This is a minor spoiler review, I say minor because of a way one sentence is worded in paragraph two!!
Previous knowledge of DIE FOR ME is advised.

 Review Written: 11th August 2012

Until I Die by Amy Plum

The title gets it's name from the fact Kate is trying to find a way to ease Vincent's need to die until the end of her lifetime, 'until I die' as she whispers on page 248. The idea comes from an old text - Immortal Lovers, between a revenant and a human and it's a move that endangers her life, and those around her. She is accepting of the fact that she will age & Vincent will always feel the need to save those around him. The reader is also accepting; well, I say accepting, the reader understands even if they may not like it because you believe characters in books should remain together until the day they both die.

The book sees the arrival of two new revenants. Arthur and Violette - both from the 15th century aristocratic lifestyle. Cold at first, Violette soon 'warms up' to Kate by becoming more immersed in 21st century life. Cue me being instantly suspicious and when it is revealed someone is leaking information to the Numa (the bad guys) I know exactly who it is. Although Kate is very mistrusting of Arthur, he is just very big on protecting the revenant clan.

If Kate wasn't so strong willed, Vincent's need to have her constantly watched would have bugged me. I can't stand it when teen fiction female characters go all 'Bella Swan' on me and I don't believe women need babysitters. Consider that my feminist bit seeing as you've not had one for a while. Jules is made to watch over her when Vincent goes to Germany, and I can never be quite sure whether he actually fancies Kate or whether he's just overly friendly.

And the ending!!! Cliffhangers seem to be at the end of every book I read at the moment and I find them so frustrating! (In a 'noooooooooooo, you can't leave me there' kind of way.) Even more so when I can't just reach for the next book in the series! (There is a next book, I checked the Waterstones website! Although the wait is taking me to next May...NEXT MAY.) This is a non-spoiler review so I can't reveal what happens, just know that I almost let out a frustrated groan on the London Underground while trying to hold back tears. That itself, speaks volumes on what you need to expect.

NEXT REVIEW: IAN McEWAN'S ATONEMENT

Although not all my reviews are spoilery, which I do not consider this one to be, here is a little warning just in case.

Review Written: 17th March 2012

Elixir by Hilary Duff (with Elise Allen)

Before you start judging me for having bought this book, I purchased it on the off chance that the book store was closing down and cost me a grand total of £1.99.

As I get through books like bottles of Diet Coke (I'm talking the 2L bottles which take me 2-3 days, I know, disgusting habit), no way was I going to pass up a cheap book. This was a total of a year and a half ago. I only started reading it on Monday. Better late than never I suppose.

Duff's book focuses on main character Clea, her father has recently disappeared in Brazil, presumed dead. He had been researching 'The Elixir of Life' (rumoured to give immortality) which is a risky subject seeing as there are 2 groups, Cursed Vengeance & The Saviors of Eternal Life, who both want the elixir but for different reasons. After a holiday with best friend Rayna, aspiring photographer Clea notices a mysterious man in most of her photographs. Then she starts getting, shall we say risqué, dreams about this mysterious man. Clea wants to find out why, and with best friend Ben, she goes to Rio to find answers. Of course an adventure ensues.

This goes without saying but the book does contain an immortal character. Have any of you read Alyson Noël's The Immortals series? Because at times, this book creepily mirrors the series. Need proof? Please read the below list:

• Both books contain an elixir to give eternal life.
• Hot immortal guy - and funnily enough a painting of said hot guy by a famous artist. (Sage*, Damen**)
• Past lives.
• A second possible love interest who always gets in the way of the main characters, no matter what life they live, because he just can't seem to be able to help it. Coincidentally, this is always the character I feel sorry for. (Ben*, Jude**)
• The absence of parents (Ever** loses both her parents and Clea*'s mother is a politician who is absent a lot and her father has disappeared in mysterious circumstances.)
• Main character with an interesting name (Clea*, Ever**) and main character being ever so annoying!!
  * = Elixir by Hilary Duff **=The Immortals series by Alyson Noël

All I need now is for the female best friend to turn evil.

Before everyone starts hating on me for pointing out ways they are alike, I am WELL aware that this is not the only teen book where things seem similar as far as plot lines go - whether that be vampires, angels, werewolves, immortals, love stories etc. Continue reading on how they are different.

• The two have different villians - while the bad guys in this book appear to be the two groups I mentioned in the second paragraph, The Immortals has a single villain whether that be Drina, Haven or Roman.
• This book isn't set in a school - hurrah! There can be teen books without education or having a 'new guy in school.'
• Damen actually likes being an Immortal, yes he hates having to lose Ever again and again, but the whole lifestyle suits him. Sage however, while also hating losing Clea, tends to live most of his life in regret which leads him to his actions at the end of the novel (won't spoil that). Not that Damen is selfish, they just have different attitudes.
• My reaction to the books were also different. I genuinely wanted Ever to end up with Damen in The Immortals but here, I wanted Clea to be with Ben. He loved her. She was the one who wanted something 'better' and to find her 'soul mate' like they exist or something. It's a teen book thing - 'soulmates' and 'wanting something better' hence why most teen novel female main characters annoy the hell out of me. It's like saying love isn't good enough for you, you need more than that. More than love? Not sure what that is but it's a suggestion. You fill in the blanks.

On a brighter note, the story fits the bill for teen book perfectly and Duff gives a good first go. And the ending leads the way perfectly for a sequel (which is apparently out in the UK although I've never seen it). I will be reading the sequel even though it probably won't end the way I wish it to. Alas, I am not the author. See this book on the shelf, don't pass by it because you're not necessarily a Hilary Duff fan, give it a go.

NEXT REVIEW: SUZANNE COLLIN'S THE HUNGER GAMES (I was going to cave in and read them eventually)