Definately not a Fledgling anymore!: Prodigy (Shapeshifter Chronicles #2) by Natasha Brown

The ending if this book was incredible - I did not see that coming at all!!

The characters were also really well developed and I was easy to get a sense of what they were feeling. If anything I would have liked to have found out a little more about Balam but that's just a personal feeling.

I loved Brown's description of the jungle and forest areas which really made you feel you were there.

Really do give this a go you wont be disappointed, but make sure you read the first one first!!

ONE SENTENCE: Definately worth a read

Passion, Betrayal, Jealously: Happy Ever After by Adéle Geras

Really enjoyed this book!

The characters included in this book were more than loveable and the stories interlinked beautifully. No stone was left unturned at the end and I was not left wondering about what happened to whats-his-face-who-went-to-london.

The stories were well re-told and still kept their fairytale theme, whilst maintaining a certain level of modernity, which was very refreshing.

I hope to read more in future from this author!

ONE SENTENCE: Reminisce (with childhood) and refresh with new twists on classic tales

Beautiful Story: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Beautiful Creatures is a book I decided to read based on a recommendation by a friend and I was not disappointed.

The book is set in the rural south of America and although I am not American I still found it easy to relate to the 'small town feel' that Garcia and Stohl convey. The characters have very obvious focus points and it is not difficult to find yourself 'routing for the underdogs' and 'booing the bad guys' within  the first couple chapters.

The supernatural element has obviously well researched by Garcia and Stohl but sometimes an air of 'unlikeliness' does tend to cloud the brain. However it is not over complicated and although some of the scenes in Ravenwood make one think of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast', the storyline is strong.

By the end of the novel, I came to feel satisfied although some of my dying questions had not come to be answered. Hopefully, book two: Beautiful Darkness will answer some of these questions I am dying to know.

I would summarize the book as simply 'worth reading even if it is just for the experience'.

Adam and Eve? Eve and Adam?! - Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate

Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate is a fantastic read.
I decided to read this book, having read the 'Gone' series by Michael Grant and BZRK which is also by Grant and having decided I would test the waters of this Grant and Applegate collaboration. It was worth it.
The book involves a complex semi sci-fi plot which Grant and Applegate pull off flawlessly. Characters are well built and easy to relate to and no one can find a flaw in the psychological scenario the pair have created. The book is probably suitable for those aged 13 years or upwards, but trust me adults will love it just as much as kids!
With no signs of stress and strain or inconsistencies pulling at the pages, what Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate have delivered is simply brilliant.

Fledging the Nest: Fledgling by Natasha Brown

The relationship created by Natasha Brown in 'Fledgling', between Chance and Ana is very realistic, not like those created by authors set to Stephanie Meyer and LJ Smith. Relationship develops a reasonable rate, not too quick, not too fast, as the story progresses. However the relationship is very exciting in the beginning but lags slightly as the book advances, until the critical moments arrive.

Ana is a lovely character and highlights, how difficult it is doing normal things (that we take for granted) can be, for those with heart problems and other difficulties.

Chance's character does not fully develop until the end but this encourages the reader to read on and find out more about him.

The supporting characters create a feel of normality and emphasise the problems that families with children who have medical difficulties face.

Without giving too much away, the supernatural element of the novel is very good and obviously well thought out. Although the idea is not entirely original, Brown has done well to make it her own.

The atmosphere created by Brown out this book is commendable. It is as though a kind of warmth is seeping through the pages.

Making her Mark: Useful Idiots by Jan Mark

Useful Idiots by Jan Mark is a very thought-provoking read and challenges the reader to develop their own points of view as the book progresses.

The small old English nursery rhymes were a lovely touch which put the reader more in touch with Merrick and the Oysters. I was not totally sure what their overall role was but this is the feeling that I got.

The Useful Idiots characters were well developed and it is easy to understand the story from the points of view of each character. However, the character of Turcat, in my opinion, was slightly misleading and by the end of the book I was confused about his personality. My favourite character was Amandine because she had apersonality that everyone can relate to, everyone has a friend like Amandine. Her character was painted beautifully. In each character, Mark has left enough space for the reader to include their own personal ideas and fantasies.

The climax comes quite late in the book and although parts of it are slightly predictable it remains exciting and keeps the reader reading. I found Shepherd's role in the climax ha rd to believe as my original reaction to him did not fit with this. On the other hand, Frida's part fitted perfectly with the nature of her character.

Setting in this book, I think, is the key to its success. Mark uses different descriptive words, some unusual, for example, 'dense insanitary velvet'. This really brings alive the futuristic nature of the book and feelings of the characters towards our present day culture. The setting makes this book what it is.

Laura's 'Adventuring' Again!!

Check this out on AMZN: Laura Marlin Mysteries 3: Kentucky Thriller http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1444000225/ref=cm_sw_r_an_am_ap_am_gb?ie=UTF8

Out on 6th August