Review: Halflings by Heather Burch

Title: Halflings
Author: Heather Burch
Published: 1st February 2012
Publisher: Zondervan Publishing
Series: Halflings #1
Source: eARC thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world. - From Goodreads

This is the story of Nikki and the half man half angels who have been given a divine mission to protect her. The 3 half man half angels, also known as halflings, are Mace, Raven and Vine. All three of the boys pose as high school students in an attempt to be close to Nikki and keep her safe from some danger both demonic and human.

The halflings in this book are beautiful, Greek god looking, boys and with both Mace and Raven showing an interest in Nikki we have a whole book with the mother of all love triangles! We have Mace who she meets first and who has the sweet and earnest thing going for him, then there is the bad boy type who is Raven. Nikki is torn between the two of them for the whole book which was felt a little forced to me.

There also felt like there was more to Nikki than her just being a mere human. We have a glimpse of what she might be, but the relationship between her parents, another man and the halflings makes it feel like there is far more to Nikki than we get to see. This is not something that is addressed in this novel and it is one of the many threads left hanging with nothing resolved at the end of the book.


By the end of the book I felt that there were a number of plot threads left unanswered with not enough explanations for my liking. I also felt that there was a build up to some kind of grand plot event towards the end of the book that never appears. It feet to me like the whole book was a build up to something and then the book just finishes. I wanted more story and more action. Also it was never very clear who the enemy was in this book. I like a little bit of suspense and mystery, but if I am kept guessing for more than a book I get a little bored.

I think that when the next book in this series is released I will have to have a very light TBR pile for me to pick this up. If I do pick up the next book in this series I will definitely be needing some answers quickly.

Giveaway Winners

I wanted to say a big thanks to everyone who participated in the recent birthday giveaway. I had a great response and I can now announce the winners who had their choice from my favourite reads from 2011. The 3 winners are:

Michelle at Much Loved Books

Cheyenne Teska

Ariel at The Librarian's Bookshelf

Congratulations, your books are being shipped to you!!

Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

Title: New Girl
Author: Paige Harbison
Published: 31st Jan 2012
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Source: eARC thanks to NetGalley and HarlequinTeen

They call me 'New Girl'...
Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.
Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.
Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.
And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back. - From Goodreads

This book is a retelling of the story of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. If you have ever read the original book you will know that it is a dark chilling tale about a new wife stepping into the void left by the last Mrs de Winters. Rebecca is set in an old mansion called Manderley which is cared for by Mrs Danvers who was obsessed with the previous Mrs de Winters, Rebecca, and who has little time for the new Mrs de Winters. I love the story of Rebecca and "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again" is the famous opening line that always draws me back in to the book every time I pick it up.

I found this book to have the same cold and chilling feel to it, set in a cold old school called Manderly, the New girl comes in to take the place of missing Becca. No one knows where Becca is or why she left but it is clear that the other students will not be quick to forget her. The worst offender for making the new girl feel unwelcome is Dana Veers, her room mate and Becca's old room mate. Switching between the story of the new girl and Becca we see the mystery of what happened to Becca unravel before our eyes.

The interesting thing I found with this book was that as a reader I felt exactly as the new girl did. I felt shut out from what had happened. I did not know why New Girl was being shunned and I did not understand the behaviour of the other characters. As a reader this left me feeling rather isolated. However the character of New Girl and the way the story unfold pulls you along and keeps you wanting to know more. The other characters also help bring life to the story, especially Max.

I loved Max as a character. He seems quite one dimensional to begin with, as the jilted lover left alone after the disappearance of Becca, but the more the story unfolds, the more depth he has. I found some of his actions to be quite interesting and left me wanting to know more about him.

Since I was familiar with the original story, I knew the plot twist and some of the detail of what was going to happen. This in no way reduced my enjoyment of the book as this was a fresh take on a great story. The change in situation from a new wife in a manor house, to the new girl in school gave this an interesting perspective and I enjoyed reading the book from start, almost to the finish. There is one detail of the story that I loved and to me was what put Rebecca on my favourite book list, and unfortunately right at the end this is shattered for me in the book and left me feeling a little annoyed. There is a chance that I am just being picky, but for me it was a deal breaker.

