Sunday, August 28, 2011

Vampire Academy Giveaway!!

A few weeks ago I was able to get my hands on 10 copies of Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead. With the release of Bloodlines, the new VA spin off, I am having a giveaway. Ten people will a copy of Last Sacrifice, with one winner also winning a copy of Bloodlines!! So, what do you have to do to enter? Well, being a follower of my blog is mandatory, but for an extra entry each, follow me on Facebook, twitter & Goodreads. You can also get extra entries by tweeting and posting about the giveaway on Facebook. Leave a comment with all your entry links and email, so I can contact you if you win.


When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.



I have 5 copies for Australia & 5 copies to giveaway internationally! Giveaway ends September 30th.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Review: Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

Title: Hades (Halo #2)
Author: Alexandra Adornetto
Age Group: Young Adult
Release Date: August 30th 2011
Publishers: HarperCollins Australia
Available from: Amazon

Amazon UK
Book Depository
The Nile


I received this book from the publisher.


Jake Thorn and his demons have been banished and Xavier and Bethany settle down to resume a normal life. But on the night of Halloween, a childish prank goes terribly wrong and Jake is summoned back to the sleepy town of Venus Cove. Bethany is deceived and like the mythical Persephone she finds herself dragged into the nightmarish underworld of Hades. While the angels call on higher powers to help recover Bethany, Hell decides to play dirty and goes after the one thing she loves more than anything. But to spare Xavier's life, Bethany must make the ultimate sacrifice. Will she make a deal with the Devil? And what will happen to an angel in Hell?
******

Miss Adornetto is a very talented young lady. She has written a captivating and beautiful story, with well defined characters. Her powers of description weave such a potent picture, drawing you into Bethany's world. 
Hades is told from Bethany's point of view, and she has a compelling voice throughout the book, lending it a constant depth. Bethany is human in many respects, and yet is vastly different. Even though she spends most of her time in Hell, we get to see more of her as a character. Her compassion is not hindered by Hell, the whole experience setting her foundations to make her stronger. 
Xavier can sometimes seem too perfect, but he has this quality that makes him stand out. He has a personality that makes him very approachable, and you just can't help but like him. If you were to pit him against the various YA male leads, his light would probably shine the brightest.
I really enjoyed how the story developed, there was always something that would keep me from putting the book down. The ending is momentous, in more ways than one. I am already eagerly anticipating the next book.
4/5