Review: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Title: Halo
Author: Alexandra Adornetto
Publisher: Angus & Robertson
Year of Release: 2010
ISBN: 9780732289898
Source: Purchased
Number of Pages: 484 
Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove, apart from the occasional crime. But that's all set to change when three angels, Bethany, Gabriel and Ivy, arrive there. They are sent from Heaven and are on a mission to free Venus Cove from crime and protect the town from the gathering forces of darkness. They must work hard to keep their real identities a secret. But the mission is threatened when the youngest of the angels, Bethany, falls for the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things get serious when the angels realise that they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There's a new kid in town and he's charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he's after Beth. The angels and Xavier must work together to overcome the dark forces- but will Beth survive the battle?
I must say that I really enjoyed reading this book.  It was a really nice change, fresh and original. I have not read many books with angels as the main focus, but I think it's a great topic. Might even become a  new phenomenon, just like the vampire franchise. The thing I liked best about Halo was that it was such a thought provoking book. It gave me many new concepts to try and grasp and understand about Heaven and Hell, God and the Devil. 
I'll take a moment here just to say that religion is a topic I struggle with. I was raised a Catholic, but sometimes I find myself wondering. I find it hard to believe in something as the rules that apply to some religions eventually come to feel like a task for me. And Alexandra Adornetto really got me thinking. 
Now about the story of the novel. I thought it was great! Although I did find that the book could be a bit slow at times, I loved it. And I also loved all the detail in the book, the words she used to describe those hard-to-get topics, like Heaven. Lets face it, the book had everything from humor and romance to action and suspense. It's a story that will keep you guessing! So to sum up this very short review, I just want to say that Halo was brilliant and that I cannot wait to see what comes next from Alexandra Adornetto.
My Rating: 8/10.
Visit Alexandra Adornetto's facebook page www.facebook.com/AlexandraAdornetto?ref
The sequel to Halo, Hades, was released recently and my review on that will be coming up soon. 

Book Blurbs

I got to thinking today and made a little discovery about the blurbs of books. In case you're not sure as to what a blurb is, it is that little section of writing on the back or inside the cover of books that gives you a brief insight as to what the book is about. I'm sure you have read many blurbs before as they are generally the first thing you turn to upon picking up a book in a store. I have judged many books based on what is said in the blurb as once you read it you have decide whether that book is one that interests you. 
But today I considered the fact that maybe some blurbs betray the story of the book. If the blurb is short and doesn't catch the attention of the reader, he or she loses interest quickly and will most likely put the book back and search for another. But if the blurb is witty, interesting and gripping, you're more likely to want to read that book. Now I know that everyone has their own interests when it comes to choosing a book. For me, when I walk into a book store, I go straight to the teenage fiction section as those are the sorts of novels I enjoy reading. I could spend hours there picking books off the shelves at random and reading the blurbs, creating a little pile of the books I actually like and putting the ones I don't like back. But maybe I'm missing out on reading some great books solely because I an quick to judge based on the blurb. 
Maybe a better option, if you have the time and are not in a hurry, is to actually read the first page or two of the book. Sometimes you will find books that say something like 'Try It! Read page 37!' I definitely enjoy finding books like that as you get a deeper insight into the book, without it spoiling anything for you. So next time you're in a book store, please try this idea out and see if it works for you!
I would love to hear your opinions on this matter, so please leave a comment! I realise that this isn't exactly a big issue, but I tend to find that it's the small things that make the biggest differences.

Review: Girls In Trucks by Katie Crouch

Allow me to begin this review with a question mark. ?

The reason for this question mark is to signify my confusion about the story line of this book. (and the fact that it ever got published.)

Now I know this sounds harsh but I have no clue as to what to write about this book except that I didn't like it at all. I'm not saying that this is a terrible novel, I'm saying that it just wasn't the right novel for me. In my last book review, the one on Saving June, I mentioned that I like it when the reader could relate to the characters of the novel. And the main character in Girls In Trucks was not someone I could relate to in any way and in any sense of the world. 

The book is set in Charleston, South Carolina and the main character Sarah Walters is a debutante that tries hard to follow the rules that come with being in that profession. After leaving her home town in search of an adventure she travels to many different locations, looking for nothing in particular. Now I think it may be safe to say that there was sex or a reference toward sex in every chapter. That was the most disturbing part of the book for me. The author also went into a large amount of detail during these parts of the book. I won't give any examples. 

I'm sure if you do a bit of research you will see that many other people share my opinion of this book. Sarah Walters is not a character the reader can look up to or share opinions with or admire. How can you admire someone when all they do in their life is sleep around (in great detail)? That does not make a good role model in my opinion. At the end of the book, Sarah had accomplished absolutely nothing that benefits her. Instead she ends up a single mother, back in her hometown. So what can we learn from this book? Nothing. 

Look out for my next review on Halo by Alexandra Adornetto!