Review: "Soulless" (Death Warden #1) by Amber Garr

Synopsis:

When it comes to death and love…only one is guaranteed.

Four decades ago Nora died. A tragic event for someone so young; however, four decades ago Nora was also given a second chance to walk among the living.

A Death Warden with a mysterious past, her job is to escort the newly expired towards the light, battling with the Soul Hunters who want the freshly dead to help with their own evil purposes buried in the dark.

When Nora’s charges suddenly become targets, she realizes that the hunters are after far more than just souls. A shift in power between good and evil threatens to change everything, risking the lives of the only family Nora has ever known.

Devastated and angry, she’s forced to face the man she once loved - a man who chose darkness over her - in order to find the answers she needs to stop the horror from escalating. Yet, while a lost relationship still haunts her broken heart, a new Warden with secrets of his own will enter the mix and quickly alter everything Nora believed to be true.

Death is unavoidable…but sometimes, so is love.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

I have no idea what it is about the afterlife that interests me: perhaps the idea of the unknown? Although I'm not that interested in finding out anytime soon lol. But seriously, I am liking the twist Ms Garr puts on her idea of the afterlife...it makes for a very interesting plot.

 

I just loved the so called "competition" between the Hunters and Wardens for souls. But not as much as Nora, our heroine, and Theron, the maybe antagonist, being on opposing sides! Especially with the two being former lovers; where else can you get drama this juicy? As I was saying, the rivalry almost seems better; at least you can decide to enter Heaven or Hell rather than the choice being taken from you (that's never fun).

The characters were alright: not extraordinary, but not horrible either. Charles was my favorite, though. He has the perfect timing for humor. Nora was a bit annoying when it came to Theron. I mean, he's the bad guy for the moment, so why are you meeting with him secretly? I get that she was with Theron for twenty-plus years, but your with Jason now, so stop stringing him along. Then again, I might do the same thing if I were in her shoes. Jason was adorable from the very first time he spoke with his southern twang. He and Nora are ridiculously cute!

  

My biggest complaint would be the length of this book: it's way too short. I wanted to see more of the plot and its development. It felt a bit too rushed for my liking. Also, I wanted more character development and romance build up. Other than that, it was a good paranormal read.

180 pages

Published August 23rd 2014 by Hallowed Ink Press

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?         Not bad. Worth a read

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Hallowed Ink Press)

Read more...

Review: "The Whispering Skull" (Lockwood & Co. #2) by Jonathan Stroud

Synopsis:

 

In the six months since Anthony, Lucy, and George survived a night in the most haunted house in England, Lockwood & Co. hasn't made much progress. Quill Kipps and his team of Fittes agents keep swooping in on Lockwood's investigations. Finally, in a fit of anger, Anthony challenges his rival to a contest: the next time the two agencies compete on a job, the losing side will have to admit defeat in the Times newspaper.

Things look up when a new client, Mr. Saunders, hires Lockwood & Co. to be present at the excavation of Edmund Bickerstaff, a Victorian doctor who reportedly tried to communicate with the dead. Saunders needs the coffin sealed with silver to prevent any supernatural trouble. All goes well-until George's curiosity attracts a horrible phantom.

Back home at Portland Row, Lockwood accuses George of making too many careless mistakes. Lucy is distracted by urgent whispers coming from the skull in the ghost jar. Then the team is summoned to DEPRAC headquarters. Kipps is there too, much to Lockwood's annoyance. Bickerstaff's coffin was raided and a strange glass object buried with the corpse has vanished. Inspector Barnes believes the relic to be highly dangerous, and he wants it found.

The author of the blockbuster Bartimaeus series delivers another amusing, chilling, and ingeniously plotted entry in the critically acclaimed Lockwood & Co. series.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

Very rarely is a sequel better than the first. In this case, I would have to say parts of it were better and some parts were not. Now before you all jump down my throat or look at the screen crazy saying, "what?", let me explain. The story was even better than the last. The humor was even  better and everything is progressing nicely and setting up for the next book. However a select few of the characters were just not on their game. I'll get to that later.

This sequel was even more chilling than the previous book.  I'm not going to spoil it, but the plot was dreadfully good! (See what I did there?). Once again, it is in first person POV with the reader seeing through Lucy's eyes. I'm not sure if I like reading from Lucy's point of view, to be honest. Despite this, I deeply enjoyed then book. I am absolutely in love with the premise. It's like Ghostbusters meets the Three Musketeers.

 

And now for the nitty gritty. As stated previously (up above), I said stated that certain characters were not on their A-game, which was kind of a drag while reading (a big enough drag that deserves a place in RuPaul's Drag Race! LOL I'm so hilarious...). Lucy seemed to be a real wimp in this book. I just don't understand it since she didn't really act like this in the first book. She was acting way too much like a "scared-y" cat (yeah, I said it!). I kept wanting to say that this is the Lockwood & Co. series, and not Diary of a Wimpy Kid! Get it together, girl; you're an agent that fights ghosts.

The wisecrack of the group, George, was his ever so charming self and continued to make me laugh with his sarcasm and dry humor. However, in every group there is one token damsel in distress; i.e. Daphne in Scooby Doo, Amy in Doctor Who etc. And who was it in this group? Hint: starts with a "G" and ends with an "E". That's right folks, you guessed it: George. I totally face palmed when it happened, it was so ridiculous. Besides George, the skull was funny too. I liked the introduction of this new character...err...ghost?

