Book Review: The Token: A Breed Apart by Natasha Rogue

*Advance reading copy provided courtesy of NetGalley*

Synopsis

Callie Michaels isn't pretty or popular, but her singing more than makes up for all she lacks. And as long as she focuses on what's really important, she can survive high school. But how can she focus with all the drama? Between her best friend's odd issues and a daily dose of weirdness from the social elite, she's starting to wonder if she's the only normal one around.

He pulled the front door open. "That's how it's done."

I rolled my eyes and made my way through the crowd that had spilled into the hall, muttering. "That's how it's done. Yeah? Where? In the jungle?"

"Yeah." James' breath on my nape sent a chill down my spine. "Something like that."

Just as her life begins spiraling out of control, the answer comes to her in a dream. In exchange for a token of blood, a demon will give her everything she desires. She says "yes." From that point on, she finds herself changing, becoming something far from normal. Something dangerous.

No one is what they seem—least of all her. While the supernatural creatures around her struggle to maintain their humanity, Callie slowly loses hers. She doesn't even know what's important anymore. Friendship, the future, love? And is there anyone who can make her care? 

Review

It's hard to decide if I love this book or not, because even though I couldn't put this book down, I found I was constantly confused.
I really loved the first half of this book, the main character, Callie, was witty, smart, a character that you can relate to. Until the second half began where I became annoyed with all the characters and couldn't relate to one of them. They had the "bad guys" at the beginning but for some reason the author wanted everyone to turn good?
For example, Callie says to someone (no spoilers), "Don't worry, even though you called up the evil creature, it's not your fault." What? Yes it was their fault.
I was just confused throughout the whole novel, I'm confused now just writing all that.

By being confused (I'm saying that a lot now), and lost I think this was the main reason why I couldn't put the book down. I just wanted to know who these characters were, I knew this book had a paranormal aspect to it (see synopsis), but it took forever to finally find out what exactly. And once our protagonist finds out, she isn't fazed in the least. Even when she realizes she is possessed by the devil (something like that), she just goes about her day. To me, what felt more important to Callie was what guy she should pick, even though the first half of the book didn't feel like that was her type of character to do.

I should stop being so negative and see the positive, which was the first half of this book, the part I enjoyed the most. Natasha Rogue writing was addictive and impressive. I was pleasantly surprised to finally read a young adult novel with an author who knew what they were doing. The characters didn't sound like they were much older than what they were, plus they didn't sound immature and pathetic.

Even though I've mentioned a few times that I was confused, this was a somewhat easy read. Because I couldn't put this book down, I did end up reading this in one day. And saying that as a mother, you can imagine me reading this while I was cleaning the house and cooking lunch. A book-a-holic can multitask.

Would I recommend this book to anyone? Yes, because everyone has their own opinions. I might hate something while someone else might like it.
If you love young adult paranormal with a strange twist, then you should pick this book up, try it out for yourself. The Token: A Breed Apart will be published on the 2nd December 2014.

If you have already read this book or just want to talk about it, please leave a comment below. I love to know your thoughts.

My star rating for The Token: A Breed Apart is:

(it was hard to decide between 2 and 3 stars)

Tea Tuesday: Reading More Classics

This past year I have been trying to read diversely instead of the same genre over and over again. Let's just say it was a struggle, I just preferred to read fantasy.
Since the first attempt didn't go so well that doesn't mean I shouldn't try again. Except this time I'm doing it one genre at a time, starting with classics.

So what does one do if they want to start reading classics? Why one goes on Goodreads polls and searches popular classics must reads.
399 books were voted, but lets be realistic, there is no way I will be able to read all of them, so instead I'll work my way down from the most voted.

Here is the top 8 books voted on Goodreads. If you want to check out the complete list click here; Goodreads | Popular Classic Must Reads.

Out of all the other genres to choose from why did I pick classics? Well I already love classics and it is where it all started. It's where you can find the first dystopian, fantasy, young adult, romance and so on. 

I think there is no better way to start then at the beginning.

If you have read any classics let me know in the comments below. Also do you agree with the Goodreads top 8 must read classics?

Hope you enjoyed Tea Tuesday.

Book Review: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Synopsis

Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver.

Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper.

Review

Have you ever come across a book that you found interesting, but you weren't sure if you should buy it or not? My rules are, if you think twice about something, leave it.
Well this book was exactly like that. I saw this book at the stores so many times, but every time I thought twice about purchasing it. But literally as soon as I got home I kicked myself for being stupid....again.
So finally I sucked it up and bought it, and lets just say, I'm so happy that I bit the bullet and did. My only annoyance was I wished I bought it sooner.
I love this book so much, that this is the second time I've read it. The first time was in September 2013, so just over a year ago.

Where do I begin with this....it's based in Australia (New Zealand born Australian author), told in the point of view of Don, who is a genius, socially awkward professor, looking for that "perfect" wife. To do this he creates a questionnaire called the Wife Project. Seeing all the requirements he wants in his match, I'm guessing it would take a very long time before he finds the one.

There were so many awkward scenes that I couldn't stop laughing the whole time. Picture a man who is very smart, takes everything very literal, and who goes on blind, group, and speed dates. The writing is comic genius.
Through this obsession with finding his future wife he meets Rosie, who isn't his ideal match (according to the questionnaire) but he finds he likes being with her anyway.
These two characters were great together. I loved their daily interactions and banter with each other, they just complimented one another.
You're probably guessing how this would end, considering it's a romantic novel, but it's not the ending that's important, it's how they got there. And let me tell you, the journey was funny, sad and incredible the whole way.

What I also loved about Don was his frequent obsession with naming an incident that has happened to him. For example when he goes on a date, everything was going smoothly until dessert, and his dates obsession with only having apricot flavour ice-cream. He names this "The Apricot Ice-Cream Disaster."
Or his first "date" with Rosie, the restaurant she picked had a strict dress code, which of course didn't go down too well. He called this as "The Jacket Incident."

I don't want to give too much away, because I recommend everyone who just wants a light hearted romance novel should pick this up. Beautifully written, I'm now officially obsessed with Graeme Simsion, that I can't wait to read more of his work.

If this happens to turn into a movie (which I'm guessing it probably will), and they get good actors and director, I will be first in line to buy the ticket. I'll even go as far as being an equivalent version of a Twihard. Now that's dedication.

My star rating for The Rose Project is:

Sequel

I started reading Graeme Simsion's sequel The Rosie Effect, I'm on page 100 and I think I might stop.
I'm not enjoying this as much as the first book. It's boring and there doesn't really seem to be a plot happening. Maybe it's just the mood I'm in, but whatever it is, I'm going to stop reading this and pick this up at a later date.
I really wanted to enjoy this one as much as The Rosie Project, but you know what they say about sequels, they aren't always as good.



If you have read either The Rosie Project or even The Rosie Effect, let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Tea Tuesday: A Song Of Ice And Fire Reading Marathon

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you probably already know I will be doing a reading marathon for George R.R. Martin's book series, A Song Of Ice And Fire.

(yes, these are my books and funko pop figurines)

I'm one of the biggest fans of the book and TV series, that I can read the Westeros map better then I do a map of my own town. And I seem to always bring up one or more characters in a conversation, no matter what the conversation is about. My brain is constantly thinking about this world. In all honesty I prefer not to leave.

For those who are wondering, I have read the entire series (up to A Dance With Dragons) before, but with a series that is this epic, I have a feeling that I missed something out. Plus the books are amazing that you can read them over and over again and still be shocked and amazed. Actually saying that, I have read books 1 and 2 twice already.

The main and important reason why I'm doing this is because back in the day (I sound old already) I used to read like this. Where I will read one book after the other of the same series. But since I started blogging, there are more books I want to read, which means I don't get to finish a series.
Plus I feel this "pressure" to read books that I probably will never pick up normally. I used to pick up books on a whim just by the look of the cover or what the synopsis said on the back, not what was popular at the moment. Not saying this is a bad thing, it's just not something I want to do all the time.
Also, I only chose fantasy novels, so at first I thought it was great to try new genres, but I've come to the realization that I'm a massive fan of fantasy, and I rather read that then anything else.
**This by no means that I won't pick up other genres, it just means that I love fantasy more.**

Okay back to the main reason of this blog.
As I stated before, I will be reading one book after the other and maybe watch the TV series after every book I finish. So book 1 then season 1 and so on.
I am planning to finish the book series (so far) before the TV show season 5 begins. I'm positive I can do it.

If you would like to read-a-long with me, then leave me a comment below. I've just started the first book A Game Of Thrones.

(first book in the series, A Game Of Thrones, with a bookmark I made with Cat + Mouse drawing of Margaery)

I have also been thinking I might do a weekly update on how I'm going, maybe every Monday, not setting anything in stone.

Hope you enjoyed Tea Tuesday

Harry Potter House Quiz

Before I begin, yes this post is a day late. I'm starting to think posting on Sundays isn't working out. I think from now on posts will be up Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lets see how that goes.


As the title says, I decided once and for all to do the Harry Potter House Quiz. I'm not joking when I say I've been meaning to do this for such a long time, especially as I'm a huge fan of the Harry Potter franchise.
It's not like I was worried about what house I was going to be placed in, it's just a plain and simple explanation, I'm lazy.

So what did I get? The sorting hat says....

Ravenclaw

A brief summary of Ravenclaw:

Ravenclaw is one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, founded by Rowena Ravenclaw. Members of this house are characterised by their wit, learning, and wisdom. Its house colours are blue and bronze, and its symbol is an eagle. The house ghost, who in life was the daughter of the house's founder Rowena Ravenclaw, is the Grey Lady.

Ravenclaw roughly corresponds with the element of air; the House colours blue and bronze were chosen to represent the sky and eagle feathers respectively, both having much to do with air.

See what house you are chosen in by clicking the following link - Harry Potter - Sorting Hat.

Book Review: Sabriel by Garth Nix

Synopsis

For many years Sabriel has lived outside the walls of the Old Kingdom, away from the random power of Free Magic, and away from the Dead who won't stay dead. But now her father, the Mage Abhorsen, is missing, and to find him Sabriel must cross back into that treacherous world - and face the power of her own extraordinary destiny.

Review

Sometimes I wonder if I like a book because I'm in the mood to read that type of genre, or because the book is actually really that good. In this case I think this applies. 

I was just in the mood to read an "easy" fantasy novel, but even if I wasn't, I think I still would've been absorbed in this world. 

Mostly in the point of view of Sabriel, we go on this journey to find her missing father, meeting strange and wonderful creatures along the way. To be honest (which I always am) the talking cat, Mogget, sold me. A witty character that made the journey a touch more interesting. Actually every talking cat in a book is always witty, must be a characteristic trait cats have. Not complaining.

It's a strange world Garth Nix has created, because south of the wall in Ancelstierre is a more modern setting, with electricity, cars etc. But as soon as Sabriel leaves and enters the Old Kingdom, it's like she steps back in time and your in a medieval fantasy setting. I thought this was a brilliant idea, it gave the best of both fantasy genres. Plus, I don't know how he did it, it just worked.

What I enjoyed most was the characters themselves. They weren't your typical hero, acting brave and courageous all the time, they are just like us if we were in their situation. Especially the two main characters (Sabriel and Touchstone), whose mission was to save the day. They were constantly afraid of the evil creatures trying to kill them, and instead of being like other heroes and fighting them, they just escaped. Something I would've done.

I don't want to talk too much about Touchstone (who is a guy by the way, hot one at that), because I'm trying to keep this as spoiler free as I possibly can. Especially when Sabriel and Mogget meet him for the first time. 

Let's just say he is a very interesting character that plays a big part in the story.

The magic aspect was placed so subtly that you just accepted this world for what it is. It's very hard for me to try and explain the different types of magic, so I'll just explain the main one, necromancy. Sabriel has the gift, just like her ancestors, to raise the dead. But unlike other necromancers, it's their mission to keep what is dead, dead. Putting them to rest for good. 

I just realised I'm terrible at explaining things without giving away spoilers. 

I hope you enjoyed my review, this was a book that I would recommend to anyone, especially if you love to read fantasy. Plus, Garth Nix is an Australian author, and I love to promote authors from my "home town."

If you have read the book, or just want to talk about it, please leave me a comment below. I would love to hear your thoughts.

My star rating is:

Tea Tuesday: My Nonna's Garden

Today's Tea Tuesday is a bit different then what I'll be normally doing (I think), and that is showing pictures of my Nonna's garden.

My Nonna has this beautiful garden at the front of her house, that when I was little it reminded me of one of my favourite books as a child, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. There were stepping stones leading everywhere, getting lost in a sea of beautiful flowers.
Of course as a child I thought it was never ending and the biggest garden I've ever seen, now that I'm an adult, I still love it but it's not as big as I thought.

I went over a few weeks ago and took pictures of some of the flowers she had, and the reason why I'm posting this is because I just wanted to share something that always puts a smile to my face. Also a memory of my childhood.
Plus she puts so much TLC (tender loving care) into her flowers, and coming from a person who doesn't do any gardening at all, I can appreciate the work and love she does.
And no, I'm not trying to win favours by doing this, I'm already her favourite grandchild. For crying out loud, I gave her a great-grandchild. Brownie points right there.

Warning: I don't know the name of these flowers, to be honest I'm the worst gardener in the world. If you know what these flowers are please leave a comment below. If I wasn't lazy, I should just ask my Nonna.

These photos are taken with my iPhone 4 camera.

Surprisingly they turned out not bad.
No filters were added.

Tea Tuesday: My Obsession With Books

It's not a secret because I don't hide it, I'm obsessed with books. Actually what is a stronger word for obsessed? Infatuation? Passion? Whatever you want to call it, basically books are my life and I will never in a million years stop reading.

My love of reading came when I was in primary school. I remember we got to sit in the library and pick one book to read for half an hour. This was the best thirty minutes of my life, all we had to do was sit quietly and read.
Then high school, unlike being told just to sit and read, we finally got to talk about the books and what our opinions were. This people is what I do now on a daily basis. And the great thing was, there was never a wrong answer, it's basically your views.
Because I loved reading and talking about it, I got top marks. Let's just not talk about my other subjects.

Why do books make me happy?

Escapism:
It's not that I don't like the life I'm living, I actually love and appreciate it, but sometimes you want to be transported into another world where there are dragons, medieval fighting, characters falling in and out of love, magic, the list can go on.

Words:
I love the English language. Strange thing to say, but it's true. Just the way the author can string words together to make you feel all kinds of feelings. As someone who struggles to do this, I have an appreciation for authors and anyone who can make the English language sound beautiful.

Plot:
Most of the time a plot can hook me into their web of brilliance, and I never want to escape. If the plot is excellent I'm basically 100% absorbed in the book. Nothing in the outside world matters except for these characters.
It's hard once you finish the book though, I think they call this "Book Hangover."

Book Buying:
One of the most rewarding feeling in the world. Every time I'm sad and I need a pick-me-up, I buy a book. I can't really word the reason why this makes me happy, maybe it's all the reasons above, but whatever it is I'm not complaining. Well my wallet is, but who listens to that guy.

Reviewing:
Once I've finished a book I like to review it, which means telling people my opinions whether it's good or bad. As soon as I finish any type of book, I have this urge to spread my feelings out to the world. Then hopefully I can start a discussion with someone and just talk about books.

I've always had problems with non-book readers. They don't understand that I just prefer to stay at home on Friday or Saturday nights reading a book then going out. People just need to accept my passion as I accept they don't like to read (even if I find that absolutely crazy).

If you are also passionate about books as I am, then let me know in the comments below. Not only would we be talking about books non-stop, but I'll also gain a book friend, the best type of friends in my opinion.

What's In My Book Bag? 3/11/14

I had this idea from videos I've seen of people doing "What's In My Bag." Well since I'm a book-addict (not ashamed) I've decided to put a twist on it....."What's In My Book Bag."
See what I did there.

Everything in this bag is what I need on a daily basis.

Basically everything I can't live without.

This is my book bag with all it's contents out.

Again, these are basically my lifeline.

I found this PERFECT book bag at Big W (Perth, Australia) while I was in line to pay for my endless amount of books I bought.

It cost me only $3.

The only reason I have two books, is because every time I read classics they take me forever to read. Plus my to be read pile is too long.

Just started Sabriel by Garth Nix, I've only heard great things.

And of course Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is absolutely perfect.

Of course my notebook and pen.

I'm constantly needing to write things down.

Got these beauties from Kmart (Perth, Australia).

And of course the electronics.

My Laptop/Tablet (my partner bought for me).

My outdated iPhone.

And of course my favourite headphones I got from Target (Perth, Australia) for only $10.

I hope you enjoyed this blog, it was fun to show you guys what I carry around with me every day.

I'm thinking of doing this every now and then. See how it goes.