Caragh Reviews - Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Published - 26th May 2009
Publisher - Penguin
Format - Kindle
Synopsis - St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger... Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

I've been hearing about these books for so long that i'd actually forgotten that I hadn't even read it. I have them all on my Kindle and so whilst I was torn up about what to read next, I went for this one. I was expecting to fall in love with a new series, new characters and experience a whole lot of adventure; which I desperately need now that Morganville is over *sob*. It sadly wasn't the case though.

I had an insta-connection with Rose; she's badass, kickass and tells it like it is, which I like to think is the same mental attitude that I have so I could relate. She was fiercely protective of Lissa and would go as far as it takes to keep her friend safe. I also started to develop a little book-crush on Dimitri (at least I think that was his name - prime example of my issues with this book).  Other than that I don't have a whole lot of positives to give Vampire Academy. It seemed like there was going to be a lot of intrigue and action as there were a lot of hints towards the reasons why Rose and Lissa ran away etc but it was all really anti-climactic! I just didn't really care about anything. When parts of the plot were revealed, my reaction was more 'Oh yeah..that was a thing..' than the 'OMG NO WAY!' that I was looking for. Everything was easily forgotten, to the point where I had to read the synopsis just to remember the names of the main characters.

As an overall, it wasn't like it was an absolutely terrible book, it wasn't! It just wasn't anything special to me. I wasn't hooked, I didn't relate, I generally was just disinterested. Because i'm a glutton for punishment, i'll of course be finishing the series because, ever the optimist, I hope that it gets better with time and I can build a connection to the characters or something.

Do you disagree with me? Please, let me know why you loved/loathed Vampire Academy!

Caragh Reviews - Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

Published - 24th May 2012
Publisher - Simon & Schuster
Format - Paperback
Synopsis - Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she's completely popular. It's everything she's ever wanted.
But beneath all the fun -- the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom -- is a nagging sense that something's wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally's ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what's wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold. Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life -- because the authorities don't intend to let anyone with this information survive.

Pretties is the second book in Scott Westerfeld's series. It took me a little while to get into the book because it had been months since I read Uglies and had forgotten a little bit about how it left off and where Pretties was starting.
Tally is now Pretty and is having the time of her life running around with Shay and her new friends, pulling tricks and partying...but something doesn't feel right and with her new crush my her side, she once again tries to find out what's going on.

The world that Westerfeld has created is thrilling, intriguing and totally disturbing. It's a world where children are raised believing that they ugly and must be transformed and become pretty in order to be happy. It provides a disturbing social commentary that at times is hard to really get through. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series but I had a few problems with Pretties.

It felt like a rehash of the first book in a lot of ways and it worries me that each book will continue to follow the same pattern. Tally is like everyone else/Tally discovers something new/Tally goes off on a mission/Tally ends up in trouble/Tally starts a new life. Rinse and repeat. Of course I could be totally wrong about the next book but from what I can tell of the ending of Pretties, the next book seems as though it will do the same thing. At least to me, Pretties didn't really raise anything new or add anything extra to the world that was created and the story that was told in the first book. Pretties was a good read but it wasn't really anything special and I felt let down that nothing more happened. This is a pretty short review because I don't feel like I have much to say about it! It was a good, quick read but I didn't get much from it. Fingers crossed that changes in the next book as there is so much potential for this world and for Tally!

Brianna Reviews - Deadly Decisions by Kathy Reichs

Published - 7th July 2011
Publisher - Arrow Books
Format - Paperback
Synopsis - A nine-year old girl dies on her way to ballet class, caught in outlaw biker crossfire. Violence is spilling on to the streets of Montreal and Dr Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist for the state, has to pick up the pieces.She knows she shouldn't let emotion get in the way of her role as scientist, but when nine-year-old Emily's body is wheeled into the morgue she cannot help but react. Tempe's nephew, Kit, is mesmerised by motorcycles. Does he understand the dangers posed by the outlaw gangs? An exhumation uncovers the bones of another innocent, hidden in a clandestine grave close to a biker headquarters. With her boss in the hospital and her sparring partner Andrew Ryan disturbingly unavailable, Tempe begins a perilous investigation into a lawless underworld of organised crime.

Deadly Decisions is the third Temperance Brennan book. This book was the turning point of the series for me. If this book failed to impress then I wasn't going to read any further through the series as I wasn't really sure if I liked the book or just liked the TV series.

So after the last book, Temperance and Andy seem to be getting on and Temperance is finally being nice to him. leading on from Death Du Jour, not only is Temperance being nice to Andy but there is also a hangover from the last case. Upon finding a young girl in the morgue, Temperance can't let another child lie dead and vows to put a stop to the gang wars that are going on. predictably she inserts herself into the investigation.

This book saved the series (isn't saving me money though!). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and this time around i'm sure it is the book that I enjoyed and not it's link to the TV series. Deadly Decisions seemed a little more fast paced than the first two. although it was still a little heavy in the description side in places; three and a half pages on blood splatter is interesting but it would be more interesting if it was explained while explaining what the reader and Temperance wanted to know.

Again, there was just not enough of Andy Ryan in this book and I don't like the way things were left with him - I just can't cope with the suspense of not knowing that's happening with him! And yet again, Temperance's decisions baffle me. And why does she deliberately put herself in danger and not inform any of the many cops that she is 'friends' with?! Lastly, just how many family members can she get mixed up in cases before they all start avoiding her like the plague?

I know after all of these negative thoughts it seems like I didn't like the book but I did, I really did and I gave it 5 stars. I can't wait to read the next one!!
P.S. What happens to Ryan?

Caragh's Top Ten (5) Winter TBR Books

December 10: Top Ten (5) Books On My Winter TBR

1. Looking for JJ by Anne Cassidy

2. Story of My Life by Anne Cassidy

3. Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

4. Death Note Vol 8 by Obha & Obata

5. Percy Jackson & The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

None of these are really wintery or Christmassy but they're the books I aim to get through over the next couple of weeks! If you have any suggestions for any good Winter/Christmas themed books then let me know!

Caragh Reviews - Daylighters by Rachel Caine

Published - 5th November 2013
Publisher - Allison & Busby
Format - Paperback
Synopsis - Something drastic has happened in Morganville while Claire and her friends were away. The town looks cleaner and happier than they’ve ever seen it before, but when their incoming group is arrested and separated—vampires from humans—they realize that the changes definitely aren’t for the better. It seems that an organization called the Daylight Foundation has offered the population of Morganville something they’ve never had: hope of a vampire-free future. And while it sounds like salvation—even for the vampires themselves—the truth is far more sinister and deadly. Now, Claire, Shane and Eve need to find a way to break their friends out of Daylighter custody, before the vampires of Morganville meet their untimely end…

Daylighters is fifteenth (!) and final book in Rachel Caine's incredibly successful Morganville Vampires series. This series has been close to my heart for years now and so reviewing it is going to be difficult! 

Daylighters picks up where Fall of Night left off. The humans have taken back Morganville and the Glass House residents have a moral and practical dilemma on their hands. We have seen Claire grow from a timid young girl into a strong, ass-kicking woman. The Glass House has been fighting for human rights for Morganville for years now, and it is finally happening. Unfortunately the consequences of that are too extraordinary for Claire to believe in it. In order for the humans to take control, the vampires are being rounded up, tortured and killed. Claire takes up a moral issue in that she believes (as do I) that a whole species cannot be blamed for the act of a few. On that note, Claire decides to do what she does best - fight for Morganville. 

The Daylight Foundation was actually kind of terrifying. I can't really find a comparison good enough, but I find it scary when people commit crimes of great evil but truly and completely believe that they are doing the right thing. Its even more scary when it is humans doing the heinous crimes! Which is exactly what The Daylight Foundation are doing. Caine wrote the whole thing brilliantly and at every turn I was anxious, nervous and excited. Admittedly, most of my anxiety was aimed towards Shane, who is not only my bookish heartthrob but was also in great danger of a different kind than he is used to! Despite assurances from Rachel Caine during a book signing I attended earlier in the year, I spent May til November being crazy worried about what was going to happen after Fall of Night! I'm so pleased with the way it all worked out; both Shane's drama and the whole book. 

By the end of Daylighters, it is clear to see how all of the characters have grown throughout the course of the series, from Claire right through to Myrnin. They have learned from each other how to work together and be strong. I love every single one of them as if they were truly my best friends and I feel as though I fought those battles with them too. The series tied up beautifully and my only regret is that it's now all over and i'm desperate to know what life will be like for Michael and Eve especially now that things are so different. Thanks Rachel for a wonderful series and some of the best reads of my life!

Caragh Reviews - Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Published - 22nd October 2013
Publisher - Harper Collins
Format - Kindle
Synopsis - The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.  But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Allegiant is the third and final installment of Veronica Roth’s Divergent Trilogy. I had been so ridiculously excited for this book to come out as it was definitely setting up to be one of my favourite series of all time. Divergent gripped me instantly and despite the negative reaction that some people had towards Insurgent, I actually liked it more than the first. It was an incredible sequel and didn’t suffer as a middle book at all. Which is why I am finding it so difficult to rate and actually form my thoughts on Allegiant because I just...eh. 
 

I felt that the pacing of Allegiant was so slow and that for the longest time nothing was happening. Of course that isn’t true, lots of things are happening but I just didn’t feel anything. I wasn’t filled with anticipation or excitement for anything which was disappointing because this was it... the moment when everything was going to be explained. On that note though I should say how impressed I was with the explanation of why this world is the way it is. The science and psychology of Divergent was something I did enjoy, even if it was given in what I felt was a rushed and unemotional kind of way. I won’t spoiler anything, but I definitely would have liked to have known more about the genes and experiments in other cities. There was so much more that could have been done with this and it was basically ignored so that we could focus on Four and Tris’ emotions both individually and towards each other. 

I wish I could say differently, but I had huge issues with Tris’ whole character in Allegiant. She just didn’t feel like the badass, strong woman that I had come to know. Obviously since Divergent, a lot of factors have to be taken into consideration and that is bound to change Tris but I felt like she spent most of the time being over-emotional and under-active. Her thoughts didn’t seem to match her actions at all, particularly regarding Caleb. Characterisation in Allegiant was a bit of a problem over all for me. I didn’t connect with any of the characters (including Tris and Four) and that is probably why I didn’t connect to the book itself. Everyone was distant and that could be explained away if Allegiant was plot-heavy but it was lacking there too as I said before.

I am on the team that believes the ending was unnecessary but even then it just wasn’t as emotional as it should have been. This huge, series-changing event happens and the only thing that made me cry was Four. In general though it felt like it was passed over so that Roth didn’t really have to try and recreate the emotions that were needed if she was to go in depth. I did like the epilogue, where we saw what was happening in the world after things had settled down though. 

This was a bit of a negative review and I’m sorry for that! It wasn’t a bad book, despite everything I said and it was at least a 3 star but I’m not sure I could give it more than that. It was a good story; it was just disappointing as a series finale and I think perhaps that my expectations and my own ideas for where this series was going just weren’t matched at all.

Caragh Reviews - Anyone But You by Kim Askew and Amy Helmes

Published - 18th January 2014
Publisher - Merit Press
Format - Kindle
Synopsis - (At the time of writing, no synopsis is available)

My review of Exposure

My review of Tempestuous

I read this book quite a long time ago now after receiving an email from the lovely Kim and Amy informing me that it was now available to review! I absolutely adore the Twisted Lit series and so I immediately read it on the spot.

Anyone But You is the 3rd Twisted Lit novel and this time Askew & Helmes take on Romeo and Juliet. Many years ago I did a research project on R&J and in the process I discovered a lot of different 'spins' regarding the Star Cross'd Lovers and so I was a little nervous that i'd already know what was going on but that totally wasn't the case. At all.
From the start I was intrigued by the characters and wow, there are a LOT! One of the things I most enjoy about the Twisted Lit series is guessing which character is 'supposed' to be whom from the original tale because despite similarities, each character really does have their own personalities and sometimes it can be a little tricky!

For a long time I wasn't really sure where the story was going. I couldn't figure out how Anyone But You was going to be Romeo & Juliet - but that's what is so beautiful about these books. They are the essence of Shakespeare but they are truly something else. The story swapped and changed between two times/eras, and many different scenarios and characters and so it was never boring and Askew & Helmes offered up something new with almost every page. I found myself really rushing through the whole book because I just couldn't wait to find out what was happening - and with who! I really loved the way that the modern day drama and the family feud drama of the past worked so well together before culminating in the final showdown where everything is revealed. The story flowed slowly as everything naturally happened but there was never any slow moments - I hope that makes sense! Everything was relevant and pushed the plot forward without feeling like it was forced.

I was really happy to find that there was a good balance between romance and family feuding in Anyone But You. I know that sounds obvious due to it being R&J based but with a lot of adaptations i've found that the romance always wins out in the main story and I don't think that was the case this time. It's really difficult to find new, GOOD & modern Shakespeare material because it's been so popular for so many years but yet again Askew & Helmes rocked it and the only problem I have now is waiting to find out what & when the next one is!

Caragh's Top 7 2014 Releases

Hosted by Broke & The Bookish

December 3: Top Ten 2014 Release I'm Dying To Read

I'm actually really terrible for knowing when books are being released and I rely heavily on goodreads, twitter and word of mouth to let me know when books are on their way to us! However, there are 7 on my mind so here you go!

1. Shattered by Teri Terry

2. Book 4 of Maria Snyder's 'Study Series' though it has no release date!

3. Unhinged by A.G. Howard

4. After The End by Amy Plum

5. The Shadow Cabinet by Maureen Johnson

6. Unforgotten by Jessica Brody

7. Prince of Shadows by Rachel Caine

Book Blogger TMI Tag | Brianna

Caragh did this and so I guess it's my turn now... Book Tag by The Mile Long Bookshelf

How old are you?
22.

What book are you reading?
Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones
Good Omens by Pratchett & Gaiman
Blood of the Fold - Terry Goodkind
Just One Damned Thing After Another - Jodi Taylor

...I have a book for every mood!

What are you wearing?
Jeans, polo neck, hoodie and fluffy slippers.

OTP?
Kylar and Elene from The Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks.

 Blogger or WordPress?
 Blogger.

Going outside being active or staying in and reading a book?
Staying in and reading a book obviously! There's so many to get through.

What is the last book you read?
Death Note Vol 3.

What is the book you’re going to read next?
Daylighters by Rachel Caine

eBooks – yes or no?
Yes. I was skeptical at first but now they're ok. I still prefer reading an actual book though.

Where do you prefer to read?
Anywhere and everywhere.

Who is the last person you tweeted?
I don't really tweet.

Who’s blog did you look at last?
This one.

Who is your favourite blogger?
I'm going to say Caragh XD

Who is your favourite booktuber?
Sanne from booksandquills.

What do you do when someone tells you reading is boring?
Tell them they're not reading the right books!

Who is the last author you spoke to?
Rachel Caine

Who is the last person you texted?
Caragh

Who is your all-time favourite book character?
Olek Skillgannon from Gemmell's White Wolf

UKYA or USYA?
USYA just because i've read more of them.

What is your preferred drink whilst reading?
Coke

If you hated reading, what would you be doing instead?
I probably wouldn't be weeks behind with tv shows and i'd write a lot more.

How many bookshelves/bookcases do you have?
7 bookcases, 1 double shelf and 1 single shelf - Same as Caragh as we share a house.

If you had the choice to meet all of your favourite book bloggers or all of your favourite authors, which would you pick? You can only pick one.
Authors, seeing as I live with my favourite book blogger.

Insta-love- yes or no?
No. It just doesn't happen like that. You can be instantly attracted to someone but not love!

Favourite author?
Terry Pratchett

What is the number-one book on your wishlist?
The City Watch books by Pratchett. I've read them but don't own them.

Do you prefer books with female or male protagonists?
I don't have a preference.

Which is your favourite book-to-film adaption?
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

What is the last song you listened to?
Little Pill by Stereoside

Which do you enjoy reading more – negative reviews or positive reviews?
Positive reviews - but mostly just honest reviews whether good or bad

Who are you going to tag?
Anyone who wants to

Book Blogger TMI Tag | Caragh

We've been gone for the whole of November! It was hard to stay away but we're back now and thought we'd ease in with Amber's Book Blogger TMI Tag which you can find here.

How old are you?
I'm 25.

What book are you reading?
I'm reading Charlaine Harris's final book in the Harper Connolly series and it's called Grave Secret. I'm also reading very slowly and just for nostalgia's sake, The Children of Cherry Tree Farm by Enid Blyton!

What are you wearing?
Blue jeans, Slipknot t-shirt, black hoodie and black converse! It's freezing now :S
OTP?
Claire Danvers & Shane Collins from Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampires series. Always. Forever.

 Blogger or WordPress?
 Blogger!

Going outside being active or staying in and reading a book?
Definitely reading a book - hence book blogging!

What is the last book you read?
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. It was okay but nothing like I expected and a little meh overall.

What is the book you’re going to read next?
I have no idea! I never know what kind of book i'm going to want until the moment strikes.

eBooks – yes or no?
Yes! I love my Kindle. I even named him Sherlock.

Where do you prefer to read?
I love reading next to a window when it's raining outside. But more often than not I tend to read in my chair in the living room or on my bed.

Who is the last person you tweeted?
A YouTuber. We had a disagreement about the way they treat people who are 'new fans' of things. I'll leave them nameless.

Who’s blog did you look at last?
Amber's! The Mile Long Bookshelf
Who is your favourite blogger?
Anya @ An Awful Lot of Reading and Misty @ The Book Rat


Who is your favourite booktuber?
Again that would be Misty! BookRatMisty

What do you do when someone tells you reading is boring?
Tell them why I love reading so much, maybe suggest a few books that may help change their mind and more importantly, just respect that not everyone can like the same things.

Who is the last author you spoke to?
The wonderful ladies who co-wrote the Twisted Lit series, Kim Askew and Amy Helmes. Look out for my early released review of their upcoming novel Anyone But You THIS WEEK!

Who is the last person you texted?
My mum!

Who is your all-time favourite book character?
Oh how am I supposed to answer that! There are too many. If I was really pushed for an answer it'd either be Dorian Gray from The Picture of Dorian Gray or Charlie from The Perks of Being A Wallflower.

UKYA or USYA?
I love both but of course i'd have to go with UKYA. I need more of that in my life!

What is your preferred drink whilst reading?
Tea!

If you hated reading, what would you be doing instead?
Probably writing. I used to love writing when I was younger until I discovered that other people were much better at it and I enjoyed their writing more than mine!

How many bookshelves/bookcases do you have?
7 bookcases, 1 double shelf and 1 single shelf - but i'm getting more soon as I hate double stacking!

If you had the choice to meet all of your favourite book bloggers or all of your favourite authors, which would you pick? You can only pick one.
Probably authors if i'm honest. I have a lot of questions!

Insta-love- yes or no?
Ugh no, not really. Sometimes it works but it kind of irritates me. I like the struggle, tension and the actual falling/realisation that they're in love. I want to fall in love with them too and that does not happen instantly.

Favourite author?
My instant answer is always Jodi Picoult because her books really make me feel and her writing is true and beautiful but honestly I have so many now. In the last couple of years i've read more than ever before which has opened me up to a lot of great authors.

What is the number-one book on your wishlist?
Probably Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell or Every Day by David Levithan. I love Levithan's writing SO MUCH and i've heard great things about Rowell.

Do you prefer books with female or male protagonists?
It makes no difference to me as long as the plot is handled well.

Which is your favourite book-to-film adaption?
Right now it's probably Perks of Being A Wallflower. I saw the film first and LOVED it and then the same week I read the book. Incredibly well done.

What is the last song you listened to?
I have no idea what it's called. Brianna has her iTunes on XD

Which do you enjoy reading more – negative reviews or positive reviews?
I don't have a preference really. Positive reviews get me excited about a book but negative reviews always make me curious to know how *I* will feel about it. I just want to read ALL of the books.

Who are you going to tag?
I'd quite like Anya to do it, if she reads this!