Anyways, I loved the mystery and suspense factor within the plot as well as the team work between the protagonists. The suspense really kept me on edge. I said it before and I'll say it again...I love this series! You already know Stroud is setting us up for something quite spectacular in this book as well as the future books.

Favorite Quotes:

 

     "Where was that recent strangling case?" George said. "Where the ghost knocked on the window and killed the old lady?"

     "George, that was a window! This is a door!"

     "So what? They're both rectangular apertures! I can be strangled too!"

 

     "I'm fine," I said briskly. "So who's opening it?"

     "Not me," Lockwood tapped the sewn-up clawmarks on his coat front. "I did Mrs Barrett."

     "Well, I did that trapdoor in Melmoth House. George?"

     "I  did that secret room at the Savoy Hotel," George said. "You remember-- the one with the ancient plague mark on the door. Ooh, that was eerie."

     "No, it wasn't. It wasn't haunted or secret. It was a laundry room filled with pants."

     "I didn't know that when I went in, did I?" George protested. "Tell you what, we'll toss for it." He rummaged deep in his trousers, produced a dirty-looking coin. "What do you think, Luce? Heads or tails?"

     "I think---"

     "Heads? Interesting choice. Let's see." There was a blur of movement, too fast for the eye to follow. "Ah, it's tails. Unlucky, Luce. Here's the crowbar."

     Lockwood grinned. "Nice try, George, but you're doing it. Let's fetch the tools and seals"

 

400 pages

Expected publication: September 16th 2014 by Random House UK

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?   Yes. I demand that you read it! Just kidding (kind of)


(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Doubleday Children's)

Read more...

Review: "The Screaming Staircase" (Lockwood & Co. #1) by Jonathan Stroud

 Synopsis:

When the dead come back to haunt the living, Lockwood & Co. step in . . .

For more than fifty years, the country has been affected by a horrifying epidemic of ghosts. A number of Psychic Investigations Agencies have sprung up to destroy the dangerous apparitions.

Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent, arrives in London hoping for a notable career. Instead she finds herself joining the smallest, most ramshackle agency in the city, run by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood. When one of their cases goes horribly wrong, Lockwood & Co. have one last chance of redemption. Unfortunately this involves spending the night in one of the most haunted houses in England, and trying to escape alive.

Set in a city stalked by spectres, The Screaming Staircase is the first in a chilling new series full of suspense, humour and truly terrifying ghosts. Your nights will never be the same again . . .

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:
 

Okay so...this book was released last year, but in one of my rare moods I just had to read it before reading the sequel. I am pleased to announce that I am a new fan of Jonathan Stroud and the Lockwood & Co. series! It has officially filled the Percy Jackson and the Olympians withdrawal I have been experiencing lately.

 

Man, oh man, I adored the story! The idea of ghosts becoming what goes bump in the night was chilling. I liked the part that mainly children were able to fight ghosts, as they are more psychically open; especially since that has been a common belief in the real world. The only sucky part of this fictional universe is having to worry about being ghost touched (read the book and find out what that is. No spoilers here people!).
 

It is in first person POV and you're seeing (or reading, if you want to get technical) everything through Lucy's, our protagonist, eyes. This is a adventure/ mystery kind of book, which is sort of neat. There were multiple plots going on, so I wasn't exactly sure how they were going to be resolved or tie in, but alas, Stroud surprised me by tying every loose end into a cute little red bow. Also, I'm mostly sure that tis book is geared more towards preteens or even YA, but I believe even adults would heavily enjoy this book.
 

The characters were young, of course. I say that because: 1. they were immature at times;  2. naive every once in a while; and 3. could grate on your nerves. As I said, they are young so what do you expect? Although on a personal note, I don't think I eve acted like that, but who knows? Maybe I did and that's why my mom was always shaking her head at the things I said or did.  

 

Lucy, Anthony and George are like the Three Musketeers meets the Ghostbusters. They each bring something different to the table, which may be why they are as cohesive as a well oiled machine. George, by far, is my favorite with his dry humor and sarcasm. Anthony's quick wit and leadership is appreciated as well as  Lucy's...uh...being a girl? LOL just kidding everyone.

This is a great read and easily one of my new favorites! I recommend a read. And believe me, you will love it! (Or else....) just kidding again haha.

440 pages

Published August 29th 2013 by Doubleday Children’s Books

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔  

Recommend?   Yeah Yeah Yeah!

Read more...

Review: "Hexed" (The Witch Hunter #1) by Michelle Krys

Synopsis:

 

If high school is all about social status, Indigo Blackwood has it made. Sure, her quirky mom owns an occult shop, and a nerd just won’t stop trying to be her friend, but Indie is a popular cheerleader with a football-star boyfriend and a social circle powerful enough to ruin everyone at school. Who wouldn’t want to be her?

Then a guy dies right before her eyes. And the dusty old family Bible her mom is freakishly possessive of is stolen. But it’s when a frustratingly sexy stranger named Bishop enters Indie’s world that she learns her destiny involves a lot more than pom-poms and parties. If she doesn’t get the Bible back, every witch on the planet will die. And that’s seriously bad news for Indie, because according to Bishop, she’s a witch too.

Suddenly forced into a centuries-old war between witches and sorcerers, Indie’s about to uncover the many dark truths about her life—and a future unlike any she ever imagined on top of the cheer pyramid.
*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:
 

This is another book I came across while at Barnes & Noble. The cover (as always) captured my attention from down the aisle, and then I read the premise...(dun dun dunnn). It sounded good at first, buuuuut (<--and that's a big but) I'm just not feeling it.

