Fallen Souls (Realm Of The Claimed Prequel) by Linda Foster.

Summary:

Ash never thought going to a party could be dangerous. He certainly never thought it would change his life. But when a man with red eyes begins following him – and his sister – he realizes he was wrong. Soon they’re running, leading the man on a desperate chase over icy roads.

When Ash crashes his car, nearly killing his sister, the red-eyed man offers Ash a choice – save his sister, but pay the highest price possible. Bring Grace back to life, at the cost of his own soul.

Suddenly, Ash is facing a choice he never sought. But will he use that choice to save his sister? And if he does … what will it mean for Ash himself?

***


Someone has started a revolution in Heaven, his betrayal and lies tearing the fabric of the angels apart. Things are coming quickly to a head, and before long the angels will find themselves at war … with each other. Friends and allies will turn against each other, each choosing their own side of right and wrong.

If that happens, the world as they know it will end.

It's up to Kali, protector of angels and humans, to stop the treachery before war breaks out and peace is shattered forever. But how far is she willing to go to save the lives of the angels? Will she turn against her own dearest friend to save her world?
And if she does … will anything be left for her to come home to?

This novella contains two short story as a foundation, building up to the first book in the series, Soul Bound.

The first section of the novella, Condemned really caught my attention; strange men with red eyes? Something wasn't right. It really set up a tense atmosphere although, I'd like to say, this story was completely unpredictable and really managed to shock me.

It really made me want to know more, see what happens next and set off questions and thoughts that I'm sure will be satisfied in the first book. This whole novella has very much got the feel of 'background story' and this was a very positive effect on the book.

The second section, Fallen, although quite different from the first story, still carried across some of the characters first mentioned in Condemned, such as Seraphine, giving some extra knowledge that works as a kind of consecration of the first story.

In fallen, I especially really liked the use of stories told in religion as a foundation, and I know, some of you will be thinking 'time to steer clear of this book', but for some of you who aren't a big fan of religious books, like me, don't panic! It plays on the story of how lucifer fell from heaven and adds some awesome twists that I could never have dreamed of. The whole premise of the ideas Foster creates is honestly brilliant, I love it.

Overall I loved this book and feel it's a great set up for a great series.

As soon as I can I shall be buying Soul Bound.

**** 4.5/5 stars ****

Peter: An Untold True Story by Christopher Mechling.

Summary:

Chris Mechling's new historical novel, Peter, introduces readers to the amazing true story behind the fairy tale of Peter Pan. The book tells the adventures of the real boy who came to London and became a well-known figure more than a hundred years before James Barrie penned his classic. 

Peter the Wild Boy lived in eighteenth century England, through the reigns of three kings (all named George), and achieved legendary status in his own lifetime. He was not only a popular figure, but also drew intense philosophical and scientific study, and was a subject of interest to literary figures such as Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift. Peter retained a youthful appearance throughout his life, and had a joyful, intuitive spirit that was both challenging and infectious. 

This imaginative dramatization of the life of Peter the Wild Boy captures the joy, innocence and fire of a bright, feral child living in the midst of the Age of Enlightenment. It is narrated by the girl who perhaps knew him best. The epic story of his life, spanning approximately seventy years, navigates a tumultuous and thoughtful period in English history, rich with characters. 

  This was a story that would be able to make even the coldest of hearts melt.

  A beautifully light story that manages to take you back to the time period it was set, whilst also not being dull and boring, to even one of the younger generations minds. It was funny, charming and sad all in one, and also managed to be very interesting and informative, which I guess is the point of a historical novel.

  This one, incidentally, my first historical novel, and I have to say that I did love it - it was something different, but in this case, that was a good thing.

  The story line was clear and concise and it wasn't choppy or lost my attention at all, which I usually find with books inclined to a more older audience; which isn't a problem, but it was good that this book held that bit of an edge.

  It was written beautifully and made me feel like I was a child again, being read a story by an adult before being tucked in and falling asleep - it held that kind of innocence that took you to a floaty place and I really enjoyed that.

  So overall, this book exceeded my expectations and I look forward to reading more of Christopher Mechling's work.

  

***** 5/5 stars *****

Pyxis: The Discovery by K.C.Neal.

  Summary:

Corinne lives an average teenage life working at her dad’s cafe, hanging out with her best friend, and trying to forget a falling-out with her almost-boyfriend Mason. Things take a strange turn when she uses her late grandmother’s food dyes for a bake sale, and her customers suddenly find her irresistibly alluring. Then she discovers she and Mason are haunted by the same dreams of a dark force that consumes everything in its path. 

Pursued by shadowy figures and a crazy woman with secrets from the past, Corinne must find out who her grandmother really was. In her quest to unravel her family’s history, she learns she is destined to protect this world--and the dark world of her dreams. She races to find the answers she seeks before her nightmares break free.

  So, I was sent this book on my kindle to review and since I started reading it just before the end of my exams during the dark age of no reading, it took me a while to get through.

  First off, I did enjoy this book; it had a good concept and it was written well, although, to me, it felt a bit wooden at times and I didn't feel connected with the characters, which was a shame because the concept was something new and unique, but I guess that it might be a better book for the younger teens - a 12-14 age range perhaps, but, although I thought it was a good book, I wasn't really exstatic about it - but maybe that's just me! So don't let that put you off if this is something you're interested in.

  Another thing that came to my attention was that in this book, not much happened really, although it did start to pick up at the end; but when things started to get really interesting and there was more action, it was pretty much the end of the book - but again, that may just be me being an adrenaline junky.

  So, overall, although it wasn't really my thing, it was still a good book and I think it would be great for the age range I previously mentioned.

*** 3/5 stars ***

City Of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare.

  

  Summary:

In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...

Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

  So, those of you who have been on tender hooks for the release of this novel will know that it's the final installment of The Mortal Instruments series and that world wide people are going crazy over it - tons and tons of new fans every day; it's even got it's own film version with my beloved Robert Sheehan...

  Anyway, onto the review!

  This book had the unfortunate timing of coming out slap bang in the middle of my exams, so, I have to admit that it was cast aside and abandoned for quite some time, I did start it but wasn't enjoying as much as I should have done and found it a struggle; through no fault of the book, just exams wearing on me.

  But, when my exams were over I sped through this massive 725 page book! I could hardly put it down, as per usual, Cassie blew me away with her magnificent writing skills and broke my heart more than once, I swear I almost had a heart attack near the end of this book!

  I love this world and, yes, I am sad to say goodbye to it, but it was a good clean ending without loose ends, but I must admit, I have got quite a book hangover from it!

  I just couldn't fault it, Cassie has a gift and I would reccomend this series to absolutely anyone who would listen. It will stay in my heart forever.

  *****5/5 stars*****