Mini Review: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

Title: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Author: Jules Verne

Published: April 1st 2010 (first published 1896)

Publisher: HaperPress

Source: I bought this in Wales at the Bridgend Designer Outlet at The Works (but that's probably too much detail)

Other Information: Jules Verne is considered the "Father of Science Fiction". The book's original title is Vingt Mille Lieues Sous Les Mers. You can probably guess that this book was originally written in French. It has apparently been heavily edited due to political correctness and has therefore lost some of its detail.

Summary: Pierre Aronnax and his servant Conseil leave France and board the Abraham Lincoln to witness the killing of a sea monster. On board the ship is Ned Land, a professional whaler from Canada. Expecting to find a large narwhal, the three are shocked after being thrown overboard into the sea by the monster (actually Conseil jumped in after his master) and see that the creature is actually a enormous metal vessel. The trio are soon captured and taken aboard the submarine Nautilius where they meet the mysterious Captain Nemo. Over the next several months they travel the seas, voyaging to unknown places and seeing new creatures.

Review: A very strange branch of science fiction. The journey the characters took was still magical even today. I love the plot line of this book. How amazing would it be to get captured and then taken all around the world, beneath the ocean? For contemporary people, this would have glimpse into the future, and an exciting new take on the world. It doesn't matter now, that all this has been proved impossible because we can still imagine what it would be like, a mobile aquarium that shrugs off the normal perils of the sea with ease.

The description in this book however, is too much. Why you would need to explain and categorise and then talk about debates on which category of every single thing you see I will never know. The page of the description brings the entire book to a halt and it’s hard to find the motivation to keep reading.

The with only four main characters and being told in first person, the major personality flaws of these people show themselves. Aronnax is self centered and only cares about his scientific discoveries, Nemo appears to have weird mood swings, Conseil is mindless zombie like encyclopedia who doesn't have opinion and can name everything in the sea and Ned Land is an almost "normal" person who has a habit of trying to kill anything that isn't human.

Rating: 3 If he'd had just cut some of the description or at spread it out evenly throughout the book, Jules Verne would have a perfect book.

Waiting on Wednesday #25- Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Breaking the Spine where we show off books that we want to read but have not been published yet. 

Title:  Every Other Day
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Release Date: 27 December 2011
Link to / Summary from Goodreads: Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human.
And then every day in between . . .She's something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive. . .and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process

Why I want it:  Amazing concept. Zombies. Hellhounds. Many supernatural creatures. Unexplained powers. Ticks many many boxes. And I love that cover.

What are YOU waiting on this week?

Book Review-Death, At Death's Door by Jill Thomspon

Title: Death-At Death’s Door

 Author: Jill Thompson. Characters created by Neil Gaiman

Series:  Sandman-Death

Published:   July 1st 2003 by Vertigo

Length: 192 pages

Warnings: Fantasy violence, nudity,

Source: Bought second hand

Summary : A member of the Endless, a family of beings who have existed longer than the gods, Death enjoys manifesting herself in the persona of a young Gothic girl. Along with her siblings, she interacts and influences the lives of humans on a daily basis. In this manga-style adventure, Death's little sisters, Delirium and Despair, have thrown a party at her apartment for hell's escapees. But as the festivities get out of control, it falls on Death's black-clad shoulders to regain order and save the afterlife. Printed in black, white, and gray tones, this trade paperback weaves an eccentric tale of danger, romance, humor, and fun

Review:  This is a book vaguely tied into Neil Gaiman's Sandman series, with a different spin on it. It focuses on Death rather than Dream, and has a completely separate storyline. Lucifer abdicates and gives the key to Hell to Dream who doesn't particularly want it. And while Dream hears from rulers of other Underworlds as to why they should claim Hell and its inhabitants, said inhabitants leave. And end up in Death's apartment and at some point start having a party. The story is generally Death, with sisters Despair and Delirium, trying to work out how to send the  partyers back to Hell where they should be, and how she can save her carpet.

I read the Sandman series some time ago and didn't really get what the plot was(don't shoot me. I only read Preludes and Nocturnes and I don't get what happened. I'll review it another day...). However I read this and really enjoyed it.

It's a much lighter and easier to read take on the Endless. As well as Death, we also see a lot of Despair, Delirium and a bit of Desire(who looks too much like a feminine Elvis for me). It's a nice way of getting to know them.

The concept and plot was good. Any party that is literally from Hell is, by me, worth checking out. And it was done very well.

The sub plot of Dream and his old lover was interesting, another facet to the Sandman we didn't see in the first book. 

I like the way the mythologies were woven together-Lucifer having his domain, and then rulers of other underworlds having theirs, and when Lucifer leaves said other rulers can come and ask for the key. Sorry if this is hard to understand, but it was hard to explain. You'll have to read the book to understand what I mean.

The art was good. As I said, Desire looks too much like a feminine Elvis for me to like him, but the other character designs were good. I like the way Thompson put her own spin on the appearances of the characters while still keeping their distinguishing features, such as Death's ankh and eyeliner.

Overall:  Strength 4 tea to something for fans of the Sandman comics and  anyone looking for a quick fun read.

Links: Amazon | Goodreads | Jill Thompson website | Neil Gaiman website

Book Review: Flame of Surrender by Rhiannon Paille

Title: Flame of Surrender

Author: Rhiannon Paille

Publisher: I don’t know sorry… : ( ((Edit: It's Coscom Entertainment))

Published: Not released yet (should be released 1 November)

Source: Sent by author

Warnings: Suggestive situation and profanity in the acknowledgements

Note: This book will is the first in The Ferryman and the Flame series. The next book is called Flame of Justice

Summary (from the .pdf we were sent. I don’t think it will turn up on the actual book): Krishani, the boy who follows death meets Kaliel, the girl who could cause the apocalypse. When the ferryman dies and the Valtanyana begin hunting the flames they have to choose, hide, face the enemy, or awaken.

Review: Krishani and Kaliel both want to escape the strict rules of society in Avristar. One fateful day they meet in a forbidden cave behind a waterfall and love strikes its deadly arrows in their hearts. A haunting prophecy from the Great Oak (the sacred tree that predicts what kind of life each person will lead) turns her world upside-down as she is sent to the city of Orlondir. Destiny once again twists her path as she is reunited with Krishani. Reptitive and hallowing

The Flame of Surrender is amazingly original and refreshing. Somehow, without going into a lot of detail, Rhiannon Paille has made Avristar vivid and colourful. I’ve no idea how she’s done this. Sadly it also means that sometimes you can’t understand everything that goes on. I don’t really understand how the land gives out love and I have a vague idea of what marring the land means. Also the years that got skipped out happened so quickly that I couldn’t really sense the time passing. dreams reveal to both of them that they are not like other people. Kaliel is a flame, a dangerous being that could cause the end of Avristar, sought after by the notorious Valtanyana, and Krishani is a Ferryman. Their love will destroy Avristar. Will they surrender to their fate and bring peace, or will they give into temptation and send the world into ruin?

The romance, in my opinion, was very well written: I could really feel how passionate those two were (I say this with no background on romance and without ever having being in a

relationship). I hope that later in the series that there will be a short one-sided love from Kuruny to Krishani because I think it would make the book more interesting. I like it when romances are tragically crushed in the name of the protagonist.

The characters have really been fleshed out well, Kaliel is a great character. I can understand Kaliel’s feelings about no one understanding her. Krishani is a bit (don’t take it the wrong way) strange in the way that does everything. He seems to think about only one thing, and doesn’t always think about the complications that doing this will cause or what he will do after that. I’m sure there are people out there who think like that, or that that stress just got to him, but it was quite peculiar. Pux is so sweet it’s a shame that he’s supposed to be really ugly. I love how casually he makes the sky turn pink. The tree would be really annoying if it wasn’t just a tree. It’s stuck up and self-righteous. But as it is tree I can’t really get angry at it. I kind of forgot the elders after a while because there was so many of them and there other minor characters as well. The creepy, all knowing people are awesome.

Rating: 5 Brilliant characters, plot and vast world which would be interesting to explore.

Book Review-Soul Thief/Forbidden by Jana Oliver

Title: Forbidden aka Soul Thief

 Author: Jana Oliver

Series:  The Demon Trappers #2

Published:  August 5th 2011 by Macmillan 

Length: 416 pages

Warnings: sex implied but fully skipped, romance, demons, violence

Source:Library

Other info: The first book is called Forsaken, aka The Demon Trapper’s Daughter. Book 3 has just had the cover released. Jana Oliver has also written the Time Rovers series.

Summary : Riley's beginning to think being a demon trapper isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her dad's been stolen by a necromancer, her boyfriend's gone all weird and she's getting warm and fuzzy feelings for someone who's seriously bad news. It's tempting to give it all up and try to be normal, but that's not an option. Because the demons have plans for Riley. And they're not the only ones.

Review: **Contains spoilers for book one, which I reviewed here**

As you may or may not remember, I reviewed Book 1, Forsaken or The Demon Trappers Daughter, some time ago(see here). I was excited to read the sequel, which is being reviewed today. So, I was hoping for good things from this.Which I got a lot of.

Riley Blackthorne is back. Her father has been taken and is still missing, boyfriend Simon has changed for the worse since he was almost carved up by a demon, dark mysterious guy Ori shows up more and more,  the Trapper's Guild is trying to blame Riley for the recent slaughter and the Hunters are trying to find proof that Riley made a deal with Hell. Riley could back out of it, but she can't really do that. So on with life she goes, with saving the world rather high on her to do list.

I enjoyed this. More than the first for some reason. Not sure why, but anyway.

True to Jana's word, we see more of Ori. A LOT more of Ori. Which is nice knowing that he does have a purpose than to flatter Riley. To start with, he seems a bit too stalkery. He's always there. But then he starts seeming a bit more important, and one of the things we HAVE to know in book 3 is his story.

The character development was good, as was the undevelopment of Riley and Simon's relationship. Simon's actions were completely unpredictable, and I really felt for Riley. And then she started having a relationship with Ori, which I know was the next logical step but I didn't really enjoy. I'll still ship Riley and Simon together. As long as Simon doesn't suddenly change his mind bed decide he does like Riley and Riley ends up the middle point of a full blown love triangle, I will be fine.

As always, love the tagline. It doesn't fit quite as well for Forbidden, probably because Riley has priorities other than trapping demons. However, it still makes me laugh.

Again, the third person POV was interesting, yet still managed to get Riley's attitude to life and everything going on in it across. It also means we get some scenes which aren't focused on Riley to break it all up now and again.

And as I said before, this ends on a  major cliffhanger on two facets of Riley's story.

Overall:  Strength 4 tea to book two in a series that seems to be getting better and better. Can't wait for the third.

Links: Amazon | Goodreads | Author website | 

Cover to Cover- Reveal of Forgiven!!

Just noticed the cover of Book 3 in the Demon Trappers series....

LOOK!!!!


 I like the return of the model (I think it's the same girl....it looks like it...) and that tagline....I love. It's changed from the first two, which is good. It still looks like it's part of the series. And is still different. It's my favourite cover this series.




And I've just spent a post fangirling over just one cover....actually more the tagline. Still. Love this.
Normal service shall resume some other day.

Book Review: Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement Moore

Title: Texas Gothic

 Author: Rosemary Clement-Moore

Series:  N/A

Published:  12 July 2011

Length:416 pages

Source:Library

Other info: Clement-Moore has also written The Splendour Falls, and the Maggie Quinn series.

Summary : Amy Goodnight's family is far from normal. She comes from a line of witches, but tries her best to stay far outside the family business. Her summer gig? Ranch-sitting for her aunt with her wacky but beautiful sister. Only the Goodnight Ranch is even less normal than it normally is. Bodies are being discovered, a ghost is on the prowl, and everywhere she turns, the hot neighbour cowboy is in her face.

Review: Amaryllis Goodnight, aka Amy, comes from a family of witches. She grew up surrounded by potions, spells and her uncle's friendly ghost, and despite it all being harmless, Amy just wants to get to college without getting too involved in the family business. Then she and her sister Phin look after Aunt Hyacinth's ranch, where Amy is visited by a ghost with a message. The neighbours, the McCullochs, have land encompassing a grave. And when it's discovered, it seems  that there may just be ghosts that are disturbed, and aren't happy. Amy, Phin, many locals, and Ben McCulloch(the love interest of the book), investigate what's going on, and discover that there's a bit more to Texas than *insert texas stereotypes*.

I wouldn't say the cover is particularly amazing. It doesn't give much away, but the way the eye is bright green creates an interesting focal point. And the tagline doesn't give much away but makes you want to know why.

The start is funny, and a good hook to pull you in. By chapter five, we've met a ghost. Soon after we come across the grave, and the pace continues at a steady speed throughout.

The plot is different to what I normally get with books dealing with magic. It's a more modern take on it, with a protagonist that's easy to like and relate to.

Character comes acrossin the writing a lot. We really get the feeling of Amy being generally fed up of trying to be normal in a family that is anything but. We also get a good sense of her relationships with other characters, like her sisters, the excavation team and love interest Ben.

Ben, I never really liked, even when Amy warmed to him. His personality just seemed too annoying to like. But he was a somewhat important part, and this kind of worked with his function in the story.

I can't really see a sequel being written, because I can't see where the story would come from, but I would like to see more of the Goodnights, in particular Phin and Daisy. Maybe they'll get their own books one day.

Overall:  Strength 4 tea to a different look at witches and ghosts to what we're used to.

Links: Amazon | Goodreads | Author website | 

Waiting on Wednesday #24 Struck Compilation by Rhonda Stapleton

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Breaking the Spine where we show off books that we want to read but have not been published yet. 

Title:  Struck (Stupid Cupid, Flirting with Disaster, Pucker Up)
Author: Rhonda Stapleton
Release Date: 6 December 2011
Link to / Summary from Goodreads: Felicity Walker believes in true love. That's why she applies for a gig at the matchmaking company Cupid's Hollow. But when Felicity gets the job, she learns that she isn't just a matchmaker...she's a cupid! (There's more than one of them, you know.)
Armed with a hot pink, tricked-out PDA infused with the latest in cupid magic (love arrows shot through email), Felicity works to meet her quota of successful matches. But the path to love is not always a straight shot...
Why I want it: Because this seems like a fun take on the cupid myth. I just love any kind of mythology with a spin on it. And I know that all three books are out separately, but....that’s just a pretty cover.

What are YOU waiting on this week?