Review: Blue Bloods - Melissa de la Cruz

They're young, fabulous and fanged . . .

And they rule Manhattan from the trendy uptown clubs to the downtown boutiques.  Fifteen-year-old Schuyler Van Alen has never quite fit in at her exclusive prep school - she's more of a vintage than a Versace girl - but all that's about to change . . .

Because Schuyler has just found out she's a Blue Blood.  The Blue Bloods are the city's glamorous and secret vampire elite.  They're young, beautiful and powerful.  But now they're being murdered.  And Schuyler must find out who - or what - is behind it, before she's next.





Blue Bloods Series:
Blue Bloods
Masquerade
Revelations
The Van Alen Legacy
Keys to the Repository (series guide)
Misguided Angel
Bloody Valentine (novella)
Lost in Time (October 2011)

Visit Melissa de la Cruz's website for more information

Review:
As a massive fan of vampires and paranormal stories I was really looking forward to reading Blue Bloods but having finished reading it I'm still not quite sure what to make of it.  Melissa de la Cruz has come up with a unique take on vampire mythology but I don't really want to go into too much detail here in case of spoilers.  I did find that the mythology wasn't smoothly explained throughout the story though and was mainly told in one hard to follow chapter.  I found myself getting confused & having to re-read parts to make sure I'd understood it correctly and would have much preferred the information to be woven into the story in a different way.  That can be a problem with first books in a series though and by itself wouldn't put me off reading a sequel.

What is more likely to put me off is the fact that I didn't really like any of the main characters.  I found Schuyler OK to start with but she turned out to be a bit too much like so many other protagonists that I've read about more times than I care to mention.  She was an outsider at school, the poor girl amongst the rich kids who wore mainly second hand vintage clothing compared to the others who were obsessed with fashion labels and name dropping.  It is stated that she doesn't care what she looks like (even mentioning that she hasn't washed her hair for weeks) but out of nowhere she is offered a modeling contract and is suddenly shown how beautiful she really is which I found far too unrealistic.  It probably didn't help that I've never been a fan of reading about spoiled rich kids who spend ridiculous amounts of money on designer labels.  I'm not a Gossip Girls fan but this story would probably be much more appealing to those who are.  There was far too much description of what everyone was wearing and how much it cost them for me and I found myself skimming over these parts, I'd have much preferred this time being spent enriching the mythology of the story.

I also wasn't too impressed that the characters spend so much time clubbing, drinking and having casual sex.  Yes, I understand that this happens (I was a teen once even if it was a while ago!) but these characters are only 15 and it didn't seem to send a good message out to the teenage readers that the story is marketed too.  I would probably have found myself less worried by this if the characters were a few years older but as it was I felt uncomfortable reading the book at times.

Despite my complaints I will probably pick up the second book in the series because I have heard so many good things about it.  This may not be the strongest start but I'm going to reserve my judgement until I've read the next installment but I won't be in a rush to do so.  As I already mentioned if you're a Gossip Girls fan and are hugely interested in fashion you'll probably enjoy the story more than I did but if you're not then you might consider giving this one a miss.

Source: Received from Atom in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
The Lovely Getaway
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Review: Silent Storm - Vivian Arend

In the months they’ve traveled together, Laurin Marshall and Matt Jentry’s attraction has grown beyond spectacular sexual passion to into a deeper emotional connection. Still, Laurin wrestles with one last question: how a water shifter and an air shifter can possibly find permanent common ground.

Matt is content to wait patiently for Laurin to realize he has no desire to change her sky-borne nature. Until a giant golden eagle touches down on the Stormchild and tips the delicate balance of more than just the boat.

Laurin’s obvious affection for the newcomer comes as a shock. And so does the flash of jealousy that interferes with his shamanic ability to heal the man’s malady. While Matt struggles to balance his conflicted responsibilities, Laurin attempts to reconcile her undeniable feelings for one of her kind with her desire for Matt.

Somewhere between the ocean depths and the mountaintops, they need to find a love strong enough to call
them both home to the Stormchild.

Warning: Familiar lovers (hot) with old rivals (hotter) and a wild curse-melting ménage (hottest yet). Get ready for one exotic paranormal that will make you look to the skies and sea with longing.

