BOOK REVIEW - THE RUBY CIRCLE by RICHELLE MEAD - BLOODLINES # 6 - PENGUIN - RAZORBILL - YA PARANORMAL

By: Richelle Mead
Published By: Penguin, Razorbill
Released: Available Now
Details: Paperback from publisher for honest review

RATING: 3.75 STARS!

The epic conclusion to Richelle Mead's New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series is finally here...

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

After their secret romance is exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead’s New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series. When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world.


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I want to start by saying how much I adored the Vampire Academy series and I have loved the Bloodlines series.

I never quite found that five star rating for the Bloodlines series, but I enjoyed it and am sad it has come to an end.

I have read ALL Richelle’s adult series, except the Age of X. I have both books and started the first book.

Now comes the highly difficult part of reviewing.

I will be honest and say The Ruby Circle was not my fave in this series. It is just my one personal opinion as I can see on Goodreads a lot of readers have loved it, and some feel like I do. It is not because it is the last book in the series, it simply wasn’t grabbing me.

I think if I had a couple Jill povs and felt the danger from her side ... but Jill was just there in the background somewhere lost as everybody tried to find her, it may have added something for me.

Adrian, my love, I am not sure how I feel about you in this last book, so I won’t voice my opinion. Simply put, I lost you a bit in this one.

I missed Hopper, whatever happened to the little guy? Maybe I forgot about something from Silver Shadows. My bad if I have.

This one took me a lot longer to read because I usually smash them out in a couple days. I still rate very well, but it wasn’t my fave.

Richelle is an incredible writer and it is my fault, probably, that I didn’t dig this last instalment as much.

I look forward to whatever Richelle brings us next whether it be YA or Adult or NA.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - SILVER SHADOWS by RICHELLE MEAD - BLOODLINES # 5 - PENGUIN - YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE

By: Richelle Mead

Published By : Penguin

Released : Available Now

Details : Paperback from publisher for honest review, 380 Pages

RATING: 4 ADRIAN STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.

Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive.

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him. . . .

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I ALWAYS look forward to reading anything Richelle writes. The only series I am working my way through is Age of X. I have started Gameboard of the Gods. Everything else I have consumed in both her YA and Adult genres.

Bloodlines is a series I really enjoy. I keep waiting for that five star read for me to personally slap down. I am always close to giving it, but something holds me back.

This book is no exception. I did really enjoy this installment. 

Sydney is such a great character, no matter what is thrown at her, she pulls through.

I feel like there is more to come from Sydney in The Ruby Circle, Bloodlines # 6, what I mean is there feels like unfinished business with what Sydney went through in this installment. 

I actually feel like there are a few things that come under, ‘unfinished business’ in this installment that I wonder if they will be addressed in The Ruby Circle. I wait hoping for that closure.

ADRIAN!!

ADRIAN!!

ADRIAN!!

How I do LOVE thee...BUT!!! ADRIAN!!!

Now I totally dig what Richelle was presenting me within this installment with his character.

I. Do.

Doesn’t mean I liked it.

Adrian has struggled with his addictions and his Spirit gift, ever since we have known him. We all know that and we love him for his struggle and he is flawed. He knows it as much as we do.

BUT!!!

“What is it with you and girls, Adrian, dear? Why do they either mean nothing to you or everything? It's always an extreme."

"Because I don't do things in halves, mom. Especially when it comes to love.”


This is where I face plant and try hard to control how I feel about Adrian’s actions in this installment.

I am left feeling a little disappointed in you, young man. 

I totally understand you slipped back into your old ways, but the one thing for me personally and it is my personal thoughts, I have been waiting for that Rose and Dimitri moment. What I mean is, when Dimitri was turned Strigoi, Rose went all out to get that man back and she did what she needed to do. She didn’t go partying and drinking and ...and...and...

I CAN’T EVEN SAY ONE THING.

Yes, I know Richelle wrote Adrian deliberately this way...but...* face plant *

Why?

I want to clarify, I do love Richelle’s writing talent and I do love all her characters and I love all her stories she has written, but... this was Adrian’s moment to shine and ...

* face plant * 

I want to point out that not everybody will feel the same as me, I just have this passionate thing where I wanted Adrian to go all out and be the hero, bust down some doors, get Rose and Dimitri involved and...well this is me writing the story and I am not the author. I need to put the brakes on. 

He did indeedy eventually rise to the challenge. Doors were busted, other characters did come out to play...but...

I think Jill was forgotten a bit and again I understand what Richelle was doing here and what we further learn. I think what I am trying to say is more could have been going on in the first half of the book in a more exciting manner, my personal thoughts, as other readers could be quite satisfied with the way things played out and that is cool.

The story really got going for me in the latter part of this installment. I enjoyed the book until well over half way mark, but it wasn’t grabbing me by the throat like the others did.


Adrian came through in the end, but I wanted this Knight and I got a guy partying all night. Maybe I am thinking too Rose and Dimitri and their passion for each other that has no barriers. There are of course different rules for the human that Sydney is and the Moroi that Adrian is. 

Politics, people!

