#205 Book Review: Empower

Empower (The Violet Eden Chapters #5)
Release Date: 12 November 2013
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Publisher: Hachette Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary: 

It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves. 

Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London. 

But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.

Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.

Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.

With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made. 

Cover:
I love the contrast between dark and light and it really reflects the story and the core of Empower. It really represents the finale of the series and I adore it!

Story:

The final battle to test the power of love...

Well, the tag line above may sound cliché but that's how I felt throughout my journey of reading Empower and perhaps even the entire series. I have waited a year to read the finale of the series and I remember how last year after finishing Endless, I wasn't even sure if there will be another book in the Violet Eden Chapters. I couldn't be more pleased to find out that there's another book and although it is the finale, I felt ready to start the journey leading to the end of Violet's story. 

The ending of Endless left me heartbroken for Violet and Lincoln. Although Empower still contains that powerful action that we adored from the previous four books, I found Violet and Lincoln's relationship and love more prominent than other elements of the book. Perhaps it was because we were left hanging after the ending of Endless but the wait for Empower was absolutely worth it since there is plenty of romance which leaves reader breathless and anxious for more. This finale is all about decisions, choices and without spoiling anything, it's an epic finale that beautifully wraps up the whole series. 

Characters:

This is perhaps the best part of Empower. Watching Violet grow as a character from Embrace to Empower is absolutely a great journey, beginning from her denying her powers and abilities to the point where she embraces and uses them to save her loved ones. Towards the end, I was satisfied by Violet's development as a character. I also really adored Lincoln's character. Although his development was not as big and prominent to that of Violet's, I never stopped rooting for him and his love for Violet. Together, they form the epic couple whose relationship melts my heart. There's also Phoenix, who constantly made my heart twinge. Before, I was concerned about how Jessica would end the sort-of love triangle between the three and how she did it was great. It pleased me to know that all three characters could finally obtain the happiness they truly deserve after all the journey they went through. Of course, there are other amazing characters in the story but I have to admit, Phoenix and Violet and Lincoln's story outshine them.

Overall:

Empower is a powerful and satisfying finale to the Violet Eden Chapters. After waiting a year, this book is absolutely worth the wait. It has everything you want in a finale; an epic battle, a conclusive romance and most of all, a beautiful end to the journey of the characters you love and feel attached to. I will miss this series so much but I'm looking forward to reading Jessica Shirvington's upcoming works!

5 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Empower!

Thank you Hachette Australia for the review copy!

PS: Hi everyone! I'm finally back to blogging after 6 months of hiatus. It's going to take some time to get into the reading and blogging mode but expect more reviews to come soon!

#204 Book Review: Siege and Storm [ARC]

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) [ARC]
Release Date: 26 June 2013
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Hachette Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary:

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Cover:
My ARC copy is a bound copy of Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm so it does not have Siege and Storm's cover but I love this cover more than the US cover of the first book! Just look at that dragon forming the title and wrapping itself around that building. Love it!

Story:

The world of Ravka is about to experience the darkness as it never had before...

If you remember reading my review of Shadow and Bone last year (or known as The Gathering Dark in the UK/AUS), I loved it and adored it to pieces. Reading the book was like stepping into a fairytale of a battle between the dark and light and a new epic fantasy world that I wish I could live in. Now the sequel, is an entire different matter. It still has that beauty Shadow and Bone has, but the sequel is not about introducing the world Leigh Bardugo has created. It's exploring this world, revealing more secrets and darkness that cloaks Ravka, Alina, Mal and even the beloved Darkling.

Siege and Storm continues directly from the ending of Shadow and Bone. Mal and Alina are on the run from Darkling but of course, Darkling finds them. But this time, Darkling has evolved. His powers are terrifyingly strong, befalling darkness in Ravka. What I loved most about this book is how Bardugo slowly unravels the mysteries behind her characters and her world. It is so fascinating and unique. Her descriptions of when Alina and Darkling use their powers are so detailed and beautiful. Now I'm sure you are curious about the romance as well and I feel like I'm a betrayer because I was Team Darkling in the first book but now, I am torn between Mal and Darkling!

Characters:
There are new characters introduced in this book and while they are really enjoyable to read about, all I want to discuss about is Mal, Alina and Darkling! Can you blame me? The thing is these 3 characters are so intertwined and complex sometimes. Well before I start, I should probably briefly introduce a new character called Sturmhond. He is loveable, charming and also often underestimated although he is a genius!

