Beauty by Sarah Pinborough | Sexy Adult Romance Fairy Tale Retelling

Beauty
Sarah Pinborough
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Story Retelling
Age Group: Adult (Adult Themed Content)
Publication Date: 17th October 2013
Number of Pages: 208
Source: Author

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Beauty is a beautifully illustrated retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story which takes all the elements of the classic fairytale that we love (the handsome prince, the ancient curse, the sleeping girl and, of course, the haunting castle) and puts a modern spin on the characters, their motives and their desires. It's fun, contemporary, sexy, and perfect for fans of ONCE UPON A TIME, GRIMM, SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN and more.

See my review of the other books in this series, Poison & Charm.

After reading Poison & Charm earlier this year, I was waiting with baited breath for Beauty to be published in October. Thankfully, the months pasted quickly and I was able to launch myself into Beauty and devour Sarah Pinborough’s writing again in another gorgeous fairy tale retelling with lots of twists.

Beauty didn't disappoint in my expectations and I was absorbed into the fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast mixed with Rapunzel with added snippets of Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. I love how easily the fairy tales are mixed together and added with the saucy and sexy elements. An added element within Beauty, although somewhat mildly within the other books, was a ‘dark side’ and I loved how this story took on an American Horror Story-esque nature.

The different take on Beauty and the Beast in this book was also refreshing to read and I welcome other authors to think of writing something so creative with an existing story, especially well-known fairy tales. Maybe only comparable in my mind is Marissa Meyer’s YA series, The Lunar Chronicles – see my review of the series so far.

The whole series can be read in order, out of order or just as stand-alone books and that’s the great thing about this series. The books are intertwined ever so slightly and certainly I’d recommend reading Posion before Charm (unlike myself who read it the other way round – it did not however ruin the story for me) because of the epic reveal at the end of Charm. Beauty however in my personal opinion is a prequel to Poison - aspects of the story swayed me to think this however I’m not sure whether this is accurate. Either way this series is incredible and if you are looking for an adult sexy romance fairy tale retelling, these are the books for you!

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau | A Dystopia Thriller Book Review

The Testing (The Testing #1)
Joelle Charbonneau
Genres: Dystopia, Sci-fi, Romance
Age Group: Young Adult
Publication Date: 1st August 2013
Number of Pages: 384
Source: Borrowed from my local library

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Sixteen-year-old Cia Vale is honoured to be chosen for The Testing – a series of exams set by the United Commonwealth that selects the brightest young adults to become leaders of their war- stricken world. But when candidates start disappearing and Cia witnesses unimaginable horrors done in the United Commonwealth’s name it becomes clear that these are no ordinary exams, and Cia is forced to realise the truth: this is no longer about winning, but surviving.

Skulk by Rosie Best | Urban Fantasy YA Book Review

Skulk
Rosie Best
Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Horror
Age Group: Young Adult
Publication Date: 1st October 2013
Number of Pages: 387
Source: Netgalley (Published by Strange Chemistry)

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When Meg witnesses the dying moments of a shapeshifting fox and is given a beautiful and powerful stone, her life changes forever. She is plunged into the dark world of the Skulk, a group of shapeshifting foxes.

As she learns about the other groups of shapeshifters that lurk around London – the Rabble, the Horde, the Cluster and the Conspiracy – she becomes aware of a deadly threat against all the shapeshifters. They must put aside all their enmity and hostility and fight together to defeat it.

London's true essence portrayed and paired with fantasy elements that perfectly match it's urban setting.

Skulk was truly one of those fantastic books that you only come across every so often. It was gripping and gruesome, and kept you guessing as to who the bad and goods guys actually were. The London setting within this book was perfect as it portrayed London's tourist, business and 'upmarket' areas brilliantly as well as showing the other side of London through its gritty back alleys and run-down tube stations. 

The main character, Meg, is also not your typical YA heroine. She's a curvy, food-loving graffiti artist from the luxurious and expensive Kensington in West London. Her mother, a Member of Parliament, would be mortified if she knew her daughter roamed the streets at night painting graffiti art on the side of bridges or run-down buildings but Meg (aka Thatch) has high aspirations of becoming as well known in the underground graffiti scene as her idol, E3. 

As Meg is out one night painting graffiti on her school's wall, she encounters an injured fox carrying a gem-like stone in its mouth, but what shocks Meg more is when the fox turns into a naked man and utters the words 'the fog' as his last words. What fog? What's the significance of this gem-like stone? A fox turns into a man? What the f***? All these questions are answers throughout the book and as more twists and turns are thrown at Meg (and us as the readers), we learn more and more about the shape-shifting world and how Meg fits into it all. 

My favourite aspect of this book is the seamless joining of all the 'normal' London elements with the urban fantasy elements. I mean shape-shifters whose animal shapes are foxes, spiders, ravens, rats and butterflies - these are all such British, especially London, creatures and not the most luxurious ones at that. It this true sense of London mixed with such realistic urban fantasy elements that makes for such great world-building within this book. I mean evil pigeons- perfection - name me one British person who likes pigeons? 

I strongly recommend this book to everyone, whether you're British or not, you will no doubt love this book!

Poison & Charm by Sarah Pinborough | Adult Romance Fairytale Re-telling Book Review - Video

Poison
Sarah Pinborough
Genres: Fairytale, Supernatural, Fantasy, Romance
Age Group: Adult
Publication Date: April 18th 2013
Number of Pages: 202
Source: Borrowed from my local library

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A beautiful, sexy, contemporary retelling of the classic Snow White fairy tale, illustrated by Les Edwards.

Poison is a beautifully illustrated retelling of the Snow White story which takes all the elements of the classic fairy tale that we love (the handsome prince, the jealous queen, the beautiful girl and, of course, the poisoning) and puts a modern spin on the characters, their motives and their desires. It's fun, contemporary, sexy, and perfect for fans of Once Upon a Time, Grimm, Snow White and the Huntsman and more.

Charm
Sarah Pinborough
Genres: Fairytale, Supernatural, Fantasy, Romance
Age Group: Adult
Publication Date: July 18th 2013
Number of Pages: 224
Source: Borrowed from my local library

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Charm is a beautifully illustrated re-telling of the Cinderella story which takes all the much-loved elements of the classic fairytale (the handsome prince, the fairy godmother, the enchanted mouse, the beautiful girl and, of course, the iconic balls) and puts a modern spin on the characters, their motives and their desires. This is fun, contemporary, sexy, and perfect for fans of Once Upon a Time, Grimm, Snow White and the Huntsman and more.This edition contains 15 original pen and ink illustrations by Les Edwards.

The Prince - A Selection Novella | Book Review

The Prince - A Selection Novella
Kiera Cass
Genres: Dystopian, Romance, Young Adult
Publication Date: March 5th 2013
Number of Pages: 64
Source: Bought from Amazon Kindle UK Store

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Before thirty-five girls were chosen to compete in the Selection...

Before Aspen broke America's heart..

There was another girl in Prince Maxon's life...

The Selection has been one of my favourite books that I've read during 2013 and as I put off reading The Elite so that the wait for Book 3 in 2014 is not too long, I decided to download and read The Prince which is an accompanying short story to the series. I wasn't expecting much from The Prince as most of the novellas I've read seem to be hit or miss/ good or bad. I was however pleasantly surprised by The Prince though and enjoyed reading scenes from The Selection in Prince Maxon's perspective. I'm not sure I quite warmed to Prince Maxon in this story the same as I did within the first book but it was good to understand that life isn't simple for him and that he is completely confused by his feelings. A definite recommended read for any The Selection fan.

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & The Olympians #1) | Book Review

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & The Olympians #1)
Rick Riordan
Genres: Fantasy, Supernatural, Young Adult
Publication Date: April 1st 2006
Number of Pages: 375
Source: Borrowed from my local Library

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Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school... again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus' master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect

Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus' stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves. 

The Percy Jackson series had been recommended to me so many times and people were almost shocked when I said I had never read it. It's one of those series that I hadn't really heard about until the first movie came out and then more and more people were telling me to read the book and then watch the movie. Well I finally caved and picked up the first book from my local library - it was one of those amazing finds when you least expect it situations and I took it as a sign that I finally need to start the series. And boy, I can't believe it's taken me this long to start reading it.

The Lightning Thief is a fast and entrancing adventure novel following Percy and his not-quite-ordinary friends Annabeth and Grover. I really enjoyed Percy and Grover's characters however I didn't quite 'warm' to Annabeth's - I just felt her character was there for the sake of having a girl. I loved the Greek mythology element to this story and it was this element that kept my constant interest throughout the story. This book was such a quick and easy read, and was the adventure journey was written so quick-pasted that it kept my attention glued and yet still gave me all the descriptions and details that I craved. A fantastic read for all ages, fully worthy of it's 5 star rating. I've already reserved the second book at my local library.

Viral Nation - Shaunta Grimes | Book Review

Viral Nation (#1 Viral Nation)
Shaunta Grimes
Genres: Young Adult, Dystopia, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction
Publication Date: July 2nd 2013
Number of Pages: 320
Source: Netgalley

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After a virus claimed nearly the entire global population, the world changed. The United States splintered into fifty walled cities where the surviving citizens clustered to start over. The Company, which ended the plague by bringing a life-saving vaccine back from the future, controls everything. They ration the scant food and supplied through a lottery system, mandate daily doses of virus suppressant, and even monitor future timelines to stop crimes before they can be committed. 

Brilliant but autistic, sixteen-year-old Clover Donovan has always dreamed of studying at the Waverly-Stead Academy. Her brother and caretaker, West, has done everything in his power to make her dream a reality. But Clover's refusal to part with her beloved service dog denies her entry into the school. Instead, she is drafted into the Time Mariners, a team of Company operatives who travel through time to gather news about the future. 

When one of Clover's missions reveals that West's life is in danger, the Donovans are shattered. To change West's fate, they'll have to take on the mysterious Company. But as its secrets are revealed, they realize that the Company's rule may not be as benevolent as it seems. In saving her brother, Clover will face a more powerful force than she ever imagined and will team up with a band of fellow misfits and outsiders to incite a revolution that will change their destinies forever. 

Read the Viral Nation excerpt: http://www.goodreads.com/reader/36883-viral-nation?return_to=%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F15985355-viral-nation

This book was an incredible read from start to finish - I was truly warped into this world and cheering on the good guys to win.

This book throws you straight into its bleak world within the prologue as we experience Clover and West's mothers death and a doctor with the virus suppressant knocking on the door just a moment too late. From then on in, we are constantly told of West's experiences of growing up and looking after his autistic sister, Clover, whilst their father is an executioner within the largest city left within America, Reno. As West and Clover have been on their own since their mothers death, they have understandably formed a significant bound between the two of them and this was portrayed extremely well within the book.

As we journey through the story through the eyes of Clover for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about her autism and her constant struggle to remain calm and control her behaviour. I felt that Clover's autism made her character more interesting and her behaviour in certain situations added to the chaos of the post-apocalyptic world and the dystopian theme. I thoroughly enjoyed Mango's character as well, Clover's dog,  as he thoroughly certainly understands Clover and helps her to control her behaviour and thoughts. Clover's and Mango's relationship is a well crafted human and pet relationship which adds to the story rather than just being part of it - I love the cover with depicts the pair too.

As the story develops more and more characters are added and love interests emerge. I'm not keen on the romance within this book as the two relationships are a bit rushed and they seem to appear out of nowhere and then characters are all of a sudden 'I can't live my life without you now'. Luckily this didn't take away from the story and I just saw them as 'good friends' as nothing really happens between anyone anyway. I imagine more of these 'love interests' will be made within the books to follow as I can already imagine how this story may develop - I'm keeping my fingers crossed for lots of action between the good guys and the bad guys ^_^

The best aspect of this book for me personally was the world building and as a sucker for all things dystopian this book did not disappoint. I also loved the elements to this story: deadly disease spreads across America (no mention of rest of world - what happened to us Brits?); everyone must have a daily suppressant to keep the virus at bay; time travel- the suppressant was found within the future and brought back to save humanity; the present keep use information in the future to stop all crime before it happens; and lastly a revolution is beginning and those who aren't necessarily suspected are the one's leading the revolt.

Overall Viral Nation was a incredible dystopian novel and one I was very glad to have read. I am extremely excited to see what develops within the second book. I just need to know now how long it's going to be until I can get my hands on it ^_^

Stitch | Book Review

This review contains no spoilers and no reference to events or character information that may ruin your reading pleasure.

Stitch
Samantha Durante

Book 1 - The Stitch Trilogy

Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa's body screams at her to run... but yet she's powerless to move.

Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence. In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees - and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell - Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless. But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.

Because what Alessa hasn't figured out yet is that she's not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university's idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface...

The opening installment in a twist-laden trilogy, Stitch spans the genres of paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi to explore the challenges of a society in transition, where morality, vision, and pragmatism collide leaving the average citizen to suffer the results.


Recommended for those who enjoy:
dystopias, The Hunger Games, Divergent Trilogy, Dollhouse, overcoming unequality, friendships, strong revelations, love, romance, teen romance, challenging the law

Cold Tea and Crumbs rating:  ★★★★★


My thoughts:

Over to you:

Have you read Stitch, what did you think of it? Enjoyed reading it or disliked it?

City of Ashes - Mortal Instruments Series | Book Review

I attempt to not include spoilers and references to events and important character information in any of my reviews, however please be aware that the video does make reference to the end of this book. A link is available to skip this section of the video.

City of Ashes
Cassandra Clare

Book 2 - The Mortal Instruments Series

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go - especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil - and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings - and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.


Recommended for those who enjoy:
supernatural, demons, vampires, werewolves, monsters, humour, gothic teen novels, teen romance, blossoming love, discovering a 'forgotten' past, fantasy fiction

Cold Tea and Crumbs rating:  ★★★★★


My thoughts:

Over to you:

Have you read City of Ashes, what did you think of it? Enjoyed reading it or disliked it?
Who is your favourite character and what was your favourite scene?

The Selection | Book Review

This review contains no spoilers and no reference to events or character information that may ruin your reading pleasure.

The Selection
Kiera Cass

Book 1 - The Selection Series

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself-and realises that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.



Recommended for those who enjoy:
love, romance, humour, teen romance, blossoming love, diversity across classes, royalty, fashion, bitch-fights, love triangles, 'bettering yourself', challenging the law,

Cold Tea and Crumbs rating:  ★★★★★


My thoughts:
First off lets discuss what this book is in a nutshell.

1) A contest - Hunger Games-esque, however must less survival orientated and rather about 'winning' the heart of Prince Maxon. America the lead character however, does get drawn as a 'selected' from an extensive number of people and a television programme camera crew does follow all the 'goings on'. Also got to add that the character Gavril who is the presenter in The Selection reminds me very much of the presenter, Caesar Flickerman, in Hunger Games. #justsaying

2) Huge makeovers a la America's Next Top Model. Need I say anymore?

3) The Bachelor-esque scenerio - Every 'Selected' girl is trying to win the heart of Prince Maxon and of course some girls have their claws out ready to win the prize at any cost!

So with those three references detailed, I have to say that this book was a winner in my eyes! I thoroughly loved the idea and concept of this book and felt like it translated into such a fabulous read. I love all the characters and obviously loath Celeste - as everyone does I'm sure ^_^

The struggles within this book are described so clearly, in particularly America's relationship with Aspen - who is of a lower caste than her.  It really makes you champion for 'equal rights' for all, meaning that America should be able to choose who she wants to fall in love with and also how she decides to spend her time. Her profession is already chosen, the country is forbidden to learn the history of the region, a strict curfew is imposed for everyone by the law, teen 'love, romance or sex' is forbidden and the punishment is death. It's no wonder that rebels are uprising across the country.

With rebels attacking communities across the land, even the royal palace, this book makes you question everyone's motives and if they are hiding something or if they're involved with the rebels. Aspen? King Clarkson? Silvia? Marlee? Celeste? This first book really sets a fantastic scene for the ongoing story of who will Prince Maxon choose for his Princess and the country's Queen, the 'will they won't they' scenario with America and Aspen, and the ongoing dilemma posed by the rebels. But how will the story develop in The Elite (Book 2) and beyond, I guess there is only one way to find out. ^_^

Over to you:

Have you read The Selection, what did you think of it? Enjoyed reading it or disliked it?
Who is your favourite character and what was your favourite scene?
Do you distrust anyone? Who? Why?

City of Bones - Mortal Instruments Series | Book Review

I attempt to not include spoilers and references to events and important character information in any of my reviews, however please be aware that the video does make reference to the end of this book. A link is available to skip this section of the video.

City of Bones
Cassandra Clare

Book 1 - The Mortal Instruments Series

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a body has died. or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....



Recommended for those who enjoy:
supernatural, demons, vampires, werewolves, monsters, humour, gothic teen novels, teen romance, blossoming love, discovering a 'forgotten' past, fantasy fiction

Cold Tea and Crumbs rating:  ★★★★★


My thoughts:

Over to you:

Have you read City of Bones, what did you think of it? Enjoyed reading it or disliked it?
Who is your favourite character and what was your favourite scene?

The Iron Butterfly Series | Book Review

This review contains no spoilers and no reference to events or character information that may ruin your reading pleasure.

The Iron Butterfly Series (Book 1 & 2)
Chanda Hahn

Book 1 - The Iron Butterfly

Imprisoned, starved and left with no memories, Thalia awakens to find herself at the mercy of an evil cult known as the Septori. Their leader has chosen Thalia as the test subject for a torture device of untold power, designed to change and twist her into something that is neither human nor Denai.

Escaping, Thalia finds an unwilling warrior to protect her and an unlikely Denai to befriend her. After find a home at the Citadel as a servant, Thalia's worst nightmare comes to life and she begins to show signs of power. Scared and unable to control her gifts, she tries to hide her past to fit in among the Denai. But the Septori want their latest test subject back and will stop at nothing to retrieve her, dead or alive.

Book 2 - The Steele Wolf

After finally settling into her new life at the Citadel, Thalia is reunited with her father, who is disturbed at the changes within her. Risking banishment, Thalia must work to prove to her clan and herself that she is still capable of leading them. The problem is, her memories haven't returned, and she cannot shake the feeling that she doesn't belong.

Thalia discovers that betrayal runs deep within her clan, just as she sets out to join Joss and Kael in doing the one thing she fears most: track the Septori to save Joss' kidnapped sister. Along the way, she must confront her own fears on a journey of self-discovery that will take her deep into the stronghold of Denai; as they travel to the ancient floating city of Skyfell.



Recommended for those who enjoy:
teen novels, teen romance, supernatural becomings, blossoming love, survival stories, fantasy fiction, discovering lost memories

Cold Tea and Crumbs rating:  The Iron Butterfly = ★★★★☆  The Steele Wolf = ★★★★★

My thoughts:

Over to you:

Have you read The Iron Butterfly or The Steele Wolf, what did you think of it? Enjoyed reading it or disliked it? 

Beautiful Darkness | Book Review

Please be aware that this is the second book in a series. I attempt to not include spoilers and references to events and important character information in any of my reviews, however it is recommended that you have read the first book in the series, Beautiful Creatures, before reading this review.  Check out my review for Beautiful Creatures.

Beautiful Darkness
Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Book 2 of 'The Caster Chronicles' series

Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harboured ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen. 

Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems.


Recommended for those who enjoy:
gothic teen novels, teen romance, supernatural becomings, blossoming love, 'coming of age' transitions, freedom from being stuck in one place, fantasy fiction

Cold Tea and Crumbs rating:  ★★★★★


My thoughts:
Firstly, to sum up this book in one word it's 'WOW'. Continuing off where Beautiful Creatures (Book 1 in 'The Caster Chronicles') finished, this story grabbed me by about chapter 3 and I was hooked from then on in. To say that this book is miles better than the first is an understatement!

Following on from Lena's not quite so sweet sixteenth birthday and it's saddening end, Lena is understandably not the best company to be around, especially for Ethan, who just wants to support her and get her through this difficult time. Poor Ethan though, everything he does seems to be wrong and it's made all the more worst when John Breed turns up in town, hot on Ridley's heels, and seems to be manipulating Lena to ignore Ethan and spend her time with him instead. With her looming 'Claiming' now scheduled for her seventieth birthday, Ethan is worried about Sarafine's plans and if she'll succeed in turning Lena 'dark'.

When the trio (Lena, John and Ridley) go off in search for the Caster's Paradise (a place where Lena can truly be herself around others who too are 'different'), Ethan is shortly in tow fearing the worst for Lena as he is weary of John and his 'abilities' as well as Sarafine. With his friends there to help, Link and new character Liv, he quickly discovers more about the Caster tunnels that are below Gatlin and beyond and also uncovers more about his mother and her past within the Caster community.

Overall this book was a fantastic read, with so many different twists and turns. If I were to even mention one of them it would ruin the book for you. Some story developments were predictable but the one's that weren't had be gobsmacked and needing time to process the delicious surprise my brain had just discovered. Undeniably, a book worthy of 5 stars!

Over to you:

Have you read Beautiful Darkness, what did you think of it? Enjoyed reading it or disliked it?
Have you read any more of the series, do they continue to get better or does the story peak with book 2?