Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Book Shelf: Boundless (Unearthly #3) by Cynthia Hand

The past few years held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner ever could have anticipated. Yet through the dizzying high of first love to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she could no longer deny was that she was never meant to have a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seemed like the best option, so she’s headed back to California—and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfil her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must choose her fate once and for all.

More info on Goodreads......


Review: (Warning: Contains some spoilers!)

Boundless is the highly anticipated conclusion to Cynthia Hand’s thrilling Unearthly Trilogy!

Honestly, I’m not quite sure what to think of this book. In the majority of ways I loved it, but having looked forward to it for so long I don’t feel that it quite lived up to my expectations for how the series would end. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoyed this book immensely, but at the same time there was just a part of me that expected more.

As a whole, this series has been an absolute joy to read! As a debut novelist when Unearthly was released, Cynthia Hand jumped right into her series with all the talent and poise you’d expect of a seasoned writer. Her writing is beautiful and riveting and her storylines have gripped me from the very beginning.

As the finale in the series, Boundless was always going to be a roller coaster ride of emotion and danger. Going into it there were so many decisions and ultimate choices that Clara would face, and set over the course of almost a year, and in this retrospect Boundless doesn’t disappoint as it takes us from one issue to the next. I’m really sad to see all the characters I’ve come to love go. Obviously Clara, but also Angela, Tucker, Wendy, Christian and even Jeffery. Regardless of how big their role in the series was, they all have it such life.

It’s been quite incredible watching Clara grow in this series. As our heroine, she’s always been so grounded and easy to follow. She’s found love and lost it and struggled with her feelings for more than one boy as she faced who, and what she is, and the losses that can come with that. And yet even when she was at her most vulnerable or in the worst possible situation, there’s always been a strength to her that shone through. I have to applaud Hand for writing a main character that I’ve truly enjoyed reading about. I liked Clara, plain and simple. No matter what she faced, her heart and spirit always guaranteed that I’d follow her no matter what. It was that perfect blend of strength and fragility; innocence and power that made me enjoy being in her head so much.

In the end I’m ultimately glad with the decision Clara made on who she would be with, but at the same time, Boundless often left me wondering whether the other guy was the one for her. Cynthia Hand has done a fantastic job with the love triangle that was Clara-Tucker-Christian. In many series, the heroine has a strong relationship with one guy and is simply with the other to get over him or because she thinks she should give him a chance, etc. when all the while you know her heart belongs to guy number one completely. However, in the Unearthly series, this is not the case. The relationships Clara had with both Tucker and Christian could easily have stood on their own. Clara shared a deep, romantic, forbidden love with Tucker that was not only passionate and thrilling, but that felt real. It was consuming, but also real, despite the fact that it went against her destiny in a way. With Christian, the connection was strong and it was there, with neither able to deny it. He was her best friend who she turned to and cared about but in the end her heart belonged with Tucker a little bit more.

My biggest issue with this book is that I felt cheated in many ways. Cynthia Hand had this novel span months and months, and because of this I feel too much was glossed over. I would have liked to have explored things deeper and seen more happen. Oh, and the lack of Tucker may have gotten to me too. There wasn’t enough him and Wendy for my liking.

However, with so many unexpected discoveries and even a baby in the picture, Boundless brings about the end of the Unearthly Trilogy in a happy, and hopeful way. As I mentioned, I’m sad to see the series end, but I certainly expect big things from Cynthia Hand in the future!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Harper Collins Australia (Thank you guys!)
Format: Paperback.
Buy it: Booktopia | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
Recommendation: Considering this is one of the best angel series out there, this is one trilogy you do not want to miss!
Cover: Gorgeous--simply gorgeous! Then again, all of the covers in this series have been stunning!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Obviously, this is the end in the Unearthly Trilogy, but Cynthia Hand has easily guaranteed that I'll read more from her in the future...


Monday, April 29, 2013

Owl Post #11


Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.

Hello Book Lovers!

Welcome to this weeks Owl Post! Let's take a look shall we :)


For Review:


From HarlequinTEEN.....
 
-Dare You To by Katie McGarry
Love, love, LOVED this book! Katie McGarry is a genius! Cannout wait until book 3 with Isaiah and his lady love Rachel, hehe. ;)
 
.....Thank you Polina!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
 
From Bloomsbury.....
 
-Blood Prophecy by Alyxandra Harvey
 I'm a massive Drake Chronicles fan (whoever said vampires were done were kidding themselves!) and I'm of a mixed mind about the last book in the series. I'm reading it right now and loving it, but am also very sad to know it's the last!
 
......Thank you Sonia--you're so good to me!!
 
 
From Pan Macmillan Australia.....
 
-Wildlife by Fiona Wood
I've heard incredible things about author Fiona Wood, but in all honesty I'm not sure if this is my kind of thing. We'll see.....
 
.....Thank you guys!
 
 
From Random House Australia......
 
-Scarlet In The Snow by Sophie Masson
This book was a bit of a surprise, but it sure does sound excellent. I love fairytale retellings, so I have big hopes for this!
 
.....Thank you guys!!
 
 
I Bought:
 
 
- The Sweet Scent of Blood by Suzanne McLeod
- Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh
-
Smolder by Melina Morel
I don't often buy from the bargain bin at department stores but when I seen these for $3 each at Big W, I kinda bought 'em. I know I wanna read Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series eventually, so I'm glad I picked up that one. Gotta get the first two books first....
 
That's me this week! Be sure to leave links to your posts in the comments so I can find out what the Owls dropped off for you this week ;)
 

Sunday, April 28, 2013

The Weekly Wrap-Up #9


Credit goes to Ashley of Ashley Loves Books for the picture and wrap up idea!

Hello my lovelies! Hope you all had fantastic weeks!!

__________________
 
This week at The Rest Is Still Unwritten......
 
 
-The Flight Book Blitz stopped here on Monday and I shared an excerpt with you guys as well as a GIVEAWAY for an ebook copy of Flight!
 
This week, I reviewed:
-Hooked by Liz Fichera 4/5 stars!
-Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter 4/5 stars!
-Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter 3/5 stars!
 
-I was waiting on Rebel Spirits by Lois Ruby this Wednesday :)
  
- Annnnd, as with last week, I showcased a bunch of great FREE Kindle Ebooks on Saturday!
 
Coming Soon!
 
-The Phantasma Blog Tour tops here on May 3rd! Be sure to stop back for a guest post from the author and perhaps even a GIVEAWAY!
 
-On Wednesday I'll be revealing the cover for You Are Mine by Janeal Falor
 
 
Around the Blogosphere!
 
 
-Alluring Reads & Xpresso Reads are hosting an incredible international Cover Madness Giveaway! FOUR winners will win a book of their choice from a list of books featueing stunning covers! Head here for you chance to win!
 
_________________
 
And that's what's been going on at The Rest Is Still Unwritten this last week!
 
 
 

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Free Kindle ebooks!

Hello booklovers!

It's freebie time guy's. Check out the below links for fabulous free Kindle ebooks!





What do you think of these freebies? Any you've added to YOUR TBR list?
 
 

Friday, April 26, 2013

Book Shelf: Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark #1) by Gena Showalter

Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless -- and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost…until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.

Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation -- or her ultimate damnation?

More info on Goodreads.....

Review:


Drawing us into her new world of tormented angels and strong heroines, author Gena Showalter begins her new Angels of the Dark series with a spellbinding tale that showcases everything that makes her PRN novels so great and utterly addictive!

Alright, so to say I was excited to finally get to read this book is an understatement. I absolutely adore Gena’s books and count them amongst my faves. There’s nothing of hers I’m yet to read that I haven’t loved and devoured and I find that her writing never fails to entertain and her stories to enthral. Wicked Nights kick-starts Showalter’s new Lords of the Underworld spin-off series feathering some of the angels seen in LOTU and others we’ve yet to meet.

As with her LOTU series, her characters are tormented and somewhat broken, with harsh, painful pasts; all shrouded in mystery and secrets. While this novel does feature cold, emotionless leader Zacharel and his lady love, Annabelle as our main characters, we are also introduced to the other rugged angels that make up his army. Thane, Xerxes, Bjorn, Kolodo, and the female Jamila are standouts and feature Showalter’s trademark anguish and misery and are clearly haunted individuals all with unique back stories that are yet to be told. The small glimpses that we have of them throughout the book already point to strong, powerful stories of their own, as seen with the Lords of the Underworld books and I for one cannot wait to learn of their lives.

Our main hero in Wicked Nights is Zacharel, the strong, but emotionless angel we first met in LOTU. Finally allowing him to have is own tale in Angels of the Dark, Showalter tells of his guilt and pain at the loss of this brother and the events that fuel his actions now, along with the choices that will ultimately be his salvation or destruction. Zacharel is far from perfect. Even throughout this book his makes mistakes as he learns of his feelings for Annabelle and what it means for him. Actually feeling and desiring is new for him and while instinct rules him for the most part, he’s not without his faults and bad choices. And I liked this. It’s always lovely to see a character such as Zacharel learn and grow so much.

One of the best parts of the novel was our heroine Annabelle. While I did love Zachie, Annabelle is the kind of power-rocket heroine I’ve come to love from Gena, with all the flair, vulnerably and strength I adore. Having witnessed her parent’s deaths and then having been blamed for the, the attitude she took during her horrific incarceration managed to keep her going. So many people would have given up, but Annabelle fought the demons constantly and even the atrocious humans who thought to harm her. It’s amazing that she managed to remain so unbroken aside from some understandable trust issues and fear when men were concerned.

In typical Gena Showalter fashion, this book is action and danger packed while also featuring the romance and sensual love scenes you expect from one of her passionate books. From beginning to end this is an enjoyable read that every PRN should give a go. As the first book in the Angels of the Dark series, and even though it features no horrible cliff-hanger ending, Wicked Nights left me desperately craving the next story and eager to devour the entire series!

Rating:
Source: I bought it myself.
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Booktopia | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
Recommendation: PNR fans, especially those who already love Gena will adore this.
Cover: I love it--like how it follows the LOTU books
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Absolutely!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Book Shelf: Beauty Awakened (Angels of the Dark #2) by Gena Showalter

His name is Koldo. He is scarred, powerful, his control legendary-and he lives only for vengeance, determined to punish the angel who viciously removed his wings. But if he yields to the forces of hatred, he will be kicked from the heavens, eternally damned.

She is his last hope. Nicola Lane was born with a defective heart, yet this fragile human shows surprising strength as demons stalk her every move, determined to end her. She is the key to Koldo's deliverance...and his downfall. Though he fights duty, destiny and his first addictive taste of desire, his toughest battle will be the one for Nicola's life-even if he has to sacrifice his own....

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Beauty Awakened is the 2nd installment in Gena Showalter's Angels of the Dark series and marks the next chapter in her Lords of the Underworld spin off series!

I feel I must begin this review by saying that I am a HUGE Gena Showalter fan. Always have been and always will be, but unfortunately I wasn't the biggest fan of this book as I have been with others of hers in the past. Don't get wrong, I liked it and was certainly worth reading, but for some reason I just didn't love it like I'd hoped I would.

Beauty Awakened features Koldo, one of the Army of Disgraces hardest warriors and his lady love, Nicola, a human female with a fragile heart-literally. I liked Koldo and Nicola, I did, but I just didn't adore than as I have with most of Gena's couples in the past. Were they good together? Yes. Were they great characters? Er, maybe. But I just didn't connect with them and love them like the couples of the past.

For some reason I struggled to really connect with Koldo. Usually, I've completely smitten with Gena's leading men, but despite Koldo's strength and heart, I just didn't really fall for him like I wished I would have. There was just something, something I can't even name, that kept me from really caring about him as I wished.

And unfortunately, Nicola was the same. Nice character and all, but I felt like I'd seen her before and due to this I never fully felt invested in her life. She lacked that spark I look for in female leads and because of this I struggled to become invested in her life and her growing relationship with Koldo.

As I've mentioned previously, I liked the connection between Koldo and Nicola, but I didn't love it. If I'm being honest, it felt like there was something missing. As though they had been paired togther simply for the sake of it. I don't know. I just expected more I guess. There seemed something lacking. Even their physical relationship and chemistry seemed missing--something I don't expect with Gena Showalter. Her writing of their romance seemed off or something.

Anywhoo, overall not a bad read, but definitely not the best book of Gena Showalter's I've read either, and yet, I like where she's going with this series. Each book evolves the plot a bit more and there are a whole bunch of characters--Thane, Bjorn, Xerxes and Axel--that I'm really eager to read about in the future!

Rating:
Source: I bought it.
Format: Paperback.
Buy it: Booktopia | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
Recommendation: For fans of PNR! 
Cover: Not the biggest fan--it's different than the previous one and those of Gena's LOTU series.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Oh yes! This book may not have blown me away, but I still intend to stick with it!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #39

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....


Rebel Spirits by Lois Ruby
Released on: 1st June 2013
Add it on Goodreads!

Infused with history and mystery, this tale of ghosts, love, and murder takes place in present-day Gettysburg, where the Civil War still looms large.

Lori Chase doesn't know what to think about ghosts. She may have seen a few in the past, but those were just childish imaginings...right? Only now that she is living in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, spirits seem to be on everyone's mind. The town is obsessed with its bloody Civil War history, and the old inn that Lori's parents run is supposedly haunted by the souls of dead soldiers.

Then Lori meets one such soldier--the devastatingly handsome Nathaniel Pierce. Nathaniel's soul cannot rest, and he desperately needs Lori's help. Because Nathaniel was not killed in the famous battle. He was murdered. Lori begins to investigate the age-old mystery, stumbling upon shocking clues and secrets.

At the same time, she can't help falling for Nathaniel, just as he is falling for her...

Thoughts:
Alright. So basically.... I want this book. ASAP! It sounds BILLIANT! Spirits, love and the Civil War?!? *in heaven* I love these kinds of stories!! Looking forward to June!!

What are you waiting on this week? Leave links in the comment and I'll check it out!
And will you be adding Rebel Spirits to your TBR list?

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Book Shelf: Hooked (Hooked #1) by Liz Fichera

When Native American Fredericka ‘Fred’ Oday is invited to become the only girl on the school’s golf team, she can’t say no. This is an opportunity to shine, win a scholarship and go to university, something no one in her family has done.

But Fred’s presence on the team isn’t exactly welcome — especially not to rich golden boy Ryan Berenger, whose best friend was kicked off the team to make a spot for Fred.

But there’s no denying that things are happening between the girl with the killer swing and the boy with the killer smile...

GET HOOKED ON A GIRL NAMED FRED.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Hooked was a fun, romantic debut that truly did have me hooked.

As someone only just beginning to find their feet with contemporary novels, I’m pleased to say Hooked was a very enjoyable read! Liz Fichera’s debut novel is perfectly written and beautifully told.

Told in dual POV, the story of a golden boy and Native American girl who have a very unlikely romance as they bond over their shared love of golf was really nice to read about. Told against the stunning backdrop of the Estrella Mountains and the desert that surrounds it, Hooked sees Fredericka “Fred” Oday join the boy’s golf team thanks to her natural talent and ambition, ruffling a few feathers as she does. When Ryan Bergener’s best friend loses his spot on the team for Fred, Ryan expects to hate Fred forever. Neither expects to fall for the other.

I must say I’m not the biggest sport fan, and golf doesn’t really do anything for me in particular, however I admit I certainly appreciated its place within Hooked. It’s a really refreshing thing to see a sport like this be explored throughout a YA novel. With football or basketball usually our focus in books and movies, author Liz Fichera thought outside the box and took a chance with golf. And you know what, it really worked!

The setting of this book was really beautiful and really different. The idea of the harshness and wildness of the desert was perfect within this book and fit in perfectly with Fred’s heritage and upbringing. It was a nice touch to the story. I enjoyed how Fichera looked at the social standing of the Native Americans, especially when we compared it to the world that Ryan lived in, but I would have loved to have seen it explored just a teeny bit more.

The characters within this book were perfect within the story. Admittedly they are what I’ve come to expect from YA contemporary romance novels- the nasty girl/ex-girlfriend, jerk best friend and standout golden boy—but that didn’t mean I liked reading about them any less.

Fred was a solid main character to read about. She was likable and I really did want the best for her. I liked how Fichera explored Fred’s sad, and difficult home life, making everything she was doing to better herself all that more meaningful. Her inner strength and determination, especially when people were treating her as they were, was admirable. At her base, Fred was a good main character to read about; she was likable but also showed traits that everyone should have.

Ryan too was a likable male lead, although I sometimes found myself frustrated by his choices, before and after he’d met and was falling for Fred. Admittedly, this made me appreciate his growth all the more as the book progressed, but that didn’t leave me any less frustrated with him at times.

As a couple Fred and Ryan were sweet. Their relationship wasn’t overly electric or anything, but was a rather endearing undertone to the book. Building from an unexpected friendship at first even though they did “like” one another too, their romance wasn’t too much within the book; fitting in with the feel of the book instead.

Overall, I was quite satisfied with this book. Hooked was a great debut and though it was my first Liz Fichera book, the fact that I’m already counting down the day’s until it’s sequel featuring Ryan’s sister Riley and Sam Tracey, I can definitely guarantee it won’t me my last!

Rating:
Source: For review by HarlequinTEEN Australia (Thank you Polina!!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Booktopia | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
Recommendation: Contemporary fans will enjoy this. 
Cover: I love the colour, but other than that it doesn't really do much for me.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes, I'm looking forward to the next book.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Blog Tour: Flight by Lindsay Leggett- Excerpt and Giveaway


Welcome to the Book Blitz Tour for Flight by Lindsay Leggett, presented by Xpresso Book Tours!

I'm excited to share an excerpt for this book with you today as well as give away a Kindle (mobi) copy out to an international follow. If this excerpt won't convince you to add this book to your TBR list, I don't know what will!

Let's take a look at Flight!

 
The first rule of survival in the Underground: When you’re outside, keep your eyes on the skies. Ace Harpy Hunter Piper Madden is used to danger, but the death of her brother slams the brakes on her high-torque lifestyle and leaves her broken and confused.

On the run from the dictating Elder Corporation, she’s eventually found in the quiet undergound city of Ichton and asked to work for the Corp on contract to quell a new and frightening Harpy threat.

Enter the discovery of horrifying Corporation secrets, Harpy attacks, and a new friendship with the strange Asher, and Piper’s days become anything but boring.

Then, a chance encounter leaves Piper privy to a dangerous secret, ad as she and Asher team up in an effort to unravel the truth, the secrets they uncover beneath the ancient walls of the dead city will spark their world into a grand-scale war.

Excerpt:
 
It always starts like this. My vision starts to blur and the depth of the dirty brick walls plummets into a single plane, like I’m staring into an abyss that never ends. Pins and needles prick their way over my body and I fall backward, sinking through layers of sticky black sludge. I land with a thud and David is before me speaking urgently. His eyes are lined with confusion and anger.

“Piper, I don’t like what you’re doing. Please, for the sake of our mother and our friends, put an end to it now,” he says to me. We’re at our place in the mountains, the stars peering onto us like frail paper lanterns. I look at him seriously, my hand over my mouth, mind reeling at what he’d said.

“You don’t understand, David. I love him,” I reply, feeling tears brim my eyelids.

“… … ….” David’s lips are moving, but the noise coming out of his mouth is like raw static.

“I can’t hear you. What’s going on?” I ask. He looks like I just slapped him in the face.

“I can’t believe how selfish you are! “… … … ” He shouts, then comes the static again.

“David, I think there’s something wrong right now. I haven’t done anything!” I cry frantically, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him. He brushes me off and gives me a hard stare.

“People are going to get hurt, Piper. I need you to understand that!” he shouts.

“I don’t understand, David!” I plead, “How are people going to get hurt?”

I hear more static come from his mouth, but he doesn’t seem to notice, he just keeps talking, clearly thinking he’s telling me something important. Frantically, I look around for a clue as to what is going on. When I turn back to him, David’s face starts to deteriorate and his body fades away to dust.

Add Flight on Goodreads!

Purchase Flight:
Amazon | Barnes and Nobles


Meet The Author!
 
Nearly every writer struggles to put together information about themselves, perhaps because we’re so used to detailing the lives and ways of others. For the most part I am a writer, editor, photographer, and all-around artist living in the wilds north of Toronto, Ontario. I thrive on the juxtaposition of beauty and grit, enjoy urban crawls, indie everything, and time well-spent in the woods.

Visit Lindsay Leggett:
Website | Twitter | Goodreads


GIVEAWAY!

I have on Kindle (mobi) copy to giveaway to ONE lucky reader thanks to Xpresso Book Tours and author Lindsay Leggot!

- To enter simply leave a comment on this post with your email!
- Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY!
- You DO NOT need to be a follower to enter, although it's always appreciated.
- You can have ONE EXTRA entry by following Lindsay Legget on Twitter/Goodreads/Her website. Simply tell me how in your comment.
-Giveaway will run from April 22nd (today) until May 6th. Winner will be contact via email :)

________________
 
Thanks go out to Giselle at Xpresso Book Tours and Lindsay Legget for allowing me to be a part of this Book Blitz tour and goodluck to everyone who enters this giveaway!

Sunday, April 21, 2013

The Weekly Wrap-Up #8


Credit goes to Ashley of Ashley Loves Books for the picture and wrap up idea!

Hello book lovers!

Let's find out what's been going on at The Rest Is Still Unwritten this week.......

__________________
 
This week at The Rest Is Still Unwritten......
 
 
-Discover what the owls dropped off at my house with this weeks Owl Post.
 
I Reviewed:
- Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo 4/5 stars
- The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken 4/5 stars
 
-I was waiting on Teardrop by Lauren Kate this Wednesday
  
- I showcased a bunch of great FREE Kindle Ebooks on Saturday
Coming Soon!
 
 
-The Flight Book Blitz stops at The Rest Is Still Unwritten tomorrow so be sure to stop by for your chance to win an ecopy of this book :)
 
_________________
 
And that's what's been going on at The Rest Is Still Unwritten this last week!
 

Saturday, April 20, 2013

FREE EBOOKS!

It's freebie time again! Click on the below links to download these books for free!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Book Shelf: The Darkest Minds (The Darkest Minds #1) by Alexandra Bracken

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something frightening enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a government ′rehabilitation camp′. Ruby might have survived the mysterious disease that killed most of America′s children, but she and the others had emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they could not control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now on the run, she is desperate to find East River, the only safe haven left for kids like her, and she joins a group of other runaways who have escaped their own camps. Liam, their brave leader, is falling for Ruby, but she can′t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all Liam. But there are also other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government.

Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice - and one that may mean giving up her only chance at having a life worth living.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken is a thrilling and exciting story that will leave you desperate for more!

I have to be honest and say that it did take me a little while to really be caught by this book. The first few chapters weren’t what I was expecting and as such, it was a little while before the story really captured me attention, but once it did, I didn’t want this book to end.

The Darkest Minds was very well written; the pace more or less perfect and the story exciting. Alexandra Bracken has woven together a very intriguing tale. Admittedly, I was a tad confused about what was affecting the children of the USA and where this had all come from; a bit more detail and explanation wouldn’t have gone astray. Why were adolescents over the age of 10 dying or exhibiting supernatural abilities? And yet, at the same time I understood Bracken’s use of mystery surrounding this- no one really did know what was causing this disease or what brought it on, only that the children who managed to survived it were gifted with unnatural abilities. Told in first person, you can only know as much as your main character knows, so as Ruby learnt more, we in turn did too.

Throughout The Darkest Minds there’s an undeniable aura of desperation that saturates the pages. The children and characters of The Darkest Minds are essentially alone, and must protect themselves and each other. The world they live in fears them and thinks them monsters, no matter if they’ve never hurt a soul; they’re alive when others aren’t and therefore must be something awful. Having been locked in horrible camps and treated horrendously by those who are supposed to love and protect them, these kids and teenagers are on their own.

And in saying all this, I think the biggest strength of this book for me were these incredible characters. And especially the friendship and bon that develops between our main characters so quickly during their time together. As our main character and protagonist, Ruby was quite enjoyable to read about. She had a good heart and a strong desire to do the right thing, to be the right thing, even though she was an Orange. She showed courage when required, but she also demonstrated fear and unease when it affected her. She made mistakes and had flaws but she strove to do the right thing in the end.

As a highlight in the book, the dynamic between Ruby, Liam, Chubs and Zu- three other teenagers Ruby meets during her escape from her camp—was brilliant. Despite only having known each other for a short period of time, these four really hit it off; bonding quickly over their shared circumstances. It was so sweet seeing them come to care for one another; from Ruby and Zu’s “girl time” to the chemistry between Ruby and Liam to the fantastic friendship that was already there between Liam, Chubs and Zu when Ruby makes her way into their lives—it was fantastic to read about it!

With four fantastic characters and a storyline that explores human nature, fear and desire to survive and really does get better with the turn of every page, The Darkest Desire was a great read! Sporting a shocking cliffhanger ending that won’t be what you as the reader want to see, I know I personally cannot wait to see what Alexandra Bracken does with this series next!


Rating:
Source: This was a Christmas present from my brother :)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository // Amazon
Recommendation: If you enjoy dystopians, then this is for you!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Definitely! Looking forward to more!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #38



Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....
 
 
Teardrop by Lauren Kate
Releases on: October 22nd 2013
Add it on Goodreads!

Never, ever cry. . . . Eureka Boudreaux's mother drilled that rule into her daughter years ago. But now her mother is gone, and everywhere Eureka goes he is there: Ander, the tall, pale blond boy who seems to know things he shouldn't, who tells Eureka she is in grave danger, who comes closer to making her cry than anyone has before.

But Ander doesn't know Eureka's darkest secret: ever since her mother drowned in a freak accident, Eureka wishes she were dead, too. She has little left that she cares about, just her oldest friend, Brooks, and a strange inheritance—a locket, a letter, a mysterious stone, and an ancient book no one understands. The book contains a haunting tale about a girl who got her heart broken and cried an entire continent into the sea. Eureka is about to discover that the ancient tale is more than a story, that Ander might be telling the truth . . . and that her life has far darker undercurrents than she ever imagined. From Lauren Kate comes an epic saga of heart-stopping romance, devastating secrets, and dark magic . . . a world where everything you love can be washed away.

Thoughts:
I have to be honest here, I may own the first three Fallen books, but I've actually only read the first book. And yet....I really wanna read this. Admittedly the cover caught my attention, but the story does sounds really good too. LOL.

What do you think? Will you be adding Teardrop to YOUR TBR list?
And what are YOU waiting on this week?
 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Book Shelf: Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Leigh Bardugo’s debut novel Shadow and Bone is a highly addictive fantasy novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page!

Honestly, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect when I first began this novel. I’d heard mixed reviews—both good and bad, but after being given a bound copy of the first two books by Hachette Australia I was still really excited to read it for myself. And I’m thrilled to say that from beginning to end, this book had my complete and utter attention.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a fantasy tale like this. There are so few truly good fantasy stories within the YA genre lately, that made Shadow and Bone a real breath of fresh air with its intricate, and incredibly well written, story. Author Leigh Bardugo has created an incredibly unique fantasy world within this book. I can easily draw comparisons to the works of Maria V. Snyder, and that says a lot of Bardugo’s ability.

Leigh Bardugo told this story perfectly. Her writing was effortless, and beautiful and descriptive and just so many other things I love to see when reading this kind of book. Her world of Ravka and the Grisha and the Darkling was well thought out and interesting. Admittedly, in the beginning I was a tad confused and put off by the many exotic names for cities and people, as well as the names for the various groups of individuals with different abilities, but as the story progressed and I saw how they all interacted, I began to find my place in it more.

The characters within Shadow and Bone were great to read about. They all had their place within the story as we follow our heroine Alina, and I enjoyed trying to piece together the natures and motivations of them at times. Our protagonist Alina was a fantastic lead in this story. Flawed and vulnerable at times, she was easy to emphasize with and easy to follow. She grew throughout the novel as she learnt who she was as a Grisha and who her purpose was, but it was that inner fire that there in her from the beginning that made you cheer for her as she stood up for herself and the people of Ravka.

There was just the right amount of friendship and romance in this novel to entertain and entice with Alina making friends during the story and her relationship with her childhood Mal explored. Considering Alina’s connection to the Darkling, I would have liked to see more of Mal in this book. There’s no doubt he and Alina have something. They’re sweet and endearing, but the romantic in me wants to see more from then in the next book.

Featuring plenty of unexpected twists and a quick fire ending, Shadow and Bone is a tantalizing read. Alina’s journey is far from over and I’m eager to find out what Leigh Bardugo has in store for her in the next installment of this trilogy....


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Hachette Australia (Thank you Alice!)
Format: Paperback ARC bind-up
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository // Amazon
Recommendation: Fans of Maria V. Snyder and anyone who loves a fantastic fantasy tale will adore this!
Cover: Honestly, I'm not a fan. It doesn't do the book justice at all.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Owl Post #10


Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.

Hello Book Lovers!

Welcome to another Owl Post at The Rest Is Still Unwritten. This week I was lucky enough to get a few fantastic books for review, so lets take a look shall we.....


For Review:
 
 
 .....From Random House Australia
 
- Acid by Emma Pass
I was quite surprised when I received a copy of this in the mail, simply because I hadn't heard of it before, but BOY does it sound good! And the cover?? *swoon* So amazing! I'm really looking forward to reading this one!
 
.....Thank you Dorothy!
 
 
.......From Simon & Schuster Australia.....
 
- The Prey by Andrew Fuduka
Even though my review for The Hunt isn't up yet, I simply adored it, so to say I'm excited to read The Prey is an understatement. I'm soooo looking forward to more Gene and Ashley June and just everything to do with their whole world!
 
....Thank you Caroline--you are THE book goddess!!
 
 
.....From Harper Collins Australia
- Inheritance by Lisa Forrest
 People descended from circus performers who have supernatural gifts? Ah...yes please! You had me at circus.
 
.....Thank you Laura!
 
 
And those are my goodies this week! Make sure to let me know what the owls dropped off at your house in the comments!
 
 

Sunday, April 14, 2013

The Weekly Wrap-Up #7


Credit goes to Ashley of Ashley Loves Books for the picture and wrap up idea!

Hey book lovers!

Welcome to my first weekly wrap-up in a while! Obviously I've been without internet connection for a few months and have hence been MIA, but I'm back now and have a few things planned in the next couple of months or so.

Hope you've all been well!
__________________
 
This week at The Rest Is Still Unwritten......
 -Last Sunday I showcased a bunch of fantastic Kindle ebooks that found for FREE on Amazon.com. Check it out yourself and score yourself some free goodies!
 
-I shared the books I received these last few months with a massive Owl Post.
 
I Reviewed:
- V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram -5/5 stars!
- Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi - 5/5 stars
 
-I was waiting on Charming by Elliot James on Wednesday
  
Coming Soon!
 
 
-The Flight Book Blitz stops at The Rest Is Still Unwritten next Monday the 22nd of April and I'll be showcasing this fantastic book. 
 
_________________
 
And that's what's been going on at The Rest Is Still Unwritten this last week! Don't forget to stop in again for tomorrow's Owl Post and find out what the owls dropped on my doorstep this week ;)
 
 

Friday, April 12, 2013

Book Shelf: Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky #1) by Veronica Rossi

WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Under The Never Sky is Veronica Rossi’s thrilling debut that mixes a dark, harsh dystopian world with romance and action in an adventure that is pure brilliance!

I’ll be the first to admit that it’s taken me a while to finally read this book. I bought Under The Never Sky close to its initial release but it’s just sat on my shelf unread, before I finally decided to dive into it the other day. And boy, am I sorry I haven’t read it before now. This book was captivating!

It took me a couple of chapters to really become invested in the story and the characters but once I did I was thoroughly intrigued. Switching back and forth between main characters Aria and Perry, Veronica Rossi’s writing was descriptive and perfect; painting a harsh, violent and dangerous world. Rossi blends the advanced people of the Dwellers perfectly with those of the Tribes on the outside that are more primitive people.

The world of Outsiders and the Tribes was so harsh and savage and utterly fascinating to me! There was just something so primal about their world and many of the characters within this book. There was an unmistakable medieval, almost barbaric aura to the Outsider society and the people that inhabit it and I just adored this. It was quite refreshing as far as I’m concerned and it really worked for this story.

The Aether and the Never Sky are very interesting concepts and Rossi describes them well, but at times I struggled to fully understand their workings. They certainly were intriguing elements and I loved the extra enhancements Rossi gave to some of the characters in the form of Senses. It proved a perfect inclusion and made for a lot of excitement.

The characters within this book I adored. Veronica Rossi is created such a beguiling world that she needed to write a really fantastic group of characters to accompany it and she certainly has done so with this book! Aria, Perry, Roar, Cinder, Talon and the various others were perfect editions to the story. Their higharchy was sooooo interesting within the tribes and I found I loved this part of the story most.

As our heroine Aria was a joy to follow. This is the kind of heroine I love; strong, independent and feisty, but with vulnerabilities and flaws but one that grows and changes throughout the novel. Rossi writes Aria with such grace and I adored her growth throughout the novel as she learns about who she is and what has happened to her mother and her world. It was wonderful seeing her find confidence in herself as she navigates Perry’s world.

However as much as I loved Aria, I must say that Perry was by far my favourite character! Here is a male lead so very different from others that litter the YA faction but is utterly captivating as a character. Peregrine is just so primal and savage and there’s something so appealing about that throughout the book. Perry knows how to take care of himself and does what has to be done, and while we learn he does have his insecurities towards the end of the book, Perry is just so addictive. Honestly, I’m not sure I have the words to accurately say what I’m thinking right now.

Another thing I loved about this book......Aria and Perry’s relationship! They’re definitely awesome characters on their own, but together they just shine. They’re just so different individuals, with different lives and histories and seeing them learn to trust and rely on one another as they embark on their journey was just so enjoyable. They were awkward and unsure of each other at times, but they actually understand what the other is going through and it’s this shared experience that bonds them. I admit that the “romance” and spark between them is all too sizzling, but perhaps that just Rossi’s writing, because to me it’s rather a sweet undertone and development to an already amazing bond and friendship.

With a killer ending (literally) one full of revelations and demands, I’m so eager for the next book. Basically, I want more Perry and I cannot wait to see what Veronica Rossi does next!

Rating:
Source: I bought.
Format: Paperback.
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: Fans of dystopian and intense, sweet relationships and strong characters will love this one!
Cover: It's so striking--I love how the cover model (Aria) is walking through the never ever.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES!