Friday 30 May 2014

Camelot Burning

Camelot Burning (Metal & Lace, #1)

Camelot Burning by debut author Kathryn Rose is the first book in her Metal & Lace series.

By day, Vivienne is Guinevere's lady-in-waiting. By night, she's Merlin's secret apprentice, indulging in the new mechanical arts and science of alchemy.  It's a preferred distraction from Camelot's gossipy nobility, roguish knights, and Lancelot's athletic new squire, Marcus, who will follow in all knights' footsteps by taking a rather inconvenient vow of chastity. 

More than anything, Vivienne longs to escape Camelot for a future that wouldn't include needlework or marriage to a boorish lord or dandy.  But when King Arthur's sorceress sister, Morgan le Fey, threatens Camelot, Vivienne must stay to help Merlin build a steam-powered weapon to defeat the dark magic machine Morgan will set upon the castle.  Because if Camelot falls, Morgan would be that much closer to finding the elusive Holy Grail.  Time is running out and Morgan draws near, and if Vivienne doesn't have Merlin's weapon ready soon, lives would pay the price, including that of Marcus, the only one fast enough to activate it on the battlefield.

The Breakdown:
1. Rose gives an interesting take on the Camelot of legend by adding in steampunk influence.  In her world magic is a dark art, that is like a drug to users, and metal science and alchemy have replaced magic in the good. She stays essentially true to the legend of Camelot, which is seen through the eyes of Vivienne.

2. Vivienne is definitely an interesting character.  She is smart and strong willed in a society in which that is not how most women act.  As the story unfolds, there are hints that there is more to Vivienne than she even knows.

3. Rose, also, provides quite the fascinating character in Marcus.  He has his own secrets and reason for wanting to be Lancelot's squire.  He provides an interesting counter to Vivienne, and is not in the least bit intimidated by her intelligence, in fact he finds it quite attractive.

4. I did find that at times Rose got a little convoluted with her story. At the very beginning in fact, it took a few pages to figure out who the narrator was.  She interweaves dreams and visions in to the story at times and it is not always apparent right a way what cause the switch.  That being said, overall I found the story intriguing, and I am interested in where she will take the series.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read, if you are looking for new take on the old legend

Currently Reading:
The Indigo Spell
by Richelle Mead

Wednesday 28 May 2014

More Proof

Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy, #1)

Paranormalcy by Keirsten White is the first book in the series of the same name.

Evie's always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours.

But Evie's about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

The Breakdown:
1.The world White has created in Paranormalcy is fascinating. Paranormals are controlled by IPCA so they cannot harm humans, who the average human has no idea these paranormals exist. White does a good job with balance humor in her characters, and unfolding the drama of the story line. Plus she present more proof why the Fae cannot be trusted, even when you know their true name.

2. I really liked Evie.  She is quirky and fun.  Her desire to be a normal teenager is sweet, and her excitement at experiencing the stuff that normal kids do is enduring. She is also very loyal to her friends, and she is a lot smarter that the IPCA gives her credit for at times.  She, after all, warns multiple times that the Fae aren't to be trusted, and that they have their own agenda.

3. Also, really enjoyed Lend's character, the shape-shifting boy.  He is interesting both in personality and origins.  As his and Evie's relationship grows, it is easy to see he is a great compliment to her character.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Camelot Burning
by Kathryn Rose

Monday 26 May 2014

Cold Day in July

Ashen Winter (Ashfall, #2)

Ashen Winter is the second book of Mike Mullin's Ashfall trilogy.

It's been over six months since the eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano.  Alex and Darla have been staying with Alex's relatives, trying to cope with the new reality of the primitive world so vividly portrayed in Ashfall, the first book in the this series.  It's also been six months waiting for Alex's parents to return from Iowa. Alex and Darla decide they can wait no longer and must retrace their journey to Iowa to find and bring back Alex's parents to the tenuous safety of Illinois.  But the landscape they cross si even more perilous than before, with life-and-death battles for food and power between the remaining communities.  When the unthinkable happens, Alex must find new reserves of strength and determination to survive.

The Breakdown:
1. I absolutely love post-apocalypse stories, and Mullin has created quite the dozy of one with his Ashfall series.  Although, these books remind me that I would be one of the first to go in these situations. The world in these books is bleak and a true survival of the fittest.  It is amazing what people will do to survive. That being said, there are bright spots of humanity in this crazy world, like Rita Mae the amazing librarian.

2. Alex is an amazing character, who despite all his has had to endure, is still a decent guy.  He is willing to help those who are weaker than him, and his is fiercely loyal to those he loves. He does the right thing on several occasions when it would just been easier to look the other way.

3. So I totally get that Darla is the more practical of character in the relationship, but there are times when her callousness bothers me.  She, unlike, Alex is willing to look the other way at times.

4. It will definitely be interesting to see how the introduction of the new characters play out in the last book of the series, and how the ending will effect where the story goes from here.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Paranormalcy
by Kiersten White

Thursday 22 May 2014

The Golden Lily

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines, #2)

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead is the second book in her Bloodlines series, which is a spin-off the Vampire Academy series. You can find the review to the first book under United States of YA- California.

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires.  They protect vampire secrets- and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she's been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California- tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who what to throw the Moroi court into civil war.  Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age-old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong.  Her world becomes even more complicated when her magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi- the fiercest vampires, the ones who don't die.  But it's her fear of being just that- special, magical, powerful- that scares her more than anything.  Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way.  Yet. as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else- someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney's loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before.  She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists- or her heart?

The Breakdown:
1. After finishing the Vampire Academy series, I wanted more from Mead's supporting characters, like Sydney, and definitely more of Adrian, so the Bloodlines series is a great follow up.

2. Sydney, while not a kick ass fighter like Rose, is a strong heroine in her own way.  She is super smart, and a great problem solver. She is wonderfully caring and loyal to those she cares about.  Although, her whole body image issues bothers me at times, I still really like her as a character.

3. Love how Adrian has developed as a character in these books so far.  While I enjoyed his character in the Vampire Academy books, I feel that he really comes into his own in these books.  He has learned to be responsible, and with Sydney, Jill, and Eddie, what a real family is like. Mead has really made him mature as a character.

4. So in the first book, Bloodlines, I thought there was something weird about Trey, and boy was I ever right. It will be interesting to see how his part will play out in the series.

To Read or Not to Read;
Read

Currently Reading:
Ashen Winter
by Mike Mullin

Monday 19 May 2014

Gone

Gone (Dream Catcher, #3)

Gone is the last book in Lisa McMann's Dream Catcher trilogy.

Things should be great for Janie- she has graduated from high school and is spending her summer with Cabel, the guy she's totally in love with.  But deep down she's panicking about how she's going to survive her future when getting sucked into other people's dreams is really starting to take its toll.  Things get even more complicated when she meets her father for the very first time- and he's in a coma.  As Janie uncovers his secret past, she begins to realize that the choice thought she had has more dire consequence than she ever imagined.

The Breakdown:
1. As the last book, I expected more from this book than the first two, but McMann disappointed with this one. While interesting to learn the story of Janie's father, I felt the book did not do a whole lot for the story line as a whole. Plus, I felt Janie and Cabel's relationship, which is my favorite part of these books, really got pushed to the wayside.

2. In the last book, I got the impression the Janie was learning to open up about her feelings and worries with both Cabel and the Captain, but this book had Janie taking backwards steps in character progress. She becomes secretive about what she is doing and what is going on with her dad.

3. The ending did nothing for me. I finished the book going that was it? I felt like there should have been a little more, or a epilogue on what happens to Janie and Cabel.

4. Still don't like the style in which McMann lays out the story.

To Read or Not to Read:
Only Read if you really want to finish the trilogy, otherwise skip

Currently Reading:
The Golden Lily
by Richelle Mead

Sunday 18 May 2014

Have Mercy

Night Broken (Mercy Thompson, #8)

Night Broken is the latest Mercy Thompson novel by Patricia Briggs.

An unexpected phone call heralds a new challenge for Mercy.  Her mate Adam's ex-wife is in trouble, on the run from her new boyfriend.  Adam isn't the kind of man to turn away a person in need- and Mercy Knows it.  But with Christy holed up in Adam's house, Mercy can't shake the feeling that something about the situation isn't right.

