Review: "My Last Kiss" by Bethany Neal

Synopsis:

What if your last kiss was with the wrong boy?

Cassidy Haines remembers her first kiss vividly. It was on the old covered bridge the summer before her freshman year with her boyfriend of three years, Ethan Keys. But her last kiss--the one she shared with someone at her seventeenth birthday party the night she died--is a blur. Cassidy is trapped in the living world, not only mourning the loss of her human body, but left with the grim suspicion that her untimely death wasn't a suicide as everyone assumes. She can't remember anything from the weeks leading up to her birthday and she's worried that she may have betrayed her boyfriend.

If Cassidy is to uncover the truth about that fateful night and make amends with the only boy she'll ever love, she must face her past and all the decisions she made--good and bad--that led to her last kiss.

Bethany Neal's suspenseful debut novel is about the power of first love and the haunting lies that threaten to tear it apart.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

I swear, this should be a cautionary tale for those who cheat--- right beside Fatal Attraction. This is another book I randomly came upon while up to no good with my friend in Barnes and Noble. Don't ask; don't tell. I must've skimmed the synopsis on back, because if I had realized how much of a tear-jerker was I might not have bought it. I hate (in a good way) books that make me cry.

 

This was quite the emotional rollercoaster of a book. I'm not going to lie, I was in tears. The mystery of Cassidy's, the protagonist, death was indeed puzzling. As I have said before, I am very good at guessing how a book/movie will end, but I didn't see that ending coming--- and I guessed at least 50 times. I'm not pulling you guys' leg, either. The mystery was off the charts, and there was a bit of suspense thrown in  there as well. The best and my most favorite part was...*drum roll*... the characters.

 

I'm a character driven person; characters and how they are written or developed can make or break a book for me. The depth and development of these characters was off the charts. You will discover that there is  more than meets the eye and nothing is what it seems with each one of them. I loved the flaws Cassidy had, in which you realize she is just as flawed as the rest of us. And Ethan...Oh my goodness, it was both endearing and heartbreaking seeing the connection  he and Cassidy possessed, especially since they didn't exactly get the "HEA" we readers love to see.

 

The pain you see everyone going through in response to Cassidy's death broke my heart. I couldn't imagine how my mom would feel. Or Cassidy-- living in limbo like she was is a major drag. It also goes to show that not all "friends" are your real friends. You have to be careful with backstabbers---literally and figuratively. None the less, this was a great story and the ending was beautiful. However, I'm still trying to figure out if the people responsible for Cassidy's death are going to jail; it wasn't exactly clear. And it was slow torture watching Cassidy make her mistakes that would inevitably lead to her death. What a shame. But on the bright side...at least there weren't any boiled bunnies anywhere. See, there IS a silver lining!
 

358 pages

Published June 10th 2014 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

 

Rating: 🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔

Recommend?   Yeah. But have a box of tissues nearby.

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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)

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Review: "The Merciless" by Danielle Vega

Synopsis:

 

Forgive us, Father, for we have sinned

Brooklyn Stevens sits in a pool of her own blood, tied up and gagged. No one outside of these dank basement walls knows she’s here. No one can hear her scream.

Sofia Flores knows she shouldn’t have gotten involved. When she befriended Riley, Grace, and Alexis on her first day at school, she admired them, with their perfect hair and their good-girl ways. They said they wanted to save Brooklyn. They wanted to help her. Sofia didn’t realize they believed Brooklyn was possessed.

Now, Riley and the girls are performing an exorcism on Brooklyn—but their idea of an exorcism is closer to torture than salvation. All Sofia wants is to get out of this house. But there is no way out. Sofia can’t go against the other girls . . . unless she wants to be next. . . .

In this chilling debut, Danielle Vega delivers blood-curdling suspense and terror on every page. By the shockingly twisted end, readers will be faced with the most haunting question of all: Is there evil in all of us?

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

If I were to summarize this book in one word, I would say...disturbing. Yeah that's then word alright: DISTURBING! I only discovered this book through a friend of mine, and I'm not sure whether I am glad or not that I have read this. This is surely one of those books that you probably won't guess the ending, as you won't know what the hell is going on. Trust me, I had some good guesses myself, and even I only was sort of right. I'm still not sure what I just read. All I do know is, the entire time I was saying "sweet buttery Jesus"!
 