I don't even know where to begin actually. Mal and Alina's relationship certainly dominates this book although we do have glimpses of scenes between Alina and Darkling alone. It pains me to think that Alina and Darkling will never have the kind of relationship Mal and Alina has because Darkling is just too...dark now. Mal, on the other hand, proved to be a loyal, fierce companion who truly loves Alina. Their relationship gets rocky at times but Alina, Mal and Darkling are certainly not in some sort of typical love triangle. Each have their own stories that make up the entire book and that is what makes scenes between Alina and Mal, Alina and Darkling so beautiful.

Overall:
Siege and Storm is the magnificent sequel to Shadow and Bone, with its riveting story and the beloved characters Alina, Mal and Darkling. The enchanting world Bardugo has created is further explored in the sequel and although I love Shadow and Bone slightly more than its sequel, fans of the first book will definitely love Siege and Storm!

5 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Siege and Storm!

Thank you Hachette Australia for the review copy!

#203 Book Review: Wildlife

Wildlife
Release Date: 1 June 2013
Author: Fiona Wood
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary:

Boarding for a term in the wilderness, sixteen-year-old Sibylla expects the gruesome outdoor education program – but friendship complications, and love that goes wrong? They’re extra-curricula.

Enter Lou from Six Impossible Things – the reluctant new girl for this term in the great outdoors. Fragile behind an implacable mask, she is grieving a death that occurred almost a year ago. Despite herself, Lou becomes intrigued by the unfolding drama between her housemates Sibylla and Holly, and has to decide whether to end her self-imposed detachment and join the fray. 

And as Sibylla confronts a tangle of betrayal, she needs to renegotiate everything she thought she knew about surviving in the wild.

A story about first love, friendship and NOT fitting in.

Cover:
So cute! I love how the title of the book is written like the clouds, the blue sky and the two pairs of shoes in the bottom of the cover. It's simplistic but adorable!

Story:

Life? It's simple: be true to yourself. The tricky part is finding out exactly who you are...

While I haven't read Fiona Wood's Six Impossible Things, I adored Wildlife, the companion to Six Impossible Things. In Wildlife, we meet Sibylla, a girl who before going to the outdoor education program, managed to do two 'incredible' things; getting her face plastered on a huge billboard and kissing the most popular guy in her school!

Wildlife ventures around the themes of friendship, love and grief. Fiona Wood's writing is witty, beautiful and tackles the life of teenagers excellently. The setting is perfect to explore the characters and I love how Fiona Wood can capture the emotions of her characters so well. The book is written from dual POVs of Sybilla and Lou. Since I haven't read Six Impossible Things, I had no idea who Lou is or what she is like in the book but in this book, Lou becomes friends with Sybilla and their friendship is sweet and beautiful. Also, I can't help but smile when I noticed that Fiona Wood made a reference to Melina Marchetta's Looking for Alibrandi!

Characters:
I think this is the strongest element of the book, the way Fiona Wood explores the characters, revealing the layers of their emotions and feelings one by one. In the beginning of the book, we know that Lou is grieving. As a way to handle her griefs, she writes journal entries and reading her journal entries broke my heart. They are honest, filled with grief but also show a process of Lou healing her heart. In some of her journal entries, she also talks about her friends (and if I'm not mistaken, they are the main characters in Six Impossible Things) I really liked Lou's character and how she blends in with Sibylla and her friends later on. Sibylla is also an enjoyable character to read about, from the awkward moments she had with the boy she likes, her witty-bantering with Michael, her friend, and her cute conversations with Lou. Sibylla's friend, Holly, isn't a particularly likeable character to me but I do like her friendship with Sibylla. Michael, on the other hand, is such a cute nerdy boy! I love his new-found friendship with Lou and his long friendship with Sibylla. Ben is an alright character, he can be annoying at times but his moments with Lou are quite adorable.

Overall:
Do you ever think of the wildlife as a place to heal your wounds, to find out who you are and to form relationships and friendships with people? Wildlife is a great novel which ventures around these themes with realistic characters who you can't help but adore and love. If you love contemporary books with beautiful and realistic story of friendship and love, then you definitely don't want to miss out reading Wildlife!

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Wildlife!

Thank you Pan Macmillan Australia for the review copy!

Between the Lives Blog Tour - Jess's Favourite Scene + Giveaway!

Hello everyone! For my stop in Between the Lives's blog tour, Jess is here to share one of her favourite scenes from the book. I would also like to thank Amanda from Harper Collins Australia for putting this blog tour together! 

PS: Don't worry, it's non-spoilery ;)

______________________________________________

Sabine is in her Roxbury life and working at her parent's pharmacy after just making a discovery that might change both of her lives. It is also the first time she meets Ethan:

When I got to the drugstore, I said hello to Mom and the pharmacist Denise, then I wriggled awkwardly – thanks to my cast – into one of the white jackets that were supposed to make us look more ‘medically informed’. When Mom and Denise weren’t looking, I slid my notebook onto the counter. I kept a magazine resting on top of it, so when customers came in they wouldn’t see the list.

1. Test blood theory – exterior physical reaction 

2. Test hair – pigment and removal 

3. Test laxatives – internal physical response 

4. Test poison – consciousness and organ failure 

If points one through four achieve a successful outcome, proceed to next point.

My hand trembled as I wrote number five. 

5.      Choose

I chewed on a fingernail, staring at what I’d just written. Could it really be that simple? I didn’t know, but even so ... I crossed out the last point. It was too early for that. Points one through four first. Then I’d worry about what would happen ... next.

Giddy from the rush of thinking such forbidden thoughts, I did what I’d really come here for: I stocked up on everything I was going to need, waiting until Denise went on her break to grab some items from behind her counter. By the time I returned to the register, someone was waiting and looked like he’d been there for a while.

‘Sorry for the wait. What can I get you?’ I was sure I was flushed from guilt. I hoped he hadn’t seen me shoplifting from my own family’s store.

The guy, who’d had his back to me, spun around and glared. I let out a little gasp before I could stop myself. He was probably in his early twenties – and he was undeniably hot. Trouble and attitude radiated from him. And there was something ... more. In his eyes. They were startling: dark blue and intense, with a depth you didn’t normally see. Eyes that could too easily see through someone.

I set my shoulders and got ready to deny any accusations. But he just gave me an up-and-down look I couldn’t read – other than to know it wasn’t flattering – and shoved a handful of crumpled scripts towards me.

‘How long?’ he asked, his full lips set in a straight line.

I gave him a tight smile as I sifted through over a dozen scripts, more than a few for heavy-duty medications. That explained the aggressive, defensive attitude: drug dealer.

‘These are going to take a while,’ I told him. ‘Since there are so many and they’re not all in the one name.’ Hint: I know what you’re doing. ‘The pharmacist will need to see ID and call it through for approval.’ After which we’ll ring the police.

I kept a firm hold of the scripts, expecting him to snatch them and make a run for it. But he simply shrugged, leaned against the counter and folded his arms.

‘Just call the Roxbury Medical Clinic and give them the prescription codes and my ID details. They’ll verify.’ He slipped a driver’s licence out of his wallet and tossed it on the counter before narrowing his eyes at me. ‘How long?’

This guy was an ass. And thankfully I wasn’t in Wellesley today; I didn’t have to behave. I sucked in a breath and was about to tell him to take a hike when Denise came back from her break.

‘Ethan!’ she said, looking delighted. ‘What are you doing here?’

Drug guy shrugged, sending me a sly look. ‘Being interrogated.’

______________________________________________

Add the book: 

Goodreads 

Where to buy? 

Fishpond | Booktopia

Find Jessica Shirvington at:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter

______________________________________________

GIVEAWAY!

Thanks to Harper Collins Australia, I have 2 copies of Between the Lives by Jessica Shirvington to giveaway to Australian residents! 

The giveaway runs from today until 24 May 2013. Good luck!

Book Feature: The Heiresses + Giveaway!

The Heiresses
Release Date: May 2013
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary:

MONEY, INTRIGUE, SECRETS AND SCANDAL

The setting is 1926 London, an era of social change and 

daring fashion. 

When Thalia, Erato and Clio, three seventeen-year-old girls, are mysteriously summoned to this fast-paced world by Hestia, an aunt they never knew they had, they are shocked to learn they are triplets and the rightful heiresses to their deceased mother's fortune. All they need to do is find a way to claim the fortune from their greedy half-brother, Charles who refuses to bestow any of their inheritance upon them unless all three leave London and never return. For as the girls soon discover, everyone is hiding secrets and the truth is tangled …

About the author:

Having failed at becoming a ballerina with pierced ears (her childhood dream); Allison Rushby instead began a writing career as a journalism student at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Within a few months she slunk sideways into studying Russian, began writing her first novel and, most importantly, joined the Chocolate Appreciation Society. Over the past ten years, she has published five books for young adult readers and five for adult readers in the women's fiction genre. She is originally from Brisbane, Australia, but spent 2011 and most of 2012 living in Cambridge, UK, where she mainly spent her day’s whingeing constantly about the weather.

