Stephanie's books

Clockwork Angel
Eragon
City of Bones
Twilight
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Golden Compass
Night World, No. 2
Thirst No. 2: Phantom, Evil Thirst, and Creatures of Forever
Thirst No. 3: The Eternal Dawn
The Iron Daughter
The Iron King
Nightshade
Divergent
A Discovery of Witches
A Great and Terrible Beauty
The Hunger Games
The Host
City of Glass
Memoirs of a Geisha
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo


Stephanie's favorite books »

Tuesday 25 March 2014

Blog Tour Review- Missing Royal (Finding Gold, one)




Title: Missing Royal
Author: Konstanz Silverbow
Series: Finding Gold book 1
Rating: 4/5
Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours










Summary

One princess destroyed the world. One princess must save it. 

When Shanice was little, she wished to be a princess. Now as a teenager, she just wishes she fit in. But Shanice doesn't feel like she belongs—she never has.

When her parents tell her she is the last known princess from another world, it all makes sense—a world full of magic in place of technology, one where she is more than just royalty. She is their last chance to stop the one who is bent on destroying it: Mendina. 

But she can't do it alone. First, she must find the other missing royals. In her quest, Shanice will be forced to choose between the course prophecy set for her and the one that leads to the man who possesses her heart.

Links:

Regular Edition
Special Edition
 Goodreads



My Review
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
This was a fun story and a very cool idea, I thought there were a few holes and maybe it was my memory but I think two characters were interchanged, but this could also be due to the fact I got an ARC copy and I think these small things will be fixed in the reprint, but this is my reason for not giving the book five stars. The story as a whole was interesting and the pace was quick and it held my attention, so overall a good read.
Shanice was a neat character and her story kinda broke my heart, the lonely girl who can't fit in, reluctantly leaves the only home she has ever known and she carries the hopes of a nation on her shoulders. At first I thought she was stubborn, but then I thought how would any of us act in this situation, the main thing is she grew a lot as time went on and she found the place she belonged the place she had always been looking for. I thought some of the Journey's were pointless but then when I looked back I realized she needed those, she needed answers and she needed experience. 
The two Princes at her side made things a little fuzzy but I think she knew what she wanted all along and I guess you could say she got her happy ending, but it was not all happy and I like where this is gong to lead us in the coming book and books of the series. Even Mendina who is hell bent on revenge made me feel sorry for her, it's to bad she let rage blind her and she became the way she was because of it. I really enjoy fantasy and this one is well done so if you too enjoy a good fantasy then this one is for you! 

About The Author


Konstanz Silverbow has always been a dreamer . . . but not a writer. Being an author was something she was dragged into. But since that day, she hasn't stopped. It has become more than a hobby, it is a passion. 


During the day Konstanz works, making jewelry, playing the violin, collecting dragons, and learning all she can about medieval weapons. But at night she creates made up worlds and places where those dragons come to life and the weapons are used in battle."




Thursday 20 March 2014

Review Event- Caged (Talented saga 2)



Title: Caged
Author: Sophie Davis
Series: Talented Saga book 2
Rating: 5/5












Summary
After her brush with death at Ian Crane’s compound, Talia Lyons feels like a prisoner, confined in her childhood home. Plagued with seizures- the result of an unidentified drug injected in her neck by Crane’s men- Talia must put her dream of becoming a Hunter on hold. So when Agency Director McDonough asks Talia to go undercover at the School for the Talented, to find the spy who set the trap for her in Nevada, Talia jumps at the opportunity. 

Soon she learns that her new-found freedom comes with a price- working with Donavon on a daily basis. As if that isn’t awkward enough, her former teammate, Erik, also shows up at the School. But at least Talia has the unexpected company of her best friend Penny; to not only assist her in uncovering the spy, but also to deal with the complications that the guys create.

As Talia becomes more entrenched in her assignment, she quickly learns the lengths that the Agency and Mac will go in the name of war. With Crane’s influence spreading, Talia learns that there are few Operatives without ties to the Coalition. Forced to face hard truths and dangerous conclusions, Talia realizes that it is those closest to her who are hiding the biggest secrets. As the task of finding the traitor becomes more problematic, desperation and frustration rule Talia’s world. It becomes clear that Talia can’t do this alone. But who can she trust, when everyone around her is lying?

My Review
I read book one as part of a facebook event and was given a copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review and a chance to win cool prizes :)
 Now I have read three of Sophie Davis' books and I love love love her writing and it only increases with each book and I can't wait to continue this series, continue Blind Barriers and also start the Nightmare series. I must warn you this review will contain spoilers so look away if you have yet to read this amazing book.
Book one left me hanging so I couldn't wait to get into this one and get some answers. The fact that Talia didn't just bounce back and resume her spot as a Hunter both disappointed me and made me happy, I was disappointed for Talia's sake it is all she has ever wanted and I feel bad that she has to basically start all over, but I was happy because it is realistic and it shows the hardships of life and how sometimes we are knocked down but how we pick ourselves up is what matters. I am not gonna lie I was a little frustrated with Talia, she seemed so strong and determined in book one but in this book I found her defeated and a little whinny, but also I can understand why she acted the way she did and of course threw it all I saw her growth and self discovery, I just hope she can carry it on and find the answers that Penny was willing her to see. My least favorite of  her actions was how she handled Donavan and Erik, I didn't  like that she seemed to still have so much trust in Donavan after he cheated on her, and after everything Erik had done for her she did not have faith he would stick with her when he found out about the seizures, thank goodness she came to her senses and if we are being honest I came to mine as well :) Donavan may have been a jerk but he cares for Talia and I can see why she would still need him after all this time. Erik continues to hold my heart and after getting more information about his past and how he was forced into TOXIC I love him even more, I hope his presence helps Talia discover more of the truth and more about her past.
The hunt for the traitor was intense for me, how could you find someone with so little to go on, it felt like the poor team was just running around in circles and then BAM the bomb is dropped on me,  I had to re read the section were Talia confronts the traitor like three times I was just so stunned I mean PENNY really....penny I was not prepared for that, but with the exceptional writing of Sophie Davis I can look back and spot a few hints. I still feel I have to take pause I don't know that I truly believe she did what she did for evil I mean she is sweet little Penny and I think she cares about Talia, she gave her those memories and her talk with Mac at the end gave me even more reason to doubt she meant harm. TOXIC has many secrets and I think Mac has even more, but with the help of Erik and maybe even Donavan  I hope she will get all the truth she is looking for, after all she had been through she deserves it. I absolutely love this series and I can't wait for more.

Sunday 16 March 2014

Blog Tour Review- Untimely Return (An Untimely Romance 2)






Title: Untimely Return 
Series: Untimely Romance book 2
Author: J.L. Wells
Genre: New Adult, Time Travel romance
Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours
Rating: 5/5








Summary
A curse placed on the Richardson family from long ago has thrust Dannika back and forth through time, wreaking havoc on the family, finishing what was started long ago. While cast back into a time that is terribly unfamiliar, Dannika finds her aunt, Heather Richardson, who had mysteriously disappeared years earlier, and encounters a virtuous man who is passionately in love with her. 
Back in the twentieth century, the Richardson family accused Ruben Brown of fowl play. Dannika knows this, and yet she needs Ruben for support and maybe more. Losing Dannika would be all the family could take, so Dannika must see Ruben at her own risk. Was Ruben innocent? Who knows. The circumstance of Heather's disappearance was too unreal, too unfathomable. But when Dannika is summoned back in time, she begins to unravel the secrets behind not only Heather's disappearance, but a curse that has brought her into a twisted love triangle that spans hundreds of years, a curse that has ruined Ruben's life, shattered the Richardson family, and sent Dannika's heart into turmoil. 
Unbeknownst to the Richardson family, Freesdon Manor was built upon a stone church where a wicked curse set the path for this complex web that is twisting through the fabric of time. Although she is strong willed, Dannika is caught up in a cancerous web of relationships, jealousy, and lust as she is thrust through time. Will she set her family free from this curse before it finally takes its toll? Or will evil rule the day? With it's physiological twists and turns, this must read time-travel novel brings generations together, unearthing a compelling family secret.


My Review
 I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
I read book one of this series in the summer as part of a blog tour and I really liked it so when the opportunity to read book two for another blog tour came up I signed up ASAP.  I have to say I loved this book and I liked it more than book one, that being said book one was a great foundation for the series it's just this one had a bit more mystery, excitement and stunning revelation, it held my attention and I read though it rather quickly, hanging on every word. This review may contain spoilers, if you have not read book one then it definitely will lol. 
First  I want to talk about the writing, it's fantastic, I felt the same about book one, the descriptions are so detailed and well structured I feel like I am standing in the middle of the picturesque manor or the surrounding grounds. I love how the differnces in the centuries is small yet done in such a way it's easy to tell when you are. This brings me to talk about the time travel aspect, now I think this is a tricky subject to write about, each little thing effects so much more when you add jumping back and forth, but in this book I found that the hodge podge that I thought was book one was really a perfectly laid out plan with a perfectly laid out exicution and I am very happy with how everything was wrapped up in a beautifully cursed bow and I am still happy about how it all went, even things that I thought were insignificant actually had their place in the curse of the manor and the people surrounding it. 
Now lets talk about the characters, I have to start with Ruben because I had a very strong negative feeling about him in the first book ( I am told his character has been changed a bit since I have read it) I found him to just be a terrible human being, with no excuses for his actions, well then I read this book and I was taken on a very emotional ride with him, I don't think I could every totally forgive him but getting such a very different look at his life and the giant bomb dropped at the end changed a few things for me. I guess like all the others in this tale he(they) was doomed by time and a curse, and they never had any control over what would happen to them. I think I kinda had the same ride with Dannika  as I did with Ruben, I mean I felt for her but sometimes I thought she was bratty and spoiled, but I think she played her part as best she could and I found more of a connection with her then I did with Heather (her aunt from book one) I felt like she was a bit smarter about the time traveling romances and I felt like she found answers a little faster but I think having Anna on her side and not as an enemy, well sorta, helped her out a lot.
The ending blew me away I was very taken aback and I am so so so so glad I got to read this beautifully complex and fantastic series, please get your copies today!!


About The Author
 Mother and Daughter, Judith and Laura, writing duo from, Staffordshire, England. When they are not writing they are busy looking after, and walking their four beautiful dogs. They are presently working on a number of different genres, and are really excited to see Regina Wamba work her magic on their forth coming covers.  They are both very happy to be published by Jeff and Amber Bennington of Nexgate gate press, Jeff is a big inspiration to them both due to his success with his own novels. The authors are presently looking forward to the release of An Untimely Return, the second in the Untimely series.
Author Links:
goodreads 
Blog
Facebook

Monday 10 March 2014

Review- Out of the Dark (The Grey Wolves #4)

Title: Out Of The Dark (The Grey Wolves 4)
Author: Quinn Loftis
Rating: 5/5
Summary
Darkness has descended on the Transylvanian Alps.
Four packs of the powerful Grey wolves – in a rare show of cooperation – had joined together here in an effort to help their pack members find true mates. Then they were betrayed by one of their own – an Alpha hell-bent on becoming the most powerful of the Canis lupis. And though the wolf's assassination attempt on the currently-reigning Romanian Alpha failed, his plans to get Decebel, the Romanian Beta, out of the picture were coming together even as his treachery was discovered. The wolf fled, leaving destruction, death, and a missing mate behind him.

Unbeknownst to the other packs, the wolf has employed a witch to finish the deadly job and help him gain another tool to increase his power. A curse of devastating proportions will cripple Decebel in a way that may dissolve his fragile bond with Jennifer. Meanwhile, injured and alone, Jen has been fighting for her life. She had come to terms with her fate, accepting that she would not share a life with Decebel, until help came in the most unexpected form...

Vasile will have to use all his resources – including Sally, the new gypsy healer of the Romanian pack – to discover a way in which to destroy the witch, lift the curse from Decebel and reunite him with the one woman who makes him whole, and solve a mystery that's been surrounding the Romanian pack for 300 years.

My Review

 This series is fantastic and with each book I love it more and I fall more in love with these characters. I had started this series a while ago and other things got in the way, but then I found a hole in my schedule and decided to pick this one up and I was dragged (very willingly) back into this fantastic world of werewolves, Gypsy healers and now witches and fae, giving me more reasons to love this series.
I believe that the characters is this book are some of the most realistic I have ever read, maybe it's just I love how open and sarcastic Jen, Jacque, and Sally are and they seem to bring out the best in everyone around them, I think not only were they fated to complete their mates, who all end up in the same pack, but also to complete the pack as a whole, and yes they bring on some trouble but they bring so much good that it all seems worth it.
Werewolves are by far my favorite of the paranormal bunch and this series is the main reason why, the world is built perfectly and because it is from multiple points of view we also get  a look into the wolf nature that I think Loftis writes perfectly, I love the direction this series is taking and I can`t wait to dive in again.
If you have not started this series I think you should and if you have then carry on and love these books!

Review Event- Blind Barriers (Blind Barriers serials #1) by Sophie Davis



Title: Blind Barriers 
Series: Blind Barriers Serials #1
Author: Sophie Davis
Rating: 4/5

*Reviewed as part of a facebook event, if you are interested in joining and you have a blog please check it out Here!




Summary
Raven Ferragamo is starting a new life. Taking a year off after high school, she moves to Washington, D.C., leaving her childhood friends, her family, and her problems behind. The clean break with her past starts off better than she dreamed when a hunky neighbor offers to be her D.C. tour guide. For the first time in her short life, Raven really feels as though anything is possible.
Lark Kingsley had the perfect family, the perfect future, the perfect life. Born and raised in affluent New York society, she was bred for success. Until one day things go terribly wrong, and Lark vanishes in to thin air. 
Seemingly coming from different worlds, the two have more in common than either could ever imagine.
What happened to Lark, and why is she desperately pleading with Raven to find out?


