"Shiver" by Maggie Stiefvater [5]

The Cold.

Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house.

One yellow-eyed wolf - her wolf -

watches back. He feels deeply familiar

to her, but she doesn't know why.

The Heat.

Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he

keeps the silent company of the girl he

loves. And then, for a short time each year,

he is human, never daring to

talk to Grace...until now.

The Shiver.

For Grace and Sam, love has always

been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken,

it cannot be denied. Sam

must fight to stay human - and Grace

must fight to keep him - even if it

means taking on the scars of the past,

the fragility of the present, and the

impossibility of the future.

Second book read in the name challenge.

Absolutely brilliant....wow, wow, wow!

I so enjoyed reading this book, that it was read in a day...

Could not put it down...

The author is just fantastic and becoming a firm favourite of mine.

Her writing style is so easy to read, it just flows...

A beautiful love story that you think will just not work and defies logic.

I don't want to say too much about the story as it will give it away, so here is just a little snippet...

'And then I opened my

eyes and it was just Grace and

me - nothing anywhere but

Grace and me - she pressing

her lips together as though she

were keeping my kiss inside

her, and me holding this

moment that was as fragile

as a bird in my hands.'

What I will say is that it is written from Grace's view and

Sam's view, which is really good.

It is definitely a must read...especially teenage girls,they will fall in love with it.

If I could give it more than five stars I would.

Have to Read!

"The Little Giant of Aberdeen County" by Tiffany Baker [3 1/2 ]

Truly Plaice - part behemoth, part witch, part cinderella - is born larger than life into a small minded town. Her birth rocks the pillars of tiny Aberdeen, New York, and breaks her family into smithereens.

She spends a painful childhood in the shadow of her older sister Serena's beauty, and is teased mercilessly for her enormous physique. But when Serena unexpectedly vanishes and leaves her son in Truly's care, Truly must become mistress of a house she did not choose and the unwilling victim of her brother-in-law, Doctor Robert Morgan. Once her childhood tormentor, he now subjects her to brutal criticism and cruel medical experiments that test her endurance past breaking point - but Truly may have more power than he realizes...

First book in the read your name challenge.

The front cover of this book drew my to it and the write up that it was a 'Gothic tale of murder, revenge and redemption'....

Well it has murder and redemption...but it certainly isn't Gothic!

A debut novel for the author and well I struggled a little with it.

For me it took quite a while to get into the story of Truly taking care of her nephew in her brother-in-laws house, and that is where the story gets interesting. It has a few twists and turns and once you get into it, it's interesting to read.

I don't know why they said it was a Gothic tale because to me that implies it's set in a period time like the 1800's or such...this is set in the 1960's.

Interesting read but wouldn't pick it up again soon too read.

So Many Books .... Not enough time ....

Just picked up 4 books that I have been dying to read ....... Just got to find the time now to read them ...

1. The next installment of the Hunger Games .... Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. The 4th book of the Vampire Academy .... Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
3. The first book of a series .... Strange Angels by Lili St Crow
4. And the first book by Aprilynne Pike .......... Wings ...

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins [5]

If it were up to me, I would try to forget the Hunger Games entirely.

Never speak of them. Pretend they were nothing but a bad dream. But the Victory Tour makes that impossible. Strategically placed almost midway between the annual Games, it is the Capitol's way of keeping the horror fresh and immediate. Not only are we in the districts forced to remember the iron grip of the Capitol's power each year, we are forced to celebrate it.

And this year, I am one of the stars of the show.

Katniss Everdeen survived the Hunger Games.

Now the Capitol wants Revenge!

The Second book in the Heart - Stopping Hunger Games Trilogy.

I have been waiting for ages for this next one to come out...and I certainly wasn't disappointed with it at all.

It leaves off after Katniss and Peeta return from the games and the Capitol makes them tour around the districts in celebration of the games. Their lives have changed as they have now been given a more comfortable living situation, but the Capitol are not happy at all.

A visit from President Snow strikes fear into Katniss who thought that it was all over.

Now the games have only just begun and it's a race to see who will survive.

This second book was just as brilliant as the first... I read it in one sitting as I just could not put it down. Full of adventure, suspense, drama, action, a love triangle between the main characters,

it has it all. Can't wait for the final installment to see how it all ends.

If you loved the first one, then your going to enjoy this one just as much.

Brilliant read!

The Touch of Twilight by Vicki Pettersson (2)

Joanna Archer has reluctantly accepted the roles destiny assigned her: Avenger, Savior ... Destroyer.

On the surface she's a sexy, sophisticated socialite, at home among the beautiful people of the Las Vegas upper crust. But Joanna Archer inhabits another world: a place ordinary humans can't see and could never enter ... a dangerous dimension where an eternal battle rages between the agents of Light and Shadow. And Joanna is both.

She never asked for the mantle that's been thrust upon her, but she will not abandon it now that it's hers. Stalked by an enigmatic doppleganger from a preternatural realm, Joanna can feel the Light failing – which is propelling her toward a terrifying confrontation with the ultimate master of evil, the dark lord of Shadow: her father.

Vegas is all about winning big – or losing everything. To save her friends, her future, her worlds, Joanna Archer will now have to gamble it all by fully embracing the darkness inside her.

Well this is the third book in the series .... And it does have abit less language but still I would class it as an Adult book ....

The first two signs of the Zodiac have been fulfilled and now everyone is waiting with baited breath on the third sign ....... Will the Shadow side overshadow the light side of Olivia .... Will she turn her back on her troop to follow her fathers footsteps .......

I quite like the character of Olivia and also of Hunter but again there is alot of language and violence in this one as well ... But then again this series has been classed as 'Dark Urban' ...

I rate this book 2**

The Taste of Night by Vicki Pettersson (2)

Being mortal isn't easy. Being a superhero is even harder.

Even mortal, Joanna Archer was nobody's idea of a victim. But now, infused with the supernatural power to alter the battle between Shadow and Light forever, what she's become is a target. And when a toxic virus invades the valley, her allies are targets are well. To find the cure that will save them, Joanna must embrace her Shadow side ... even if it leads her into an all-out battle with the demons of her past.

The second book of the series Sign of the Zodiac and this one has more bad language than the first and more graphic sexual scenes .......

It follows Joanna who has finally found her place in the Zodiac ... But she is becoming a pawn for everyone around her getting pushed and pulled in different directions ...... She is finding it hard to let go of her old life and embrace her new life as the 'Archer' ..... Will she be able to set a side her personal feelings and function as part of the group or will she catch down her own agenda to the peril of those closest around her ...... Sounds great doesn't it !!! ........ Just a real shame that there is so much sexual references and bad language other wise it would be a great wee story line ....

This is definitely another Adult book even more so than the first of the series so be warned ...

I rate this book 2 **

The Scent of Shadows by Vicki Pettersson (2)

When she was 16, Joanna Archer was brutally assaulted and left to die in the Nevada desert. By rights, she should be dead. Now a photographer by day, she prowls a different Las Vegas after sunset - a grim, secret Sin City where Light battles Shadow - seeking answers to whom or what she really is . . . and revenge for the horrors she was forced to endure.But the nightmare is just beginning - for the demons are hunting Joanna, and the powerful shadows want her for their own . . .

Well everyone is raving about Vicki Pettersson and her latest book has been in the Top Bestsellers list for a while so I thought I would give her a whirl ...

I think after reading so many Young Adult books to go straight into this series was abit of a shock ... Be prepared for bad language and adult themes ......

The story line is interesting with Joanna being forced to leave behind her old life and get thrown into someone Else's life .... She has to try and figure out who she can trust and bring the 'Light' side of the Zodiac's together ....... And it is not everyday that you find out that you are a Superhero ..........

This is the first book of the series and at the moment there are 4 books released ........ This series is definitely one for the adult audience because of the content .....

I rate this book 2**

"Fire Study" by Maria V. Snyder [5]

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder - able to capture and release souls - spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before...

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself - and save the land she holds dear.

The final installment to this series and it was brilliant!

It is rare I think to find a series where each book is as good as the previous, but this is one of them. Really well written, easily read, flows beautifully, and hard to put down until your finished.

This final book finds Yelena coming to terms with her magical ability, although she is being forced too. The Sorcerer that she thought was safely put in the dungeon has escaped with help from a supposed friend, who is out to conqueror her homeland. As her journey to catch these criminals continues she finds strength in her abilities as she uses them, and also her friends.

Yelena discovers who are her real friends and who are not to be trusted... with dire consequences to follow. She learns more about the people around her, and about herself as well.

Absolutely loved this series and will read it again at some point.

The author is writing a new novel entitled "Storm Glass," which is about Opal from this series... so it is an off shoot of sorts. Sounds interesting!

Hope you enjoy this series as much as I did...

A big 5 stars...

Another challenge - Read your name :)

This one looks fun .......... So I thought I would give it a whirl ..............

I - Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
R -
I -
S - Stargrazer by Claudia Grey
H -The Hunger Games - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

L - The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker
E - Ecstasy by Jacquelyn Frank
G - The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
S - Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Heres the link it is really easy to do .........

"Magic Study" by Maria V. Snyder [5]

So far, I've managed to survive. You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and released to become a poison taster, I would have endured enough. But no. the discovery of my magical abilities - powers forbidden in Ixia - has resulted in an execution order. My only chance is to flee to Sitia, my long-lost birthplace.

But Sitia is unfamiliar. I'm treated like an enemy - even by my own brother. Plus I can't control my powers. I want to learn about my magic, but there isn't time. A rogue magician has emerged and I'm targeted as his next victim.

Will my magical abilities save me...or be my downfall?

Usually the second novel isn't as good as the first... well this is just as good!

After surviving all the intrigue from the first novel, Yelena now has to leave the territory of Ixia and her beloved Valek as she has an execution order on her, because she has magical abilities. Finally, Yelena will find out about her family and where she comes from...

Irys is the Fourth Magician from Sitia and she will introduce Yelena to her family and to the world of magic.

All does not go well though... soon Yelena is involved in more murder and mystery and it will be up to her to solve the problem... and to come to grips with her own magical abilities.

A truly wonderful series that you can't put down until your finished. Can't rave enough about it...

You have to read it...

Next book: "Fire Study"

"Poison Study" by Maria V. Snyder [5]

Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die - but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.

But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster - chosen to ensure that the Commander's food is not poisoned - has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed - me - must be offered the position.

As the front cover of this book states: ' This is one of those rare books that will keep you dreaming long after you've read it....

From the moment you pick up this novel to the time it is finished you can not put it down and cannot stop thinking about it. It's a fast packed adventure and suspense all weaved into a fantasy novel...just brilliant.

Yelena is our heroine who is sentenced to death... but through the twist of the law system is given the chance to live... though she is to be the food taster and how long she lives...well that's any ones guess?

Valek, is the Commander's personal security chief and the leader of the vast intelligence network, a chief advisor... is he to be trusted...he has already poisoned Yelena too keep her close.

All Yelena wants is too escape to the Sitia territory and be free of all the pain that she has endured...

but now she has to find the cure for the poison that has been given to her...

but is it all as it seems?

Fantastic debut novel, highly recommend to those that love there fantasy books.

Next in the series : "Magic Study".

"Lament" by Maggie Stiefvater [4 1/2 ]

Sixteen year old Deirdre Monaghan is a prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand - one who can see faeries.

Unexpectedly, Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy named Luke who enters her ordinary life, seemingly out of thin air. But his interest in her might be something darker than summer romance. When a sinister faerie named Aodhan shows up with deadly orders from the faerie Queen, it forces Dee right into the midst of Faerie. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend.

Deirdre had been wishing her summer weren't so dull, but taking on a centuries-old Faerie Queen isn't exactly what she had in mind.

Another wonderfully told Faerie love story about a young musically gifted girl,

who meets and falls in love with a faerie assassin who is sent to kill her. He is intrigued by her, and after getting to know her falls in love as well. It is a forbidden love and now the Faerie Queen is after both of them.

Beautifully written, it is magical and musical and radiates romance and every teenage girl will just love reading this novel.

Of course the story doesn't end here... it continues with the next novel entitled

"Ballard".

Quite enjoying reading the faerie books at the moment and comparing the authors.

A great read... you will enjoy!

The Forest of Hands & Teeth by Carrie Ryan (5)

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets and the Guardians and their power and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future - between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

This is the first book of the RIP challenge that I am doing ...... And I loved it :) ........ It was an easy read and I couldn't put it down .......... Dishes and Kids where left to my poor husband to sort out while I was totally engrossed in the book ........ Like a another reviewer said "putting the book down is not an option."

It is a young adult read and yes it does have Zombies in it ......... I heard that they have decided to make this into a movie which will be brill ...... Reading it did remind me abit of 'The Village' but a totally different concept ..... I will definitely be going out and buying more books by Carrie ...

Ok getting back to the book .... It is about a girl called Mary who lives in a village surrounded by the Unconsecrated ........ She dreams for escaping and hopes that there are other people like her beyond the Forest of Hands & Teeth .... Her whole world changes when her Mother is turned ...... And her only option is to stay with the Sisterhood who claim they are the ones who protect the village ....

If you love fantasy books and of course Zombie books you are going to eat this up ( excuse the pun )

I rate this book 5*****

Here is short trailer put together for the book ...



I am excited as the companion/sequel to The Forest of Hands & Teeth is coming out in the Spring 1010 in USA ......