This book is a great read for those familiar with Rebecca, and for those who are new to the story. A chilling high school mystery with some bad girl behaviour and a hot guy, what more can you ask for?

Waiting On Wednesday (21) - The Fine Art Of Truth Or Dare

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're pining after.

Title: The Fine Art of Truth or Dare
Author: Melissa Jensen
Published: 16th Feb 2012
Publisher: Speak

Pretty in Pink meets Anna and the French Kiss in this charming romantic comedy

Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. She's got her friends - the fabulous Frankie and their sweet cohort Sadie. She's got her art - and her idol, the unappreciated 19th-century painter Edward Willing. Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is your French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before. But can the invisible girl actually end up with a happily ever after with the golden boy, when no one even knows they're dating? And is Ella going to dare to be that girl? - From Goodreads

I loved Pretty in Pink and we all know how I feel about Anna and the French Kiss... comparing a book to these two is risky, I really hope this book lives up to the hype. Not too long to wait for it!!!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

What I'm up to! 6 Degrees!

You may have noticed that I have not been posting as much as I have in the past. I wanted to let you know my reasons for this and let you know when I should be back to normal!! Fret not though, I still plan to post at least 3 times a week.

Well, the reason is that I am currently acting as Assistant Director for a production of Six Degrees of Separation by John Guare, which is being put on by the Edinburgh Graduate Theatre Group.

I have not been involved in any sort of dramatics since I was about 13, so it is a little nerve-racking, even if I am behind the scenes. Auditions were held before Christmas and we had an amazing turnout and could have cast a number of the parts a few times over. Myself and the Director (RH) have been meeting over the festive period to try and sort scheduling and costuming etc... which has taken a massive amount of time.

We had our first rehearsal earlier this week and the read through was better than I expected, which has renewed my excitement in the whole process. The play is due to run in April and up to that point I will be manic trying to get everything done. I will certainly keep you posted.

Now for those of you who don't know, or are unfamiliar with Six Degrees of Separation (the concept) then where have you been? Wikipedia classes it as:

"Six degrees of separation refers to the idea that everyone is on average approximately six steps away, by way of introduction, from any other person on Earth, so that a chain of, "a friend of a friend" statements can be made, on average, to connect any two people in six steps or fewer. It was originally set out by Frigyes Karinthy and popularised by a play written by John Guare."

The play is a bit of a dramatic comedy (with some fantastic moments) which was made into a film with Stockard Channing, Will Smith and Donald Sutherland. The outline of the play, again as classed by Wikipedia, is:

"Fifth Avenue socialite Ouisa Kittredge and her purveyor of high-art husband Flan, are pedigree parents of "two at Harvard and one at Groton." But the privileged insular world inhabited by the Kittredge family, as well as their public status as distinguished arbiters of culture, makes them easy prey for Paul, a consummate con-artist. One night, Paul mysteriously shows up at their front door—injured and bleeding—claiming to be Sidney Poitier's son and a close college friend of the Kittredges' Ivy League progeny. Impressing Ouisa and Flan with his articulate literary expositions, Paul proves to be a sharp-witted, learned young man with epicurean taste and surprising culinary skill. His highbrow façade is so charmingly persuasive, Paul soon has the Kittredges lending him money, putting him up for the night and taking satisfaction in his appraisal of their posh lifestyle. Much to the Kittredge's shock, Paul is revealed to be a highly persuasive con-man, who has charmed his way into many upper-crust homes along the Upper East Side with his wit and insider knowledge. As Paul's plot unravels he becomes an urban legend of the upper crust, a witty anecdote to banter about at cocktail parties. However, he has a profound effect on the many individuals who encounter him, linking them in their shared experience."

I have always enjoyed reading plays, and would recommend this to anyone as a great read. I will keep you posted with updates and as I say above, I will still be here, reading and passing on my thoughts to anyone who will listen.

Giveaway Closes Tomorrow!

Tomorrow I will close the giveaway for 3 entrants to win their choice of one of the following books:

 

Enter now to be in with the chance of winning!!

Emma x

In My Mailbox (20)

Welcome to this weeks in my mailbox where we discuss all the new books we acquired through the week. This weekly meme is hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren.

