DNF: The Girl and the Gargoyle

Review:

I received a copy from Netgalley.

 

Sadly this is a DNF at 31% for me. I really really liked the first book in the series, and was actually looking forward to the sequel. However, it has now been well over a year and a half since I read the first one, and I remember absolutely nothing about the plot. And to be honest, I really just don't feel like going and rereading the first one again to be able to catch up on the second. 

 

It's actually a really good Ya paranormal series, it's got likeable characters, great world building and unique take on witches demons and gargoyles. It's well written, the only thing that bugged me was the use of "mundanes" to describe humans by paranormal creatures. Which anyone who has ever read a Cassandra Clare book will tell you that phrase is already in use in a YA paranormal romance series. Other than that, there is nothing wrong with the series, it's just not for me at this time. 

Original post: sunsetxcocktail.booklikes.com/post/1294137/dnf-the-girl-and-the-gargoyle

Review: Shadows

Review:

I initially snagged a copy of this title from Netgalley. It's one of those books I've heard of and probably had on my TBR list at some point but never got around to reading it. Since it was available on Netgalley (either with read it now or auto approval, I can't remember) I figured great time to give it a chance.

However, by the time I got round to reading it, the file was badly corrupted, words missing, letting missing and it made the whole narrative rather confusing. Unfortunately the title had already been archived, but I liked enough of what I read so I purchases a used paperback copy from Amazon.

I honestly don't quite know what to make of this novel. I didn't love it, but I didn't flat out hate it either. I'm rather ambivalent on it, really. On the one had, the dialogue was snarky and delicious, and I really did love the angel/demon mythology. Not something particularly new in its concepts but the way the novel was told took a familiar concept and made it its own with a fresh and different take. My problem was it was lack of emotional depth and the characters.

I failed to connect to any of the characters. Most of them felt rather two dimensional, I wasn't blown away by anyone, really. I found the storyline interesting enough, the main character Gaby is struggling to get over her twin brother Jude's death, she has a good, supportive best friend, Maggie, whom she lives with. Gaby has horrible dreams about battling demons in clubs and writes pretty gruesome short stories about it. Which attract some unwanted attention when weird things start happening at a local bar they hang out in.

One of the guys in Gaby's dreams is literally there at the bar. He talks to her like he knows her and knows her well, and Gaby's world is thrown into chaos when more people show up to more or less do battle with her. All these new people are pretty thrown when Gaby remembers nothing about them, and apparently knows nothing about her true self. Or what she really is.

Which is where the angel mythology comes into play. I really did like the world building. It takes familiar concepts of fallen angels and Nephilim and gives them it's own twist. And as I mentioned the dialogue between the characters was brilliant. Snarky, snappy, and wickedly fun. Even though Gaby's going through some immense changes in discovering everything she knew was a lie and two different groups of paranormal beings are now trying to force her to remember things she can't....there was something missing for me.

The actual plot of Gaby trying to ascertain what the hell was going on was what kept me reading, but I felt nothing for character or the background histories we learn as the story progresses. There were some truly epic action scenes throughout the novel, and one bit of pretty hot romance towards the end. I did kind of like that the romance angle wasn't really played out that much throughout the novel. it certainly came into the story when Gaby learns who she was with before she lost her memories and why different people were surprised to see her with one guy instead of the other.

I don't see myself racing out to buy all the other books in the series immediately, (unless they were on sale somewhere maybe) though I am probably curious enough to continue the series at some point, if only to find out of Gaby ever recovers all her memories.

Original post: sunsetxcocktail.booklikes.com/post/1292624/review-shadows

Review: For the Record

Review:

I snagged a copy of this title from Netgalley when it was available as a 'read it now' title.

Actual rating somewhere between 2.5 and 3 stars.

I was quite looking forward to this book and jumped at the chance when I saw it was a 'read it now' title on Netgalley. The first part of the book never really grabbed my attention. I struggled to get through the first half of the story. I liked the main character, Chelsea. She was okay. Desperate to get out of a small dull town after an incident had left her ostracised by the other kids in her high school, with one best friend who stood by her, Chelsea had was on an American Idol-eque reality TV show, but voted off. Not all bad though, she found herself with an offer to sing for a favourite band, Melbourne, replacing the female lead who had recently left.