But, shiz, politics did not stop Rose. She broke rules.

Adrian is a rule breaker.

“Are you in a suit?” I managed at last, my voice chocking up. “You didn’t have to dress up for me.”

“Quiet, Sage,” he said. “I’ll make the hilarious one-liners during this daring rescue.”


Normally I can get a lot of Adrian quotes/funnies from each installment in this series, but this time round, not so much. Naturally it was a more subdued story due to Sydney in the red corner and Adrian in the blue corner, literally. Possibly a pun in there somewhere.

I still rate it highly, but I think five books in I was expecting more after the ending to The Fiery Heart.

I wanted Adrian’s heart to be all FIRED UP in this installment and he got sloppy and told us things, but actions speak louder than words... Mister!

I kept wanting him to snap out of it earlier and go all Rambo and get his merry band of characters to help him get Sydney back. I saw so much more that could have happened.

Now, I can’t even name one person. 

Talk-to-the-hand-because-the-face-don't-wanna-know.

Those who have read, will know who I mean.

Again, well played Richelle.

I think I was looking for so much more from Adrian’s pov. But that is just me personally. I will still give this book four stars because it did invoke emotions in me, some were frustrated and others were for Sydney and what she went through. And then of course Richelle gave us something special.

I do highly recommend Vampire Academy series, then follow it on by Bloodlines. This wasn’t my favorite book in this series, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

In saying that , there were a couple fave moments near the end.

*wink* 

Michelle

#VAMovie #Frostbite MOVIE REVIEW - VAMPIRE ACADEMY - RICHELLE MEAD YA PARANORMAL SERIES - STUDIOCANAL

5 STAR MOVIE

I had such a great time at the movies with my daughter who is only 11yrs old. Mini-me really enjoyed Vampire Academy the movie and I did too.

Big Thankyou to Caroline at Studiocanal for giving me a double pass. I would have gone regardless as I am a HUGE fan of the VA book series. Mini-me thought I was rather spesh to get a free pass.

I have learnt not to recap a book before the movie version comes out. I had read Vampire Academy # 1 quite a while ago and I got some nice surprises because I had forgotten some of the story line.

I did get a couple jump scares too. I think my daughter rolled her eyes at me and I got a , "Muuuumm!" Only because I made her jump too.

HA!

Zoey Deutch did such a great job of Rose.

I believed she was Rose.

I loved the chemistry between Rose and Vasilisa, played by Aussie Lucy Fry. Zoey and Lucy work so well together on the big screen.

Dimitri, played by Russian actor/model, Danila Kovslosky, fit the character from the books, I thought , so well. He has some great fight scenes and he just looks like Dimitri and how I visualized him when reading. The accent just brought it all home.

Rawrrr!

Dominic Sherwood brought Christian to life, he is rather pretty to look at. He played Christian well.

The Academy was a brilliant historic piece of architecture. I just wanted to run about the grounds.

The Strigoi enabled some great fighting scenes with Dimitri swinging that leg about and using his silver stabby thingy and Rose showed me how all that training she went through prior to filming paid off. 

I loved all the clothes. Especially Rose's. I was lusting after her jackets and her hair!

The humorous lines that popped up every now and then, really added that little something more to the movie. I am looking forward to the next movie. 

There is one quote from this book that I have never forgotten and it is used in the movie. I was actually saying it along with the character. My daughter thought I was a little weird and told me to ssshh. I was saying it with as much passion as I could muster. 

I remembered every word. I think I did slightly impress her.

I am quite bouncy for another movie. I wanted to keep on watching the books all play out on the big screen one after the other.

I think everybody who worked on this movie did such a brilliant job. Music, costumes, makeup, sets... BRILLIANT!

Hopefully we get Frostbite...soon!! 

I am getting old here people!

Double Thumbs up for this adaptation of Vampire Academy. I can't wait to get to the book / movie that made me cry.

Michelle

There is a petition for Frostbite There are 12,500 names on it, they need more. I just went and put my name down. It is easy.

Go like their FB page Click on this link.

GIVEAWAY - 5 DOUBLE PASSES TO VAMPIRE ACADEMY THE MOVIE UP FOR GRABS - STUDIOCANAL

Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, half-human and half-vampire, training to be a guardian of the Moroi, peaceful, mortal vampires living discretely within our world. Her legacy is to protect the Moroi from bloodthirsty, immortal vampires, the Strigoi. Along with her best friend, Princess Vasilisa Dragomir, a Moroi and the last of her family line, with whom she has a nigh unbreakable bond, Rose must run away from her school St. Vladimir's, in order to protect Lissa from those who wish to harm the princess and use her for their own means.

So what did you think of that trailer?

I absolutely LOVE VA series with a YA passion. All my reviews are on the left hand side bar on the blog. Richelle Mead wrote this series so well.

StudioCanal is kindly donating 5 double passes to see Vampire Academy the movie which opens on March 6th in Australia. They are kindly giving me a movie pass too. So I am there!! 

BIG THANK YOU to StudioCanal.

Woot!!! 

Who will you take if you win?

