Review: The Slither Sisters by Charles Gilman

Title: The Slither Sisters.
Series: Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #2.
Author: Charles Gilman.
Publication Date: January 15th, 2013.
Publisher: Quirk Books.
Genres: Paranormal, Middle-Grade.
Format: Hardback, 174 pages.
Source: Provided By Publisher.
My Rating:

Looks can be deceiving! Sarah and Sylvia Price may resemble ordinary middle school students, but they’re actually hideous monsters in disguise. Even worse, they’re campaigning for student council, with a secret plan for abducting the entire seventh grade!

The only ones brave enough to stop them are twelve-year-old Robert Arthur and his best friends: the school bully, the school ghost, and a very hungry two-headed rat.

This second novel of the Lovecraft Middle School series begins right where Professor Gargoyle ended – with more action, more adventure, and more outrageous monsters!

 

Review

Once again, I would like you all to take a moment to appreciate the awesomeness of another wonderfully done holographic cover. Isn’t it just fantastic? Now, on to the review! The Slither Sisters picks up right after the first book, Professor Gargoyle finished – and it definitely was a fantastic sequel. The ending of this novel took me completely by surprise and I really wasn’t expecting it at all. I always love reading books that aren’t too predictable, otherwise they become boring and I lose interest in them quite quickly. I’m very happy to say that I wasn’t constantly guessing correctly about what would happen throughout the book – it was a great read!

I really love Robert’s character, he may be a shy person in general, but there’s a noticeable difference in his confidence level since the first book. This may be because of all the scary things that are suddenly happening to him, but I think it’s because he now has two (three, if you could his two-headed rat) best friends who are there for him and he can confide in. Even though Robert’s character is still quite young, I think he’s really mature for his age and a joy to read about.

I also loved how Robert, Karina and Glenn’s friendship was more developed in The Slither Sisters. It was great to see how comfortable they all are around each other, even though they’re all very different in personalities. I loved how Robert was able to put behind him the fact that Glenn bullied him for years – and I also found it amazing how Glenn was actually sorry for it all and is trying to make it up to him.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Slither Sisters! It was certainly action-packed and I found it really hard to put down. I don’t think I found a single fault with this novel, and I love Charles Gilman’s writing style – it’s fun and fresh to read. I’ve probably mentioned this before, but I love the fact that, even though the series is for younger readers, the writing style isn’t immature in the slightest. The only reason the book series is getting 4 star rating so far instead of 5 stars, is because of it being a middle-grade series in general. When I give a book a 5 star rating, it’s usually because I found it absolutely incredible and mind-blowing. The Tales from Lovecraft Middle School is a really awesome series so far though and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I can’t wait to pick up the next book; Teacher’s Pest as soon as possible!

Quotes

He scanned the page looking for an entry that read, "Help! I'm Almost Thirteen Years Old and I Still Have the Muscles of a Third-Grader!" but apparently Robert's condition was so freakish and rare, the authors of the book didn't even bother to include it. - Page 21.

“They’re coming here every day. The question is, why?”
Robert wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer. The last time he tried spying on someone, he’d witnessed his Science teacher, Professor Gargoyle, eating a live hamster. - Page 32.

Robert braced himself, preparing for the worst.
He expected horns to sprout from their heads. Or wings to burst from their backs. Or giant tongues to emerge from their mouths. He expected the girls to come charging down the stairs, claws extended, shrieking and screaming.
He certainly didn’t expect them to smile. - Page 50.

Waiting On Wednesday: Fault Line by Christa Desir

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Hey Book Nerds! :D Sorry there was no Top Ten Tuesday post yesterday, I just didn't really fancy doing this week’s one, plus, the weather in the UK has been so hot that I've barely been able to think. It's lovely to have sunny weather of course; we're just not used to this type of weather. xD Most of us Brits are all pale and pasty! Anyway, I finished reading The Slither Sisters last night and I really enjoyed it and I'm writing the review as we speak - hopefully it'll be up soon! I'm now currently reading Uglies by Scott Westerfeld and I'm really enjoying it so far. I remember reading the trilogy YEARS ago, when I was about 13 or 14, but I can barely remember anything, so I'm looking forward to finishing it. ^.^ That's it for today - I hope you've all had a great week so far! :D

 

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Title: Fault Line.
Author: Christa Desir.
Expected Publication: November 12th, 2013.
Publisher: Simon Pulse.
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult.

Ben could date anyone he wants, but he only has eyes for the new girl — sarcastic free-spirit, Ani. Luckily for Ben, Ani wants him too. She’s everything Ben could ever imagine. Everything he could ever want.

But that all changes after the party. The one Ben misses. The one Ani goes to alone.

Now Ani isn’t the girl she used to be, and Ben can’t sort out the truth from the lies. What really happened, and who is to blame?

Ben wants to help her, but she refuses to be helped. The more she pushes Ben away, the more he wonders if there’s anything he can do to save the girl he loves.

 

Thoughts

I think this book looks really fantastic! I really love mystery novels of sorts - and this one looks really good. I think I have an idea of what might have happened to the main character at the party, but I'll keep that to myself for now. :P As for the cover, I kind of like it, but I kind of don't. I don't really see what it's got to do with the book, but we'll have to see! The effect of it is nice though. :P What do you guys think of the looks of this book, have you heard of it before? :) Let me know! ^.^

 

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What are you "Waiting On" this Wednesday? Leave me a comment or a link to your blog post and I'll be sure to check it out! :D Happy Reading. (:

Wrap-Up: June 2013

 

Hey book nerds! :D Sorry that this post is a few days late again, my internet connection has been really stupid and wasn't allowing me to upload my video.. ;_; Oh well, it's here now! Has anyone noticed that GFC hasn't vanished yet? I'm kind of confused, but I'm not complaining. :P Lastly, I finished reading Heist Society by Ally Carter last night - and I really enjoyed it! I couldn't decide whether to give it a 4 or 5 out of 5 star rating, so I settle for a 4.5. (Even though I never give half ratings) xD Anyway, I hope you all had a great weekend! :D

 

Video

 

Books Read In June 2013

• Partials by Dan Wells.


• Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick.


• Dare You To by Katie McGarry.


• Flawless by Lara Chapman.


• Never Have I Ever by Sara Shepard.


• The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa.


• The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.


• The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd.


• If We Kiss by Rachel Vail.


• Professor Gargoyle by Charles Gilman.


• My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent.


• Boys, Girls & Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman.

 

Total: 12 books read.
Click on the link to be taken to the review.

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What books did you read in June 2013? Don't forget to leave me a comment or a link to your blog post and I'll be sure to check it out! ^.^ Happy Reading! (:

Stacking The Shelves #33

 

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tyngas Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. Including books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Hey book nerds! :D How are you all doing today? :) The United Kingdom is in the middle of a heat wave at the moment and it's so bloody hot! I sat out in the sun for about 20 minutes yesterday and got sunburnt - I look like a lobster. :P The weather is supposed to stay for a while, but I won't hold my breath - the weather people always get it wrong. :3 As for my reading, I finished The Eternity Cure the other night - and oh my god! The book killed me, it really did! Why on EARTH do we have to wait until Spring 2014 for the next one?! It's not fair! If you want to hear more about what I thought of it, my review was posted yesterday, so just scroll down a bit. ^.^ I hope you've all had a great week! :D

 

Video

 

Photos And Book Information

Poison Study (Study, #1) by Maria V. Snyder.
Ink (Paper Gods, #1) by Amanda Sun.

A BIG thanks to Mira Ink, which is an Imprint of Harlequin, for sending me these two books for review! ^.^ I can't wait to start them. :)

The School for Good and Evil (The School for Good and Evil, #1) by Soman Chainani.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness.

Boys For Beginners by Lil Chase.
Arrival (The Phoenix Files, #1) by Chris Morphew.

Legacies (Shadow Grail, #1) by Mercedes Lackey & Rosemary Edghill.
Still Waters by Emma Carlson Berne.

Where She Went (If I Stay, #2) by Gayle Forman.
Finale (Hush, Hush, #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick.

 

E-books For Review

Day One by Nate Kenyon.
Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols.
Deeper We Fall (Fall and Rise, #1) by Chelsea M. Cameron.

These three e-Books are all eGalley's sent to me by; St. Martin's Press, Gallery Threshold Pocket Books & All Night Reads via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! :D

 

E-books Bought

Skid by Doug Solter.
Enigma by Aimee Ash.
Valor (Greystone, #1) by Taylor Longford.
Of Darkness and Light (Shadow of the Nephilim, #1) by Lily Crussell.

Promise (Soul Savers, #1) by Kristie Cook.
After The Sky Fell Down by Megan Nugen Isbell.
Blood Born (Blood Calling, #0.5) by Joshua Grover-David Patterson
The Vampire from Hell: The Beginning (The Vampire from Hell, #1) by Ally Thomas.

 

Thoughts

SO MANY AWESOME BOOKS I WANNA SQUEAL! :D I'm really excited to start Ink by Amanda Sun, because I'm obsessed with Japanese Culture. I , so I'm super excited to have a finished copy - it's so pretty! :D I received an eGalley of it a while back but never got around to reading it. ^.^ I'm also really excited about having a copy of Still Waters - It's been on my wish list for months and I can't believe I finally have one. :3 As for the e-Books, as always, they were all freebies on Amazon at the time of their purchase - and I'm sure some still are. Go check them out, lazy! Have you read any of these books? Let me know! ^.^

 

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What books did you get this week? Leave me a comment or a link to your blog post and I'll be sure to check it out. ^.^ Happy reading! (:

Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Eternity Cure.
Series: Blood of Eden, #2.
Author: Julie Kagawa.
Publication Date: May 3rd, 2013.
Publisher: Mira Ink.
Genres: Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 434 pages.
Source: Provided By Publisher.
My Rating:

In Allison Sekemoto's world, there is one rule left: Blood calls to blood.

She has done the unthinkable: died so that she might continue to live. Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie's birthplace in New Covington, what Allie finds there will change the world forever-and possibly end human and vampire existence.

There's a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago-and this strain is deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries, if Allie can get to him in time. Allison thought that immortality was forever. But now, with eternity itself hanging in the balance, the lines between human and monster will blur even further, and Allie must face another choice she could never have imagined having to make.

 

Review

“He was willing to try, to offer his heart to a demon, and I would not betray that trust. No matter what it took or how hard I had to fight, I would not become a monster.”

I don’t think I’ve ever written a review of a sequel to a book before, so I’m not really sure how this will go – but I’ll try my best! First off, I would like to say; Julie Kagawa, what on earth have you done?! WHY did you leave the ending that way? Are you TRYING to turns us into puddles of emotions on the floor? The ending of The Eternity Cure absolutely killed me, it really did. Aside from the absolutely heart-wrenching ending, The Eternity Cure was dark, creepy, intense, blood-filled and more pulse-racing than the previous book. I wasn’t sure if any sequel could be as good as The Immortal Rules, but this one was just as fantastic!

I didn’t realise how much I’d missed reading about Allie’s character until I picked up The Eternity Cure. Allie is back with full force in this novel, and she’s stronger, fiercer and more bad-assed than before! There are so many different things about Allie’s character that I love, I could go on for paragraphs about how much of an awesome character she is, but I’ll stick to just this one. I think Allie is a really fantastic and incredible character, not only is she physically stronger in this sequel, but mentally as well. She’s been fighting her inner demons since the day she was turned, and is constantly struggling to choose humanity over the monster within her. I really think it’s amazing how compassionate she is, Allie hates to kill, even when the hunger is pulling her under – she’s chosen what kind of monster she’s become – and it’s not a mindless murderer.

Zeke, oh Zeke – how I missed you, too! It’s been months since Allie said goodbye to him in Eden and set off to look for Kanin, but I always hoped that Zeke would reappear along the way - and I’m so glad he did! Zeke is also back with full force and is more bad-ass than before. He’s also more swoon-worthy and wonderful. (Did I actually just say ‘swoon-worthy?’) I loved Zeke’s character in The Immortal Rules, but I loved him even more in The Eternity Cure! He cares about Allie so much, even though he knows what she is and what she’s capable of – and I think it’s incredible. Zeke is a strong-willed guy and I loved him so much, he’s definitely become one of my favourite male characters, ever!

Allie and Zeke’s relationship doesn’t spark off again until further into The Eternity Cure, but I didn’t mind. The passion and connection between the two was incredible, and the chemistry between them radiated off the two and nearly made me weep. I loved how they wanted to defy the odds and be together, even though it’s really an impossible situation. How can a human and a vampire be together? I do hope they find a way, because I am in love with their relationship.

As for the rest of the characters, I’d like to start off with Jackal. I NEVER expected to end up liking him at all; I was cheering Allie on whenever she wanted to kill him. However, as the novel progressed, I saw a side to him I never thought I’d never see. He actually cares, maybe not about humans, but about Allie and Kanin. It was really great to see how Allie’s humanity rubbed off on Jackal – and I became quite fond of his character by the end of the book. He’s also quite the entertaining character at times, and many of his dark and snide comments made me laugh. Moving onto Kanin character – oh how I loved him! In The Immortal Rules you meet him, however you don’t seem to get a grip on what his character is really like and his background. In The Eternity Cure, you learn all about his past and what kind of Vampire he really is. I really loved Kanin’s character, he’s compassionate, kind and caring – and is now one of my favourite characters in the series.

Overall, I thought this book was bloody fantastic and I can’t find a single fault with it. As I think I must have said a thousand times, Julie Kagawa’s writing is flawless and I’m completely in love with the story she’s woven and the characters she’s created. I wish that I could give this book more than 5 stars, because it deserves SO MUCH more! The ending to The Eternity Cure killed me and I found myself shamelessly crying – I can’t seem to decide whether the ending was the perfect one or the most annoying one – I’ll let you know! I can’t wait to get my hands on the third book in this series and see where everything will go. Until then, I’ll just have to keep the story and characters close to my heart!

Quotes

He looked...very alone then, a single human in a monster-infested world, a fading bright spot surrounded by shadow. And despite my best intentions, my determination not to be a monster, I was part of the world that he feared. Part of the darkness that would drag him down and tear him apart. - Page 164.

I shifted uneasily, feeling a restless flicker of the Hunger stir to life. So many humans... - Page 182.

It was suddenly painful not to touch him, to feel his hands on mine, his lips, warm and strong. But, of course, with the desire came the savage ache of the Hunger. I remembered the sweetness of his blood, the hot strength flowing through me, the intoxicating power. I wanted him, badly, but I didn’t know which was stronger. And I was afraid to find out. - Page 260.

Waiting On Wednesday: Relativity by Cristin Bishara

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Hey Book Nerds! :D I can't believe it's already Wednesday AND the fact that we're now in July. It's so strange. This year has been going so fast! :P I've not got a whole lot to say today, apart from the fact that I'm LOVING The Eternity Cure. I think I'm nearly half way through, and it's so amazing. :) Julie Kagawa's writing is flawless - I love it so much. ^.^ So once I've finished reading it, keep an eye out for the review. ^.^ That's it for today, I hope you're all having a great week so far! :D

 

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Title: Relativity.
Author: Cristin Bishara.
Expected Publication: September 10th, 2013.
Publisher: Walkers Children.
Genres: Sci-Fi, Young Adult.

If Ruby Wright could have her way, her dad would never have met and married her stepmother Willow, her best friend George would be more than a friend, and her mom would still be alive. Ruby knows wishes can't come true; some things just can't be undone. Then she discovers a tree in the middle of an Ohio cornfield with a wormhole to nine alternative realities.

Suddenly, Ruby can access completely different realities, each containing variations of her life—if things had gone differently at key moments. The windshield wiper missing her mother’s throat…her big brother surviving his ill-fated birth…her father never having met Willow. Her ideal world—one with everything and everyone she wants most—could be within reach. But is there such a thing as a perfect world? What is Ruby willing to give up to find out?

 

Thoughts

I really don't know what to say about this book apart from WOW! This book looks so friggin' fantastic! WHY do we have to wait until September? It seems so far away.. D: As for the cover, I'm in love with it as well! It's so gorgeous; I love the colours and the general effect of it. ^.^ What do you guys think of the looks of this book, have you heard of it before? :) Let me know! ^.^

 

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What are you "Waiting On" this Wednesday? Leave me a comment or a link to your blog post and I'll be sure to check it out! :D Happy Reading. (:

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Intimidating Books

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

Hey Book Nerds! :D How are you all doing today? :) I finished reading my book, 'Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials' last night and I really enjoyed it! :) I gave it a 4/5 star rating and I really recommend it if you like contemporary. ^.^ As for what I'm reading now, I decided to pick up The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa. I LOVED The Immortal Rules and I just couldn't wait any longer to see where the story went in the sequel. It's already a great book so far, and I'm only about 50 pages in. :) Anyway, onto today’s meme! (I only managed to choose 9 books for this week, sorry ^^; )

 

Top Ten Most Intimidating Books

• 1. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin.



I kind of feel like this book should go without saying. However I thought I'd list it because it seems like a very intimidating book to me. Not only does this novel contain over 800 pages, but it is also high Fantasy. To be perfectly honest; I've not read many Fantasy based novels before, so I'm quite worried about starting it. The amount of hype that this book has gotten recently has also intimidated me a little. Hopefully once I start it, I'll enjoy it.







• 2. Divergent by Veronica Roth.



I know, I know, you can all kill me now! As much as I really want to start this book, I'm really worried that I'm not going to like it. Everybody and their mother are pretty much in love with this series, add the fact that my friend brought me this book as a gift, and it's gotten me extra worried and intimidated about what I'm really going to think of it. Let's just hope I enjoy it.







• 3. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl.



This is another book that everyone has been going gaga over recently. I've had a copy of this book in my possession for a few years and have yet to pick it up to read. At first, I didn't read it because of its size. (Back when I thought it was a large book) Now I'm intimidated because; everyone loves it - and I really want to love it myself, but I have a feeling that it may not be my cup of tea...







• 4. Gone by Michael Grant.



I purchased this book around the same time as I got Beautiful creatures a few years back. The reasons why I'm intimidated are pretty much the same as well, although I am a little excited to see if I'll enjoy this book. It's told in the perspective of a male character, and I think that's going to be interesting. I'm still a little worried about whether I'll go along with all the hype though.







• 5. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini.



I received this book for my birthday last year, and at the time, I was really excited to have it. Unfortunately, not long after that I went into a huge reading slump and never picked it up. However, now that I'm back into reading, I've been trying to fit it into my list of books to read. I've heard so many amazing things about this series, but I'm a little intimidated by the aspect of ‘Gods’ in a book. I think I've only read one book that revolved around it, so I'm worried I'm not going to like it as much as everyone else has... Let's hope I do!







• 6. Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan.



I have to say; I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Sci-Fi books in general. I read a few when I was younger and really didn't like them, but that may have been because I was a young teen and didn't really appreciate or understand a lot of the content. This book has been sitting on my shelf for ages now, and I'm just intimidated by the fact that it's a Sci-Fi novel, I just hope my opinion on the Sci-Fi genre has changed as I've grown older.







• 7. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore.



This is another Sci-Fi book that I'm worried about starting. Originally when I picked up this book, I didn't realise it was about Aliens. I'm pretty sure if I'd known at the time, I wouldn't have bought it. Seeing as I DO own it, I really want to finally start it. The series has had some glowing reviews but it just intimidates me to death, because I'm worried that the author will try and mix Action and Sci-Fi together and it will all go to crap. Hopefully, once I actually pick it up and start reading it, I will enjoy it!







• 8. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.



Oh dear, sweet, Pride and Prejudice - you classic, you! With the exception of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Romeo and Juliet and Of Mice And Men, I've not read any classics at all. The three I have read, I read in school and I strongly disliked Of Mice And Men - I loved the other two. Now, for some reason, I have this huge block when it comes to thinking about reading classics, they're just so intimidating and scary in my opinion. I really need to just get over this silly fear and get down to reading one - and I'll probably start with this one.







• 9. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray



I'm pretty sure I'm going to find every historical fiction book I want to read quite intimidating. This is because, as you all know, I've never really been keen on the genre in general. However, after reading two historical fiction novels, my view and opinion on the genre has changed - but this doesn't make me any less weary of them. I'm sure this book is going to be great, because so many people love it, but I'm still a little intimidated by the whole thought of it in general.

 
 
 

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What are your Top Ten Most Intimidating Books? Leave me a comment or a link to your blog post and I'll be sure to check it out! ^.^ Happy reading! (: