#178 Book Review: Lullaby

Lullaby (Watersong #2)
Release Date: 1st December 2012
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks
More Info: Goodreads

Summary:

Harper only wanted a safe, normal life. But when her younger sister Gemma runs off with a dangerous clique of beautiful girls, Penn, Thea, and Lexi, everything changes. Vowing to get her sister back no matter what the cost, Harper must face dangers unlike any she's ever experienced. Fortunately, she has Daniel by her side, a gorgeous guy who's devoted to helping her find her sister—and who's immune to the girls' dark powers. 

While Harper searches for her sister, Gemma struggles to adjust to her new life.  Gemma's powers are growing by the day, and the longer she lives with her new "sisters," the harder it is to resist entering their magical world.  It's a realm both dark and beautiful, and where she's plagued by strange hungers and unspeakable needs.  Just as she's drifting far away from her old life,  Harper and Daniel find her...but no one can deny how much she's changed.  All she wants is to return to her family and the mortal world, but how can she do that when she's become something else entirely—and will they still love her once they learn the truth?

Prepare to fall under the spell of Lullaby, the second book in the Watersong series from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking.

Cover:
Absolutely gorgeous! I love the girl's dress, the sky, the splash of waves and how the girl is standing on top of the rocks, as if she's about to head to the sea.

Story:

Let the lullaby lure you deep, deep into the sea...

After reading Wake in the middle of this year, I really enjoyed Amanda Hocking's newest series. While I might have preferred the Trylle trilogy over her newest series, it's still quite exciting! Sirens! Myths! Sea! Definitely interesting, right?

In Lullaby, we continue Gemma and Harper's story. After Gemma's love for the sea transformed her life, she ran away from her home town, leaving Alex and Harper confused. Harper is determined to find her, with the help of Alex and Daniel. They investigate more about the sirens, ways to kill them and what they truly are. Questions such as what makes them sirens? How do we unbreak the curse? are constantly within Harper's mind. I quite enjoyed this story although probably, Wake is a bit more exciting than the second book. The main focus of the story is to find Gemma and the other sirens. The ending is disappointing for me but I'm still looking forward to how the story progresses in Tidal!

Characters:
I really like how we get to see more Harper and Daniel in this book. Daniel didn't quite 'charm' me in the first book but I love how he always tries to help Harper with finding Gemma. Their relationship is cute! Alex, meanwhile, is very devoted in the search for Gemma. When he finds her, their reunion is bittersweet. I didn't quite connect with Gemma in this book unfortunately, especially her decision in the ending but I still enjoyed reading about her story. The sirens are as usual, scary and terrifying but their decision in the ending surprised me. They are quite...nice! There are also new characters introduced in this book and they are quite interesting although Harper and Daniel definitely stood out in this book for me!

Overall:
Enjoy Wake? Then definitely check out Lullaby! The second book in the Watersong series is the search for Gemma, featuring Harper, Daniel and Alex! I did enjoy this book, although not as much as Wake. As you read Lullaby, heed this warning. Beware of the Sirens' lullaby as it can lure you deep, deep into the bottom of the sea...

3 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Lullaby!

Thank you Pan Macmillan Australia for the review copy!

#148 Book Review: Wake

Wake
Release Date: August 7th 2012
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

Cover:
SO BEAUTIFUL AND GORGEOUS! I cannot stop staring at the cover. It's even more beautiful in real life. I love how the UK/AU cover of Wake is the same with the US cover because the UK/AU covers of the Trylle trilogy are different to the US ones. I love how the model looks as if she's swimming in the water and the blue theme of the cover is absolutely gorgeous. 

Story:

Beautiful. Fearless. Dangerous.

Wake is the enthralling first book in the Watersong series. After reading Amanda Hocking's Trylle trilogy, I really want to read more of her books. Knowing that she has an upcoming new series, I am really excited to read it and Wake completely immersed me into a new world of sirens.

