Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Synopsis:

Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.

When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

Review:

I am so excited about the Fins series! Forgive My Fins is such a cute and fun story I couldn't bear to not carry on reading.

Lily tries to be an average teenager but it is hard when you are different from the read. She is half human and half mermaid which you can guess has its challenges. Especially when she has a massive crush on Brody Bennett (the typical name for a hunk, right?! ;)) and she is determined to win his heart. However, not only has she got the whole half-mermaid thing going on, her annoying frenemy Quince is determined to make her life a misery. Irritating but lovable, she finds herself falling for him. Bad. But whichever boy she gets has a problem because when a mermaid kisses a human they 'bond' for life...

I couldn't help but smile when read this book because everything about it is just so cute! It isn't the girliest read in the world, because some books are so girly that they annoy me. If you are or aren't into mermaid chick lit themes, read it!

The mythology and magical parts of this book are really unique and the author came up with amazing ideas. The whole Thalassinia kingdom underwater is so detailed and it makes me want to visit it!

Although I enjoyed all the characters I found that sometimes they took big news too well. **SPOILER ALERT** For example, Quince finds out he is a mereman after kissing Lily and the only thing that gives an indication of surprise is his jaw dropping. **SPOILER OVER**

Forgive My Fins is the perfect summer read. I read this over Easter, and it made the rain a lot more happier. :) I recommend this to anyone of a fan of love stories.


RATE: 4.5/5

Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication date:  19th May 2010

Pages: 293

Edition: Paperback

Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.

This is the end of Review Week! I hope
you enjoyed it :]

Jessie Hearts NYC by Keris Stainton

Synopsis:

Jessie's just arrived in New York, hoping to forget about her awful ex.

New Yorker Finn is in love with his best friend's girlfriend.

They might be perfect together, but in a city of eight million people, will they ever find each other?

Review:

I love Jessie Hearts NYC so much!! It is such a cute read which gave me a lovely heart-warming feeling at the end of the book and made me go 'AWW!' many times...

Hence the name, Jessie visits New York as a break to get away from, well, everything. She has had a bad past with her ex and visiting her Mum could be the perfect break. She travels with her best friend Emma and together they face the world. She is the perfect friend for Jessie, I think. There is more than just two BFFs travelling NYC though - it is about Jessie's relationship with her Mum and finding her soul mate.
   This story has another point of view - Finn. He too has an uncomfortable relationship with his parent and is pressured into picking his Dad's choice of career for him. He also has another problem - a big one! Finn is in love with his best friend's girlfriend.
  In a city of eight million people they are perfect together. But will they find each other?

I love how Finn and Jessie kept missing each other - it was so frustrating! This added so much suspense and I began to wonder if they would ever meet. I won't tell you if they did you not... that's for you to find out!

I think this book is very realistic and a lot of teenagers can relate to both Jessie and Finn. It deals with parent relationship problems, longing for love, bad experience with exs, best friends and forbidden love.

Another reason I love this book so much (I have a lot) is the setting. I LOVE New York! The shops, landscapes, people and just the whole atmosphere. Reading this book makes me want to go even more... *sigh*

This is such a fun and enjoyable read. I recommend it to everyone! I started it only meaning to read the first few sentences but I ended up reading the whole book in just 2-3 sittings. I am very excited about it's sequel, Emma Hearts LA. I am sure I speak for lots of people when I say Jessie Hearts NYC is one of my favourite books.

RATE: 5/5

Publisher: Orchard Books
Publication date: 7th July 2011

Pages: 255

Edition: Paperback

Source: Bought

To buy this book click HERE.

The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake by Mary Parker

Synopsis:

I'm a normal teenager. I have a normal teenage life with normal teenage problems. The summer is my heaven. I live with my mom during the summer months. We stay in her tiny condo in Jacksonville, Florida. My parents split up when I was little. I'm not sure why. My mom never talks about it. Whatever it was, it was bad enough to make my mom pack me up in the middle of the night when I was four years old and run to my Gran's condo. My mom got the condo after Gran died. From that time on all I had known my entire life was beach life. Until four years ago. Until my uncle found me.


Review:

The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake is a great novel filled with interesting characters, thrilling cliff-hangers and realistic dialogue. I really enjoyed reading this from the first page. I knew my just reading the synopsis that I would love it.

This story is about a teenage girl named Leeowyn Blake who lives with her mother near the beach, until her uncle comes and whisks her away and she learns about a life she never knew she had. I was never bored during this book at all, there was always something happening. Can Leeowyn survive with strangers she is related too, crazy dreams, secrets known by everyone but her, a best friend fading away from her and a boy she loves but she is not meant to?

The author made the words come alive on the page and I felt all of Lee's emotions and was just as desperate to find out secrets as she was. I can't describe how much I loved this book, it is amazing!!

In most of my reviews I comment on the characters, and I definitely need to on these. Lee is the main character but not your typical heroine. Since the age of four, she has had a pretty normal life despite not knowing anything about her father and any other member of her family. When she is found by her uncle she is not sure how to cope with things and can't quite comprehend what is happening. I think this is how any person would react - not everyone is confident and has the ability to deal with something as huge as this. I felt like I could empathise with Lee and put myself in her shoes, even though I cannot relate to her life at all.

Moreover, I thought the description was fantastic. In most books, when I picture the characters in my head, their face is kind of a blur and I just imagine the scene. However, I can clearly see Lee in my mind - pale skin, red hair, green eyes. The whole atmosphere has been built up to the incredible tension which is so realistic.

Although this is a very positive review, there is something only slightly annoying that kept popping up. The chapters randomly kept swapping between first person and third person so at some points I was not sure if Lee was viewing the scene or not. However, this only loses 0.5 of my rating so it isn't that big of a deal! ;)

This book is a mixture of everything; action, paranormal, mystery, romance, magic and fantasy. I recommend this to anyone with the ability to read!!! :D

RATE: 4.5/5

Publisher: Createspace
Publication date: 25th August 2010

Pages: 392

Edition: E-book

Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.

Virals #1 by Kathy Reichs

Sorry for not posting a review yesterday! I was very tired after coming back from a sleep-over. Anyway, today's book is Virals by Kathy Reichs!

Synopsis:

Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.

As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.

Fortunately, they are now more than friends they're a pack. They are Virals.

Review:

Another new series that I can become obsessed with! I love Virals. The text is captivating and brilliantly written, you could be absorbed in the words for hours.

Tory Brennan is a teenage girl who is the niece of  a forensic anthropologist (the study of bones). She has a pretty normal life until she stumbles upon a caged dog used for medical testing. This then leads onto an adventure including mysterious murders, interesting new born abilities and more discoveries which could cost them their lives.

What Tory and her friends didn't realise is the lab of which they stole the dog from is infected with a new virus. The group are now virals.

One thing I adore about Reichs' writing is the way it is structured. She does short sentences to make it more suspenseful and gripping. I literally couldn't put it down after the first chapter!

The only thing bad about this book has actually got nothing to do with me. Kathy Reichs is a fantastic crime writer for adults but is not popular among the YA market. The ratings are quite low for this book due to adults reading this and finding it not as thrilling as her adult books. I, on the other hand, found it perfect. Flawless, in fact. I am fourteen years old but I think lots of people will enjoy it (if the adults don't expect too much...). Virals is a must-have for anyone with a love of heart-thumping detective stories.

The whole idea of this series is pure brilliance. A new virus with the injected DNA of a wolf? Genius! I am looking forward to reading Seizure (book 2) so much.  The ending has been set up so well for the sequel. Bring it on! :D

RATE: 5/5

Publisher: Razorbill

Publication date: 2nd November 2010

Pages: 448

Edition: Hardback

Source: Gift

To buy this book click here.

Kiss, Date, Love, Hate by Luisa Plaja

Synopsis:

What if you could change your friends' lives and loves through the settings of a computer game...?

Lex Murphy's group of friends have all dated, hated, ignored and lusted after each other for the last few years. If only there was a way of matching people perfectly to avoid all the unrequited love, dumping and drama! Then Lex's friend George is given a mysterious Sims-like game by his software-testing dad which involves building character profiles in the categories of Life, Looks and Love. Lex and George populate the game with avatars for all their mates, making a few 'wishful thinking' adjustments to the settings - and find that the next day these tinkerings have come true! But how long can this new calm, loved-up atmosphere continue?

Review:

OK, it's official. My favourite book by Luisa Plaja has been replaced by this one! I love everything about it. The comedy, romance, magic, mystery. Over the period of time I read this it I couldn't stop. This involved lots of late nights and homework with no effort, but it was worth it... :D

Lex Murphy feels like she doesn't fit in. Her world is falling apart around her - her boyfriend, Matt, left her for her worst enemy, her best friend is deserting her for schoolwork and nobody understands her. Apart from Drew, the mysterious bad boy. But she wants Matt back, right? Just as more problems delve into Lex's life, her friend George introduces her to a new video game. At first they play around with their avatars: for example; they make Lex's hair longer, make all the girls swoon for George, and - best of all - Lex can get revenge.
  Lex and George wake up the next day and find out that all their changes have come true. As perfect and exciting as it all seems, they begin to regret it.

I think all the ideas in this novel are very unique and the ending is very unpredictable. In some chapters I am laughing my head off and in some I want to tear the book apart (but then stick it back together of course).

All the characters are brilliant. The difference between them all make all the different relationships interesting. Which leads onto another thing.. love triangles! I could go on for ages about how all the relationships are amazing and gripping but then I'd be writing pages....! They are relateable and I particularly liked the nerdiness involved in this book for some reason. This is probably for the fact that I love films and the whole concept of them. My only criticism of the characters is the number - there are lots of characters of which some only say a few lines. In my opinion, I think they were quite pointless. I also don't know which four characters are on the cover - Lex, Drew George, Gemma? Lex, Drew, Matt, Jess? Hmm...

Another of my favourite things about this book is the brilliant message it sends out to a lot of teenagers. At some point in our lives, almost everyone has wanted to change something about the way they look. I know several girls at my school that think they're ugly and fat so slaver layers of make-up on themselves. At the end of the book, Lex learns to accept the way she is. Even though we may not want to admit it, we have all wanted something different with our life and Luisa has grabbed that concept and drawn it into an amazing book.

I 100% definitely recommend this book. I would happily read it again and again and I am sure I speak for many. All of Luisa's books are perfect for any kind of teenage girl - she tops it every time.

RATE: 5/5

Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Publication date: 2nd February 2012

Pages: 278

Edition: Paperback

Source: Gift
To buy this book click HERE.

Hattori Hachi: The Revenge of Praying Mantis by Jane Prowse

To keep on top of my review pile,

I have decided to set myself a

challenge to review a book every

day this week. :)

Synopsis:

Hattie Jackson is just an ordinary fifteen-year-old - until her mother disappears and Hattie's life is turned upside down. With the help of her friend Mad Dog, Hattie discovers the truth about her mother's 'other life' and the role she must now take on to defeat a terrifying army of evil Ninjutsu warriors, led by Praying Mantis - the most deadly assassin of all ... A thrilling page-turner by an exciting new author.

Review:

I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. Hattie is a normal fifteen year old girl with a life of annoying parents, best friends, boys and school troubles. That is, until her mum disappears and she is whisked off to a life of - wait for it - a ninja.

I love how even though it is about assassins and warriors, a typical teenage girl can relate to this book. I thought that the synopsis sounded interesting and I presumed that it would be a normal thriller with just action, not much else. However, as Hattie is trying to get used to her new life, problems stand it the way that an average girl would experience. For example, everyone thinks the new boy is so 'nice' and 'normal' but she sees right through him (or she thinks she does). People begin to think that she has a crush on him which leads Hattie to even more despair.

The author writes with description that isn't very detailed but manages to create a clear image in your head. When reading this, it was like I was there in the scenes, watching the heart-thumping action.

