Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Genre: YA Fantasy/Dystopian

Series: Under The Never Sky #1

Publication Date: 3rd January 2012

Pages: 384

Book Source: HarperCollins & NetGalley

Synopsis: Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions. 

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY 

The first book in a captivating trilogy, Veronica Rossi’s enthralling debut sweeps you into an unforgettable adventure.

My Thoughts:

Under The Never Sky has a lot going on and I was quite simply captivated. It's a fascinating genre meld; part fantasy, part scifi, part dystopian, part post-apocalyptic, but as a whole it's a fast paced read set in a world that had me awestruck.

Aria's a Dweller, she's grown up in the protection of a dome, where everything pointless (like nail growth & periods) has been eliminated, where virtual Realms are as much a part of life as living and breathing. Peregrine is an Outsider, a Savage, one of the Tide tribe living in the very real, very dangerous world outside the pods. A world that deals with Aether storms, cannabilistic tribes, disease and starvation. To make it even more fascinating Perry can scent  "tempers."

When Aria is forced out of Reverie, Aria and Perry form an unlikely partnership for mutual benefit - the boy of few words and the girl of many.

"Do the clouds ever clear?" she asked.

"Completely? No. Never."

"What about the Aether? Does that ever go away?"

"Never, Mole. The Aether never leaves."

She looked up. "A world of nevers under a never sky."

She fit in well then, he thought. A girl who never shut up.

Ooh I enjoyed this pairs' journey from mutual dislike and animosity to grudging respect and friendship almost as much as the physical journey fraught with danger.  I guess it helps your case when your significant other stops smelling like something at the "brink of decay."

The whole "scent" thing ultimately makes umm ... sense, something my thoughts aren't making but don't let my lack of eloquence put you off.

Ms Rossi has penned a story with amazing world building, a plot that makes your heart race and she doesn't scrimp on character development. Not only did I love Perry and Aria, Peregrine's relationship with his nephew Talon pulled at my heartstrings and I'm hanging out for more Roar. 

Bring on Through the Ever Night!

Visit Veronica Rossi's blog to find out more. 

Happy Australia Day

Happy Australia Day to my fellow Aussies. After looking forward to a 4 day camping trip over Australia Day for months we had to cancel due to the water-logged condition of much of our state. 

Area's of Queensland and New South Wales have experienced massive rainfall totals, thunderstorms and flash flooding and more rain is expected over the weekend. 

So we chose to stay home, safe and dry! ... Enjoy Australia Day whatever you're doing :)

This has done the rounds but I thought I'd share. As a vegemite loving girl sometimes referred to as Shazza (Sheree) from Wagga Wagga, who has on occasion swallowed a fly via her nose and understands no wucking furries ... I'm proud to say I'm an Aussie!

You know you're Australian if:

* You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn.
* You're liable to burst out laughing whenever you hear of Americans "rooting" for something.
* You pronounce Melbourne as 'Mel-bin'. You believe the 'L' in the word 'Australia' is optional.
* You can translate: 'Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas.'
* You believe it makes perfect sense for a nation to decorate its highways with large fibreglass bananas, prawns and sheep.
* You call your best friend 'a total bastard' but someone you really, truly despise is just 'a bit of a bastard'.
* You think 'Woolloomooloo' is a perfectly reasonable name for a place.
* You're secretly proud of our killer wildlife.
* You believe it makes sense for a country to have a $1 coin that's twice as big as its $2 coin.
* You understand that 'Wagga Wagga' can be abbreviated to 'Wagga' but 'Woy Woy' can't be called 'Woy'.
* You believe that cooked-down axle grease makes a good breakfast spread. You've also squeezed it through Vita Wheats to make little Vegemite worms.
* You believe all famous Kiwis are actually Australian, until they stuff up, at which point they again become Kiwis.
* Beetroot with your Hamburger... Of course.
* You know that certain words must, by law, be shouted out during any rendition of the Angels' song 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again' And "Living next door to Alice".
* You believe that the confectionery known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year.
* You believe that the more you shorten someone's name the more you like them.
* Whatever your linguistic skills, you find yourself able to order takeaway fluently in every Asian language.
* You understand that 'excuse me' can sound rude, While 'scuse me' is always polite.
* You know what it's like to swallow a fly, on occasion via your nose.
* You know it's not summer until the steering wheel is too hot to handle and a seat belt buckle becomes a pretty good branding iron.
* Your biggest family argument over the summer concerned the rules for beach cricket.
* You shake your head in horror when companies try to market what they call 'Anzac cookies'.
* You still think of Kylie as 'that girl off Neighbours'.
* When working on a bar, you understand male customers will feel the need to offer an excuse whenever they order low-alcohol beer.
* You know how to abbreviate every word, all of which usually end in -o: arvo, combo, garbo, kero, metho, milko, muso, rego, servo, smoko, speedo, righto, goodo etc.
* You know that there is a universal place called "woop woop" located in the middle of nowhere...no matter where you actually are. *
* You know that none of us actually drink Fosters beer, because it tastes like shit. But we let the world think we do. Because we can.
* You have some time in your life slept with Aeroguard on in the summer. Maybe even as perfume.
* You've only ever used the words - tops, ripper, sick, mad, rad, sweet - to mean good. And then you place 'bloody' in front of it when you REALLY mean it.
* You know that the barbecue is a political arena; the person holding the tongs is always the boss and usually a man. And the women make the Salad.
* You say 'no worries' quite often, whether you realise it or not.
* You understand what no wucking furries means.
* You've drank your tea/coffee/milo through a Tim Tam.
* You own a Bond's chesty. In several different colours.
* You know that roo meat tastes pretty good, But not as good as barra. Or a meat pie.
* You know that some people pronounce Australia like "Straya" and that's ok.

* And you will forward this list to other Australians, here and overseas, realising that only they will understand.

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Unearthly #2
Release Date: 17th January 2012
Pages: 403
Book Source: HarperCollins & NetGalley

Synopsis: For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

My Thoughts:

Many of you know how much I loved the first book in this series UNEARTHLY, it made my favourite read list for 2011 so I was beyond excited to receive automatic approval from HarperCollins and get a copy of HALLOWED and I'm pleased to say it didn't disappoint. 

Hallowed is quieter than Unearthly, it focuses on relationships but with the same unputdownable, mesmerising quality of the first book. It's a book to be savoured! 

In Unearthly I was team Tucker all the way; I loved that Clara followed her heart with Tucker, exercised her free will to make a choice that was possibly at odds with her 'purpose'. But in Hallowed you can feel the internal war raging between Clara's angel side and her human side so I forgive Clara her fickleness. I'm almost as torn as she is over Tucker and Christian. 

“Your hair smells like wind, did you know that?" 

Yep, me and Tucker, smelling each other. 

"This isn't going to become one of those creepy situations where you show up at all hours of the night to watch me sleep, is it?" he asks playfully. 

"Every moment I'm away from you, I die a little," I say in return. (giggle giggle)

I confess I have a love/hate thing going with Christian, he's good and constant and caring, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous and compassionate but it did grate that he's so assured and just a teensy bit arrogant. I guess I'm still Team Tucker??

Secrets are slooooowly revealed in Hallowed, (patience is not my virtue) there's finally more disclosure from Clara's mother Maggie. Revelations abound surrounding the unique angel lore, but I have almost as many questions as answers provided. I'm drooling at the prospect of the next book but at least we're not left dangling over a precipice. Much appreciated Ms Hand :)

Hand's prose is still breathtaking, Hallowed is sweet and tender and heart-breaking ... and I cried. Books that induce tears (not of the frustration kind) earn my seal of approval. Three words emotion, emotion, emotion!

 

The US cover is the one I've used at the top but I have to say my favourite is the Aussie cover, followed by the UK. How 'bout you?

Aussie cover

UK cover

Visit Cynthia Hand's website to find out more.

 Want to see my gushy review of Unearthly ~ click on the title

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :) 

What a busy, fun week. I had my niece stay for a few days, we saw The Adventures of Tin Tin at the movies, did some baking and spent quite a bit of time cooling down in the pool. Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes on FB or my blog, I had a fantastic day on Sunday for my birthday but it was a whole weekend of laughs with my sister and family down to help celebrate. See my post Happy Birthday To Me for some of the crazy photos :)

Wanted to share the lovely photos we got at dinner on Saturday night. I can't wait to scrapbook these!

Mike & I

my sister and I

my niece and I

Callum and my niece

I finished 2 books last week (YAY me) and we are camping for a few days this week over Australia Day so I hope to have lots of reading and relaxing time. Tomorrow I'm looking forward to spending the day with my bestie Alaine.

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Giveaways:

Audiobook copy of Cinder by Marrisa Meyer

~ enter here. You know how much I loved it!

Birthday Trilogy by Brian Rowe - enter here. Ends 27th

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I posted reviews for: (click on title)

SISTER PACT by Ali Ahearn & Ros Baxter ~ Sisterhood Survivor style; a fun read.

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Finished last week:

THE CROWN by Nancy Bilyeau ~ fast paced historical

HALLOWED by Cynthia Hand ~ loved it! 

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This Week's Reading List: 

BY THE KING'S DESIGN by Christine Trent ~ page 25

NEVER EIGHTEEN by Megan Bostic

EVERNEATH by Brodi Ashton

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Reviews Still To Do:

UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi (scheduled this week)

Happy Birthday To Me :)

What a birthday weekend ... family, fun, food, laughs and pressies :) 

I've had the most wonderful weekend, Mike and I had dinner @ Kabuki on Friday night, a Teppanyaki restaurant in the city where I managed to catch the egg and the fried rice thrown at me. Scrumptious food and lots of laughs. 

Then Saturday night we had a family dinner with my sis and her family at a great Chinese restaurant, followed by a hilarious photo session! We were actually trying for nice photos but the timer kept going off early on the camera so we just started mucking around. It probably didn't help that we had a number of the totally delicious frozen strawberry daiquiri's pictured above.

Sunday, my actual birthday (44 today) was spent relaxing by the pool eating BBQ'd ribs, watermelon and birthday cake!

Callum and the birthday girl :)

Callum & Bella

Just a few of the pressies I got; eyeore slippers, a pewter Tudor spoon, very cute owl earrings and USB iPad to camera connectors. I also got a voucher for a spa pedicure, (can't wait to use that one) photo frames and Mike bought me some beautiful jewellery ... very spoilt I am.

and I'm looking forward to spending Tuesday with my bestie Alaine :)

Giveaway: Cinder by Marissa Meyer ... Woot Woot

Synopsis: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Cinder is also available on audiobook from Macmillan Audio. Click play on the clip below to listen to an excerpt.

I loved Cinder so enter the giveaway to get your hands on a copy of this "unique, fantastical and weirdly awesome" book :)

GIVEAWAY: 

One audiobook copy of CINDER by Marissa Meyer to one lucky reader of my blog thanks to the wonderful folk at Macmillan Audio. US Only sorry :(

*You must comment on my review of Cinder and let me know.

*Leave a comment with an email address or ensure you're contactable via your blog

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+2 post about this give-away on twitter or your blog & leave a link.

Competition is open to US readers only. Ends January 31st and the winner will be announced on my blog. Good luck everyone!

Sister Pact by Ali Ahearn & Ros Baxter

Genre: General Fiction
Release Date: May 2012 
Pages: 384
Book Source: HarperCollins Australia & NetGalley

Synopsis: Two sisters. One reality TV show. A million reasons to play nice.
Two very different sisters. Once inseparable, they have long been estranged after an unimaginable betrayal.

Organised and uptight Frances married the only man she'd ever slept with. But no one told her that seven years later she'd be having sexual fantasies about everyone from the pizza delivery guy to Denis Thatcher. Scatterbrained animal-lover Joni never knew she was so attached to her kneecaps until she thought she might have to say goodbye to them forever.

After their beloved grandmother--a game-show addict--dies, they discover that they have each been left one million pounds in her will. The kicker is that they can only inherit if they participate as a team in a gruelling reality TV programme, Endurance Island.

They can survive the jungle. They can survive the humiliating challenges. But can they survive each other?

My Thoughts:

Sisterhood Survivor style! The joys, trials and tribulations of sisterhood are addressed in this light, fun read about estranged English sisters from the pens of Aussie author sisters Ali & Ros.

Joni and Frances haven't spoken in over 7 years but during the filming of reality tv show "Endurance Island" in Australia the sisters' gradually let their guard down; vulnerabilities are exposed, truths uncovered and trust regained.

I totally adored recovering drug addict Joni's irreverent sense of humour and potty mouth and elegant, uptight Frankie's determination and protectiveness. I was also quite the fan of rodent Des ... as unlikely as it is for a ferret to make the flight from the UK to Australia, in a bra, under the influence of rodent valium ... who cares, he was a welcome addition to the cast of characters.

Implausible ... possibly, corny ... occasionally but the pace worked for me and I sat back and enjoyed the laughs and escapism. Pick this one up if you like 'family' issues served up with humour and a big helping of adventure.

I'd love to do an author interview with Ali & Ros; so if you're reading this girls, shoot me an email :)

PS. The 1st January anticipated release date for Sister Pact has been changed to May 2012. I hope to secure an author interview and post a link to this review closer to the new release date.

About the authors:

Ali and Ros are sisters who are as close as they are different. Ali married the first boy she ever loved. Ros tried to remember the name of hers the other day and gave up and had a chocolate bar instead. Ali thinks everything will work out. Ros thinks everything will get found out. But for all their differences, they are fiercely close and desperately proud of each other. Nothing feels real until it has been spoken aloud to the other. They both love to talk, laugh and write, preferably over a bottle of bubbly and something coated in chocolate. They both live in Brisbane. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :) 

After a stinking hot start to the week, 34-36 degrees celcius, the weekend brought welcome respite and some rain. I spent a lovely day with best friend Alaine, and Cal, Mike and I all enjoyed the movie, The Descendants starring George Clooney. 

This week will be super busy and fun, I'm having my niece stay for a few days, it's my birthday on Sunday  and we have family coming to stay and I'm trying to read more than one darn book per week LOL ... not doing too well.


Yesterday I put up a post titled Across the Miles ... about one small book Bonjour 40 and how a love of blogging and reading has closed the distance between friends and places on the other side of the world ~ check it out.  

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Giveaways:

Birthday Trilogy by Brian Rowe - enter here.

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I posted reviews for: (click on title)

THE DEMON LOVER by Juliet Dark 

CINDER by Marissa Meyer

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Finished last week:

UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi ~ awesome dystopia 

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This Week's Reading List: 

THE CROWN by Nancy Bilyeau ~ almost done!

BY THE KING'S DESIGN by Christine Trent

HALLOWED by Cynthia Hand

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Reviews Still To Do:

SISTER PACT by Ali Ahearn & Ros Baxter - review scheduled this week.