Gemma loves swimming and water so much. She trains during the day in swimming pool but goes out on a late night swim in the sea. In Capri, there are a number of people already missing and Harper, Gemma's sister is worried of Gemma's peculiar hobby of swimming at night. There's also the three girls Harper fears. They look as though they are superstars but something is definitely strange about them. But little does Harper know that one late swim night one day completely changes Gemma's life. 

Wake introduces me to a world of sirens. They are like mermaids but they're not. They have tails, their singing can lure all men and of course, they are beautiful and gorgeous. But, they are scary because they actually feed on human by drinking their blood and flesh. The story plot is enticing although the story plot does not develop a lot since it mainly revolves around Gemma trying to unravel the mysteries surrounding her changes until the ending which develops into a new story. As Gemma's life changes, I want to know more about what is going on with her and the three mysterious girls. I really enjoyed this book and I think the theme of sirens in this book is well-executed!

Characters:
Gemma and Harper are sisters that I quite adore in this book. Although personally, I connected more with Harper compared to Gemma because she's the older sister. I completely understand how hard it is to take care of a younger sister like Gemma, particularly when they are hiding secrets which can completely ruin or change their lives. Gemma is an okay character but sometimes I think she needs to treat her sister with more respect. I also really dislike the three girls. They are too evil and scary! 


Onto the boys! So Gemma likes a guy called Alex. He's a nerdy-turned-hot guy who is charming, sweet but sadly, too easy to lure by the sirens. But I think he's great for Gemma. And there's also Daniel, the guy who lives in a boat (because he was evicted from his apartment) who is interested in Harper. The growing relationship between Gemma and Alex, Harper and Daniel is really interesting and I can't wait to see how the story develops in the sequel between the couples!

Overall:
In the beautiful Capri where you spend your time swimming in waters, a mystery is lurking behind the three girls who caught everyone's attention. Wake is an enticing story of Gemma as her life changes, making her closer to her passion of water but making her further from her family and her love. Amanda Hocking's writing will lure you deep into the world of Watersong and fans of the Trylle trilogy will also enjoy her newest series!

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Wake!

Thank you Pan Macmillan Australia for the review copy!

Check out the book trailer below!

#114 Book Review: Ascend

Ascend
Release Date: May 1st 2012
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

Wendy Everly can barely remember what it was like to feel like a normal girl. She'd wished for her life to be different but everything is so much more complicated than she'd expected. And she certainly hadn't dreamt she'd be getting married at eighteen to a man she didn't love - all for the sake of duty.

As the big day approaches, Wendy can't stop thinking about two different men - and neither of them are her husband-to-be. Finn - quiet, strong and determined to do what's right, and Loki - dark and seductive, a sworn enemy who once saved her life. With all-out war just days away, Wendy needs to act quickly if she is to save her friends and family. But while her loyalties and duties are to her people, deeper passions are leading her elsewhere.

And as her worlds collide, Wendy must sacrifice everything she loves to save them. But will it be enough?

Cover:
I still prefer the US cover of Ascend compared to the UK cover but I love the purple tones of the cover. I love how the girl blows the flower and the petals spread across the cover. This is probably my second favourite cover after Torn among the UK covers of the series.

Story:

What will she give up for those she loves?

Ascend is the last book in the Trylle trilogy. I liked Switched, I loved Torn and I love Ascend even more. This is probably my favourite book in the series. When Elora died, Wendy became the queen of Förening but there were many problems, mainly caused by Oren, the King of Vittra which is also Wendy's father. Not only is Wendy faced with this big problem, she is also confused with her heart. Will she choose Finn or Loki? This is Wendy's final battle and she will face it with power, fierce and bravery.

Ascend was absolutely fast-paced and filled with actions. I was hooked into the book and I had to finish the book before putting it down. I could not believe that Wendy's story is finally coming to an end.While preparing for the battle and thinking of ways to defeat Oren, Wendy must also decide who she wants. I absolutely loved how Hocking wrapped the series. Everything was clear, Wendy made a decision, the kingdom's fate was clear and there was even a never before published short story about Wendy's life after the ending of Ascend.

Characters:
I completely adore the characters in Ascend. Wendy has been through a lot since Switched and I adore how much she has grown throughout the series. I found her quite annoying in Switched but I love how she became a heroine I adored in Ascend. She was regal and ruled the kingdom very well. She wanted to do what's best for Förening and would not hesitate to sacrifice herself if it means saving her kingdom. Wendy was also confused. She was attracted to both Finn and Loki but knew that she had to make a decision. I personally did not like Finn because he was a bit too possessive over Wendy, treated Wendy as if she was a fragile doll and he always debated with Wendy. I love Loki. When he was first introduced in Torn, I absolutely fell for him. He was such an amazing character who completely deserved Wendy. I also liked how the other characters have grown and changed, particularly Elora. Before she died, she told Wendy how she missed her so badly when she lived with the Everlys and that she loved her. I was glad that Elora fixed her relationship with Wendy before she died.

Overall:
Ascend brings you a thrilling conclusion to the Trylle trilogy. After all that Wendy has been through, will she be able to face this final battle while settling her heart's confusion? Ascend was my favourite book in the whole series and I absolutely love the short story included in the book. Definitely can't wait for Amanda Hocking's newest never-before-published novel, Wake!  

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Ascend!

Thank you Pan Macmillan Australia for the review copy!

#83 Book Review: Torn

Torn
Release Date: March 1st 2012
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Amazon & The Book Depository
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:
Acknowledging that she was different from everyone else wasn’t difficult for Wendy Everly – she’d always felt like an outsider. But a new world and new family is a hard for any girl to accept easily.

Leaving behind the mysterious country of her birth, she is determined to fit back into normal life. But the world she’s left behind won’t let her go that easily. Kidnapped and imprisoned by her true family’s enemies, Wendy soon learns that the lines between good and evil aren’t as defined as she thought. And those things she’d taken for granted may have been lies all along. With the help of the dangerously attractive Loki, she escapes back to the safety of Förening – only to be confronted by a new threat.

It’s time to make a choice – can she put aside her personal feelings for the sake of her country? Torn between duty and love she must make a choice that could destroy her one chance at true happiness.

My review:

Cover:
I love Torn's cover better than Switched. Love the falling autumn leaves and how the girl and the boy are holding hands. Again, I do prefer the US cover for Torn but this one is gorgeous in its own way too!

4 Forget-me-not flowers for the covers!

Story:

Great power comes with a price...

Wendy thought she can escape from Förening when she ran away with Rhys. But when she was kidnapped by the Vittras, she had no choice but to return to the world she wanted to leave behind. After being rescued by Tove and Finn, Wendy returned to Förening and finally decided to embrace her powers and royalty. Although, Wendy's relationship with Finn is not getting better and she started to fall for Loki, a Vittra. Who will Wendy choose?

Torn was a fast-paced and a very enjoyable book to me! I enjoyed the first book, Switched, but I enjoyed the sequel even more. There were so many things going on in this book and the story plot absolutely hooked me from the very beginning. I could not put this book down and finished it in about 3-4 hours. I was lost in the world of Trylle and the exciting things happening in this book. I love the new characters introduced in Torn, felt frustrated with Wendy and Finn's relationship and I am glad to find out that some things were finally explained in Torn. The ending made me dying to read Ascend. I also love how there were short stories from different characters' POV in the end of the book, following the end of Torn!

