Monday, 30 September 2019

~ My Reading Radar #2: My Undecided Life ~



Hello my bookish peeps


Just to catch you up... I decided to start a new type of post which is for me to keep track of all the awesome books or series I come across, but that I cannot really afford to get at the moment because my bookshelf is currently overflowing and to be honest I probably have enough reading material to last me the rest of my life plus a the next one! 


It is not only for books that are going to be released but also for books that I discover while traveling through the blogsphere. 



So where did I find this super interesting book... I picked up on it from an email I am subscribed to about writing and advice for authors. The author was talking about writing the opening chapter and how she literally had to re-write it about 5 times as it didn't feel catchy enough. When she shared what she eventually came up with... I was hooked! 


Wanna see what it is all about?? Well have a looksy here <3 


Author: Jessica Brody
Book: Stand alone
Publisher: Square Fish
Published: 13 November 2012

Links: Goodreads l Amazon


PLEASE READ THIS! MY LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!

Okay, maybe that was a bit melodramatic, but I'm sorry, I'm feeling a bit melodramatic at the moment.



Here's the deal. My name is Brooklyn Pierce, I'm fifteen years old, and I am decisionally challenged. Seriously, I can't remember the last good decision I made. I can remember plenty of crappy ones though. Including that party I threw when my parents were out of town that accidentally burned down a model home. Yeah, not my finest moment, for sure.


But see, that's why I started a blog. To enlist readers to make my decisions for me. That's right. I gave up. Threw in the towel. I let someone else decide which book I read for English. And whether or not I accepted an invitation to join the debate team from that cute-in-a-dorky-sort-of-way guy who gave me the Heimlich maneuver in the cafeteria. (Note to self: chew the melon before swallowing it.) I even let them decide who I dated!



Well, it turns out there are some things in life you simply can't choose or have chosen for you—like who you fall in love with. And now everything's more screwed up than ever.



But don't take my word for it. Read the book and decide for yourself. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll scream in frustration. Or maybe that's just me. After all, it's my life.



***

~ Author Info ~




Jessica Brody knew from a young age that she wanted to be a writer. She started self “publishing” her own books when she was seven years old, binding the pages together with cardboard, wallpaper samples, and electrical tape.



After graduating from Smith College in 2001 where she double majored in Economics and French and minored in Japanese, Jessica later went on to work for MGM Studios as a Manager of Acquisitions and Business Development. In May of 2005, Jessica quit her job to follow her dream of becoming a published author.



Since then, Jessica has sold over twelve novels for teens, tweens, and adults including 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, The Karma Club, My Life Undecided, and the three books in the Unremembered trilogy, the first of which is currently in development as a major motion picture by the producers of The Vampire Academy, Zero Dark Thirty, Life of Pi, and Slumdog Millionaire. In 2016, she will release two new contemporary novels, A Week of Mondays (August) and Boys of Summer (April), and in 2017, her debut middle grade novel entitled, Addie Bell’s Shortcut to Growing Up, will hit bookstore shelves.


Jessica also writes books for the Descendants: “School of Secrets” series, based on the hit Disney Channel Original movie, Descendants!


Jessica’s books are published and translated in over twenty foreign countries. She currently splits her time between California and Colorado

***

Have you read this book? Let me know your thoughts <3 

Happy Reading!! 

Chanzie 

xxx

Thursday, 26 September 2019

Book Review: Fallen (Fallen #1) by Lauren Kate


Hey hey hey!!! 

How are you doing my lovely friend and what book are you busy devouring this week?? 

Since I had so much going on in my life I decided instead of starting a new series that would demand my undivided interest and attention.. because that is how I get as a reader! I need to know what is going to happen next so I end up putting other things on hold and squeezing in the few minutes I have here and there to read a few pages. 

I picked up an old favourite that I had been wanting to re-read for a while. The choice was tough between Fallen, City of Bones and Vampire Academy. I went with the shorter reading commitment *tee hee*




Paperback
Published: 28 September 2010
Publisher: Delacorte Books
452 pages

* What it's about *

There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce--and goes out of his way to make that very clear--she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, Fallen is a page turning thriller and the ultimate love story.


* My thoughts *

A love destined across time. Fallen is my original favourite angelic love story. 

I decided a re-read was in order, so that I could focus on a few other things in my life and just enjoy hanging out with the characters again. This was not the case... I flew through this book again. It was like being reacquainted with an old friend. 

Even though it wasn't as mind blasting as the first time I read it (which was 6 years ago), I still loved Luce, Daniel and the crew all over again. 

My favourite character, other than Daniel, is 100% Arriane. She is like the chilli spice of the story - adds so much flavour and is totally badass in a goooooood way. 

Cam Cam Cam... I have such a soft spot for him. Wounded souls love too. 

What can I say, Ms Kate, I love this Fallen world.


* Rating * 


* Books in the series* 




Author Links and Bio: 
Website  l  Goodreads  l  Facebook  l  Twitter  l  Instagram



Lauren Kate is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Fallen novels, the Teardrop novels, and The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove. Her books have been translated into more than 30 languages. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.




Happy Reading <3 

Love 

Chanzie 

xxx

Tuesday, 24 September 2019

Blog Tour + Giveaway : Unearthed (A Death Seeker Novel) by Cecy Robson




`*•.¸(`*•.¸(`*•.¸★¸.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.•*´
★💜★ Unearthed (Death Seeker #1) ★💜★
¸.•*´(¸.•*´(¸.•*´★`*•.¸)`*•.¸)`*•.¸



Happy Release Day to author Cecy Robson!


This is one of those books I have come across and instantly fell in love with the cover and concept of the story! I will be reading it soon and am lucky enough to be apart in the tour.


Release Date: September 24, 2019



★💜★ SYNOPSIS ★💜★

Fae was once a flourishing paradise. Until Death turned greedy and destroyed it, targeting the creatures who inhabited it. Those who survived escaped to Earth’s realm, but Death wasn’t far behind . . .

Olivia Finn is just another pixie trying to blend in among humans and hide from the death hounds who devoured her family. Clinging to the talisman that keeps her veiled from those who hunt her, she believes she is safe. . .. Until Death finds her and discovers she’s immune to its grip.

Now that Olivia’s power is unearthed, she is sought by Fae who see her as their savior and stalked by dark entities compelled to destroy her. Can she trust the King of the Dead who has sworn to train and protect her? Or should she obey her instincts that warn he desires more?

Olivia can no longer hide from Death. To survive, she must seek it.


***

Here are a few snippets and a yummy excerpt... 

★💜★ Check it out ★💜★












Excerpt from Unearthed (Death Seeker #1) by Cecy Robson 


…in the Glen a nightclub where the Fae like to gather

Lights flash and magical mist pours across the dance floor, allowing privacy to those desperate for touch. Fae aren’t plentiful, and neither are establishments for us to gather. That’s what makes the Glen fun. It doesn’t just bring my kind together, it frees us. No glamour, no pretending. We discuss magic and the old realm, curse Death for destroying it and celebrate our survival.
With a shimmy and a shake, lavender and silver wings sprout from Dahlia’s back. She stretches, relishing the feel of simply being herself. She winks at me, her glimmering lavender eyes and lips radiant. 

A drunk mountain troll stumbles between us. She releases my hand, allowing him through before clasping my hand and guiding us through the gyrating swarm of bodies. “Let’s have a drink, darling.”
I squeeze her hand. Fae are affectionate beings. In the human world, we cage our need to caress, embrace, and make love. It’s a way to keep our identities secret and another way to prevent Death from finding us.

Bill’s broken glamour was a result of a stolen kiss. It revealed his form to a human and worst of all damaged his talisman. Our talismans remain the only way to hide from those who hunt us. Without them, it’s a death warrant with our executioners often seconds from being collected.


★💜★ #GIVEAWAY ★💜★







★💜★ ABOUT CECY ROBSON ★💜★


CECY ROBSON is an international and multi-award-winning author of over twenty-five character driven novels. A registered nurse of eighteen years, Cecy spends her free time creating magical worlds, heart-stopping romance, and young adult adventure. After receiving two RITA® nominations, the Maggie Award, the Award of Excellence, and a National Reader’s Choice Award nomination, you can still find Cecy laughing, crying, and cheering on her characters as she pens her next story.




★💜★ CONNECT WITH CECY ★💜★


Thursday, 19 September 2019

Audio book Review: Grey Magic by JT Lawrence



Goooooood Morning Everyone

I am super duper extra excited to be writing this post. 

Not only did I discover an amazing SOUTH AFRICAN best selling author via a writers Facebook group that I belong too.... but she is my friend on Facebook as well. 

It was so inspiring to come across JT for me as a writer and I definitely appreciate her as a reader as well. She is a genre hoping author which only makes me love her even more. She makes her own rules and she is am amazing person to chat to. 

I was lucky and she was kind enough to sponsor me a copy of her audio book of Grey Magic. 

In some ways I wonder how did I not discover her sooner???? South African Authors just don't get enough coverage in South Africa in my opinion. 

If you haven't heard of her yet... check out her bio at the bottom of the post. 


Audiobook on Audible:
Narrator: Roshina Ratnam
Length: 9hrs 7 mins

Paperback info:
Published: 25 September 2018 (Published)
Publisher: Firefinch Press
423 pages

* What it's about *


No one appreciates the irony of her situation more than Raven Kane: she's a burnt-out witch. Raven is a hip, hexing-and-texting sorceress - or at least, she used to be. Now her ancient timber house is falling down around her, and the bank wants to repossess it. Nothing would make her cantankerous neighbour happier than seeing Raven and her messy menagerie out on the street. To add to her stress, the reckless Wicked Witches are causing mischief and it's her job to reign them in. Worst of all is that her magic seems to be fading. Just as everything seems to be too much to handle, there's a knock on the (splintering) door. A not-unattractive man appears in her life: not to save her, as a fairytale would have you believe, but to arrest her for the murder of one of her clients. It wouldn't be that bad for Raven, except that she knows she's guilty.



* My thoughts *

I loved this book sooooooo much! It is one of those books that just get right down to the heart of things and pull you in in a matter of chapters. 


I was very lucky that I was gifted the audio book version from the Author, so I made it my daily commute listen which was quickly addictive due to the colourful characters that JT created. 

It is the perfectly balanced book with emotion and suspense as the story unravels. At some points I wondered how on earth Raven was going to get out of the mess of her life that she was in. 

One of the other factors that I just adored about this book was all the 'South African-isms' she includes in her writing. I am so used to everything being Americanized that when these little sparkles SA popped up it brought an instant smile to my face.  

It is a wonderful stand alone, but you can't help wanting more of Raven, Kruger and the crew. 

Please please please give us some more of this amazing series JT! The world needs it... and so do I ;) 

Definitely a high recommendation from me!


* Rating * 


Author Links and Bio: 
Website  l  Goodreads  l  Facebook  l  Twitter  l  Instagram


JT Lawrence is a bestselling author (and playwright) based in Parkview, Johannesburg. She is the mother of two small boys and a baby girl, and lives in a house with a red front door.







Monday, 16 September 2019

~ My Reading Radar #1 : Wonderland Academy ~


HI Lovelies


So I decided to start a new type of post which is me to keep track of all the awesome books or series I come across, but cannot really afford to get at the moment because my bookshelf is currently overflowing and to be honest I probably have enough reading material to last me the rest of my life plus a the next one! 


It is not only for books that are going to be released, but also for books that I discover while traveling through the blogsphere old or new. 

But before we get to bookish goodstuff... How gorgeous is the feature banner... It was designed for me by the awesome Silvia @ Darkest Sins. If you need anything designed for your blog or for your book... she is your girl... She also revamped my blog to look as amazing as it does!! #MuchLoveForSilvia


So I found this book in a recommended new release email I receive from Bookbub. 
Two things drew me right in...
A) I love Melanie Karsak 
B) What a gorgeous cover right?? 


I read Melanie's Steampunk Chasing the Star Garden (Although I have not finished this series as it got lost in my TBR pile) and totally loved it! Note to self... I need to go re-read this book and finish this series *adds to TBR pile* 




Have you have noticed that 'Academy' type books do seem to be the latest trend with books and series and I quite like it to be honest! 




So let's get down to the good stuff <3 



Author: Melanie Karsak
Series: Wonderland Academy 
Book #1
Published: 27 August 2019
Publisher: Clockpunk Press
Links: Goodreads l Amazon

Welcome to Wonderland Academy. Don't lose your head.

Getting into Wonderland Academy is easy:
You must be a little mad.
You must follow the white rabbit.
You must find the key to enter Wonderland.
You must not be named Alice or risk being beheaded by order of the Queen of Hearts.



We might have an issue with that last one.




My name may be Alice, but Wonderland Academy is everything my real life isn't. Who wouldn't want to learn how to ride a jabberwocky, train with a vorpal sword, cast spells using a teacup, or shapeshift into a fairy? As long as no one figures out my real name, I should be fine.




The only problem? Aden, the Queen of Hearts' son, is quickly becoming my best friend. And then there's Corbin. Brooding, surly, tattooed, and definitely not my type, I can't stop thinking about him. But Corbin has secrets of his own, and Wonderland and secrets don't mix.




How I'm going to pass my classes and protect my secret like my life depends on it is beyond me. But I better find a way. Because in Wonderland, no Alice is safe.



* * *



Wonderland Academy re-imagines the fantastical world of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland for a fresh, new adventure. Combining whimsy, magic, and a splash of steampunk, New York Times best-selling author Melanie Karsak invites you into this beautifully re-envisioned fairy tale adventure.


* * *



Wonderland Academy is a college-level academy novel. It contains a slow-burn (not rh) romance. The novel is clean aside from mild language. This is Book 1 in a planned trilogy. Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger (Frodo didn't reach Mount Doom in a day, after all).



Trigger Warning: This novel also includes references to a school shooting.



~ Author Info ~

Links: Amazon l Website l Instagram l Facebook l Goodreads l Twitter

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Melanie Karsak is the author of The Airship Racing Chronicles, The Harvesting Series, The Celtic Blood Series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, and Steampunk Fairy Tales. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children. She is an Instructor of English at Southern New Hampshire University.



***

Have you read this book? Let me know your thoughts <3 

Happy Reading!! 

Chanzie 
xxx

Thursday, 12 September 2019

Book Review: Dark Ascension (Ema Marx #4) by JD Brown

Hello my Bookish Peeps

Hope you have all been keeping well and warm or cool.. depending on which side of the globe you are reading this from :) 

What a series... just when you think things can't get any more.. what's the word I am looking for... ummmm.... Hectic / Dramatic / Crazy.. Ms Brown just takes it to the next level. 

If you missed my first reviews, check it out: 
Dark Heirloom #1
Dark Liason #2
Athena's Oracle #2.5
Dark Becoming #3
The Warrioress #3.5

I came across this book on Instagram. It was a sponsored promotional book and the first book in the series was free. I read up a bit about the author and her two cents behind the story with the blurb and I figured why not try a new author with an intriguing main character. 
(See below for links and bio).

FYI... if you buy the book directly from her website versus on amazon or another website... it's cheaper! #yourewelcome

Let's get this party started!

Kindle version
Published: 09 October 2017
Publisher: NightMare Publishing
Goodreads  l  Amazon

* What it's about *

When one king falls, another rises…

Defeating her nemesis is just the beginning for Ema Marx. Her past is about to catch up with her. Her future is bleak. A new enemy waits. But her greatest challenge?

Surviving her parents.
Or is it surviving her on-off relationship?
Wait … It’s definitely saving her unborn children.
Pretty sure.



* My thoughts *

This series just gets better and better... 


I can say I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Just when you think an end is coming to a close, there is a complication, but in a good way that keeps you wanting more more more. 

My favourite character of the book has got to be Valafar. My heart literally aches for him and all his trials and suffering that he goes through. At times I looked forward to Valafar's POV more than Ema, and we all know by now I love Ema (and Jesu). I really do hope that Ms Brown gives us Valafar as the second POV again in the next installment. 

I really loved Ema's father and really do hope that we do get a little bit more of him in the next book. 

Tancrid annoyed me soooooo badly, but you do understand why as the story progresses. 

Lilith is just terrible. Just when you think she can't get anymore terrible... trust me she does. And all that she puts poor Valafar through just broke my heart. 


Hopefully Ms Brown won't keep us waiting too long for book #5!!


* Rating * 



Books in the series: 



Novellas:



Author Links and Bio: 
Website  l  Goodreads  l  Facebook  l  Twitter  l  Instagram


J.D. Brown knows that vampires exist because she’s dating one and no, he doesn’t sparkle. Unfortunately, he’s not immortal either (or maybe her standards are too low). A magnet for subcultures and weirdness, J.D. was that socially awkward girl with more fictional friends than real ones. As a child battling a hearing loss and a medical condition with no name, J.D. found comfort in books where strong women always saved the day and got the guy. An obsession with Charmed, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Buffy the Vampire Slayer led J.D. to believe that her mutated chromosome made her something more, not something less. Thus her stubborn flare to persevere was born. A lover of fine cuisine, coffee, and shoes, J.D. never understood why shoe stores don’t serve Starbucks and soufflé. She resides in Wisconsin were she writes urban fantasy—aka vampires for adults—and has political debates with her dogs.


She loves to hear from fans and is active on http://Facebook.com/AuthorJDBrown


Happy Reading <3 

Love 

Chanzie 
xxx

Thursday, 5 September 2019

Book Review: Dark Becoming (Ema Marx #3) by JD Brown

Hello lovelies

Are you ready for another juicy bite from my latest binge read worthy series??? 

Life has been life, I am getting married in the next few days so planning and priorities have been ALL over the place! never mind work and family life with a 6 year old...   

Ms Brown just grows and evolves as an amazing author with each book! 
If you missed my first reviews, check it out Dark Heirloom Dark Liason+ Athena's Oracle.

I came across this book on Instagram. It was a sponsored promotional book and the first book in the series was free. I read up a bit about the author and her two cents behind the story with the blurb and I figured why not try a new author with an intriguing main character. 
(See below for links and bio).

FYI... if you buy the book directly from her website versus on amazon or another website... it's cheaper! #yourewelcome

It's time to share the next yummy edition to this series with you! 

Kindle version
Published: 20 July 2015
Publisher: NightMare Publishing
313 pages
Goodreads  l  Amazon

* What it's about *

Ema Marx is in a race against time. Or rather, a race against Apollyon. A powerful weapon--the legendary philosopher's stone--could tip the scale in favor of whoever gets their fangs on it first. 

For Ema, obtaining the stone is an uphill battle through love, alliance, heartbreak, and loyalty. Winning should mean the beginning of beautiful things, but the closer Ema gets to her destiny, the more uncertain her future becomes. Could it be this war was never meant for her? And why the heck doesn't morning sickness adhere to rules of its own name?  



* My thoughts *

And Ms Brown has made her mark again! 

This is my favourite book in the series so far (Book... excluding the novella review). 

It is full of so much juiciness and amazing characters,it is hard to not share spoilers. 
Book 1 and 2 were good but here you can see JD Brown has stepped up her game. 

Here is a little word on each of the characters that stood out for me: 

Sure there were sometimes when Ema and Jesu annoyed me with their all over the place romance. I do love how Ema is growing as a character, even if I can't agree with all her decisions. Jesu is just Jesu *swoon*. I love him sooooo much! 

Bridget.. I loved her, then couldn't stand her, then felt sorry for her and finally kinda unsure in general - love makes you do weird things, but rejection can make you a little bit crazy. 

Valafar... I must say he is a bit of a favourite of mine but so is King Nikolas, but in different ways and for different reasons. 

Maria - I am not sure how to feel about Maria. I love her to pieces, but there were some comments from other characters that have made me kind of be wary. I am hoping this will be cleared up once I start book 4. 

Jalmari - sigh I kinda love to hate him and hate to love him. 

I really really can't wait to see where the story goes and how it grows!! 

Awesome job JD. Thanks for writing such an amazing story <3.


* Rating * 



Books in the series: 



Novellas:



Author Links and Bio: 
Website  l  Goodreads  l  Facebook  l  Twitter  l  Instagram


J.D. Brown knows that vampires exist because she’s dating one and no, he doesn’t sparkle. Unfortunately, he’s not immortal either (or maybe her standards are too low). A magnet for subcultures and weirdness, J.D. was that socially awkward girl with more fictional friends than real ones. As a child battling a hearing loss and a medical condition with no name, J.D. found comfort in books where strong women always saved the day and got the guy. An obsession with Charmed, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Buffy the Vampire Slayer led J.D. to believe that her mutated chromosome made her something more, not something less. Thus her stubborn flare to persevere was born. A lover of fine cuisine, coffee, and shoes, J.D. never understood why shoe stores don’t serve Starbucks and soufflé. She resides in Wisconsin were she writes urban fantasy—aka vampires for adults—and has political debates with her dogs.


She loves to hear from fans and is active on http://Facebook.com/AuthorJDBrown


Happy Reading <3 

Love 

Chanzie 
xxx