Angels Among Us

Hallowed is the second book of Cynthia Hand's Unearthly series.

For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day.  And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will dies in a matter of months.  With her future uncertain, the only thing knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

The Breakdown:
1. Hallowed should be called secrets.  Everyone in this book is keeping secrets it seems.  Hand does a great job of slowly revealing each secret, and a few of them are quite the surprise when you learn them.

2. Team Tucker! I am thoroughly and completely in love with Tucker Avery. Not that Christian is a bad guy. In fact, he is perfectly nice, but I get the feeling the reason he likes Clara is because he feels they belong together due to their shared heritage, not because he really loves her.  Tucker on the other hand is completely gone for her. Plus he is a rugged cowboy, and how is that not hot?

3. Have your box of tissues ready for this one. I spent the last third of the book with tears in my eyes. Clara goes through a lot emotionally in this book, both her own emotions and having empathy giving her other's emotions.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
The Evolution of Mara Dyer
by Michelle Hodkin

Something Blue

Gathering Blue is the second book in The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry.

It is a society ruled by savagery and deceit that shuns and discards the weak.  Left orphaned and physically flawed, young Kira faces a frightening, uncertain future.  Blessed with an almost magical talent that keeps her alive, she struggles with ever broadening responsibilities in her quest for truth, discovering things that will change her life forever.

The Breakdown
1. While this is a companion to The Giver, Kira's village is almost the polar opposite in their behavior compared to Jonas's village.  Here men and women are not equal, people are not civil to each other.  But on the other hand there are still secrets within the village, and the unwanted are left to die, much like releasing them as they did in the Giver.

2. Kira is a little on the timid side for me.  She is kind and very good with the tykes, but she does not stand up for herself many times.

3. My biggest complaint is that I am unsure how this book really ties in with Jonas's story from The Giver.  I hope as the series continues that Lowry will explain how the stories are related.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Hallowed
by Cynthia Hand

Follow Up Fail

The World That I Remembered is Maura Patrick's sequel to The Shells of Chanticleer.

Macy struggles to resume her normal life.  Sunsets, swimming pools, and church bells create jarring, repeated episodes of deja vu that convince her she is going insane.  She is haunted not only by strange memories, but by the feeling that she broke the heart of someone who had been very good to her.  Then there are the mysterious diamond earrings found in her possessions. Shaped like capital Cs, there are beautiful and antique, but no one she knows will admit to giving them to her.  She knows they are meant for her, but their existence in her life confounds her.  With a nagging feeling that there is more to this life than what appears on Earth, Macy struggles to make peace with the memories that taunt her.  Until one snowy day, memory and destiny collide, hurling her back through time and space to that faraway world she knew was out there- the world that she remembered.

The Breakdown:
1. I liked The Shells of Chanticleer, but this sequel was quite the disappointment.  The writing and the story have a very choppy feel to it, which made it hard to really get into the book in the first place.

2. Macy goes back to Chanticleer to be with Sebastian, but it seems they are are rarely together, and when they are together, the chemistry between them is practically non-existent.

3.Then there is Sebastian, and he sure does not act or talk the least bit like a guy born, raised, and died in the 1700s.  Then there is the "joke" he and his father play on Macy, which is down right cruel, feeding into her insecurities and having her questioning whether Sebastian really wants to be with her.

4. Oh the glaring mistake, when Sebastian's uncle, who was older than Sebastian, said he died in 1892 which would have been about hundred years after the end of the Revolutionary War.

To Read or Not to Read:
Don't waste your time on this one

Currently Reading:
Gathering Blue
by Lois Lowery

Or Vampire Court Politics

Book five of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series is Spirit Bound.

Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong...

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's- and to her best friend, Lissa.  It is nearly graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears about about to come true.  Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her.  And this time he won't rest until Rose joins him...

The Breakdown:
1. Mead out does herself in this book.  I think it is my favorite of the series so far. The plot has some great twist to it, and she does a great job of including all my favorite characters, whether good or bad. It is a great progression in the storyline she has established in the series.