One of my favourite things about the Hattori Hachi series is the fabulous quotes I can retrieve from it. If I took part in the Teaser Tuesday meme, I would have to share more than just two! Here are some:

"To deceive the enemy, you must first deceive your own side..."
"Knowing when to leave requires training."
"Betrayal can be a ninja's best lesson."
"Gentleness shall defeat harshness."
"Only the living seek revenge..."
"The heart confuses the mind."

Penultimately, I enjoyed reading this book but it isn't the best. I loved how the ideas were drawn together but sometimes I just didn't feel like I wanted to carry on. However, I am still interested to read the second book because I would like to know what happens to Hattie next. Thank you so much to the author for sending me this series to review!

Publisher: Piccadilly Press Ltd
Publication date: 1st July 2009

Pages: 176

Edition: Paperback

Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.

The Plan! + other news

First of all... this is my 200th post! Whoop whoop! :D

Anyway. As I mentioned in a previous post (Discussion: IDWTRAB Syndrome) I am having trouble enjoying reading. It is becoming a chore and I am getting to the point where I am having to force myself to read review copies. In the comments section, you all recommended that I should take a break. You were all so nice and supportive, thank you! :-)
However, it is not so much a blogging dry spell, but a reading one. But reading does have an impact on blogging - for example, I may do a negative review not because of the book but because of the fact I'm not currently enjoying reading.

I have decided not to take a break straight away. I will spend the next half term (speaking in school terms) reading and blogging and then I'll take a break up until the summer holidays.
So, basically, my break from blogging will be at the beginning of June to the middle of July.
I hope that makes sense! XD

Also, I'd like thank the brilliant Beth from Page Turner for being extra nice! She sent me a lovely letter in the post hand written about my 'reading chore'. I would post a picture, but my camera is broken. So I'd just like to say a massive THANK YOU to you, Beth! You are so nice and run an amazing blog! =)

In other news....

• Shakira from Shakira's Book Blog 'n' Stuff  AND Amber from The Mile Long Bookshelf has awarded me The Versatile Blogger Award - thank you! *big hugs* But I'm not going to do a post about it again since Beth already awarded it to me first already. EDIT: Ria from The Beaucoup Review has also given it to me! Thank you! =)
• As you have already noticed (unless you're clicking on this page for the first time - in that case, welcome! ;)), I have changed my template! I designed the header and button on Picnik which unfortunately is closing down soon. :( So, what do you all think? Please share your thoughts!!!
• A lot of blogs have been switching from Blogger to WordPress, another blogging platform. Lately I have also been considering this. I have never been that concerned but then I found out this... Blogger have the right to delete your account without warning for no reason! Ahh, if that happened to me I'd probably cry! Also, people are saying that WP is easier and gives you more freedom with design. What do you all think?
• I have decided, due to a lot of review copies stacking up, I am going to have a Review Week next week. Basically, the plan is to do a review everyday. I have read a lot of books that I have been given for review but not actually reviewed them yet.
• Look out for a guest post on Beth's blog, Page Turner! I am going to do a guest post of her cool weekly meme, Catch that Character.

Finally, HAPPY EASTER!! And for those you don't celebrate it, have a great weekend. =)

Zoe xxx

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Synopsis:

A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.

A strange collection of very curious photographs.
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

Review:

This book is... interesting. It is definitely not like I thought it would be. Actually, to be honest, I'm not sure what I thought it would be like and that is probably one of the reasons I left it so late to read. The synopsis sounds quite mysterious and intriguing but I wasn't sure whether it would be mysterious like creepy. Some of the photos in there are quite scary!

Anyway. Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children starts with Jacob telling us about himself. I don't usually like beginnings like this as it can sometimes be a bit boring without starting with a 'bang', event or something interesting other than 'My name is Bob. My favourite colour is blue. I like puppies'. However, it lead me into how interesting the story is. The author tells the story at a pace that doesn't rush the story nor makes it drag on. After the first few pages I was lost in the words.

One of my favourite things about this book is how the photographs link in with the story. They add even more uniqueness (hmm, I didn't think that was a word but it turns out it is ;)) to the book.

Have you ever started to get nearer the end of a book and then begn to think that there aren't enough pages to end the plot? That's how I felt towards the end of this novel, and that the book ended quite suddenly. This sometimes repeated earlier in the book too as I felt sometimes things weren't explained very well and a lack of detail.