Pacific Passion Series:
Stormchild
Stormy Seduction
Silent Storm

Visit Vivian Arend's website for more information

Review:
Matt & Laurin's relationship is going from strength to strength and they both have strong feelings for each other but Laurin is holding something back.  As much as she has come to care for Matt she is worried about the differences between them and feels a responsibility towards her own people.  When an old friend turns up looking for Laurin's help they are both torn.  Matt knows as shaman it is his duty to help break the curse placed on Kellan but his jealousy threatens to get in the way.  Laurin is attracted to Kallen but feels like she is betraying Matt but how can she leave her friend to his fate?  Can they find a way to resolve things that won't put their relationship at risk.

Silent Storm is the last story in the Pacific Passion series but probably the hottest one yet.  I'll admit I've not read a lot of menage stories and I was a bit worried about the effect that it would have on Matt and Laurin's relationship but it managed to show them both how much they really loved each other.  I enjoyed the way both characters have different inner struggles going on but are able to work through their issues together and become a stronger couple because of it.  Kallen was an interesting addition to the series and I would quite like to read a spin off series telling his story.  He came to Laurin and Matt because he knew they were the only ones who could help him but he didn't want to pressure either of them and I respected him for that. 

I would recommend reading this series in order but erotic paranormal romance fans should definitely give it a try, they are short, very steamy reads that are sure to get your pulse racing!  Although the story is rounded off nicely I feel that there is definitely scope for Vivian Arend to re-visit this couple in the future and I'll be first in the queue to buy the next book if she does decide to write one.

Source: Received free from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Empire of Night - Justin Somper

The stakes rise . . .

Sidorio, fuelled by grief and revenge, is intent on becoming King of the Vampirates and building a new empire to bring terror to the oceans.  But he faces growing opposition from both the Pirate Federation and from the more benign vampire realm, led my Mosh Zu and Lorcan Furey.

Twins Grace and Connor Tempest, still reeling from the recent discovery of their true parentage and it's explosive implications, are thrust deep into the heart of the conflict.  As old friends and foes are thrown together unexpectedly, the twins find their allegiances shifting in ways no-one could ever have imagined . . .

Vampirates Series:

Demons of the Ocean

Dead Deep (short story published in 2007 - doesn't have to be read to follow the series)

Tide of Terror

Blood Captain

Black Heart

Empire of Night
Immortal War

For more information visit the Vampirates website

Review:

Empire of Night is the 5th book in the vampirates series so I'm going to assume that if you're reading this review you've already read the first 4 books, therefore although this review will be spoiler free for Empire of Night it will mention events from the earlier books.  You have been warned!  If you haven't started this series yet then I'd highly recommend getting hold of a copy of Demons of the Ocean asap.

I've mentioned in previous reviews how much I love this series but trust me the stakes have been raised in this installment and in my opinion it was the best book so far.  After the revelations in Black Heart that Sidorio is the twins real father they are both dealing with this news in very different ways.  Grace is more open to the idea, she has spent a lot more time with the Vampirates and is more accepting of them but Connor is horrified - this really is his worse nightmare.  As both of them are given the task of spying on Sidorio (Connor for the Pirate Federation and Grace for the Nocturnals) they are forced to spend more time with him than either of them would have chosen to do.  As they are drawn deeper into Sidorio's world you will probably find yourself shocked at some of their reactions but wow does it make for an interesting read.

What I love most about this series is the character development that not just Connor and Grace but also the other characters go through.  Having the story told from so many different points of view allows Justin Somper to show events from multiple angles and he really is a master at weaving the various story lines together into an addictive read.  The books are full of mini cliffhangers as the story switches to another plot line every chapter and this makes them practically impossible to put down.  In Empire of Night I was shocked and horrified after reading the prologue but also completely hooked - I just HAD to know what was going to happen.

This story is somewhat darker than the earlier books but all the better for it.  Good and evil can't be seen in black and white - each of the characters are an interesting shade of grey and even Sidorio has a nicer side which is something I never expected to say.  I was on an emotional roller coaster for this one and I loved every minute of it (even if it did make me shed a tear or two!).  I can't wait to read Immortal War, although I'll be sad to see the series end I have a feeling it's going to go out with a bang.

Source: This book was given to me by Becky (from The Bookette).  Thanks Becky!

Other Reviews:

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Review: Divergent - Veronica Roth

This review was originally written by me as a guest post for Carolyn at Book Chick City as part of her Women of Science Fiction Week and the original post can be found here.

One choice decides your friends, defines your beliefs and determines your loyalties . . . forever.

When sixteen-year-old Tris makes her choice, she cannot foresee how drastically her life will change.  Or that the perfect society in which she lives is about to unfold into a dystopian world of electrifying decisions, stunning consequences, heartbreaking betrayals and unexpected romance.

One choice can transform you.

Divergent Trilogy:
Divergent (Read my 2nd Read Review here)
Insurgent
The third title and release date is currently unavailable

Visit Veronica Roth's blog for more information

Review:
In a world divided into different factions Tris must make a difficult decision - she must select one of the factions and this will have a major impact on her future.  Born to Abnegation, a faction that believes in selflessness above everything else, Tris must decide if she will stay with her family or move to another faction and probably never see them again.  Will she pick Candor who believe in complete honesty, Dauntless who value courage, Erudite who long for knowledge or Amity who most value peace?  She must make her choice carefully because if she doesn't pass the initiation test she will end up one of the factionless dregs of society, living on scraps and forced to do the worst kinds of jobs to survive.

I'll admit I was a bit wary about picking up Divergent but I'm not really sure why, I think it was partly because it is such a long book but mainly because I've seen so much hype surrounding the story.  I know that probably sounds silly but I have a bad track record when it comes to hyped up stories and find they often don't live up to my expectations.  I'm happy to say that Divergent proved me wrong and was the best book I've read so far this year!  It is hard to believe that Veronica Roth is a debut author and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next, my only disappointment is that I have to wait until next year to find out.

The author has created a complex and believable world where nothing is quite as it seems and I was hooked from the first page.  Tris is a character it is easy to route for, she goes on a journey of self discovery that is a joy to watch unfold.  One of the things I liked most about her is that she isn't the strongest new recruit in her chosen faction physically and is often underestimated by her peers but deep down she has great inner strength and the courage to go after what she wants, no matter how difficult it might be to achieve.  She has a lot of tough decisions to make but remains true to herself and refuses to just sit back and do what others expect of her and in that way she makes for a great role model.  Tris lives in a brutal world that can make you cringe at the violence but her story makes for unforgettable and addictive reading, I could easily have finished this book in one sitting had time allowed.

I don't want to go into the plot because the story should be savoured and I would hate to spoil your journey so I'll just say that Divergent is a must read and one I would highly recommend.  The story twists and turns like a rollercoaster making it impossible to know what is coming next but I guarantee you'll be breathless with anticipation.  I haven't even touched on the romance but trust me Veronica Roth has given us a boy well worth swooning over, their relationship develops slowly and as much as I loved it I was glad that it didn't take over the storyline.  If you're a dystopian fan Divergent is one you won't want to miss and if you've never tried a dystopian then this would be a great place to start. 

Source: Received from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review

Other reviews of this book:

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Review: Stormy Seduction - Vivian Arend

As morning-afters go, this one is looking pretty bright. Both air shifter Laurin Marshal and water shifter/shaman Matthew Jentry are aware, though, that trouble won’t be long in coming. And they’re right—before they’ve barely begun to work out the details of their mystical bond, the People of the Air find them to challenge Laurin’s right to choose Matt as her mate.

Fending off Laurin’s would-be suitors is easier than Matt anticipated, but there’s another dilemma still to face. His own people. Laurin is just beginning to trust that his heart and body are completely hers, a radical change after she’s spent the past two years alone and on the run. What will happen when his skittish, innocent partner encounters the playful, sensual—even lusty—ways of the Otter Clan?

Especially since they are arriving at the peak of the traditional summer solstice fertility rituals. And tradition demands they be the main attraction…

Incoming extreme passion yielding one otherworldly adventure. Don’t let the book length fool you—there’s enough heat in this story to challenge global warming. Four plus two equals one ceremony so explosive it may throw the earth off its axis.

Pacific Passion Series:
Stormchild
Stormy Seduction
Silent Storm

Visit Vivian Arend's website for more information

Review:
With water shifter Matt and air shifter Laurin alone on a secluded island after a nasty storm they should be looking forward to a lazy day in paradise but Laurin knows they'll have company soon.  Laurin's abilities to increase the power of her mate mean that she has been pursued by air shifters from all of the other clans for as long as she can remember.  She has been in hiding for 2 years but now her secret is out it is only a matter of time before they track her down and start making claims.  Matt is determined to prove that he can protect her and it's a good job he is ready for a fight. 

Stormy Seduction picks up the story immediately after the ending of Stormchild and I would recommend reading the stories in order or you'll miss out.  This series is a trilogy of 3 novellas but I would suggest reading them together and treating it like a full length novel as each one will leave you wanting more.  I mentioned in my review of the first novella how much I liked Matt and that hasn't changed.  It was nice to see a character who was willing to admit his feelings so quickly, is prepared to protect his partner but doesn't want to force her into anything she is uncomfortable with.  He is happy to let her accept their relationship in her own time and is willing to take things slowly if that's what Laurin wants. 

Matt and Laurin definitely have chemistry and if you're looking for a hot, erotic, paranormal read then this is definitely a series you'll want to check out.  When Laurin's next teaching assignment takes her to the otter clan Matt's skills as a shaman are also required for their summer fertility ritual.  The otter clan are highly sexed and very uninhibited so as you can imagine the fertility ritual is quite a public display.  I will warn you that the story contains a menage scene, voyeurism and exhibitionism but it is very well written and will leave you fanning yourself as you read.  Although I would have loved to have seen some of the scenes fleshed out a little more I'm still really enjoying the series and looking forward to reading the final installment.

Source: Received free from the author in exchange for an honest review

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May 2011 Recap

Here is the list of books I read in May: (The links will take you to my reviews)

1. Hunters - Michelle Marquis & Lindsey Bayer (read in April, reviewed in May)
2. My Soul to Lose - Rachel Vincent (Novella) (read in April, reviewed in May)
3. My Soul to Take - Rachel Vincent (read in April, reviewed in May)
4. Death's Daughter - Amber Benson (read in April, reviewed in May)
5. Dead Beautiful - Yvonne Woon (read in April, reviewed in May)
6. The Swan Kingdom - Zoe Marriott (read in April, reviewed in May)
7. Flip - Martyn Bedford (read in April, reviewed in May)
8. Fantasy Lover - Sherrilyn Kenyon (read in April, reviewed in May)
9. Dragon Blues - Edie Ramer (read in April, reviewed in May)
10. Wintercraft - Jenna Burtenshaw (read in April, reviewed in May)
11. The Hitchhiker Part 1: On The Run - Kathleen Dienne (Novella) (read in April, reviewed in May)
12. Angel's Blood - Nalini Singh (read in April, reviewed in May)
13. Archangel's Kiss - Nalini Singh
14. Bloodline - Kate Cary
15. Small Blue Thing - S.C. Ransom
16. Magic Bites - Ilona Andrews
17. Hunter's Moon - Felicity Heaton
18. Desires of the Dead - Kimberly Derting
19. The Darkest Night - Gena Showalter
20. Scarlett Dedd - Cathy Brett
21. Lover Unbound - J.R. Ward (review coming soon)
22. Blue Bloods - Melissa de la Cruz (review coming soon)
23. The Guardian Angel's Journal - Carolyn Jess-Cooke (review coming soon)
24. My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece - Annabel Pitcher (review coming soon)
25. Tiger's Curse - Colleen Houck (review coming soon)
26. Divergent - Veronica Roth (reviewed at Book Chick City here, review will also be posted on my blog on the 5th of June)
27. Black Heart - Justin Somper
28. Shadowmagic - John Lenahan (review coming soon)
29. Stormchild - Vivian Arend (Novella) (review coming soon)
30. Murder Game - Christine Feehan (review coming soon)
31. Empire of Night - Justin Somper (review coming soon)
32. Stormy Seduction - Vivian Arend (Novella) (review coming soon)

I'm still on a roll when it comes to reading and have read some fantastic books this month, I just need to get caught up with the review writing now.  I'm trying to get reviews scheduled in advance so I can be an organised blogger for a change but so far that doesn't seem to be going so well!

May Books of the Month:
(Choices are made from books reviewed this month)

My top YA read in May:

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent (read my review here)

My top adult read in May:

Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh (read my review here)

Event Reports:

• I finally wroted up my report for the Puffin Live Panel with authors Ruta Sepetys, Morris Gleitzman and Anna Perera.  This was a fantastic event and you can read all about it here
• In April Kirsty (from The Overflowing Library) and I spent a couple of days in London to go to the London Book Fair.  It was such a massive event that and I found it quite overwhelming but it was great to get to chat with so many different publishers.  While we were there we attended an event hosted by Usborne to celebrate the upcoming release of The Truth About Celia Frost by Paula Rawsthorne and we also met up with Non & Pip from Catnip and Bounce to chat about their upcoming releases.  We had a fantastic (but very tiring!) couple of days and if you'd like to read more about what we got up to you can find it here
• In May I was thrilled to be invited to the Piatkus blogger event, they publish some of my favourite paranormal romance authors and have some fantastic new releases coming out this year.  You can find all the details here
• I also had an amazing time at the Headline blogger party, we got to meet some fantastic authors (Jenna Burtenshaw, Cathy Brett, Julie Cohen, Jill Mansell, Julia Crouch, Jonathan L Howard & Geraint Anderson) and it was great to catch up with so many other bloggers.  We also found out about some of the new releases that Headline have coming soon and had fun taking part in an impossible quiz!  You can read all about it here
• Jo from Once Upon A Bookcase also organised another blogger meet up (although unfortunatley she was unable to attend).  About 8 of us met up at Waterstones in Piccadilly and spent a lovely afternoon catching up.  We may aso have done a little book shopping while we were there - how could we resist!  I will be doing an event write up in the next couple of days to tell you more about what we got up to.