As I was saying, I saw this book at Barnes & Noble and I thought the book, not just the cover, were creative. It's made to resemble an actual bible. Eerie, right?
 

The story was okay: it was basically Mean Girls meets Saved (for those of you that have seen those movies). Everything gets real interesting towards the middle of the book. (Spoiler Alert: If you have a weak stomach, Do Not read this book). I was seriously scared and had to pray to God after finishing this book. There are some serious revelations at the end of the book (pun intended), and you will not see them coming.

 

The characters were okay as well, or at least some of them. I didn't like Sofia at all. I'm just not a fan of weak-willed people in books. I feel like, if you know its wrong, speak up. She was annoying because while she's laying the victim card, she was also subconsciously instigating some of the conflict. Brooklyn  was like a mixture of Miley Cyrus and Janis Ian (Mean Girls) so basically picture that. Riley on the other hand, was like Pennsatucky (Orange is the New Black). Riley is a few tacos short of a combination: she is a straight up psychopath.

 

It's not the most original premise, but it does deliver good thrills and terror to all you adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers. Just beware...it's not for the faint hearted. Also, there better be a sequel especially with that ending; but alas, I am sure this is a stand alone novel.

 

279 pages

Published June 12th 2014 by Razorbill

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?   Worth a read...if you dare (muah ha ha)

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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)

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Review: "The Frozen Dead" (Commandant Martin Servaz #1) by Bernard Minier

Synopsis:

The first victim is a horse: its headless body hangs suspended from the edge of a frozen cliff.
On the same day as the gruesome discovery, a young psychiatrist starts her first job at a secure asylum for the criminally insane, just a few miles away.
Commandant Servaz, a Toulouse city cop, can't believe he has been called out over the death of an animal. But there is something disturbing about this crime that he cannot ignore.
Then DNA from one of the most notorious inmates of the asylum is found on the corpse... and a few days later the first murder takes place.
In this snowbound valley, deep in the Pyrenees, a dark story of madness and revenge is unfolding. It will take all of Servaz's
skill to solve it.
*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

I am pleased to say that this was a great psychological, mystery thriller! It's not everyday that you come across a book that keeps you guessing until the end. With its twists and turns, this novel gave me heart palpitations and left me unable to guess the final outcome of the plot.

The POV shifts between two characters: Commandant Servaz and Dr. Diane Berg. It's kind of funny because I kept wondering when the two would finally cross paths; it seemed to take forever. Anyways, I suppose one character was supposed to give the reader eyes into the Institute, and the other into the investigation. Later on the book, it almost felt like Diane was kind of an irrelevant character, by the way. All the characters seemed to be raw and uncut-- it was very refreshing to read characters without the pretenses.

Please note that this story is not for the fainthearted. It will not only "touch" on psychology and touchy subjects such as rape and abuse, it will reach the depths of your mind and (pardon my French, lol) mind-fuck you. Having to read the perverted ways of people, especially the criminally insane, made me want to scrub myself clean and click my heels three times to go home. If you want to stay away from this book, I don't blame you...ignorance is bliss after all.

Favorite Quotes:

"If there's one thing we do learn in this job," he said, "it is that people are rarely what they seem. And that everyone has something to hide." - Servaz

"What if, for example, you have the choice at an election between three candidates: the first one is half paralyzed by polio, suffers from high blood pressure and anemia and numerous other serious illnesses, has been known to lie, consults an astrologist, cheats on his wife, is a chain-smoker and drinks too many martinis; the second one is obese, has already lost three elections, is going through a depression and has had two heart attacks, smokes cigars and in the evening glugs champagne, port, brandy and whiskey before taking two sleeping tablets; and the third one is a decorated war hero who respects women, loves  animals, might drink a beer from time to time and doesn't 't smoke. Which one would you choose?"

Servaz grinned.

"I suppose you expect me to say the third on?"

"Well done, you've just rejected Roosevelt and Churchill and elected Adolf Hitler. You see, things are never what they seem."

496 pages

Published August 12th 2014 by Minotaur Books

Rating:  🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔

Recommend?  I highly recommend!

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Review: "Day 21" (The Hundred #2) by Kass Morgan

Synopsis:

No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now.
It's been 21 days since the hundred landed on Earth. They're the only humans to set foot on the planet in centuries...or so they thought. Facing an unknown enemy, Wells attempts to keep the group together. Clarke strikes out for Mount Weather, in search of other Colonists, while Bellamy is determined to rescue his sister, no matter the cost. And back on the ship, Glass faces an unthinkable choice between the love of her life and life itself.
In this pulse-pounding sequel to Kass Morgan's The 100, secrets are revealed, beliefs are challenged, and relationships are tested. And the hundred will struggle to survive the only way they can -- together.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

 

My Review:

 

I know that this has recently become a show on the CW, although I personally have not watched it. I'm still a bit confused, as I had seen the television previews and they had hinted at mutated creatures eating the people--so naturally I was morbidly curious.

 

This is the sequel to the original book. Do I think it's better than the first book? Yes and No. Yes, because the story seemed to be getting somewhere and the characters didn't irk me as much. No, because of the predictability factor.

I honestly just can't with these characters; they're hypocrites--all of them! Clarke especially just irritates me. I really detest her self-righteousness and her thumbing her nose at everyone else's shortcomings. Especially when it came to Wells; she's a huge hypocrite. How can she seriously blame him for the very things she's done once upon a time? Clarke should be the most understanding, but obviously she hasn't done much emotional growing. Bellamy is a sociopath. No one can convince me otherwise. Every other character is just as irritating somehow.

 

If you liked the first book, you'll  probably like this one. As stated earlier, I have not watched the television series so I haven't a clue as to how much of the show is based on the book. What I can say is that it doesn't seem to match the series previews I had seen months ago. Also, I don't think I will be continuing this series. Take that as you will.

 

320 pages

Expected publication: September 16th 2014 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Rating:  🔔 🔔

Recommend?   No. It's a great premise, but it lacks adequate character

                             development.

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Little Brown Books)

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Review: "Welcome To The Dark House" (Dark House #1) by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Synopsis:

What’s your worst nightmare?

For Ivy Jensen, it’s the eyes of a killer that haunt her nights. For Parker Bradley, it’s bloodthirsty sea serpents that slither in his dreams.

And for seven essay contestants, it’s their worst nightmares that win them an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at director Justin Blake’s latest, confidential project. Ivy doesn’t even like scary movies, but she’s ready to face her real-world fears. Parker’s sympathetic words and perfect smile help keep her spirits up. . . at least for now.

Not everyone is so charming, though. Horror-film fanatic Garth Vader wants to stir up trouble. It’s bad enough he has to stay in the middle of nowhere with this group—the girl who locks herself in her room; the know-it-all roommate; “Mister Sensitive”; and the one who’s too cheery for her own good. Someone has to make things interesting.

Except, things are already a little weird. The hostess is a serial-killer look-alike, the dream-stealing Nightmare Elf is lurking about, and the seventh member of the group is missing.

By the time Ivy and Parker realize what’s really at stake, it’s too late to wake up and run.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

I've been waiting to get my hands on this book for what seems like forever. Just a FYI, my nickname since childhood was Goosebumps, hence the appeal of this story for me. Originally I thought this was a stand alone novel, but it actually has a sequel, much to my amazement.

While I was reading, this I was camping out in the woods at night. Suffice it to say I was getting a little creeped out every time I heard a twig snap, which only added to the horror ambiance of this book.  There was a decent amount of suspense, albeit towards the middle of the book. The first half was okay; some parts were interesting, others were kind of a drag. I appreciated the fusion of R.L Stine meets the Real World in the beginning; but the characters were exactly like I would have seen in the latter and not in a good way.

Cliché, cliché, cliché. Basically the description of each character. You have: the scary, timid girl #1; cute, weird girl who hurts herself #2; random girl who leaves early #3; sweet, artistic guy #1; and the love triangle between: cute rocker guy #2; pretty, insensitive tease of a girl #4; and gothic jerk guy #3. All of these characters were your average, cookie cutter, watered down characters in the YA genre. I didn't like any of them and only tuned into the book to see who would die first. Shockingly it wasn't the black person LOL.

While we're on the topic of clichés, the only one not in this book is the aforementioned "black person always dies first" and the "black person is scared and runs away from danger".  The "scary, bad guy" of the story is an evil Christmas elf. Really? REALLY? Why is it that the "big scary dude" is always in some ridiculous outfit?: i.e. Chucky, Scream, Leprechaun. It really doesn't;'t get more ridiculously cliché than an elf. Then you have the token love story that manages to be in almost every scary movie. I'll let you guess as to who it is.

Anyways, back to the characters. Their decisions  had me shaking my head.  Especially Natalie, who should have listened to her brother; I bet she feels really stupid now. I did like that Frankie called out Shayla on her "fakeness", it was one of the best scenes in my opinion. Shayla was the most irritating, after Garth of course (I was glad he got the axe... no pun intended).

If I were those kids, I would have never told my worst nightmare, or at the very least pulled a double all-nighter so the Nightmare Elf wouldn't have wormed its way into my nightmares. On a serious note, I thought that it was going to be all make believe at the very end like Inception; it's all in your head. The ending was even better than that.

368 pages

Published July 22nd 2014 by Disney-Hyperion

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔  

Recommend?   It's a decent book as long as you don't mind the clichés.

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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...

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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)

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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

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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)

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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

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Review: "The Lazarus Prophecy" by F.G. Cottam

Synopsis:

Prime Suspect meets The Da Vinci Code in this original, suspenseful thriller.
There is a killer loose on the streets of London, one that evades security cameras, is not held by locks, and savagely mutilates his victims. When the murderer switches from unknown prostitutes to Julie Longmuir, a beautiful actress at the height of her success, no woman feels safe.

As the press begin to draw uncomfortable comparisons with Jack the Ripper, Jane Sullivan, heading up the police investigation, grudgingly has to agree. But the religious writing, scrawled on the wall in Julie Longmuir’s blood, is outside Jane’s area of expertise. Roping in Jacob Prior, a disillusioned theologian, they attempt to pick apart the demonic delusions of this Ripper copycat. They must act quickly, as events are spiraling out of control, and Jane is next on the killer’s list.

Jane will be tested beyond the limits of standard police work, as the esoteric insinuates itself into the investigation. For events are linked to the clandestine Priory in the Pyrenees, the home of a secret Christian sect that pre-dates the Knights Templar. Jane and Jacob are faced with a deeper mystery than they had ever dreamed of; are they simply dealing with a psychopath, or is this something bigger, is this The End of Days?*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

 

The Lazarus Prophecy proves to be a thrilling ride for the reader. It features the Jack the Ripper legend with a supernatural twist, and is multi POV. I kept having heart palpitations and thinking who was next to be killed, every time the POV changed to a brand new character.

As a detective murder-mystery, discovering the clues was pretty fun; in a non-morbid way. The tie in with the Catholic priests and the new Ripper killings was out of this world. I definitely didn't see it coming.

 

I liked the chemistry between Jacob and Jane; the banter was very playful and engaging. All throughout the story, I wasn't sure how the author was going to wrap it all up nice and neat; this is a demon they are dealing with after all, and this is not the show Supernatural. However the book ended pretty good. I really enjoyed it.

 

Favorite Quote:

"Since I won't have the pleasure of doing so myself, please extend my farewells to Madame Reynard"

"Go to hell" - Jacob

Expected publication: September 9th 2014 by Bloomsbury

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  Yes Please

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Bloomsbury Publishing)

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Review: "The Unforgivable Fix: A Justice Novel" by T.E. Woods

Synopsis:

 

The killer won’t come for you, you fool. He’ll come for me.

Detective Mort Grant of the Seattle PD has finally decided to sell. The home where he and his late wife raised two kids feels too large and too full of old memories. His son is married and raising a family of his own, and despite desperate efforts to find her, Mort has lost touch with his wayward daughter. That is, until the day she walks back into her childhood home and begs for his help.

For the last four years, Allie Grant has been the lover—and confidante, confessor, and counselor—of one of the world’s most powerful and deadly men. But a sudden, rash move has put Allie in the crosshairs of a ruthless Russian crime lord. Mort knows of only one place where Allie will be safe: with The Fixer.

As a hired desperado, The Fixer has killed twenty-three people—and Mort was complicit in her escape from the law. She has built an impregnable house, stocked it with state-of-the-art gear, armed it to the teeth, and locked herself away from the world. But even The Fixer may not be able to get justice for Allie when real evil comes knocking.*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

This book blew my expectations out of the water. I figured it would just be one huge "every character has drama" book.  Amazingly, it was like some rated M for mature Superman book. The female lead, Lydia, is successful psychiatrist by day; The Fixer by night (dun dun duunnn).

Story is pretty fast paced- maybe not with action, but the story itself is engrossing.  I had a hard time putting the book down (thankfully) as I was really interested on how "The Fixer" was going to teach the baddies a lesson in who's the MAN..ahem, WOMAN!

This was a good thriller full of unpredictable twists and turns and some serious revelations.  The characters grew on me, especially the ones I had taken an immediate disliking to in the beginning. I liked learning about what makes Lydia "tick" so to speak; and I don't mean the clock in her office at work! (Okay maybe that wasn't that funny).

At first Lydia seems cold and rigid, but you then see she has been hurt badly before psychologically, mentally and emotionally.  I love the cool mask of indifference she often displays; it's so fetch! Detective Mort is a major fool, I concluded.  Not only is he blind to his daughter's trickery and manipulation, he has the nerve to be upset with Lydia- which pissed me off. Detective Bauer is positively sizzling with his charm and rugged looks. Lydia better watch out before she becomes a chocolate chomper (someone who only dates black men). 

P.S: It's a shame about that stepfather allegedly abusing his stepdaughter. It reminds me of a certain wealthy man (cough cough S.C Johnson).

Expected publication: October 14th 2014 by Alibi

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  Yes.

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Alibi Publishing)

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Review: "Unwept" (The Nightbirds #1) by Tracy Hickman, Laura Hickman

Synopsis:

Gamin, Maine, is a remote seaside town where everyone seems to know Ellis Harkington better than she knows herself—but she doesn’t remember any of them.

Unknown events have robbed Ellis of her memory. Concerned individuals, who purport to be her friends and loved ones, insist that she simply needs to recuperate, that her memories may return in time, but refuse to divulge what has brought her to this state. For her own sake, so they say.

Ellis finds herself adrift in a town of ominous mysteries, cryptic hints, and disturbingly familiar strangers. The Nightbirds, a clique of fashionable young men and women, claim her as one of their own, but who among them can she truly trust? And what of the phantom suitor who visits her in her dreams? Is he a memory, a figment of her imagination, or a living nightmare beyond rational explanation?
Only her lost past hold the answers she seeks—if she can uncover its secrets before she fall prey to an unearthly killer.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

I really thought this might be good, but unfortunately it wasn't.  I feel like I was bamboozled.  I almost don't know where to start with this book.

 

The pacing was way too slow.  I was bored to tears at first, and very nearly put the book down.  The characters were lackluster and unremarkable.  It felt like a chore just finishing the book.  The twist near the end of the book was kind of random, honestly.  The whole book left me feeling crazy myself.

 

Ellis was just too passive aggressive, which infuriates me.  I get that she is supposed to be suffering from some sort of amnesia, but dont act like you remember something and then backtrack later.  Merrick needs to calm his butt down and quit acting like the smug, psycho dentist creeping around with ether.  Jenny needs to take a hint and quit acting like a dog in heat.  And every other character should just get a life. Oh right, easier said than done in this book. 

 

I kept asking myself what was going every couple of pages.  This story was hard to follow and not well written if I might add.  The flow wasn't smooth at all.  Too bland for my tastes.

272 pages

Published July 1st 2014 by Tor Books

Rating:  🔔🔔

 

Recommend?    Not really.

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Review: "Left Turn at Paradise: A Rare Book Mystery" (Antiquarian Book Mystery #2) by Thomas Shawyer

Synopsis:

Michael Bevan is barely scraping by with his used bookstore and rare book collection when he discovers a timeworn journal that may change everything. Dating back to 1768, the tattered diary appears to be a chronicle kept during the first of legendary seafarer Captain James Cook’s three epic voyages through the Pacific islands. If it’s as valuable as Mike thinks it is, its sale may just bring enough to keep his faltering used bookstore afloat for another year.

Then he meets a pair of London dealers with startling news: Adrian Hart and Penelope Wilkes claim to possess the journal of Cook’s second voyage. Is it possible a third diary exists? One which might detail Cook’s explosive final voyage—and his death at the hands of native
Hawaiians? Together, all three would be the holy grail of Pacific exploration. But before Mike can act, the two journals are stolen.

Chasing them down will sweep Michael, Adrian, and Penelope across the globe—past a dead body or two—and into a very sinister slice of paradise. High in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, in a remote and secretive Maori compound, a secret rests in the hands in of a man daring enough to rewrite history . . . and desperate enough to kill.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review

 

A fast paced, adventure with a hint of mystery this book proved to be.  It has some historical aspects to it; for example Captain James Cook and his voyages.

I've read about Captain Cook in passing during high school, so it was nice to brush up on some history. I also liked learning about little known facts about New Zealand.  I've never really known about the Maori beliefs, but it was pretty neat to read about it. The description of the war dance seems very apt, as I have witnessed it myself.

 

I'm not sure why there needed to be a love triangle with Tane, Pillow and Michael. It kind of made sense but then it didn't. I don't see how that was so important to the story. I could have personally done without.  The ending was interesting; I'm not sure I agree with it, but it was intriguing nonetheless. Not a bad read.

Expected publication: August 26th 2014 by Alibi

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?      Worth a read. Any adventure lovers will like this book.

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Alibi Publishing)

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Review: "Supernatural Enhancements" by Edgar Cantero

Synopsis:

When twentysomething A., the unexpected European relative of the Wells family, and his companion, Niamh, a mute teenage girl with shockingly dyed hair, inherit the beautiful but eerie estate of Axton House, deep in the woods of Point Bless, Virginia, it comes as a surprise to everyone—including A. himself. After all, he never even knew he had a "second cousin, twice removed" in America, much less that the eccentric gentleman had recently committed suicide by jumping out of the third floor bedroom window—at the same age and in the same way as his father had before him . . .

Together, A. and Niamh quickly come to feel as if they have inherited much more than just a rambling home and a cushy lifestyle. Axton House is haunted, they know it, but that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the secrets they slowly but surely uncover. Why all the suicides? What became of the Axton House butler who fled shortly after his master died?
What lurks in the garden maze and what does the basement vault keep? And what of the rumors in town about a mysterious gathering at Axton House on the night of the winter solstice?

Told vividly through a series of journal entries, scrawled notes, recovered security footage, letters to Aunt Liza, audio recordings, complicated ciphers, and even advertisements, Edgar Cantero has written a dazzling and original supernatural adventure featuring classic horror elements with a Neil Gaiman-ish twist.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

 

This book was absolutely brilliant.  The story was fast paced and instantly ensnared me.  The build-up was amazing, and I found myself wanting to jump inside the book and interact with the characters when it came to clues.  Speaking of which, I have heard of encrypting letters during wars, but I never knew the types and how to do it.  It was quite fascinating to learn a little history about it and know how to encrypt and decrypt letters for future reference (you never know).  Trying to figure out the clues made me feel like Nancy Drew or one of the Hardy boys.

I could barely figure out what clue led to what. Usually I am very good at solving riddles or figuring out the clues before the characters do, but this book left me stumped.  I enjoyed the brain challenge. The dialogue was pretty interesting between Niamh and A.  I have never met a mute person, so it was interesting reading the communication between Niamh and other characters.

The red herring and twist at the end definitely got me; I really didn't see it coming, which is surprising to me.  The mystery element was the finest I have ever read. The saying that hindsight is always 20/20 is quite true in regards to this book, because looking back I can now piece together the clues to see how it all fit together; perhaps the characters can too.

368 pages

Expected publication: August 12th 2014 by Doubleday

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?     Yes! For Everyone!

(ARC courtesy of Doubleday Publishing and Net Galley)

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