Review: My Love Lies Bleeding #1 by Alyxandra Harvey

Summary   

"They're close," she murmured. "Watching."

"Run?" I suggested. "Like right now?"

She shook her head.

"If we act like prey, they'll act like predators."

Solange has always known she is a vampire. And as the only female vampire ever born, not initiated, she is surrounded by danger on all side - from other vampire tribes who want to take her blood into their lineage, and from bounty hunters who are set on destroying her and her family.

When she is kidnapped, it's up to her elder brother, Nicholas, and her best friend, Lucy, to save her. But can Lucy save herself from Nicholas, who tempts her with every look - what will be her own fate if she surrenders her heart to a vampire?

Review

This is the first book in the Drake Chronicles and the best read I've had that involves vampires, yup this is a must read even if it does have vampires, and not just the usual vampires you read about, much better! I learnt about this book through the internet, just casually surfing the web for books and this pops up as a recommended read. I read the blurb and it just sucked me right in, especially with the whole best friend with a vampire going on. I brought the book straight away including book 2 and 3. And I finished My Love Lies Bleeding that night it came. This book has different Vampire tribes where we as readers are able to separate each tribe easily, with the way Alyxandra described the tribes through Solange and made it less of a history lesson and more of a rant from Solange which was amazing. 

This book is from both Solange and Lucy's point of view, which is an interesting take on the book and was a real enjoy to read. I guess it was because as readers we were able to see from a vampire's POV and and her best 'human' friends POV. Both Solange and Lucy shown a great deal of insight on the Vampire life and how the transformation in to a vampire is genetic making it more of an interesting read, if I must say. Solange is a couple of weeks shy of becoming 16, but its not all jolly with cake and gifts, more like being hunted and kidnapped just because she's the only girl born a vampire in over a couple hundred years and its not at all fun as it sounds. For a 15 year-old girl, Solange is ready to take on whatever is coming, having seven older brother, doing just that shouldn't be that hard right? Think again, they're all ready to keep her locked down until her 16th birthday is over but Solange ain't going down without a fight, but Nicholas, he's a complete different story. Despite him always being there for her and playing with her and Lucy as kids, he's still the over-protective brother who won't slip away that easily with whatever Solange and Lucy are doing. 

Lucy is on a whole new level of crazy, being portrayed as a kick-ass best friend who doesn't need the excuse of being a vampire to, well, I guess kick-ass! I loved her character instantly, like who doesn't root for the girl who can break a vampires nose, more than two times?!! Lucy aka Lucky as Nicholas calls her is always ready with a witty remark for Nick and is ready to kick his ass whenever she can get the chance to. Lucy and Nicholas are always with Solange and I guess that is when things change between them, first being seen as Solange's brother and childhood friends, then as an annoying over-protective idiot and then something more that neither of them are willing to confess up too. 

Both Solange and Lucy have love interests and not the whole love triangle thing, hell no!!! For Solange, she just had to fall for the Vampire Hunter who's just happens to be part of Helios-Ra and is in it for the Bounty? WHAT! But things change when he helps Solange from getting kidnapped, but it all doesn't go to plan. Whereas Lucy's love interest happens to Nicholas Drake. In the book you can sense the tension between them and I must say between them both they have some amazing, witty comments for each other. My favorite being; 

"What got you through?" I whispered. "Do you remember?"

He nodded but wouldn't look at me. When he didn't elaborate, I turned to face him. "What? Is it a secret? Don't I know all the deep dark Drake secrets by now?"

He shifted uncomfortably. "I guess."

"What then?"

"You."

I swallowed, stunned. "Me?"

"Yeah." He stood up and went to the door, where he pause for the barest second. "You got me through." 

This was just so heart-breaking and finally they start to express to one another how they feel, not openly but in their own way it was still cute. I guess Lucy is the only one that can keep Nicholas in line and more aware that she can break his nose, that's what happens when you grow up with Vampires. 

I can go on and on about how awesome this book is, but I guess you can only know for yourself once you've read it. Alyxandra has done an amazing job bring this book to us all, where the action scenes are truly action packed, and both genders are capable of doing the same thing; like kicking ass when fighting. I'm really enjoying the use of the word 'kick-ass', what can I say this book just happens to fit perfectly with it. This book brings you an amazing fast-paced journey, sacrifices, family bonds and most of the bond that can be thicker than blood and that's friendship. Despite being a born a vampire and human, Solange and Lucy where able to have an unusual friendship that made this book even more thrilling and enjoyable. Hats off to you Alyxandra this book was simply unique and too short to end, I guess it was a good thing I brought the first three books together. I recommend this book to you all, go read it. 

My Love Lies Bleeding - Alyxandra Harvey 5 Stars

Review: Slated #1 by Teri Terry

Summary
Kyla's memory has bee erased,

her personality wiped blank,

her memories lost for ever.

She's been Slated.

The government claims she was a terrorist, and that they are giving her a second chance - as long as she plays by their rules. But echoes of the past whisper in Kyla's mind. Someone is lying to her and nothing is as it seems, Who can she trust in her search for the truth?

Review

This is the first book in the epic trilogy by Teri Terry, that brings you a whole new dystopian world where your memories are swiped, leaving you empty and vulnerable. This book is about young Kyla who's mind has been erased of all past memories that may have linked her to her past of being a terrorist? so the government claims, but is there something else in the debt of it all where the real truth is branded with the word Terrorist?

Kyla is a 16 year-old girl who grips all the readers the minute we start reading. With a dream. That's right a dream of her hiding from someone who whats her to hold on tight to whatever it is that will make her remember who she really is. But who is she really? how can you remember when you've been Slated? Well that's not the case for Kyla, who's constantly having dreams, fragments of the past of her running. Kyla is not portrayed as the normal slated person, she questions everything; her new life, family, name, everything. And that's when it all starts, Kyla becoming intrigued by the past and who she is, and ready to find out the truth at any cost even if that means having to lie to her 'Family', but not much can be done or experienced when you have a 'Levo' on your wrist. Which is a device created to keep all Slated people on the right track, they are there to prevent them from turning back to the same ways as  before, if that does happen the Levo will detect it and cause you to black out. But can and will that keep Kyla from finding out the truth, does it really affect her in the way it affects the other Slated? Hmmm

Kyla experiences new things, she meets new people, starts a new school and starts liking a Slated boy; Ben. They meet at group meeting, where all new and previous Slated kids go, why? To adjust to the new Slated world I guess. Ben is the typical cool guy, who is always there for Kyla, especially when Tori - Another slated teen - dislikes Kyla from the minute they meet, because she knows Kyla's different? Ben and Kyla both have mutual feelings but the romance is not shown in-debt of how and why it started and I personally didn't questions it straight away, maybe it was because of the Dystopian world and having only one person to actually survive being Slated completely, keeping me focused more on that then the romance. There are a lot of mystery with most characters in this book, like Kyla's parents; who are they and why hide what they do? Despite Sandra Davis - her mom - supporting Kyla throughout the book especially at the end, she does have a history and most of all why would she adopt two Slated teenage girls after what happened to her parent. And why does David Davis - her dad - interrogate Kyla in every conversation they have. Why?

This book definitely kept me hooked until I finished it and then I wanted more. I wanted answers to all the questions running around in my head; What really happened to Ben? Who is Hatten and what does he know about Kyla? And the million dollar question still is; who was Kyla before she got Slated and what does she remember? For them to be answered I only had to wait a year. A YEAR!!!! It will be worth the wait, is what I kept telling myself, and I was right.

Teri has done an amazing job with bringing and whole new level of Dystopian for us crazy readers, like who doesn't want to read books where you get Slated because your seen as a threat? Not only does Teri bring us a new Dystopian world, she brings us the truth and courage of how one person can go to any length to find out the truth, and maybe save others as well because who knows why all these people are getting Slated or even killed because you can't get Slated after the age of 16, they could be innocent kids who just happen to get branded as the bad guys by the Government. This book brings you a mystery, battle for the truth and most of all a Dystopian world where anything is possible, and by anything I mean getting Slated. So go read it and lose yourself in a world full of suspense and thriller and find the missing pieces to find out the truth.

Slated - Teri Terry 4 Stars

Review: Unleashed #1 by Nancy holder and Debbie Viguie

Summary

Katelyn McBride's life changed in an instant when her mother died. Uprooted from her California home, Katelyn was shipped to the middle of nowhere, Arkansas, to her only living relative, her grandfather. And now she has to start over in Wolf Springs, a tiny village in the Ozark Mountains. Like any small town, Wolf Springs has secrets. But the secrets hidden here are more sinister than Katelyn could ever imagine. It's a town with a history that reached back centuries, spans continents, and conceals terrifying truths. And Katelyn McBride is about to change everything. 

Broke families, ageless grudges, forced alliances, and love that blooms in the darkest night - welcome to Wolf Springs.

Review

Katelyn McBride is a lover of gymnastics and dancing and dreams to become the star of any show in LA. but who would have thought that dreams will be broken if high expectations are kept? Not Katelyn. Unleashed is the first book in the Wolf Spring Chronicles and by far the most unexpected, thrilling book about secrets, change and werewolves. That's right Werewolves!!! Katelyn's life is exactly how she wanted it to be, an in progress star gymnast, trainers helping her get in to the best college in LA, and her mom a 'Reigning prima ballerina'; Giselle Chevalier who supported Katelyn despite wanting her to become a Ballerina instead of a Gymnast. Katelyn become the anchor in her mothers life after her father was murdered. After the death, she was never the same strong willed person as before.
After an unexpected earthquake Katelyn's only living parent and guardian is killed leaving 16-year-old Katelyn in the hands of the only living relative; her grandfather, Mordecai McBride aka Ed. With that said it doesn't seem all bad, until Katelyn has to leave LA, her friends, her dream all behind and move half way across the world to join him in a small town Wolf Spring in Arkansas, and live in the forest. YAY *sigh* Mordecai McBride the most straightforward grandfather anyone can have, their relationship doesn't start off to a good start having conflicted arguments about the past and her chosen career path, but things change. They both start to bond well and get to know one another better, I guess that's what happens when you don't meet quite often. I really liked his character he was well grounded despite his views on all things modern, and sure knew how to keep Katelyn safe which is exactly what she needed.

In this book Katelyn suffers quite a bit with the loss of both of her parents and having to move to a whole new place, with new people and most of all a different lifestyle. Yet she keeps herself grounded and tries to adjust to the new lifestyle. I guess after getting introduced to a guy who wears a cowboy boots and calls himself Trick instead of Vladimir kinda helps Katelyn to relax considering he's going to pick and drop her off to school. Right, like that will help, Wait um I guess it did. Ha who would have thought!!! Vladimir aka Trick is a Russian senior, yet Wolf Spring born who is close to Mordecai which startles Katelyn for the side she sees in Ed whenever Trick is around. Trick is quite mysterious, yet easy for Katelyn to get along with leading both of them to like each other, but most of town people dislike him and is hated by most of the kids at school, for real reason Katelyn doesn't know. Trick helps Katelyn adjust but sometimes pushes her away at times that really annoyed me, she didn't do anything, she doesn't even know half of the town history to understand what is actually going on in Wolf Spring.

And that is where the History project comes in, on the first day in school what could be worse than having to partner up for a project. Nothing. Katelyn is partnered up with Cordelia Fenner, who's strength is stronger than any boy in school and has darker secrets that Katelyn would not be able to handle. Hanging around a lot with each other they become good friends, Cordelia tells her quite a bit of the Fenner's after the incident with Katelyn. But no one can know for this secret could jeopardize everything in Wolf Spring for everyone, especially after two more attacks happen. Cordelia not only has 2 older sisters but cousins too, who live with her; Jesse and Justin. Justin sure is the one who can make Katelyn swoon by a  single touch and has a more mysterious side to him, more than Trick. Justin is a real mystery in the book, not much of him is revealed to the readers which make you want to read more, all we know is that he has a killer bike and has the tendency to kiss Katelyn even though he has a girlfriend. What?! Yup you heard not only is Katelyn attracted to him but he's attracted to her, for some odd reason. What could it be?? Hmmmmm

Things start to change for Katelyn she starts to feel different, after she was attacked in the woods. What could it be? Seems like Cordelia knows something but doesn't wish to share with her. This part sure does it for me, more action and more secrets are uncovered and history of the Fenner clan is given. But what is so bad about getting bitten by a dog. Or was it something more sinister than meet the eye. Katelyn soon discovers that the dark secret is the existence of Werewolves, not just any ordinary one but human's who change on the full moon, and the Fenner's are all werewolves and all claim they didn't bite her. Knowing this changes everything, the bite on Katelyn's leg was the only thing that changed her into one.

This book takes you on a crazy journey in the small town of Wolf Spring, where even the darkest secrets cannot remain undiscovered. The Hell-bound is the one thing keeping all the Fenner's alert for anything can happen with the hell-bound around but is the Hell-bound just a myth to make kids sleep or the real deal??. And the one question on everyone's mind is; Who bite Katelyn, that too not on the full moon??? This changed everything in the book and made me want the second book the minute I finished Unleashed, crazy cliffhanger which left me speechless and even more intrigued to how it had ended. Read it to find out what it was and exactly how Katelyn McBride's experience in Wolf Spring was. Go on, I dare you. This book brings you a mystery, thriller, romance and the ordinary type and most of all werewolves with dark secrets. Amazing book in the Wold Springs Chronicles, a job well done Nancy and Debbie.

Unleashed - Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie 4 Stars

Review: Forsaken #1 by Jana Oliver

Summary

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself-and that's exactly what the demons are counting on...

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major Cities, Atlanta's local Trappers' Guild needs all the help they can get - even from a girl. When she's not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley's out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils - Grade one Hellspawn only, of course, per strict rules of the Guild. Life's about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley's routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn't bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers' Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart-and her life?

Review

This is the first book in the epic Demon Trapping Series, and by far the best book that I had first read in 2011, when it was first released. I picked this book up randomly while shopping and on the same day I had finished it and expressed my love and withdrawal of all the characters all over twitter and to the author Jana. So far I have read this book more than i can remember and it never bores me or makes me think 'Oh, I've already read this, lets read something else!' Nope, I'll read it again and act surprised at all the best parts (which is literally all of the book).

First off this book shows Riley Blackthorne 'the only girl on the Guild' - which is not fun as it sounds, not one bit - portrayed as an independent, strong minded, hot headed 17 year old girl, who just wants to following in her fathers footsteps and have most of the guys cut her some slack. But nothing comes that easily, she has to 'prove' that she's is capable of staying in the Guild. What??? She's the type of character who doesn't take no for an answer, and doesn't let anyone walk all over her which is something I really liked about her. If something was to happen she wouldn't whine or break down, she would face the problem head on and stop at nothing to get what she wants.

Riley is only 17 and has seen and been through so much; after losing her mother at a young age, Riley is left with her father Paul, who is an amazing character, who is proud of Riley and tries his best to keep her out of Trapping - No such luck with that. Riley has to endure the loss of a parent again when her father is killed when trapping a demon with Beck - The same demon who messed Riley's Trapping in the library. Coincidence? I think not. Paul's death was the most heartbreaking moment in the book that made me cry (It still does).

Beck was Riley's crush at the age of 15, soon becoming the only person left who she secretly classes as family or maybe something more. I fell in love with Beck surprisingly before I even started this book, I guess that happened when the blurb said 'Beck, the tough trapper who thinks he's god's gifts', well i guess that just set the picture of this book for me. After reading into the book more Beck started to show a different side of himself which really set in for me, even after Simon came in, I was hooked on Beck. In the book Beck seems to think the answer to every question is in a bottle of beer, oh well I guess we all have a weak point, right?! For Riley, Beck was the type of person who she could turn to at the end of the day, even if it was for arguing purposes, she valued his presence even if she didn't realize that herself. 

Then comes Simon, the sweet, innocent, lovable guy who Riley falls for. Did I mention he's a Trapper? Yup a trapper who actually has some likable qualities. Simon is also there for Riley after the death of her father. its understandable why she falls for him instead of Beck in this book, if I must add you never know what will happen. Beck; reserved, argues a lot and doesn't let  anybody in besides Paul. Simon; sweet, kind, acts like a gentleman and is probably everything Riley sees in a guy. Their relationship hits off on a good start, if I must say but things start to go downhill when Simon is hurt during the attack on the Guild, who always have a holy water circle around them during the Guild meeting, so how did that happen?? 
Ori is the 3rd guy in Riley's crazy world, who doesn't show up a lot in the book only when she's in danger, the book left me hanging with a lot question about him; Who is he? Why so mysterious? and the million dollar question was, what did he want with Riley? No answers until book 2 came out.

Jana Oliver took all her reading on a crazy ride with Forsaken and done a very good job with keeping us all intent on finishing the book. Hell, I finished the book on the same day as buying it. If that doesn't show a book is good then I don't know what does. This book made me laugh, cry, and hope for the best, for all the people in the book. After reading this book I couldn't stop talking about it, every conversation with my sisters would end with me talking about how AMAZING and trilling this book was and still is. Hats off to you Jana, your creativity and imagination has created such a world where I always lose myself too and sometimes think how it would be like to actually be a trapper and trap besides Riley and Beck. This book brings you trappers, demons, love, heartbreak and a mysterious vibe to it till the very end, I really wished this book didn't end but if it didn't we all wouldn't be so enthusiastic to book 2. It's definitely a must read if you haven't read it. 

The cover of this book is breathtakingly beautiful, I must say the UK version is totally amazing and the color and facial expression clearly foreshadow what will happen, and I can honestly say there has been a lot of fire with this book. GO READ IT!!!

Forsaken - Jana Oliver 5 Stars 

First Post

We all need a little Sheldon Cooper in our lives, where else will the laughter come from; Bazinga. This is the first post on my blog and I can tell you that Sheldon Cooper isn't the only hot topic here!! NOPE. Here I will review books which I have previously read and that are upcoming releases, with the occasional fan-girl post of all Marvel movies especially on Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth. (Who can resist a dude with a cape; like come on its a cape or maybe its just Tom and Chris who can rock the cape look). 

Not to forget the awesome Mr Sherlock Holmes who happens to only have 3 seasons released right now with suspense packed only 3 episodes in each season!! No matter how much of a fan I am I still can't get over that. But yes Benedict Cumberbatch is another fan-girl moment of mine that will take place occasionally on my blog. 

This being my first post and all; I don't want to make it a long one, that's what the review section is for. Hope you all enjoy my blog and the reviews that are yet to come, spread the word in the blogging world and let's make books everyone's new best friends.

Book reviews coming soon!!!

About Me

Hello, people of the internet. I'm Shaz, a 22 year-old, recent university graduate who has an epic book hoarding problem. If I'm not reading, I am either drawing, writing, or trying my level best to not get crushed by my TBR.  I also spend time binge watching all the shows. I have far too many shows to keep track of and I love it.

I've been reading ever since I can remember, my childhood consisted of lots of daily trips to the local library where I would sit for the whole day stuck in different books, sometimes I had to use my sister's library card as well, to get all the books I wanted despite using my own card!! I decided to start a blog because I wanted to join a community of book worms and book lovers, and honestly it was the best decision I made. 

I mainly read a whole load of YA books; fantasy for the win. I love fantasy books so much, I live for fictional fantasy worlds. The crazier, the better, plus who doesn't love a good 'ol map. I am a map hoarder. 

Review Policy

Currently not accepting any books to review, university is crazy. Sorry. 

All books on this blog will be reviewed honestly and only of my thoughts and will be posted on to my Twitter and Goodreads account. If you would like me to review your books feel free to get in touch through email (thebookchapters@gmail.com) I'll be more than happy to accept it, if certain circumstances arise and if I cannot accept please respect this. I will try my best to review and post regularly, for now I will post twice or once a month. Once a book has been read a review will be posted 3-4 days after.

I will accept:

- Young Adult fiction

- Dystopian

- Contemporary

- Fantasy

- Mystery/Thriller (Maybe)

- Post Apocalyptic

- ARC's or published novels

- Manuscripts

Will not accept:

- Erotica

- Realistic

- Children Books

- Audio/eBooks

Book rating:

★★★★★ - I absolutely love the book, and will most definitely rave about it for the rest of my life.

★★★★ - This book was great, a few flaws but still worth recommending

★★★ - This book was okay, slightly memorable but nothing special. Flawed; which will be delved deeper into.

★★ - Didn't enjoy it, most likely got this rating for the writing or characters. Still, not a book for me.

★ - Either a DNF or I made myself finish it to give it a second chance. Definitely not for me.

I also give half stars, which ultimately mean the same as the ratings above.

Other than that I hope you enjoy your time reading my reviews and visiting my blog, also hope you spread the word about The Book Chapter and follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Goodreads.