After last week's massive haul this week is a bit light. All are eARCs from NetGalley this week -

Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test #2) - Aimee Carter (thanks to HarlequinTeen and NetGalley)
Spellcaster (Spellbound #2) - Cara Lynn Shultz (thanks to HarlequinTeen and NetGalley)
Jersey Angel - Beth Ann Bauman (thanks to Random House Children's Books and NetGalley)
Don't You Wish - Roxanne St Claire (thanks to Random House Children's Books and NetGalley)

I am super excited about Goddess Interrupted as I loved the first book, and I am excited to read both of the first 2 books in the Spellbound series. I can't wait to get to them all.

What was in your mailbox this week?

Follow Friday (6)

Welcome to another Follow My Book Blog Friday. Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read.

This week's question is: Many readers/bloggers are also big music fans. Tell us about a few of your favorite bands/singers that we should listen to in 2012.

I love music. I think like the written word, it can dictate the way you feel. One day I will want to listen to something upbeat and the next I will be listening to music that makes you want to lie in a dark room and cry!

Currently some of my favourites chilled out music includes: Lana Del Ray, Florence and the Machine, Regina Spektor, Damien Rice, The Hush Sound, Ed Sheeran and Joshua Radin.

When I need a pick me up I tend to listen to: Jason Mraz, Ben Folds, She and Him, The Pierces, Taylor Swift, Tegan and Sara and Phantom Planet.

When I need a beat, I stick on: Katy Perry, The Pretty Reckless, The Teenagers, Soulwax, Maroon 5, Lady Gaga and The Saturdays.

Other musicians and bands of note that I listen to are: Joni Mitchell, Muse, Christian Kane, Paramore, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Rolling Stones, Ricki Lee Jones, Sheryl Crow...

The list just goes on and on. I love music and listen to it as much as I can. I can often be found singing in my car at the top of my lungs (appologies to anyone who overheard me!). So what do you like to listen to?

Waiting On Wednesday (20) - Dead To You

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're pining after.

Title: Dead To You
Author: Lisa McMann
Published: 7th Feb 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable... - From Goodreads


This looks so good. What do you think and what are you waiting on this Wednesday? 

In My Mailbox (19) - My Christmas Edition

Welcome to this weeks in my mailbox where we discuss all the new books we acquired through the week. This weekly meme is hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you all (yes that's how long it has been since my last IMM). I have had birthday and Christmas presents since the last post so this is going to be a bit of a bumper edition!

My Goodies

For My Birthday

Allison Hewitt Is Trapped by Madeleine Roux

John Belushi Is Dead by Kathy Charles

Thank you Mum and Dad!

Borrowed from the Charming AB

The Language Of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

The Voluptuous Delights Of Peanut Butter And Jam by Lauren Liebenberg

Secret Santa

The Dead Girls' Dance (Morganville Vampires #2) by Rachel Caine

Midnight Alley (Morganville Vampires #3) by Rachel Caine

Notepad, Lipbalm and Chocolates (which didn't last long!!) - Thank you so much Hanna (Whoever you are!)

For Christmas

The Hungover Cookbook by Milton Crawford - Thank You RH

The Cocktail: 200 Fabulous Drinks by Jane Rocca - Thank You LT

Vampire Academy: Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead

Twilight: Graphic Novel Volume 1 by Stephanie Meyer

Twilight: Graphic Novel Volume 2 by Stephanie Meyer

The Walking Dead: Days Gone Bye Graphic Novel #1 by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Long Way Home Graphic Novel #1 by Joss Whedon

Thank you to my parents for all of my graphic novels!

Bought

Sweet Venom (Medusa Girls #1) by Tera Lynn Childs

The Pledge (The Pledge #1) by Kimberly Derting

Phew, I'm exhausted!! So what did you get in your mailbox this week?

Giveaway Reminder - 12 days left

Back on my bithday on the 18th December (it feels so long ago now) I decided to run a giveaway to give 3 winners that chance to chose from one of my top ten books I read during 2011. So if you have not already, fill in the form below to be entered.


