SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN- LILY BLAKE - REVIEW

Book: Snow white and the huntsman

Author: Lily Blake

Publisher: ATOM

ISBN: 9781907411700

Rating: C

A breathtaking new vision of a legendary tale. Snow White is the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen who is out to destroy her. But in a twist to the fairytale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed becomes her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen. Includes fold-out film poster!

I liked tis book. I really did and I think the only thing that let it down was the storyline, which by no means was fault of the author but the script writer as this is a book of the film type of book.

The book is very burtonesque and dark and gothic, definitely a new tale on the classic tale of snow white and the idea is really good. The story hasn't been done before and the concept is clever and witty but I felt a lack of magic for a fairytale so beautiful and magical. I just felt the magic was limited to the queen and when your expecting ugh a magical book this kind of lets you down, to find magic only used in snippets of it.

The writing however was absolutely gorgeous. It was so whimsical and airy. Almost lyrical, it just flows so smoothly, a cascade of prose and description building up scenes, characters and emotions in your mind in such vivd detail that it's just beautiful. I honest gloved it so much and would definitely like to see more from this author.

The description was perfect, there wasn't to much and it was perfectly balanced with the dialogue and the actual storyline to relay the novel to in perfection.

The characters were very different from the typical disney ones and i found it nice. I liked the way every thing wasn't perfect and that all the characters seemed to have this slightly darker more gothic side to them. It really added atmosphere and character to the book, and I was definitely influenced by the casting from the film.

My favourite character would have to be queen ravena. She is just so awesome, and the only one with magic. But what i liked about her this time was that she wasn't simply evil, for no reason like in the disney one. she was so much deeper. She had a story to tell herself. she had reasons and she had a history and it wasn't as simple as black and white. there was a grey.

Overall the book is a witty, fast paced, whimsically dark retelling of the tale of snow white and I absolutely love it.

THE SERPENTS SHADOW - RICK RIORDAN -REVIEW

Book: The serpents Shadow
Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Puffin
ISBN: 9780141335681
Rating: A+

Carter And Sadie Kane, descendants of the magical House of Life, are in pretty big trouble. Despite their bravest efforts, Apophis, the giant snake of Chaos, is still threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness. Now the Kanes must do something no magician has ever managed - defeat Apophis himself. No pressure there then. Battling against the forces of Chaos, their only hope is an ancient spell - but the magic has been lost for a millennia. Will they find the serpent's shadow, or will they be led to their deaths in the depths of the Underworld?

Ok, so this review is well overdue and well over the last year if I've learnt one thins it's that blogger hates me... Any way the review.

The Serpents Shadow is the final book in the amazing Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan who is intact one of my most favourite authors in whole wide world, and this book did not disappoint at all. I love Riordans book beau case every time you read his next book it just gets bette rand better! Its like he just turns it up a notch with every new book! 

The Serpents shade picked up where The Throne of Fire, pretty much left of with the storyline {not the same location or anything}. The story follows Carter, Sadie, their monkey and the rest of their crew as the battle monster, demons and a whole load of evil magicians, not mention Apophis before the sun is swallowed and the world is ended. So yeah! Definitely one to read.

The plot line in this was everything you want for a last novel. If was fast paced, action packed, and funny in all the right places, keeping you reading till the depths of night. This book keep you filled with a sensation of fear, tense, or even happiness/laughter at all times!


The characters were pretty much the same, barely any new ones being introduced, which is always nice because you get to know the existing ones, even better, and become even closer to them. They really grow on you and the added gods and goddesses really take a larger role. My favourite character would have to be Carter, just because I feel sadie often overpowers him and he's a tad quieter.


Overall and brilliant novel and a fantastic way to end a fantastic series. Riordan has finished this saga and only has the Heroes of Olympus left to finish but maybe a spin of series for this! I would love it!

THE IMMORTAL RULES - JULIE KAGAWA - REVIEW

Book: The immortal Rules
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Mira INK
ISBN: 9781848450943
Rating: A


In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity. Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who killed her mother and keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked - and given the ultimate choice. Die...or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must work with her vampire creator and learn the rules of being immortal. Including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad. When Allison is separated from her creator, she flees into the unknown, the world outside her vampire city, beyond the wall. There she joins a ragged band of humans who don't know what she is, seeking a legend - a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.


For starters may I apologise for the fact that this review is well overdue, due to technical issues with blogger.


When I heard about this I was very skeptical because, Vampire novels dominate the YA genre, and their dare some many that you have to be careful, but because it was written by Kagawa and I adore her Iron Fey series, I was willing to give it a go and I was pleasantly surprised. This was a fun and gripping novel, definitely taking completely new twist on the vampire genre, making it an enjoyable read with my fellow bloodsucking friends.


The book is basically in a post apocalyptic world where Vampire pretty much ruled, using humans as cattle, and then you get the humans who refuse o be used and are basically the slummers. The book is based on Alice, a slummer who ends up as vampire and da dum: she sets out on her quest of discovery.


The plot is definitely like nothing I've red before but in a good way. It keeps you tight and captivated, always interested by what will happen next. It's definitely different and quite unique but I really did love the whimsically twisted plot. I have to admit it does take about three quarters of the book before you can actually if the plot is going anywhere, but nevertheless it is worth the wait and the first three quarters are ever amazing.


The writing is a beautiful as Kagawa's usual style. Just as lyrical and descriptive as I remember [from the iron fey]. the words flow so smoothly, and each one you savour, like cake. And to be honest, for a pretty large book, there is no unnecessary writing. This book is pure talent and pure amazingness. In fact when you read it, it is all so vivid it all plays out in you mind, and beautiful scribe of fantastical prose.


The characters are perfect in very way. They are all so perfect built up and all so right in every way. You hate who your meant to hate you love who your meant ti love and everyone just seems so perfect for the story they star in. The emotions are so vivid, especially helped by first person, that the characters become your friends and you see them.


Overall I did adore this book to the utmost and It was definitely a thrilling ride of blood, gore, love, mystery, mystery romance and horror. A true masterpiece.

MAKEOVER

As you can see Excellent Reads has been victim to a makeover and I have changed it all up a bit, going for more of this cool vintage look, and we'd also had our old design for over a year so it was time for a new look and a belated blogoversary celebration! Hope you like!