2. So glad that Rose and Lissa are back together in this book.  Their friendship is so strong and the characters together are amazing to read, just seeing how well they understand each other is fantastic.

3. Love that the concept of Spirit magic continues to evolve in this book.  Mead does a great job in expanding the idea of the magic, and it does not seemed ridiculous the way she does it.  Rather it is a natural flow to it based on the early basics she laid out about the magic.

4. Like how Mead moves easily from high school life for Rose and Lissa to court life.  The court politics and society she establishes is amazing, and it leads to quite the dozy of a cliffhanger.  I can't wait to read the last book, Last Sacrifice, to see how everything turns out.

To Read or Not to Read
Read

Currently Reading:
The World that I Remembered
by Maura Patrick

Pretty Special

Specials by Scott Westerfeld is the last book in his Uglies triology.

"Special Circumstances": The words have sent chills down Tally's spine since her days as a repellent, rebellious ugly.  Back then Specials were a sinister rumor-- frighteningly beautiful, dangerously strong, breathtakingly fast.  Ordinary pretties might live their whole lives without meeting a Specialy.  But Tally's never been ordinary.

And now she's been turned into one of them: a superamped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid.

The strength, the speed, and the clarity and focus of her thinking feel better than anything Tally can remember.  Most of the time. One tiny corner of her heart still remembers something more.

Still, it's easy to tune that out-- until Tally's offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently.  It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she's programmed to complete.  Either way, Tally's world will never be the same.

The Breakdown:
1.  Love that Westerfeld continues to develop the world created in these novels.  In the first we saw life as Uglies, and runaways/rebels, the second gave life as Pretties, and now he paints the picture of the dreaded Specials. He does such a wonderful job of making each aspect unique and different from the others.

2. Each book Tally undergoes a transformation, but all the while Westerfeld is able to keep the essentials of her personality.  She is strong, and able to keep her mind her own despite the attempts to conform her to what society/Dr. Cable wants her to be.

3. This book gives a new look at like outside of Tally's city.  Finally we get to see another city in this world, and learn that not all cities are like the one that Tally is from.

4. Have to admit that Shay is my least favorite character.  She has a petty jealous streak that is always driving a wedge between her and Tally.

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read

Currently Reading:
Spirit Bound
by Richelle Mead

Vampire Most Wanted

Vampire Most Wanted by Lynsay Sands is the latest novel in her Argeneau series.

For Basha Argneau. anything is better than facing her estranged family.  Even hiding out in sweltering southern California.  But when a sexy immortal in black shows up determined to bring her back to the clan, she'll do anything to keep far, far away from the past she can't outrun.

Marcus Notte isn't here to play games- especially not with someone as crazy as the infamous blonde.  Asked by Lucian Argeneau to bring her back for questioning, Marcus is determined to carry out Lucians request- no matter how the seductive little mind-reading vamp feels about it.

Basha doesn't mind fighting fire with fire, especially with a hot immortal involved. But if he wants to take her away, he'll have to catch her first...


The Breakdown:

1. After the last Argeneau book, I was worried that Sands had lost her groove in this series, and I am happy to report this book was much improved from that one. It had a much better developed plot, and the characters did not have the one dimensional feel as the last books characters.

2. Like that Basha was a complicated character with quite the past.  It made her very interesting, and a delight to read as everything unfolded.

3. Like the setting of a carnival.  It was a fresh setting for Sands, and brought some interesting minor characters into the book.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Specials
by Scott Westerfeld

Fantastic Follow Up

Where She Went by Gayle Forman is the sequel to her If I Stay.

It's been three years since Mia walked out of Adam's Life.

And three years he's spent wondering why.

When their paths cross again in New York City, Adam and Mia are brought back together for one life-changing night.

Adam finally has the opportunity to ask Mia the questions that have been haunting him.  But will a few hours in this magical city be enough to lay their past to rest, for good- or can you really have a second chance at first love?

The Breakdown:
1. This book is so heartbreaking beautiful.  It is the perfect sequel for If I Stay. I was definitely on the verge of tear more than once.

