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!

RAPTURE - LAUREN KATE - REVIEW

Book: Rapture

Author: Lauren Kate

Publisher: Doubleday

ISBN: 9780385618120

Rating: A+

The sky is dark with wings ...And time is running out for Luce and Daniel. In order to stop Lucifer from erasing the past, they must find the place where the Fall began. Only Luce can break the curse, and it is her choice alone that will decide all of their fates. But as "Dark Forces" gather, great sacrifices will have to be made in this final, epic struggle ...In the fight for Luce, and for Love, who will win? This is the astonishing conclusion to the "FALLEN" series. Heaven can't wait any longer.

Beautiful... when books are this amazing I always find it are to write reviews because they can not be put into words. I have been trying to write this review for weeks but I think I finally cracked it. This book is definitely how you finish a series, in the most beautiful, touching, eloquent dramatic and fantastic ways. The book left me wonderstruck, both in awe and sadness. Sadness to see the series end (as it has been truly beautiful) and {SPOILER} there is a very sad ending. {SPOILER END}

The book starts with the angels and nephilim knowing that they have to stop the fall again, and they starts by trying to find the place of the fall. They then set out and travel across the world trying to find the three objects that will help reveal the place of the fall, but obviously it's not the simple. In the end they get them all, find the place, and ugh secret is revealed, they succeed and the incredibly sad ending continues... though its sad and happy at the same time.

The suspense in this novel (or rather for this novel) was so overwhelming I could not wait to get my hands on this book and I adore it so so so much! The plot line was absolutely fantastic. The books have honestly got better and better with each book and I can honestly say that this book is honestly perfect. Heavenly. Every single aspect is perfect and the hold books is complete in harmony. The storyline is clear, and easy to understand and so much effort has been pureed into this piece of master craft.

Now, I actually love Lauren Kate's writing. I have always loved hers and that was even fuelled more by Passion as I am a sucker for  tons of description, and this novel didn't fail. The description was beautiful, so crisp and vivd playing out in your mind. The dialogues was mastered out carefully, twists and turns where you need them. I find her writing gorgeous to read. It's so whimsical and angelic, and almost lyrical. It's like music to my ears, so I would love to see more from kate.

{SPOILER PARAGRAPH}Now my favourite scene in this novel would have to be both the Luce big secret scene and the end. Basically to stop the gina announcer carrying the fall luce has to get into it, but how? With wings of course. I just think its so beautiful to find out that all along Luce was an angel, and that you get to see her whole history in heaven with Daniel and Lucifer, and to find out that Daniel is not the once cursed but her. My second favourite scene would have to be the happy ever after at the end, thought it sad for a very tragic reason but I'm not going to spoil that for you, because it really is a super tragic end! {SPOILER END}

The characters are at their climax in this novel. This novel has the power to solely focus on the story and plot line because everything you need to know about all the characters has been grown and introduced in the predecessors (except about dan and lu). So what do we do? We get some amazing new characters, who really give that kick to the book! We get some really good, heart warming feel good characters. I also feel that in this book you get to see all the characters in their true beauty and perfection, even the bad guys, because what I love about Kate in this book is that she hasn't played on the bad guys being evil, but more on that fact that no one is evil for no reason. Something makes them do it, and that deep down there is always light. *hint hint* notmentioninganynameslucifer

My favourite characters would have to be luce through and through. And arinane. Ariane only because of mad awesome sauce, and because you get some really good feel good moments and laugh out loud moments with her and she is undeniably ice cool. Luce, because everything about becomes more perfect about her and she literally is pure, and it comes out in the end that she is  neither evil nor good, but truly in love, and that she is purer that god, because she doesn't play for a side. She's fights for her love and in all the world that is all she wants.

Now I must end the review to this gorgeous book and you must read it. I can honestly say that this book gave me chills reading it. It is a gorgeous book, with lyrical prose and beautiful description. 

I would read a million times till the Rapture of this world.

I love the books with a Passion so undeniable.

A life without this series would be Torture.

I have Fallen... for Fallen.

GODDESS INTERRUPTED - AIMEE CARTER - REVIEW

Book: Goddess Interrupted
Author: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Mira
ISBN: 9781848450783
Rating: A


After surrendering her mortal life, Kate's about to be crowned queen of the mythical Underworld, home to the Gods. Her king - dangerous, mesmerising Henry - the boy she sacrificed everything for, is becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then he is abducted in the midst of her coronation. Forced to take up her role in a bitter war between the Gods, Kate battles to save Henry's life. Worse, her only hope of victory means turning to Persephone, Henry's first true love...and the greatest threat to Kate's future. Kate now knows that rescuing the one she believed to be her destined soulmate could mean losing him forever. 'A fresh take on the Greek myths adds sparkle to this romantic fable.' Cassandra Clare on The Goddess Test


I can honestly say this was brilliant, and beat it's predecessor by miles. I loved the Goddess test and I didn't realise this series could get any better until I read this book! Boy, carter is good.

The Book was pretty easy to pick up, because although it didn't start right from the point that the last book left off, it was very easy to understand! The plot was very good, and extremely unique, giving you twists and turn where you would never expect, and made you see the greek gods in a whole new perspective! I love greek mythology and this didn't fail to give.

The writing was beautiful as Carter's always is. So descriptive and whimsical, and such deep emotions that you felt them yourselves. Even the way she built up the characters so you you see them in your mind and connect with them and get another and better understanding of them.

That was another thing. We learnt a lot more about the characters and got to know them and their personalities better. We even get introduced to some new characters and some crazy secrets about the characters, but in this novel the characters true colours were definitely shown.

Tis book was a merely of gorgeous myths, articulated in the most whimsical fashion and I adored it!

INTERVIEW - JULIE KAGAWA

So I know this is a tad late but there was a mixup with interviews and I finally have my interview with Julie Kagawa! Hope you enjoy!

Why did you write The Immortal Rules?

I had been toying with writing a post-apocalyptic YA story after The Iron Fey, when my agent suggested I might want to try vampires.  Although not terribly intrigued with the idea at first, I then had the thought of combining the two, and from there everything sort of fell into place.

What sort of research did you have to do for The Immortal Rules? How did you go about doing this?

A lot of research went into The Immortal Rules.  This was the real world, albeit a futuristic, vampire infested world, but the real world nonetheless, and things had to make sense.  A large part of my research involved watching the entire season of The Discovery Channel's Life After People, to see how long it would take buildings and other structures to fall apart.  I researched what would happen to dams, power plants, bridges, ect. if there were no humans around to take care of them.  What would happen to the wildlife?  What would happen to normal pets?  How long would it take for the plant life to retake everything?  Do guns fire underwater?  Lots of questions, and lots of research, but it was essential to make the world of The Immortal Rules even remotely believable.

Can you tell us about the sequel to The Immortal Rules....

I'm in the middle of writing the sequel now, and all I can say is that Allie will meet new and old faces, fight her Hunger, and discover a monstrous enemy who has dark plans for her and the entire world.

  

Did you want to be a writer as a child?

I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was about 16. That’s when I started seriously trying to write novel-length manuscripts. Trust me, those early works were not things that should ever see the light of day. J Writing is a craft that takes a long time to learn and improve, and it took me fifteen or so years to get to the point where my work was of a publishable quality.

During that time, I pursued many different jobs… but most gravitated towards books or animals. Right before getting published, I was working as a dog trainer, and if I wasn’t writing, I would probably want to be training animals.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

Martial Arts. My hubby and I are practioners of kung-fu and Kali. We spend a lot of hours throwing each other around and hitting each other with sticks. It’s wonderful stress relief and great exercise. Also video games, which gives me both inspiration and needed down time.

INTERVIEW - AIMEE CARTER - GODESS INTERRUPTED BLOG TOUR

If you could be a God, which one would you be and why? 
 Every time someone asks me this, my answer changes. Right now I’d have to go with Athena. She’s strong, brilliant, and independent, and you can’t beat that. Then again, seeing the Underworld would be pretty great, and who wouldn’t want to be Aphrodite for a day?

Do you see yourself, or anyone you know in your characters? 
 I’m very, very careful about not basing characters off of people I know or myself. For one, if you write someone into a book, you lose a great deal of creative freedom with that character. And second, it opens you up to all sorts of lawsuits (for writing someone in) or very personal hurt (when writing yourself in, and people don’t like that character). Much easier to create your own characters.

Do your family and friends ever try to find themselves in the characters? 
I’m not sure – you’d have to ask them!

Do you have a writing ritual? 
Butt in chair, internet off, fingers on keyboard. I try to be flexible about how, where, and when I write, simply because I don’t want to be held back or give myself an excuse not to write.

What is your most embarrassing moment as a writer? 
Hmm, good question. Awkward typos are pretty embarrassing. Oh! For a writing workshop class, I was reading through a partial from someone named Logan, and the protagonist was a girl. I praised Logan for trying something in the POV from a character who was the opposite gender, and when I got to class later that week, I realized that Logan was actually a girl. We became friends because of it, but I still felt terrible.

So... scoop on the next book? 
My lips are sealed! The best I can tell you is that there will be a 2.5 called The Goddess Legacy, which is a collection of novellas from five different characters (Calliope, Ava, Persephone, James, and Henry) which form one entire story about the gods before long Kate was born. And as for the third one, The Goddess Inheritance, you’ll just have to wait and see, I’m afraid.

Will there be a film? 
Anything’s possible, but right now there are no plans to make it a film.

Out of the two Goddess test books which is your favourite? 
Goddess Interrupted, for sure.

Favourite Author? 
JK Rowling

What is the book you wish you had written? 
I think the stereotypical answer here is Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, etc. But if I’d written them, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy them, and Harry Potter especially has been such a huge influence on my life that I simply wouldn’t be the same person without it. I’m very happy with the books I do write.

How does it feel to see both of your books such a big phenomenon in the YA market? 
You’re very sweet for saying it’s a big phenomenon! I definitely wouldn’t go that far. Honestly, I’m so thankful for everything. For every reader, for every opportunity, everything. Every day I’m amazed that people I’ve never met are reading one of my stories, and I don’t think that will ever get old.

If you could have dinner with any three people (dead or alive) who would it be and why? 
 My mother (who died when I was a kid), JK Rowling (because seriously), and...hmm. Number three is tough. Let’s go with Ben Barnes. He seems like a great, genuine, funny guy, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s pretty much my personal definition of physical perfection. The less shallow and star-struck side of me wants to say someone like Oscar Wilde or a young Henry VIII, but c’mon.

How much research did you do?
A ton. I love Greek mythology, and I’ve been reading up on it since I was a kid, but a lot went into figuring out which myths to feature, which to hint at, and which not to include. I put a lot of time and effort into twisting the myths as well to try to make the story fresh as well.