"One moment can change your life forever…
For
Violet Lee, a chance encounter on a darkened street draws her into a
world beyond her wildest imaginings, a timeless place of vast elegance
and immeasurable wealth – of beautiful mansions and lavish parties –
where a decadent group of friends live for pleasure alone. A place from
which there is no escape… no matter how hard Violet tries.
Yet
all the riches in the world can’t mask the darkness that lies beneath
the gilded surface, embodied in the charismatic but dangerous Kaspar
Varn.
Violet and Kaspar surrender to a passion that transcends their separate worlds – but it’s a passion that comes at a price…" taken from Goodreads
The first I actually saw of this book was in a tweet from DarkReaders, saying they had been sent a copy and were loving it. A few days later I got an email telling me about the release and wondering if I would like to review it. After a very brief conversation with Casey over at DR I was advised to say a HELL YES!!
The cover is very cool. Understated, but effective. I love the key details like the bite marks. I think maybe more elegant writing would have been better for the title though.
This has to have one of the most exhilarating starts to a book ever. Seriously so much happens and not at all pretty I have to say. I was pulled in straight away and was desperate to know more. The writing is so incredibly descriptive and vivid that it was so easy to paint the picture of what was happening. This could be helped slightly by the use of very local locations for me, being used in the book. I read Rochester and had a little excited dance (I don't get out often obviously)
The story shifts incredibly quickly that kept me on my toes. In just a few pages I read Creepy stuff, sexy stuff and down right sinister stuff. It was done in a way that flowed well though, so didn't feel out of place or anything.
I found some of the wording to be very 'Americanised' which I found strange seeing as it was a London / Kent set book. I can't say I hear people saying words like 'Jerk' or 'News Anchor' very often.
The thing that surprises me so much with this book is the fact that the author was just 15 when she started to write this book. There are things that happen in this story that I barely know now let alone back in my teens. Its a real eye opener!
Although Kaspar is the lead male character, I found him particularly annoying and not all that appealing. His constant nickname for Violet was a HUGE turn off too. I really wouldn't find it attractive to be called that all the time. His character does mellow somewhat, but I don't know if the damage had already been done for me as a reader? I guess I will know more in the next book.
This book takes some really intriguing twists that makes it very absorbing. Its so addictive that it had me constantly saying just one more chapter.
Rating 4 Out Of 5
Published In The UK By Harper Voyager
This Can Be Purchased HERE and from good book retailers
Showing posts with label Vampires. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vampires. Show all posts
Friday, 19 October 2012
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Exciting New Release - THE DARK HEROINE
Today I got an email from those lovely folk at Harper Collins telling me about an exciting new release coming in October. I Just HAD to share the news with you guys!!
The book is called THE DARK HEROINE By ABIGAIL GIBBS
This is the news that was shared with me -
I haven't been lucky enough to read the book yet, but am hoping I will get to devour this soon, watch out for a review soon!!!
Amazon LINK
The book is called THE DARK HEROINE By ABIGAIL GIBBS
This is the news that was shared with me -
As
the publishing industry continues to evolve in the face of the digital
age, HarperFiction has discovered 18 year-old online sensation and debut
novelist Abigail
Gibbs, who has been posting The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire
chapter by chapter on Wattpad.com. Having clocked up a phenomenal 17
million reads so far and amassed a huge global fan base online, this,
crucially, will be the first time anyone can read
the novel’s breathtaking ending.
The
Dark Heroine follows sixth-former Violet Lee, who is swept up in a
bitter feud between humans and vampires which has lasted centuries after
witnessing a bloody
massacre in London’s Trafalgar Square, and who becomes political
prisoner to the brutally charismatic vampire prince, Kaspar Varn.
Feisty, fast-paced and racy, Abigail’s maturity is breath-taking and the
unfolding romance between Kaspar and Violet is utterly
compelling.
Amazon LINK
Labels:
2012 releases,
Abigail Gibbs,
Harper Collins,
The Dark Heroine,
Vampires
Friday, 25 May 2012
Review - The Hunt By Andrew Fukuda
"Against all odds,
17-year-old Gene has survived in a world where humans have been eaten to
near extinction by the general population. The only remaining humans,
or hepers as they are known, are housed in domes on the savannah and
studied at the nearby Heper Institute. Every decade there is a
government sponsored hunt. When Gene is selected to be one of the
combatants he must learn the art of the hunt but also elude his fellow
competitors whose suspicions about his true nature are growing." taken from goodreads
I first heard of this book at the Christmas Simon & Schuster blogger event. I was instantly intrigued by the look and sound of the plot. I loved the idea of a vampiric / Hunger Games mixture. Here's what I thought.
The cover is HOT!! The guy is stunning, which is an instant pull to the book. The creepy guys in the background tell you that some scary stuff goes down too. I'm interested to see what book two's cover will be like.
On starting this I was pretty scared by the creepy reality that our lead character lives in. He has to hide every thing about his humanness and is completely isolated living alone. But it is from here that I started to feel my first niggles with the book. Obviously this is its own book and I really shouldn't be thinking of the vampires that have been written about before, but I couldn't help it. The way a human is detected in this world just didn't make sense to me. There are some things that would be impossible to hide and yet our lead character seems to be able to do this. The big thing for me was that the vampires could only smell blood if a human (Heper) was cut. I could just not understand this and so made the book some what frustrating for me throughout.
There are however some extremely thrilling turn of events that would be so hard to not be enthralled by. There are many dramatic and action filled scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. I felt so much fear for Gene and constantly worried about where his actions would lead.
The story concludes with a cliff hanger as I expected and definitely left me wanting to know where the story will go next. I will be buying the next instalment for sure - I just need to overcome my vampire baggage!!
Rating 3 Out Of 5
Published In The UK By Simon And Schuster
This Can Be Purchased HERE and from good book retailers
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The cover is HOT!! The guy is stunning, which is an instant pull to the book. The creepy guys in the background tell you that some scary stuff goes down too. I'm interested to see what book two's cover will be like.
On starting this I was pretty scared by the creepy reality that our lead character lives in. He has to hide every thing about his humanness and is completely isolated living alone. But it is from here that I started to feel my first niggles with the book. Obviously this is its own book and I really shouldn't be thinking of the vampires that have been written about before, but I couldn't help it. The way a human is detected in this world just didn't make sense to me. There are some things that would be impossible to hide and yet our lead character seems to be able to do this. The big thing for me was that the vampires could only smell blood if a human (Heper) was cut. I could just not understand this and so made the book some what frustrating for me throughout.
There are however some extremely thrilling turn of events that would be so hard to not be enthralled by. There are many dramatic and action filled scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. I felt so much fear for Gene and constantly worried about where his actions would lead.
The story concludes with a cliff hanger as I expected and definitely left me wanting to know where the story will go next. I will be buying the next instalment for sure - I just need to overcome my vampire baggage!!
Rating 3 Out Of 5
Published In The UK By Simon And Schuster
This Can Be Purchased HERE and from good book retailers
Labels:
2012 releases,
Andrew Fukuda,
Book Review,
Simon And Schuster,
The Hunt,
Vampires
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Review - The Immortal Rules By Julie Kagawa
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.
Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.
Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.
Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.
But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for. taken from Goodreads
I heard about this at the Mira Bloggers event I was lucky to attend in March. I've been meaning to read the Iron Fey series for what feels like forever. So when I heard that a whole new series was being written I was so excited - I do like to be there at the start of a series and there was no way I was going to miss this one.
The cover is brilliant. Very understated but tells you EVERYTHING you need to know. I love the touch of the blood dripping from the girls eye - very chilling.
On starting the book I was instantly scared - the new world depicted is horrifying. I felt unnerved that humanity has become what it is.
Allie is our main character and she has to fight for a very meagre existence on the streets avoiding the predators that are hunting them. She despises vampires the most, that is until one day she has the hard decision of either dying or becoming one of them. The thought of having to become the thing you hate the most is awful and reading Allie's transition is tough.
She does have an incredible relationship with her creator though - I felt it was like the vampire equivalent of Buffy & Giles - that's a show I adore, so worked amazingling for me.
Something that gets mentioned in the books is the Vampire cities where the vampires live - these really weren't explored in the book which disappointed me greatly. I really hope they get more coverage in the next part of the story.
I understand that Julie was very hesitant to write a vampire story, but I am so pleased she went against that and started a series after all. This is a fantastic first part and I'm gagging to see what comes next!!!
Rating 4 Out Of 5
Published In The UK By Mira Ink
This Can Be Purchased HERE and from good book retailers
Friday, 23 September 2011
Review - Bloodlines By Richelle Mead
This is a spin off series and some spoilers for the Vampire Academy series are possible
"When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning."
I was originally expecting quite a different cover for the UK release, but at sometime the designers must have decided to use the same as the US release. I actually think this was a pretty good decision. Everyone knows I am not a fan of faces on covers, but I kind of expect to see them on Richelle's books now and it works. I particularly love the tattoo design on who would be Sydney's face. Strangely though I'm not tempted to get this tattoo, like I wanted a Molnija mark.
I've been a big fan of the Vampire Academy books for a long time now. Obviously I was happy to see that series get a resolution, but also bummed that it was over. Imagine my excitement when I heard of a spin off series!!! I loved that it was decided to develop Sydney's character more. She was pretty awesome and seemed like she had more layers. This book really does show that. I was also excited to read more of the vampire Academy world, but from a different perspective. It really was fascinating to read.
I really enjoyed how Sydney's character changed even further. You could see how she starts off very controlled and regimented, even after her adventures in the VA books she was still trying to be what people wanted her to be. This does take somewhat of a turn and its so empowering. Rebellion is so fun to read!!
I was quite surprised by the inclusion of a bullying storyline. Bullying is a huge hate of mine, having been through it myself. It actually broke my heart a little to read that it even happens in a 'vampire' world. I guess I did become quite involved with the story!!!
It was fantastic that there were whole new stories and characters, yet old characters popped up here and there. Kind of like seeing old friends unexpectedly whilst shopping.
The book concluded with one whole story being resolved, yet leaving room for more questions and stories to evolve. I can't wait to see what comes next!!
Rating 3 Out Of 5
Published In The UK By Puffin / Razorbill
This Can Be Purchased HERE and at good book retailers
"When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning."
I was originally expecting quite a different cover for the UK release, but at sometime the designers must have decided to use the same as the US release. I actually think this was a pretty good decision. Everyone knows I am not a fan of faces on covers, but I kind of expect to see them on Richelle's books now and it works. I particularly love the tattoo design on who would be Sydney's face. Strangely though I'm not tempted to get this tattoo, like I wanted a Molnija mark.
I've been a big fan of the Vampire Academy books for a long time now. Obviously I was happy to see that series get a resolution, but also bummed that it was over. Imagine my excitement when I heard of a spin off series!!! I loved that it was decided to develop Sydney's character more. She was pretty awesome and seemed like she had more layers. This book really does show that. I was also excited to read more of the vampire Academy world, but from a different perspective. It really was fascinating to read.
I really enjoyed how Sydney's character changed even further. You could see how she starts off very controlled and regimented, even after her adventures in the VA books she was still trying to be what people wanted her to be. This does take somewhat of a turn and its so empowering. Rebellion is so fun to read!!
I was quite surprised by the inclusion of a bullying storyline. Bullying is a huge hate of mine, having been through it myself. It actually broke my heart a little to read that it even happens in a 'vampire' world. I guess I did become quite involved with the story!!!
It was fantastic that there were whole new stories and characters, yet old characters popped up here and there. Kind of like seeing old friends unexpectedly whilst shopping.
The book concluded with one whole story being resolved, yet leaving room for more questions and stories to evolve. I can't wait to see what comes next!!
Rating 3 Out Of 5
Published In The UK By Puffin / Razorbill
This Can Be Purchased HERE and at good book retailers
Labels:
Book Review,
Paranormal,
Richelle Mead,
Vampire Academy,
Vampires,
YA Book
Friday, 26 August 2011
Review - Revelations By Melissa De La Cruz
As this is a review for the third book from a series spoilers are possible!!!
"For the Young, Fabulous and Fanged...All is never what it seems. Schuyler Van Alen's blood legacy has just been called into question: is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins? As controversy swirls, Schuyler is left stranded in the Force household, trapped under the same roof as her cunning nemesis, Mimi Force, and her forbidden crush, Jack Force. But when an ancient place of power is threatened in Rio de Janeiro, the Blue Bloods need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high, the battle is bloody; and through it all Schuyler is torn between duty and passion, love and freedom."
Once again I am loving this cover. The UK designers made some slight tweaks to the US version and I think they were perfect. It does take a while to understand the relevance of the cover, but it is there.
This is the third book in the Blue Bloods series and is once again a treat. Melissa has a wonderful way of building a nicely paced story, which is intriguing and fun to read.
Melissa adds quite a few pop culture references which make the book very current & adds a whole other connection to the book. When the characters talk of famous people that you know it kind of puts you on parr with them and shows that you are looking up to the same people. But what Melissa did very cleverly was mentioning people that are somewhat in the paranormal / fandom bubble and so shouldn't really become people that readers won't know in the future giving the series more longevity. I was particularly excited to see a mention of Rob Zombie. Made me think of a few friends of mine that love him!!!
This book continues the love triangle of characters Schuyler, Jack & Mimi. And I have to say this is growing into quite a beautiful tale. I even felt myself feeling some sympathy for Mimi, the character we love to hate in the series. But I'm pleased to say that didn't last too long. I really do love to hate her!!!
The book leads to quite a huge revelation as the title of the book suggests. I was rather stunned by it, which is pretty fantastic. This is an amazing addition to the Blue Bloods series & highly recommended to all you vampire fans!!
Rating 3 Out Of 5
Published In The UK By ATOM
This Can Be Purchased HERE and at good book retailers
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This is the third book in the Blue Bloods series and is once again a treat. Melissa has a wonderful way of building a nicely paced story, which is intriguing and fun to read.
Melissa adds quite a few pop culture references which make the book very current & adds a whole other connection to the book. When the characters talk of famous people that you know it kind of puts you on parr with them and shows that you are looking up to the same people. But what Melissa did very cleverly was mentioning people that are somewhat in the paranormal / fandom bubble and so shouldn't really become people that readers won't know in the future giving the series more longevity. I was particularly excited to see a mention of Rob Zombie. Made me think of a few friends of mine that love him!!!
This book continues the love triangle of characters Schuyler, Jack & Mimi. And I have to say this is growing into quite a beautiful tale. I even felt myself feeling some sympathy for Mimi, the character we love to hate in the series. But I'm pleased to say that didn't last too long. I really do love to hate her!!!
The book leads to quite a huge revelation as the title of the book suggests. I was rather stunned by it, which is pretty fantastic. This is an amazing addition to the Blue Bloods series & highly recommended to all you vampire fans!!
Rating 3 Out Of 5
Published In The UK By ATOM
This Can Be Purchased HERE and at good book retailers
Labels:
Book Review,
Melissa De La Cruz,
Vampires,
YA Book
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (11) Twilight: The Graphic Novel Part 2
Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine
Twilight: The Graphic Novel Part 2
By Stephenie Meyer
Art By Young Kim
Published In The UK By ATOM
Due For Release 11th Oct 2011
Amazon LINK
"Having uncovered the dark secret of her enigmatic classmate, Edward Cullen, Bella Swan embraces her feelings for him, trusting Edward to keep her safe despite the risks. When a rival clan of vampires makes its way into Forks, though, the danger to Bella has never been more real. Will she make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people dearest to her?"
OK so Twilight has become kind of old for some people, but its what reignited my love of books and made me feel passionate about something again which I hadn't felt like in forever, so the series will always be special to me.
I loved the first part of this graphic novel and am so excited to see the second part. I adored the artwork in the first & am sure I will feel the same about this.
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By Stephenie Meyer
Art By Young Kim
Published In The UK By ATOM
Due For Release 11th Oct 2011
Amazon LINK
"Having uncovered the dark secret of her enigmatic classmate, Edward Cullen, Bella Swan embraces her feelings for him, trusting Edward to keep her safe despite the risks. When a rival clan of vampires makes its way into Forks, though, the danger to Bella has never been more real. Will she make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people dearest to her?"
OK so Twilight has become kind of old for some people, but its what reignited my love of books and made me feel passionate about something again which I hadn't felt like in forever, so the series will always be special to me.
I loved the first part of this graphic novel and am so excited to see the second part. I adored the artwork in the first & am sure I will feel the same about this.
Monday, 7 February 2011
Books That Make Me Go Ooooooh (3) Vampire Academy Graphic Novel
Vampire Academy - A Graphic Novel By Richelle Mead, Leigh Dragoon & Emma Vieceli
Due For Release 23 Aug 2011
Published By Razorbill
Amazon Link
Once again whilst tormenting myself with books I can't really afford, I came across this & had a complete fangirl flap! My friends and I are huge Vampire Academy & comic fans, so this really is the very best of both worlds for us.
Due For Release 23 Aug 2011
Published By Razorbill
Amazon Link
Once again whilst tormenting myself with books I can't really afford, I came across this & had a complete fangirl flap! My friends and I are huge Vampire Academy & comic fans, so this really is the very best of both worlds for us.
Monday, 24 January 2011
Review - Masquerade By Melissa De La Cruz
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Again the cover first. I adore the UK covers, which are what I have. They are just that bit more sleeker in my opinion. I adore the mask that is depicted on this one too - I'd happily wear that & trust me sometimes I could really do with a mask!!! But although not to my taste the mask shown on the US addition is actually more accurate to the books depiction. I've posted pictures of both covers - What do you think??
This installment started with a change of location to Italy - another of my most wanted places to visit, so I really enjoyed that. Quite a bit of action & adventure ensued so it was a great way to jump into the book & story!
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The relationship between Jack & Mimi, I do kind of understand, but it makes me incredibly uncomfortable. There are some things that just aren't right in my opinion & there affection is one of them. But I have a strong feeling things will go right in the end - I hope!!
I adore the character of Ollie. He is just the perfect friend - can I have one of him please??!
This finished with lots of revelations, that literally left me with my mouth WIDE open!! Always amazing to have that reaction to a book don't you think!! There's also a fabulous cliff hanger - I'm so eager to start the next part already!!!
Rating 4 Out Of 5
Published in the UK By ATOM
This Can Be Purchased HERE & In Good Bookshops
Labels:
Melissa De La Cruz,
Review,
Romance,
Vampires,
YA Book
Monday, 17 January 2011
Review - Paranormalcy By Kiersten White
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Confession Time Again....I didn't actually know what this was about when I got it & even started to read it. I knew it was YA & must have a paranormal theme to it, just down to the name (So perceptive me!!) This was way different to anything I could have imagined & I LIKED it!!
Again I'll start with the cover. Absolutely stunning, really love it. Apart from the fact that the lead character is blond & the girl on the cover is blond I don't really see any other indications as to what the book is like. From the cover you would expect quite a dark tale & to me this really wasn't. The story even made me giggle a few time!!
This is such a great idea for a story. I would say the story is a cross between Buffy the Vampire Slayer & X-Files, that makes an awesome story base in my mind.
It was a little hard for me to get into at first, but mostly that is my fault for not finding out about the story first. Once I did though, I had no problems. It was actually really nice to read a paranormal story that was different & kind of quirky.
What I really enjoyed about the story was that Evie (the lead character) was a reluctant hero. So many books you read, the 'heroes' are so gun ho & ready to get themselves in dangerous situations, but for once the character didn't want too. All she wants is a normal life & I found this far more relate able than a lot of the other stories out there. That said it doesn't mean there isn't plenty of action, because believe me LOTS happens.
Evie's love interest (yes there is still love interests) is quite unique & totally awesome. I highly approve of him!!
This is a GREAT first book & I'm really eager to find out where this is going to go, with the sequel coming out later in the year. I'm also thrilled to have a new series to get into!!
Rating 3 1/2 out of 5
This Can Be Purchased Here
This Is Published In The UK By Harper Collins Children's Books
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Review - Blue Bloods By Melissa De La Cruz
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I've seen these books around and online for ages & have been meaning to read them for as long, but never got round to it. That is until my local supermarket started to stock them - I bought them then & there.
Firstly the UK covers. I absolutely adore these. The original covers were great and very eye catching, but these UK ones are just fabulous. I love that you can see exactly what the story is about, with the bite marks & the pearls but that is all you need. These seem so much more polished too. Awesome job!!!
The setting of New York was amazing. I've never actually been to New York (I'll get there one day I tell you!!) but I could picture most of it. That was a great idea & it has driven my desire to visit even more!
Personally I could have lived without all the fashion talk. I like fashion, but I'm not actually bothered about names & makes, so for me mentioning it was not of any use. That said I do think it is a good idea to mix the two. Typically I don't think you would find fashion fans to be vampire fans & vice versa, but if this helped to spread the word a little for either camp then that has got to be good. Its always good to learn about new stuff & what better way than through a good bit of fiction.
There are a few music references which I loved, although having the heroine saying her favorite singer was 50 Cent, did make my stomach churn a little. I don't mean any offense to 50 Cent fans, he is just not my cup of tea!!!
I found it great to read the story from different peoples perspectives. It was nice to know what everyone was thinking & getting a full story as opposed to a one sided view. This was really refreshing.
I found this a great story. It was a nice quick read. A little slow at times & sometimes left me wondering where it was going, but the last 100 pages really had me wanting to read more and more. I'm very intrigued as to what the next part has instore & shall be reading it as soon as possible
Rating 3 Out 5
Published in the UK By ATOM
This can be Purchased HERE
Labels:
Fashion,
Melissa De La Cruz,
New York,
Vampires,
YA Book
Monday, 3 January 2011
Review - Last Sacrifice By Richelle Mead
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So I've been waiting for this finale for so long & to be totally honest it got a little ruined for me by the flu that I am still going on about. I just can't believe something got in the way of my reading, seriously is shocking!!
One of the first things that I wanted to talk about was the change of cover again. I was stunned that the publishers did decide to change the covers again at such a late stage. I do actually much prefer the new style, for me they say a lot more than just looking at a girls face. I find the patterns they have picked to be beautiful & I love looking to see what other things I can spot. It is unfortunate now that my books no longer match, oh well its whats inside that counts!!!
This book needed to tie up a lot of ends & I had no idea how Richelle was going to manage it. She really had woven such a complicated messy web, but obviously Richelle is hugely talented & my wonders were wasted, she knew exactly what she was doing and where she wanted the story to go, it did take a while to get there though.
I really do feel that story took me through just about every emotion I could go through, highs & lows, tears & laughs but where I ended was with a fully rounded conclusion and a feeling of contentment. We were given a great end to story & am so grateful to Richelle for the ride.
Now I'm eagerly awaiting the spin off series, which cannot come soon enough. I hear there will be a few characters making the jump from this series to the next. Its going to be exciting stuff......
Rating 4 1/2 Out Of 5
Published In The UK By Puffin
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