Saturday 31 October 2015

Spooktober: MONSTER BLOG TOUR

Blog tour time! Monster is the perfect Halloween read, and I'm the lucky blogger who gets to tell you aaaaallll about it on Halloween itself! This is scheduled, because as you're reading this....I'm probably watching Sleepy Hollow/Addams Family/Ghostbusters etc and stuffing my face with Candy Corn and Halloween doughnuts. Because ya know.....Halloween. So, back to Monster....



Look at that cover. Isn't it pretty? And kinda creepy. So. What's Monster about? Well, sixteen year old Nash ends up trapped at her boarding school, Bathory, over Christmas due to her brother's disappearance. But she's not alone, she's joined by some of the school's finest misfits. There's a blizzard raging outside but it's not all cosy Christmas vibes. There are strange goings on in the school. Legends of the Beast of Bathory, a big cat rumoured to roam the moors surrounding the school, are the talk of the school. Then the Matron goes missing. Evidently something much darker is at play here, and they'll have to stick together to survive. 

Sounds cool right? I knew you'd think so!
As part of the blog tour, I've got a post for you guys, from the author herself! I hope you've enjoyed the rest of the tour! Now,  check out the authors Halloween appropriate article....


When I was a kid, all you had to do was play the opening bars of Peter and the Wolf or show me a picture of the Headless Horseman in the Disney book version of ‘The Legend of Ichabod Crane’ and I’d be a jabbering wreck for weeks. But now, as an adult, I know these things cannot hurt me. Bring it on, Wolfie. Get stuffed, ya headless freak. I know you are not real. I know my own strength. I have rational explanations for both of you and you will not destroy me. Mwah ha haaaaaa!
I thought I was indestructible when it comes to fictional fears. I was wrong.
Every now and again, something will pop up on TV or film that I can’t rationalise my fear of. It will lurk behind doors. Try to grab my ankles as I’m diving into bed. Appear in my nightmares, asking me if I know a quick way to the station. Seriously.
I’m passing these scary Marys onto you now. I don’t want them anymore. I want my life back. WARNING: the following article contains images of strange walks, people with sticky-up hair and toy dogs that some readers may find distressing.

Thomas Dolby – my older sister Penny had the 7inch version of this song and if she ever wanted to get me out of her room, all she had to do was ‘get Thomas Dolby out’ and I’d scarper for hours. The cover features Dolby in a wide-eyed pre-Jedward-hair-raiser pose with a violin. The threat of this mother effer living in my sister’s vinyl stack kept me awake pretty much all through my entire childhood.


Luther – Stuff on TV nowadays is pretty samey, wouldn’t you say? No. Luther is not samey. The beasts Luther has to deal with on a weekly basis scare the behemoth out of me. Licky cops. Men hiding under the beds of unsuspecting women. Female psychopaths. This programme makes me want to emigrate to a country where its writers do not live.


Killer Bob from Twin Peaks – Again, I blame my sister Penny for this one. She was a massive Twin Peaks fan and the mere sight of this demonic dude lurking in the corner of some room or at the foot of some bed was enough to weld me to the spot with terror as a kid. Again, thank you for the nightmares, Penny.


The Creeper from Jeepers Creepers – I know it’s not real. I know humans can’t do what the Creeper does. I know he lives far away from me in America and is wearing a lot of make up but HOLY SHIT WHAT IS HE DOING ON THAT SCHOOL BUS? 


The Descent – potholing + white Gollum-like creatures screeching and hiding in shadows underground = CJ Scared. I went to the cinema and saw this movie ALONE. AT NIGHT. I should have got a frickin medal.


Pipes from Ghostwatch – something else my sister made me watch (okay, I wanted to watch) when I was 12. It was a mockumentary which actually seemed very real, all about a family plagued by a spirit called ‘Pipes’ who had the appearance of Uncle Fester. He kept popping up, subliminally, throughout the show. Standing in front of the curtains. Speaking through the daughter. Banging on the ‘pipes.’ Wet the bed for decades over this.


