Beautiful Creatures- Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Pages: 562

Published: December 1st 2009 by Little, Brown and Company

Genre: Y.A/ Fantasy

Format: Hardback

Acquired: My own TBR Shelf

Date Finished: March 27^th 2013

Purchase Link Book Depository: Buy Here

Synopsis:

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything

 

Buzz words: Magic, Mayhem, Romance, History, Southern gothic, Secrets, Psychic connections.

Much like everyone else, I admit that I jumped on this book when I heard the movie was coming out. I had heard a bit about it and at the mention of vampires I pushed it further down my pile until someone told me in fact it was about magic, and that for me was the kick up the ass I needed to get stuck into it.

Beautiful Creatures was very atmospheric in the southern gothic way that I just love to read. Everything from the setting of the old historical town [Gatlin], to the underground tunnels throughout the city and the chilling roads that lead to all kinds of trouble on ground and down below I felt myself immersed in the imagery and it made me devour the story even more. I am a sucker for still standing ancient houses and libraries that house magical books as well as dusty old tomes which lead me to wanting to even try out Ethan’s method of reading with his map that spans the length of his wall, where he marks the places he has been in books and one day wishes to travel.

I felt that all the characters were well rounded, fleshed out and emotionally absorbing. My favorites being; Marianne and Ethan. I thought that each character really added depth and complexity to the richness of the story and made me want to know more about them. Even the less likeable characters had me caring about their next move. Each one I believed deserved a place.

I love the aspect of Psychic connection. Through the dreams that Lena and Ethan share we are able to get glimpses into the past that brings us back into the present moment and propels the characters towards immense change that reflects on each and every character in the book. I also enjoyed going back into the past and seeing it through the eyes of different characters. I am a sucker for past life and history repeating itself so it was fantastic to see that explored and I love how it reflected on Lena and Ethan’s budding relationship throughout the journey of the story.

I will admit at first the dialogue was a bit jarring. I am one to dip into a southern book when I can, but it did take me a little getting used to it. I also had issues with near the ending of the book with the big span of characters and the introduction of a new one that had only been mentioned once or twice. I would have liked to see a little more of an appearance of Hunter throughout the novel to give it a bit more consistency. Also the change in perspective during the end was a little jarring, but refreshing and it did leave the novel at an interesting place.

Overall this was a strong, provoking and captivating start to The Caster Chronicles series.  I think Margaret and Kami did a seamless job at matching each other’s writing styles and overall this book was an addictive read. I cannot wait to get started on Beautiful Darkness and am excited to see where the authors take me with the next few books in the series.

I am giving this:

★★★★★

Moons and stars

Mood Mapping - Dr Liz Miller

Pages: 256

Published: Rodale Press January 20l1

Genre: Psychology/ Non-Fiction

Format: Paperback

Acquired: My Local Library

Date Finished: 27^th March 2012

Purchase Link Book Depository:  Buy Here

Synopsis:

Mood mapping simply involves plotting how you feel against your energy levels, to determine your current mood. Dr Liz Miller then gives you the tools you need to lift your low mood, so improving your mental health and wellbeing. Dr Miller developed this technique as a result of her own diagnosis of bipolar disorder (manic depression), and of overcoming it, leading her to seek ways to improve the mental health of others. This innovative book illustrates: the Five Keys to Moods - learn to identify the physical or emotional factors that affect your moods; the Miller Mood Map - learn to visually map your mood to increase self-awareness; and, practical ways to implement change to alleviate low mood. Mood mapping is an essential life skill; by giving an innovative perspective to your life, it enables you to be happier, calmer and to bring positivity to your own life and to those around you.

Quick thoughts: Engaging, promising and a life changer.

I am a firm believer in choosing the right book at the right time, or is it the book chooses us. Whatever I choose to believe, when I stumbled upon Mood Maps I was fresh out of a counseling appointment where I felt I was on a roller coaster with my moods. Everyone around me seemed to be managing fine, holding down jobs, relationships, etc and sure they had their issues to, but why did I feel like I was constantly fluctuating between not wanting to get out of bed, to not even being able to, to dancing around the house and screaming at the top of my lungs with about as much energy as a five year old who had drank a six pack of Red Bull? I needed help. I wanted to change my moods so that I was better able to deal with my mood disorders, but I had know where to start; until I found this book and began to change my life.

Ranging from topics such as the four mood quadrants: Anxiety, Action, Calm and Depression to the five key factors that influence our day to day moods:  Surroundings, Physical Health, Nature, Relationships and knowledge; Mood Mapping targets each one with an easy to navigate break down with helpful suggestions and sometimes stories of people who have experienced these moods and how it reflected on their lives. Not only does it cover the lower end of the mood spectrum but it also covers the high and with its helpful diagrams and end of chapter exercises this book carried me through the 14 day program with confidence in myself and in my moods, leaving me feeling satisfied and armed with a fantastic arsenal to continue my mood mapping journey in the future.

There are some books in life, especially self help books that you read, maybe take some notes and add it to the pile of “loved the book” but didn’t really make an impact in my life. If you suffer from a mood disorder, even are overwhelmed by stress, or just don’t know how to settle yourself or get yourself going then this book is a book that will aid you in gradually changing your moods by using visual stimulus. Now there are times when you’re going to have to grab out your notebook and pen and face yourself, but if you can be honest while reading this book and while doing the exercises I guarantee you will be noticing some dramatic changes, not only in your moods, but noticing other peoples moods. For me this was certainly the case, and as I began to teach people through my learning I saw what progress not only I was making, but the small baby steps everyone around me was taking to change their moods. It is for this reason that Mood Mapping is a keeper on my shelf and why I will be pimping it out to everyone I know.

The only minor issue I had with the book was that sometimes the suggestions were a little repetitive, but overall fantastic book, and let me know if you do check it out what your thought of it.

I am giving this:

★★★★.5

Smiling emoticons

Illuminated- Erica Orloff

Pages: 244

Published: December 8th 2011 by Speak

Genre: Y.A/ Historical

Format: Paperback

Acquired: My own TBR Shelf

Date Finished: 23^th March 2013

Synopsis: Some loves are not made to last . . . Like Romeo and Juliet, Heloise and Abelard were doomed from the start, and their romance was destined to pass into history. Yet when sixteen-year-old Callie Martin discovers a diary hidden within an antique book, their story - and hers - takes on another life. For the diary leads Callie to the brilliant and handsome August, who is just as mysterious as the secret the diary hides. Their attraction is undeniable. As the two hunt down the truth behind the diary - and that of Heloise and Abelard's ancient romance - their romance becomes all-consuming. But Callie knows it can't last . . . love never does. Will their love that burns as bright as a shooting star flame out, or will these star-crossed lovers be able to defy history

Buzz words: Paris, History, Books about books, Antiques, Mystery and Suspense, Romance, with a little magic thrown in.

I first heard about Illuminated while watching a video on The Story Sirens channel back in 2011. Back then I knew little of it, but with the mention of Star-crossed lovers and hidden diaries I was pretty determined to have the book in my collection. Fast track to 2013 and I went into my book stressed and undecided about what to read next, when I reached for Illuminated and started reading, I knew I had picked the right book and I fell in love with the story from the get go.

Illuminated is a great exploration of love in all its forms and how people can come together through the most magical of experiences. With its fantastic pacing, easy reading and wonderfully painted detail you will want to devour it all in one sitting, possibly under candlelight with a wonderful hot beverage and a snuggly blanket. But you could definitely enjoy it in any situation and at any time.

The connection between August, Callie and A, being that both have lost their mothers in some way, that their fathers are both not there to varies extents and that Astrolabe has lost both his parents made this book more real to me. It is a fantastic reflection that even through history there are some emotions and situations that do not change, but also pose to remember that we are never alone.

I Like the evolving relationships between Callie and the characters, from August and his dad, to her Uncles and most importantly with her father- which is the strongest breakthrough; relationship wise. She learns about her mother through the truth and in doing so breaks through the barrier of communication, understanding and love.

It is a fairly clean read, although there is are a few cute make out scenes and swoon worthy moments and If you’re looking for a straight up one on one romance with no love triangles [unless you count the adults] then this is for you. You might also enjoy, like I did the added touch of whimsical mystery A - with the quotes starting at each chapter.

Overall Illuminated is a brilliant novel. As soon as I finished it I wanted to go back to the start and experience the story all over again. I will definitely be picking up more work my Erica, and I cannot wait to see where this novel takes me. It was satisfying in every way and has made me even more passionate about medieval history and the power of the truth. Illuminated is a stand out novel.

I am giving this;

★★★★★

Shooting Stars

Mid March Short Story Reviews: Two

Short Story Reviews March

Both stories recieved 

4 ★★★★ Stars

For sexy satisfaction

It’s Just Sext – The Right Kind of Wrong [#1]

She swore it was ‘just sext’, and nothing more…

Quick thoughts:  Real, Honest and sexy taboot

I wanted a quick, sexy read with real emotion and delicious sex. I got that and a little slice more.

Its Just Sex is a fun, fast and great taste of Felice’s writing. It was an emotionally engrossing and Felice managed to take one of my pet peeves in erotic fiction and turn it on its head and for that I enjoyed it all the more and found the characters endearing.  I must admit there were times in this short story where I was grinning and other times when I felt the need to jump someone’s bones. I would recommend this short read, it was light, emotional and hit all the right spots.

Also From what I read of the excerpts at the book Felic Fox writing style is one to see for yourself. It has just the right mixture of humor, sass, reality, emotion and naughtiness.  I do know there is another book featuring the two main characters Lauren and Marc, but damn I wish I could read more about them in deeper length in one book.

A is for Anal- Malia Mallory

Grace is more than willing to open that door.

Quick thoughts: Great naughty read.

A is for Anal is a fantastic bite of fantasy that left me feeling the heat, but left me sated at the end. With its sensual characters, languid sexual nature and its straight forward but cheeky sex scene I found this an enjoyable read and a great taste for Malia’s writing style. If you are looking for a naughty read, are interested in trying your hand at something a little different this would be a great book to indulge in. Likable, realistic and quick don’t pass up this free short story. I look forward to reading a more full bodied story from Malia in the future.

 You can buy both here:

 

It's Just Sext Amazon Buy Link

A is for Anal Amazon Link