Find her at Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!

Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia, I have 2 copies of The Heiresses by Allison Rushby to giveaway to Australian/New Zealand residents! (Sorry International people!)

The giveaway runs from today until 15 May 2013. Good luck!

#202 Book Review: Dare You To [ARC]

Dare You To [ARC]
Release Date: 1 June 2013
Author: Katie McGarry
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary:

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does.... 

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him. 

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....

Cover:
I love how it matches the Australian cover for Pushing the Limits! While the US cover is pretty awesome as well, I adore the soft sepia effect of the Australian cover for Dare You To.

Story:

I dare you...

For Ryan, it all started with a dare. A dare to get the Skater Girl's phone number and name. But what started out as dare, surprisingly grew into an attraction that Ryan can't deny. Same goes to Beth, the Skater Girl. She's had her problems but she can't help but feel the attraction between her and Ryan. In Katie McGarry's newest novel, Dare You To, a girl and a boy from different worlds collide in a beautiful and heart-breaking story.

Pushing the Limits was one of my favourite reads last year. McGarry's solid and raw writing brought the story of Noah and Echo alive. I have to admit, I never did care so much about Beth's character in Pushing the Limits. But in this book, I learnt a lot about Beth and her story is heart-wrenching but beautifully intense as well. I never thought it was possible but I love and adore Dare You To more than Pushing the Limits. I feel so connected to Ryan and Beth and I couldn't stop reading at all. McGarry's writing deeply captures the story of both Ryan, Beth and the two different worlds they come from. The chemistry between Ryan and Beth is beautiful like fireworks and I absolutely love the dares they give to each other.

Characters:
What makes this book special and so heart-breaking yet beautiful at the same time is the characters. I remember vaguely from Pushing the Limits that whenever Beth's around, Isaiah's always there. This gives an impression that they're together. But they are not. There are scenes in this book between Beth and Isaiah that break my heart but we all know that Isaiah will have his own happy ending and story in the next book, Crash Into You.

In this book, Beth finds her 'root', her 'anchor' to stay in Grovestone in Ryan after having to leave Louisville because of her mother. To Beth, Isaiah is her best friend, nothing more. Beth's life before Groveston is heart-breaking. She feels responsible for her mother who is addicted to drugs and she is physically abused by her mother's boyfriend. I know Beth loves her mother but I really hate how her mother is weak and kept on staying with her abusive boyfriend. This is why Beth puts a strong wall around herself, only allowing a few people to truly know the 'Beth' inside. She acts as though she's the toughest girl out there who can do anything she wants but deep down, she's not. But Ryan slowly breaks through the wall Beth builds and once he reaches inside, what he finds is a girl who still loves ribbons, an abused girl who loves her mother and a girl who likes to run away. Ryan and Beth are such well-written characters. I loved how Ryan, even though he's a jock who plays baseball, has another side to him: a boy who has his way with words, who loves to write, whose life is not as perfect as it seems. I love their relationship so much, from the beginning to its very end.

Overall:
Dare You To is the beautiful, intense and heart-breaking story of Ryan and Beth. Katie McGarry's raw writing brings you a story of the beautiful collision between a boy and a girl from two different worlds with their own story and secrets. I didn't know it was possible but I love Dare You To more than Pushing the Limits. So..I dare you to read this book and fall in love with it.

5 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Dare You To!

Thank you Harlequin Teen Australia for the review copy!

In My Mailbox #17

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

Hey guys! Wow, I never realised it's been quite a long time since my last IMM post. I've been busy with school and have less time to blog lately. I also wanted to say sorry about not being able to return all your lovely comments. I haven't been around the blogosphere often from the start of this year and this will probably continue until the end of the year because of this is my last year in high school. However, I might still post reviews occassionally so please don't stop visiting the blog! 

Anyway...onto the books!

For review:

New Moon: The Graphic Novel Volume 1 by Stephenie Meyer and Young Kim

Infinite Sky by C.J. Flood

Dare You To by Katie McGarry [ARC]

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Wildlife by Fiona Wood

I'm incredibly excited to read all the books I received this week, particularly Dare You To! I've heard nothing but great things about this book and since I loved Pushing the Limits, I'm sure I'll enjoy this one too. Infinite Sky came in the hardcover edition and it's absolutely gorgeous. Wildlife is an Aussie YA, companion to Six Impossible Things which I haven't read but need to read soon! I flicked through New Moon's Graphic Novel and the illustrations look great. I also loved Jenny Han's The Summer series so I am really excited to read her newest novel and collaboration with Siobhan Vivian!

(Thank you Simon & Schuster Australia, Harlequin Teen Australia, Pan Macmillan Australia and Hachette Australia!)

What did you guys get this week? 

 Have a wonderful day everyone! ♥

#201 Book Review: The Eternity Cure

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2)
Release Date: 1 May 2013
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary:

In Allison Sekemoto's world, there is one one rule left: Blood Calls to blood.
Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire, Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie's birthplace in New Covington, what she finds there will the change the world forever - and possibly end human and vampire existence.

There's a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago - deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries. If Allie can get to him in time...

Cover:
Love it! After the changes in the US covers of The Immortal Rules and The Eternity Cure because the girl in the original US cover of The Immortal Rules does not portray Allie as an Asian girl, I love how Harlequin Teen Australia fixed the issue and manages to keep the second book's cover similar to the first one!

Story:

Blood calls for blood...

Julie Kagawa never disappoints, this is the one thing I have been sure about after reading Kagawa's The Iron Fey series and the first book in the Blood of Eden series. I did read some mixed reviews on The Eternity Cure and it made me slightly worried about reading the sequel but alas, The Eternity Cure proved me wrong. I enjoyed the sequel immensely although not as much as the first book.

What I loved most about this book is the journey Allie has to face to find her creator/sire, Kanin. Unlike The Immortal Rules where Allie finds a group of humans and therefore, many characters are introduced, this book focuses on Allie, Kanin, Zeke, Jackal and Sarren, the psycho-vampire. I have to admit, the first half of the book did not quite grab me as the last half but as usual, Julie Kagawa's writing is action-packed, exploring the concept of the cure, blood bond between Allie, Kanin and Jackal and the romance between Allie and Zeke. The ending, though, was very unexpected but made me excited for book 3! It was perhaps more shocking than the ending of The Immortal Rules!

Characters:
Allie is still an awesome heroine who I adored from the first book. I think the main reason why I enjoyed this book is Kagawa's exploration of her characters' development. I love Allie's dedication to find Kanin because I love and admire Kanin so much to the point that I thought he was going to be a love interest for Allie in the first book! (I am secretly hoping this will maybe happen....eventually?) Allie's encounter with Jackal is quite surprising. All I remembered from the first book was that Jackal is an evil vampire but I underestimated his character. There is one part where I thought Jackal never did change, that he was still evil but he proved me wrong. While Jackal's actions in the first book are still etched in his character, his actions in this book balances his 'wrong-doings' in the first book. I can see why Kanin decides to change him to a vampire. Kanin himself, with his calmness, wisdom and words made me love him more. Reading about his character gives a strong impression of his maturity compared to Allie and Jackal, perhaps because he is a Master and he is much older than the two. Zeke, on the other hand, also develops and proves to Allie that he still loves her no matter what. His relationship with Allie is sweet, romantic and heart-warming. Meanwhile, all I can say about Sarren is he is one psycho-vampire (and stop saying little bird!)

Overall:
So you love The Immortal Rules? Then you will love The Eternity Cure! This action-packed sequel further unravels the story behind the Red Lung virus, its cure and the meaning of blood bond between a Master and his 'children'. With amazing character development, Julie Kagawa is back with a great second book in the Blood of Eden series!

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for The Eternity Cure!

Thank you Harlequin Teen Australia for the review copy!

Check out the book trailer below!

#200 Book Review: With All My Soul

With All My Soul (Soul Screamers #7)
Release Date: 1 April 2013
Author: Rachel Vincent
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary:

After spending the last year undead, Kaylee has had enough of the paranormal creatures who have plagued her ever since she came into her banshee powers. Now she's ready to take her school back from the evil hellions...once and forever. To protect her friends, Kaylee will need to find a way to turn the living incarnations of Avarice, Envy and Vanity against one another. yet when one more person close to her is taken, Kaylee realises she can't save everyone she loves without making some powerful sacrifices...

Cover:
This change to the UK cover for the final book in the series is definitely surprising. I am quite disappointed as my series won't match because I have the previous 6 books with the US cover. I prefer the US cover for With All My Soul, the golden dress is absolutely gorgeous!

Story:

Kaylee Cavanaugh is taking her final stand!

[Warning: Spoilers for those who haven't read the books in the series, particularly Before I Wake]

Saying goodbye to a series, and not just any series, one of my all-time favourite series, is definitely hard. While I haven't been a fan of Rachel Vincent for a long time, I devoured the first 6 books in the Soul Screamers series mid-2012 and I have been waiting for With All My Soul ever since then. The thing that made the wait bearable was the fact that Before I Wake did not end in a cliffhanger. So, did I enjoy With All My Soul? Well, enjoy is an understatement. I love With All My Soul with all my heart. (Well, I actually wanted to say with all my soul but I think the pun might be too much!)

I actually don't quite remember what happened in Before I Wake but the start of With All My Soul slowly refreshed my memory of the major change that happened to Emma in Before I Wake, and also other events that happened which affected the characters in the book. Kaylee is determined to bring the hellions down so that they can never harm her loved ones again, but that is difficult as the hellions are challenging to defeat. While that is the major plot of the story (trying to defeat the hellions), the plot also covers Traci's 'pregnancy', Emma's adaptation to her 'new' life and of course, the amazing relationship between Kaylee and Tod. What particularly surprised me was the climax of the series. It's so clever, smart and genius. I want to applaud Kaylee for that, but I guess the one I should truly applaud is Rachel Vincent for writing such an epic series.

Characters:
This is the bit I'm most excited for! Kaylee has definitely grown throughout the series, after all the hardships she had to endure. It's good to see that she has her happy ending after the climax of the plot. One thing that hasn't change is Kaylee's tendency to act rashly and secretively. Throughout the series, we are no longer surprised by the decisions Kaylee make which can be quite impulsive at times. She makes major decisions in this book too and while I can't really say I'm happy with the choice she makes, I understand why she makes them.

What I particularly adored is Tod. He is perhaps the only character who I found absolutely perfect! Kaylee is not exactly a perfect girlfriend but Tod is not the obsessive controlling boyfriend. He tries to understand Kaylee's decisions, controlled his anger and never ceases to love her no matter what happens. Those are the qualities of a perfect boyfriend! Tod completely outshines other characters. Sure, I adored Nash but he annoyed me quite a few times. Not to mention Sabine. I know she's not 'evil' anymore but I still dislike her. At first, I was quite against Nash and Sabine being together but in the end, I can accept that they do belong with each other. There's also Sophie and Luca. I still don't like Sophie but Luca is such a sweet guy! Sophie should definitely feel lucky that she has Luca as her boyfriend!

My favourite scenes are definitely Kaylee and Tod's moments in the book. I savoured them, particularly those swoon-worthy scenes including secret confessions and sharing ice-creams! Kaylee and Tod are perfect for each other.

Overall:
Wow, that turned out to be a such a long review! All in all, With All My Soul is the thrilling, beautiful and epic conclusion to the Soul Screamers series. I devoured this book in about 4 hours and I particularly loved all those scenes between Kaylee and Tod. I guess this is goodbye for now, Soul Screamers series. But rest assured, I'll be re-reading you again hopefully soon! (Just so I can read about the two lovely Hudson brothers, particularly *cough* Tod!)

5 Forget-Me-Not flowers for With All My Soul!

Thank you Harlequin Teen Australia for the review copy!

PS: Here's my favourite quote from the book :')

Kaylee: "Do you trust me, Tod?"

Tod: "With everything I have and everything I am. With all my soul."

*sigh* ♥TOD♥

#199 Book Review: This Is What Happy Looks Like

This Is What Happy Looks Like

Release Date:9 April 2013

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Source: Publisher for Review

Format: Paperback

Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia

More Info: Goodreads

Summary:

It's June - seventeen year-old Ellie O'Neill's least favourite time of year. Her tiny hometown is annually invaded by tourists, and this year there's the added inconvenience of a film crew. Even the arrival of Hollywood heart-throb Graham Larkin can't lift her mood. But there is something making Ellie very happy. Ever since an email was accidentally sent to her a few months ago, she's been corresponding with a mysterious stranger, the two of them sharing their hopes and fears. Their developing relationship is not without its secrets though - there's the truth about Ellie's past...and her pen pal's real identity. When they finally meet in person, things are destined to get much more complicated. Can two people, worlds apart but brought together by chance, make it against all the odds?

Cover:
SO CUTE! The title font, with the huge yellow 'Happy', the sun background, the guy and the girl holding hands on the boat, they are a great representation of the book! Love it!

Story:

If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

After reading The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight early last year, I was ecstatic when I knew that Jennifer E. Smith had an upcoming novel which sounds just as cute as her previous one. I delved into the book with high expectations but I ended up being slightly disappointed. It's a cute read, but I didn't love it as much as The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.

The beginning of this book is probably the bit that I loved the most out of the whole book. It was cute, adorable, lovely and I couldn't stop reading. Why? Well because they were actually a string of emails exchanged between Ellie and Graham who have never met each other before. It was all a coincidence which started with a funny email from Graham to Ellie about his pet pig, Wilbur. Doesn't that sound so cute? A movie star with a pet pig Wilbur? While these email exchanges were so interesting, when the story actually started with narratives from Graham and Ellie, it went downhill for me. There is nothing wrong with the story itself but I guess I found it unrealistic and a bit flat. The romance itself was slightly frustrating at times but it was cute and fluffy!

Characters:
The aspect of the book which actually made me enjoy the story are the characters, particularly Ellie and Graham. Ellie herself is not your typical 'fangirl' who would go crazy when discovering that a famous actor is going to come to their town. She is cool-headed and writes the cutest emails ever! (Graham included as well!) Graham is quite adorable too and I understand the pressure and stress he has because of his job as an actor. The thing I adored most between the two characters are definitely their email exchanges. They are so adorable I wish someone would email me the way Ellie and Graham email each other!

Overall:
If a random stranger accidentally emails you and he is in fact, an actor, what would you do? This Is What Happy Looks Like is a cute and fluffy read even though the story itself wasn't quite as enjoyable as I thought it would be. The thing I loved most about this book is definitely the email exchanges between Ellie and Graham! If you love a fluffy and cute read (plus a bonus addition of a pet pig called Wilbur), then you definitely should check this book out!

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for This Is What Happy Looks Like! (I guess it's more like 3.5?)

Thank you Hachette Australia for the review copy!

#198 Book Review: The Goddess Inheritance

The Goddess Inheritance (Goddess Test #3)
Release Date: 1 March 2013
Author: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary:

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal.

In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.

With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.

Even if it costs her eternity.

Cover:
Gorgeous! Love the girl's blue dress and that background. This might be my favourite cover out of all the Australian covers of the series!

Story:

Love or life. Henry of their child. The end of her family or the end of the world. Kate must choose...

After reading The Goddess Interrupted last year, I have been anxiously waiting for the sequel to release because I need to know what happens to Kate and Henry after that ending! While I didn't love The Goddess Interrupted as much as The Goddess Test, I'm glad that The Goddess Inheritance wasn't disappointing!

The Goddess Inheritance is about choices which Kate has to make in her life. The main 'enemy' in this book is Cronus, who strangely desires Kate while brewing a war against the gods. Kate and Henry's fragile relationship is further challenged, with the addition of their child. The story itself is mainly focused on Kate trying to save Henry, her child and also stopping Cronus from defeating the gods. What I particularly enjoyed from this book are the moments between Kate and Henry. Their relationship has faced a lot of challenges but they are finally able to overcome these challenges with their love for each other.

Characters:
In The Goddess Interrupted, I was sometimes annoyed with Kate. She has some 'trust' issues, particularly about Henry and that becomes a huge obstacle for their relationship to grow and develop. However in this book, Kate finally is able to trust Henry and love him freely without any doubts and uncertainties. Kate has certainly grown and developed throughout the course of the series, approaching problems in a strong way which she would not have done in the previous 2 books.  Henry, on the other hand, also grows from the previous 2 books, starting to be more open and showing his affections more often towards Kate. I also enjoyed reading about the other Gods although Cronus is a character I feel conflicted about. He's 'evil' but I feel pity for him throughout the story.

Overall:
The Goddess Inheritance is the satisfying conclusion to the Goddess Test series! In this book, Kate and Henry must undergo a final challenge before they can love each other freely without any obstacles. If you love re-tellings of Greek mythology (particularly a certain Greek god called Hades), then you definitely should check out this series!

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for The Goddess Inheritance!

Thank you Harlequin Teen Australia for the review copy!