Best of the Bunch March 2013

Best of the Bunch is a monthly wrap-up and award ceremony hosted here on the last day of each month, where we can look back over the books we have read and give a Best of the Bunch award to our favourite book of that month.

It is also a blog hop for bloggers to showcase their pick of "Best of the Bunch". I always put up my post on the last day of the month, but remember, you can add your link anytime in the following month- please join in, I love hearing about which books you thought were the most amazing!

For more info and to grab the button and stickers visit the BOTB page here, then all you need to do is write up your post showing us which book wins your award for Best of the Bunch and add your linky to the list below. Don't forget to check out the other blogs to find out which books other bloggers have awarded the best.

March 2013
Okay- I have kind of written off March on the blog this year- I have been so busy moving house and dealing with personal problems that I haven't been around here much lately... at all!

I promise to start blogging properly again in the next few days, and write up a bunch of book reviews, because I am so behind- and also I have read some incredible books lately and I want to talk about (gush over) them. 

But...

despite the fact that I haven't written any reviews myself over March, I still want to see what everyone has been reading lately, have a nosy at your best book reviews and get some new recommendations. So, if you have posted a monthly wrap-up post or similar, please link it up below so that I can pop over and check out what you have been reading/ reviewing, and see which book wins your title of "Best of the Bunch"





Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday Post 24th March 2013

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ to recap the past week on the blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Bought:

• Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare (Infernal Devices, book 3). Finally! The concluding part to one of the best YA series out at the moment- I'm so excited about this book!

• With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent (Soul Screamers, book 7). Another one of my absolute favourite series.

From the library:

• Fuse by Julianna Baggott (Pure, book 2). Uh oh- it's big! As always the grass is always greener- I prefer the US cover to this. 

On audiobook:

• The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress. This has been high on my wishlist for months but was too expensive in hardback. I love the sound of this steampunk/ mystery with kick-ass girls!

For review:

• Icons by Margaret Stohl (the co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series). This is a sci-fi/ dystopian novel due to be published in May 2013. Thanks to Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for the review copy. 

I am still in mid-house-move Hell so I haven't been around as much to write anything- but I have been taking part in the month long "Take Control of your TBR Pile Challenge". My goal was to read at least 8 books from my shelf this March, and so far I am 5 books down!

5 / 8

How about you? Get any good books this week?

Sunday Post 17th March 2013

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ to recap the past week on the blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

I keep making excuses but I really have had another crazy week, and just haven't had time to stop. So this blog is a little bit bare and empty at the moment and probably will be until the end of March when I have to give back the keys to my old place. I did get some new books this week though! **Squee**

From the library:

• Survive by Alex Morel. I keep hearing such great things about this book- I've had it on order for ages. It looks quite short as well, so I'm sure I'll be able to fit it into my reading pile soon.
• Blood Prophecy by Alyxandra Harvey (Drake Chronicles, book 6) the finale of this series!

Won:

• Eternally Yours by Cate Tiernan (Immortal Beloved, book 3). I have to confess that I haven't yet read any of these books, but I won a copy of this thanks to the lovely Emma at Book Angel Booktopia. Thanks Emma!

For Review:

• The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross (Steampunk Chronicles, book 3). EEEEEEEEP! This series is so sweet, I love it. Can't wait to dive into this one. Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for the review copy. 

Thanks for stopping by!

(I really, really am going to be back blogging properly again soon!)

Wishlist Wednesday #22

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly book blog hop hosted by Dani at Pen to Paper where we will post about a book that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added, that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our bookshelves.

I really want this book! I love mermaid type books- and this book sounds fierce and vicious, plus I've seen some fantastic reviews of it. 

Fierce, seductive mermaid Syrenka falls in love with Ezra, a young naturalist. When she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land, she is unaware that this decision comes with horrific and deadly consequences.

Almost one hundred forty years later, seventeen-year-old Hester meets a mysterious stranger named Ezra and feels overwhelmingly, inexplicably drawn to him. For generations, love has resulted in death for the women in her family. Is it an undiagnosed genetic defect . . . or a curse? With Ezra’s help, Hester investigates her family’s strange, sad history. The answers she seeks are waiting in the graveyard, the crypt, and at the bottom of the ocean—but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and to the tragedy of so long ago.

 

Some reviews of this book:

Jen at The Starry-Eyed Revue 5 of 5 stars
Arlene at Winter Haven Books 5 of 5 stars
Sam at Realm of Fiction 4 of 5 stars
Lea at LC's Adventures in Libraryland 4.5 of 5 stars
Giselle at Xpresso Reads 4 of 5 stars

It's due to be published in more affordable paperback in September 2013, so I may have to wait until then.
Has anybody else read it? What did you think? 
Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday Post 10th March 2013

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ to recap the past week on the blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

This week has been so busy for me- I have been moving house! And I have barely had time to read or go online AT ALL. So there were very few posts this week. But the fact that I haven't been reading much hasn't stopped me from getting even more books. I got so many exciting books this week. 

From the library:

• Just One Day by Gayle Forman.
• Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
• The Prey by Andrew Fukuda
• Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
• Skylark by Meagan Spooner

Kindle download:

• The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines. (I have wanted to read this one for months, and finally caved in and bought it!)

For Review:

• The Watcher by Lisa Voisin. Review ecopy provided thanks to the author. 

Errrr.... very few posts this week because of the packing and house move, but I do have a giveaway up at the moment so check it out.
Review and giveaway of Surrender by Rhiannon Paille
Wishlist Wednesday featuring Witch Song by Amber Argyle

I'm also reading through the books I already have on my shelf all this March as part of the TBR pile challenge. My goal is at least 8 books, and so far I am two books down! (Reviews shortly). 

Did you get any great books to read this week? Let me know!
And thanks for stopping by!

Wishlist Wednesday #21

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly book blog hop hosted by Dani at Pen to Paper where we will post about a book that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added, that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our bookshelves.

Oooh- I like a good witchy book! This one has been on my wishlist for more than a year now. 

Witch Song by Amber Argyle
Goodreads

The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.

Has anybody read it already? What did you think?
Thanks for stopping by!

Review and Giveaway: Surrender by Rhiannon Paille

Surrender by Rhiannon Paille

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Source: Review copy from author via Xpresso Book Tours

Synopsis from Goodreads:

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved? 

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Surrender is an epic and sweeping fantasy story- beautifully told and very richly described with a wealth of interesting characters. From the very first page you are thrown straight into this unfamiliar world, that feels both magical and dangerous, and I loved getting lost in this fantasy setting for a time.

It reads very much like the style of an old, old fairy story, drawing on myths and legends that feel like they could have happened in a long-ago past. Kaliel and Krishani each have a specific destiny and they are not supposed to fall in love. This overwhelming sense of duty is harsh because they are both such strong-willed characters.

The changing point of view between Kaliel and Krishani, helps us the reader get inside both of their mindsets, but also shows us all about this world and it's different people from different perspectives. They both seem very innocent to me, and the start of their romance feels a lot like a teenage crush, but as the story moved on I found myself rooting for them and hoping for a happy ending.

Confusing in parts because of the wealth of information about all the different lands, races, and beliefs- it took a bit of time to catch hold of me, but the feeling that in this magical land anything could happen, and also the supporting characters really made  the book for me. I love the sarcasm and jokes of the talking tree- the wise Great Oak, and Kaliel's friend Pux (half wolf, half man). There are evil kings and queens, assorted beasties, and an assortment of races and peoples that add to the richness of the setting.

It is a very emotive and passionate book, with this forbidden love story at it's heart. An imaginative and charming story, and recommended for fans of fairytale or fantasy.


Giveaway:

I have one ebook of Rhiannon Paille's Surrender (The Ferryman and the Flame, book 1) to give away to one reader. Interested in reading it? Enter below!

• This giveaway is for one ebook copy of Surrender
• Open internationally
• You must be over 16 years old to enter
• You may only enter once
• Closing date for entries is Monday 18th March
• Winner will be chosen at random and notified by email.
• The form will only be used to collect the winners info, and will be deleted after the contest ends. 

This giveaway is now closed

Rest of the series:

Book 2, Justice- out now
Book 3, Vulture- due 2014
Book 4, Forgiveness- due 2014

About the author:
Rhiannon Paille
Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She's married to a chef/comic book shop owner and has a fondness for architecture. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.yafantasyauthor.com


Author Links:Website
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

For further reviews and giveaway opportunities, check out the rest of the stops on the Ferryman and the Flame blog tour-

Sunday Post 3rd March 2013

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ to recap the past week on the blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

New books this week-

From the library:

• Ashfall by Mike Mullin. This is the first book in an apocalyptic story that sounds amazing. I have been bugging my library to buy a copy of it for months, and after numerous suggestion forms it has finally come in!

Audiobook:

• Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger. Book 1 in a newly released series about a finishing school with a difference. This is described as a paranormal steampunk novel, and I like the look of it.

For review:

• Weather Witch by Shannon Delany. Another first in series book- it sounds amazing, and although I still need to read Shannon Delaney's other werewolf series, I constantly hear such good praise of this author. I'm really looking forward to reading this one described as steampunk with witches!

This is due to be published in June 2013- thanks to St. Martins Griffin publishers and Netgalley for the advance copy for review. 

On the blog this week-

I posted-

Exciting new March book releases

Best of the Bunch February

Wishlist Wednesday featuring A Touch Mortal

Goals for "Take Control of your TBR pile March"

Next week on the blog-

look out for- 

Review and giveaway of Surrender by Rhiannon Paille

Get any good books this week? Leave me a link in the comments section.

Thanks for stopping by!

Exciting new March book releases

These are some of the new books coming out this month that I am most excited to read...

Most hotly anticipated

Goodreads

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare (Infernal Devices book 3)

Why I'm looking forward to reading it:

This is one of the most exciting series out at the moment. It is so emotional and clever and I am desperate to know how it all ends. I love these books!

Also released this March:

(Note: these are the UK covers and release dates)

• Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake (Anna, book 2)
• Deep Betrayal by Anne Greenwood Brown (Lies Beneath, book 2)
• Fragments by Dan Wells (Partials, book 2)

• The Life Beyond by Susanne Winnacker (Weepers, book 2)
• Requiem by Lauren Oliver (Delirium, book 3) 
• Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza

• Spellcaster by Claudia Gray
• Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger
• Perception by Kim Harrington (Clarity, book 2)

• Death by K.J Wignall (Mercian Trilogy, book 3)
• Ferryman by Claire McFall
• Sweet Shadows by Tera Lynn Childs (Medusa Girls, book 2)

Is there anything that you're especially excited to read this month? Any new YA releases that I've missed off this list?