My top ten books that I read during 2011 are:

 

Don't forget to grab a button using the code below:

<center><a href="http://lostinayabook.blogspot.com/2011/12/birthday-giveaway.html"><img src="http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k558/carteremma/Giveaway2.jpg" /></a></center>


Let me know in the comments below what your favourite read of 2011 was.

Good luck,
Emma x

2011 Challenge Roundup

So my first year of blogging is almost finished and during the course of the past year I participated in 2 challenges. I logged my progress for these challenges on the page tab above as I went along.

And now to the results...

My first was to read at least 100 books in a year. Result - 101 books read. SUCCESS!!

My other was the Debut Author Challenge to read and review 12 debut books in 2011. Result - 15 read and 13 reviewed. KIND OF A SUCCESS!!


Links to the books I read and my thoughts on them for these challenges will be kept on on the dedicated page until the end of the month and below. So how did you do with your challenges?


2011 Challenges

Debut Authors Challenge - Hosted by The Story Siren

Books must be a Young Adult or Middle Grade novel.
DO NOTE: Just because a book has a teen character or is about a teen, does not mean that it is necessarily a Young Adult novel.
This must be the authors debut with a release date in 2011.
If an author has a previous novel published under adult fiction/nonfiction or children's fiction/nonfiction, they can still qualify for the challenge if they are releasing their YA or MG debut.

1. The Iron Witch - Karen Mahoney (goodreads)
2. Where I Belong - Gwendolyn Heasley (goodreads)
3. The Goddess Test - Aimee Carter (goodreads)
4. Bumped - Megan McCafferty (goodreads)
5. Hereafter (Hereafter #1) - Tara Hudson (goodreads)
6. Starcrossed (Starcrossed #1) - Josephine Angelini (goodreads)
7. Entangled - Cat Clarke (goodreads)
8. Hourglass - Myra McEntire (goodreads)
9. Forgotten (Forgotten #1) - Cat Patrick (goodreads)
10. Unearthly (Unearthly #1) - Cynthia Hand (goodreads)
11. Dead Beautiful (Dead Beautiful #1) - Yvonne Woon (Goodreads)
12. Anna Dresses in Blood (Anna #1) - Kendare Blake (Goodreads)
13. Across The Universe (Across the Universe #1) - Beth Revis (Goodreads)
14. Hunting Lila (Hunting Lila #1) - Sarah Alderson (Goodreads)
15. Divergent (Divergent #1) - Veronica Roth (Goodreads)
16...


100 Books in a Year - Hosted by Book Chick City

Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011
Rules - Read 100 or more books in 2011
All books can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.
Only print books and ebooks count (no audiobooks).

