Book Review: Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: Every Other Day
Series/Sequel? No
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Genre(s): Paranormal/Fantasy
Age Level: YA
Page Count: 329 (Hardcover)
Perspective: First Person (female)

Summary: Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human.

And then every day in between . . .She's something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive. . .and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.

Review: I've heard of Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I've just never read her. If this book is any indication, that was obviously a mistake on my part. Every Other Day was amazing. Simply, flat out, amazing.

I don't typically like books where there are all paranormal/fantasy creatures together - faeries and witches and vampires and werewolves all at the same time are just a little bit too much for me - but in this book, it made it almost better than if it was just one species. Of course, it incorporated many creatures I hadn't seen used in an "every paranormal species" book, and others that have been used way too much that weren't even mentioned in here. The many different species added mystery and suspense as to what some creatures were, or what they would face next.

Kali and her voice in this novel made for an extremely enjoyable read. Kali was absolutely kick butt, and I can't think of another character that could rival her for the title of Best Badass. Maybe Tris, from the Divergent trilogy, but that's it. And that, my friends, is a pretty amazing accomplishment. Her voice was funny, interesting, and didn't let the reader go for one moment. If I hadn't had the annoying thing called "life" getting in the way, I would have happily devoured it in one sitting, and would still have yearned for more.

The supporting characters were just as interesting and well-written as Kali. They each had unique personalities and qualities and quirks that made them believable and enjoyable. I laughed every time Skyler said "We can call up [brother's name] for that!" or drew in a quiet breath every time Zev spoke.

Another thing was, I felt this book. I grew concerned every time one of Kali's friends was in danger, I shared Kali's sense of victory whenever she won a fight. I shared the character's sadness when one of their friends - and an important, wonderful character - died. And that is how, in my opinion at least, you separate the great from the best.

Why did this have to be a stand-alone?

Rating:

Quotes:

"That's what life does. It knocks you down and it breaks you and you either get back up or you don't... you let the bad things win, or you don't." - Page 236

"Sometimes there aren't any good choices. Sometimes making the right one is hard." - Page 266

Book Review: Forgotten, by Cat Patrick

Title: Forgotten
Series/Sequel? No
Author: Cat Patrick
Genre(s): Scifi/Paranormal Romance
Age Level: YA
Page Count: 304 (Hardcover)
Perspective: 1st person, female
Summary from Goodreads: Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.

When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting—before it destroys her future. 

Review: This was an incredibly unique book. There seem to be so much of the same out there, so many authors with the same basic plot and cliched plot twists, but Cat Patrick was great at not falling into any of those cliche traps. The premise of this book was unique; I have never read anything like this. Yes, there was some romance, but it wasn't the cliched love triangle. London, the main character, had a boyfriend who she stuck with throughout the entire book, with no additional boy-drama - at least not any boy drama of her own.

However, I thought London could sometimes be a little snobby and annoying with her ability to see into the future. It caused waves with both her boyfriend (who, by the end of it, I was falling in love with as well) and with her best friend.

I also thought this book ended kind of abruptly, with no real conclusion. I mean, since she could see the future, she could see what was going to happen, and how it was all going to turn out okay and everything. But there really was no solid conclusion, and that annoyed me.
All in all, an amazing addition to the book world! I greatly recommend it!

Rating:

Book Review: Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Title: Embrace
Series/Sequel? Embrace #1
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance
Age Level: YA
Page Count: 369 (Hardcover)
POV: 1st Person (female

Summary from Goodreads: 

It starts with a whisper.

"It's time for you to know who you are..."


Strange dreams leave her with very real injuries and there's a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms. The guy she thought she could fall in love with just told her he's only half human - oh, and same goes for her. And she keeps hearing a distant fluttering of wings.

Violet Eden is having a very bad 17th birthday.

But if angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden...

Review: Romance + new mythology = AWESOME

The thing that first drew me into this book was the cover. Because, I mean, I think that cover is essentially the epitome of awesomeness.

Then came the characters. The main character, actually, named Violet Eden. Because she is hilarious and outspoken and strong and not just a damsel in distress (the majority of the time). I loved how strong she was, how she was not going to break down over a guy. Though she did make some stupid decisions at times, I believe that all in all, she was intelligent, clever, and focused.

And then we come to Phoenix and Lincoln. The two swoon-worthy boys. Oh, how I loved both of them! Their relationships to Violet were both so different, the way they treated her and talked to her. They were both awesome in their own separate ways, but if we're picking teams, I think I'm going with Lincoln.

But really, I think the thing that got me the most about this book was the mythology. All the different magic in this book, how it was set up, who had the ability to do what, and how other things tied into it. Every magical, angel-related part of this book I loved and loved hearing about.

So, yes, this book was good. Very good. But it's the best if you want new, interesting mythology. And if you like romance. Recommended for fans of the Fallen series!

Rating:

Book Review: Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Title: Brightly Woven
Series/Sequel? No
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Old-Fashioned Fiction
Age Level: YA (12-14)
Page Count: 354 (Hardcover)
POV: 1st Person (female)

Summary from back of book: Just as the rains come after ten long, dry years, a young wizard, Wayland North, appears, to whisk Sydelle Mirabil away from her desert village. North needs an assistant, and Sydelle is eager to see the country - and to join him on his quest to stop the war that surely will destroy her home. But North has secrets - about himself, about why he chose Sydelle, about his real reasons for the journey. What does he want from her? And why does North's sworn enemy seem fascinated by Sydelle himself? 

Review: So, I wasn't originally planning on reviewing this book. But I have to. Because it was just... perfect.

I'm not saying the plot was perfect, or the characters were perfect. It was more the AMOUNT of everything that was perfect. The AMOUNT of tension. The AMOUNT of romance. The AMOUNT of action. The AMOUNT of fantasy/magic. It all came together in such a way that... I didn't want the story to end. I didn't want to have to leave this world, or these characters.

The characters were awesome, by the way. All of them. They were so unique in their personalities and their mannerisms and... EVERYTHING that I felt like I knew them. North was hilarious, Sydelle was kind, yet kick-butt and brave, the Sorceress Imperial was mean... they were all just such wonderful characters!

I found the magic/fantasy part of this book fascinating as well. North's cloaks, and the different talismans were things I haven't really seen before in books, and it was interesting how they had an effect on the type of magic each wizard could do. The beliefs in the different goddesses and how that influenced the story and the characters were interesting as well. And to what Sydelle could do... well, I don't want to put in spoilers, but I never saw it coming!

Really, a lot of the twists that happened in this book, I didn't see coming. But in a good way.

If you liked the Inheritance Cycle (Eragon) but want something shorter and easier to read, I would suggest this for you. You won't regret it!

Rating:

Book Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Title: Unearthly
Series/Sequel? The first of the Unearthly series, followed by Hallowed
Author: Cynthia Hand
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Age Level: YA
Page Count: 435

Summary from inside flap of book: Clara Gardner had recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, insn't easy. 

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally,) everything seems to fall into place - and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side. 

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she's have to make - between honesty and deceit, long and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Review: Wait, this book was 435 pages? Really? Let me tell you, it didn't seem like it. I went through this book so quickly, I thought it was my typical 300 page book.

I've never been much of a fan of angel books. I was just never interesting on perfect, beautiful, amazing beings with wings. Probably because they were so perfect and beautiful and amazing and flawless. I'm sorry, but I cannot relate to someone to totally flawless.

But I liked this book. I liked how Clara was pretty much a normal teenage girl. She made mistakes, had fights with her friends and family, and was slightly hormonal. She was not perfect or flawless or (not that I would consider) especially beautiful. I loved reading from her point of view, and I feel like it would have greatly detracted from the story if it was written in third person.

Tucker + Christen = a love triangle I cannot decide on. Seriously. They were both awesome and hot and date-worthy in their own ways, and I'm glad there are no surefire teams, cause I have no idea who I would able to decide on.