I think that this is quite an pleasurable read for young adults with a taste of fantasy and in the mood for an older fairy tale. I quite enjoyed but the genre itself isn't my favourite thing to read.

RATE: 3/5

Publisher: Quirk Publishing

Publication date: 7th June 2011

Pages: 352

Edition: Hardback

Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.

The Versatile Blogger Award

The awesome Beth from the awesome blog Page Turner has awarded me alongside fourteen other blogs the Versatile Blogger Award. Thank you so much, Beth! =)

Here is what you have to do:

• If you get awarded, add "The Versatile Blogger Award" button to your blogs side-bar
• Write down seven random facts about you
• Award 15 other bloggers and let them know!

Therefore, here are my seven random facts about moi!

1. I love technology - give me a laptop, phone or iPod and I'll be satisfied for the rest of the day. :D
2. Ever since I can remember I have wanted to go to New York, and somehow I'm gonna get there!
3. This probably isn't very surprising, since I am an avid reader, but my life long goal is to publish a book.
4. My favourite shows to watch on TV are Waterloo Road, Friends, The Apprentice, Doctor Who and The Voice.
5. I am a HUGE Potterhead! :)
6. I have recently began to love photography.
7. I love music, and especially like listening to Jessie J, One Direction, Taylor Swift, McFly, The Script, Green Day and ADELE. Pity I can't sing, or dance... ;)

Finally, these are the 15 amazing blogs I have chosen to pass on the award to....

1. Bookster Reviews
2. Booktastic Reviews
3. Page Turner
4. The Beaucoup Review
5. The Book Addicted Girl
6. Whispering Words
7. Readaraptor
8. Booked Up!
9. Fluttering Butterflies
10. The Mile Long Bookshelf
11. Books Are A Girl's Best Friend
12. Gripped Into Books
13. painting with words.
14. A Reading Daydreamer
15. Shakira's book blog n' stuff

N'awww...I wish I could do more! :-(

Thanks again to Beth for giving me the award! You rock!

Zoe xx

Discussion: IDWTRAB Syndrome

I have literally just thought of this discussion post and wanted to share it with you all straight away. Lately, I have been finding it hard to get into a book. The book that I read last took me two weeks to finish. This is partly because I haven't had time, but also because I couldn't be bothered. Yes, correct - I HAVE IDWTRAB SYNDROME! IDWTRAB = I Don't Want To Read A Book. ;)

A lot of people have a blogging slump where they take a break because it is becoming more of a chore than a hobby. However, they come back even better than before afterwards! This is what is happening with reading for me, sadly. *cue dramatic music*

Since the Easter holidays have begun (WHOOP!) I am hoping to clear a few of my review books off my list. I hope that my plan goes well and that I won't have to force myself to read... wish me luck!

Has anybody else gone through a reading/blogging dry spell? Comment below what you think :)

Zoe xx

Winner of Between the Land and the Sea

With special thanks to the lovely author, Derrolyn Anderson, I was able to host a giveaway of her ebook, Between the Land and the Sea. The winner has been selected totally at random and the lucky person is....

Beverley from A Reading Daydreamer!

Thank you all for entering and congrats to the winner :)

Zoe xx

Cover Crazy: Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie

**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 realising; 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.**

I LOVE the Matched covers. If the actual stories are as good as they look, then they are brilliant. The third book cover has just been released and (the actual book will be out on the 13th November 2012) I keep on meaning to show you the beautiful cover!

Here are all three of the covers. Matched, Crossed and Reached.

I love it when books in series match. The first one (in my opinion) represents like she is trapped in the world. Crossed is her breaking free and Reached is managing to escape. Perhaps the next one in the series (if there is going to be one!) will be her completely out of the glass ball and leaving it behind.

I also love (I think I have used to word 'love' like a million times by now) the font. One letter in each of them is different to the rest. It also really goes with the background and image too. The covers are so simple and unique, and it makes me really want to buy the book!

What do you think?

Zoe xx