The Exorcist – Freaky walks also scare the bejeezus out of me. She’s doing a crab walk down the stairs for eff’s sake. I mean, a CRAB WALK. DOWN. THE. STAIRS. What is THAT?!


The Silence of the Lambs – repeat after me: I will never ever EVER help a guy get his sofa into the back of a van. I do not care if his arm is broken. I do not care if his back hurts. I do not care if he has an uber cute doggie. Keep. Bloody. Walking.


Pet Sematary – one word: Zelda. Forget the undead animals and spine-tingly music and creepy location. Just: Zelda. #holdme



The Woman in Black – As well as the freaky walk thing, I’m also scared of rocking chairs that move of their own accord. That is just the highest form of ridic and I can’t handle it. I’ve had enough now. Get me out of here. I need my bott-bott and blanky and a cuddle with my mumma.



Friday 30 October 2015

Spooktober: Horrorgami


Love Halloween? Are you a creative type person? Then I have the book for you! Horrorgami. It.Is.Awesome! It's origami, but not just any origami.....it's scenes of a Halloween-y nature! We're talking Dracula's Castle, Frankenstein's Lab and many more. I mean....we've all wanted our own creepy castle right?! 



The book is full of beautiful images of what your scene should look like, mine didn't look quite that.....perfect, shall we say. I'd have taken photos but mine don't really measure up! There are 20 to choose from, and each comes with an anecdote from the creator, which makes interesting reading and prompts some of your own memories. 


Each scene has a tip to go with it, to give you a helping hand, which is great if you've never done this before. Much like me! 


There are easy to follow, step by step instructions to guide you. Each step has a photo to accompany it. Along with all this, each scene also has a difficulty level so you know which one is good to start with as you build up your mad paper folding skills. I nearly started with an intermediate one, which would not have ended well for me. At all. 


I would definitely recommend this if you're looking for some fun this Halloween, or ya know....any time. Let's be honest, I won't limit doing this to Halloween time! 


Thursday 29 October 2015

Good Omens


Good Omens
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy 
Source: Copy courtesy of the publisher! 


There is a hint of Armageddon in the air. According to the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (recorded, thankfully, in 1655, before she blew up her entire village and all its inhabitants, who had gathered to watch her burn), the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. So the Armies of Good and Evil are massing, the four Bikers of the Apocalypse are revving up their mighty hogs and hitting the road, and the world's last two remaining witchfinders are getting ready to Fight the Good Fight. Atlantis is rising. Frogs are falling. Tempers are flaring, and everything appears to be going to Divine Plan.
Except that a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon are not particularly looking forward to the coming Rapture. They've lived amongst Humanity for millennia, and have grown rather fond of the lifestyle. So if Crowley and Aziraphale are going to stop it from happening, they've got to find and kill the AntiChrist (which is a shame, really, as he's a nice kid). There's just one glitch: someone seems to have misplaced him.

I love Neil Gaiman books and I also love Terry Pratchett books...yet oddly enough, this is one of the books I hadn't yet read! Which makes no sense, but there you go! I completely loved the Hardback Library editions that Gollancz came up with and I'm still in the process of collecting them all, this new edition of Good Omens has been created due to the success of that and the edition of Good Omens from that collection. There where three possible covers, everyone voted and this one won. Now, I'm slightly assuming it won because this one matches certain newer editions of Neil Gaiman books, but I could be wrong! Either way, it's kind of a perfect cover, it's not over done, it's simple and completely fabulous! 

As I cracked (very carefully) the book open to start reading...I was excited and full of anticipation, the two authors separately have given me hours of joy and entertainment and I was expecting this book, combining the two of them, to be no different. I wasn't wrong. I loved every single page of this book, frantically noting down favourite quotes, or quotes that just made me laugh. This book is wonderfully amusing, witty and full of dry humour about the Armageddon. 

It all has it's own spin, the kind of spin you'd expect from the two authors. And so, for example, our Four Horsemen of the apocalypse are actually Hells Angels, riding motorbikes and Pestilence had to retire and has been replaced with Pollution. Brilliant! I think, Crowley may be my favourite character, although I was half picturing Crowley from Supernatural and half trying very hard not to! He's kinda, sorta, a little bit friends with Aziraphale, an Angel. They may have slightly come to like our world a bit too much, and so decide to try and stop the Armageddon. I will admit, Aziraphale's book shop is the kind of one I'd run, let's be honest. 

I laughed far too much at the concept of the anti-christ being misplaced by an overly talkative nun, I've got to admit. But then I laughed pretty hard at most things in the book, it was hard not to! I rather enjoyed Adam and his little...power, shall we say for now? A power that is kinda, sorta, accidentally responsible for the beginning of Armageddon. I am so trying very hard not to use the O word, but this book, much like the other novels of the authors...is over flowing with hilarious, chuckle inducing originality. 

The anti-christ being misplaced is not the only problem that everyone has.....you see, he's grown up as a regular human boy called Adam, and isn't real down with the whole "destroying the world" thing. He actually rather likes the world, particularly his little corner of it, and would rather it stayed as it is. The book gives you a good look at humanity and all the different face of it, and was so incredibly well done and amongst the humour....it did make you think about things. Would Adam's good intentions make any difference? And so on. 

The book is much as you'd expect from these two brilliant authors, it's easy to read, plenty of sarcasm, intelligence, humour. It stretches your imagination and provides you with hours of losing yourself in to the world they weave for you. The plot is woven of many different threads and characters, all seamlessly tied together to keep you occupied. There's a fantastical world set in, well, our world. Or perhaps I mean to say fantastical events set in reality, or a rathe fantastical reality. You get what I mean, I hope. There's observations about humanity/human nature. They play with beliefs that we've always thought of, or maybe pictured, one way. 

The great thing about the book is that, yes at times you can tell who wrote which part. If you read the interview at the back it also tells you a few bits they created individually. But the two's voices blend together so well in to one engrossing narrative, that for the most part it's hard to tell who wrote what. And from what's said in the back of the book, it's hard for the two of them to know as well, with sentences appearing from nowhere! Gaiman takes responsibility for the Horsemen, for instance, and Pratchett for the children and Agnes. 

I found myself completely enchanted by the book, losing track of time, and unwilling to leave it so resorting to a dinner of food that doesn't require concentration or cutlery. I'm sure crisps are very nutritious! The blend of humour and seriousness is pulled off to perfection. I found myself unwilling to try to guess what would happen next, because I was always quite wrong, and I actually rather liked being surprised! I'm currently resisting the urge to pick it up and start it again immediately! 


Wednesday 28 October 2015

Wishing For Wednesday #63

So this week I'm reaaaalllyyy excited because these two books I've been anticipating for AGES! 
First is the final (or at least I think it's the final) book in the Shadow Falls spin off, and I've not read the previous book because I'm gonna read these two together because everyone was freaking out about a cliffhanger so I'm prepared! 
Second is the final book in yet another series that I love! I read all the Parasol Protectorate in one go, and finished just in time for the release of the first book in this spin off series! I'm so excited for this book, and I'm so excited to see what the author does next. I just have a lot of excitement! 

Unspoken


Despite her superhuman strength and enhanced senses, Della Tsang's life as a vampire certainly hasn't been easy. Especially since she was reborn and bound to the mysterious, infuriating, and gorgeous Chase Tallman. 

But if there's one thing that's always kept Della going, it's her dream of being an elite paranormal investigator. Her newest case is the opportunity she's been waiting for, but as Della tries to solve the twenty year old murder and clear her father's name. She uncovers secrets about the vampire council. And about Chase. 

Feeling betrayed by all the secrets he's kept hidden from her, Della is determined to keep him as far away from her heart as she can. But she'll need his help to solve the case that will lead them into the darkest and ugliest vampire gangs in town and into the scariest reaches of her heart.


Unspoken is out November 13th, pre-order your copy...here!
Add it to your TBR...here


Manners and Mutiny

The fourth and final book in a steampunk YA adventure series, from Orbit's New York Timesbestselling author of the Parasol Protectorate series.
When a dastardly Pickleman plot comes to fruition, only Sophronia can save her friends, her school, and all of London...but at what cost? Our proper young heroine puts her training and skills to the test in this highly anticipated conclusion of the rousing, intriguing, and alwayspolished New York Times bestselling Finishing School series!

Manners And Mutiny is out November 3rd, pre-order your copy...here
Add it to your TBR...here

Tuesday 27 October 2015

Spooktober: Beautiful Halloween Editions

Because who doesn't love a pretty book? And what better way to bring some pretty book options to you than Halloween! These are all a various range of prices from cheap to a bit steep! 



1. Barnes and Noble Leatherbound

B&N's editions are by far the prettiest, let's be honest! I have quite the collection of these but I'm still missing a few, like the rather obvious Frankenstein one! With beaut front covers, and quotes covering the back as you can see above, they're perfect for your own personal library! They're between £20-25 which puts them at the steeper end of the spectrum but......pretty. Seeing as the new Star Wars is out soon...I should mention they've got fancy Star Wars editions....just saying. 



2. Penguin English Library 

The Penguin English Library editions are not only pretty, but they're the cheaper option as well, at the usual cost of a paperback so about £6+ depending on where you buy from! There's (I think) 100 of them, and they have a variety of classics. 




3. Penguin Classics Deluxe

Penguin Classics Deluxe Editions are one of my favourite editions! They're so beaut to look at, and they have pretty inside covers as well! They're about £10+, and there are seriously so many on my wishlist that I need to get! They've got tonnes, and I just like looking at them really! 



There are two more editions that I think should make the list, but as I don't actually own any of the Halloween versions, I don't have any of my own photos to use. SO, please excuse the stock photos! 

4. Penguin Clothbound Classics

The Penguin Clothbound Classics have the same print from the covers of the English Library editions, but ya know....it's an all over print and they're clothbound and even prettier.....sorry Penguin! They're about £15 depending on where you buy and they're a fantastic option for your library! 


5. Word Cloud Classics

Word Cloud Classics are one of my ultimate favourites, because while not as fancy as say, the leatherbounds, but I LOVE the front covers and how they've been done! They're also fancy, and easy to read without damaging because they're flexibound. I don' have any of the Halloween ones, but I do have a couple of the Jane Austen ones! They're about £10+ each which is pretty good for a fancy/pretty book! 




Monday 26 October 2015

Slade House


Sade House
Rating: 4/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy 
Source: Copy courtesy of the publisher! 


Walk down narrow, clammy Slade Alley. Open the black iron door in the right-hand wall.
Enter the sunlit garden of an old house that doesn't exactly make sense.
A stranger greets you by name and invites you inside.
At first, you won't want to leave. Too late, you find you can't . . .
A taut, intricately woven, reality-warping tale that begins in 1979 and comes to its turbulent conclusion at the wintry end of October, 2015. Born out of the short story David Mitchell published on Twitter in 2014 and inhabiting the same universe as his latest bestselling novel The Bone Clocks, this is the perfect book to curl up with on a dark and stormy night.
As the synopsis says, this story was all thanks to a short story published on Twitter, and it's a perfect Halloween read, I have to say! I had assumed this was a standalone, so I read it without having read The Bone Clocks and the benefit of whatever knowledge came from it. It is on my TBR, I just haven't gotten around to it yet! 
That said, it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book at all, I was glued to the page from the go. For such a short book, it tells the story without ever feeling rushed. There's no points where the story is rushed, the ending isn't rushed, it's got a fast pace, and it keeps it up through to the end. 
There's four parts to the story, starting in 1979 and ending in 2015. Each is linked. Why? Because each person from each part, Nathan and his Mum, Gordon etc etc, all disappear in to the house never to be seen again. And so it continues every 9 years, until 2015. You can read the book in one sitting, and enjoy the creeped out feeling it will inspire. There's not many things that creep me out, but this book managed to! 
There's a blend of different genres and different "oh that reminds me of so and so" moments, Mitchell keeps all of his signatures and uses then to delightful effect. I must say I wasn't sure what to expect from such a short book from the author, but like I keep saying....I couldn't be more pleased! I'm just sad I didn't get to read Bone Clocks first! All in all it's a cracking read! 


Friday 23 October 2015

Spooktober: Best Halloween YA Reads

Hellllooo! I'm back! I've got another Spooktober post, and today it's all about the best Halloween YA books/series! I've got a bit of everything, Zombies, Ghosts, Vampires, Murderers and so on....so read on and pick out your Halloween reads today! 

1. Marked (House of Night) by P.C & Kristin Cast


After a Vampire Tracker Marks her with a crescent moon on her forehead, 16-year-old Zoey Redbird enters the House of Night and learns that she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess Nyx and has affinities for all five elements: Air, Fire Water, Earth and Spirit. But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers. When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school’s most elite club, is mis-using her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny – with a little help from her new vampyre friends (or Nerd Herd, as Aphrodite calls them).

Vampires....what more can I say? I still need to read the last two in this series, I dislike cover changes and am having to get them from the US! 






2. Forsaken: Demon Trappers by Jana Oliver

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary demon trapper Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps.  The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood.  And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?
 

This is one of my favourite series, I love the unique twists to this, and I'm definitely due a re-read sometime soon! In the beginning this really reminded me of Ghostbusters, but it's probably the whole "thing in the library" haha! 

3. Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.

Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

I've included this even though I haven't actually read it yet, it's on my TBR and I'm hoping to read it this or next week, but I know it's worth including because it's an Alyxandra Harvey book, and she's one of my faves, and all her books are fantastic. Also the synopsis. 


The Drakes are rather different to your usual neighbors. They are vampires and some of the members of the family date back to the twelfth century. One of the children, Solange, is the only born female vampire known and, as such, she poses a direct threat to the vampire queen. Her best friend Lucy is human, and when Solange is kidnapped, Lucy and Solange's brother, Nicholas, set out to save her. Lucy soon discovers that she would like to be more than just friends with Nicholas. But how does one go about dating a vampire? Meanwhile, Solange finds an unlikely ally in Kieran, a vampire slayer on the hunt for his father's killer. 

Yes, another Harvey book, because like I said....awesome. This is one of my favourite series because it improves my mood with the feels and the cute. Not to mention the awesome originality to a thing that's been done many times before. Also....due a re-read. 





College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood. Will she be able to face the town's terror or will she drown like everyone else?

More vampires! Different to usual vampires though! I still need to read the last book to be honest, you should all see my TBR! 











6. A Breath of Frost by Alyxandra Harvey


In 1814, three cousins—Gretchen, Emma, and Penelope—discover their family lineage of witchcraft when a binding spell is broken, allowing their individual magical powers to manifest. Now, beyond the manicured gardens and ballrooms of Regency London, an alluring underworld available only to those with power is revealed to the cousins. By claiming their power, the three cousins have accidentally opened the gates to the underworld.

Now ghouls, hellhounds—and most terrifying of all, the spirits of dark witches known as the Greymalkin Sisters—are hunting and killing young debutante witches for their powers. And, somehow, Emma is connected to the murders…because she keeps finding the bodies.

Can the cousins seal the gates before another witch is killed…or even worse, before their new gifts are stripped away?
 

As previously stated.....fave author! This time Harvey's doing witches and I'm still desperately waiting for the next book! I love the setting, I love the way witches and magic have been done in the book and I freaking love the characters! 


7. Unbreakable by Kami Garcia


I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.


Now, this and it's sequel really are the perfect Halloween reads, and I'm SO EXCITED for the third book, whenever it may arrive. It's like Supernatural back when it was in the early seasons and was actually scary! They're seriously so creepy and spooky, but so good. 


8. The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Cassie Hobbes is not like most teenagers. Most teenagers don’t lose their mother in a bloody, unsolved kidnapping. Most teenagers can’t tell who you are, where you’re from and how you’re likely to behave within moments of meeting you. And most teenagers don’t get chosen to join The Naturals.

Identified by the FBI as uniquely gifted, Cassie is recruited to an elite school where a small number of teens are trained to hone their exceptional abilites.

For Cassie, trying to make friends with the girls, and to figure out the two very different, very hot boys, is challenging enough. But when a serial killer begins recreating the details of her mother’s horrific crime scene, she realises just how dangerous life in The Naturals could be...
 

This book is like a teen version of Criminal Minds. It's super creepy, and also a great read as you try to work out who the killer is! 

9. The Cursed Ones by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguié

The ultimate battle. The ultimate love.

For the past two years, Jenn has lived and trained at Spain’s Sacred Heart Academy Against the Cursed Ones. She is among the few who have pledged to defend humanity or die trying. But the vampires are gaining power, and the battle has only just begun. 

Forced to return home after death takes a member of her family, Jenn discovers that San Francisco is now a vampire strong-hold. As a lone hunter apart from her team, Jenn is isolated—and at risk. She craves the company of her fighting partner, Antonio: his protection, his reassurance, his touch. But a relationship with Antonio comes with its own dangers, and the more they share of themselves, the more Jenn stands to lose. 

Then Jenn is betrayed by one who was once bound to protect her, causing her to doubt all she had held as true. To survive, Jenn must find the courage to trust herself—and her heart.

More vampires, but with its own twist! I read this trilogy ageeesss ago, and I'd love to re-read but I seem to have misplaced the second one! 


10. Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

She won't rest until she's sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. But that's all it takes. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real.

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn't careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies.

This one may or may not get judged by its cover/title but it's original and completely awesome. I'm in the midst of re-reading the first three in order to read the surprise fourth book! I just love the characters, the romance and the general awesome. 


11. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Jack the Ripper is back, and he's coming for Rory next....

Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school just as a series of brutal murders mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper killing spree of more than a century ago has broken out across the city. The police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man believed to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him - the only one who can see him. And now Rory has become his next target...unless she can tap her previously unknown abilities to turn the tables.
Jack The Ripper ghost, tell me how it's not Halloween? It's also the start to a series that takes some interesting turns, shall we say. 




12. The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker

Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Grey doesn't look dangerous. A tiny, blonde, wisp of a girl shouldn't know how to poison a wizard and make it look like an accident. Or take out ten necromancers with a single sword and a bag of salt. Or kill a man using only her thumb. But things are not always as they appear. Elizabeth is one of the best witch hunters in Anglia and a member of the king's elite guard, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and bringing those who practice it to justice. And in Anglia, the price of justice is high: death by burning.

When Elizabeth is accused of being a witch herself, she's arrested and thrown in prison. The king declares her a traitor and her life is all but forfeit. With just hours before she's to die at the stake, Elizabeth gets a visitor - Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful wizard in Anglia. He offers her a deal: he will free her from prison and save her from execution if she will track down the wizard who laid a deadly curse on him.

As Elizabeth uncovers the horrifying facts about Nicholas's curse and the unwitting role she played in its creation, she is forced to redefine the differences between right and wrong, friends and enemies, love and hate... and life and death.

This is actually still on my TBR and I'm desperate to get to it, so Halloween is going to give me the perfect excuse! I figured I'd chuck it in anyway seeing as I've heard everyone raving about it and it has a certain Halloween vibe! 

13. Born At Midnight: Shadow Falls by C.C. Hunter

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart. 

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

A camp for vampires, witches, werewolves, shifters and so on....completely Halloween. As well as the fact Kylie see's ghosts and the scenes where she does are totally creepy and chill inducing. This is another favourite of mine and I'm hoping to get to re-read it soon because it's been ages and I'm in the midst of the spin off trilogy! 


14. Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep

There Be Monsters Here. . .

It's not as great as you'd think, living in a tourist town that's known as "the most magical place in America." Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power. 

I try to keep out of it. I've got my mom's bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick. 

But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend's pawn shop, and I have to make a call--get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn't. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I'm stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I'm going to end up just like her. . .

As you can probably tell, this list is composed of favourites of mine. Jennifer Estep is another favourite author of mine and I'm literally way too excited to start my re-read of Mythos Academy once I've done my final review book for the month! (I'm on top of things for once!) I'm so excited for the next book in this series, it's turning in to another great one! 

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