Showing posts with label Action. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Action. Show all posts

2/05/2013

Sins & Needles Review and Giveaway

First of all, before I begin ranting and raving, because this book rocked and freaking rolled, i have to say that it is an ADULT read. So, skim right along if you are not in fact an adult. Ok, continuing. Sins & Needles is an awesome awesome book and I have one little book soulmate fairy to thank for bringing it to my attention; Miss Megan of Reading Books...LIKE A BOSS! Woman is a genius when it comes to good reads; she has exceptional taste in books. Make sure to check out her blog!!

Sins & Needles (The Artists Trilogy #1) by Karina Halle
★★★★★
Release Date: January 25, 2013
Metal Blonde Books
Age: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Action, Suspense, Drama, Realistic Fiction
Format: ebook
Source: Megan of Reading Books...LIKE A BOSS
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents' latest scam. Now she’s much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for – Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie’s counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she’s not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie’s plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn’t dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it’s one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.
This book will rock your mother freaking face off. It will grab you by your wrist and drag you through a maze of twists, surprises, and straight up shock inducing plot lines. Then, just when you get comfortable Karina Halle will knock you upside your head and drag you around again. To say I liked Sins & Needles would obviously be a massive understatement. I "true love" loved it, I "sixteen year old love" loved it, and I wish I could read it for the first time all over again. I am now officially a "I will lick your shoes Karina Halle" Groupie; thank you Megan for bringing me to this place in my life. ;)

This book is about a born and bred con artist. It's about Ellie, a girl who knows what she does is wrong, but also knows it's easier than working honestly. All her life this is what she's done and just when she thinks she's going to go straight destiny throws too good of an opportunity to pass up right into her lap (quite literally). She underestimates those around her, more than once, and winds up hurting someone when she shows her true colors. Running from a dangerous past and all of the identities she's lived through the years, she returns home to find an old friend and a golden opportunity.
“You're a bad person, Ellie," he said without a trace of irony.
"I'm not bad. The world is bad and I'm just trying to survive in it.”
Camden McQueen and Ellie used to be friends. They used to be very close, that is until Ellie showed him her true colors. Now, thrown back together old flames rekindle and new plans arise. Ellie's con artist mind concocts a new tactic to get her what she needs; but she didn't count on one thing getting in her way, Camden. There's so much I'd love to sit here and discuss about this book. But, so much of it is better revealed while reading. I'm telling you, Karina Halle will shock the crap out of you. I remember sitting and reading and yelling at the screen, yelling people, yelling! It's a pretty terrific read.
“You know how I feel about your scars. They only make you more beautiful.”
It's kind of a dark and heavy read, very much an adult book, and these characters are not innocent and young (I mean they're kind of young but definitely not innocent). Their pasts catch up to them and they get thrust into motion and off their orbits quickly. Ellie is a resourceful girl but when even more drama re-enters her life, and the shit hits the fan, her life begins to crumble. A powerful book, a book about the person you normally don't find yourself rooting for, a thief and liar that will capture your heart. I am a fan.

The ending of this book KILLED ME. Holy freaking mother of all cliffhangers. I mean I am all for an emotionally draining rollercoaster of a book but MAN. I will be purchasing book 2 as soon as it is available.

Read this book. Oh, and I LOVE THE COVER.

Giveaway
So, here we go. 2 ebook copies of Sins & Needles in the winners format!


2/04/2013

Scarlette by Davonna Juroe Review

Scarlette by Davonna Juroe
★★★★☆
Release Date: October 12, 2012
Age: Mature YA
Genre: Horror, Werewolves, Action, Drama, Suspense, Witches, Paranormal Romance
Format: ebook
Source: Author for review
Buy it: Amazon
Find the Beast ~ Find the Cure

Scarlette, an 18-year-old peasant, lives under a dark threat. A nightmarish creature lurks in the surrounding forest, killing the villagers one by one. When Scarlette's grandmother survives an attack, Scarlette learns that her grandmother hasn't suffered the bite of just any normal animal.

Now desperate, Scarlette searches throughout her province to find a cure. But there are those who want to keep their pasts hidden. As she begins to uncover the dark secrets of her village, Scarlette is befriended by a local nobleman and a woodcutter who share a gruesome history with the beast. To save her grandmother, Scarlette must unravel their mystery and solve an age-old crime. But as she pieces together the clues, Scarlette finds herself torn between the two men, both of whom want to be more than friends and hold the key to the cure.

What if Little Red Riding Hood was Real?

Based on both the Grimm and Perrault versions of Little Red Riding Hood and set against the terrifying, historic Beast of Gévaudan attacks, this YA retelling blends two epic legends, giving the fabled girl-in-the-red-cloak a new, shockingly real existence.
Scarlette is a haunting and captivating retelling of Little Red Riding Hood that takes place in France in the mid 1700s. This book not only features a suspenseful murder mystery but a plot that fans this way and that; with a great leading character and a building romance it is definitely a well rounded read. I also found Scarlette to be a sinister read; Davonna Juroe uses the horrors in history to spin Little Red's tale into something nightmarish. This book stems from the stories and legends we've all been told and the author creates a new heroine out of an ordinary character. A character with some charm and a large heart. She has her wits and smarts and while she may be too trusting, everyone needs a fault, she becomes this warrior and transforms her life into anything but plain.

Scarlette's life is stark but things are changing; beginning with a question her employer wants to ask her, one her verbally abusive mother wishes to decide for her. But, as the danger that lurks around her town comes close to home she learns the truth about those around her. Strong willed and determined, she refuses to give into the wants of others and chooses her own path. While her conscience sometimes catches up to her, and the prospects offered to her are hard to put down, Scarlette manages to strive in the darkness her life becomes.

Beasts live in the woods and while Scarlette knows not to venture into them, she does and it just may cost her grandmother her life, and that is just the beginning. As strange things continue to occur she is rescued by an unlikely ally, Francois, befriends a Baron, Louis, with promises to change her life, and loses her normalcy. The plot trudges on and grows into an unmanageable forest of pure darkness and evil. The lives of these characters will never be the same, if they survive.

