Review -- Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Title: Tiger Lily
Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Release Date: 03 July 2012
Date Read: December 2012
Rating: ★★★★★

Tiger Lily left me speechless. Actually, no. That's a lie. I had speech alright. It just ended up being garbled and unrecognizable mutterings because sobs and cries of anguish were raking through my body. Thanks, Anderson. And to think, I was this close to not finishing the book.

Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . 

Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.

Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything—her family, her future—to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.

With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.
(from Goodreads)

Let me make this clear. I was planning on DNF-ing, not because it was a bad book, but because it was so damn good.

Wait, Katrina. Did you just say you weren't going to finish a book because... it was... too good?
Yes.

That is the most idiotic, most backwards thing I've ever heard.
I know. But I was going to do it.

When I first heard of Tiger Lily, I thought, "Hey, a fairy tale retelling? Cool, I'll look it up. Oh, it's of Peter Pan? Ohmygod, yes! Tiger Lily and Peter Pan are together? THAT IS THE MOST BRILLIANT IDEA EVER GIMME THE DAMN BOOK." Peter Pan is my all-time favourite fairytale classic and I grew up with Disney's Peter Pan movies. I'm freaking in love with it and I love Peter and Wendy. I will ship them until the end of time.

I knew that Peter and Tiger Lily were together in this book. But it just didn't register in my mind that they were going to be together. That was the start of the rocky relationship between Tiger Lily (the book) and me.

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Waiting on Wednesday (2)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill on Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. New installment of a series/trilogy, new book by a favourite author or a new release that captured your attention. Whatever book it may be, it certainly tickled your fancy and got you bouncing on your seat, silently giggling to yourself. Waiting on Wednesday allows us to feature books we're eagerly waiting for.

This Week I'm Waiting On:

Title: Antigoddess

Author: Kendare Blake

Series: Antigoddess (1)

Publisher: Tor Teen

Expected Publication: 10 Sep 2013

Old Gods never die…

Or so Athena thought. But then the feathers started sprouting beneath her skin, invading her lungs like a strange cancer, and Hermes showed up with a fever eating away his flesh. So much for living a quiet eternity in perpetual health.

Desperately seeking the cause of their slow, miserable deaths, Athena and Hermes travel the world, gathering allies and discovering enemies both new and old. Their search leads them to Cassandra—an ordinary girl who was once an extraordinary prophetess, protected and loved by a god.

These days, Cassandra doesn’t involve herself in the business of gods—in fact, she doesn’t even know they exist. But she could be the key in a war that is only just beginning.

Because Hera, the queen of the gods, has aligned herself with other of the ancient Olympians, who are killing off rivals in an attempt to prolong their own lives. But these anti-gods have become corrupted in their desperation to survive, horrific caricatures of their former glory. Athena will need every advantage she can get, because immortals don’t just flicker out.

Every one of them dies in their own way. Some choke on feathers. Others become monsters. All of them rage against their last breath.

I loved Anna Dressed in Blood and now Kendare has a new book coming out. Yay! I wanna read it, I wanna read it now. Plus, Greek mythology! How can I pass up on something like that?

What are you Waiting on this Wednesday?

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Book Blitz -- The Silver Sphere by Michael Dadich

Title: The Silver Sphere

Author: Michael Dadich

Publisher: Evolved Publishing

Release Date: 19 Nov 2012

Shelby Pardow never imagined she could kill someone. All she wants to do is hide from her troubled father... when she is teleported to awaiting soldiers on the planet Azimuth. Here she is not a child, but Kin to one of the six Aulic Assembly members whom Malefic Cacoethes has drugged and imprisoned. He seeks to become dictator of this world (and then Earth by proxy). His father, Biskara, is an evil celestial entity, tracked by the Assembly with an armillary device, The Silver Sphere. With the Assembly now deposed, Biskara directs Malefic and the Nightlanders to their strategic targets. Unless.... Can Shelby find the other Kin, and develop courage and combat skills? Can the Kin reassemble in time to release or replace the Assembly, overthrowing Malefic and restraining Biskara?

Get your copy at

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

About the Author

I’ve been writing since first setting pencil to steno pad at age 8. A year later, I began developing the world of my current series-in-progress, and even created its title, The Silver Sphere. Now, with the support of years of experience, those early maps and back stories have progressed into what I hope is a fresh and entertaining take on the classic young adult fantasy adventure.

Despite my frequent escapes into parallel worlds, I root myself firmly in my very real family and community. When not pacing the yard maniacally after every few pages of writing, I spend as much time as possible hanging out with my studly 9-year-old son, and my inspirational wife Jenna. I also coach several local youth sports teams in Beverly Hills, and alternate between yelling at my two crazy Corgis and hiking with my trained German Shepherd.

For more, join me in my favorite fantasy worlds, from Lord of the Rings to the creations of C.S. Lewis, Anne McCaffrey and Terry Brooks.

Follow Michael at:
Website

Twitter

Facebook

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A DNF Review -- Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Now let's get something clear. I hardly DNF books. I feel super guilty when I start entertaining the thought so as long as there's a tiny, tiny part of me that's somewhat curious or interested in how the book turns out, I will finish that book. Besides, how am I suppose to complain about a book if I never got to the ending to see if things got better? I haven't earned the right. But you know what? There are a bajillion books out there. My TBR pile is stacked sky high and I don't need to be wasting my time forcing myself on some book I really don't care about when I could be reading something amazing instead. I have all the rights I need to talk about whatever I want. I'm a reader.

Title: Tiger's Curse

Author: Colleen Houck

Series: The Tiger Saga (1)

Publisher: Sterling

Release Date: 11 Jan 2011

Date Read: December 2012

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

(I suggest you don't)

Tiger's Curse is one of the most tooth-achingly boring books I have ever read. It was written in Kelsey's perspective, in first person. That was no treat. She is so bland. She has no personality, not smart, not funny, not brave, nothing. Her attempts at jokes are just pitiful and she giggles too much. Accepting the way she got her job (for the cirucs and the India thing) was the least of the problems I had to overlook. And then, Houck managed to make India, one of the most exotic places on Earth, plain. I mean it's a country with a completely different culture, completely different people, places and food, everything. You can't blame me for wanting a hell of a lot more than what she gave. The writing is very straight-forward and constrained. The pacing was painful and there were quite a lot of info-dumps involving Ren's past and the mythology involved.

And ugh, the insta-love! I already hate insta-love but if the author makes it cute or is done well, then I can overlook it. Tiger's Curse's romance oozed disgusting fake cheese. And that's a pretty amazing feat considering Ren was only actually human for 24 minutes a day. My eyes rolled so far up my head I swear I could see my freaking brain.

After about 200 pages in, I decided to call it quits already. I honestly just didn't give a shit about any of it. Ren could have stayed a tiger for all I cared. Or mauled Kelsey.

What books have you labelled DNF? Do you even DNF books?

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Promo Event -- Altered Souls by Karice Bolton

Title: Altered Souls
Author: Karice Bolton
Series: The Witch Avenue (2)
Publisher: Bulldog Press
Release Date: 28 Oct 2012

The realm of Altered Souls brings nothing but unrest, deceit, and pain forcing Triss to come face to face with heartbreak from her past. 

Facing a betrayal like never before, Triss questions everything she thought she knew about her family, coven, and abilities. 

With the help of Logan, she embarks on a journey enabling her to confront the dark side of magic and the person who controls it. Realizing Triss’s ancestors have been seduced for centuries by the dark side, Triss and Logan must ensure no more in their world fall victim to the realm of Altered Souls, even if that means ending the ones they love.

                                                                                                                                        

Excerpt

As our lips met, the search for our security began. Neither of us wanted to believe that we could lose this. Running my fingers through his hair, I gripped his neck with my other hand. I didn’t want this closeness to end. The firmness of his body stretched along mine as he lifted me into his arms. I wrapped my legs around his waist, not wanting to detach from his kisses as they led away from my mouth down my neck. Feeling his breath dance across my skin as he kissed my collarbone brought a shivery delight to my senses. The softness of his lips was such a contrast to the firmness of his grasp as he guided his hands down my back.

He spun around, pinning me up against the tree with his weight, as I let my mind wander to what might be waiting for me next. My breathing got faster with each second of anticipation. He slowly brought my chin up and his lips began exploring mine once more. With every kiss, his mouth pressed harder along mine, and my heart exploded with curiosity. I let my hands find their way back to his neck up to his hair, twisting and pulling him closer to me with all of my strength.

He pulled away slightly, and I opened my eyes to see him searching my expression for something. For what, I wasn’t sure.

“I don’t ever want to lose you, Triss.” Logan shook his head. “I couldn’t—”

“Shh.” I placed my index finger to his lips. “You won’t.”

My hand trailed down his chest to the first button that I attempted to unfasten.

                                                                                                                                        

About the Author

Karice married the love of her life who she met in high school, and she still can't get over how cute and funny he is. They have two English Bulldogs that are the cutest bullies in the world, and they use their cuteness to get what they want. Karice loves the snow and gravitates towards the stuff as often as possible! She enjoys skiing and tries really hard to snowboard, but often makes a nice little area to sit while everyone zips by on their board. She enjoys writing, and she also loves to read just about anything with print.

Follow Karice at:

Website

Goodreads

Twitter

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Blog Tour -- Review + Excerpt & Guest Post: His Black Wings

Title: His Black Wings

Author: Astrid Yrigollen

Publisher: Self-Published

Release Date: Nov 2012
Date Read: December 2012
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Claren Maidstone has been forced to flee her childhood home after the death of her parents and a vicious assault from a sadistic young man who intends to marry her. Claren changes her identity and finds employment as an assistant to the handsome Fredrick Lowood, a generous yet mysterious benefactor. However, she soon finds out his generosity comes at a price. Fredrick wishes for Claren to befriend his disfigured son who resides in seclusion at their estate, Westwind.
(from Goodreads)

This is going to be hard for me to review. There were moments where I was enjoying it and moments where I just wanted to "Please. Stop. I don't want to, anymore." I had issues with the editing. They're not even big issues. Just tiny little details but those tiny little details just piled on top of each other and made for awkward reading.

I wasn't so keen on the writing style either. There were lots of info dumps. It was very contrite, very proper and I'm not even sure if it's like that because of the time period because I don't know what time period it is. Arrows all point to Victorian-esque society but it's definitely set in the future. It had steam punk aspects but most of the time, I forgot that it's supposed to be steam punk-y. It felt like she just hastily shoved passages in random places to show the reader, "Look, fancy inventions." The world-building needed some serious work. And I wish authors stop mentioning events, stop referring to them if they have no intention of explaining what the hell happened. "After the Great War..." "The War caused..." War? What War? Ugh, pisses me off.

The characters were ok. Everyone was infatuated with Claren but to me, she was as interesting as watching paint dry. I wish Yrillogen took advantage of Etrigan’s loneliness and his want of friends to develop his character. I enjoyed Dekker and Horace’s friendship. They bickered and quarrelled like an old couple, but you could tell they really cared for each other. I think I liked them the best even though there were times Dekker crept me out and Horace was just too embarrassing. I would have liked to have seen more interactions between all four of them, to see the camaraderie, friendship and romance develop.

The plot unfolded quite nicely at the end. I guess it made up for the problems I had with the rest of the book. 

---

Excerpt

 Fredrick’s thoughts were interrupted by a loud crashing sound as he saw the double doors to his library burst open with tremendous force. They slammed against the inside walls to his library and bounced back.

            “Etrigan. How good to see you so soon after my arrival.” Fredrick said to his son, genuinely pleased.

            Perhaps this would work after all. Especially now that I have put my original design on hiatus.

            A tall form clad in black strode into the room sending books and paper flying everywhere. Etrigan was a younger version of his handsome father. Jet black hair that desperately needed a haircut, it curled around the nape of his neck and ears. While his eyes were blue, they were the darkest blue, darker than his father’s. Eyes that displayed anger and inner torment one moment, and great passion the next. His strong Greek nose fit perfectly with the rest of his features, not underwhelming and not overpowering. Lips red and pouty were always set in either a frown or a scowl but never in a smile. When he stood without slouching he was taller than most men at six foot five. His form was muscular, yet lithe, graceful, and strong. In a word, Etrigan was beautiful in a masculine way. He would have been the envy of every man in the outside world and the desire of every woman who set eyes upon him, save for one thing.

            His black wings.

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Review -- Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Title: Falling Kingdoms

Author: Morgan Rhodes

Series: Falling Kingdoms (1)

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: 11 Dec 2012

Date Read: December 2012

Rating: ★★★★★

This is brilliant. This is brilliant. This is brilliant.

That thought just bounced around in my head the whole time I was reading this. Even as it ripped my heart out and ripped it to shreds. Falling Kingdoms is one of the biggest surprise reads of the year. A tale of deceit, oppression, magic and love intricately woven, Falling Kingdoms will make you want to turn the page faster than you can read them.

Mytica is slowly giving in to rot, the magic of the land disappearing more and more each generation. The brutal death of a Paelsian causes unrest and outrage to the weak alliance between the kingdoms of Paelsia, Auranos and Limeros. War is on the horizon and blood will be spilled.

Princess Cleo of Auranos visited Paelsia with Lord Aron in search of best wine in Mytica. Spoiled and vain, she just wanted to leave Paelsia and return to the comfort of the Auranos castle. The faster she could leave, the faster she could ignore the poverty and strife her neighboring kingdom, Paelsia, suffers through. She stood by and did nothing, while Lord Aron murders the son of the wine seller. I didn't think I was going to like Cleo. How could I after what she did? But you know what, Cleo is kick-ass. She's stubborn and she won't take no for an answer. If she wants something, she is going to do whatever it takes to get it. She's had to loose so much to grow and mature, and I have no doubt that by the end of this series, she'll be one hell of a heroine.

Jonas Agallon just watched his brother die in the hands of a douchebag lord while the princess herself did nothing to stop it. He wants revenge. For the death of his brother. For the death and suffering he and his fellow Paelsians had to go through because Auranians choose turn a blind eye on the poverty that eats his kingdom. He's smart, cunning and brave. He's clearly the underdog but he will fight his ass off to give his family, and his people, a better life. Jonas didn't have as big of a presence as the other characters did but he made an impression. It looks like he's going to play a major role in the next. I cannot freaking wait.

Prince Magnus is the heir to the throne of Limeros. He stands next to his father, the King of Blood, as they surge into war against Auranos. Most see Magnus like the ruthless, uncaring royal his father, the King of Blood is. But he's not. He may have done bad things, made bad decisions but he's not a bad person. I found myself looking forward to his narrative the most. He loves his sister, Lucia, more than anything in the world. More than what a brother should feel for his sister. I look forward to seeing how their relationship move forward in the series.

I was worried at first because of the amount of the characters Rhodes focused on. Four major characters, four switching perspectives. That's a lot. I thought the narrative would bore me and I'd end up detached being detached from the characters. But the complete opposite happened. I can't even pick a favourite character because I love every single one of them. Everyone is so very flawed. They each have their own shortcomings, their own weaknesses and they've made their own mistakes. But they are good people, with emotions, thoughts and intentions unique to anyone else. Their character growth, just in this book alone, is unbelievable. Rhodes demonstrated what it means to have well-rounded, developed characters.

The romance never overpowered the core of the story. Apart from the one I mentioned between Magnus and Lucia, the other relationship was Cleo's. I admit, it was a tad insta-love but at that point, I didn't really care because, like I said, I loved everyone and I was crying and this is so good. Although it would have been nice to see more interaction between Cleo and her man. They were so cute together. Oh, I don't even know what to think of the romance that's suggested to brew in the second one. I have no doubt it'll be a good one but right now, everything is just a bit fresh and raw.

There is a good amount of action, blood and gore to satisfy readers. It escalated to a thrilling climax and the ending just left me wanting for more but it wasn't exactly a real cliffhanger. I mean, it was an end but I want the next book now.

I highly recommend this book to high fantasy fans. Falling Kingdoms is one new series I can add to my favourites and I am going to be the first in line for the next book in 2013. If I have to give an arm to get it, I will.

A copy from Penguin Books Australia was received in exchange for an honest review.

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