Author's Animal Antics:

The Author's Animal Antics feature is kind of on hold at the moment, I am planning on bringing it back as a more regular feature soon but I just don't have as much time to organise it right now.  If you are an author who is interested in taking part though please get in contact (you can find out more about the feature here).  

Challenge Updates:

So these are the challenges I've decided to sign up for in 2011 (I may well end up adding others as the year goes on but we'll see what happens)

2011 100+ Reading Challenge - Read 70/100

2011 Horror & Urban Fantasy Challenge - Read 24/24 COMPLETE 

2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge - Read 7/25

2011 Debut Author Challenge - Read 12/12 COMPLETE

2011 British Books Challenge - Read 23/25

2011 New Author Challenge - Read 40/50

NAC Mini Challenge - Steampunk (Feb 2011) - Read 2/5 COMPLETE (This challenge was to read up to 5 steampunk books in February, I knew I wouldn't have time to read 5 so I'm happy with my total of 2)
NAC Mini Challenge - TBR Newbies (April & May 2011) - READ 6/6 COMPLETE (I actually managed to read 8 books for this challenge but only the first 6 count)

Review: Stormchild - Vivian Arend

As the new traveling doctor for the Pacific Inside Passage settlements, Matthew Jentry balances dual roles for his water-shifter people—caring for their health as a human-trained physician, and for their spiritual needs as a shaman.

Distractions of the female kind are not on his agenda, but his magical bloodline makes him a target for every marriage-minded woman within range. There’s something about the mysterious Laurin Marshall, though, that he finds far too enticing. It’s just as well that it’s time for him to move on.

Laurin thought she had perfected her guise as a mild-mannered teacher, but the sexual fireworks she and Matt touch off are threatening to blow her cover out of the water. Luckily it’s time for her to catch the boat to her next assignment.

When she discovers she’ll be sailing with Matt, she realizes there’s only one thing more dangerous than their unforgettable one-night stand—being trapped with him on a boat that gives “riding out the storm” a whole new meaning . . .

Warning: Contains strong sexual currents and powerful waves of desire that break down inhibitions. Recommended only for those able to navigate through extremely steamy situations, on land and at sea

Pacific Passion Series:
Stormchild
Stormy Seduction
Silent Storm

Visit Vivian Arend's website for more information

Review:
As a doctor and a shamen Matt travels around the various settlements of The People of the Sea offering both physical and spiritual healing where it is needed.  He is sick of having women throw themselves at him in the hope of conceiving a child with his powers and although he longs for a family he is determined to remain celebate until the right woman comes along.  Everything changes when he first sees Laurin though and he is immediately drawn to the mysterious stranger.  Laurin is a travelling teacher who has a secret that she is determined to keep at any cost and keeps herself to herself as much as possible but she can't resist Matt.  Luckily for her she knows that she is leaving the following morning and despite the passionate night they have shared she is relieved to be able to make her escape before he can find out too much about her.  Little does she know that Matt is the person who will be escorting her to her next teaching position and when their boat is caught in a storm they are in for another steamy encounter.

I love Vivian Arend's Granite Lake Wolves series so jumped at the chance of reading Stormchild and I wasn't disappointed.  As a novella the story is short but it is incredibly steamy and Matt may just have wormed his way into my heart.  I would have liked more information about the different types of shapeshifters but as this is the first story in a trilogy about Matt and Laurin I'm confident that we will find out more as the series progresses.  I'm intrigued by the different types of water shifters and am also curious to see what happens when Laurin's family discover where she has been hiding.

Stormchild is a great hot & steamy erotic short and I'll be reading the next 2 books immediately.  If you're looking for something quick that can be fitted in when you don't have much reading time this will be perfect but I'll warn you now you might want to buy the next book (Stormy Seduction) at the same time as you'll be left wanting more!  I'm looking forward to spending more time with Matt & Laurin and it will be interesting to see what happens now Laurin's secret has been revealed!

Source: Received free from the author in exchange for an honest review

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