My favorite character was Francois, even from the beginning I knew I was going to like him. His loyalty was unyielding and his character, while secretive, was comforting. The relationship between Francois and Scarlette is composed just right.

Davonna Juroe recreates the werewolf story while telling Scarlette's story of bravery and determination. As the secrets unfolded I was amazed by this talented author and completely trapped in the book. Scarlette is a bone chilling story about the horrors of man and the beasts that lurk in the night. I loved this book for Davonna's sheer ability to shock me and take me down one path only to throw me onto another. Everyone in this book is a suspect, even those we love, and nothing is as it seems. Thank you very much to the wonderful author for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Davonna Juroe

1/16/2013

Blog Tour: Vain by Fisher Amelie Review

New Cover! Same great book!
Vain by Fisher Amelie
★★★★★
Release Date: December 25, 2012
Age: Mature YA/New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Action,
Format: ebook
Source: Author for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah...then you’re gonna’ hate my story.

Previous Cover
Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. 
When I started reading Vain I hated Sophie Price. She's a horrible excuse for a person. My hatred was actually off the charts. By the end of the book she was one of my favorite characters I've ever encountered. Fisher Amelie not only breaks down all of this girls barriers and builds her back up; but she does so in the most beautiful way imaginable. She turns the self centered brat into a caring and selfless individual. Vain is Sophie's story and it is perfectly flawed, real, and wonderful. Fisher Amelie is one of the best authors out there, and Vain is the perfect example of why.

On the road toward self destruction Sophie is uprooted and replanted into a world she has no idea how to handle. Filled with people who have seen unimaginable things and people whose hearts are bigger than American cities. As Sophie grows next to them she sheds all semblance of her former life, she begins to care less about wants and more about needs. Her life is dramatically altered and in the middle of it all she falls in love with the most amazing man EVER. The best part about Vain is that it is a healthy love story.

The premise at first glance reveals nothing about what the story slowly becomes. The synopsis only tells us about the old Sophie, the girl I wanted nothing more than to strangle. Nothing about her journey and nothing about her transformation. And, that my dearies is why I was so captivated and blown away by this book. And, it is also why I won't share exactly what occurs between these pages, you must read it yourself to find out. Just know that it is one of my top 5 novels of all time. The emotions are off the Richter scale, the need to do something with your life after reading will consume you, and it will open your eyes to the world we live in. This world is filled with money and greed; when there are others who want only to be loved and secure we hold onto possessions like they are oxygen. This book tugged, pulled, and tore my heart strings. Every character was well formed, well developed, and utterly wonderful (even those who weren't). I read well into the night, cried, smiled, and fell deep in love with the story. It is a magnificent well written rollercoaster of events that range of action to drama that led me to all out frustration.

If your looking for a book that isn't just about a boy and a girl but the world that they affect; then this book will be one of your favorites too. Combining a genuine love story with one of the most heartbreaking truths out there, Fisher Amelie breaks the mold. She wrote something meaningful that we can all learn from and she does so beautifully. I love this writer and was privileged enough to get to meet her last June, she is a fantastic person. I loved Callum and Harper, Thomas and January, and now I love Vain. So, go and read it. Share the book love.


Tour Contest
Enter to win a Kindle Fire plus a signed copy of Vain!


Find Fisher Amelie
Blog | Facebook | YouTube | Amazon | Twitter | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads


Read more for an excerpt from Chapter 1

1/13/2013

Blog Tour: The Cadet of Tildor Review

 

The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell
★★★★★
Release Date: January 10, 2013
Publisher: Penguin Publishing
Age: YA
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Magic,
Format: ebook
Source: AToMR Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Tamora Pierce meets George R. R. Martin in this smart, political, medieval fantasy-thriller.


There is a new king on the throne of Tildor. Currents of political unrest sweep the country as two warring crime families seek power, angling to exploit the young Crown's inexperience. At the Academy of Tildor, the training ground for elite soldiers, Cadet Renee de Winter struggles to keep up with her male peers. But when her mentor, a notorious commander recalled from active duty to teach at the Academy, is kidnapped to fight in illegal gladiator games, Renee and her best friend Alec find themselves thrust into a world rife with crime, sorting through a maze of political intrigue, and struggling to resolve what they want, what is legal, and what is right. Alex Lidell (www.alexlidell.com) was a finalist in the 2010 Amazon Breakthrough Novelist Award competition and lives in New Jersey. This is her first novel.
I love fantasy books. The only thing with the fantasy genre is I've found it hard to find books that I love every aspect of, sometimes it's too much. Alex Lidell has made the perfect fantasy adventure book. She's taken everything I look for and then some. With a similar world building to books like Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder and Graceling by Kristin Cashore; Lidell has proved to me that she can run with the greats!

Renee is training to be soldier for the Crown. She's working her butt off only to be second to every boy. Until a new instructor comes, one everyone has heard of, and he teaches her how to use what she has against an enemy. She starts training with him and his group of fighters and really starts believing in herself. Renee was an exceptional character, filled with spark and life destined to continue on this path that not many girls aspire too. Her personality exuded pure loyalty to her cause and her friends. My favorite attribute of Renee's was the fact that she wasn't perfect, she didn't get it right all the time, she messed up a lot, and did not win every fight. But, she got back up and tried again. That was exceptionally done on the authors part. It gave the reader a character to relate to, look up to, and not feel overshadowed by. We could all be Renees if we set our minds to something and gave it our all. Girls need great fictional role models and Renee is one of them.

The world of Tildor lived beneath my feet while reading. Alex Lidell is a fantastic writer and storyteller, who gets much praise from me. Her conversations and words were fluid, the language of the book fit perfectly, and I enjoyed the change in POVs between Alec, Renee, and Savoy. My only complaint, and a very small one, was when the POVs changed mid-chapter. Normally they would switch off chapter to chapter but when they did so mid-event it caused a second look for me. I was never lost and Lidell did a good job making sure we knew exactly when it changed but I felt like it made more send to do whole chapters in one POV. But, maybe she has a reason for doing it the way she did.

