa, Lady Gossett,

such memories are best locked away. At least, so she thinks, until a stranger arrives

on her doorstep and offers her a chance to tempt fate once again...

to tempt Dash back into her life and quite possibly into her bed...

This is the third book in this series.

I actually struggled a little with this one for some reason...

It is written in the present which is 1837 and then goes back into the past of 1814.

While the flow between present and past isn't a problem, the story just doesn't quite grab you.

Pippin is the main character, she is the cousin to Tally who we meet in the book 'Confessions of a Little Black Gown'.

Her hero is the dashing pirate, Captain Thomas Dashwell.

The story and writing flow well, but I just couldn't relate to either character for some reason.

I found it dragged on a little with explaining the history of this couple and finding their way

back to each other. There is romance between them and they fall in love with each other. But due to circumstances they are separated for about 20 years.

In this period each has moved on with their lives...

but they still remember the passion they felt.

The question is... can they forgive each other and rekindle that passion?

Not a favourite in the series.

I rate this book 3 stars.

Australian Borders 100 Favourite Books of All Time

Click Here to see if your favourite made it on to the list.

That time of year again :)

Well it is that time of the year again when we pick our choices for next years reads ..... So here is what we have got so far .........

Irish

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

The Lacemakers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri

Kristie

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Legs

The Shack by William P Young

In the Woods by Tana French

Samantha

Loving Frank: A Novel by Nancy Horan

Sharon

Austenland - A Novel by Shannon Hale

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George



Native

Have a Little Faith - A true Story by Mitch Albom

The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet

"The Book of Tomorrow" by Cecelia Ahern [4]

Tamara Goodwin has always lived in the here and now,

never giving a second thought to tomorrow.

Until a travelling library arrives in her tiny village,

bringing with it a mysterious, large leather-bound book

locked with a gold clasp and padlock.

What she discovers within the pages takes

her breath away and shakes her world to its core.

Tamara Goodwin is your typical spoilt rich kid, who thinks that the world owes her everything,

and when she doesn't get it, she takes it out on her father and who ever else is around.

Her world is shattered when she finds her father has committed suicide and left her and her mother in financial ruin.

They move to the country and live with Tamara's aunt and uncle.

They live in what was called a gatehouse next to the castle ruins of Kilsaney Castle.

Tamara is bored and lonely and wanting her life back in Dublin, but things change when a travelling library passes through.
Tamara uncovers deep secrets from the past that will affect her world forever...through a mysterious leather bound book.

A really wonderful story of how tomorrow can effect today.

How stepping out of your comfort zone can make you a better person.

A wonderful book that all young adults should read.

A quick warning...there is a little bad language.

I rate this book 4 stars.