Day Of Assassins (Jack Christie #1) by Johnny O' Brien

Jack Christie and his best friend, Angus, find themselves at the center of a momentous event that will shape history for decades to come. Their dilemma: Should they intervene? Their problem: Can they survive? Join Jack on a dangerous chase from the dockyards of England to the rain-sodden trenches of the First World War. Will he escape the evil authorities who believe in the mysterious VIGIL Imperative?

When the publisher e-mailed me asking to review this book I didn't hesitate! I love history in books and this seemed like the perfect way to put it. Jack and his friend Angus find a time machine, the Taurus, and are thrown back to World War One. Think of it as a modern adventure in history!

The author has developed some really good ideas in this novel, I really liked how he threaded the brilliant ideas together. The whole aspect of the time machine is ingenious - you can only go when the little light is on (to show it has signal) and you can't come back when the light is off either. Jack and Angus' whole adventure is suspenseful - will the villains triumph? Should they intervene with history? Will they change the time-line events forever?

It is a face-paced book that is suitable for all ages. Everyone will enjoy it - children and adults alike! I liked how it is also an educational read too (sorry guys!), but we learn in a such an exciting way it is entertaining. I realised at the end of he book that I actually learnt a lot, and before I knew nothing about World War One!

In some stages of the book I was slightly muddled-up about where they were, and in small occasions I found it a little slow - but that didn't happen very often. There is plenty of action, and in some cases I see that the author had to do certain things to make it work.

This book is perfect for boys, but me being a girl I also found it very enjoyable! I am not sure if I speak for all girls, as I am a slight tom-boy! The introduction at the beginning from the author is very good too, all about Choices. He writes about how one little thing can change history, as we learn at the end of the book. I am also very lucky to have a guest post from the author similar to this on the 5th September, so come along (free advertising, lol) and maybe that will tempt you even more to read this brilliant book!

RATE: 3.5/5

Publisher: Templar

Publication date: 13th October 2009

Pages: 225

Edition: Paperback

Source: For Review
Notes: I had a different cover to the one above.

To buy this book click HERE.

Zoe x

Fiction Express: Rémy Brunel and the Ocean of Light: Chapter 6

**Fiction Express is an e-fiction site where each chapter is released every Friday. When you have read that chapter, you can vote to what happens next! The first chapter is for free, and the next ten chapters are from 59p. I recommend the site 100% and I suggest you check out the brilliant books they have on offer Please be aware that my review may have spoilers of previous chapters, but not the current one.**

My previous reviews:

Chapter 1, click here.
Chapter 2, click here.
Chapter 3, click here.
Chapter 4, click here.
Chapter 5, click here.

The last chapter left us on a big cliff-hanger, Thaddeus fell into the machine which may cause possible death - is this the last for him? I liked that Rémy stayed calm, which is good because someone needed to while J was blubbering about how it was his fault - I felt sorry for him! Thaddeus is struggling under the flames, desperate to get out. I liked how we see both sides from the story in third person, it gives us more detail and makes the story more gripping. Rémy, now departed from Thaddeus, carries on with J on their adventure. They meet new people and I am looking forward to what will happen next on their journey - seriously, what on earth will happen next?!

Zoe x

In My Mailbox #12

This is Bookhi's 100th post...a bit random but what the hey! Yay!

IMM is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.

For Review-

Chrononsphere #1: Time Out Of Time by Alex Woolf

Chrononsphere #2: Malfunction by Alex Woolf

I have been send just the second by second book to review in the sci-fi series, Chrononsphere. This sounds really interesting. It is about a place where time moves a million times slower than in the real world.  I haven't actually read the first one, but the publishers said the the events in book one are summarised pretty well. But just for good measure, they sent me it on a PDF: Time Out Of Time. I enjoyed Alex Woolf's ebook Soul Shadows a lot, so I think I will like this!

Thanks to The Salariya Book Company for sending me this to review. :)


What did you get in your mailbox?

Zoe x

Fiction Express: Rémy Brunel and the Ocean of Light: Chapter 5

**Fiction Express is an e-fiction site where each chapter is released every Friday. When you have read that chapter, you can vote to what happens next! The first chapter is for free, and the next ten chapters are from 59p. I recommend the site 100% and I suggest you check out the brilliant books they have on offer.**

My previous reviews:

Chapter 1, click here.
Chapter 2, click here.
Chapter 3, click here.
Chapter 4, click here.

Chapter Five started with Thaddeus taking Rémy and J back to see the Professor. I think this was a good choice to what happens in the plot, as Thaddeus is slightly persuaded to believe Rémy. The dialogue between them all kept me hooked, and I enjoyed how things were happening all the time. I like all the characters, they help draw the plot together. I am interested to know what has happened to Gustave, as he told Rémy never to return unless she has the jewel. I am sure we will have more twists and turns to come around the corner - especially after the excruciating ending!