I absolutely loved this book and its high fantasy. There is a bit of romance, but that's not what this story is about. From beginning to end Renee, while still maintaining her witty attitude, changes and grows immensely. By the end of the book she is a true fighter. Such a strong character, strong story, and wonderful premise. Kick butt heroines are my thing, girls rock and are capable of so much! Thank you to the author and AToMR for the opportunity to read and review this book. I can't wait to recommend it to everyone I know!

Tour Wide Giveaway
$20 Amazon Gift Card, PLUS a copy of THE CADET OF TILDOR with swag – US
$20 Book Depository Gift Card – International


About the Author
facebook | goodreads | website | twitter
Alex Lidell is a YA fantasy writer and author of ABNA Finalist THE CADET OF TILDOR (Penguin, 2013).
Although English is Alex’s primary language, it wasn’t her first.  Coming from Russia, Alex learned english in elementary school and fell in love with reading when the school librarian put Tamora Pierce’s ALANNA into her hands.  Years later, in college, it was another book that re-united Alex with russian, which she had shunned in adolescence. The Three Musketeers.*  Alex thanks both books, and the writers who created them.
Beyond writing, Alex is also a photographer, a horseback rider, and a paramedic.  The latter two go hand in hand more often than one would like.  She is trying to self-teach herself and her horse to sword-fight.
Alex would love to see THE CADET OF TILDOR in the classroom and is working on developing teacher guides for the novel.  She enjoys “e-meeting” both students and educators.



9/04/2012

The Burn Review and Giveaway

The Burn by Annie Oldham
★★★★☆
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Age: YA
Genre: Dystopian, Post Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Suspense
Format Reviewed: ebook
Source: Author
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
The Burn is full of nuclear fallout, roving gangs, anarchy, unreliable plumbing. That's what Terra's father tells her. She has lived her whole life in comfort in a colony at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. She hates it. And she would pay any price to leave. But when Terra finally escapes the colony, she finds out her father is right.
She finds a group of survivors that quickly become friends, and every day with them is a race for survival. When she witnesses and commits unspeakable acts, she has to decide where her loyalty lies: with the colony she despises or The Burn, where every day is filled with nightmares.
The Burn quickly became one of my favorite dystopian/post-apocalyptic reads. It's intense, emotional, suspenseful, and full of life. If you are a fan of Article 5 by Kristen Simmons, Legend by Marie Lu, Across the Universe by Beth Revis, Blood Red Road by Moira Young, and/or Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi don't miss this one!

Annie's world building in The Burn is exquisite. Every detail was thought of and the image in my mind, while not beautiful with rainbows and butterflies, is real and scary and concrete. The New America, the result of nuclear fallout and a raging World War III, is filled with darkness and misery. The people are fighting for their lives and trying to live a well life at any cost. The government has installed trackers in the citizens and they monitor their every move. It's barbaric and draining, this future is cruel and there are others who have escaped this reality and live a life under the water.

Last week I reviewed Annie Oldham's book, Bound, the difference in the two stories is remarkable. Her writing is fluid and the voices, style, and touch she puts on each is unique. Both feature a lot of action and a lead girl who goes through immense changes throughout each story. But, The Burn really took hold of me. There are enough shock inducing parts of this story to keep the reader's eyes glued to the book until the last page.

In the Colony under the ocean, where Terra is raised, she is trapped and dreams of the world above. Kind of made me think of The Little Mermaid (I really felt that way when she surfaces, read the book to see why). She finds someone she trusts and learns how to escape to The Burn. Even though she is warned that the world isn't stable, she still risks everything and sacrifices something dear to her, to make the journey herself. Her will is admirable, but her self preservation may be a little lacking. She's a brave girl, whether she admits it to herself or not, and is a strong character.

The Burn could easily be the beginning to an amazing series or a stand alone novel that is just as fantastic. Annie Oldham is an awesome writer and imaginative story teller with a lot to say. She builds up intense plots with unforgettable settings and I can't wait to read more of her work. Thank you so much to Annie Oldham for the opportunity to read this one and Bound. Both are wonderful reads that I hope I have convinced everyone to check out!

Giveaway
This giveaway is hosted by Annie and is for one ebook copy of The Burn!
Open internationally, must be 13 or older.


8/28/2012

Defiance Review

Defiance by C.J. Redwine
★★★★☆
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Harper Collins: Balzer & Bray
Age: YA
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Romance, Friendship
Format Reviewed: ARC
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.
I really enjoyed this story, it kept me up at all hours of the night to finish just one more page and I woke up each morning anxious to get back into the story. I was infatuated, enthralled, and I couldn't get enough.

Defiance is an adventure, it's a dystopian-esque, it's fantasy, and it's suspense. It has a frustrating love story, a mysterious premise, and characters that I would follow if given the choice. The slight political turn the book takes was enough to make me hooked and dying to read the next installment.
"I am a weapon, now. I embrace my rage." -Rachel
I did find Rachel's character to have a few screws loose. She seriously lost it a few times, even when losing it was warranted, she was still kind of scary and insane. She was raised to take care of herself in a world where women are inferior and must always be accompanied by men outside of their homes. The men in the story are shocked to find that Rachel can wield a weapon and they often underestimate her. But, she lets her emotions override her sensible side and was frequently left with regret and questions. She's a great character and a strong person, but she isn't my favorite female lead.
"One day soon the commander will realize just how strong he's made me." -Rachel
Logan is a conflicted and thoughtful character. Left with this massive responsibility and thoughts running wild in his mind about right and wrong he faces his obstacles analytically. Throughout the book he contemplates Best and Worst case scenarios in his head. I love that the POV switches from chapter to chapter, C.J. creates flawless transition from one mind to the next.
"I brush my lips against her ear and whisper promises I'll die to keep."- Logan
The world that C.J. Redwine builds in Defiance is a grueling and dark place where monsters live and terrorize the citizens. The desperate people of Baalboden look to a leader that is just as dark and menacing. He rules through fear and punishes those who stand up to him. He is ruthless and cruel and makes an excellent villain. The book does have a fantasy element and kept me hooked on the story and the multiple possible outcomes.

