Book Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Title: The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3)
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: 12th Febuary 2013
Read In: Febuary 2013

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In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

This is a review for the third book in the series and therefore it may contain spoilers for Bloodlines and The Golden Lily.

I cannot believe that it has been three and a half year since I picked up Vampire Academy. Here I am, eight books into the world, and I am still in love with it. The Indigo Spell is a brilliant new edition to the world of Moroi, Strigoi, Alchemists and more.

‘If I keep loving you, maybe you’ll eventually crack and love me too. 
It was ludicrous, you couldn’t make someone love you just by loving them. It didn’t matter how charming he was, how good looking, or how funny. An Alchemist and a Moroi could never be together. It was impossible. 
I’m pretty sure you’re already half in love with me.
Very impossible.’

There are two, not one, but two problems that Sydney has to deal with; one with Marcus, the other with Miss Terwiliger’s magic classes. I really enjoyed how the two were blended together. Although how Sydney manages to keep up with her homework I have no idea. It was pretty full on. I just had to keep reading. It is very hard to say anything about the plot without ruining it. You know how it is. Let’s say with the two problems, the tension is upped as is the threat, not just to Jill but, of course, to Sydney herself. This series is definitely heading in a direction I didn’t expect.

I didn’t know how I would feel about Sydney’s developing magical powers at first but it kicked it up a notch in this one. It just seemed to fit with Sydney slowly breaking away from the Alchemists. She gets to learn some pretty impressive stuff. I am wondering where this will lead.

When the Bloodlines series was announced, and that Sydney and Adrian were the leads, my first reaction was, “Oh God. How does that work?” I could not see them together. They are totally different people. Now we are on to book three, and oh boy has Sydney changed. Her view of the world, of other people and how she acts had gradually changed, especially in this one. Talk about challenging beliefs. Adrian has also changed, even if it is not so dramatic. He has matured, that, I feel, is the main thing. He wants different things with Sydney than he did with Rose. You can see that more clearly. I would call it healthier, even if the situation is not so healthy. Sydney and Adrian are now perfect together. I loved reading more about them. After the ending in The Golden Lily, we definitely needed more in this book. Things will never be the same. Each scene together made me smile.

There is no love triangle. I know there were rumours going around but let’s be fair there wasn’t any evidence that a love triangle would occur between Sydney and Marcus. Just guess work based on prior stereotypical YA experience. I would like to thank Richelle Mead for not going down this root. A love triangle wouldn’t have worked. We already have too much of an emotional rollercoaster ride with Sydney and Adrian. But Marcus still has a good part to play. His ideas and beliefs intrigue me rather than him as a person. Looking forward to seeing the part he plays next.

Unfortunately, I am still not as captivated with the whole Jill, Eddie, Angeline drama as I would like. Unlike Christian and Lissa in the Vampire Academy, I am not falling in love with any of the possible couples yet. With everything else going on with Sydney, it feels really side-lined and a tad unnecessary. I am really hoping it builds in the second half of the series.

Richelle Mead is famous for her book three endings. I am not sure this goes up there with the dramatic or heart-wrenching factor. Not in the way I am use to anyway. Oh, it was heart-wrenching but for a different reason to what I expected. Vague, I know. The last two pages however. Let’s just say I swore and couldn’t stop laughing with agony that I have to wait until the end of the year for the next book. Definitely the best cliff-hanger, of the series, so far.

Heart-wrenching, captivating, this is Richelle Mead. I cannot wait to see where this series is heading. Yes, it is still somewhat unclear. An excellent addition. I love it.

 Becky

Book Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Title: Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Puffin
Release Date: 7th February 2013
Read In: February 2013

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This is not the fairytale you remember.
But it’s one you won’t forget.
Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. The police have closed her case. The only person Scarlet can turn to is Wolf, a street fighter she does not trust, but they are drawn to each other.
Meanwhile, in New Beijing, Cinder will become the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive – when she breaks out of prison to stay one step ahead of vicious Queen Levana.
As Scarlet and Wolf expose one mystery, they encounter Cinder and a new one unravels. Together they must challenge the evil queen, who will stop at nothing to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner ...

This is a review of the second book in the series and there may be spoilers for Cinder, book one. You can check out my review for Cinder here!

  Recently I have felt slightly disappointed with the books I have picked up. I enjoyed them but I didn’t seem to be sucked in. I needed Scarlet. I needed a book which shows me, after a busy month, how much fun kicking back with an amazing book can be. Scarlet is an amazing book.

‘”Are you sure you don’t want the tomatoes? They’re the best part and they were grown in my own garden …” 
Some of the intensity drained from the fighter’s face. “I’ve never tried them.” 
Scarlet arched an eyebrow, “Never?” 
After a hesitant moment, he released his drinking glass and picked up the two slices of tomato … “Not what I expected.”'

I love books that grab you from the first chapter and does not let up. No “everything seems to be calmer now, let’s wait for the next person to end up dead”. Oh no, none of that here; constant action from the start. Answers lead to more questions, new challenges. I was kept on my toes the entire time. I would have read this book in one sitting if it were not for a postponed exam I had to revise for. Blasted weather. There was plot twist after plot twist, minor ones to major ones. There may even been a red herring, or maybe I was looking too much into it. It happens when you are constantly thinking, “What next, what next?”

One of the things I was most worried about when I read the summary for Scarlet, after finishing Cinder, was that all the focus would be on Scarlet’s story and Cinder’s would just be something happening in the background. I was genuinely worried. Thank heavens. It isn’t like that. We get Cinder’s point of view, quiet frequently actually. And it starts off just where Cinder ended. I loved finding how Cinder develops as a person and into her new lunar powers.

Having gotten to know and love Cinder’s character in book one, it was definitely a risky move to introduce a brand new heroine into book two. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to connect with Scarlet because she was not Cinder. Don’t worry. Scarlet is different to Cinder but I easily fell in love with her just as I did with Cinder in the beginning. I wanted to know her story just as much as Cinder’s. There was no point in the book where the chapter switched points of view and I was disappointed; maybe only when there was agonising cliff-hanger.

Reading both Scarlet’s and Cinder’s story together gave Scarlet an added layer of depth that book one didn’t have. I love how the slow development of understanding of how they are connected. This is Marissa Meyer, of course there has to be slow but delicious torture.

Out of all the new characters introduced in Scarlet, the one that most intrigued me was Wolf. Who is he? What is his past? Whose side is he on? Plus, he has the bad boy sex appeal hands down. The book only takes place over a short period of time, a very short period of time. It isn’t very long for Scarlet and Wolf’s relationship to grow. But hell they go through a lot and Scarlet isn’t what I would call a stereotypical love struck teenager. I was intrigued all the way though by both Wolf and his relationship with Scarlet.

While with Cinder I thought it was may have been a bit predictable in places (I still loved it), Scarlet kicks it up another level. I love this book too. I can easily see this becoming a favourite series of mine; if it isn’t already (I need to leave a bit of time first). Bring on Cress.

Becky

Book Review: Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

Title: Carnival of Souls
Author: Melissa Marr
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: 4th September 2012
Read In: October 2012

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In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures--if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.
All Mallory knows of The City is that her father--and every other witch there--fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable. While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls.

I went to my local bookshop, browsed around, bought a couple of books and then decided to have a fifteen minute break in the coffee shop upstairs. Forty minutes later I was still there, getting weird looks. My coffee had gone cold. I could not stop reading this book. It is only after you get into the depths of what this story is about do you discover how vague the blurb is. Carnival of Souls is a woven tale of secrets, family, laws and a wonderfully crafted fantasy world.

