Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Behind the flashing lights, the camera reveals all...even love.

Meet Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she’s called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo knows that the public – and the stars – have a symbiotic relationship with the paparazzi. She doesn’t mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she’s sent on a major uncover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett – teen superstar and the only celebrity who’s ever been kind to her – at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat in Boston. The money will be enough to pay for Jo’s dream: real photography classes, and maybe even quitting her paparazzi gig for good. Everyone at the retreat wants to know what Ned’s in for. But Jo certainly doesn’t know what she’s in for: falling in love with Ned was never supposed to be part of her assignment.

 

 

Publisher: Walker

Release Date: 28^th February 2012

 

I'd like to thank the author for my copy of the book!

Admittedly not a book i would normally pick up (not that i've seen it in my local bookstore), when offered the chance to review, i looked around and thought, this could be really good. The idea of a tennage paparazzo was intriguing and different, so definately an eyecatcher. The cover is stunning, the light- heart and Jo at the forefront of the crowd, like she is in the book.

 It was a nice change for this part - Hollywood set book, not to be using designer labels as adjectives! Jo was a likable character who was spunky and quick-witted with a good moral sense of right and wrong. The reader is able to connect to Jo and feel how she is troubled, finds out the discoveries and manages to make others live somewhat better.

Being one of the paparazzi was a nice change in scenery for me as a reader and i felt quite happy to learn about her sneaky ways and the jostling of position in the paparazzi pack, and how, as a short person, you can do alot better than all the others. Ned is a somewhat typical child celebrity but actually there is alot more behing the mask of this character and i enjoyed finding out his problems and his family life.

Jo's moral sense of right and wrong lead her into making one of the sleaziest and yet most redeaming jobs of the books and leads the reader to feel happy and content.

All in all i believe this is a brilliant feel-good book, there is no frills or fluff but it makes the reader feel happy and well rounded by the books end. Well worth reading into the Wee hours for!

Talia x

Divergent by Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Published by: Harper Collins
Released: Out now

My it has been a while blog! I'm very sorry for neglecting you but i have exams (pooh). But this book here is a true scorcher.

Divergent is another in a line of many fantastic dystopians i have read recently and to be fair, i picked this book up in a buy one get one for a £1. Im cheap ok? But boy am i glad i did. This book is full of suspense and reasoning that it unique to this setting. As usual with dystopian books we have the over-ruler, but Roth brings in the idea of Factions which i believe are a good representation of the traits of human kind and how we constantly try to tame them.

Tris was easily the most impressionable character, who has always known she is different. She doesn't want to live a life of helping others she wants to live her life being free, or atleast as free as the society will let her. Then we meet Four (no spoilers my friends!) who is our typical love interest. There is also the classic enemies and best friend. But hey thats what we want in our books!

 Tris is Divergent meaning she doesn't fit neatly into one faction, an aberation, one that the society doesn't like. This means many trials are headed before she even realises what she is herself. My only problem with Tris is how Roth seemed to magically turn her into an awesome-kick-ass fighter after being beat up yesterday. puh-lease.  But all in all Roth created Tris in a convincing way where it was clear of her character growth and ability to think out situations unlike many strong-headed dauntless types.

I also enjoyed Four how he doesn't mind that Tris has the body of a twelve year old and isn't pretty. He loves her none the less and this shows near the end of the book. Roth also explores the idea of conquering fears and how this in turn makes you a stronger person, quite a nice touch!

All in all i believe this is a book that will leave you in suspence and It will stay with you for nights, it's unputsownable afterall!

~Roll on Insurgent please!

Talia x

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Published by Simon & Schuster
Out Now in the UK

If this book doesn't fly off the shelf, i don't know what will.

What a heartbreakingly beautiful love story, that had me hooked throughout the night! (Another almost sleepless night!) Nikki has been gone almost one hundred years when she returns to earth, yet time passed differently in the Everneath, only six months has gone by and her guilt and heartache has forced her back. Everneath is built apon the Hades/Persephone myth, with a twist.

Truth be told I am a fan of Greek Mythology and Persephone always make me think and i actually enjoyed this breath of fresh air into the YA market. As you can see the cover is stunning and that ultimately grabs hold of a prospective buyer, that and a good summary. So straight off we meet her and Cole, and much to Cole's surprise she wants to live again, and doing so is only given 6 short months in which to say goodbye.

Insert Jack, the love interest of both past and presant who was left heartbroken. He helps Nikki heal, while they both fall back in love. - awww -. I love how Ashton has created a strong female lead who can actually have a choice in who she ends up with! Cole, is darkly handsome while Jack is honest and cute, ones a musician from the everneath and one is a starring American Football player. Both desirable in that context but Cole is dark and manipulative.

Now ill switch to the end, and what an ending! Jack and Nikki have struggled to find away to stary together but are unsuccessful and in all the hub-bub the Shades come for Nikki and...and...! It had me bawling my eyes out at 4am, and trust me not alot makes me cry. Ashton finely weaved a plot line that will leave the reader hanging out to dry. I mean, is there no better way to have it?

So all in all i loved this book and i can't wait for a possible book 2. I just hope Ashton keeps up the good work!

Talia x

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Published by: Scholastic


I love a good dystopian series, and this sets the bar very,very high.

