Amanda Hocking, author of the Trylle trilogy, gave me a little bit of her time to answer these questions...

Do you have any rituals when you are writing?

My rituals are pretty basic. Make a playlist, go into my office with my dogs, put music on and everything else on silent, and get to work. I also drink copious amounts of
caffeine, but that’s less of a “ritual” and more of a “necessity.”

 Are you a late night or an early morning writer?

Late night, for sure. I’ve always been a huge night owl. In my perfect world, days would start at 4 pm and end at dawn.

Would you delve into a different genre? Is there a genre you really want to write in?

I am absolutely willing to dive into anything, but so far, my ideas have mostly been of a similar genre. Some day, I imagine that I’ll write a horror novel or a contemporary YA. 

Read on below for more information about this amazing book, my thoughts and a cheeky chance to win a copy!

Released: February, 2017

Publisher: Pan Macmillan AUS

Synopsis: The Carnival is all she's ever known - but an old terror could tear it down.

In the spring of 1982, the carnival comes to small-town Cauldry, Louisiana. Then events take a dangerous turn. For Mara Besnick, the carnival is home. It's also a place of secrets, hidden powers and a buried past - making it hard to connect with outsiders. However, sparks fly when she meets local boy Gabe Alvarado. As they become inseparable, Mara realises Gabe is hiding his own secrets. And his family legacy could destroy Mara's world.

They find the word 'freeks' sprayed on trailers, as carnival employees start disappearing. Then workers wind up dead, killed in disturbing ways by someone or something. Mara is determined to unlock the mystery, with Gabe's help. But can they really halt this campaign of fear?

~ Goodreads ~ Pan Macmillan ~

* * *

What I Thought: I absolutely love anything to do with the circus, so I just knew I had to read this one. I have read only a couple of Amanda Hocking's other books, which I quite enjoyed, so I was happy when I discovered I liked this one just as much. I love that it is set in the past. I love that is has a paranormal feel. I love that it was so easy to read.

The characters were lovable. The storyline was lovable, however it quite cliche. When a story line is cliche, it can take away from the depth of the novel. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed it.

The Good: Circus themes! Eeeeeep

The Bad: Hello cliches.

Rating: 4/5

Mad Claire

xo

Sometimes a whisper is as good as a shout... But in this case I just want to shout about this book!

Sara Barnard, author extraordinaire, gave me a little bit of her time to answer these questions...

What is your favourite perspective to write in and why? (First, second, third?)

First – I prefer to be inside my character’s head to properly explore and understand them. I tend to write very introspective characters, and I don’t think that would work so well in third person. I’ve never even attempted second!

Do you believe BSL should be learned by everybody?

If only! I think it should be more widely recognized and used, especially in schools. It would be great if it could be a language option like French or German. If that were the case, I think hearing people would at least be more aware of it than they are. We should be more deaf aware as a culture.

Read on below for more information about this amazing book, my thoughts and a cheeky chance to win a copy!

Released: January, 2017

Publisher: Pan Macmillan AUS

Synopsis: Steffi doesn't talk, but she has so much to say.
Rhys can't hear, but he can listen.
Their love isn't a lightning strike, it's the rumbling roll of thunder.

Steffi has been a selective mute for most of her life - she's been silent for so long that she feels completely invisible. But Rhys, the new boy at school, sees her. He's deaf, and her knowledge of basic sign language means that she's assigned to look after him. To Rhys, it doesn't matter that Steffi doesn't talk, and as they find ways to communicate, Steffi finds that she does have a voice, and that she's falling in love with the one person who makes her feel brave enough to use it. 

From the bestselling author of Beautiful Broken Things comes a love story about the times when a whisper is as good as a shout.

~ Goodreads ~ Pan Macmillan ~

* * *

What I Thought: A Quiet Kind of Thunder is a beautiful contemporary novel that, quite honestly, brought a few tears to my eyes. It is the story of Steffi, a teenage girl who has Selective Mutism. Selective Mutism, like I learned, is not just about choosing when to speak. Coupled with several other illnesses, including anxiety, Steffi seems quite generally scared of life. She doesn't want to be though, and starts the year ready to prove to her family and to herself that she is more and can do more than what her illnesses allow. Teamed up with her boisterous best friend Tem, these two make me wish I had friends like these in school.

Back at school, Steffi is introduced to Rhys. Rhys is Deaf and due to her mutism, Steffi can use BSL to communicate with him - sort of. This starts the path to friendship and more, each learning that they are more than what they think they are. Rhys is more than what his Deafness allows, and Steffi has a voice she wishes to use. Rhys is a completely adorable character, and I couldn't help but root for him and Steffi throughout the story.

A Quiet Kind of Thunder is a wonderfully written peek into the world of Selective Mutism, anxiety and the Deaf world. It is easy to be a hearing person, not understanding what it is truly like to be a deaf person. Through several different scenarios, Barnard shows what it can be like for a deaf person in the world and the ignorance of hearing people towards the deaf. She also shows what Selective Mutism is like, coupled with anxiety, and how it threatens to drown and swallow a person. This book will open your eyes, and hopefully, make you become more aware of the world around you - and the other worlds that you may not be involved in.

First thing I'm doing after writing this? Going to buy Barnard's other book - Beautiful Broken Things!

The Good: I love the relationship that Steffi and Rhys had. The explanations of Selective Mutism and the look inside the deaf vs hearing world.

The Bad: The story had a slow build up, and was fairly easy to gather where the story was going.

Rating: 4/5

Want a chance to win this amazing book? Enter below!

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Mad Claire

xo

Truthwitch -
Susan Dennard

Released: January 5, 2016

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Synopsis: In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.

Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

~ Goodreads ~ Pan Macmillan ~

* * *

What I Thought: I have been dying to read this for awhile, desperate for a new book from Dennard since the end of her SSAD series - which I absolutely adored. I had extremely high hopes for this book, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Safi is a Truthwitch, which isn't super excited compared to some of the other witches powers, however it is extremely rare and makes her wanted by all the different empires for her power. She's pretty and feisty, and a little bit selfish. Iesult is her Threadsister, a Theadwitch who is unsure of herself and her powers, but is brave and strong. Together, they end up on the run, meeting new and exciting people along the way.

Dennard has created a beautifully vivid fantasy world with many different styles of witches. Her characters are layered with differing personalities and traits, each one continuing to surprise. However, book one felt like a very long introduction to the world and the characters, and seemed like a setup for the rest of the series. While there was plenty of action, and surprises, not much really happened over the course of the book. That being said, I'm super excited to see where the series is going to lead!

The Good: I loved the fantasy world and the strong characters.

The Bad: It was quite a slow first book - building up for the series.

Rating:  4/5

Mad Claire

xo

Queen of Shadows - Sarah J Maas

Released: September 1, 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury AUS

Synopsis: Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

~ Goodreads ~ Bloomsbury ~

* * *

What I Thought: Queen of Shadows. A monster of a book, with so much that goes on. There is not a moment when this book isn't action packed. We start off with Celaena or Aelin, whichever you prefer to call her, heading back to Rifthold, where Chaol is now working solidly with the rebels, Aedion is still imprisoned and Dorian is... well let's not go there lest I tear up again.

There is a lot of changes that happen in Queen of Shadows, and some characters become a lot more important. We still follow multiple points of view, even some are just mere snippets of the character, but each one equally important. Some of these characters show different sides, and some end up being entirely new people. 

