tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45443744208612990952024-03-15T18:09:32.791-07:00The Book Addicted GirlTheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.comBlogger742125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-90670765949372117592020-07-13T07:12:00.001-07:002020-07-13T07:12:58.846-07:00Rise, Blog! RISE!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s 2020, this blog has been alive for almost 10 years now (jeez when did that happen?!) and y’know what, I’m not going to let it keep being all quiet like this! I’m resurrecting this blog and will from now on actually post on a regular basis and not just when I have the time and/or energy. I’ve got a backlog of reviews long enough to last me like a year minimum so I am going to post them!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />You may be wondering why I’ve been so quiet. Well, I guess there’s a bunch of reasons. My health has finally been good enough for me to start uni – English Lit & Creative Writing joint major here, hi! After two years of part-time, I’m finally going full-time next year and I’m really excited about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />I’ve picked up a bunch of new craft hobbies – honestly, it’s a little out of control! I’ve got super into my cross-stitch, become obsessed with all things resin and I’m currently teaching myself how to digitally draw (it’s having mixed results and is way harder than the other two!) I’ve also recently got a Cricut machine and I’m so head over heels with this thing it’s untrue. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />I’m still writing – reviews, stories, fanfic, poems. Mostly poems lately, to be honest. I took two poetry modules last year and I just adore it – I’ve been having so much fun with it. At some point, I may post some of my poetry here too so don’t be surprised if that happens somewhere down the line! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />And I’m now an Inclusion Ambassador for <a href="https://www.inclusiveminds.com/">Inclusive Minds</a>. Anyone who’s met me IRL on the blogosphere or has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/oct/16/disabled-characters-in-childrens-books-diversity">read my pieces on The Guardian</a> knows I’m a wheelchair user and have been since the age of 12. I’ve had a neurological condition since I was 3 that relapsed on and off over the course of my childhood. It means so much to me that I now get to talk to publishers, authors and other Ambassadors about my experiences and why I’m so freaking desperate for more authentic wheelchair-user representation in kids’ books and the YA genre. I’ll definitely be posting more disability-related stuff on my blog from now on because it seriously is just a huge passion of mine to ensure kids like me see themselves in all manners of books they read. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />The whole point of this little ramble is basically to say sorry to my blog and to try and convince it I haven’t been <i>totally </i>useless while I’ve neglected it. Fairly useless, but not totally! Basically, I’m just really looking forward to posting again – I finally just feel the desire and urge to post and review and talk and I’m so glad my blog is still here. I’m ridiculously happy to be back!</span>TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-10652054253340516372019-10-22T08:00:00.000-07:002019-10-22T08:00:05.375-07:00Angel Mage by Garth Nix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Publisher: </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Gollancz<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Format: </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Hardback<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Published: </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">17<sup>th</sup> October 2019<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Number of Pages: </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">560<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Book: </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">For Review<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Genre: </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Fantasy, Historical, Epic Fantasy, Action-Adventure, YA, YA-Adult Crossover<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Recommended Age:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;"> 13+<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Violence, Death, Swearing, Alcohol References<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Author’s Site: </b><a href="http://www.garthnix.com/">Garth Nix</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Blurb From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41951611-angel-mage?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">More than a century has passed since Liliath crept into the empty sarcophagus of Saint Marguerite, fleeing the Fall of Ystara. But she emerges from her magical sleep still beautiful, looking no more than nineteen, and once again renews her single-minded quest to be united with her lover, Palleniel, the archangel of Ystara.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">A seemingly impossible quest, but Liliath is one of the greatest practitioners of angelic magic to have ever lived, summoning angels and forcing them to do her bidding.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Liliath knew that most of the inhabitants of Ystara died from the Ash Blood plague or were transformed into beastlings, and she herself led the survivors who fled into neighboring Sarance. Now she learns that angels shun the Ystaran’s descendants. If they are touched by angelic magic, their blood will turn to ash. They are known as Refusers, and can only live the most lowly lives.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">But Liliath cares nothing for the descendants of her people, save how they can serve her. It is four young Sarancians who hold her interest: Simeon, a studious doctor-in-training; Henri, a dedicated fortune hunter; Agnez, an adventurous musketeer cadet; and Dorotea, an icon-maker and scholar of angelic magic. They are the key to her quest.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">The four feel a strange kinship from the moment they meet, but do not know why, or suspect their importance. All become pawns in Liliath’s grand scheme to fulfill her destiny and be united with the love of her life. No matter the cost to everyone else. . .<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Review:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">136 years ago, all of Ystra was infected with the Ash Blood plague. Most died, their very blood turning to ash within their veins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">The ones who survived became beastlings – monsters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">The survivors still carry the curse within their blood. If anyone calls upon angelic magic in their presence, the curse is activated and they either die an ash-y death or turn into mindless beastlings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Now Liliath, a powerful angel mage with the ability to bend even archangels to her will, is back from her death-like state and has only one goal: to find the four she has been waiting for. Four people who, upon meeting, feel as if they’ve known one another their whole lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Four people who are linked in ways they cannot begin to understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Four people who will be used as pawns for Liliath to accomplish her goal...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">I’ve been a Garth Nix fan for <i>years</i> now. I still remember borrowing the <i>Abhorsen</i> series from the library and falling instantly in love with his writing, his world building. He always manages to find a totally unique way of spinning magic in his novels, and Angel Mage was no exception. Because holy fuck, the idea of angelic magic was <i>so freaking cool</i>. This whole world was honestly so brilliantly constructed and I’m absolutely heartbroken this book is a standalone! I’m praying that Nix will do a spin off because I’m really just not done with this world - there’s so much more he can do and I <i>need</i> to see what happens next for everything that’s left unresolved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">I won’t lie - it took me a little while to get into this book, possibly because I was drowning under uni work and reading when I started it. But once we were introduced to our band of misfits, I just fell in love. The magic in this book is just so cool - and I love that while there was insta-bond, there was no insta-love. Insta-love is one of my biggest pet peeves and I bow down to Nix for skating around the trope while avoiding it completely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">The Fab Four - my three musketeers (plus one) were amazing. They were all so diverse and different, but they worked together so well. I think my favourite had to be Dortea, the wacky scholar who I just fell instantly in love with. She’s so unlike anyone else I’ve read about - having that scholarly sort of ‘not quite there because I’m too focused on my work’ vibe that I just adored. Plus lesbian queen. Say no more. Agnez was probably my second favourite - and the most badass girl. A Musketeer cadet, she was wicked with a sword and her words and I love that girl. Simeon, the giant but gentle doctor who <i>really</i> didn’t want to get caught up in all of this - he had people to save! And Henri, who just really, really wanted to make some money out of this insanity – I loved him, especially his instant big brother vibes towards Agnez.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Liliath... I don't want to say too much about her. Only that she's awesome? Like, yes, she's basically the villain... but she's also <i>really cool</i>. And honestly one of the most compelling characters in the book. A sequel focusing on her... would be awesome... just saying...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">I also loved that this book was not lacking <i>at all</i> when it came to strong as hell women. Most of the people in power? Women. Even if you didn’t necessarily <i>like</i> them, they were all women with a hell of a lot of power and not many fantasy books put the power in women’s hands. So that was ridiculously cool to read about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">As I’ve mentioned, it does take a while for the plot to really get going – there is a lot of world building being done in this book, which is just another reason I never suspected it would be a standalone when I started it. It reads so much like the start of some epic series and I honestly need the epic sequels! So much of the true action happens right towards the end of the book and I’m still absolutely heartbroken that this is an only book! Because so much time and detail went into this world. This world which is sort of like middle ages Europe – or whenever the Three Musketeers is set – but with angel mages who can use icons to call upon the angels to do their bidding. Please, tell me you wouldn’t wanna read more than just one book about <i>that</i>?! I sure as hell want to! I’m honestly just desperate for a book two, guys. I still have questions about this world – I still have too many attachments both to my Fab Four and to the concept of angel magic. Can you tell I’m a little bit <i>too</i> obsessed with the angel magic?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">The writing was wonderful – though at times I felt all the different POVs was a little jarring. I did forget who everyone was to begin with, but I have a bad habit of doing that with even real people. I probably should work on that… But yes, as expected of Nix – the writing was brilliant and he painted this world like Dortea paints her icons of the angels: with flair, talent and a dash of magic!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Honestly, I could keep going but I really don’t want to ruin anything about this book. Just remember: angel magic, unlikely friends, a generations-old mystery illness, lesbian queen artist-student type. Now go, buy this book, read and join me in my desperation for <i>more angel magic</i>! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Star Rating:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">4 Stars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Read this book if you liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">The Old Kingdom/Abhorsen by Garth Nix <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: PilGi; font-size: 18pt;">Happy Reading<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: PilGi; font-size: 18pt;">Megan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">*This book was received from Gollancz in exchange for an honest review</span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-82019745943547668312019-03-13T11:30:00.000-07:002019-03-13T11:30:01.837-07:00The Everlasting Rose by Dhonielle Clayton: Blog Tour Review<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 17.33333396911621px; font-style: italic;">I'm super excited to be part of </span><span style="font-size: 17.33333396911621px;">The Everlasting Rose</span><span style="font-size: 17.33333396911621px; font-style: italic;">'s UK blog tour! I adored this book and you should all definitely check this series out if you haven't already! Quick warning: while I've avoided spoilers for </span><span style="font-size: 17.33333396911621px;">The Everlasting Rose</span><span style="font-size: 17.33333396911621px; font-style: italic;">, there are some T</span><span style="font-size: 17.33333396911621px;">he Belles</span><span style="font-size: 17.33333396911621px; font-style: italic;"> spoilers in here, so read on at your peril! And definitely buy </span><span style="font-size: 17.33333396911621px;">The Everlasting Rose</span><span style="font-size: 17.33333396911621px; font-style: italic;"> - it's out now at all book stores and libraries near you! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 17.33333396911621px;">~~~~</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zp9PCLVxZQ/XIjjD-onkVI/AAAAAAAAFFw/8r6Up8hGBlY2WMezTmcX1YKPZuIsbA4GgCLcBGAs/s1600/42190062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zp9PCLVxZQ/XIjjD-onkVI/AAAAAAAAFFw/8r6Up8hGBlY2WMezTmcX1YKPZuIsbA4GgCLcBGAs/s400/42190062.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="263" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Series: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">The Belles, Book Two<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Publisher: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Gollancz<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Format: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">ARC**<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Published: </b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">7</span><sup style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">th </sup><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">March 2019</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Number of Pages: </b>352</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Book: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">For Review*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Genre: </b>Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythical, Dystopia, YA</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Recommended Age: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">13+<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Violence, Death, Swearing, Alcohol References<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Author’s Site: </b><a href="https://www.dhonielleclayton.com/">Dhonielle Clayton</a><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Blurb From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42190062-the-everlasting-rose">Goodreads</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">With a price on her head, the evil Queen Sophia out for blood, and no idea who to trust, Camellia Beaureguard, the former favorite Belle, must race against time to find the ailing Princess Charlotte, who has disappeared without a trace. Sophia's imperial forces will stop at nothing to keep Camille, her sister Edel, and her loyal guard, Rémy, from returning Charlotte to the palace and her rightful place as queen.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">With the help of an underground resistance movement called the Iron Ladies-- a society that rejects beauty treatments entirely--and the backing of alternative newspaper the Spider's Web, Camille uses her powers, her connections, and her cunning to outwit her greatest nemesis, Sophia, and attempt to restore peace to Orléans. But enemies lurk in the most unexpected places, forcing Camille to decide just how much she's willing to sacrifice to save her people.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">“But my desire to see Sophia fall has become a whispered refrain making my body restless, as if my limbs and heart know that this isn’t the place for us. That I must face her. That I must make her pay for what she’s done. That I must do what Queen Celeste would have wanted.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Camille is a Belle – she controls beauty. But now she’s on the run from the crazed soon-to-be ruler who wishes to imprison her and abuse her abilities. Together with her sister and their ally Remy, Camille is in a race against time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">She needs to evade capture, find the true queen of Orléans and overthrow Sophia – to protect the people of Orléans, but most of all to protect her sisters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">She finds allies in the most unlikely places, but when Sophia is willing to go to any lengths to achieve her desires, Camille may be forced to go to new heights to restore peace to her home and save her family...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">I absolutely adored <i>The Belles</i>when I read it last year – I seriously just fell in love with it. I adored what it said about society’s obsession with beauty and fashion trends. I adored the lavish setting, the totally different kind of dystopia that subverted so many tropes. And because of this, I’ve been almost ridiculously excited for <i>The Everlasting Rose</i>. I had some insanely high expectations – and while I didn’t enjoy this one <i>quite </i>as much as <i>The Belles</i>, I still totally stormed through <i>The Everlasting Rose</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">There was definitely a lot more going on in this one – there was way more action and I seriously loved that. I also loved the introduction of a rebel group – it was such a cool addition and really added to the narrative about questioning beauty. I adore Clayton’s writing – it’s so wonderfully lavish and lush and beautiful. I really enjoyed the continued character development and especially the revelation about where Belles come from – it’s so brilliantly bizarre and I really want to know more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Honestly, my main issue with this was one of the character choices: Camille goes pretty dark and does something I feel was really unnecessary and made me quite uncomfortable. I don’t want to say what, but trust me when I say you’ll know it when it happens – it’s right towards the end. I also still have so many questions and I really hope that there’s another book because I think there’s still so much more to explore in this world!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">I did enjoy the characters in this one, that blip of Camille’s aside. She’s really grown a lot from the beginning of <i>The Belles </i>and is way more badass now. I really love Remy – he’s so sweet! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">But, for me, the scene stealers of this book were the teacup dragons. I want a teacup dragon. I want ten. They are adorable and precious and I love them and I want to kiss their noses and cuddle them to sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="IT" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Sue me, I love dragons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">For real, though, the world was literally on of my favourite things about this book. It is lavish and beautiful and so different. It’s like a dystopian fantasy – about the ridiculous lengths people go to for beauty, about the blatant exploitation of those who can give you beauty, about bullying and abuse. It’s just so cleverly done and so magical and dark and I love it. I also am kind of obsessed with the teacup pets. I’m unsure why they are all teacup sized. But I love them. And the background of the Belles. And everything, if I’m honest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">The plot was super fast paced in this one, full of twists and turns. I do think the ending was a touch sudden and really did leave me with so many questions! Does anyone know if she’s planning another book? Please tell me she is – I need! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I hope I haven't sounded harsh, but if I have it's just because I loved </span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">The </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 17.33333396911621px;"><i>Belles so</i></span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> much and therefore </span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">The Everlasting Rose </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">had a lot to live up to, bless it! It was still a brilliant and exciting book and I definitely recommend it to you if you like fantasy-dystopias with a difference. Basically imagine </span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">Hunger Games</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">, but with more leeches, magical beauty powers, a crazy princess, smol dragons and the Capitol on crack.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Ok that sold nothing. This is why we shouldn’t write reviews at 1:30am. But I couldn’t stop, ok? I had to find out what happened! I had to! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">I would say I’ll regret this tomorrow... but I won’t. And if that isn’t praise enough, I don’t know what is!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Star Rating:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">4 Stars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxn6hPVgaqE/UdwC5BzjhPI/AAAAAAAADNg/wYDw43kmmoIXsyBZDbF0LH-5H0aSKWF9QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4%2Bstars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="397" height="78" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxn6hPVgaqE/UdwC5BzjhPI/AAAAAAAADNg/wYDw43kmmoIXsyBZDbF0LH-5H0aSKWF9QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/4%2Bstars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Read this book if you liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="https://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Belles">The Belles</a> by Dhonielle Clayton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Hunger%20Games%20Trilogy">The Hunger Games</a> by Suzanne Collins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Lunar%20Chronicles">The Lunar Chronicles</a> by Marissa Meyer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "pilgi"; font-size: 18pt;">Happy Reading<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "pilgi"; font-size: 18pt;">Megan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">*This book was received from Gollancz in exchange for an honest review<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">**Quotes used are from a proof copy and may have been changed in the finished book</span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-61201648972882217482019-03-12T07:00:00.000-07:002019-03-12T07:00:00.675-07:00Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear: Blog Tour Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4GPoYRtL34/XIcEt9cfCbI/AAAAAAAAFFI/S1eMHkD6oug9bA6Rk0SEYnF5U-kA0ZhWQCLcBGAs/s1600/26159745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4GPoYRtL34/XIcEt9cfCbI/AAAAAAAAFFI/S1eMHkD6oug9bA6Rk0SEYnF5U-kA0ZhWQCLcBGAs/s400/26159745.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Series: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">White Space, Book One</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Publisher: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Gollancz<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Format: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Paperback<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Published: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">7<sup>th</sup>March 2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Number of Pages: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">512<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Book: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">For Review*<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Genre: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Sci-Fi, Space Opera, Action-Adventure, Mystery, Adult<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Recommended Age: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">15+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Violence, Death, Swearing, Alcohol and Drug References<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Author’s Site: </b><a href="https://www.elizabethbear.com/">Elizabeth Bear</a><b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Blurb From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26159745-ancestral-night?ac=1&from_search=true#">Goodreads</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Haimey Dz thinks she knows what she wants.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She thinks she knows who she is.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She is wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A routine salvage mission uncovers evidence of a terrible crime and relics of powerful ancient technology. Haimey and her small crew run afoul of pirates at the outer limits of the Milky Way, and find themselves on the run and in possession of universe-changing information.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When authorities prove corrupt, Haimey realizes that she is the only one who can protect her galaxy-spanning civilization from the implications of this ancient technology—and the revolutionaries who want to use it for terror and war. Her quest will take her careening from the event horizon of the supermassive black hole at the galaxy’s core to the infinite, empty spaces at its edge.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To save everything that matters, she will need to uncover the secrets of ancient intelligences lost to time—and her own lost secrets, which she will wish had remained hidden from her forever. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Review:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Haimey Dz is a salvager and engineer – together with her partner Connla and their shipmind Singer, she travels through space to locate old ships that have been abandoned and lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s during one such mission that she encounters the mutilated body of one the largest sentient beings to exist between worlds and an ancient ship with long forgotten technology...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Despite the obvious evidence of a crime, Haimey investigates the ship. And there she discovers technology beyond belief – technology with the power to change the universe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And the power to ruin her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Because now she’s on the run – from both the government and pirates – anything to keep this technology from falling into the wrong hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Such as the beautiful pirate Zanya Farweather, who holds secrets from Haimey’s past and threatens to crash through all her defences…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’ve been reading more sci-fi lately – space operas are really beginning to grow on me after reading a few of Alastair Reynolds’s books. So when I was offered the chance to read <i>Ancestral Night</i>, I of course agreed – especially when I was told my review would be part of the blog tour! And so when my bookish package came through my letter box, I instantly got stuck in. To begin with, I felt totally in over my head – as I always do with sci-fis, especially if I dip into a space opera after reading a bunch of fantasy. But I soon realised not only is Bear brilliant at making heavy scientific facts seem fairly easy to understand, she’s also brilliant at weaving humour into the story. I soon got to grip with all the terms and fell totally in love with the world building. I was totally hooked and literally speed read the book to find out what happened! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flwjyaGNU9A/XIcE0pannlI/AAAAAAAAFFM/g08tHAbKtHgx4ky3l2VgN-Cdwf1XmFHAQCLcBGAs/s1600/40388780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flwjyaGNU9A/XIcE0pannlI/AAAAAAAAFFM/g08tHAbKtHgx4ky3l2VgN-Cdwf1XmFHAQCLcBGAs/s320/40388780.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Plus oh my gosh, I’ve never read a truly feminist, girl-power space opera before. This is literally everything I’ve been searching for in my life. I am in love. I did not know how badly I needed this book until I had this book in my hands. Because not only is Haimey a brilliant heroine – she’s also a believable one, capable and witty, brilliantly female and unapologetically gay. Yes, if you haven’t gathered, I really loved Haimey. I just loved that she wasn’t perfect or flawless or amazing at everything. She made mistakes, she failed, she picked herself back up again and tried again. Plus I just loved her wit and snark and stubbornness. And I also loved how we slowly got to know more and more about her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The rest of the cast was great – especially her crew! I loved the dynamics between Haimey, Connla and Singer. They were totally like family – bickering and bantering: it was perfect! I also want to shout out Cheeirilaq for being totally unique and weirdly adorable. And the cats for being just everything: they were <i>everything</i>, you guys. Everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But yes, there was a lot of world building – mainly cause there were loads of worlds and ships and futuristic stuffs to explore. I’m awful at science (I haven’t done it for years, in my defence) but I found everything really easy to understand – or, well, simple enough that I didn’t feel totally confused. I think it really helped that the heavy science-y things were interspersed with jokes and drama and excitement and twists and turns a-plenty. Basically, Bear nailed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Also I continue to be intrigued by the concept of ‘rightminding’ – basically manipulating your brain chemistry to affect your mood. I don’t know if this is something that happens a lot in sci-fis (I’m still fairly new to this genre) but it was just something I found really interesting! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I believe this is the first in a series – and I really hope it is. I enjoyed this so much and I need more female-powered space operas in my life. Please. And guys, if you’re looking for a non-stop adventure through space, pick up <i>Ancestral Night</i>. It’s really one of the most fun sci-fis I’ve read for ages and I can’t recommend it enough!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Star Rating:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4 Out Of 5 Stars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QgapBD3QhmU/XIcFLjBr9oI/AAAAAAAAFFY/akPWAP_AzEgXmG9smVpMObTexS7JTSSbgCLcBGAs/s1600/4%2Bstars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="78" data-original-width="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QgapBD3QhmU/XIcFLjBr9oI/AAAAAAAAFFY/akPWAP_AzEgXmG9smVpMObTexS7JTSSbgCLcBGAs/s1600/4%2Bstars.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Read this book if you liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Aimee Kaufman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/Prefect%20Dreyfus%20Emergency">Prefect Dreyfus Emergency</a> by Alastair Reynolds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Skyward by Brandon Sanderson</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "pilgi"; font-size: large;">Happy Reading<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "pilgi"; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Megan</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*This book was received from Gollancz in exchange for an honest review</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Previous</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"> Stop On The Blog Tour: <a href="http://cover2coverblog.blogspot.com/">Cover 2 Cover</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Next Stop On The Blog Tour: <a href="https://scifibulletin.com/">Sci-Fi Bulletin</a>, <a href="https://ramblingmads.com/">Rambling Mads</a></span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-48634704801140588522019-02-04T08:10:00.000-08:002019-02-04T08:10:08.706-08:00Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts) by L.C. Rosen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_uvfa9l25s/XFHMKxUx-fI/AAAAAAAAFEA/URwXdghcUy852a8pQ6jCFg5aoN0wvHfogCLcBGAs/s1600/40099424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_uvfa9l25s/XFHMKxUx-fI/AAAAAAAAFEA/URwXdghcUy852a8pQ6jCFg5aoN0wvHfogCLcBGAs/s400/40099424.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Penguin</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: ARC**</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 7<sup>th</sup> February 2019</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 368</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review*</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Contemporary,
Romance, Coming-Of-Age, Mystery, YA</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended
Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 14+</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Alcohol,
Drug, Smoking, Sexual References – Like a Lot</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Author's
Site: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.levacrosen.com/">Lev A.C. Rosen</a></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Blurb From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40099424">Goodreads</a>:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Couldn't get enough of Love, Simon or The
Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue?</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">This is the (slightly NSFW) book for you!</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">---------------</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">'My first time getting it in the butt was
kind of weird. I think it's going to be weird for everyone's first time,
though.' </span></i></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Meet
Jack Rothman. He's seventeen and loves partying, makeup and boys - sometimes
all at the same time.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">His
sex life makes him the hot topic for the high school gossip machine. But who
cares? Like Jack always says, 'it could be worse'.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He
doesn't actually expect that to come true.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But
after Jack starts writing an online sex advice column, the mysterious love
letters he's been getting take a turn for the creepy.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Jack's
secret admirer knows everything: where he's hanging out, who he's sleeping
with, who his mum is dating.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">They
claim they love Jack, but not his unashamedly queer lifestyle. They need him to
curb his sexuality, or they'll force him.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">As
the pressure mounts, Jack must unmask his stalker before their obsession
becomes genuinely dangerous...</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Jack Rothman is kind of notorious in his
school. He likes sex, you see. A lot. And partying. The
number of guys he’s slept with always a source of gossip – which is a bit
awkward, but Jack can deal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Until he starts writing a sex advice column
for his friend’s website. And the love notes he’d been receiving turn
into threatening emails...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Someone is stalking him and judging him.