I love the concepts in this series and the constant excitement doesn't fail to impress either. the First book is where we get the concept and the second, and third is the struggle for survival that is continued from the decisions made. Katniss is a very strong and likable lead for the series and Peeta i have to say is adorable, but i wasn't always convinced by him, but meh, I can have my fan-girl moments, no?

Collins exhibits an amazing concept that in this day and age is enough to make even the toughest of politicians know that this shoul dnever happen. taking 24 tennagers from 12 districts for a battle to the death? THAT SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED. But yet it has everyone at the edge of their seats as they read and weep with the emotions and trials Katniss and Peeta have to overcome.

Book One was my all time favourite odf the series so much so Book Two couldn't compare. Book Three had me in tears along with Katniss as everything was going wrong, until it went right, but no spoilers here!

I am saddened to see a twilight-like hype about the up-and-coming movies for the series, but i have my doubts. If it is anything like the twilight adaptions i may have to eat the books as it will wreck anything i felt for the series, the fact that Collins let that happen.

Overall this series will have you hooked from the first page, and leave you with nightmares at the thought if that was a reality.

Talia x

Demon Trappers Series By Jana Oliver

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life.

Published by Macmillan Childrens Books.

Finally, finally, finally. A book about Demons! I love the idea of demons, no idea why or how just do.

Riley is a protangonist that i enjoyed to learn and read about. She is witty, not self centered and doesnt give an asshat about what the men in the guild think of her. It is very quickly into the series that she loses her Dad. Before the end of the first book she loses him again and at the end of the second book she finally gets him back but hey, hell may have other idea's.

Riley's love life is atrostious at best and absymal at worst. The reader thinks she may have found love twice in the first two books, Simon and Ori are lovely but they can change and quickly, shame to be honest. She has one constant hearteache and she doesn't give him any slack, ever. 

Oliver's writing technique is very good and she portrays accents quite effectively especially Angus's, I should know! :)

The Demon's were a joy to read about and learn, how they are all different grades of strength. I loved how one demon gets attached to Riley and helps her out.  To be honest it is quite cute!

I have a few minor quips, If petrol is so expenive how can Riley drive around easily yet not pay her bills? And why are there so many demons roaming the earth to begin with?

Jana Oliver is a fantastic writer and it really a nice person to talk to. I have pre-ordered Forgiven ready for my March reading and can't believe there is only one more book after Forgiven!

Talia x

The Darkest Powers Trilogy by Kelley Armstrong

After years of frequent moves following her mother’s death, Chloe Saunders’s life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she’s not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts–everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home.

At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe’s small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home–charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a “thing” for fire–Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual “problem kid” behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…

Published by Atom

FINALLY! A book with a female necromancer lead, for YA! I broke my very small bank (sigh) buying this series and boy, am i glad i did. Chloe isn't 16 or 17, yet she has a good awareness of herself and others that many protagonists don't have that make them quickly disliked by a reader. If there was a quip it was she was a constant victim till about halfway through book 2.

There is  a love triangle, but that is the way of books nowadays Chloe/Derek/Simon could be compared to Bella/Edward/Jacob and Riley/Simon/Beck quite easily. Although atleast there is no vampires in this book, as that genre is getting congested with cheap knockoffs.

I enjoyed particularly the transition between teenager and wolf for Derek and how Chloe kept him sane and it was nice to see their relationship bloom i was also disheartened at the controlling side of Derek and i can see problems in that future.

Chloe and Tori really come into their own during the series and the reader can see Tori wasn't just put in to be the antagonist! Thank god! Chloe grows into her powers and it is nice to see how she copes and learns. Although it was sad to see Armstrong struggled to decide what part Chloe's Aunt played in this, is she dead, ghost, dead again?

Overall this series is a good read and is thourghly enjoyable and is a definate top read of mine that sits, quite comfortably on my - overly stuffed - bookshelf.

Talia x

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

"Throughout all my histories, I found no one I loved more than you...no one."

Those were some of Rhode's last words to me. The last time he would pronounce his love. The last time I would see his face.

It was the first time in 592 years I could take a breath. Lay in the sun. Taste. Rhode sacrificed himself so I, Lenah Beaudonte, could be human again. So I could stop the blood lust.

I never expected to fall in love with someone else that wasn't Rhode. But Justin was... daring. Exciting. More beautiful than I could dream. I never expected to be sixteen again... then again, I never expected my past to come back and haunt me...

Published by Macmillan Children's Books

I'm a fan of Vampire books and this, to me, is a slightly different interpretation. We meet Lenah as she is just turned back to human and her darling Rhode is dieing. She isn't a normal Heroine either which is refreshing. She was a Queen of a coven of male vampires until she agreed to go underground for many years.

I enjoyed Lenah's flashbacks into her life before and seeing, from her point of view how she has changed and matured. I enjoyed seeing her learn how to live in the 21st century and how she copes when her coven want her back.

Now for the bad. This book was basically drowning in love interests. 400pages isn't quite enough, in my view, to fit 4+ of them and to be honest it wasn't really nessesary. She gets over Rhode very quickly, she seemed almost to forget he gave her life for her. Also this book is full of very Stereotypical people, i mean the blonde girlfriend who is typically the Bitch? Pah-leese.

I did think this story highlighted how important it is to live yourlife the way you want to and not forgetting who you are in the mean time.

Talia x

Sorry for the short review, got alot to fit in, in an hour ;)