The story starts with Chelsea going on her first US tour with the band. Mildly interesting enough to see how she copes with the dynamic of the already established band-mates and the behind the scenes people. She manages to convince the manager to let her boy crazy BFF Mandy come along to help sell the band merchandise at concert venues. I just did not like the boys in the band. They were privileged snobs who constantly talked down to Chelsea, made fun of the fact she had never heard of certain albums, Patty Smith, something from the Beatles and a few others) and that she didn't have a record player and liked to listen to stuff on her iPod. It was annoying to say the least.

Bus life on tour was interesting enough, but its understandable when Chelsea gets irritated over things like her food being eaten (cause her name wasn't on it) she didn't get pissy about it when the guys got drunk and brought their groupies back on the bus. Yet when she starts hanging out with a guy and he comes along, its a big freaking deal.

It was actually the love triangle in this that held my interest more than the band drama. Chelsea hooks up with famous Hollywood hottie Lucas Rivers in the first part of the book then meets him again later on the tour. Before this happens of course, she starts getting friendlier with one of the band guys, Beckett (the only tolerable, likeable dude in the band) He's fun and easy to talk to. He does get on her case about her taste in music, but other than that, he's pretty decent. But Chelsea discovers Beckett has a sort of girlfriend who comes along on the tour at some point. Driving her back to Lucas Rivers when he shows up again.

It was the who will she end up with that really kept me reading. (It was actually obvious right from the start, at least to me.) However, the drama with Lucas was entertaining. Silly, as they try to get to know each other while dodging paparazzi, Lucas Rivers fangirls, and the pissy attitude of the band guys when Lucas comes along on tour. At the same time Chelsea is still struggling with her feelings for Beckett.

The second half of the novel was a lot more enjoyable than the first, and I liked reading more about how Chelsea found her image and her voice and dealt with all the drama going on. The characters were not particularly brilliant, a lot of them felt rather flat and dull, it was pretty much music and drama that filled this book. At least for me.

I wasn't all that impressed with the storyline with Chelsea's BFF Mandy. From what went to a decent friendship it all went down hill half way through the tour. At least it had a realistic resolution by the end. The end had some decent emotional impact that I found lacking in the first part, and the end was fairly surprising. Quite open ended, which was interesting. There's a conclusion, and a believable one, when heads are pulled out of asses and people finally start dealing with stuff.

I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. It was a fairly quick read and the novel certainly did have its moments. I liked the writing, just not the characters. I would definitely read something by this author again.

Original post: sunsetxcocktail.booklikes.com/post/1292219/review-for-the-record

Review: The White Rose

Review:

When I read The Jewel, it was one of the first long ranty reviews I wrote (see it here) I swore I had no interest in the sequel. But then morbid curiosity got me and I pre ordered it. As it turns out, I absolutely LOVED The White Rose. I was completely blown away. I read the first 31% or so in one sitting, then started the rest at the weekend and couldn't put it down until I finished. 

 

While it had a few silly moments, particularly the opening which made me roll my eyes as soon as

 

[spoiler]

We learn that our heroine Violent has been given a special serum to make it look like she's dead so she can escape the palace and get out of the Jewel. Immediately I groan (did we learn nothing from Romeo and Juliet about forbidden love and serums that make you appear dead? did you not think about the numerous things that can go very very wrong with this plan?)

[/spoiler]

 

 

However, it turns out most of the book is about Violet and her posse escaping from the Jewel. This book had character development! Even Violet herself, who is still has special snowflake syndrome, was actually likeable in this book. She's willing to give up her chance at escape to help out her friend Raven. Raven has been treated terribly and her mind is not all there as a result, but Violet's love for her friend is really quite moving as they struggle to escape. With the help of love interest Ash who is now a wanted criminal, (a huge lie is spun by the Duchess of the Lake) Garnet and Lucien. 

 

We also learn backstories! Ash goes from being a one dimensional pretty boy with a terrible case of insta-love to someone who is actually likeable. It's impossible not to feel for him once you learn the truth about what the Royal companion boys really have to go through, its cringe worthy and very disturbing. But it gives him a whole new dimension to see how he's come through it. Even though I still don't buy the Ash/Violet romance, its kind of sweet to see him willing to do pretty much anything to help.

 

Lucien (who to me was a big Cinna from the Hunger Games rip off in the first book) really stands out and becomes his own character in this one, all similarities to Cinna seem to disappear and we learn some pretty surprising things about him as he leads Violent and her friends to a safety zone. He's got his own tragic back story, but once out of the Jewel, he's a much stronger character and has a twist of his own to add depth to the story. 

 

There's an underground revelation going on to overthrow the Royals. Mysterious people with silly code names pop up and aid the escape. Then when they get to the safe house, we get world building! Logical world building as Violet learns the truth about her Auguries powers and a hole host of new powers possessed by the surrogate girls. History as well! 

 

Violet still has special snowflake tenancies as she learns more about the magic in the powers she possess. But at least she's strong enough now not to take things lying down when people say mean things. She doesn't whine or cry about it. She is determined to fight back and help do something about the terrible injustice inflicted by the Royals. There's an incredibly moving scene towards the end of the novel where Raven's life is in grave danger and the sheer strength and love Violet shows is just as powerful as her new magic. 

 

The twist at the end was utterly predictable from about half way through. Even though it did have a few silly moments, this book was bloody brilliant compared to the first one! I never ever thought I would say this but - I NEED THE NEXT ONE NOW!!!!

Original post: sunsetxcocktail.booklikes.com/post/1290461/review-the-white-rose

DNF: Curio

Review:

I received a copy from Netgalley.

 

Steampunk novels are touch and go with me. It's not my favourite genre, really, but every now and then I see a steampunk novel I like the look of and figure I'll give it a chance. Which is exactly what I thought when I saw Curio pop up on Netgalley.

 

I made it 108 pages, but this is another not for me book. I don't think it's a terrible book at all, its very creative, descriptive and quite original in its storyline and ideas. The main character is likeable enough. However, I am very confused by the lack of world building. There's a lot going on and I'm just not following it, and not really that interested in continuing to be honest. 

 

It's not a bad book and I think people who like fantasy steam punk would really enjoy it, it's just not my cup of tea.

 

Thank you to Netgalley and Zonderkidz-Books for approving my request to view the title. 

Original post: sunsetxcocktail.booklikes.com/post/1290455/dnf-curio

DNF: Gilded

Review:

I received a copy from Netgalley. 

 

DNFing at 14%. Not really read enough to write much of a review. I just know that I don't like it. I'm not wowed by the main character. I don't like the style of the writing. I find the random Korean words and phrases thrown in (probably going for authenticity) jarring and distracting. I was really looking forward to something based on Korean mythology, something I know absolutely nothing about and therefore was quite excited to see in a YA novel, This book is not just working for me.

 

Thank you to Netgalley and Skyscape and Two Lions for approving my request to view the title. 

Original post: sunsetxcocktail.booklikes.com/post/1290453/dnf-gilded

Reading progress update: I've read 100%.

Wow. Was totally unprepared for that considering how much I hated the first book. I absolutely loved this one. It had some silly moments but a massive improvement on everything I hated about The Jewel. Likable characters! And world building! Really really GOOD world building! 

 

Full review to come.

Original post: sunsetxcocktail.booklikes.com/post/1289565/reading-progress-update-i-ve-read-100

Review: Snow Angel

Review:

I received a copy from Netgalley.

 

A beautifully written, passionate and romantic novella. I read this in less than an hour and loved every word of it. The novella tells the story of two very different women, world famous actress Ellie and reclusive writer Maggie. Maggie lives in remote cabin and a panicked call from a friend leads her to find Ellie who has been visiting the same friend and crashed her SUV in the snow.

Maggie is quiet and sensible whilst Ellie is clearly hiding from something, she’s confused and disorientated from the accident and very suspicious. Being a world famous actress she has the idea in her head that everyone is out to get something from her. Maggie is simply a nice kind person who wants to help because she wants to help.

Maggie has a few secrets of her own, she’s been hurt in a previous relationship many years ago and its had a damaging lasting effect.  As Ellie stays and recovers she gets to know Maggie better and realise things about herself she’s tried to bury and ignore for many many years.

Its soft and romantic as the two fall into a passionate relationship. Very intimate, and (very hot) sex scenes. Though not without its problems as Maggie and Ellie have to deal with each other and Ellie’s life in the public eye and Maggie’s tendency to hide from people.  Amazingly pulled together for such a short novella and just 110 pages, but believable with two different but well written lead characters.

I loved it.

 

Thank you Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for approving my request to view the title.

Original post: sunsetxcocktail.booklikes.com/post/1289000/review-snow-angel

**On Hold**

 

Just not getting into this one at the moment. Have barely made it past 10% in a month. It's not that I don't like it, I've read so little at the moment I'm not sure if I do or don't. It may just be that kindle format is working for me, I have purchased a hardback and will try to pick it up again at some point in the future.

Original post: sunsetxcocktail.booklikes.com/post/1283063/post

Review: Carefully Descending Everywhere

Review:

I snagged a copy of this book when it was a 'Read it Now' on Netgalley.

 

I'm always on the lookout for lesbian themed YA romances, its not something I see a lot. So I downloaded this title as soon as I saw it whilst browsing Netgalley.

 

Unfortunately, this was a bit of a blah book for me. The romance was mildly sweet, it managed a fairly decent emotional impact in certain points, however, I did find the ending to the novel a bit ridiculous. Also, I didn't like the main character very much.

 

Audrey, the heroine, comes from a low income family with an older brother, and a younger brother, her dad is a bit of a jerk, but he works, and her mom is suffering from what is described in the novel as bi polar. She can spend days at a time in bed and can't seem to bring herself to do anything. Audrey appears to be the responsible one of the family. The older brother has left school and keeps looking for work but doesn't seem to be able to hold a job for long. 

 

Audrey is a very studios girl, determined to get a scholarship to a good college. She has strong ethics which I did admire, the other heroine of the story, Scarlett, a popular, wealthy girl asks Audrey to do her homework - she'll even pay her - but Audrey flat out refuses. However, it becomes fairly obvious Audrey has a crush on Scarlett. Audrey doesn't seem to deny her sexuality, though her dad is a jerk to her about it. Particularly when she finally does get together with Scarlett to help her with essays - help not do it for her - Dad grills her about whether or not they are dating. 

 

Its up and down with the drama. Scarlett and Audrey find themselves thrown together. Scarlett however, has a girlfriend. Audrey is gutted. Audrey does have a very supportive best friend who listens and offers great advice. Audrey and Scarlett spent the bulk of the novel dealing with their feelings for each other. Thrown in with other drama, such as Audrey's family situation - they are poor and it has some limits that Audrey can't do a lot of things with friends and stuff simply because she can't afford it. Whilst sad, it did get very irritating with Audrey's constant references. She was trying to rise above it and do the best she could with what she had, but it still had an 'oh poor me' feel to it. 

 

I just couldn't connect to Audrey as a character. She was kind of blunt and came across at some points as bitchy and controlling. She wants to be a good student so she thinks her brothers should as well as better education will help the older brother get a better job. She may be right, but isn't up to him to decide that without her going on at him? The little brother is struggling in school so she makes it her mission to help him. Admirable enough, but again, she doesn't listen to what he's trying to tell her when he doesn't get the work. 

 

The relationship with Scarlett was fairly moving as they figured the other one out, and got to know each other better.

 

But then there was a side plot about a mysterious new neighbour who comes into Audrey's neighbourhood, who she tries to get to know but the neighbour is never around and becomes weird. There was another side plot about Scarlett and Audrey being in a restaurant when they over hear a loud public fight between a guy who finds out his best friend has been sleeping with his wife. Audrey meets the guy who was cheated on in a park and they form a sort of friendship and he becomes an adult outside of school and family she tends to ask for advice on stuff. Nothing untoward went on, it just seemed a little odd.

 

The plot with the new weird neighbour hit a stupid conclusion that was ridiculous. At least in my opinion.  Overall, the whole thing was kind of meh. It was okay, and the writing certainly showed promise. I would probably read something by the author again, but this particular book didn't work for me.

 

Original post: sunsetxcocktail.booklikes.com/post/1281397/review-carefully-descending-everywhere