GIVEAWAY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

Be Australian Resident

Leave a comment with the answer to this Q:

Which scene is your favorite in any of the VA books?

If You haven't read them, give me a character name from the movie.

I will choose 2 winners based on most creative answer

3 winners based on Random Org choosing winners.

Please leave contact details either facebook , twitter or email addy.

STARTS NOW

ENDS 2ND MARCH 2014

Good Luck!!!!

BOOK REVIEW - THE FIERY HEART by RICHELLE MEAD - BLOODLINES # 4 - YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE - PENGUIN

By: Richelle Mead

Published By: Penguin, Razor Bill

Released: Available Now

Details: Paperback from publisher for honest review, 420 Pages

RATING: 4.5 OH, ADRIAN! STARS

Blurb: Goodreads

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this smoldering fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I am a HUGE fan of Richelle Mead’s writing. I have read everything but her Age of X series. I am waiting to read Gameboard of The Gods and The Immortal Crown, together.

I always enjoy reading an installment in the Bloodlines series. Adrian is very deserving of his spinoff series. He is so different to Dimitri from Vampire Academy.

He will always put a smile on my face.

I won't lie. Walking into a room and seeing your girlfriend reading a baby-name book can kind of make your heart stop.

"I'm no expert," I began, choosing my words carefully. "Well- actually, I am. And I'm pretty sure there are certain things we have to do before you need to be reading that."

"Easy there, Lancelot," Adrian said. "I don't think bowing is required when she's in jeans and bunny slippers."


Ok, my honest thoughts on The Fiery Heart were, I did enjoy it, very much so. Adrian can make me laugh at his wit as much as he can make me feel sad at his more vulnerable side.

The Fiery Heart is told from dual pov’s. Adrian and Sydney allow us into their heads. This I very much enjoyed. I really feel like I know Adrian better from this installment. Richelle really lets us see another side to Adrian. He really showed me how much he was struggling with Spirit. How it truly was affecting him and something needed to change.

Well, more than one thing needed to change.

Adrian becomes responsible for his actions.

"Don't look like that. Everything's going to be okay. The center will hold."

"How do you know?"

"Because we are the center."

There are two sides to Adrian, the one he keeps hidden from nearly everyone except Jill and Sydney. 

If Sydney was the main calming force in my life, Jill was the second. She was only fifteen, seven years younger than me, but there was a grace and wisdom that radiated from her already. Sydney might be the love of my life, but Jill understood me in a way no one else could. 

And the side that most Moroi and dhampir’s who know him expect to see. 

Even Rose expects the female juggling, drunk, casual Adrian.

But Adrian is changing and slowly letting the wiser Adrian take a big step forward.

I would have liked this installment to have been faster paced in some areas. I did find it slowed down when we were learning more about the vulnerable Adrian and watching him decide what he needed to do to be a better, Adrian.

For himself and for Sydney.

Sydney is smart, thoughtful, brave, ever present, always juggling a lot of things for everybody. She is dealing with her sister, father issues, boyfriend issues, learning magic, becoming the resident Einstein and keeping a lid on a lot of secrets.

Is it too much?

Will she trip herself up?

Sydney is Alchemist, match maker, friend, lover, investigator, guidance counselor, Einstein. Basically she is always kept busy. She is respected by her peers. Sometimes you can forget how young Sydney is. She is very mature for her age. She carries a lot on her shoulders.

I loved having Marcus, Eddie, Angeline, Dimitri, Trey... along for the ride, even though they had small parts. I am hoping the lads will come in handy in Silver Shadows.

I can’t forget Malachi Wolfe. He is always a fun character.

I felt I knew where The Fiery Heart was heading after The Indigo Spell finished, but that became a very small part of this book. I had this whole action packed theory with where I thought this book was almost certainly going to be headed.

Which it did... eventually.

I have this thing about Hopper. I can't help thinking the little beastie is here for a reason. 

I also have another theory that involves the two who are co parenting Hopper.

Will I be right?

Time will tell.

I must laugh I just went and checked out my review for The Indigo Spell and I did make a comment about a couple characters that totally came true. J

Again I was theorizing.

I will admit I was hovering between 4.25 and 4.5 stars for this installment. I had even written my review up as 4.25 stars, sat on it overnight,  but then I changed it. The more I wrote this review the more I still really liked this installment, even though the action was lacking, I just love reading about Adrian. I simply couldn't bring myself to put a 4.25 rating on this book. 

BUT!!!

I expect big things from Silver Shadows. I mean how can it not, after those last few chapters. 

“Don’t take the high ground and assume you already know what you’ll do. The truth is, when it comes to someone you love, you’ll find there isn’t anything you won’t do.”

I must admit I was sitting there the whole book waiting for it to happen. 

Richelle is getting tough on her characters. This is what I want to see. I want some gritty , tough shiz going on. Shake the story line up. Give me those emotions that leap off the page like I got from Shadow Kiss and Blood Promise and Spirit Bound. Make my heart ache and all that good 3D stuff you get from an excellent read.

Adrian was making my heart ache in Vampire Academy. I wanna see that hit me in the face in Silver Shadows. That raw emotion. 

