Author: Brodi Ashton
Edition: Simon Pulse Paperback
First Published: 24th January 2012
Pages: 370
Notes: Everneath #1
Rating: 4/5

Six months ago, Nikki Beckett vanished into an underworld known as the Everneath.
Now she's returned to her old life for another six months before the Everneath comes to claim her... this time forever. Nikki longs to spend this precious time reconnecting with the people she left behind - her family, her friends and, most importantly, her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything.
But there's just one problem: Cole, the smouldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki home, convinced that she is the key to claiming the throne of the Underworld. Cole wants to bing Nikki back to the Everneath, but this time as his queen.
Now Nikki only has six months for goodbyes she can't find the words for, six months to make the hardest decision of her life, six months to find redemption, if it exists...

Let me just start by saying Everneath was one unique and enjoyable read. I'd had this book on my wishlist for quite sometime and when I finally spotted a copy, what can a poor reader girl like myself do but to buy it? Even though this book wasn't absolutely flawless or anything I still really enjoyed it... and of course the gorgeous cover!

I know next to nothing about greek mythology (who needs to research when we've got all these books?) and even though at times I'm sure knowing about it could have given me a deeper understanding, it still was quite easy to understand. I believe that it is a modern retelling of the Persephone myth, and since I have read a couple of books now based around this certain myth I actually know a little about it - yay! Nevertheless, feel free to drop a comment if you have anything you feel I should know!

The first page is very intriguing and you immediately want to know what's going on. The storyline overall is pretty impressive. I quite liked how every now and again it would give us an event that happened before Nikki went to the Everneath because it builds up to the reason of why she went and we also get to see how all her relationships with her friends and family had been like. The only thing I found wierd in this book - it's not really a negative point... hence why I used wierd, hehe - is how Nikki starts up knitting when she escapes the Everneath... she even knits at school, is it just me that finds this strange? I think she takes up knitting because it gives her something to do to take her mind of everything but to me I just found it... strange. After a while I did get used to it though so it wasn't anything major.

The main character, Nikki, is very well developed. You can believe what she is feeling and you understand her. Over the course of the novel you can see how her courage builds up and you can't help but pity her because she has no choice but to leave her world to go to Everneath... or does she?

Straight off, even just by reading the blurb, I thought I'd like Cole way more than Jack because, as some of you will already know, I usually favour the bad boys. But this just wasn't the case in this book. I am most definetly Team Jack (well for now... we never know what the sequel will bring!) because I just didn't warm to Cole at all. Jack is sweet and Cole is sour. And I am all for the sweet this time!

Overall, Everneath was a great read with a very unusual storyline, relatable characters and was well paced throughout. The only thing I'm upset about is that I'm going to have to wait until 2013 for Everbound! One entire year until I meet Jack again, wah!

Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

Starters by Lissa Price

Author: Lissa Price
Edition: Doubleday Paperback
Released: April 5th 2012
Pages: 336
Notes: Starters #1
Rating: 4/5

Callie and her little brother are on the run, living as squatters, fighting off unclaimed renegades who would kill for a cookie. But with the Body Bank, comes a promise of much-needed cash, and with it, hope. And then despair...

The Bank allows teenagers to rent out their bodies to those who want to be young again. But Callie's renter intends to do more than party in her body. She intends to murder...

This book is unique. Definetly one of a kind. I was really excited about reading it and I'm glad to report back that it is definetly worth a read! Apart from the refreshing storyline, there were also great sub-plots, unexpected twists and some great characters.

First off, the storyline! Unique, refreshing, mysterious and just rather enjoyable. I liked how the whole Body Bank incident was played out, it was quite believable - in a dystopian world of course, hehe. The sub-plot of the little love triangle (and the twists involved) was a good touch too.

I must say that the romance in this book was a little baffling - but in a good baffling way if that makes sense. I liked both boys (Blake and Michael), but considering the whole twist near the end... well I can't really say who I like better since I don't really know much about either of them.

The main character, Callie was a great heroine. She was brave, determined and strong. The bond she had with her little brother was sweet and admirable. She wanted to protect him. As far as the villain goes, he was definetly very... villain-y. Despicable and secretive... not one to cross! If I was Callie and had to face him, I don't know what I'd do! Another great character was Sara. She is definetly very brave and what she done for Callie was so... well, brave!

Do you know that feeling where you can't really think of much to write for a review? Well this is one of those times. I don't know why, but I just can't think of what to say about this book! It was definetly a great read, and everyone should definetly give it a go! I can't wait for the release of Enders, coming out Winter 2012!

Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

Across The Universe by Beth Revis

Author: Beth Revis
Edition: Razorbill, March 3rd 2011
Pages: 398
Notes: Across The Universe #1
Rating: 4/5

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Across The Universe was a great read with a fantastic and unique storyline, some great characters and an on-your-toes mystery. What's not to love?

The one thing I don't get is why the blurb portrays the main focus as romance, when really, it's not even that big a deal in the book. Sure, there are moments, but not nearly as much as the synopsis lead me to think. Let us just say that the romance wasn't out of this world (enjoy the pun? no? awkward). However, everything else was top notch so it sort-of cancelled that out. I just think the blurb needs a little makeover.

I really did love the mystery and all. It was so refreshing and unique! I mean, it's a killer on a spaceship - SPACESHIP! I loved how the author managed to hint who the culprit was the whole way through the book and even though I guessed it to be him/her at one point, I always changed my mind. The twists near the end were just so... woah. Ahh, I need to get the next book right now!

As previously mentioned, the characters were great! There were alternate chapters between Amy and Elder, and I loved how we saw through both of their perspectives and opinions. Amy is fiery and brave, and you can tell how much her family means to her because of how she tries to protect them. Elder is also brave as well as strong and I loved watch his character progress throughout the book. My favourite character was Amy one minute and Eldest the next so it's safe to say that, yeah, I like both of them! I also enjoyed Harley's character, his story was just so sad, and I empathised with him.

I don't think I really need to state how much I loved the setting. I think I stressed it enough when I put it in cap locks, hehe. Even though reading about the spaceship was pretty cool, I think I'd feel like Amy if I was in her situation. I would feel trapped and I'd hate to think of no real countyside around me!

Overall I really enjoyed Across The Universe with it's great setting, characters, mystey, storyline and very well tied-up twists! I definetly am going to try and get my hands on the sequel, A Million Suns because it sounds just as fantastic! If you haven't read this book then you are seriously missing out on one of dystopian's finest and unique novels!

Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

Mist by Kathryn James

Author: Kathryn James
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Release Date: 1st September 2011
Pages: 310
Rating: 4/5

Midnight: a mist-haunted wood with a bad reputation. A sweet sixteen party, and thirteen-year-old Nell is trying to keep her sister, spoilt birthday-girl Gwen, out of trouble. No chance. Trouble finds Gwen and drags her through the mist. Only Nell guesses who's behind the kidnap - the boy she hoped was her friend, the gorgeous but mysterious Evan River.

Evan is no ordinary boy - he has a secret which will lead Nell to question everything she has always learned from her grandmother's stories. Evan lives on the fringes of Nell's world, rarely glimpsed, misunderstood and feared, but a long-simmering showdown between the two worlds is looming...

Mist sounded very intriguing when I first read the back of it. I picked this book up with hopeful expectations and, d'ya know what? It exceeded them! I wouldn't say it was an absolutely flawless book but it was just the sort-of story I was in the mood for: adventurous, fun, mysterious and not too long. It reminds me of the books I used to read before I became part of the book blogging world and was opened to a world of genres I never knew anything about, and I'm glad Mist opened those doors once again.

Nell Beecham is used to looking in from the outside. She's not as popular as her big sister, Gwen, and the only two best friends she's ever had dumped her for a life of make-up and boys. She knows she's different, but she never guessed how so...
Nell has talked to Evan Rivers a few times. He's different too. Not one to play by the rules. She never for one minute thought that a disastrous birthday party in the spooky woods would collide both of their very different worlds together, and set Nell a dangerous rescue mission into one of her grandmother's old fairytales.

This book had a great plot. Different and very refreshing. Not to mention pretty cool! You are sucked up into the action quickly and, even though a little build up would have been fine by me, it still worked well. The storyline was probably one of my favourite factors, along with the characters.

Nell, the main character, was brave and fought for those she loved which you can't help but admire. I love a brave heroine and of course she had a kind, gentle side to boost! Evan was my other favourite character though. He gave himself such a hard time when all he done was be kind and sweet and thoughtful and just pretty awesome!

Overall I found Mist quite an enjoyable read. I will definetly be looking out for the next in the series, Frost, which comes out sometime in June this year! This book would be suitable for a rainy day (a sunny one will do just fine too!) and I'm sure you'll like it if you try it! Hint, hint... ;)


Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

Fateful by Claudia Gray

Author: Claudia Gray
Publisher/Source: HarperCollins
Release Date: 29th March 2012
Pages: 325
Rating: 4/5

All I have to do is make it through this one trip, I think, as I step off the gangplank and finally board the RMS Titanic.
Tess has bigger dreams than being a lady's maid and plans to start a new life as soon as the ship reaches America. But once they set sail Tess finds herself in grave danger. Not just from the ice-cold waters of the Atlantic, but from the two strangers with eyes like wolves who are tracking her every move. . .
One wants her dead, the other wants her heart. The ocean wants them all.

This book instantly caught my attention when I read the description and, naturally, I just had to have it! I mean how can you resist a book involving danger, romance and The Titanic?! I am so glad I was sent a copy of this book because it was such a great read - just like I had expected!

The plot was probably the most enjoyable part of the whole book. Right from the first chapter you are absorbed up into a world of action - page five to be exact! I was quite worried about how forward the book was at first but then, surprisingly, I settled into the pace and actually found it quite an enjoyable factor.

The paranormal element involved was quite unusual since the setting was The Titanic (!) but even though, at a certain point, I doubted how it would fit in to that part of the storyline it surprised me! Overall I found it quite refreshing because it deviated from the usual historical and romance category.

Of course, most likely the biggest awaited part throughout the book - which I knew was coming - was the sinking of the magnificent ship. Gray kept me on tip-toe throughout because I was never sure when it would occur. . . and even threw in a tease! I thought that when the time came of the sinking that there could have been some more hysteria involved but at the same time I didn't because it showed Tess's reaction to it all. It would be such a scary and shocking experience to endure, not to mention, devastating! Side note: Try not to get too attached to some of the characters! :(

The characters were also very enjoyable. The main character, Tess, was a great main character. Strong, stubborn, brave, kind, fiery and determined. A great heroine! She was probably my favourite character. I quite liked one of her room-mates, Myriam too. She was quite like Tess now I think about it and their friendship was fun to read.

Overall I found Fateful a very enjoyable read with a great storyline and great characters. I really hope you will buy this book when it hits stores (in a couple weeks time!) because you won't want to miss out on such a great and unique novel!

Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

Kiss, Date, Love, Hate by Luisa Plaja

Author: Luisa Plaja
Publisher/Source: Random House
Release Date: 2nd February 2012
Pages: 278
Rating: 4/5

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?

A lovely, light, girly read from Luisa Plaja, what more do I need to say? I definetly recommend this to tween/teen girls who are looking for a unique and enjoyable read.

Lex Murphy has a strange group of friends. Not only have they all had their fair share of fall outs and break ups but her "supposed" best friend is too involved in her studies to pay attention to her, her other best friend stole her boyfriend and George, her clueless boy buddy is obsessing over a girl who won't even give him a second glance. Then when she finds out that an online game actually affects what happens to them all in real life how can she resist seeing what would happen if she altered a little thing here or there...

I've always admired how Luisa's stories have a normal teenage set up with a little bit of magic incorporated into them and this one was no exception. A game that changes people in real life. Genius, or what?! I really enjoyed the original plot line. I need to admit that when I first heard that part of the story would focus on film making I was sceptical because I thought it would be quite boring, but it turned out not to play a big part in it so it was fine. I'm also not the biggest fan of chick-lit novels so the rating 4/5 is a pretty good one! :)

I also quite liked the characters and all the twists some had. My favourite character was probably Lex or Drew. Lex was a great main character but I probably couldn't have done what she done, I wouldn't have the guts to change people's personalities! I liked her on a whole, she fit well for the book. She had a fiery, stubborn side to her which I couldn't help but like and, at some points, find comical. At the start with the little love triangle of Matt and Drew I really wanted her to get back with Matt. Then when I found out about the little... twist, I started warming up to Drew. I really liked Drew's bad boy personality with a softer side and I just started thinking how great they would be together. However, I am not giving anything away!

Overall I found Kiss, Date, Love, Hate a light, girly, enjoyable read that tween/teen girls should definetly check out! It has a really original storyline, great and relatable characters and unsuspecting twists! If you haven't already picked this up I suggest you do so now!

Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter

Here's the thing about covert operations: bad things happen when you least expect them. The enemies don't give you a head's up. And they never let you stop to put on comfortable shoes.
A spy-in-training, Cammie Morgan has a cover for every occasion. But what happens when she is forced to break it to save her best friend, Macey? Cammie and her friends are determined to hunt down the group that threatens to tear their secret sisterhood apart. This time it's personal.

Author: Ally Carter
Publishing Company: Hyperion Book CH
Publication Date: 9th June 2009
Recommended Age: 12+
Notes: Review for Book 1 & Book 2
Rating: 4/5

This is the third book in the Gallagher Girls series and, yet again, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Another exciting semester, making for another great read.

The Gallagher Academy's new term brings a mystery. Someone is after Macey and to protect their best friend, Cammie, Liz and Bex take it on themselves to do some digging, but wherever they go things never seem to add up. Someone knows a lot more than they're letting on, but who? And why does mysterious spy-guy, Zach, keep showing up?

My favourite character remained the same. Zach. He's just such an intriguing character - you just want to find out who he really is. He has a tendency just to disappear and whenever he did, it was so frustrating! He wouldn't let anyone in on anything! Of course, Cammie the Chameleon (quite a fitting name for this novel since a big part of it is the art of disguise) was still a very enjoyable character. I also felt sorry toward her because nobody would tell her anything, if I were in her situation, I'd be annoyed and upset too!

The only criticism I have is the action... again. Did everyone get what I meant when I said action action in the last post? Well I'm meaning the type of action in the Alex Rider novels (if you are a fan of them, you should try the Gallagher Girls series). The scene near the start of this novel was quite action-like, so if there was just a little more like that then it would be one mark better! Also, the twist near the end I thought was quite predictable... but that didn't change my opinion on the book at all, if anything, it added to the book! It let us into what the next book would focus on!

Overall, this was another very pleasurable read by Ally Carter and I definetly recommend reading this series! Great characters, another good story-line and generally... just great!

Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy by Ally Carter

Warning: Synopsis and review may contain SPOILERS!
Cammie Morgan may have a genius IQ and attend the best school in the country, but as she starts the spring semester of her sophomore year there are a lot of things she doesn’t know. Like will her ex-boyfriend even remember she exists? And how much trouble did she really get in last semester? And, most of all, exactly why is her mother acting so strangely?
All Cammie wants is a nice, normal semester, but she’s about to learn her greatest lesson yet—that when you go to a school for spies, nothing is ever as it seems.

Author: Ally Carter
Publishing Company: Hyperion Book CH
Publication Date: 2nd October, 2007
Recommended Age: 12+
Notes: Review for Book #1, here.
Rating: 4/5

This book is the second installment in the Gallagher Girls series and, I must say, I enjoyed it a little better than the first. It's kind of hard to review a series because you can't really say anything different from what you've already said about the previous book, so I'm going to try and focus on a different feature for every review.

The Gallagher Academy has always been an all girls school but this semester the spy school is playing host to a class of boys. But these boys are different... not only are they very highly trained, they're secretive and mysterious and Cammie and her friends know they're all hiding something. Determined to find out what it, the girls plan a mission. But one boy in particular has caught Cammie's eye... Zach. The last thing she needs is another boy problem but he's a puzzle to her that she needs to solve.

Something I didn't mention in the last post was the writing style of these books. It switched every now and then to a Summary of Surveillance where The Operatives (Cammie and co.) logged in the events. It was a refreshing quality to the book. Also, it's written from a future perspective (everything has already happened) so at certain points in the books in brackets would state something like: later Macey said that...

Zach was probably my favourite character in this book. I loved the fact he was a sort-of bad boy but with secrets. I found it comical that every time he put on a cocky act, Cammie would get annoyed. I much prefer Zach over her ex-boyfriend, Josh. I was hoping that they would become a couple but... well... I don't want to say too much. I guess you just have to read this series yourself ;)

Overall this was a really good read and it only lost the one mark because the action quality again. Don't get me wrong, there was more action in this book than the first one but when I say action, I mean action action. Come back tomorrow for a review of the third book, Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover.

Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

PS: Wierd question. Would you rather have my comments bit embedded below post, as a pop up window, or as it is now - in a new window? :)

I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school teaches advanced martial arts in PE, chemistry always consists of the latest in chemical warfare, and everyone breaks CIA codes for extra credit in computer class. So in truth, while the Gallagher Academy might say it’s a school for geniuses what they really mean is spies. But what happens when a Gallagher Girl falls for a boy who doesn’t have a code name?
Cammie Morgan may be fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways (three of which involve a piece of uncooked spaghetti), but the Gallagher Academy hasn’t prepared her for what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she’s an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, and track him through a mall without him ever being the wiser, but can she have a regular relationship with a regular boy who can never know the truth about her? Cammie may be an elite spy in training, but in her sophomore year, she’s doing something riskier than ever—she’s falling in love.

Author: Ally Carter
Publishing Company: Hyperion Book CH
Publication Date: 1st April, 2006
Recommended Age: 12+
Main Genre: Romance
Rating: 4/5

I can't believe it had taken me this long to read this series! I always had liked the sound of these books but never really got around to reading them but now I'm glad I did. What really drew me in was the fact that they were like the femal version of the Alex Rider novels, and in away they are similar, but not completely as I had hoped...

I had thought that there would be quite a lot of action in this book but unfortunetly not as much as I had hoped. The main storyline, I know, said that Cammie fell in love, but I expected some action because she went to a spy school. I still loved it all, the plot included, but just felt a little more action would make it a tad better.

I loved all the characters! The main character, Cammie, is so cool and I loved her personality on a whole. I also really liked her friends Bex, the butt-kicking one, and Liz, the super genuis! Perfect spy group, right? Enter Macey McHenry. A spoilt, rich and fiery addition to the Gallagher Academy. As the story progressed and you got to know Macey, I couldn't help but warm to her!

In conclusion, this book was quite a good read, with a great setting (I mean, a spy school?!) and great characters. If only a little more action were involved then this would be a perfect read, but I still recommend it!

Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

Nikolas and Co: A Creature Most Foul by Kevin McGill (Review of First 100 pages)

Nick wants one thing, only one thing, and that is to go home. He has had enough of living with drones and a mum and dad who aren't normal, he wants to go back to his home planet. So when his Grand turns up after a mysterious incident involving his parents and tells him everything about his real life, Nick suddenly finds himself with a destiny greater than he had ever imagined...

Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 12+
Publishers/Source: Aero Studios
Release Date: 15 September 2011
Notes: First 130 pages (approx.) reviewed
Rating: 4/5

I liked it. Fantasy and adventure are my two favourite genres so when I figured that this novel had meshed the two of them together, well my opinion was set.
There are a lot of characters in this book and at the start of the book I was wondering if that would be a problem but after a while I began to remember who was who and what their personalities were like. All the characters have very different personalities which I found a good quality because you get to see how they handle certain situations. I haven't got a favourite character because I was reviewing only part of the book which didn't give me enough time to find one.
If I had to critisize this novel then I would say I was a little confused at a part near the beginning but overall I did enjoy this book and would happily read the next part. The book might be a little fast paced for some people but I actually liked the pace. It never spent three chapters to set the scene, it introduced you to the characters and then went straight into the adventure.

Rachel xx :)

PS: I have permission to email this PDF copy to anyone that would like it so please email me at booktasticreviews(at)gmail(dot)com and I will happily send it to you as an attachment via email. It is only the first 130 pages though, just the same as what I was given. Don't hesitate to email me if you would like to read this! :D

The Books of Beginning #1 - The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens

Kate, Michael and Emma think they are just plain ordinary. Nothing special. But when they come across a mysterious book in a mysterious orphanage that has the power to transport them back to the past, they realise their destiny is far more greater than any of them could ever have imagined, and way more dangerous too...

Genre: Adventure/Fantasy/Mystery
Edition: Doubleday, Hardback, 2011
Recommended Age: 10+
Source: Bought
Notes: Book 1 out of 3
Rating: 4/5

Woah. This book is good. Crammed full of action, adventure, fantasy and mystery, this novel has the whole package!
The main characters, Kate, Michael and Emma P. have their own very different and distinct personalities and I feel without one of them, this book would have felt like a part of it was missing. Kate is the protective, older sister, Michael is the slightly younger brother who loves magical creatures (especially dwarves!) and Emma - even though she is the youngest - is tough and fiery. I can't really say who is my favourite character because I like them all, but the character that stands out just a tiny bit more - apart from the three main characters - is Gabriel. The children meet Gabriel when he comes to their rescue and he has a strong bond with Emma. I admire his bravery and determination and the love and reassurance he gives Emma.
If I had to admit a slight problem I found in this book, it would be that I thought the beginning was a bit unrealistic at a certain part.
Overall though, I found this book quite enjoyable.

Rachel xx :)

Pony Club Rivals by Stacey Gregg

A little while back I finished the first three books in the Pony Club Rival series by Stacey Gregg and so I've decided to post about all of them in the same post. If you like the sound of these books after reading the first synopsis, it might be a spoiler to read the second and third one, if you don't mind though, be my guest!

Book #1 (The Auditions): Georgie Parker has always dreamed of attending "all stars" Blainford Academy, the most admired equestrian boarding school in America, so when her chance finally comes along can she show everyone that she has what it takes to be a great rider?

Book #2 (Showjumpers): Blainford Academy isn't easy, as thirteen year old Georgie Parker is now well aware of, but can she show the competitive girls in her classes that she has her place in the "all stars academy" and that she can beat them at their own skill?
Since meeting James Kirkwood, Georgie has found herself smitten but when James had asked her to stay over at his mansion during the holidays, Georgie had no idea what was in store...

Book #3 (Riding Star): Georgie Parker has always longed to be an eventing rider like her famous mother, Ginny Parker, but when her dreams are delayed she has to take up a different sport, polo. But polo is looked upon as a man's game so can Georgie show everyone that girls have what it takes?

Recommended Age: 9+
Author: Stacey Gregg
Rating: 4/5


Yes, yes, yes, you've guessed right. I love horses! So of course I loved these books. I can't really tell you much more than I loved the plots each book had, I enjoyed reading about the characters (and the horses obviously!) and I am awaiting the arrival of the next book in this fabby series that is not yet out! I do hope that you will try these books and if you are horse crazy I think if you gave these books a go, you would enjoy them greatly!

Rachel xx :)

PS: Do you think this blog should host giveaways (by asking you this, I am not promising a giveaway or anything though, I would really like to do one though)?

The Ashleys by Melissa de la Cruz

Meet the Ashleys - rulers of Miss Gamble's Preparatory School for Girls, gorgeous, rich, impeccably dressed, and, of course, all named Ashley.

Meet Lauren Page - pretty, but slightly geeky, she's been going to the same school as the Ashleys for as long as she can remember, and they barely notice she's alive.

But her parents got the trend wrong when they chose her name, because Lauren is so obviously an Ashley. And this year, everything is going to change...

Genre: Chick Lit

Recommended Age: 12+

Publishing Company: Simon and Schuster

Rating: 4/5

This is definitely a girly read, maybe for slightly younger readers than me but I still found it rather enjoyable!

I've had this book for ages but I had somehow managed to dismiss it for a long time. Well to be honest I think I gave it a go but forgot to finish, but this time I did and I found it quite a light and pleasurable read!

If ever there was a character that was a bully, it would be Ashley Spencer (the main Ashley). She is definitely horrible to Lauren (my favourite character). She doesn't want to give up the title of queen bee, especially to a new and improved Lauren Page, no way. Ashley Li, in other words, Lili is practically Ashley's servant and Ashley Alioto, better known as A.A., can sometimes be moody (but she's probably the nicest Ashley).

The only thing that let this book down was the ending. It wasn't anything like I had planned (even though sometimes that's a good thing, but in this case not) and it disappointed me. I would still encourage girls to give this a go!

Rachel xx :o)

PS: Just feel like giving my followers a shout out! Thanks for following! :D

Torment by Lauren Kate (Fallen #2)

LOVE NEVER DIES...

It took Lucinda an eternity to find her beloved angel, Daniel. But he waited for her. Now they are forced apart again, to protect Luce from the Outcasts - immortals who want her dead. During their separation, Luce learns about her mysterious past lives. But the more she discovers, the more she suspects that Daniel is hiding something.

What if Daniel's version of the past isn't true?
Is it really their destiny to be together?
Or is Luce actually meant to be with somebody else?

Edition: Doubleday Paperback
Release Date: 30th September 2010
Recommended Age: 13+
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5

Isn't the summary just great? How could someone not get lured in? Especially if you are left with a lot of questions from the first novel that you really want answered.
The characters continued to be well developed and the main character, Luce still managed to stay my favourite. There were also a few character traits that were thrown in for good measure and a whole load of other characters introduced.
As I have said already, when I started this book I was hoping for some questions that arised in the first book to be answered, but Kate decided to keep us waiting and only answered a few (and managed to make more). Very teasing.
Another quality I love is Kate's writing. At the start of the book when I found it a bit slow paced and boring, the writing was the one thing that kept me reading. Kate has a knack for writing very descriptively and I love it!
I also love the cover. It's gorgeous! I especially love the dress in this one.
The novel left on a major cliffhanger (well maybe not major but one that has left me really wanting more!) and I can't wait to read Passion (the next novel in this fabulous series) which comes out Summer 2011.

Rachel xx :)

Fallen by Lauren Kate

"SOME ANGELS ARE DESTINED TO FALL.

Instant. Intense. Weirdly familiar. . .

The moment Luce looks at Daniel she knows she has never felt like this before. Except she can't shake the feeling she has. . . and with him - a boy she doesn't remember ever setting eyes on.

Will her attempt to find out why enlighten her - or destroy her?"

Author: Lauren Kate

Genre: Romance

Pages: 452

Edition: Corgi, 1 July 2010, Paperback

Recommend Age: 13 +

Source: Bought

Rating: 4/5

After reading great reviews about this book, I just had to have it! I was so glad when I found it in the book fair and just could not wait to start reading it. This is the first book by Lauren Kate I have read and she certainly gave a good first impression. This is a great book! Really unique with well developed characters and an unusual plot.

The main character, Luce has just the right personality to fit perfectly into this novel and she is one of my favourite characters because of her determination and kindness towards her friends. I also felt a little bit sorry for her because Daniel always seemed to block her out and never involve her. Another character I liked was Arriane. She immediately befriended Luce when she moved to Sword & Cross (a school) and made her feel wanted. I also liked her because of her boldness and confidence.

I would also like to mention how much I love this cover. A great cover for a great story. Dark, scary, mysterious...

I really recommend this book because it is really good. I bought the sequel, Torment last night and I started reading it not that long ago and already I am loving it!

Rachel xx :)

The Rise and Fall of Bibi Karstad by Judy Dearborn Nill

"Fourteen-year-old Bibi Karstad hits the ceiling way too often. Recently transplanted to a small Oregon town by her channeler mother, Bibi hates living away from her father in Seattle. She also hates her mother's spirit guide, Prancing Bear, whom she calls Panting Bore. He scares her, as does a growing suspicion that she's more like Mom than she wants to admit. On Halloween night, alone in her mother's New Age bookstore doing research to discredit mediums, Bibi accidentally discovers a talent for levitating out of control. Now she must keep her ability secret long enough to win the newspaper contest that will return her to Seattle."

Author: Judy Dearborn Nill

Genre: YA/Teen

Recommended Age: 13+

Rating: 4/5

This story definitely scores points for originality. Never before have I heard of the ideas that are in this book! When Judy contacted me requesting a review I wasn't sure if I was going to like this but when I started reading I realised that I should have had higher expectations.

The main character, Bibi Karstad is very easy to relate to and is very likable. You don't really find out anything about her past until the end which is quite a teasing quality. She doesn't let people walk all over her, she stands up for what she believes in and is also quite down to earth.

Unfortunately I found this book a bit confusing but I did start to get some answers towards the end. I am putting this down to the fact that I had to quit reading it for a little while because of a school project.

I recommend this novel to older readers because there is some use of mild language (but not much!). I will happily tell you to read this because it is quite a good book all-in-all.

Rachel xx :)

Debugging Tori Redding by Jason Ancona

Tori Redding is not in a rush to grow up. Not at all, so she decides to start a club. The Not So Fast club, a club which dedicates its time to helping teenagers make the right choices. But before long Tori realises that everyone just thinks of them as snitches - determined to stop them having fun. Then when a trip to the dentist results in Tori having super memory she could not be more happy. Homework done quickly and the ability to memorise everybodys name in the school - helpful for giving out cards! When someone disappears Tori uses her special ability to figure out what happened but can she figure it out before her memory goes into overdrive?

Author: Jason Ancona

Genre: Mystery

Publication Year: 2010

Recommended Age: 13+

Rating: 4/5

Jason Ancona is a new name for me and he certainly gave a good first impression. I loved this novel! I found it a unique read - in a good way, different than your usual mystery novels. Some parts of the story refer to real life situations so it made the whole book seem real.

Tori Redding is a character full of attitude and I found it comical at her opinion of certain things. She is quite stubborn and sometimes that affects the people around her. Another quality that we see in her throughout the book is determination. She is determined to make her Not So Fast club successful (even though everyone in the school hates it) so when she discovers she has super memory she uses it at her advantage like giving out violation cards. Another character I feel I need to talk about is Alex. He is the only member of the NSF club (Tori and her best friend, Geo are co captains) and he has a little crush on Tori. It is quite sweet but Tori always manages to hurt his feelings (without meaning too). There was one thing that put me off him a little and that was his laugh. I know he is fictional but I honestly felt like I could hear his laugh and I hated it.

Ancona has the ability to mix real life situations in with a little fiction and I think that is a good quality in an author.

Rachel xx :)

Hazel Wetherby & The Elixir of Love by Bill Defelis

Hazel Wetherby is thirteen years old and has a mad family. Two scientists for parents, a brother convinced he is an alien and a baby sister called Nut. She would like to have a normal stress free life but that is proved difficult when her parents suddenly go missing. With no suspects and no police to help her, Hazel takes on the challenge of finding them herself. But before long she begins to realize that other people are involved in the same ordeal and are on the hunt for something else, and they will not stop for anything or anyone until they have it. And that something else might just be the key to this mystery...

Author: Bill Defelis

Genre: Fantasy/Mystery/Science Fiction

Publication Year: 2010

Recommended Age: 12+

Rating: 4/5

"Nancy Drew meets Men in Black" Bill Defelis.

I could not have summed that up better for you. This novel is a mixture of Nancy Drew and Men in Black no doubt! Crammed full of mystery with a splash of science fiction on top. Bill Defelis has certainly got a good imagination!

Characterisation is a very good factor in this book and one worth mentioning. Hazel is probably my favourite character. I really admire Hazel for her bravery, determination and loyalty to her friends and family. I also like Mrs Schnuffler. She is one of Hazel's neighbours and was very helpful when Hazel needed her. She has the reputation of the nasty, lonely woman that no one ever sees but when Hazel builds up the courage to talk to her she realizes that she is very kind hearted and brave. There is a lot of characters in this book though and sometimes I found myself asking who was who and what were they there for.

I love the fact that this novel was a mixture of genres. I don't want to give to much away though so I will not go into detail. I feel that it is a very good quality in a book when it has more than one type of genre because then it can entertain different types of audiences. I really think you should check this book out. If you are a fan of science fiction and mystery that might help.

Want to buy your own copy of this book? Then click HERE :D

Rachel xx :)

PS: If I do not put the synopsis in italics or qoute marks then that means that I have thought it up myself ;)

Swapped by a Kiss by Luisa Plaja

"Rachel hates her life.

When her on/off boyfriend David goes to a music festival she decides to surprise him- but she gets a shock of her own. Not only does she find David kissing someone else, but it's their friend Jo! Super-lovely, super-loved, all-round-perfect Jo.

Rachel runs away, wishing she could leave her life behind - and she suddenly finds herself in Jo's body! Can she keep this swap a secret? Can she unravel what's really going on? Can she get to grips with Jo's out-of-control curly hair?

And if she discovers that being in someone else's shoes isn't all it's cracked up to be, can she ever be herself again?"

Genre: Teen Chick Lit
Pages: 344

Cover Rating: 5/5

Publisher: Corgi Books/Random House

Character Rating: 4.5/5

Recommended Age: YA/Teen

Overall Rating: 4/5

Sweet, comical and sprinkled with Plaja magic, Swapped by a Kiss is a fun and girly read. Great storyline, think Freaky Friday but in black and white.

I love the characters in Swapped by a Kiss. My favourite characters are probably Jo and David. Jo because of how she manages to keep up the image of Rachel and David because he never really gives up on Rachel even though she can be a bit grumpy and snappy around him.

At some parts of this book I got a little bit confused when it came to Jo in Rachel and Rachel in Jo etc. I also felt like skipping to the end to see what happened but I don't think I would count that as a negative point, more like a good author that keeps you wanting more! I recommend this book to YA who like a good chick lit and I give it four stars! :)

Rachel :)

Thanks for sending me this copy Luisa! :D

Shadow by Michael Morpurgo

"This dog is not like other dogs. She is more like a friend than a dog, a friendly shadow that does not want to leave us. You never lose your shadow."

Aman and his mother don't know what to do. They are in dangerous territory and all they want is to travel to Manchester, England to be safe. On the journey they are joined by a Springer Spaniel who they decide to name Shadow. Can Shadow show them the road to safety? Can Aman and his mother ever get to England?

Publisher: HarperCollins

Number of Pages: 281

Cover Rating: 5/5

Recommended Age: 11+

Rating: 4/5

Shadow is a great read! Yes, it is a light read but I still found it enjoyable. The novel has three different points of view, one being Aman's and the others being Matt (Aman's best friend) and Matt's Grandfather. You are probably wondering why it's not only Aman's story but at the beginning of the book it starts out with Matt and his Granfather talking about what is happening with Aman. Aman is telling his story. If you read this book (which I hope you will) you will understand what I am talking about.

The main storyline is about a Springer Spaniel, Shadow, who helps Aman and his mother on their dangerous journey so she is my favourite character. Throughout the novel Shadow sticks by Aman through the times where he needs her most. I think Morpurgo used a Spinger Spaniel for Shadow because Spinger Spaniels are very affectionate, loyal and smart. You can't picture a labrador or a chihuahua playing Shadow, can you? Another quality that I like about Shadow is that she might not be big but she is brave.

I love the cover of Shadow, for one, the dog is so cute! It is also a great idea that you get to see the dangerous part of the novel in the background by showing army helicopters and fighters. The reaching out and holding hands shows how emotional this book is going to be as well.

I recommend this book to 11 year olds and older because it is quite a light read. That is if you are an enthusiastic reader. Animal lovers will probably like this novel too. The reason I haven't mentioned a genre is because I basically can't decide what group it goes under. Maybe adventure? Hmmm...

My expectations of this book were that it would be OK but I found I enjoy it better. It might look a bit younger than you usually read but why not read it? I have read quite a few of Michael Morpurgo's books and some of them even made it into my favourites, War Horse and Adolphus Tips certainly did! I think Morpurgo has a unique knack for writing so that is why I am recommended Shadow to you!

Rachel :)