Review: Cold Kiss, Amy Garvey

Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 304 (Hardcover)
Genre: YA, paranormal romance
Release: September 2011
Source: Book Expo America
Good to know: This is Garvey's first book for teens. It is a standalone, and not the first book in a series.

It was a beautiful, warm summer day, the day Danny died.Suddenly Wren was alone and shattered. In a heartbroken fury, armed with dark incantations and a secret power, Wren decides that what she wants—what she must do—is to bring Danny back.But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy Wren fell in love with. His touch is icy; his skin, smooth and stiff as marble; his chest, cruelly silent when Wren rests her head against it.Wren must keep Danny a secret, hiding him away, visiting him at night, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school, and Wren realizes that somehow, inexplicably, he can sense the powers that lie within her—and that he knows what she has done. And now Gabriel wants to help make things right.But Wren alone has to undo what she has wrought—even if it means breaking her heart all over again.

Beautiful and gripping

Cold Kiss can be described as a cross between Pet Sematary and Shiver.


Wren loves Danny with all her heart, and her world falls to pieces the day Danny dies in a car accident. She cannot live without Danny, and decides to use her special powers to bring him back to life. But things does not play out the way Wren planned. Danny is not acting like he used to before the accident. There is also a new boy at Wren's school, and suddenly she begins to doubt her feelings for Danny. She regrets bringing Danny back to life, but there is to late for regret now...

I wanted him back. I wanted him back so much I couldn't think about anything else. Everywhere I looked was suddenly somewhere Danny wasn't. My hands were empy because Danny wasn't holding them. My room echoed with quiet because Danny wasn't there whispering ridiculous things to make me laugh, or make me shiver.  (...)Danny was mine, I was his, and that wasn't going to work if he was dead. So I would make him not dead...

Garvey writes about something most of us can relate too; how it feels like to loose someone we love. I know that I have thought many times that I wish I could spend some more time with loved ones that have passed. Wren acts out on this longing, she brings the love of her life back from the dead. But soon Wren realise that it is not safe to mess with nature.

I am the kid who sticks her finger in the light socket. I am the person who doesn't check the expiration date on the milk. I am the idiot who has never looked before she leaped. I am the girl who is falling apart, right now.

Cold Kiss also deal with darker issues; the love Wren feels for Danny turns to a form of obsession after he dies. She wants to be with him no matter what. She does not reflect upon how it must be for Danny to be brought back to life, a life where he is hidden from everyone he once knew, aside from Wren. Danny exists only for Wren, it is all about her feelings.

I wrote that the book is a cross between Pet Sematary and Shiver. As with Pet Sematary, Cold Kiss is also about what happens when you bring someone back from the dead, and the person brought back is not the same person you knew before. When I mention Shiver, it is because Garvey has a writing pretty similar to that of Maggie Stiefvater. She has some beautiful quotes and passages.

I  liked some parts of the story, and the fact that the book is seeping with emotion. But I thought the story was too slow paced, nothing really happens until the second half of the book. The first half is all about how Wren regrets bringing Danny back, and it is not intereresting to read only about that from chapter to chapter. But when Wren talks more with Gabriel, things really kick off.

It wasn't love right away, because nothing ever is, no matter what the songs say, but it was the start of it. A beginning in one way, and the end in another. I think that might always be true of love.

I love that some authors still writes paranormal novels that are not part of a series, that in itself is a good reason to read this book. I have not read a lot about zombies before either, and that was also refreshing. Cold kiss is a beautiful written book that will appeal to those who like a slowpaced book that grips you.

Other reviews:
The Book Smugglers
Book Briefs
The Diary of a Bookworm

Amy Garvey is on Goodreads and has her own website here.

Review: Fury, Elizabeth Miles

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 352
Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Release: August 30th 2011
Source: Arc from Book Expo America
Nice to Know: Fury is Miles' debutnovel.  Miles is author Lauren Oliver's best friend. This book is the first in a planned trilogy.

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems... Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend. On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed. In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay. Em and Chase have been chosen.

Choices that haunts you

Fury is an original tale with a message that everything you do will have concequences.

Emily Winters lives in Maine, where she spends her days just like any other teen. Problems arise when she gets the hots for her bestfriend's boyfriend. And he seems to be liking her too. Another character in the story, Chase, is struggling to forget something he did to a girl. Something that may have caused her to hurt herself. But soon he forgets all about her when he meets three mysterious girls...

Fury starts off with a dramatic prologue. Then we are cast into Emily Winter's world. Miles is a great storyteller, and the pages in this story seems to turn themselves. Emily did not know what her love for Zach would lead to. She did not imagine that her whole life could be turned completely around just because of one single kiss. But that is excatly what happened. I truly felt for her throughout the book. I also liked the fact that we did not get the explanation behind the prologue until later in the book.

Another thing I liked is the fact that I didn't know what the paranormal element was. I did not know the role the three girls had,maybe because I am not that into Greek mythology

It is a few months since I read this book, so my review therefore is a little sparse. But I remember that I was glued to the pages, unable to put the book down.

The book has an important message. You cannot hurt other people, because there will be concequences. And sometimes love just isn't enough.  I highly recommend the book.


Other reviews:
The Book Smugglers
Wondrous Reads
Overflowing Library


Elizabeth Miles' webpage is here and she can also be found on Goodreads here.