Bring. It. On.

I did feel like The Fiery Heart was true to its title and was about Adrian and Sydney’s relationship and it getting more heated and them understanding each other more.

I just received the Shadow Kiss graphic novel from Penguin and I did blush , lol! ( nah not really ) at the Dimitri and Roza love scene.

After reading this book I think there will be a few pages of Sydrian in the hopefully , eventual , graphic novel for Bloodlines series and The Fiery Heart to rival Dimitri and Roza's nuddy page.

Heheheeee!

Well... there were a few fiery hearts in this book.

Zoe, I could have given her a stinky dead fish slap quite early into the book. She just assumed too much when it came to Sydney. She was a bit bratty. I know that she has a lot of growing up to do and that was part of her personality.

She played the part well.

I feel gahhh * face plant *, * smacks head repeatedly on wall* , bouncy... that I have to wait until July 2014 to read Silver Shadows. I think this is going to be the action filled book.

I hope so.

I did miss the action in this one. There was a little, but it was more about relationships and those that were developing, those that were struggling to remain just friends and then of course the * waggle eyebrows * moments with Adrian and Sydney.

“Relax, having kids is years away. But can you imagine? Your brains, my charm, our collective good looks... then add in the usual physical abilities dhampirs get. It's really not even fair to everyone else.” 

I simply love Adrian and all his flaws. He isn’t perfect and he knows it. He is used to hiding behind alcohol and the low expectations others have of him, but now seeing him in a new light and his enviable love for Sydney I know Silver Shadows is going to rock my kazbah.

I have been waiting for the one book in this series to rock my kazbah like Spirit Bound from Vampire Academy rocked me.

I can already see from the last few chapters of The Fiery Heart that I am going to be in for an emotional ride in Silver Shadows.

centrum permanebit

Michelle

MOVIE TRAILER - BLOOD SISTERS - VAMPIRE ACADEMY - AWESOME TEASER!!

HELL YEAH!!!

CHECK OUT DIMITRI AND ROSE

Note on you calendar 14th February 2014 is the kickoff!

Michelle

SOME OF THE BOOKS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO READING - NOVELS ON THE RUN

PRINCE OF SHADOWS

RACHEL CAINE

DUE FOR RELEASE - 4TH FEBRUARY 2014

Goodreads

A standalone built around the character of Benvolio, from Romeo and Juliet. The novel will be told from the point of view of Benvolio, who is Romeo’s cousin and, in Shakespeare’s play, attempts to get the lovelorn Montague interested in other girls after it’s discovered that Juliet is a member of the clan his family despises: the Capulets. Caine’s novel, her agent said, explores a scenario in which Romeo and Juliet are not the only couple to fall into dire romantic straits and is “a tale of intrigue, betrayal, hatred, and tragedy,” about “lovers lost, and lovers found.” (From Publisher's Weekly)

This was all taken from an email with news from Rachel Caine. I was trying to find it on her web page. I found all the Morganville etc stuff so I have copied it and pasted it here. I was trying for the link but I took the news from the email in the end. So below are all Rachel Caine's words, not mine.

Yes, that is one smoking hot cover - I could not be more pleased with it! I think it perfectly reflects the lush setting and tone of the story, and it's just flat-out amazing work by artist Michael Heath.

Prince of Shadows is a real adventure for me ... I wanted to retell the story of Romeo and Juliet, be faithful to the period and the events of the play, and yet put an entirely new interpretation on the events. So this is the play you know, but trust me ... you do not know this story. Benvolio Montague is our guide through the tale, and from his unique perspective we'll learn secrets and lies, triumph and tragedy in entirely new ways.

Here's a quick sample from the novel ...

I stood in the dark corner of my enemy’s house, and thought of murder.

In his bed, Tybalt Capulet snored and drooled like a toothless old woman. I marveled as I thought of how the women of Verona -- from dewy-eyed maids to dignified ladies -- fell swooning in his wake. If they could see him like this (a drunken, undignified mess in sodden linen) they'd have run shrieking to the arms of their fathers and husbands.

It would make a good, vivid story to retell, but only among my closest and dearest.

I turned a dagger restlessly in my gloved hand, feeling that murderous tingle working its way through my veins, but I was no assassin. I was not here to kill. I'd come stealthily into his house, into his rooms, for a purpose.

Tybalt, the heir of Capulet, swaggered the streets of Verona and used wit like weapons; that was nothing new among our class of young cocks. He was never above offering insults, to low or high, when opportunity came. Today, he'd offended my house. House Montague.

The victim was a serving girl. Insults to servants didn't call for open challenges from those of my station, but still, it pricked me, seeing the self-satisfied grin on Tybalt's face as he emerged from that rank little alcove where he’d reduced her to tears; I’d seen her run from him red-faced, holding the tattered rags of her clothes together. He'd injured the girl only to prove his contempt for my house, and that required an answer.