Characters:
Wendy has definitely grown and developed into a stronger character in Torn. I loved how she finally embraced her royal status as a Princess and future queen and her powers. Her relationship with Finn is so frustrating to me because even though they are attracted to each other, Finn is so stubborn and acts like a robot around her (as if he doesn't have any feeling for Wendy) and Wendy started to shut her feelings down for him. Loki, the new character introduced in Torn is really interesting and awesome! I have been anxious to meet him after reading the summary of Torn and my first impression of Loki was COOL. I love the developing relationship between Wendy and Loki throughout the book and the ending completely surprised me in a good way. I came to understand Elora in this book. I thought she was just an ambitious queen who only cares about herself but after knowing more about her in this book, I feel sympathy and sadness for her. The new characters in this book definitely made me enjoy Torn more!

Overall:
Torn is fast-paced and an exciting sequel to Switched, introducing new characters and revealing the hidden secrets in the world of Trylle. If you loved Switched, then go and grab a copy of Torn because the sequel is even better!

4 Forget-me-not flowers for Torn!

Thank you Pan Macmillan Australia for the review copy! 

#69 Book Review: Switched

Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1)
Release Date: January 5th 2012
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Amazon & The Book Depository
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

What if your entire world was built on a lie?

Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although certain she’s not the monster her mother claims she is – she does feel that she doesn’t quite fit in...

She’s bored and frustrated by her small town life – and then there’s the secret that she can’t tell anyone. Her mysterious ability – she can influence people’s decisions, without knowing how, or why...

When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night – her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past, the answers to her strange powers and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist. Förening, the home of the Trylle.

Finally everything makes sense. Among the Trylle, Wendy is not just different, but special. But what marks her out as chosen for greatness in this world also places her in grave danger. With everything around her changing, Finn is the only person she can trust. But dark forces are conspiring – not only to separate them, but to see the downfall everything that Wendy cares about.

The fate of Förening rests in Wendy’s hands, and the decisions she and Finn make could change all their lives forever...

My review:

Cover:
I love the butterflies in the picture and how the girl looks like she's running away from something. The cover also gives this mysterious feeling. Although I love the US covers of the series more, I think it's still lovely!

4 Forget-me-not flowers for the cover!

Story:
 
What if your entire world was built on a lie?

When Wendy was 6 years old, her mother tried to kill her on her birthday. Her mother claimed that Wendy was not her child and therefore tried to kill her. Now she is locked up in an mental health asylum. Wendy always knew that she was different than the others and Finn, the school's newcomer convinced her that she is more than just who she is. Can Wendy believe him?

I've been wanting to read this book for a while now, especially after seeing the gorgeous US cover of the book. At first, I didn't know that this book was originally self-published but because it was such a bestseller, finally a publisher picked up the book and published it. I haven't heard of Amanda Hocking before but after reading her book, I know why this was such a bestseller. Written from Wendy's POV, Switched brings you a tale of  Trylle (which means Trolls) and the world of Förening. I enjoyed reading this book. I've certainly never read a book about trolls but the trolls in Switched are very interesting because they are like humans, only with powers. There weren't many actions happening in the book because Switched is mostly about Wendy's adaptation to her new life but it was still enjoyable. The ending was very interesting and makes me want to read Torn as soon as possible! 

Characters:
Wendy's life completely changed after knowing the truth about her life. She deals with the truth well although sometimes she can be persistent and stubborn. Sometimes I find Wendy quite annoying and blunt, which makes it quite hard for me to connect with her but she's still enjoyable to read. Her relationship with Finn, Tove, Rhys is really interesting to read about. Finn is quite an awesome character who helps Wendy adapt with her new life. I am particularly really intersted in Elora, Wendy's 'real' mother because she has secrets that I want to find out more about.  

Overall:
Amanda Hocking weaves an interesting story of the Trylle kingdom through Switched. Switched is a unique paranormal-themed book and you'll find trolls are not as ugly as you think they are in nursery rhymes! This book is recommended to those who love reading a new paranormal concept in books!

4 Forget-me-not flowers for Switched!

Thank you Pan Macmillan Australia for the review copy!

 Check out the US book trailer!

And the UK book trailer: