Book Review: The Memory Cage by Ruth Eastham

Title: The Memory Cage

Author: Ruth Eastham

Publisher: Scholastic

Publishing Date: January 2011

Length: 227 pages

Genre: MG 

4/5 **** The Memory Cage- A meaningful debut about the delicate balancing act between present and past, fear and courage, loosing or finding oneself!  

~ The Author ~

Ruth Eastham was born near Preston in Lancashire, England. Since then she has lived in York, Hull, Penrith, Palmerston North (New Zealand), Cambridge, Brisbane (Australia), Nottingham and Duino (Italy) and thinks she’s got a little bit of all these places in her!

Author profile by http://rutheastham.com/about.html

For further information visit http://rutheastham.com

~ The Novel ~

The Memory Cage, published in January 2011, is the debut novel of author Ruth Eastham.

~ The Story ~

Alex's Grandfather keeps forgetting things. Desperate to help him remember, Alex starts collecting old photographs. Bust as Alex digs into his grandfather's past, he stumbles across secrets that have been buried since World War II. Uncovering the truth could save Grandad ... but it might also tear Alex apart.

Summary by Goodreads

Interested? Read the first chapter here! 

~ The Review ~

The Memory Cage  is a story about a granddad who fears loosing his memories over an illness and his grandson who cannot forget his past, although it’s the only thing he wishes for.

This novel is told from Alex’ point of view, an ordinary teenager from the outside, that appears to be a troubled child on the inside. Being subject to terrifying memories of his past and psychical games in the present, he still appears very mature and like a grown- up, especially when it comes to protecting his grandad. Alex is very sensitive, caring and responsible always trying to help him.

I do not read many Middle Grade novels, because I always tend miss a connection to the main protagonist, that is much younger than I am, but Alex made me immediately like him. He’s the underdog and I care for him.

Alex and his grandfather share a very intimate relationship.  And when his parents want to put grandpa in an old peoples’ home because his Alzheimer’s is getting worse each day, Alex is determined to find a way to scatter their plans and bring back his grandfather’s memory not knowing what hidden secrets he might come across.

On their journey, willing or unwilling, to the past Alex and his grandfather ,William Smith have their funny and sad moments. Their relationship warms my heart, because it never appears constructed, but always very realistic. Grandad has his secrets and just as Alex I couldn’t wait to reveal them.

I hadn’t imagined William’s Alzheimer’s to be too hard to read about, as I haven’t come in contact with such an illness before, but at some point when he keeps forgetting major things and even big parts of his daily life I became extremely sad, unterstanding the terrible impact of such an illness. 

Alzheimer’s is presented in an informative way, giving for MG appropriate and understandable basic information about the illness.

In addition it also addresses the topic of war, making it accessible with a certain example, discussions and conflict potential within the Smith family. 

This novel is such a precious debut because it deals with most important and high sensitive topics that must affect one. The Memory Cage encourages young teens to think about what’s important in life, to be an active part in political debates and generational exchanges.

~ We love this book because… ~

1) one single photo can change everything

2) of cocodriles and transhlers

3) it addresses important  topics with social relevance like Alzheimer’s and war

4) librarians are powerful memory keepers

5) the flood might wash away every single letter of your writing in the sand, but it doesn’t take away its truth and persistence

~ The Verdict ~

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Memory Cage, it made me smile and frown, hope and fear and on some pages I couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down my face.

This novel has feeling and personality and is not only a recommendable read for Middle Grade students, but for all age groups.

~ Thanks to Ruth Eastham and Scholastic UK for sending me a copy of The Memory Cage! 

~ Watch out for an interview with Ruth Eastham + Giveaway :) 

New Releases Jan 31st – Feb 6th

Let's have a look at the wonderful books being released this week!

Feb 1^st

Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Trapped by Michael Northrop (Goodreads ~ Amazon)
  
Jenna & Jonah’s Fauxmance by Brendan Halpin (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

The Demon Trapper’s Daughter (Demon Trappers #1) by Jana Oliver (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Evenfall by Liz Michalski (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Haunting Jasmine by Anjali Banerjee (Goodreads ~ Amazon) 

Feb 3^rd

The Locket by Stacey Jay (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Fever (Dark Touch #3) by Amy Meredith (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

What an exciting week, the release week of Delirium, the awesome new book by Lauren Oliver. You shouldn't miss it! The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver is also known as Forsaken, which was released in January 2011. What have you been waiting for?

In My Mailbox #17

The idea of In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.

For Review

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

 

* Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton

 

The Memory Cage by Ruth Eastham

 

* Thanks to  Ruth Eastham & Scholastic UK

Buch Rezension: Die Auswahl (Cassia & Ky 01) von Ally Condie

Titel: Die Auswahl (Cassie & Ky 01)

Autor: Ally Condie

Verlag: Fischer FJB

Datum der Veröffentlichung: 28. Januar 2011

Länge: 464 Seiten

Genre: Jugendbuch, Liebesgeschichte, Dystopie,  

3/5 *** Die Auswahl– Eine gute Auswahl an klassischen sowie neuen Elementen der Dystopie! 

~ Die Autorin ~

Ally Condie lebt mir ihrem Mann und ihren drei Söhnen in Salt Lake City in Utah, USA. Bevor sie mit dem Schreiben angefangen hat, war sie mehrere Jahre Lehrerin an einer High School. Sie liebt es zu lesen, zu essen und ihrem Mann beim Gitarre spielen zuzuhören.

Auszüge des Autorenprofils stammen von Amazon.de 

Für weitere Informationen, einfach mal vorbeischauen auf http://www.fischerverlage.de/autor/Ally_Condie/20834 

~ Das Buch ~

Die Auswahl, veröffentlicht am 28. Januar 2011, ist der erste Teil in der Cassia & Ky Reihe.

Hier kannst du die offizielle Cassia & Ky Seite besuchen, um herauszufinden wer dein idealer Partner wäre: http://www.cassiaundky.de

~ Die Geschichte ~

Das System sagt, wen du lieben sollst - aber was sagt dein Herz? 

Stell dir vor, du lebst in einer Welt, die ein absolut sicheres Leben garantiert. Doch dafür musst du dich den Gesetzen des Systems beugen: den Menschen lieben, der für dich bestimmt wird. Was würdest du tun? Für die wahre Liebe dein Leben riskieren? Für die 17-jährige Cassia ist heute der wichtigste Tag ihres Leben: Sie erfährt, wen sie mit 21 heiraten wird. Doch das Ergebnis überrascht alle: Xander, Cassias bester Freund, ist als ihr Partner vom System ausgewählt worden. Als jedoch, offenbar wegen eines technischen Defekts, das Bild eines anderen Jungen auf dem feierlich überreichten Microchip auftaucht, wird Cassia misstrauisch. Kann das System wirklich entscheiden, wen sie lieben soll?

Inhaltsangabe von Amazon.de

~ Die Kritik ~

Es scheint, als ob jeder in der weiten Blogospähre über Die Auswahl von Ally Condie begeistert ist und so bin ich hocherwartungsvoll und freudig in das Leseexperiment eingetaucht. Leider muss ich festhalten, dass mir dieses Buch nicht so wahnsinnig gut gefallen hat wie den ganzen Cassia & Ky oder Xander Fans dort draußen.

Vordergründig hat Ally Condie einen sehr interessanten Schauplatz geschaffen, indem sie gleichermaßen klassische sowie neue, inhumane und sterile Elemente der dystopischen Erzählung miteinander verflochten hat.

In Die Auswahl ist es der Gesellschaft nicht erlaubt tiefere sentimentale Regungen in der Öffentlichkeit zu zeigen, dass sie sich um jemanden oder etwas auf einem anderen als höflich, oberflächlichen Level sorgen. Das Individuum steht hinter den Vorteilen der Gesellschaft zurück, was ich eine erfolgreiche Konstruktion eines dsytopischen Hintergrundes für die Geschichte unserer Heldin Cassia nennen kann. Als verstörend empfand ich die exakte Kontrolle des Todestages von jedem einzelnen Bürger der Gesellschaft.  

Cassia, anfangs die brave und gehorsame Bürgerin, beginnt das System zu hinterfragen, wenn auf ihrem Monitor ein Bild von Ky anstelle das ihres versprochenen und bereits vorbestimmten Partners tritt. Nach diesem Fehler, lernt sie Ky erst richtig kennen, will wissen wer er ist und den wahren Mensch hinter der Fassade verstehen. Beide verbringen Zeit zusammen, soweit dies in einer solch limitierten Gesellschaft möglich ist, und kommen sich näher.

Eine Beziehung zwischen Cassia, Ky und Xander, Cassias bestem Freund, ist ersichtlich. Was jedoch als Liebesdreieck beworben wird, empfinde ich als bloß einen schwachen Versuch eines komplexen Liebesdreiecks.

Ich wünschte die Liebesbeziehung zwischen Cassia und Ky oder eben auch Cassia und Xander, wäre ein dominanterer Teil von Die Auswahl gewesen. Ich bin eine hoffnungslose Romantikerin und habe erwartet, dass dieses Buch viel detaillierter ist, wenn es denn mal zu den selten vorkommenden Liebesszenen kommt. So wie andere Bücher eine Szene, in der das Liebespaar sich trifft, anschaulich beschreiben, schafft es Condie nur einen Kuss oder eine Umarmung als einen Fakt und nicht als den Akt, der viele verschiedene Gefühle und Empfinden zusammen kommen lässt, darzustellen.

Dieser Mangel emotionaler Details im Rahmen von Liebesszenen, könnte eventuell als Attribut der Dystopie angesehen werden oder aber als ein deutliches Zeichen für Condie’s nur durchschnittlichen Schreibstil.

Die Gesellschaft von Die Auswahl ist unterteilt in verschiedene Arbeiterklassen und ihre Komplexität in Gedanken und Handlungen wird reduziert um einen einfachen, aber sicheren Standard der Gesellschaft zu garantieren.

Condie’s Schreibstil ist so einfach wie die Gesellschaft, die sie beschreibt. Obwohl ihr Schreibstil keinesfalls zu meinen Favoriten gehört, unterstützt er immerhin den Charakter von Cassia’s Geschichte sehr gut.

Einen Aspekt, den ich sehr an Die Auswahl mochte, ist, dass Ky und Cassia viele verschiedene alte Symbole und Kunstwerke finden und interpretieren und dies in einer Welt, die schon lange verlernt hat, deren Bedeutung zu erfassen. Die Menschen haben vergessen was ein Kompass oder eine Handschrift ist und nun ist es an den beiden jungen Rebellen etwas so unbekanntes in eine Waffe gegen eine bedeutungslose und gleichgültige Gesellschaft zu verwandeln.

Überraschungen sind rar, während wir dem stetigen Rhythmus der ersten dreihundert Seiten folgen, welche eine bestimmte Routine wider geben. Während dieses ersten Buchteils fühlte ich mich, als ob ich langsam von Moment zu Moment driften würde. Ich bekam einen angemessenen Eindruck von Cassia’s Leben und ihrer Gesellschaft, aber manchmal fühlte ich mich fast schon genervt von dem langsamen Voranschreiten der Handlung, immer etwas Spektakuläres gleich auf der nächsten Seite erwartend.

In den letzten ungefähr achtzig Seiten wurde die Geschwindigkeit der Ereignisse schneller, ich fand mich mitten im Geschehen und dachte nur: “ Liebe Action, da bist du ja, aber warum hast du dich nicht schon etwa zweihundert Seiten vorher gezeigt!?”

~ Wir lieben dieses Buch, … ~

1) weil die Schönheit einer verganenen Zeit niemals vergessen sein wird, solange es jemanden gibt der sie erhält

2) weil wir ein dringendes Verlangen haben unsere Puderdose noch einmal genauer zu untersuchen

3) weil wir uns beide Jungen auf der Serviette etwas bedeuten
4) weil wir alle ein einzigartiges Ballkleid haben möchten

5) wegen eines Sohnes, der nur seinen Vater beschützen will

~ Das Fazit ~

Die Auswahl kann als eine leichte Liebesgeschichte mit Hauptaugenmerk auf der Darstellung einer dystopischen Welt beschrieben werden, sodass dieses Buch auf jeden Fall sehr empfehlenswert für Dystopie- Fans aller Art ist. Ich werde zwar die Fortsetzung lesen, aber mit deutlich weniger Vor-Enthusiasmus als ich dem Vorgänger Die Auswahl entgegen gebracht habe.

~ Ein herzliches Dankeschön an Fischer FJB für die Bereitstellung eines Rezensionsexemplars von Die Auswahl ! 

Book Review: Matched (Matched #1) by Ally Condie

Title: Matched (Matched #1)

Author: Ally Condie

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Publishing Date: November 2010

Length: 384 pages

Genre: YA, romance, dystopian novel 

3/5 *** Matched – A good selection of classical and new dystopian elements! 

~ The Author ~

Ally Condie is a former high school English teacher who lives with her husband and three sons outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves reading, running, eating, and listening to her husband play guitar.

Author profile by http://www.allysoncondie.com/bio/

For further information visit http://www.allysoncondie.com/

~ The Novel ~

Matched, published November 2010, is the first novel in the Matched series. Its sequel Crossed will be released November 2011 and the third novel in this series in November 2012. 

You can visit the official Matched site to find out who would be your perfect partner: http://matched-book.com/

~ The Story ~

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Summary by Goodreads 

~ The Review ~

Everyone around the blogosphere seemed to be enthusiastic about Matched so I was really looking forward to read it. Unfortunately I didn’t get to like this novel as much as all the Cassie & Ky or Xander fans out there.

At first glance Condie created a very interesting setting of a dystopian novel, featuring classical elements and new ones, inhuman and sterile. Citizens are not allowed to show deeper sentimental reactions in public and rarely at home, that they care for someone or something beyond a superficial level.  The individual stands back to the society’s benefits, and that I can call a successful adaption of a dystopian background to our story around heroine Cassia. What I found most disturbing is the exact controlling of the death date of each citizen.

Cassia, the obedient citizen in the beginning, starts questioning the system when a picture of Ky instead of her promised match appears on her monitor. After the mistake, she starts noticing him and tries to understand the true Ky. They spend time together, learn about each other and who they really are.

A relation between Cassia, Ky and Xander is obvious, but not really a love triangle as I couldn’t see feelings beyond friendship between Cassia and Xander in the beginning.

I wish the love story would be a more dominant part of Matched. I am a hopeless romantic and expected this novel to be more specific and detailed when it comes to the rarely featured love scenes. As other novels describe the scene of the lover’s meeting vividly, Condie describes a kiss or a hug as a fact and not the act of many different emotions, tastes, smells and feelings coming together.

This lack of emotional details and description of romantic scenes, might be attribute to the dystopian character of minimalism when it comes to deeper feelings and meanings or a major sign of Condie’s average writing style.

The society of Matched is divided into different groups of workers and their complexity of thoughts and actions are reduced to guarantee a simple but secure standard.

Condie’s writing style is as simple as her created society, it is not my favourite but at least supports the story’s character well.

One aspect I really liked about Matched is that Ky and Cassia find and interpret old symbols and art in a world that doesn’t know their meaning anymore. People have forgotten what a compass or handwriting is and now it is on both of them to turn something so uncommon into their weapon against a meaningless and indifferent government. 

Surprises are rare as we follow a steady rhythm and the first three hundred pages replay a certain routine. The tide of this novel is low, and I drifted on it slowly from moment to moment. I got an appropriate impression of Cassia’s life and her district, but almost felt annoyed by this novel’s slow pace always expecting something more spectacular happen on the next page.

In the last eighty or so pages speed picked up and I found myself in the middle of action, thinking: “Dear action, there you are, but why haven’t you showed up two hundred pages earlier!?”

 

~ We love this book because… ~

1) the beauty of a past world will never be forgotten as long as there is someone who cares about it

2) we feel the urgent need to examine our powder compact  

3) we care for both boys on the serviette
4) we all want to have a unique banquette dress

5) of a son who only wants to protect his father

~ The Verdict ~

Matched can be described as a light romance with main interest on dystopian setting, so this novel definitely is a recommendable read for fans of dystopian tellings of all stripes. I am going to read the sequel when it comes out, but with much less pre- enthusiasm than I felt toward  Matched. 

~ As my thanks for the review copy of Matched go to the German publisher FJB Fischer I am going to publish a German version of my review aswell.

Coveresque feat. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (US vs. Polish vs. German)

Tell me, which Clockwork Angel cover do you like best?  US on the left, we've got the Polish cover in the middle and the German one on the right side. I really like that they kept the English title for the German Clockwork Angel edition, but in my opinion there can be no better than the US cover. Everytime I walk by an US Clockwork Angel edition I  think about buying it, just so I could have another book with this gorgeous looking Will on it, haha.

Today's cover choice was suggested by Loni. Thanks to @ A Casual Reader

Waiting On Wednesday #14

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

What I am waiting for on this Wednesday: Instructions for a Broken Heart by  Kim Culbertson (May 2011) 

 

Ha, I love that care package title!

 

Three days before her drama club's trip to Italy, Jessa Gardner discovers her boyfriend in the costume barn with another girl. Jessa is left with a care package from her best friend titled "Top Twenty Reasons He's a Slimy Jerk Bastard," instructing her to do one un-Jessa-like thing each day of the trip. At turns hilarious and heartwrenching, Instructions for a Broken Heart paints a magical Italy in which Jessa learns she must figure out life-and romance-for herself.

Summary by Goodreads

 

Teaser Tuesday #16

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading and it asks us to...

The Memory Cage by Ruth Eastham 

" They were both too busy planning how to get rid of Grandad to notice me. If they could get rid of Grandad so easily, was I next? "

~ p.55

New Releases Jan 24th– Jan 30th

Let's have a look at the wonderful books being released this week!

Jan 25th

Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

The False Princess by Eilis O’Neal (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

The Dark Goddess by Sarwat Chadda (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Vesper (Deviants #1) by Jeff Sampson (Goodreads ~ Amazon)  

Drought by Pam Bachorz (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Throat by R.A. Nelson (Goodreads ~ Amazon)  

The Book of Tomorrow by Cecilia Ahern (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Red Hood Riding by Sarah Blakley- Catwright (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Jan 28^th

Legacy (Ganzfield #3) by Kate Kaynak (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

You are all crazy about The Iron Queen being released, aren't you? I still have to complete this series and I am only excepting great!

In My Mailbox #16

The idea of In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.

For Review

Forsaken (The Demon Trappers #1) by Jana Oliver 

* Thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending me Forsaken

Won

Timeless by Alexandra Monir

* Thanks to Lisa @ BaffledBooks

On My Wishlist #14

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.

 

Here is #1 

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

I've somehow become a fan of dystopian novels... when did that happen between my dislike for Brave New World and my fangirlness for Delirium?

Vera and her brother, Will, live in the shadow of the Great Panic, in a country that has collapsed from environmental catastrophe. Water is hoarded by governments, rivers are dammed, and clouds are sucked from the sky. But then Vera befriends Kai, who seems to have limitless access to fresh water. When Kai suddenly disappears, Vera and Will set off on a dangerous journey in search of him-pursued by pirates, a paramilitary group, and greedy corporations.

Summary by Goodreads


 And #2

 Branded by Keary Taylor

Sounds painfully good!

Jessica's had the nightmares for as long as she can remember. Nightmares of being judged for people who have died, of being branded by the angels. Her friends and family think she's a crazy because of it all. Yet she carries the mark of the condemned, seared into the back of her neck, and hides it and herself away from the world.

But when two men she can't ignore enter her life everything changes, including the nightmares. The two of them couldn't be more different. She will do anything to be with one of them. Even tell him the truth about angels, why she never sleeps, and the scar on the back of her neck. But one of the two has set events into motion what will pull her toward her own judgment and turn her into the object of her greatest fear.

Summary by Goodreads 

Coveresque feat. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (US vs. UK vs. German)

Tell me, which Hex Hall cover do you like best?  US on the left, we've got the UK cover in the middle and the German one on the right side.Girl(s) on each cover but presented in very different ways and farb schemes.

Be part of the Simon & Schuster Galley Grab programme

Even if you do not live in the US, you can get the chance to read new 2011 releases early. Beside netgalley and their network of publishers, you can enter the Simon & Schuster Galley Grab programme! 

Because several bloggers (including me) got frustrated by the wording 

"How do I find out about an eGalley for a specific title?

eGalley's are sent out by invitation only. When an eGalley becomes available, Simon & Schuster employees will notify their business contacts to inform them about the eGalley for that title."

I want to shortly explain the registering and getting eARCs process of the Simon& Schuster Galley Grab programme, starting with the assertion that everyone can register and doesn't need to wait for an invitation to get into the programme.

What you need to do, to be part of the Galley Grab: 

1) Register here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Wait for your confirmation

 

3) Wait for a newsletter from Simon& Schuster including several eARCs you can download and access till they expire on their pub date 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After getting my confirmation I got frustrated, because I couldn't access more than one or two random galleys. Fortunately I just needed to be patient and wait for the newsletter. So by "invitation" S&S means the newsletter you'll get once a month. 

 

Anyone who hasn't registered yet? Get started now, so you can access many great S&S eARCs like...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isn't this programme awesome? Have you got problems with the registration process or downloading galleys? Or are you already a huge fan and want to talk about a certain eARC?

Teaser Tuesday #15

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading and it asks us to...

 The Iron King by Julie Kagawa 

" Fine." Shard licked her lips, looking inhumanly eager, as her eyes gleamed. "Now, give me the name."

" All right." I took a deep breath as my stomach twisted wildly. " Fred Flintstone." 

~ p.197

Book Review: Burned (House of Night #7) by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Title: Burned (House of Night #7)

Author: P.C. and Kristin Cast

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Publishing Date: Mai 2010

Length: 323 pages

Genre: YA, fantasy

5/5 ***** The best House of Night novel so far! A must- read, not only for fans of this series! 

~ The Authors ~

P.C. Cast was born in Watseka, Illinois, and grew up being shuttled back-and-forth between Illinois and Oklahoma, which is where she fell in love with Quarter Horses and mythology (at about the same time). After high school she joined the United States Air Force and began public speaking and writing. Since her tour in the USAF, she has been speaking and teaching professionally. P.C. Cast is an experienced teacher and talented speaker and a New York Times Best Selling author. She lives in Oklahoma with her fabulous daughter, her spoiled cat, and her adorable Scotties!
 

Author profile by Goodreads

At 19-years-old, Kristin is thrilled to be co-authoring the YA series, THE HOUSE OF NIGHT, with her mother. The first book in the series will be her first published novel. She has won awards for her poetry, as well as served as journalist for her intermediate high school newspaper, Tiger Tales, and as editor for her high school magazine, Tiger Eye. Kristin attends Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and is working hard to fulfill her goal of becoming a veterinarian without bankrupting her mother. One of the Scottinators belong to her, although we’re not telling either of the dogs that she’s going to someday be their veterinarian. Kristin would love to hear from her fans, and can also be reached through her mother’s website.

Author profile by Goodreads

For further information check out http://www.pccast.net/

~ The Novel ~

Burned is the 7^th instalment in the House of Night series written by P.C. and Kristin Cast, it was first published in 2010.

Marked, the first novel, was published in 2007 by St. Martin's Griffin. It was followed by Betrayed (2007), Chosen (2008), Untamed (2009), Hunted (2009), Tempted (2009), Burned and Awakened (2010). Destined, the 9th instalment, will be released in November 2011. The House of Night series is planned to include twelve books. 

For further information check out http://www.houseofnightseries.com/

~ The Story ~

Zoey Redbird is the youngest High Priestess in House of Night history and is the only person – vamp or fledgling – that can stop the evil Neferet from raising all kinds of immortal trouble. And she might just have a chance if she wasn’t so busy being dead.

Well, dead is too strong a word. Stevie Rae knows she can bring her BFF back from her unscheduled va-cay in the Otherworld. But it’s going to take a lot more than hoping to bring Zoey back. Stevie Rae will have to give up a few secrets of her own . . .

Summary by Goodreads

To read an excerpt of Burned, click here! 

~ The Review ~

Zoey and her omnipresent struggle between different men and love interests came to an end when Heath died in the last part and saved me from starting to hate her for her naïve and mindless behaviour. Now that her soul is scattered, Zoey only gets to tell the subplot.

As we lost our heroine Zoey, the main plot is told from many different POVs, like Aphrodite’s, Stark’s or Heath’s which is a very welcomed change.

This novel is structured like a quest with the purpose to save Z’s scattered soul from being lost forever. Stark is on a mission and we are with him, totally swooning for our brave and fearless warrior.

Another plot point circles around Stevie Rae making friends with a creature of darkness. I know that they shouldn’t be together or not even friends, but a forbidden romance makes the series more interesting and gives it a new exciting touch.

Furthermore a new setting is introduced, the Isle of Skye, a Scottish realm of magic and ancient power. The Queen Sciach introduces another kind of vampyr to us, who only know the modern world. Stark has to travel a long way of pain and bearings to become one of them.  

All main characters have to go through a major change and are confronted with their worst fears. Zoey (finally) needs to let Heath go, Stark has to fight the dark powers within him and Stevie Rae her growing feelings for an evil and forbidden creature.

~ We love this book because… ~

1) we want to be called a queen by our very own warrior

2) of the (un)dead and the beast

3) Scottish accent can be so sexy

4) sometimes you just need to move on to get the chance for a new start

5) some bonds aren't meant to be broken  

~ The Verdict ~

The average writing style doesn’t weaken my first impression of Burned. I just loved the quest character of it. We’ve got action, a lot of tears and fears and of course a highly romantic love story. Burned will leave you on fire!

New Releases Jan 17th – Jan 23rd

Let's have a look at the wonderful books being released this week!

Jan 18^th

 

Shadowfever (Fever #5) by Karen Marie Moning (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Mates, Dates and Diamond Destiny by Cathy Hopkins (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Dark Beginnings (Phantom Diaries Beginnings) by Kailin Gow (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

In My Mailbox #15

The idea of In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.

  E-ARCs 

Deadly by Julie Chibbaro

Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz

Stay by Deb Caletti 

* Thanks to  Simon&Schuster and their Galley Grab programme I got Deadly, Invincible Summer and Stay

For Review 

Random Magic by Sasha Soren 

When absent-minded Professor Random misplaces the main character from Alice in Wonderland, young Henry Witherspoon must book-jump to fetch Alice before chaos theory kicks in and the world vanishes. Along the way he meets Winnie Flapjack, a wit-cracking doodle witch with nothing to her name but a magic feather and a plan. Such as it is. Henry and Winnie brave the Dark Queen, whatwolves, pirates, Struths, and fluttersmoths, Priscilla and Charybdis, obnoxiously cheerful vampires, Baron Samedi, a nine-dimensional cat, and one perpetually inebriated Muse to rescue Alice and save the world by tea time.

Summary by Goodreads
 

* Thanks to Sasha Soren for sending me a lovely package filled with book love, sweets, swag and this novel!