The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Series: Hunger Games Book 1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Copyright: October 2008
Pages: 374
Book Source: Own Purchase

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

I bought this book not long after it was released based on a zillion rave reviews then left it sitting on my bookshelf, every week making promises to read it (sad I know.) Well, I can now say I'm sorry I waited so long, the rave reviews were spot on. The Hunger Games is amazing! Exciting, fast-paced, unusual, violent, suspenceful, sad, unputdownable - I read it overnight!

A 'last man standing' fight to the death, for 24 tributes (competitors), and if that's not brutal enough, the tributes are children aged from 12 to 18 and the event is broadcast to all districts for compulsory viewing. Survival depends not only on the physical and mental skill of the tribute but on their audience appeal. Likeability equals life-saving gifts from sponsors. Sound unbelievable? Well, Collins' writing is masterful making this a riveting read, completely believable and absolutely addictive.

District 12's tributes for The Hunger Games are Katniss and Peeta. Katniss makes a compelling narrator, she's spirited, courageous, smart, compassionate and formidable with a bow and arrow. Peeta, the baker's son has some unusual skills that are completely under-rated, his relationship with Katniss is complex and I loved the way it evolved. Collins does a brilliant job developing characters you truly care about and wrapping them carefully in this gripping story.

But it's not all kill or be killed, the fight to survive is tempered with humanity & compassion. Subtle attempts are made to thwart the system. Bravery, sacrifice, helplessness, and hope are all rolled together with some touching moments, the scene with 12 year old Rue and the gift from District 11 had me all teary.

The Hunger Games earns its place as a "keeper" on my bookshelf, it's one of the best YA books I've read and one of my favourite reads of 2009. If you're one of the last people on the planet to read The Hunger Games ... HURRY!!

One of the bonuses of waiting so long to read The Hunger Games is that I had the sequel, Catching Fire to continue immediately on with and I have to tell you I was not disappointed (review up soon.) Now I just have to wait for the last installment in this fantastic trilogy. Visit Suzanne Collins' website to find out more.

To celebrate my 1st Blogoversary two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in this month's spookalicious competition. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls Book 1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 392
Book Source: Own purchase

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Loved it, Loved it, Loved it! I was completely and utterly mesmerised by this hauntingly beautiful love story, I laughed, I cried and I didn't want it to end. Maggie Stiefvater has a gift, and that gift made "Shiver" feel real.

Written in  a beautiful, lyrical style, Stiefvater has created a unique world with her werewolves. Put away all your pre-conceived ideas of werewolves, the wolves of Mercy Falls are refreshingly different. Temperature brings on their shift, and they remain in wolf form for the winter. Their human personality is reflected in the wolf they become but that is all it is, a reflection, humanity is shed, names and memories are all but forgotten.

I loved Grace and Sam's alternating first person narration, it gave a sense of intimacy and perspective not often experienced in paranormal stories. Sam is gentle, sensitive, protective and sweet and his backstory is heartbreaking. Grace is strong, smart & independent, in an understated way, and she's also fiercely loyal and protective of her wolf. Grace and Sam are intensely vulnerable, and the overwhelming sense of "time running out" adds to the poignancy of their blossoming relationship.

She waited to change, and I waited to change, and we both wanted what we couldn't have.

I fell in love with both Grace and Sam and found myself yearning for a happy ending. The cast of secondary characters, Beck, Olivia, Isabel, Jack are all wonderfully drawn and they play an integral part in the story.

This isn't an adrenaline-infused, kick-ass ride, it's a wistful, romantic, bittersweet read with an undercurrent of suspense and unease that kept me captivated for the entire book. A beautiful blend of relatable characters, a slow almost sensual pace and a page-turning read, a truly magical combination. This is one of those stories that leaves you with butterflies in your tummy and tears on your cheeks and weeks later it makes you sigh as you remember the beauty.

The sequel "Linger" cannot come soon enough ~ July 2010 everyone!!

"This trailer was created by Maggie with hundreds of paper cut-outs and multiple photographic frames per second. Music composed & performed by Maggie Stiefvater & Kate Hummel."

And for some exciting news: Unique Features (associated with Warner Brothers) have acquired the film rights to "Shiver" - the Wolves of Mercy Falls on the big screen, I can't wait!

For the latest Maggie Stiefvater news visit her website or live journal or blog The World According To Maggie.

This month on The Eclectic Reader one lucky reader can win The Running Vixen OR Shadowland OR Captive of Sin. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

The Help by Kathryn Stockettt

Copyright: 2009

Pages: 464

Genre: General fiction

Book Source: Own audio

Be prepared to meet three unforgettable women:

Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen’s best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody’s business, but she can’t mind her tongue, so she’s lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed. - book cover

My Thoughts: 

I listened to The Help on audio and have to say it was one of my favourites of the year. Voices are captured brilliantly by 3 different narrators and I was completely captivated for 18 hours. Whilst I love reading, it is a rare experience with audio to have such an emotional connection to a story and the characters, almost like I was part of the experience, a participant rather than an observer. It transported me to a time and place and shared experiences with me that I had little knowledge of, and I found myself in turn, outraged, amused and saddened. The Help tells the story of a white woman, secretly compiling an account of the real-life experiences of coloured women working for white families, in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 60's.

Skeeter Phelan is a forward thinking, highly educated young white woman and aspiring author, who believes there is more to life than bridge, Junior League and the shallow prejudices shared by many of her peers.  A 'bathroom initiative' to further segregate coloured maids in their employers' homes spurs Skeeter to tell the story that needs to be told.

As Skeeter explains "Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought."

Aibileen and Minny are maids employed by Skeeter's 'friends'. Together they form an unlikely trio, sharing a common bond & cause as they attempt to bring the help's stories to publication. I loved Minny's outspoken character and found myself sympathising with her emotional outbursts that frequently got her fired. Aibileen is wise and kind, she's raised and loved 17 white children throughout her life and Mae Mobely is no exception. Aibileen's relationship with this little girl is touching and heartbreaking as she attempts to impart values of love, tolerance and acceptance to her young charge.

 "You is kind. You is smart. You is important."

"I want to yell so loud that Baby Girl can hear me that dirty ain't a color, disease ain't the negro side of town. I want to stop that moment from coming--and it come in ever white child's life -- when they start to think that colored folks ain't as good as whites"

The Help is a story of hope, of love and friendship, of inequality and injustices, it's a story of courage, the courage to do what is right in the face of adversity & ostracism. It's a poignant, funny and enlightening read that I cannot recommend highly enough.

Visit Kathryn Stockett's website to find out more about this wonderful new voice in fiction. 

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Series: Night Huntress Book 1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Copyright: 2007
Pages: 358
Book Source: Own Purchase

Flirting with the grave...
Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father--the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner--are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her new found status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat - http://www.jeanienefrost.com/

Marry me Bones?? I kid you not I've found a new leading man in the hottest vampire popularity stakes. I cannot believe how long I've waited to start this series (what was I thinking) and I'm now devising ways to inhale the rest of the series so I'm up-to-date with all the Cat & Bones action!

This is one action packed ride as we follow Cat from lone amateur vampire slayer to kick-ass partnership with master vampire Bones. But Halfway to the Grave has so much more than action, this urban fantasy has plenty of laugh out loud moments, hilarious one-liners, a big helping of romance & quite a few steamy scenes where I was seriously at risk of self combustion.

Cat isn't your typical heroine, and I loved that about her; she's moody, brooding, sarcastic, wields a mean stake and has a tough outer shell shielding a vulnerabilty that's believable. Cat doesn't really fit in to either of the world's that have produced her and the complicated relationship with her mother stems mainly from her mother's hatred of all things 'vampire' including Cat's half 'dark' side.

"I'm saying that I'm a moody, insecure, narrow-minded, jealous, borderline homicidal bitch, and I want you to promise me that you're okay with that, because it's who I am, and you're what I need." ...

"Would you mind repeating that?" he said at last, another emotion replacing the strain on his face. "I'm afraid I might have lost my wits altogether and just hallucinated what I've longed to hear."

Bones, *sigh* hot, hot, sexy, leather-clad Bones. Tough, protective, romantic when it counts, sexy British accent & irreverant, sarcastic humour. The scenes where Bones trains Cat not to react to 'dirty-talk' are seriously blushworthy and if your heart isn't racing when Cat & Bones get it on, then you must be dead. I love the fact that it's the hero trying to get the heroine to accept and embrace her vampire side instead of the other way around & I absolutely adore the tender but humourous dialogue between Bones & Cat "Let's go, Kitten, before you kill someone else." "How about I let you floss with my jugular as well?"

Another *sigh*, did I mention I love Bones ...

So if you're like me and a little late getting on the Cat & Bones' bandwagon, take my advice and wait no longer. This is without doubt a new favourite series for me, Jeaniene Frost is uber awesome and she guarantees readers who stick with the series, will see Cat & Bones get a HEA. I'll leave you with these final words from Bones:

"If you run from me, I'll chase you. And I'll find you." ooh please!

Visit Jeaniene Frost's (yes that is her real name) terrific website & blog to find out more about this author and her work.

This month on The Eclectic Reader you could win Fire by Kristen Cashore OR Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick OR Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

The Last Queen by C W Gortner

Genre: Historical Fiction
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 400


Synopsis: In this stunning novel, C. W. Gortner brings to life Juana of Castile, the third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, who would become the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country’s throne. Along the way, Gortner takes the reader from the somber majesty of Spain to the glittering and lethal courts of Flanders, France, and Tudor England.

Born amid her parents’ ruthless struggle to unify and strengthen their kingdom, Juana, at the age of sixteen, is sent to wed Philip, heir to the Habsburg Empire. Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her dashing young husband, and at first she is content with her children and her married life. But when tragedy strikes and she becomes heir to the Spanish throne, Juana finds herself plunged into a battle for power against her husband that grows to involve the major monarchs of Europe. Besieged by foes on all sides, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it costs her everything.

My Review: 

Loved it, Loved it, Loved it! The Last Queen wins a permanent place in my bookcase, it's definitely a keeper! I've been in a bit of a historical fiction reading rut lately & C W Gortner's amazing tale of Juana of Castile lifted me out of that rut and straight onto the 'hot tamale' train.

In The Last Queen we are given a fresh perspective on the life of Juana, daughter of Queen Isabel & King Ferdinand of Spain and sister to Catalina otherwise known as Catherine of Aragon. At 16, she is betrothed to Philip of Flanders, heir to the Hapsburg throne and so begins an arranged marriage to improve Spain's political alliances. Juana & Philip's first years together are passionate and happy but following the death of her brother, sister and nephew, Juana becomes heir to the Spanish throne throwing her into a dangerous power struggle with her scheming husband.

C W Gortner’s portrayal of Juana in first person is extremely perceptive and moving. I was completely enthralled by the story, pulled in from the very first page and left stunned by the betrayal, cruelty & tragedy of Juana’s life. I like to think that rather than a descent into madness, this strong, courageous and passionate woman was maligned by her detractors to encourage prejudice and misunderstanding that has remained through the ages.

Surrounded by advisors loyal to Philip, manipulated and betrayed by her husband and then the father she adored, separated from her children, imprisoned, beaten and threatened, I see only reasonable and justifiable behaviour by a woman determined to secure the succession for her sons. Ok, and maybe a few emotionally distraught displays and flashes of temper but hey under the circumstances!!

Throughout the story I railed at the treachery of Archbishop Besancon & Cisneros of Spain and cheered on those few who gave their loyalty to Juana; Beatriz, Soraya, Lopez and the admiral, unfortunately their bravery alone was not enough to defeat men hungry for power.

Superb attention to detail, rich descriptions and a heartwrenching story of one woman’s dauntless courage make this an absolute must read. I truly cannot wait for this author’s next novel about Catherine de Medici.

To learn more about C W Gortner visit his website or blog ~ Historical Boys

Be sure to join me tomorrow for an interview with C W Gortner and giveaway of THE LAST QUEEN

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Genre: General Fiction
Copyright: July 2008
Pages: 278

Synopsis: January 1946: writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. And so begins a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name - Guernsey Literary Website

Review:

In one word, this book is enchanting. I am going to be very honest and give myself a wrap on the knuckles for being terribly shallow & horribly impatient because when I first started listening to Guernsey on audio I thought 'good grief - how boring' (at that stage I could not have listened to more than 2 minutes.) Minutes later I was berating myself; just goes to show, first impressions can in fact be very wrong.

I hope my review does this wonderful story justice.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a unique story of love, friendship, courage, heartbreak & literature, set on the island of Guernsey (in the Channel Islands) and written as a series of letters.

When Juliet unexpectedly receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, resident of Guernsey and member of the literature society new friendships are formed along with an idea for a new book. As correspondence between Juliet & Dawsey expands to include other members of the literature society, Juliet is captivated by the stories of life on Guernsey during the Occupation and of friends connected through a mutual love of literature and the trauma of war.

"I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers. How delightful if that were true." - from Dawsey Adams to Juliet

“That’s what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you onto another book, and another bit there will lead you onto a third book. It’s geometrically progressive – all with no end in sight, and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment.” - from Juliet to Dawsey

The character's have an authenticity that makes them feel like old friends, I shared their sorrows and joys, laughing out loud, sniggered in places, & at times I sat with tears rolling down my cheeks.

Juliet, Dawsey, Sidney (Juliet's editor), Amelia Maugery, Elizabeth & Kit McKenna, Isola Pribby, Eben Ramsey are portrayed with such humour and colour, they capture your heart, staying with you, like part of your family, long after the story is finished.

It was obvious that this beautiful story was written from the heart with a warmth and vividness that has me reserving a special place in my heart for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Mary Ann Shaffer passed away in February 2008. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was her debut novel completed with the help of her niece Annie Barrows.

The movie rights for Guernsey have been snapped up by an unusual partnership: Hollywood producer Paula Mazur (Nim's Island) and Florida bookstore owner Mitchell Kaplan.

PS. this is an absolutely brilliant story on audio, if you have the opportunity to listen to it, then take my word for it ~ do so.

The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson

My Rating: 5 stars
Published: 2008
Pages: 465

I am in AWE! The Gargoyle was in turn, horrifying, fascinating, disturbing, enchanting, unpredictable & touching.

The story begins with the horrific car accident of the nameless narrator; a cynical, amoral, drug-addicted porn star & producer. In an alcohol & drug-induced haze the narrator drives his car off a cliff & is burned beyond recognition. The resulting horrors are so visceral my own stomache rolled & churned but believe me if you persevere with the graphic imagery you will be richly rewarded.

While recovering in the burn unit the narrator plans his suicide in detail. His self-depreciating & sardonic view of life adds an element of dark humour to the story. During his long hospital stay we meet Marianne Engel, a sculptor of stone Gargoyles & presumably the narrator's lover 700 years ago. We learn of Marianne’s early life as a monastery-raised orphan in 14th century Germany, her meeting with our narrator as a wounded and badly burned mercenary, then of their life together.

As this seemingly impossible tale unwinds Marianne weaves further tales of deep love and loss... Sei the Japanese glassblower, Siguoor the Swedish Viking, Francesco the Italian welder, & Vicki the sea-widow. Haunting, magical stories that touched my heart and left me wanting more. The story & the characters stayed with me each time I put the book down, calling me back, mesmerising me. I loved the writing, the literary symbolism, the breath-taking imagery.

The Gargoyle is a story of redemption, the story of a man drawn back to life & love. It is a story of recovery & personal growth through the process of 'stripping away'. It is a story of a woman's love that transcends time.

"I believe that every remaining beat of my heart belongs to you, and I believe that when I finally leave this world, my last breath will carry your name."

I wanted my review to reflect this mesmerising tale, to do the story justice but I know longer think that's possible. This is one you really must read yourself.

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Psy-Changeling #1
Publication Date: 
Pages: 345
Book Source: Own purchase

Synopsis: Nalini Singh dives into a world torn apart by a powerful race with phenomenal powers of the mind-and none of the heart.

In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of "rehabilitation" - the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was...

Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy coexistence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice-cold Psy is very capable of passion - and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities - or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation...

My Thoughts:

This book seriously blew me away - a paranormal suspense/romance with a kick-butt edge to it (and if you could possibly want more, a serial killer) - my recipe for a perfect book. 

Nalini Singh has come up with an innovative plot, creative & complex without being complicated. I loved getting to know the fascinating psy/changeling world. 

The Psy population have supposedly been conditioned to feel no emotion, through the use of a program called 'Silence', however this does not prove to be true for all Psy. With powers including telepathy, telekinesis & foresight the Psy consider themselves far superior to Changelings. 

The PsyNet is the network that connects all Psy, provides Psy feedback and ensures their survival. The changelings are both animal & human with traits of both and in 'Slave to Sensation' leopard packs & wolf packs are the predominant changelings. 

The characters are marvellously developed, Sascha Duncan is a powerful Psy cardinal and Lucas Hunter is panther Changeling, the Alpha of the DarkRiver leopard pack. The relationship between these two develops around the hunt for a serial killer; a Psy murderer who is slaying Changeling women. Sascha is drawn to the warmth & affection of the pack and truly believes that not only is she flawed but because she is 'feeling' her slide into insanity is escalating. 

The chemistry between Sascha and Lucas is sizzling and this reader certainly appreciated the HOT scenes and the HOT male characters. 

I want my very own panther with 'skin privileges' but I guess I'll just have to settle for reading the next in Nalini Singh's series 'Visions of Heat'