Fallen by Lauren Kate

One day my cousin just called up and asked me if I have the book Fallen by Lauren Kate.  She told me that she got hooked up after the first page.  Curiously, the next day I stopped by Big W to check it out...

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

 

So this book is about angel.  Sounds interesting but the thing that captured me the most is the art cover.   And since the book was so cheap I bought it anyway.

 

I then found a review...passionately negative about the book.  It was so interesting that I have to read the whole essay lol.  I guess because that the review I did not finish the book until 1 month later.  Overall, the book wasn't that bad but I guess it did not have a 'wow' factor to keep you hook to it!

 

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Ok another bad habit of mine.  Buying books because of catchy covers.  After a series of adventures with vampires I decided to change to something slightly different.  Of couse I still like teen fantasy.  Because of that I bumped into Halo by Alexandra Adornetto.  I didn't know who this author is even though I have came across some of her books before (but didn't buy).

Out of curiosity, I wiki her book and biography.  I was amazed to find how young she was when she first started writing her first book (she's is still very young now).  I admired her through her writing, there were concepts that I did not expect to be written by someone at that age.  Although the pace of the story is quite slow in my personal opinion but it is an interesting book to read.

Is the story believable? I don't know! It's just like another version of human x angels instead of human x vampires.  The storyline wasn't that much of an adventure and suspend but if you're looking for some supernatural love story then it is a book for you.

Would I continue to buy the upcoming books? Well I heard it is a trilogy but I am not too sure of wanting to continue on.  Because I first book did not give too much temptation of the upcoming events.  For instance, why would Bethany be different? Where's she from? Why the dark forces are also interest in her.  If the author paint a little bit more into the storyline would be interesting.  And also I would like Ivy and Michael to have some kind of relationship.  I might be talking about plasmephy (don't even know if I spell the word correctly).

Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels, Ivy, Bethany and Gabriel are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings.

But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls for the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him?

Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There’s a new kid in town and he’s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he’s after Beth.

The angels and Xavier must work together to overcome the dark forces – but will Beth survive the battle?

Thirst Series by Christopher Pike

After many months of reading the Thirst series by Christopher Pike.  I thought I have finally able to finished the series.  However, today I found out that there is a new book coming this October.  The story was well ended, I'm not sure how the author managed to bring the main character back. 

At first I wasn't too interested in this series but the more I read it the more I was pulled into the adventures.  Pike introduced a very interesting concept into the vampire genres.

However, there was only one thing which I still could not understand why.  Pike described the main character as blonde with green eyes.  Yet she was originated from India.  This is the only point I could not make sense of although there are various supernatural powers involved.  I guess I just love reading a story :)

There were initially 6 books in the series and have been compiled into 2 volumes.

AUD $11.25

Thirst No. 1

Alisa has been in control of her urges for the five thousand years she has been a vampire. She feeds but does not kill, and she lives her life on the fringe to maintain her secret. But when her creator returns to hunt her, she must break her own rules in order to survive.

Her quest leads her to Ray. He is the only person who can help her; he also has every reason to fear her. Alisa must get closer to him to ensure her immortality. But as she begins to fall in love with Ray, suddenly there is more at stake than her own life....

Volume 1 includes: The Last Vampire, Black Blood and Red Dice

AUD $11.23

Thirst No. 2

What Alisa has desired for five thousand years has finally come true: She is once again human. But now she is defenseless, vulnerable, and, for the first time in centuries, emotional. As she attempts to reconcile her actions as a vampire with her new connection to humanity, she begins to understand the weight of lifeand-death decisions. Can Alisa resolve her past and build a new identity, or is she doomed to repeat her fatal mistakes?

Alisa has spent the past five thousand years as a vampire, living alone and fighting for survival. In her loneliness, Alisa cannot resist bringing Teri—a descendant of her human family—into her life. But Alisa is surrounded by death and destruction, and just by knowing Alisa, Teri's life is at risk.

Volume 2 includes: Phantom, Evil Thirst and Creatures of Forever

AUD $14.46

Thirst No. 3

Alisa's guilt grows when she becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy. A top-secret group knows Alisa's secret and will stop at nothing to use her powers for their cause. As Alisa desperately tries to protect herself and Teri from the unknown enemy, she discovers a force more powerful and more lethal than anything she has ever seen. Alisa doesn't know who to trust, who to challenge, or who she will become….

 

Volume 3 includes: The Eternal Dawn

Study Trilogy by Maria V. Snyder

After weeks engrossing with vampire books, I started to seek out for something different. Actually, it didn't start like that. I was at Big W one day and saw 3 beautiful books on displayed. The first thing that captured my attention was the book cover. So I bought the whole collection. I guess I have a thing for book series. I don't like to buy a single book, maybe I find one book is not enough to sastify my adoration for it.

Seriously, I have never expected to be so indulged in this kind of genre, so magical, so much action, adventure and fantasy. Even after I finished reading all the 3 books, I still yearned for more. And lucky enough, Maria V. Snyder still write some short stories on these characters. So you have to visit her website http://www.mariavsnyder.com/ and sign up the monthly newsletter to get more from it.

Because I love her writing style so much I have to seek out her other books. At the moment I'm following the Glass Trilogy, a spin-off from the Study Trilogy. So if you have a sense of love for adventures, then Snyder books are what you should look for.

Some of the comments below are written awhile ago after I finished each book!

This is the first book of the Study Trilogy by Maria V. Snyder. I have not read such a captivating young adult book for a while. This book is truly amazing and intersting.

Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die—but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.

But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster—chosen to ensure that the Commander’s food is not poisoned—has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me—must be offered the position.

So now I must choose: a quick death… or slow poison…

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust, and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena tries to escape, her dilemma deepens. Rebels plot to seize Ixia while she develops magical powers she cannot control. Her life is at stake again and choices must be made, but this time the outcomes are not so clear!

This is the second book of the Study Trilogy. I could not put down this book and when I looked at the time it's 5am in the morning. Within a night and a day, I have finished such a well written book.

Yelena is on her way to be reunited with the family she'd been stolen from long ago. Although she has gained her freedom, she can't help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways, and her newfound friends and relatives don't think it's for the better. Despite the turmoil, she's eager to start her magical training. But her plans take a radical turn when she becomes involved with a plot to reclaim Ixia's throne for a lost prince, and gets entangled in powerful rivalries with her fellow magicians. If that wasn't bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena has some old friends to help her with her new enemies.

At last I have finished the last book of the Study Trilogy. A great series to read and highly recommended.

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder -able to capture and release souls -spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before. Honour sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself -and save the land she holds dear.

These books are widely available in most of the bookstore at RRP $18.95 to $20.95 (depends on which store) but you could also get cheaper deals at Big W where all books are 35% everyday. If you don't have time to go shopping then you can buy them online either at Amazon or the links below. However, Amazon only have free delivery to U.S residents I believe. But if you visit the Book Depository it's always free delivery worldwide.

Poison Study AUD $10.90

Magic Study AUD $10.90

Fire Study AUD $10.90

Please note the price will varies slightly due to the value of the Australian dollar. But in general, these are the best deals I found so far, they are cheaper and free delivery worldwide, which means you don't need to get out of the house to buy the books!!

Tempted by P. C & Kristin Cast

House of Night: Book 6

Zoey needs a break after some serious excitement. Sadly, the House of Night school for vampyres doesn't feature breaks on its curriculum - even for a High Priestess in training and her gang. Plus juggling three guys is no stress reliever, especially when one is a sexy Warrior so into protecting Zoey that he's sensing her emotions. Wider stresses lurk too, and the dark force in Tulsa's tunnels is spreading. Could Stevie Rae be responsible for more than a group of misfit fledglings? And Aphrodite's visions warn Zoey to stay away from the immortal Kalona and his dark allure - but they also show that only Zoey can stop him. She's not exactly keen to meet up, but if Zoey don't go to Kalona he'll exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. She just has to find the courage to do what's necessary, or everything that's important to her will be destroyed.

This is the sixth book from the House of Night series. So if you are a vampire genre lover, you should try out this book and add it to your collection. This book can be purchased at a low price of $10.91 AUD. So hurry before they are out of stock. Please not a small variation in the price is due to the Australian dollar value.

Hunted by P. C & Kristin Cast

House of Night: Book 5

'The door closed with a sickening thud of finality, shutting my friends out and leaving me alone with my enemy, a fallen angel, and the monstrous bird creature his ancient lust had created. Then I did something I'd only done twice before in my life. I fainted.' It's all happening, though Zoey Redbird wishes it wasn't. She has her friends back, which is great. But a dark angel has taken over the House of Night, supported by High Priestess Neferet. Not so great. This leaves Zoey hiding out with the (supposedly friendly) red fledglings in Tulsa's prohibition-era tunnels. The not greatness continues. Zoey has some boy-thoughts to distract her, with a chance to make-up with super-hot-ex Eric. But thoughts of the archer that died, semi-permanently, in her arms also keep distracting her. Then he shows up as Neferet's newest minion. Well, hell. Zoey and friends need a plan to put things right, soon, if she's to keep both head and heart intact.

This is the fifth book from the House of Night series. So if you are a vampire genre lover, you should try out this book and add it to your collection. This book can be purchased at a low price of $10.91 AUD. So hurry before they are out of stock. Please not a small variation in the price is due to the Australian dollar value.

Untamed by P. C & Kristin Cast

House of Night: Book 4

A week ago Zoey had a group of special friends, three boyfriends and a (kinda) clear conscience. Now she has none of the above. Luckily ice-queen Aphrodite is showing signs of melting and ex-roomie Stevie Rae isn't as dead as she'd thought. Though Stevie's now hanging out in tunnels with freaks - gross. If she can get them to listen, Zoey will need all her friends as events take a frightening turn at the House of Night school for vampyres. Shocking true intentions are about to come to light, loyalties will be tested and an ancient evil is about to rise again. Some days being special just doesn't seem all that ...

This is the fourth book from the House of Night series. So if you are a vampire genre lover, you should try out this book and add it to your collection. This book can be purchased at a low price of $10.91 AUD. So hurry before they are out of stock. Please not a small variation in the price is due to the Australian dollar value.

Betrayed by P. C & Kristin Cast

House of Night: Book 2

It seems that (un)life is going pretty well for Zoey Redbird. She's settled in at the House of Night finishing school and is coming to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her. She even has a boyfriend...or two. Best of all, Zoey finally feels she has found somewhere she belongs. Then the unthinkable happens.Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the vampires at Zoey's school. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey's past life, she begins to realise that the very powers that made her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night. Zoey finds herself facing a betrayal that could break her heart and jeopardise the very fabric of her world.

This is the second book from the House of Night series. So if you are a vampire genre lover, you should try out this book and add it to your collection. This book can be purchased at a low price of $10.91 AUD. So hurry before they are out of stock. Please not a small variation in the price is due to the Australian dollar value.

Chosen by P. C & Kristin Cast

House of Night: Book 3

"I guess it had gone okay with Stevie Rae. I mean, she had agreed to meet me tomorrow. And she hadn't tried to bite me, which was a plus. Of course, the whole trying-to-eat-the-street-person thing was highly disturbing..." Zoey's best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead - in an eww! zombie! kind-of-way, not in a cool vampire kind-of-way. She's struggling to retain her humanity and Zoey doesn't have a clue how to help. But she does know that anything they discover must be kept secret. Trust has become a rare commodity. Sinister forces are at work at the House of Night, where the line between friend and enemy is becoming dangerously blurred.

This is the third book from the House of Night series.  So if you are a vampire genre lover, you should try out this book and add it to your collection. This book can be purchased at a low price of $10.91 AUD. So hurry before they are out of stock. Please not a small variation in the price is due to the Australian dollar value.

Marked by P. C & Kristin Cast

House of Night: Book 1

When sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird gets Marked as a fledgling vampire she must join the House of Night school where she will train to become an adult vampire. That is, if she makes it through the Change. But Zoe is no ordinary fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the Goddess Nyx and discovers her amazing new power to conjure the elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit. When Zoey discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look within herself to embrace her destiny - with a little help from her new vampire friends.

The concepts of this series is so different from all the other modern young adult vampire novels.  It introduce the origin of vampires by genetic evolution, which is kind of interesting because not many series actually tell us where do vampires come from.

So if you are a vampire genre lover, you should try out this book and add it to your collection.  This book can be purchased at a low price of $10.91 AUD.  So hurry before they are out of stock.  Please not a small variation in the price is due to the Australian dollar value.

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy: Book 5

FREE delivery worldwide

Paperback: $10.91AUD

Hardback: $18.81AUD

Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. And she made the wrong one...After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's Academy - and to her best friend, Lissa. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere. She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true - Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. Only this time, he won't rest until Rose joins him...forever.

Please note there will be a small variation in the price due to the value of Australian dollars.

For more books from the Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead. Please visit The Book Depository or Amazom.com

Spy Glass by Maria V Snyder

An undercover mission leads to danger, adventure and an impossible choice. After siphoning her own blood magic in the showdown at Hubal, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. She can no longer create glass magic. More, she's immune to the effects of magic. Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in the world. Until spying through the glass becomes her new power. Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood - and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or know it could be they are lost forever.

This book will be out on 17th September, 2010.  You can pre-order this book for $8.75 AUD with free delivery worldwide at the link below.  That is 25% off  RRP.  The price can varies slightly depends on the Australian dollar value.

Sea Glass by Maria V Snyder

"New York Times" bestselling author Maria V. Snyder brings readers into a world of molten magic, excitement and adventure. Student glass magician Opal Cowan's newfound ability to steal a magician's powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest, Opal dares defy her imprisonment, travelling to the Moon Clan's lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because she is sure another man - now her prisoner - has switched souls with Ulrick. In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn't sure whom to trust. She can't forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn't want to let her get close. And now everyone is after Opal's special powers for their own deadly gain.

I have found this book very interesting and would recommended to young adult readers out there to have a read.  It will definitely bring you to a different world, a world of magic and adventure.

You could buy this book either at Amazon.com see the link above or you could go to this link below where it only cost $10.33 AUD with free shipping/delivery worldwide.

 

Enjoy the good read and let me know what you think about it!

Storm Glass by Maria V Snyder

Untrained. Untested. Unleashed. With her unique magical abilities, Opal has always felt unsure of her place at Sitia's magic academy. But when the Stormdancer clan needs help, Opal's knowledge makes her the perfect choice - until the mission goes awry. Pulling her powers in unfamiliar directions, Opal finds herself tapping into a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. Now Opal must deal with plotters out to destroy the Stormdancer clan, as well as a traitor in their midst. With danger and deception rising around her, will Opal's untested abilities destroy her - or save them all?

I have visited many places to compare the prices and the cheapest price is $10.54 AUD. The best thing is all the books are free delivery worldwide. So what are you waiting for?

Or you can search Amazon for better deals.