Follow Friday #10 and TGIF #7

Since last Friday at Nomalicious Reads

Reviews: Spider's Bite (Elemental Assassin #1) by Jennifer Estep and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
Fun Stuff: In My Mailbox, Waiting on Wednesday: Illuminate by Aimee Agresti and the giveaway winner of Half Blood: Savanna!
Congratulations!

I just want to quickly thank everyone who entered my giveaway of Half Blood, you all rock! Stay tuned for my next giveaway! Which wont be far away!

TGIF: Banned Books: How do you feel about the censorship of the freedom to read? Do you think the education system needs to be more strict on what children are exposed to in books?

I think that there are certain books children shouldn't read till they are a certain age, yes. But I don't think that books should be banned outright (for being to magical etc.), it's pretty ridiculous if something banned in a primary school is still banned once you've moved on to high school. All depends on the book I think. The age and maturity level of the person reading it also comes into play, as well as what they like.

Follow Friday: What book that hasn't been turned into a movie (yet) would you most like to see make it to the big screen, and who would you like cast as your favorite character?
I've said this in a previous Friday post, but I'm not too big on books turned movies, but I'll give this a go...

Haha well, if Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake wasn't YA I would seriously scream say Jensen Ackles for Cas.

Because they are both awesome.

Might have to seriously think about this some more. I don't really read books thinking 'oh this movie star would be AWESOME for this character' Cas is really the only character in a book that made me think of an actor (a younger version, but still the only one).

Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Pages: 387
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Doubleday
Published: September 13th 2011
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Goodreads:
The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is like rich dark chocolate, you either gobble it down really fast, or savour it slowly bite by bite.

Well at least that's what it was like for me.

At times, I found myself not being able to take my eyes off the page, other times I would put it down for a few minutes or longer, then come scurrying back to the simply FANTASTIC world the Erin Morgenstern created.

I don't think that I can write a review to give justice to this amazing book and all the feelings and emotions that were evoked from me, but I'll give it my best shot.

Tantalizing prose, a wide cast of characters, never knowing what the next page will reveal: Is just some of the many exciting things awaiting you in The Night Circus. I'm guilty of not being too fond when the Point Of View hops from one character to the other (it has to be done extremely well to satisfy me), I was pleased that Morgenstern did this with a touch of intrigue that seemed almost effortlessly done, as she jumped around different times as well as different POVs.

It was amazingly thought out and executed. I will advise everyone who hasn't read this masterpiece, that when you do (you know you want to!); note the year and sometimes month with each chapter, so you understand what's going on, sometimes it will be a chapter in the past and sometimes the future.

One would think that with so many characters and so many things going on, The Night Circus would be confusing and difficult to read... it isn't at all! Morgenstern's writing flow's and everything melds well together, you'll find yourself falling in love with many, if not all, of the character's that you meet.

Erin Morgenstern made me want to go to the amazing night circus, that appears out of nowhere; has mysterious secrets and many places to explore. I loved the concept of more than one big round tent and how you could just walk around discovering new things. I would love to visit a circus like Le Cirque des Rêves one day - with or without all the magic!

The Night Circus is definitely being added to my top favourites this year, and of all time. If you haven't read this yet, make sure you do! You wont regret it!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern gets:



Giveaway WINNER of Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

The lucky WINNER of this fantastic AMAZING book *drum roll* is...

Savanna entry #376!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

I've sent you an e-mail and if you do not reply within 48 hours I'm sorry to say I'll be announcing a different winner. :(

I'll also be announcing a different winner if The Book Depository does not ship to your country. :(

Hopefully all will be well! Congratulations once more!

Thank you very much to all the other people who entered my second giveaway! My third giveaway won't be far behind, so stay tuned!

Waiting on Wednesday: Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that fellow bloggers can't wait to get their hands on!

Release Date: March 6th 2012 
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit.

As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?

I can't wait to read this. I think it sounds magical, intriguing and full of fun mystery and bad guys that will give you a chill! Definitely be looking forward to this one in 2012!

In My Mailbox #5

Since last Sunday at Nomalicious Reads:

Reviews: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T Michelle, Lucky Girl by Cate Lord, Emerald by Karen Wallace and Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep.
Fun Stuff: Waiting on Wednesday: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood and Follow Friday and TGIF!

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY: Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout!  4 Days left to enter!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

This week was another quiet one:

This week we have a monster dog named Luna that has decided to take over my bed (no I didn't get her in the mail), the weather is absolutely horrible today and a big storm is raging outside, so she likes to stick close and keep warm.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: I'm just about to start reading this, I'm surprised I've been able to hold off from doing so for as long as I have. I'm so excited to read this, it sounds fantastic and everyone is raving about it. I love the cover, and when you take of the slip, the hardcover is beautiful! The inside is done very well also.

As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott: I adore this cover, its so unique, the synopsis didn't really grab me, but it sounds interesting, so I'll be looking forward to starting it either way.

So, what did you fellow readers get in your mailbox this week?

Review: Spider's Bite (Elemental Assassin #1) by Jennifer Estep

Goodreads:
My name is Gin, and I kill people.

They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South -- when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way -- good or bad. I may look hot, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I'm battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction...especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

So, I'm a big fan of Jennifer Estep's Mytho's Academy series (my review of Touch of Frost), which is YA. So when I was looking for a nice new adult paranormal series, that I would enjoy; I ran across Spider's Bite on Kindle for only $1.79, which I immediately bought and devoured.

Spider's Bite had the right amount of sass, sexy, murder and mystery, to lure you into it's web, waiting to find out what will happen next!

Gin - like the alcohol, is a tough bad ass assassin named: Spider. She will be quick about cutting your throat if you cross her, or hurt the people she cares about.

Finn, was hilarious I just love him, and the steamy Donovan is just oh so yummy.

Jennifer starts off by hurling us straight into Gin's world while she is in the middle of a job and things just escalate from there. 

Her deadly assassin skills and unique magic powers as a reluctant elemental; Ice and Stone magic, made me love Gin even more.

Then Jennifer ends the book with Gin's past coming back to haunt her, just when she least expects it. It was a great twist for the end of book one, and had me diving into Web of Lies as soon as I could.

Jennifer Estep did a fantastic job, I really enjoyed this series, (probably not as much as my wild screaming inner fangirl for Mythos.. but) I'll be eagerly lifting one book after the next either way! (currently on number four - so good)

Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep gets:

Follow Friday #9 and TGIF #6

Since last Friday at Nomalicious Reads

Reviews: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T Michelle, Lucky Girl by Cate Lord and Emerald by Karen Wallace.
Fun Stuff: In My Mailbox and Waiting on Wednesday: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood.
INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY: Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout!  5 Days left to enter!

TGIF: Reading Challenges: Did you sign up for any this year? How has your progression been?



Since Nomalicious Reads is only a few months old, I missed out on a lot of great challenges this year, but I did sign up for: 100 books in a year, hosted by Book City Chick (because I was doing this on goodreads, and no deadline was required to sign up.)
Only 5 books left to go!

I'm looking forward to 2012 for more challenges!

Follow Friday: Do you have a favorite series that you read over and over again? Tell us a bit about it and why you keep on revisiting it?Another great question this week! I have heaps!
Ella Enchanted - not a series, but one of my all time favourite books!
The Study Trilogy by Maria V. Snyder - I love this series and probably have re-read poison study (the first book) a LOT!
The Circle: Gift and Dreamer by Melaina Faranda - these bring back early teen memories, I read them so many times because I found them so magical (she's an Australian author).
The Harry Potter series is another, it's what got me into reading. Also the Deltora Quest series by Emily Rodda.
Almost forgot to add Tamora Pierce's Trickster's Choice and Queen!

I could probably go on and list a lot more, but I think I'll stop here, until I remember some more!

Any big reading plans for this weekend everyone? I hope to finish off The Beginning of After and get stuck into The Night Circus! 

Review: Emerald by Karen Wallace

Goodreads:
Emerald St. John is in trouble. She has been condemned to marry a man she hates. Her enemies are conspiring to have her pet bear Molly torn apart in the baiting pits, and the man she loves is far away on the high seas. And she has stumbled into a web of spies with a plot to poison Queen Elizabeth I. To save herself and the kingdom, she must beat the spies at their own game - which means transforming herself from a country girl into a Court lady. Can she do it in time? Set against a detailed and vivid recreation of a great Elizabethan manor house, EMERALD will bring to life a world where the most sophisticated rules of etiquette went hand in with brutality and superstition.

I was excited when I saw the beautiful cover and then read the synopsis for Emerald by Karen Wallace. There aren't many (English-Regency) Historical Young Adult books out there, so I couldn't contain myself from buying this when I discovered it.

I really enjoyed it, My only problem with it was that it seemed to be very fast paced, it would have been even better if it was spaced out a bit more, but I wont complain, it was still great.

Emerald is a fantastic character, she is smart, strong and gentle. Watching her transform from a country bumpkin into a graceful and beautiful strong woman of the Elizabethan court, who would do anything to save those that she loved and her country, was definitely worth the read.

Karen Wallace did an amazing job, not only did she manage to weave a fantastic tale of romance, mystery, intrigue and scandal, but also created fantastic characters, that you'll love, some that you hate, and even some that you'll hate at first and then come to love.

I'm not sure that I can say anymore without giving anything away, so you'll have to pick up this book to discover more! Its definitely worth the read!

Emerald by Karen Wallace gets:

Waiting on Wednesday: Born Wicked

Everyone be sure to check out my International GIVEAWAY of Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout: here. Only eight days left to enter!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that fellow bloggers can't wait to get their hands on!

Release Date: February 7th 2012
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Goodreads:
A Great and Terrible Beauty meets Cassandra Clare in this spellbinding fantasy!

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

I should probably have waited to at least Janurary to post this as my WoW, but I can't help it. I only heard about this book this week, and I can't wait to buy it already!

I love witches, historical, A Great and Terrible Beauty, and Cassandra Clare (even if at times I want to stab some of her characters).

The synopsis and beautiful cover dragged me in, and now I'll be eagerly waiting for February to HURRY UP!!

Review: Lucky Girl by Cate Lord

Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: September 5th 2011

Goodreads:
Jessica Devlin isn’t looking for love. Heartbroken after being dumped by her unfaithful ex-fiancé, she’s determined to have a fabulous time during her vacation in England where she’ll be maid-of-honor at her cousin’s wedding. After working overtime as beauty editor of Orlando’s O Tart magazine, avoiding dating, and putting on ten pounds, Jess is ready to toss her past like an empty lipstick tube and party like a single gal.

But when she steps into the church on her cousin’s wedding day, she sees the one man who could sabotage her plan—James-Bond-gorgeous Nick Mondinello. She’s never forgotten the London marketing exec who held her in his arms after her beloved grandfather’s funeral two years ago. Ambitious, and lusted after by women everywhere, Nick is completely wrong for guarded, Plain Jane Jess.

Could Spy Man Nick ever fall for her? Nope. Not unless Jess is one lucky girl.

Lucky Girl by Cate Lord isn't the best book in the world, but its a nice light and funny read - with its definite yummy moments.

The heroine of this tale is Jessica Devlin, an American girl in England for a couple weeks on holiday for her cousins wedding. Its pretty much an American version of Bridget Jone's Diary - well it seemed that way to me.

Jessica was an amusing and fun character to read about. Although at the start of the book she seemed like a shy mousy office girl, but when she gets to England the shy mousy office girl we were introduced, suddenly transforms into a wanton sex goddess, determined to get down and dirty with any available sexy man she can get her hands on.

Her manner of speech, is a bit strange also: one minute shes a thirty year old sexy woman, and next she transforms into a teenage girl, saying things like: "Troy. Oh, my gosh, how are you?" which honestly, made me cringe.

I have a question for everyone in America.. hell even England; Do you guys seriously call alcohol 'plonk' ?? (eg: "definitely cheap plonk." and "time to get my plonk on" was used a lot, in various different ways) I want to know if anyone says it, or it was just created for Jessica's quirky character.

Nick was extremely sexy and I thought that he was great character.

Don't let my silly issues with this book turn you off reading it, because it did have its good moments, and its hilarious ones also, I really enjoyed Jessica's humor. It was a fun heart-warming read overall.

One of my favourite quotes from the book:

"Nick seems like a decent guy," I sad. "Intelligent. Sexy as sin. I  bet most of the women in this room would toss their panties to have a chance in his bed." "Um... Jess." Charlotte's voice sounded odd. I raised my gaze from the drinks. Uh-oh. Butt-to-the-blazing-fire uh-oh. Nick stood in front of me. He'd been right behind us in the line, accompanied by two of the ushers. How had I not realised he was there? "Um, hi," I squeaked. His mouth eased into a lopsided grin. "Panties, huh?"

Lucky Girl by Cate Lord gets:

Review: Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T Michelle

Only 99c on Kindle @Amazon! Limited Time!

Goodreads:
Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate…until she dreams a future she can’t ignore.

After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.

Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past.

Brightest Kind of Darkness is definitely the kind of book that you want to curl up in bed with on a stormy winter night... or any night really. It doesn't really matter, because either way, you'll step away with a great feeling of: heart-warming fuzziness and an intriguing shock worthy end that you wont see coming.

Which, will naturally. Leave you reeling for more.

P.T Michelle draws you into the pages of Brightest Kind of Darkness with mysterious events, strong, lovable characters, as well as ones you just want to punch the daylights out of.

Nara was a great character, I think it would seriously suck having seen your whole day in dreams, and although this may make you think that it will be a very predictable read... it's not. Watching Nara struggle with her diminishing powers was great.

I was so wrapped up in the feelings this story evoked that I was overjoyed and even scared at times for Nara, gripping my kindle hoping that everything would be okay in the end.

After Nara stops following the rules and stops a bombing, fate decides to hit her hard. One of the good things that comes of this is: Ethan.

That boy sure is yummy! Not only does he have the yummy factor down, he is so sweet and kind, making me want to give him a great big hug, yet manages to effortlessly pull off the sexy bad-ass card at the same time.

Sign me up for a slice of him!

Disasters, impending doom, mysterious powers, family secrets, an action packed grip to your seat ending, with a very delicious boy. If you haven't read Brightest Kind of Darkness yet... DO IT! You know you want to! (especially while its cheap on amazon - link above!)

I'm DYING to find out what happens next - especially with Ethan, Daddy dearest and lots of other delicious events that unfolded right near the end.

Some questions where answered, but there are plenty more to discover! P.T Michelle you did an AMAZING job.


Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T Michelle gets:

In My Mailbox #4

This week at Nomalicious Reads

Reviews: Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart, Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake and Bloodlines by Richelle Mead.
Fun Stuff: Cover Reveal of Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Waiting on Wednesday: Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Follow Friday and TGIF.

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY: Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout! 11 Days left to enter!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

This week was a quiet week compared to the last two weeks!

Vanish by Sophie Jordan: I'm pretty excited to read this, but I might wait a while before diving into it.

Emerald by Karen Wallace: I loved this, wasn't the best book in the world but it was a nice light read, and very enjoyable! Look forward to my review possibly later this week!

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan: Very excited! This looks great.

So what did you get in your mailbox this week everyone!?

Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Goodreads:
When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

First off, was I the only one who looked at this cover and thought, 'wow massive re-growth? about Sydney's hair? (its just a shadow.. but still!) Or that our fun, playboy Adrian looked like he was about to go party in the 1800's? Or was it just me? Other than that, I quite like the design... just think that the models could have been displayed better.

I was never a big Adrian fan, I liked him as a character, but not for Rose. So I was a bit skeptical about reading this novel. I shouldn't have been though, I warmed up to him straight away. His first entrance was hilarious and I immediately thought ooh this is going to be good.

I was right, it was damn good.

On another note, I was one of the sick people out there, that wanted Adrian x Jailbait and Sydney x Eddie... I can't say how glad I am that I've seen the light, my thoughts have been changed. Since pretty much the first page.

Why? Because Sydney is awesome.

I really, really want to a closer look at a Dhampir x Moroi relationship, so I'm going to be waving my flag quite vehemently for Jill and Eddie.

My thoughts on Sydney and Adrian: Absolutely brilliant, I wasn't too sure to begin with; I love Sydney and watching her slowly let her stiff hair down in this series is great and is just going to get better! Every turn of the page, her character develops... into someone who is going to be absolute pure awesome, and definitely kick-ass.

I cannot WAIT to see the end results.

Adrian as always, is a hoot. love his witty lines, layered with sarcasm. Especially when he is sparring with Sydney - so much chemistry!

There's one line when Adrian mentions something along the lines of: 'trust me I know age difference' referring to Dimitri and Rose, which had me cracking up - even though I love them.

I loved a look into the Alchemists world, and can't wait to find out more in that area as the story unfolds in upcoming books.

Everyone strap yourself in, Richelle Mead is going to take us all on another thrilling, mouthwatering ride in Bloodlines, I cannot WAIT to get my hands on The Golden Lily in June 2012!

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead gets:

Follow Friday #8 & TGIF #5

This week at Nomalicious Reads

Reviews: Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart, Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake.
Fun Stuff: Cover Reveal of Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Waiting on Wednesday: Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout, In My Mailbox.

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY: Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout! 12 Days left to enter!

TGIF: Book Disappointments: Have you ever come across a book you were so stoked to read, but it failed miserably in your eyes?


I think its inevitable, when you read so much, that yes you will come across a few doozies. Hmm now if only I can remember which ones.
Angelfire was one of them, I loved it, so don't think I'm hating on it. I was just expecting something spectacular and although it was good it let me down somewhat. Only because I had such high expectations.


Follow Friday: It's that pesky magic book fairy again! She has another wish: What imaginary book world would you like to make a reality?

Hmm this is a good one.

I think Maria V. Snyder's Study Series would be a great world to live in. As well as any Tamora Pierce book! So many that I would like to be real, but I wont bore everyone by listing them all.

Oh but I will also mention Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody.. I would love to be a beastspeaker!

Review: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Release Date: August 30th
Publisher: Tor Teen

Goodreads:
Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

I knew Anna Dressed in Blood would be good, what I didn't know is that it would be: (As everyone on my twitter and goodreads know) ABSOLUTELY GOBSMACKINGLY AMAZING!

Anna Dressed in Blood has EVERYTHING I love meshed into it's pages, leaving me reeling for more, more, MORE! Including amazing cover art!

I hate comparing books with other books, movies or television shows; but I'm going to be bad and do it here. Cas reminded me a lot like a young version of Dean Winchester. (Supernatural is one of my favourite tv shows) He just had this excellent, yummy, smart-ass witty attitude that comes across as careless; but we all know he's really deep on the inside.

That wasn't the only thing which drew me into its pages that Kendare created, but also: the raw emotions that were evoked. I can barely note them all down, it was deliciously creepy one minute, deep and meaningful the next, chillingly romantic and also had its hilarious, light and funny moments.

Any book with references to Ghostbusters, Back to the Future and The Smurfs  - even in jest is going to be one of my favourites.

Kendare created such a bright and flavourful cast of characters, I just wanted to gobble them up. (not in a creepy Obeahman way either)

Anna: was AMAZING (wont go into too much detail in order not to spoil).
Carmel: was a pleasantly feisty surprise.
Thomas: I just want to hug him. He was a great; smart, savvy and trustworthy sidekick for Cas.

As the ending slowly crept up, I found myself clinging to the book, enraptured in the events slowly unfolding. I didn't want to put it down. I didn't want to finish. But, I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.

I wish Girl of Nightmares (Anna Dressed in Blood #2) was out now! but I'll have to be patient and wait until sometime next year to see what Cas and his new friends will get mixed up in next!

I'm also very eager to find out more about Gideon. (the (god)father figure in Cas's life) Also about Cas and his ancestor's blood bond with the trusty athame! Although even without these things, Girl of Nightmares will surely be an equally chilling read either way.

I don't think that I can do this book justice with how good it is, and how much I loved it.
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake is proving to be my favourite read this year, if you haven't got your hands on this masterpiece yet, I highly recommend you to run to your closest bookstore/library at once!

Kendare Blake is an author to watch out for!

One of my many favourite quotes: "Is this like how the smurfs say they smurfing smurfed all the time?"

Absolutely nomalicious.