My Rating: 5 Stars A great, gripping novel that takes place in the near future where technology is key to immortality. In a world where human conscience can be uploaded into a computer and loaded into a new body, the Metaform Corporation’s goal is to put an end to death. Gabriel, son of the leader of a cult, confronts his father and as a result, becomes the leader himself with a single objective in mind: to bring down Metaform Corp. Will his plan work or will he get more than he bargained for? It seems that some secrets aren’t meant to go public and some will do everything to make sure that doesn’t happen. The novel is very addictive and gripping; the storyline is brilliant, refreshing and there is enough action to captivate the readers' attention. I never considered this approach for the future, but it’s true that it actually fits with the quick evolution of technology that we are witnesses of nowadays. It’s a bit concerning to think that only the sick and the old get buried or cremated while the bodies of the young and the healthy get turned into vessels for other consciousness to live on. The writing style is intelligent, captivating and witty; by the descriptions, it actually seems like that world is very real. I think the author really made emotions transpire through her writing and her characters. Certain moments made me laugh; others hold my breath and in others even tear up a bit. I really enjoyed how Harding gives hope in a world ruled by technology where immortality is a reality, how people deal with the choice of dying or living another lifetime in someone else’s body. It’s a haunting question, which one would you choose? The characters are very likable and they fit perfectly with the story and this reality. They are complex and deep, which made me love the novel even more. The author did a great job managing the changing between the first and the third person in the novel; it was easy for me to follow the story. I’m not a fan of the sci-fi genre but Manumission became one my favourites. I will definitely buy it on paperback. I highly recommend this novel to all the fans of dystopias and sci-fi! Thank you, E.R. Harding, for reaching out and sending me a free digital copy of your in exchange for an honest interview!
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My Rating: 4 Stars I learned to not have high expectation over a book, and the reason is simply because I can be surprised by what I read. Once upon a time, there was a fierce young noblewoman that had her life turned upside-down when she challenges the cruel crowned prince for a sword duel. Banished from her home, forced to leave friends and family behind, Darelynn Valeri finds herself in the slums. Homeless and friendless in a place without laws and where thievery is a form of life, Dare’s fate doesn’t improve. She comes face-to-face with Blaze, a famous and dangerous outlaw that proposes a bargain: if she can protect his sister from a group of assassins, she is free to stay in his territory. Will Dare be able to complete her task without revealing that the Prince is after her? This novel is very addictive. The story-line develops at a steady pace and it’s told in the first person. I admire the author for the way she described this world. I would almost say that it felt real to me and by the time I finished, I actually got sad for it. I felt like I wasn’t just in the story but that I was part of it. The style of writing is both amazing and admirable. The characters are likeable and it’s easy to love and hate them. Prince Jasper is naturally cruel and vicious, easy to hate. With no one to stand up to him, Jasper grows worse with each chapter. Darelynn, the female protagonist, is fierce, brave and an intelligent woman. Being responsible for the life of another, Dare keeps her word and sees to the end of the bargain not only for what she gains from it but for her own honour. Also, even though she ends up in a tight corner, Dare is still very much an independent woman, one of the qualities that I really appreciate in a female character. Overall, a great read that I recommend! Thank you Devyn Jayse for reaching out and sending me a digital copy of this brilliant novel in exchange for an honest review. My Rating: 4 Stars This is the first time I read a novel by D.L. Coln and I’m glad I did! After finishing his tasks to become a Master, Glaycol Masters returns home to his family to celebrate. But the celebration doesn’t last very long: the village is attacked by a dragon, killing his family and leaving him without one eye and with severe scars. Living only for revenge, Glaycol vows to kill the responsible for his loss and will stop at nothing to achieve it. As he faces a dangerous journey where trials test his will and both his physical and mental strength, will he be able to average his family or will he die trying? A great read. The story is fast-paced and the descriptions of the fighting scenes are very straight to the point. The story is written in the third person which gives a broader view of events. I enjoyed reading the adventures and misadventures of Glaycol Masters. He's complex, full of grieve but also unwavering when it comes to getting what he wants. He’s not hot-headed though; he actually uses his knowledge to pass each obstacle, not just brute strength. The story centres around him and it doesn’t leave much room to get to know the secondary characters better. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between them and Glaycol evolving and how they protect each other no matter what comes their way. I would have enjoyed reading more descriptions of this fantasy world, I think I would have connected more with the novel. Even so, in my opinion, the author did this deliberately in order for the reader to connect completely with this character. The detail of the mystical creatures and how diverse they are is a plus for me. There are actually creatures I hadn’t heard of before, which is both refreshing and entertaining. The way the author imagined the dragons is brutal: they want to control everything and have no limits to what they will do to achieve what they want. For those who challenge them, the villages are burned to the ground; and as they gain control over others, tyranny takes over. An enjoyable read that I recommend to the fans of dragon fantasy books! Thank you D.L Colon for reaching out and sending me a free digital copy of his book in exchange for an honest review. My Rating: 5 Stars T. Rae Mitchell did it again! After the first novel ended in such a shocking way, I was glad to see the continuation of a great debut! After barely escaping the book of fables, Fate is back in her world. Desperately wanting to return and help Finn, who is still trapped within the book, Fate will do anything to find her way back. When she is offered the position of guardian of the Keep, Fate takes on the responsibility of protecting the space station, located across the universe, that contains very powerful and dangerous mythical creatures and magical artefacts. Travelling to a new world, Fate must face her destiny, her new unbreakable oath with the Keep and discover the strength to save the people she loves. A new enemy awakens nothing will ever be the same. The plot is nicely developed and it grabs the reader right from the beginning. There is a lot of action, mystery and drama going on, enough to keep me glued to the pages and to make my breathing stop at times. I was surprised with the sci-fi approach in this instalment, it took the adventure a bit further than I was expecting. Between the space station, spaceships, aliens, advanced-technology and guns I felt like I lost a bit of the connection with the story. I had this cosy feeling with the book of fables and with outer space I didn’t feel it at all. Still, it was an enjoyable twist to the first novel. Mitchell did a great job creating this new magical world. The setting is amazing and definitely brings things to another level, I felt the thrill while reading. It’s easy to see her deep knowledge and passion of myths and legends and the style of writing is still as beautiful and captivating as in the first novel. The dialogues are brilliant, witty and funny, a joy to read. The introduction of new characters was exciting and it's nice to see how they all have their roles in the story, there are no loose ends, everyone fits into the plot perfectly. I really enjoyed how the real and the fantastic both come together when the characters from both realities meet. I did miss Finn though and his interactions with Fate, I really enjoy them as a couple. Another ending that left me hungry for more! Can’t wait to read the sequel Fate’s War and see what other adventures await Fate and her friends. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Original Mix Media Inc, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 5 Stars Addictive, new and unforgettable. This novel is just as promising as its mysterious cover and I couldn’t put it down. Grisham is Watcher, he turns into a gargoyle to get ride of fiends. When his uncle requests his help in Hidden Creek, Gris slowly begins to realise that there is more to the town than meets the eye. Piper is the exemplary teenage girl: perfect grades, popular with the boys and she is more than ready to leave Hidden Creek to go to the university. Haunted by nightmares and dealing with OCD, her life doesn’t get any easier, especially after the brutal murder of her dog Jester. Piper joins forces with Gris and together they try to solve the unexplained events that haunt the small town. From murder of animals to disappearances and grave robberies, nothing and no one are what they seem. I got completely addicted to this book: the characters, the setting, the reality and the build-up of the mystery. The whole idea of gargoyles and fiends is brilliant and it was refreshing to read something a bit different when it comes to the YA genre. I also really enjoyed the mentioning of more sensitive topics like OCD and self-harm; it’s a way of showing the reality and the obstacles people with these issues have to go through every day. And the best part? It’s done brilliantly. This novel mixes romance with mystery and supernatural in a unique way and it was impossible not to be pulled into the story and its characters. I really enjoyed the setting of the story: Hidden Creek. Right from the beginning, the atmosphere around it, I could feel that there was something more about this town and it definitely set the mood for the rest of the novel. The characters are very well-developed and they are unique in their own way. It’s impossible not to like them and to truly feel for them. I completely connected with them. It’s impossible not to like Piper: she is perfectly imperfect and that’s refreshing. She struggles with accepting herself but at the same time she’s beautiful, incredibly stubborn, honest and spontaneous. Reading about her burst of happiness and excitement, made me feel excited for her. Her knowledge on people and her gift to detect lies is brilliant to read as well as her connection with Gris. I think they perfectly balance each other out. Gris is an amazing male protagonist: even though he is a gargoyle, he feels deeply and struggles to accept what he is, something he has in common with Piper.. He is head-strong, very loyal and always whiling to help. I absolutely loved the chemistry he has with Piper, they are perfect for one another. Overall, a great read that I recommend to all the fans of supernatural YA. This is definitely a book that I get my hands on as soon as it comes out! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Entangled Teen, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 4 Stars Another great story from Lady Mechanika and her adventures, but a bit short. In this volume, it is brought to Lady Mechanika’s attention that some children have gone missing under mysterious circumstances around the mechanical toy shop. She teams up with the Inspector to get to the bottom of the occurrences and, in between witty exchanges and action-packed situations, Lady Mechanika begins to remember her dark, forgotten past. The story-line is very good and interesting and action-packed and the characters are as amazing as in the previous comics. The artwork is gorgeous: from the steampunk machines and setting to the Victorian style of dressing, everything brings together an incredible but very dark and dangerous world. I usually give five stars to this collection but this time I was a bit disappointed to see how short it turned out to be since usually it’s around 120 pages and this one is around 60 pages. Maybe because I’m a fan I wanted to read a more complex story. I’m looking forward to the next comic, hopefully with more pages than this one! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Benitez Productions, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 5 Stars An amazing, memorable read! The Book of Whispers was the winner of the Text Prize 2015. In the 11th century, in the time of the Crusades, the young Luca de Falconi is anything but ordinary. Born with the ability to see demons, Luca hides who he is and what he can do. When his father joins the Prince on the Crusades, Luca finds his way to the holy pilgrimage, not satisfied on staying behind to take care of their estate. Taking only a secret book written in a cryptic language that his father gave him, Luca embarks on a journey that will reveal secrets, corruption and evil lurking in the shadows. When a mysterious girl named Suzan joins him, he realises that he isn’t alone; Suzan has powers of her own. Together, they have to discover the secrets of the book and stop the unknown plan of demons as the crusaders make their way to Jerusalem to free it from the Saracens. This novel brings everything together perfectly: romance, adventure, loss, magic, change and history. The descriptions are incredibly written. From the vicious, violent confrontations to the harsh conditions of the Crusades through hot sand, burning sun and lack of water, they served as a reminder that even though we don’t talk about them any more, it was still one of the biggest bloody periods in history. The descriptions of the sights and ancient places are mesmerising and the way Jerusalem is portrayed is breathtaking. It’s definitely a place that I would like to visit for its rich history and architecture. The plot is complex, fast-paced and clues to understand the book of whispers are revealed in a good pace; not a single moment of boredom from this historical journey. The romance between the two main characters is beautiful and it complements the story-line perfectly. The way I interpreted it was, even in the darkest moments, there is always something good that should be kept and fought for. An amazing novel that I highly recommend! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Text Publishing, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 4 Stars A great, gripping and refreshing debut! I would definitely jump into this world if I could! The novel takes place in a steampunk world where genies grant wishes in exchange of a person's time. Elizabeth Wicker is a seventeen year-old with a heart condition that lives with her mother and attends school girls of her station. The protocol of this school, however, dictates that she will be sold to a noble family as a maid after she turns eighteen. So, once the time comes, Elizabeth is sold to her bully that is a member of one of the most powerful families in the country. Her nightmare of a life takes a darker turn when her mother is killed by a stranger and she is forced to turn to the time collectors. When she suddenly dies of a heart-attack, she is revived with a mechanical heart. Elizabeth races against time and is taken on a journey that will require a great sacrifice. Will she be able to make it? At what price? A refreshing and gripping novel right from the very beginning. This was the first novel I read where genies have this kind of power over humans; it’s unique and very well thought. The story-line is pretty solid and it runs on a steady-pace. In the beginning the descriptions of this steampunk universe are great and the characters are all amazing. The third-person perspective allowed me to have a broader sense of the events, which I appreciate. The writing style is addictive and compelling. Elizabeth is a good main character. She has the insecurities of a teenage-girl but she’s also impulsive and a fighter. A kind-hearted heroine with an innocent side, not afraid to do what she needs to: an admirable character that I could sympathise with. The chemistry with Klaus, the main male character, is nice and smooth. I would like to know more about his past but like this it just adds a very nice spice to the story, the fact that he’s the mysterious type. A refreshing debut in a unique and unexplored world that I hope to read more about in the near future. I really enjoyed it and I recommend it to any readers looking for something different and new. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Ragnarok Publishing, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 5 Stars This was the first mystery novel I have read involving medicine and organ transplant. I’m really glad I got to have this first experience with Cut by Amy Peele. This serves as a reminder that we should always try new things! Sarah Golden is a renowned transplant nurse and her life runs smoothly, until she uncovers a very dangerous game being played at the hospital. When bodies start piling up, Sarah turns to her crazy best friend Jackie Larsen, former nurse and a stay at-home mom, to dig further into the matter. What they find is a deadly game: rich and powerful people are buying their way up to the transplant list, getting rid of “problems” as they come, being very careful not to leave any traces. Can they bring down this network or will they be “erased” too? I was instantly curious about the title and the plot of the story, but I wasn’t expecting being completely taken by the story and for it to be impossible to put down! Wow! First of all, the novel is very well researched: the details of the medical community, the transplant procedures and the nursing routines are full of detail. I can see that the author has a background in nursing and the knowledge that makes these details more personal than taken out of a medical book. The story-line is fast paced, full of twists, suspense and humour. Peele ’s managed to create a novel that is perfectly balanced in terms of plot. There is plenty of suspense and action but also a spark of witty conversations and humour that readers with crazy friends will understand very well. I loved the relationship and the dynamics between Sarah and Jackie. What a chemistry they have! I expected their verbal confrontations with enthusiasm. Sarah is a strong woman that isn’t afraid to put herself out there to help people and do the right thing. I felt that she took a bit more the part of main character since she is the one that first realizes something is amiss in the hospital and the waiting list. She is a very likeable character, very human. Jackie, the other main character, has her own unique shine that complements Sarah very well. Jackie is a great character and her love for her family is a breath of fresh air in the middle of all the craziness. Her nursing background also comes in handy and their partnership and friendship made me smile several times throughout the novel. As for other characters: handsome Sergio with a long line of women behind him despite his cold attitude and his partner Amanda. I think they make the plot a bit more interesting and of course they are the obvious targets of suspicion and investigation. But are they really guilty? I thoroughly enjoyed this reading, I grew addicted to it and it was impossible to put down. I wait in anticipation for Ms. Peele ’s next novel! I highly recommend it to fans of mysteries. I want to thank the publicist Kris Verdeck and the author Amy Peele for reaching out and allowing me to review this novel. My Rating: 4 Stars Great art and a fast-paced story, a nice read. Living in Louisiana with her father, the shy high-schooler Melanie has a pretty uneventful life. She works at the local bookstore with her classmate Zoe and tries to be there for her father when she can. Things change the night she’s walking home from the cemetery. Being at the wrong place at the wrong time, Melanie receives the Wraithbornn, a power destined for a member of the warrior monks called Valin. When she starts seeing spirits at school, Zoe is the only one that believes and helps her. With demons after her gift, Melanie will need all the help she can get if she wants to get out alive. The art of this graphic novel is great: bright colours, details, especially in the fighting scenes and a perfect balance between the drawings and the text. The story is well-balanced since there are moments of action and moments to recover from those moments: the action takes place when demons appear and they fight; and slower moments when both Melanie and Valin are trying to figure what happened. Even so, I didn’t grow bored at all. Melanie is a good main character. Her shyness and the way she reacts to the unfortunate events around her make her very human but at the same time I could see her courage and how she grows along the novel. Zoe is an awesome character and my favourite. She’s a good friend and her powers make her the perfect companion for Melanie that tends to panic. Overall, a good story! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher WildStorm, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. |
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