1. Happy Ever After (Bride Quartet #4) - Nora Roberts (goodreads)
2. Twelve - Nick McDonell (goodreads)
3. Gossip Girl (Gossip Girl #1) - Cecily Von Ziegesar (goodreads)
4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest - Stieg Larson (goodreads)
5. The Girl Who Chased The Moon - Sarah Addison Allen (goodreads)
6. The Colorado Kid - Stephen King (goodreads)
7. Fallen (Fallen #1) - Lauren Kate (goodreads)
8. Cracked Up To Be - Courtney Summers (goodreads)
9. The Iron Witch (Iron Witch #1) - Karen Mahoney (goodreads)
10. Some Girls Are - Courtney Summers (goodreads)
11. Torment (Fallen #2) - Lauren Kate (goodreads)
12. I am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1) - Pittacus Lore (goodreads)
13. Where I Belong - Gwendolyn Heasley (goodreads)
14. Bringing Down The House - Ben Mezrich (goodreads)
15. Hot Ice - Nora Roberts (goodreads)
16. Wicked (Pretty Little Liars #5) - Sara Shepard (goodreads)
17. Jane - April Linder (goodreads)
18. Going Too Far - Jennifer Echols (goodreads)
19. Forget You - Jennifer Echols (goodreads)
20. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist - Rachel Cohn (goodreads)
21. The Body Finder (Body Finder #1) - Kimberly Derting (goodreads)
22. Goddess Test (Goddess Test #1) - Aimee Carter (goodreads)
23. Desires of the Dead (Body Finder #2) - Kimberly Derting (goodreads)
24. Bumped (Bumped #1) - Megan McCafferty (goodreads)
25. Sloppy Firsts (Jessica Darling #1) - Megan McCafferty (goodreads)
26. Second Helpings (Jessica Darling #2) - Megan McCafferty (goodreads)
27. The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer #1) - Jenny Han (goodreads)
28. It's Not Summer Without You (Summer #2) - Jenny Han (goodreads)
29. Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1) - Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)
30. Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) - Richelle Mead (goodreads)
31. The Forest of Hands and Feet (Forest of Hands and Feet #1) - Carrie Ryan (goodreads)
32. If I Stay (If I Stay #1) - Gayle Forman (goodreads)
33. Hush Hush (Hush Hush #1) - Becca Fitzpatrick (goodreads)
34. Hereafter (Hereafter #1) - Tara Hudson (goodreads)
35. Before I Fall - Laren Oliver (goodreads)
36. Beastly - Alex Flinn (goodreads)
37. Forgive My Fins (Fins #1) - Tera Lynn Childs (goodreads)
38. Lock and Key - Sarah Dessen (goodreads)
39. Undead and Unwed (Undead #1) - Mary Janice Davidson (goodreads)
40. Undead and Unemployed (Undead #2) - Mary Janice Davidson (goodreads)
41. Undead and Unappreciated (Undead #3) - Mary Janice Davidson (goodreads)
42. Undead and Unreturnable (Undead #4) - Mary Janice Davidson (goodreads)
43. Undead and Unpopular (Undead #5) - Mary Janice Davidson (goodreads)
44. Undead and Uneasy (Undead #6) - Mary Janice Davidson (goodreads)
45. Undead and Unworthy (Undead #7) - Maty Janice Davidson (goodreads)
46. Demonglass (Hex Hall #2) - Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)
47. 13 Little Blue Envelopes - Maureen Johnson (goodreads)
48. Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse #11) - Charlaine Harris (goodreads)
49. Starcrossed (Starcrossed #1) - Josephine Angelini (goodreads)
50. We'll Always Have Summer (Summer #3) - Jenny Han (goodreads)
51. The Ghost and The Goth (The Ghost and The Goth #1) - Stacey Kade (goodreads)
52. Entangled - Cat Clarke (goodreads)
53. The Hunger Games (Hunger Games #1) - Suzanne Collins (goodreads)
54. Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) - Suzanne Collins (goodreads)
55. Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) - Suzanne Collins (goodreads)
56. Fall For Anything - Courtney Summers (goodreads)
57. Hourglass (Hourglass #1) - Myra McEntire (goodreads)
58. Forgotten (Forgotten #1) - Cat Patrick (goodreads)
59. Queen of the Dead (The Ghost and The Goth #2) - Stacey Kade (goodreads)
60. Secret Society Girl (Secret Society Girl #1) - Diana Peterfreund (goodreads)
61. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls #1) - Ally Carter (goodreads)
62. The Third Angel - Alice Hoffman (goodreads)
63. Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) - Richelle Mead (goodreads)
64. The Nine Lives of Chloe King (Nine Lives of Chloe King #1-3) - Liz Braswell (goodreads)
65. Love Story - Jennifer Echols (Goodreads)
66. Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) - Richelle Mead (goodreads)
67. Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) - Richelle Mead (goodreads)
68. Safe Haven - Nicholas Sparks (goodreads)
69. Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) - Richelle Mead (goodreads)
70. The Lying Game (Lying Game #1) - Sara Shepard (goodreads)
71. Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy (Gallagher Girls #2) - Ally Carter (Goodreads)
72. The Last Little Blue Envelope (Little Blue Envelope #2) - Maureen Johnson (Goodreads)
73. Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6) - Richelle Mead (Goodreads)
74. Raw Blue - Kirsty Eagar (Goodreads)
75. Charmed Thirds (Jessica Darling #3) - Megan McCafferty (Goodreads)
76. Something Like Fate - Susane Colasanti (Goodreads)
77. Beauty Queens - Libba Bray (Goodreads)
78. Unearthly (Unearthly #1) - Cynthia Hand (Goodreads)
79. The Initiation (The Secret Cirle #1) - L. J. Smith (Goodreads)
80. Dead Beautiful (Dead Beautiful #1) - Yvonne Woon (Goodreads)
81. Anna Dresses in Blood (Anna #1) - Kendare Blake (Goodreads)
82. Anna and the French Kiss -Stephanie Perkins (Goodreads)
83. Shrinking Violet - Danielle Joseph (Goodreads)
84. Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins (Goodreads)
85. Witches of the East (The Beauchamp Family #1) - Melissa de la Cruz (Goodreads)
86. Shiver (Wolves of Mercy Falls #1) - Maggie Stiefvater (Goodreads)
87. Private (Private #1) - Kate Brian (Goodreads)
88. Across The Universe (Across the Universe #1) - Beth Revis (Goodreads)
89. Hunting Lila (Hunting Lila #1) - Sarah Alderson (Goodreads)
90. Saving June - Hannah Harrington (Goodreads)
91. Dancergirl (WiHi #1) - Carol M. Tanzman (Goodreads)
92. Abandon (Abandon Trilogy #1) - Meg Cabot (Goodreads)
93. Marked (House of Night #1) - P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast (Goodreads)
94. Divergent (Divergent #1) - Veronica Roth (Goodreads)
95. Betrayed (House of Night #2) - P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast (Goodreads)
96. Hushed - Kelley York (Goodreads)
97. Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement Moore (Goodreads)
98. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally (Goodreads)
99. Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison (Goodreads)
100. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Long Way Home (BtVS S8 #1) by Joss Whedon and Others (Goodreads)
101. New Girl by Paige Harbison (Goodreads)

