Pop Princess by Cathy Hopkins

Synopsis:

Becca missed the fun of the school production of Grease, and she has the reputation of being fickle, a dreamer, and not seeing things through. But the Pop Princess challenge makes her determined to try harder than she has ever tried before. She has the voice, but has she got the staying power?

Review:

I love Cathy Hopkin's books. You can never get too old for one, even this one which is aimed at younger readers (9-13 I would say). I didn't hesitate when WH Smith asked if I could read and review it - I really enjoyed it, and read it in one sitting. It is a fab girly, funny and cute read that I would quite happily read again and again.

Pop Princess is about Becca, a young teen, is known as being a 'dreamer' and not getting things done. She can sometimes be quite nervous and modest, but can also show as a strong character that can fantasise and believe in herself. When her friend, Squidge, dares her to enter a contest 'Pop Princess' it becomes more than just a dare. She starts to drift away from her friend and boyfriend and be focused on everything about the competition.

It is great watching her character develop through the story; Becca starts off as a dreamer and then becoming more optimistic and continuity. At some times I wanted to hug her and dive into the pages and join in, but sometimes I just wanted to shake and shout at her the obvious and what her impact is doing to her friends.

At times some things in the book seemed unrealistic, and I thought that the characters wouldn't really say or do that in real life. However, it didn't spoil it at all - actually, that is my only complaint! I thoroughly enjoyed it and want to read the rest of the series now....and you should too!

RATE: 4.5/5

Publisher: Piccadilly

Publication date: 28th April 2008

Pages: 160

Edition: Paperback

Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE. 

Marina's Tales #3: The Fate Of The Muse by Derrolyn Anderson

Synopsis:

Trouble is stalking Marina. She’s already escaped the clutches of her formidable foe once, but fate has even more trials in store for her. There are evil plans in the works– plans that threaten both her and her newly found family.
As she struggles to come to grips with her unwanted powers, outside forces threaten to tear Marina and Ethan apart, making her doubt their vision of a future together. Can first love be true love?

Review

I love, love, LOVE Marina's Tales! This is the third book in the series, and hopefully not the last. The first one, Marina has moved to live with her aunt and cousin after her Dad is going to Afghanistan. She does not expect to fall in love, find out she is a mermaid and have a life-changing decision to make - well, who does?

In the second book, Marina's boyfriend's ex has turns up, and of what she thought had been the end of her mermaid-life is gradually coming back to her. In this book, Marina and Ethan are so cute together! At the beginning, they are planning their future and everything. SQUEEE their romance is so cute to read!!!

I really enjoy read these books, I was hooked! I am sure I will return and re-read this series again and again.

All the characters are brilliant too - typical American boy Ethan, persistent and passionate Marina, lovable Cruz, cool Megan, caring Abby and stylish Evie. I can imagine them as my friends, the characters come to life.

The author describes the scene really well, and I love the different ideas. In most series, some ideas are mostly repeated and they get a bit boring after a while; but in The Fate Of The Muse it is just as gripping and as unique as the first two.

I definitely recommend these to any teenage girl, 11+. I had never really read a 'mermaid' book before this one and I am now definitely interested in more of this genre. I hear that Derrolyn Anderson is currently working on book four, 'Turning Tides', but I may explode of excitement before I get chance to read it! :)

RATE: 5/5

Publisher: Self

Publication date: 16th September 2011

Pages/File Size: 531 KB

Edition: E-Book

Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.

NEWS: The Gentlemen Press Writing Competition

From the 12th September 2011 to the 31st January 2012 The Gentlemen Press is running a young writers’ competition. When I received an e-mail telling me about this, I thought: this is right up my street! I accepted to tell you all about this great competition on my blog because I am sure there are many of you out there who are interested in this. So....

Are you.........

• Between the ages of 13-21 years of age?
• Interested in writing short stories?
• Eager to have work published in an anthology?
• A resident in the UK?

If you are, visit The Gentlemen Press website to find out more information. You can also read blog posts by YA authors for writing  and inspiration.

The judges will be Jean Ure, for the 13-15 category, Nine Arches for the 16-18 category and David Belbin for the 19-21 category - which is the icing on the cake!

So, what are you waiting for? GET WRITING!!!

In My Mailbox #19

Welcome to Bookhi's IMM, a meme hosted by The Story Siren. It is where book bloggers post what books they have received that week.

For Review-

Lolly Luck by Ellie Daines

I was really happy when the author contacted me to review her book, because it sounds really good! And it is an ARC - double yay! :-D
Pop Princess by Cathy Hopkins

You can never get too old for this author. As a special Christmas promotion, WH Smith are sending out review copies to bloggers - woo!
Note To Self by Avery Sawyer
This one sounds fantastic, thank you to the author for sending me this to review. I love the cover too! :)

What did you get in your mailboxes? Zoe xx

Bookliss

Hi,

Today I am going to do a quick post to let you all know about another book blog I am taking part in with other bloggers - Bookliss. The fab Beth at Page-Turner set the whole thing up, so I want to say thank you to her for asking for me to host it with her!

Bookliss it basically another blog but with just book reviews. Nothing else. It will be mainly teenage-YA books, but there may be a children books reviewed occasionally.

Don't expect too much yet - remember, it is brand new! We are still sorting out it all, and some parts of the site may change.

Click HERE to go to Bookliss, hope you enjoy and happy reading!

Zoe xx

Fiction Express: Falling Backwards - Chapter 1

**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 39p. 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.**

When a stranger takes the seat next to Leah on the plane to Mexico and unburdens her unhappy story, Leah finds herself involved in someone else's life in a way she'd never thought possible. Can Leah help April correct the mistakes of her past and find peace at last? Will she risk losing herself in the process?

A fresh new e-book on Fiction Express has just come out and the first chapter gives a very good impression to start off the book! Fiction Express is one of my favourite websites, and their books never disappoint.

In Falling Backwards, Leah is on a plane to Mexico. She finds herself sitting next to an old woman named April, who tells her a story of when she was a young girl. April regrets those days, and wishes she could turns back the clock. Coincidentally, the aeroplane passes over The Bermuda Triangle lightning strikes and plane tosses and dives, and Leah passes out.

When she wakes up, everything is normal. She finds herself in a different body. But not only a different body, a different time. Could she be April in the past? Could fate have made a way of April fixing those mistakes?

I love the concept of hitting The Bermuda Triangle and going back in time in another person's body - but the body of a stranger who she knows hardly anything about. And, worst of all, the world is going by as normal while she is alone and trapped...

The way it is written is really gripping, I liked how I could relate with the characters and feel like I am in the story. The storyline is so original I can't help but be in awe! Even though I have only read the first chapter, the next happenings are unpredictable. This is one of those books where you know from the start it is going to be your new favourite.

Zoe xx

Everblossom: A Short Story and Poem Anthology by Larissa Hinton

An anthology that will quench your thirst for more than the ordinary.

Everblossom is a journey through poems and short stories that may seem ordinary on the surface but dig a little deeper and the world not only shifts. It changes.

From the author who brought you Iwishacana/Acanawishi, she now brings you a dash of everything from dark fantasy to the paranormal to even romance. So prepare yourself to delve into the three stages of the flower from bud to blossom then back to seed, you'll go through them all with a whole new perspective on what it all truly means.

I adored this anthology; it has everything I want in a story. Gripping storylines, memorable characters, convincing romance and beautiful writing. I didn't know this collection of poetry and stories would be so good - but I hope my review convinces you to read it so you don't hesitate like I did!

Every one of the stories had the potential to be turned into a proper book - every single one of them. When it finished, I wanted more! I was genuinely upset when the whole collection ended and the bar at the bottom of my kindle said 100%. The stories didn't feel uncompleted or anything, but they left on good cliffhangers that made me think "Is that the end? Nooooo!"

The poetry is beautiful. There is only about six poems, but they are all unique and nicely paced in their own way. There are also a few different versions of the same poem called 'Words Speak Volumes' and it is basically a random word on each line. Well, not totally random. I noticed that each word related to the one above it. It had me thinking and reading it for ages - the author is a genius!

It was a good, fast read. I read it in one sitting, hooked. After reading a big heavy read, it was nice to have a light collection of easy stories to read. I recommend this to all different kinds of people, as most of the stories are made up of different genres. There are some disturbing things that may upset others however - like a gruesome part about eating humans. Basically, somebody just pulled an arm out of there pocket and started nibbling it (I am not sure if this is a comedy or horror.... both I think....)! Don't expect too much of it, as it is only approximately 70-80 pages, but I really enjoyed it so I do think - if you have an ereader - you should read it. Dear Larissa Hinton, is there any chance for Everblossom 2?!

RATE: 5/5

Publisher: Self

Publication date: 12th August 2011

Pages: 80

Edition: E-Book

Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.

In My Mailbox #18

Welcome to Bookhi's IMM, a meme hosted by The Story Siren. It is where book bloggers post what books they have received that week. I got one print book and two ebooks, so I didn't really see the point in taking a photo, so I put all three book covers together.

Sorry for the bad quality! XD

For Review-

Stained by Mike Mauthor

I have read House Trap which is also by this author and loved it, so I think this one will be just as good too! Thanks to the author for sending me this. :)

Everblossom: A Short Story And Poem Anthology by Larissa Hinton

Thank you to the author for sending me her book! I have already read this and it is AMAZING so my review will be up soon. :)

Won-

The Cate Calisle Files: Deep Water by Isla Whitcroft

Another Girls Heart Book giveaway - whoop whoop! This book looks really good, so I think I will enjoy it.

What did you get this week? Zoe xx

The New Kindle - a review

from amazon.co.uk - the little beauty :)

If you saw my last In My Mailbox post, you will know that last week I received a Kindle! *happy dance* I am so happy with it I have decided to do a review on it on my blog. So, here we are!

Instead of doing a long boring review which you probably won't reach the end of, I have decided to split it up into bullet points of positives and negatives. Simples.

from amazon.co.uk - small and takes up
hardly any space

from amazon.co.uk - no glare

PROS

• No glare, I can read it in the sunlight like a normal book
• It is thin and small - easy to travel with
• Simple and easy to use; few buttons and easy to create folders etc.
• It is created so much like a book: e-ink so no glare and the display flashes like you are turning the page. Apart from the thin device and no covers, it is is so similar to a book :)
• Adjustable font size.
• You can look up words you don't know.
• You can get a new book under 60 seconds.
• It can hold 1,400 books in such a light and compact device.
• One month battery life.
• Loads of books to choose from, and a lot of them a free!
• It remembers where you last left off, no need to have a good memory XD

CONS

• Some things are easier to read on paper to flick through, e.g. recipe books and manuals.
• You have to get an actual light like a real book, it doesn't have the screen like a mobile or iPad
• You can't put your own screensaver, you just have to put up with the Amazon ones (personally, I like them but other people have put in reviews that they don't).
• Not touch screen - the 5-way-controller is fiddly at first, (but you do get used to it eventually) which makes it a bit of a time waster.
• Most of the wallets/sleeves/cases are so expensive on Amazon. (does anybody I know where I can find a cheap but nice one?! I might go browsing on eBay later....)

Comparing the new Kindle with the old Kindle (now called Kindle Keyboard).

I stole my Dad's kindle for the purpose of this review, lol :-D
The new kindle (my one) is on the left.

Comparing the size.

The main difference in obviously the keyboard. This makes the new Kindle smaller, but is smaller better?

If you look carefully though, the screen is still the same size, so you can still read the same amount of text. The space where the keyboard has gone though, leaving room for only a few simple buttons.

The new one is also thinner, but only very slightly. But the size doesn't really bother me, unless it is a big bulky thing!

I think one of the main differences is the price. £89 for this kindle, and £111 for the Keyboard Kindle?! £149 if you get the 3G one!

I also found this on Amazon:

The New Kindle - Lighter, smaller, faster

30% lighter than before, less than 170 grams 18% smaller body, same 6" screen size - fits in your pocket Most advanced E Ink display, reads like paper Built-in Wi-Fi - Get books in 60 seconds 10% faster page turns for seamless reading

To buy this product, or for more information, click HERE, where the link will take to the website.

Overall, I am reeeeeeeeally happy with my new ereader! Long live the kindle! Of course, I will definitely be still reading print books, I miss the feel and real smell of them (err, is that weird?) and the lovely covers.... what do you think? Which kindle do you prefer? Is a kindle of any kind your type of ereader? Do you like ereaders at all?

from amazon.co.uk -
the sunlight doesn't
affect reading.

from amazon.co.uk - this could be me
when I was little (okay, I still do this now)

Yoshiko and the Gift of Charms by Julia Suzuki

Synopsis:

This epic novel, first in the Land of Dragor series, is aimed primarily at eight to twelve year-olds but with appeal for all ages transports the reader to the magical Land of Dragor, where seven dragon clans live hidden from man. Their great war is over and the dragons live peacefully among the smoking mud pools and around The Fire Which Must Never Go Out, but the terrible years when they were enslaved by humans have left a lasting scar and they are told they can never soar above the mountains and leave their safe haven to explore the outside world. There is unease in the air of their mist-filled valley, and the coming of a strange egg heralds a new era. Unlike the normal delicate lilac, this shell is multi-coloured like the contents of a treasure chest. The newborn hatchling is called Yoshiko, but he is immediately treated with suspicion by the elders, and is lucky to survive. The last time a coloured egg was laid, legendary warrior leader Surion was born from a red shell, and with his gift of fire the dragons went to battle with the humans. Will Yoshiko bring a blessing to the clans, or a curse? Could Dragor be about to meet its saviour, or its destroyer?
Chameleon-like Yoshiko is bullied and tormented as he grows up, taunted at fire school as he struggles to produce a jet of flame. Desperate to hide his colour changes, he flees from school one day and finds himself on the fabled mountain of Cattlewick Cave, home to the mysterious and reclusive elder Guya. This chance meeting changes Yoshiko’s life, and as he develops from hatchling to youngling, he is inspired to spread his wings and venture outside Dragor. He returns with magic gifts – but only time will tell if they heal or harm Dragor.

Review:

A fantastic start to the new Dragor series, Yoshiko and the Gift of Charms has certainly convinced me read more of the author's books in the future.

There is a magical land called Dragor, and in that land a mysterious egg is laid. Last time this kind of shell hatched, curses and hardship put the land through a lot of suffrage. But this was centuries ago, surely it can't happen again? The parents are determined not to be superstitious, but when Yoshiko is so different from the rest how can they not wonder?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I recommend this to literally everyone. It is told beautifully, and even though I prefer 1st person to 3rd person, I liked how we got a glimpse of emotions and secrets from all angles and characters.

This book is not only a fun narrative story, it sends out brilliant messages too. For example; "The greatest strength can be the greatest weakness.", "Better to try and fail than never to try." etc.

It also deals with serious issues too; like bullying and not fitting in. Yoshiko feels like he doesn't belong with any of the other dragons. All of them can breathe fire and fly to miles in the sky - while Yoshiko can barely even puff a bit of smoke. Another dragon in the class causes the most bullying, and encourages the others to tease and pick on him. I felt really sorry for him! I just wanted to knock the bullies flat and shout to Yoshiko 'your life is worth living! You are different in a good way from the rest! Don't give up! Ignore them!' Obviously, I couldn't do that . . .  . but that is one of the reasons it made me carry on with the story.

To make it even better, the amazing adventure is bounded in a beautiful little red paperback! With a ribbon bookmark ..... very nice!

I hope you enjoyed the book as much as I did if you do read it, it may not be a dystopian YA book that most of you enjoy, but trust me, this is a classic in the making! And come on, who doesn't love dragons?!

RATE: 5/5

Publisher: Steve Brookes

Publication date: 8th April 2011

Pages: 280

Edition: Hardback

Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.

Defiance (The Sucessor Series #1) by G.C Naffin

Synopsis:

When war has taken everything, there is only one choice: be stronger than your enemy.

With her nation at war and her parents lost on the front lines, 16-year-old Vivian must find the strength to leave home and become a spy among her own people. There is only one problem: her parents are the king and queen, and she is their only heir. Vivian vows to discover the people behind their disappearance in the midst of worldwide turmoil, leaving behind her familiar life and entering one she thought she'd never experience. However, Vivian’s title is worth more than just a crown and royal blood. If she falls victim to her parents’ fate, the throne of Iledora will pass to her detestable aunt, and the country could spiral out of control.

Armed only with a new alias, two trusted guards, and her stolid determination, Vivian scours the country for any information that might provide an answer to her parents’ disappearance. But no matter how simple her intentions of returning them to the throne may be, her journey is inevitably complicated by challenges she’d not foreseen: encountering love, trusting in the unknown, and being at the mercy of the Bulvan emperor she swore to conquer...

Review:

Vivian is a sixteen year old girl, but life isn't normal. War has broke in the nation, and she must find her mother and father to gain back their heir to the throne. As she is only young, people don't take her seriously as she endeavours to run the kingdom herself. The journey to find Bulvan emperor is very difficult, as Vivian learns as she travels with Delcan and Revin.

I found this book heard to get into at first, but once I did it was a good read. The story is really well plotted out and I could tell that the author had taken care of even the most tiniest of details.

The one thing that struck me most about when reading this is the detail. It is beautifully written, and G.C Naffin's elaborate writing style is amazing. I felt like I was there, with Vivian every step of the way: feeling her emotions and into the adventure.

The characters are also one of the things that pull this book together. I guess this also collides with detail, because the characters within the story felt so realistic. Declan and Revin are great characters that are so different.

I haven't read many books with a ... 'royal' character before, so I couldn't really settle for believing it. I haven't really got into much historical fiction either, which are mostly about kings and queens. I don't think that makes sense, but I guess everyone's reading taste is different.

I recommend this for all ages, everyone and anyone! Overall, this was an enjoyable read but I bit slow at times. I have high hopes of reading the sequel - and I am sure I speak for many!

RATE: 4/5

Publisher: Self

Publication date: 30th June 2011

Pages: 191
Edition: E-Book
Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE. 

In My Mailbox #17

Welcome to Bookhi's IMM, a meme hosted by The Story Siren. It is where book bloggers post what books they have received that week. I only got one actual book this week but I did get something totally awesome that is definitely worth mentioning....



Even shiny and prettier in real life ;)



Wings by Aprilynne Pike

I won this book from a giveaway on the Page-Turner blog. This whole series sounds good, and I like the idea of faeries...



Mine mine mine :-D

The New Amazon Kindle!!!

Yayayayayayayayayay! I am so happy that I have finally got my hands on a Kindle of some sort! This is the new one, which is actually cheaper than the old one (now called the Kindle Keyboard). This will be a lot easier than reading from my Kindle on my PC...which means I can accept more ebooks - double yay! :-)

I am planning to post a review of it, so come back soon.

Zoe xx

Cover Crazy: The Declaration by Gemma Malley - which cover?

**Welcome to Cover Crazy! This is a feature on Bookhi that focuses on nothing but book covers. Most people judge books by their covers, even without realizing; it might not catch their eye or appeal to their reading preference. I will post about new releases, beautiful covers, UK vs US and pretty much anything that takes my fancy to do with them.**  

This is the second post on which is going to love at the three different covers one one book. The Declaration by Gemma Malley.

Here is the synopsis:

Anna Covey is a 'Surplus'. She should not have been born. In a society in which ageing is no longer feared, and death is no longer an inevitability, children are an abomination. Like all Surpluses, Anna is living in a Surplus Hall and learning how to make amends for the selfish act her parents committed in having her. She is quietly accepting of her fate until, one day, a new inmate arrives. Anna's life is thrown into chaos. But is she brave enough to believe this mysterious boy? This is a tense and utterly compelling story about a society behind a wall, and the way in which two young people seize the chance to break free.

It sounds brilliant, and is at the top of my wishlist! Have any of you read it? Did you enjoy it?

There are three different covers (as far as I know) and are each fab!

So which one is your favourite?

The first one is good too - it certainly caught my eye when I first saw this book. I think this is the most popular one, and it also matches the rest of the series. The butterfly in the middle is really alluring! I like all the colours and it sounds like it matches the synopsis - mystery, the future, and adventure...

I really like the middle cover, it is simple and attractive. The black and pink really go together. However, it might be a bit girly for the storyline. OK, to be honest, I haven't actually read this, but from the blurb provided I think it sounds more like an adventure and fantasy story.

I don't like the third one as much as the others. I wouldn't really pick it up in a shop, because it isn't really very striking. I do like how the face is looking up though, half covered in a shadow. It got be thinking about the book even more!

Ultimately, I would either pick the first or second one, but if I had to choose one it would be the first one. What about you?

Zoe xx

Interview with author Julia Suzuki

Julia is the author of the book Yoshiko and the Gift Of Charms. It is a brand new inspirational children's book, aimed at 8-14 years but suitable to everyone. She has been described as 'the new JK Rowling' by The Daily Mail and has the potential to make it as a bestseller. The book is on my way, so a review will be up soon!

How would you describe your book in one word?
Magical

What inspired the Land Of Dragor?
My inspiration came from a childhood love of nature, the outdoors and adventure and the love of creating something that will make a difference in people’s lives, both to inspire and escape. I aimed to produce something that included what I had learned through life in the hope it would help others overcome difficulties. I also wanted to create a magical place (Dragor) that filled everyone who read it with warmth as though they were there. Like the feeling of home.

Who do you recommend the series for?
All ages who have read my book have loved it - though the target is 8 to 14, it has something for everyone. The series grows with three children who come to be the heroes in Book 2 so there is ever-growing intrigue. The children live in Stratford Upon Avon, Shakespeare’s town, and each have their own interests and important talents and purposes that play out. 

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?
I have an absolute passion for fashion, I design all my own clothes and enjoy all sports and particularly tennis. I also love to bake... cakes especially, which my ten-year-old son likes to do with me. I do like a good evening of junk TV, especially Strictly Come Dancing as dance is a big hobby too. I have a national dance competition running in line with the book...on Facebook it is  promoted as 'Dragor Dream Dancer'.

What is it like, publishing a book?
I always say to people it’s like being pregnant, you go through all kind of worries, doubts and excitement. It seems to take forever, and sometimes you get tired. Right at the end it can be painful, late nights of editing and deadlines. And then finally comes joy when you have finished and got it out :). Then you feel you should go for your second!

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Follow your dream, be persistent, take advice and listen to your heart. If you have talent and vision keep going and turn every stone. Be as imaginative and unconventional as possible to get noticed!

What is your favourite book and why?
The Enid Blyton books, 'The Enchanted Wood'. They open up the mind and imagination to all possibilities which has to be a good thing for a child. I particularly like the fascinating character 'The Saucepan Man'. He is scary but likeable.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS:
Read or write? Write
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Black or pink? Pink
Music or TV? Music

Thanks, Julia! :-)