My Review

This book was free on Amazon and after reading Talented by Sophie Davis and loving it, I thought I would give this quick read a go (plus it gets me more entries in the facebook event so I do believe that's what they call a win-win). The idea behind this mystery was awesome, two girls who look similar from opposite sides of the tracks and on two very different journeys in their lives are somehow brought together by a journal and a disappearance. I was held captive in this book from page one to the very end, and I wanted to know more about these interesting and different girls. My only big issue with the book is that it was too short and it ended just when I thought things would finally be revealed, but that makes me want to get book two ASAP so I must say...very clever Sophie Davis, very clever indeed. I am always game for a good mystery and although this one was short it is a good mystery just the same, so pick it up give it a read and I have a feeling you will be wanting more by the books end. 


Sunday 9 March 2014

Review Event- Talented (Talented 1) by Sophie Davis


Title: Talented (Talented 1)
Author: Sophie Davis
Rating: 5/5
Summary
When Talia Lyons was just a child, her parents were murdered before her eyes. Offered a choice between accepting their fate and exacting revenge, Talia trains to become one of the country’s deadliest assassins in order to kill the man responsible for their deaths: Ian Crane. Luckily, Talia was born with a gift- the ability to read and influence the minds of others. At sixteen, Talia is poised to graduate from the McDonough School for the Talented, where she learned to control her abilities. Now there is only one obstacle standing between her and the retribution she craves... Talia herself.
Her greatest asset may also be her undoing; while a formidable weapon in the field, Talia’s talents prevent her from both shutting off the mental connection she shares with her questionable boyfriend and blocking out the thoughts of a beguiling fellow recruit. But Talia can’t afford to have the feelings and distractions of a normal teenage girl, when her life is far from normal.
She must regain the single-minded determination that has brought her this far, or it may cost Talia her life when she finally faces Crane. And even after being molded in to a weapon of war, she’ll still have to find the strength it takes to pull the trigger.
If James Bond and Sookie Stackhouse had a love child with a yearning for vengeance, her story would be 

TALENTED: an adventure about powerful teenagers who aren’t afraid to embrace their fears and fight for what they believe in.

My Review
 I joined a cool facebook event and for reading and reviewing this book I will be entered to win prizes, if you also have a blog and this book sounds good to you (which it should cause it's great LOL) then head over to the page and check it out:
 I want to start by saying it has been a while since I have read a book about mind powers and I think that is because in the past I have been let down several times in the past, some have had many holes and seem far fetched and yes I know having mind powers is far fetched but I feel like it should still be relate able.... well this book was the exception, the idea behind how hers and other powers was well developed, well explained and with the way things are going in the world it was understandable that this is were we are headed. Talia's talent was complex but well thought out and explained in a perfect manor that left me satisfied and very interested. So if you  thought this is just another mind reading book, you are wrong it is so much more than that and so much better.
 The underlying plot of TOXIC vs The Coalition was of course present but I liked how it took a backseat to Talia`s training while we got to know her and those around her. Her blind faith in Toxic was something I noticed from the beginning, I mean no one is perfect but something about TOXIC  seemed shady from the start (but I could be wrong so don`t listen to me haha), and don`t worry our strong, smart and revenge filled heroine finds her footing along the way and I think after he solo mission things will definitely change.
Now lets take a moment to talk about the men in this book, I guess being a pledge for the hunters (a mainly male dominated field) had its`s advantages, well it did for me!!!, if my imagination and the descriptions are correct this place is crawling with HOTTIES! So Donavan is Talias childhood sweetheart and I thought he was cute and he seemed nice, but then we have Erik who is a ladies man charming the pants off all the girls he wants, but also he would risk his life for his team mates and the ones he loves (He proved it more than once) and I know deep down behind the mask of confidence and smart ass jokes he has a good heart. The love triangle for me was a bit different and I think it has to do with Donavans actions, which I am not going to tell you because I loved that part were a big secret is revealed and everyone should get the same exciting experience, And for anyone wondering... TEAM ERIK all the way!!
I can not wait for book two, I want to know more about the war, I want to know more about Erik and most of all I want to know more about the ominous statement Donavan made in the Epilogue. I love the idea behind this book and I can tell the layers run deep. Sophie Davis is smart and this book shows it, she knows hoe to suck you in, give you the feels and leave you wanting more, and I am very excited to continue this series and any other book she has written and I strongly suggest you do too.