All The Wrong Questions

All The Wrong Questions
Rating: 4/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy 
Source: Copy Courtesy Of The Publisher 

I remember being given the first two A Series Of Unfortunate Events books as a Christmas present when I was younger, and from then on completely loving the series and having to wait for each new book to come out and then devouring it in hours. I was lucky enough to be sent the entire new series from Lemony Snicket to review, All The Wrong Questions. As soon as I started reading, all the memories from ASOUE came flooding back, and I just can't get over the originality of the books! 

Who Could That Be At This Hour? 

Before you consider reading "Who Could That Be at This Hour?" ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you curious about what is happening in a seaside town that is no longer by the sea?

2. Do you want to know more about a stolen item that wasn't stolen at all?

3. Do you think that's any of your business? Why? What kind of person are you? Really?

4. Who is that standing behind you?

In the very beginning of the book, it was kind of difficult to understand what was going on. Lemony was supposed to be on a train and there where his parents, and Laudanum laced tea but they're not actually his parents and there's a note dropped in to his lap from a woman. He then goes to the bathroom and escapes out of the window down a ladder. From then on, you gradually start to understand what was going on, and things are easier to understand. It turns out Lemony is an apprentice at a secret organization and the woman is his boss S Theodora Markson. Once they hit their destination they have to retrieve a stolen item, a statue, and return it to the correct owner, but nothing is as it seems and it starts the whole journey off. 

I just love the general nonsense of the book, the kids operating the taxi for their father, the nonsense mystery and town with it's missing ocean. The writing style, the descriptions of books that have you stopping to think about which one they're talking about. I loved the word definitions being thrown in, because it was done in such a way that was funny, rather than annoying because it clearly parodied all the times it happens in other kids books. At times I got some Bugsy Malone vibes because for the most part, it was all kids acting like adults, with hardly any adults about. 

You don't know what's going to happen next as the plot keeps changing, and it keeps you turning the pages. I loved how Pip and Squeak, the two taxi drivers, asked for tips rather than money, so Lemony will recommend them a book. There are so many references to books and like I said, it's fun to try to work out which ones are being mentioned but I did fail at some! 

The book ends with nothing resolved, so you're desperate for the next book to see what's going to happen next. The book has an original and exciting setting, and a cracking little mystery to keep you occupied. 

When Did You See Her Last? 

In the fading town of Stain’d-by-the-Sea, young apprentice Lemony Snicket has a new case to solve when he and his chaperone are hired to find a missing girl.

Is the girl a runaway? Or was she kidnapped? Was she seen last at the grocery store? Or could she have stopped at the diner? Is it really any of your business?

So, this is the second book in the series.....obviously. This time around we have a missing girl and again...nothing is as it seems. It would appear that the missing girl has managed to be in two places at once...or has she. Has she been kidnapped for her formula that would save the town? 

Anyways, the story continues on well. There's a little kind of "previously on" section that catches you right up if you have  had a bit of a wait between books. The thing I like most about the book is the characters, and in this one, I just sat there like wow. There are certain characters that  I completely hate because they're so horrible and repulsive, but then there are also funny characters. I must say, I love the Librarian! 

I just mention the characters because this time I actually got really annoyed by two of them! 

Every time I open one of these books, I'm just struck by the writing and how much I love it.  This is another fun read that takes completely unexpected turn. 

Shouldn't You Be In School? 

Do you smell smoke? Young apprentice Lemony Snicket is investigating a case of arson but soon finds himself enveloped in the ever-increasing mystery that haunts the town of Stain'd-by-the-Sea. 

Who is setting fires? 

What secrets are hidden in the Department Of Education? 

Why are so many schoolchildren in danger? 

Is it all the work of the notorious villain Hangfire? 

How could you even ask that? 

What kind of education have you had? 

Maybe you should be in school? 

Questions, questions, so many questions. So far each book has left us with  more questions and this one is no exception. Particularly in this book you're actually wondering about a character's allegiance and I can't quite work out who's side she's on but I certainly don't trust her as much as Lemony seems to! 

This time around someone is setting fires, truant officers of the dodgy variety are kidnapping kids and taking them to a new school which isn't exactly what it seems. Someone's being framed for the murders...but why?