Soon, her suspicions are confirmed when she learns that Christy has the farthest thing from good intentions.  She wants Adam back and she's willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen, including turning Adam's pack against Mercy.

Mercy isn't about to step down without a fight, but there's more dangerous threat circling.  Christy's ex is more than bad man- in fact, may not be human at all.  As the bodies start piling up, Mercy must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her whole world apart.

The Breakdown:
1. Mercy and Adam's relationship is one of my favorite fictional relationships.  They are very much equals in it, and Briggs writes the love between them so well. Part of what makes their relationship work so well, it that Mercy is her own woman.  She doesn't need Adam to feel good about herself, but that does not make her love him any less. She is no damsel in distress, in fact she is pretty bad-ass and has saved Adam just as much as he saved her.

2. So Adam's ex, Christy, has been mentioned in previous books, and you get the idea that she is polar opposite of Mercy, but this book Briggs pulls her in, front and center.  She is quite a devious and manipulative person. Having her around made me see exactly how well Mercy and Adam work together.

3. I love that Briggs is able to keep her storylines new and exciting after so many books.  Each one feels fresh. She keeps exploring the world she has created, and surprising me with me aspects all the time.

4. My only complaint, well not really complaint more like a wish, is that there will be Mercy-Adam babies soon.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Gone
by Lisa McMann

Saturday 17 May 2014

Bonus Book Review

Obsession

As promised yesterday, a bonus review of Jennifer L. Armentrout's Obsession, which takes place in the same universe as her Luxen books, but can be read alone and is an adult novel.

He's arrogant, domineering, and ... To. Dir. For.

Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn't chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys.  Most of the time he enjoys his job.  That is, until he's saddled with something he's never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.

Serena Cross didn't believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something...unnatural.  Who would? But then she witnesses her friend's murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.

Hunter stirs Serena's temper and her lust despite their differences.  Soon he's doing the unthinkable- breaking the rules he's lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe.  But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena's life... or is it Hunter?

The Breakdown:
1. This book gives a whole different side to the Luxen versus Arum story. We get to see that not all Arum are bad, and not all Luxen are good.

2. Why yes, Hunter and Serena are the couple that make a brief appearance at Luc's in Origins.  In fact, we get to see that from Serena's perspective in this book. They also make an interesting deal with Luc, which has me wondering if they will play a part in the final Lux book, Opposition.

3. Loved Serena's character.  She is strong and loyal, and despite her whole world crumbling around her, she does not rock by herself in the corner in a fetal position. She wants to do something about.

4. Plus Hunter is super hot. He is sure of his self and his strengths, but is totally new to dealing with the emotions that Serena brings out in him.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Friday 16 May 2014

Perfect Ending

Son (The Giver #4)
Son by Lois Lowry is the final book in The Giver quartet.

They called her Water Claire.  When she washed up on their shore, no one knew that she came from a society where emotions and colors didn't exist.  The she had become a Vessel at age thirteen.  That she had carried a Product at age fourteen.  That it had been stolen from her body.  Claire had a son. But what became of him she never knew.  What was his name? Was he even alive? She was supposed to forget him, but that was impossible. Now Claire will stop at nothing to find her child, even if it means making an unimaginable sacrifice.

The Breakdown:
1. This was a fantastic conclusion to The Giver series. Lowry did such an excellent job of tying all the books together, and answering lingering questions.

2. This book brings us back to the original community introduced in The Giver, and gives a different side of the community compared to Jonas's story.  Here Lowry shows the life of the Birthmothers, and what is expected of them and what happens when something goes wrong.

3. Loved that Lowry shows all the favorite characters from past books and where there are now, like Jonas, Kira, and Gabriel.

4. This book gives the full picture of the Trademaster, which honestly is a little terrifying. He is definitely one of the more frightening antagonist of any book I have read.

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read

Currently Reading: 
Night Broken
by Patricia Briggs

(Stayed tuned tomorrow for a bonus review of JLA's Obsession)

Wednesday 14 May 2014

Fade

Fade (Dream Catcher, #2)

Fade is the second book in Lisa McMann's Dream Catcher's trilogy

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams.  They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck.

Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking.  When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open-- but nothing goes as planned.  Not even close.  Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both. 

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability-- and it's bleak.  Seriously, brutally bleak.  Not only is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd feared...

The Breakdown:
1. Overall I like the concept and story line of the Dream Catcher's trilogy, but the way McMann formats her books is strange and I am not sure I can on broad with it.  It is a little like notes taken from surveillance of Janie and Cabel.  It just does not flow well.

2. Janie and Cabel have serious home problems, but together they seem to make their own home. With each other, they really learn what is like to care for someone, and have them care for you in return.

3. This book really explains what it means to be a Dream Catcher, both the good and the bad of it. I finally have a grasp on what are Janie's abilities with this book, and what they mean for her.

To Read or Not to Read:
If you can get over the writing style and appreciate the story and characters, Read it.

Currently Reading:
Son
by Lois Lowry

Monday 12 May 2014

Smells Like Teen Spirits

School Spirits (School Spirits, #1)

School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins is the first book in the series of the same name, which is a spin-off of her Hex Hall series.

Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters.  For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures.  But when Izzy's older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they  need to take a break.

Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it's not as normal as it appears.  A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate.  But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done.  For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it's strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.

Can Izzy trust her new friends to help fins the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt?

The Breakdown:
1. As a fan of Hawkins' Hex Hall series, of course I wanted to read this book, especially since Izzy was my favorite of the Brannick's.  Plus the Brannick's are a little like the female version of the Winchesters, minus the Impala. While I liked this book, I just didn't think it was quite as good as the Hex Hall books.

2. I find Izzy's awkwardness simply enduring.  As tough as she is at fighting monsters, she has no clue on how to navigate high school, but  that makes me like her even more.

3. How awesome is Dex? He has his own sense of style and doesn't let popular opinion change him. He is also quite the gentleman.

4. Hawkins definitely left  lots of lingering questions at the end of this book, and it will interesting to see where she takes the series. Plus to see how Izzy and Dex relationship plays out, and if Torin will be a factor in it.

5. Speaking of Torin, I like the cheeky warlock trapped in the mirror.  He is 400+ years old but still enjoys watching teen soaps with Izzy. I think he knows more about Finley than he is letting on, and might have feelings for Izzy.

6. My biggest complaint is that there is no appearance of Sophie and Archer.  I was hoping they would show, but maybe in later books. (crosses fingers)

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading
Fade
by Lisa McMann

Sunday 11 May 2014

Boundless

Boundless (Unearthly, #3)

Boundless by Cynthia Hand is the final book in her Unearthly series.

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated.  Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her... even if it means breaking both their hearts.  Leaving town seems like the best option, so she's headed back to California- and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move.  And he's not the only one... with the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny.  But it won't come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

The Breakdown:
1. Wow, Hand does an amazing job with the conclusion to the Unearthly series.  She answer my questions and ties up her lose ends very well.   She also does a great job of filling out the story line without adding in unnecessary fillers.

2. This book does amazing things for Clara.  She really learns to stand on her on, and what she wants to be as both a human and angel.  In this book Hand shows that Clara is truly an amazing person, and a super loyal friend.  I liked Clara in the first two books, but I think this book is the one that made me fall in love with her.

3. Radiant made me think that Angela's Italian boyfriend would come into play in this book, but I would never have guessed how big a part he plays in the plot.  So, you should really read Radiant before reading Boundless.

4. I have to admit, Christian grew on me a little more, still not to the level of Tucker love, but I definitely like him better. I got this feeling he started to feel that Clara was more than his destiny, but also a person he could love. Plus there are some surprising facts we learn about Christian life in it.

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read

Currently Reading:
School Spirits
by Rachel Hawkins

Saturday 10 May 2014

Deerskin

Deerskin

Finally finished Robin McKinley's Deerskin

As Princess Lissla Lissar reaches womanhood, it is clear to all the kingdom that in her beauty she is the image of her dead mother, the queen.  But this likeness forces her to flee from her father's lust and madness; and in the pain and the horror of that flight she forgets who she is and what it is she flees from:  forgets almost everything but the love and loyalty of her dog, Ash, who accompanies her.  But a chance encounter on the road leads to a job in another king's kennels, where the prince finds himself falling in love with the new kennel maid... and one day he tells her of a princess named Lissla Lissar, who had a dog named Ash.

The Breakdown:
1. Deerskin is a very hard book to get into.  McKinley spends a lot of time describing Lissar's childhood, and the relationship between her parents.  They are not likable people, and since she gives very little of Lissar's personality, there is not really a good character to connect with.

2. After some serious trauma, Lissar goes through this whole dissociation event in which the writing feels muddle and at times it is hard to follow where the story line is going.  The story drags a lot while Lissar deals with this, and I really just wanted to move on.

3. It felt like that McKinley spent so much time dealing with Lissar's background and issues, that the ending with her meeting Ossin and their relationship was super rushed. I wish she had spent more time on that aspect of the story.

To Read or Not to Read:
Skip It

Currently Reading:
Boundless
by Cynthia Hand

Tuesday 6 May 2014

Change of Plans

Be with Me (Wait for You, #2)

Okay, so I know I said I was reading Deerskin, but I was having trouble getting into the story, plus I really wanted to know Teresa and Jase's story.  So here is the review of Be with Me by J. Lynn part of the Wait for You series.

Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year- she's in love with her big brother's best friend, but hasn't spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, change-your-life kiss.  She got out of a terrible relationship.  And now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good.  It's time for Plan B- college.  And maybe a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he's not telling anyone.  Especially not his best friend's incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority.  He certainly doesn't have time for a relationship.  But it doesn't help that all he can think about kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they're thrown together more and more, Jase and Tess can't keep denying their feelings for each other.  But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes.  As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they're willing to risk to be together, and what they're willing to lose if they're not..

The Breakdown:
1. I think I might have liked this story better than Wait for You. Teresa is fun and smart, and Jase is super sexy. The danger in this book is much more real that what was hinted at in Wait for You.

2. I really liked Teresa.  Despite set backs in her life, an abusive past relationship and injury possibly ending her dance career, she is up beat and strong.  She is a very vibrant character.

3. Jase has some serious baggage.  I did, however, figure out one of his secrets before he revealed it, but it is totally understandable why he has issue getting into a relationship.

4. I totally want Calla's story (Teresa's friend).  There were some definite hints dropped that she an interesting past. Figures crossed that the next book, Stay with Me, will be her book.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Let's try this again:
Deerskin
by Robin McKinley

Two for Tuesday

Wait for You (Wait for You, #1)Trust in Me (Wait for You, #1.5)
Wait for You and Trust in Me are the first two books in J. Lynn (a Jennifer L. Armentrout pen name) series Wait for You.  They are the same story but Wait for You is from Avery's perspective and Trust in Me is from Cam's.

Wait for You:
Traveling Thousands of miles from home to enter college was the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgensten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago- an event that forever changed her life.  All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe- please God- make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace.  The one thing she didn't need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she's building for herself.

Somethings are worth experiencing...
Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her.  She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that dimple that's just so...so lickable.  Getting involved with him is dangerous but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet...
But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she's has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurfaces this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for...

Trust in Me:
Cameron Hamilton is used to getting what he wants, especially when it comes to women.  But when Avery Morgansten comes crashing into his life- literally- he finally meets the one person who can resist his soulful baby blues.  But Cam's not ready to give up.  He can't get the feisty and intriguing girl out his head

Avery has secrets, secrets that keep her from admitting the feeling Cam knows she has for him.  Will persistence (and some delicious homemade cookies) help him break down her barriers and gain her trust? Or will he be shit out Avery's life, losing his first real shot at the kind of love that lasts forever?

The Breakdown:
1. So I read this two back to back, which I think worked out really well.  I just going to review them together since they are the same story from different perspectives.  I really love this concept once I started reading Trust in Me. It is nice to get both of the main characters thoughts and reactions to situations, and to know what they think about and talk about with their friends when they are apart.