Can I tell you that we finally get some happy endings? Possibly. In some aspects, abso-freaking-lutely. Some come mid-story, some come at the end. But just know, obviously with two books still to come, that this is not the end. There isn't a killer cliffhanger ending (thank goodness!) but there is clearly so much more to come. Does Aedion get free or does the King execute him? Do they figure out a way to save Dorian from the monster inside? Will Celaena be able to pull of her plan to free magic? Will Chaol and Celaena tie up their lose ends? (YES, that is the most important question of all, obviously). Of course, I'd love to tell you, but you'll just have to pick up the book yourself (and we can talk later ;) )

Queen of Shadows closes some doors and opens about a million more. If you love this series, are in love with it's characters then you will definitely love Queen of Shadows. Buy it, devour it, and lets all mourn the year long wait we again have to suffer through.

Long Live Queen Aelin of Terrasen!

The Good: This book picked up much more that Heir of Fire did, and it was really hard to put down, especially towards the end. Seriously guys, just bust this baby out in one sitting, or the not knowing may actually kill you.

The Bad: Having to wait another year for the next book, and not knowing exactly what to expect. Also, I am SO NOT on board with Celaena (Aelin) and Rowan. No no no no no. Just, no.

Rating: 4/5

Mad Claire

xo

Heir of Fire - Sarah J Maas

Released: September 11, 2014

Publisher: Bloomsbury AUS

Synopsis: Consumed by guilt and rage, Celaena can't bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back...

The Immortal Queen will help her destroy the king - for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her?

~ Goodreads ~ Bloomsbury ~

* * *

What I Thought: Heir of Fire. Third book in the Throne of Glass series. I actually didn't end up reading this when it was released, and instead have only just recently read it with the release of Queen of Shadows. Heir of Fire... seriously, I'm not even sure where to start. There is a lot of different points of view in this novel, and it got confusing at times. Celaena is in Wendlyn, training with the Fae. Chaol is running around with Aedion (AKA Celaena's long-lost cousin). Aedion is running around with the Terrasen rebels. Dorian is trying to hide his magic and falling for someone new. Then there is Sorscha and Manon... That's HoF in a nutshell. It was great, revisiting old characters and meeting a bunch of new ones (some more likable than others) but this was a filler book for me and it really slowed the entire series down.

Genuinely, I found this book to be, while enjoyable, way too slow for me. I didn't care enough about what was happening, especially when the POV kept shifting. But of course, in the way that she does, Maas leaves us with a KILLER cliffhanger ending that (almost) makes up for the slowness of the novel.

Bring on Queen of Shadows!

The Good: Killer cliffhanger. Wait, is that a good thing or a bad thing? :P

The Bad: This book was SLOW. Like, maddeningly slow. So many times I put it down because I just didn't really care about what was happening. Plus, the several different points of view randomly changing was confusing.

Rating: 4/5

Mad Claire

xo

All The Bright Places - Jennifer Niven

Released: January 8, 2015

Publisher: PenguinTeen AUS

Synopsis: Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him. 

Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister's recent death.

When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it's unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the 'natural wonders' of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It's only with Violet that Finch can be himself - a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who's not such a freak after all. And it's only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet's world grows, Finch's begins to shrink. 

~ Goodreads ~ Penguin ~

* * *

What I Thought: This book. Oh my gosh. All the Bright Places revolves around Theodore Finch and Violet Markey. The freak boy, who constantly thinks about killing himself, and the popular girl, whose sister died in an accident, and blames herself - both find themselves standing on a ledge on a tower, and that is what they call fate my friends. Their lives become inextricably entwined as they both deal with their feelings of depression, anxiety and inadequacy.

Together, they begin to explore the natural wonders of the state, and begin to fall for each other - their true selves, hidden from the world.

This book will give you the feels. It is a sad and depressing story that gives a raw look at how people with depression and anxiety live. You will fall in love with Finch and Violet, and their story so make sure you grab this one!

The Good: I think it's a wonderful look at depression and anxiety, especially for people who don't suffer from it. It allows you into that world to see what it is really like. A well-crafted tale of two kids, struggling to figure out who they are.

The Bad: By gosh, it is sad. Depressing. Make sure you have tissues on hand.