Defiance is a great action packed read. It's hard to put down and easy to get lost in. C.J. Redwine does a miraculous job trapping the reader into her story that moves at a constant speed. I felt like it had a likeness to Marissa Meyer's Cinder, just the city set up felt familiar and I think fans of Cinder will enjoy this book! I also believe this is a book that will have a large following and fan base, I know I'm a fan!!

8/27/2012

Bound Review and Giveaway

Bound by Annie Oldham
★★★★☆
Release Date: March 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Fantasty, Action, Adventure, Magic, Drama
Format Reviewed: eBook
Source: Author
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
After her mother dies, Elowyn Challis would do anything to bury the pain, but being shipped off to boarding school isn't what she had in mind. Things could be worse. Wyn finds a place for herself in the academy and living in the capital is just sparkling. But under it all, her mother's death still haunts her. Then Wyn discovers a secret that changes everything she believes: the bedtime stories her mother told her as a child are real, the faerie realm exists, and she is the Binder—the one mortal on earth with the power to seal the gate to Fae. It's a power Wyn's not sure she wants or can even wield. But she must confront her nightmares and her grief, or two worlds will be torn apart.
Bound has a little bit of everything between the pages. It's a fantasy adventure story with the feel of Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle series mixed with Lesley Livingston's Wondrous Strange series. Once I started this book it was hard to put down, the story is fast paced and mysterious. In the beginning the reader is stuck guessing what is going on as events unfold and secrets are shared. Strange things begin happening as the main character Wyn leaves home for an all girls academy.

The boarding school/academy aspect is always appealing to me. Upon entering the academy Wyn befriends Becky who is a great counterpart for her. They are instantly great friends and share a lot in the span of the story. Their relationship is easy and one that many girls can relate to.

Annie's characters are easy to follow, not complex, but still very interesting. The fantasy element and use of Fairy knowledge goes well with this book that could be a historical non fiction if not for the fantastical parts. It's a fun and enchanting take on a story that I've read but not in this way. Bound begins as a light read and the reader is quickly taken on a journey that turns darker and more serious. Wyn is a loyal friend and I believe she is an excellent person to be given the power she has. As the Binder she has responsibilities and she's a capable heroine, especially with the help of her friends.

My favorite character in the book is a Brownie named Pip. He's a feisty and fiery little guy who stands up for but what he believes in and is a loyal servant and friend. He's just an adorable addition to the book and has some comical parts in the book.

The love story in the book is a little fast moving, but it fits in well with the story. It's a refreshing part of the story, developing in the middle of serious events. Wyn's life has recently been difficult and she's endured a lot and I think opening her heart, even at a time like this, is moving and thoughtful. She's a great character, strong and sure, and any guy would be lucky to have her.

Bound is a wonderful read, especially for fans of books about the Faery realm, but I think others will enjoy it too. It features a great group of characters, strong story line, and an action packed adventure. If you're looking for a magical read I definitely recommend this one!

Giveaway
Annie is ever so graciously offered to giveaway one ebook copy of Bound to a lucky winner!
Open Internationally, must be 13 or older.


7/23/2012

Blog Tour: Frost Review and Giveaway


Frost by Kate Avery Ellison
★★★★★
Release Date: April 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Dystopian, Adventure, Thriller, Suspense, Drama
Source: AToMR Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
In the icy, monster-plagued world of the Frost, one wrong move and a person could end up dead—and Lia Weaver knows this better than anyone. After monsters kill her parents, she must keep the family farm running despite the freezing cold and threat of monster attacks or risk losing her siblings to reassignment by the village Elders. With dangers on all sides and failure just one wrong step away, she can’t afford to let her emotions lead her astray. So when her sister finds a fugitive bleeding to death in the forest—a young stranger named Gabe—Lia surprises herself and does the unthinkable.
She saves his life.
Giving shelter to the fugitive could get her in trouble. The Elders have always described the advanced society of people beyond the Frost, the “Farthers,” as ruthless and cruel. But Lia is startled to find that Gabe is empathetic and intelligent…and handsome. She might even be falling in love with him.
But time is running out. The monsters from the forest circle the farm at night. The village leader is starting to ask questions. Farther soldiers are searching for Gabe. Lia must locate a secret organization called the Thorns to help Gabe escape to safety, but every move she makes puts her in more danger.
Is compassion—and love—worth the risk?

Upon reading the synopsis for Frost I was intrigued and excited to read what sounded like a great new dystopian. Kate Avery Ellison held strong, her writing and wonderful world building has earned her a place on my top authors list. Frost completely captivated me and had me turning pages faster than my brain could catch up. This story is heartbreaking, inspiring, and haunting. I loved it, I absolutely positively enjoyed every breathtaking and suspenseful moment. It's a bone chilling and eerie book that features a nasty monster that now infests my nightmares.

In a frozen world Lia lives and survives but is suffering from an unimaginable loss and new responsibility. After her parents accident she has become head of household and guardian to her brother and sister. A role that many would resent, Lia embraces the challenge and is strong for her siblings.

A lot of events unfold in the story, secrets and revelations change Lia's world as she opens up her mind beyond what she's always known. Lia is a brave character who personifies strength. She didn't start out that way though, throughout the book she goes from a naive and insecure girl to one undaunted heroine. I remember feeling distant and shut out by Lia's thoughts in the beginning of the book, she seemed cold. But, by the end of the book she has opened up so much.

