Fiction Express Chapter 4

Fiction Express is a e-fiction website that releases the next chapter every Friday of four books. If you haven't already checked out the site, I suggest you do so NOW! The first chapter is for free and the next ones are for sale for 59p. This is week 4 of the website and that means more reviews!

Diary Of A Mall Girl - Luisa Plaja

Whoa! I didn't see that coming! The person at the door was Jasper. He is Jewel's long-lost relation and a character we know little about. This made me want to read on, and I didn't regret it. This is probably the best chapter yet - I loved it! It has a big twist at the end, now I cannot wait for Friday...! I have no complaints whatsoever, and I don't think there will be any to come!

The Last Symbol - Rebecca Morton

This chapter had a strong opening and I really felt involved with the story. I think this book will be really popular, because it has a storyline which can interest quite a lot of people. Everything about this book is really interesting, especially the characters. The description and the way the story has been set out is particularly good. I hope the author continues to write in the same brilliant way!

Soul Shadows - Alex Woolf


For a lot of this chapter, I was sitting on the edge of my seat - this is gripping stuff! I really want the whole book in front of me, so many surprises have been revealed. It has the right amount of everything, and I love reading Estelle and Sandor's relationship bloom. The next chapter is unpredictable, and I am very eager to see what more the writer gives us!

The Soterion Mission - Stewart Ross


I am really enjoying this book so far, it is the perfect adventure book. It is such a brilliant idea for a story, and the plot is so cleverly put together. I love Roxanne and Cyrus' relationship, it is probably the highlight of this chapter. This will entertain everyone, and I think the ending was really well written. After reading this chapter, I know the novel will never disappoint!



Zoe x


PS. Sadly, there will be no more reviews on Fiction Express because I cannot afford all four chapters. I will DEFINITELY be carrying on with the site though, and I can't wait to read what happens next in my favourite stories. Thanks to all the amazing writers out there!


Commenting Problem

Unfortunately, Blogger won't allow me to comment on my own blog anymore. It is very annoying, because I love replying to all your comments. I can still comment on every ones blogs, but my picture just won't show it. Also, the really annoying part is that sometimes it doesn't allow me to comment on another blog at all. :-(

Lots of faulty things are happening on blogger at the moment. It is being slow, and when I set a font or a size, it doesn't always come up. Is anything happening like this to anyone else?

I will still read all comments, so please don't stop! Thanks,

EDIT: It seems to be not quite as bad now. I can comment on most blogs and only sometimes my own. Hopefully, everything will be sorted out properly soon.
Zoe x

The Medusa Project: Hostage by Sophie Mckenzie

Writer: Sophie McKenzie

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's

Publication date: 7 Jan 2010

Pages: 256

Edition: Paperback

Received: Library

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. But now Ketty's brother Lex has stumbled into a dangerous game involving his boss and a hidden bomb. It's up to Ketty to save him without letting on what she knows to the rest of the team. But can she control her psychic visions, and her feelings for Nico, without getting the team's cover - and herself - blown sky high?

Sophie McKenzie, you have done it again! This is the second one in the brilliant series, The Medusa Project. You should read the first one, The Set-Up (review here), or it won't make sense. Her books keep getting better and better....

Hostage is about the same characters but this time it is seen through the eyes of Ketty. She can see the future and this is how she deals with her tricky power. Ketty used to go out with Ed but realized she had feelings for Nico and let Ed go gently. Her and Dylan don't really get along.
Basically, in this one, Ketty's brother Lex is pulled into the mission and is in serious danger. He is being kept hostage and she has to do all she can to save his life. It has everything you want - thrilling moments, romance, comedy and great characters.

The Medusa Gene is such a clever idea. It is so original and the series has been clearly thought out. It is really original and I never got bored. I am already half way through The Rescue, which is the third one, and it is fantastic! Go Sophie!

RATE: 5/5

To buy this book click HERE.

Zoe x

Fiction Express Chapter 3

Yes, it is chapter 3 time already! For those of you not familiar with Fiction Express, it is a e-book website where you can vote what happens next in the book. This week was really good, the stories just keep getting better and better!

Diary Of A Mall Girl - Luisa Plaja

In this chapter, Molly ends up in even more of a catastrophe than before! We meet more people and learn more about the other various characters. Jamie (Molly's brother) is in love with a girl which she can;t get, Molly's friendships are up-and-down and she has created even more of a mess with Jewel and Art Boy! The ending is great, I am dying to know what happens next now! I think the Fiction Express process is really good, because it leaves you in even more suspense by having to wait a week. Friday seems ages away now!

The Last Symbol - Rebecca Morton

I really like Rebecca's writing, and the way she describes things. This chapter is full of excitement and I held my breath at some points! I felt I was there in the story - there was something interesting on every page. I think the best part of this story is the characters. They make the book complete and really make it worth reading! I think everyone should read this - it is a compelling read that will make you hang onto every word.

Soul Shadows - Alex Woolf

Just when I though it couldn't get any better, it did! Chapter 3 was incredible. In this one, Estelle manages to find other living people. She discovers more about the shadows and learns more about what else is hidden in the forest. She isn't sure who she can trust, but this isn't something to accomplish alone. You really feel you are there and watching everything that is going on. Normally, I find it hard to get into a book when it is set with 3rd person. However, Alex's writing is extremely gripping. It ended on a spectacular cliffhanger, which made voting really hard!

The Soterion Mission - Stewart Ross


This is fantastic! The writing is fantastic, and it is written in such detail. This chapter is a battle scene which makes it even more gripping. The characters are brilliant! Usually in a book, they all behave the same way and some can get particularly irritating - but in the story the characters are all different and really make you want to turn the page (click the page?) and find out what happens to them. The votes were tricky to decide, and I am very interested to know what happens next . . .


I hope you all enjoyed reading Chapter 3, if not, what are you waiting for?!

Zoe x

In My Mailbox #2

IMM is hosted by The Story Siren. To take part, go to their page for further details.Oops, I haven't done this is weeks! Sorry! I don't do IMM every week since I don't get that many books. So you just have look out...

Bought/Swapped -

The Star Of Kazan by Eva Ibboston
Abandoned as a baby, Annika is found and adopted by Ellie and Sigrid, cook and housemaid for three professors. Growing up in early-20th-century Vienna, she learns to cook and clean and is perfectly happy until a beautiful aristocrat appears and claims to be her mother, sweeping her off to a new life in a crumbling castle in northern Germany. Annika is determined to make the best of things, and it takes a while for her to realize that her new "family" has many secrets, most of them nasty.

I have a Eva Ibboston book before, but this one always sounded really good. I was thrilled that someone on Read It Swap It had accepted my swap. There was a few problems at receiving it at first, but now it is OK. She has written so many books I don't know which one sounds best to get next! I love stories about orphans and finding which family you belong to and I think this book will really have an effect on me.

Radiance by Alyson Noël
Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .

I have been interested before in some of Alyson's work, like the Immortals series. I saw this book is the beginning of a new series and I thought I would give it a go. The cover is amazing, and from what I hear, the story is great too!

Gimme A Call by Sarah Mlynowski

Devi's life isn't turning out at all like she wanted. She wasted three years going out with Bryan‹-cute, adorable, break-your-heart Bryan. Devi let her friendships fade, blew off studying, didn¹t join any clubs...and since Bryan broke up with her right before senior prom, she has nothing left. Not even a working cell phone - she dropped hers in the mail fountain.

Now it only calls one number...her number. At age fourteen, three years ago!

 

 

I have been wanting to read this for ages, it sounds a really fun read. I thought the plot line sounded really original and the cover is eye catching. I haven't read anything by this author before, but she has received good reviews so I decided to start with this one.

Borrowed -

Blood Ties by Sophie McKenzie

When Theo discovers the father he thought died when he was a baby is still alive, he's determined to find him. The clues lead him to lonely Rachel, who has problems of her own, including parents who compare her unfavourably to her long-dead sister. But when Rachel and Theo are attacked by men from RAGE - the Righteous Army against Genetic Engineering - they are rescued by strangers and taken to meet a mysterious figure who leads them to make startling discoveries about their identities, which will affect their past, present, and future in dramatic and life-altering ways...

I have heard that this is one of Sophie's best books, and I was so happy! It sounds absolutely incredible, and I am certain that I will find this one of the best. There is also a sequel, Blood Ransom, which will probably be next on my list.... I can't wait to get started!

 

 

The Secret Life Of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Lily has grown up believing she accidentally killed her mother when she was four. She not only has her own memory of holding the gun, but her father's account of the event. Now fourteen, she yeams for her mother, and for forgiveness. Living on a peach farm in South Carolina with her father, she has only one friend: Rosaleen, a black servant whose sharp exterior hides a tender heart. South Carolina in the sixties is a place where segregation is still considered a cause worth fighting for. When racial tension explodes one summer afternoon, and Rosaleen is arrested and beaten, Lily is compelled to act. Fugitives from justice and from Lily's harsh and unyielding father, they follow a trail left by the woman who died ten years before. Finding sanctuary in the home of three beekeeping sisters, Lily starts a journey as much about her understanding of the world, as about the mystery surrounding her mother.

Since I am enjoying more of a range of adult books, my Mum lent this to me. I am getting into books similar to this, like racial issues, exploiting and no parent etc. This sounds really interesting and I don't think I have found one bad review!

E-Books/Online - for review -

Fiction Express is a e-fiction website that posts a new chapter of each book every Friday. Once you have read the chapter you can vote what happens next. I did a review of the first chapters, click here to read it. They are all brilliant and I really recommend the website!

I hope everyone else got some great books this week too,

Zoe x

Fiction Express Chapter 2

After reading Chapter 1 of the four brilliant books on the website Fiction Express, I was very keen to read what happens next! If you have missed the first chapter, you can still read for free. Here are my reviews:

Diary Of A Mall Girl - Luisa Plaja

This book just keeps getting better and better! It has a bit of everything - friendship troubles, romance, humour and a dash of mystery - what is Art Boy's name? It also has great characters. Molly lives in the mall and we follow her humorous events in her diary. This is a fabulous chapter, and even though I am only up to chapter 2 I an tell this will be amazing! I can't wait and see what happens on later in the book!

The Last Symbol - Rebecca Morton

I had a tricky decision on the last vote, so I was really eager to see what happens next! It had a right amount of everything and I was really intrigued up until the last sentence. It has such an original plot line, how does Rebecca think of these brill ideas?! I has great characters which really sustain the story. I think both female and male will enjoy this book, and in my opinion it will be a good bestseller.

Soul Shadows - Alex Woolf

This chapter is written extremely well! After reading the first chapter, I could not wait to see what happened. As the story unfolded, I felt I was there. The characters are awesome, especially Sandor! Questions are always buzzing around your head and you can't stop reading. It is truly excellent - everyone should read it!

The Soterion Mission by Stewart Ross


This chapter is just as good as the last one! The new world is really imaginative and very intriguing to read on. It is a real page-turner. The way it is written is really gripping and all-round full of greatness! I couldn't wait to see what happened next to the characters and the I am sure the next few chapters will be great too - well done Stewart!



Thank you Fiction Express!

Zoe x

My Name Is Mina by David Almond

Writer: David Almond

Publisher: Hodder Children's Books

Publication date: 2 Sep 2010

Pages: 304

Edition: Hardback

Received: Library

'“I open the book and write the very first words: My name is Mina and I love the night. Then what shall I write? ... I’ll let my journal grow just like the mind does, just like a tree or a beast does, just like life does.”
And so 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.'
This is the second book I have read by David Almond, and so far the best! You don't have to read Skellig to read this because as the above says, it's the prequel. But I seriously recommend reading it too, both books are fantastic! This is about a young teenager called Mina (obviously, lol), who lives with her Mum. After being bullied and not fitting in with school, she is home educated. She is named a weirdo, but to me she is unique.
Mina is truly amazing. The writing in this book is exquisite and the author has created a really original character. She is witty, funny, ambitious and so....un-boring. I can't say too much without giving it away, so pick up a copy now....

If I knew more about her, I would probably say her Mum was my favourite character. She is modest and kind to Mina. When she got expelled by doing something outrageous (but hilarious!!), she simply nodded bought her ice cream! However, I just HAVE to say Mina is my favourite character. I just adore her personality - I would love to be her friend in real life!
Too be honest, I can't find anything wrong with this book. I definitely want to read more of his works, and I recommend him to everyone.

RATE: 5/5

To buy this book click HERE.

Zoe x

Della Says: OMG! by Keris Stainton

Writer: Keris Stainton

Publisher: Orchard

Publication date: 6th May

Pages: 272

Edition: Paperback

Received: Swapped

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?

Sorry, I was meant to do a review of this ages ago! It is the time of exams again, groan. Due to this I might not be able to post as much.

Anyway! This book is really good! At first I thought it sounded a bit sinister, but then I was dying to get it. It is really entertaining and I would have read it in a day if I could. Della keeps a diary where she writes down everything. All about her try-to-be-cool parents, her annoying sister and Dan, her crush. At a party, her dream comes true when Dan kisses her. But it doesn't stay happy forever because suddenly her private diary goes missing. She searches everywhere and it doesn't take long to realize that she hasn't misplaced it - it has been stolen.

Pages of her diary are appearing on Faceboook and texting her. Who is it? Soon she can't trust anyone. It has a surprising ending, I couldn't stop reading towards the end! It is an easy read that will have you thinking you are actually in then book.

I loved Dan. Della has been in love with him since her gave her a box of crayons when they were 4 (aww!). He is loyal, funny and honest.

This book would be good for teenagers or anyone who likes chick lit. I think 11/12+ would be about right. I can't wait to read more of Keris' books!

RATE: 5/5

To get this book click HERE.

Zoe x

The Medusa Project: The Set-Up by Sophie McKenzie

Writer: Sophie McKenzie

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's

Publication date: 6 July 2009

Pages: 320

Edition: eBook

Received: Bought

"Fourteen years ago, scientist William Fox implanted four babies with the Medusa gene - a gene for psychic abilities. But Fox died and the babies were hidden away for years. Now the children are teenagers - and unaware that their psychic powers are about to kick in. Cocky, charismatic Nico thinks his emerging telekinetic abilities will bring him money, power and the girl of his dreams. He's about to find out just how wrong he is... "

After reading Girl, Missing by the same author I was desperate to read more of Sophie's books...it was amazing. When I found almost the whole series in my local library I was so excited! This is the first book of the series The Medusa Project. It is about four teenagers; Nico, Ketty, Dylan and Ed. They don't all know it yet, but they have phychic powers. Nico is narrating the story and finds out all about the medusa gene. When the four of them form, they encounter things they wouldn't dream of happening.

I love the romance elements of the book. Nico likes Ketty and they become the ideal couple that have to be together. I don't really have a favourite character. They are all different, so I am not disappointed by the personalities. Dylan is the cocky, couldn't-care-less, Ketty isn't your typical girl, Ed is smart and sensitive and Nico has attitude but is likeable. Sophie McKenzie really makes them come alive, and you feel like you are there.

I have already read Hostage, which is the second one. I will post a review soon but I can already tell you it was BRILLIANT! Sophie is now one of my favourite authors and I recommend her to those 11+ due to mild swearing. Get your copy now! You can buy the first three here for only £4.99!

RATE: 5/5

To buy this book click HERE.

To go to the series website click HERE.

To go to the authors website click HERE.

Zoe x

Fiction Express - reviews of first chapters

Fiction Express is a brand new website that allows you to control the plot of e-fiction. You get a first chapter for free and get to vote what happens next. It is a fantastic idea, I will be using it lots! Fiction Express sent me an e-mail with the chapters and here is what I thought....

Diary Of A Mall Girl - Luisa Plaja

I love this! Everything is great - the characters, setting, storyline, the cover... everything! You know instantly you are going to love Molly, the narrator. She is a teenager who lives a mall, but it isn't at great as it seems. Molly meets Jewel, another Mall Girl. And then there is also mysterious Art Boy, who also takes to Molly's liking. I don't think I was ever bored when reading it. I will certainly be buying the next chapter!




The Last Symbol - Rebecca Morton

I loved the sound of this when I read the blurb provided, it has such a unique idea. I think it will be a successful book because of this. It is set in a world where when you are 13 your future is determined by machines. A symbol appears on your hand and you have to go to a certain school to do all sorts of tests. You can tell that the novel will lead not only the characters on an adventure, but yourself too!

Soul Shadows - Alex Woolf

I thought this book wouldn't be for me - and I was wrong! I tried it anyway and it is brilliant! This will be a incredible book. It is told by Estelle, who got locked in her attic for weeks by her mad mother. To help her recover, she needs therapy. The doctor has decided that living by herself in a cottage for a week will help. I love the characters in this, especially loyal Sandor. It ends on a spectacular cliff-hanger and now I am dying to read what happens next!

The Soterion Mission - Stewart Ross

I really like the snappy opening. This single chapter is filled with action-packed events, it is really good! It starts with a girl running, which instantly sends questions buzzing around your head. Why is she running? What or who is she running from? What is the situation like? I can't tell you too much without giving the plot away, so I suggest you read it! It ends unpredictable. The storyline is individual and the way it is written is very good. I am looking forward to where the author leads the story next.


I can't wait to read the next chapters to all of these stories, and I recommend this website to everyone. All the stories have something for everyone, visit it now or you will be really missing out! Fiction Express will now be where my money will end up! :-)

Thanks again to Laura for letting me know about this amazing site,

Zoe x

Which Cover? #4

Hi..I'm back =D I have been away for two weeks, and no public computer was torture!! Anyway, since it is a new month it is debate time!

This is a monthly post here at Bookhi. Basically, you can comment which one of the following covers you like the best. For May, I have chosen Gimme A Call by Sarah Mlynowski. It was originally going to be 3 covers, but I have found another one! Debate below...

1.

2.

3.

4.

In my opinion, I prefer 1& 2 better. Number 3 is quite nice, it shows a teenager waiting by the fountain with a phone. I don't think it really shows much about the plotline and the target audience. Number 4, in my opinion, it a bit tacky and I don't think most teenagers would go for it. Although is shows young Divi and the older version which gives us a clue about the story. I really like the first one because it shows on the phone Devi herself like she is calling herself. It is simple with the white hardcover and the sentence 'the future is just a phone call away' makes you intriuged. The second cover definitely stands out on a bookshelf. It is bright, and interesting.       You?

JUNE: Cathy Cassidy covers.

Zoe x