I love the wit and sarcasm of the book so much, but once again I'm never sure if what's going on is really correct, the plot changes so much and half the time I'm not sure whether or not Lemony is pulling my leg. This is the book we FINALLY found out the meaning of VFD. 

I find these books so original because of the writing style, unless you read ASOUE you won't read anything like it anywhere else. It's a particular brand of humour and it's one that has me cracking up. This time round I'm rooting for Lemony because I know he can handle himself whereas with the kids from ASOUE I always felt sorry for them and just....so much pity really. I should also mention that Count Olaf gets a mention, and Josephine makes an appearance. I fangirled. 

This is also the book, it has to be said, where we finally start to get some answers. Or do we? Muahahahaa. As suspected, some characters aren't who they seem, my loathing for a particular character shot up ten fold and I really rather wanted to throttle Lemony's boss. 

All in all this book is driving us towards the finale, and I'm excited to finally have all the pieces of the puzzle and work out what's going on! 

Why Is This Night Different From All The Other Nights? 

Train Travel! Murder! Librarians! A Series Finale!


Can Lemony Snicket finally discover all the right answers?


There was a town, and there was a train, and there was a murder. Apprentice investigator Lemony Snicket was on the train, and he thought that if he solved the murder he could save the town.


He was almost thirteen and he was wrong. He was wrong about all of it. He should have asked the question “Is it more beastly to be a murderer or to let one go free?” Instead, he asked the wrong question – four wrong questions, more or less. This is the account of the last… 

Finally, the end is night. I'd love to say it ends all neatly wrapped up but I mean...that ending?! LEMONY WHERE ARE YOU GOING?! I was STILL left wondering! Or maybe the better phrasing is unsettled. I'm not sure. Anyway, all the questions we have are answered. We finally find out who Hangfire is and you're left guessing right up until the end! Although I was correct about a certain female character! 

I kinda wanna know more about Lemony's sister and what happened to her it has to be said. It also has to be said that I'm hopping mad that Stew just....got away with it! Man his parents are pushovers. He really turned out to be a completely vile character. Honestly. Everything's wrapped up don't get me wrong, and I can't fault it. But emotionally it wasn't all that wrapped up, I think. 

The noir is strong in this one as we all board a train, there's mysterious figures in disguise, a murder and a  hunt for the villain and the truth. I'm not sure if I'm the only one who got Murder on the Orient Express vibes, mostly because, ya know...murder on the train! 

The thing about the mystery is that information has been withheld from us, fellow readers. Which makes it kind of impossible for us to beat Snicket. I was always wrong in my guesses and had no hope of beating Lemony, let alone when the huge reveal was based on information we didn't have! Everything fit, and the series has ended with most things all wrapped up, although not entirely neatly! But what do you expect from a Lemony Snicket book! 

The Blackthorn Key

The Blackthorn Key
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy 
Source: Copy courtesy of the publisher!

London, 1665. Fourteen-year-old Christopher Rowe is apprenticed to master apothecary Benedict Blackthorn. In Blackthorn's shop, Christopher learns the delicate secrets of transforming simple ingredients into powerful medicines, potions and weapons. His beloved master guides him with a firm, steady hand - instilling him with confidence and independence that prove increasingly vital as Christopher learns of a mysterious cult preying on the most learned men in London. The murders are growing closer and closer to home and soon Christopher is torn from the shop with only a page of cryptic clues from his master and the unambiguous warning: 'Tell no one'. 

Helped by his best friend, Tom, Christopher must decipher his master's clues, following a trail of deceit towards an unearthly secret with the power to tear the world apart.

Guys this was so good! Seriously I enjoyed every single page! I've been reading some pretty heavy books recently and this was such a nice break, it made me laugh but at the same time it had a complex plot going on and really kept up the intrigue so I was turning pages as fast as possible! I ended up reading it in one sitting after telling myself "I'm just going to read the first couple of chapters". 

I'm a history nerd and the bend of history and fiction was perfect, just enough history and research to give the book an authentic feel. Although I could have done without some of the smells that where described and could practically smell wafting off the page! You can easily disappear inside the world of the book, there's no boring pages and pages of historical showing off about how much research the author has done. There's a fair bit of history in the book but like I said....it's not overly done and is there to bring the world to life and make it authentic. I found the Author's Note particularly interesting as well as I had completely forgotten about the differing calendars and so on. 

The Blackthorn Key is fast paced, with a quest like vibe, a National Treasure for kids kinda thing. I enjoyed the different clues and trying to work them out along with the characters in the book, as well as work out who the main enemy is. I was completely wrong! The book was full of adventure and humour. I definitely chuckled a fair bit as I was reading, mostly at Christopher and Tom's antics.

It's got to be said, the book had a lot of heart to it with Christopher's relationship with his Master and then his friendship with Tom. It was also kind of sad and heartbreaking in one or two places, but this was balanced out with the humour. Christopher was a likeable character, his sarcasm was spot on and you liked him from the beginning. As you got to know him more, you felt for him more and more as he was struggling in the aftermath of his Masters death. You ended up rooting for him, and your connection to the character meant that there where some pretty intense scenes of suspense. Bridget the pigeon also deserves a mention I think! Christopher's bird BFF who kept turning up all over the place! It was a sweet touch. 

The book has a very nice murder mystery at it's heart. There's lots of threads to it because not everything is as it seems, so it's actually quite complex. These other threads slowly reveal themselves and the plot definitely thickens until you're trying to put all the clues together but still not quite managing to puzzle it all out. There where some surprising twists to the story and then a huge end reveal that had me shouting at the book! 

All in all The Blackthorn Key was a fun read with plenty of action and adventure to keep you turning the pages, and complex undertones that gives the book an edge. 

Poppy Pym And The Pharaoh's Curse

Poppy Pym and the Pharaoh's Curse
Rating: 4/5 
Buy or Borrow: Buy 
Source: Copy courtesy of the publisher 

Poppy Pym has grown up in the circus, eating candy floss for breakfast and learning about lion taming ... until her circus family decides she needs a more traditional education, and they send her to boarding school. At first, Poppy has trouble fitting in at St Smithen's, a school that is very different from the circus. But when an ancient Egyptian ruby comes to the school and dangerous accidents start occurring, it's up to Poppy to save her new home and solve the mystery of the Pharaoh's curse!

Well this book was a fun read, and a fun mix of different themes! We've got a boarding school, a circus, a mystery and some Ancient Egypt thrown in there all blended together to make an entertaining read! You all know I can be lured by anything involving Ancient Egypt and I loved the echoes in this book from real history. If you don't know what I'm talking about take a look at Tutankhamen and his "curse", you might find it interesting. 

Poppy Pym was an easy read, and fast paced, easily read in one sitting. There's plenty of action and plenty of humour thanks to the colourful cast of characters, particularly Poppy's circus family! They where a lively and interesting bunch! The mystery kept you intrigued as you tried to put the pieces together and work out who the culprit was. Overall it was a very well written, entertaining book with a fantastic heroine that will keep you laughing the entire way through! 

The Copper Gauntlet

The Copper Gauntlet
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy 
Source: Copy courtesy of the publisher! 

Callum Hunt’s summer break isn’t like other kids’. His closest companion is a Chaos-ridden wolf, Havoc. His father suspects him of being secretly evil. And, of course, most kids aren’t heading back to school in the magical world of the Magisterium . . .

It’s not easy for Call, he's struggling to deal with the revelations of Iron Trial . . . and it gets even harder after he checks out his basement and discovers that his dad might be trying to destroy both him and Havoc, I mean...what else could all the creepy ritual paraphernalia be for? 

Call escapes to Tamara's house where he find out Aaron has been there all summer being celebrated as the Makar...the weapon against the enemy. Upon their return to the Magisterium things only intensify. The Alkahest-a copper gauntlet capable of separating certain magicians from their magic-has been stolen. The Mages think it's the Enemy of Death....but Call knows it isn't. He knows exactly who's taken it but he can't believe it. 

Call, Aaron, Tamara and Jasper. Yes you read that right, Jasper, head off on a mission to retrieve the Alkahest but it would seem all isn't as it appears. The closer they get to their goal, the more dangers present themselves. But it couldn't be the Magisterium sending them...could it? Call and his friends are getting closer and closer to a dangerous truth, one Call doesn't want his friends to find out. 

As the mysteries of the Magisterium deepen and widen, bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare take readers on an extraordinary journey through one boy’s conflict -and a whole world’s fate.

This is a satisfying sequel to the first book, it has to be said! I loved the first book, I couldn't not love anything Cassandra Clare writes! This episode was a lot more action packed than the first, we don't spend a lot of time in the school, it's mostly in the world above as they go about their quest. We also get an interesting look at Tamara's family. I got some definite Harry Potter vibes off this book, but it's not actually anything like Harry Potter. We dive straight back in to the world and the action straight away, and the book keeps up a fast pace throughout. 

The world continued to be rich and original and exciting, it really does suck you in and I was kinda sad we didn't spend much time in the Magisterium this time, I love that place! The lichen and the toadstools etc. Either way, whether you're in the school or not, the book is so well written and atmospheric that you get lost in the world, and even the real world has it's own magical quality. 

I continue to love the magic in the book, the levels at the school, how the magic works, the wristbands and the different gems. We learn about a different gem in this book, but it's a spoiler alert so I'll leave you to read and find out yourselves! We also learn a lot more about Chaos magic and how it works and what it can do and so on, and we see a proper elemental, like....not a little lizard. 

The thing I loved about Call in the first book was that he wasn't perfect, he's got problems with his leg and can't do half the things he wants, and I thought it was unique for a main character to not be all super fit and muscly and active. While I liked Call, I did find him a bit...trying at times. In this book he's a lot less bratty, he's grown as a character and was a lot more likeable. Calls really struggling in this book with the revelations from the previous one and he's kind of analysing his own behaviour to see if he's an "Evil Overlord", the way he did it and it was written was actually quite humorous although sad at the same time because of how it was making Call feel. I really felt for him this book and was rooting for him. I know a lot of people might look at him negatively because of the times he resents Aaron, and you see it a lot in this book as he's struggling with who he really is and everyones all about Aaron and only cares about Aaron, rather than looking down on him for it, I could see where he was coming from. 

I loved the friendships between the three in the first book and those friendships where really tested in this book and it was sad to read. His friends didn't have the reactions I was hoping for which added some angst and conflict and made the book emotional. Although, not everything was hunky dory at the end, Aaron was hard to read, there could be some upcoming conflict between Aaron and Call. Tamara really divided my opinion in the book to the point she was annoying me, like after she did that thing and was bleating on about "you can tell me anything" like really? 

Jasper was in this book a surprising amount. I really didn't like him in the first book, I kept waiting for him to scream "MY FATHER WILL HEAR ABOUT THIS!", but at the same time I could understand him and where he was coming from and I actually wanted to see him more in the second book...which is this book...and he was in it loads...so yay! I wasn't expecting it really! Jasper isn't a complete douche, you get to know him more this book and understand what he's dealing with at home and how his snark is a reflex. He was actually quite nice once or twice and sort of came to seem like one of the gang, although in true Jasper fashion he's not getting all touchy feely about it. I really want to like him, but everytime I start to he does something a bit harsh and I'm like whhhhyyyy! 

There's lots of threads to the plot again which keeps the intrigue up as you try to work out what's going on,  and who's  behind what. There's plenty of twists and turns, some I did half guess at or see coming, but then others where completely surprising and I didn't see coming, so it was an equal balance that kept you guessing. Then there's another huge plot twist at the end which is game changing to say the least, and there's a nice new mystery ready for the next book. 

The Copper Gauntlet is a strong sequel, showcasing character growth and adding even more to the characters. More's been added to the world, and more intrigues to get you excited for the next book. I easily read this in one sitting because once you get started, it's kind of hard to find a place to put it down! 

I, Coriander 10th Anniversary Edition

I, Coriander

Rating: 5/5

Buy or Borrow: Buy 

Source: Copy courtesy of the publisher

I am Coriander Hobie. I was born in the year of Our Lord 1643, the only child of Thomas and Eleanor Hobie, in our great house on the River Thames in London. Of my early years I remember only happiness. That was before I knew this world had such evil in it, and that my fate was to be locked up in a chest and left to die. This is my story. This is my life. 

Coriander has a happy childhood living with her silk merchant father and mother who has a way with healing. But that all changes when a pair of silver shoes are mysteriously delivered. But it's years later that the finding and wearing of the silver shoes shows it's consequences. When Coriander's mother dies, her father must remarry if he wishes to keep his business and home after supporting the King. Unfortunately for Coriander her new stepmother is the of the evil variety. A stepmother who is working with a Puritan preacher and both are up to no good. 

I was so incredibly excited to get sent a review copy of the anniversary edition of the book! I have very vague memories of being in like year 7 or 8, and grabbing this from the school's library to read during form time because I'd finished the book I had brought with me. I vaguely remembered the book but as it is...it's literally been 10 years since I read this so I couldn't really remember what happened and so on, I just remembered Coriander and her silver shoes. 

To me this book has such Cinderella vibes with the evil step mother and the father leaving and everything, but it's the fairy world that adds a layer of enchanting, fairytale quality to this book, and an original one at that. The book was magical and really sprang to life, I so loved reading about the world Coriander's mother came from and I was eagerly waiting for the rest of the story to unfold. 

I've read a couple of books set in this time period, but they where adult books and they where set during the Civil War, I haven't come across one that spans across the entire period after the Civil War up to the King returning and it was fascinating. The book must have had plenty of research go in to it as it's very authentic and you get a feel for the time period, as unfair as it was. London in this particular era comes to vivid life, it's kinda like you're Doctor Who but the book is your Tardis. I got utterly lost in the world the time and the events and the story. I could rather have done without the vivid smells, but then again it wouldn't have been as authentic without. 

The story was engrossing and enchanting, you're rooting for Coriander, hating Maud and Arise and hoping they'll get their comeuppance. Those two really are characters you love to hate and they're utterly vile and the kind that you can imagine actually existing in that time, I mean there's always stories of people disappearing and being found to be murdered in that time period so it's incredibly believable. They where a right piece of work. 

I was glued to the page waiting to see what would happen, would Coriander succeed? What would happen to the bad guys? Would her father come back? What's the deal with the shoes? Who was her mother really? And so on. I couldn't stop reading and devoured the book in one sitting. Coriander was such a great character, and her narrative was engaging and spot on. She had you right there with her, feeling what she felt and it was an emotional read, as some parts where quite heartbreaking, or at least they where to me. Then other parts had me feeling quite angry to be honest. 

I loved the fairies in this book, I loved the echos of her mother's life and story in Coriander's own life. I loved reading about the world and how things worked and found it to be an original take to other stories involving fairies that I've read before. It added a unique touch and made the book truly magical. 

It must also be said that the Authors Note is incredibly helpful and for such a concise note, has a fair bit of information in it. 

I, Coriander is a fantastically written, enchanting tale with a fairytale quality and echoes of Cinderella. It will have you engrossed up until the last page, experiencing life in the times of the book, and then being taken completely out of the world to another entirely, that is written in such a way that it doesn't seem unbelievable or out of this world. I found it to be quite natural, which is strange because you know....fairies don't exist, that I know of anyway, and yet they're in this book and they seem like they belong, like they're real. It has an utterly perfect ending, and it's such a brilliant book that has a timeless quality to me. Possibly because it's not set in a modern time but ya know. 

Gemini Force 1: Black Horizon

Gemini Force 1: Black Horizon
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Copy courtesy of the publisher!

When Ben's father tragically dies in a climbing accident, it's up to Ben and his mother Caroline to open his final project, a fancy hotel. But it's at this opening that their fate changes forever. When there's an air accident, Ben and his mother have to rescue the two pilots who bailed out, a daring feat, one that catches the attention of entrepreneur Jason Truby.

Ben gives his mother an idea, start a rescue team, but it's Truby who takes it to another level. He recruits Ben's mother to join his top secret, uber cool international rescue force....Gemini Force. Ben's itching to get on the team but his mother is determined he's going to finish school. That doesn't mean Ben can't visit on holidays....and he does.

It's Ben's first holiday trip out to hang with Gemini Force when everything goes wrong. A mission comes in, and Ben's mother is determined to go along....but in the middle of the rescue she becomes trapped, and suddenly Ben is parentless. Ben is determined to continue her work with the Force, but he's going to have to fight for his place....even if it means disobeying what he's been told and putting himself in danger....

Oh my God this was so good I can't even! I knew I had to review this because my Dad loves Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet and I used to watch all of them when they where on TV, I've seen the film as well, which was okay, but yeah I'm so glad I got a proof of this because it was everything I  was hoping for and more!

I was sucked in from the first page, and it was all go from then, daring rescue missions...danger....fantastic characters you instantly feel connected to and get emotionally attached to, and what a cast of characters they are! Addie is my favourite, I'm not going to lie, I loved her, she's awesome! I'm not sure what the situation is with the books, but assuming the other books are happening, then I hope to see and learn more about the other team members and get to know them better, it's going to be interesting to see what's going to happen to Ben now he's on the team!

The setting was vivid, I could picture everything, and trust me, it gave my imagination a workout! Picturing all these cool devices and planes and everything. So vivid, so cinematic....just saying! The world is so well constructed it sucks you in and keeps you glued to the page, wanting to know more about the Force and what's going to happen next!

I was so gutted when Ben's mum died, I kept thinking it was going to be like, I don't know...that she was actually fine and they'd got there in time but no, it was so sad, and the book really brings out your emotions when you're reading. I was on the edge of my seat, riddled with tension when I was reading some of the missions!

I was never sure what was going to happen next, and it was a wild ride of a read, fast paced, slick, smooth, I can't gush about it enough to be honest! I wish it was longer! I wanted to keep reading and I didn't want it to end!

I have a feeling this isn't the last we've seen of the bad guy in this book, I got vibes about it, and I'm convinced he'll make an appearance again! It was cool how the two connected as well, to create a mini plot within the main plot!

I really can't get over this book, I had some expectations for this, and every single one was met and exceeded and I think this is a fantastic set up for what's going to be a fun and action filled series!

Virals & Seizure

So guys this is looking to be a Virals week!
Tuesday and Wednesday are still going to be the regular meme days, so TTT and WFW, but on my review days I'm going to be doing the Virals books!
I got asked if I wanted to review the latest book by the publisher, and seeing as I hadn't read the other books....they where kind enough to send me the first four, so I've been trying to work out what to do and this is the plan I came up with! So today I've got the first two books for you!

Virals
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Copy courtesy of the Publisher

Tory Brennan, the niece of forensic science genius Temperance Brennan, has been sent to live with her father, marine biologist Kit, after the death of her mother. Not only does she have a long lost father, but it turns out he lives on an island off the coast of South Carolina where his work is stationed. Kinda cool huh? Tory and her band of sci-philes pretty much only have each other, what with all the kids at their school being super rich and super snobby.

It's on one of the gangs trips to a neighbouring island that they make a discovery that will change their lives forever. They find a dogtag, and it's the group's determination to find the owner that leads to them breaking in to a lab, rescuing a dog caged for medical testing in an illegal experiment and being exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that gives them.....kinda awesome powers.

Oh, and leads to them finding the skeleton of a girl who's been missing for 30 years. In order to solve the cold case murder, and stay alive while doing it, the gang are going to have to work out how to use the new gifts the virus gave them, heightened senses, animal quick reflexes and so on, because the murderer has a lot to lose if their crime is discovered, and will stop at nothing to make sure the past stays buried.

Okay so, I've never read any of the Bones books, but I do watch the TV series, always have, and so I was squealing at all the references to Tempe and just generally being a fangirl to be honest!

This is a fantastic start to the series, it sets the ground, establishes everything easily and with as much  info as possible without slowing down the pace or sacrificing the plot. I was drawn in from the beginning, how could you not be!?

When reading I constantly wanted to know what happened next, I couldn't put the book down, you're trying to put all the puzzle pieces together along with the gang. I was constantly shocked and surprised, there where so many twists and turns I didn't see coming!

The setting was vivid, I could picture everything, and felt like I was there with the characters, and to be honest I wouldn't mind visiting! The book was written very atmospherically and cinematically, it could totally be a TV series (hint hint). I just loved all the ominous little comments made in the narrative, it kept you reading, and kept you interested.

The narrative was totally engaging, to came across as kind of chatty, helping you start to get to know Tory before anything actually happened! I loved Tory, I connected with her instantly, the book gave me a real feel for her as the story went on. I'm willing to bet her mum's car accident may not have been an actual accident, but then again, maybe I just watch too many episodes of Bones!

Each character was well written with depth and dimensions and you want to know more about them, particularly Ben! You kinda get a feel for him, but he's quite stoic so you're still left wondering. I loved each of the other members of the gang, they're each different, with their own distinctive personality, and I loved everyone, I mean....how can I not?! They all fit together perfectly, they're funny, they're super smart and yeah...they're a great group of characters!

Secondary characters are also well written, Kit, poor clueless Kit, I dislike Whitney, she's annoying and I protest the fact that Whitney is forcing Tory in to doing something she doesn't really wanna do! But yeah...she's irritating. Jason is interesting....it's going to be intriguing to see where the two of them go, and I'm also intrigued by Chance, his life is hinted at, but it would be interesting to see him more! I actually became really attached to the characters in the book!

Virals is action packed, the world sucks you straight in and you're totally engrossed in the book and find it impossible to put it down. There's plenty going on in the book, there's never a dull moment, which is what draws you in as much as the characters.

Virals has this cool blend of science, forensics, crime, mystery, and then like....I'm not sure how to phrase it cos it's kinda science, with the whole DNA merging with theirs, it's kinda like supernatural or fantasy or something, it's this blend of fact and fiction and real and imagined, and it's so well done and so totally awesome. This is like a crime/episode of Cold Case but with a cool twist to liven it up a bit!

Excited to get cracking on the next book!

Seizure

Rating: 5/5

Buy or Borrow: Buy 

Source: Copy courtesy of the Publisher!

Our Virals have just finished doing time (grounded not jail) for the escapades of the first book, when the news is broken that the University is out of cash, which means the projects on the island are going to have to be shut down. Which means our gangs parents are going to be out of jobs and homes, and it looks like the Virals are going to be scattered unless they can come up with some serious cash.

So it's just as well that while at a fancy debutante party, Tory comes to learn about famous pirate Anne Bonny, who pirated the seas in the 1700's....and more importantly...her treasure. The location of the treasure has never been found, but Tory is convinced this is their only shot at saving their home, so a pilfered pirate treasure map later and the gang are off deciphering riddles and following clues.

However, someone else is looking for the treasure, someone who's following them and who's willing to leave a trail of bodies, can the Virals find the treasure first? Before the island is sold? And can they cope with their ever developing abilitites?

Okay, I can't get enough of this series, as I type this I'm about 60 pages in to the third book, and I can't even. So far each books has been drastically different, I'll explain more in the next post on Thursday, when I do books three and four, but so far this series is one you can re-read again and again.

Each book has a different vibe, the first book was like a murder mystery, with a cool twist, with all the powers and stuff, like an episode of Cold Case, this book is full adventure/quest, heavy on the history and had total Goonies, Relic Hunter/National Treasure/Indiana Jones vibes going on. Like seriously!

This book goes further back in time than the first book, and this book had way more history. The first book was kinda historical, but it wasn't that far back in time, and it was more about finding a killer and solving a case and so on. Whereas this book went further back in history, and was more heavier on the history, you learn loads about this particular pirate, and man I loved it! This was like the kinda book I long for! History, cool quest, and action and adventure.

I loved reading all about the history of the area the book is set in and the pirates of the area, and I actually didn't realise Anne was a real pirate until I googled something, and then I was blown away at the pure amount of information stuffed in to the book, that actually fit in there, and didn't overwhelm the book. The information was inserted in such a way that you wanted to learn more and weren't bored by it. For instance, my Amazon basket now has a crap load of pirate books!

The clues where great, the background and the history was true and it was very exciting and the life and story of Anne Bonny was expertly woven with the clues leading to her treasure, it all made sense. Every clue left fit with Anne and it just made sense that if she had left treasure and a map then that is a clue that she would have left. It was believable, you could believe every word on the page even the ones that weren't actually historical and where fiction.

The plot was complex, lots of little clues threaded the story, not just ones to the treasure but ones as to who is following them, there's plenty of suspects presented to you and it's fun to work out who it is, as well as trying to work out the clues to the treasure for yourself. And ya know...fail because the series continues to be full of twists and turns and surprises, and totally impossible to guess.

The complex history of the pirates and the map, the cool clues, all of it was all thought out, and like I said the logic fit together so well with the historical figure of Anne that it was such a draw when you where reading. You where drawn in from the first atmospheric page, standing on that ship with Anne, and from then the book was impossible to put down because you had to solve the clues and you wanted to know what happened to Anne.

Our characters are still as awesome as ever, I enjoyed that they didn't get their powers and that's it, end of that thread, they use them for good and so on. I LOVED that this plot thread is left open still, the gang are still learning about their abilities, there's new traits developing, in Tory's case she can smell people's emotions, and the flares are changing, and things are still evolving and it's another point of intrigue, waiting to see what's going to happen next with the powers, what other cool things they can do.

Chance was back in this book, and while he was a bit of a douche at the end of Virals, I'm actually glad because his character interests me. He clearly has had a crap childhood, and it was nice to see more of him and get to know him better and I hope he pops up again, because he could be a fun addition to the group!

But most importantly, there was a cameo from Bones too! I LOVE Tempe and I was so excited to see her and Tory interact, and it was so awesome and oh my God. Perfect.

So far both books have been very slick, with the writing, easy to get lost and disappear in, with engaging narratives, and complex plots, each different from the other. Seizure is a blend of history, mystery and action, with an adventure quest type vibe, and a heavy dose of history that's fascinating and exciting to read about. I'm interested to see which road the third book is going to take! I'm totally addicted to the series so far.

Wishing For Wednesday #16

So like I said, I have next to no November books for this month's WFW, SO, there's been less than usual, and this week sees the tail end of November, so this week I have a couple of early December books, nice and in time for their upcoming release! And I mean......GEORGE R.R MARTIN NEW BOOK EEEEEEEE!
You can see I'm excited, huge Game Of Thrones fan, well excited for this new book!
As for my other pick this week....well I can never resist a Steampunky type read! I'm always on the lookout for new books as you all well know! ;)

The Ice Dragon

The ice dragon was a creature of legend and fear, for no man had ever tamed one. When it flew overhead, it left in its wake desolate cold and frozen land. But Adara was not afraid. For Adara was a winter child, born during the worst freeze that anyone, even the Old Ones, could remember.


Adara could not remember the first time she had seen the ice dragon. It seemed that it had always been in her life, glimpsed from afar as she played in the frigid snow long after the other children had fled the cold. In her fourth year she touched it, and in her fifth year she rode upon its broad, chilled back for the first time. Then, in her seventh year, on a calm summer day, fiery dragons from the North swooped down upon the peaceful farm that was Adara's home. And only a winter child--and the ice dragon who loved her--could save her world from utter destruction. 
The Ice Dragon marks the highly anticipated children's book debut of George R.R. Martin, the award-winning author of the New York Timesbest-selling series A Song of Ice and Fire and is set in the same world. Illustrated with lush, exquisitely detailed pencil drawings by acclaimed artist Yvonne Gilbert, The Ice Dragon is an unforgettable tale of courage, love, and sacrifice by one of the most honored fantasists of all time.

The Ice Dragon is out December 4th, pre-order your copy here.

Ticker

A girl with a clockwork heart must make every second count.

When Penny Farthing nearly dies, brilliant surgeon Calvin Warwick manages to implant a brass “Ticker” in her chest, transforming her into the first of the Augmented. But soon it’s discovered that Warwick killed dozens of people as he strove to perfect another improved Ticker for Penny, and he’s put on trial for mass murder.

On the last day of Warwick’s trial, the Farthings’ factory is bombed, Penny’s parents disappear, and Penny and her brother, Nic, receive a ransom note demanding all of their Augmentation research if they want to see their parents again. Is someone is trying to destroy the Farthings…or is the motive more sinister?

Desperate to reunite their family and rescue their research, Penny and her brother recruit fiery baker Violet Nesselrode, gentleman-about-town Sebastian Stirling, and Marcus Kingsley, a young army general who has his own reasons for wanting to lift the veil between this world and the next. Wagers are placed, friends are lost, romance stages an ambush, and time is running out for the girl with the clockwork heart.

Ticker is out December 1st, pre-order your copy here.