Rating: 4/5

Mad Claire

xo

The Raven Boys - Maggie Stiefvater

Synopsis: Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue never sees them--until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks to her.

His name is Gansey, a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can't entirely explain. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul whose emotions range from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She doesn't believe in true love, and never thought this would be a problem. But as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore. 

~ Goodreads ~

* * *

What I Thought: Stiefvater is a wonderful author, pumping out visually appealing and enchanting tales, and The Raven Boys is no different. Set in the magical town of Henrietta, Blue and her psychic family cross paths with the illusive Raven Boys, and from there adventures unfold. Blue has been told that if she kisses her true love, he will die. Now she finds she has feelings for Adam, the quiet poor Raven boy, but it doesn't seem as if he is destined to be her true love. Hence, the semi love triangle.

The Raven Boys, while I found confusing and slow at times, definitely piqued my interest for the rest of the series. The beautifully imagined scenery and very unique characters make this a wonderful read, which I recommend to all those who love the supernatural!

Mad Claire

xo

Looking For Alaska - John Green

Synopsis: Before. Miles "Pudge" Halter's whole existence has been one big nonevent, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave the "Great Perhaps" (François Rabelais, poet) even more. Then he heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable, and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed-up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young, who is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart.

After. Nothing is ever the same.

~ Goodreads ~

* * *

What I Thought: So of course, being a John Green novel I had extremely high expectations. Looking for Alaska is a strong debut novel, and I can see the instant appeal for John Green and his poetic words. To be perfectly honest, my first JG book was The Fault in Our Stars, which I think, by far, trumps all his other novels, so I think I definitely may have enjoyed this one more if I hadn't read TFiOS.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading from the point of view of Pudge, and learning about Alaska, and watching all the characters grow and change.
I definitely didn't expect, well, the major thing that happens in the novel - apart from that twist however, the novel was fairly predictable, while still being quite likable.

Mad Claire

xo

My Life Next Door - Huntley Fitzpatrick

Released: June 14, 2012

Publisher: Dial Books

Synopsis: The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

~ Goodreads ~

* * *

What I Thought: I've been itching for a while to read this well talked about novel, and finally took the plunge. My Life Next Door is a well-written novel about the choices we make and the consequences we face.

Samantha Reed has watched the Garretts next door for most of her life. Her mother doesn't think highly of their large family and messy lifestyle, but Samantha finds them fascinating. One day, Jase Garrett climbs up to her bedroom window, and a strange friendship ensues. Suddenly Samantha is babysitting the younger kids, hanging out with all the family and falling for Jase Garrett.

Of course, things are never that simple, are they? There is drama that unfolds, which I particularly didn't like (hence only four stars) but I can see why this book is well liked by readers of young adult. My Life Next Door really questions who we are, how we judge and how we deal with certain situations, really making you examine the kind of person you are versus the kind of person you want to be.

If you love a good contemporary novel, I highly recommend this story.

The Good: You can't help but fall in love with all the quirks of the Garrett family.

The Bad: Yeah, that dramatic twist killed the buzz for me.

Rating:

Mad Claire

xo

Girl Online - Zoe Sugg

Released: November 26, 2014

Publisher: Penguin AUS 

Synopsis: Penny has a secret. Under the alias Girl Online, Penny blogs her hidden feelings about friendship, boys, her crazy family, and the panic attacks that have begun to take over her life. When things go from bad to worse, her family whisks her away to New York, where she meets Noah: a gorgeous, guitar-strumming American. Suddenly Penny is falling in love - and capturing every moment of it on her blog. But Noah has a secret, too, one that threatens to ruin Penny's cover - and her closest friendship - forever.

~ Goodreads ~

* * *

What I Thought: I've been excited to read Girl Online ever since author Zoe Sugg made the annoucement. I am a follower of her Vlog, though not a die-hard fan by any means. I enjoy her videos so of course I would be excited to read her book - especially knowing its YA!

Girl Online is a light-hearted book about a 15-year girl named Penny, who runs a blog anonymously. She ends up on an adventure overseas and falls in love with a gorgeous boy. This book did have it's serious moments, such as Penny dealing with her anxiety, Elliot and his parents trying to deal with his homosexuality, and Noah talking about the death of his parents - but honestly, this book is a whole bunch of fluff, and I say that in the lovingly-est way possible.
Don't get me wrong, by any means, I really enjoyed this novel. Watching Penny grow from a clumsy awkward girl into someone more sure of herself was quite uplifting. The romance between Penny and Noah was also cute, if not a bit too insta-lovey for my liking.

As a debut novel from a vlogging sensation, I'd say Girl Online ticks the boxes that will make it a success - especially with teenage girls going through their own issues, that already look up to Sugg in her vlogs.

If you are looking for an easy, fun read then definitely give Girl Online a go!

(Man, writing a blog review about a book revolving around blogging is something I never really expected to do. Maybe I should write a book about it? :P )

The Good:  Noah was cute, in a why-can't-I-meet-a-famous-guy kind of way. Plus the singing? Oh yeah.

The Bad: The fluff of this book.

Rating:

Mad Claire

xo

Apple and Rain - Sarah Crossan

Released: September 1, 2014

Publisher: Bloomsbury AUS

Synopsis: When Apple’s mother returns after eleven years of absence, Apple feels whole again. She will have an answer to her burning question – why did you go? And she will have someone who understands what it means to be a teenager – unlike Nana. But just like the stormy Christmas Eve when she left, her mother’s homecoming is bitter sweet, and Apple wonders who is really looking after whom. It’s only when Apple meets someone more lost than she is, that she begins to see things as they really are.

Like a brilliant hybrid of Cathy Cassidy and Jacqueline Wilson, Sarah Crossan entices you into her world, then tells a moving, perceptive and beautifully crafted story which has the power to make you laugh and cry. 

~ Goodreads ~

* * *

What I Thought: Apple and Rain - a story about a girl who feels lost, and the things she needs to discover to realise she was already found.
Apple's mother left her with her Nana on Christmas Eve eleven years ago. But now Nana is making her feel like a prisoner and all she wants is for her mother to come back - and she gets what she wishes for.
But of course, it's never that easy! Her mother has a big surprise in store, sure to rock Apple's life. That, and her mother is rarely around.

Apple and Rain is a beautiful story about family, finding yourself and your place. This story makes you re-evaluate everything in life, and what's really important. I think this is the perfect story to give every young teenage girl to read - but I think people of all ages will benefit from the lessons involved in the storyline.

I am a fan of Sarah Crossan, so I dove into this book with quite high expectations, and it did not disappoint. Definitely recommend you pick this one up when you get a chance! 

The Good: This story was anything but what I expected! Such a heart-felt story with an incredible journey of learning.

The Bad: Apple frustrated me so much! I know it was all part of her learning journey - and I had to keep reminding myself that she was only 13.

Rating:

Mad Claire

xo

Beautiful Oblivion - Jamie McGuire

Released: July 1, 2014

Publisher: Simon and Schuster AUS

Synopsis: The Beautiful Disaster phenomenon continues in the first heart-pounding new adult romance in The Maddox Brothers series.
Fiercely independent Camille "Cami" Camlin gladly moved on from her childhood before it was over. She has held down a job since before she could drive, and moved into her own apartment after her freshman year of college. Now tending bar at The Red Door, Cami doesn't have time for much else besides work and classes, until a trip to see her boyfriend is cancelled, leaving her with her first weekend off in almost a year.
Trenton Maddox was the king of Eastern State University, dating co-eds before he even graduated high school. His friends wanted to be him, and women wanted to tame him, but after a tragic accident turned his world upside down, Trenton leaves campus to come to grips with the crushing guilt. 
Eighteen months later, Trenton is living at home with his widower father, and works full-time at a local tattoo parlour to help with the bills. Just when he thinks his life is returning to normal, he notices Cami sitting alone at a table at The Red. 
As the baby sister of four rowdy brothers, Cami believes she'll have no problem keeping her new friendship with Trenton Maddox strictly platonic. But when a Maddox boy falls in love, he loves forever - even if she is the only reason their already broken family could fall apart.