Review: Marked (HON1) by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Title: Marked
Author: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Published: 1st May 2007
Publisher: St. Martins Griffin
Series: House of Night #1
Source: Own Copy

The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed. In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire -- that is, if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are chosen do. It's tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers. When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny--with a little help from her new vampyre friends. - From Goodreads

So this is a series that I am well behind in picking up on. I am not sure why it took me so long to pick this book up because a few years ago I borrowed Divine By Mistake from my local library and loved it. I had seen these books in the bookshop and had read the back, but it took for someone to actually tell me to read them before I finally bought Marked.

We meet 16 year old Zoey on the day that she is marked. A Tracker comes into her school and announces this to her in front of her best friend, and that is essentially the end of her life as a human! Once the mark appears on a human they only have a limited amount of time to get to the House of Night before "the change" happens. When Zoey makes it to the House of Night she is immediately thrown into the life there and has to find her place even though it is obvious that she is not like the other fledglings.

I loved this series right away. From the start we realise that this is not a world like our own, humans are aware that vampires co-exist with them. As soon as Zoey is marked while she is standing beside her human best friend it seems like all of the humans treat her as if she is an outsider and shun her. Her uber-religious parents think that they can "save" her with a prayer circle. Zoey turns to her grandmother, who is one of my favourite characters in the book, and who helps her with her transition to the House of Night. Zoey is a loveable character from the start who seems a little cynical, but who is genuinely a nice person who you would love to have on your side!

I really liked the other characters in the book, Stevie-Rae, The "Twins", Damien, Eric and even Aphrodite. There is an ease to the dialogue when Zoey and her friends are talking which makes the speech flow and feel very natural. As for the mean girls at school, who are fondly known as the Hags from hell, some of the back and forth between them and the twins made me chuckle out loud (I do love a catty comment!).

Oh and I can't finish my thoughts on this without mentioning how hot, hot, hot Eric Night is - mmmm, yummy! Caught at the beginning of the book in a compromising situation this stud muffin is the perfect hunk of a man for all of the females in the book to drool over!!

This was a great book with a plot line that kept going right to the last page keeping you interested and engaged. I thought the final few chapters were great and left me wanting to pick up the next book to see what was going on. I know I am going to love this series and I can't wait to catch up with everyone else so I can talk about these books without being scared that I will stumble over spoilers!

Waiting on Wednesday (19) - A Million Suns

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're pining after.

Title: A Million Suns
Author: Beth Revis
Published: 10th Jan 2012
Publisher: Razorbill
Series: Across the Universe #2

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship. - From Goodreads

I am super excited about this and I don't have much longer to wait!! Only a few days to go! What are you waiting on this Wednesday?