Blood Of My Blood by Barry Lyga

Blood Of My Blood by Barry Lyga

Release Date - September 9, 2014
Publisher Website - Little Brown/Hachette
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  480 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

**SPOILERS FOR I HUNT KILLERS AND GAME**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Jazz Dent has been shot and left to die in New York City. His girlfriend Connie is in the clutches of Jazz's serial killer father, Billy. And his best friend Howie is bleeding to death on the floor of Jazz's own home in tiny Lobo's Nod. Somehow, these three must rise above the horrors their lives have become and find a way to come together in pursuit of Billy. But then Jazz crosses a line he's never crossed before, and soon the entire country is wondering: "Like father, like son?" Who is the true monster?
The chase is on, and beyond Billy there lurks something much, much worse. Prepare to meet...the Crow King.

If you've read my previous reviews for this series, you'll know that I am a huge fan of the atmosphere and characters that Barry Lyga has crafted. As this series comes to a close the focus is on bringing everything together, and putting Jazz through one last excruciating reveal that left both the characters and me reeling.

Jasper's story took an even creepier turn in Game when it was highly suggested that he had been sexually abused. The person abusing him, and what it means to his story is a mystery. All is revealed in book three, and the truth is anything but freeing. The tying together of plot points that thread through the entire series is craftily done. All the major questions are answered, and loose ends are pulled back into play.

The deliciously shiver inducing introduction of the Crow King in Game was something I was looking forward to exploring in this novel. I had theory. I took a few guesses. The truth turned out to be more twisted than I anticipated and, yet, made complete sense. The secrets that are waiting in this novel are some of the best executed reveals I've read. It made the long build to the pay off well worth it.

If the second book was more about the chase, and hunt, this third installment is all about the characters. There is still plenty of action, but everything that's plagued these characters is the focus. This is a novel that balances the plot and character development so that equal time is spent on both. I wanted more of Howie, and Connie, but I cannot begrudge the focus being on Jasper. This is his story after all. This is him finally answering the question that has haunted him from book one - am I just like my dad? Turns out the answer is more complex than Jasper (or the reader) ever imagined.

Billy Dent is shiver inducing. We got a little bit of his characterization in Game, but this novel really allows his character to take a more central role. He's not just some threat looming in the background. He's also much more complex than you'd expect. It would be easy to portray Billy as a caricature, and make him a one dimensional villain. Barry Lyga, however, did his research and it shows. Terrifying doesn't even begin to describe Billy Dent. The effort Barry Lyga put into creating a highly believable serial killer, and his attention to detail is staggering. I anticipate his computer has a rather interesting internet search history. The time spent, however, created something deeper than your usual serial killer novel. It's almost like a study into the most deranged minds, and it's, at times, an uncomfortable place to be.

Barry Lyga's chilling series comes to a satisfying conclusion. One that is fitting for Jasper's journey. Those looking for chills, thrills, and pitch perfect characterization will not want to miss this series. Just maybe read it with the lights on.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

I am beyond excited for all the books that made their way into my mailbox (and email inbox) this week. One however has me DYING to drop everything and start it IMMEDIATELY!

First up I received a physical copy of a book from Hachette Canada. A big thank you to them for Salt and Storm. I've been hearing nothing but amazing things about it.

Salt and Storm by Kendall Kulper (goodreads)

Next up are two e-galleys that I received for review. A big thank you to Egmont and Little Brown/Hachette for these as I am excited to read both of them.

Blood Of My Blood by Barry Lyga (goodreads)
Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross (goodreads)

I am excited to see how Jasper's story is going to end in Barry Lyga's series. After that insane second book it' won't be long before I start this one.

I am dying to start Tear You Apart immediately because I loved the first book in this 'series' (they are more companion novels) so much. Hoping to fit it in during my vacation week at the end of August.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOK

City of Heavenly Fire cover reveal

It's Clary and Sebastian on the front. I am most excited to see the inside flap that is supposed to have some other characters featured (but not Magnus, apparently. Which, I just don't understand). I feel pretty neutral about the cover, but am looking forward to reading this. I am slightly scared about who is going to die, because Cassandra Clare is pretty brutal with her characters. (Goodreads)

Cover of Dark Metropolis 

Something about this synopsis caught my attention, and it sounds like it has a lot of potential. I love the 1920's feel of the cover mixed with the creepy vibe. Can't wait to get my hands on this one.

Cover of Blood of My Blood 

 

Simple. Creepy.  This series has some of the best covers because they compliment the story really well. I am sure this one will be no exception (Hello, Crow King) and it'll be bittersweet to say goodbye to Jazz and Howie. I want to know how it ends, but could also read about these characters forever.

MOVIE/TV

Breaking Bad

I finished the series on Thursday night this week, and am still processing. I don't know whether to blame or thank Kelly (from KellyVision) for the state my heart was in at the end.*curls up into fetal position thinking about the last few episodes*  I spent the last 3 or 4 episodes in a state of intense anxiety but was ultimately satisfied with how the series ended. A few loose ends that I wish would have been tied up (mainly because it involves a character that I love) but it was otherwise a fantastic finale. Jesse Pinkman and Walter White are two characters that I won't soon forget. If you haven't checked out this show, do it. You're missing out on one of the best shows in recent television.

Flowers In The Attic

Pretty sure that my teenaged self, and a majority of my friends, read this book in highschool. It was almost like a right of passage for a lot of teen girls. I am not sure if this book is still being sneakily taken from bookshelves, but I predict a resurgence with this remake being shown on TV. I am incredibly excited to watch this TONIGHT since I won't be able to watch the Screen Actors Guild Awards. I am expecting trashy, over the top drama that is incredibly fun. I already have wine at the ready.

OTHER

Book Expo America

I have my pass. It's officially 2014. I want it to be BEA time! I always start to get excited/antsy around February when things start to be revealed. I can't wait to see what authors will be signing, and what titles will be getting some extra promotion during the event. I am most looking forward to sharing an apartment with some of my favourite bookish ladies! NYC with these ladies is going to AMAZING!

So what are you obsessed with this week?

Game by Barry Lyga

Game by Barry Lyga
Release Date – April 16, 2013
Publisher Website - Little Brown
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  528 pages
My Rating- 4.5/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

**SPOILERS FOR I HUNT KILLERS (Book 1)**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Billy grinned. “Oh, New York,” he whispered. “We’re gonna have so much fun.”

I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jazz, the son of history’s most infamous serial killer, Billy Dent.

In an effort to prove murder didn’t run in the family, Jazz teamed with the police in the small town of Lobo’s Nod to solve a deadly case. And now, when a determined New York City detective comes knocking on Jazz’s door asking for help, he can’t say no. The Hat-Dog Killer has the Big Apple–and its police force–running scared. So Jazz and his girlfriend, Connie, hop on a plane to the big city and get swept up in a killer’s murderous game.

Everything I loved about I Hunt Killers is back in Game. The spine tingling shivers, chills, and suspense. An intense and wild game leaves Jazz chasing a killer through the busy streets of New York City. The stakes are higher, and this time, Jazz and the police, don’t know the rules.

Nature versus nature. Jazz has both working against him. His struggle to prove, not just himself but to everyone, that he is nothing like his father carries over from the first novel. I stand by my previous statement - Jazz is charming, but he also manages to send shivers down my spine. Billy’s influence can not be denied, but how deep it runs is something Jazz has yet to determine. I love the entire concept of upbringing AND genetics factoring into who you become. The novel gives us an insight into someone who has been severely traumatized, and is struggling with the aftermath.

Howie, Jazz’s best friend, provides the comic relief that is definitely needed. I had such a soft spot for him, even in the first book. He’s such an amazingly loyal friend to Jazz. A true friend. A friend that accepts Jazz for who he is, flaws and all. Howie’s fragility made me worry about him more than any other character. It’s rather poetic that Barry Lyga decided to make Jazz’s best friend so vulnerable with the amount of death that surrounds him.

Connie officially become one of my favourite female characters in this novel. She’s confident without being conceited  determined, and fierce. A true match for someone like Jazz. She’s not afraid to stand up to him, and for him. She takes center stage in a way I was not expecting, and I found myself surprised at how much I enjoyed her.

Jazz dreams shift in this novel. Gone are the flashes of a knife carving flesh. Instead Jazz’s dreams are of touching skin, and rapid breaths. His fear that sex could be his trigger, and his initial attraction to Connie plague him throughout this entire novel. Part of me wondered if Jazz was molested as a child and we might be seeing flashbacks, another part of me thought perhaps it’s just his teenage boy hormones kicking into overdrive. It will be fascinating to see where this leads, and if the two dreams are at all connected.

The clever unraveling of the plot, and the reveal of what twisted game this novel gets it’s title from is a thrilling ride. Twists are plentiful and things we thought were true may turn out to be much different under the harsh light of day. It all comes to back to nature versus nature, and some revelations may not have the impact you’d hope.

The word cliff-hanger is thrown around a lot, especially with young adult novels. This ending, I feel, may be one of the cruelest (and heart stopping) endings in a novel. You’re left gasping and scrambling for the next page only to realize that there aren't anymore. It’s going to be a long wait to find out the consequences of the events in this installment. I am just happy that there will be more Jazz in the future.

A taunt, scary thrill ride that left me with shivers. Jazz is a chillingly disarming narrator whose easy smile masks a conflicted interior. I can not wait to curl up with the next installment and allow Barry Lyga to prevent me getting any sleep - both from staying up late to finish reading, and being haunted by it’s pages long after.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

An awesome mailbox again this week. A HUGE thank you to Hachette Canada and Raincoast Books for the incredible reads. I can not wait to start all of them.

Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green (goodreads)
This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E Smith (goodreads)
Icons by Margaret Stohl (goodreads)

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (goodreads)
Game by Barry Lyga (goodreads)

My cat Aria kept getting in the pictures. She especially seemed to like Marissa Meyer's Scarlet (and yes, she's the cutest cat ever).

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Stephanie Perkins new book news

Stephanie announced that she has 2 new books with Penguin coming out after Isla and the Happily Ever After. The first novel is the only one we have details for and it's completely different from her previous novels and it sounds AWESOME. As per the publisher it is "a horror novel in the vein of the movie Scream in which a cadre of high school students are being stalked and attacked by a mysterious killer with no obvious motive"

Scream is a great, fun movie. It doesn't take itself seriously and points fun at the usual horror cliches. LOVE THIS. I bet Stephanie's will blend horror with humour and some sexiness.  I am very excited about this and can't wait for other details (eg title, cover, etc).

cover of Game (Jasper Dent #2) by Barry Lyga

I really liked I Hunt Killers. Jasper Dent is so chilling, so charming and fascinating! I hope this sequel delivers everything I loved in the first book, and more. I happen to also like this cover. If you haven't already be sure to add it to your Goodreads to be read list.

cover and synopsis for Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green

I have not heard much about this book, but I knew I wanted to read it when I saw the cover! It totally reminds me of the opening sequence for the TV show Pretty Little Liars. The Goodreads synopsis also sounds amazing and I can't wait for this one to be released in 2013.

TV

Once Upon A Time season 2

I can not believe I have yet to include this. I heard about it awhile ago. I am a huge Peter Pan fan so this video made me extra excited.



So Hook is for sure part of season 2 of this addictive show. I am hoping that means we will get to see Peter, Wendy, and Tinkerbell as well. I am counting down until the fall TV season starts....really missing my shows!

MOVIE

The Mortal Instruments movie cast

The casting for the movie is complete and I can now freak out over the unbelievable actors they have lined up.

The last big announcement was the casting of Valentine (who is the the villain) and it tipped my excitement to epic levels. Jonathan Rhys Meyers will be portraying the cold, dangerous and cunning Shadow Hunter.

The rest of the cast is also very happy making with Kevin Zegers lined up to play Alec Lightwood, and Aiden Turner set to play Luke. They join the already large cast. There is a movie website already set up and the full casting details are provided there if you are curious.

So what you are obsessed with this week?

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
Release Date –  April 3, 2012
Publisher Website –  Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  359 pages
My Rating- 4.5/5
**obtained from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad? 

Jasper (Jazz) Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say. 

But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could--from the criminal's point of view. 

And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod. 

In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret--could he be more like his father than anyone knows?

This novel really should come with a warning - beware when and where you read. There is a high chance of spine tingling scares if read in the right environment. Barry Lyga does not flinch from the horror, and depravity of serial killers, and he delves into the mind of them with what feels like chilling accuracy.

The writing is one of the stronger points of the novel. I liked the taunt, suspense filled chapters and the mixture of humour was a great touch. A lot of the novel is Jazz's inner dialogue and it could have ended up being predictable, and off-putting but Barry's writing makes it work.

Nature vs. Nurture is something that is often debated. What if both were a factor? Genetics, upbringing and the fundamental elements of Jazz’s childhood are all factors in making Jazz who he is today. The question Jazz is asking himself though is who exactly is he. The haunted, almost desperate way Jazz tries to cling to anything that makes him nothing like his father is heart pulling. He wants so badly to not be his father, but the urges are there, and Jazz isn’t sure he wants to fight them. Jazz’s character keeps you intrigued because you don’t know what he is going to do. You can’t predict him, and that makes for refreshing character development. I wanted to get closer to him, as much as I wanted to run away. He’s charming, chillingly so, and comparisons to Dexter Morgan are spot on. You’ll root for him, but being alone with him would set you on edge.

I adored Jazz’s friend Howie. Providing a dash of humour and someone that cares for Jazz while knowing everything makes us relate not only to Howie, but Jazz himself. Howie having hemophilia make me worry about him and hold my breath whenever he got involved. Jazz's girlfriend Connie was someone who challenged Jazz and he needed that.

The hunter vs. prey, cat and mouse game that Jazz and the serial killer play throughout the novel is fascinating, and the identity of the killer is shocking. It’ll keep you holding your breath and anticipating what is going to come next.

The ending left me wanting a sequel, as Barry Lyga sets up the next book perfectly. With plenty of childhood secrets for Jazz to unravel, and a new determination to go down a different path, to not continue Jazz’s story would be the ultimate crime. I look forward to hunting with him again, and hopefully soon.

This book will chill you, give you nightmares and leave you wanting to spend some more time with Jazz. Just make sure to read it in the daylight…