Review | Kate Triumph by Shari Arnold

* I received this copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Kate Triumph by Shari Arnold

Young Adult / Paranormal / Romance

16. October 2014

Kindle Edition

Summary:

Normal is so overrated. At least that's what seventeen-year-old Kate Triumph tells herself everyday. But the truth is she lives in constant fear that someone will discover how not normal she really is. With her startling speed and her unusual ability to heal, Kate believes she's something of a freak. 

Then Andrew Shore arrives.

He claims he's her father, sticks around for a few days and leaves her a plane ticket. “Come to Mercer Island,” he says. “Give me a chance to get to know you.” Soon Kate is floundering in a world of new: new address, new car, new high school and, of course, new father. Not to mention Zack, her intriguing new neighbor, who makes her want to abandon her steadfast rule of never allowing anyone to get too close. But when she discovers someone is trying to kill her, life for Kate gets a bit more complicated. And a lot less normal.

summary from: goodreads

4 out of 5 stars

This story starts off slow and it takes a bit to connect to the characters, at least it did for me. But once you connect to them this books is impossible to put down. It is definitely a book worth reading.

Kate, the main character of this novel, is sharp, sarcastic and very funny. I loved reading about her life and finding out more about her abilities, that make her more special than the average person. I also enjoyed reading about the other characters. I especially enjoyed the interactions between Andrew and Kate, seeing them bond and get to know each other was amazing. The romance in this book is on point. Kate and Zack have awesome chemistry and their interactions gave me warm feelings.

I loved the ending of this book. I had no idea how it could be resolved or how the ending could satisfy me. But it did. It ended on an perfect note.

While the ending, as I said, is perfect I would love a sequel as there is plenty of room left for new adventures. This is also the first book Shari Arnold published (as far as I am aware of) and I must say that I am looking forward to reading more of her work.

Review | How I Found You by Gabriella Lepore

How I Found You by Gabriella Lepore

Paranormal / Young Adult / Romance

21. May 2014 | Book Guild Ltd

Kindle Edition, 286 pages

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Rose arrives at sleepy, remote Millwood expecting to spend a quiet summer with her aunt and uncle on their estate. But after a series of dark and disturbing dreams, and the surprise arrival of charming brothers Oscar and Caicus Valero, her world is thrown upside-down. What are the brothers hiding? And what is it about Oscar that is so familiar? Before the summer is out, Rose will be forced to confront her destiny, even if it means facing the demon of her dreams.

summary from: goodreads

4.5 out of 5 stars

This book surprised me in all the good ways. This is one of the best paranormal books that I have ever read. And now I shall tell you why.

Starting of with the characters, this book has some of the best and most enjoyable characters to read about. Not only the main characters were interesting but also the side ones, you just wanted to know their story. Rose and Oscar, without a doubt in my mind, are one of the best couples there is. I loved each of them individually and together they made an amazing combination. I loved the interactions these two had.

Moving onto the story. The story is very mysterious and it keeps you guessing what is really going on. It is also very fast paced which makes it impossible to put this book down. I read it in one sitting, yes it was that good. 

This book is told in dual perspective, the perspective of Rose and Oscar. I enjoyed reading both of their perspectives and I could easily tell which was whose perspective, which is not the case in many books that have multiple perspectives. Gabriella Lepore has an amazing way of telling a story, the writing is beautiful and you just want to continue reading.

All in all I would highly recommend this book. I can't wait to pick up something else by Gabriella Lepore, I just need more of her stories in my life.

Review | Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles (Graphic Novel)

* I received this copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; adapted by John Green

( Dover Graphic Novel Classics )

Graphic Novel / Classic / Mystery

19. November 2014 | Dover Publication

Kindle Edition, 51 pages

Summary:

The intrepid detective and his faithful assistant take on a supernatural challenge in one of Arthur Conan Doyle's most popular mysteries. This graphic novel's original illustrations accompany an easy-to-read account of Holmes and Watson's investigation of a family curse. Readers will be irresistibly drawn into the search for a giant spectral hound that haunts the fog-shrouded moors.
This Dover Graphic Novel Classic offers readers ages 8 and up an exciting introduction to a time-honored tale. Expertly abridged and packed with dramatic illustrations, this version offers a streamlined narrative that retains all of the storytelling essentials.

summary from: goodreads


3 out of 5 stars

I am a very big fan of Sherlock Holmes and having the opportunity to read one of the stories as a graphic novel adaptation made me happy.

This graphic novel is quite short and each panel is packed with information. The art style is simple and clear making it easy to understand what is going on in each panel.  The language is understandable, the text bubbles are not overwhelmed with dialogue. Therefore it is a very easy version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's work.

There are some things I wished the adaptation had. The first that comes to mind is colour. As the art in this graphic novel is very simple I found myself wishing it had some colour, to add to the story. I also thought that there should be a few 'silent' panels, as every single one was packed with information. I feel if there ware 'more show, not tell' panels it would have made this graphic novel more enjoyable.

All in all this was an enjoyable read where we get a glimpse of the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Though I had some problems with it I found it enjoyable and I flew through it.

Review | The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

( Chaos Walking #2 )

Young Adult / Dystopia / Science Fiction

2. May 2013 | Walker Books

Paperback, 553 pages

Summary:

I have thought about writing a summary but, in the end, I decided against it. This book is a direct continuation of the first one, The Knife of Never Letting Go , and anything I say about the plot of this book would spoil the first one. That is something I don't want to do. Now let's get onto the review.

goodreads page for this book

5 out of 5 stars

The characters in this book, the whole series actually, are simply amazing they are the core of this story. You can't help falling in love with them. Patrick Ness has created some of the most interesting and amazing characters that I have ever read about. 

Starting with Todd, my favourite character. As I kept reading further into the book I found myself falling in love with him more and more. His character development is amazing, very interesting and intense to read about. He is a flawed character, he makes mistakes and regrettable decisions. Being put into the situation that he is it is only natural that he makes the decision that he does. That makes him more human.

Moving onto Viola, a character I am loving more and more. In this book we find more and more about her as we are reading through her point of view. She is a strong and very smart character. I am loving the relationship between Todd and Viola. Their relationship is so sweet and endearing, they trust each other and they care about each other so much. They are amazing together but also on their own, which is not the case in many books.

This series has some amazing villains. In this book we meet a new one beside the obvious villain of the first book. They are manipulative, they deceive and lie. Those are the characteristics that make the best villains, in my opinion at least.

The writing style of Patrick Ness is so amazing. It is unique and beautiful. I love the way he writes the story, the dialog is fantastic. This book is an emotional ride. I am reading the next one right away, I need to know what happens next!

Review | The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

* I received this copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

( The Magisterium #1 )

Fantasy / Magic / Middle Grade

Random House Children’s Publishers UK
11. September 2014

Summary:

Twelve-year-old Callum Hunt has grown up knowing three rules by heart:
-Never trust a magician.
-Never pass a test a magician gives you.
-And never let a magician take you to the Magisterium.

Call is about to break all the rules. And when he does, his life will change in ways he can't possibly imagine.

summary from: goodreads

4 out of 5 stars

Starting off with the world, I am thoroughly intrigued by it. It is a lot darker than you would expect of a Middle Grade book, which surprised me greatly. It doesn't mean I liked it less because of it, quite the opposite actually. It made me more interested in the world, it's history and the story itself. The magic system is interesting as well and I am looking forward to finding out more about the magic and all the possibilities it holds.

Moving onto the characters, a lot of them whom I am very interested in. My favourite character has to be Callum with his sarcastic comments and amazing personality. Tamara and Aaron, the other two main characters, were very likeable as well although not until further in the book, more so towards the end. I also found many of the side characters interesting, Jasper, Drew, Rufus, Celia, Alistair and others. What I loved the most was finding out the stories behind each character and what makes them who they are.

The reason I gave this book four and not five stars is because of the plot and action in this book, or the lack of it. This book is more of a set-up introducing the characters and the world with it's history. I liked that even though we learned about the world of The Magisterium there is a lot of it left undiscovered, which makes me look forward to future books even more.

For all of those who thing that The Iron Trial is a Harry Potter rip-off let me tell you that it isn't. The Iron Trial a magical ride on its own filled with amazing characters, a fascinating world and plot twists I never saw coming.

The only negative thing...I have to wait a year to find out what happens next...Damn.