They don’t approve of Jack’s promiscuity and want him for themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Jack and his friends have to discover his
stalker – before he carries out his threats...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I knew about this book like a year before I
got my greedy hands on an ARC copy. I’ve been desperate to read it since
I heard about it. And yet when I finally got it, I was too busy! So
when I got a break over the Christmas holidays, I happily dove straight into <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jack of Hearts</i>. I devoured two
thirds of the book in an evening, reading until 2am when my eyes began to get
heavy. This book... is awesome. Seriously just brilliant.
It’s bold and brave and glittery – it tackles serious issues like
stalking, bullying, homophobia and stereotypes without ever feeling heavy or
preachy. It was hilarious and sassy and scary and I just loved this
rollercoaster of a read. I really didn’t want it to end!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Jack I just adored. He is utterly
unashamed of his love of sex, bold in his fashion choices and his eye make-up
slays everything. He’s so strong and it honestly hurt to see him become
so broken by the stalker’s actions! I really wanted to hug him and
protect him from all the bigots in the world – but Jack needed no protection!
He’s totally fierce and someone all kids – gay, bi, straight, asexual,
all the letters of the rainbow – need to read about. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I also loved Jenna – best girl friend and
ally ever. She was so strong and fierce and I adored her. Ben was
the cutest bean ever – my little romantic fashion geek, I just wanted to wrap
him up in fabulous blankets and hug him! Basically, the two of them were
the best best friends ever, period.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXEIO1fdKck/XFHMCU2TXmI/AAAAAAAAFD8/xXJaEmfpNYAd6VponO6Bt8jCkoBcsA-qACLcBGAs/s1600/38496752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXEIO1fdKck/XFHMCU2TXmI/AAAAAAAAFD8/xXJaEmfpNYAd6VponO6Bt8jCkoBcsA-qACLcBGAs/s320/38496752.jpg" width="211" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I also adored Jack’s mum – who was just t
he coolest ever. She was totally open-minded and supportive of Jack and I
just loved that.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So, Rosen really didn’t shy away from sex
details! This book is kind of an LGBTQ+ sex-ed lesson – in the best
possible way. It tells you everything you could want to know as a gay
teen thinking about sex – and everything they really ought to teach you in
school. It’s fun and informative and not at all preachy – it’s totally
like an advice column. It concentrates on the fun of sex – and the less
fun bits that you should be aware of. And it was brilliant – I haven’t
read a sex-ed book this brilliant since Dawson’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This Book Is Gay</i> and I’m pretty sure Jack of Hearts pips <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This Book Is Gay</i> to the sex-ed trophy of
the year prize. This comparison has become awfully unwieldy so I think
it’s time to move on.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But really, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jack of Hearts</i> manages to make you question so much about
heteronormativity and homophobia without you even realising. You’re
reading about this boy who is gay and enjoying life, having sex and then is
being bullied. More than anything, it’s the reaction of the principal
that made my blood just boil over. So many people claim to be ‘supportive’
of LGBTQ+ people and just aren’t when it comes down to it and that’s just not
ok. It’s not ok to judge someone because of their sexuality or their skin
colour or their sexual habits – Jack is terrified of going to the police because
he’s sure they’ll just see him as a “slut” and won’t do anything. And
that’s just not ok. There is so much wrong with the world and it’s only
with books like this that things can change for the better.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I’m making this sound so heavy, but
honestly it isn’t. Yes, the bullying storyline is a big part of the
story. But it somehow doesn’t overshadow Jack’s brilliant personality,
his friends’ antics, the humour in the story. Everything is just done so
cleverly that this book manages to tackle some big issues without crushing you under
their weight.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I really need to stop with the metaphors.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Seriously, though. Read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jack of Hearts</i>. It’s honestly one
of the best LGBTQ+ things I’ve read and I seriously think it may just be a
favourite of mine in 2019. It’s so unapologetic in its queerness and the
sexual details it includes are so honest and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real</i>. It’s like a breath of fresh air, honestly. It’s
an ‘eff you’ to everyone who thinks stereotyping is ok, that doing nothing is
better than encouraging shaming of any kind, that it’s ok in this day and age
to be a homophobic dickhead. As someone who is bi and has a bunch of
LGBTQ+ friends, I honestly just can’t recommend this book enough. We need
more books like this! Please give me more books like this. It’s the
kind of book you finish reading grinning, just thinking ‘Can I get an amen?’ to
yourself, because preach. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Also. If you get my reference there,
I love you.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And please read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jack of Hearts</i>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ok, bye. I need to go shove this book
at some people because the word must be spread!</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
5 Out of 5 </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSuFTRIl_tk/UdQh3tt09EI/AAAAAAAADJ4/2e17XxwRzx0I1FSJdChcINQDLeF3u1KDACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/5%2BStars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="97" data-original-width="491" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSuFTRIl_tk/UdQh3tt09EI/AAAAAAAADJ4/2e17XxwRzx0I1FSJdChcINQDLeF3u1KDACPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2BStars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda
by Becky Albertalli</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice
and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">* This
book was received from Penguin in exchange for an honest review</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">**
Quotes used are from a proof copy and may have been changed in the finished
book</span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-89807403012701366742018-12-28T07:00:00.000-08:002018-12-28T07:00:07.204-08:00Blog Avalance: Paper Avalance by Lisa Williamson Review<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1W8W051Yiqs/XCUL5jHVsDI/AAAAAAAAFC0/9t8NIoyiBB0EnV12AqivK7GlF6cdlN6vwCLcBGAs/s1600/37658988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="305" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1W8W051Yiqs/XCUL5jHVsDI/AAAAAAAAFC0/9t8NIoyiBB0EnV12AqivK7GlF6cdlN6vwCLcBGAs/s400/37658988.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: David Fickling Books</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: ARC**</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 3<sup>rd</sup> January 2019</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 368</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review*</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Contemporary,
Romance, Coming-Of-Age, YA</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended
Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 12+</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Swearing</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Author's
Site: <span id="goog_1410647663"></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1410647662">Lisa Williamson<span id="goog_1410647664"></span></a></span></div>
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Blurb From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37658988-paper-avalanche?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a>:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">‘Bonnie.
Never Mum or Mummy or Mother. Just Bonnie.'</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">When
it comes to flying under the radar, Ro Snow is an expert.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">No
friends. </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">No
boys.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">No
parties.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And
strictly NO VISITORS.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">It
may be lonely, but at least this way the truth remains where it should –
hidden.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Then
Tanvi Shah, the girl who almost died, comes tumbling back into her life, and Ro
finds herself losing control of her carefully constructed lies.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But
if Ro’s walls come crumbling down, who’s going to take care of Bonnie…</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>‘It takes me for ever to drop off and when I
do I dream the dream I’ve dreamed at least one hundred times before.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Being
buried alive under piles and piles of paper.’</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ro Snow has a secret. One she doesn’t
want anyone to ever find out.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Her mother, Bonnie, is a hoarder.
Their house is overrun with stuff, but Bonnie can’t seem to help buying
more. Ro feels like she’s drowning, but no one can ever find out.
Because if they do, they might take her away from her mother. And
she’s worried what would happen to Bonnie if that happened.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Which is why she keeps to herself.
Why she never invites anyone round. Why she never lets anyone get
close.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Until Tanvi Shaw shows up in class.
Tanvi is bubbly and smiley and so friendly – all the things Ro avoids
like the plague. But Tanvi has already decided she and Ro will be
friends, and now Ro can’t seem to shake the girl.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And maybe that’s a good thing.
Because maybe Ro needs a friend, someone to hold on to, when her whole
world is one paper away from collapsing.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I really do love Lisa Williamson.
She’s not only a wonderful writer, but she also writes about things other
people don’t think to write about. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paper
Avalanche</i>, the book about the daughter of a hoarder, was pure genius and
utterly compelling. I possibly stayed up until 3am to finish it. I
really just couldn’t put it down. I’m awful when it comes to contemps, so
finding one that just hooked me like this was a rare and amazing surprise. I’m
not even sure what it was exactly that gripped me so much, but I truly was just
entranced by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paper Avalanche</i>.
To the point that I neglected Christmas present making, sleep and my
family to read it. I would say sorry, but I’m not sorry because it was
worth it!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3A0ze5spuog/XCUMLr0cU0I/AAAAAAAAFC8/mwZIkvSN20U3U43ZHOPLtiEXWndY_0JfQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3A0ze5spuog/XCUMLr0cU0I/AAAAAAAAFC8/mwZIkvSN20U3U43ZHOPLtiEXWndY_0JfQCLcBGAs/s320/thumbnail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ro I really just wanted to hug. From
the very first page, her personality and voice just leapt off of the page –
especially how much she just suffered because of her mother’s hoarding.
She was forced to be the parent to her mother, to take on things no child
should have to worry about, and you could just feel how badly it was breaking
her. I really did just want to hug her because God that girl needed so
many hugs.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Tanvi was just so bloody adorable. I
want a Tanvi. She was bubbly and friendly and so freaking cute. I
want to wrap her up in a unicorn onesie and adopt her because gosh she’s
awesome. She may be tiny, but she’s stubborn and strong and I love her.
And the relationship that formed between her and Ro was just so cute – it
was very one sided to begin with, but no one could resist Tanvi for long!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ok, I just want a little rant about Ro’s
parents. Because while Bonnie wasn’t a good mother, she had a legitimate
mental health reason for it. But Ro’s dad? He was just a dick.
He abandoned his daughter to the stress and fear she lived in every day,
just for his shiny new family. And that’s just cruel. It made me so
so angry for Ro, because she deserved so much better.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Rant over. I really just had to get
that off my chest.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I loved the writing and plotline as well –
Ro’s voice really did just leap off of the page and the story totally sucked me
in.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There was a dash of romance, which
is always welcome!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The friendship was
what truly made the book though – I have so much love for Ro and Tanvi that it’s
a little insane!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Seriously, though. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paper Avalanche</i> was one of the best
coming of age type stories I’ve read. It was about the daughter of a
hoarder, yes. But it was about so much more. It was about
friendship, first love, finding your voice and fighting for what you deserve.
And I just loved it. It left me just smiling dopily with a tear in
my eye.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So preorder <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paper Avalanche</i> because it really is not one to be missed next
year. Lisa Williamson has done it once again and I adore her for it.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
5 Out of 5 </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSuFTRIl_tk/UdQh3tt09EI/AAAAAAAADJ4/2e17XxwRzx0I1FSJdChcINQDLeF3u1KDACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/5%2BStars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="97" data-original-width="491" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSuFTRIl_tk/UdQh3tt09EI/AAAAAAAADJ4/2e17XxwRzx0I1FSJdChcINQDLeF3u1KDACPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2BStars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Am I Normal Yet by Holly Bourne</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.com/2015/10/finding-audrey-by-sophie-kinsella.html">Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella</a></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">* This
book was received from Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">**
Quotes used are from a proof copy and may have been changed in the finished
book</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-8238667855598119622018-09-28T00:30:00.000-07:002018-09-28T00:30:06.852-07:00The Caged Queen by Kristen Ciccarelli: Blog Tour Review!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kD0qHho6t0o/W6vhcc5BJAI/AAAAAAAAFCE/2ioHn6b66oI6yG1yQuWRLlJPhUK9dlwUQCLcBGAs/s1600/TCQ-Blog-Tour-Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kD0qHho6t0o/W6vhcc5BJAI/AAAAAAAAFCE/2ioHn6b66oI6yG1yQuWRLlJPhUK9dlwUQCLcBGAs/s400/TCQ-Blog-Tour-Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I am
so ridiculously excited to be taking part in The Caged Queen blog tour - I was
honoured to be a part of The Last Namsara's too and you can check out my
interview with Kristen <a href="https://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.com/search?q=the+last+namsara">here</a>! I loved this book so much and I'm so excited
for everyone to read it! </span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">-----</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><i><br /></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VsBvZutdys/W6vjmuE-FvI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/WsVfELABl98j8iQhJ0mW5cH6DqIr7jhKgCLcBGAs/s1600/36953797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="296" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VsBvZutdys/W6vjmuE-FvI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/WsVfELABl98j8iQhJ0mW5cH6DqIr7jhKgCLcBGAs/s400/36953797.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Series: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Iskari, Book Two</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Gollancz</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Paperback</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">27<sup>th</sup></span> September 2018</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 400</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review* </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Action-Adventure, Paranormal,
Mythical, YA</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 13+</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Violence,
Death, Swearing, Alcohol References</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Author's
Site: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.kristenciccarelli.com/">Kristen Ciccarelli</a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">What would you sacrifice for love</span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Roa
and her sister, Essie, were born with a bond so strong that it forged them
together forever.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It was a magic they
cherished – until the terrible day Essie died and her soul was trapped in this
world.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Dax,
the heir to the throne of Firgaard, was responsible.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Roa swore she would never forgive him – yet
when he came begging for her help to dethrone his cruel father, Roa made him a
deal.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She’d give him the army he needed
if he made her queen.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Now she
is royalty, but an outlander; far form home and married to her enemy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And even after everything she has sacrificed,
Dax’s promises have gone unfulfilled.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Roa’s
people still suffer.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Then a
chance to right every wrong arises – an opportunity for Roa to rid herself of
this enemy king and rescue her beloved sister.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>During the Relinquishing, when the spirits of the dead are said to return,
Roa can reclaim her sister for good.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">All she
has to do is kill the king...</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“You can save her, Roa. You can save all
of us.”</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She
looked up at him miserable. “By killing the king.”</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“By
removing the next tyrant from the throne.”</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Once upon a time, there were two sisters
who were so close, not even death could separate them...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Roa was heartbroken when her twin, Essie,
died and her soul became trapped in the body of a hawk. She hated, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hated</i>, the boy responsible.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But now... now she’s married to him.
Because the only way to save her people from starving to death, was to
sign a devil’s contract with the newly crowned King of Firgaard.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But Dax is not keeping the promises he made
to her. Roa’s people are still suffering, Roa herself is an outcast and
Essie... Essie’s soul is slipping away more and more every day.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Roa has one opportunity to fix everything.
To save her people. To bring her sister back. To get herself
out of this absolute mess.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And all she has to do?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Kill Dax...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I loved <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Last Namsara </i>so, so much.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I am
mildly obsessed with dragons (ok, ok, utterly obsessed: I would give my soul
for a dragon) and I just could not get enough of Ciccarelli’s world building
when I read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last Namsara</i> because,
guys, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">there be dragons</i>!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And that was why I just could not wait to get
my greedy little hands on a copy of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Caged Queen</i>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And so when it was so
kindly sent to me (thank you Gollancz!) I just dived right on in.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm_ZdvjZ-ac/W6vjs6sYoVI/AAAAAAAAFCU/f_U0QLmMze8oAk3v5_XK36XjgSoRxzGegCLcBGAs/s1600/35843937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm_ZdvjZ-ac/W6vjs6sYoVI/AAAAAAAAFCU/f_U0QLmMze8oAk3v5_XK36XjgSoRxzGegCLcBGAs/s320/35843937.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from
it, though. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Because it isn’t a direct
sequel, more like a following book in the same universe following a newish set
of characters on their adventures.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
loved the leads from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last Namsara</i>,
Asha and Torwin, and knew <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Caged Queen</i>
wouldn’t be focused on them – and would sadly have less dragons.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But from the very beginning of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Caged Queen</i>, I honestly just fell in
love all over again.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Because wow.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I adored the slightly different mythology and
beliefs, loved the political drama and manoeuvrings, and just fell utterly
head-over-heels for the very complex relationship between Dax and Roa.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Those two I honestly loved to pieces.
They were both so much more than they appeared to be, and seeing them
from Roa’s perspective rather than Asha’s was intriguing. Plus their
relationship just had me enthralled from the very beginning – because while the
two were legally married, it was very much a marriage of mutually beneficial
terms and wasn’t built on any kind of emotions, especially not on Roa’s side.
But watching them argue and distrust and disagree and grow together was
just amazing and so very brilliantly done.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Ciccarelli is really just the queen of complicated as hell
relationships.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Roa was pretty prickly but steadfastly
loyal to those she cared about – especially Essie and her people. She was
strong both mentally and physically and wasn’t afraid to fight for what she
wants.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She was also totally badass and
you all know I love that in my leading ladies.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Dax I just adored. He’s such a clever boy,
that one – charming and charismatic and kind of adorable, he really knew how to
play the political game.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Plus I just
knew there was so much more to him than anything I saw in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last Namsara</i>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And, now I
am seeing him as someone not the sibling to the narrator, I think I love him. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I also loved seeing Safire again from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last Namsara</i> – I really liked Dax’s
coousin in the first book and just admire the hell out of this badass lady.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There were also cameos from my babies from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Namsara</i> and I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">loved it</i>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Also I just have to mention the bond
between Roa and Essie. Because it was just heartbreaking and beautiful.
Can you just imagine being born a twin, as close as could be to one
another, so connected you can physically sense one another? Now imagine
your sister dies and you’re all alone, but you don’t want to be because what
are you if not her sister? Do you see why this bond made me cry? I
just felt how much Roa loved her sister, how desperately she wanted to save
her, how terrified she was of Essie slipping away from her for good. It’s
one of the most unorthodox and touching sisterhood I’ve ever read about before
and I just love the two of them so so much.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebAefk4d_NA/W6vjwnIuiOI/AAAAAAAAFCY/oW3AAiLcbw8mbTcodyoqdx0sAPVfpTItACLcBGAs/s1600/41021071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="299" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebAefk4d_NA/W6vjwnIuiOI/AAAAAAAAFCY/oW3AAiLcbw8mbTcodyoqdx0sAPVfpTItACLcBGAs/s320/41021071.jpg" width="201" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ok I’ve rambled about the characters enough
– why do I always do this?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Anyway, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last Namsara</i> we got these snippets
after chapters – little stories from the world’s mythologies, memories of the
characters, that kind of thing. And I just loved that we got the same in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Caged Queen</i>. We got to see
more of Roa’s homeland and her relationship with Dax when they were children,
before everything fell apart. Plus Ciccarelli just has this way of
storytelling that’s utterly enchanting and absorbing and I can’t get enough.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And seriously. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That plot</i>. Wow. I honestly did not see a bunch of the
twists coming – I blame a certain character for many of them, that wily fox –
and I was hooked from start to finish. Hell, I stayed up stupidly late
after being exhausted from uni just to finish it because I just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had to know how it ended</i>. Also I
need another book, please. I need more.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">This world... I just love it. I love
Asha and Dax’s kingdom, but I really loved learning more about Roa’s. I
adored the beliefs there – especially about Relinquishing, which was just such
a brilliant idea that I’m sure has taken root from some belief in the real
world and is brilliantly brought to life in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Caged Queen</i>. Also just the thing about Essie... it’s honestly enough
to make a girl cry. Two sisters who love one another so deeply and
totally that not even death could separate them, and one returned as a bird
just so her sister would not be alone. I really don’t know where
Ciccarelli came up with that idea, but I adore it and she owes me a packet of
tissues.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So seriously, if you haven’t read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Iskari Series</i>, read it now.
There be dragons and spirits, kings and queens, love and heartbreak, loss
and laughter, betrayal and forgiveness. It honestly just has everything I
could possibly want in a fantasy book and I’m really, really hoping there will
be a book three! There’s still so much of this world to explore, and
hopefully more dragons to ride.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Please.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>More dragons to ride.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I need more dragons in my world,
Kristen.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Please.</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
5 Out of 5 </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSuFTRIl_tk/UdQh3tt09EI/AAAAAAAADJ4/2e17XxwRzx0I1FSJdChcINQDLeF3u1KDACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/5%2BStars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="97" data-original-width="491" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSuFTRIl_tk/UdQh3tt09EI/AAAAAAAADJ4/2e17XxwRzx0I1FSJdChcINQDLeF3u1KDACPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2BStars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-last-namsara-by-kristen-ciccarelli.html">The Last Namsara</a> by Kristen
Ciccarelli</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Before I Ignite by Jodie Foster</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And I Darken by Kiersten White</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">* This
book was received from Gollancz in exchange for an honest review</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">----</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Also check out <a href="https://www.wordsfromareader.com/">Words From A Reader</a> and <a href="https://theuntitledbookblog.wordpress.com/">The Untitled Book Blog</a> because they have more The Caged Queen goodness up today too!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">---</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ah, I
love this series so much! If you haven't read it, check it out ASAP because it is amazing!</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Everyone,
definitely check out Kristen's </span></i><a href="https://www.kristenciccarelli.com/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff0094;">website</span></span></i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">, follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/SheLuresDragons">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kristenciccarelli/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristenCiccarelli/">Facebook</a>, and add The
Caged Queen to your <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36953797">Goodreads</a> TBR ASAP list! </span></i></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-63584391355174582432018-09-26T12:40:00.001-07:002018-09-26T12:40:15.911-07:00The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5OECKEe3XQ/W6veBu-IcVI/AAAAAAAAFBc/ckRRGiOAvhoR478T-I0B5TvTinUub7_EACLcBGAs/s1600/30846371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="311" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5OECKEe3XQ/W6veBu-IcVI/AAAAAAAAFBc/ckRRGiOAvhoR478T-I0B5TvTinUub7_EACLcBGAs/s400/30846371.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Series: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Iskari, Book One</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Gollancz</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Hardcover</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">12<sup>th</sup></span> October 2017</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 432</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review* </span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Adventure, Paranormal,
Mythical, YA</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 13+</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Violence,
Death</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Author's
Site: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.kristenciccarelli.com/">Kristen Ciccarelli</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Blurb From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30846371">Goodreads</a>:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">In
the beginning, there was the Namsara: the child of sky and spirit, who carried
love and laughter wherever he went. But where there is light, there must be
darkness—and so there was also the Iskari. The child of blood and moonlight.
The destroyer. The death-bringer.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">These
are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up
learning in hushed whispers, drawn to the forbidden figures of the past. But it
isn’t until she becomes the fiercest, most feared dragon slayer in the land
that she takes on the role of the next Iskari—a lonely destiny that leaves her
feeling more like a weapon than a girl.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Asha
conquers each dragon and brings its head to the king, but no kill can free her
from the shackles that await at home: her betrothal to the cruel commandant, a
man who holds the truth about her nature in his palm. When she’s offered the
chance to gain her freedom in exchange for the life of the most powerful dragon
in Firgaard, she finds that there may be more truth to the ancient stories than
she ever could have expected. With the help of a secret friend—a slave boy from
her betrothed’s household—Asha must shed the layers of her Iskari bondage and
open her heart to love, light, and a truth that has been kept from her.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“The
old heroes were called Namsara after a beloved god, he said. So she would
be called Iskari, after a deadly one...”</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVtOSz0Ghrg/W6vf1Cl6F7I/AAAAAAAAFBo/1SDxOrjtr74eLABwMi0piIfxmst6zFiHQCLcBGAs/s1600/36184424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="290" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVtOSz0Ghrg/W6vf1Cl6F7I/AAAAAAAAFBo/1SDxOrjtr74eLABwMi0piIfxmst6zFiHQCLcBGAs/s320/36184424.jpg" width="195" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Once there was a girl who was drawn to old
stories. The stories with power. The stories the dragons craved.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She told stories to Kozu, the first dragon.
And he grew to crave her, too. But when she refused to tell him
another story, he grew angry with her. He burned her with his fire and
then he destroyed much of her kingdom, killing many of her people.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">It was all Asha’s fault. She should
have known better – after all, the old stories killer her own mother. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Now, her people loathe her and to restore
the honour she lost the night Kozu’s fire scorched her people, Asha goes out
and hunts dragons, bring their heads to her father, the dragon king.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But that is not enough to redeem her.
No, she must now marry Jarek – a cruel man she despises like no other.
There is no escaping the binding – until her father offers her a chance
of escape: if she can kill Kozu and bring him the dragons’ head, she will be
free.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But amid rising tensions and the defiance
of Jarek’s slave, Torwin, can Asha find a way to save herself and her people?
Can the old stories reveal the truths that have been hidden for so very
long? </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Anyone who knows me is all too aware of my
dragon obsession. They are my absolute favourite fantastical creature and
I would literally sell my soul for a real one. My mum actually calls me
Hagrid from time to time due to my dragon mania. So when I was offered a
chance to read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last Namsara</i>, how
was I meant to say no? In fact, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Last Namsara</i> has probably been my most anticipated debut of the whole year
and the instant it landed on my doorstep, I just dived straight in. And I
fell instantly and irrevocably in love. Because I’ve read a lot of books
about dragons, but none like this. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Last Namsara</i> just pulled me under a spell – stories truly do have power,
especially ones as magical and beautiful as this one.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Asha was such a stronger character – and my
very favourite type of princess: a badass with swords and an axe. To
begin with, she was all kinds of broken – a hunter desperate for forgiveness,
who could not forgive herself. A girl who killed dragons to try and clear
away the other deaths on her hands. It would have been so easy to dislike
her – but I never did. Because Asha was brave and tough as nails and
funny and so very alone it made my heart ache for her. And then she goes
on this journey over the book – I’ve never seen such character development in a
single book and I just loved it.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LaI55-a4gzE/W6vgAikh7lI/AAAAAAAAFBs/YTgogpoM258toZIcS-PEHP2KoRaQRjBxACLcBGAs/s1600/39168883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LaI55-a4gzE/W6vgAikh7lI/AAAAAAAAFBs/YTgogpoM258toZIcS-PEHP2KoRaQRjBxACLcBGAs/s320/39168883.jpg" width="220" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Torwin – oh my sweet Torwin! He was
just the sweetest, loveliest thing and I spent a lot of the book just wanting
to wrap him up in a hug. He was loyal and devoted and kind to Asha, even
when no one else would even look at her face. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I just loved the two of them together.
I’ve never read a story where a princess fell in love with a slave – and
I never thought I could love such a romance so much. The two of them were
just perfect together and I loved watching their relationship grow. It felt
utterly real to me and was just the sweetest, most wonderful thing.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I loved all of the minor characters too,
especially Safire, who was just as much of a badass as Asha – maybe even more.
The child of Asha’s uncle and a slave, Safire was an outcast and seen as
easy prey despite her royals blood – but she never let it break her.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And Dax was a really lovely big brother – a
bit of a dreamer, he was kind and strong and quick witted.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Roa was awesome! These two are the main
characters in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Caged Queen</i> and I’m
so excited to see more of them!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Jarek was an epic arsehole – I loathed him,
even when I felt pity for the boy who lost his parents to dragon’s fire and yet
saved the girl responsible for their deaths.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I simply have to mention the dragons – even
if I have to watch what I say for risk of spoilers! The dragons in this
book were characters in their own right (the main two especially) and they were
written in such a way it took my breath away. The dragons in this book
can be terrible and destructive and ruthless. But then so can humans.
And like humans the dragons can be so much more – and though they do not
speak our language, they could tell stories of their own – such beautiful
stories.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I absolutely loved the way Kristin wrote
this book – I loved the main plot line and story of Asha and her journey.
And I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">loved</i> the old
stories interspersed throughout the book. I can see why Asha was drawn to
the stories – they were just so very beautiful.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">This plot was just nonstop! Just when
I thought it was time to take a break and get some much needed sleep, a new
twist threw me and simply <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">made</i> me
read on.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Kristen will be responsible for
many sleepless nights and her books are always going to be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so worth it</i>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-woQfJUkSXS8/W6vgEvqF8_I/AAAAAAAAFBw/NTHtV2FEHIYrsy8Iu4Xxlo4OmQjIrOw2QCLcBGAs/s1600/40226664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="305" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-woQfJUkSXS8/W6vgEvqF8_I/AAAAAAAAFBw/NTHtV2FEHIYrsy8Iu4Xxlo4OmQjIrOw2QCLcBGAs/s320/40226664.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">My god, this world! The very idea
that stories could hold such power – and that depending on who was telling the
story and how it was told, each could be so utterly different. As a book
addict and a devourer of fantasy books, I know how powerful a story can be.
I know how a story can transport you to a whole other world, can let you
be a dragon rider for a few hundred pages. Alas, thus far stories have
not called a dragon to me. I even read to my dog a lot of the afternoon (she’s
recovering from surgery and is going a little stir crazy – reading to her seems
to calm her down a bit) and no sign of a scaled friend for myself. I’ll
keep trying.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I don’t like slavery – I think it’s utterly
abhorrent, as most do! But I thought Kristin handled the subject in a
truly delicate way, weaving the slavery of skrals into the story effortlessly
and enabling yet more plot twists to cause my jaw to drop! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">If you haven’t guessed yet after reading so
far through my long, rambly review, I absolutely adored <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last Namsara</i>. As a dragon lover, this book was heaven to
me and I cannot wait to see what Kristin brings out next. I’m especially
excited about the second book in the series, which will focus on Roa and Dax –
I loved both characters and can’t wait to get to know them better!
Kristin Ciccarelli is now added to my list of auto-buy authors – and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last Namsara</i> is one of my favourite
books of 2017. If you love dragons like I do or just want to read about a
badass princess, please pick up <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last
Namsara</i>. You won’t regret it!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go
stand in nature and tell an old story to the world. Because I just really
really want a dragon.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
5 Out of 5 </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="97" data-original-width="491" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSuFTRIl_tk/UdQh3tt09EI/AAAAAAAADJ4/2e17XxwRzx0I1FSJdChcINQDLeF3u1KDACPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2BStars.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/Grisha">Grisha</a> by Leigh Bardugo</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/Throne%20of%20Glass">Throne of Glass</a> by Sarah J. Maas</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HiPtRnJissk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HiPtRnJissk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">* This
book was received from Gollancz in exchange for an honest review</span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-28973045923219584112018-06-17T00:30:00.000-07:002018-06-17T00:30:11.532-07:00Ghost Blog Tour: Father's Day Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Su3x0BwhyOc/WyVA-iVUBPI/AAAAAAAAFAk/hipeGgSyEsQ2-RqMyXvcFNQ21qQHk6l_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Fathers%2527%2BDay%2BWeekendSpotlight%2Bon%2BGHOST.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Su3x0BwhyOc/WyVA-iVUBPI/AAAAAAAAFAk/hipeGgSyEsQ2-RqMyXvcFNQ21qQHk6l_ACLcBGAs/s400/Fathers%2527%2BDay%2BWeekendSpotlight%2Bon%2BGHOST.png" width="266" /></a>I<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">’m so excited to be hosting a brilliant
giveaway for all you lovely people this Father’s Day!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I have one hardback copy of the brilliant
<i>Ghost</i> by James Swallow, the latest in the crazy popular Marc Dane series, to giveaway
to one of you lucky people!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It’s open to
European book addicts only, I’m afraid!<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>But I’m so so happy to be hosting this!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">One of you is going to be very lucky!</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>Blurb from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36571207-ghost">Goodreads</a>:</b> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Su3x0BwhyOc/WyVA-iVUBPI/AAAAAAAAFAk/hipeGgSyEsQ2-RqMyXvcFNQ21qQHk6l_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Fathers%2527%2BDay%2BWeekendSpotlight%2Bon%2BGHOST.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i>A terrible threat from the depths of the
dark net. A devastating betrayal at the heart of a covert strike force. A
deadly pursuit across a digital battlefield. A ruthless terrorist fuelled by
revenge. As devastating attacks unfold across the globe, Marc Dane must call on
all his skills and ingenuity to track down the mysterious figure behind it all
- a faceless criminal known only as "Madrigal". Before they plunge
the world into war . . .</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ULtuOHy9_YE/WyVFHvHkJxI/AAAAAAAAFAw/5W6X26RJymsy-UmI-G7LDCqSv8bLyM1aQCLcBGAs/s1600/36571207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ULtuOHy9_YE/WyVFHvHkJxI/AAAAAAAAFAw/5W6X26RJymsy-UmI-G7LDCqSv8bLyM1aQCLcBGAs/s320/36571207.jpg" width="208" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i><br /></i>A</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">lso, guys, don’t forget to check out all
the other amazing stops on this Father’s Day Special Spotlight of Ghost!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There are other giveaways going on and loads
of brilliant extracts to read!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So check
out: <a href="https://fromfirstpagetolast.wordpress.com/">From First Page To Last</a>, <a href="https://mylittlelibraryintheattic.wordpress.com/">My Little Library in the Attic</a>, <a href="http://stephensbookishlife.blogspot.com/">Stephen’s BookishLife</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nightresplendent/">Night Resplendent</a> and <a href="https://whisperingstories.com/">Whispering Stories</a> for loads more content!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Now for the actual giveaway!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>All you have to do is follow the instructions
in my Rafflecopter giveaway widget thingy (I am so good at this tech
thing...)<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You have to leave a comment on
this blog post to be entered for the giveaway – all the other choices are
optional for more entries!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Because I figured since this is for Father’s Day,
it would be nice to share something you love about your dad.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>One thing I love about mine is how totally
supportive he’s been of my blog – I started when I was fourteen and he was
always happy to drive me to my blogging events, even though he really doesn’t
like books!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So thank you Dad – I really don’t
know where I’d be without you! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Thank you to BonnierZaffre for organising this giveaway! Again, it's only open to those in Europe, you have to be 18+ or have your parents' permission and this giveaway closes 24th June! The winner shall then be randomly selected and the lovely people over at BonnierZaffre will send you your brand new book! So get entering, spread the word and have a great Father's Day, everyone! </span></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="cd71c3a019" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cd71c3a019/" id="rcwidget_otxu39av" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-15337435641318897782018-05-08T06:17:00.000-07:002018-05-08T06:17:57.137-07:00The Girl in the Broken Mirror Blog Tour: Savita Kalhan's Top Ten YA Books That Deal With Sensitive Topics<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">I am so absolutely
thrilled to have the wonderful Savita Kalhan here with us today!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Her newest book, </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">The Girl in the Broken Mirror<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, is a powerful and moving book about such a difficult but important
topic.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I am so very excited to be
helping get the word out there about this wonderful book and I really hope you
all go and grab a copy!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But first, let
me just say thank you so much to Savita for including me in the tour and for
putting together this amazing list of books!</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><b>---</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ts4M97GoS38/WvD0FXoaIQI/AAAAAAAAE-M/cAF4c3IayzQPX2D9cqYMI8tAba9XLuB_gCLcBGAs/s1600/girl%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bbroken%2Bmirror%2Bjpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ts4M97GoS38/WvD0FXoaIQI/AAAAAAAAE-M/cAF4c3IayzQPX2D9cqYMI8tAba9XLuB_gCLcBGAs/s320/girl%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bbroken%2Bmirror%2Bjpeg.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Hi Megan! Thank so you much for inviting me on your blog
today. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">The Girl in the Broken
Mirror</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> came out on May 1st, and it’s
SO exciting seeing it out there and seeing people reading it! Yes, it’s a tough
subject matter, so keep a box of tissues handy, but it’s necessary that books
about rape and sexual assault are there for teens and young adults, for them to
know that they are not alone, and that there is help and light at the end of
the darkness.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">So here’s my list of books that deal with sensitive issues
for teens and young adults.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">All the books below have left an impression on me. Each of
them tackles a difficult or sensitive subject in teen/YA literature, subjects
that need to be written about and read, and discussed, voices that need to be
heard. All these books deserve a place on a bookshelf in a school library and a
bookshop.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiEVDNORKYw/WvD1GG1CdYI/AAAAAAAAE-g/OWDJxXh2utknl6mrnOdcS5e9FGzD1IsrwCLcBGAs/s1600/20743633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L81PJBnloxc/WvD0fpcLrkI/AAAAAAAAE-U/jbEZuohwdhUP8S2N2PsMdT9uu3rTWpP2wCLcBGAs/s1600/32613366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L81PJBnloxc/WvD0fpcLrkI/AAAAAAAAE-U/jbEZuohwdhUP8S2N2PsMdT9uu3rTWpP2wCLcBGAs/s200/32613366.jpg" width="130" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">The Hate U Give</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> by Angie Thomas</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> – Subject: racism/class. Angie Thomas was inspired by the
Black Lives Matter movement to write this story of Starr who witnesses her
friend Khalil being shot at point blank range by a police officer. Khalil had
committed no crime. This is such an important book for the times we live in,
well-written, hard-hitting. Brilliant.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiEVDNORKYw/WvD1GG1CdYI/AAAAAAAAE-g/OWDJxXh2utknl6mrnOdcS5e9FGzD1IsrwCLcBGAs/s1600/20743633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiEVDNORKYw/WvD1GG1CdYI/AAAAAAAAE-g/OWDJxXh2utknl6mrnOdcS5e9FGzD1IsrwCLcBGAs/s200/20743633.jpg" width="133" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Last Leaves Falling</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> by Sarah Benwell</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> – terminal illness/suicide. Set in Kyoto in Japan, the
story follows seventeen year old Sora, confined to a wheelchair at home with a
terminal illness ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease – he has months left to live. It is
a devastatingly moving story about loneliness, friendship, and death. This book
had me in tears!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fwMaGTeMHY/WvD1KBGx2VI/AAAAAAAAE-k/fc6Lf4kLLhYM15eyAmp4jrZQvq02QLudgCLcBGAs/s1600/31114950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fwMaGTeMHY/WvD1KBGx2VI/AAAAAAAAE-k/fc6Lf4kLLhYM15eyAmp4jrZQvq02QLudgCLcBGAs/s200/31114950.jpg" width="130" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><i>No Virgin </i>and <i>No Shame</i></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> by Anne Cassidy</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> – Subject: rape/trial. Anne Cassidy gives voice to her teen
victim, Stacey Woods, raped by a privileged middle class white man who thinks
he did no wrong, much in the way that my own book explores this issue from the
Asian perspective. It is a powerful uncompromising book.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KiGyRvwI7Wo/WvD1adLiMJI/AAAAAAAAE-w/_sSSe5RMw2IW0J7ZNGTju1QDDwIL31xMwCLcBGAs/s1600/217253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="236" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KiGyRvwI7Wo/WvD1adLiMJI/AAAAAAAAE-w/_sSSe5RMw2IW0J7ZNGTju1QDDwIL31xMwCLcBGAs/s200/217253.jpg" width="117" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">(Un)arranged Marriage</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> by Bali Rai</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> – Subject: arranged marriage/culture clash. This was Bali
Rai’s debut novel and it was based on a personal experience. It is set partly
in the UK and partly in an area in Punjab, and explores what it is to be a
British Asian who is expected to conform to his parent’s wishes – even when it
comes to who he should marry.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pVX0cPnG-E/WvD1zBMT4MI/AAAAAAAAE-4/pGcjpTYbtT4Dm3Qtmh7mC-gfzB_Op1ZcgCLcBGAs/s1600/28103790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="255" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pVX0cPnG-E/WvD1zBMT4MI/AAAAAAAAE-4/pGcjpTYbtT4Dm3Qtmh7mC-gfzB_Op1ZcgCLcBGAs/s200/28103790.jpg" width="130" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Salt to the Sea</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> by Ruta Sepetys</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> – Subject: war. This subject of this book is a little known
but devastating tragedy of the Second World War – the German ship, the Wilhelm
Gustloff, was sunk in port in early 1945 and it had over 9000 civilian
refugees, including children, on board. Nearly all were drowned. Told from the
perspective of four different characters from four different backgrounds, it
follows them as they make their way across Europe to where refugee ships await.
It’s a heart-breaking story.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiwrz_H2h5E/WvD13gTrJlI/AAAAAAAAE-8/CV4lY4BOBIocHsjL3WXocisN9tVMRvz-wCLcBGAs/s1600/25699515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="261" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiwrz_H2h5E/WvD13gTrJlI/AAAAAAAAE-8/CV4lY4BOBIocHsjL3WXocisN9tVMRvz-wCLcBGAs/s200/25699515.jpg" width="130" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Orangeboy</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> by Patrice Lawrence</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> – Subject:
drugs. This is more than a gripping urban thriller. It is about sixteen year
old Marlon who finds himself embroiled in a murder. The book explores themes of
family and loyalty and the lengths Marlon feels he has to go to in order to
protect those he loves. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPOV4UrG-D4/WvD170ADf_I/AAAAAAAAE_A/XwHSdhayShgGZ_z8i3XcgNrZsaUQ3C3sQCLcBGAs/s1600/34042519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPOV4UrG-D4/WvD170ADf_I/AAAAAAAAE_A/XwHSdhayShgGZ_z8i3XcgNrZsaUQ3C3sQCLcBGAs/s200/34042519.jpg" width="130" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">I Have No Secrets</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> by Penny Joelsen</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> – Subject: extreme disability. Fourteen year old Jemma is a
clever, engaging teenager with extreme cerebral palsy – she cannot communicate
at all and is reliant on others for everything. When her carer goes missing,
Jemma knows who has taken her, but she cannot voice her suspicions, until a new
trial technology is developed which might allow her to finally find her voice.
This is such a unique book. You will love Jemma and be rooting for her all the
way!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9bbhlCJ3PmQ/WvD2atKjsaI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/vE8k2Ys8bTEfzC-uqDcTiPm3042-5UlMgCLcBGAs/s1600/35658909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9bbhlCJ3PmQ/WvD2atKjsaI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/vE8k2Ys8bTEfzC-uqDcTiPm3042-5UlMgCLcBGAs/s200/35658909.jpg" width="131" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">I am Thunder</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> by Muhammad Khan</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> – Subject: grooming/terrorism. Fifteen year old Muzna has
what she calls #BrownGirlProblems – her parents want her to be a doctor and she
wants to be writer. With super strict Pakistani and feeling stifled by them and
the traditional community, she falls for a boy in her class and ends up
embroiled in a terrorist cell. The book was inspired by the author’s shock at
the news that three Muslim girls had left the UK to join the Islamic State. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sA1cL7GH8GQ/WvD2gtJ05wI/AAAAAAAAE_U/SIWuArUx-B81O1sA5PHTEy1hdcfGeF5dwCLcBGAs/s1600/18041951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="306" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sA1cL7GH8GQ/WvD2gtJ05wI/AAAAAAAAE_U/SIWuArUx-B81O1sA5PHTEy1hdcfGeF5dwCLcBGAs/s200/18041951.jpg" width="128" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Looking at the Stars</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> by Jo Cotterill and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hidden</i> by Miriam Halahmy</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> –
Subject: refugees. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Looking at the Stars</i>
is set mainly in a refugee camp where Amina has ended up sheltering in after
her family were forced to leave their home. Their life is grim, the conditions
harsh, yet Amina finds a way to give some comfort to the kids of the camp with
her story-telling. It’s a story of keeping hope alive. In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hidden</i>, a refugee is washed ashore on Hayling Island and rescued by
fourteen year old Alix and Samir. The book explores the issues of illegal
immigration, refugees, bullying and xenophobia. It is due to be republished
soon – and is being produced as a play, too.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tT8CxMrBvOE/WvD23OMipaI/AAAAAAAAE_g/dVnGUz_r4dQC9g-jXWq3yFrtbZUiYs27ACLcBGAs/s1600/23634147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tT8CxMrBvOE/WvD23OMipaI/AAAAAAAAE_g/dVnGUz_r4dQC9g-jXWq3yFrtbZUiYs27ACLcBGAs/s200/23634147.jpg" width="131" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> by Teresa Toten</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"> – psychiatric disorders/OCD. Adam has extreme OCD, a
condition which makes every day things like opening a door difficult. He joins
a counselling group, who meet in Room 13b, and finds that other kids struggle
with similar problems and other conditions. He also falls in love for the first
time. I loved this book – it’s sad, it’s funny, and very poignant.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Thanks so much for inviting me here today, Megan. I hope
your readers look up all the books I’ve mentioned – they are all really great
reads.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Previous Stop on The Girl in the Broken Mirror Blog Tour:
<a href="http://www.talesofyesterday.co.uk/2018/05/guest-post-aunty-vimalas-rules-by-savita-kalhan/">Tales of Yesterday</a></span></div>
<div align="right" style="margin: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Next Stop on The Girl in the
Broken Mirror Blog Tour: <a href="http://teenlibrarian.co.uk/">The Teen Librarian</a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Wow, thank you so much
for this list, Savita! <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I have a few new
books to add to my TBR now! </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">And, everyone, do check
out Savita’s <a href="http://www.savitakalhan.com/">website</a>, follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/@savitakalhan">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/savita_kalhan/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SavitaKalhanAuthor/">Facebook</a>, and add
</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37795029-the-girl-in-the-broken-mirror?ac=1&from_search=true">The Girl in the Broken Mirror</a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> to your Goodreads TBR list ASAP!</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><i></i>---</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><b>About Savita Kalhan:</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">I was born in my
grandparent’s home in a small village in the north of India. The family home
has been transformed into an amazing charity hospital, which is pretty cool. I
moved with my parents from that small village in India to a small town in
Buckinghamshire when I was 11 months old. No, I’ve never got used to the cold
or the damp or the rain</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-z1ijAQFAE/WvD4UB98EnI/AAAAAAAAE_s/WMpG3N6ImvAO_38mtmI8H6VXezjsKrj4ACLcBGAs/s1600/woolford%2BA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1086" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-z1ijAQFAE/WvD4UB98EnI/AAAAAAAAE_s/WMpG3N6ImvAO_38mtmI8H6VXezjsKrj4ACLcBGAs/s320/woolford%2BA.jpeg" width="320" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">I went to uni in
Aberystwyth, where the winters were colder and the seas stormy, and got happily
stuck there for a few years before heading to London and life as an
impoverished batik artist, before taking the plunge and getting married in
Manila. Then I headed off to the desert heat of the Middle East where I lived
and taught English for several years, read like a demon, and started writing.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">I’ve never stopped
writing. I hope I never do.</span></i></div>
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">Now, I’m in North
London, with a view of the woods, a stone’s throw from my allotment where I
fight a daily battle against the onslaught of an army of slugs and wrestle with
plotlines, and the tennis club where I slug a few balls, and my writing shed at
the bottom of the garden where I write.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">---</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"></span></i>The Rest of the Blog Tour:</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F95uThhC_28/WvD5NIrJaLI/AAAAAAAAE_4/dMrwtjMWsWcMi0g2Dz1dINdsRhMDQSZ3wCLcBGAs/s1600/book%2Bbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="835" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F95uThhC_28/WvD5NIrJaLI/AAAAAAAAE_4/dMrwtjMWsWcMi0g2Dz1dINdsRhMDQSZ3wCLcBGAs/s640/book%2Bbanner.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
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TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-91564280635206661002018-05-04T06:00:00.000-07:002018-05-04T06:00:15.124-07:00The Company of Eight by Harriet Whitehorn: Blog Tour Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8HCKkvJmgE/WutxcnWcMKI/AAAAAAAAE9I/skiJRLxYeIsOt3LWPOLz_uFukcVCAGrwQCLcBGAs/s1600/the-company-of-eight-blog-tour-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="825" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8HCKkvJmgE/WutxcnWcMKI/AAAAAAAAE9I/skiJRLxYeIsOt3LWPOLz_uFukcVCAGrwQCLcBGAs/s400/the-company-of-eight-blog-tour-banner.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Hello, book addicts! I'm so very excited to be taking part
in The Company of Eight's blog tour! I adored this book and I can't wait for
children everywhere to experience the Longest World and go on adventures with
Cass and her friends! If you like circuses, pirates and adventure, this book is
definitely for you! So give my review a little read and then go out and buy
yourself a copy!</span></i></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>
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<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The Company of Eight by Harriet Whitehorn</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Stripes Publishing</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: ARC**</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; margin: 0px;">: 3</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><sup>rd</sup></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; margin: 0px;"> May 2018</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 208</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review* </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Fantasy, Adventure, Coming-Of-Age, Middle-Grade</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 9+</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Violence,
Alcohol References</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Author's
Site: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://harrietwhitehorn.com/">Harriet Whitehorn</a></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Blurb From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39109155-the-company-of-eight">Goodreads</a>:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">When
Ravellous's Circus Ship comes to Minaris, Cass is determined to audition
despite her guardian Mrs Potts's disapproval. But when her chance is snatched
away from her, Cass refuses to give up. She sets out to follow the Circus Ship
and the journey leads her into dangers that challenge even her adventurous
spirit. Will she succeed in following her dream, or is her destiny something
altogether different? </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A
beautifully written adventure story for fans of </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Girl of Ink and Stars<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
from Harriet Whitehorn, award-winning author of the </i>Violet<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> series.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“I am
afraid I cannot name them all, but overall they were known as Mele’s Sword
Fighters or the Company of Eight.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“The
Company still survives today, helping those in need and vanquishing evil, as
they did in Mele’s time, but these days, it has become an underground
organisation and the identity of its eight members is a closely guarded
secret.”</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">All Cass wants to do is get out of the
Magical District and join the Circus Boat. She wants to be an acrobat
aboard their ship – where her utterly un-magical nature isn’t seen as being
weird.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But when she misses her audition, she is
forced to re-evaluate, and decides she wishes to spend the next year on the
Island of Women until she can try out again.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And when she manages to impress Lord
Bastien, the Protector of the Longest World, she decides to travel with him
aboard his Palace Ship.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But she soon realises Bastien and his son
have ulterior motives – ones Cass is entirely uncomfortable with! Before
long, she has become entangled with thieves and slavers... and the Company of
Eight, a legendary set of female sword-fighters who could be her only hope...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">When I saw <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Company of Eight</i> on Stripe’s Instagram page, I commented instantly
because it sounded and looked brilliant. And when they offered me an ARC
to read? Of course I said <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yes
please</i>! I won’t lie, I’ve been so stuck in my YA fantasies lately
that getting into this took a little time, but I was soon totally wrapped up in
the story! This is the kind of book I would’ve been absolutely <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">obsessed</i> with ten years ago – and one I
thoroughly enjoyed today, aged twenty-one. It was magical and exciting
and full of adventure and kick-butt women. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Cass was such an awesome character – brave
and clever and loyal. While she made a few decisions I didn’t really
agree with, I still loved her character. She was great fun and a real
role-model (running away aside!) who was never afraid to stand up for herself
and went out of her way to help her friends.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I really loved all the supporting
characters too!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Especially Rip – he was
so sweet and just such a good friend!<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>And Elsba was amazing – such a wonderfully strong female! She was
just so very strong and so kind. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">However, I was not a fan of the pirates or
a certain lord. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">At all.</i>
The pirates were just cruel and that lord was just an absolute jerk!
I also want to say that even though a lot of the characters weren’t
around long, as Cass is often moving around the Longest World, I felt all of
them were well developed and different and just good fun! My favourite
minor character just had to be Lion – he was adorable.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ah, this story! It was the perfect
amount of thrills, excitement, humour, magic and suspense and I thoroughly
enjoyed it! It’s honestly the perfect bedtime story read – only be
prepared for a lot of ‘just one more chapter’. I literally finished this
book in two sittings (it would have been one, but my friends insisting on
badgering me with messages in the middle of my binge read). I was
constantly excited and engaged in the plot – I loved the twists, turns, pirates
and sword fighters! It was just such a fun read.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And, as I pointed out earlier, I’ve been
reading too many adult and YA fantasies lately so the writing did take a little
getting used to, since it’s far simpler compared to what I was used to.
But it’s engaging and exciting and soon had me within its grip!
It’s the perfect level for its intended audiences, although the fairly
short chapters are a danger – I literally just kept thinking ‘one more
chapter... one more chapter’. And then it was 2a.m and I wanted book two,
please. Please tell me there’s going to be a book two! I’m not done
with Cass and the Eight yet!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Oh and I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> enjoyed this world – I’m so happy the finished book comes
with a map! I’m a big map fan.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Plus
this map is gorgeous – and shows me where all my favourite places in the
Longest World are!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">This is the perfect book for young readers
to read alone or as a bedtime story – it’s fun, exciting and magical.
Plus it has acrobats, pirates, Lords and a team of awesome female sword
fighters! What isn’t to love?</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
4 Out of 5 </span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxn6hPVgaqE/UdwC5BzjhPI/AAAAAAAADNg/wYDw43kmmoIXsyBZDbF0LH-5H0aSKWF9QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4%2Bstars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="397" height="78" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxn6hPVgaqE/UdwC5BzjhPI/AAAAAAAADNg/wYDw43kmmoIXsyBZDbF0LH-5H0aSKWF9QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/4%2Bstars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Huntress Series by Sarah
Driver</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Girl of Ink and Stars by
Kiran Millwood Hargrave</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A Series of Unfortunate Events
by Lemony Snicket</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">* This
book was received from Stripes in exchange for an honest review</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">**
Quotes used are from a proof copy and may have been changed in the finished
book</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">----</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Previous Stop on The Company of Eight Blog
Tour</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">: <a href="https://chrikarublog.wordpress.com/2018/05/03/book-review-the-company-of-eight/#jp-carousel-10104">Chrikaru Reads</a></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Next Stop on the The Company of Eight Blog Tour: </span><a href="https://tanyasallsorts.wordpress.com/">Tanya's Allsorts</a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br />
---</div>
</span>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ah, I
really hope there is a book two! Everyone, go and read The Company of Eight! </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Also definitely check out Harriet's <a href="https://harrietwhitehorn.com/"><span style="color: #ff0094;">website</span></a>,
follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/H_Whitehorn">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harrietwhitehorn/">Instagram</a> and Facebook, and add The Company of Eight to
your Goodreads TBR ASAP list! </span></i></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-63229859120019456032018-04-20T14:34:00.003-07:002018-04-20T14:41:25.864-07:00Every Day: A Film Review!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dzbKIoo45GM/Wtpbuu6Oj2I/AAAAAAAAE8Q/f3E-yW6B9hEzCMMUndNOH938-YFUHHCsgCLcBGAs/s1600/5a90edabc698e.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dzbKIoo45GM/Wtpbuu6Oj2I/AAAAAAAAE8Q/f3E-yW6B9hEzCMMUndNOH938-YFUHHCsgCLcBGAs/s400/5a90edabc698e.image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Guys, this is my first ever official film review! I hope you enjoy! Every Day is now out at a cinema near you so don't forget to go and check it out! You won't regret it - I loved it, if you can't tell from the gushing review you are about to read... </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Na3vQ3kCZbM/WtpcN79h9gI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/puc4QQ7p_i4pROnJCTW1aF3j3Grj6ikfwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Na3vQ3kCZbM/WtpcN79h9gI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/puc4QQ7p_i4pROnJCTW1aF3j3Grj6ikfwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_5529.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So last Saturday, I was lucky enough to be invited to an early
screening of Every Day, based on the book by the wonderful David Levithan and made by Orion Pictures. I was really excited –
because the book is incredible and absolutely like nothing I’d ever read
before. I always love watching film adaptations of books – and yes
generally brutally comparing them to the book. I’m a book blogger, this
is what we do.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I was also really curious about how they’d show A’s life.
Because, if you haven’t read Every Day yet, A is someone who wakes up in
a new body every day. Never the same body twice, all A’s own age.
And A has accepted this – until A wakes up in Justin’s body and meets
Rhiannon. And then everything changes.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So you can see why I was intrigued about how this would be
handled! Because the book it’s all narrated from A’s perspective, so we
get the inside scoop – we get this information right from the source. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So, I arrived at the very swanky Soho hotel, armed with a
notebook, a Molly (my plus one) and a lot of excitement. Instantly, the
glittery pre-film fun began. I got my hair curled, my face painted with
amazing blue glitter and my nails painted in a beautifully mermaid-y emerald
green. There was also cake and tea and all kinds of exciting things going
on. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jjOi9O5Cqw/WtpcVbvfHQI/AAAAAAAAE8c/60Ks8FcTkXAZu2zyN0424iK7XAFzlU56gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jjOi9O5Cqw/WtpcVbvfHQI/AAAAAAAAE8c/60Ks8FcTkXAZu2zyN0424iK7XAFzlU56gCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_5524.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jjOi9O5Cqw/WtpcVbvfHQI/AAAAAAAAE8c/60Ks8FcTkXAZu2zyN0424iK7XAFzlU56gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">After an hour of the glittery fun, we all headed into the cinema
(this hotel was incredible - it had a mini movie theatre!) and took our seats.
And then Every Day began.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I took a notebook to make notes as I watched the film. I
completely forgot about it. I was just utterly enthralled. Every
Day was so beautifully translated into a film – I just loved it. It’s
possibly one of my favourite ever adaptations for how faithfully it stuck to
the book. I adored Rhiannon – Angourie Rice, the actress portraying her, was perfect!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Also her interactions with her sister (played by Debby Ryan) were
just everything! And as for A – all the As were just amazing. My
favourite A is probably Nathan (Lucas Jade Zumann) – because the adorable dancing scene at the
party is just too cute and perfect! But seriously, I loved all the varied
people who were chosen to select A – how they were all different but had the
same sweetness I feel A has.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I also really loved how they showed A’s unique situation –
they managed to explain it without the use of a narrator even before A
explained everything to Rhiannon.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They
very cleverly slipped in things such as A saying ‘Hello. Justin’ and setting an
alarm for 11pm and 11:50pm to give those who haven’t read the book an idea of
what is going on.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCoCPTtTSlk/WtpccGS_JyI/AAAAAAAAE8g/cvb8Z2M42fU8mia0f-IdvnxnbKCCKiynQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCoCPTtTSlk/WtpccGS_JyI/AAAAAAAAE8g/cvb8Z2M42fU8mia0f-IdvnxnbKCCKiynQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_5533.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I am pretty sad that they missed out the Nathan story line
though!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In the books, there’s this whole
subplot involving Nathan (one of the bodies A inhabits, who after getting his
body back is sure he was possessed by the devil) and a priest with some secrets...<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I think they definitely decided to focus more
on the love story between A and Rhiannon – and I can’t really complain because
it was wonderfully done!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The book is one of the most unique and beautiful books I’ve ever
read.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And I honestly feel the film
adaption is a brilliant translation.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It
is moving and inspiring and beautiful – it made me laugh and cry and smile so
very much.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I just know it’s going to be
such a huge hit with the teen audience – and adults too, if the theatre was
anything to go by!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So if you have a
chance, definitely go and see Every Day because it is just a stunning film and
definitely not something to be missed! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tqoAMfe_rPM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tqoAMfe_rPM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-82604620177107668692018-03-09T04:55:00.003-08:002018-03-09T04:55:46.053-08:00The Exact Opposite Of Okay by Laura Steven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VJNnHBmhZcw/WqKDIi6Xf_I/AAAAAAAAE7s/SzNeSeH38UkNF0NnyKd8MJQSKRI8DPPSgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF1633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1043" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VJNnHBmhZcw/WqKDIi6Xf_I/AAAAAAAAE7s/SzNeSeH38UkNF0NnyKd8MJQSKRI8DPPSgCLcBGAs/s400/DSCF1633.JPG" width="260" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Electric Monkey</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Paperback</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 8<sup>th</sup> March 2018</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 352</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review* </span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Contemporary,
Coming-Of-Age, Comedy, YA</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 13+</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Swearing,
Bullying, Drug, Alcohol, Sexual, Suicide References</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Author's
Site: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.laura-steven.com/">Laura Steven</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Izzy O’Neill</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Impoverished Orphan</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Aspiring comedian</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Slut extraordinaire – apparently...</span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Izzy never
expected to be eighteen and internationally reviled.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But when photos involving her, a politician’s
son and a garden bench emerge, the trolls set out to take her apart.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Armed
with best friend Ajita and a metric ton of nachos, she must figure out who’s behind
the vicious website – while keeping her sanity intact.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Izzy is
about to find out that the way the world treats girls is not okay.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">It’s
the Exact Opposite of Okay.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A novel for anyone who’s ever called
themselves a feminist... and anyone who hasn’t.</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Anyone who knows me is aware that I am a
total fantasy addict. It is insanely rare to find me reading anything set
in the real world that doesn’t include magic, demons or dragons.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But when Egmont sent me <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Exact Opposite Of Okay</i>, I was just
instantly intrigued. The cover is adorable and the synopsis just appealed
to the feminist in me. So, of course, I decided to read the first chapter
to check out the story. And then, suddenly, I was eighty pages in, had
forgotten to have a shower and was absolutely hooked!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Because Izzy O’Neill is just a legend.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She might be an orphan and poor as dirt,
but she’s an aspiring comedic legend and prolific blog writer.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Life is pretty okay for Izzy – well, sure,
BFF No 1 has developed a weird crush on her and BFF No 2 seems to be interested
in the new Victorian Secret model, plus Izzy is too broke to go to college.
But other than that!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Until The Night. The one where Izzy
sleeps with two guys at a party – one being the son of a super racist
politician... And pictures are possibly leaked... And, yeah,
things kind of escalate rapidly from there.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But with the help of BFF No 2, Ajita, her
grandmother Betty and a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lot</i> of
nachos, Izzy is determined to find whoever is besmirching her good (ish) name
and let the world know that what they’re doing right now? IT IS NOT OKAY.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Seriously, guys. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This book</i>. It is a feminist manifesto told in the most fun,
hilarious, addictive way. It is empowering and angering and touching and
did I mention hilarious? It’s a book every teenager should read, girl or
boy. Because the things that happen to Izzy in this book? They
aren’t okay – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">at all</i> – and they
happen to so many people, especially young and vulnerable girls. And it
just – it made me so angry and upset for Izzy, but somehow this wasn’t an angry
book. It was a book about dealing with revenge porn and bullying and
violation with humour and nachos and pride and panache. And I just – I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">love</i> it. I love this book so much.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ffs_SUetCy4/WqKDPeyagBI/AAAAAAAAE7w/Jw2OEWBvYSoqXYkBJzWit_Vm-2yn6HlnwCLcBGAs/s1600/38234203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ffs_SUetCy4/WqKDPeyagBI/AAAAAAAAE7w/Jw2OEWBvYSoqXYkBJzWit_Vm-2yn6HlnwCLcBGAs/s320/38234203.jpg" width="198" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Largely because of Izzy. Izzy is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">amazing</i>. She is such a brilliant
character – absolutely comfortable with herself and her sexuality, charismatic
and hilarious and brilliantly odd. And then she is absolutely betrayed
and violated by someone, bullied and shamed and teased and judged. And
she’s broken and hurting, but she deals with it so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">amazingly</i>. She does everything to remain upbeat, even when
she’s dying inside and hiding her pain with humour. Everything she went
through, all the pain and humiliation she felt, it honestly made me cry more
than once. And yet Izzy never failed to make me smile – she’s the kind of
person I would just love to be around. And, yes, she makes mistakes and
sometimes seems flippant or uncaring, but I just loved that about her. I
also loved that she’s honestly one of the strongest characters ever, to deal
with all of this and survive. I don’t know what I’d do in her place, I
really don’t.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Also Ajita is the best friend everyone
should have – that girl’s sass and snark is legendary and I bow before the
Queen. And Betty, Izzy’s grandma? Literally amazing. The
coolest grandmother in the history of ever. I love her. Oh, as for
Meg – Izzy’s classmate who happens to be a wheelchair user... for some reason,
I really loved her. I wonder why...? Hmm... And if you’re
thinking it’s because I’m also called Meg and a wheelchair user, you are only
partly right. Mostly it’s because she’s an absolute sweetheart.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But seriously now. This book might be
so very funny, but it deals with so many sensitive topics with a truly
effortless grace. Revenge porn, slut-shaming, misogyny, classism, racism,
sexism... so many topics that can so easily be too heavy, but they were all
handled with humour that lightened them but also didn’t take away from their
impact. We live in a world where patriarchal dicks are constantly trying
to put restraints on women’s behaviour. As Izzy says, it’s a lose-lose
situation. If women enjoy sex, they’re a slut (a man, however, would just
be a player, a legend). If women don’t want to have sex or refuse to send
nude images, they’re frigid, a tease. Society is still so messed up, even
in this day and age, and the double standards and stupid judgmental idiotic
opinions are just so infuriating. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The
Exact Opposite Of Okay</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> deals with this anger
and hopelessness and frustration beautiful. It was totally empowering and
such a brilliant feminist manifesto that everyone should read. It was
also moving and addictive and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fun</i>. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I honestly just loved this book. If
you haven’t gathered. My only complaints are that although the book is
set in America, sometimes Laura’s Britishness definitely showed. And that
maybe Izzy referred to herself as a ‘poor orphan’ a little too often.
Other than that, I just adored this book and everything about it.
We need more books like this in the world because only when people stop
accepting and perpetuating the same idiotic prejudices and sexism will society
be equal and able to move forwards. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So read The Exact Opposite Of Okay.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Read it now.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>And then let’s all go for some nachos, because I’ve been craving them
ever since I started this book, and teach the world that Bitches do indeed Bite
Back.</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
4½ Out of 5 </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="446" height="69" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xW-o-dwFDOM/VBRxSWCp6aI/AAAAAAAAENU/C6oZ-KSXx9gdByg-768a51nI-Rr4na0qgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/4%2Band%2Ba%2Bhalf.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens
Agenda by Becky Albertalli</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Am I Normal Yet? by Holly
Bourne</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Asking For It by Louise O’Neil</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">* This
book was received from Egmont in exchange for an honest review</span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-33418886882230236942018-02-12T10:00:00.000-08:002018-02-12T10:00:20.282-08:00Elysium Fire by Alastair Reynolds<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKHO-qSBEpw/WntUjLb3R0I/AAAAAAAAE7I/SngTZi-SBBERU0pbZ7PuouBWLtxxgi_ugCLcBGAs/s1600/71ilJJPR43L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="650" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKHO-qSBEpw/WntUjLb3R0I/AAAAAAAAE7I/SngTZi-SBBERU0pbZ7PuouBWLtxxgi_ugCLcBGAs/s400/71ilJJPR43L.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Series: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Prefect Dreyfus Emergency, Book Two</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Gollancz</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Hardcover</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 25<sup>th</sup></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; margin: 0px;"> January 2018</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 416</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review* </span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Science-Fiction,
Space Opera, Crime Fiction, Thriller-Suspense, Mystery, Adult</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended
Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 13+</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Violence,
Death, Swearing</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Author's
Site: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.alastairreynolds.com/">Alastair Reynolds</a></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Blurb From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34041312">Goodreads</a>:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Featuring
Inspector Dreyfus - one of Alastair Reynolds most popular characters - this is
a fast paced SF crime story, combining a futuristic setting with a gripping
tale of technology, revolution and revenge.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">One
citizen died a fortnight ago. Two a week ago. Four died yesterday . . . and
unless the cause can be found - and stopped - within the next four months,
everyone will be dead. For the Prefects, the hunt for a silent, hidden killer
is on . . .</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Alastair
Reynolds has returned to the world of The Prefect for this stand-alone SF
mystery in which no one is safe. The technological implants which connect every
citizen to each other have become murder weapons, and no one knows who or what
the killer is - or who the next targets will be. But their reach is spreading,
and time is not on the Prefects' side.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He
saw it now, what had always been there, always explicit, but which he only now
forced himself t acknowledge in all its truth and simplicity. To destroy
Devon Garlin – to destroy the enemy of everything he held precious - it was
first necessary to destroy Wildfire.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And
so he would</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">.”</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Glitter Band is a man-made system of
planets and microworlds. Run by the people, they are a utopia of sorts,
where crime is almost non-existent.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But when it occurs, they need someone who
can deal with it. That’s why the Prefects were formed – a planet of
police, ready to deal with anything that threatens to harm the Glitter Band.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Until they were forced to protect it by
doing something unthinkable...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Now, dissent is rising among the worlds of
the Glitter Band – led by a man named Devon Garlin, worlds are declaring
independence from the Prefects.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Meanwhile, Prefect Tom Dreyfus and his
fellow operatives are trying to stop a series of deaths – scores of people are
dying, their implants overheating for no discernible reason, with no connection
between the victims. And the rate of Wildfire deaths is ever-increasing –
soon it will be in the thousands and before long all of the Glitter Band could
perish...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But when links begin to appear between the
two cases, the risk of the destruction of the world as Dreyfus and the others
know it is rising ever higher...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJBzTjNB3sU/WntU0bH-ClI/AAAAAAAAE7M/c4HxdHbCjCM4VaA-T7htskAl5wJugd9wgCLcBGAs/s1600/35601772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJBzTjNB3sU/WntU0bH-ClI/AAAAAAAAE7M/c4HxdHbCjCM4VaA-T7htskAl5wJugd9wgCLcBGAs/s320/35601772.jpg" width="207" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I have never read anything by Alastair
Reynolds, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elysium Fire</i> intrigued
me from the moment I received it. Even though I hadn’t read any of the
books in the series, let alone the previous Prefect Dreyfus Emergency, I was
soon sucked right into the story. I need to get my hands on the other
books now – I am just in love with Dreyfus and the Glitter Band! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Also, I’m pretty awful at reading sci-fi –
let alone adult hard-core sci-fi space operas. And there were a few terms
I may have had to look up, but I found it really, really easy to just immerse
myself in this world, in this story. I’m a sucker for crime thrillers,
although I think crime thrillers in space may have ruined me for the more
mundane earthly kind! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">It helped that I just loved all of the
characters in the book! They were all brilliantly complex and
three-dimensional. I just need to read the first Prefect Dreyfus book so
I can fully understand them all! Because I need some more backstories,
guys!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I love Tom Dreyfus – he is such a badass.
Plus he’s so driven and dedicated to protecting everyone. I also
love that while he’s very level-headed, he does lose his cool occasionally (to
be fair, Garlin was a dick). I really have to read book one because I want to
know more about him!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Jane Aumonier was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">awesome</i> – such a brilliant leader and so very, very badass
too. She was tough, but fair – and when you messed with her, watch out!
I also loved Thalia and Sparver - they were amazing prefects and I just
loved how they interacted together. And I really enjoyed the characters
of Julius and Caleb – and trying to figure out what their story was.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Those two intrigued me from the very
beginning... </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">This story was just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">genius</i>. I just loved the multiple story lines – we had the
Prefects trying to solve the implant-caused deaths, then them trying to deal
with the anarchy Garlin caused, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">then</i> there
was another storyline following two boys with many a secret in their family
past... I just loved seeing how it all tangled together, all the little
clues that we were given to unravel the plots and discover what was happening.
It was just so exciting and utterly addictive.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And I will admit, it probably would’ve
helped if I’d at least read the previous Prefect Dreyfus book, because there
were quite a few references to what occurred in it – but I managed to guess
most things and catch up, so it really didn’t confuse me or take away from my
enjoyment of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elysium Fire</i>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Oh, and have I mentioned the multiple
perspectives? No? It was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">brilliant</i>.
<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It let us follow so much action and
mystery and plot lines in a single chapter and it really could’ve been
confusing but it just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wasn’t</i>. I
loved it so very much! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I honestly don’t know why I don’t read more
sci-fi books – I enjoyed this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so</i> much.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elysium Fire</i> was exciting and
intriguing and wonderful and I seriously have to get the rest of this
series!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I definitely recommend the
Prefect Dreyfus series to sci-fi lovers – and even those who don’t generally
read sci-fi!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The crime thriller aspect
is just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">amazing</i> and I honestly can’t
wait for my next adventure with Tom Dreyfus!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
4 Out of 5 </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Prefect Dreyfus Emergency by
Alastair Reynolds</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Agent Cormac by Neal Asher</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/invictus-by-ryan-graudin.html">Invictus</a> by Ryan Graudin</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Androma Saga by Sasha Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">* This
book was received from Gollancz in exchange for an honest review</span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-82188302061967093182018-02-10T10:00:00.000-08:002018-02-10T10:00:38.933-08:00Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_iHQIebHJo/Wnsy4G6-xfI/AAAAAAAAE50/kE1JygQHGyIvTQmlz3F_ZJCRj94hafVzQCLcBGAs/s1600/35008814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_iHQIebHJo/Wnsy4G6-xfI/AAAAAAAAE50/kE1JygQHGyIvTQmlz3F_ZJCRj94hafVzQCLcBGAs/s400/35008814.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Series: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Truly Devious, Book One</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Katherine Tegen Books</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: ARC**</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 16<sup>th</sup> January 2018</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> 432</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Book:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> For Review*</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> Contemporary,
Mystery, Thriller-Suspense, Crime Fiction, YA</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Recommended Age:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> 12+</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> Violence,
Death, Swearing, Alcohol, Smoking References</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Author's Site:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.maureenjohnsonbooks.com/">Maureen Johnson</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Blurb From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35008814-truly-devious">Goodreads:</a></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">New York Times bestselling author Maureen
Johnson weaves a delicate tale of murder and mystery in the first book of a
striking new series, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and E. Lockhart.</span></i></b></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ellingham
Academy is a famous private school in Vermont for the brightest thinkers,
inventors, and artists. It was founded by Albert Ellingham, an early twentieth
century tycoon, who wanted to make a wonderful place full of riddles, twisting
pathways, and gardens. “A place,” he said, “where learning is a game.”</span></i><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Shortly
after the school opened, his wife and daughter were kidnapped. The only real
clue was a mocking riddle listing methods of murder, signed with the
frightening pseudonym “Truly, Devious.” It became one of the great unsolved crimes
of American history.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">True-crime
aficionado Stevie Bell is set to begin her first year at Ellingham Academy, and
she has an ambitious plan: She will solve this cold case. That is, she will
solve the case when she gets a grip on her demanding new school life and her
housemates: the inventor, the novelist, the actor, the artist, and the
jokester. But something strange is happening. Truly Devious makes a surprise
return, and death revisits Ellingham Academy. The past has crawled out of its
grave. Someone has gotten away with murder. </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The
two interwoven mysteries of this first book in the Truly Devious series
dovetail brilliantly, and Stevie Bell will continue her relentless quest for
the murderers in books two and three.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Riddle,
riddle, on the wall</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Murder
comes to pay a call</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The
detective’s here. It’s time to play!</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Truly
Devious lives another day.”</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">In 1936, Albert Ellingham, one of the
richest men in America, opened up a school for geniuses of all kinds. It
was meant to be an idyllic place where anyone could come to learn - where
learning could be a game.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But the game took a dangerous turn when one
day Albert Ellingham’s wife and daughter vanished while on a drive, along with
a young student. A kidnapper who called themselves Truly Devious demanded
a ransom, but Iris and Alice Ellingham were never seen alive again.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Now, eighty years later, crime obsessed
Stevie Bell arrives at Ellingham Academy as a new student. Her goal?
To solve this impossible mystery and discovered what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> happened all those decades ago.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But her cold case is not so cold anymore as
Truly Devious makes a shocking return and one of Stevie’s classmates ends up
dead.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Once again, someone is playing a game with
life and death and once again they seem to be getting away with it.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But the detective is on the scene now and
Stevie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i> solve this case –
before it’s too late...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmXyroBZQDE/Wnszoyzp6ZI/AAAAAAAAE6E/DKIXMGlEaPsF1CSDeEIM5jpurzKJ-F3mgCLcBGAs/s1600/29589074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmXyroBZQDE/Wnszoyzp6ZI/AAAAAAAAE6E/DKIXMGlEaPsF1CSDeEIM5jpurzKJ-F3mgCLcBGAs/s320/29589074.jpg" width="221" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Oh. My. God. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">OhmiGod</i>! This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">book</i>. I’m such a massive geek when it comes to mysteries.
I watch way too many police procedural shows and I’ve been reading crime
thrillers from much too young an age (I’m still scared of James Patterson’s
books after being scarred for life by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kiss
The Girls</i> at the age of twelve or so). So when I got sent <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Truly Devious</i>, I was beyond excited – I
have a real weakness for YA mysteries and I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">adore</i>
Maureen Johnson. And <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Truly Devious</i>
totally did not disappoint – it was a twisty, exciting, utterly absorbing
murder mystery and I loved every single second. Because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Truly Devious</i> doesn’t just have one
murder for us to solve – it has <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">three</i>!
I raced through the book, guessing all the time and getting pretty much
every theory I had instantly thrown out of the window. And <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that ending</i>! Bloody hell, Maureen –
that was just cruel! And I have to wait until <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2019</i> for the second book! 2018 has only just started!
So please excuse me while I go have a minor breakdown and throw a pillow
at the wall in a fit of detective-deprived fury.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Alrighty, I’m back! Let’s talk
suspects – I mean characters! Maureen has created a lovely diverse cast,
rich with possible suspects and bizarre personalities. It’ll be hard to
say too much without giving anything away – no spoilers, which means no giving
away anything that might ruin the suspense!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Stevie – oh how I loved her! She was
such a great protagonist – brave, loyal, smart, a detective through and
through. She really was very Sherlock-esque at times, which is always
fun! Plus she was very dog-with-a-bone and I loved how intuitive she is.
And while I know I’m certainly no expert whatsoever on social anxiety,
depression and panic attacks, I feel they were all accurately portrayed – or
definitely in a way that felt utterly believable to me.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Janelle was an awesome best friend –
totally weird and adorable and always wearing the most gorgeous clothes (I want
her fashion sense). Plus her and her paramour are just the cutest ever.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And then there’s Nate – a boy after my own
heart, with his fantasy book and writing obsession! Plus he totally gets
the frustration of writing!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The rest of the cast is... interesting.
Special props to Larry the security guard, Pix with the teeth and Ellie
with her hidden alcohol stashes. And as for David... well. Let’s
just say I have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">many</i> reasons for
wanting book two... </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ah, the way <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Truly Devious</i> was written! I’ve read a few books that have a
then/now kind of narration and I’ve always enjoyed it. But <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Truly Devious</i> just had <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more</i> –because while we did get snippets
into the past via the perspective of the past characters, we also got police
interviews and articles and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more</i>!
I just loved it! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But I’m docking a star for that ending – it
was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cruel</i>! Oh my God, Maureen
Johnson! That was so unfair! I’m on the verge of another rant here –
so I’m going to cut myself off before I can start. Anyways, I’m often
pretty good at guessing twists and t urns, but I was never able to untangle the
mystery of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Truly Devious</i>. I
loved all the threads, all the clues, all the riddles and mysteries and
murders. It was all just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so fun</i>
– in a bad, murder-y way. And yes, I would honestly sell my soul or my
kidney for book two <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">right now</i>.
Please, Maureen. Please!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So clearly I adored <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Truly Devious</i>. It was just so brilliant and engaging and I
honestly just couldn’t get enough. Sort of like my beloved <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Murder Most Unladylike</i> series, just for
teenagers, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Truly Devious</i> was amazing –
even if that cliffhanger almost killed me! I was scared she would rush
the ending – instead, she leaves me hanging, clinging to the edge of the cliff,
hoping I don’t fall into the insanity that is waiting for a new book.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I feel this metaphor got away with me.
The point is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Truly Devious</i> is
awesome and you all need to go read it. Like, right now.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
4 Out of 5 </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxn6hPVgaqE/UdwC5BzjhPI/AAAAAAAADNg/wYDw43kmmoIXsyBZDbF0LH-5H0aSKWF9QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4%2Bstars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="397" height="78" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxn6hPVgaqE/UdwC5BzjhPI/AAAAAAAADNg/wYDw43kmmoIXsyBZDbF0LH-5H0aSKWF9QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/4%2Bstars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Shades of London by Maureen
Johnson</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">One of Us Is Lying by Karen
McManus</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Wells%20and%20Wong">Wells & Wong</a> by Robin
Stevens</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">* This
book was received from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">**
Quotes used are from a proof copy and may have been changed in the finished
book</span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-72165156085799557172018-02-08T00:30:00.000-08:002018-02-08T00:30:50.094-08:00The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kd38NMFKPyI/WntJ7ErCViI/AAAAAAAAE6k/d496OHlDtPQdheiy6DtvioObpT6PDiQnwCLcBGAs/s1600/61oUS2MYUdL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="623" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kd38NMFKPyI/WntJ7ErCViI/AAAAAAAAE6k/d496OHlDtPQdheiy6DtvioObpT6PDiQnwCLcBGAs/s400/61oUS2MYUdL2.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Series: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The Belles, Book One</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Gollancz</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: ARC**</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 8<sup>th</sup> February 2018</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 448</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review* </span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Fantasy, Paranormal,
Mythical, Mystery, Coming-Of-Age, YA</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 12+</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Violence,
Alcohol References</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Author's
Site: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.dhonielleclayton.com/">Dhonielle Clayton</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Blurb From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37759491-the-belles">Goodreads</a>:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I am a Belle. I control Beauty.</span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">In
the opulent world of Orléans, the people are born grey and damned, and only a
Belle's powers can make them beautiful.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Camellia
Beauregard wants to be the favourite Belle - the one chosen by the queen to
tend to the royal family.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But
once Camellia and her Belle sisters arrive at court, it becomes clear that
being the favourite is not everything she always dreamed it would be. Behind
the gilded palace walls live dark secrets, and Camellia soon learns that her
powers may be far greater - and far darker - than she ever imagined.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">When
the queen asks Camellia to break the rules she lives by to save the ailing
princess, she faces an impossible decision: protect herself and the way of the
Belles, or risk her own life, and change the world forever.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“Even if the pain crescendos in waves so high
it pulls screams of anguish from their throats, or if the cost threatens to
plummet them into ruin, the men and women of Orléans always want more.
And I’m happy to provide. I’m happy to be needed.”</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">In a world cursed with ugliness, greyness
and insanity, though that can create beauty are coveted above all else.
The Belles have been gifted by the Goddess of Beauty to return colour and
uniqueness to the people of Orléans. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlPH4QM54nM/WntKNvCQucI/AAAAAAAAE6o/5W_gUCbgGEI0QdcCBSlxo7NgqjETkk9uQCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BBelles%2B-%2BFrench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">They are raised to believe that beauty is
everything and they are raised to join the Royal Court, where one of the six
sisters will be named the Quueen’s Favorite and live in the palace alongside
the Royal Family.</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Camellia Beauregard wants to be the
Favourite. She wants to make the people beautiful - as beautiful as can
be. Because, after all, who would not wish to be beautiful?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But the rosy image and the Palace’s gilded
walls hide a darkness, a rottenness. There are talks of other Belles and
the sisters keep hearing screaming and crying - and no one will tell them the
truth.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Belles were raised a certain way, but
Camille soon realises their education hid many of the truths of what it is to
be a Belle. And as she grows more entangled in the games of the Queen and
the ruthless Princess Sophia, Camille begins to feel awfully out of her depth...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">In a world where beauty is everything and
rotten cores lurk behind sweet smiles and magicked facades, can one ever know
what is real?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlPH4QM54nM/WntKNvCQucI/AAAAAAAAE6o/5W_gUCbgGEI0QdcCBSlxo7NgqjETkk9uQCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BBelles%2B-%2BFrench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="298" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlPH4QM54nM/WntKNvCQucI/AAAAAAAAE6o/5W_gUCbgGEI0QdcCBSlxo7NgqjETkk9uQCLcBGAs/s320/The%2BBelles%2B-%2BFrench.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlPH4QM54nM/WntKNvCQucI/AAAAAAAAE6o/5W_gUCbgGEI0QdcCBSlxo7NgqjETkk9uQCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BBelles%2B-%2BFrench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I have heard so so much about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Belles</i> over the last year and
basically all of it has been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so </i>positive.
So when I began reading, I did so with rather unattainably high
expectations. But my Gods, if it didn’t meet every single one of them!
This book... this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">book</i>!
From the cover and description, I was expecting some frilly
princess-esque story where the pretty girl just wants to find her prince!</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I could not have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">been</i> more wrong. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Belles</i> may look gilded and beautiful, but it hides a dark monster of a
story that utterly overwhelmed me. It was beautiful and it was horrible
and it was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so very clever</i>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Nowadays, we’re constantly assaulted with
'ideals of beauty' - that we must be a certain shape, have a certain appearance
to be beautiful, most of which are just purely unattainable or even unhealthy.
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So imagine a world where a beautiful girl
could make you look <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">however you so
desired</i>. With magic! At a price. What would you pay?
What would you be willing to give? What <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wouldn’t</i> you give, to be accepted and admired...? </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But do you see what I mean? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Belles</i> may look like a pretty, light
read, but it isn’t. It is so deep, so dark, so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very needed</i>. It tackles so many issues and I honestly just
want to hug Dhonielle Clayton for writing this absolutely stunning beautiful <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">breath-taking</i> book. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Camille - Oh, my sweet Camille! She
was just such a precious little flower - I wanted to hug her so much.
Brave, caring, dedicated, loving and open minded, she was such a breath
of fresh air in the murky depths of the court. Camille was just so
wonderful and I loved how much she cared about everything and everyone.
Plus it was so so wonderful to see her grow as the book went on.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I adored all of her Belle sisters too -
some of my favourite scenes were when they were all together. The six of
them are so sweet and you can just feel how much they adore each other, even
when they’re fighting. I really wish they’d showed up more because the
dynamics were just wonderful.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I can’t really say too much about the other
characters, at the risk of spoilers. Pretty much no one was as they first
appeared - and I loved that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so much</i>.
I was constantly guessing about everyone’s intentions, their secrets,
their personalities... I just loved it – and I adored who I shall call the
rotten one, who was just so terrifying that I loved every scene because I
honestly had no idea what they’d do next.</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">God, this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">book</i>! This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">plot</i>!
This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">writing</i>! This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">world</i>! Maybe writing this review
(or attempting to anyway) right after reading it was a bad idea, because I’m
still so completely and utterly wrapped up in how absolutely wonderful
everything was and how much I just loved every single thing about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Belles</i>. For one, the writing
was just absolutely scrumptious - beautiful and lavish and haunting. The
plot was utterly hooking and full of twists and betrayals. And the world
was just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">incredible</i> and so very
very unique and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">brilliant</i>. I
honestly can’t get enough of this world - it is just... so unlike anything I’ve
ever read about before. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iltgkUGsNFs/WntLqIFLRJI/AAAAAAAAE64/OIky2m6b_Sw7FKIaDBMG3FV5Zm1jNsbFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iltgkUGsNFs/WntLqIFLRJI/AAAAAAAAE64/OIky2m6b_Sw7FKIaDBMG3FV5Zm1jNsbFgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3407.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Oh, and I need someone to invent teacup
dragons. I never knew I needed something in my life so much until reading
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Belles</i>. Because oh my god
can you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">imagine</i>? Wouldn’t that
just be the best?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Seriously though, the amount of issues
covered in this book was stunning - and all of it was done with so light a
touch. It was like pure magic - these stunning descriptions of the world,
the beautiful flowers and women, the beauty of everything around, all hiding
this rottenness and deceit and insecurity... Just pure <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">genius</i>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The
Belles</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> may be one of the first books
I read in 2018 but I already know it’s going to be a favourite of mine.
It absolutely took my breath away and I cannot express to you all how
much I adore it and how simply everyone <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">must</i> read
it. It has such an important message about body image, bullying and
family - about doing what’s right not what’s easy. And I just... I could
just go on for days about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Belles</i>,
I truly could. This review is already nearing essay length and I
apologise for rambling like this. It’s just hard to be articulate when my
mind is so very blown. Just... wow. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wow</i>. Please, just read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Belles</i>. It’s something everyone ought to read - but especially
teenage girls. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">On that note, Dhonielle, just... thank you.
I know you say this book contains monsters (and it most certainly does)
but it also contains magic and I just want to thank you for it - for all of it.
For sharing your monster with us and allowing us to exorcise our own
monsters in this book. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I need to go lie down now and mourn the end
of this book and lament the wait until book two. Sigh. It’s so very
far away.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">
5 Out of 5 </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSuFTRIl_tk/UdQh3tt09EI/AAAAAAAADJ4/2e17XxwRzx0I1FSJdChcINQDLeF3u1KDACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/5%2BStars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="97" data-original-width="491" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSuFTRIl_tk/UdQh3tt09EI/AAAAAAAADJ4/2e17XxwRzx0I1FSJdChcINQDLeF3u1KDACPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2BStars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Grisha">Grishaverse</a> by Leigh Bardugo</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/The%20Lunar%20Chronicles">The Lunar Chronicles</a> by Marissa
Meyer</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Fallen Isles Trilogy by Jodi Meadows</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">* This
book was received from Gollancz in exchange for an honest review</span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">**
Quotes used are from a proof copy and may have been changed in the finished
book</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-44927932593179446052017-12-15T00:00:00.000-08:002017-12-15T00:00:25.589-08:00Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKGMM1Sew7Q/WjLym59NAPI/AAAAAAAAE4E/qQ3QC36t-O8L2EQ6q-4t_1DwLLdPH-qKQCLcBGAs/s1600/35660288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKGMM1Sew7Q/WjLym59NAPI/AAAAAAAAE4I/PMylSRCnpz0YKUF_Qyl0gFCrM1ofYuu7wCEwYBhgL/s1600/35660288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="296" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKGMM1Sew7Q/WjLym59NAPI/AAAAAAAAE4I/PMylSRCnpz0YKUF_Qyl0gFCrM1ofYuu7wCEwYBhgL/s400/35660288.jpg" width="248" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Illustrated By:</b> Simini Blocker</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Macmillan Children's Books</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Hardcover</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">2<sup>nd</sup> November 2017</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 144</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review*</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Contemporary, Romance, Short Stories, Coming-Of-Age, YA</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended
Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 13+</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
Swearing, Alcohol References</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Author's
Site: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.rainbowrowell.com/">Rainbow Rowell</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Blurb From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35660288-almost-midnight">Goodreads</a>:</span></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Midnights
is the story of Noel and Mags, who meet at the same New Year's Eve party every
year and fall a little more in love each time . . . </span></span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Kindred
Spirits is about Elena, who decides to queue to see the new Star Wars movie and
meets Gabe, a fellow fan.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Midnights
was previously published as part of the My True Love Gave to Me anthology,
edited by Stephanie Perkins and Kindred Spirits was previously published as a
World Book Day title.</span></span></i></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Mags and Noel met at a New Year’s Eve party
– Noel later claims she saved his life that night.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>All Mags did was tell him the pesto had nuts
in. As the New Year’s Eve parties come and go with the passing years, their
friendship changes yet stay the same... </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Elena thought the queue for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Force Awakens’</i> opening night would
be longer. Instead it’s just her, a kid her age with his nose stuck in a
book and a blonde bearded guy who’s been to like every Star Wars queue ever.
So it’s safe to say it isn’t quite the party Elena was hoping for – but
she’s here for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Star Wars</i>, her one
true love, and she will stick with this queue! Besides, a lot can happen
when you camp outside a movie theatre for a week...</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">When I got sent <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Almost Midnight</i> (and a totally adorable and delicious box of
goodies) from MyKindaBooks in preparation for the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Almost Midnight</i> readalong, it was almost impossibly not to dive
straight into this gorgeous little book! I adored both of the short
stories in this little anthology and the illustrations just made me fall even
more in love! Rainbow is one of the few contemporary authors I always read
– I’m such a fantasy girl that I almost never read contemps – but I always make
an exception for Rainbow! And she so didn’t disappoint with these
adorable, fun and hilarious stories! </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JArbjb1Eowo/WjL05N8NqeI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/LPiEGjzdB04Spp5X1rdK_SuU2QY8oZWiwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JArbjb1Eowo/WjL05N8NqeI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/LPiEGjzdB04Spp5X1rdK_SuU2QY8oZWiwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0889.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">I loved <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Midnights</i>
so much! Mags and Noel were just too precious and adorable for life!
Mags was so very much like me – I really related to her! And Noel
was just hilarious and so very sweet – a big, beautiful, brilliant weirdo who
wore a three-piece white suit to a New Year’s Eve party. Only Noel.
Only Noel.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Kindred
Spirits</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> is a story that so appeals to
the crazy fangirl in me! I love <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Star
Wars</i> (though definitely not as much as Elena – she’s a true, hardcore fan
of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Star Wars</i>!) so I really enjoyed
all the references and the marvellous geekiness of this story! Plus Elena
was literally the cutest thing ever, Gabe was really sweet and Troy was so
funny. Also the ending was just hilarious – I laughed so much! It
seems like just the kind of thing I’d do.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Rainbow’s writing was, as ever, beautiful and
compelling and brilliant. It sucked me straight in and made me care so
much about these characters in a really short space of time – something that’s
often really hard in novellas that aren’t linked to a favourite series of mine
(which is generally the type of short story I read). And as for those
illustrations? They just added an extra level of beauty and brilliance to
this story and make me wish every book could be illustrated by Simini Blocker!
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">If you’re a hardcore Rainbow Fangirl or
just a lover of quick and utterly cute stories, you have to check <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Almost Midnight</i> out! You won’t regret
it – promise! You especially must pick it out if you love cute dorks in
white suits, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Star Wars</i>, coffee or
want to get into the festive spirit! I know I’m going to be rereading <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Midnights</i> at least before New Years – I
love it so much! Rainbow, you’ve done it again! You’ve made this
fantasy-obsessed girl oh so very very happy to read about reality – and that it
not an easy thing to do!</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
4 Out of 5 </span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjGjrgtRO2I/U-fRGzan4UI/AAAAAAAAEHk/dgvI1qTtugUmAfcL2cnbSPK2l1DOAHdBQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4%2Bstars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="397" height="78" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjGjrgtRO2I/U-fRGzan4UI/AAAAAAAAEHk/dgvI1qTtugUmAfcL2cnbSPK2l1DOAHdBQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/4%2Bstars.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">The It Girl by Katy Birchall</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Let It Snow Anthology</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Happy Reading</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Megan</span></span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">* This
book was received from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review</span></span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-29861964909041290942017-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:002017-11-16T09:00:25.473-08:00A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0-YB4aLskWM/Wgyxlrcz5gI/AAAAAAAAE2w/hfGjiYUPFA4ujyvU-Ph1pRAfdt68nBjSwCLcBGAs/s1600/71p9rF0xU%252BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="644" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0-YB4aLskWM/Wgyxlrcz5gI/AAAAAAAAE2w/hfGjiYUPFA4ujyvU-Ph1pRAfdt68nBjSwCLcBGAs/s400/71p9rF0xU%252BL.jpg" width="257" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Series: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Shades of Magic, Book One</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Titan Books</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Paperback</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 27<sup>th</sup> February 2015</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 400</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Bought </span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Fantasy, Historical, Action-Adventure, Mystery, YA, Adult, Crossover</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended
Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 13+</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Violence,
Death, Swearing, Alcohol, Sexual and Sexual Assault References</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Author's Site:</b> <a href="https://veschwab.wordpress.com/">V.E. Schwab</a></div>
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Kell
is one of the last travellers – magicians with a rare ability to travel between
parallel universes connected by one magical city. </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">There’s
Grey London, without magic and ruled by the mad King George III.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Red London – where magic is revered, and
where Kell is raised alongside the heir to the empire.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>White London – where people fight to control
the remaining magic and magic fights back. </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And
once there was Black London... </span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6kllg2lQtyU/WgyyTti4SxI/AAAAAAAAE24/7GEUiE3GxSQ67izjDNeOMJYLAOpifmzgwCLcBGAs/s1600/22055262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6kllg2lQtyU/WgyyTti4SxI/AAAAAAAAE24/7GEUiE3GxSQ67izjDNeOMJYLAOpifmzgwCLcBGAs/s320/22055262.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I've read a lot of fantasy in my time.
But little compares to the pure brilliance of V.E. Schwab's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Darker Shade of Magic</i>. Gorgeous,
clever, addictive and unique, I am just so very in love with this book.
So please be warned: fangirling ahead.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">"I'm
not afraid of dying. But I am afraid of dying here." She swept
her hand over the room, the tavern, the city. "I'd rather die on an
adventure than live standing still."</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Kell is an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Antari</i> – a rare magician with the ability to travel between worlds.
He lives in Red London – a vibrant place where magic and people both
thrive, where Kell is raised by the King and Queen. Grey London is the
world that has forgotten all about magic. White London is a world hungry
for magic, starving for it, a place leeched of colour. Once there was
Black London, but there magic devoured the people, leaving the world dead...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Kell is running a typical message between
worlds when he is asked to deliver a mysterious package. He accepts,
despite his reservations (and the fact that this is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so</i> very against the rules), and is then ambushed upon arriving in
Red London. Inadvertently, he has brought a forbidden relic to his world –
a relic that could destroy them all. He flees to Grey London and is found
by Lila Bard, a thief, wanted (wo)man and pirate at heart.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Together, they must return the relic to
where it belongs. Together, they must save the remaining worlds from the
curse of the lost one...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQ1f-_dY-hM/Wgyy1U95WSI/AAAAAAAAE3A/sdDZ2Z94Q3E4pxEZ2wERCzraynBP7FYVACLcBGAs/s1600/Darker%2BShade%2Bof%2BMagic%2BFrench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQ1f-_dY-hM/Wgyy1U95WSI/AAAAAAAAE3A/sdDZ2Z94Q3E4pxEZ2wERCzraynBP7FYVACLcBGAs/s320/Darker%2BShade%2Bof%2BMagic%2BFrench.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I honestly don't know where to start with
this review. Because I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">love A Darker Shade of Magic</i> and
Victoria herself so freaking much. Both are just amazing – brilliant,
fantastic, wonderful, magical, vicious... Just... wow. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">This review would go a hell of a lot better
if I could just get over the blown-mind after effects... But since I
don't see that time coming any time soon, I'll just get on with it anyway.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Kell... Kell was a brilliant hero.
Brave, good, strong and also so very flawed, he managed to be both
incredibly powerful and yet vulnerable all at once. He didn't always make
the smart decisions, he focused a little on the whole woe me at times and he was
occasionally a little daft – and it all just made him even more loveable. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And Lila was just amazing! Vicious
and blood thirsty and obsessed with knives! I mean, this is really just
my kind of girl. She was just so cool and funny and sharp and I loved her
to pieces. I have my favourite crush in the series – and it's the
swashbuckling, badass Delilah Bard.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I loved watching Kell and Lila together –
they were funny and brilliant together. There was next to no romance in
this book – maybe there will be in the next book, because ships were definitely
hinted at, just not fully realised. I'm intrigued to see where this goes
next because I just love these two together!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I also really loved seeing Kell with Rhy,
his brother. Rhy was just the sweetest – silly and flirtatious and funny,
he was so much more than the rich playboy he first appeared to be and I just
loved him for that. Plus his relationship with Kell was just so sweet –
they really did love one another, despite the brotherly conflicts.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Danes were bloody terrifying!
They literally sent tingles of fear up my spine whenever they were around
– they were so damn scary! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNDA5LYixjM/Wgyy7pFG-lI/AAAAAAAAE3E/aVUryKIy8KMJY5znBRBiZ-wb8jzZcTelwCLcBGAs/s1600/Darker%2BShadw%2Bof%2BMagic%2BBulgarian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNDA5LYixjM/Wgyy7pFG-lI/AAAAAAAAE3E/aVUryKIy8KMJY5znBRBiZ-wb8jzZcTelwCLcBGAs/s320/Darker%2BShadw%2Bof%2BMagic%2BBulgarian.jpg" width="215" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">As much as I adored the characters, the
world just blew them all out of the water. Bloody hell, it's amazing.
Just the very idea of these four unique Londons, all so different and so
wonderful... Mind-blowing. My mind is officially and irreparably
blown. I am just in awe of Victoria. It's hard enough to contrast a
single fantasy world – she made three! Three utterly unique, beautiful
and horrible Londons – four, if we're counting the lost Black London.
Each London was so unique and detailed and amazing. Red London was
definitely my favourite – it was the thriving, alive London. Grey London
was a magic less, more historically accurate, place ruled by a mad King.
And White London...well. Let's just say I'd avoid White London at
all costs. I just can't believe how much work and detail Victoria put
into these worlds and I just can't wait to explore them more. Amazing –
just incredibly, wonderfully, perfectly amazing.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Unsurprisingly, the Slytherin queen of
magic was a true wizard when it came to her writing. Gorgeous, witty and
beautiful, she sucked me in from the very first sentence and had me utterly
hooked from that same line. I adored how we switched between Kell and
Lila and then a few...added extra POVs. I loved exploring all the
Londons, seeing them through Kell's well travelled eyes and Lila's
almost-as-new-as-our eyes.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And god, I just adored the storyline.
The idea of a quest across worlds, an evil stone, crazy rulers and
brilliant characters – I mean, what's not to love? I loved the race, the
battles, the quest. I loved the excitement, the adventure, the
adrenaline-pounding pace and suspense... I just loved all of it and
cannot wait to get my hands on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Gathering of Shadows</i> to find out what happens next!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUrUmoaLkTc/WgyzBhBAM7I/AAAAAAAAE3I/-xxIOlZOwE8cI1iGJSkS5aGk5tRnxYMfQCLcBGAs/s1600/25996024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUrUmoaLkTc/WgyzBhBAM7I/AAAAAAAAE3I/-xxIOlZOwE8cI1iGJSkS5aGk5tRnxYMfQCLcBGAs/s320/25996024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So, if you haven't gathered, I loved <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Darker Shade Of Magic</i> just a little
bit. Ok a lot bit. A bloody <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ginormous</i>
bit. Victoria is my Slytherin queen and she has crafted a truly magical
and amazing book here, one I love to absolute pieces. It has magic, pirates,
adventures, backstabbing, blood, drama, excitement and just so much <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more</i>. I am seriously struggling to
find the words to do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Darker Shade of Magic</i>
justice – I just can't find the words to explain how much I bloody <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">adored</i> it.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Here's another attempt:</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A
Darker Shade Of Magic</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> had me falling in love
from the very first page. I fell for the worlds, for Kell and Rhy and
Lila, for Victoria's writing, for just about every damn thing. I have
read a lot of fantasy and I can say with certainty that this series is in the
top five of my favourites – I just love it so damn much. I honestly can't
recommend it enough. Just read it. Read it, get your own mind
blown, and then shove it into another person's hands. Let's spread <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Darker Shade of Magic</i> like the black
fever (you'll get the reference after you read the book)! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Now I'm off to read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Gathering Of Shaodws</i> because I gots to know what happens next!
Happy reading, Grey Londoners! </span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
5 Out of 5 </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="97" data-original-width="491" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSuFTRIl_tk/UdQh3tt09EI/AAAAAAAADJ4/2e17XxwRzx0I1FSJdChcINQDLeF3u1KDACPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2BStars.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Grisha">The Grisha Series</a> by Leigh Bardugo</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Red%20Queen">Red Queen</a> by Victoria Aveyard</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=throne+of+glass">Throne of Glass</a> by Sarah J Maas</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-82771644715785928352017-10-23T06:31:00.000-07:002017-10-23T06:34:17.717-07:00Invictus by Ryan Graudin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CeklADj-iQI/We3tdigJg5I/AAAAAAAAE2Q/DtYAN0jXVt4YTil1x9HXqIR-WqSEMq6RACLcBGAs/s1600/35611140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CeklADj-iQI/We3tdigJg5I/AAAAAAAAE2Q/DtYAN0jXVt4YTil1x9HXqIR-WqSEMq6RACLcBGAs/s400/35611140.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Orion's Children Books</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: ARC**</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 21<sup>st</sup> September 2017</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 464</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review*</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Science-Fiction, Action-Adventure, Historical, Mystery, Romance, YA</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended
Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 12+</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> Violence,
Death, Alcohol References</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Author's
Site:</span> </b><a href="http://www.ryangraudin.com/">Ryan Graudin</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Blurb From</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35611140-invictus">Goodreads</a>:</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Time flies when you're plundering history.</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Farway
Gaius McCarthy was born outside of time. The son of a time-traveling Recorder
from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in Rome in 95 AD, Far's birth defies the
laws of nature. Exploring history himself is all he's ever wanted, and after
failing his final time-traveling exam, Far takes a position commanding a ship
with a crew of his friends as part of a black market operation to steal
valuables from the past. </span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But
during a heist on the sinking Titanic, Far meets a mysterious girl who always
seems to be one step ahead of him. Armed with knowledge that will bring Far's
very existence into question, she will lead Far and his team on a race through
time to discover a frightening truth: History is not as steady as it seems.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“There
wasn't much solitude among four souls, one mannequin, and a red attack panda...”</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Farway McCarthy is unique. He is a
boy born out of time aboard a time travel machine, the son of one of the
greatest time travellers around. He's always wanted to follow in his
mom's footsteps, explore history like she did. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Which is why he isn't going to let a fexing
sim of Marie Antoinette foil him. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And it’s also how he ends up with the
Invictus, the captain of his own TM, chasing through history for treasures with
his crew. It's aboard the Titanic that everything begins to
unravel. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Eliot is a mystery and a nuisance, an
enigma and a thief. Far doesn't trust her, but he must – it's the only
way to stay alive. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But Eliot has more secrets than just her
last name and where she hid that fexing enormous yellow dress she wore aboard
the Titanic. And her secrets could mean the end of everything Far holds
dear – the end of history itself...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I adore Ryan Graudin. She is an
amazing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">amazing</i> author – and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Invictus</i> has proven she can write bloody
anything. I fell in love with her <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wolf
By Wolf</i> series so when I saw they were giving away proofs of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Invictus</i> at YALC, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">of course</i> I had to join the queue. I made friends, I waited,
I chatted and then finally I had this beauty in my greedy little hands and
wanted to cheer. I also wanted to start reading it right that very
second, but anyone who's been to YALC knows there's ironically not all that
much time for reading while you're there! So I waited, took <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Invictus</i> on holiday, started reading on
the plane, and was over 100 pages in without even realising it. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Oh. My. God! I love all of Ryan's
books so much that I can't choose a favourite – but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Invictus</i> is just phenomenal! It has everything – sci-fi, history,
romance, adventure, mystery, a blue box, a red panda and more! I fell in
love with everything about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Invictus</i> –
it's just hashing marvellous! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JF4ipjTxSQ/We3tq0Y6zqI/AAAAAAAAE2U/np46xY6CLuQcCR54clDQ2SIJMprx-idiQCLcBGAs/s1600/33784362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JF4ipjTxSQ/We3tq0Y6zqI/AAAAAAAAE2U/np46xY6CLuQcCR54clDQ2SIJMprx-idiQCLcBGAs/s320/33784362.jpg" width="220" /></span></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The characters – oh how I loved them all!
I fell for each and every one of the Invictus crew – although a certain fuzzy
beastie stole my heart good and proper! I want a red panda like Saffron
now – I never knew I could want a red panda so much. I may need to buy a
cuddly one and call it Saffron because I'm pretty sure having a real one is all
kinds of illegal. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Onto the human cast now! It's hard to
make third person POVs sound unique to each character – especially when you're
writing from as many as Ryan did over the course of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Invictus</i>. And yet she managed – each character had their own
way of narrating, their own way of thinking, and I bloody loved it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Plus the characters were all just so
three-dimensional and likeable – and all had brilliantly unique senses of
humour! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Far was brilliant – brave, clever,
determined, a hero I could really get behind and root for.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He also wasn’t perfect by any stretch of the
imagination and I loved him more for it.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Imogen was literally adorable – I love my
cousins to pieces, but I must admit Far’s cousin was just amazing and I want
her!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I loved how cheerful she was, I
loved how she changed her hair colour every day, I just loved her so much!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Eliot was an intriguing character and I loved
how we slowly learnt about her over the course of the book.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She was mysterious, funny, brave and badass –
I loved her!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Priya was also really adorable!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The medic of the crew, she thought anything
could be cured with some chai tea – and as a Brit I can relate the this notion
of tea fixing everything whole heartedly!<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I also loved her relationship with Far, although I do wish we’d seen
more of how they got together.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Gram was really cute – a scientist at
heart, he was very logical and practical and not brilliant at the human
interactions at times!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I adore him and
his relationship with Imogen was just everything!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Oh my god, this story! I was on the
edge of my seat the whole time, reading like a mad thing, totally unsure about
what would happen next. The twists were insane – and truly brilliant!
I loved the beginning of the story, where the crew of the Invictus go
about time stealing priceless artefacts that would otherwise be lost to
disaster.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>That was awesome and a lot of
fun to read!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But then the second half,
where the stakes kick up by a million and the race is on – not to save an
artefact or two but life itself?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Yeah, I
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">loved</i> that!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Also I really really wanna live in Far's
time – travel through history, recording and experiencing, observing and
learning. It just sounds amazing! And while the futuristic aspect
could be hard to grasp, I found it so easy to immerse myself in everything
about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Invictus</i> – and loved every
minute! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Anyone who knows me is aware that I am
normally a total fantasy girl. I love dragons and magic and potions.
I don't really read sci-fi all that much – but god am I glad I read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Invictus</i>! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Invictus</i> was hazing amazing and I loved every single second of
it! <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So whether you live for sci-fi,
fantasy or fuzzy red pandas, read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Invictus</i>!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This book has just secured Ryan’s place on my
auto-buy list for all of time and space and I really just cannot recommend it
enough!</span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
5 Out of 5</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="97" data-original-width="491" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSuFTRIl_tk/UdQh3tt09EI/AAAAAAAADJ4/2e17XxwRzx0I1FSJdChcINQDLeF3u1KDACPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2BStars.jpg" width="320" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Wolf%20By%20Wolf">Wolf By Wolf</a> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">by Ryan Graudin</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/The%20Lunar%20Chronicles">The Lunar Chronicles</a> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">by Marissa Meyer</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Doctor Who</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* This
book was received from Orion in exchange for an honest review</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**
Quotes used are from a proof copy and may have been changed in the finished
book</span></span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-7269939820363384632017-10-14T00:30:00.000-07:002017-10-14T00:30:31.164-07:00The Last Namsara Blog Tour: Q&A With Kristen Ciccarelli!
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYCxZ0lwNK8/WeEqpbXGFJI/AAAAAAAAE1A/rcqHuJwYTZg1L3LdisGAUhvqMoUx2_l2wCLcBGAs/s1600/Namsara%2BBlog%2BTour%2BBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYCxZ0lwNK8/WeEqpbXGFJI/AAAAAAAAE1A/rcqHuJwYTZg1L3LdisGAUhvqMoUx2_l2wCLcBGAs/s400/Namsara%2BBlog%2BTour%2BBanner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>I am so very excited to be taking part in the blog tour for the wonderful </i>The Last Namsara<i>! I adored this book and I was so excited when I got the chance to pick Kristen Ciccarelli's brain for more information about her book! If you haven't read The Last Namsara, I really can't recommend it enough! There be dragons in it! </i><b>Dragons</b><i>!!!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i>But first, here is my interview with the lovely Kristen Ciccarelli!</i> </span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><i><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</i></span></b><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4CDbWKPCp20/WeErpHMFU5I/AAAAAAAAE1M/SR0RSR2JTyUs-JW5mK_CnOKS1X9-einyQCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BLast%2BNamsara%2BHB%2BCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1048" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4CDbWKPCp20/WeErpHMFU5I/AAAAAAAAE1M/SR0RSR2JTyUs-JW5mK_CnOKS1X9-einyQCLcBGAs/s320/The%2BLast%2BNamsara%2BHB%2BCover.jpg" width="209" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Hi Kristen! Thank you so much for answering all my
fangirly questions! It’s a real pleasure to have you here today!</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Thank you for asking
them! It’s a pleasure. :)</span></div>
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<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">For those who haven’t read <i>The Last Namsara</i>, can you tell us
a little about your wonderful book? </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><i>The Last Namsara</i> is
about a dragon slayer who must hunt down the deadliest dragon of all and bring
her father its head, or she’ll be forced into a political marriage!</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><i>The Last Namsara</i> has the most amazing setting - I adore your
world building! Especially the fact that, in this world, certain stories
are dangerous and can get you killed. Where did the idea for the world
and story come from?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Thank you so much! I
essentially stole the story from my own life. I’ve spent a lot of my life being
ashamed of the things I love most: creativity, imagination, and storytelling.
So when I started writing <i>The Last Namsara</i>, I wanted to explore a world where
these things actually were shameful. So I made them dangerous things that get
people hurt. That way I could write a protagonist who was a) good at wielding
these stories and b) ashamed of herself as a result—like I was. That was how it
started. And then I built the world around that character and concept.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ok, so anyone who knows me is aware of my dragon obsession
(it’s alarming, honestly). Where did you get the inspiration for the
dragons in your story?! </span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGxKhATkwKA/WeEscWs5_zI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/PO_zVH_9LswCCBYftXnZhC0vV-wRVqNMwCLcBGAs/s1600/toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-20081014-463-424.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="463" height="292" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGxKhATkwKA/WeEscWs5_zI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/PO_zVH_9LswCCBYftXnZhC0vV-wRVqNMwCLcBGAs/s320/toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-20081014-463-424.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I was completely
dragon-obsessed growing up. So obsessed, in fact, that my art teacher actually
banned me from drawing them for all of high school (I kept sneaking them into
my projects). I first fell in love with Smaug, then Draco (from <i>Dragonheart</i>—I
can still recite the old code off by heart, lol) and Toothless. So in lots of
ways, my dragons were influenced by the dragons I grew up loving. Where my
dragons differ, though, is in the fact that they’re lured by stories. They
covet stories the way traditional dragons covet treasure.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><i>The Last Namsara</i> has a cast of amazingly badass girls!
Are they inspired by yourself, anyone you know or a kick-arse girl of
YA? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">All of the above, but
most especially: I wanted to write the kinds of girls I needed growing up. I
will never forget the day I read the chapter in <i>LotR</i> when Eowyn defeats the
Witch King. Eowyn gets hardly any page time in that series, and yet there she
was, a girl doing what no one else could do. Vanquishing a monster. It felt
like Tolkien was throwing me a bone, you know? I clung to that bone. I clung to
all the girls wielding weapons and going up against monsters and tyrants
(Eowyn, Sabriel, Lyra—to name just a few). These girls were my mirrors. They
showed me what I was capable of.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I know it’s like making you choose between your babies, but
do you have a favourite character in <i>The Last Namsara</i>? </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Definitely Asha. She’s
so strong and fierce and ambitious, yet so wounded and vulnerable. I feel a bit
protective of her. Torwin is a close second, though. :)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">You are an amazing writer - do you have a favourite thing
about being an author? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">You are very kind! And
this is a really good question. I think my favourite thing about being an
author is hearing from readers—especially young adult readers. It’s amazing to
me knowing there are people out there (sometimes on the other side of the
world!) reading my story and getting what they need from it. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78W33y_4NFs/WeEs4G4CimI/AAAAAAAAE1c/-U8HNcAcJYcBcnDokbL4qDFMAhjZZoSkACLcBGAs/s1600/33784283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78W33y_4NFs/WeEs4G4CimI/AAAAAAAAE1c/-U8HNcAcJYcBcnDokbL4qDFMAhjZZoSkACLcBGAs/s320/33784283.jpg" width="211" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">What advice would you give to all the aspiring fantasy
writers out there?</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Don’t be afraid of
failure. (All the best things come out of failure.) And definitely don’t let it
stop you. If you write because you love it, if you truly deeply believe in your
stories, if you stay hungry & improve your craft, then you’ll make it. It
might take a while, but you’ll get there.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">While we’re on the topic of authors and writing, what has
been your top read of 2017 so far? <i>The Last Namsara</i> is one of my
favourites! </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Oh gosh. This is such
a tough question! Most of my favourite reads this year are actually books
coming out in 2018, so it doesn’t feel fair to list them here. I think my top
read of 2017 is <i>FIRE BLOOD</i> by Elly Blake. If you like Kristin Cashore’s books,
chances are high that you’ll like this book too. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">A suitably fantastical penultimate question: If you could
have any mythical creature as a pet, which would you have? And, to the
surprise of no one, I would have a dragon.</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Definitely a dragon! I
mean, it could a) protect me, b) fly me places, and c) keep me warm by making
fires. ;)</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cllIvtvnYmA/WeEumL5cvDI/AAAAAAAAE1o/P6OkwR57zWYT41IBAUvwsBuyDXDb0iCDwCLcBGAs/s1600/Kristen%2BCiccarelli%2BAuthor%2BPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="826" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cllIvtvnYmA/WeEumL5cvDI/AAAAAAAAE1o/P6OkwR57zWYT41IBAUvwsBuyDXDb0iCDwCLcBGAs/s320/Kristen%2BCiccarelli%2BAuthor%2BPhoto.jpg" width="239" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Finally... what can we expect from book two of the trilogy?
Any chance we could get a little spoiler?</span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book two, <i>The Caged
Queen</i>, picks up right where <i>The Last Namsara</i> leaves off, only its told from
Roa’s point of view. You get more of Asha and the dragons, but you also get to
learn <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who</i> the mysterious Roa is, why
she makes a certain deal with Asha’s brother in book one, and what the
consequences of that deal are.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i></i><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br />---<br /><br />Ah, I can't wait for </i>The Caged Queen<i>! Thank you so much for letting me pick your brain, Kristen! And everyone, go read </i>The Last Namsara<i>! I know I've already said this, but it bears repeating: </i><b>There are dragons!</b><i><br />Everyone, definitely check out Kristen's <a href="https://www.kristenciccarelli.com/">website</a>, follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/SheLuresDragons">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kristenciccarelli/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristenCiccarelli/">Facebook</a>, and add <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32667458-the-last-namsara?ac=1&from_search=true#">The Last Namsara</a> to your Goodreads TBR ASAP list! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Oh, and check out the awesome </i>The Last Namsara<i> official book trailer too! God, I love this book!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HiPtRnJissk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HiPtRnJissk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><b></b><b><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Happy Reading Everyone!</span><b></b><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><i></i><i></i><i></i><i></i><b></b><i></i><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-9319290792825315232017-03-26T00:30:00.000-07:002017-03-26T00:30:00.691-07:00Demon Road by Derek Landy<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_e3eS_mVaw/WNUdgVWvKtI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/gVu6EypynkIOwUMAk8jy6SBVXKXQx3v1ACLcB/s1600/23253921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_e3eS_mVaw/WNUdgVWvKtI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/gVu6EypynkIOwUMAk8jy6SBVXKXQx3v1ACLcB/s400/23253921.jpg" width="265" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Series: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Demon Road, Book One</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: ARC**</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 27<sup>th</sup> August 2015</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 512</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review*</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Fantasy, Horror, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Action-Adventure, YA</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended
Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 12+</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> Violence,
Death, Cannibalism, Swearing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><b>Author's
Site: </b><a href="http://dereklandy.blogspot.co.uk/">Derek Landy Blogs Under Duress</a></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Blurb From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23253921-demon-road?from_search=true">Goodreads</a>:</span></b></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Full
of Landy’s trademark wit, action and razor sharp dialogue, DEMON ROAD kicks off
with a shocking opener and never lets up the pace in an epic road-trip across
the supernatural landscape of America. Killer cars, vampires, undead serial
killers: they’re all here. And the demons? Well, that’s where Amber comes in...<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Sixteen years old, smart and spirited, she’s
just a normal American teenager until the lies are torn away and the demons
reveal themselves.</span></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Forced
to go on the run, she hurtles from one threat to another, revealing a tapestry
of terror woven into the very fabric of her life. Her only chance rests with
her fellow travellers, who are not at all what they appear to be…</span></i></div>
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</div>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Omigod omigod o-mi-freaking-god! </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Times this, add a few swearwords, crazy
dances, shrieks of excitement and hugs of this book to my chest, you might
begin to gather the excitement <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Demon Road</i>
has caused me.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Probably not though. It was OTT even
for me. Because – hello! Derek Landy! Road trip!
Demons! Supernatural! Evil freaking cars, people! This
book is like everything I have ever wanted all wrapped up in one – and all of
this even before I started reading!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I think I've fangirled enough... For
now, at least.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Oh who are we kidding. This whole
damn review is going to be me fangirling my little head off. I apologise
in advance.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haYDTrvYEhM/WNUdmDzj9nI/AAAAAAAAE0c/MhqLTuJ6KEw5LTHHQ2NgYngi6XiKPrPqQCEw/s1600/German.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haYDTrvYEhM/WNUdmDzj9nI/AAAAAAAAE0c/MhqLTuJ6KEw5LTHHQ2NgYngi6XiKPrPqQCEw/s320/German.jpg" width="206" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Her
parents were monsters. They had grown </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">horns<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i>They'd killed cops<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. Her parents - and their friends -
were going to kill </i>her<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Amber Lamont's already having a bad day.
Being attacked by two jerks and going red just tops it all off. So
does the finger Amber bites off. Yeah. Ew.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Her parents take the news surprsingly well.
Celebrate it actually. By drugging Amber. And trying to kill
her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Turns out they're all demons and her
parents want to eat her to amp up their own powers. So now Amber is on
the run with the mysterious Milo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Oh, and if she doesn't find a guy
specifically skilled at hiding in three weeks, her soul is toast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And so begins the roadtrip of a lifetime –
maybe literally, because death (or worse) is a real possibility. And
while Amber might go red and grow horns, she isn't the worst monster in
America. Oh no. Not when she's encountering countless demons,
serial killers and even murderous cars, all along a stretch of highway called
the Demon Road, a very path of darkness that has no map and could be Amber's
only chance of survival... </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ah, how I adore Derek Landy! I've
been reading the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Skulduggery Pleasant</i>
series since the age of nine or something and I have been a huge fangirl ever
since. I was devastated when SP finished (and then delighted when I
learnt it wasn’t – summer, hurry the hell up!), but before that I heard about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Demon Road</i>. It was described as
Supernatural for teens with Derek Landy's signature brilliance – and that was all
I needed to hear! I was sold! And I must say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Demon Road</i> really didn't disappoint – although I, and lots of other
SP fans I’m sure, will see definite Skulduggery-esque character and dialogue
correlations. I didn't really mind, but it might bother some. Just
a tiny warning. But if you love SP and can't get enough, go and buy <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Demon Road</i> right this very second!
I'll be waitin'...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">You back? Awesome. On with the
review.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Characters first! Our leading gal,
Amber, was a total badass – and also a scared, lost teenager. And so
totally relatable! I mean, she was just so... <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">normal</i>. You know. Except for the monster, scales,
horns, occasionally-killing-dudes bits. But otherwise totally normal!
Like she went to the toilet, she felt self-conscious about her weight,
she was funny and snarky and sometimes didn't make decisions that were overly
smart or whatever – but she was just so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real</i>..
And awesome - and so unlike your average YA heroine. Sometimes in
gross ways – but still cool.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Milo was the Skulduggery to Amber's
Valkyrie. Only....not really. 'Cause he was nowhere near as funny
as SP – mainly because he didn't have a sense of humour. At all.
Which was funny. Like he was funny because he wasn't... um funny...
Let's move on. Milo was protective and also a badass and he had a
car that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ate people</i> and he was a
big ol' softy under the stoicness – you don't fool me, Milo. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Glen was such a dork – very Fletcher-ish,
but (I think) slightly less annoying? At the very least, he didn't have
such high maintenance hair. Seriously though, you could always count on
ol' Glen for some timely and hilarious comic relief! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The rest of the characters were... well, a
varied bunch! From homicidal parents, hilarious writers, demons, serial
killers and a people-eating car, there was a mix of hilarious, terrifying,
sweet and awesome people. Oh and some bad ones. VEry very bad ones.
But awesome anyway. In a bad way. Kind of. I don't even know
what I'm saying anymore – and I totally blame Derek Landy for being his usual
awesome self and blowing my tiny mind. This mess of a review is all his
fault. Obviously.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Let's move on, yes? </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QY3n6lpkYME/WNUeUqIXI2I/AAAAAAAAE0g/Cs1I-x4sTeAMPWoFAw4bTEyktWPqsvVhgCLcB/s1600/25512260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QY3n6lpkYME/WNUeUqIXI2I/AAAAAAAAE0g/Cs1I-x4sTeAMPWoFAw4bTEyktWPqsvVhgCLcB/s320/25512260.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ok, I do love Derek's writing – the way he
uses dialogue so much, the witty quips and banter between his characters.
He's hilarious and utterly addictive as hell (heh – pun intended).
I loved the action, the adventure, the suspense, the gallons of gore and
blood and icky stuff, the humour, the touching moments, the unusual places
visited along the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Demon Road</i>. It
was all just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so awesome</i>.
Obviously. This is Derek Landy we're talkin' about here. The
man is a master of the funny-scary, of awesome plots that suck you in from the
beginning and take you on a wild ride you don't wanna get off! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">FINALLY</i>! A book that mentions going to the toilet like a
normal person! And finds it weird that another character doesn't pee!
Halle-blinking-lujah! As if Derek Landy wasn't enough of a god
amongst men – he then goes and does this. I bow to him.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Wow, I really didn't get enough sleep last
night. Again, Derek Landy's fault. I am so tired because I just
couldn't put <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Demon Road</i> down.
Apparently tiredness inspires hero worship in me. Who knew?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ok, so it might not just be my need for
like four hours more sleep. It's also 'cause <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Demon Road</i> was freaking awesome and I loved it to pieces.
Sure, it had definite <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Skulduggery
Pleasant</i>-esque qualities. But y'know what? It was damned
awesome in its own right and I loved it and I need more and when can I have
more and please go read it now and OMG it’s so brilliant and where is my
bed? </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Seriously though. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Demon Road</i> was pure awesomeness with
awesomesauce and awesome chocolate sprinkles. It was hilarious, exciting,
gory as hell, gripping and did I mention awesome? It had moments of
laugh-so-loud-and-sudden-you-snort-a-little and touching moments that tugged at
the ol' heartstrings. It had brilliant characters (who were brilliant in
their own right and totally different from the SP ones, despite the similar
dynamics) and tons of action and fighting and demons and blood. It had
everything a Derek Landy or Supernatural fan could want (including flannel
shirts and a killer car – albeit 'killer' in two totally different senses) and
then some. And man I can't wait to get my hands on Desolation! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Also sleep. Sleep is required right
now. So I'll leave you to read the awesomeness that is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Demon Road</i> while I go back to bed for a
few hours. Goodnight and may Derek Landy rule over YA as he does MG –
with a swagger, lots of laughter and a twisted imagination.</span></div>
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
4½ Out of 5 </span></div>
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<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Skulduggery%20Pleasant">Skulduggery Pleasant</a> by Derek
Landy</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Supernatural</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Vampire%20Academy">Vampire Academy</a> by Richelle
Mead</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* This
book was received from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**
Quotes used are from a proof copy and may have been changed in the finished
book</span></span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-37668310270134385262017-03-24T06:05:00.001-07:002017-03-24T06:08:42.053-07:00Black Widow: Forever Red by Margaret Stohl<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mx-zPgCVvfA/WNUYbzkm5XI/AAAAAAAAE0A/6pMG3eZ2JEUyIJ3v86s1supwntpeEW-9ACLcB/s1600/30227348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mx-zPgCVvfA/WNUYbzkm5XI/AAAAAAAAE0A/6pMG3eZ2JEUyIJ3v86s1supwntpeEW-9ACLcB/s400/30227348.jpg" width="266" /></span></a><b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Series: </span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Black Widow, Book One</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Parragon Books</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Paperback</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">: 2</span><sup><span style="color: #666666;">nd</span></sup><span style="color: #666666;"> May 2016</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 416</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review*</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Superhero, Action-Adventure,
Science-Fiction, Thriller-Suspense, YA</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended
Age</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 11+</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains: </span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Violence,
Death, Swearing and Smoking References</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Author's
Site: </span></b><a href="http://mstohl.com/"><span style="color: #666666;">Margaret Stohl</span></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Blurb From </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30227348-marvel-black-widow-forever-red"><span style="color: #666666;">Goodreads</span></a><span style="color: #666666;">:</span></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Enter
the world of the Avengers’ iconic master spy…</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Natasha
Romanoff is one of the world’s most lethal assassins. Trained from a young age
in the arts of death and deception, Natasha was given the title of Black Widow
by Ivan Somodorov, her brutal teacher at the Red Room, Moscow’s infamous
academy for operatives.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ava
Orlova is just trying to fit in as an average Brooklyn teenager, but her life
has been anything but average. The daughter of a missing Russian quantum
physicist, Ava was once subjected to a series of ruthless military
experiments—until she was rescued by Black Widow and placed under S.H.I.E.L.D.
protection. Ava has always longed to reconnect with her mysterious saviour, but
Black Widow isn’t really the big sister type.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Until
now.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">When
children all over Eastern Europe begin to go missing, and rumors of smuggled
Red Room tech light up the dark net, Natasha suspects her old teacher has
returned—and that Ava Orlova might be the only one who can stop him. To defeat
the madman who threatens their future, Natasha and Ava must unravel their
pasts. Only then will they discover the truth about the dark-eyed boy with an
hourglass tattoo who haunts Ava’s dreams…</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Black
Widow: Forever Red features all the heart-pounding adventure readers expect
from Marvel, written by #1 New York Times best-selling author Margaret Stohl.
Uncover a new side of the Marvel Universe that will thrill loyal fans and
newcomers alike, as Stohl reveals the untold story of Black Widow for the very
first time.</span></i></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">Review:</span></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">"This
mission, to attack us? He said it had a name." Her eyes met
Coulson's. "Forever Red."</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Once upon a little girl was given the name
Black Widow by her teacher. She was taught in all manner of things – but
mostly in how to kill, deceive and spy. She was experimented on in the
Red Room and she became the most dangerous assassin in the world.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">After escaping the clutches of her teacher
Ivan Somodorov, Natasha Romanoff became a member of S.H.I.E.L.D. Her
mission? To take down Ivan.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She found him with a little girl, who she
saved after bringing the building down upon her former mentor. She took
the child to America and told her she would be OK. And then she left her
in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s care..</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Now seventeen, Ava Orlova has run away from
S.H.I.E.L.D. She has learned not to trust anyone. That she cannot
rely on the red-haired woman who called her </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">sestrenka</span></i><span style="color: #666666;">,
little sister. All she knows is she has to be her own hero – and that she
dreams of a boy called Alexei with a Black Widow tattoo, even though she has
never met him.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Natasha has never been much of a big
sister. But when children begin vanishing in Eastern Europe and rumours
of the Red Room start up, Natasha fears her former teacher is not as dead as
she hoped and his reaches, influences and plans go far deeper than she ever
could've imagined...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I'm a huge Marvel fan. I've had many
a discussion with family and friends regarding the best team, character and
film in the Marvelverse (team being either the new Guardians of the Galaxy or
the X-Men, character being Remy LeBeau, AKA Gambit and film being Guardians of
the Galaxy – my brother loudly disagrees with that final point). So when
I was offered the chance to review a book about the awesome Black Widow, how
was I meant to refuse?! Natasha Romanoff is a badass – a gorgeous and
deadly agent with a fascinating backstory I really don't know enough about.
Awful, I know, but I love what Margaret Stohl has done with the
character. I just really enjoyed this book – it was like watching a
Marvel movie and reading one of the comics all at once and I just loved it.
Also after reading this there needs to be a Black Widow standalone film –
I am now in love with her.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Natasha Romanoff is one of MCU's most
recognisable and awesome characters. The Natasha from Forever Red is a
mishmash of MCU Black Widow and the comic version – her backstory is more like
that of the film Natasha and not the comic Natasha, although she's colder and
sharper than movie Natasha. Which is awesome! Because – hello – Natasha's
backstory is fascinating in the film's and I loved seeing more of it – and of
those signature Black Widow death stares. Who doesn't watch the films
(and the brief flashes we get into her past) and think </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">let me know you!</span></i><span style="color: #666666;"> Just me? Really? Huh.
Anyways, Natasha was cold and businesslike (as expected) and yet she had
these moments – these flashes of confusion and affection and anger that made
her so very human and brilliant and ergo loving her. This was Natasha
says I'd never seen her before – as badass and tough as ever, but also broken
and hurting and afraid and so very very human indeed. And I loved it – I
want more of this Natasha, this Tasha.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Despite the book series being titled as
Black Widow, it's more about Ava – who I discovered after a quick Google upon
getting the book is a superhero in her own right and has recently been
introduced into the Marvel comics. She was understandably confused and
lost and a little angry at the world, but she was also funny and brave and badass
as hell!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Alex was so sweet - he was brave and badass
and kind and smart. He was also pretty darn cute at times, I must admit!
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">I must say the romance between Ava and Alex
was rather insta-love-y. After one twist I was like yes, this makes more
sense now! And then I was like hang on...no this does not make more sense
it in fact is a little weird now and then my head started hurting as I
considered all the facts and then I had to go lie down and watch the Avengers.
But I digress.</span><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">They were adorable!
</span><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">Like </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">so
cute</span></i><span style="color: #666666;"> – and so incredibly protective of one another, as would be expected in
two teenagers tossed in the middle of a plot by a crazy man.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">And OMG I loved all the little cameos!
Like Coulson – he's always a favourite of mine in the MCU and I loved seeing
his quippy, funny self in </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">Forever Red</span></i><span style="color: #666666;">.
And Tony Stark's scenes? Literally some of my favourite ones in the
whole book! I adore Tony and he was so perfectly </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">Tony</span></i><span style="color: #666666;">. Margaret Stohl captured him so absolutely perfectly!
I must admit, I did miss the presence of one hawk-eyed archer (who is
often portrayed as Natasha's BFF and also BF at times, though not the latter in
the film's) – it was so sad not to have him doing a little cameo or at least
being mentioned. She trusted Tony enough to involve him – so why not Clint? </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">The writing was awesome! It started
off from Natasha's POV (which I loved – being inside her head was amazing) and
then switched. We got a split POV between Natasha, Ava, Alex and then
transcripts from an official S.H.I.E.L.D. interview of Natasha. It
was all third person – and did occasionally jump perspectives within a set
characters' chapter – and I just loved it. I loved getting into
everyone's heads – although I must say Natasha's chapters was my favourite.
I loved her, if you haven’t gathered, and may possibly be a tiny bit
obsessed now.</span><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">I regret nothing.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">The plot – oh my god! It was like
reading a Marvel movie. The plot was fast-paced and exciting, there were
mysteries a plenty, there were thrills and twists – oh that last twist!
It left me in tears – the finale was explosive and then there was just
this moment after, a moment of pain and sadness and </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">why Margaret why</span></i><span style="color: #666666;"> that left me speechless and in shock.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">If you can't tell by now, I loved </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">Forever Red</span></i><span style="color: #666666;"> to pieces. It was so
much fun – a real roller coaster of excitement and awesomeness and superheroes
and mysteries. I cannot wait for </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">Red
Vengeance</span></i><span style="color: #666666;"> – I need in my life like you cannot imagine.</span><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">Stay Red, people – because after this series
I ain’t ever going back!</span><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /><span style="color: #666666;">
4 Out of 5 </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxn6hPVgaqE/UdwC5BzjhPI/AAAAAAAADNg/wYDw43kmmoIqQoTbk8mLP0umgexNfvh1ACPcB/s1600/4%2Bstars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxn6hPVgaqE/UdwC5BzjhPI/AAAAAAAADNg/wYDw43kmmoIqQoTbk8mLP0umgexNfvh1ACPcB/s320/4%2Bstars.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Iron Man: The Gauntlet by Eoin Colfer</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Lois Lane by Gwenda Bond</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Avengers</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">* This
book was received from Parragon in exchange for an honest review</span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-88931260519061560262017-01-29T16:20:00.001-08:002017-01-29T16:20:15.297-08:00Watch Me Blog Tour: Extract and GIVEAWAY<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well hello, fellow book addicts! So nice to see you here for this super awesome and exciting blog tour! I adore the Social Media Murders series, even if they're making me paranoid as hell! <i>Follow Me</i> was a non-stop thrill ride - and I love how much the books concentrate on social medias and the dangers they pose. I am now mildly terrified of my own blog and also reluctant to use Snapchat - so thanks for that Angela! Still, these books are sooo worth it!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31553958-watch-me" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31553958-watch-me" border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_NwEg8tF1M/WI6Cnq6MDLI/AAAAAAAAEzk/m_usTQabImQBzhs_59Lcl38m6TiVeJ5ZACLcB/s200/31553958.jpg" width="130" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31553958-watch-me">Watch Me by Angela Clarke</a>:</b><br /><i>YOU HAVE SIX SECONDS TO READ THIS MESSAGE…The body of a 15-year-old is found hours after she sends a desperate message to her friends. It looks like suicide, until a second girl disappears.<br />This time, the message is sent directly to the Metropolitan Police – and an officer’s younger sister is missing.<br />DS Nasreen Cudmore and journalist Freddie Venton will stop at nothing to find her. But whoever’s behind the notes is playing a deadly game of hide and seek – and the clock is ticking.<br />YOU HAVE 24 HOURS TO SAVE THE GIRL’S LIFE.<br />MAKE THEM COUNT.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My stop for this blog tour includes an awesome and exclusive reading from <i>Watch Me</i>, read by the lovely Angela Clarke herself. Just watching this will make you crave <i>Watch Me</i> - which is lucky because I'm also offering a copy to all my UK readers, as well another awesome book called <i><b>The Promise</b></i> by Casey Kelleher! More on that after this brilliant extract - enjoy!</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Yk6eZ142qg?list=PLpOJtlmCb-rCyc1weNHMq0z8Fc4rg895o" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />Squee, chills, am I right? It's got me all like:<br /><br /><img src="https://musicrowgirl.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/chills.gif" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now who doesn't want to read <i>Watch Me</i> after that awesome extract?! And you have a chance to get your hands on your very own copy, plus a copy of the equally brilliant The <i>Promise,</i> due out 17th February 2017, </span><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Promise-gripping-thriller-wont-able-ebook/dp/B01N0KF4SN/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">click here to preorder</span></a>!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33161994-the-promise">The Promise by Casey Kelleher</a>:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Two sisters, one murder and an unbreakable bond. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Family ties can be deadly...</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Now all that's left to do is head onto my </b></span><a href="https://twitter.com/BookAddictdGirl"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Twitter</b></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> and retweet my pinned Tweet for a chance to win these brilliant books! This giveaway is for my UK readers only and will end 6th February at midnight - good luck everyone!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTrBuzFX4P4/WI6BAPBqsSI/AAAAAAAAEzY/O573FM9rYiES1ginmudDP2_pzuiJvWqVgCLcB/s1600/untitled.png"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTrBuzFX4P4/WI6BAPBqsSI/AAAAAAAAEzY/O573FM9rYiES1ginmudDP2_pzuiJvWqVgCLcB/s320/untitled.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't forget to follow the last stop of the blog tour over at </span><a href="http://hannahreviewingbooks.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Han's Book Reviews</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> for another chance to win some awesome books! Oh and follow our lovely author </span><a href="https://twitter.com/TheAngelaClarke"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">@TheAngelaClarke</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and the brilliant </span><a href="https://twitter.com/AvonBooksUK"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">@AvonBooksUK</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, because they are the ones who are giving you the chance to win these lovelies! <br />Buy the brilliant <i>Watch Me</i> from <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Watch-Me-Social-Media-Murders/dp/000817461X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1485735319&sr=1-1">Amazon UK</a>, </span><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Watch-Me-Angel-Clarke/9780008174613?ref=grid-view"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Book Depository </span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> or </span><a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/watch-me/angela-clarke/9780008174613"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Waterstones</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-19224770489325385032016-11-30T13:16:00.001-08:002016-11-30T13:16:30.872-08:00The Special Ones by Em Bailey<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8RIY4D7EpVc/WD89LPZvaAI/AAAAAAAAEyE/hXqE5DX4FCghfPYSXF7STe_7RC8iKs4YwCEw/s1600/29911151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8RIY4D7EpVc/WD89LPZvaAI/AAAAAAAAEyE/hXqE5DX4FCghfPYSXF7STe_7RC8iKs4YwCEw/s400/29911151.jpg" width="261" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Electric Monkey</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Paperback</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">28<sup>th</sup> July </span>2016</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 336</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: For Review*</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Contemporary, Mystery, Thriller-Suspense, Psychological Suspense, YA</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended
Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 13+</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> Violence,
Spine-Tingling Suspense</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Esther
is one of the four Special Ones, chosen to live under </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">his<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> protection in a
remote farmhouse.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They are not allowed
to leave, and they must always be ready to broadcast their lives to eager
followers on the outside.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But
on renewal day when </span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">he<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> decides that a new Esther, Harry, Lucille or Felicity must take their
place, the old ones disappear – forever.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The new ones don’t always want to come, but soon they... realise.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Until one day Esther has a realisation of her
own, and it changes everything.</i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A
heart-racing thriller set in a cult.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyC77EnE7mo/WD8-37RyQNI/AAAAAAAAEyM/Rwm2Ndt734QHoUtPScnZ6OE45eI6IkrQwCLcB/s1600/28052421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I received <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Special Ones</i> on a normal Wednesday morning. I'd been
planning on spending the day making my shoes for YALC. Instead I opened
up a parcel, saw these two books by Em Bailey and decided to see what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Special Ones</i> was about. By
lunch, I was already over 100 pages in and I just did not want to stop.
Ever. I was utterly hooked – this book is amazing in a horrible,
creepy-as-hell way! I simply couldn't put it down, was just sucked into
this terrifying world, into the life of 'Esther' as she played the role of her
life... It was just... I'm struggling to find the words!<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyC77EnE7mo/WD8-37RyQNI/AAAAAAAAEyM/Rwm2Ndt734QHoUtPScnZ6OE45eI6IkrQwCLcB/s1600/28052421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyC77EnE7mo/WD8-37RyQNI/AAAAAAAAEyM/Rwm2Ndt734QHoUtPScnZ6OE45eI6IkrQwCLcB/s320/28052421.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="203" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">You see, Esther is one of a group of people
called the Special Ones. One of four enlightened, immortal people chosen
by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">him</i> and living to inspire
their followers, who watch them as they live their perfect lives, as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i> watches over them.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The rules are numerous and Esther always
follows hers. She remains in the farm house, she cooks and cleans, she
remains calm and dignified and she never touches the others – that simply isn't
allowed. Because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i> watches
at all times, watches for mistakes. The moment they make one, they're
gone, never to be seen again – until they 'return' in a new body, unwilling and
angry until they just... give in. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Harry, Esther, Lucille and Felicity live in
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his</i> world, play their roles,
play for their lives. They live in fear of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">him</i> and yet they're told <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i>
protects them... </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">God, I just loved how Em Bailey wrote
everything in this book! How she wrote that slow-burning beginning,
Esther's fear and strength and guilt, the terrifying indications of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his</i> presence though we didn't see
him – not yet... It was just... wow. Atmospheric, suspenseful,
terrifying, creepy as goddamn anything! I really don't want to give too
much away, but the way we saw that brainwashing... utterly and completely scary
as hell. It was all just so so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">clever</i> and
in such an effortless way – it flowed and it grabbed and it sucked you in.
And then, half way through, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bam</i>!
Action hit off and the terror just grew even stronger. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdf5GvkDLO0/WD8_HhgQB3I/AAAAAAAAEyQ/_T7f3wtaN28zxbEUFeehs_oZ0Vn2tbueQCEw/s1600/30971720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdf5GvkDLO0/WD8_HhgQB3I/AAAAAAAAEyQ/_T7f3wtaN28zxbEUFeehs_oZ0Vn2tbueQCEw/s320/30971720.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Up until then, we'd been in Esther's mind –
and she was such a brilliantly complex, fascinating character. And then,
suddenly, we were in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his</i> head.
And that was... scary as frack. His mind... God it was so
terrifying! I do wish there was a little more warning or explanation –
one minute I was listening to Esther, the next I was watching her through <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his</i> eyes and it just was like a huge
jolt of surprise – which actually might have made the fear I felt reading <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his</i> chapters even stronger.
Because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i> was... terrifying.
And the more I read about him, twisted as it was, I kind of understood a
little more about why he made them live like that – the sick workings of a
psychopath who wanted people to suffer like him, who wanted to be important,
who wanted to belong... Who found people as alone and vulnerable as could
be and stole their lives from them, made them become people from a hundred
years ago, with some words in a book being their only guidance, fear being
their motivator... It was scary, how horribly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real he felt</i>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I also really liked Felicity – she was
sweet and innocent and joyful amongst all the horrors of the farm, a burst of
sunshine. Harry was calm and reassuring – the relationship between him
and Esther was utterly unique, unlike anything I'd ever read in YA before, and
was totally perfect for the story. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I've never read anything about a cult
before, although I know there are a fair few out there in the YA market right
now. I've studied them in sociology and watched them on crime shows, but
reading about a forced cult member's life was so much more hard hitting.
The way <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i> was totally separate
too was different, and although we got to look into his head, we never really
knew <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i>. I have theories, but
some concrete evidence would've been nice – was he just a psychopath? Did
he have some kind of mental health disorder, like schizophrenia? The
questions are endless and many are left open, and yet I rather liked the ending
anyway. It... it fit. The finale felt a little rushed, perhaps, but
maybe that was just because I was reading as fast as Dr Reid at the time (not
really; I'm not that good – and bonus points to anyone who gets that
reference). </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The
Special Ones</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> was unique and brilliant and
horrible and creepy and so goddamn addictive it's untrue. I dare anyone
to read it and not finish it in a day or two. I found myself reading well
into the wee hours to finish – and then regretting that choice instantly when I
found I couldn't go to sleep and was jumping at every little noise. Never
will I read another Em Bailey book in the dark – although I will be reading <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shift</i> soon. Just... after I've
calmed down from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Special Ones</i>.
My heart is still pounding ad my head is still reeling and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">oh my God</i>. If you haven't read it just
go and read it right now! It is just... mind-blowing and breath-taking and
goosebumps-raising. It is a phenomenal book that has left me shocked and
scared and amazed because it felt <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so damn
real</i>. I just... I have no other words. Just read it and read it
now. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And when the sun is shining. Because
it's Thursday and I only slept last night after I'd finished the book and
watched Friends for an hour. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I regret nothing. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Special Ones</i> was worth every bit of
sleeplessness. Every single (yawn) bit.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><b><i><u><sub><sup><strike><br /></strike></sup></sub></u></i></b>
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">4½ Out of 5 </span></div>
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</div>
</span><br />
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<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/the-bunker-diary-by-kevin-brooks.html">The Bunker Diaries by Kevin Brooks</a></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Leaving by Tara Altebrando</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Seed by Lisa Heathfield</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">13 Minutes by Sarah Pinsborough</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">* This
book was received from Egmont in exchange for an honest review</span></div>
TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4544374420861299095.post-79908711303673848632016-09-21T10:41:00.000-07:002016-09-21T10:41:08.978-07:00Goth Girl and the Fete Worse Than Death by Chris Riddell
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28n2gPavlQM/V-LFuL0HcPI/AAAAAAAAExA/jFnRy5O_GsQup092hMAVuUIPonOmhddjACLcB/s1600/61AXF-tC%252BDL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28n2gPavlQM/V-LFuL0HcPI/AAAAAAAAExA/jFnRy5O_GsQup092hMAVuUIPonOmhddjACLcB/s400/61AXF-tC%252BDL.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Series: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Goth Girl, Book Two</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Publisher</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Macmillan Children’s Books</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Format</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Hardback</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Published</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 25<sup>th</sup> September 2014</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Number of Pages:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> 224</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Book</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: Bought </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Genre:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> Historical,
Steampunk, Fantasy, Mystery, Gothic, Action-Adventure, MG</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Recommended
Age</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">: 9+</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Contains: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Violence</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><b>Author's
Site: </b><a href="http://www.chrisriddell.co.uk/">Riddell</a></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Preparations
are under way for the Full-Moon Fete and the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Great Ghastly-Gorm Bake Off</b>.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Celebrity
cooks are arriving at the hall for the big event, and as usual Maltravers is
acting suspiciously.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>On top of all this,
Ada’s elusive lady’s maid Marlebone has a surprising secret, and everyone seems
to have forgotten Ada’s birthday!</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Review:</span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Ada
was exited too, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something strange was
going on; she was worried about Marylebone, and it was her birthday in two
days, which everyone had most likely forgotten again. It had put her in
rather a funny mood.”</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ghastly-Gorm Hall is extremely busy,
preparing for the Full-Moon Fete. Ada Goth's friends are soon wrapped up
in the preparations, setting up for the Great Ghastly-Gorm Bake Off and
welcoming famous chefs and artists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">But Ada is once again growing suspicious of
Maltravers and has just met her lady's maid for the first time, discovering her
long-kept secret. Ada wants to find out what on earth Maltravers is up to
and how to help her lady's maid – but how is she meant to do that without the
Attic Club's help? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Perhaps the charming and mysterious new
guest, Lord Sydney Whimsy, can help her get to the bottom of the curious
going-ons at Ghastly-Gorm Hall...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I adored the first <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goth Girl</i> book (see my review: <a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/goth-girl-and-ghost-of-mouse-by-chris.html">here</a>!), so knew I wanted to read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fete Worse Than Death</i> as soon as humanely possible. But even
I wasn't expecting how fast 'as soon as humanely possible' turned out to be.
I read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fete Worse Than Death</i> in
a single sitting, gobbling it up as Team GB kicked arse in the Paralympics on
the TV. I just love this series so much! I love the silly literary
and culture references, I love the bonkers characters and zany plot and most of
all I love those gorgeous <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gorgeous</i>
illustrations. I wish I had little people around to read to, because this
is just the most perfect reading aloud book ever and I am just totally in
love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Once again, may I comment on the
brilliantly odd characters in this series?<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I can?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Marvellous.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>First up: Ada.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She is a brilliant lead character – kind and
quirky and unusual and brave. I also love Lucy Borgia, because she is
just such a badass – a duelling umbrella wielding badass of a governess. Lord
Stanley was an interesting character – mysterious, charming and amusing, he was
a fun character to have in the book, even if I wasn't entirely sure what he was
up to half the time...<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Oh and Marylebone
was so very sweet – and her book at the back was just adorable! Many of
us will see certain... parallels to a certain book about a rather well known
bear, but the literary puns and parallels just make me adore this series (and
Marylebone) even more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The list of characters was even more
bonkers in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">FWtD</i> than it was in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">GoaM</i>, ranging from chefs Mary Huckleberry
and her manservant Hollyhead to Mr Tumnus a cabinet-making faun. I do
think maybe more effort went into the (admittedly hilarious) references than
into characterisation – but this is a book for children, so I forgive that.
Plus the references were so very funny that I really didn’t mind much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Chris Riddell's writing was brilliant – easy
to understand but still wonderfully descriptive (helped, of course, by those
gorgeous illustrations – more on that later). It really is the perfect
reading out loud book – the kids will love the fun storyline and quirky
characters and the parents will love all the puns and references. It's
just so much fun to read – and so easy too. As proven by the speed with
which I read it...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Now we're onto my favourite part – those
beautiful, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beautiful</i> illustrations!
They are just so stunning and atmospheric and perfect and gorgeous and I
love them to pieces. Chris Riddell is a master with both brush and words
and I adore him and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goth Girl</i> both!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">While I didn't enjoy <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fete Worse Than Death</i> quite as much as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ghost of a Mouse</i>, I still utterly adored it and totally recommend
it – both for parents to read to their children and for everyone else to read
too. These books are just so much fun and are so very beautiful – I'm so
in love with this series! Gimme <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wuthering
Fright</i> right now! I need it so very much!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Star Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
4 Out of 5 </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxn6hPVgaqE/UdwC5BzjhPI/AAAAAAAADNg/wYDw43kmmoIqQoTbk8mLP0umgexNfvh1ACPcB/s1600/4%2Bstars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxn6hPVgaqE/UdwC5BzjhPI/AAAAAAAADNg/wYDw43kmmoIqQoTbk8mLP0umgexNfvh1ACPcB/s320/4%2Bstars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Read this
book if you liked:</span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Series of Unfortunate
Events by Lemony Snicket</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Mystery of the Clockwork
Sparrow by Katherine Woodfine</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://thebookaddictedgirl.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=wells+and+wong">Wells & Wong</a> by Robin
Stevens</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Reading</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">Megan</span></i></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>TheBookAddictedGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223595950718570997noreply@blogger.com1