Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1) Release Date: June 2013 | Publisher: Penguin | Genre: Urban Fantasy In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America. Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills. Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic…
Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead (Age of X #1) Dutton Adult (June 2013) Ebook, 464 pages Urban Fantasy When I heard that Richelle Mead was releasing a new series, I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, even though I had no idea what it was about. Gameboard of the Gods is a sexy and violent adult dystopian novel, with an undercurrent of paranormal activity and mythology, lots of action and a slow-revealed mystery that didn’t disappoint. Written from the point of view of…
‘Cover Crush’ is a regular feature here at BCC. I love covers – they’re the first thing that catches my eye and will be the primary reason I pick up a book. This feature is where I highlight gorgeous covers of books I’ve seen either around the blogosphere or at the bookshop. These posts run sporadically, as soon as I see a cover I love, I post it! I have just received an email from Razorbill and I can now reveal the UK cover for ‘Bloodlines‘, the first book in…
Title: Iron Crowned (Dark Swan #3) Author: Richelle Mead Publisher: Bantam Books (UK) | Zebra (US) Publication Date: March 2011 (UK | US) Paperback: 378 pages Genre: Urban Fantasy Source: Own Copy Reviewed by: Carolyn RATING: 6/10 – good SUMMARY: Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham is the best at banishing entities trespassing in the mortal realm. But as the Thorn Land’s queen, she’s fast running out of ways to end the brutal war devastating her kingdom. Her only hope: the Iron Crown, a legendary object even the most powerful gentry fear… Who…
Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6) by Richelle Mead | Penguin (Dec 2010) Paperback, 584 pages | Urban Fantasy Well, what can I say…sensational! Last Sacrifice is the last book in an amazing series, which has, to be honest, left me feeling a little depressed that it’s all over. However, Ms Mead gave the ending I had dreamed of. It was emotional, moving, exciting, happy, sad… I loved every word. Last Sacrifice began where Spirit Bound ended with Rose behind bars. She can’t quite believe she’s in prison and being accused of assassinating the…
Title: Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) Author: Richelle Mead Publisher: Penguin Publication Date: May 2010 Paperback: 479 pages Genre: Paranormal Young Adult RATING: 9/10 – excellent GOODREADS SUMMARY: 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. REVIEW:…
Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) by Richelle Mead Penguin (Feb 2010) | Paperback, 493 pages Young Adult | Urban Fantasy | Paranormal Romance Warning: may contain spoilers Wow! This book is amazing! I read it so quickly (well, for me anyway), I honestly couldn’t put it down I was so absorbed in the story. Blood Promise is a total rollar-coaster ride and I loved every minute of it. After my small annoyance with Rose and Lissa in Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise bounces back and gives me everything I wanted from the characters and…
I am very excited to welcome author Richelle Mead to the blog today. Richelle is the author of adult urban fantasy series Dark Swan, and paranormal romance series, Georgina Kindaid. She’s also the author of the incredibly popular young adult series, Vampire Academy (which I’m reviewing all this week). Due to Richelle’s ultra busy schedule, we decided to do a quick Q&A session of her favourite things. So, please give her a warm welcome. Ok, here we go… 1. Favourite Song? “One” by U2 2. Favourite Word? Angst 3. Favourite…
Title: Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) Author: Richelle Mead Publisher: Penguin Publication Date: Feb 2010 (UK) / Nov 2008 (US) Paperback: 443 pages Genre: Paranormal Young Adult RATING: 7/10 – very good, leaning towards an 8. GOODREADS SUMMARY: Rose Hathaway knows it is forbidden to love another guardian. Her best friend, Lissa-the last Dragomir princess-must always come first. Unfortunately, when it comes to gorgeous Dimitri Belikov, some rules are meant to be broken… But since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn’t been feeling right. Something dark has begun to…
Title: Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) Author: Richelle Mead Publisher: Penguin Publication Date: Oct 2009 (UK) / April 2010 (US) Paperback: 327 pages Genre: Paranormal Young Adult RATING: 8/10 – brilliant, couldn’t put it down GOODREADS SUMMARY: Rose Hathaway’s got serious guy trouble. Her gorgeous tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason has a huge crush on her, she keeps getting stuck in her best friend Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian. Then a…
Title: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) Author: Richelle Mead Publisher: Penguin Publication Date: 2009 (UK) / 2007 (US) Genre: Paranormal, Vampires Young Adult RATING: 8/10 – brilliant, couldn’t put it down GOODREADS SUMMARY: St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to…
Title: Thorn Queen Author: Richelle Mead Genre: Urban Fantasy Publisher: Bantam Books PublicationDate: 13 Aug 2009 Paperback: 480 pages Rating: 8/10 Summary (Book Cover) Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she’s also become queen of the Thorn Land. It’s hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld,…
Title: Storm Born Author: Richelle Mead Genre: Urban Fantasy Publisher: Bantam Books PublicationDate: 14th Aug 2008 Paperback: 493 pages Rating: 8/10 Summary (Book Cover): Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl’s got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy–one that uncovers dark secrets about…