Review: Misfit, Jon Skovron

Publisher: Amulet Books
Pages: 384
Genre: YA. Sci-fi & fantasy
Release: August 1st 2011
Source: ARC from Book Expo America
Good to know: This is Skovron's second novel. Jon Skovron is currently participating in a blog tour for the book.


Jael has always felt like a freak. She’s never kissed a boy, she never knew her mom, and her dad’s always been superstrict—but that’s probably because her mom was a demon, which makes Jael half demon and most definitely not a normal sophomore girl. On her sixteenth birthday, a mysterious present unlocks her family’s dangerous history and Jael’s untapped potential. What was merely an embarrassing secret before becomes a terrifying reality. Jael must learn to master her demon side in order to take on a vindictive Duke of Hell while also dealing with a twisted priest, best-friend drama, and a spacey blond skater boy who may have hidden depths. Author Jon Skovron takes on the dark side of human nature with his signature funny, heartfelt prose.


Original Demons

 Misfit is a highly original tale that will keep you entertained throughout the pages.

Jael lives with her father, and attends catholic school. The two of them have moved a lot, and Jael does not have a lot of friends. What Jael does not know is that she is a halfbreed, part demon and part human. Once she finds out, her whole life changes. She finds out that some scary forces from Hell are after her, and the few friends she does have are also in danger.

It took some pages before I was truly captivated by this story, but once that happened I could not put the book down. I have not read a lot of books about demons, so that setting was new and refreshing. Jael is a great character and stands out in the book. I believe that a lot of teenagers will identify with her and her many feelings. Jael feels that she does not fit in, she dreams of the first kiss and of having a boyfriend. One of the things she says to her friend Brittany, on the first page of the book, truly shows how she feels. It also gives the reader a hint that Jael is not your ordinary girl next door:

"You know that I heard? she says. "That what you see in the mirror isn't what you really look like. That since mirrors flip everything, you're looking at a flipped version of your face. Like, the exact opposite."

Speaking of friends, I didn't quite get the feeling for Brittany and Rob. The became a little vague for me. It also seems like the author has tried to build feelings between Rob and Jael, but this somehow drowns in all of the other things that are happening.

The best parts of the book is where we read about how Jael's mother and father met, and their adventures together. Those passages reads like an episode of Supernatural. I also liked how the author has described Hell, and the things that go on there. Dagon is a character that, if there is to be written more stories about Jael, I would love to read more about.

The author has also thrown in some excisting myths and legends, and put his own spin on them. One example is the story of Samson & Delilah.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will get a second book about Jael. I would love to read more about her.


Other reviews:
In the Good Books
Bookaliciou.us
Beyond Words

Jon Skovron's webpage
Jon Skovron on Goodreads

I did mention the story about Samson & Delilah, this tune played in my head whilst I read the scenes about Jael's mother and father:

Review: Shiver, Maggie Stiefvater

Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 434
Format: Paperback
Released: October 2009





















Grace and Sam share a kinship so close they could be lovers or siblings. But they also share a problem. When the temperature slips towards freezing, Sam reverts to his wolf identity and must retreat into the woods to protect his pack. He worries that eventually his human side will fade away and he will left howling alone at the lonely moon. A stirring supernatural teen romance.

A beautiful paranormal romance

Maggie Stiefvater has written a haunting, chilling, but above all beautiful novel about love, loss and longing.

When Grace was a little girl, she was attacked by wolves. She survived the attack, and ever since that day she has felt a special bond to the wolf that saved her. When she discovers that her wolf is actually a werewolf, her fight to make him stay human begins.

I have read countless ravings about this book online, and I understand why. Shiver is captivating from the first page on.

The story has some similarities with Twilight: Girl meets boy, eh wolf. Girl discovers that boy is a supernatual creature. Girl and boy longs to be together, but it seems like that is not an option. Girl dreams about becoming a wolf in order to stay with boy/wolf forever.

But if the story is a like, the writing is not. I am no fond of Stephenie Meyer's writing, which I think is pretty poor. Stiefvater on the other hand really knows her way around words. She uses them to make beautiful pictures. Sometimes it feels like your are reading a poem.

I was a leaking womb bulging with the promise of conscious thoughts: the frozen woods far behind me, the girl on the tyre swing, the sound of fingers on metal strings. The future and the past, both the same, snow and then summer and then snow again.

The main focus of this story is the relationship between Sam and Grace, and we hear the character's thoughs as the chapters are divided between them. One chapter is from Sam's point of view, the other from Grace's. This ensures that all the feelings they both experience is well described, and the reader feels for them both.

I loved this story, and can't wait to continue with Linger. If you like great lovestories with a supernatural twist, this is the book for you.


Other reviews:
The Reading Zone
The Book Smugglers
Linus's Blanket

Website for Maggie Stiefvater
Maggie Stiefvater on Goodreads
Fanpage for the trilogy

Watch the book trailer:

Review: The Darkest Night, Gena Showalter (Spoilers)

Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 368
Format: Paperback
Release: Released in Norway february 2011
(This is not a YA - title)

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member -- a man trapped in a hell of his own. Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments . . . and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction -- and a soul-shattering test of love . .

Lacks depth

Now that I have read the first book in the Lords of the Underworld - series, I have a hard time figuring out why this series is so popular.

Maddox, Torin, Reyes, Aeron, Lucien and Paris are immoral warriors. Thousands of years ago they helped daemons escape from Pandora's Box, and the world was thrown into darkness and chaos. To save the world, the warriors were cursed and a daemon was trapped inside each one of them. They became the Lords of the Underworld. Maddox carries the daemon Violence, and his curse is that he have to die every midnight again and again. But then Ashlyn Darrow comes along, and everything change...

I have read so many great reviews of this series, and I was so excited when I saw that it was being released in Norwegian.

The Darkest night have an ok beginning. I was drawn into the story, and I thought that Showalter had created an original and interesting story aimed at everyone who likes dark and handsome men, suspense, myths and legends, romance, paranormal events and steamy scenes. But the problem is that she only dwells on the surface. She does not dive deep into the plot, the storyline or the characters, and sometimes she seems to be in such a rush that the storyline suffers.

The writing consists of a whole bunch of cliches. It is to much. But I am keeping in mind that the Norwegian translation may take some of the blame for that.

The characters in the book have a lot of potensial, but Showalters does not succeed in letting the reader understand their motivations and why they act like they do. The relationship that eventually develops between Maddox and Ashlyn does not make sense. One day they do not know each other, the next day they are willing to die for one another. I did not believe this storyline, and as a result I was not taken by the book. But one thing I do like: Ashlyn is portraid as a woman with curves, unlike all the tiny heroines we normally read about. She is normal, and that is something I like a lot.

The Darkest Night was not one of my favorite reads, to say it mildly. But I will read the next installments in this series, to find out if the books gets better. I have a feeling that they do.

Other reviews:
Book Faery
Geeky Blogger's Book Blog
Tynga's Reviews
Darque Reviews
Dear Author

Fan-page for Gena Showalter
Gena Showalter on Goodreads
Gena Showalter's blogg

Review: The Vampire Academy, Richelle Mead

Publisher: Penguin UK
Pages: 332
Format: Paperback
Release: First released in 2007, this version in 2009




St Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school - hidden away, it's a place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St Vladimir's where the girls must survive a world of forbidden romances, a ruthless social scene and terrifying night time rituals. But most of all, staying alive.

Suspense and clichés

Vampire Academy is a thrilling first book in the Vampire Academy series, but the book has too many clichés.

Rose and Lissa are on the run from St Vladimir's Academy believing that Lissa is not safe at the school. Soon though, they are apprehended and brought back to the school. Rose is Lissa's best friend and bodyguard, and she must once again attend lectures to learn everything a dhampir must learn in order to be a good bodyguard.

Lissa and the other vampires are Moroi and they live in constant fear of being killed by the Strigoi, vampires that have crossed over to the dark side. Lissa and Rose share a special bond, and that is both good and bad when it comes to Lissa's safety.

I have heard so many great things about this series, so I needed to check it out. From the start I was sucked into the pages of this book. The book starts off with a very dramatic scene, and the drama continues on the next pages.

Richelle Mead have created an interesting world which, in some cases, looks a bit similar to Harry Potter's world. In both series there is a special school where the students learn magic and how to tackle evil forces outside of the school. There is also evil forces out to get some of the students at both the schools.

But there is a lot of differences between these series too. Some would say that the Vampire Academy never comes close to Harry Potter, and the VA - series is not suitable for the youngest kids. There are some references to sex here. The writing in both books also differs. Mead uses a lot of clichés, to many in my opinion. Sentences like this:

" His lips moved to mine, gentle at first, and then hard and hungry. His kiss consumed me"

is something I would expect to find in a paranormal romance book for adults. And it is oh, so cliché.

I like the characters though, and some of them have surprises for us. The suspense is kept throughout the book and the book was very entertaining.

I will keep on reading this series, but I hope Mead does not use that many clichés in the next installments.


Other reviews:
Love Vampires
YA Reads
Once Upon a Chapter

Review: The Killing Dance, Laurell K. Hamilton

Publisher: Headline UK
Format: Paperback
Pages: 464
Released: First released in 1997, this version in 2010
This is not a YA - title


















These days my life is a cross between a preternatural soap opera and an action-adventure movie.' The first hit man came after me at home, which should be against the rules. Then there was a second, and a third. Word on the street is that Anita Blake, preternatural expert and vampire killer extraordinaire, is worth half a million dollars. Dead, not alive. So what's a girl to do but turn to the men in her life for help? Which in my case means an alpha werewolf and a master vampire. With professional killers on your trail, it's not a bad idea to have as much protection as possible, human or otherwise. But I'm beginning to wonder if two monsters are better than one...

Dark & entertaining

The Killing Dance was another entertaining book about Anita Blake, but not my favorite in this series.

There is a prize on Anita Blake's head, but she does not know who or why. Richard and Jean-Claude must try to help keep her safe, and soon Anita is caught in a whirlvind of emotions.

I have read this book on and off for some time now. The book is entertaining, but I didn't find it very suspenseful. There is a lot of focus on the relationships Anita has with the two men in her life, and there is some surprising additions to this. We get to know the characters better, and they evolve.

I have read that this series just keeps getting more and more erotic as the story progresses, and that is obvious in this book. There is more action here than in the previous books. But Hamilton still manages to create an orginial world with interesting perspectives on the paranormal.

Another thing I like about this series is the dark humour, and the character Anita Blake. So even though this book was not the best read in this series, it was still entertaining and I will keep on reading.

Other reviews:
Supernatural Bookworm
Books I Loved
Nyx Book Reviews

Review: Bloody Bones by Laurell K. Hamilton

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group (UK)
Pages: 464
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Release date/year: 1996, this edition in 2010

















A gripping and thrilling Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, novel 'When the monsters are involved, it's never just one dead body. One way or another the dead multiply.' First, there were the dead in the graveyard, two hundred years dead. I'd been hired to raise them to settle a dispute over who owned the land they were buried in. Then there were the three dead teenagers in the woods, slaughtered in a way I'd never seen before. And then they found the dead girl, drained of blood and left in her bed. I knew what that meant of course. It didn't take a degree in preternatural studies to figure out that something was wrong. And I was right in the middle of it. My name is Anita Blake. Welcome to my life...


Entertaining and sexy.
Bloody Bones is your typical Anita Blake - novel with loads of action, supernatural elements, vampires and sexy scenes.

A couple of teenagers are discovered in the woods, dead, and Anita must assist the local police. There is not easy to say who, or maybe what, is behind the deaths. More people turn up dead and a boy is kidnapped. Anita must ask Jean-Claude for help to get to the bottom of this. She is also called upon to raise some dead corpses, to establish who owns the rights for a certain piece of land.

Bloody Bones is not the best book in the Anita Blake - series, but still a very entertaining read and a real must - read for the fans. The book is easy to read, entertaining, really funny at times (I love Anita Blakes cynical humour) and there is some surprises too.

The murders and the kidnapping is the main focus in the book, or so it seems, But the real focus is actually on the relationship between Anita and Jean-Claude. There is a development here, that I am really curious to read about in future books. I think Hamilton is so good at building up her characters personality and they are never onedimensional, but change and develop throughout the stories.

Other reviews for this book:
Escape Between the Pages

Review: Feast of Fools, Rachel Caine

Publisher: Allison & Busby
Pages: 325
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought











" In the town of Morganville, vampires and humans live in relative peace but Claire Danvers has never been convinced - especially with the arrival of Mr Bishop, an ancient, old-school vampire who cares nothing about harmony. What he wants from the town's living and its dead is unthinkably sinister."

Background:
"Feast of Fools" is the fourth book in Rachel Caine's series about the Morganville Vampires. The book came out in the uk in february 2009.

The Story:
A new, sinister vampire has arrived in Morganville. Mr Bishop is Amelie's father, and he is not fond of the humans. Claire, together with a doctor in town, has found a cure that may make Myrnin sane, at least that is what she thinks. And her parents have arrived, and gets to see for themselves what Morganville really can offer. Mr Bishop is arranging a Feast of Fools, and almost everyone in town is invited. Tensions rise between Eve and Michael, when he decides to invite Monica, instead of Eve, to the party.

Main character:
Claire Danvers has had a great progress and development since the first book in this series. She is not so shy anymore and stands up for herself. Monica and her gang of girls does not frighten her, the way they used to. I like the new Claire, she grows from book to book.

The book:
This is the weakest book in this series. It takes too much time before there is any action and dramatic events. The book was kinda slow and I was waiting for something more interesting to happen. The cliffhanger in the end was ok, but I am not rushing to read the next installment ( which I off course will).

I actually enjoyed most reading about Amelie in this book. She is a facinating character and I think Helen Mirren would have done a great job playing her in a movie. He hear Mirren's voice, when I read Amelie's words.


Other reviews:
YaVampireBooks
The Bokette
Chrissie's Corner

Interview with Lauren Kate ( Author of "Fallen" & "Torment")

Today it is an honor to welcome Lauren Kate to both my blogs.

Lauren Kate is an American author and she writes full-time. She grew up in Dallas, and is currently living in Los Angeles with her husband and their dog. Her debut novel, "The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove", was released in 2009 and is a re-telling of MacBeth, but it was her second novel that was going to be her big break-through.

"Fallen" was also released in 2009, and is the first book in a planned series about angels.



We meet seventeen year old Lucinda Price, who is sent to a reform school after the boy she likes is tragically killed in a fire, and she is believed to have had something to do with it.

"Fallen" became an instante hit, and was named nummer 4 on The New York Times best seller list in December the same year. I absolutely loved the novel.



The second book in the series, "Torment", is released in the UK today.


Lauren Kate's books are beautifully written, full of mythology, romance, suspense, mysteries and thrills. And they all have covers that are like candy for the eyes. They are among my favorite reads.












Want to get to know Lauren better? Here is an interview I did with her, when I was awaiting the release of "Torment":

Thank you so much for accepting this interview, Lauren Kate. Book number 2, in the Fallen series, "Torment", is out in the UK today. Can you tell us a little about this book?

I am so excited about "Torment". It picks up right where Fallen left off, though Luce is in a new place, with a whole new cast of characters. She’s looking forward to a future with Daniel—but of course, it’s not going to be that easy! First she has to look deep into their past together, and what she finds there will surprise her.

How many books have you planned for this series?

There will be four books in total. I’ve just started writing the third book, "Passion", which is a prequel that will trace Luce and Daniel’s past relationships in detail across history. It’s quite a task, but I’m having fun with it!

Wow, that sounds great. Where did you get the idea for the story initially, and why exactly did you want to write about angels?

The idea began when I came across a line in Genesis that talked about a group of fallen angels who were kicked out of heaven because they lusted after mortal women. I started thinking about what it would be like to be normal girl--suddenly the object of an angel’s affection. All the excitement and the challenges that would naturally spring from that. As someone who's been writing love stories my whole life, this angel angle seemed like the perfect way for me to up the ante and tell a really BIG love story, one that brought in questions about trust and betrayal, and preconceived notions good and evil.

You must have done a lot of research on mythology and angels in particular and learned a great deal about them. Did you learn anything that surprised you?

When I started researching, I was interested in the way good and evil intersected in various theologies. My reading took me back to Zoroastrianism, the earliest known dualistic religion (meaning there are two opposite sides). Good and evil are twin brothers, two parts of a whole, and born of the same place. In Judaism, God is both merciful (“good”) and just (occasionally punishing or distant). He is, of course, never described as “evil,” but many scholars make the case that the Hebrew god contains some of the same dualities as the pair of Zoroastrian gods. A hard side, and a soft side. In Christianity, there’s Satan. We all know about him. The fact that all three of these foundational religions have strong dualistic roots fascinated me. Can the lines dividing them really be that clean and that stark? No, in fact good and evil can rely on each other. And even if they are on paper—or in Heaven—what happens when you throw humans and their free will into the mess? What was black and white becomes grey.
How is a normal writing day for you, and when and where do you write?

I write at home, at a desk facing a large window that looks out on Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles. I like to go for a run in the morning to clear my head. I usually have sketched out a rough paragraph of what I’m going to write the day before and after an hour or so of procrastination in the morning—emails, twitter, playing with the dog—I sit down and focus on writing. I write hard for about four hours straight (which usually gets me about seven or eight pages), then I am usually completely catatonic! I take a break for about an hour, maybe take a walk or read a magazine. Then I go back and revise, expand, and edit my work, and begin to sketch out the paragraph synopsis for what I’ll write the next day.

Do you have the details in the story planned beforehand, or do you develop the story as you are writing it?

Both. Because the scope of the series is so big and so complicated, I had to map out the books in detail or I don’t think I could have known what I was writing about. So I typed it all up: character arcs, long synopses for each books, a map of the chapter for the first book, cliffhanger endings, the whole deal. Once I was comfortable with the shape of the story, I plunged. I had the outline to fall back on, but the freedom to stray from it when my writing momentum took me someplace else..
Have you always wanted to become an author?
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a ballerina. When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a writer. Now that I’m working full-time as I writer, I want go to culinary school and become a chef. (While still writing books, of course!)

Is there any authors or books that have influenced you in your writing?

I’ve always loved to read. Growing up I adored anything by Roald Dahl and read all of his books over and over again. I love Lois Lowry, Patricia MacLachlan, Judy Blume, Phillip Pullman, and Suzanne Collins. My favorite “adult” authors are William Faulkner, Don DeLillo, Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Right now I’m reading The Master and Margarita by a fantastic Russian author named Bulgacov.

The book covers for the Fallen - series are amazing. I guess you must be very pleased with them. Who designs them?

The cover art comes from a Brazilian artist named Fernanda Brussi Goncalves. We’ve emailed a few times and she’s incredibly warm and talented. I will be forever endebted to her for her beautiful beautiful work, which has really brought the books to life.
What do you associate with Norway? Ever been here?

Beautiful fjords, waterfalls, and Per Peterson, whose work I absolutely adore. "Out Stealing Horses"was one of the most incredible books I have ever read.

I would LOVE to visit. Maybe someday I could do to book signing trip!

Oh yes, I really hope you can one day. Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for reaching out to me. It’s so exciting to have a chance to connect with readers across the world!

Thank you, Lauren Kate. Her book "Torment" is out in the UK today, and if you have not read her books before I would strongly suggest that you do so. The Fallen - series are among my favorite books, way better than Twilight I think.

Here is the final trailer for "Torment":



And here is the trailer for "Fallen":



You can find Lauren Kate' s website here!

My review for "Torment" will be published on saturday, but I can already say this much: You do not want to miss out on that book.

Review: Kisses from Hell

Publisher: HarperCollins UK
Format: Paperback
Pages: 262
Source: Review copy





















" From a fugitive vampire forced to trust a boy who might work for the group bent on destroying her, to the legendary romance of two immortals whose love compels them to risk everything, this exciting, heart-pounding collection brings new meaning to the words "love you forever." Whether you're into romances that are dark and moody or light and fun, these stories will quench that insatiable thirst for enchanting tales of the beautiful undead." ( Description from Amazon.co.uk)


Background:
"Kisses from Hell" is an anthology consisting of five short stories from Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy), Alyson Noël (The Immortals), Kristin Cast ( House of Night - series), Kelley Armstrong ( Darkest Powers - series) and Francesca Lia Block (Pretty Dead). All the stories revolve around love and vampires. Harper Collins has earlier published "Prom Nights from Hell" and "Love is Hell".

The Book:
"Kisses from Hell" starts with "Sunshine", written by Richelle Mead. The story is part of the universe Mead has created in the "Vampire Academy - series", and focuses on the romance between Eric and Rhea Dragomir, Lissa's parents. The story is well written, but for me it was a bit boring. I never got into it, and my mind kept dwelling on other things than the story I was reading. I suspect that I would have gotten more out of the story if I had read the Vampire Academy - series prior to it, and I will try to read the story again, when I have done that.

The next story is "Bring me to Life" by Alyson Noël. Danika, an American girl, is attending Sunderland Manor Art Academy in England, but the school is not quite what she expects. I am a big fan of Noël's writing and she didn't dissappoint me with "Bring me to Life" either. I loved the story and the atmosphere she creates in it. It is obvious that she is inspired by "Dracula" and "Wuthering Heights", two of my favorite novels. You have characters with names such as Bram and Earnshaw. I read this story late at night when the rain was pooring down outside, and that just added to the atmosphere in the story. I wish "Bring me to Life" was a whole novel, and not just a short story. I would really like to get to know Danika better.

"Above" is the name of Kristin Cast's story, and I have only one word for it: OMG! The story simply blew me away. It is dark, disturbing, bizarre, suspenseful, mysterious and depressing. But also poetic with some glimmers of light and hope. It reads like a poem, and you have to read between the lines to really understand what's going on. I have read the first book in the House of Night - series, but this was nothing like that. This story was spectacular. I want more. The best short story in this book and a story you either love or hate, I suppose.

Kelley Armstrong has written "Hunting Kat", about Katiana from the Darkest Powers series. I read this story while trying to decide if I should put the book away or not. I have the Darkest Powers - series on my shelf, but I have not read it yet and I am afraid this novel had some spoilers. Again, I think this is a read that is best suited for those who know Katiana's story from other books.

"Lilith" by Francesca Lia Block is the last story in the book. A dark tale about Paul Michael, who do not fit in at school and escapes into an imaginary world. One day, a new girl attends school. Her name is Lilith. This was a cute, and at the same time, dark story. I thought it was a bit short, even for a short story. I wanted to read more about Paul Michael and Lilith, and get to know them better. I didn't feel I got under their skin, so to speak.

I have mixed emotions about "Kisses from Hell". I loved two of the stories, but the others didn't appeal to me, but again I think that is because I do not know the series they are part of. I also would have liked the publisher to state that, for example, "Hunting Kat", is based upon another series by Kelley Armstrong so I could have avoided spoilers.

If the anthology only contained the stories by Noël and Cast, it would have gotten full score. But since I only liked two out of three stories, I am giving it 3 books.

Review: Dark Touch: Shadows by Amy Meredith

Publisher: Red Fox
Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
Source: Book received for review.













" Fifteen-year-old Eve Evergold is cute, sassy and enjoying a busy social life. What she doesn't know yet is that someone close to her is an evil demon that only she has the supernatural power to defeat. She needs to work out who it is - and fast! Because although there's something very attractive about the dark side...dating a demon? Pure hell!"
(Description from Amazon.co.uk)

Background:
This is the first book in a new series aimed at the pre-Twilight age group. The author, Amy Meredith, lives in California, but she has also lived and worked in New York and the Hamptons where the main characters in the Dark Touch - series are from. She has always been fascinated by the supernatural.

Story:
The summer is over, and it is time to get back to school for Eve Evergold and her best friend Jess, in the town of Deepdene. And this autumn, two new boys are also attending school with them. Luke Thompson is the son of the new minister in town, and he is cute and very flirtatious. And there is Mal, smouldering and mysterious Mal, who have just moved into "The Razor place" - a mansion which used to belong to a rockstar and which is said to be haunted. And school has just started, when mysterious things starts to happen in town. Many girls freak out and are sent to psyciatric institutions. There are talk of demons appearing in people's nightmares, and soon Eve must figure out who she can or cannot trust and look into the town's dark history.

Main Character:
Eve Evergold is fifteen years old, and like most teenagers she has a very busy social life. She loves to shop and look at boys and enjoys a comfortable life. But even though her parents has a lot of money, she does not come across as a spoiled brat. She is quite likeable, and I became more and more fascinated by her as the story progressed. The author has managed to make her evolve throughout the story, and from being a carefree and happy girl you can actually see how the events in this book affect her. I love it, when authors manage to do just that. I am looking forward to get to know her better in future books in this series. Eve is a person I would have loved to have as a friend in real life; I am sure she would have made me laugh a lot.

The Book:
Dark Touch, The Shadows is a witty and spooky read. From the opening scene you are thrust into a story full of gothic atmosphere combined with glamorous surroundings. There is romance, riddles, suspense and dramatic events. I got more and more engaged in the book as the story progressed.

The friendship between Jess and Eve are so well described, you have no problem understanding why these two are best friends. They seem to be having so much fun together. "The shoe scale", their weapon for describing how hot a boy is, is hilarious. And there is also a great deal of trust here. Eve would do anything for Jess and Jess would do anything for Eve. They confide in each other and support each other. That's true friendship.

I also like how the author has portrayed Luke and Mal. They are both a bit mysterious and I kept on reading to get to know them better. I am sure they would appeal to the target group of this series.

The book does not require a lot of energy to get into. It is an easy and atmospheric read and I had no problem figuring out some of the riddles in the book. But despite all that, I enjoyed it. Sometimes it is refreshing to read something that does not require a lot of thinking.

Dark Touch, the Shadows is for readers who love the supernatural combined with lighthearted chick lit. A perfect book if you want to relax, get spooked and get in a good mood all at once.

The publisher has also created a beautiful and eye-catching cover that really captures the atmosphere in this book: gothic glamour.

Here are some other reviews you can check out:
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Book Chick City
I Was a Teenage Book Geek

By Midnight, Mia James

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
Pages: 448
Format: Hardback
Source: Bought from Play.com

















"April Dunne is not impressed. She's had to move from Edinburgh to Highgate, London, with her parents. She's left her friends - and her entire life - behind. She has to start at a new school and, worst of all, now she's stuck in a creepy old dump of a house which doesn't even have proper mobile phone reception. Ravenwood, her new school, is a prestigious academy for gifted (financially or academically) students - and the only place her parents could find her a place, in the middle of term, in the middle of London, on incredibly short notice. So she's stuck with the super-rich, and the super-smart ...and trying to fit in is when the rest of the students seem to be more glamorous, smarter, or more talented than she is, is more than tough. It's intimidating and isolating, even when she finds a friend in the conspiracy-theorist Caro Jackson - and perhaps finds something more than friendship in the gorgeous, mysterious Gabriel Swift. But there's more going on at Ravenwood than meets the eye. Practical jokes on new students are normal, but when Gabriel saves her from ...something ...in the Highgate Cemetery, and then she discovers that a murder took place, just yards away from where she had been standing, April has to wonder if something more sinister is going on. ..and whether or not she's going to live through it ..."

Background:
"By Midnight" is written by Mia James, a pseudonym for Tasmina Perry and John Perry. Tasmina Perry lives in Great Britain and has written four books aside from "By Midnight".

Main Character:
April Dunne is a character it is easy to emphatize with. She is strong, but also vulnerable. She takes initiative and get things done. She comes across as very normal, the average teenagegirl. She is pretty and takes good care of her friends, and you wouldn't want to cross her. April will do whatever it takes to fight for her friends and loved ones, if that is necessary.

The Story:
The book opens with a well written prolog from 1887, which propels you right into the story. And the author continues to draw you in even after you have left the prolog and started reading the first chapter where April arrives in London. April's mother is annoying, but her father is a very likeable man. And then there are all the teenagers at April's new school, Ravenwood: Davina, Benjamin, Gabriel, Caro and Milo, to name a few. Milo, Benjamin and Gabriel are handsome guys and they all like April. Caro is the misfit, with goth makeup and clothes. Davina is the popular one, the girl who dresses in expensive fashion clothes. But something is not quite right at Ravenwood and in the surrounding area, soon people starts showing up dead.

By Midnight is a story with many stories in it. It is as book about family and friends, and what it is like to be a teenager. It is a romance novel, a book with some paranormal twists, and could also be described as a crime novel. It is a book about secrets, the battle between good and evil. There is a lot of things going on here.

The book:
You are easily drawn into the story when you start to read the book, but sometimes the book lacks a little thrust forwards. Every now and then you will read a very thrilling chapter, but then the suspense is gone and there is not much happening before you eventually reach a new, suspenseful chapter. It did take some time before the story really kicked off, but when it does (halfway into the book)I was hooked.

The plot is orginal, nothing is revealed to soon, and you have to keep on reading to find out the answers. The plot was one of the great things about this book. There is so many layers to it. It also takes some time before the paranormal elements gets much focus. At one point I actually forgot that I was reading a paranormal novel.

And I love April and Caro. April is not a girl one can easily manipulate. She has integrity and a very strong will. I also loved the describtions from Highgate Cemetery.

The ending leaves me wondering if there will be a sequel. I really hope so, because I want to know more about Ravenwood, the people there, April's family and other things that are revealed in this book.


You can visit the book's website here.

Other reviews:
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Booktrailer:

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Publisher: Allison & Busby (United Kingdom)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Source: Bought from Play
















"College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they come out fighting when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood..."
(From Play.com)

Background:
"Glass Houses" is the first book in the series "The Morganville Vampires", written by Rachel Caine. The book was first published in 2006. Caine made her debut as an author in 1991, and has written many books under several pseudonyms. When "Glass Houses" first came out, she had a contract to write three books. Now, in July of 2010, eight books have been published and number nine is due out in October. The series have been published in thirteen countries and sold over 600.000 copies worldwide. Charles Armitage /Noel Gray Productions owns the film - and television rights to the series.

Story:
Claire Danvers is an exceptionally bright student, who graduated with a perfect 4.0 from High School. Her dream was to attend college at MIT, Yale or Caltech, but her parents didn't agree with that wish. They didn't want their daughter to live so far away from them, so Claire ends up in Morganville. Is soon becomes apparent that Morganville is not your average Texas town. Not only must Claire Danvers try to avoid the wrath of some of her fellow students, she must also try to stay alive in a town run by vampires.

Main Character:
16 year old Claire Danvers is a bright and smart girl, and I liked her instantly. She is described as the girl next door, someone every teenage girl can relate to. She has the same thoughts and problems most teenagers experience from time to time. Rachel Caine has done a great job creating her.

The Book:
"Glass Houses" was one of the first vampire books I read after I finished reading Twilight, and I was hooked right away. The books is extremely well written, it is actually so far one of the best written book I have read in the YA - genre. And I thought it was way better than Twilight. (Hope I don't provoke anyone by saying that). The book is full of suspense and mysteries. Nothing is revealed to early and the author has a lot of surprises up her sleeve. There is also a little bit of romance here. Caine has created some memorable charachters besides Claire. I can't wait to get to know Eve, Michael and Shane better. Michaels destiny is original and oh, so heartbreaking. I felt for him when the truth about his life was revealed to us.

"Glass Houses" is a very good and original read, and I highly recommend it. Teenager can relate to many of the topics in the book, but adults like myself will also enjoy it. Caine delivers a whole new take on the vampire story, that differs from a lot of the stories I have read. I am looking forward to reading more about the vampires in Morganville, and get to know the story behind this town better.

Warning: Do not read "Glass Houses" unless you have "The Dead Girls Dance", the second book in the series, within your reach. Otherwise you will be running to the bookstore to get a copy.



You can read more about the series and the author at her webpage here.

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The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason

Publisher: Signet
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 368
Source: Bought from BookDepository

" Beneath the glitter of dazzling 19th-century London Society lurks a bloodthirsty evil... . Vampires have always lived among them, quietly attacking unsuspecting debutantes and dandified lords as well as hackney drivers and Bond Street milliners. If not for the vampire slayers of the Gardella family, these immortal creatures would have long taken over the world. In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous, moonlit streets, Victoria's heart is torn between London's most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her enigmatic ally, Sebastian Vioget. And when she comes face to face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make the choice between duty and love."
(From the author's webpage)

Background:
"The Rest Falls Away" is the first book in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles, a series consisting of a total of 5 books. The book was actually the ninth novel Colleen Gleason wrote, but the very first to earn her a contract with a publisher. Some people have described the Gardella - series as "Buffy meets Jane Austen", and Gleason have admitted to being inspired by Buffy.
- what would it be like if Buffy had been living during the times of balls and chaperones and the ton? And thus The Gardella Legacy was born, says Gleason on her website.

Story:
Victoria Gardella Grantworth is ready for her big introduction into the upper - class society in 19th century England. But soon she is introduced to much more sinister events than worrying about who she will dance with at the balls. She is chosen to become a "venator" - a vampire hunter. Victoria is torn between responsibility and desires, between love and thrilling suspense. And not everything is entirely as it seems.

Main Character:
Colleen Gleason has done a great job bringing Victoria Gardella to life. She is both tough and vulnerable, as a heroine in a story like this ought to be. It is easy to sympathize with her and you want to get to know her better. She is full of initiative, but also a descent Victorian girl who knows her manners. In the right situations, she takes responsibility and glows.

The Book:
This was such a refreshing and joyful read. "The Rest Falls Away" literally has everything: Romance, suspense, mysteries, thrilling scenes, handsome guys and some erotic scenes. But there isn’t a lot of sex. The few erotic scenes comes as a natural part of the story.

The book differs from a lot of the other typical vampire stories that are out there. And to me it is a big incentive that the author placed the story in 19th century London , this gives the book a very special atmosphere. And I am a sucker for Victorian tales. Besides, being a female vampire hunter in a society and a time where women were chaperoned by their men and couldn’t go anywhere alone, makes for some interesting and suspenseful situations in the book.

A lot of the characters are somewhat draped in mystery. You can’t tell by first glance who’s evil and who’s good, and I like that. Maximillian and Sebastian have won my curiosity and I can’t wait to read more about them.

I had a great time reading this book and will definitely read the next installment in the series.


Want to know more about this book? You can read an excerpt on Colleen Gleason's webpage here.

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Guilty Pleasures, Laurell K. Hamilton

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
Source: Bought from Play

"The fantastically addicitive first Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, novel 'I don't date vampires. I kill them.' My name is Anita Blake. Vampires call me the Executioner. What I call them isn't repeatable. Ever since the Supreme Court granted the undead equal rights, most people think vampires are just ordinary folks with fangs. I know better. I've seen their victims. I carry the scars...But now a serial killer is murdering vampires -- and the most powerful bloodsucker in town wants me to find the killer."
(From BookDepository)

Background:
"Guilty Pleasures" was first released in 1993. Laurell K. Hamilton spent over two years tracking down a publisher that were willing to publish the novel. 17 years have passed, and the books about Anita Blake have become bestsellers. So far six million copies have been sold. That's quite amazing, don't you think?

Story:
Anita Blake has a very exceptional job: She makes the dead rise. She is also a vampire hunter and hates bloodsuckers more than anything in the world. But she is apparently not the only one with an aversion against vampires. A serial killers is bringing fear into the vampire community and Anita Blake is asked to find him.

Main Character:
I simply adore Anita Blake. She is strong, witty, cynical, adorable, funny, good looking, tough and vulnerable. There is so much about her, the readers can't help just loving her.

The Book:
It is not difficult to understand why this series has become so popular. I mean, it literally has everything: romance, suspense, mysteries, great characters, humour and lots of paranormal stuff. I was taken away. I can't wait to read more about Anita and all the other characters.