What do you think of this chapter? Do you agree with my review? What did you vote for?

Z x

Marina's Tales 2: Moon and the Tide by Derrolyn Anderson

Just when things seem to be all figured out, Marina discovers that there's a lot more going on behind the scenes than she ever imagined. When a terrible accident exposes her secret, she discovers that her whole life has been one big lie, and has to cope with more than one kind of betrayal.
A dangerous enemy arrives on the scene, putting her bravery to the test and forcing her to use all of her new-found talents to protect her family. Will good win out over evil? Can love triumph over jealousy?

Firstly, I am so sorry for not getting this review up sooner. I had a few problems with my kindle, and it is on a computer screen so it wasn't portable which gave me little time to read it (when it wasn't having problems!). I also went on holiday for two weeks which  gave me access to only my phone internet. Anyway, I won't spend my whole review with excuses, so read on!!

Moon and the Tide is the second book in the thrilling series, Marina's Tales (To see my review to the first one, click here). My only complaint in the last one would have been that we didn't discover that much about the mermaids themselves, but I didn't add that in my review because I knew there would be more in the next books in the series. In this one, Marina is getting more eager about surfing which leads her to Lorelei - her mermaid  sister - and that is bound to lead her to more adventures. She discovers that they are in danger - can she throw everything away to save them?

She is struggling with Ethan's trust, her boyfriend who she meets in book one. His ex-girlfriend is back, and she feels betrayed when he lies about who this girl is. I love the two as a couple, and when they argue it breaks my heart too.

This book is even better than the first! As I mentioned in my last review, I am not usually a fan of paranormal romances until this book. The author's words made my gripped to my computer screen, I really wanted to read on. It felt real, and Derrolyn made the book come to life. I could see the splashing of the mermaid's tales, taste the salty water, and feel Marina's pain when she devours over Ethan.

All the characters are well put together, and their different personalities clash together and become a fantastic story. The dialog is well-written, and they come to life on the page. They fit in easily with the story, making it an even more engaging book.

I recommend this to all teens (usually female) and adults. There was always something happening, and I sat on the edge of my seat wondering what would be the next event in the story.

RATE: 5/5

Publisher: Self

Publication date: March 28th 2011

Pages/File Size: 586 KB

Edition: E-Book

Source: For Review

To buy this book click HERE.

Zoe x

In My Mailbox #11

IMM is hosted by The Story Siren.

Won-

Jessie Hearts NYC by Keris Stainton

The awesome Girls Heart Books do fantastic giveaways, and I was so excited that I had won a copy of Keris' latest book. I have read Della Says: OMG! and it is great, so I am looking forward to reading this too. There have been lots of positive reviews and praise for the author and I am sure I will agree.







What did you get this week? I only got one book but I am satisfied!
Zoe x

Which Cover? #7

Which Cover? is a monthly post on this blog where I compare two or more covers and decide which one I prefer. You can comment below which one is best, and share your thoughts on the covers. For more information, click on the tab above. :c)

This month is a novel I really want to read, Eight Keys by Suzanne LeFleur. A few blogs have received an arc copy to review, and all the reviews have been really positive. 

Both covers are really nice, to be honest. They are both different in their own unique way but the designs are equally creative.

In the first one, I like how the couple are facing their backs to the front - you can't see their expressions, and turning your back on someone isn't very inviting, but it makes me interested in reading it. The position makes me think what the storyline will be about. Are they friends? Are they in a relationship? Are they related? Do they have a lot in common? Do the eight keys link with their relationship? The pose just looks natural, as if they are thinking about their past.   The title is really alluring too. The colours go well together, with the white set out among the grass. I like the font, it is really inventive how the letters are keys but you can still read the writing!

The second cover is really interesting. It is different shades of one colour and I think that is really effective. The words stand out and so does the background, even though it is a faded-out colour. I really like the eight keys dangling at the top which also gives us more questions that we want to know the answer too. It also gives us a hint of mystery, despite not knowing the story yet (this is if you are seeing the cover for the first time on a bookshelf). The sentence underneath the title is intriguing too, which gives us an even more appeal to read the book! I found a pale blue version on the internet of the same design, but I am not sure if this adaption is actually published or not.

There is also the ARC cover too which I have seen a photograph in some blogs' In My Mailbox's, but that doesn't really count because that isn't the real one.

I like both the same, but what do you think?

Zoe x

Fiction Express: Rémy Brunel and the Ocean of Light: Chapter 4

Fiction Express is an e-fiction site where each chapter is released every Friday. When you have read that chapter, you can vote to what happens next! The first chapter is for free, and the next ten chapters are from 59p. I recommend the site 100% and I suggest you check out the brilliant books they have on offer.
To see my review of Chapter 1, click here.
To see my review of Chapter 2, click here.
To see my review of Chapter 3, click here.

Chapter 3 left very intense, as Collins gave Thaddeus mixed signals on whether he believes him or not. We found out he was pretending, and when they are alone Collins insisted he punched him so he could escape. Instead, a new character - the Professor - comes in and knocks Collins out with sleeping gas. Even though Thaddeus is trying to catch Rémy out, I felt sorry for him at times! Meanwhile, Rémy is still with J, a little boy she meets in the previous chapter. Sharon Gosling's writing is amazing how you feel connected with the characters, and I really liked the way the story is set out and how the things happen. The ending is good, which made the voting tough. I am looking forward to the next chapter, as we learn more about the new characters and what they will bring us in this breathtaking read.




Zoe x

WINNERS - Fiction Express Giveaway

The giveaway is now closed! Fiction Express are giving away five copies of Rémy Brunel And The Ocean Of Light, a fantastic e-book. The people have been selected via random.org, so it is completely fair and they have been e-mailed.

Thank you so much to everyone who entered my very first giveaway! Thanks to the people for spreading the word, and to all the lovely comments you all put in 'how to improve my blog'. Just a big THANK YOU all round!! :-)

So, without further ado, the winners are . . .

1.   Krystal Larson

2.   Cliona Keely

3.   Kelly W

4.   Lucy Clark

5.   Fiona Gordon-Smith

Congratulations to the lucky winners!! If you didn't win, don't worry, because you can get 20% off with the code: discount20 . I hope you all enjoy reading the e-book, I would love to hear what you all think.

Zoe x

In My Mailbox #10

IMM is hosted by The Story Siren. It is a meme which hundreds of blogs take part on to share what books they have received that week. Sorry that this week's post is a bit late today, but I have literally just go back from my holiday! I am off again tomorrow night, so there will be on-and-off posts for the next few days. =)

Bought:

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepherd

I love the TV program so much, but I didn't think I would enjoy the book because I would know the ending. But when the awesome Cliona from Bookster Reviews told her readers that the plot is different, well, I just HAD to get it! I was very lucky to find it second-hand for £1, so I just had to get it. I have already read it, and it is FANTASTIC!




Gift:

Virals by Kathy Reichs

This is the first novel of a new YA series, about Tory Brennan cracking the case of a murder. I have been wanting to read this for ages, so thanks to my Dad for getting me it! Kathy is a awarding best-seller author, but has mainly written for adults until this book. The bad reviews are mainly by adults when the target reading age is for teens, so I am confident that I will enjoy it. I can't wait to start reading it . . . *bumps it up reading pile*



I didn't get much this week, but I am very happy with what I got!

Zoe x

PS. The giveaway is closed, and I will announced the winners tomorrow. The five will be also be sent an e-mail - they have 72 hours to respond (three days) otherwise another winner with be selected to take their place. Good luck to everyone who entered....

Fiction Express: Rémy Brunel and the Ocean of Light: Chapter 3

Fiction Express is an e-fiction site where each chapter is released every Friday. When you have read that chapter, you can vote to what happens next! The first chapter is for free, and the next ten chapters are from 59p. I recommend the site 100% and I suggest you check out the brilliant books they have on offer.
To see my review of Chapter 1, click here.
To see my review of Chapter 2, click here.





What can I say to start off my review? Well, let's just say that this chapter is totally awesome, and everywhere and everyone should read it! Right; so the last chapter saw Rémy trapped by being caught by Thaddeus. It opened with her going out the trap door, Gustave telling her not to bother coming back unless she has the jewel. He is a selfish, cruel man which encourages Rémy to be involved in risky crime business. I hope further in the story she stands up for herself, but not right now when all the action is happening!! I loved the suspense and I held my breath when Thaddeus wasn't being fooled by Gustave's lying. I am really interested to see where the plot goes. . . what did you vote for?







To WIN A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK enter my giveaway by 14th August. You have a good chance of winning because Fiction Express are giving away five copies to five people - so why not enter? Go on.... *nudges and winks* giveaway now closed

Zoe x

My So-Called Pantom Lovelife by Tamsyn Murray

I knew the boy was different when I saw him walk on water.

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 Skye 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 for ever.

As Owen prepares to risk everything, Skye wonders if his desire to be more than just a ghost will cost them everything.

I adore the Afterlife series and I was desperate to read this when it came out. My So-Called Afterlife and My So-Called Haunting are incredible, and if you haven't read them - do so now! The first one only involved Lucy, a teenage ghost, but the last two (including this one) both involve a teen physic, Skye. I really like her character, which (of course) in important. In this book, Skye is getting over her ex (Nico) and meets a new boy who seems perfect for her. One problem - he is a ghost. Just as things are near-perfect, Nico shows up again and is determined to win her back. Can Skye trust him again? Will she believe his stories? There is a link between Nico and Owen, but it is a dangerous one.

Everything about this book is great - the genius idea, the brilliant storyline, fabulous characters, the realistic thrilling moments, the sparks between Skye and Owen, the emotions she feels and the amazing twists and turns that lead us to the compelling ending.

I really like how Tamsyn has drawn many genres together in the series, this made it even more gripping and exciting. This means that almost anyone will enjoy this book, and you don't even have to start at the beginning to understand. I recommend all three of them though, and I *really* hope there will be a fourth one in the series!!

 RATE: 5/5 

To buy this book click HERE.

 

 

Publisher: Piccadilly

Publication date: 1st March 2011

Pages: 224

Edition: Paperback

Source: Bought

Zoe x

Fiction Express: Rémy Brunel and the Ocean of Light: Chapter 2

Fiction Express is an e-fiction site where each chapter is released every Friday. When you have read that chapter, you can vote to what happens next! The first chapter is for free, and the next ten chapters are from 59p. I recommend the site 100% and I suggest you check out the brilliant books they have on offer.
To my previous review of Chapter 1, click here!

Rémy Brunel and the Ocean of Light by Sharon Gosling -  Chapter 2

After reading the first chapter, I was intrigued and really wanted to read the second chapter. At the end of chapter one, we are left hanging as to whether Rémy has been caught stealing the jewel. I thought is was a bit of an easy escape, but then a few more twists poked into the chapter and now I am left speechless! This book is a compelling read that will have you immersed in the incredible storyline. I had no idea what was about to happen next, as it ends with Rémy trapped - is she officially busted? I hope my vote is cast, because I chose that she should do something risky but has a possible way of escaping. I can't wait to see what the author brings us next!



If you like the sound of it, (and if you don't, then, whaaaat??!) then enter my giveaway to win a FREE COPY of this book! Not just a chapter - a whole book! Fiction Express are willing to giveaway five copies, so you may have a good chance of winning. The deadline is 14th August...so what are you waiting for?!

Zoe x

Marina's Tales 1: Between The Land And The Sea by Derrolyn Anderson

Something extraordinary is lurking in the deep ocean waters off the coast of Aptos, California. In just a few weeks after moving to the small beach town, sixteen year old Marina has nearly drowned twice, enchanted the hottest guy in high school, and discovered a supernatural creature. If she can only manage to survive her increasingly dangerous encounters with unpredictable mermaids, she might just be able to unlock the mystery of her past to learn how to appease the mysterious forces that seem to want something from her...and maybe even find true love along the way.

This book is amazing! At first I wasn't so sure, because I had never read anything like this before - but now I am definitely won over by Derrolyn's books! This is the first in the series, Marina's Tales. Starring, as you have probably guesses: Marina. Her Dad has travelled to Afghanistan and it is too dangerous for Marina to go with him, so she goes to stay with her Auntie Abby and her cousin, Cruz. In this new year where everything is changing, she makes friends, encounters love and discovers a secret about herself; she is half mermaid.

I love the whole plot, and the whole storyline is brilliant. The characters pull the plot together, and I enjoyed seeing the different relationships Marina had with the people. All the characters are really likable, and I found myself involved in the story.

I was engaged with the story, from beginning to end. It is really gripping, as I was desperate to find out Marina's destiny.

Mermaid themed books seem to be popular at the moment, but I never really was that keen. After reading this, the author has interested me on the subject more! I am in the middle of reading the sequel, The Moon And The Tide, and it is fantastic! The third one is due out soon, so I will definitely be reading that. I am very happy the author asked me to review it, so thank you Derrolyn! I am sorry for not getting this review up sooner, but I had a few technical problems with My PC Kindle, but everything has been sorted out now fortunately!

You will be absorbed in the story, and desperate to know how Marina will choose between the land and the sea....

RATE: 5/5

To buy this book click HERE.

Publisher: Self- Published

Publication date: 19th March 2011

Pages: 261

Edition: Kindle

Source: For Review

Zoe x

PS. If you haven't already checked out my giveaway, do so now! You have the chance to win 1/5 copies of Rémy Brunel and the Ocean of Light by Sharon Dosling ...... what? You are still here..? Go and enter!!