In My Mailbox #1

You have probably seen IMM around at other blogs, where you share what books you have recieved this week. It is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Here are the books!



Bought/Swapped -

Della Says: OMG! by Keris Stainton

Della’s over the moon when she kisses her long-standing crush at a party – but then she discovers her diary has disappeared...
When scans of embarrassing pages are sent to her mobile and appear on Facebook, Della’s distraught – how can she enjoy her first proper romance when someone, somewhere, knows all her deepest, darkest secrets?

I have been wanting to read this for ages then someone on the site Read It Swap It agreed to swap this book with one of my own and I was thrilled!

The Longest Whale Song - Jacqueline Wilson

Ella's mum's in a deep coma having just had a new baby. That means Ella has to live with Jack, her hopeless stepfather and cope with her tiny newborn brother, as well as worrying about Mum. The only thing that's going right is her school project. It's all about whales and how they sing out to each other to attract a mate -- sometimes for hours. Maybe a whale song could reach Mum, wherever she is, and bring her back to Ella and baby Samson. Surely it's worth a try?

This is the only Jacqueline Wilson book I haven't read yet, so I was really eager to get it. I have a lot of books to read first but I might bump it up the pile...

Borrowed -

My Name Is Mina - David Almond

Mina writes and writes in her notebook, and through her stories, thoughts, lessons and dreams, Mina’s journal and mind grow into something extraordinary. In this stunning prequel to his hypnotic Carnegie Medal winner, Skellig, master author David Almond revisits Mina before she has met Michael – before she has met Skellig.

After reading Skellig, Mina is my favourite character. This book sounded fabulous and when I saw it in the library I didn't think twice. If you haven't read Skellig or seen the film, I suggest you do so now!!

The Medusa Project: The Set-Up, Hostage, The Rescue and Hunted by Sophie McKenzie

Fourteen years ago, four babies were implanted with the Medusa gene - a gene for psychic abilities. Now teenagers, Nico, Ketty, Ed and Dylan have been brought together by government agents to create a secret crime-fighting force - The Medusa Project.

Sophie is one of my favourite authors and seeing the whole series in the library I was literally jumping up and down!! The picture only shows three of them though. Double Crossed will be out in July and he 6th final book will apparently be out in 2012. I can't wait!

 

 

I will not do IMM every week because I won't get this many books every time (unortunatly!!). Have a nice week and happy reading,

 

 

Zoe x

 

 

PS. HAPPY EASTER!! Just thought I would tell you I am going away for two weeks so there won't be any blog posts for a while (I might be able to get a public computer, I  hate being deprived of the internet!!). Have a nice holiday wherever you are :-)

My So-Called Haunting by Tamsyn Murray

Writer: Tamsyn Murray

Publisher: Piccadilly

Publication date: 24 Sep 2010

Pages: 207

Edition: Paperback

Received: Bought

"Skye, a fourteen-year-old psychic, is stressed out. Not only is the ghost of a sixteenth-century witch giving her fashion tips, but she’s struggling to settle into life with her aunt, and is developing a crush on the most unattainable boy in the school, Nico.

When her aunt asks for her help with a troubled teen ghost called Dontay, she's glad of the distraction. But then Nico starts paying her attention, and she's soon facing a battle to keep her love life and her psychic life separate.

As things get ever more complicated, it looks as though Dontay’s past might cost Skye her future."

Wow, wow, WOW! If you thought the first one was good, you will find this one AMAZING! It has everything: romance, humour and scary bits. You don't have to read the first one to read this one, but old characters appearing will make you smile!

Skye is fourteen years old and can see ghosts. Dead people become ghosts when they have unfinished business to do. When Skye's aunt introduces her to a teenage ghost, Dontay, it is her duty to help him. Nico, Skye's crush, shows interest in her and things are looking up. But she finds it hard to keep both lives separate, and that's when it all starts happening...

The opening page pulls you in and you know this will be a fantastic book. It is gripping from the start, it never gets boring.

I love the humour in this - Tamsyn really knows how to get inside of a teenage girl. You will find laughing out loud at some points, it is really well written.

I thoroughly recommend this book, all people with likes of different genres will still enjoy it. I am very eager to read My So-Called Phantom Lovelife which is the follow-up on this story. I have no complaints about this book, so get hold of it now!!

RATE: 5/5

To buy this book click HERE.

To go to the authors website click HERE.

Zoe x

Castle Of Shadows by Ellen Renner

Writer: Ellen Renner

Publisher: Orchard

Publication date: 7 Jan 2010

Pages: 336

Edition: Paperback

Received: Library

 
No clue about why the Queen vanished had ever been found. Until now...
The day Charlie discovers a scrap of paper that could solve the dark mystery of her mother's disappearance, her world changes. Forever. Charlie and her friend, Toby, must race against time on a dangerous mission to uncover the sinister truth. But in this shadowy world of secrets and lies, there is more to fear than they can possibly imagine...

Charlie is a princess and it isn't easy. Especially when her mother (the Queen), went missing years ago. She has to put up with mean servants, the rude boy Toby next door and she feels alone. One day she finds a letter that her mother wrote to one of her friends just before she went missing...is this a clue? It leads her and Toby onto an adventure that questions their trust for anyone.

My favourite character in this book is Toby. Even when Charlie was being a bit selfish, he still kept by her side. I didn't really like the main character, Charlotte. She was a bit spoilt at times (though being a princess, I guess it is hard not to!) and had a temper. However, this did not stop me from enjoying the novel. But I think the reason I didn't really feel connected to the person because it was a book where 'Charlie did this and that' rather than 'I did this and that'. But that is my opinion!

Altogether, Castle of Shadows is an action-packed story which you will have no idea what will happen at the end! Something happened in every chapter and towards the end you cannot put it down. The beginning was a bit slow though, and I wanted to skip a few pages to be honest. But the ending was amazing, and I do recommend this book. It has a sequel City of Thieves where it focuses on Toby this time, which I am interested in but not that eager.

RATE: 3.5/5

To buy this book click HERE.

To go to the authors website click HERE.

Zoe x

Interview with blogger Liddy

Liddy runs the fantastic blog Y.A Reviews ♥. She is 13 years old and enjoys nearly all genres of YA. I really recommend going to her blog, I could spend ages on it! It has brilliant book reviews, challenges, memes, and has recieved two awards. Liddy does it for fun and has so far got lots of followers (how does she do it?!). I got to interview her, thank Liddy! :]

1. What is unique about your blog?

Well, that’s a tough one. I believe everybody’s blog is unique. My blog is unique because of my opinion. I know that sounds weird, but personally I think everyone’s is different because of everybody’s different opinions! I guess mine is unique as it is written by a young teen of 13 years.

2. Why did you start blogging?

I’ve always longed for a friend who I could share my reading experiences with. When I finish an amazing book, all I want to do is shout, ‘HEY! Have you read this book? It’s so awesome!’ And then I’ll blabber on about its awesomeness. Sadly, not many of my friends understand this passion, and even read at all, except for one of my friends.
All I wanted was a place where I could rave about the books I adore, and write about books I didn’t. Then I found Blogging. It seemed so perfect, and people don’t think you’re weird when all you want to talk about is books! I love, love, LOVE it!

3. Do you judge a book by it's cover?

Um, no, of course not I mean—Ok I do! I’m one of many too, I think. It’s just, so many covers are so irresistible and they just draw me in. Plus they look great on my bookshelf! Other covers like ‘The hunger Games’ covers, totally switch me off. Hence the reason why I still have yet to read them! *Blushes*

4. If you were running out of a burning building which book would you grab and why?

 ‘Before I Fall,’ because I think it has strong morals to it, and is beautifully written.

5. Do you write as well as read?

Yes! Admittedly, I do prefer reading, though. I love to write as you get to make up anything you want, whatever way you would like too! I have been writing since I was about 5. All I want to do is write a book! I’m still waiting for that perfect idea. It will come to me, I know it, how I will be sure, I don’t know, but it will.

6. How long have you been blogging?

My first blog post was actually in September of 2010, but I started seriously blogging around October. :D

7. What is your favourite thing about blogging?

Definitely knowing that people care about what you think. Honestly all of the support and comments I get are incredible, and I read and appreciate every single one of them. There really is no better feeling than that. Blogging has added another exciting chapter to my life!

8. Which movie that has been based on a book is your favourite?

The Lovely Bones, for sure. Words cannot describe my love for that movie!
It’s a really beautiful move, very moving too. I suggest those of you wjo haven’t seen it, go and do so straight away!

9. If you could meet any fictional character for a day which one would it be?

Hermione Granger! I say her because she is just to awesome for words. She can cast spells, and do everything she wants! Plus, she would most likely be tagging around with Ron and Harry, in which case I would get to meet all three! Yay!

10. Quick Fire Questions:

eBook or Print?  Print

Romance or thriller? Romance
Read or blog? Reading
Movies or music? Movies
Cats or dogs? Dogs

Thanks again!

Thank you so much for having me Zoe, it was a real pleasure, and those questions were so unique and fun to answer!!

Zoe x

The Celeb Next Door by Hilary Freeman

Writer: Hilary Freeman

Publisher: Piccadilly

Publication date: 1 Oct 2010

Pages: 176

Edition: Paperback

Received: Library

"Rosie has lived in Camden Town all her life, and has been best mates with Sky and Vix for almost as long. The girls love hanging out in the market and spotting celebs, so when a chart-topping pop star moves in next door Rosie is thrilled. But things don't turn out quite the way she expects..."

I have heard some positive reviews about Hilary Freeman and Camden Town sounds an incredible place. I saw this in the library and thought I might as well see how it is.

The cover is really nice. The doodles around the hand on the doorbell are creative and really stand out. Lots of people would pick this up in a bokshelf.

Right -  onto the book itself. It is about Rosie, a teenage girl who has lived in Camden with her best friends Sky and Vix all her life. She is never bored and knows every inch of the town. Plenty of celebrities come and go and they have the 'celebometer'. When you see a celeb you get a certain amount of points providing how famous they are. When Rosie finds out that her favourite celeb (Rufus Justice) moves in next door, it blows off the scale...

This book comes with the terms that fame isn't everything. Rufus would rather play on his Wii at home is pj's than do another phot shoot. It really makes you think about celebritiy's privacy and hard it must be for them. There is a twist in this book where one of Rufus' secrets gets out thanks to Rosie and Sky. Soon Rosie finds out Rufus has a younger brother Max who is perfect for Rosie. I was a bit annoyed that even when they went out, she didn't appreciate Max. He is thoughtful and sweet and cares for her, but she is more interested in Rufus. Max is my favourite character. Soon her relationships and decisions affect her friendships.

I found this book, overall, a decent read. I only have a couple of complaints. Firstly, the characters sometimes annoyed me. This stands out a lot, because what is a story without characters? More could have happened, but to be fair it was a unpredictable ending which went really well. It was surprising actually, but I still loved it. However, I don't think this is Hilary's best book. I haven't actually read any of her other novels, but they sound better. I am looking forward the next book in the series though, Stuck On Me.

RATE: 3/5

To buy this book click HERE.

To go to the authors website click HERE.

Zoe x

PS. You can watch the awesome trailer here!

Artichoke Hearts by Sita Brahmachari

Writer: Sita Brahmachari

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Publication date: 7th Jan 2011

Pages: 336

Edition: Paperback

Received: Library

"Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic and outspoken family where it’s not always easy to be heard. As her beloved Nana Josie's health declines, Mira begins to discover the secrets of those around her, and also starts to keep some of her own. She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a troubled past and has grown hardened layers - like those of an artichoke - around his heart. As Mira is experiencing grief for the first time, she is also discovering the wondrous and often mystical world around her.

An incredibly insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance, and often injustice, of life and death - but at its heart is a celebration of friendship, culture - and life."

This novel is Sita's debut novel and I after reading it, I am very excited what more she has to offer us! Mira is a 12 year-old girl and in just one month a lot changes. I love the diary format it is in, and the metaphor illustrations she draws. Jide is a boy she has known for a while and starts to fall for him, she starts lying and drifting away from her best friend and most of all - her Nana is dying.

This is so powerfully written I think it is one of my favourite reads. It deals with typical teenage issues that lots of us can relate too. Brahmachari really makes the charcters feel alive on the page.

But where does the artichoke fit in?! Well, I love the title because it is one of the significant things in the book. It is a artichoke charm Nana gave to her and the heart is the layers each one is.

The cover is absolutely gorgous! I love the doodles on it as Mira and Jide sit on the bench. It is really effective because the backgrounds are different landscapes and it is like they are looking at the world and life.

My favourite charcter is Nana Josie. She is just so full of life and spirit. Josie is creative, likable and the kind of person everyone needs in their lives. As her and Mira were painting her coffin it would usually be a bit unusual and spooky, but the way they were painting it it seemed normal.

I think everyone should read this book, it is amazing. It is one of those books you can read again and again and take something different away each time . . .

RATE: 5/5

To buy this book click HERE.

Zoe x

Weekly Wanted: Wishlist Wonders #12

This is a meme started by Amber from The Mile Long Bookshelf and Rachel from Booktastic Reviews.
The Rules:
1. Post up three books that you can't wait to read or wish for.
2. Post up the synopsis/blurb.
3. Post up a picture of the front cover.


Sorry I haven't done this in ages! Here are this weeks books...

1. SISTER, MISSING - SOPHIE MCKENZIE
cover not yet released
It's two years after the events of Girl, Missing and life is not getting any easier for sixteen-year-old Lauren's adoptive or birth families as exam pressure and a recent family tragedy take their toll. Lauren's birth mother takes Lauren and her two sisters on holiday in the hope that some time together will help, but a few days into the holiday the youngest girl is kidnapped, under circumstances very similar to those in which Lauren was taken years before. The kidnapper demands a huge ransom for the child's safe return - and is threatening to kill her if the police get involved. Can Lauren save her sister, and stop the nightmare happening all over again?

2. MY SO-CALLED PHANTOM LOVELIFE - TAMSYN MURRAY

When fourteen-year-old Skye Thackery meets Owen Wicks, it’s not exactly love at first sight. She’s getting over a broken heart and he’s – well – a ghost. But as Sky gets to know him, she can’t help wondering what it would be like to kiss him. Dating a ghost isn’t easy, and things get worse when Owen declares he’s found a way to stay with Skye forever. His plans make her uneasy – the shadowy organisation which claims to be able to help him is bad news, and it seems Nico, her ex, is involved too.
As Owen prepares to risk everything, Skye begins to wonder if she really has a future with him, or if his desire to be more than just a ghost will cost them everything.

3. BREATHING UNDERWATER - JULIA GREEN

Freya has come to visit her grandparents who live on a remote island. Last year she visited them with her brother - but tragically he died in a boating accident. Whilst back on the island, Freya finds a way, with the calming presence of her grandparents, to adjust to the fact that her brother has gone and that life - and love - are still in the air.

Zoe x

PS. I will be particarpating in Teaser Tuesday and Follow Friday soon.

Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie

Writer: Sophie Mckenzie

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's

Publication date: 2 Oct 2006

Pages: 304

Edition: Paperback

Received: Library

"Lauren has always known she was adopted but when a little research turns up the possibility that she was snatched from an American family as a baby, suddenly Lauren's life seems like a sham. How can she find her biological parents? And are her adoptive parents really responsible for kidnapping her? She manages to wangle a trip across the Atlantic where she runs away to try and find the truth. But the circumstances of her disappearance are murky and Lauren's kidnappers are still at large and willing to do anything to keep her silent..."

Wow. Just simply....wow! Girl, Missing is probably one of my favourite reads ever! I could read it again and again and it would still be No. 1. Well done Sophie, you should be proud. It is a proper page-turner which will capture readers old and new.

This novel is about Lauren, an adopted girl who feels lost and unloved. She is determined to find out the truth about her, but does the truth lead to danger?
One day Lauren finds a missing childrens website and is bored. She types her name into the search box and a girl named Martha Lauren Purditt pops up off the screen. She begins to wonder after traces of evidence...is this her?

Straight away McKenzie gets your attention. The opening line reads 'Who am I?', and it is impossible not to read on.

During the book you are never bored. Something happens in every chapter that leaves you hanging. Everthing was just brilliant about this story; the charcters, storyline...everything! My only complaint is that the cover is not very appealing. I can't tell you too much without spoiling the story, so you might as well read it!

I recommend this for everyone about 11 and above. Even though the story is seen through the eyes of a girl, this novel is definitely worth reading for both genders. My favourite charcter was Jam. He stuck by Lauren, even when she was being slightly selfish at times. I particuarly loved the romance, it was perfect.

I am definitely interested in more of Sophie's books, especially the sequel to this coming out soon! Sister, Missing will be published in the autumn and I have pre-ordered it. I LOVED this book - read it now!!

RATE: 5/5

To buy this book click HERE (if not, well...why not?).

Zoe x

Which Cover? #3

Hi, here is the third post of Which Cover?. It is a monthly post where you can debate which cover you like best.
This month is the book Boys Don't Cry by the brilliant Malorie Blackman. I love this book and she is one of my favourite authors. . .
The red jacket is only exclusive to Waterstones, so that is why you wouldn't usually see it anywhere else.

I love both of these covers. The first one really stants out and all the colours go really well together. I love the back pockets with the bottle and dummy visible, because you can guess what the book it about. The pink font goes well with the white background too. I think the second cover is also gorgous. It is simple yet effective. It goes with her other books too. Like Naughts & Crosses, the two sides are different colours which is a good idea. To be honest, I am tied!   What do you think?

MAY: Gimme A Call, three different covers.