It required revenge, and that was something that I, Benvolio Montague, would serve him – not in the streets, in open war, but here, in the dark. Tonight, I was clad head to toe in disguise, and there was nothing about me to indicate my station, or my house. Tonight, I was a thief -- the best thief in Verona. They called me the Prince of Shadows. For three years, I had stolen from my peers without being caught, and tonight … tonight would be no different.

Except that it was different. My hands felt hot and restless. So easy to drag a dagger across that hated throat, but murder spawned murder, and I didn't want to kill Tybalt. There had been enough of that between our two houses; the streets ran slick with spilled blood. No ... I wanted to humiliate him. I wanted to knock him from his perch as the man of the hour.

I had the will, and the access. All that remained now was to choose how to hurt him best. Tybalt was the God-crowned heir of Capulet; he was rich, indulged, and careless. I needed to wound him where it counted -- in the eyes of his family, and preferably in the eyes of all Verona.

Ah. I spotted a gleam as something caught the light on the floor. I crossed to the corner where he'd dumped a tangle of clothing, and found the jeweled emblem pinned to his doublet -- a gaudy piece, in Capulet colors, one that would feed even a well-done-by merchant family for a year. No doubt he'd underpaid for it, as well; Tybalt was more likely to terrify honest men into bargains than pay fairly. I added the prize to my purse, and then drew Tybalt's rapier from its sheath, slowly and carefully. It came free with a soft, singing ring of steel, and I turned it in the moonlight, assessing the quality. Very fine, and engraved with his name and crest. A lovely weapon. A personal weapon.
He did not deserve such a beautiful thing.

I sheathed it and belted it on, opposite my own rapier. As the heir of Capulet snored, drunken and oblivious, I pulled off my black cap and bowed with perfect form, just the way I would have been honor-bound to greet him if we'd had the mischance to meet on the street. Under the breath-moistened black silk of my mask, I was smiling, but it felt more like a grimace.

"Good night, sweet prince, thou poxy son of a dog," I whispered. Tybalt smacked his lips, mumbled drunkenly, and rolled over. In seconds, he was snoring again, loud as a grinding-wheel against a knife.

I slipped out of the door of his apartments, past his equally dozy servant, and considered my exit from the Capulet palace. The obvious was to return the way I'd entered, but I'd come in during the height of the busy afternoon, carrying a box of supplies from a provisioner's wagon. I'd spent the day admiring the brickwork of the Capulet cellars. Going out the same way was unlikely; the kitchen door was almost certainly locked and guarded now.

Out through the narrow gardens, then. Once I was beyond the wall’s high stone barrier, I would be just another bravo on the moonlit streets, making for my bed.

I went up the stairs, taking them two at a time; my soft leather shoes made no sound on the polished marble. I'd worn gray to blend into the ever-present stone and brick of Verona; in the shadows, there was nothing better with which to disappear. Even here, inside the quiet house, it was a reasonably good disguise. I ghosted past murky squares of paintings upon the walls, and a candelabra with two still-burning tapers (a true sign of family wealth); the tapestry at the top of the stairs was rich and very tempting to steal, but too heavy, and I had enough trophies already.

Upstairs was women's country. Lady Capulet would have the largest and most lavish quarters, to the right -- the grand palace was almost a mirror of my own family's, in many ways. That meant the girls would have the smaller apartments to the left -- the oldest, Rosaline, said to be studious and bookish, was probably well asleep by now. She'd have the far rooms, since she was only a cousin, not the lady's own daughter. She was Tybalt's sister, arrived in Verona only a few months before, and kept shut up hard in the palace. I’d heard a rumor she was nothing like her loathsome brother, at least; that was to her credit.

There was no servant on duty at her door, and when I tried it, I found it unlocked. A trusting lot, these Capulets, at least within their own walls. I slipped the latch and stepped quietly inside, only to find that the room wasn't as dark as I'd hoped. There was a low-burning fire crackling on the hearth, and a candle flickering on the table. It scarcely mattered if the girl had left lights burning, as the bed curtains were pulled. She'd hear and see nothing through the thick coverings. I took reasonable care not to allow the floor to creak as I crossed it, and I was almost to the window when I realized that I had erred.
Badly.

Rosaline Capulet was not in bed. She was, instead, perched in a chair on the far side of the table, reading a slim book.

I saw her before she saw me. Candlelight dusted her skin with gold, and flickered in her large, dark eyes; her neck was swan-graceful, and her slender hands cupped the spine of the volume with care. She wore a simple lawn night-gown. I could make out the shadowed curves of her body beneath the white fabric. She had put her midnight-dark hair into a long braid for the night, and was thoughtfully twirling one end of it as she read.

No one had warned me she was beautiful.

THE KING - BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD # 12

J.R. WARD

DUE FOR RELEASE : 25TH MARCH 2014

The newest installment in J.R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Wrath and the Brotherhood are locked in an epic battle over his throne and the very future of the vampire race.

THE DREAM THIEVES - THE RAVEN CYCLE # 2

MAGGIE STIEFVATER

DUE FOR RELEASE - 17TH SEPTEMBER 2013

The second installment in the all-new series from the masterful, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater!

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after...

KINSLAYER - THE LOTUS WAR # 2

JAY KRISTOFF

DUE FOR RELEASE - 17TH SEPTEMBER 2013

A SHATTERED EMPIRE

The mad Shōgun Yoritomo has been assassinated by the Stormdancer Yukiko, and the threat of civil war looms over the Shima Imperium. The Lotus Guild conspires to renew the nation’s broken dynasty and crush the growing rebellion simultaneously – by endorsing a new Shōgun who desires nothing more than to see Yukiko dead.

A DARK LEGACY

Yukiko and the mighty thunder tiger Buruu have been cast in the role of heroes by the Kagé rebellion. But Yukiko herself is blinded by rage over her father’s death, and her ability to hear the thoughts of beasts is swelling beyond her power to control. Along with Buruu, Yukiko’s anchor is Kin, the rebel Guildsman who helped her escape from Yoritomo’s clutches. But Kin has his own secrets, and is haunted by visions of a future he’d rather die than see realized.

A GATHERING STORM

Kagé assassins lurk within the Shōgun’s palace, plotting to end the new dynasty before it begins. A waif from Kigen’s gutters begins a friendship that could undo the entire empire. A new enemy gathers its strength, readying to push the fracturing Shima imperium into a war it cannot hope to survive. And across raging oceans, amongst islands of black glass, Yukiko and Buruu will face foes no katana or talon can defeat.

The ghosts of a blood-stained past.

ALLEGIANT - DIVERGENT # 3

VERONICA ROTH

DUE FOR RELEASE - 22ND OCTOBER 2013

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

DARKNESS SPLINTERED - DARK ANGELS # 6

KERI ARTHUR

DUE FOR RELEASE - 5TH NOVEMBER 2013

When Risa loses the second key to hell, she angers several powerful people, and she’s starting to feel the pressure from all sides. She gets a visit from her father, who gives her an ultimatum: Get back the key or he will kill her friends.

Risa also finds herself under the scrutiny of the vampire council, some of whom consider her a monster who should be destroyed. But they offer her a bloody bargain: Take on the lethal head of the council, Madeline Hunter, and others will support her.

As the search for the keys to hell heats up, Risa realizes that she has no choice. For the sake of the people she loves, she must find the keys — and get rid of Hunter — before the second gate is opened and brings the world closer to all hell breaking loose...

THE FIERY HEART - BLOODLINES # 4

RICHELLE MEAD

DUE FOR RELEASE - 19TH NOVEMBER 2013

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

VAMPIRE SEEKER - SAMMY CARTER # 1

TIM O'ROURKE

DUE FOR RELEASE - 14TH JANUARY 2014
Was Self Published , now Piatkus Publishing

Samantha Carter believes that a vampire is responsible for the brutal deaths of four women in Whitechapel, London, England. Each murder is identical to those committed a hundred years before by a very different serial killer. 

Desperate to prove the killer’s identity, Samantha follows him onto a late night tube train. But Samantha doesn’t reach the next station and finds herself on a very different journey, where she discovers vampires are very real and far more dangerous than she had ever imagined. To stay alive, Samantha needs to figure out why things have gone so terribly wrong for her – and more importantly, why she is out of time? 

‘Vampire Seeker’ is Book One in the Samantha Carter Series. 

“...Tim O'Rourke has ventured into the adult genre with a spectacular entrance. 'Samantha Carter - Vampire Seeker' is a whole lot of brain gymnastics and fun, not to mention some awesome new characters for us to get to know and enjoy. All I am going to say is chapter 23!!!! I do blush!” – Novels On The Run.

“...O'Rourke has once again written a wonderful novel filled with mystery and intrigue, and it definitely piqued my interest and kept me guessing.” – A BookVacation

“...Sammy was shameless and totally consumed by the moment I can't believe Tim wrote it!” – Talk Supe

**This is a mature New Adult Novel**

BURNED - FEVER # 7

KAREN MARIE MONING

DUE FOR RELEASE - 22ND APRIL 2014

The next book in #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning's Fever series featuring beloved characters Mac and Dani O'Malley. Iced, the latest in the series, ended with a BANG and Burned will pick up right where that left off, delivering another shockingly suspenseful adventure set in the Fever world.

Story Locale: Ireland

Series Overview: Moning's new urban paranormal trilogy is connected to the world of her blockbuster Fever series that fans have grown to know and love, picking up right where Shadowfever (1/11) left off. Featuring beloved characters from the Fever novels, including Christian MacKelter, Ryodan, Mac and Barron and others, this seductive series hinges upon a powerful, tough-talking teen sidhe seer as she battles dark forces to bring justice to light.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - SHADOW HEIR by RICHELLE MEAD - DARK SWAN # 4 - BANTAM BOOKS - 4.5 STARS!

By: Richelle Mead
Published By: Bantam, Random House
Released: Available Now
Details: Paperback from library, 390 Pages

RATING: 4.5 UNPREDICTABLE ENDING STARS!

Blurb : Goodreads

#1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead returns to the Otherworld, a mystic land inextricably linked to our own--and balanced precariously on one woman's desperate courage...

Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld...

The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice...

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle :

I have wrapped up yet another Richelle Mead series. Woot!

I must say I have mixed feelings about how Richelle ended this series. I understand Eugenie and her fears, but gahhhhhh!! It almost leaves an opening for a rather explosive book # 5. 

Now that, I would read!

I know this is the end of the series..... but, if you read this series and get to the end of Shadow Heir you will understand what I mean.

I would never take points off my review for the ending as I think it was deliberately written to shock. I like that! Richelle gave readers something to talk about and no doubt complain about, lol!!

Fear will make people do things they may regret later. Bottom line, Eugenie has a great fear for her children’s lives and it is currently out weighing maybe the logic of what is right.

I thought this was a great wrap up to a series. I think I would have liked Kiyo being a bit more lethal as he seemed almost too mellow when he entered the storyline...considering.

Oh, the couple twists thrown in were brilliant! I also think somebody needs a bit of a stinky dead fish slap for .... well, I can’t say.

What I can say is Richelle gave me a dangerous quest, a villain who appeared a bit over the edge with the plan that really wasn’t going to succeed, not with Dorian fighting alongside Eugenie, they really do make a good pair and twists that will shock.

I do love Dorian. Richelle allowed that man to evolve. He became very loveable. He has such a quirk to his character one moment, an almost laid back approach in another and then he is the hero in another moment. It was a case of what ‘Dorian’ am I going to have now. I do so love his banter. It is very much owned by him. I also love when I can see a glimpse of him letting down his walls around Eugenie and showing that caring side, minus the banter.That uber smexi side that came out in the early books.

Yowzer!

“I don’t know. Tell me the essentials. What are they like? What are their names? Are they really in good health after being born so early?”

“Their names are Isaac and Ivy,” I began.

“Isaac?” he repeated.

“It’s a nice name. A human name.”

“I’m aware. But it’s not the name I’d give to a conqueror of worlds,” explained Dorian. He considered. “I would’ve gone with Thundro or Ragnor. I might just call him Thundro anyway.”



“But tell me, how are you handling all of it?”



“Why, hello,” he said cheerfully. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything. I was just passing by and thought I’d see if your charming hovel needed any patching. My magic’s quite good at summoning dirt and rocks for convenient household usage.”



Dorian scoffed. “Little Thundro? A terror? hardly, unless perhaps we’re discussing diapers.”



“But it’s very reasonable,” he teased. “I have skills no-one else can teach your children. And it’s be a shame not to pass on my legendary charm and charisma on to the next generation. A tragedy, even.”

“Legendary, huh? That might be an exaggeration.”

“It’s truth, my dear. And I’m willing to put it all at your disposal --- I’m willing to put anything at your disposal --- if it’ll help you and yours. As I keep saying: What wouldn’t I do for you?”


Candace and Charles I adore these two. Candace is quite the character. 

Before I could even muster an answer, she turned and yelled, “Charles, wake up! Just like we practiced!”

And to my astonishment, it appeared they really had been practicing this. I was glad someone had because I certainly hadn’t.


Evan is an addition that has the reader wondering.

I so love Roland. He is just a stand up guy. Always there with a plan and a helping hand.

Volusian, he almost appeared helpful. I really liked his character throughout this series. I wouldn’t trust him, but at the same time, he seemed obliging in this book. 

“Yes, mistress,” he agreed. “And were it up to me, I assure you, I would stay out of your presence for as long as possible, unless I was coming to end your life and rip you limb from limb.”


I personally think Richelle tied up most of her ends.....well there is that ending that is rather..errrr....let’s just say Richelle will pull at your heart strings with that ending.

It wasn’t predictable and I give the thumbs up for that!

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - THE INDIGO SPELL by RICHELLE MEAD - BLOODLINES # 3 - PENGUIN - 4.5 ENDEARING ADRIAN STARS!!

By: Richelle Mead

Published By: Penguin, Razor Bill

Released : February 12th 2013

Details : Digital, Net Galley, 432 Pages

RATING : 4.5 ENDEARING ADRIAN STARS!!

Blurb: Goodreads

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I pretty much devour anything written by Richelle Mead. I am already looking forward to book # 4 in Bloodlines.

Why?

Because I loved The Indigo Spell.

Because I LOVE Adrian.

Because Adrian makes me laugh and go, ‘awwwwwwww....’ 

“Sweet talker,” I scoffed. “You didn’t know anything about me the first time we met.”

“I knew you were beautiful,” he said. “I just hoped for the rest.” 

Adrian is gorgeous, funny, endearing and patient in The Indigo Spell. He is less emotionally distressed like he was in Vampire Academy. He is trying a different approach with Sydney. He has learnt from his mistakes.


“But we are not posing as a couple again.”

“Are you sure?” he said. His tone was lighter now, turning him back into the Adrian I knew. “ Because I’ve got a lot more terms of endearment to use. Honey pie. Sugarplum. Bread pudding.”

“Why are they all high-calorie foods?” I asked. I didn’t want to encourage him, but the question slipped out before I could stop it. “And bread pudding isn’t really that romantic.”

We had reached Wendy’s door. “Do you want me to call you celery stick instead?” he asked. “It just doesn’t inspire the same warm and fuzzy feelings.”


I have amassed a pile of quotes that make me want to rugby tackle Sydney out of the way and take Adrian for myself. The guy is just killing me with his patience and drive to be Sydney’s friend and be there for her. He is protecting his heart as much as he can.



“Adrian!” I felt my temper beginning to flare. “This isn’t a joke.”

“I know. It’s certainly not to me. And that’s why I’m not going to give you a hard time.” He paused dramatically. “I’ll just love you whether you want me to or not.”

......”Whether I want you to or not? What on earth does that mean?”

Adrian grimaced . “Sorry. That came off creepier than I intended. I just mean, I don’t care if you say we can’t be together. I don’t care if you think I’m the most evil, unnatural creature walking the earth.”

.....”You can think whatever you want, do whatever you want,” Adrian continued, unaware of my traitorous thoughts. There was a remarkable calm about him. “I’m going to just go on loving you, even if it’s hopeless.”

.....”You’re wasting your time with me. “

He remained firm. “It’s my time to waste.”

“But it’s crazy! Why would you do that?”

“Because I can’t help doing it,” he said with a shrug. “And hey, if I keep loving you, maybe you’ll eventually crack and love me too. Hell, I’m pretty sure you’re already half in love with me.”



Well, you can think what you want, so long as you remember - no matter how ordinary things seem between us - I’m still here, still in love with you, and care about you more than any other guy, evil or otherwise, ever will.”

“I don’t think you’re evil.”

“See? Things are already looking promising.”


Adrian has professed his love and he has set out to let Sydney make the moves. She is slowly drawing more of Adrian into her heart. Going against the ethics of the Alchemists and more about what she wants, needs.


He shook his head in mock sympathy. “I tell you, Sage. Sometimes I think I’m the one who needs to take out the restraining order on you.”



“You know,” he said, “ under normal circumstances, you inviting me to the bedroom would be the highlight of my day.”



“I’ve said over and over, I’d do anything for you. I just keep hoping it’ll be something like, ‘Adrian, let’s go hot tubbing’ or ‘Adrian, take me out for fondue.’”



“You’re not losing your virginity in a dream............Sometimes it’s worth lingering on the journey for a while before getting to the destination.”


I have a fave scene, it made me love Adrian even more. I saw Adrian totally engrossed in his art and in the moment, enjoying himself. I would love to have seen it visually on a trailer. Adrian brought his talent and used it in a humorous and captivating way. I can see a merchandise thing here. Would be very cool to own one.

AYE!

“Gotta pay tribute to my fraternity.”

“Right,” I scoffed. “Alpha Yam Ergo.”

Adrian nodded solemnly. “A very old and prestigious society.”

Sydney is still helping everybody out, no matter their background. Ms. Terwilliger is mentoring Sydney, teaching her she is more than she realizes. Ms. Terwilliger is this quirky teacher, I like her. She holds back a certain amount of herself. I feel like there is more to learn about her. I could see Wolfe and Ms. T getting together, would be rather funny. I just totally ad-libbed that idea.


A moonlight ritual, a barren desert, virgin sacrifice.... what had I just foolishly walked into? The way Ms. Terwilliger pushed me into magic always annoyed me, but I never thought she posed a threat.

I thought I had worked the villain out, but, no! Richelle hit me with a twist. 

* air high fiving Richelle*  

Woot!

Eddie is beautiful. I totally dig Eddie. Jill is wise and poised and still just a girl. Angeline is quirky and quite a fun character, in her own right. 

Wolfe...LOL!! Nuff said. * whispers* Don’t tell him I laughed. 

Richelle has several story lines going on in this installment. Keeping the pace energetically moving along. 

Some new characters come to the table. * waggles eyebrows* We  have somebody else to play with J

Indeedy!! Who is Marcus Finch? Is it his real name? I like Marcus. He thinks outside the box, maybe too much of a thinker? Where as Sydney is a doer.

Lots of things for Sydney to take on board in this installment and use that intelligent brain of hers to sort out and work out where she sits. What fence is the right one? 

Are the Alchemists forcing Sydney to think for herself, outside of what she has been taught? 

Does she have to throw away the book and choose a fence to sit on?

Choose what her heart desires or what the trained Alchemist in her should choose?

I think Sydney is going to be Sydney 4.0 model in the next installment, no longer the Sydney 1.0 model. 

Things are a changing!

I can see everybody already slapping 5’s on this book. I am slapping a 4.5 as it is book #3 . By the time I got to book #3 in Vampire Academy and finished it I was having a cry and feeling all this deep emotion.

Richelle had me crying in my ‘weeties’, gasping for the love between Rose and Dimitri, unable to even write a proper review for book # 4 - Blood Promise. She had wrecked me in that book. I am reserving my extra .5 for when I get that extra emotion. 

I think book # 4 is going to bring some added interesting character mix. *waggles eyebrows*

What I do know is now, I have this HUGE appetite for pie. I wonder why?

Michelle