DEBUTANTES - CORA HARRISON - REVIEW

Book: Debutantes

Author: Cora Harrison

Publisher: PanMacmillan

ISBN: 9781447205944

Rating: A

It's 1923 and London is a whirl of jazz, dancing and parties. Violet, Daisy, Poppy and Rose Derrington are desperate to be part of it, but stuck in an enormous crumbling house in the country, with no money and no fashionable dresses, the excitement seems a lifetime away. Luckily the girls each have a plan for escaping their humdrum country life: Rose wants to be a novelist, Poppy a jazz musician and Daisy a famous film director. Violet, however, has only one ambition: to become the perfect Debutante, so that she can go to London and catch the eye of Prince George, the most eligible bachelor in the country. But a house as big and old as Beech Grove Manor hides many secrets, and Daisy is about to uncover one so huge it could ruin all their plans - ruin everything - forever.

Debutantes is definitely one to remember. I don't usually read stuff like this and I tend to shy away from historical fiction but after enjoying Pretty Young Things I thought I would give this a go, and I was more than pleasantly surprised. This book blew me away. This was just a whirlwind of mystery, love, and a good ol’ tale about family and friendship. It’s a beautiful crafted novel, that will keep you up for hours reading!

The plot is a masterful one, set in a time which I haven't read much about, so it’s clear a lot of research went into it. The plot is very unique and although it has some of the historical fiction cliches, I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like it before, and that I loved it. It was a tantalizing mix of romance and mystery, but not paranormal in any way.

There isnt really a main character because it seems to be fairly split between the sisters but If I had to say one, I would say that Daisy seems to take more of the attention than any of the other girls and she is the one you get to know the most!

The book in itself was very easy flowing and growing and simple to understand. There were no complexities or hard parts to understand. It was all really easy to understand, and it flowed very smoothly.

The writing is gorgeous. Harrison knows how to please the mind, building a whole new timeframe in your mind, transporting back to the 20’s with the vivd description and beautiful prose. The writing really was a pleasure to read and I would love to see a sequel in the works.! I’m a stickler for a series. I just love them!

Overall the book was a gorgeous novel, masterfully crafted and written with the uptomost effort. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

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!

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!