Review: In A House Made of Bones and Teeth - Alyxandra Harvey

1815
London is under magical attack.
Can Emma, Gretchen, Penelope find their way back to each other in order to defeat the Seven Sisters once and for all?

The third and final installment of The Lovegrove Legacy. Novella length.

Only Available on Smashwords

The Lovegrove Legacy:
A Breath of Frost
Whisper the Dead
In A House Made of Bones and Teeth (Novella)

Visit Alyxandra Harvey's website for more information

Review:
I was really disappointed that the publisher dropped the Lovegrove Legacy series before it was finished, especially after the cliffhanger ending of Whisper the Dead, so I really appreciate that Alyxandra Harvey self published this novella to wrap things up.

Of course if I'd had a choice in the matter I'd have preferred a full length novel so we could get to know Penelope better, her story wasn't as fleshed out as it could have been because of the length of this story and that is a little disappointing. However, I'd rather have a short novella that ties up all the outstanding plot threads and leads us away from that horrendous cliff we've been clinging to for 2 years now than nothing at all.

In A House Made of Bones and Teeth we get to see the Emma, Gretchen and Penelope fighting to hold back the Greymalkin sisters and stop them taking over the world, we get answers to all of our questions and we also get a very brief epilogue to show how each girl's story ends. This isn't a perfect ending to the series but it's infinitely better than no ending at all and I still really enjoyed the series overall. The novella is currently only being sold through Smashwords but it's only $1 so if you've read the first two books then I'm sure you'll want to know how the series it ends and you're not going to have to pay through the teeth for the conclusion.

Source: Purchased

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Review: Whisper the Dead - Alyxandra Harvey

Gretchen is struggling with her newfound gift as a Whisperer; the constant buzzing in her ears from detecting spells is more frustrating than fun, especially when she is spending time with one of the Order of Iron Nail's Keepers, the icy but strikingly handsome Tobias Lawless. But while Gretchen tries to hide the truth and resolve her feelings for him, London fades from beautiful and bustling to deathly silent ...Something evil is once again menacing Mayfair, and Gretchen and her cousins must use their powers to prevent a horrible sacrifice.

This second book in the Lovegrove Legacy trilogy is full of dark twists, spellbinding suspense and sweeping romance - perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, Lauren Kate and Ruth Warburton.

The Lovegrove Legacy:
A Breath of Frost
Whisper the Dead
In A House Made of Bones and Teeth (Novella)

Visit Alyxandra Harvey's website for more information

Review:
Since cousins Gretchen, Emma and Penelope discovered they were witches they have been on a sharp learning curve and they're still trying to figure out how to use their gifts. After Emma accidentally released the Greymalkin sisters in the previous book all three of them are under constant watch by the Order of the Iron Nail and it's making life impossible. When strange magical events begin to occur around Mayfair the girls find themselves at the centre of suspicion but Gretchen has never been one to sit back and wait for things to happen so she becomes determined to uncover what is really going on and find a way to prove their innocence and to keep London safe.

Whisper the Dead is the second book in Alyxandra Harvey's Lovegrove Legacy trilogy and it picks up the story right where the first book, A Breath of Frost, left off. Although we still get to see plenty of both Emma and Penelope this is definitely Gretchen's story and I really enjoyed getting to know her better. Gretchen is the most outspoken of the cousins, she is very much a tomboy who has always wanted to do everything that her twin brother Godric does. She hates the restrictions placed on women by society and refuses to follow the rules when she could have much more fun dressing as a boy and going out on an adventure. I loved that rebellious side to her and enjoyed seeing her take such an active role in the investigation.

As a Whisperer Gretchen has the most difficult ability of all of them since she constantly hears all the previous spells any other witch have ever cast on repeat inside her head. It means she has a great depth of knowledge at her disposal but trying to pinpoint the spells she actually needs is nearly impossible and causes her a great deal of pain. Her gift may cost her but if she can figure out how to use it safely she will be a formidable ally and she wants the freedom to work alongside the Order. Gretchen is brilliant at escaping from her Order babysitter, much to Tobias's frustration and she definitely manages to keep him on his toes with her unpredictable behaviour which was fun to see.

As much as I enjoy the hint of romance between Gretchen and Tobias I really appreciate the fact that the romance isn't the main focus of these books. Both Gretchen and Emma may have found love (or be on the way to it) but these books are more about the magic and the mystery. This series is definitely darker than the Drake Chronicles but I don't mean that in a bad way and I'm always completely hooked from beginning to end. I do have to warn you that this book ends on a killer cliffhanger but although I'm disappointed I'll now have to wait a year for the final instalment I know it will jump straight to the top of my wish list when it is released.

Source: Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Review: A Breath of Frost - Alyxandra Harvey

In 1814, three cousins—Gretchen, Emma, and Penelope—discover their unknown family lineage of witchcraft when their individual magical powers unexpectedly begin to manifest. Now, beyond the familiar manicured gardens and ballrooms of Regency London, a dangerous, alluring underworld available only to those with power is now open to the cousins.