~ Goodreads ~

* * *

What I Thought: This book made me crazy. I did not figure out the twist until it was literally pointed out at the end of the novel, and I just could not believe it. LIKE ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME? I seriously just sat in bed, unsure what to do next. Like a lost little puppy.

Beautiful Oblivion is Cami and Trent's story, so of course you are going to fall in love with Trent, same as you did Travis. It runs (pretty much) parallel in time with Beautiful Disaster, and you will definitely have some overlaps in time. Cami is a very different kind of girl from Abby, and Trent is very different to his brother too - so don't expect to be reading the same sort of story.

Trent is in love with Cami, and has been for awhile. Cami has a boyfriend and knows well how the Maddox brothers work. So of course, they try to be friends. And of course, that never really quite works out how they expect. Cami's boyfriend (and for me, the mysterious job he works) is the secret that shakes up the story the entire way through, and if like me, you don't figure it out then, like me, you will be shocked.

Trent and Cami are completely adorable and lovable, and the few new characters we meet, you will love just as much. McGuire really has a unique way of telling stories, so if you loved Beautiful Disaster then you are certainly going to love this one too -and if you haven't read BD, then I suggest you give this one a crack anyway!

The Good: The killer twist at the end!

The Bad: Also, the killer twist at the end!

Rating:

Mad Claire

xo

Silver Shadows - Richelle Mead
(Bloodlines #5)

Released: July 29, 2014

Publisher: Penguin AUS

Synopsis: Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.

Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive. 

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him. . . .

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.

~ Goodreads ~

* * *

What I Thought: Like almost every other girl who reads YA, I absolutely love the Bloodlines series. More than the Vampire Academy series to be honest. This is, the first time however, with any of the books in this or the VA series, that I haven't given a full five stars. Why the heck not, you ask? Because it started off SLOW. Like, boring, pulling teeth kind of slow. And it just didn't do it for me. I can see why she did it, but just no.

Now, with that out of the way, we can talk about how much I did end up liking this novel, because Richelle Mead just has a way of making you want more. This is the fifth book in the series, and leads up to the final instalment, The Ruby Circle, due out February 2015 - then it will all be over folks. So of course Mead has to make the ending of this one some killer cliffhanger, and she certainly did that. 

*Some Fiery Heart & Silver Shadows spoilers ahead*
So at the end of Fiery heart, Sydney was being whisked away by the Alchemists towards a horrible fate of Re-education. This is (sort-of) where we pick back up. Sydney is with the Alchemists, Adrian is trying to find Sydney and they're both on a road heading no-where. Sydney goes through some horrible crap and Adrian gets depressed when he can't find Sydney, falling into a drunken stupor almost every day. And it gets worse.
But of course, it has to get better for them at some point right? Yep, it (sort-of) does. It gets fun and exciting and even more dangerous. Then it leaves us desperately hanging with the 7 month wait for the last book.

If you love this series, then get to it ASAP! Be ready for those feels though.

The Good: More Sydney. More Adrian. More feels. How can you not love it?

The Bad: That slow slow beginning.

Rating:

Mad Claire

xo

Of Neptune - Anna Banks
(The Syrena Legacy #3)

Released: May 1, 2014

Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont

Synopsis: Emma and Galen s kingdom and their love is threatened by long- lost Syrena in the brilliant conclusion to Anna Banks bestselling trilogy.

Emma, half human and half Syrena, and her Syrena love, Galen, need time together alone. Away from the kingdoms of Poseidon and Triton. Emma s grandfather, the Poseidon king, suggests the two visit a small town called Neptune.

Neptune is home to both Syrena and Half-Breeds alike. But Emma and Galen didn t sign up to be peacemakers between the ocean and the land-dwelling, freshwater Syrena. They didn t bargain for meeting a charming Half-Breed named Reed, who can barely disguise his feelings for Emma. And they especially didn t expect to find themselves in the middle of a power struggle that threatens not only their love but their ocean kingdoms.

In this stunning conclusion to her bestselling Syrena Legacy, Anna Banks thrills fans with more action and romance than ever.

~ Goodreads ~

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What I Thought: Emma, Galen and friends are back in the final novel in the Syrena Legacy series. This time Emma and Galen are on a road trip together, and thanks to some hints from King Adonis, they end up in a little town called Neptune - where half-breeds live. This is a major revelation for Emma, who has just been accepted in the Syrena fold. Galen, however, is not as equally thrilled. Fighting ensues, Galen leaves and it's a bit of a whirlwind adventure from there.

To be honest, Emma annoyed me so much in this novel. I have always loved her attitude, her passion, her strength - but not this time. Yes, I understand that she's found a place she fits in, and Galen is gone, and Reed is like her - BUT I honestly never took her to be that selfish. Which of course, is all figured out by the end of the novel.

Reed is a great new character, making waves in character development. The little town of Neptune gives us a bit more insight into the history of the Syrena and the half-breeds, which is very interesting.

If you loved the previous novels, then of course you are going to love this one too so hurry up and get reading!

The Good: Of Neptune was nothing like I expected at all, and it was amazing!

The Bad: I'd love to know more about Galen and Emma after their ceremony! Why did this have to be the end?!

Rating:

Mad Claire

xo

Razorhurst - Justine Larbalestier

Released: June 25, 2014

Publisher: Allen and Unwin

Synopsis: The setting: Razorhurst, 1932. The fragile peace between two competing mob bosses—Gloriana Nelson and Mr Davidson—is crumbling. Loyalties are shifting. Betrayals threaten.

Kelpie knows the dangers of the Sydney streets. Ghosts have kept her alive, steering her to food and safety, but they are also her torment.

Dymphna is Gloriana Nelson’s ‘best girl’, experienced in surviving the criminal world, but she doesn’t know what this day has in store for her.

When Dymphna meets Kelpie over the corpse of Jimmy Palmer, Dymphna’s latest boyfriend, she pronounces herself Kelpie’s new protector. But Dymphna’s life is in danger too, and she needs an ally. And while Jimmy’s ghost wants to help, the dead cannot protect the living . . .

~ Goodreads ~

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What I Thought: Razorhurst is fast, thrilling, dark and dangerous, and it will leave you wanting more than just the one book.
Razorhurst is about gangs and life in an Australian town in the 1930's. It follows the POV's of two girls - Kelpie and Dymphna. Kelpie is a a dirty, malnourished girl who lives on the streets, and can see ghosts. Dymphna is a gorgeous girl who lives a lavish life, and who can also see ghosts. They come together by fate, over a dead body, each already knowing who the other is, and starting on a whirlwind journey over a twenty-four hour period.

Yes, this 365-page novel takes course over a twenty-four hour period, and you won't even realise because Larbalestier does such a damn good job of disguising that fact. We get to see behind the curtains of gang life with competing mob bosses, and watch the two girls try and figure out how to stay alive, and out of gaol.

Larbalestier also gives us intermittent chapters that give us flashes into each of the characters lives, how they lead up to this point, and how the town and the mob bosses came to be. At first, it was semi-confusing trying to keep up with it all, but once you get into the rhythm of the story, you'll be flying through it like there's no tomorrow.

The Good: I loved the background stories, and how everything manages to fit together.

The Bad: Both main characters annoyed me at one point, I seriously wanted to strangle them both.

Rating:

Mad Claire

xo