‘“Don’t be foolish, Aya.
“If I win the competition, I’ll rule. Why would Marchosias force me to wed or breed then? He follows the laws too.” She looked away from him to take in the crowd assembling to watch their match. “I have to win, Bel”’

Many multiple ‘point of view’ books fall into a trap of being slow in pace. You’re waiting for something to happen but you have to go through many more slow sections before it does. Not here. I was absorbed into Carnival of Souls. As each character is connected in some way, each person’s story, each chapter, adds a little more and I loved piecing it together in my head. I loved the building of the world and the backstory of each character that led to the present. It was all about discovery, my favourite kind of story.

This book was so vivid. It was like I was watching a movie inside of my head. The writing, the pace, the imagery, it was amazing. I loved the whole world that has been created. I have read many demon and witch stories and yet I was still in love with this world. It was dark and grimy, full of oppression. It felt really realistic, well in terms of a demon society any way. Not only do we have the demons world but we have the witches’ world too. Separate and yet connected. Both were great. I hope to learn more about the witches’ world in the next book. At first I thought it was a stand alone but it cannot end there.

What I enjoyed the most was probably all the relationships between each of the characters; Adam and Mallory, Kaleb and Zevi, Aya and Belias, many more. Each was different and each had their own secrets. I felt a connection to each of them. Not easy when there are so many characters.

I know this review seems to be just me rambling but this book has everything that I could have wanted; great setting, great magic, great characters and a beautifully woven plot between all the characters that was unveiled at just the right pace. What more could you want? I may even consider giving some of Melissa’s other books another go.

Becky

Banned Books I Enjoyed #1

As part of Banned Books week, I will be doing a series of posts promoting books that I enjoyed but were challenged and/or banned. You may recognise them.

Title: The Hunger Games Series
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic
Read In: October 2009 - August 2010

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning? In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

If you have not heard of The Hunger Games series you must be living under a rock. This series is everywhere at the moment thanks to the success of the movie adaptation. However not everyone is praising The Hunger Games.

In 2011 a parent at challenged The Hunger Games to the Goffston school board in New Hampshire. She claimed that the book gave her child, who was eleven, nightmares and the book could numb children to the effects of violence.

I agree that this is a violent book but it does not present violence in a good light. The people that are causing the violence are forced to do so by the Capitol, the antagonists of the story.

I do not believe that one parent has the right to ban a book from everyone elses child in the school district. That is the other children's parents decision. This book was not appropriate for this particular child but there may be older children in the school district for which this book is aimed at.

I absolutely loved this book and I cannot highly recommend it enough.

Becky

Book Review: Deadly Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Title: Deadly Hemlock (Hemlock #1)
Author: Kathleen Peacock
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 404
Release Date: 5th July 2012
Read In: July 2012

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Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.
Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.
Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.
Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.
Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

What made this novel so entertaining? Well it had mystery and suspense. My favourite books are always the ones that do not tell me everything at the beginning and therefore keep me guessing. The downside to the mystery, it is very hard to talk about anything in a non-spoiler review.

‘It was our fault Amy was dead. All of our faults. The best friend who had bailed; the boyfriend who had been running late; the guy who hadn’t answered his phone. Six days ago, a werewolf had killed Amy and we were each to blame. ‘

There were so many unanswered questions. I felt sorry for Mac most of the time. There was so much being kept from her, and I wanted to know it all. Who is Amy’s murderer? It was not as simple as originally seen. It was a case of everyone seems to know something that the main character doesn’t. I’m surprised Mac doesn’t come out of this not trusting anybody. It was played just right. Feed me snippets of information to keep me interested but not too much so that I lose interest.

This is a very unique take on werewolves. But I can’t say what it is. We are not told all about it all at once. I would not want to spoil you in a review. The Lupine Syndrome is what drew me in. What exactly does it entail? What made it more interesting was the fact that none of the main characters seemed to be aware what it entails either. All the facts seem a little hazy; is being a werewolf a bad thing?

Jason was a mystery throughout the entirety of the book. Things were happening to him but you were never sure what really was going on behind the scenes. He also made so many mistakes. I wouldn’t be too surprised if most people think he is a bit of a prick, and to be honest he was. But I didn’t hate him. In fact I felt sorry for him. He gets my sympathy vote.

Oh Kyle how I love you. It didn’t take me long to fall for him. He is so selfless; selfless and sweet. I love friends turned lovers. Mac and Kyle are great together. Throughout the course of the book Kyle needed Mac to be there for him. Kyle needed Mac’s understanding. Normally it is the other way round.

Branson Derby is one of those antagonists who are not open about their attentions; the sinister kind that creeps around in the shadows manipulating events and people. He is scary. As are his Tracker’s. They generated the right sense of nervousness in you that you don’t trust them but not enough to question why they are there. I thought it was very well done.

There is a magic salad bowl in the first chapter. Watch out for it.

It is quite hard to talk about the parts you love without giving anything away; especially in a book like this. So go and find out for yourself. Deadly Hemlock has mystery, intrigue, twists, good romance, and unique paranormal elements. What more could you want?

 Becky

Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection (The Selection #1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 327
Release Date: 7th June 2012  (24th April 2012)
Read In: June 2012

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Thirty-five beautiful girls. Thirty-five beautiful rivals…
It’s the chance of a lifetime and 17-year-old America Singer should feel lucky. She has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon's love.
Swept up in a world of elaborate gowns, glittering jewels and decadent feasts, America is living a new and glamorous life. And the prince takes a special interest in her, much to the outrage of the others.
Rivalry within The Selection is fierce and not all of the girls are prepared to play by the rules. But what they don’t know is that America has a secret — one which could throw the whole competition… and change her life forever.

I love it when a book surprises me. It is a great feeling. I have heard a great deal of mixed opinions about this book but I just wanted to have my own. Well here is mine being thrown into the mix; I love this book. I was up until the early hours reading. 

´“Tell me the truth.” His mouth settled into a firm line.
“Yes. That happens. I know of families where people give up their share for their children or siblings. I know of a boy who was whipped in the town square for stealing food. Sometimes you do crazy things when you are desperate.”´

I have read so many “intense” books, but sometimes I just want to kick back with a tale including a large palace, pretty dresses and a prince. It reminded me a bit of a fairy-tale. This is a light fun read; one that put a smile on my face. Upon seeing the comparison with The Hunger Games, I thought it would be dark and intense. This isn’t the case. Don’t expect it to be. In fact, it is a bit like a reality TV show, but with more depth and feelings to the characters. However, when I say fairy-tale, it wasn’t all flowers and pretty shoes. There were dark moments and a few slightly more tense scenes. There is threat. But this isn’t the main focus.

 The story was all about the characters. As the antagonistic threat isn’t a prominent part, it was all about America and the relationship she has with the two guys in her life; Prince Maxon and Aspen. 

I have respect for Aspen. While I prefer Maxon, I can see something in Aspen that America likes. He made a pretty big mistake but I, somewhat, understand his reasons. Aspen grew up like America, in a poor environment. Aspen cares so much about his family and is so selfless that he neglects his relationship with America. At least he is not being a jerk for bad reasons.

I do prefer Maxon and, while Aspen is crucial to the story, I want to see more of Maxon and America together in the next book. I am glad that America did not fell head over heels in love with Maxon initially. She would have lost my respect if she did. But you cannot dislike Maxon. He is so adorable and caring. He may have lived a life of luxury but he is not stuck up. In a way, he is a bit naïve; not only with girls but a bit with the country too. His relationship with America changes him. She teaches him and he improves. I can’t wait to see the man he will become.

I loved America as a character too. She is caring and selfless; considering her background, I am not surprised. She spends so much time thinking about others; no wonder she cannot see Maxon’s feelings straight away. She doesn’t believe she can be a princess but I think she has all the correct qualities. America you are too modest. That is why we love you. 

If you want to read something deep and intense, you should look elsewhere. If you want to read about a blossoming romance, with a group of selfless caring characters, a fairy-tale with a slight dystopic twist, I highly recommend you give The Selection a go. 

 Becky