Thursday 30 September 2010

Review: Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

My Rating: E, R, B

Published: 2007
Publisher: Flux

Author's Website: simoneelkeles.net

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Caleb Becker spent the past year in juvenile detention.

Maggie Armstrong spent the past year in hospitals and physical therapy.

Two teens who are scarred one fateful night are going to have to face their greatest challenge yet – meeting up with each other again.


Leaving Paradise is the first book in the Leaving Paradise series by Simone Elkeles.

Maggie has just started back at school after the accident. Not only does she have schoolwork to deal with but she has everyone staring at her because of her limp. She can’t think her life could get any worse, but then Caleb is released from juvenile detention is back at school. Maggie is furious that the boy that left her for dead is being allowed back to the same school. So she does everything to stay out of his way. But their paths cross when Maggie gets a job with Mrs. Reynolds. Caleb turns is working at Mrs. Reynolds house as part of his community service which Maggie is not happy about but unwillingly lets him stay. They slowly get past the accident and start to grow closer together and form a relationship.

I think this book was so lovely. There were moments when I wanted to cry alongside Maggie and wanted to scream at Caleb but at the same time I was sad because their life-long friendship had been ruined by one horrible night gone wrong. I felt a bit sorry for Caleb too as he wasn’t exactly welcomed home with open arms once he was released but at the same time I thought he deserved not to be able to waltz back into everyone’s life as if nothing was wrong.

There are hints throughout the story that the accident isn’t exactly as it seems. Life is not as that straight forward and some people are keeping their secrets hidden.

My favourite part of this book was the fight at Mrs. Reynolds house as this was the turning point for the whole story. This is where we see Maggie and Caleb starting to put the past behind them and work towards a better future for both of them. At the end of the book I was so sad because when it all seemed to be working out for them both; one of them has to leave Paradise as they can no longer see a future there for themselves.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the sequel, Return to Paradise. Hopefully everything is sorted out in the next book and we see a bit more of a happy ending.

Disclaimer: I own this book and I have not been paid to review this book. Everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Tuesday 28 September 2010

Review: Fish Out of Water by MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, L, H

Published: 2008
Publisher: Piatkus

Author's Website: maryjanicedavidson.net

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Mermaid Fredricka Bimm has finally made her choice between Artur, Prince of the Black Sea, and marine biologist Thomas – or has she? She’s agreed to visit Artur in his underwater home and she’s determined to make their relationship work. Why then is she so unhappy? Is it truly Artur who is the right person for her, or could she have made a mistake in her choice of man?

However, Fred doesn’t have time to dwell on this – the existence of the Undersea Folk is no longer a secret and someone needs to keep them from floundering in the media spotlight. Fred must do everything she can to help but, as civil war threatens to sink the merfolk, she finds her whole world – and love life – is turned completely upside down...


Fish Out of Water is the third and final book in the Fred the Mermaid series by MaryJanice Davidson. This woman is a goddess when it comes to snippy retorts, moody mermaids and over eccentric metro sexual guys.

Fred has currently been the go between the bipeds and the Underwater Folk during their unveiling to the world. Everywhere she goes, Fred is recognised. So Fred decides to move from her little apartment to a four bed roomed cottage near the sea which just so happens, is being used as the public headquarters of the Underwater Folk. Everything comes to a head for Fred in this book; the mystery of her mermaid father is revealed, she finally chooses the man she wants to be with and ends her eight year sex drought and someone is trying to overthrow the King of the Underwater Folk. Never an easy life for Fred.

I was so sad to read that this was the final book as this is a great source of entertainment for me. When I want to read a book that is just light and full of comedy, this is the series I turn to. I can’t stop laughing to myself when I am reading these books because Fred is such a funny and arrogant character. She has just the right mixture of stubborn, dry wit humour and hot headedness that makes me love her.

Overall, I really loved this book and really enjoyed watching Fred make her final decision between the two men in her life. My favourite part is at the end when one of her suitors claims her as his own just like that and no one bats an eyelid not even Fred because this is the man she wants. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a bit of supernatural mixed with a lot of comedy.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from my local library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Sunday 26 September 2010

In My Mailbox...(13)


In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by The Story Siren every Sunday.

Borrowed from Library



City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
The Killing Dance by Laurell K Hamilton

Won


Dark Goddess by Sarwart Chadda (Won from Wondrous Reads)

What did you guys get? Leave me a link below and I will check you out =)

Review: The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

My Rating: E, P, B

Published: 2010
Publisher: Walker Books

Author's Website: cassandraclare.com

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London’s Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawing ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by – and torn between – two best friends and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

The Clockwork Angel is the first instalment in the Infernal Devices series, which is a prequel to the Mortal Instrument series, written by Cassandra Clare. This book has it all; a love triangle, betrayal, action, death and much more.

What can I say about this book that won’t make me sound like a raving fanatic? I absolutely adored this book. It works well as a standalone but I think it would be better if you read the Mortal Instrument series first and then read The Clockwork Angel. The attention to detail from the time era is absolutely amazing and a lot of research must have been put in before writing this book. I don’t know much about the Victorian ages but I really felt I was there with the characters.

I thought all the characters were absolutely amazing in their own unique way. Will reminded me a bit of Jace from the Mortal Instrument series what with their affliction for mundanes (humans) and their rude and abrupt behaviour. Jem was just adorable, I just love his name, everything else about his character is a bonus. Jessamine is the one that is probably most well off of the characters but she cares for nothing to do with being a Shadowhunter. Charlotte and Henry, I think, are a match made in heaven and balance on another out quite well. Tessa, now I think she is an amazing and head strong girl. She can handle the majority of situations as a confident young lady, anything she does say she says truthfully, even if it hurts. Tessa also doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do. I would list my favourite parts of the book but there are too many so it’s safe to say I enjoyed everything about it.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has read the Mortal Instrument series and for those who haven’t I would say it’s well worth it. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the characters in the next book.

Disclaimer: I bought this book with my own money. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Friday 24 September 2010

Blog Hop...(11)

Blog Hop is a meme that is hosted by Crazy For Books each Friday until Monday.


Book Blogger Hop

This is my eleventh hop and I am still finding great blogs out there!! Blog on =)

Question: When you write reviews, do you write them as you are reading or wait until you have read the entire book?


My Answer:  I wait until I have read a book in it's entirety before reviewing the book. If I wrote a review whilst I was reading a book then I think the review would be all over the place. I wouldn't be able to give it an honest review with only knowing some of the facts half way through the book.

I try to review a book right after reading it but sometimes I don't have the time or access to a computer to write one up so sometimes it can be a few days to a week before I write a review. I normally sneak a peek at some pages before I write a review if I have left it a while. Just to take the brain on a wee jog down memory lane.

Have a great weekend =)

Thursday 23 September 2010

Review: Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon

My Rating: E, R, B

Published: 2010
Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Author's Website: paigetoon.com

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Will you marry me?’

I think of you, then. I think of you every day. But usually in the quietest part of the morning, or the darkest part of the night. Not when my boyfriend of two years has just proposed. I look up at Richard with his hopeful eyes.
‘Lily?’ he prompts.
It’s been ten years, but it feels like only yesterday that you left. How can I say yes to Richard with all my heart when most of it has always belonged to you? I take a deep breath and will myself to speak...

Ten years ago when Lily was just sixteen, she fell in love with someone she really shouldn’t have fallen in love with. Now, living in Sydney and engaged to another man, she can’t forget the one that go away. Then her past comes back to haunt her, and she has to make a decision that will break her heart – and the heart of at least one of the men who love her.


Pictures of Lily is an exceptional summer read by Paige Toon. This story reminds you that you can never forget your first true love, they are always with you.

Lily is uprooted from England by her mother so that she can go live with her new lover in Australia. Lily isn’t happy about it at all and can’t wait to move back to England, well that is until she meets Ben. Ben works at the local national park with Lily’s mother’s new beau. Lily gets a summer job at the park where she helps Ben out with the koala bears. Over time they grow closer together but Ben moves away before anything serious happens. Lily is heartbroken but remains in Australia. Ten years later, just when Lily’s life is on the up and her boyfriend Richard has proposed to her she finds Ben again.

I absolutely loved reading this book. It was a nice balance of love and heart break. I felt as if I felt everything that Lily felt and to me this is the sign of an brilliant read. Lily practically shunts everything that reminds her of Ben in her new life as she doesn’t want to be reminded of the one that got away. I was over the moon when Ben made a re-appearance.

My favourite part of the book was when Ben and Lily were taken care of the orphaned koala bear. It was so touching as I am a big animal lover and it was a great way for Lily and Ben to bond over something. Ben always pushed Lily to be all that she can be and follow her passion but in the end Lily turns her back on it as it hurts too much. The old Lily slowly begins to emerge once Ben is back on the scene.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice summer read and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a good love story.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, my sister loaned it to me. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Review: The Dead Girl's Dance by Rachel Caine

My Rating: VG, P, B

Published: 2007
Publisher: Penguin Group

Author's Website: rachelcaine.com

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Claire Danvers has had her share of challenges – like being a genius in a school that favours beauty over brains, dealing with the homicidal girls in her dorm and, above all, finding out that her college town is overrun with bloodsucking fiends. On the plus side, so far Claire and her friends have managed to survive getting on the wrong side of some Morganville VIPS – Vampire Important Persons. But their temporary peace is in danger of collapsing, thanks to the arrival of her new boyfriend’s scary father and his vampire-fighting supporters.

The Dead Girls’ Dance is the second book in the Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine.

This book basically starts where the last book ends, Shane’s father and some of his road hog friends have barged into Glass House and are taking over the show. Shane’s dad isn’t going to leave Morganville without taking a whole bunch of vampires down with him at the same time. Luckily the members of Glass House are able to get rid of the intruders and try to get on with their lives. Until Shane is accused of murder by the Vampires that is, and is hauled away and sentenced to death which leaves it up to his friends to try and prove his innocence but at what cost?

So much happens in this book that you don’t know when the action is going to stop. Everything is happening over a short period of a few days and I wonder how on earth the characters are able to deal with it all. The action is non-stop and so are the near death experiences. Shane and Claire begin to get a lot closer in this book which is nice to see as they were just teetering on the edge of being together in the first book.

My favourite character from this book is Sam. Even though he has been out-casted by the vampires and none of them talk to him, he has still retained his humanity. He helps Claire and Eve out at a party when Monica convinces some boys to mess with Claire. My favourite part of the book involved all intimate moments between Shane and Claire. They were sweet and Shane was being the perfect gentleman.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am going to carry on reading the series as I am curious to find out what happens to Claire and Shane’s relationship and what happens with the vampires as it seems a war could be brewing.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from my local library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Sunday 19 September 2010

In My Mailbox...(12)


In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by The Story Siren every Sunday.


Bought



Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
 
What did you guys get?

Friday 17 September 2010

Blog Hop...(10)

Blog Hop is a meme that is hosted by Crazy For Books each Friday until Monday.


Book Blogger Hop

This is my tenth hop an I continute to find awesome bloggers!! Blog on =)

In honor of Book Blogger Appreciation Week, let's take time this week to honor our favorite book bloggers and why we love them!


My Answer:  I can't possibly list them all! All the blogs that I follow are great and they are all unique.
But I will list a few of my favourite blogs here in no particular order;

ASAMUM's BOOKTOPIA
Heaven, Hell & Purgatory
Supernatural Underground
The Story Siren
The Thrillionth Page
Tynga's Reviews
Welcome To Larissa's Bookish Life
The Delusional Diaries
Susan K Mann
Paranormal Haven
Paperback Dolls
The Odd Shots

If you take the time to visit these wonderful blogs it will show you why I think they are great!

Have a great weekend =)

Thursday 16 September 2010

Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

My Rating: E, R, B

Published: 2010
Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Author's Website: simoneelkeles.net

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Brittany Ellis seems to have it all; wealthy parents, the perfect boyfriend and the “right” group of friends. But when Brittany is forced to become lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the wrong side of town, her perfect life starts to unravel. Alex is a bad boy, and he knows it, so when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it.

But as Alex and Brittany grow closer, sparks begin to fly and they both realise that sometimes appearances can be deceptive. Will their emerging feelings be enough to keep them together when the world is determined to tear them apart?


Perfect Chemistry is the first book in the Perfect Chemistry series by Simone Elkeles. This book is aptly titled but there is a lot more going on than just the chemistry between our main characters.

Brittany Ellis gives off the impression that she is ‘little miss perfect’ but this is far from the truth. Alex is the total opposite from Brittany, he is from the other side of the town which is gang territory but he is safe most of the time as he is part of a gang. He does this to keep his family safe so they can have a better start in life than he did. Soon Brittany and Alex are falling in love but they have so many obstacles to overcome including Alex’s bet to get her into bed.

I had seen a few reviews about this book and thought I would give it a try and I was not disappointed. I was hooked from the first page and was very reluctant to put it down to put it down to do anything. As you can tell I loved this book and would highly recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike.

I had so many favourite scenes in this book that I can’t possibly list them all but I absolutely loved it when Alex spoke Spanish because at the same time they read/sound so exotic and I have no idea what they mean so can only imagine which makes it a bit more exciting. It makes me want to learn Spanish just so I can know what he was saying.

The characters were so compelling in this book. Brittany who comes from the rich side of the town that looks to have everything and Alex, who is part of a gang that has nothing compared to Brittany and they both overcome everything to be together. I just think it’s a great message that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from as long as you are willing to work hard at what you want then you can make your dreams come true.

Overall, I loved this book and I don’t think I can say much more about this book if I could try without repeating myself. Did I mention that Alex is hot and has a motorbike?

Disclaimer: I own this book and I have not been paid to review this book. Everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Tuesday 14 September 2010

Review: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

My Rating: E, P, B

Published: 2008
Publisher: Walker Books

Author:s Website: cassandraclare.com

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

With her mother in a coma and her father hellbent on destroying the world, Clary Fray is dragged deeper into the New York City’s terrifying underworld of werewolves, demons and the mysterious Shadowhunters. Discovering the truth about her past was only the beginning. Now the fate of the world rests on Clary’s shoulders, but can she master he new-found powers and control her feelings for a boy who can never be hers?

City of Ashes is the second book in the Mortal Instrument series by Cassandra Clare. I absolutely loved this book and I am falling in love with the series.

Clary is currently without the guidance of her mother due to her being in a coma. She can only turn to those who introduced her to the Shadowhunter world. They are now her family. Luke has always been a father figure and loved Clary like his own, he would do anything for her just like her brother, Jace. They have just recently discovered that they have a sibling in one another but it came at an inopportune time and has caused a lot of mixed feelings between Clary and Jace as they were on the verge of falling in love. Now they must put their feelings to one side and fight a tougher evil, their father.

I am really enjoying this series by Cassandra Clare and I am so happy with how the story is going. I knew from the previous book that the two main characters, Clary and Jace, would have some kind of hidden powers and I was proved right. The faeiries never lie.

I feel so bad for Clary and Jace because just when everything was starting to feel so right between them, they were torn apart by the knowledge that they are siblings. Instead of being disgusted by themselves, they have tried to ignore their feelings and Clary has tried to act normal and sister like but finds it very difficult. No matter how hard it is for her, she goes out of her way not to admit her feelings to Jace. Jace on the other hand is quite brass when it comes to his feelings for her, he knows she is his sister but at the same time he can’t stop feeling what he feels for her. I know they aren’t meant to be together because they are brother and sister but at the same time I am rooting for them because when I read City of Bones I could feel their love for one another and I was on their side then and for some reason I just can’t let it go either and hope it all works out and that there’s some mysterious and miraculous unveiling that it turns out they can be together because they aren’t related or something. There was something said in the book that makes me think it is possible for them to be together but at the same time I am dubious it will pan out that way. I will just have to wait and find out.

As for Simon and the rest of the minor characters. This book isn’t too great for them either. Simon meets evil head on and comes out the other side fighting but who’s side is he now on? Isabelle introduces us to the world of the faeries and what an exciting place it is. Alec has a secret that he is not yet willing to share with the rest of the characters and this hurts someone close to him although they don’t show it.

My favourite part of the book was when Clary used her newly found powers and blew something up. That was an amazing scene, so much was going on and you didn’t know what was going to happen next. That’s exactly how I feel about this series. There was a lot more depth to the characters in this book and watching them grow and make a lot of hard decisions was great. I can’t wait to read the rest of their journey in City of Glass. I would highly recommend this series to everyone of all ages.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from my local library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have wrote is of my own honest opinion.

Sunday 12 September 2010

Review: Finding Sky by Joss Stirling

My Rating: VG, P, B

Due for Release: October 2010
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Author's Website: jossstirling.com

Purchase @ Oxford University Press Amazon.co.uk

“You have half our gifts, I have the others...”

When English girl, Sky, catches a glimpse of bad boy Zed in her new American high school, she can’t get him out of her head. He talks to her with his thoughts. He reads her mind. He is the boy she will love for ever. Shadows stalk her past but a new evil threatens her future. Sky must face the dark even if it means losing her heart.


Finding Sky is the debut novel from Joss Stirling. This book has love, bad guys and a sexy hot guy with a motorbike. What more can a girl want?

Sky Bright is a teenage British girl with a troubled past. She has been uprooted by her adoptive parents and moved from Richmond-on-Thames, England to Wrickenridge, Colorado. Soon Sky meets Zed and there is an intense feeling of disliking between the two and they can’t stand to be around one another but no matter how hard Sky tries to hate Zed, she ends up falling in love with him.

Zed is a savant and he discovers his Souldfinder in Sky. Sky doesn’t take this too lightly and just carries on with life but tries to ignore all the supernatural stuff and her dark past. But in the end she can’t keep running and she has to face up to her unknown past and confront it head on if she is to get her life back on track and save the ones that she loves.

I loved the whole supernatural aspect of this book, it’s very relatable in the sense that it’s not that too far out of the norm to be deemed crazy. I must admit I had a bit of a hard time getting my head around the savant bit but it was all explained at the right time. The story was well established and the character development was slowly built up and then it all burst open at the arc of the storyline but all the new information wasn’t rushed. It was explained as and when it was required and when Sky was ready to hear it.

I can’t possible choose a favourite character or scene from this book and it was all great. I would highly recommend any young adult or adult that likes the genre to read this book. I must also note that I absolutely love the leaf design around each chapter heading and on the cover art.

Disclaimer: I was sent this book for review. I have not been paid to review this book. Everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

In My Mailbox...(11)


In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by The Story Siren every Sunday.

Borrowed from Library



Swimming Without A Net by MaryJanice Davidson - Review HERE
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine
Fish Out of Water by MaryJanice Davidson
Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning
Kitty Takes A Holiday by Carrie Vaughn


Bought


The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

For Review



Fingind Sky by Joss Stirling
Forbidden Pleasures by Jo Rees

Friday 10 September 2010

Blog Hop...(9)

Blog Hop is a meme that is hosted by Crazy For Books each Friday until Monday.


Book Blogger Hop

This is my ninth hop and I must say I am seriously glad I have kept on hopping as I have found some great blogs.


This weeks's Blog question/topic is: Post a link to a favorite post or book review that you have written in the past three months.


Review: Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost


What's your favourite review/post? Leave a link and I will be sure you check it out =)
Happy hopping!! Have a great weekend folks!

Edit: Had to change my link to a review as I have just realised that the review I linked is older than 3 months.

Friday 3 September 2010

Review: Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

My Rating: O, P, B

Published: 2006
Publisher: Hyperion

Author's WEbsite: melissa-delacruz.com

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious New York City private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes to the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates. But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler’s life changes dramatically. The death of a popular schoolmate haunts her in unexpected ways. And strangest of all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing sudden interest in her.

Once an outcast, Schuyler is thrust into Manhattan’s most exclusive social circle. Its members are the powerful, the wealthy, and – as Schuyler soon discovers – the unhuman. They are Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires, and for centuries they’ve been invincible. Now something is preying on this elite group, and Schuyler wants to find out the truth. But is she the most vulnerable of them all?


I was so excited about reading this book as I heard so many good things about it, but I wasn’t too overally impressed after reading. It kept my attention but I thought some of the things that went on in the book were a bit out there. I don’t want to give too much away and tell you what they are, but there isn’t many. Other than the small things that I didn’t like, there were tons of things that I did like.

I loved the intricate plot line regarding the death of these young and prestigious children that attend Duchesne. Their deaths are unexplained and the others in the school feel that they could be next if others are as young as they are, are dying (being murdered) all around them. This is where Schuyler and her friend Oliver’s investigative skills come in handy. They do not know who they killer is but they know what it is.

Along the way, Schuyler learns new and scary things about her life and what is in store for her future and that Oliver is not exactly as he seems. A few mysteries unravel during the course of this book and it does leave you with a cliffhanger, albeit not a terrible one. The cliffhanger along makes me want to read the next bookl just to find out what Schuyler uncovers.

Overall, I enjoyed the book but it didn’t exactly grab my attention. I am unsure whether I will read the second book or not but don’t let my opinion discourage you from trying the book/series. It could be the right kind of book/series for you, but it wasn’t entirely my cup of tea.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from my local library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Blog Hop...(8)

Blog Hop is a meme that is hosted by Crazy For Books each Friday until Monday.


Book Blogger Hop

This is my eighth hop and I am still finding awesome blogs - I think you should go have a peruse at the list of bloggers. You will most definitely find a blog you like - it's hard not to.

Blog Hop Question: Do you judge a book by its cover?

If I have heard it's a great book and I want to read it, I won't care what the book cover is like.


If it's a book that I haven't seen before and it's sitting there on a shelf, then yes sometimes I do judge it by it's cover. The cover has to lure me in to get me to read the synopsis. I sometimes pick up books with covers that are not appealing to me to read the synopsis at least, but the majority of the time if the book cover doesn't have me wanting to pick up the book then I don't.


I know it's a real bad thing to do, but to me a book cover is meant to sum up the book without giving too much away e.g. Hush Hush the cover had boy on the front with wings so it was obvious the book was about angels which appeals to me so I picked it up (this isn't exactly how it happened for me with this book, but using it as an example).

EDIT: After reading some other responses to this question, I have realised I have left some things out.
1. A pretty cover will lure me in but I won't buy it solely based on the cover art, the synopsis has to be good also, otherwise there's no point buying it as I won't read it.
2. Attractive covers do get me to go over to the book, but once I am done looking at all the pretty covers I do go and look at other books that may not be as alluring but have a great synopsis.
3. If it's an author that I like and enjoy reading their work, then most of the time I won't bother to look at the cover other than to search for the title or the author's name to make sure I'm picking up the right book. Majority of the time I buy it because I like the author's writing and know I will enjoy it regardless of the cover art. But if it's just books I am perusing through to see what there is then yes, the attractive covers do lure me first but they aren't what I buy the book for.
Happy hopping!! Have a great weekend folks!

Thursday 2 September 2010

Review: Swimming Without A Net by MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: VG, B, H

Published: 2008
Publisher: Piatkus

Author's Website: maryjanicedavidson.net

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com


Half human and half reluctant mermaid, Fredrika Bimm finds herself investigating her watery roots in the latest instalment of her highly original and very funny romantic adventures.

After spending her entire life without seeing another mermaid or merman, there are suddenly undersea folk all over the place when Fred visits the Black Sea. But Fred is still torn between her reluctant attraction to Artur, arrogant high prince of the mer-people, and wealthy human Thomas. Will the trip finally help her make up her mind, and separate the men from the...erm fish?


Swimming Without A Net is the second novel in the Fred the Mermaid series by MaryJanice Davidson.

Fred is called upon to attend a meeting of the mer-people but what she isn’t told is why she has been invited and why no one has bothered to talk to her since she got there. Finally another mermaid, lets her in on the secret and this just causes Fred to be furious. In the end its Fred’s life experiences and advice that help the mer-people come to a decision about an on-going debate that has been hanging around for decades.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s such an easy and short read that you can read it in a day. Fred has me in stitches with her antics and her best friend Jonas is so witty. The way he deals with Fred is amusing. We get to see Artur and Thomas in this book again and they are still fighting for Fred’s affections. We finally see Fred leaning to one side over the other. But I wouldn’t let that fool me into thinking that’s who she will end up being with in the end.

I don’t know about you but I love anything written by MaryJanice Davidson. Her writing style is so comical that she has me laughing at every turn of the page. Fred’s wit and rudeness is just hilarious to read about and can’t wait to read the next instalment, Fish Out of Water. I think it’s definitely worth anyone’s time to sit down and read MaryJanice’s books. They will not disappoint.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from my local library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.