The story was...I am not sure what the story was actually because the plot was ridiculous. To be fairly honest, it was child's play: basically the cliche that if the heroine doesn't get the bible back everyone is doomed. Then later, you come to find out it was all for nothing. By the end I was wondering why I was still reading this book. There's hardly any cool witchcraft, powers, plot, romance, awesome characters...

 

And for the love of all that is holy! The characters were so one dimensional. I was in a constant state of rolling my eyes; especially at the protagonist. Indigo is a vapid little cheerleader. Funny how she says she has the third highest GPA in her class...Ummmm, what school are you going to? And it doesn't count if you ride the short bus, sweetie. I swear, during the entire book she was a spineless, airheaded nitwit. First she blabs about the bible even though she knows to keep it secret, then she makes the bad guys "promise" to let her go. I mean, really? She's in LA, not Beverly Hills, get a brain and a backbone while your at it, girl!! Plus, the added romance/tension/whatever it is between Bishop and Indie was corny as hell. A major cheese-fest.

I tried sticking with this book, but I honestly couldn't wait for it to be over. The characters were nothing special, the plot was pointless and by the end I was like "where is the magic and witchcraft?". Here, let me help you out Indigo---Abracadabra..BE GONE! LOL, if only...(a girl can dream right?)

 

Favorite Quotes:

 

"It's all right." He looks out the window. "She's just pulling a Bella."

"A what?"

"A Bella. You know--guy does you wrong, so you punish him by practically killing yourself."

"Nooo" she says, throwing as much sarcasm into the word as humanly possible, "you definitely want to run toward the axe murderer."
 

384 pages

Published June 10th 2014 by Delacorte Press

Rating:   🔔
 

Recommend?   Oh hell no.

Read more...

Review: "Dark Sacrifice" (Dark Paradise #2) by Angie Sandro

Synopsis:

 

A GIFT AND A CURSE

Mala LaCroix sees dead people—really. After using her psychic gifts to catch a killer, she's locked in a psych ward and must strike a deal with the devil to secure her release. Apprenticed to a dark arts practitioner, Mala vows to free herself and save her loved ones from danger. But she doesn't know who to turn to when her crush on Landry Prince turns into something more serious.

A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH

Landry has sacrificed everything to protect Mala. A near-death experience changes him forever, and now he, too, possesses supernatural powers he doesn't understand. Mala and Landry must band together to defeat the dark forces—both human and otherworldly—who would use their abilities for evil. Even as they fall for each other, they must prepare to battle for their very souls . . .

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

I have been impatiently waiting for the sequel to Dark Paradise for months now, and I finally had the chance to read it the other day. You all have no idea how eager I was to be immersed into the world Sandro has created once again, especially after the cliffhanger (that should be illegal) from the last book.
 

This book picks up where the last one ended, thankfully. On a side note, I dislike sequels that do a time skip from the previous book ending. Back to the story: honestly this book is better than the first, in my opinion. The story is progressing nicely, and has that certain "creep" factor that Sandro seems to pull of effortlessly. The reader soon discovers that the problems from the last book are far from over in book two. The situations the characters found themselves in were very grave.
 

Speaking of characters, there are some new ones introduced. Not to mention, the characters we know from the previous novel have matured a bit (thankfully). I'm glad to see Mala act her age and not her shoe size. Her back and forth indecisiveness was grating on my nerves, and I'm also glad she gave Landry another chance. Oh Landry...(swoon). I love him  so much. His protectiveness of Mala was sweet and it's good to see him taking responsibility for his less-than-stellar choices in the past. The overall togetherness of the two was amazing! I did indeed like their "special" scene (wink wink), as well as how they finally started working together like a team and admitted their feelings to each other. Enough with the mushy love stuff! Aunt Magnolia is so...wicked! I. Loved. It. She scares me, but I just love her character and her no nonsense attitude (she reminds me of my grandma).
 

So I'm really trying to not give too much of the plot away, but I didn't see that ending coming! And what is going on with Landry? I wonder what's going to happen next, and when Mala is going to turn into a bada** modern version of Marie Laveau? I'm still waiting and the anticipation for book 3 is killing me (in the most sweetest of ways).

 

352 pages

Published August 12th 2014 by Forever Yours
 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔
 

Recommend?    Most Definitely
  

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Forever Yours Publishing)

Read more...

Review: "Trial by Fire" (The Worldwalker Trilogy #1) by Josephine Angelini

Synopsis:

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self in this alternate universe.

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.

                                                                                               *(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

I love the idea of multiple dimensions/worlds and versions of yourself. So, naturally, it should come as no shock why I was drawn to this book. Besides, it has witches and not your grand papi's witches. SALEM witches--the original O.G witches. On a side note, I love the cover...so wicked cool!

I wasn't sure if I was going to love these characters--I'm a reader who likes to see some depth and character development. I don't like to take them at face value...there needs to be substance, as characters can make or break a book for me. I'm not saying that these ones are deeper than  the deep, blue sea, but they each have a little backstory that is revealed as the story unfolds and progresses the overall plot. These characters were very real and relatable--with flaws; yet they were trying to b e better than their past mistakes. I understood Rowan; his anger and unwillingness to forgive and forget. Lillian was also a trip to read. I am very curious as to why she's doing what she is, and just what did she see in another dimensional world. Tristan and Caleb were some pretty funny friends and character foils. Lily is pretty amazing as well. She's like a breath of fresh air with her easygoing but fierce attitude. Every once in a while I will root for the bad guys, i.e Carrick and Gideon. This is not one of those times. But I would like to understand what Carrick's motivation for his deeds are...I already know Gideon's.

Back to the story, it's pretty engaging and doesn't stray too far into fantasy: it has a decent fusion between fantasy and reality. I definitely got lost into the world that Josephine Angelini has created, and I want to go back (I'm impatiently awaiting the second book in the series)! Admittedly, I'm really liking where this story is heading and the message it's sending about nuclear weapons: they're catastrophic. Anyways,  I enjoyed the sexual tension between Lily and Rowan, and the gradual relationship from enemies to friends to lovers. Ahh! Young love...

This book will make you ponder on the likeliness of alternate worlds, and just who you may or not be if you were to travel to a different one. Would I be smarter or dumber? Less athletic? More sickly? Who knows! What I do know is this book is good.

384 pages

Expected publication: September 2nd 2014 by Feiwel & Friends

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?   Yes, I do. I do. I do.

Read more...

Review: "Demons" (Darkness #4) by K.F. Breene

Synopsis:

It’s been a long road, but Sasha has finally claimed her role as the least knowledge mage in history. She’s also acquired a new, incredibly grumpy bodyguard, and a spunky new BFF. With her team by her side, she learns the ropes of this new profession.

Her experience level is about to be fast-tracked, however.

On a routine trip to check out a perimeter breach, she encounters a hideous demon called by an experienced magic worker. It is this terrifying discovery that unlocks a deeper problem: Stefan’s troubled past and the reason he gravely mistrusts the Mata.

While Sasha struggles to fight the physical demons, Stefan struggles to fight the demons of his past. If he fails, his future in Sasha will be lost.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

I LOVE this series! The humor, the characters, the steamy scenes, fight scenes...everything! I swear I obsessively stalk the author's Goodreads page for any and all info and updates for the next book in the series. And to think I just randomly came upon this series in the Apple app store.

So in this book we see Sasha really try to get a hold of her immense power, as well as step up as the new co-leader. There's a new introduction of paranormal species if you can call it that: witches. I am not too fond of these new characters, but they do somewhat help balance Sasha, even if they are annoying. Also, Sasha annoyed me in this book. The demon is obviously trying to lure her in by speaking to her, so that way  it can steal her powers. And what does she do? She talks to it. I'm upset that she nearly got everyone killed!

As always, my favorite character was Charles; I just love his humor and I totally want a friend like him in my life. Surprisingly Jonas is starting to grow on me as well. The action is pretty good, and it has plenty of plot twists. The reader gets to see more of the uber hot Stefan and Sasha have their "alone time". Without giving too much away to you all, I'll leave you with this line concerning the story...."the plot thickens". Muah ha ha (Evil Laugh)

Favorite Quotes:

"It was like an extended honeymoon period with him--part of me wanted to just hang out in the same room and stare at him while drool dribbled down my chin." - Sasha

"Yes, Jonas, but Toa gave me a giant scroll on linking. A scroll Jonas. He thinks that if I study a five-hundred-year-old document, I'll figure something out. Spoiler alert: I haven't." -Sasha

"What's up Sasha? Cramps?" - Charles

"Nah. But I hang out with a guy that does. Ever notice that smokers never seem to have a lighter on them?' - Ann

173 pages

Published July 19th 2014

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔   

Recommend?  Yes, but read the first three! You'll thank me later...

Read more...

Review: "Alias Hook" by Lisa Jensen

Synopsis:

"Every child knows how the story ends. The wicked pirate captain is flung overboard, caught in the jaws of the monster crocodile who drags him down to a watery grave. But it was not yet my time to die. It's my fate to be trapped here forever, in a nightmare of childhood fancy, with that infernal, eternal boy."

Meet Captain James Benjamin Hook, a witty, educated Restoration-era privateer cursed to play villain to a pack of malicious little boys in a pointless war that never ends. But everything changes when Stella Parrish, a forbidden grown woman, dreams her way to the Neverland in defiance of Pan’s rules. From the glamour of the Fairy Revels, to the secret ceremonies of the First Tribes, to the mysterious underwater temple beneath the Mermaid Lagoon, the magical forces of the Neverland open up for Stella as they never have for Hook. And in the pirate captain himself, she begins to see someone far more complex than the storybook villain.

With Stella’s knowledge of folk and fairy tales, she might be Hook’s last chance for redemption and release if they can break his curse before Pan and his warrior boys hunt her down and drag Hook back to their neverending game. Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen is a beautifully and romantically written adult fairy tale.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

As a Wicked fan, I'm all for learning the backstory of the supposed "antagonist"; things are never what they seem once you learn the truth. Honestly, this book bored me to tears at first, but I think the story was still trying to find its groove. By the end, I was surely engrossed in this not-so-classic tale.

For starters, let me tell you all that I have never seen Peter Pan nor have I read the tale. Granted, I sort of know the story due to a children's play of Peter Pan; so this might be why I was a bit disinterested when I started reading Alias Hook. By the middle of the story, however, things started to get very interesting. The reader discovers what Captain Hook's life was like from adolescence til his eventual imprisonment in Neverland. I have to say that I really felt bad for the guy; Hook was betrayed in a Count of Monte Cristo kind of way (for those of you who know that story-from the book and/or the movie).

In this reimagining, Peter Pan is the actual antagonist! Truthfully, I always though that little kid was devious and heartless- definitely not someone to admire or befriend. Pan and his Lost Boys are just a bunch of rascals who have nothing better to do then torment others without thought. Even though that is how children behave, I sure as sugar never acted that way. Yet I am a girl and men are boys, and boys are...boys LOL. Speaking of which, I loved the little comparisons between a man and a boy because they aren't much different.