My favorite character, which is always a surprise when I recall the events of any story, but the character I liked most was Adam. I'm not going to go into detail about him but read the book because he's fascinating (at least to me). There's more to him than the other secondary characters, from the beginning I knew he was up to something. His mysterious nature has drawn me in, I need to know his story and more about him. Kate does a wonderful job connecting the reader to the book, making it a detailed read that allows anyone reading to picture not only the vivid setting but the one of a kind characters as well.

The romance that the author creates is perfect. Heartbreaking and breathtaking all at once. I'm really looking forward to Thorns, the next book in the series, to continue this nail-biting adventure. Frost is an all around Impressive tale stocked with action and romance. If you are a fan of strong heroines, dystopian settings, as well as creepy and calculated plots then this is definitely the book to check out.


Giveaway
10 ebook copies of Frost!
Must be 13 or older to enter. International.
2 Signed Physical copies.
Must be 13 or older to enter. US Only.



7/05/2012

Blog Tour: Forbidden Territory Review and Giveaway


Forbidden Territory by Melissa Pearl and Brenda Howson
★★★★☆
Release Date: July 1, 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Adventure, Romance, Action, Contemporary, Suspense, Drama,
Format: ebook
Source: Blog Tour: Author for review
Buy it: Amazon | Smashwords


Mica and Lexy have been best friends and next door neighbours since they were eight years old. They share everything and have no secrets from each other until... Tom arrives on Mica's doorstep - a gorgeous exchange student from England. And Lexy is smitten. Suddenly both girls are keeping secrets. Mica is hiding news about Tom's English girlfriend and Lexy hasn't got the heart to tell her best friend that her brother Eli, the guy Mica is mad on, thinks of her as only a friend. After a massive fight, the girls decide the best way to mend their friendship is to spend some quality time together. And what better way than to go camping away from their parents and why not invite along the guys they are crushing on. So the four teenagers embark on a geo-caching expedition into New Zealand's native bush expecting a long weekend filled with flirtatious fun; instead secrets are exposed as they stumble across a hidden marijuana crop and its gun-wielding watchmen. Forced apart they spend the next forty-eight hours racing blindly in opposite directions as they fight to find each other before the hunters do.
Two reasons why I love New Zealand (even though I've never been there):
  1. It's the home of Middle Earth from LoTR and
  2. it gave us Melissa Pearl and Brenda Howson
Yeah, I'm dying to visit, especially after reading this adventure story.

The Time Spirit Trilogy were the first books I had read by Melissa, and loved every second of them. I knew when I saw that Melissa was creating a blog tour for a new book that I would enjoy every second of it as well! And, I really did! Both The Time Spirit books and Forbidden Territory are very different stories but great all the same. In Forbidden Territory Melissa cowrites with Brenda Howson and the result is spectacular, a contemporary young adult filled with action and adventure, by two authors whose writing flows neatly.

Forbidden Territory follows 4 love-stricken teens deep into the New Zealand bush for an exciting holiday turned disaster. The story turns suspenseful as they unveil emotions before it's too late while running for their lives out of a nightmare of a situation. 

Mica and Lexy have a great best friend relationship. The history between them is evident in the way their characters interact. My favorite thing about them was how different they were, but how well they knew each other. Then, there are the boys in the story. I'm definitely crushing on Eli, Lexy's brother and Mica's mega crush. He reminded me of Derek from Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers series, protective and just a great guy. Melissa and Brenda's characters are memorable and likable (except Tom, I don't know what it was but I had this "just leave him there already" feeling throughout the book) they have comfortable relationships that I could relate to.

This book is one of those that has everything from romance to action and friendships to suspense. It even has Geocaching something that I am dying to try out! I did feel like it was kind of a quick read, maybe I just needed more from these talented authors. Everything happens super fast, it's an edge of your seat type book. So go visit New Zealand, and read Melissa's books!




Giveaway
Courtesy of the wonderful authors I have a spectacular prize pack to offer one winner!
Giveaway is international, must be 13 and over to enter.
It consists of a bookmark, a bone carving necklace, and an ecopy of Forbidden Territory!




About the Authors
Social Links
Melissa Pearl and Brenda Howson have been best friends for about 12 years. Both mothers of two young children, both married to school teachers and both lovers of writing, they have a lot in common. Having spent many vacations away together, they have become as close to sisters as two girls can get. It was on one of these holidays away that the Mica and Lexy Series was born. 
Melissa is the author of the Time Spirit Trilogy, which was published at the end of 2011. She is a fully trained elementary teacher, but is lucky enough to stay home and watch her kids grow. She is also spending every spare moment trying to turn writng into a full time career - and loving the process. 
Brenda was the one who encouraged Melissa to start writing in the first place. Once Melissa got started, Brenda caught the bug and she has been writing for ten years, in between motherhood and working at a local high school in the computer department. She has won two short story competitions and been runner up in another. Forbidden Territory will be her first published novel.


5/13/2012

Insurgent by Veronica Roth Review

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
★★★★★
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen: Katherine Tegen Books
Age: YA
Genre: Dystopian, Action, Adventure, Post Apocalyptic, Science Fiction
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.
With a predecessor like Divergent my hopes were incredibly high for this sequel. Understandably, and when I want a book to be really good to live up to the expectations I have I am often left feeling disappointed. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE.

Insurgent, with its' ever changing dilemmas and suspense inducing plot, left me needing more from this incredible author. I can't wait to continue this literary journey in the next installment.

Drop whatever you are doing and read Divergent (if you haven't yet) and then quickly get ahold of this one. It is beyond anything I could have hoped it to be. Kudos Veronica Roth.

Insurgent takes the story of Tris and molds it into a seamless story of hope and survival that rocked my socks. I read it as quickly as possible, couldn't put it down.