2. Wow, Avery is one amazing young woman.  She has been through so much and survived. It is totally understandable her hesitancy with Cam in not only starting a relationship but in trusting him.

3. I want a Cam Hamilton! He is sweet, protective, patient, romantic, the boy can bake, and oh yeah, he is super hot. Okay, so his protective streak has gotten him in trouble in the past, but once you know the story it is totally understandable.

4. J. Lynn does an excellent job with her supporting characters in these two books. Avery and Cam's friends are fun and supportive, and I want of them. (Good thing the third book is Cam's best friend Jase.)  Cam's family is awesome, who wouldn't like them.  Avery's family on the other hand, not so much.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read (both)

Currently Reading:
Deerskin
by Robin McKinley

Monday 5 May 2014

Don't Look Back

Don't Look Back

Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and surprisingly for me, not part of a series.

Samantha is a stranger in her own life.  Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all- popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend.

Sam has resurfaced, but she has not recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night.  As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it's one she no longer wants any part of.  The old Sam took "mean girl" to a whole new level, and it's clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies.  Same is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery.  She's getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she's falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash.

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn't just buried of Sam's memory- someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet.  All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what is not remembering is only thing keeping Sam alive?

The Breakdown:
1. I am a big fan of JLA's Lux series, so naturally I had to try this book out. It is a very different from Lux, but still wonderfully written.  It is definitely a thriller that will keep you guessing on what really happened to Sam and Cassie.

2. Love that this book shows how complex the human brain is by the way Sam losses her memory, and the way things come back to her. It is really fascinating to see how the puzzle pieces of Sam's life come together, and how sometimes she has the piece but has no idea where it goes.

3. Like Sam's character.  She truly is a character that gets to right her wrongs because life before the incident, she was a real witch. She is amazingly strong and determined despite remembering nothing, she does not spend time going woe is me.

4. Liked Sam's brother Scott.  He was cute and protective of his sister, even though she had not always been very nice to him.

5. Loved Carson! He is kind, smart, and always looking out for Sam. He knows her so well, even when she was a horrible person, he knew she was better than the way she acted.

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read

Currently Reading:
Wait for You
by J. Lynn

Sunday 4 May 2014

Three Little Stories

Bridge of Snow (Winner's Trilogy, #0.5)

Bridge of Snow by Marie Rutkoski is a prequel of sorts to The Winner's Curse.

Ignore the stirrings of War.  Let the carriage to the royal ball wait.  There is a story to be told: of a starless night, a mother and her sick son, and a mortal who falls in love with the snow god, and will do anything to have her...

The Breakdown:
1. This is a wonderful short that gives a glimpse of Arin's childhood before his home was invaded.  The story he wanted to hear makes it easy to see why he fell for Kestrel. While the story is not necessay to understand The Winner's Curse, it definitely adds to the series.

To Read or Not to Read
Read

Homecoming (Vampire Academy, #6.5)

Homecoming by Richelle Mead takes place not long after the events of Last Sacrifice.

Rose and Dimitri are going back to Russia to see Dimitri's family, something that both of them sorely need.  Dimitri has finally been restored into a dhampir, after forcibly changed into Strigoi.  His family needs to see him for themselves, and Rose needs to go back to Russia and face her trauma from the trip she made before.

The Breakdown:
1. Liked getting to see who Dimitri interacted with his family. It as easy to see how much he loves them, and how happy they are to have him back.

2. Liked getting to see Rose and Dimitri happy in love with each other without anything standing between them. They work so well together.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Radiant (Unearthly, #2.5)

Radiant by Cynthia Hand is a novella that comes between Hallowed and Boundless.

Clara is desperate to get away- from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of the future she isn't ready to face- and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, Angela, should be the perfect escape..

For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart.  But when she met a mysterious guy in Italy two years ago she was determine to be with him, no matter the costs.  Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or if telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about.

The Breakdown:
1. The story switches between Clara and Angela perspective. It is interesting to see how each views situations differently.

2. I have to admit, I have not been a big fan of Angela in the novels.  She was too pushy, too intense, and at times didn't seem to care for Clara's feelings.  I think getting her perspective on life in this gives a better picture of why she is the way she is.

3. I have a feeling that Angel's  mysterious guy might end up playing an important role in Boundless, so it will interesting to see how the events in this novella effect the series.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Saturday 3 May 2014

Messenger

Messenger (The Giver #3)

Messenger is the third book in Lois Lowry's The Giver series.

Trouble is brewing in Village.  Once a utopian community that welcomed strangers, Village will soon be cut off to all outsiders.  As one of the few able to traverse the forbidding Forest, Matty must deliver the message of Village's closing and try to convince Seer's daughter Kira to return with him before it's too late.  But Forest is now hostile to Matty, too, and he must risk everything to fight his way through it.

The Breakdown:
1. So many dystopian society book show this society many years after the breakdown that lead to why society is the way it it, but this book takes a different approach.  In Messenger, Lowry shows what caused the breakdown in Village's way of life.  It really brings into focus how much fear and hatred can alter a society.

2. Matty's character showed fantastic progress as a character from Gathering Blue to this book.  He as grown up so much from the little tyke Matt, the Fiercest of the Fierce, to the young man he is in this book.  Honestly he appears much wiser than some of the adults in Village at times.

3. This book really ties the series together from The Giver and Gathering Blue, especially once you figure out who Leader is.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Don't Look Back
by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Last Adventure

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6)

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead is the final book in her Vampire Academy series.

Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules.  She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladmir's Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir princess, Lissa.  She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri.  And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardians to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn't even commit.  She's in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch.  She'll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the Clock on Rose's life is running out.  Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back.. and this time she is truly out of second chances.  The big question is, when your whole life is about saving others, who will you save?

The Breakdown:
1. Mead keeps the action going in this book.  Between Rose and Dimitri's escape from Court and their quest to find Lissa sibling, and Lissa, Adrian, and Christian at Court working on who murder Titiana and set Rose up to take the fall. There is rarely a dull moment in this book.

2. Loved seeing Dimitri slowly become his old self again.  It is amazing to watch his transformation for being so guilt ridden about his time as Stragoi to learning to appreciate beauty again, and letting his feeling return to him.

3. Liked the way that Rose sorted out her feelings for Dimitri and Adrian. I felt she really has progressed in maturity through the books, and was able to see what she really needed out of a relationship.

4. Finally having finished this series, makes me understand the characters so much more in Bloodlines and the events that lead up to the start of that series. I would definitely read this series first and then start Bloodline, don't be like me and do it backwards.

5. Oh, and wow, Tatiana's murder came as quite the shock to me. Great job with that reveal Mead, I did not see that coming.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Messenger
by Lois Lowry

Friday 2 May 2014

Evolution at Its Best

Aplicacion JAR the evolution of mara dyer miche para celular

The Evolution  of Mara Dyer is the second book of the Mara Dyer trilogy by Michelle Hodkin.

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past, she can't.

She used to think her problems were all in her head, they aren't.

She couldn't imagine that after everything she's been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets, she's wrong.

The Breakdown:
1. Hodkin has written an amazing YA psychological thriller with her Mara Dyer books. This one keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering exactly what Jude is planning, and what he wants from Mara. Plus, even though I know Jude is alive, I can't help but to question Mara sanity at times.

2. I find Noah an intriguingly complex character, and even after two books Hodkin has more surprises in store for his story. The complex dynamic of his powers, family life, and love for Mara have me wanting so much more from him.  He is like an onion with all the layers he has, and Hodkin is doing a fantastic job of slowly peeling them away to reveal to the reader.

3. Hodkin adds an interesting component into this book with Mara's past life flashbacks/genetic memories. I am still unsure which she is going for whether flashbacks or genetic memories since the characters discussed both possibilities, but I am interested how this will play into the conclusion of the story.

4. I can't help to like Mara. Her love of her family is incredible, and she is strong in her love and loyalty to them despite the fact that don't believe that Jude is alive. I think my favorite scene in the book was between Mara and her brother Daniel when they did the I wish I could tell my family exercise at the treatment facility.

5. Dislike the fact that I have to wait until November for the final book in the trilogy. I am dying to know what is going to happen.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Last Sacrifice
by Richelle Mead