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Bloody Bookaholic's Commandment:

Thou Shall Read Till Thy Eyes Bleed

Thursday 18 June 2015

For the Sake of Reading; New Blog in Town! Bloody Bookaholic is MOVING.

So BB is no more; 
Long live For the Sake of Reading.

Posts have been moved over to the new site; 
which is through wordpress.

New link:
forthesakeofreading.com

I have posted on BB since my high school years, going on 6-7 years now. And it is time for a change. I have loved posting here about all the latest news on the YA world, the reviews, the authors... and much will stay the same over at For the Sake of Reading. Only there will be more posts, from a variety of voices.

It's been swell Blogger, love you guys.

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Tuesday 5 May 2015

YA Review: Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge

Crimson Bound

Title: Crimson Bound
Author: Rosamund Hodge
Series: n/a
Book #: 1
Pages: 448
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: Photobucket
Goodreads Rating: 3.89
Published: May 5th, 2015
When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless— straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat.

Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?

Inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Crimson Bound is an exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption.
Taschima's POV:

"I am Rachelle Brinon. I didn't listen to my aunt when she told me to stay on the path and save my own life. Damned if I'll listen to the Forest now."

description

I am a little bit in awe with Crimson Bound. I've read a lot of books lately, but none were able to grab my attention and keep me captivated quite as Crimson Bound. Who ever thought a retelling of Red Riding Hood could be as unique and engrossing? I certainly didn't, which makes me so much happier that this book blindsided me. The folklore, the characters, the crimes and the repentance... It all woven together into this perfect grimm fairy tale retelling where nothing is as it seems; there are no perfect paths to take and no perfect endings. I would recommend putting Crimson Bound high up on your reading list, because it is one of the best retellings out there. Hands down.

"A forestborn puts a mark on a human," she said. "The human must kill somebody in three days or die. If he kills somebody, he becomes a bloodhound, which means the power of the Forest is growing in him, until finally he gives up the last of his human heart and becomes a forestborn."

--different chapter--

"She killed. She was exactly like me. And like her, I will die for my sins and go to hell. But at least I'm not fool enough to think that bloodbound won't bring death all around them."

The folklore created in Crimson Bound is dark and enchanting. I think the closest magical creature to a foretsborn is a very twisted Fae. They have the Wild Hunt, they play with humans and take them when they please. They serve a an entity that they want to bring back from the brink of death so this entity can swallow the sun and the moon and they can live in eternal darkness, hunting their human prey. And our heroine is in the beginning stages of becoming one of these heartless creatures. That just might mess with a girl's head. In between Rachelle's story you get small snippets of the origin story of the one that once was able to defeat the Devourer, how she managed to do so, etc. It is a very good story, and a fantastic way to show the reader the origin story without have to info dump in the middle of a chapter.

"Rachelle wanted to sew the world back to safety, even if she must use her own bones for needles."

First off let me state that I loved Rachelle. She is so twisted up inside; she wants to be a hero but ends up becoming a murderer. Now she spends her days saving people from the nightmares that sprout from the Great Forest in order to repent. She killed the most important person in her life in order to live and she can't forgive herself. She spends the whole novel repenting and just being generally awesome by putting everybody before herself, sacrificing everything so the world can have another day full of light. She is not whiny (no "woeh is me" here) she just knows what she did and what she is worth, and damn whoever stands in her way of achieving her goals. She also has a soft spot for the one friend she has in the world (Amelie), and the one guy who might change shed light into her dark and twisty world.

"How last winter, a forestborn had marked him. How he had refused to kill, and the mark remained black on his skin, yet he was alive to this day.
How, in a fury, the forestborn had cut off his hands."

Said guy is never described as being otherworldly beautiful. First time she seems him she calls him downright average looking; his most distinctive feature being his silver fake hands. Armand Vareilles is not the sum of his looks, but the sum of his intentions and wit. He is funny and understanding and will make you smile. He just steals your heart right out of your chest, right after giving you a witty retort and a half smile.

Did I mention it is set in a pseudo French court? This excited me. While the names are hard to remember I did enjoy whatever small glimpse we could get into French court life (which doesn't seem that must different from the English really, it would have been nice if the title had submerged itself a little more into the French life style but I will take what I can get. After all, it is not a historical novel per se.)

Overall, I loved it all. I am so picking up Rosamund Hodge's debut novel Cruel Beauty next! Definitely recommend, on all counts.

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Thursday 23 April 2015

Review: The Mime Order (The Bone Season #2) by Samantha Shannon

The Mime Order (The Bone Season, #2)

Title: The Mime Order
Author: Samantha Shannon
Series: The Bone Season
Book #: 2
Pages: 510
Reading Level: Adult
Book Rating: Photobucket
Goodreads Rating: 4.24
Published: January 27th, 2015
Paige Mahoney has escaped the brutal prison camp of Sheol I, but her problems have only just begun: many of the survivors are missing and she is the most wanted person in London...

As Scion turns its all-seeing eye on the dreamwalker, the mime-lords and mime-queens of the city's gangs are invited to a rare meeting of the Unnatural Assembly. Jaxon Hall and his Seven Seals prepare to take centre stage, but there are bitter fault lines running through the clairvoyant community and dark secrets around every corner. Then the Rephaim begin crawling out from the shadows. But where is Warden? Paige must keep moving, from Seven Dials to Grub Street to the secret catacombs of Camden, until the fate of the underworld can be decided.
Taschima's POV:
"Until next time, Paige Mahoney.
Next time would be now."
I went through the Mime Order as slowly as I could because I knew that once it was over I would be devastated. And I was, because I have to wait a WHOLE other year in order to read the sequel. The Bone Season was fantastic, but if anything Mime Order is twice as complicated and even better for it. A lot of the decisions Paige has to take in this novel... Well, I don't envy the girl. I am so very glad we still have five more titles in the series! The possibilities are endless.
"He wanted me to forget. The Rephaim were dangerous and they were out there, lying in wait, and I seemed to be the only one who gave a damn about it."
We picked up right where we left off on The Bone Season. Paige managed to raise a rebellion and escape Scion with some of her fellow voyants. Once in London she has to make a choice, go back to Jaxon and act as his mollisher or try to make it on her own. Paige is pretty much stuck between a shit situation and a shittier one still. She has to play her cards right if she wants to accomplish her goals, and fight back. No one will listen to her because of how little power she possesses, so her only option is to find a way to make herself heard. Even if she has to go against people she has known and loved for the better part of her life.

Sometimes a lot of information was provided, and I just felt as confused as Paige did. It turns out Paige doesn't know just HOW corrupted her city is, but soon enough she will learn just how fucked up her syndicate is. Sometimes the war between Rephaim and humans seems too huge, it is like humans going agaisnt Kryptonians, and the only thing they have to defend themselves is a pretty flower. The flower is their kryptonite. Mass produce that shit and then they wont have an issue.
"His eyes were growing brighter. They flooded me with the stranger memories of my imprisonment. A gramophone's black-listed music, telling lovers' stories to the gloom. A butterfly held out inside caged fingers. His lips on mine in the Guildhall, hands gliding over my hips, my waist."
I love the romance in The Mime Order, the intimate moments are so few and far between. You really get the sense that in the next five books anything could happen between Paige and Warden, I wouldn't put it past Samantha Shannon to kill him off (or even both of them). He is immortal, and she is not. This is not a vampire situation, where Paige can just turn and have her HEA. You get the real sense that things might not actually turn out for the best with them, they know it, and yet they are still going for it. Eeeks!!

 When you get past the halfway mark in the book so many things are happening that it is almost impossible to put down the book. A lot of things change, friends become enemies, and all goes to shit. It is intense, and the fight scene by the very end kept me on the edge of my seat (much like when Paige pulled off the rebellion). The book is a solid 500 pages of awesomeness.
"Isn't hope just another form of naivete?""Hope is the lifeblood of revolution. Without it, we are nothing but ash, waiting for the wind to take us."
I do not quite know what will happen in the third book, which is something Samantha Shannon probably worked hard to do. Anything can happen, everyone is in danger, and the stakes will be higher than ever. This is the kind of author you pay the full price of a hard back for on the first release day. Without discounts. Definite must read.

ENDING: [spoiler] The guy with the gloves has GOT to be Jaxon, I bet everything it is him. I believe he is one of the two people who managed to escape the colony 20 years back and that is why he didnt want to get involved with the Rephaim, also the reason why he spent almost the whole book drunk off his ass.[/spoiler]

PS; There are a LOT of characters in The Mime Order, a lot of leaders and voyants, and sometimes I just couldn't remember who this or that person was. It would have been nice if the glossary would have included a list of the most important characters from the last book, just as a reminder. I found that the glossary wasn't really helpful in that when I actually needed to look for something I forgot it wasn't provided. A hierarchy of the people was provided, but not who they were and what role they played. For a series with as many characters as this one (and side characters, etc) a list with description would help (much like the Black Dagger Brotherhood series does); who are they, what is their power, etc.

Tuesday 21 April 2015

Recent YA Releases: Week of April 21st-April 27th (4 NEW Titles!)


Here are four (4!) titles that are going to be released within the next week:

If you are looking for sequels...


The Remedy (The Program, #0.5) Invisible Monsters (Talker 25, #2)
 
 THE REMEDY! Such a gorgeous cover. The Remedy is the full fledged prequel novel to The Program, the heart wrecking tale of a world that is trying to deal with a suicide epidemic. It might sound a little too tragic, but it is totally worth it. The author is such a great writer, it hits you right in the feels.


If you are looking for a stand alone title...

Finding Paris Every Last Promise
 
 Contemporary titles for days! Not my cup of tea, but definitely worth a read if you are into contemporary.

If you are looking to start a brand new series...

N/A; Better luck next week!

Currently Reading:

The Replaced (The Taking, #2) Tether (Many-Worlds, #2)

Recently Read:

Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle, #1)

For even MORE upcoming releases please visit my Pinterest at: TaschimaCullen.

In it I have individual boards dedicated to YA Releases from 2014- onward by month of release. I update it daily :)

Thursday 16 April 2015

YA Review: Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle #1) by Rachel Hawkins

Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle, #1)

Title: Rebel Belle
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Series: Rebel Belle
Book #: 1
Pages: 352
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: Photobucket
Goodreads Rating: 3.96
Published: April 8th, 2014
Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts. 
Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth. 
With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.
Taschima's POV:

"So, Harper Jane Price. Are you ready to accept your destiny?"
I withdrew my hand. "No, thank you."


I don't know about Legally Blonde meets Terminator, but it is definitively Legally Blonde meets Buffy which kicks so much ass I can't even contain my giddiness for the sequel. I read it in like a day, it is one of those books.

"Five minutes ago my main concern had been whether Salmon Fantasy would clash with my pink dress. Now I was cradling a dying man on the bathroom floor while some crazy person pounded on the door."


Harper, or Per as her friends call her, is definitely a different sort of heroine. She is confident, straight A student, a little extra controlling, fashionable, the kind of girl who aims to be the best of the best in every category. She is a lot self centered, and this is something she battles with throughout the novel. However, she is also very likable. The author keeps a balance in her character that keeps her on this side of the line before she crosses into bitchy territory. I had so much fun reading from her POV! She tries to fight her "destiny" with all she's got, but she also can't just look away when someone clearly needs help (whether it be bodily defending someone, or giving them a wake up call on their fashion choices). She is the perfect blend of sugar, spice, and everything nice, which is why I loved her.

There is a lot of character development in this book. At the beginning I thought the book was going to be set in another decade, but no it is set in the 21st century. They discuss throughout the title various southern traditions, how outdated some people find them and how others cling to them for dear life. I really liked the world development because even though it was set in our time the author really took extra care to create that southern flare, so much so that I felt like I had dived right into the book and landed smack dab in the South.

I also enjoyed Per's relationships. She is a committed friend, and while she has to hide things from her best friend she certainly takes the time to make her feel included and cared for. At the beginning of the title Per has a boyfriend, the most popular boy in school of course, but as the title progress you get to see how strained their relationship becomes due to Per having to hide so much of herself from him. Again, it is written just right.

David Stark, the boy Per has to protect, is not your typical male romantic lead. He is not a bad boy, he is a reporter who keeps poking fun at Per and all she does. He is charming, but not a charmer. I get the feel he is the boy who likes to keep to the sidelines, in his hipster glasses, observing and occasionally wondering what is wrong with the universe. His relationship with Per is love/hate, which is why it is so difficult for her when she finds out she has to protect HIM.

The first chapter kicks ass, a great beginning to a fun lovable read. While I do not like the cover for Miss Mayhem I shall buy the book as soon as I get the chance and start reading it. This is a series that is too good to pass up.

Monday 13 April 2015

Recent YA Releases: Week of April 14th-April 20th (3 NEW Titles!)


Here are four (3!) titles that are going to be released within the next week:

If you are looking for sequels...


Forged (Taken, #3) The Wondrous and the Wicked (The Dispossessed, #3)
 
 
I love the Taken series covers, they are always so cool looking with complementary colors! I also enjoy reading the series so that is a definite plus. I don't exactly have the same feelings towards The Wondrous and the Wicked cover, but I've heard nothing but good things about the series overall so it is on my "To-Do" list.

If you are looking for a stand alone title...

Where the Staircase Ends
 
 A girl is betrayed by her best friend, and she must uncover the truth to said betrayal by looking through her past memories. Also, the MC is dead and has to climb the stairway to heaven, which is why she gets to look at all her past memories. Contemporary, for fans of Lauren Oliver's debut novel Before I Fall.

If you are looking to start a brand new series...

N/A; Better luck next week!

Currently Reading:

Prudence (The Custard Protocol, #1)

I'm only 20 pages in and I already love Prudence and Prim as young adults!

Recently Read:

Sea of Shadows (Age of Legends, #1) The Orphan Queen (The Orphan Queen, #1) Solitaire

For even MORE upcoming releases please visit my Pinterest at: TaschimaCullen.

In it I have individual boards dedicated to YA Releases from 2014- onward by month of release. I update it daily :)

Friday 10 April 2015

YA Review: Sea of Shadows (Age of Legends #1) by Kelley Armstrong

Sea of Shadows (Age of Legends, #1)

Title: Sea of Shadows
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Age of Legends
Book #: 1
Pages: 406
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: Photobucket
Goodreads Rating: 3.73
Published: April 8th, 2014

In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire’s worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned.

Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.

Ambushed and separated by an ancient evil, the sisters’ journey to find each other sends them far from the only home they’ve ever known. Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever.

Taschima's POV:

 So I guess this book can be boring for some... or not. I enjoyed it! I liked the world Kelley Armstrong built, and I didn't find the book mind numbing. I thought the characters were interesting, all of them. Both the boys and the girls. Sea of Shadows may a an acquired taste for some but I say give it a shot and KEEP READING. It is good from the beginning but it might get a bit slow towards the middle... but I am good with slow sometimes as long as it still progresses the story and/or romance, which it does.
"As I was saying, everyone comes back," Moria said. "Every Seeker. Every hound. Every volunteer. Every guard. They do their duty and they return, and all is well. You can't tell me that every Seeker has been perfect. They must make mistakes. It doesn't matter. I'm not even sure if the rituals matter at all. It is a kindness to the spirits of the damned, but would they truly rise up and attack? If it's never happened before, I'll wager it can't."
"Don't be blasphemous, Rya."
"If you don't fret, I'll not say scandalous things." Moria paused. "Which would be rather difficult, but since I'm quite certain you'll never stop fretting, I do believe I'm safe."
Ashyn threw her arms around her sister so abruptly that Moria let out a yip of surprise. Ashyn smiled and hugged her until that rigid steel melted and Moria embraced her, whispering, "You're ready, Ash. I know you are."
Moria and Ashyn sisterly relationship takes front and center during the events of Sea of Shadows. They are both special, and both uniquely their own. They complement each other, each girl making up for what the other one lacks. Moria is strong spirited and isn't afraid to make a scene and get her point across...
"Before he could finish the sentence, her blade tip was digging into the bottom of his jaw.
"I am the Keeper of the Forest, boy," she said. "Do you think those pretty patterns on your arms give you the right to threaten me? They do not. Even if your father was still marshal, they would not. I will take your glowers. I will take your insults. I will take your warnings that you'll abandon me by the roadside if I do not keep pace. But you will not call me a liar. And you will not threaten me."
... while Ashyn is more gentle, and a dreamer. She is a romantic, yet at the same time she is not naive nor an idiot. She is kind and more easy spoken than Moira, with a leveled head on her shoulders. This is a little piece of Ashyn:
"It made a romantic tale. The young rogue, cheating death, returning to his grieving lover. But in reality...Ashyn had always known that life did not resemble one of her book stories or Moria's bard tales, and yet there'd been part of her that hoped it did. The more she saw, the more she realized she was wrong. People made up those stories because it's what they wanted from their world. A place where goodness, kindness, and honor were rewarded. They were not rewarded."
Both voices are easy to tell apart so you will not be confused when reading since the tale is told from the two girl's POVs. Even though there is a name at the beginning of the title for which girl's turn it is to tell the tale, it is hardly ever needed. The writing is so good, and the situations are realistic yet infused with magic.

The boys of the tale... both are exquisite. Gavril can be a pain, but you soon learn to understand him, as does Moria. He is also the 18 year old buy that DOESN'T act like an 18 year old buy, more like a full grown adult. Ronan is a thief, sent to the Forest of the Dead to well, die. But he escapes and helps Ashyn in her journey to find her sister as well as the rest of the community which was kidnapped. Their interactions with the sisters make the novel that much more enjoyable and interesting. Personally, I go for Gavril.

So yes, I enjoyed Sea of Shadows and I am waiting very eagerly for the next one in the series.

Thursday 9 April 2015

Hot YA/NA Cover Reveal: Every Last Breath (by Jennifer Armentrout) Gets a Brand New Cover... As well as the rest of the series.

 Hello, and welcome to the rage section. Today was supposed to be a happy day, because they released the cover of Every Last Breath, the third and final installment of the Dark Elements trilogy (and one I have been eagerly waiting for). On the one hand they did release the cover of Every Last Breath, on the other hand they went trigger happy and they also decided to recreate the covers of the first two books...

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements, #1)9781460323687_whitehotkiss_ebook

Original - New Cover to be released
Stone Cold Touch (The Dark Elements, #2)9781460330524_stonecoldtouch_ebook

Original - New Cover to be Released

Now, this is not the first time, nor the last, that something like this has happened. But I can honestly say I am extremely bummed. First of the original covers have more color to them, the new covers are super bright and only feature the male protagonist of each book (even though the series has a female main character). I just find the new covers extremely.... boring (the guys are hot sure whatevs).

Also, not a fan of the font.

I had gotten attached to the original covers, and I figured this far into the game there wouldn't be a cover change. I was so wrong. Here is the cover for Every Last Breath:

9780373211142_prd_proof_FC

Again, snooze. It didn't get me excited. I am thrilled the book is coming out, but honestly I may just buy this one in e-book version and move on with my life. Because, as you may have noticed, this new cover will not match the rest of the series I already own #BookGeekIssues

...and that rubs me the wrong way. I hate when they do this, and you never quite see it coming. I don't see how someone would be attracted to the new covers without having been a Jennifer L. Armentrout fan to begin with. To each his/her own I guess.

To summarize, new covers suck. Will be buying e-book, but not print copy. Don't need the clutter, don't want to see the covers clash.

Monday 6 April 2015

Recent YA Releases: Week of April 7th-April 13th (4 NEW Titles!)


Here are four (4!) titles that are going to be released within the next week:

If you are looking for sequels...

Miss Mayhem (Rebel Belle, #2) Empire of Night (Age of Legends, #2)

I am actually currently reading Miss Mayhem, and it is as light and fun as it's first title was. I am having some issues getting acclimated to the new romantic relationship, but overall I feel like I am back on Sunnydale with a brand new gang. I have Empire of Night on my reading queue and I cannot wait to start it! Specially after that ending from Sea of Shadows. Not everybody was a fan of Sea of Shadows, but I totally was! I loved the characters most of all, and the world was also very dark and magical (just like the Empire of Night cover). I totally recommend both these series.

If you are looking for a stand alone title...

Zeroboxer
 
 Zeroboxer may or may not be a stand alone. Right now I have heard no plans for a sequel, but I've also heard that the ending would allow for one to come to fruition if necessary. Zeroboxer is described as a sci fi thriller, and I am all into that, and this is why I want to read it:
As his fame grows, Carr becomes an inspirational hero on Earth, a once-great planet that’s fallen into the shadow of its more prosperous colonies. But when Carr discovers a far-reaching criminal scheme, he becomes the keeper of a devastating secret. Not only will his choices place everything he cares about in jeopardy, but they may also spill the violence from the sports arena into the solar system.
The Earth has fallen behind, we have prosperous colonies in the far reaches of the galaxy, conspiracy, danger, maybe space fights? Sign me up!

If you are looking to start a brand new series...

Lies I Told
 
 
I actually already read Lies I Told, the story of a con family and what happens when the jig is up. I adored the easy dialogue that the main character Grace provides. I loved reading about the con and the ways that they planned to pull it off, I also loved the whole undercover side of the story. The only thing I wasn't too keen on was the romance, I just didn't feel sparks for the main romantic boy (he was way too vanilla, not interesting enough) but everything else makes up for it! Would definitely recommend (and the review will be up soon!).

Currently Reading:

Miss Mayhem (Rebel Belle, #2) Run to You Part Four: Fourth Shadow

Reading Queue (list of books I WISH I could read at the same time):

Timeless (Parasol Protectorate, #5) An Ember in the Ashes Empire of Night (Age of Legends, #2) Apprentice (The Black Mage, #2)


For even MORE upcoming releases please visit my Pinterest at: TaschimaCullen.

In it I have individual boards dedicated to YA Releases from 2014- onward by month of release. I update it daily :)

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