Darkness by Erin Eveland.

Summary:

One Girl. One Boy. And the Masters of Darkness. See the Shadow Creatures. They are everywhere. But you can't run from the shadows or the Masters who control them.

Catherine has been born with a supernatural power called Darkness. The Masters of Darkness have found her and it's just a matter of time before someone claims her.

An Interactive Novel
A QR Code starts the beginning of each chapter connecting the reader to specific art or music that ties into the mood and setting of the novel. Using the quick response code in print and eBook formatting, Darkness incorporates visual and sound to heighten the reading experience.

  The first thing I'm going to do is point out the obvious - this book, as the title infers, is indeed dark, and when I say dark, I mean DARK.

  Every possible hurrendous thing you can think of that can happen to a girl in her teens has happened to Catherine, and to top it all off, she's dragged into matters to do with a dark, possible perceived as evil, force called 'Darkness', something she never asked for, nor wanted.

  This book is brilliantly written and is actually quite frightening in places. It's a very dreary novel, but not in a bad way - it has an atmosphere running from start to finish that feels quite murky; not sadness or anger but more a mood of hopelessness.

  I also quite like the idea of the interactive side of this book, although I didn't really participate in that side of it that often myself, but I could see what it was trying to achieve and thought it was a new and innovative idea.

  And can I just make a quick mention that I sincerely hope there is going to be a sequel to this book...you can't just leave it like that! It's not good for the soul.

  Great read!

**** 4/5 stars ****

The Maze Runner by James Dashner.

Summary:

When the lift cranks open, the only think Thomas remembers is his first name. But he's not alone - an army of boys welcomes him to the Glade, an encampment at the centre of a terrible maze. The Gladers have no idea why they're there, or what's happened to the world outside. And following the arrival of a girl with a message, they must find a way out - or die.

                                                   'DAY ONE GREENIE. RISE AND SHINE.'

  From the very first page I was hooked. And when I say hooked, I mean HOOKED. Many nights I shed a tear from sleep deprivation just for that one more chapter; one more page; one more sentence. This book turned me into a readaholic, and I loved every minute of it.

  I can officially say this screwed with my head more than once and I found myself trying to solve it all along with the characters. I wanted to know more; no, scratch that I NEEDED to know more. With beautiful torture this book withheld all the answers I was dying to know and though it made me rather frustrated, it also made me love it all the more.

  This is the definition of a clever book.

  The idea was amazing and followed through perfectly. It was written well and not once did I find myself bored or having to re-read paragraphs over again. The Maze Runner has climbed it's way up to my top 3 (within series) and I'm literally twitching because I've yet to buy the rest of the series.

  This has left me with a whopper of a bookhangover, I can tell you that.

  I think it's pretty obvious as to what the ratings going to be.

  ***** 5/5 stars *****

The Pointless Book by Alfie Deyes.

Summary:

Brought to you by YouTube Vlogger Alfie Deyes, The Pointless Book, accompanied by the free downloadable app, is the ultimate addition to his YouTube channel a weird & funny video-diary of fun, challenges and nothingness: bake a cake in a mug; take part in a people-watching challenge; create a time capsule; diarise a week of your life and learn to make origami. Fully illustrated and packed with a host of games, activities and pranks, Alfie invites you to join his online following as he challenges you to complete your journal of pointlessness and do virtually nothing with pride.

  When I bought this book I had no idea what to expect, and what I found was actually a pleasant surprise! 

  I'd heard about another book called 'Wreck this Journal' a while ago when there was a big hype around it from many of my friends but never seemed interested in it myself. The idea of disfiguring a book just really seemed horrifying to me.

  But, strangely enough, I absolutely loved doing all the activities in The Pointless book!

  The Pointless Book is basically a book filled with a ton of pointless (yet still awesomely fun!) activities for you to fill in, participate and in some cases, do as you please! This book is basically yours to do as you wish (oh, the power! *insert evil laugh*) and although you may not want to participate in all of the activities, there are plenty there to choose from, so, if you wish, you can be picky.

  The other thing I love about this book is the interactive factor - the app you can download to accompany the book. You can scan it on some of the pages and see what Alfie wrote for his, and even watch videos of him participating in the books activities, which is really entertaining and fun to do.

  So, while this book may be pointless, it definitely doesn't fall short of a source of entertainment.

  Brilliant concept which I thoroughly enjoyed.

  

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

  

Timesmith by Niel Bushnell.

Summary:

Thirteen -year-old Jack Morrow is haunted by the past. 

For Jack is a Timesmith, someone with the ability to travel through Sorrowlines, the channels that connect every gravestone with the date of the person's death.

Desperate to help his family Jack finds himself in a secret world deep under the streets of 1940's London. Hunted by the undead knights of the Paladin Jack must find the fabled lost sword of Durendal before it can be used to resurrect the Paladin's evil master, Rouland.

Separated from his friends Jack is forced into an uneasy alliance with Hilda, a strange girl with a hidden past. Together they must find their way through the treacherous underground city of Ealdwyc and stop Rouland's return. Jack's future, and that of his entire family depends on it.

  I was originally sent this book for review and was oblivious to the fact that it was the second book in the series (total face palm moment) and quickly had to recover and buy the first book, Sorrowline, as fast as I could.

  Now, if you follow my reviews, (if you don't then there's been a hole missing in your life - ta-da you just found it!) then you will be aware that I absolutely loved Sorrowline, fantastic book, that, although I wasn't exactly the age range, as this is a middle grade book, I still enjoyed and didn't feel at all as if it was too young for me or anything like that. I eased into the story straight away and was hooked from start to finish.

  Timesmith, the sequel to the book, followed in its footsteps and didn't dissapoint at all. Again it had a thrilling plot line to keep you on your toes, it was beautifully written and well thought out, and, again, just as Sorrowline had, the end left me wanting more.

  I will definitely be keeping up with this series and this author. This book would be perfect for 13/14 year olds + and it's definitely one of my favourite middle grade series's.

  First class book.

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

The Program by Suzanne Young.

Summary:

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

  One of the best books I've read in a long time.

  It's shot straight up to my top two favourites series-wise. Seriously, if you have not got this book, you just HAVE to.

  It's emotional, exhilarating, it honestly feels like you're there, taking you through the twists and turns of emotions just as Sloane does. I can tell you now, I gasped more than about twenty times in this book. So many shocks!

  I would reccomend this book to anyone, anyone at all because for me, this is my second favourite series and I literally cannot wait to read The Treatment - the second installment in the series - but unfortunately due to the massive to be read pile growing on my shelf it seems I'm going to have to wait (crys).

  I could write a twelve page essay about why this book is so amazing but I neither have the time, nor will you want to read it - so, the only other thing I can say to you is BUY THIS BOOK. Like now. No matter where you are or what your doing you need to buy this book right now.

  I was in love with The Program from the first page.

**** 6/5 stars *****

Talented (#1) by Sophie Davis.

Summary:

Block it out. Impossible for Talia Lyons. When you’re a Mind Manipulator, it’s hard enough to block the thoughts of others, let alone your own.

Block it out. The pounding, siren-ready world Talia inhabits as she trains with her fellow Hunters, the country's top-secret covert operatives. The physical demands. The emotional toll.

Block it out. The secrets that Talia’s boyfriend is hiding. Talia’s unbidden feelings of frustration and annoyance toward her teammate, the Casanova of the compound. The wondering why she cares what he thinks.

Block him out. Ian Crane. The man behind the bloodshed marring Talia’s memories of her murdered parents. The man she’s determined to kill.

Block it all out. Focus.

Talented is an emotionally raw Dystopian Romance, about the life of a girl with extraordinary psychic powers, and what happens when a heart is torn between love and rage.

  For me, I felt that the beggining of this book was hard to read - I felt really disconnected from the characters and it suffered from description overkill - but, when it got more into the story and the plot solidified I began to quite enjoy it.

  Slowly, but surely, after that first period of awkwardness I felt, I started to create a connection with the protagonist - Talia - and some of the other characters also, such as Henri and Erick. I really did feel for her and this was when I really began to get into the book.

  That's when it gets exciting and we see how amazing the plot is! Invigorating and exhilarating I sped through the rest of the book in a few hours and it left me craving more. I grew to love some of the characters and hate others - and that ending...THAT ENDING! I just need the second book now.

  So although there were some issues with over description in the writing, the book was structurally sound and made for a really enjoyable read!

  I'll be waiting eagerly for the next installment of this series!

  ****4/5 stars****

Briar Rose by Jana Oliver.

Summary:

For Briar Rose, life is anything but a fairy tale. She's stuck in a small town in deepest Georgia with parents who won't let her out of their sight, a bunch of small-minded, gossiping neighbours and an evil ex who's spreading nasty rumours about what she may or may not have done in the back of his car. She's tired of it all, so when, on her sixteenth birthday, her parents tell her that she is cursed and will go to sleep for a hundred years when the clock strikes midnight, she's actually kind of glad to leave it all behind. She says her goodbyes, lies down, and closes her eyes . . . And then she wakes up. Cold, alone and in the middle of the darkest, most twisted fairy tale she could ever have dreamed of. Now Briar must fight her way out of the story that has been created for her, but she can't do it alone. She never believed in handsome princes, but now she's met one her only chance is to put her life in his hands, or there will be no happy ever after and no waking up.

  So, if you follow my posts frequently or have even had a little insight into my favourite books, you will know that Jana Oliver, being the author of The Demon Trappers series, is in fact my all time favourite author. And although I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as The Demon Trappers, she still didn't fail me and this was definitely a great read in my opinion.

  I loved the creativity and the idea on the whole of this book - it was a definite twist to the tale of 'Sleeping Beauty' and I loved how different it was from the original tale.

  Although I did struggle with some sections of this book, overall it was a fairly nice read and, at times, easy to get through; it has only taken me so long due to the fact I've been mega super busy lately and I just haven't found myself with time to read, really.

  But on the whole this book was well written with a solid plot line and if you love YA (who doesn't) then I'd definitely recommend you pick this book up off the shelves at your next visit to waterstones.

  ****4/5 stars****

Eren by Simon P. Clark.

Summary:

People are keeping secrets from Oli - about where his father is, and why he hasn't come to join them at his uncle's house in the country.

But Oli has secrets too.

He knows what lives in the attic. Eren - part monster, part dream, part myth. Eren who always seems so interested, who always wants to hear more about Oli's life. Eren, who needs to hear stories to live, and will take them from Oli, no matter the cost.

  

  So, to start off with, I'd just like to say that if I'd have to summarise this book myself without a blurb, I just wouldn't be able to do it! It's such a strange tale, that you couldn't really explain what was happening - plus, you'd probably have a different interpretation from another reader, which is one of the reasons why I loved this book.

  When I first begun this story, it reminded me a lot of 'Skellig' which I read some years ago for English, yet still enjoyed ( which is very rare when I'm made to read a book for lessons ) but, this book was so wonderfully weird that I don't even think you can really label a genre on it - I think it's one of those books literally anyone can enjoy.

  The writing was impeccable, and easy to read and I absolutely loved that it also included illustrations! Although I am most definitely not a child anymore, I do really really love when they encompass drawings into a novel without them being childish - I don't know why but it just makes it all the more exciting to read.

  This book really paints a picture I think, I could actually see the characters and really clearly form them in my mind, and each page I read I was eager to gobble up some more, to find out all the answers to the questions that were buzzing around my mind.

  

  I think this book is going to certainly fly off the shelves, especially with the fantastical cover! 

  A real page turner with just a sprinkle of absurdity to peak your interest till the very end.

  *****5/5 stars*****

Doll Bones by Holly Black.

Summary: 

Zach, Poppy and Alice have been friends for ever. They love playing with their action figure toys, imagining a magical world of adventure and heroism. But disaster strikes when, without warning, Zach’s father throws out all his toys, declaring he’s too old for them. Zach is furious, confused and embarrassed, deciding that the only way to cope is to stop playing . . . and stop being friends with Poppy and Alice. But one night the girls pay Zach a visit, and tell him about a series of mysterious occurrences. Poppy swears that she is now being haunted by a china doll – who claims that it is made from the ground-up bones of a murdered girl. They must return the doll to where the girl lived, and bury it. Otherwise the three children will be cursed for eternity . . .

This was a lovingly light read that I think would be fit for both a younger and an older audience!

  Although I have heard of Holly Black many times previous to this book, I just haven't had a chance to read any of her books yet (probably because my TBR pile has grown taller than me! Yikes!) this book definitely gave me a great first impression and I will definitely be buying some of her other works.

  This book was interesting and a definite page turner and it was the most unique ghost story I've read in a long long long time, and, if you've read my other reviews, you'll have seen that originality is something that I look out for when reading a book.

  I loved the writing style - it was easy to read and I never once got bored, or tired of it, I just wanted to carry on reading right through to the very ending - although, of course the need for sleep sadly prevented that.

  The character development was also very intricately put together in this book as we kind of see the different perspectives of growing up and we also see significant change in all three of the characters by the end of their quest.

  The plot was well thought out - I have to just point out that I love the back story to it all! - and kept me  wanting to learn more from start to finish.

  This truly was a wonderful story.

 

  *****5/5 stars*****

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfield.

Summary:

Darcy Patel has put college and everything else on hold to publish her teen novel, Afterworlds. Arriving in New York with no apartment or friends she wonders whether she's made the right decision until she falls in with a crowd of other seasoned and fledgling writers who take her under their wings… 

Told in alternating chapters is Darcy's novel, a suspenseful thriller about Lizzie, a teen who slips into the 'Afterworld' to survive a terrorist attack. But the Afterworld is a place between the living and the dead and as Lizzie drifts between our world and that of the Afterworld, she discovers that many unsolved - and terrifying - stories need to be reconciled. And when a new threat resurfaces, Lizzie learns her special gifts may not be enough to protect those she loves and cares about most.

  So, first off, I have to say that I preffered this book by a ton to Scott Westerfields previous work, Uglies. Although it didn't completely grab my attention at times, I never thought it was actually boring, like I did with Uglies. So, there's a plus.

  I was very excited to read this book, especially with the main protagonist being a young author herself, I thought that I would click and connect with her straight away - and I was correct. I loved the fact that there were two stories in this book - and part of a third (Pyromancer) - but, despite this, it still meant that it became quite a lengthy novel and I thought it was quite heavy - you know, like when you eat a slice of cake and it's so good but it's also really hard to finish? That's what this was like, and I guess, if I'd have been more relaxed whilst reading it, I might have had a different opinion; but I guess it's all a matter of taste.

  That being said though, I found no other faults in this book; it was written impeccably, the story flowed brilliantly with the plot clearly well thought out and, though complicated, understandable. I also loved how, rather than just one, we got two, and part of a third, if you count the start of 'Pyromancer' stories, and how, in Darcy's world, and in some cases Lizzies, Westerfield managed to keep it realistic. Oh yeah, he also chucked in a death god for purposes of YA hotness, which is always a bonus!

  So, overall, though this book didn't make it into my favourites, I still enjoyed it and would definitely reccomend it - just make sure you're ready for a long read before you start!

  I really do hope there's going to be a sequel to this book and if there is I'll be at the front of the line waiting to snatch it up.

****4/5 stars****

Disruption (The Cambridge Files #1) by Steven Whibley.

Summary:

At fourteen, Matt Cambridge has executed so many pranks - the latest nearly destroying his school - that his parents are out of discipline options. So his father pulls a few questionable strings to get his son into Camp Friendship: A camp that promises to strengthen the moral compass of today's youth. With a name like Camp Friendship Matt imagines three punishing weeks of daisy chains and Kumbayas.

Within minutes of arriving at the camp, however, Matt's nearly killed--twice. It doesn't take long for him to realize there's more to this picture-perfect place than meets the eye. What sort of summer camp has programs in forging passports? Why do they have endless fight training, and weapons drills, and what is with the hidden rooms? Matt wonders if his parents realize they've enrolled him in what seems to be some kind of freakish, elite spy school.

What Matt doesn't yet know - and is soon to find out - is that Camp Friendship's ultimate purpose is far more sinister than he could possibly have imagined. With each dot he connects, he begins to understand that in the end he'll be left with two choices: pull the prank of a lifetime to escape this place...or die trying.

  So I received this book on my kindle for review and I have to say it was outstandingly brilliant.

  From the very first page I fell in love with Matt Cambridge, I loved his quick wit, yet, he was still a realistic character and showed his weaknesses and, like all the characters in this book, his character development was perfectly executed.

  This was a fantastic read and I found myself hooked from start to finish; the concept was brilliant and left me dying to know more at every page. It was also a quick read and I managed to fly through it, so those of a younger audience would also be able to enjoy it, although, I believe this is just one of those books that has no age boundary from the youngest teens and up.

  I was also impressed by the impeccable writing, it flowed beautifully and made me feel connected to the world of this book, which not many books really manage to do. And I can tell you now that no part of this novel was predictable, it took me down twists and turns that I could never have even begun to imagine.

  It was exciting, funny and even left me jaw-droppingly baffled at some points, but I loved it, through and through.

  This will definitely be a series I will be looking out for.

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

  

Searching For Darkness by Leah Ward.

  Summary:

Edwin is a Seer, one of the few remaining in the world, who can see places and animals that the normal eye cannot. When his parents, the legends that would find the ancient cave and destroy the book Darkness, are killed before they can, Edwin finds it his duty as heir to the legends, to live out their destiny. In this day and age, wolves twice the size of the average ones with red beady eyes, walking piranha that destroy anything in water or on land, and even a pearlescent white dragon will only be some of the creatures Edwin will have to cross to reach the cave that Darkness is hidden in. Along the way he learns of several powers that he has been gifted with, when strangely a normal Seer is only gifted one. The cave will reveal incredible secrets and what he thought to be true may just unravel the world that he is so desperately trying to save.

  So, I was given this book to review and also to be part of a street team where I got a bunch of cool goodies to do with the book including a tee and some bookmarks! (I'll post a picture somewhere). It's by a fairly new author who has also got a poetry book - The Art Of Words - which is pretty cool too and I may do a post on it in the future.

  The style of writing of this book straight away reminded me of a book a read a few years ago that I really enjoyed because it was fast paced and, unusual for a book of the early-teens age range, was actually fully illustrated. Anyway, I'm getting off track - that book was something very different and I loved the style and I was actually very happy to find it again in another book.

  The book flows smoothly and the plot line is exciting and actually kept me hooked throughout my 2 day holiday in Wales, whereas usually, when on holiday, unfortunately I tend not to read much.

  It was also a light read, which was good and if I'm honest, I couldn't really fault it; the ideas were imaginitive, the characters didn't annoy me (makes a change, haha!) and it really was something new and different, which really is a big thing I look for in a book and I know from experience that it's a hard thing to achieve.

  

  I'd also like to make a quick mention to the cover (I'm really sorry! I'm a cover fanatic) as JUST LOOK AT IT! It's beautiful! I love it quite a lot and when it arrived in the mail I believe I was just sat on my bed stroking it for about half an hour! Woops!

  I think that this is a book that will take the populous of young teens by storm. Innovative, interesting and hooks you at the first page. I reccomend it to around the 11-14 age range, or if your just someone who would like to try something new! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of Leah's work.

***** 5/5 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*****

Sorrowline by Niel Bushnell

Summary:

Twelve-year-old Jack Morrow is used to life being complicated. His mother died five years ago, and his father is now headed for prison. But then Jack discovers he's a Yard Boy - someone with the ability to travel through Sorrowlines, the channels that connect every gravestone with the date of the person's death - and he is quickly pulled into an adventure beyond anything he could have possibly imagined.

Finding himself in 1940s war-torn London, with his then-teenage grandfather, Davey, Jack soon realises that his arrival in the past has not gone unnoticed. The evil forces of a secret world are determined to find him - and to find out all he knows.

As Jack struggles to survive, he comes ever closer to unlocking the dark secret at the heart of his family, and to - just maybe - changing his own destiny . . .

Pure brilliance.

Every word of this book captivated my attention from the very beggining - even if I wasn't the target audience I absolutely loved it and I would most definitely reccommend it for people from 12-15, even though it's a middle grade book I feel it has the potential to hold many a readers attention.

I don't know why I haven't heard about it sooner, it's written beautifully and the plot line is very cleverly put together - I know that I personally would never be able to write about time travel, I find it difficult to wrap my mind around.

I absolutely love this book and would most definitely reccomend it.

Go get your copy now - go go go!

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

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sorrowline-Timesmith-Chronicles-Niel-Bushnell/dp/1849395233