2. While If I Stay dealt with Mia's choices and grief, this book really explores Adam more as a character, and how he dealt with not only the loss of Mia, but the loss of her family as well. Forman does such an excellent job at exploring human emotions that it makes her characters easy to connect with.

3. Plus Adam and Mia's tour through NYC gives a different side than the usual tourist glitz and glamour, and makes me want to go back to New York to see the hidden gems that are there.

4. Did I mention that the writing has almost a lyrical flow to it, and it really emphasizes that her main characters' musical qualities.

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read

Currently Reading:
Vampire Most Wanted
by Lynsay Sands

Last Kiss Goodnight

Last Kiss Goodnight is the first book in Gena Showalter's Otherworld Assassin series.

THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION..

Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction.  Vika Lukas, the owner's daughter, is tasked with Solo's care and feeding.  The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape.  But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl more than she seems- she's his.

THE ULTIMATE PRICE...

Vika endures the captives' taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can't free them.  Only Solo is different- he protectors her.  But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him... and he'll be put to a killer test.

The Breakdown:
1. I found this book to be very cliche in its approach to paranormal romance novels.  In general I like this genre, but I also like the author to bring some fresh ideas to their book, which Showalter failed to do.

2. The character of Vika is 20 years old in most of the book, but the way she was written made her feel younger, like around 16ish.  Because she felt so young to me, the romance between her and Solo did not flow for me.

3. Solo's character is so over done in general.  Big strong guy with dark secrets and some anger management issues.

4.  The whole good angel/bad angel thing Solo has going on was a little on the weird side, and they felt really forced into the story at times.

To Read or Not to Read
Skip this one

Currently Reading:
Where She Went
by Gayle Forman

Magically Town

The Cursed is the first book of Alyssa Day's The League of the Black Swan series.

Bordertown private investigator Luke Oliver's beat is the dimensional fold in Manhattan between the human and supernatural realms.  But now a secret from his past- the League of the Black Swan- has surfaced.  Because Luke isn't any ordinary P.I. He's the Dark Wizard of Bordertown, and he never backs down from a fight.

But this time the fight threatens his life and his heart.  Rio Jones, the only woman he loved, needs his help against a deadly menace.  Luke pushed her away once befreo, so she's never fall prey to the curse that threatens to destroy him.  He swore he'd never let her go again.

Luke and Rio, with the help of the newly reformed League, must keep evil forces from taking over Bordertown- all the while battling a passion on the razor's edge between danger and desire.  And going to take everything they have just to stay alive.

The Breakdown
1. I really enjoyed the world that Day introduced in the Black Swan short story in Enthralled, and was happy to read this full length novel that further explores the world of Bordertown.  It is an interesting mix of human, demon, and fae characters that make for anything is possible moments.

2. Loved the characters of Luke and Rio.  Luke, while being centuries old, still is clueless about handling women.  He is not always the suave hero you expect in this kind of novel, and that is refreshing. I like that Rio is a hard worker, and wants her independence even after she learns of her heritage.

3. Love the Pop culture references that Day places perfectly throughout the novel, especially the Doctor Who one.

4. The plot had a nice flow to it, and Day did not draw it out needlessly to make the book longer and I appreciate that.

To Read or Not to Read
Read

Currently Reading
Last Kiss Goodnight
by Gena Showalter

The Plot Thickens

Crown of Midnight is the second of Sarah J. Maas Throne of Glass series.

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and soul black as pitch.  Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown.  She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice.  As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer.  It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances- not the Crown Prince Dorian, not Chaol, the Captain of he Guard; not even her friend Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

The one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy.  As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie...and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.

The Breakdown:
1. Maas does an amazing job with fleshing out her plot line and adds plenty of intrigue, action, romance, and heartbreak to keep the story from ever becoming stale along the way. It was so good that I was up until 2:00am finishing the book.

2. The King of Adarlan is definitely a character that I love to hate.  My hatred of him might be right up there with Joffery from George R.R. Martins' A Song of Fire and Ice series.  I honestly have not seen any redeeming qualities to him.

3. Maas is a master of keeping her secrets hidden in the plot.  More than once she took my by surprise with her reveals, which for me makes the book more exciting. It keeps me guessing and really engaged with the book.

4. Maas writes her characters so wonderfully, and makes them complex and real.  With Celaena seeing the warmer side of her with Nehemia and Chaol, the darkness she holds inside, and exactly how good she is keeping her own secrets.  And Chaol getting both his strength and kindness, and watching him as he makes impossibly tough decisions says so much about his character. Dorian wanting to be a better person than his father, and learning to keep his own secrets.

5. Dislike having to wait until September for the next book in the series.

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read

Currently Reading:
The Cursed
by Alyssa Day

Keeping A Promise

Blood Promise is book 4 in the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead.

Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world.  Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count.  But only one victim matters... Dimitri Belikov.  Rose must now choose one of two very diffrent paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa-  her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess- or dropping out of the Academt to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves.  She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make.  But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake- and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friends- can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

The Breakdown:
1. Mead gets deeper into exploring the world she has created of Moroi, Strigoi, and dhampirs, and it really starts painting the whole picture. Last book she showed life at Court, and this book we got to see life of dhampirs that don't become Guardians.

2. Like that we got a view of what Dimitri was like as a child and what kind of family he came from.

3. Like that Rose can still be surprised by the world she lives in, especially when she meets Sydney.

4. Like this journey Rose takes to help her deal with her grief.  I think it was good for her see and learn the things she did, especially about how much being Strigoi changes the ones you love.

5. It was interesting to watch Lissa deal with like without Rose, even if it was through Rose's eyes. It really shows how close they are as friends and bond-mates.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Crown of Midnight
by Sarah J. Maas

Tick-Tock

Through the Zombie Glass is the second book in Gena Showalter's The White Rabbit Chronicles.

Zombies stalk the night. Forget blood and brains. Theses monsters hunger for human souls. Sadly they've got mine...

Alice Bell has lost so much. Family. Friends. A home. She thought she had nothing else to give. She was wrong.

After a new zombie attack, strange things begin to happen to her.  Mirrors come to life, and the whispers of the dead assault her ears. But the worst? A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do wicked things.

She's never needed her team of zombie slayers more, but ultra bad-boy Cole Holland, the leader and her boyfriend, suddenly withdraws from her... from everyone. Now with her best friend Kat at her side, Ali must kill the zombies, uncover Cole's secret and learn to fight the darkness.

But the clock is ticking... and if she fails at a single task, they're all doomed.

The Breakdown:
1. Liked how the behavior and zombies is evolving in the this book, and it did not become a monotony of the same old, same old battles and baddies.

2. Still love Kat, and how well she adapted to the news she was told at the end of the first book.  She really is a courageous character and bright spirit especially knowing what she is going through personally.

3. Disliked the whole Cole breaking up with you for your own good move. I am really over that aspect of YA books in general.  I am glad that Showalter does not devote the whole book to that angst, but honestly I could have done without it at all.

4. A little disappointed that the "twist" were a little predictable.  I figured what was going on fairly quickly.  I like to really work to solve the mysteries, and if an author really shocks me with a twist, I am looking at you Veronica Roth, I feel like I get more out of the book.

5. Liked the introduction of the new character of Gavin.  I feel that he really added to the book, and hope he continues to be an asset to the series.

To Read or Not to Read:
Kind of take or leave it kind of book.  Personally I will probably continue the series, but I can see where this book would make people stop reading the series.

Currently Reading:
Blood Promise
by Richelle Mead

Steel's Edge

Steel's Edge is the last book of The Edge series by Ilona Andrews.

Charlotte de Ney is as noble as they come, a blueblood straight out of the Weird.  But even though she possesses rare magical healing abilities, her life has brought her nothing but pain.  After her marriage crumbles, she flees to the Edge to build a new home for herself.  Until Richard Mar is brought to her for treatment, and Charlotte's life is turned upside down once again.

Richard is a swordsman without peer, future head of his large and rambunctious Edger clan- and he's on a clandestine quest to wipe out slavers trafficking humans in the Weird.  So when his presences leads  his very dangerous enemies to Charlotte, she vows to help Richard destroy them.  The slavers' operation, however, goes deeper than Richard knows, and even working together, Charlotte and Richard may not survive...

The Breakdown:

1. Charlotte and Richard are a very well balanced couple.  His dark to her light, not that Richard didn't have any light or Charlotte any dark.  They just worked so well as a couple, both understanding love is not always an easy thing.

2. Loved Richard's devotion Sophie, it is so heart warming. He wants so badly to save her from her demons but doesn't know how and still tries anyway.

3. Liked that while this a fantasy novel, you see how the abomination of slaving can translate to the real world, and those running may not look like monsters on the outside.

4. Liked how George, Jack, and Sophie all made into this book, and Andrews continues to show how they have changed and the adults that they are slowly becoming.

5. A little disappointed that this is the end of the series, because I still want to know more.  I felt that Andrews left a few loose ends that I would love to see tied up.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Through the Zombie Glass
by Gena Showalter

Labyrinth of Stars

Labyrinth of Stars by Marjorie M. Liu is the newest book in her Hunter Kiss series.

Tattos with hearts, minds, and dreams. Created to be the armor that protects my body, these obsidian shadows come alive at night- demons made flesh.

After the Aetar nearly kill Maxine's unborn Child, and betrayal within her own ranks leaves Maxine's husband, Grant, poisoned and dying, Maxine is forced to attack a race of beings that possesses almost unlimited power.  Doing so will require she make a deal with the devil- the devil that lives inside her- risking both her sanity and her soul as she slowly transforms into something more than human.

But even that might not be enough to save Grant, because the very thing that Maxine is becoming is destined to destroy the world.

The Breakdown:

1.  Liked that Maxine is forced to face the idea that the boys, her demon armor, may not be as immortal as she has always believed.  She is forced to make tough decisions, and learn to be more capable without them at times.

2. Liked that even several books into the series, that Ms. Liu is still able to explore different aspects of her characters when faced with new situations.

3. Disliked how much time Maxine and Grant spent separated in this book. I think one of the biggest strengths of this series has been Maxine and Grants relationship, but I felt Maxine spent way too much time world/time traveling in this book.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Steel's Edge
by Ilona Andrews

Thanks for the Memories

The Giver by Lois Lowry is the first book in the series of the same name.

Jonas' world is perfect. Everything is under control.  There is no war or fear or pain.  There are no choices.  Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver.  The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life.  Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth.  There is no turning back.

The Breakdown:

1. As you well know by now, I am a huge fan of dystopian society books, and I can't believe it has taken me so long to read this book. The society the Lowry creates is frighteningly amazing. It is incredible to imagine that your whole life basically planned for you when you are 12.

2. Liked the relationship that develops between Jonas and the Giver.  It is so honest and refreshing, especially when you consider the way the rest of their society interacts with each other.

3. Liked the progression of Jonas' character as he begins to receive the memories from the Giver.  You could tell he was always a thoughtful and intelligent boy before becoming the Receiver, but after his character truly gains depth as he learns of new experiences and emotions.

4. My only complaint is that the ending felt so unfinished.  I hope that the rest of the series will rectify this, because I was definitely left wanting more from this world and Jonas' story.

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read! (especially since the movie will be coming out soon)

Currently Reading:
Labyrinth of Stars
by Marjorie M. Liu

Winner Takes All

The Winner's Curse is the first book in Marie Rutkoski's The Winner trilogy.

As a general's daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married.  But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin's eyes seem to defy everything and everyone.  Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him- with unexpected consequences. It's not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

The Breakdown:

1. First off the cover is so beautifully done, and it really fits well with the way Kestrel is describe in the book.

2. Loved the character of Kestrel with her sharp mind, especially for strategy, and her kind heart.

3. Loved the way Kestrel and Arin's relationship progresses in the book.  It is a slow burn that allows not only the reader to watch the characters dance around each other and fall in love, but it gives the reader a chance to fall in love with them as a couple.

4. Liked the way that Ms. Rutkoski allowed for both Kestrel and Arin's perspectives in the book.  It really gives insight on they react to each other, and how their different stations in society influence how they perceive the world.

5. Liked how the story was heavily influenced by the Roman Empire's conquest of Greece.

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read!

Currently Reading:
The Giver
by Lois Lowry

Gets a Little Darker

The third book of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy is Shadow Kiss.

It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling quite right. She's having dark thoughts, behaving erractically, and worst of all... might be seeing ghosts.

As Rose questions her sanity, new complications arise.  Lissa has begun experimenting with her magic once more, their enemy Victor Dashkov might be set free, and Rose's forbidden relationship with Dimitri is starting to heat up again.  But when a deadly threat no one saw coming changes their entire world, Rose must put her own life on the line- and choose between the two people she loves most.

The Breakdown:
1. Loved that in each book, Ms. Mead gives us a little more about what having Spirit as magic means, and what being Shadow-kissed means for Rose.

2. Loved the darker tone set in this book, it really fits with the progression of the series, especially after the events at the end of Frostbite.

3. Liked that we got to see the Royal Court in this book, and more of how Moroi politics work. It was particularly interesting to see a dhampir that wasn't a guardian for the first time.

To read or not to read:
Read it!

Currently Reading:
The Winner's Curse
by Marie Rutkouski

Highway To Hades

House of Hades by Rick Riordan is the fourth book in The Heroes of Olympus series.  It picks up right after the end of Mark of Athena, so if you haven't read the rest of the series and plan to, do NOT read this review, there will be spoilers.

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underwold. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy's instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death.  If they can fight their way throught the Gaea's forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors on both sides and preven the giants from raising Gaea. But Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don't succeed, Gaea's armies will never die.  They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood.  The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

The Breakdown:

1. Like that Riordan is still able to reveal different sides of his characters even after they have been in several books, including Percy and Annabeth

2. Like that even though Nico is not a character who gets his own chapters, that we still got to learn more about him and his attitude toward Percy since he has been quite the mysterious character.

3. Like that some of the characters introduced in books from Percy Jackson and the Olympian series got a follow up in this book.

4. Like how much work Riordan puts into researching his myths and gods for the stories. Showing how different the Roman and Greek aspects can be in the gods, and telling the reader old stories from mythology with his characters.

5. Dislike how Riordan tends to drag the story out at times, and it gets a little stale in the middle.

To Read or Not to Read
Read, in fact just go ahead and read all the Percy Jackson and the Olympian books along with the The Heroes of Olympus books if you haven't already.

Currently Reading:
Shadow Kiss
by Richelle Mead

Pretty is as Pretty Does

I have decide to change the way my post go.  I had been thinking about it for a while, and with some feedback from a friend (Shout out to Adrienne), the style of my post will be new for this entry.  So let me know what you think, like or not, or anything else that can be changed.  So without further ado, today's review.


Pretties by Scott Westerfeld is the second of the Uglies trilogy.

Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she's completely popular. It's everything she's ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun-- the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom-- is a nagging sense that something's wrong.  Something important. Then a message from Tally's ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what's wrong with pretty life, and fun stops cold.

Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life--because the authorities don't intend to let anyone with this information survive.

The Need to Knows of the Pretties:

1. Love that this book gives a better look at how the Pretties live. Really highlighting how different they are from the Uglies and those who lived in Smoke.

2. Love that Tally continues to grow as a character.

3. Like the use of words in the Pretty language that used in a different context than we use them. It helps to set the Pretties apart from the way we view things.

4. Like the introduction of the character of Zane. It is will interesting to see what role he will play in the final book.

5. My  biggest complaint is that some of the favorite characters from Uglies where missing for most of the book.

To read or Not to read:
Must read book (especially if you love dystopian society books.)

Currently Reading:
The House of Hades
by Rick Riordan