Bleeding Hearts by Alyxandra Harvey

Series: The Drake Chronicles, Book Four

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Format: Paperback

Published: 3^rd October 2011

Number of Pages: 304

Book: Bought

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Dark Romance, Paranormal, Thriller-Suspense, Humour, Action-Adventure, YA

Recommended Age: 12+

Contains: Violence, Death, Smoking

No Alcohol, Drug References

Author's Blog: Alyxandra Harvey

It’s not easy being the new girl in town, and Christabel Llewellyn is certainly that.  She’s new to Violet Hill, new to country life, and new to vampires.  Which, considering she’s Lucy Hamilton’s cousin, is going to be problematic…  Lucy’s boyfriend is one of the Drake brothers, her best friend is a Drake princess, and all of the Drakes are vampires.

But they aren’t the only undead to reside in Violet Hill.  The town is infested with a very different and entirely more dangerous type of feral vampire, the Hel-Blar.  And when Christabel is kidnapped by their leader and held to ransom, the Drakes are forced into action.

                                                                   Review:

"I got that feeling again, like there was a layer under everything that I wasn't quite seeing."

Lucy’s cousin Christabel has just moved to Violet Hill.  Being a new girl is seriously hard in a town full of vampires, and Christabel can't understand her aunt and uncle's curfew obsession.  After all, how dangerous could a tiny, "backwards town in the middle of nowhere" be?

As it turns out, very.  Not only are both Lucy's boyfriend and best friend vampires, the whole Drake family is too. 

And it gets worse.  Violet Hills is also overrun by the bad kinda vampire.  The deadly, evil, dangerous, wild vampires, the Hel-Blar. 

And no matter how bad Lucy wants to keep the Drakes secret hidden, there's no stopping the Hel-Blar. 

Especially when they kidnap Christabel. 

In Violet Hill, not knowing can be deadly...

Oh, how I adore this series!  It's just so much fun, so awesome, so addictive, so good!  I was in a tired-brain mood and suddenly had the most intense need to read Bleeding Hearts.  The wonderful Alyxandra did not let me down!  From the first page onwards I jumped from barely concealed hysterical laughter to gasps of shock to melty bones from yummy Drake boys.  And I can't tell you how ridiculously overjoyed I was to find that Lucy was a narrator!  Happy dance time!

I love the vamp stuff in this book, but what really makes this book series incredible is the characters.  How unique and loveable and 3D they all are, how each Drake has a distinct uniqueness, how I feel like I know all of them so well they're my brothers or boyfriend or best friend.  It's awesome.  And, oh, Lucy Hamilton is just my favouritest person ever!   She's so funny and mad and quirky and strong.  Best Lucy quote: "I totally love this.  Who can I punch next?"!  I just love the new, fighting-genius, even-more-kickass-than-before Lucy!  And her cousin Christabel was just as awesome.  How can I not love a girl who's as addicted to books as I am?  And you could so tell she was related to Lucy!  "Thus, no boyfriend.  Also, I use words like 'thus'."  LOL!  For such a poet-loving geek, she was a real badass!  And Connor Drake?  Oh so cute and geeky and hot – he’s my second favourite Drake boy!  Nicholas is my absolute favourite – he’s just so darn yummy.  I love him THIS MUCH!  And he is the best book boyfriend in the history of ever.  Solange, however, was being weird.  Even by Drake standards.  And more importantly, by Lucy standards, which is really saying something!   Oh, and how I love all the minor-ish characters too!  Fierce Helena, Lucy's friend Nathan, all of my other main characters from the previous books, Isabeau, Hunter and Quinn in particular!  I adore Lucy's parents: they absolutely killed me!  Her mom was awesome and so funny: leaving condoms everywhere!

But, damn Alyxandra Harvey for proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that fictional boys are a million times better than real ones!

No offence to real guys, of course.  But you're just not Drakes. 

I just love the writing and the split POVs.  They all have their own unique voice - something of a minor miracle if you think of how many characters have narrated the books!  The most awesome thing, though? Lucy's a narrator again!  Yess!  As for the plot?  Well, pure awesomeness.  I love the blend of romance and action, love how there's enough love stuff to make you fall for the guy hook, line and sinker, but not so much it takes away from the super-fast-paced and suspenseful plot.  And, to add a cherry to the cake of awesomeness, the humour!  But the ending?  Worst. Cliffhanger. EVER!  God, I am SO glad I have Blood Moon! 

Y'know, I don't think I've read a vamp series that has me cracking up quite like this one.  Sometimes, I laughed so hard I cried.  But don't for a minute think that's the only think the Drake Chronicles has going for it, 'cause it isn't.  This book was also spooky and gripping and twisty.  It also has totally romantic kisses that turns your insides to mush!  And while this may be the fourth in the series, Bleeding Hearts proves that the Drake Chronicles is just as addictive and amazing as it ever was.  I love this series and am so glad it's untrue that I already have Blood Moon!  Guys, if you haven't read this series yet PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!  Read it!  It's pure awesomeness and my second favourite vampire series EVER!  Actually, after this...  Well, The Drake Chronicles may have to be bumped up to Spot One...  Sorry Vampire Academy!  It was just that good!

Star Rating:
4¾ Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Benedict Series by Joss Stirling

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Bind-Ups by Various

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

Happy Reading

Megan

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

 Series: Throne of Glass, Book One

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Format: ARC

Published: 2^nd August 2012

Number of Pages: 432

Book: For Review*

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Action-Adventure, Paranormal, Murder Mystery, Magic, YA

Recommended Age: 12+

Contains: Violence, Swearing, Death, and Bundles of Assassin Action!

No Alcohol, Drug References

Author's Blog: Sarah J. Maas

Meet Celaena Sardothien.  Beautiful.  Deadly.  Destined for greatness.

In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, a seventeen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence.  She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake.  She got caught.

Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice.  Celaena must represent the Prince in a to-the-death tournament – fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land.  Live or die, Celaena will be free.  Win or lose, she’s about to discover her true destiny.

But will her assassin’s heart be melted.

                                                                   Review:

 ‘[Prince] Dorian steepled his fingers.  "I have a proposition for you." 

"I'm listening," was all she said.'

Celaena Sardothien is known as Adarlan's Assassin.  She is the most skilled, deadly and infamous assassin in all of Erilea and in all her time she made but one mistake.  She got caught.  

Celaena may only be eighteen, but she was charged with a life sentence at the saltmines of Endovier.  She was only expected to last a month, to be broken by the dreadful work and abuse and die a dreadful death.  But one year into her sentence, she is still alive and strong as ever, even though she has been scarred by her dreadful work.  

And then she is offered a deal. 

Her freedom will be returned to her - if she agrees to be the Prince's champion in a fight to be the official assassin of the King.  

Celaena must fight thieves, murders and assassins in a battle to the death - literally, it appears, when dead bodies start popping up left right and centre.  

As she desperately tries to catch the killer and win the competition, she slowly realises that her freedom might not be her only motivation any more...  That her cold, assassin's heart may just be melting...

I can't even describe to you how excited I was to read Throne of Glass.  There's been so much hype and excitement and I've seen so many amazing reviews of it.  Ergo, my expectations were super high going into this book.  And y'know what?  Throne of Glass lived up to every single one!  It was one of those rare books that outshone all the hype.  It was the most amazing debut and one of the most addictive books ever.  It's got to be one of favourites of the year and I'm now desperate for another book in the series!  I seriously can't wait for more, ‘cause everything just blew my socks off!

I loved all the characters, 'cause they were all so 3D and there were just so many to love!  Celaena was totally badass: ruthless, clever, snarky, hilarious and always planning her next move.  I loved that she wasn’t perfect and that she was this little teenaged girl who could kick everyone’s butt and leave them all dead, should she so desire.  It was awesome.  What I loved most was that she was so human too, so loving and kind.  Prince Dorian was just too cute – I loved his mischievous side: it was irresistible and so, so funny!  He was the cutest, sweetest thing – I could just take him home!  And Chaol was totally hot too: he was kinda serious-soldier and I loved how Celaena constantly exasperated him!  He was strong, silent, honourable and yummy.  But the supporting characters were just as brilliant.  Take the Princess Nehemia Ytger of Eyllwe, for example.  She was brilliant and just as strong willed and feisty as Celaena!  And the bad guys - so well done!  They were oh-so easy to hate! 

Now, thanks to the two totally yummy guys in this book, there kinda was a love triangle.  Why the 'kinda' you might ask.  Well.  Besides being both utterly yummy, the boys are also best friends and obviously respect each other a lot.  Ergo, no fighting over the girl, nada unhonourable.  Somehow, Maas wrote a love triangle manages to be a triangle without really being one.  Amazing!

The writing just really, completely let Celaena get into our hearts and us into hers.  I loved being in her mind - seeing her mental calculations, how she could take someone out by planning ahead.  And I really loved how we got to see the story from everyone's POVs - it rocked!  The blend of action and romance, humour and suspense was just perfection and I can honestly say I was cracking up many, many times throughout the book!  And I just adored this plot!  It found that perfect balance between world building and action - and I do so love my action!  The plot was brilliantly twisty and utterly unpredictable.  And, HALLELUJAH!  An ending that leaves me wanting more, with just the right number of unanswered questions without an evil cliff-hanger!  The world itself was so well built and rich, like I was there myself.  I loved the court life mingled with assassin action and really hope that there will be more of the magical side in the series!

I think Throne of Glass might just be one of the best debuts I've ever read.  It's definitely one of my favourites in 2012.  There is basically nothing bad I can say about it.  The only thing would be I want to know more about Celaena’s past – and that’s literally it!  And I seriously just can't even put into words how awesome this book is.  I could ramble on forever, but as that would probably bore you, I'll shut up now. 

But seriously.  Read this!  It is epic - one of the best books of 2012 by far!  I am now preparing myself for a long wait 'til Book Two - and, of course, the withdrawal and insanity that will therefore follow.  Woe is me!

Oh, and side not: I also learned the plural of sarcophagus is sarcophagi.  So there ya go!  Informative too!

Star Rating:
5 Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

The Gathering Dark by Leigh Bardugo

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Screiber

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

2012 Debut Author Challenge (Hosted by The Story Siren)

Happy Reading

Megan

* This book was received from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review

The Haunting of Tabitha Grey by Vanessa Curtis

Publisher: Egmont

Format: ARC

Published: 2^nd April 2012

Number of Pages: 240

Book: For Review*

Genre: Paranormal, Ghost-Story, Mystery, Contemporary, Realistic-Fiction,  Suspense, Horror, Action-Adventure, YA, YA-Child Crossover

Recommended Age: 10+

Contains: Alcohol and Drug References

Author's Blog: Vanessa Curtis

“I look up at the dark, unblinking eyes of the house and I get the weirdest feeling…  It’s the feeling of being pulled into something and being unable to stop it happening…”

Tabitha is used to changing schools and moving house.  But when her family move into Weston Manor, something is different.  It’s as if the house has been waiting for her.

There are lavender smells which come from nowhere and the old servants’ bell ring in the night.  She can hear crying in empty rooms.  Tabitha’s always been imaginative.  Even her best friend Gemma knows that.  But this time, could she actually be telling the truth?

                                                                   Review:

Tabitha Grey and her family are moving into Weston Manor house, where her dad is to be Keeper.  Tabs should be thrilled - after all, the house is gorgeous and a real piece of history.  Only she has this feeling, like something's wrong with the house.  Like something's waiting for her.

Tabitha's creative, but she isn't imagining the chills, the people no one else can see, the sounds only she can hear.

But no one will believe her.  Even though she's sure she's right this time.  Can she convince her family before it’s too late, before they fall apart?

I do love ghost stories and The Haunting of Tabitha Grey was a great one!  Full of suspense, ghosts and mystery, I was just sucked in and couldn't stop reading!  It was spooky, I just felt chills as I read, felt terrified for Tabitha.  Although it wasn't that fast to begin with, that really just cranked the suspense up.  I loved this - I couldn't stop reading.  It was so chilling, so vivid, so real and so utterly creepy.  Oh yes: This book was spooktastic!

The characters were all really believable and real.  Tabitha was so very teenagery – snarky, stubborn confident and brilliantly odd.  With her need to know everything, all the time, she kinda reminded me of me – I’m the embodiment of ‘curiosity killed the cat!’  But back to Tabs, she was the strongest person ever and I felt seriously furious when no one believed her, left her to be terrified on her own.  Ben, Tabitha’s little brother, was really shy and sweet and innocent…  Her mum was a little head-in-the-clouds – she was depressed in the past and we didn’t find out why for aaggeess…   Tabs’ dad was shockingly unobservant and very logical.  Now her Gran I really loved, even though she wasn’t really in the story!  And all the family relationships wee rather dysfunctional, though you could see they all loved each other very much. Every single member seemed to have one issue or another, be it depression, over-active imagination or whatever. All the members were also so real, all their own people, like real live family members.

And I adored Curtis’ writing – it was beautiful and so utterly teen.  I could see everything in my head (and loved the creepy, beautiful and mysterious setting), but the writing wasn’t overwhelming and didn’t slow the pace in the slightest.  And the plot, in one word, was creepy!  I was drawn right in from the first page and just was never let go!  I loved all the spooky, ghostly going ons and all the family issues too.  And while I had suspicions about how everything would end, I really and seriously did not see that last twist coming! It left me reeling!

One haunted manor house, a family on the brink of collapse, a girl seeing ghosts with no one who believes her... The Haunting of Tabitha Grey was amazing, shocking, twisty and just plain spooky! I was addicted from start to finish. I can't wait to read something else by Curtis! I love her writing and imagination!

Star Rating:

4¼ Out of 5 

Read this book if you liked:

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Tyme's End by B.R. Colllins

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Zelah Green by Vanessa Curtis

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

YA Contemporary Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Reading Angel & Katie's Book Blog)

British Books Challenge 2012 (Hosted by The Overflowing Library)

Happy Reading

Megan

* This book was received from Egmont in exchange for an honest review

In My Mailbox (#55)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a perfect way to see who's reading and review what. Awesome! 



I was lucky enough to be invited to the Hot Key bloggers lunch a long while ago: thank you so much to all the people at Hot Key!  Anyway, it was loads of fun and I am almost insanely excited for all the books they have coming out this year and next.  Not only did I get to meet some lovely bloggers, I also met three wonderful authors: Sarah Mussi, Sally Gardner and Lydia Syson.  We all nibbled on some yummy food and chatted before heading into the gorgeous conference room.  There, we were all walked thruogh the lauch list (check it out here!) and given a sneak-peek at some of the 2013 books...  Also, they explained their awesmoe pie-chart, theme-ring thingy (I forgot what it's actually called... oops!)  The three authors all told us a little about thier books and thten we got to Skype with S.J. Kincaid!  It was really so cool!  It was a lot of fun and it was great to see so many bloggers and authors!  Also, I got M&Ms after, which just was the perfect end to the perfect day!!

And it was also my birthday!  Which means....  books!  Yippeee!  Anyhoo, this is what I got.

And this is like a month of books, so sorry for the long post!

From Hot Key Blogger Lunch:

Insignia by S.J. Kincaid (Goodreads | Amazon)
The Impossible is Just The Beginning
This is an amazing, amazing, amazing book - my review will be going up soon, and I'll tell you now: it's a 5 Star book!  I cannot wait for the next in the series!!

Jepp, Who Defied The Stars by Katherine Marsh (Goodreads | Amazon)
This one sounds amazing, and it is amazing from what I've read.  I can't wait to really, properly read it!!

A World Between Us by Lydia Syson (Goodreads | Amazon)
This really looks amazing, like, amaing, amazing.  And Lydia was really, really nice and signed my book for me.  I can't wait to read this - my self restraint isn't gonna hold 'til October!

Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner (Goodreads | Amazon)
Sally has been one of my favourite authors for ages and I couldn't believe I was going to meet her!  It was great to put a face to a name and she even signed my book!  I can't wait to read this one either!!

For Review:

Angel Dust by Sarah Mussi (Goodreads | Amazon)
This book, from what I've read, is amazing!  And the finished cover is so gorgeous!

The Last Werewolf by Glenn Duncan (Goodreads | Amazon)
This one looks amazing and I'm super excited about reading it!

This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel (Goodreads | Amazon)
A Prequel To Mary Shelley's Gothic Classic Frankenstein
I adore the finished cover of this book - can't wait to read it!

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder (Goodreads | Amazon)
One Summer
To Live A Lifetime
I've started this, and from what I've read: amazing.  
Silenced by Simon Packham (Goodreads | Amazon)
Speak No Evil
I've never read anything by Packham before, but this book really appeals to me - can't wait to get stuck in!

Rebel Heart (Dust Lands, Book Two) by Moira Young (Goodreads | Amazon)
Yaaayyy!  I loved Blood Red Road and am so desperate to read this it's almsot untrue!  Thank you, Scholastic!!!

Muddle and Win: The Battle For Sally Jones by John Dickinson (Goodreads | Amazon)
This one sounds like so much fun and has a really unique 

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs (Goodreads | Amazon)

I've started this and it's amazing!  I'm loving it - so much I'm reading it ahead of schedule!!  ;)

Harvey Angel by Diana Hendry (Goodreads | Amazon)

I forgot to take a picture of this, but thanks to RandomHouse!  I won a few copies of the book and am very excited about reading them!

Crusher by Niall Leonard (Goodreads | Amazon)
To Catch A Killer, He Had To Become One
This looks ace - I do love thrillers!

Katya's World by Jonathan L. Howard (Goodreads | Amazon)
I can't wait to read this!  It sounds amazing!

The Assassin's Curse (The Assassin's Curse, Book One) by Cassandra Rose Clarke (Goodreads | Amazon)

This too looks brilliant!!

Poltergeeks by Sean Cummings (Goodreads | Amazon)
And this - I do love my witchy books!

Witch Crag by Kate Cann (Goodreads | Amazon)
What If Your Enemy Became The One Worth Saving?
I love Kate Cann and can't wait to read this!

Ocean of Secrets by Aimee Friedman (Goodreads | Amazon)
Discover The Depths Of Love
This looks brilliant!

Strange Energy (The Bad Tuesdays, Book Two) by Benjamin J. Myers (Goodreads | Amazon)

Blood Alchemy (The Bad Tuesdays, Book Three) by Benjamin J. Myers (Goodreads | Amazon)

The Nonsuch King (The Bad Tuesdays, Book Four) by Benjamin J. Myers (Goodreads | Amazon)

A Crystal Horseman (The Bad Tuesdays, Book Five) by Benjamin J. Myers (Goodreads | Amazon)

The Spiral Horizon (The Bad Tuesdays, Book Six) by Benjamin J. Myers (Goodreads | Amazon)
If you wanna win a copy of this, check out my giveaway!  I took part in the tour and Orion have given us two books to giveaway!

Dark Eyes (Dark Eyes, Book One) by William Richter (Goodreads | Amazon)
This is amazing!  I've read it all and it's stunning.  Amazing, amazing, amazing!!  I loved it!!

Maze Cheat by B.R. Collins (Goodreads | Amazon)
If You Dare, You Win.
If You Fail, You Die.
This looks so cool!!

My Brother Simple by Marie-Aude Murail (Goodreads | Amazon)
He Will Open Your Eyes, And Steal Your Heart
This one looks brilliant too and so, so sweet!

Neptune's Tears (Timedance, Book One) by Susan Waggoner (Goodreads | Amazon)
What Would You Risk For Love?
Alien-type romance - squee!!!

Circus Maximus (The History Keepers, Book Two) by Damian Dibben (Goodreads | Amazon)
It's The Race Of Their Lives
Can't wait to read this!  It looks so cool!

Breathe by Sarah Crossan (Goodreads | Amazon)

Yay, yay, yay, yay!  I've wanted to read this forever and I can't wait to read it!! :D

Things Scholastic Sent Me To Drive Me Insane With Excitement:

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater Teasers and Proof!! (Goodreads | Amazon)
If You Kiss Your True Love, He Will Die
SQQUUUEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
Ok, that super-excited squee doesn't even cover my excitement.  For the past few weeks, Scholastic have been sending little teaser packs.  The first few chapters, a key chain, a feather, a page from a diary... And then, after so much suspense and excitement, the proof landed on my doorstep.  Let's just say I was so happy there was much dancing round much of the house.  I am loving this book!!!

For My Birthday: 

The Repossession by Sam Hawksmoor (Goodreads | Amazon)
One By One, They Disappear.
I've read this one already -  amazing!  I really, really loved it!  I'm desperate for  the next one in the series!!
Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, Book One) by Robin LaFevers (Goodreads | Amazon)
Why Be The Hunted When You Can Be The Hunter?
This one looks awesome and I can't wait to read it! 
A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix (Goodreads | Amazon)
Ten Million Princes.  Only One Can Survive.
I love Garth Nix, so I was super pleased to get this one!  It sounds amazing, too!
The One Dollar Horse by Lauren St John (Goodreads | Amazon)
You Can Never Outrun The Past
Yay!  Horsey books are the best!
Slated by Teri Terry (Goodreads | Amazon)
Can You Know The Truth If YOur Mind Has Been Wiped?
Gotta love dystopia and I have a feeling this one is gonna be a brilliant one!
Les Contes de Beedle le Barde by J.K. Rowling (Goodreads | Amazon)
Les Contes Pour Jeunes Sorciers Du Monde De Harry Potter
I loved this one!  Brilliant translation. :)

David by Mary Hoffman (Goodreads | Amazon)
Discover The Mystery Behind The Legend
This one looks ace!! :D


Bought:

Unravelling (Unravelling, Book One) by Elizabeth Norris (Goodreads | Amazon)
23:57:06
Stop The Countdown
Save The World
Heard so many good  things - can't wait to read!
The Look by Sophia Bennet (Goodreads | Amazon)
Yay!!  And it's so pink!!!!!!
Unrest by Michelle Harrison (Goodreads | Amazon)
When The Dead Don't Sleep
The Living Are Afraid To...
Squeeeee!
The Girl Who Could Silence The Wind by Meg Medina (Goodreads | Amazon)
This looks amazing.  Really amazing.
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (Goodreads | Amazon)
Again, so many good things: can't wait!
The Killables (The Killables, Book One) by Gemma Malley (Goodreads | Amazon)
Evil Must Be Identified
Squee!  I love Malley - can't wait!! :D


Ok, I'm stopping now.  I didn't realise I'd bought so many books...  Eep.  Oh well.  ;)

Hope you've all had a great week/fortnight/month!! :)