Also, check out:





4/15/2012

The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda Review

The Hunt (The Hunt #1) by Andrew Fukuda
★★★★☆
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Macmillan, St. Martin's Griffin
Age: YA
Genre: Dystopian, Vampires, Adventure, Action
Format read: e-book
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Preorder it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
Also available as an audiobook!
Don’t Sweat. Don’t Laugh. Don’t draw attention to yourself. And most of all, whatever you do, do not fall in love with one of them. Gene is different from everyone else around him. He can’t run with lightning speed, sunlight doesn’t hurt him and he doesn’t have an unquenchable lust for blood. Gene is a human, and he knows the rules. Keep the truth a secret. It’s the only way to stay alive in a world of night—a world where humans are considered a delicacy and hunted for their blood. When he’s chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity to hunt the last remaining humans, Gene’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble around him. He’s thrust into the path of a girl who makes him feel things he never thought possible—and into a ruthless pack of hunters whose suspicions about his true nature are growing. Now that Gene has finally found something worth fighting for, his need to survive is stronger than ever—but is it worth the cost of his humanity?
I've been kind of avoiding vampire books, and when I began reading this one I didn't know what it was about, I only knew that I LOVED the cover. I know I know, never judge a book by it's cover, but in this case I'm glad I did. I'd say it's a dystopian adventure vampire novel, where the world has been completely taken over by them and there are not many hepers (humans) left. An eerie premise that translates into an amazing tale.

The beginning of The Hunt began a teensy bit slow and predictable for me, I really got a Hunger Games likeness vibe from the beginning. Not that that's a bad thing, it just didn't feel very original, but that really changed once I got into it. For other readers that, like me, tend to set books down and go back to them I will say with this one, don't. Keep with it, trudge on, it gets really really good and not far into the book. As the story goes on, the pace picks up and eventually completely takes off. It's a spectacular read; it's gruesome, suspenseful, and crazy at times. Andrew Fukuda takes his readers on an insane ride that ended for me with wanting more. I found myself lost in Gene's story, biting my nails, and grinding my teeth.

In all it is a completely new way to look at the future, doomsday preppers may want to add hostile vampire take over to their list of unnatural disasters to prepare for. Rule 1, stock up on deodorant...

This book is another one with a male protagonist, and as I've said before recently I am really loving reading books with male narrators. It's such a fresh POV from all the female lead books I read. I'm not sure how I feel about Gene in general, of course I was and am rooting for him but I found him hard to reach and relate to, distant. Also, the relationship in the story was hard to believe and understand. I didn't feel like it was a big deal, I mean of course it isn't when you're fighting for your life, but it was really overshadowed by everything else in the story. Kind of like background noise, even when it was definitely in the spot light.

The vampires chosen were diverse and a mystery. How Gene could live for so long, so close to things so vile is incomprehensible for me. It's crazy. The humans who are to be used for the hunt were my favorite characters. You'll have to read the book to see why.

The premise of The Hunt is really cool, and so interesting. With humans being so far in the minority of this world it will be interesting to see the story pan out in the series. I love a good underdog. :) I'm very excited for everyone to check out this book, it's awesome. My heart has never done the amount of somersaults it did while reading this book with any other, except maybe Divergent. So that should tell everyone how highly I regard it. It's pretty spectacular in all its' goriness.

It's a worthwhile adventure and a very interesting take on the vampire story, one I hope everyone reads.

Also, check out these titles:
            





2/23/2012

Jack Be Nimble: Gargoyle Review

Jack Be Nimble: Gargoyle by Ben English
★★★★☆
Release Date: July 15, 2011
Age: Adult
Genre: Drama, Action, Suspense, Spies
Format: e-book
Source: Author
Buy it: Amazon
The boy came to her out of water, unexpected. He was smart and strong and goofy, as boys are meant to be, but peculiar - he remembered everything. In the span of a single summer, she made him fearless. Now, even as Mercedes Adams is at the height of her career, forbidding changes loom over the world. That night, in the hushed calm of a spring evening, two plain-faced killers watch her home, waiting to make their approach. A few hundred miles away, a brilliant technologist returns to his childhood town in order to begin a descent into darkness . . . in London, a military game theorist finds himself pursuing kidnappers . . . outside Prague, a hacker and a thief stumble upon plans for a weapon unique to the world . . . an FBI agent faces an unpredictable fugitive in Chicago, while in Germany, a sniper-turned-schoolteacher finds reasons to take up his ancient calling . . . and a sitting United States Senator finds his life and his work invaded to terrifying conclusion. In Paris, a widowed man begins to recognize the hints and patterns of a greater puzzle that will bring them together . . . or kill them all. Mercedes Adams is about to find herself at the center of a vast, tightening knot of mystery, intrigue, and globe-spanning terror borne of her family's legacy. Rising to her aid is a small group of specially-trained men and women. And at their center? A man who remembers everything.
Jack Be Nimble is a winding tale of espionage and intrigue. It has a fast paced story line full of exciting pages that were very hard to put down.

While this is an adult book, young adult readers will be able to connect with the story as well. Especially the story of Jack and Mercedes, which is mostly told in flashbacks of when they met as teenagers. Jack Be Nimble branches across so many genres that I think everyone could enjoy it, it even has a little science fiction in there (which I found could eerily be real one day).

This book features many three dimensional characters that Ben has created, but I really could only connect with Jack and Mercedes. Jack reminded me of Jack Bauer from the TV show 24, he's this amazing hero who is friends with everyone and is trusted by many, and he always comes through. And the adventure in the book is up there with some of my favorite action plots found in both books and film. Then there's Mercedes, she's smart, gorgeous, and successful. I loved learning about their connected past and can't wait to read more!

As for the many secondary characters, they are essential for this story, though keeping track of them felt tedious at times I'm glad I did. Ben brings all of them in and every corner of the plot falls to place, without even one of them I don't think this book would have unfolded as neatly and wonderfully as it did. At times toward the action packed end of the story I did get slightly confused as to who was speaking and who I was following but I would quickly get back on track.

There's so much to add that I loved from the great locations in Europe, US, and more, to the mystery and suspense. Jack Be Nimble is nothing short of genius, and is sure to be a fantastic series.

Ben's story is fresh and exciting all the while remaining mature and intriguing. It's a wonderfully written story that I recommend to everyone to give it a try. It's not a book I would have normally picked up for myself, and I'm very thankful that this wonderful author approached me to read it.

Make sure to check out Ben's website for more information about the book and series and also for a 30 page preview of Jack Be Nimble: Gargoyle

2/13/2012

Dark Seeker Review

Dark Seeker (Seeker, #1) by Taryn Browning
★★★★★
Release Date: 2011
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Demons, Seekers, Action, Cherokee, Witches
Format Read: e-book
Source: Publisher
Buy it: Amazon| Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
For 17-year-old Seeker, Janie Grey, ridding the Baltimore streets of the undead is an inherited duty passed down from her Cherokee ancestors. Seeker Training Lesson #1: Never trust the undead. After her father’s tragic death, Janie creates her own life lesson: Love isn’t worth the risk. Both lessons are easy to follow until she encounters the flawed Kai Sterdam. At first, she believes he is the hybrid she is trained to hunt. But, when he has human traits, she determines she doesn’t know what he is. As Janie’s intrigue over who Kai is pushes her deeper into his mysterious past, she discovers a shocking truth that is even more harrowing than the evil they are up against. It’s a secret Kai wants to keep hidden, especially from Janie.
Janie Grey kicks butt in Taryn Browning's fast paced paranormal romance about a girl who focuses all her energy and time on ridding the city of Vampires, until she meets Kai, a boy very different from herself but with the same goals in mind. When she begins looking at the world from more than one side she learns a lot about herself, her past, and those around her.

When Kai enters Janie's life she begins to question her teachings about the evil ways of Vampires and Demons, and she slowly begins to realize how prejudice her beliefs have been. Not everyone can fit the stereotype in her mind, and when Kai breaks the cookie cutter mold she wonders what else she's been wrong about all along. Their relationship simmers throughout and only heats up when it's ready, definitely not an insta-love story (hallelujah). More of an I hate you and should kill you story, should being the key word, but it becomes a friendship story that eventually evolves again.

Janie spends her nights as a huntress tracking down the undead and keeping the cities streets safe. But, during the day she is a high school student with two great friends. Her friends, Ava and Luke, made me smile. Their fun and easy conversations with Janie made her seem like such a normal girl but she is also one tough Seeker and fighter.

So, lets recap: hot guy, forbidden romance, plenty of action to go around, drama galore, witches (not the warty kind), cute boys, high school, and vampires. What's not to love? Taryn keeps the reader on their toes with her intense and energetic plot that is sure to corral a steady stream of followers for this remarkable series. Thank you to the incredible author for the chance to read and review this wonderful novel!

12/14/2011

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder Review

Touch of Power (Healer #1) by Maria V. Snyder
★★★★★
Release Date: December 20, 2011
Publisher: Mira, Harlequin
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Action, Adventure
Format: e-book
Source: Harlequin via Netgalley
Buy it: Paperback, Kindle, Nook
I am never compensated for any links on my blog.
 Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos. Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...
It's no secret that I love Maria V. Snyder's work. Poison Study is one of my top favorite books of all time, and Inside Out is up there as well (along with everyone of her other books). When I saw that Touch of Power was coming out I was giddy with glee. Thank goodness Netgalley had it and I didn't have to wait until release because I would have gone crazy with anticipation.

In the true fashion that is Maria's work, she creates some of the most beautiful and vividly captivating landscapes imaginable in Touch of Power. It's full of lush scenes and brilliant forestry that made me feel like I was with the characters throughout their journey. This book is set in the years following a plague that killed a lot of the population throughout the kingdoms. Famine is occurring, poverty, and on the brink of war no one knows who to trust.

Our main character, Avry, is incredibly powerful, smart, caring, and is also a healer, quite possibly the last. Healers were said to have caused the plague, which obviously didn't go over well. When Avry is captured by a group of men who need her to heal someone important, she doesn't go willingly even though they saved her from death. She can heal any illness with the touch of her hand, but there might be a catch, and is she willing to take the risk? She immediately clashes with their leader Kerrick, and puts up a fight throughout the story, she is strong willed and made me smile throughout the story with her banter and grievances, she never let her guard down. Avry, much like all of Maria's heroines (Yelena, Trella, and the others) is a very capable survivor. She stands up for herself, thinks for herself, and is over all one bad ass! I love it! Maria V. Snyder doesn't disappoint.

My favorite part of this book were Kerrick's "merry men". They bring comedy and love into this adventure tale, and they are all admiring in their own ways.

This book is action packed and there is something happening on every page, many many surprised take place, especially the love story that begins to unfold. It's now on the top of my favorites shelf and it's going to take a force of nature to bring it down!

So, was it as good as I was expecting? Better! Do I recommend it? Heck yes! I say it at least once a week it seems like but if you haven't read Poison Study, pick it up!! You don't have to read it to read this one, the two have nothing to do with each other, but it's an amazing book and worth a try!! Especially while waiting for the release of Touch of Power.

11/22/2011

Sundial Review and Giveaway

Sundial by C.F. Fruzzetti and M.I. Pearsall
http://sundialbook.com/
Pure Energy Books
★★★★★
Release Date: July 19, 2011
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Action, Govenment
Format: e-book
Source: Author
Buy it: Paperback, Kindle, Nook
I am never compensated for any links on my blog.
Teenager Whitney Forbes thought her biggest problem was surviving high school and determining if there was more to handsome Reid Wallace than just his looks and popularity. She was wrong; her problems were about to get a lot more complicated. Whitney always knew she was special. But when she discovers she is more “special” than she ever imagined, surviving another school day takes on a whole new meaning. Caught in the middle of a CIA plot and her undeniable magnetic attraction to Reid, she will need to decide who she can trust and what it means to become the Sundial...before she risks her heart and an alarming plan goes into motion. Will she have what it takes to not only survive but also prevail? Time brings the truth to light in this epic adventure about love, trust and the process of turning adversity into advantage.
Sundial is an incredible adventure of a book! I loved it from page one. It's the kind of book that makes you think, a lot, you can't just fly through pages. It's got an in-depth and intense plot filled with everything from very funny characters, science, high school, parties, CIA, and more!!

Whitney is hilarious!! I can picture her and her snarky attitude in my head. Fruzzetti and Pearsall do a remarkable job creating characters that made me want to keep reading. Whit has some of my favorite features of a girl in charge, tough yet charming, sweet and knows what she wants. From the very beginning I knew I was going to love her. She talks in the book about knowing what she wants and not settling, and not changing her life for a boyfriend and it's a characteristic I think all YA books need in their heroine. We have to teach young girls that, YOU DON'T NEED A MAN but they're nice to have around. ;)

The authors keep the readers on their toes, especially in the end of a book. The plot just gets thicker and thicker, and the ending OMG! I love when I'm done with a book, to feel like I need to skim through it one more time, because it can't be over I NEED MORE!! I'm using a lot of caps in this review, but they are necessary. Am I getting my point ACROSS? K just making sure.

Anyway, onto the boyfriend. Wow! What a charmer. It thrilled me that while everyone else was falling over him Whitney kept her cool. Boyfriends complicate things, and she realizes that from the beginning. Does that stop her from falling fast? Of course not, she's not immune to love but she's a thinker and is always one step ahead of the situations thrown at her, except with him (how frustrating).

This is how I would describe this book to someone wanting to know the genre. It begins as a YA contemporary romance or coming of age, pretty simple plot, easy to get into and used to the setting and slew of characters. Yes some of our characters have unique abilities but they're still just teenagers living day to day until they can be adults. Slowly the story begins to get more complicated and intricate, the authors add in many different elements like martial arts, covert-ops, spy, death, intrigue, drama, nuclear fall outs, until eventually we are consumed in this tale. And yes, on top of everything, it's a love story. And, oh how I love a great love story.

It's books like this that I want to quote when people say to me "Carole, you're 24, why do you still read YA?" because it's freaking fantastic! I mean geeze, get a grip!

I recommend Sundial to fans of Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers series and Darkness Rising series, and anyone looking for a great action packed book. Thank you to the authors for approaching me to read this amazing book, it's definitely a series I plan to follow and one I will recommend to everyone and anyone who will listen!

 


Giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a Kindle copy of Sundial
Hosted here at the life of fiction by the wonderful authors C.F. Fruzzetti and M.I. Pearsall.


8/31/2011

Nowhereville by Sean Campbell Review


★★★★☆
Release Date: June 2011
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure
Format: E-Book
Source: Author
Buy it: Paperback or Kindle
After his mother's death, sixteen year old Seth Bradley chooses to leave behind his friends, his school, and his entire life within the rusted, broken down space station Ticonderoga. With his sister Jenna in tow, he sets out to join a father he barely knows in the orbital city of Grass Valley, a monument to human achievement floating three hundred miles above the Earth. He's never seen the open sky before. Never seen a robot either, until he meets Anne, a strange, quiet shopgirl that no one ever seems too bothered to notice. Ava Morales is a girl with a mysterious and violent past. The soldiers of the Democratic Republic of Mars sing praises to her name, but to her family she is a terrible secret. She is considered a terrorist by the Allied Nations of Earth, but to others still, she's nothing more than a troubled teenager, on her way to becoming a permanent resident of the Grass Valley prison system. When Grass Valley is caught in the crossfire of an all-out war between Earth and Mars, Seth, Jenna and Anne must work together to survive as they find themselves trapped in a world that is literally crumbling around them. Meanwhile Ava unexpectedly finds herself alone and finally free in a chaotic, hostile city torn apart by conspiracy and fear. A city where, maybe, she has a chance to finally live in peace. A city in ruins, lost to the blackness of space. A city with secrets all its own.
For some reason this review has been extremely difficult to write. Obviously I really liked the book, what with four stars and all, but it's hard to explain why but, here goes.

Right from the beginning of Nowhereville there's so much going on. We have Seth and Jenna who have just faced tragedy and are going to live with a father they barely know. We have Ava who is in trouble or is trouble. All of this happens on a space station that may become the center of a Mars and Earth war that is building in the background. But, even with everything that's going on it's easy to get absorbed in the descriptions that the author administers. The setting of the book is what makes it simply remarkable. I loved the way Sean Campbell constructed this world that when I think about the book feels like it's a memory and I was there. I wanted to be there, even with everything going on.

It really makes one of my favorite quotes come to mind:
Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere. - Jean Rhys
Mr. Campbell wrote a book set in space that, fortunately, we mere earthlings can understand. Unlike some science fiction books that I've read it's very easy to follow. It's futuristic, fun, and rather addicting. It was hard for me to put the book (or my kindle) down because I felt like I needed to read just a little more.

Nowhereville was an extremely fast paced read that I read in just a couple sittings. While I wish there was more to book one, I am eagerly anticipating book two because we are definitely left hanging. It's one of those, "Really?" endings. But, definitely in a good way too, because that means you're enjoying the book, right?

Another cool aspect to the story, which I haven't come across in many books (maybe I'm reading the wrong books), was the inclusion of robots. How fun is that. These are robots that are very much like humans in both their looks, mannerisms, and sometimes even emotions. On this adventure ride the reader meets Annie, I mean Anne. She's a sweet robot willing to do anything to help and she does.

Our other characters are just as well 'built' and developed. Seth and Jenna are a lot like any brother sister combo. They quarrel a lot but it's fun to read. And, when it counts, they are there for each other. Together with Anne they face a farm with no gravity, martian military, and so much more. I found them to be adorable, I can completely picture both. Ava is still a mystery to me. Probably the main reason I would give this book 4 stars. I know we'll find out more in the books to come but I'd like to know more about her now.

Nowhereville is an excellent Science Fiction adventure story about survival and so much more. Thank you to the wonderful author for the opportunity to read and review this book. I know I've said it before but I can't wait until book two!

I recommend it to fans of: