Book Review: Saltwater Vampires by Kirsty Eagar

Saltwater Vampires by Kirsty Eagar

Published by: Penguin Australia

Publication date: August, 2010

Source:  Bought

He looked to the sky, praying for rain, a downpour, some sign from the heavens that he should refuse the abomination contained in that flask. But all he saw was the bloated white face of the moon smiling down on him …

And the sky around it was cold and clear and black …

They made their circle of blood. And only the moon witnessed the slaughter that followed.

For Jamie Mackie, summer holidays in the coastal town of Rocky Head mean surfing, making money, and good times at the local music festival. But this year, vampires are on the festival’s line-up … fulfilling a pact made on the wreck of the Batavia, four hundred years ago. If their plans succeed, nobody in Rocky Head will survive to see out the new year.

Mini Review:

Favourite Quote:  "It was something they'd done a thousand  times before.  If Jamie went surfing with a mate and paddled in first, he always took time for that final wave.  And there was something so familiar in the ritual that for a moment he felt like everything was right.
He felt forgiven."

Saltwater Vampires has a smart and well thought out plot where the suspense will get your pulse pounding.   I have read a few other paranormal stories by Australian authors but they have never felt truly Australian but Saltwater Vampires definitely does.  The dialogue, the setting, the characters, it all feels like home.

Again Kirsty Eagar has written another story that is fiercely entertaining with a lot of heart. The pace is mostly relaxed and therefore took me a little while to warm up to it.  However the prose is so unbelievably gorgeous.

"They stared at each other for a long time. The rest of the world had gone somewhere else and everything that needed to be said was being said without talking. And Jamie knew how much he'd lost."

Not only is the writing incredible but so are the multi-layered characters.  They feel real, honest and down to earth.  I think it is impossible not to like this distinctive bunch.

Another great thing about this story is that it would appeal to both male and female readers of all ages.

Overall Saltwater Vampires is a fantastic read that is more than just your average vampire tale.

Overall Rating: 4/5


There has been some amazing reviews for Saltwater Vampires this week.  Please visit The Unread Reader and Bibliophile Brouhaha.

*** Sorry for the short and sweet review.  I haven't been well.  So I might be a bit late on returning comments too but I will get around to it.

Book Review: Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart

Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart

Published by:  Random House Australia

Publication date:  1st September. 2011

Source:  Thanks to publisher

I wanted to turn but I was held captive by the song on the wind. I’m coming, I told the voices. Please, wait for me.

When her sister becomes betrothed to a prince in a northern nation, Zeraphina’s only consolations are that her loyal animal companions are by her side – and that her burning hunger to travel north is finally being sated.

Already her black hair and pale eyes mark her out as different, but now Zeraphina must be even more careful to keep her secret safe. Craving blood is not considered normal behaviour for anyone, let alone a princess. So when the king’s advisor, Rodden, seems to know more about her condition than she does, Zeraphina is determined to find out more.

Zeraphina must be willing to sacrifice everything if she’s to uncover the truth – but what if the truth is beyond her worst nightmares.

My Review:

We all know that I am constantly saying I am not a huge fan of fantasy but it turns out I am. But only really good fantasy and that is definitely what Blood Song is.  I absolutely loved it. For me it was the perfect reading escape.

Zeraphina has always known she is different with her unusual striking looks and her craving for blood which is getting strong each day and calling her to the north.  When her older sister Lilith becomes engaged to Prince Amis in the northern land Zeraphina jumps at the chance to visit a place that will bring her closer to the answer she is seeking about her strange condition.  There she meets Rodden, the King's advisor who seems to know the answers but isn't willing to tell Zeraphina the truth.

Blood Song has that easy style of writing that is just addicting.  You can picture the world, the atmosphere so beautifully without being weighed down by heavy and boring world building unlike some other fantasy books.    And then on top of that you have a suspenseful and intriguing plot that keeps you turning the pages.  

I adore the main characters. There is something special about them.  Zeraphina, is strong, independent and just an enjoyable protagonist.  She seeks out the answers she needs even if it gets her into trouble.    Also she is never without her cat called Leap and an Eagle named Griffin and they make awesome sidekicks.

Rodden, is one of those dark, sexy and mysterious types.  He comes off tough and a little bit arrogant but you know he is a good guy underneath.  The relationship between Zeraphina and Rodden, is amusing.  They didn't fall over each other.  They  had plenty of witty banter and you can just see the sparks flying between them.  I am looking forward to seeing what happens next with these two.

Overall, Blood Song is a magical read that left me craving more.  I definitely recommend this outstanding debut to fantasy and paranormal fans.

Overall rating: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 4.5/5
Cover: 4.5/5

For more info:  Visit Rhiannon Hart's website.

For more reviews:  Inkcrush

**** Aussie title for those of you participating in the Aussie YA Reading Challenge.

Book Review: Taste of Apples by James Laidler

The Taste of Apple by James Laidler
Published by: Interactive Press
Publication date: September, 2010
Source: Thanks to James Laidler

Pedro Jones is lost. Abandoned by his father and forced into commission housing with his Filipino immigrant mother, the future seems bleak.

But when Pedro meets the 'mad' street busker, Johnny Lazzaro, and gets involved with the East Timor freedom movement, life takes an unexpected detour through the uncharted backblocks of the human heart.

My  Mini Review:

The Taste of Apple is written in a verse and it is done well.  It is the coming of age story of Pedro who's father walks out on him and his Filipino mother forcing them to move into commission housing.  There he meets and becomes friends with Johnny, a street busker who lives in his housing estate and Pedro's life changes.

I love the mix of cultures in The Taste of Apples with Pedro's Filipino background and the Australian setting.  I also adored all the Aussie references like James Marsden and the old Olympic Village as I love it when an Aussie book actually feels like home.

The story is gritty and raw in places but also hopeful.  I felt like Laidler never held back and therefore it felt a true reflection on life.

The Taste of Apple comes with an accompanying CD (although you can read it without it).  I like the mix of media, it added a refreshing take.

The only thing that I found disappointing about The Taste of Apple is when I put it down I found myself losing interest.   I was in no hurry to get back to it.

Overall, The Taste of Apple is a good solid read.  And  I will leave you with my favourite passage from this enjoyable and moving story.

I walk beside him
in a daze,
soaking up the snippets
of his life;
tired
but totally unable
to pull myself away
from his strange
incandescent
glow.

Overall Rating: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Cover: 3.5/5

For more info:  Visit James Laidler's website.

***This is an Australian author for those of you participating in the Aussie YA Reading Challenge.

Book Review: Days Like This by Alison Stewart

Days Like This by Alison Stewart
Published by: Penguin Australia
Publication date:  1st August, 2011
Source:  Thanks to Penguin Australia

She has to escape.

But who else is out there?

And can anyone survive days like this?

I want to go back to the days when life made sense. The days before our parents became strange; before the warming ate away at all the living things in the world; before The Committee and their Blacktroopers. Before the Wall.

Lily is a prisoner in her own home. Forced to stay inside by The Committee and guarded by their increasingly distant parents, Lily and her brother Daniel are beginning to ask why. Then, when Daniel disappears just before his seventeenth birthday, Lily knows she is next.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  Lily felt a tiny shift in the air.  The hairs on her arms stood up.  The troopers were coming.  She sprinted along the street, examining the Wall for some notch or hole to scurry into.  There was nothing - just an endless smooth expanse.  Black clouds writhed under the heavy sun as the morning closed on midday.

In one sentence: Fast paced read that has plenty of heart-stopping moments as it climbs to the climax.

Days Like This is a dystopia novel set in in Sydney.  Where there is a water shortage due to global warming effects, the government has collapsed and the committee has taken over.  They have built a wall to keep the poor and people who would question or fight back with the committee out.  The streets are patrolled by the emotionless Blacktroopers.  And the children are kept locked inside their homes.

I love the concept for Days Like This.  Stewart did a great job of writing a believable and well built world.  With all the damage we are doing to our planet, water shortage and extreme weather seems possible and completely scary.  I also love the setting.  Set in Sydney, I was able to picture it perfectly and it definitely felt Australian.

The plot is a constant thrill ride with danger around every corner.  It is just go, go, go right until the end.   Stewart's writing is easy to read but I lacked emotional connection with the story.  I was entertained but not fully invested in what was happening unfortunately.

Lily is an engaging main character.  I always like a character who doesn't give up, who isn't afraid to get amongst all the action but yet is still caring and kind towards others.  Then we have Keiran who is just a genuine good guy.  Brave, loyal and sweet.  We also have a mixed bunch of secondary characters some likeable and some so not so much.

Romance has a very minor role and yet it felt a little out of place and awkward.  Maybe the awkwardness had to do with Lily being locked inside her house for so many years and having no interactions with other teens.  So possibly this is why it didn't feel natural especially towards Luca.  It is has sort of a brief love triangle or rather a moment of confusion.  Thankfully Lily's connection to Kieran felt more honest, just lacking spark.

Also Days Like This is a standalone.  No cliffhanger and your questions answered.  It is so nice to read a book and not be dying for book two.

Overall, despite my issues with Days Like These it is still a good read.  It is a smart novel that gets you thinking about the future of the world while it takes you on action packed ride.

Overall rating: 3.5/5
Writing: 3/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
Romance: 3/5
Cover: 4.5/5

For more info:  Visit Between The Lines

*** Day Like This is by an Australian author for those of you participating in the Aussie YA Reading Challenge 2011.

Book Review: Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres

Burn Bright (Night Creatures #1) by Marianne de Pierres
Publication date: 1st March, 2011
Published by:  Random House Australia
Source: Bought

Into a world of wild secrets and deadly pleasures comes a girl whose innocence may be her greatest strength.

In Ixion music and party are our only beliefs. Darkness is our comfort. We have few rules but they are absolute . . .

Retra doesn’t want to go to Ixion, the island of ever-night, ever-youth and never-sleep. Retra is a Seal – sealed minds, sealed community. She doesn’t crave parties and pleasure, experience and freedom.

But her brother Joel left for Ixion two years ago, and Retra is determined to find him. Braving the intense pain of her obedience strip to escape the only home she’s ever known, Retra stows away on the barge that will take her to her brother.

When she can’t find Joel, Retra finds herself drawn deeper into the intoxicating world of Ixion. Come to me, whispers a voice in her head. Who are the Ripers, the mysterious guardians of Ixion? What are the Night Creatures Retra can see in the shadows? And what happens to those who grow too old for Ixion?

Retra will find that Ixion has its pleasures, but its secrets are deadly. Will friendship, and the creation of an eternal bond with a Riper, be enough to save her from the darkness?

Listen well, baby bats. Burn bright, but do not stray from the paths. Remember, when you live in a place of darkness you also live with creatures of the dark.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  "Rules? Ixion is supposed to be free of rules, yet it seems as strict as Grave in its own way and more...more dangerous."

Three words: I loved it! Burn Bright is one of those reads that when you are finished you are left saying "WOW I want more" because it such an amazing story.

Burn Bright has one of the most unique and captivating worlds.  So refreshingly different but in a good way.  It slowly unravels and everything is not what it seems.  Also you could, and you will want to, re-read it again to see things you have missed the first time to better understand the mysterious and dark place of Ixion.

The plot is unpredictable and exciting.  I couldn't get enough of this story.  It is the type of book you read when you should be sleeping, or while you are cooking or during a red light in your car.  You know what I am talking about, a completely consuming read.

Retra (aka Naif) is intriguing main character.  She is quite but yet still strong.  I like the fact that she thinks about things, asks questions and doesn't follow blindly.  Retra is definitely a heroine you admire.

There is a little bit of delicious romance.  I would call it  attraction and connection.  It looks like something is building for the future books.  There is Lenior the leader of Ixion who I feel Retra has the strongest connection with.   And then there is the mysterious Markes, the musician, who was on the barge with Retra when she entered Ixion, who pops up every now and then.  Retra has more of an attraction to him.   And I am going to surprise you here and say I actually like Lenior more.  Yes I am picking him over the hot musician (normally they are my weakness) because I don't think Markes has been in the storyline enough to leave a strong enough of impression of who he really is.

Overall, Burn Bright is an alluring and gripping read that has left me craving the sequel.  I highly recommend this to all dystopia, fantasy and paranormal fans.

Overall Rating: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 4.5/5
Cover: 4.5/5

Visit Book Probe for an INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY of a signed copy of Burn Bright, copy of Angel Arias (when published) and Angel Arias CD by Yunyu.   Also visit Nice Girls Read Books for a INTERVIEW with Maria de Pierres.

For more info:  Visit the Burn Bright website

For more reviews: Inkcrush and Tales of Compendium

Trailer:

Guest Post by the awesome Shirley Marr plus character name giveaway!

Today, I have the lovely Shirley Marr author of Fury stopping by for a guest post as part of Aussie August.    

I have had Shirley visit my blog a couple of times this year already answering my interview questions and also a character interview with Eliza from Fury.  And each time it has been so much fun.  Seriously Shirley do you know how awesome you are!  So when I was thinking of authors I would love to feature this month for Aussie August Shirley was the first name that popped into my head.

There’s nothing shameless about being a Mary Sue (and character name giveaway!): 

A Guest Post by Shirley Marr

Hi everyone, its Shirley Marr here and I’m so excited to be part of August Aussie Author Month and writing a guest post on Irresistible Reads! Now I’ve been asked a lot of weird and wonderful questions in my time about my novel Fury, but I’m going to talk today about the very first question I was posed in public, which went like this:

Person: Is your novel autobiographical?

Me: Um… I hope not. I mean I hope I’ve never murdered anyone before…

I know the definition of fiction. I think there’s probably a little legal paragraph somewhere in every novel that says, “any resemblance in this work to anyone living or dead, or the villain to someone I do really, really dislike in real life is purely coincidental and/or accidental.” Of course everything I write comes from the fantasy la-la-land inside my head.

So my initial response was denial. My novel is so not about me. For starters it’s set in an exclusive private school in a rich suburb. I on the other hand grew up in (as Jaime King from Summer Heights High would say) a “povo” suburb and I went to a Bogan school where there were no blazers and ironed shirts; the uniform was fleecy tracky-daks and a polo shirt. I’ve never been in with a beautiful and popular group and I’ve definitely never been in enough trouble to end up in a police station. I think the most I’ve ever done is get sent to the naughty corner in primary school when the teacher was trying to explain what a “buoy” was (as in the floatation device) and the Feminist-in-the-making inside of me wanted to know why they weren’t also called “girls”.

Okay, let’s look at something a bit more glaringly obvious that I’ve had people draw comparison at: - my main character Eliza has red hair. Occasionally I have red hair (when I am doing in the public doing authory stuff anyway, when I am at home I have black hair. And I wear specs). I chose the hair colour for Eliza as an artistic device, to reflect the red anger inside of her. I choose the red hair for myself cos… I like the colour. So… I have to admit both decisions are based on preference and intrinsically the same. But it’s not like I’m one of those Mary-Sue writers that put themselves in the shoes of their heroine. The last thing I’d want is to come from an unhappy family and one day end up being interrogated in lock-up while I’m wearing a bloodied school uniform.

No! It’s strictly all make-believe. My brief is to work with plot, characterisation and imagination, not write a dairy entry. But something inside of me told me I was in denial. Just like Eliza is in denial. The final straw came when I had a café-writing session with an author friend recently. Despite knowing that I had to concentrate on my own work, I couldn’t help peaking at what she was doing and…

Me: Cristy… how on earth do you write so fast?

Cristy Burne: It’s easy; I just make the characters do what I like. They’re like my puppets.

Me: Oh. But my characters are like my… babies. They’re like… part of me. Unless I feel what they’re feeling, I can’t write it properly. And if they were ever taken away from me, I think something in me would diiie.

So I finally admitted it. Everything I write is a little piece of me. Eliza is a little bit me. And it is true. The gated community in Fury is reminiscent of the gated suburbs that make up most of the loathing and ennui of Perth. I’ve never been part of a vigilante act (and its not something I condone), but the seething teen angst I felt in high school and the “expected” acts of bullying and ostracising I witnessed built up this rage in me that I knew I could write out and that I so desperately wanted to write out. There are little pieces of me scattered all throughout the novel. Even the postcard that Eliza carries around with her is real in my life, and I’m delighted to feature a photo of it on Irresistible Reads. Even in a way, Neil is real. Maybe that’s not his name in real life, but maybe the person the novel is dedicated to may share some of his initials.

And you know what? I don’t think I would change anything about the way I write. I spend every single day of my life writing and it’s impossible for me not to leave a little piece of me behind. I believe that if I didn’t put every single iota of me into my writing, if I didn’t make myself feel everything single emotion that each of my characters go through and didn’t spend every minute alternatively crying, agonising, laughing and sighing while I wrote, then my writing wouldn’t sound true. And I think a reader can pick someone writing by the numbers or faking something a mile away.

And for that I am not afraid to admit that when I write, although I am making up a story, every single word is the truth. So if the story of my main character is also my story, then I don’t mind being a Mary Sue at all.

In celebration of my writing philosophy, and in conjunction with Irresistible Reads I am giving readers a chance to win a cameo appearance in my next novel! Yes, you could appear as a character and become fictionalised forever. I can’t reveal to you what I am working on just yet, but it is a ghostly love story. Over to the lovely Nic to explain the details. Thanks for reading and thank you to Nic for being my lovely and generous hostess!

Thank you Shirley for your incredible guest post.  

GIVEAWAY TIME!

I am kicking myself that I can't enter this amazing giveaway.  Shirley is giving one lucky person the chance to make a cameo by appearing as a character in her next novel.

• All you have to do to enter is leave a comment with your first name and email address. 
• Must be a follower to enter.
•  Extra entry if you tweet just leave the link.
• Competition closes on 28th August, 2011. 
• Winner will be chosen by random.org in accordance with giveaway policy.

Aussie August YA Releases

Here are the Aussie Young Adult Titles that are being released in August.  So many good ones.

Cargo by Jessica Au 

A beautiful contemporary tale about three teens set in an Aussie beach side town 1992.
You can check out my review for it here.
Available 1st August, 2011

Days Like These by Alison Stewart

Described as "A cautionary dystopian tale set in a walled, futuristic Sydney that has been devastated by global warming"
Stayed tuned next week for my review.
1st August, 2011

Only Ever Always by Penni Russon

Two girls, two worlds.  Alternate universes.

1st August, 2011

Whisper by Chrissie Keighery

Contemporary tale about a deaf teenager girl.
1st August 2011

The Bridge by Jane Higgins -

Another Dystopian novel described as a "future world where fear of outsiders pervades everything".
This is also 2010 Text Prize winner.
1st August, 2011

Also don't forget you now can get FREE SHIPPING on Aussie books at 

fishpondworld.com

so all those books not released internationally yet you can get them from there!

Book Review: Cargo by Jessica Au

Cargo by Jessica Au
Published by: Picador (Pan Macmillan Australia)
Publication date: 1st August, 2011
Source:  Thanks to Picador (Pan Macmillan Australia)

Gillian is fifteen, crippled by a tragic accident but dreams of swimming across oceans.

Jacob is fourteen and yearns for his brother's life.

Frankie is fifteen and in love with the new deckhand on her father's boat.

As the story of these three desires intertwine over the course of one lazy summer in a small coastal town, Cargo is by turns heart-wrenching, beautiful and explosive.

In a simple time of truth and change, these are characters who do not know themselves, yet through their innocence we come to understand what it means to be young, and have all the troubles in the world.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  He pulls back, grins, and she is just young enough to mistake this feeling - this rough, violent swell - for love or something like it.

Wow, Cargo is such a breathtaking story.  I wasn't quite expecting so much emotion from this book.   My heart is still feeling a little raw and tender after finishing it.

Cargo is a real and honest read that captures the lives of three teens Gillian, Frankie and Jacob set in an Australian beach side town, the year 1992.  It is a quick read at just 200 pages told in alternating chapters between these three characters who aren't friends but yet their lives are intertwined.  While it captures some blissful moments of life as a teen and it really focuses on those heart aching times.

Jessica Au's writing is stunning.  Her prose is gorgeous and is full of emotion.  She makes every sentence sound beautiful.

The window grates open under her hands and the breeze is a shock of cold across her cheeks.  When the horn calls for the third time, she feels the sound like the lowest note of a tuba through her ribs.  She can just make out a lone cluster of lights that might be carrier navigating the darkness.  Welded steel on great tracts of open water: she reminds herself that there have been swimmers who have crossed these same distances, some not much older than fifteen.

The characters are compelling.  They each deal with issues that we all struggle with as a teen and you can really feel their angst and pain. While each of their stories held my interest, Gillian's point of view was my favourite.  Completely absorbing and moving.  It really got under my skin and nearly brought me to tears a couple of times.

Overall, Cargo is an impressive debut that is full of heart.  Jessica Au is definitely an author I hope to read more from.

Overall Rating: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 3.5/5
Cover: 4/5

For more info:  Visit Pan Macmillan Australia

***  This is an Australian author for those of you participating in Aussie YA Reading Challenge.

Interview with Jessica Shirvington

Today I have the very talented Aussie author Jessica Shirvington stopping by for an interview.  Jessica is the author of the Violet Eden Chapters, Embrace (review here) and Enticed (review here).  

1. Why YA?

I don't really think there was any other option for me. I read more YA than anything else. They are the stories and authors I love to read and when I started to write EMBRACE, I didn't even pause to consider what genre it would be, I just knew.

  

2. What were you inspirations for this series?

 All the small thoughts.

Little by little I had ideas that I then went and researched, starting with the name Violet and an interest in the angel hierarchy. When I found stories of a group of angels referred to as the 'Grigori' I used that as a base for the story and then built around that. I also think a lot of my inspiration has come from researching many different types of religious text and folklore rather than one specific religion - it has helped to open story lines to many possibilities.

3.  Did you have a clear idea at the beginning of what was going to happen in the series or has it changed while writing each book?

I knew where I wanted the first three books to end (and I thought I knew where I wanted Book4 to end, but over the course of writing the first 3, that has organically changed), but that was it. From there, each time I start the process of writing a new book, I try to look at it with a fresh perspective and find something new to offer. I am definitely open to change as I am writing and find that sometimes even though I had plans for one particular character, somehow they seem to take themselves in a different, more appropriate, direction. That's half the fun.

  

4.  Where is your favourite place to write?

I like to mix it up, depending on what stage of the writing process I am in. Sometimes I just have to lock myself away at home and put in the quiet hours, other times I love to be out and about. I have a few favourite cafes that I haunt and every now and then I will work from the library for a while. As long as I have my laptop with me, I'm generally pretty flexible.

5. What has being the most challenging part of writing this series so far?

As each book goes on, I face different challenges. It's a new experience each time. I tend to get very wrapped up in the characters lives and since I know all their secrets I also know the ins and outs of how each situation affects them and all of their hidden sorrows. At times I find that hard and have to build myself up to writing a certain section.

6.  After Emblaze do you have plans for another project?

Yes. The Violet Eden Chapters is set to continue. It was always planned as a four book plus series and it is important to me to finish the series at the right place for the characters. At this stage, I believe the final number will be six. In addition to The Violet Eden Chapters, I am tinkering with another couple of ideas that I am hoping to give some more attention to shortly.

7.  What are some of your favourite books?

There are so many. Recently, I think the stand out books in YA have been:

Slightly younger end of YA:

Gallagher Girls Series - Ally Carter

The Gone Series - Michael Grant

 Upper end of YA:

Poison Study Series - Maria V. Snyder

The Hunger Games  - Suzanne Collins

Graceling - Kristen Cashore

Anything by Melissa Marr or Holly Black

AND I'm looking forward to reading the debut novel by Veronica Roth - Divergent. I know I am going to love it.

8.  The Violet Eden Chapters has a great bunch of characters (I adore Spence).  Do you have a favourite? 

I'm glad you like Spence. He was one of those characters that almost wrote himself. I love where he is going.

Since I write from Violet's pov, I am most invested in her. That said, I find myself constantly pulled between the three main characters; Violet, Lincoln and Phoenix. To me, each of them has an equally important road to travel / story to tell. Depending on what point I am in each of their stories, I find myself pulled between them. And sometimes out of nowhere, another character will completely blow me away and they become all I can think about - like Spence or Steph, for example. My mind is a busy place sometimes!

Thank you Jessica for taking the time to answer my questions.  I am excited to hear that it looks like there is going to be six books in the series (and hopefully Spence will be in them all ~crosses fingers).

Embrace and Enticed are available now in Australia with Emblaze set to come out in October 2011.

Also Embrace will be available internationally from The Book Depository in October, 2011.

For more details visit Jessica Shirvington's website.  


Check out the German covers for Embrace and Enticed.  They are gorgeous!

Book Review: The Dead I Know by Scot Gardner

The Dead I Know by Scot Gardner
Publication date:  May, 2011
Published by:  Allen & Unwin
Source:  Thanks to Allen & Unwin 


When Aaron gets a job at a funeral home, he surprisingly takes to it. But there are dark secrets hidden in Aaron’s subconscious.
He experiences dangerous bouts of sleepwalking and recurring dreams he can’t explain: a lifeless hand, a lipsticked mouth, a man,
a gun... Can he piece the clues together and figure out the truth of his past? For ages 14+.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  There was the unknown, the dark, the cold and the emptiness to contend with out there, but those concepts are all relative.  Cold compared to what? A dead hand? Dark compared to what? Unblinking eyes? At times the ocean seemed full beside my emptiness.  At times it was the one knowable thing in my world.

The Dead I Know is a story that comes together like pieces of a puzzle.  It is dark, mysterious and refreshingly different read.


This story is so different from what I expected but in a good way. I wasn't expecting it to be such a gritty and emotional read.  There are many scene in this book that made want to hug Aaron, the main character, and say it is going to be okay.  This story shows how hard life can be sometimes especially when you are trying to do it on your own.  But that being said they were also some very funny moments and overall it was had somewhat of a hopeful feel.


Another thing I enjoyed about this book is I never knew what to expect.   It is a story that constantly surprised me.  I was completely stunned about Aaron's past.   It just unravelled wonderfully.   


However, I did struggle with the style of writing at the beginning.  It probably took me about 30 or so pages to get use it.   Also there was also a few squeamish scenes.


My favourite thing about this story is the unique bunch of characters especially Aaron.  He is a multi-layered character and it doesn't take long to become emotional invested in him.  And the secondary characters Mr Barton and Skye were very entertaining.


Overall, The Dead I Know is a fast paced and compulsive read.  I recommend for this fans of contemps who like them a little gritty and raw and also to male readers.


Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Plot:4/5
Characters:4/5
Romance: N/A
Cover: 3.5/5 - Matches well with the story and a cover that makes you curious about what is inside the pages.  


For more info:  Visit Scot Gardner's website.


For more reviews:  The Tales of Compendium


*** This is an Aussie author for those of you participating in the Aussie YA Reading Challenge.

Book Review: Enticed by Jessica Shirvington

Enticed (Book 2: The Violet Eden Chapters) by Jessica Shirvington
Release date: 10th April, 2011 
Source: Thanks to Hachette Australia

CONSEQUENCE HAUNTS EVERY CHOICE

Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengeance of exiled angels.
Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.
The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  "I don't when I feel asleep, only that his arms stayed wrapped around me the entire time.  For the first time I could remember, when I dreamed the sun shone brightly and the world was as it should be.  A dream.
  In the end, though, we all wake up.....Don't we?"

Before reading Enticed I was a little bit nervous as I had mixed feelings about Embraced the first book in the series.  But I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this installment. 

Again I liked Shirvington prose.  Simple yet elegant.  The plot this time had less romantic drama.  In Embrace I felt like it overwhelmed the rest of the storyline.  This time there was a nice balance of romance and action and adventure.  Enticed is also full of plenty of unexpected twists and turns making for an edge of your seat read.

Violet felt like a more believable character.  In Embrace I couldn't see her as a 17 year old girl (I felt like she was 25) but this time she seemed her age and a more down to earth character.  Violet is also stronger and smarter.   And I am really liking the character she is becoming.

Shirvington knows how to write romance.  Violet and Lincoln have some sizzling chemistry.  Sparks were flying, especially in those delicious kissing scenes.   And it felt like more than just physical attraction but rather a deeper connection.  

The only problem that I still have is the relationship between Violet and her Dad.  I find it hard to believe.  I hope in the final instalment he has a stronger presence in the story line.  As well as resolving some of the issues they have with their relationship. 

Overall, Shirvington delivers a page turning novel that is full of passion, romance, action and suspense.  I am very curious to see how it is all going to end in the final installment Emblaze.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
Romance: 4/5
Cover: 3.5/5 - I love how the cover matches with the first one and the gorgeous earth tone colours.

For more info:  Visit The Violet Eden Chapters website.

For more reviews:  ALPHA Reader

Aussie YA May Releases

I know I am super late with this month's Aussie releases due to my holiday.  But here they finally are:

Tatony by Amanda Braxton Smith 

I don't know how to classify this book, so check out the link.

Released in Australia on 1st May 2011.  No international date.

A Pocketful of Eyes by Lili Wilkinson

A little bit of mystery, romance and humour.

Australia 1st May, 2011.  Ebook available internationally.

Just A Girl by Jane Caro

Historical fiction.

Australia 2nd May, 2011 - International no date.

The Dead I Know by Scot Gardner

Suspenseful contemp.

Australia 1st May, 2011 - E-book available Internationally

Little Sister by Aimee Said

Contemporary fiction.

Australia 1st May, 2011 - International no date 

Exile by Rebecca Lim

Paranormal - angels (Book #2)

Australia 6th May, 2011 - International 9th June from TBD (also ebook from same date)

Most of these titles are available to be posted internationally from fishpond.com.au

Also would you like to see any of these titles on the GO AUSSIE BOOK TOUR?