But by claiming their power, the three cousins have accidentally opened the gates to the Underworld. Now ghouls, hellhounds—and most terrifying of all, the spirits of dark witches known as the Greymalkin Sisters—are hunting and killing young witches for their powers. And, somehow, Emma is connected to the murders … because she keeps finding the bodies. Can the cousins seal the gates before another witch is killed …or even worse, before their gifts are stripped away?

The Lovegrove Legacy:
A Breath of Frost
Whisper the Dead
In A House Made of Bones and Teeth (Novella)

Visit Alyxandra Harvey's website for more information

Review:
When Emma accidentally breaks her mother's old perfume bottle she also unlocks a family secret exposing herself and her cousins Gretchen and Penelope to a world full of magic and witches that had previously been kept hidden from them. Now the girls must get to grips with their new abilities before they risk exposure to the Order of the Iron Nail. As if that wasn't bad enough Emma also managed to open the gates to the Underworld, releasing the Greymalkin sisters who are now on a murderous spree attacking innocent young witches. Since Emma keeps being the first person to find the bodies she is under suspicion from the Keepers and at risk of having her magic taken away if they find her guilty. Can the cousins gain control of their power and figure out who is helping the Greymalkin before one of they become victims themselves?

As a huge fan of Alyxandra Harvey's Drake Chronicles series I couldn't wait to read A Breath of Frost, the first book in her new Lovegrove Legacy trilogy. This series starts out a lot darker than the Drake Chronicles and has a fabulous Regency London setting. I love reading books about witches and was hooked on this one from the prologue when you read about a young girl with a cat familiar breaking into a old witch's house to steal from a dead body! Alyxandra Harvey throws you straight into the action and then lets you gradually learn the rules of magic alongside the three cousins. Things unfold slowly and at times I was left feeling uncertain but that just helped me connect to the characters even more and my questions were all answered as the story progressed.

One thing this story definitely has is great characters. Emma, Gretchen and Penelope all have very distinctive and different personalities but I liked all three of them immensely. Emma is the calm and practical one, she is quiet and tries to avoid confrontation but she is very protective of the people she cares about. Gretchen is the most outspoken of the trio, she is quite a tom boy and hates the way women aren't allowed to do everything men can do, she doesn't like to follow the rules and is happy to jump into any possibility of adventure. Penelope is the sweetest of the three, she is kind and loving, very gentle and softly spoken but she has a core of steel so don't let her sweet nature fool you. I loved the way all three girls were so close to each other, they could easily have been sisters and they would all do anything to protect the others. The girls are intelligent and inquisitive so although they've been thrown in at the deep end when it comes to learning about magic they work as a team and have each other's backs no matter what.

I have to mention Emma's love interest Cormac too. It took me a while to figure him out and I wasn't sure if I liked him or hated him to begin with because the way he ran hot and cold with Emma made me incredibly irritated with him at times. Thankfully we get to see part of the story from his point of view so we understand exactly why he behaves the way he does and that makes it easier to forgive his actions. I grew to really love him as we learnt more about his background and I really hope that we'll see a lot more of both him and his sisters as the series continues. Cormac and Emma make a great team and although their romance wasn't at the forefront of the story I did enjoy the obvious attraction between them.

A Breath of Frost combines magical mayhem, a murder mystery and the high society of Regency London full of balls, afternoon tea and finishing schools with a difference. I loved the mystery surrounding the girl's powers and why Emma's mother had tried so hard to lock them away and I enjoyed getting to know the different characters and the rules they have to live by. I can't wait to continue reading this series and I think Alyxandra Harvey has another hit on her hands!

Source: Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Review: A Conspiracy of Alchemists - Liesel Schwarz

When dirigible pilot Elle Chance accepts an unusual cargo in Paris she finds herself in the middle of a deadly war between the Alchemists and Warlocks.

The Alchemists will stop at nothing to acquire the coveted carmot stone and its key, and Elle must do everything in her power to thwart their diabolical plans.

Embarking on a perilous cross-continental adventure with the mysterious Mr Marsh, Elle is forced to question everything she ever knew about herself to fulfil her destiny and prevent a magical apocalypse . . .

The Chronicles of Light and Shadow:
A Conspiracy of Alchemists
A Clockwork Heart

Visit Liesel Schwarz's website for more information

Review:
Elle is not your average young lady, she isn't interested in ball gowns or finding the perfect husband and would much rather be independent. She loves to fly and ever since training as a dirigible pilot she has enjoyed travelling across Europe in the ship she is so proud of. When she is employed to carry a mysterious item from Paris back to London she suddenly finds herself caught up in a battle between the Alchemists and Warlocks. Both sides are determined to get hold of her cargo and they will stop at nothing to make sure they come out on top. Elle is forced to join forces with her employer Mr Marsh to prevent the end of the world as she knows it but the deeper she is pulled into the upcoming war the more she starts to discover about her own past and realise that her future will never be the same again.

A Conspiracy of Alchemists is a fantastic steampunk adventure story that will take readers on a journey across Europe, taking in Oxford, Paris, Venice and Constantinople by both air and by train. Liesel Schwarz has created a detailed world where the human realm is closely connected to the realm of shadows, a world that is filled with alchemists, warlocks, nightwalkers and even absinthe fairies who live amongst the human population. This was such a fun story to read and you never knew quite what the author would throw at you next which kept me on my toes as I was reading.

Elle was a great character, I love stories about strong women who aren't afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Elle is a woman of science, she loves to learn and as the daughter of a prominent scientist she has inherited his love of physics. She is also very practical and is able to turn her hand to any technical gadget she comes across. One thing she doesn't believe in is magic, she is much more interested in things that she can see and prove with science. She has no interest in the world of alchemists and warlocks until she is dragged into the whole mess against her will. Elle doesn't have much choice other than to work with Marsh but that doesn't mean she is going to blindly put her trust in him, he is going to have to prove himself to her as they get to know each other better. I liked the way that Elle refuses to just accept what she is told, she needs to find ways to prove things for herself and you have to admire the way she so stubbornly clings to her beliefs.

Marsh has to be my favourite though, he is a complex character who has a lot of secrets and it takes a long time for Elle to start to get to the bottom of them (in fact I'm pretty sure he has plenty of surprises still to come as the series continues). The deeper you dig into Marsh's background the more you start to understand why he has such a hard outer shell and why he plays his cards so close to his chest. As he gets to know Elle you really start to see a softer and more protective side to him and I loved the slowly developing romance between them.

The romance is just a small part of the story though and the plot is focused on the animosity between the alchemists and the warlocks. I loved the detailed descriptions of the various settings throughout the book, it was easy to picture yourself flying alongside Elle and Marsh in her dirigible or sitting next to them on the Orient Express but it was the towns that the author brings vibrantly to life. Although I'm glad to learn that this is the start of a series I'm happy to say that the story did work well as a stand alone. I'm sick to death of series that end on such major cliffhangers that you don't even feel like you've read the whole book so it was nice to see an ending so well handled. If you enjoy steampunk or fantasy stories then I'm sure you're going to love A Conspiracy of Alchemists, it's an impressive debut and has left me excited to read more from Liesel Schwarz in the future.

Source: Received from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Angel's Ink - Jocelynn Drake

Buyer beware . . .

Looking for a tattoo - and maybe a little something extra: a burst of good luck, a dollop of true love, or even a hex on an ex? Head to the quiet and mysterious Gage, the best skin artist in town. Using his unique potions-a blend of extraordinary ingredients and special inks-to etch the right symbol, he can fulfil any heart's desire. But in a place like Low Town, where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires happily walk among humanity, everything has its price.

No one knows that better than Gage. Turning his back on his own kind, he left the magical Ivory Tower where cruel witches and warlocks rule, a decision that cost him the right to practise magic. And if he disobeys, his punishment-execution-will be swift.

Though he's tried to fly under the radar, Gage can't hide from powerful warlocks who want him dead - or the secrets of his own past. But with the help of his friends, Trixie, a gorgeous elf who hides her true identity, and a hulking troll named Bronx, Gage just might make it through this enchanted world alive.

The Asylum Tales:
The Asylum Interviews: Bronx (Novella)
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie (Novella)
Angel's Ink

Visit Jocelynn Drake's website for more information

Review:
Gage was trained from a young age to become a warlock but in a world where the warlocks and witches rule the other races with an iron fist he didn't feel comfortable with the way his mentor and the other inhabitants of the Ivory Towers lived their lives. Gage doesn't believe that the ability to harness magic makes the warlocks any better than anyone else and he hates the way they treat humans and other supernatural beings with contempt and as little better than insects to be crushed at will. He is the only apprentice warlock who ever chose to leave the Ivory Towers and return to living amongst humans and he was only allowed to leave under the condition that he never uses his magic again except in self defence. Even then the warlocks aren't happy that he decided to leave and he knows that they are constantly watching him and waiting for him to make a mistake.

All Gage wants to do is live his life in peace and remain under the radar of the warlocks. He has become one of the most successful tattoo artists in the area and is skilled at creating potions to add to the ink he uses in his art. If you want a tattoo that will bring you luck or make you attractive to the opposite sex then Gage is the person you want to see. His colleagues, troll Bronx and elf Trixie, are both equally skilled artists and potion stirrers but both have their own secrets and reasons to keep to themselves. It seems like their pasts might be about to catch up with them though so can they work together to keep their freedom?

I really enjoyed the two prequel novellas for Jocelynn Drake's new series so I couldn't wait to start reading the first full length novel Angel's Ink. I was looking forward to learning more about Gage's background and to spending more time at the tattoo parlour with him, Bronx and Trixie. For those who haven't read the prequel novellas I do think that Angel's Ink can be read on it's own, the prequels basically show how Gage met each of his fellow tattoo artists and how they came to work at his tattoo parlour The Asylum. They are fun reads but this information isn't necessary to follow the story.

I have to admit that after really loving the prequels I ended up finding myself slightly disappointed with Angel's Ink. I had hoped to spend more time getting to know Gage, Bronx and Trixie - we had been given hints of secrets that they were all holding back and I wanted to learn more about them. Although we do uncover more about Gage's past and learn who Trixie is hiding from I was sad that we didn't get more of Bronx. In fact his role in this book was mainly backing up Gage when he got himself into various different kinds of trouble and when he wasn't running to the rescue he just kind of disappeared into the background. It was a shame because I really liked Bronx in the prequels and had hoped to learn more about him. I also have to admit that I wasn't a fan of the romance between Gage and Trixie, it happened too quickly and ended up feeling forced.

When I read urban fantasy I'm not looking for something that focuses on the romance - I'm more interested in a fast paced plot and really getting to know the characters and the world that the author has created. Yes a lot of my favourite urban fantasy series do contain a hint of romance but most of the time it has that kind of will they / won't they theme running through at least the first few books and I really enjoy that kind of tension between the characters. In the case of Gage and Trixie there was no tension, everything flows together too easily and at times felt a bit more like I was reading a paranormal romance. I just didn't feel invested in either of the characters and didn't believe that there was any real emotional connection between them, definitely not enough for them to become a couple.

The plot is fast paced but at times it gets a little too complicated - Gage can't go a chapter without finding some new kind of trouble to get himself into! This was amusing at first but it got to the point where I just wanted some kind of resolution to the problems he already had rather than for him to dig another hole to fall into. Some of these issues are dealt with by the end of the book but we are definitely left with questions for future books in the series to answer. In spite of my complaints I did still enjoy the story, the world that Jocelynn Drake has created has a lot of potential and I hope that we will see a lot more time spent developing the characters and the background as the series continues. Gage is a likeable guy but I want to see a lot more of Bronx in future instalments and I'm quite excited to get to know new character Sofie who doesn't make her appearance until nearly the end of the book.

Source: Received from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

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Review: The Asylum Interviews: Trixie - Jocelynn Drake

The second of two prequel stories to Jocelynn Drake's Angel's Ink.

Gage's ex-girlfriend is back in town and needs help escaping a master vampire. While not the easiest of tasks, he certainly didn't count of getting help from a mysterious woman with a few secrets of her own.

The Asylum Tales:
The Asylum Interviews: Bronx (Novella)
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie (Novella)
Angel's Ink

Visit Jocelynn Drake's website for more information

Review:
This is the second of two prequel novellas introducing the main characters of Jocelynn Drake's upcoming Asylum Tales series. These novellas are both narrated by Gage who is the owner of the Asylum Tattoo Parlour. The first story introduced us to tattoo artist Bronx and showed how he ended up working at Asylum. The Asylum Interviews: Trixie is set 18 months after the first novella and introduces us to another new tattoo artist - Trixie.

Gage's ex-girlfriend Jo has returned to town and the attraction between them is still sizzling. He is worried that she doesn't seem to be quite her usual self but it takes Jo's friend Trixie to fill him in on the problem. Jo is being bullied by a master vampire and tattoo artist Trixie comes to Gage looking for help to put a stop to it. Can Gage, Trixie and Bronx find a way to free Jo from the vampire's clutches?

Gage and Bronx have been working together for over a year and things at the tattoo parlour are busier than ever. They have become good friends but both are suffering from overwork and they really need another artist to help take some of the pressure off. They need to find someone that they will both get on with though and it has to be someone who is as skilled at both creating tattoos and making the special potions they use in the ink too. Will they get on well enough with Trixie to offer her the job?

We don't find out much more about Gage's past in this story but he does seem to gravitate towards people who also have secrets of their own. He doesn't push them for answers and he knows they're not likely to want to delve into his past either. Trixie is hiding her true identity and I'll be very interested to find out why that is as the series continues. As much as we don't get to find out more about Gage's secret past we do get to know his character a bit better. I am really coming to like all of these characters, Gage can come across as a bit of an ass at times but that is his way of keeping people at a distance and deep down he is a nice, caring guy. Bronx always manages to add humour to any situation but he is definitely the kind of guy you'd like to have at your back if you're in trouble and Trixie is a straight talking, spunky woman who won't take any crap but who will risk herself to protect her friends.

If you enjoyed The Asylum Interviews: Bronx then you'll love Trixie's story just as much. You don't have to read either of these novellas before picking up the first book in the series but I would recommend giving them a try. These stories have left me eager to get started on Angel's Ink - this is definitely a new urban fantasy series to watch out for.

Source: Received from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

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Review: The Asylum Interviews: Bronx - Jocelynn Drake

In Low Town, where humans walk and work side-by-side with elves, vampires, ogres, and all manner of creature, it's understandable that people occasionally need a little help in their lives. Whether is love, work, or ... other, tattoo artists are there to try to help turn the odds into your favour. When Gage's friend Parker needs help with his love life, tattoo artists Gage and Bronx are only too happy to help. But the incubus ends up getting more than he bargained for with his new tattoo, and his friends are forced to scramble to fix the mess they've created before someone gets hurt.

The Asylum Tales:
The Asylum Interviews: Bronx (Novella)
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie (Novella)
Angel's Ink

Visit Jocelynn Drake's website for more information

Review:
The Asylum Interviews are two prequel novellas for Jocelyn Drake's new Asylum Tales series and this first story Bronx gets us off to a great start. The author has created what looks to be a promising world full of an interesting selection of paranormal creatures from warlocks and witches through to incubi and even trolls. It can be hard to introduce a new world in a novella but I think the author has done a fantastic job, she gave enough information to hook me in without too much info dumping to take away from the story. The plot was solid and gives a good insight into people who I'm assuming will be some of the main players in the series.

Our main character is Gage who is the owner of the Asylum tattoo parlour and a skilled tattoo artist. We get a few hints at a troubled past and he seems to have plenty of secrets that I'm looking forward to exploring as the series continues. When a night out with a friend goes awry Gage is rescued by troll Bronx. Bronx is also a tattoo artist and is in the area because he had heard that Gage might be hiring so when Gage's friend asks for a tattoo to help with a very specific problem Bronx offers to help. The tattoos that Gage and Bronx create aren't quite the same as the tattoos that we are all familiar with, well they may look the same but potions mixed in with the inks can be used to create all kinds of different effects. Unfortunately the tattoo they create for incubus Parker has a very awkward side effect and it isn't going to be easy for Bronx and Gage to fix the problem that they have caused.

As someone who loves tats I always look out for stories where the main characters have tattoos - there is something irresistible about a hunky, inked up hero! - so I can't tell you how excited I am about the idea of a series set around a tattoo parlour. Especially one that creates magical tattoos! If the unforeseen side effects of the tattoos are always this interesting then I have a feeling this is going to be a very amusing series. I would like to point out that the cover is a little misleading, it looks more like a paranormal romance cover but the story is definitely urban fantasy. There is no romance in sight so though don't be put off by the cover if you're not a PNR fan.

If you're already excited about Jocelynn Drake's new series then this novella will definitely help to whet your appetite for Angel's Ink but if you've not heard of the series before or like me are new to the author then this would be a great place to start.

Source: Purchased

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Review: Oliver Twisted - JD Sharpe (and Charles Dickens)

If you think you know Oliver Twist, think again

"FLESH" the woe-begotten moaned at Oliver, baring teeth which were ragged and black.

"FLESH" came another moan, and he turned to see two more behind. They began to shuffle towards him barefoot - toes blue from cold, arms outstretched.

The world according to Oliver Twisted is simple. Vampyres feed on the defenceless, orphans are sacrificed to hungry gods and if a woe-begotten catches your scent it will hunt you forever.

When a talking corpse reveals that Oliver will find his destiny in London, he sets out to seek the truth. Even if it means losing his soul . . .

Visit JD Sharpe's website for more information

Review:
Oliver Twisted introduces us to an Oliver not quite like any we've seen before. He's still an orphan growing up in an orphanage but this is a world where vampyres snack on the children! After making the decision to go to London Oliver barely survives a woe-begotten (zombie) attack on the journey, it is only thanks to the help of Dodger that he arrives in one piece. But that is just the start of his troubles and if you thought the Bill Sykes and Fagin you've read about before were evil you haven't seen anything yet - Oliver Twisted is even darker than the original tale!

You think you know Oliver's story but JD Sharpe has managed to include some fabulous twists in the characters we love (or in some cases love to hate!). So while she has managed to keep the essence of the story she has also managed to make it her own and put a fresh spin on a much loved tale.

Oliver Twisted is a great debut and one that I'm sure will appeal to both boys and girls. It is a very dark and gory read so not one I would have wanted to read just before bed (but then I'm a well known wuss when it comes to horror!) but I found myself enjoying the gruesome details much more than I expected to. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who likes seeing a new twist on classic stories, especially if they also happen to be a horror fan. I'm looking forward to seeing what JD Sharpe comes up with next.

Source: Received from Egmont in exchange for an honest review

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Revlew: City of Glass - Cassandra Clare

Amid the chaos of war, the Shadowhunters must decide to fight with the vampires, werewolves and other Downworlders - or against them.  Meanwhile, Jace and Clary have their own decision to make: should they pursue the love they know is forbidden?

The Mortal Instruments Series:
City of Bones
City of Ashes
City of Glass
City of Fallen Angels
City of Lost Souls (2012)
City of Heavenly Fire (2013)

The Infernal Devices Series: (Prequel Series)
Clockwork Angel
Clockwork Prince
Clockwork Princess (2012)

Visit Cassandra Clare's website or the Mortal Instruments website for more information

Review:
I have been really enjoying Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series and City of Glass was no exception.  I really can't work out why it took me so long to get started on this series but at least it has meant no long wait between the first few books!  There is so much going on in this book that there is never a dull moment and despite the fact that there are over 500 pages I didn't want to put it down until I'd finished.  It's quite an achievement when an author can keep me gripped all the way through such a long book.

Clary has been through a lot since she found out the truth about her family and the world of Shadowhunters and things aren't likely to get better any time soon.  Her mother is in a coma, her father wants to take over the world and it turns out that the love of her life just happens to be her brother, not to mention the fact that her best friend has been turned into a vampire - no things aren't looking good at the moment!  Now she faces having to break the Shadowhunter law to enter the City of Glass and try to find a way to both save her mother and defeat Valentine.

I don't want to go into details of the plot because I would hate to spoil any of the twists and turns for you if you haven't read the book yet.  I will say that we get to meet some fab new characters - some of whom aren't quite what they seem - along with learning more about the characters we already love.  The story is action packed, funny in places and also heart breaking at times and although I guessed some of the things that happened others completely shocked me.  I loved developments between Clary and Jace as they try to come to terms with the fact that they are brother and sister.  There are some fantastic moments between Alec and Magnus (I love them as a couple!) and I was pleased with the way things turn out between Simon and Clary.

If you're one of the few people who haven't started this series yet then it's one I would highly recommend and I can't wait to pick up City of Fallen Angels and the spin off Infernal Devices series!

Source: Purchased

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Review: A Beautiful Evil - Kelly Keaton

All Ari ever wanted was to know who she really was.  But the truth was beyond her worst nightmare.  A descendant of Medusa, Ari is cursed to become a monster, able to kill with a single look or touch.  Haunted by the horrific image of her future, Ari, along with the brooding, sexy Sebastian, is doing everything she can to find out more about Athena, the goddess who cursed her family and kidnapped young Violet.

But time is running out, and Ari must fight back.  And now, as she prepares to face Athena.  Ari knows she must unleash the very thing she's most afraid of . . . herself.

Gods and Monsters Series:

Darkness Becomes Her

A Beautiful Evil (Released in the UK on the 2nd of February)

Visit Kelly Keaton's website for more information

Review:

I really enjoyed Darkness Becomes Her so was looking forward to reading A Beautiful Evil, I have found that I've been disappointed by quite a few sequels recently though so was a bit nervous that this wouldn't live up to my expectations.  I shouldn't have worried though because if anything Kelly Keaton's second novel was even better than the first.  This really is a fantastic series and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.  If you're new to the series but looking for something unusual in the YA paranormal market then I'd highly recommend checking out Darkness Becomes Her, I love the fact that the author has focused on Greek mythology and come up with something completely different to anything else I've read.  This series does need to be read in order though and my review will include a major spoiler for the first book so you might not want to go any further unless you've already read it.

A Beautiful Evil picks up the story just after the ending of the first book.  Ari is trying to come to terms with the fact that she is a descendant of Medusa and that she is turning into a gorgon.  She is scared to learn to use her new abilities but if she wants to have a hope of rescuing Violet from Athena then she is going to have to face her fears.  The more she learns about Athena the harder her task appears to be but luckily she still has good friends who want to help her.

I loved getting to spend more time with Ari's new housemates in this installment.  One of the things I liked the most about the first book was the interaction between the group of misfits who all share an abandoned house in New 2.  We get to see more of Sebastian, Henri, Dub and Crank and learn a few more of their secrets in this book.  I did miss Violet though as we didn't see as much of her this time around but that was completely understandable and I'm hoping she'll have a bigger part to play in the next part of the story.  It is so nice to see that Ari is finally letting people past her defences and learning to rely on her friends.  She spent so long looking after herself that she still finds it hard to trust but she has come a long way since the first book.

Athena is proving herself to be a frightening enemy, she knows exactly how to hit Ari the hardest and enjoys making her suffer.  Ari isn't one to sit back and just let it happen though and she is getting stronger all the time.  I have a feeling the final showdown between the two of them will be explosive and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.  This series is fast paced and the author always manages to surprise me with a few twists that I didn't see coming.  A Beautiful Evil is a quick and fun read with plenty of action and a hint of romance that has left me keen to pick up the next book.  If you enjoyed Darkness Becomes Her you don't want to miss this one.

Source: Received from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare

Haunted by her past, Clary is dragged deeper into New York City's terrifying underworld of demons and Shadowhunters - but can she control her feelings for a boy who can never be hers?

The Mortal Instruments Series:
City of Bones
City of Ashes
City of Glass
City of Fallen Angels
City of Lost Souls (2012)
City of Heavenly Fire (2013)

The Infernal Devices Series: (Prequel Series)
Clockwork Angel
Clockwork Prince
Clockwork Princess (2012)

Visit Cassandra Clare's website or the Mortal Instruments website for more information

Review:
I really enjoyed City of Bones so couldn't wait to get started on City of Ashes, I really wanted to know how Clary and Jace would be effected by the shocking news of their parentage in the first book.  I have to be honest and say I didn't like the second installment quite as much as the first but it was still an enjoyable read and one I would recommend.  As with the first book there are a lot of different plot threads going on in City of Ashes but for some reason I found this a slower read.  There were times when the story seemed to drag a little and there seemed to be a bit less action than in the first book.

I think what I missed most in this installment was the flirty banter between Clary and Jace, obviously this is completely understandable considering events in the first book but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the information we were given is proven incorrect and things change again as the series progresses.  If you haven't read the first book that probably sounds really cryptic but I'm wary of giving a major spoiler and if you've read City of Bones I'm sure you'll know what I mean!  As much as I missed the flirting I do still love Clary and Jace as individuals and I really felt for them both as I was reading.

We get to see a lot more of the Clave in this installment, after revelations in book one they have good reason to doubt Jace but I hated the way they treated him because of his father's actions.  I was so frustrated with the Inquisitor and wanted to knock some sense into her but it was great to see Jace's friends stand by him.  I'm very curious to see how Simon deals with the changes that occurred to him, I would have liked a little more information about what happened to him in this book though.  It felt a bit like his change was added for shock value and then forgotten about after a few pages.  I also hope that we don't have a long, dragged out love triangle.  It seems quite obvious to me where Clary's heart lies and although she loves Simon it is clearly as a friend and nothing more - I'll be annoyed with her if she continues messing him around.

The ending has left me with plenty of questions and I'm looking forward to reading City of Glass to get some answers.  Although this isn't my favourite urban fantasy series yet it has a lot of potential and is well worth giving a try.  It will be really interesting to see what direction Cassandra Clare takes this series in over the remaining books.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
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Review: City of Bones - Cassandra Clare

Clary Fray is seeing things: vampires in Brooklyn and werewolves in Manhattan.  Irresistibly drawn towards a group of sexy demon hunters, Clary encounters the dark side of New York City - and the dangers of forbidden love.

The Mortal Instruments Series:
City of Bones
City of Ashes
City of Glass
City of Fallen Angels
City of Lost Souls (2012)
City of Heavenly Fire (2013)

The Infernal Devices Series: (Prequel Series)
Clockwork Angel
Clockwork Prince
Clockwork Princess (2012)

Visit Cassandra Clare's website or the Mortal Instruments website for more information

Review:
I feel like I'm one of the last people to join the Mortal Instruments party, I've seen so many people raving about these books that I have no idea why it's taken me so long to start the series - all I can say is that I'm glad I finally did!  Despite the fact that City of Bones is a long book it was a surprisingly quick read and once I got started I found I couldn't put it down again.

Clary discovers the secret world that is hidden within our own by accident when she sees a boy attacked at a night club.  Even though she doesn't know the boy she is brave enough to step in and try to help him but when she does she gets a lot more than she bargained for.  She is quickly drawn into a world where demons, vampires and werewolves really exist and although humans are unaware of this fact they are being protected constantly by shadowhunters (demon hunters).  The deeper she is drawn into this world the more secrets she uncovers about her family and about herself - her life will never be the same again.

I liked Clary from the beginning, as I've already said she is brave and will do anything to protect those she loves but I'll admit there were a couple of times I wanted to shake some sense into her.  My favourite character would have to be Jace, he may be arrogant and full of himself but I fell for him anyway.  I loved the banter between him and Clary, they were constantly arguing with each other but you could see all along that they were attracted to each other.  Another favourite would have to be Clary's best friend Simon, he is drawn into this new world because he cares for her and although he is human and has no special abilities he was very protective of her.

There are plenty of things going on, you don't have a moment to get bored while you're reading.  I had actually guessed the main twist (although I wish it wasn't true!) but there were still plenty of things that did surprise me and I definitely enjoyed the journey.  I'm looking forward to continuing with the series and if you're like I was and haven't started it yet then I'd strongly recommend giving it a try.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
Reading Shy With Aly
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Review: Darkness Becomes Her - Kelly Keaton

Ari Selkirk has always stood out.  With her teal-coloured eyes and freakish silver hair, it's hard not to.  And she's always been alone.  Her mother died when she was tiny, and she's grown up in foster care, longing for some understanding of who she is and where she came from.  When her search for answers uncovers a message from her mother with the single word 'RUN' on it, Ari realises that someone, or something, is getting too close.  But it's impossible to protect herself when she doesn't know who or what she's running from.

Returning to her birthplace in the rebuilt city of New Orleans, she discovers she isn't so different after all.  But why is every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, afraid of her?  The truth is both disturbing and terrifying . . .

Gods and Monsters Series:

Darkness Becomes Her

A Beautiful Evil


Visit Kelly Keaton's website for more information

Review:

Ari was brought up moving from one foster family to another and although she has now found a loving home she has never really felt like she fitted in anywhere.  She also has questions about her birth parents and it is when she goes looking for answers that she finds herself in a whole new world.  After finding a letter from her mother telling her that her family is cursed and she must run Ari decides she must head to New 2 to find answers.  New 2 used to be New Orleans, until 2 hurricanes destroyed the city several years ago.  Unable to fund the cost of re-building the city the government sold the city to an alliance called the Novem and the city has become a haven for outsiders and anyone who is different.  Although the Novem have started re-building a lot of New 2 is still very run down and poverty stricken but Ari finds a group of misfit children and feels like she has found a place where she can fit in at last.

I wasn't really too sure what to expect of Darkness Becomes Her but it is an impressive YA debut and I'm looking forward to seeing where Kelly Keaton takes the series next.  If you're looking for a YA urban fantasy that is a little different then this would be a good place to start, the author has mixed in an interesting amount of Greek mythology and the story stands out from the huge number of YA vampire stories in the market at the moment.

Ari is different from a lot of other YA heroines in the fact that she can stand up for herself and she doesn't take people at face value.  Her past has taught her to be wary and it takes her time before she will trust people.  Although she is vulnerable she is capable of standing up for herself and can kick butt when she needs to.  I did think that the romance took off a little too quickly when she met Sebastian but I liked them as a couple so I was easily able to forgive that.  We are introduced to some great secondary characters who I'm looking forward to learning more about as the series progresses.  Along with Sebastian you have the rest of the misfits Crank, Henri, Dub & Violet and although I liked them all it was Violet who really stood out for me.  She is a weird and quite creepy character but at the same time she was also incredibly sweet and makes you want to look out for her.

The story line is fast paced and full of twists and turns, I'll admit that I had made a good guess at what Ari was before the big reveal but this didn't reduce my enjoyment of the story and I couldn't wait to find out if I was right or not.  There were a few things that I would have liked to have seen expanded but I'd rather have a pacy shorter story than one that is long winded and meanders to the finish line at a snail's pace.  Darkness Becomes Her was a great start to a new series and is an easy book to devour in one session.  I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series and would recommend this to any fans of YA paranormal stories.

Source: Received from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Trouble with Spells - Lacey Weatherford

Portia Mullins had always lived the life of a normal teenager, up until her sixteenth birthday.  She is then informed by her grandma that she is actually a witch who is a descendant from a long line of witches and warlocks.  After overcoming her disbelief she finds that being a member of the coven comes with one great perk in the form of the school's handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum.  Vance and Portia have an immediate connection as a budding romance begins, only to be threatened by turbulent skies on the horizon as Vance's checkered past rears its ugly head to haunt them.  Portia is forced to use her untried powers in defense of everything she loves in a desperate attempt to hold on to the one thing that really matters in her life.

Of Witches & Warlocks Series:
The Trouble with Spells
The Demon Kiss
Blood of the White Witch (coming soon)

Visit Lacey Weatherford's website for more information

Review:
Portia has always been a normal teenager - until the day of her 16th birthday when she finds out that she comes from a family of witches and warlocks.  As her magical powers start to develop one of the best things about joining the coven is getting to know the school bad boy Vance.  Portia and Vance are drawn to each other but when Vance's past comes back to haunt them Portia is going to need all of her new found magical skills if they are both going to survive.

The Trouble with Spells is the first book in the Of Witches and Warlocks series by Lacey Weatherford and I thought it was a great start to the series.  There were a couple of things that irritated me, the main one being that there were quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes in the book I read (that is a major bug bear of mine and makes me want to get out my red pen!) but I have since found out that there was a mistake at the publishers and an unedited version of the story was printed in error.  This has apparently been corrected now so shouldn't be an issue if you purchase a new copy of the book.

I really liked Portia as a main character, she is smart and sassy and I liked the fact that she came across as such a realistic teenager.  Her new magical abilities came as a complete shock to her so I did feel that she picked up her new skills a little too quickly but the advantage of this was that the story was able to move at a much faster pace and believe me it is definitely a story you'll want to read in just one sitting!  One of my favorite characters was Portia's grandma - she was so much fun to read about.

Vance is a great swoon worthy hero and yes he did steal my heart just a little bit!  At first I was shocked that he & Portia's relationship built so quickly - within a few days of the first time they'd spoken to each other they knew they were soul mates and had a bonding ceremony - but this is explained in the book.  Once you start watching the two of them together it is easy to forget about how rushed the beginning of the relationship felt, their emotions and feelings completely drew me in and I absolutely loved the pair of them together.

The Trouble with Spells is a romantic, action packed read and one that I would highly recommend to fans of YA paranormal romance.  I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in the series - this book ends on quite a cliffhanger so you might want to make sure you get hold of both books before you start reading!

Source: Received as part of a book tour arranged by UK Book Tours, this book has already been sent on to it's next destination.

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ARC Review: Hex Hall - Rachel Hawkins

When sixteen-year-old Sophie Mercer discovers she's a witch, she imagines life will be full of magic, fun and ... well ... broomsticks!  But her first attempt at a love spell goes disastrously wrong and, as punishment, Sophie is shipped off to Hectacte "Hex" Hall, a reform school for witches, shapeshifters and faeries.

By the end of her first day among her fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tag-along ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person on campus and the only vampire.

Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students and her only friend is the number-one suspect...

Hex Hall is being released in the UK on 1st April 2010
Rachel Hawkins is currently writing a sequel

For more information visit Rachel Hawkins' website

Review:
Sophie is a witch but being raised by a human mother means she's had no training and she doesn't know how to control her talents.  After an unfortunate incident at her school prom she is sent to Hex Hall to learn how to keep her powers secret from normal humans.  The last thing she wants is to be sent to boarding school but she doesn't have a choice in the matter so she's going to have to make the most of it.

Having struggled to fit in at any of her other schools (and she's been to a LOT of schools) Sophie secretly hopes that at Hex Hall she will finally find a place where she belongs.  However, by the end of her first day she has managed to make enemies of a coven of 3 dark witches, deveolped a crush on a cute warlock who just happens to be dating a member of the coven and found herself a ghostly stalker.  Not only that but she's also stuck with the most hated girl in the school (who also happens to be the school's only vampire) as her new roommate.  It isn't the greatest start and leaves Sophie wondering how she is going to survive the next 2 years.

I was really impressed with Rachel Hawkins' debut novel and can't wait to read future books in the series.  I really loved Sophie and her best friend Jenna - Rachel really brought their characters to life and their friendship comes across as very real.  There was plenty of action and there were some fantastic twists that I really didn't see coming.  The dialogue had me laughing out loud in places and I'm really looking forward to getting to know some of the other students better in the future.

Source: Recieved for review from publisher Simon & Schuster

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Nayu's Reading Corner
Girls Without a Bookshelf
He Followed Me Home...Can I Keep Him?
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