Back to the story, the reader will see Hook get his own love interest and redeem himself. I'm not going to spoil it as to who it was, but I will say that I was heavily rooting for Hook to get his happily-ever-after; they do say that the third time is the charm (wink wink). Be fore warned that this isn't a child's tale, as it is a wee bit steamy for the young whippersnappers.

368 pages

Published July 8th 2014 by Thomas Dunne Books

Rating: 🔔 🔔 🔔       

Recommend?   Yep, but it will get you Hooked! (pun intended)

Read more...

Review: "Isis, Vampires and Ghosts - Oh My!" (The Other World) by Janis Hill

Synopsis:

When Stephanie Anders discovers her estranged, wild-child little sister has died and she must attend her funeral, she discovers that Estella’s death is not necessarily as terminal as she had been lead to believe and that, rather than dead, her sister is more of the undead variety. Too late to save her sister’s life, Stephanie Anders must now try to save her soul from the vampire who has possessed her, Branwyre, eighteenth vampire Lord of the Aegean.

With only the aid of the ghost of a pissed-off Buddhist monk with a potty mouth, and the modern day Priestess of Isis, Stephanie must battle demons and other denizens of a world she knows nothing about. Even her first task, to recover Branwyre’s crucible if she is to succeed in banishing the vampire before he has regained his full strength, is not what it seems.

But dealing with a demon, or double-binding a vampire in a sunbed pales in comparison to learning how to forgive her sister for what she did, especially if she is to have even half a chance of saving her soul.

Welcome to a world within our own, the Other World. A place of Darkness and Light; where gods, vampires, demons, and ghosts wage a constant struggle for survival.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

I am under the impression that this is a stand alone novel, or at the very least the only book in a series. Which, coincidentally, is kind of a bummer since I actually want to read more of this story. There were a few grammar mistakes that I caught, but it didn't really take away from the story, in my opinion. This book is most definitely a melting pot of what you would see in today's paranormal series. The whole Isis/vampire thing did sound interesting, yet unconventional.

 

The protagonist, Stephanie, is your everyday funny and sarcastic older sister. Except she is not one to be trifled with. I loved her humor and overall caustic reactions to everything; it's just how I would react if it were me. She totally owned the demons she went up against- I mean some serious butt kicking! Trishna, the ghostly not-so-Buddhist monk, was also a riot but he had a serious potty mouth; I feel like I need to scrub both his mouth and my ears with soap. Stephanie's sister, Estella, wasn't so bad wasn't so bad once you got to meet her, and I'm pleased that she redeemed herself in the reader's eyes. The High Priestess was, thankfully, not as uptight as I would have imagined, and was, eerily, like a mind reader.

 

The best part of this book was probably the characters. The setting just didn't really draw my attention as much. There is no romantic love interest, so don't expect one. The only focal relationship you read about, is that of Stephanie and Estella. Admittedly, I cried tears of joy when Stephanie finally forgave Estella for her past mistakes years ago. Be warned that this book contains a whole new level of swear words and phrases than your average everyday cuss words. I just might say these one day...

 

Favorite Quote:

 

"What did she want me to say? That, yes, Santa really was real and if she was a good little High Priestess this year she was going to get a new shiny red bike?" - Stephanie

 

Expected publication: August 30th 2014 by Hague Publishing

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?   I liked it, but it may not be other people's cup of tea

 

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Hague Publishing)

Read more...

Review: "The Bodies We Wear" (The Bodies We Wear #1) by Jeyn Roberts

Synopsis:

A streetwise girl trains to take on a gang of drug dealers and avenge her best friend’s death in this thriller for fans of Scott Westerfeld and Robin Wasserman.

People say when you take Heam, your body momentarily dies and you catch a glimpse of heaven. Faye was only eleven when dealers forced Heam on her and her best friend, Christian. But Faye didn’t glimpse heaven—she saw hell. And Christian died.

Now Faye spends her days hiding her secret from the kids at school, and her nights training to take revenge on the men who destroyed her life and murdered her best friend. But life never goes the way we think it will. When a mysterious young man named Chael appears, Faye's plan suddenly gets a lot more complicated. Chael seems to know everything about her, including her past. But too many secrets start tearing her world apart: trouble at school, with the police, and with the people she thought might be her friends. Even Gazer, her guardian, fears she's become too obsessed with vengeance. Love and death. Will Faye overcome her desires, or will her quest for revenge consume her?

(*summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

 

My Review:

 

When first reading the premise, I had envisioned a Kill Bill-esque, teenage book. I love a good, old testament story, where the protagonist is a total alpha female! Unfortunately this book wasn't as good as I had hoped.

 

The story just dragged on and on; the only thing that kept me from putting the book down was the anticipation of the "revenge" part of the plot actually jumpstarting. Every single time Faye mentioned revenge and killing, I kept thinking "put up or shut up!" All I seemed to be reading was either: a) Faye was training; b) Faye was at school; or c) Faye was interacting with Gazer or Chael. Those were basically the main scenarios throughout the story.

 

Speaking of Chael, every time I heard this name, I thought of Chael Sonnen LOL. He seemed like a nice guy who really cared about Faye; the situation of how he was able to take possession of another body was a bit freaky though. Also, I find it amusing that I was able to guess who he really was before Faye. Strange, seeing as she is supposed to notice every minute detail and recognize familiarity- I mean, she is a supposed "assassin". Faye was an okay but average character. I didn't really feel any particular way about her. Although at times, I did admire her bravery and pride. I did enjoy, albeit more than I should have, how she could kick some butt! I would have to say that Gazer was my favorite character; he was realistic about wanting revenge and just seemed like someone I would want to be my dad.

 

While reading, it was unfortunate to learn of how they, the fictional characters, treat Heam users. I did feel like it was an injustice, almost like the whole civil rights issue but not as worse. There's a romance element to the story between Chael and Faye, which felt unnecessary. It basically felt forced and threw the story off track. Maybe I will see the whole point of the romance aspect by the next book. It also seemed to me that every scene Chael and Faye shared, the former was trying to talk the latter out of killing. It makes me wonder if the author was trying to bait those interested in revenge/killing stories, and the talk about forgiveness in a "I'm shaking my finger at you reproachfully, while reprimanding you on your behavior" way.

 

Never the less, I still generally liked that there was a lesson to learn about the power of forgiveness, and I am glad Faye finally learned it. I was pleased that, for the most part, things worked out for Faye. I can't this book was exceptional, but it wasn't horrible either.

 

Favorite Quotes:

 

"I've made more hateful," he argues back. "All I wanted to do was give you confidence. Help you grow stronger so you'd be prepared if you were attacked again. Until you can let go of that hate, only then will you be ready." - Gazer

 

368 pages

Expected publication: September 23rd 2014 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔

Recommend:   It was okay. Possibly would recommend.

Read more...

Review: "Fool's Assassin" (The Fitz and the Fool Trilogy #1) by Robin Hobb

Synopsis:

'Fantasy as it ought to be written' GEORGE R.R. MARTIN
Tom Badgerlock has been living peaceably in the manor house at Withywoods with his beloved wife Molly these many years, the estate a reward to his family for loyal service to the crown.

But behind the facade of respectable middle-age lies a turbulent and violent past. For Tom Badgerlock is actually FitzChivalry Farseer, bastard scion of the Farseer line, convicted user of Beast-magic, and assassin. A man who has risked much for his king and lost more…

On a shelf in his den sits a triptych carved in memory stone of a man, a wolf and a fool. Once, these three were inseparable friends: Fitz, Nighteyes and the Fool. But one is long dead, and one long-missing.

Then one Winterfest night a messenger arrives to seek out Fitz, but mysteriously disappears, leaving nothing but a blood-trail. What was the message? Who was the sender? And what has happened to the messenger?

Suddenly Fitz's violent old life erupts into the peace of his new world, and nothing and no one is safe.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

Admittedly, I have not read nor heard of the Farseer books until coming across this one. It does leave something to be desired when you haven't read the previous books. Although this is a new trilogy, the main character, Fitz, has been a long standing protagonist throughout the Farseer books. Therefore, I didn't have a clue as to what the characters' backstory was; especially with a character oriented book such as this. Despite my initial confusion, I found this novel to be marvelous.

The biggest draw for me was the characters. I admire Robin Hobb's ability to write her characters with such brutal honesty and depth. It's been a while since I've read a story that actually made me feel for those characters. There is so much emotion conveyed in each chapter, it sort of devastates you; these characters aren't just killed off- for death would be too easy- they suffer through their trials and tribulations.

The is more of an adult perspective rather than young adult, so expect too see read some adult situation if you catch my drift. It isn't a action packed story, but more of a slow paced one; perhaps its more of a lead in book to something much m,ore grand in the future two novels. I  like where this book is heading, and just might read the previous books to get the whole feel of this fantastical world the author has created.

667 pages

Published August 12th 2014 by Harper Voyager

Rating:🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  If you read the previous Farseer novels, then you will like

                              this one

Read more...

Review: "The Secrets of Life and Death" by Rebecca Alexander

Synopsis:

 

In modern day England, Professor Felix Guichard is called in to identify occult symbols found on the corpse of a young girl. His investigation brings him in contact with a mysterious woman, Jackdaw Hammond, who guards a monumental secret--She's Dead. Or she would be, were it not for magic which has artificially extended her life. But someone else knows her secret. Someone very old and very powerful, who won't rest until they've taken the magic that keeps her alive....
In Krakow in 1585, Dr John Dee, the Elizabethan Alchemist and Occultist, and his assistant Edward Kelley have been summoned by the King of Poland to save the life of his niece, the infamous Countess Elisabeth Bathory. But they soon realize that the only thing worse than the Countess' malady, is the magic that might be able to save her...
As Jackdaw and Felix race to uncover the truth about the person hunting her, it becomes clear that the answers they seek can only be found in the ancient diary of John Dee's assistant, Edward Kelley. Together they must solve a mystery centuries in the making, or die trying.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

This book started off with a bang! I'm starting to notice a pattern, though: lately, books have been based on some historical event. This one is based on the murderess Countess Elizabeth Bathory. I've been secretly stalking this book for months now, as it wasn't available in the U.S until recently. Every thing about this book was amazing: the characters, the setting, the premise, the dog (I'm just kidding about that last one...kind of).

I loved that one of the primary settings was in Transylvania-I've always wanted to go there! Transylvania doesn't disappoint, with it's gypsies, bloodsuckers and witches; it's uber spooky! The story jumps back and forth between the past and present-which I liked because the author chooses to lead the reader to all the magnificent discoveries and unveilings by writing this way. In the beginning of each "past" chapter, is a journal entry by Edward Kelley.

The characters were relatable for the most part, and I really got to know them by the end of the book. Sadie was annoying with her incessant whining and schemes. I kept thinking "you must want to die". Felix was pretty cool and thank God, not a total douche (you never know with characters these days!). I felt bad for Felix, though; he's a victim to a cheater of an ex-wife who's also an opportunist, in my opinion. Jack was also super cool. My favorite character is Ches, "man's best friend". Who can resist an adorable doggy? Doctor Dee and Edward Kelley were just foolish- they should have known the ritual they performed was demonic when Edward started spouting demon names! All I know is, Edward should have been exorcised stat!

The ending was bittersweet and realistic. I'm not sure how there could have been a happily-ever-after anyways. I was pleased to see the parents of Sadie and Jack get closure for the pain they have endured. I'm still scratching my head over the countess' death- how was she not able to handle the fire elemental if she's possessed  by an evil entity? I have no idea, but the book was good.

Favorite Quotes:

"He may try to wrap himself in the blessings of Rome," he whispered, "but the Bathorys are cursed. Why else would he need a sorcerer's spells and talismans? You know the Devil's own magical letters, that is why you were invited here."

I stepped back from the reach of the man's stink. "We have been blessed by angels who have spoken wisdoms to us," I said, with some anger, "Those angels affirmed that Jesus was the son of God."

"And demons cannot lie?" he chuckled.

"Witchcraft?" I was appalled of the idea. While as a man, I might dabble in powerful natural forces such as alchemy, everyone knows witches attract the devil himself with the sinfulness of the female nature.

He smiled without mirth, "God may direct me there, and I pray that he does. But you, sir, are guided by Satan himself, if you create an undead queen for these lands."

384 pages

Expected publication: October 7th 2014 by Broadway Books

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?   If you don't mind the presence of the supernatural, then

                            yes.

 

(ARC courtesy of Broadway Books and Net Galley)

Read more...

Review: "Mortal Danger" (Immortal Game #1) by Ann Aguirre

 

Synopsis:

 

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Edie Kramer has a score to settle with the beautiful people at Blackbriar Academy. Their cruelty drove her to the brink of despair, and four months ago, she couldn't imagine being strong enough to face her senior year. But thanks to a Faustian compact with the enigmatic Kian, she has the power to make the bullies pay. She's not supposed to think about Kian once the deal is done, but devastating pain burns behind his unearthly beauty, and he's impossible to forget.

In one short summer, her entire life changes, and she sweeps through Blackbriar, prepped to take the beautiful people down from the inside. A whisper here, a look there, and suddenly... bad things are happening. It's a heady rush, seeing her tormentors get what they deserve, but things that seem too good to be true usually are, and soon, the pranks and payback turns from delicious to deadly. Edie is alone in a world teeming with secrets and fiends lurking in the shadows. In this murky morass of devil's bargains, she isn't sure who—or what--she can trust. Not even her own mind...

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

When I initially read the synopsis, I was stoked for what had to be greatness. I am and always have been for an good, old testament revenge story. Despite my heady fascination with the premise, the book was just "okay". Don't get me wrong, the first half was really addicting; the second half not so much.

 

I have to say that the cover for this book was just delicious and edgy. I almost want it as a tattoo. Anyways, can I just say how lucky Edie, the protagonist, is to be getting a second chance at life pending her three wishes? Add to that, her "genie in a bottle" is the sexy Kian. Where was my fairy Godmother when I was that depressed? Okay maybe "lucky" isn't the right word, as nothing in life is without a price. I know that from experience, and Edie really should have known better.

Her wishes were just ridiculous, with maybe the exception of her first wish...maybe. For someone so smart, you would think she would consider every aspect of a decision before making it, or be logical when it came to who to trust and how people were getting murdered. Oh no...that is just too like right. If she's so smart, she should have wished for more wishes; Kian never said that was forbidden LOL. At the very least she should have wished for superpowers to combat the bad guys!

Edie was an alright character, but her wishy-washy tendencies were aggravating to read. Especially her saying she hopes so-and-so dies, and then she's shocked that their dead. Really now? Did you not think your words have power now? I don't know why she didn't figure it out after the first murder. I more or less favored Kian. He seemed to be the most interesting character in the entire book because of his past.

The best part was the suspense. Every time a character was murdered though, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop to reveal who was next. There was a lot of death in this book and not everyone who died deserved it. On another note, I always thought that the infinity sign was good luck in Asian culture? I guess not. The big reveal of who was controlling this "wish" game was not what I was expecting. I can't say for sure if that's a good or bad thing, yet. I'll just have to wait and see until the next book.

Favorite Quote:

"You know it's true. People who just got their money always act the worst about it. They wants so badly to be accepted by the blue bloods, to hang out with the right crowd-" -Davina

384 pages

Published August 5th 2014 by Feiwel & Friends

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?         It's okay. Maybe worth a read

Read more...

Review: "Snow Like Ashes" (Snow Like Ashes #1) by Sara Raasch

Synopsis:

A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

 

I have to say that at first this book was of to a slow start. But it started getting really good once I kept reading. The story was fantastic and amazing, and reminded me of a likeness of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series.

 

My liking of the protagonist, Meira, was kind of off and on; sometimes I liked her fierceness, and sometimes I thought she was acting too much like a brat. I loved Theron and I hope that's who Meira ends up with at the endgame. His thoughtfulness and supportive nature made me swoon. He truly makes Meira a better person. Mather is weak, and if he truly loved Meira he wouldn't have betrayed her in the way that he did. All I know is, Meira better not end up with Mather or I will be pissed.

 

The revelations towards the end weren't surprising, as I had already guessed it (I'm good at guessing how a story will end) but it was still great. The end battles were written very well. The treatment of the Winter people reminded me of Avatar: The Last Air Bender. I definitely can't wait to read more.

Favorite Quotes:

"This" I lower my chakram. It's now aimed at the captain's left thigh. "They gave it to me and said throw! I don't even know how it works-" - Meira

There will always be a they in your life, Meira. They make decisions; they mold your future. The trick is to find a way to still be you through it all" - Theron

432 pages

Expected publication: October 14th 2014 by Balzer + Bray

 

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend? Worth a read.

Read more...

Review: "Children of the Morning" by Shanna Lauffey

Synopsis:

The Time Shifters are in danger. Someone wants what they have and are willing to kill if necessary to get it.

Akalya couldn’t hide in the past forever. The time has come to untangle the threads of a conspiracy so sinister that her very life hangs in the balance, as well as the lives of all of her kind.

Compelled by her promise to help Marcus, the half-breed, to learn to control his abilities, Akalya is conflicted by the need to go underground to elude the rich entrepreneur who continues to seek out others of her kind that even Akalya doesn’t know about, and the mysterious researcher working behind the scenes who already came too close to dissecting her best friend.

Akalya cannot leave, but she cannot stay. Most of all she must see that no more of her kind breed mutants like Marcus, who could become a danger to them all.
*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

Thankfully this book was longer than its predecessor, so we get to see more of the characters and story. The writing is pretty good as well, however I wish there was more dialogue between the characters.

The story progresses very nicely, and we get to see more of the antagonists and their true intentions. I was glad to see more of Marcus and learn a little more about him. The introduction of new characters was well done, and kind of cool. I envy Akalya's ability to time travel.

 

Speaking of which, the further explanation of this story's time travel is becoming intriguing; I'm looking forward to learning more. The story is seriously demonstrating how people would condemn and defile those who have abilities. On another note, this novella series reminds me of The Tomorrow People and Jumper.

Published July 20th 2014

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?  Yeah, it's a good series

Read more...

Review: "Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer" by Van Jensen & Dusty Higgins

Synopsis:

This puppet may not be a real boy... but he just might be a real hero! When bloodthirsty monsters invade Pinocchio's hometown and kill his father, Geppetto, Pinocchio discovers a new benefit to his magical nose: telling lies produces a never-ending supply of wooden stakes to combat the vampire hordes! Will Pinocchio be able to defeat these horrors, avenge his father, and save his friends? Now, for the first time, the complete trilogy is collected together in a single deluxe softcover edition. Jensen (Green Lantern Corps) and Higgins (Knights of the Living Dead) present a captivating blend of comedy, horror, romance, and adventure, rooted in the original Italian novel, but brought - as if by magic - to new life.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

This is probably the best graphic novel I have read. It's the perfect blend of humor, action, adventure, paranormal and the classic tale we all know. The premise is quite ingenious; I'm surprised no one thought of it.

 

I laughed so hard when reading this. The humor is just too good, but not "stupid funny", thankfully. All the characters were great-even the bad ones. I like that all the characters were more realistic. The whole book had a Buffy, Vampire Slayer vibe going on. If they don't put this graphic novel up on the big screen, I will be tremendously disappointed.

 

528 pages

Published June 24th 2014 by Top Shelf Productions

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  Great for a laugh or two.

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Top Shelf Productions)

Read more...

Review: "Darkness" by Erin Eveland

Synopsis:

 

One Girl. One Boy. And the Masters of Darkness. See the Shadow Creatures. They are everywhere. But you can't run from the shadows or the Masters who control them.

Catherine has been born with a supernatural power called Darkness. The Masters of Darkness have found her and it's just a matter of time before someone claims her.

An Interactive Novel
A QR Code starts the beginning of each chapter connecting the reader to specific art or music that ties into the mood and setting of the novel. Using the quick response code in print and eBook formatting, Darkness incorporates visual and sound to heighten the reading experience.
*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

First and foremost, I haven't tried out the QR code thing. Embarrassing enough, I don't know how to activate it, so at a later date I will get back to you all about it.

Anyways, the premise was very interesting. I've actually heard that people can see the "shadow people" in real life. So naturally, I had to read this book. Aside from the characters, Darkness didn't let me down; it was engaging. I shouldn't have read this at night though, because I started feeling like I had the heebie-jeebies. I can officially state that I am now afraid of the shadow creatures.

I would give this book a higher rating, but the characters really drove it down a bit. I just could not understand their logic. Catherine and Nathan are a match made in heaven because both are incredibly naive and foolish. Nathan meets the mysterious man in black, and he immediately tells this guy a bunch of information about EVERYTHING! One would think you would stay away from a guy who's dangerous, talks of weilding darkness and wants you to call him "master". Nope. Not Nathan. Then you have Catherine, after Jorgen put a protection necklace on her, wants him to take it off because the "master" said he'll hurt Nathan if she keeps it on. Obviously the "master" has something to gain from the removal of the necklace. And then when she's safe, she wants to run back to the "master" to save Nathan. What a genius she is. You have to save yourself first before saving another...duh!

 

Aside from the irrtating writing of the characters, the book is really good. It's a little trippy though- like I went on a bad trip thanks to shrooms or LSD. The end battle was amazingly written, by the way.

320 pages

Published July 1st 2014 by Selladore Press

 

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  Of course

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Selladore Press)

Read more...