REVIEW: 'Marked' sent me to another world

'Marked' by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Book 1# House of Night Series
Pages: 348 pages
Star rating: 5 stars

'So the bad news was that I'd have to move into the House of Night, a private boarding school, known by all my friends as the vampyre finishing school, where I would spent the next four years going through bizarre and annumable physical changes, as well as a total and permanent life shake-up. And that's on if the whole process doesn't kill me.

But the good news was that I wouldn't have to take the geometry test tomorrow.'

 

So this was an amazing book... first of all... scrap the crappy view of vampyres we've been fed in the past and think new, funny and absolutely fear-removing teenagers. Now add to that image a group of teenagers... a lost girl who has just been thrown into this strange and deadly world... a country girl with a twang in everything from her sayings to her clothes... twins who are the total physical opposite *one white one African America* who are soul sisters... a young gay boy who speaks like a dictionary and a 'hag from hell'... do you have that image in your head? Are you laughing at some of the conversations that could possibly arise? Good!

 

Now this books isn't all it says on the back... yes Zoey Redbird gets taken out of her overbearing 'People of Faith' family and thrown into the vampyre world full force... when Nyx *The vampyre Goddess* decides not only to Mark (the process at which the change into becoming a vampyre begins) but also to gift Zoey with some extra ordinary powers which doesn't always work out the best for Zoey.

 

Of course everything doesn't always go as smoothly as planned at the House of Night, when her human ex-boyfriend Heath turns up high and drunk with her ex-bestfriend to break her out of the House of Night true vampyresque behaviours ensue and leads to some pretty dire outcomes.

 

Although I have rated this instalment 5 stars there was a problem of insta-love... okay a guy walks in the room takes one look at you and suddenly your in love and by the end of the book your together and playing happy families... if that was only half the story!?!? Meet Erik Night... the usual fall in love guy in these sort of novels... tall, broad and very handsome... okay he has some extra features of course... he's an actor who wins some major kick ass competitions... of and he's 'hag from hell's' ex-boyfriend... which makes everyone's life a total cliché... *sigh*.

 

Although there were elements of problem with the book I loved the genuine knowledge P.C. and Kristin Cast demonstrated when describing some of the rituals and beliefs of other religious factions; especially the Cherokee elements of Lavender and other herbs involved in cleansing. It made me smile deep down in my well-read heart to know that for once the authors did their homework and looked up the small details that really pull a book together.

 

Overall the writing is utterly hilarious... there are moments of pure delight and then moments of raw emotion. You can tell that it is designed to be a long winded serious because there is a lot of set up however its needed for a 10+ book series not including the vast number of novellas and companion novels.

 

 

Now if you like the sound of this book then you should definitely pick it up:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marked-Number-1-House-Night/dp/034900112X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425516832&sr=1-4&keywords=marked

The book depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Marked-Cast/9780312360269

If you decide to read this book and like it... or generally want to read books that are similar to this then I'd definitely check out the rest of the series.

Another series which you may want to check out is Vampire Diaries; although this is aimed at slightly older reading that the first book of the House of Night Series still a delightful read.



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REVIEW: In the grip of the Iron Trial

The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
Pages: 295 pages
Star rating: 4 stars

'Never trust a magician...

Most kids Callum's age dream of having the natural talent for magic needed to get into the Magisterium- that's where they will learn to hone their skills and control their power in order to pass the first year's Iron Trial.

Not Callum Hunt. Call has been told his entire life that he should never trust a magician. And so he tries his best to do his worst- but fails at failing.

Now he must enter the magisterium. Its a place that's both sensational and sinister. And Call realises it has dark ties to his past and a twisty path to his future.

The Iron Trial is just beginning.

Call's biggest test is still to come...'

This book was amazing... okay not 5 star amazing but definitely a 4 star... I mean like wow!

Now I read the entirety of this book in one sitting... that's surrounded by children and moaning adults... but still this book kept me hooked! If I had to sum up this book it would definitely be... 'A new darker Harry Potter where the best of it doesn't happen to the main character.'

Lets introduce Callum Hunt... because of Callum's freakishly cold and surreal past he was left disabled and struggles to use his legs... he thinks this a draw back especially when he goes to take his entry test for the Magisterium... playing on this he doesn't realise that this becomes one of this greatest strengths!

Now in this world magic is somewhat known... well elements of it is...the dark war that has been raging is still a secret and the great battles are hidden in mountains. As you can imagine; the magic world isn't all its meant to be... there is a dark side to magic and when the hunt for a student that could turn the tides in a war comes to light... you automatically believe Callum will be the one. He is showing all the signs... power... control and a curious inquisition that doesn't believe in following the rules. So when it comes to announcing the student the book takes a delightful and quite funny turn of events and in my humble opinion you need to read it!

Okay lets face it... its not just because its a magical school that this book is similar to Harry Potter! There had to be a famous trio that happened to cause trouble together and become the greatest of friends... and so it is true for the Iron Trial. Now Harry's representative here is Callum Hunt, described in a too-similar way to Harry Potter in the Prisoner of Askaban. Now Hermione is replaced with the Tamara... the know-it-all girl with experiences of her own. And Ron replaced with Aaron... although Aaron is in no way just there for comic relief they all have their moments. Its a shame that they were so closely resembled to the Harry Potter trio as I would have enjoyed the start of this series even more if it wasn't so closely linked.

Now what really drew me to the book was the Authors... I have read from both Holly Black's and Cassandra Clare epic array of writings and I must admit you can tell the difference in their writing styles. One is more fast paced and one more detail heavy... but I think they compliment each other well in this book and hopefully it will be less obvious the more they write together!

Okay lets give the artist some recognition here... Alexander Chauret  designed the front cover and the beautiful chapter headings throughout the book and they were stunning... although some elements of the front still allude me (I.E. the giant cloaked man doesn't really get a mention in the book).

Now if you like the sound of this book then there are others that I would greatly recommend!

The Harry Potter Series *Obviously*; although the beginning is less dark than the Iron Trial I would definitely recommend this entire series to anyone!

The Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan; although this is set in entirely different setting *Greek Mythology and not magic* it still reads in a similar way and has the same feeling of growing into a new world!



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REVIEW: Why the 'Red Queen' had me gripped...

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Page count: 383
Stars... 4 stars!

'This is a world divided by blood- red or silver.

 

Reds a commoners, ruled by a silver elite in possession of God-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen year old Red girl from the poverty stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.'

 

 

Let me introduce you to this awesome, well written and exceptionally alluring world; where your not only divided by the money in your pocket but by the colour of your blood... one colour leads you to richness, safety and a well-rounded good life... the other leads to slavery, sublimation and a painful death... remind anyone of a particularly hideous part of our history? Thought so! I this twist on the idea of slavery, one race dominating another has been told countless times... and I believe will be told for eons to come; because these are the lessons that need to be learnt! Now I could go on for hours talking about the symbolism between the different aspects of the book and slavery but lets face it, not many people will want to read an analytical breakdown (which will almost certainly contain huge-ass spoilers!).

 

Lets talk about this book; I am going to attempt to stay spoiler free because this has not long been released (10th Feb 2015) but let me tell you... if you love kickass female leads... a Royal family with more kinks than a well used suit of armour... amazing super-powers and a story of climbing from the bottom to the top... then run to the shop! Now!

 

So our main character is Mare Molly Barrow; a thief from a run down hopeless Red city... who picks the wrong persons pocket...when she gets taken to the 'arena' to witness the 'Silvers' fight when she discovers her own superhuman ability that; as a red, she shouldn't have! That's when everything gets tipped on its head and she is thrown into a world of rebellion and royalty.

 

Now these themes may sound a little similar to some of you? Red rising come to mind? The legend trilogy? X-men? Oh its clear in this epic first instalment that all of these amazing elements were used for inspiration!

 

Oh the emotions! Now after you've read a few fantasy novels... or even a handful of decent YA... you get to know that the protagonist always gets betrayed! So when your sat wondering who of the amazing other characters will be the one to betray her you know your onto a good book!

 

Although some of the plot twists were pretty predicable... Mare being special... Mare being key a to rebellion... Mare ending up where she does *these spoilers are getting harder and harder to avoid!*. The book was written exceptionally, and I mean that today is my 21st birthday and I spent the day reading this book! (And of course writing this review) It dragged me in after about 50 pages *hence no 5 stars!*... if the book had pulled me in from the get go it would be flat out 5 star but it seemed to drag until she discovered her ability; after that your spiralled through a dangerous and exciting world.

 

There are quotes from every book that sticks with the reader... and this is no different... I think this quote sums up Mare better than any explanation than I can ever possibly give:

 

'His touch feels like betrayal. "Mare, you don't have to keep trying to save me."

"I will as long as you wont."

 

Now if you liked this book... or just the sound of this book then I highly recommend the Legend Trilogy *which I have reviewed- check down the right hand side there* and Red Rising!






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REVIEW: Why 'Heir of Fire' didnt light the spark *Spoilers*

Be warned my lovelies... this contains spoiler material... so please only continue if you've read the book!

My first thoughts of the book:

I think the way this book is written overall does the series justice; although its not my favourite instalment it is amazing and kept me awake many nights wondering what is going to happen to all the characters I have loved from the beginning and those that have only just been introduced. I cannot wait for the next part! There were overall awesomeness in this novel; but I have some minor issues.

Introducing new characters:

There were several new characters introduced in this instalment of the 'Throne of Glass series'; two of the main new characters were Mamon, the grand-daughter of the witch Queen and Rowan a hot distant relation of Caelena. But I have issues with how these characters were portrayed.

Mamon had a  blunt introduction to the leading force of the witches clans wasn't excellent, it took several pages to realise that this wasn't a character we had encountered before and several of her dedicated chapters to get an actual feel for her. It was almost like we were meant to have met her in the last book but it had been removed?

Rowan; I am in love with the character, I think we could have done with at least a few chapters from Rowans POV, maybe seeing Caelena from the outside and see him from the inside... maybe this would be something Sarah would consider for a novella maybe? Even with this lack of insight this Rowan is my favourite character of this book... he is so loyal and so determined to teach her *even if he enjoys beating the crapola out of her*. He is so sassy, so in your face and god-damn hunky *totally not my fictional boyfriend* and I really need him in later books!

Overall storyline:

I think there were some major developments in this chapter of the series; there was a lot of information thrown at the readers, some were really well worked into the storyline but some felt like information was being included for the sake of being included.

The pace of the overall storyline varied and unlike most fantasy novels it wasn't in the middle but right at the beginning where the pace was at its worse; however this may be because I was in a reading slump because of University work. I found it hardest to get through the first 200 pages but the moment I passed this I couldn't put the book down. I was worried when I started reading about Caelena's training because it was beginning to feel repetitive 'I'm no good', 'I'll never be any good' and the overall feeling of worthlessness was drummed in for so long that I was beginning to feel fed up of her overall attitude... so much self hate. And because of this when the battle scene came you knew there was going to be a moment of realisation and I think that really took away from the overall intensity of the final battle; which was a shame because it was so beautifully written.

The end of the book also left a lot more questions, I know there will be more instalments and of course you need material to continue in those books; but when the books finishes similar to the previous book (with Caelena leaving the characters and travelling to somewhere different with no plan- leaving the people who have grown to love her with no hope of peace or even being able to answer their questions- she just leaves with no emotion) and a lot of the questions that were really building up are left with no answers; for example there was nothing really done about the bodies or the army and three Princes... so many questions and unless we get chapters from Rowan's point of view in the next book answering this question this whole element of the storyline just seems to wash away.

However... 

Even though I feel that I have criticised a lot of elements of 'Heir of Fire' it will be one of the best books I read this year, it changed my views on my own weaknesses and fears and how these might influence those around me. Sarah took us under her wings to guide us through the uncertain times this book had and bought us to another tear jerker ending and a edge of seat wait till the next installment... I am desperate to know what is happening to this world and how they plan on tackling the many sub-storylines.

If you liked this book...

There are two books that I would highly recommend if you are in love with the high fantasy, strong female protagonists and magic!

The Queen of Tearling by Erika Johanson; I have read this and it took a long time *and still does* to be able to define these two separate series. I highly recommend this book! Keep an eye out for the review!

Gracling by Kristin Cashore is another that is highly recommended book which is acclaimed (according to reviews); and this is on my TBR for March!