Monday 25 March 2013

Review of Ocean Kills


Ocean Kills (Ocean Breeze #1)
By Jade Hart
About:

Around the world, murderers and rapists pick off the innocent. Killing loved ones, separating families, and ruining lives.

As an eight-year-old girl, Ocean witnessed her family’s massacre and something altered inside her. Twisting her genetic code… unlocking an ability to teleport.

Ocean Breeze was never destined to be normal, especially having been named after air-freshener. She’s a shadow, a ghost—a dark saviour of the innocent. Armed with a switchblade in her bra, and a box-cutter in her pocket, she hunts the filth of the world.

Callan Bliss is a Sydney police officer whose skill-set is far above that of a normal cop. All his fellow officers see is a hard worker who loves to catch perpetrators and surf, but that’s because they don’t know about his past. When Callan arrests a suspicious-looking prostitute, he comes face-to-face with a self-confessed vigilante, and suddenly, his secrets aren’t so easy to keep silent.

Ocean hates the police with a passion, and has no intention of being held captive by a cop, even if he is sexy as hell. Teleporting from under his nose, Ocean hunts her next target—a man responsible for the largest sex ring in South Africa—and now he’s about to die. But she doesn’t count on Callan giving chase, nor the body-quaking lust that consumes them. However, Ocean's dark hobbies take precedence over what her heart wants—her thirst for murdering is killing her too, and not even Callan can save her.

Source: Goodreads
My Rating: 4.5/5

My thoughts:

I received a free ecopy of this book in a giveaway and only managed to read it recently. Why I waited so long I have no idea!
I haven’t read such an exhilarating  book in quite some time. However, I did think there were more details of the romance and love-making between Ocean and Callan than I would have cared to know, but the adventure and surprising twists balanced it well. 

I rarely read about teleporting and found that to be an interesting concept in Ocean Kills. A lot of ethical questions were raised in my mind throughout the story. What makes killing ‘right’ or wrong? Is it better to purge the world of evil using somewhat brutal methods or should you trust in the law to dish out the appropriate punishments? Most importantly though, is there hope for Ocean?
I cannot wait to read the next in this series. I want to know more about these black marks,  whether there are others out there similar to Ocean , and more about the true identity of Maurice.

Zed (:

Saturday 2 March 2013

Review of Casting Shadows

Casting Shadows (Book #2 of the Ash Grove Chronicles)
By Amanda DeWees

About

Ash Grove High School senior Joy Sumner and her model boyfriend, Tanner Lindsey, have defeated Melisande, the supernatural seductress who almost ended his life. Now, however, they learn that their unborn child may have been corrupted by Melisande’s evil. Suddenly the council that patrols supernatural activity at Ash Grove High is taking much too close an interest in Joy’s baby, and Raven, Melisande’s former assistant, may have a hidden agenda behind his friendly overtures. And living as an engaged couple with Joy’s father is challenging in its own way, even before Dr. Sumner begins to immerse himself in mysterious research. As Joy’s due date approaches, everyone from nosy journalists to supernatural doppelgangers wants to get close to her, and she and Tanner must decide how to keep her and their unborn daughter safe.

Meanwhile, a disastrous lapse of judgment drives a wedge between Joy’s best friends, Maddie and William. William turns for solace to the growing success of his band, Aerosol Cheese, and the prospect of a new romance in a highly unexpected place. But as his star is on the rise, Maddie glimpses something diabolical in the works. Somebody or something is targeting musicians, and William may be the next in the crosshairs. Now that he’s put Maddie out of his life, can she warn him in time that he is in danger?

Source: Goodreads
My rating: 4.25/5

My Thoughts

After reading The Shadow and The Rose, I had the pleasure of reading the next book in the series; Casting Shadows. My favourite character in the last book was Joy’s best friend Maddie and I was happy to read more about her in Casting Shadows. I felt sorry for Maddie but proud of William for showing the world his talent and making the most of his potential. I am so glad Maddie finally realised that William is the one for her. Although it took her long enough :P

It was ironic that the star of this book was not the ex-celebrity Tanner but the new talent; William. Speaking of Tanner, I must admit I like him more in Casting Shadows than I did in Shadow & the Rose, where I felt he lacked backbone. In this book he is struggling but trying his best in leading a normal life, earning to support his expanding family, and passing the many tests Joy’s father is making him go through.

The next book in the series should hopefully answer the question around whether Joy’s baby has absorbed any of Melisande the succubus’ evil powers and I look forward to finding out!
And what a spectacular ending....I wonder whether Joy's dad was succesfull.....

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Review of Deja Blue


Deja Blue (Ruby Blue #2)
By Julie Cassar
About
Ruby's back with her fairy friends and this time, she stumbles upon some of the mysteries of the Water Court. Now, being pursued by an unknown force, Ruby's fairy friends step in to protect her. However, trouble seems to follow Ruby around every corner and even her fairy guardians need to call in reinforcements...but at what cost? Faced with a seemingly impossible challenge, Ruby must decide if and how she will help out her fairy friends. Will she pledge her allegiance to the Earthen Court? Or will she find new comfort and protection in the Water Court? Become entangled and entranced in Ruby's latest adventure and relive the magic in "Deja Blue," the second installment of the Ruby Blue Series.

Source: Goodreads
My rating: 4.25/5
My thoughts:

I enjoyed reading this book even more than the first; Ruby Blue. A YA fiction with ‘fairytales’, but these are not your ordinary delicate fairies. Oh no, Ruby’s fairy friends are kick-ass royal fairies, adding a funny twist to the general stereotype.

In this sequel, the reader is introduced to other supposed myths, such as mermaids and trolls, the consequences of killing Sirrush the dragon, and also the unusual laws of the different courts.

This book was more fun to read than the last because there was a lot more going on, the reader is filled in with more background information about the fairies and there is again the element of adventure throughout the book so there’s no chance of becoming bored!

I am looking forward to the next book in the series because I am curious to find out what will happen between Ruby and Brennan now that she has figured out his feelings! And what will she do about her perfect Nick, who is unaware of her secret life? Questions, questions....but I believe the third book in the series has been released, which means hopefully I won’t have to wait too long for answers (;

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**