A Discovery Of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Title: A Discovery Of Witches

Author: Deborah Harkness

Released: September 2011

A world of witches, daemons and vampires. A manuscript which holds the secrets of their past and the key to their future. Diana and Matthew - the forbidden love at the heart of it.

When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires. Sensing the significance of Diana's discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire genticist. Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing. As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for each other deepen, so the fragile balance of peace unravels...

Rating: 5 Stars

Positives: Well where can I begin? The sheer level of detail in this book is absolutely amazing, so much so I've actually had dreams based around the characters and the events of the books. From the chilling Peter Knox to Diana Bishop herself each and every character is so well thought out, and there are certainly some tear jerker moments. The worst part for me I think was in chapter 37 when something happens to Matthew, no I'm not going to spoil it for you, and I sat there crying my eyes out. Deborah Harkness has created an amazing spellbinding world, and she's spent a lot of time doing her research. I was a little worried when I picked up this book that it would be nothing more than some fluffy teenage romance, and whilst there are a few elements of that, the book itself provides so much more. I was constantly sat on the edge of my seat, wanting to read the next chapter. For someone who only allows myself a couple of chapters a day this was definitely a struggle. I'd say this book is a good set up for the rest of the trilogy, and I really can't wait to read the rest. 

Negatives: If anything I would only criticise the first chapter. After I'd read it I was certain I'd be able to put the book down and not feel the need to pick it up again, apart from the fact that I owe you all a review!!! 

Would I recommend this book? Yes, yes, yes. I loved this book and it's fast become one of my favourites. I love everything about it and I only hope that the rest of the trilogy proves to be as good. Well why are you still reading? Go out and buy a copy now. 

Snowdrops by A. D. Miller

Title: Snowdrops

Author: A. D. Miller

Released: September 2011

Snowdrops. That's what the Russians call them - the bodies that float up into the light in the thaw. Drunks, most of them, and homeless people who just give up and lie down into the whiteness, and murder victims hidden in the drifts by their killers. Nick has a confession. When he worked as a high-flying British lawyer in Moscow, he was seduced by Masha, an enigmatic woman who led him through her city: the electric nightclubs and intimate dachas, the human kindnesses and state-wide corruption. Yet as Nick fell for Masha, he found that he fell away from himself; he knew that she was dangerous, but life in Russia was addictive, and it was too easy to bury secrets - and corpses - in the winter snows...

Rating: 2 Stars

Positives: The only positive that I really found with this story was that the story finally picked up about three or four chapters from the end. 

Negatives: Where do I start? Firstly from the blurb of the book it sounded like a really interesting read but I really really struggled to get into this book. Even when I was seventy percent of the way in I was struggling to read, let alone enjoy this book. It was obvious from the start that Masha and Katya will be no good for Nick, it was only the lengths of their deception that was unknown. The book appeared to have no storyline to it, and I was quite frankly bored. 

Would I recommend this book? No I wouldn't. To be honest, in my opinion this book was a complete waste of my money. 

The Ugly Sister by Jane Fallon

Title: The Ugly Sister

Author: Jane Fallon

Released: September 2011

When it comes to genes life's a lottery . . .

As Abi would the first to know. She has spent her life in the shadow of her stunningly beautiful, glamorous older sister Cleo.

Headhunted as model when she was sixteen, Cleo has been all but lost to Abi for the last twenty years, with only a fleeting visit or brief email to connect them. So when Abi is invited to spend the summer in Cleo's large London home with her sister's perfect family, she can't bring herself to say no. Despite serious misgivings. Maybe Cleo is finally as keen as Abi to regain the closeness they shared in their youth?

But Abi is in for a shock. Soon she is left caring for her two young, bored and very spoilt nieces and handsome, unhappy brother-in-law - while Cleo plainly has other things on her mind. As Abi moves into her sister's life, a cuckoo in the nest, she wrestles with uncomfortable feelings.

Could having beauty, wealth and fame lead to more unhappiness than not having them? Who in the family really is the ugly sister?

Rating: 3 Stars

Positives: After a fashion I was able to get into this book, and I grew to love the characters of Abi and Jon as well as the kids Tara and Megan. There is still something so sweet and innocent about the children in the way that they blurt out how Abi has only been invited over because the nanny's left, not because her company is wanted. And Fallon has perfectly portrayed Cleo, the older sister who has grown up in the limelight and who is nothing but a mega bitch who is always used to getting her own way where everything is concerned. Plus the ambiguous ending as to whether or not Abi manages to change her career and life is perfect. In that one small part Fallon has slowly pulled away from the generic storyline that has been seen again and again. 

Negatives: Firstly the storyline is very generic. How many stories are there out on the market at the moment where the main character falls for someone else's husband, a husband who is unhappy in his own relationship, and who returns her feelings? That's right, there's way too many. Secondly I found with the first chapters I could do no more than skim read them as the chapters kept cutting from the present day to when Abi and Cleo were both growing up. However this mistake in writing was rectified later on when the chapters became focused merely on the present day. 

Would I recommend this book? If you're looking for a read that's not too challenging and is just something for a silly Sunday then this is a good book. However if you want something gripping then this isn't the book for you. 

Dead Man's Grip by Peter James

Title: Dead Man's Grip

Author: Peter James

Released: September 2011

I WANT THEM TO SUFFER, AND I WANT THEM DEAD ...

Carly Chase is still traumatised after being in a fatal traffic accident which kills a teenage student from Brighton University. Then she receives news that turns her entire world into a living nightmare.

The drivers of the other two vehicles involved have been found tortured and murdered. Now Detective Superintendant Roy Grace of the Sussex Police force issues a stark and urgent warning to Carly: She could be next.

The police advise Carly her only option is to go into hiding and change her identity. The terrified woman disagrees - she knows these people have ways of hunting you down anywhere. If the police are unable to stop them, she has to find a way to do it herself. But already the killer is one step ahead of her, watching, waiting, and ready ...

Rating: 5 Stars

Positives: This was an absolutely amazing and gripping read. From about four chapters in I really couldn't put it down. There is amazing character development and Tooth is such a horrible twisted assassin that he's amazing. I loved his sick and imaginative murders, especially the very last one. I really cannot praise this book highly enough. 

Negatives: If I had to pick something, and that's if I really had to pick something, then I think it would be the character of Carly Chase. I disliked her but I can't quite put my finger on why. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes I already have done to a couple of my friends, and I would recommend this to anyone who wants a thrilling read. 

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

Title: Inheritance

Author: Christopher Paolini

Released: October 2012

It began with Eragon . . . It ends with Inheritance.

Not so very long ago, Eragon - Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider - was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now, the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

The Rider and his dragon have come farther than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

Rating: 4 Stars

Positives: As usual Paolini has given us a wonderfully descriptive book. The characters grow and change yet again, and this is generally for the better. We finally see Eragon gain a proper understanding of Arya the elf whom he loves, and we also see a very human side to Murtagh. This book contains secrets and twists that make the previous books look like they've been written by an amateur. Again this was a brilliant all rounder. 

Negatives: Firstly although there is character development I get the feeling that Eragon is a little stilted. I don't know I just don't see him growing much more. Secondly too many named characters survived the final battle in the book. I'm sorry but unless you count Islanzadi not a single main character dies, so we don't really feel the effects of the war. Thirdly, and I know this is a bit of a spoiler, but the manner of Galbatorix's death. I just don't buy him disappearing in a burst of bright light. And finally the ending. Ugh! I honestly don't know where to start with that. Eragon and Arya would be suited to each other in a few years, something that Arya herself states, but then having them grow so close only for Arya to disappear as Eragon leaves Alagaesia forever, just no. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would, but I also recommend that you don't become too attached to Eragon and Arya as a couple. 

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

Title: Brisingr

Author: Christopher Paolini

Released: August 2009

Oaths sworn . . . Loyalties tested . . . Forces collide.

Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives after the colossal battle against the Empire's warriors on the Burning Plains. Now Eragon finds himself bound by promises he may not be able to keep.

He must help rescue his cousin Roran's beloved from King Galbatorix's clutches. But he also owes his loyalty to the Varden, the elves and the dwarves, who are in desperate need of his talents and strength.

Eragon in the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?

Rating : 5 Stars

Positives : Yet again this was another wonderful piece of literarure by Christopher Paolini. Someone give this man a medal! I can say that I fully adore Brisingr, it reached the point where I myself started to dream that I was a Dragon Rider. Paolini has given us a great depth of detail and I found myself almost in tears at the conclusion. Poor Oromis and Glaedr. And we finally learn the truth as to why Galbatorix is so strong. All that is left is to discover whether or not the Varden will prevail. 

Negatives : Okay so we know I've had relatively few quibbles with this series so far. But did Roran really have to wrestle an Urgal? I found that scene rather boring and unwarranted, as well as that of Katrina's pregnancy. Yes rescue her from Helgrind, yes marry her but in all fairness I just don't buy her having a child. Sorry but it just doesn't work for me. It's like trying to build Katrina up to be a more important character than she needs to be. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would. This is a wonderful series and I love having the chance to read about the Dragon Riders. 

Eldest by Christopher Paolini

Title: Eldest

Author: Christopher Paolini

Released: September 2006

Darkness falls . . . Despair abounds . . . Evil reigns . . .

Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesméra, land of the elves, for further training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of the Dragon Rider. It is the journey of a lifetime, filled with awe-inspiring new places and people, each day a fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and Eragon isn't sure whom he can trust.

Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle back home in Carvahall - one that puts Eragon in even graver danger.

Will the king's dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life . . .

Rating: 5 stars

Positives: Firstly I am so glad that this story picks up right where Eragon left off. There's nothing worse than a series of books with huge gaps in time where the reader has to struggle to put things together. However there is no time at all between the end of Eragon and the start of Eldest. Secondly the author also has followed up Roran's story as well as that of the Ra'zac, something that I was hoping would happen. Even better you can now see everyone's stories intertwining tightly, and its a beautiful thing. As usual Christopher Paolini has done an amazing job and I really found myself falling for Roran's character when we see how much his love for Katrina motivates him to protect everyone. And the ending was such a twist! This book doesn't fail to entertain. 

Negatives: I don't have a single criticism of this book. The characters are fun and friendly, and description is never lacking. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes yes I would. This promises to be a fun filled fantasy series, and the second book certainly lives up to its predecessor.