I've read a lot of books in my lifetime, and I can normally guess fairly accurately what is going to happen next, or that someone isn't who they seem to be, that they are going to turn out to be the bad guy, the love interest, etc., etc. But with this book, I couldn't. I didn't guess that people were going to be. I was so surprised (but in a good way) when I found out.

Now, for all I loved in this book, there were a couple of problems. Clara starts dating SPOILER! Tucker. END SPOILER! As she is dating this boy - actually, after she's bee dating him for only a couple of months, she says that she is honest-to-goodness in love with him. Like, must-be-with-him-or-I-will-die in love with him. And, I'm just not sure how realistic that is. I understand that her love for him shaped events in the book that couldn't have possibly happened if she didn't love him so much, I still saw it as unrealistic and annoying.

All in all, a very good Paranormal Romance book, which I am looking forward to getting the sequel to.

Rating:

Book Review: Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner

Title: Bones of Faerie
Series/Sequel? First of the series, followed by Faerie Winter
Author: Janni Lee Simner
Genres: Scifi/Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic, Paranormal
Age Level: YA (12-18)
Page Count: 256 (Paperback)

Summary from Goodreads: The war between humanity and Faerie devastated both sides. Or so 15-year-old Liza has been told. Nothing has been seen or heard from Faerie since, and Liza’s world bears the scars of its encounter with magic. Trees move with sinister intention, and the town Liza calls home is surrounded by a forest that threatens to harm all those who wander into it. Then Liza discovers she has the Faerie ability to see—into the past, into the future—and she has no choice but to flee her town. Liza’s quest will take her into Faerie and back again, and what she finds along the way may be the key to healing both worlds.

Review:The plot of this book was very interesting. I've never even thought of something like this - a mix of dystopian/post-apocalyptic and faery/paranormal. It was an incredibly unique plot line and approach to faeries and faery magic. However, everything else left a little to be desired.

It was written in first person, but it read more as third person - detached and not as emotional or easy-to-be-interested-in-the-characters. So, I was less than impressed with the actual characters. They were fairly two-dimensional.

I also found some problems with the actual writing. There were a lot of times when I didn't know what had just happened, when I thought something happened that actually didnt, or where the characters made strange jumps that I didn't understand.

So, if you can deal with not very clear writing and want a very unique plot line, I would suggest it. However if you're more like me and need very 3-D characters, I wouldn't suggest it for you, because it will be a waste of your time.

Rating: 

 

Book Review: Die For Me by Amy Plum

Title: Die For Me
Series/Sequel? The first of the Revenants series
Author: Amy Plum 
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Age Level: YA (12-18)
Page Count: 341

Summary from inside flap of book: My life has always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything. Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I meant Vincent. 


Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept mt off mt feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen. 


Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life and risk every day. He also has enemies... immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind. 


While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart - as well as my life and my family's - in jeopardy for a chance at love?

Review:  Three Words: Zombie Love Story.

Those three words are essentially this story in a nutshell. Although, I realize that that isn't really a real review, so let me tell you what I thought about this book.

The plot in of itself is fairly interesting. Learning about what Vincent is and all the rules that go with it, and what he can do, and all that... it was interesting. I've never read anything like it, in terms of the "paranormal" part of the plot. But it is a Paranormal Romance book. And in terms of the romance part of it... if you're a Twilight fan, the romance part of it will interest you.

On Kate's character: More Twilight analogies. She's fairly Bella-ish. She can't deal with it when Vincent is no longer with her. And she was the one that broke up with him! She was all moaning and weak and... I kind of wanted to grab her my the shoulders and shake her a couple of times until some sense was slammed into her brain. The rest of the time, she was fairly level-headed and cute, kind of keeping to herself. I liked her, beside her moaning and groaning over Vincent.

I liked Georgia, Kate's sister, even more so that Kate at times. She was very funny and carefree, even if she made some bad choices at times. Kate's and Georgia's relationship was realistic, in terms of older and younger sisters.

I loved Vincent, and the rest of his "family". Jules and Ambrose were both hilarious, Charlotte and Jeanne were really sweet, and Gaspard and Jean-Baptiste both had very unique personalities, for their specific characters.

All in all, I think the paranormal part of the story was much better than the romance part, and I wish is focused much more on that than Vincent and Kate's relationship. I might or might not try to find and check out the sequel at the library. I'm not sure if I can handle more of Kate's weakness.

Rating: 

 

Book Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Title: Goddess Interrupted
Series/Sequel? Second book of The Goddess Test Series
Author: Aimee Carter
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Greek Mythology
Age Level: YA (12-18)
Page Count: 269 (Paperback)
Summary from back of book: Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans. 

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless cavers of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future. 

Henry's first wife, Persephone. 

Review: I read The Goddess Test last year, and I've been waiting for the sequel ever since. It did not disappoint.

Told from Kate's POV like the first book, this starts when James brings Kate back from Greece, back to the Underworld. From there, things picked up rapidly. (In terms of the plot, I mean.)It wasn't like Harry Potter-ish or anything like that, where you can't possibly stop reading because of the next battle or whatever, but there wasn't really a dull moment in this book.

Kate's character grew from the first book, and I greatly respected her bravery and courage. She did anything she could to help Henry and the council. She dealt with people she hated, risked her life several times, but kept going to save the people she cared about.

Persephone... she plays a major part in this book. And I didn't like her. At all. She was selfish and idiotic and selfish and uncaring and a bi-

...mean word I'm not allowed to say. :D

I also hated how much Henry still cared about her. It was thousands of years ago. Get over her already! You have Kate now. You are married now. Stop being so jerkish and mean and just plain RUDE to Kate, and be with the girl who actually loves you, instead of a pretty face. Those were the words I was screaming up at him almost the entire time.

The ending made me want to pull my hair out and scream and Aimee Carter to hurry up and write the next book. It was such an awful cliffhanger! I mean, it was an amazing ending, but it's awful that she's making us wait for it.

I can't wait for The Goddess Inheritance! Anyone know when it's coming out?

Rating: 

 

Book Review: A Beautful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Title: A Beautiful Dark
Series/Sequel? First in a series, followed by A Fractured Light
Author: Jocelyn Davies
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Age Level: YA (12-18)
Page Count: 390 (Hardcover)
Summary from inside flap of book: On the night of Skye's seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites - like fire and ice - Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye's life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want or why they seem to follow her every move - only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt just not the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past. 

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can't help falling for, and Devin, who she can't stay away from, the consequences of Skye's choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine. 

Review: I got this out of my library just because I recognized the cover from a book blog I read. If I had taken the time to actually read the summary, I probably wouldn't have bothered checking it out, because I knew who Asher and Devin were upon reading it. Or I should probably say WHAT they were.

And let me also say, upon reading and actually finding more out about the plot, I was wrong in what I thought they were. Kinda. They were what I thought they were... but there was also more to it. There was more to the plot and the characters than what I thought.

The writing was phenomenal. Very, very, enjoyable to read. It was written in first person, and I greatly enjoyed reading from Skye's perspective. She was down to earth and believable.

I liked her.

The plot was slow at the very beginning. Soon enough in the plot, however, the plot began picking up. It was fast in the right places, slow in the right places. At times, things happened that I didn't expect, new characters appeared even though I hadn't expected it.

I loved how each character had a specific personality. Asher was very bad boy, Devin was very responsible, Callie was very shallow, Skye was down to earth, shy, and kinda goody-two-shoes. I was impressed that the author was able to do that.

All in all, a very enjoyable, if not slightly predictable read. If I see the sequel in my library, I will be sure to check it out!


Rating: 

Book Review: Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

Title: Darkest Mercy
Series/Sequel? The final book of the Wicked Lovely Series
Author: Melissa Marr
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Age Level: YA (13-18)
Page Count: 327 (Hardcover) 
Summary: The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.

The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's "New York Times" bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.

Review: Darkest Mercy was full of surprises and deaths... and neither is respectively good or bad.

So many, many people died in this book. There were also a good amount of fake outs - you believing they were bad and then they turned out to still be living. I won't say exactly who died and who lived, but... it surprised and amazed me, all that happened.

Besides deaths, other things changed in this as well. People took on different roles, started and continued relationships with different people. I was surprised by all these different roles and relationships, but glad for the people that entered them, that they found their place and their people.

I was looking forward, in this last novel, for the High Court and the Shadow Court to meet up with the other courts and play other big roles. Much to my dismay, there were only mentionings of these courts in this novel; they didn't play a major role in the last battle, even though I thought they should have.

I hated, in this book, how grief-stricken and mad and inconsolable Niall became because of Irial. I admired Niall in previous books for how sure and unshakable he was. But becoming unhinged like that... I didn't really like him as much.

All in all, though it had some problems, the conclusion to the Wicked Lovely series was a fitting end to the series.

My favorites in terms of the series (1 means my favorite of the series, then decreasing is less favorite)

Wicked Lovely: 2
Ink Exchange: 3
Fragile Eternity: 1
Radiant Shadows: 4
Darkest Mercy: 5

Rating: 

Book Review: Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

Title: Radiant Shadows
Series/Sequel? Fourth of the Wicked Lovely Series, followed by Darkest Mercy
Author: Melissa Marr
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Age Level: YA (13-18)
Page Count: 340 (Hardcover)  
Summary from inside flap of book: Hunger for nourishment. Hunger for touch. Hunger to belong. Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers. 

Those same appeties also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death. 

Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans - and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery world mean losing each other? 
 
 Review: This book... did things I did not believe possible. I will not tell you what exactly it did, because that would be a spoiler, but...

You first hear about Devlin in Fragile Eternity, and I didn't really like him. I found him creepy and not having the mental capacities to think on his own. But in this... reading from his POV... seeing how he viewed things... seeing how he treated Ani... changed that. I found out why he had served Sorcha such, and found how he had other wants and needs. I got to also see him begin to grow a backbone, got to see him make his own choices, for the things HE wanted in life... as opposed to the things that Sorcha wanted.

I really liked Ani. She was such an awesome, kick butt heroine. She refused to be treated like she was weak, stood up against Bananach and Gabriel and Sorcha. And I loved and admired her for it. I also liked how, even though she was becoming fey, she managed to keep her humanity, and be concerned for Devlin and the other she loved. I liked how she did her best to not hurt anyone because of her hungers, how she did her best keeping them controlled even as she was slowly starving.

Rae was also very interesting to read about as well. I've heard and read of dreamwalkers before, but she was one of the first you got to really explore in depth. Her relationship with Devlin was sweet as well, and I found it nice how, even though she had feelings for Devlin, she let him and Ani be together. I respected her for that.

But Irial... oh, Irial! I don't want to do spoilers, but... let's just say that something happens to Irial, leaving him in life-threatening conditions... I THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO DIE! EVEN IF HE'S THE FORMER DARK COURT KING I LOVED HIM!... So you'll have to read it to find out if he survives or not. :D

And then the thing I was freaking out at in the beginning... AHHH! I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT ANI AND DEVLIN MANAGED TO DO THAT! I can't wait to read the next book, to see where everything that has happened in the faery world changes relationships and courts and AHHH! I AM SO EXCITED TO READ IT!

Rating: 

Book Review: Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

Title: Fragile Eternity
Series/Sequel? Third in the Wicked Lovely Series, followed by Radiant Shadows 
Author: Melissa Marr
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Age Level: YA (13-18)
Page Count: 389 (Hardcover)
Summary from inside flap of book: Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone - but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on a new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen. 

Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her - but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined. 

In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos. 
 
Review: WARNING: REVIEW MAY CONTAIN MINOR SPOILERS. 

There was so much tension in this book! Ahhh! Bananach is growing stronger, her whisperings of war closer to being heard, and with all the tension in this third book of the Wicked Lovely series, it's obvious to see that war will be coming.

Seth and Aislinn's relationship is definitely growing more stressed in this book. Seth wants to be a faery, wants to stay with Aislinn forever, but neither Niall or Keenan will help him. Keenan is growing more ruthless and cruel, wanting to all but dispose of Seth to have Aislinn to himself in order to make his court stronger. I normally like tension in books - heck, with a good amount of tension, the book can become addictive and one of my favorites - but with this novel I couldn't help empathizing with the characters... and feeling bad because of the things they have to go through.

I didn't like how needy Aislinn was in this book. One of the reasons I loved her so much in Wicked Lovely was because how self-sufficient and strong she was, not needing Seth or Keenan to hold her up. In Fragile Eternity, she was a whole lot more needy, and there were a couple of times I felt like taking her by the shoulders and shaking her a few times. Stop wallowing in self-pity and get over it all ready! Alas, she is a book character, and I couldn't exactly do that.

Sorcha, the High Queen, plays a major part in this story, and I found her interesting, if not confusing at times. The bond she shares with Bananach and Seth was very interesting to read about, and not what I had expected at all - in a good way.

With this book, a lot of the stakes have majorly changed. Everyone has all but become someone else, and relationships have changed drastically. I have the next book, Radiant Shadows, sitting right next to my bed, waiting to be picked up later tonight!

Rating: 

 

Book Review: Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

Title: Ink Exchange
Series/Sequel? Second of the Wicked Lovely Series, followed by Fragile Eternity
Author: Melissa Marr
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Age Level: YA (13-18)
Page Count: 325 (Hardcover) 
Summary from inside flap of book: Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance among the Faery Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow. 

Seventeen-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily  beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life. 

The tattoo does bring changes - not the kind Leslie dreams of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faery world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils...

Review: I've been waiting to read the sequel of Wicked Lovely for about three years now. I was very excited to read it, and it didn't drop below my expectations.

This book was a whole lot darker than Wicked Lovely. There were several reasons for this, I believe. One was the fact that it focuses mainly on the Dark Court. And next to the Dark Court, Beira (from Wicked Lovely) looks tame. Another factor was the things that have happened to Leslie, the things that she has had to go through, and the type of thing Niall - who is also a main character in this book - has had to go through.

I also found the tattoo and the whole process of her becoming Irial's through the ink exchange very interesting. The design of the tattoo itself was very cool to imagine, as was it's symbolism and how each part of it represented a different thing.

This book was written in third person, which distanced me from the character, but also thought was for the best. It changed vantage points - from Niall's to Irial's to Leslie's - that I feel that if it has been written in first person, it would have been just to confusing.

In this book, the unexpected reigned more than I can tell you. Irial was more compassionate than I believed a Dark King could be, and Niall was more dark and tortured than I thought an adviser to the Summer King could be. I also found it amazing how much pain and darkness Leslie could withstand, and how even under Irial's influence, she could still make her own prices.

I have the third book, Fragile Eternity, ready to be read next!

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Book Review: Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Title: Wicked Lovely
Series/Sequel? The first in the series, followed by Ink Exchange 
Author: Melissa Marr
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Age Level: YA (13-18)
Page Count: 328 (Paperback) 
Summary from back of book: 

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world. When the rules that have kept Aislinn safe from them stop working, everything is suddenly on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything. 

Faery intrigue, mortal lovem and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning twenty-first century faery tale. 

Review: I have been obsessed with faery books lately, and this was a good start to satiating my appetite.

In many books, the clueless, innocent female main character and protagonist has no idea what is going on, no idea that faeries exist. It is up to the big, strong men to guide and protect her, to gently tell her about the fey, to act chivalrous and kill for their ladies.

It wasn't that way with this book. And I loved it.

Aislinn knows about the fey. She is informed and strong. She knows about the fey whereas her boyfriend/best friend Seth doesn't. It's up to her to take charge and be strong and protect herself from the fey... even though Seth is calming her down when she gets to stressed out.

I loved Seth's and Aislinn's romantic relationship as well. I feel - in books and in real life - like so many relationships are based purely on sex. It wasn't like that with Aislinn and Seth at all. Seth had waited to be with her for a long time, and Ash didn't want to ruin their relationship. In a lot of ways, they remained more best friends than boyfriend and girlfriend. And I was greatful for that.

I thought Aislinn was also very noble and very wise for someone her age. She did what needed to be done, and did it so everyone - or almost everyone - that mattered to her was fairly happy. She was brave and handled herself well at the hands of the fey. And I admire her for that.




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Book Review: The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

Title: The Faerie Ring
Series/Sequel? The first in The Faerie Ring Series, followed by Torn Wing
Author: Kiki Hamilton
Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Paranormal/Fantasy
Age Level: YA (12-18)
Page Count: 343
Summary: The year is 1871, and sixteen-year-old Tiki is a female orphan masquerading as a boy. She finds it easier that way to pickpocket those in Charing Cross, a busy train station in her native England. Though she knows her well-to-do parents - if they were still alive - would hate her stealing, but she's good at it, and she has no choice if she's to keep alive her "family", four other orphans who live in Charing Cross with her.
But when Tiki accidentally finds herself in Buckingham Palace, and the queen's ring drops at her feet... it would be enough to make sure Tiki's family never went hungry again.
But the ring isn't all it seems. It it the ring of truce, which prevents the fey from going to all-out war with humans and the people of England. But the faeries are stirring, restless to break the truce and go to war... something they can only do with the ring in their possession.

Review: This book got off to a slow start. Maybe because I've heard so much about it, and was expecting more, but for the first hundred pages or so, I wasn't to certain I would manage to finish it. But then it began picking up... things started happening... and I turned out to really enjoy it.

I loved Rieker. I might just have to add him to the list of imaginary characters I'm in love with (...ahem...). I loved how he knew what was going on, and did his best to try and protect everyone - specifically, Tiki. I loved how he had secrets, how he wasn't who you thought he was. I loved how his attitude and personality didn't really change, even after Tiki found out who he was, after he revealed himself to her. He was, hands down, my favorite character.

Tiki I liked as well, though her name bothered and distracted me. I mean, Tiki? Really? I understand it's a nickname and all, but... every time I had to read it, I was pulled out of the story just thinking about her name. I know I don't have much room to talk (the main character's name in the novel I'm writing is Astra) but... it just distracted me from the story.

That being said, I liked her as a character. I liked how protective she was of her family, especially of Clara. I liked how she was compassionate enough to take Toots (another weird name) and Clara under her wing, even though it would mean more pickpocketing and less food for everyone all around. I liked, as well, how she was a three-dimensional character, how she had insecurities and fears.

The plot, as I said before, was like a train: starting out slow, but growing faster and faster as the story progressed.

This story was written in third person. Though I'm not a particularly bug fan of third person, it fit this particular story well, as third person was needed to tell all sides of the story. First person wouldn't have worked.

All in all, I enjoyed reading this novel. If I see the sequel, Torn Wing, in my library, I will be sure to check it out!

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Book Review: Jekel Loves Hyde

Title: Jekel Loves Hyde
Series/Sequel? No
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Age Level: YA (13-18)
Page Count: 282
Summary: Jill Jekel's chemist father is dead, and her college money with him, spent on a secret experiment of his. So when Jill's chemist teacher at school offers her and three other classmates the chance to enter a chemistry competition - with a thirty thousand dollar scholarship as first prize - she takes it. Teaming up with Tristan Hyde, they find the original notes from the famous novel, recreating the experiments. But it's not just for the money. It turns out that Jill and Tristan are actually both descendants of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde, respectively. And the beast that the original Mr. Hyde was is still present in Tristan today. Now, finding and recreating the original formula could be crucial to saving Tristan's sanity... and his life.

Review: I really wish I had something that would count as a 2.99, because this book was teetering right on the edge of a 3... but couldn't quite make it. 

First off, let me say that in my opinion, this book was better than Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (my review here). The idea of a new Jekel and Hyde, inside a couple of teenage students, was very new and interesting. I liked how everything wove together, how little was what it seemed, though some of it was a little predictable. 

I liked how the inner beast of the Hydes played into this. How there was a clear separation between the actual person and the beast. At the same time, it made me think - how much of the beast is in us today? Do criminals and terrorists have more of that beast in them, or did they just fall prey to it easier, give into it when we all have kept it at bay. I'm not sure if Ms. Fantaskey wrote this with these thoughts in her mind as well, hoping for us, as the reader, to pick out this underlying theme and think about it ourselves, or if it is merely my own thinking that has conjured up this question. 

I didn't like, in this book, how quickly Tristan and Jill supposedly fell in love. It was only in the first few pages they began to develop feelings for each other, and I thought it very sudden, lust-driven, and unrealistic. They're planning on getting married and all, and they dated for not even a year! I feel as if this is a very typical high-school relationship that won't last long at all. The romance aspect of it had me totally unconvinced. 

That being said, if you enjoy love stories, with just a little bit of darkness in there, I would recommend this to you. It is mainly a love story, and though I think it's a little unrealistic, all you hopeless romantics (more hopeless than me, I mean) will probably enjoy this. Also, if you enjoyed Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, you will most likely enjoy this book. 

Rating: 
 

Book Review: Sisters Red

Title: Sisters Red
Series/Sequel? Unknown
Author: Jackson Pearce (and yes, Jackson is a Ms., not a Mr.)
Genres: Romance, Fairy tale retellings,  urban paranormal /fantasy
Age Level: YA (12-18)
Page Count: 324
Summary: Scarlett lives for the hunt. Ever since the Fenris - the werewolves - took her eyes and left her scarred, Scarlett had done all she can to exact her revenge, and save "Innocents", those that don't know about the Fenris, from being eaten.
Scarlett has help, though. Her little sister Rosie and best friend Silas have always helped with the hunt, working together seamlessly. But as Rosie helps her sister, she no longer because sure if hunting is the life for her, like it is for Scarlett - if Rosie wants love in her best friend instead of love in the hunt.

Review: The last book I read that's so good, it's had me reading till WAY past my bedtime, on the bus, and even hidden inside my textbook at school,  was Iron Daughter,  the second book of the Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa. And I'm sure many of you know how AMAZING that series is. But this book managed to do that.

This book is told by the alternating POVs of Rosie and Scarlett, with a prologue and an epilogue written in third person. I liked how unique their voices were. 

Scarlett's thoughts were constantly focused on the hunt - cold, calculating and unfeeling at times. She was constantly concerned about saving the people that didn't know about the Fenris. She also felt very protective and responsible for Rosie, her love for her sisters being the only thing that stood equal in importance to the hunt.

Rosie, on the other hand, was more concerned about what I consider the more regular things: love for her sister, cooking and baking, her cat Screwtape, her sister, and later on, her love for her boyfriend.

Both Rosie and Scarlett had deep, sisterly love for one another, saying that it had always seemed to them that they were two people sharing one heart. I loved how their love for one another made such an important point in this book. In many current novels, you normally read about romantic relationships, instead of familial ones. This was a fresh plot point, and I welcomed it greatly. 

I loved, at the same time, Rosie's romantic relationship with Silas. There wasn't really that much making out, but sweeter kisses and hugs, and I found that cute and totally "Awww!" worthy instead of the more sexual relationships that are common to read about today. 

All in all, this was an amazing book. If you haven't read it, I would suggest doing so ASAP!

Rating: 

 

Book Review: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Title: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
Series/Sequel? Followed by Jessica Rules the Dark Side
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Genres: Romance, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Age Level: YA (12-18)
Page Count: 351  
Summary: The only thing Jessica Packwood wanted was to get through her senior year and win all her mathletes matches. She had no intention of gaining a hot, Romanian stalker/foreign exchange student/betrothed. According to said Romanian, Lucius Vladescu, and Jessica's own adoptive parents, he's a vampire prince, and Jessica, who's actual name is Antanasia Dragomir, is a vampire princess and his betrothed. Becoming undead can seriously screw up your senior year...

Review:  I... really don't have a lot to say about this book. The plot wasn't anything special, rather predictable in places, and it didn't have me overly anxious to read more. The only reason I finished this book so quickly (less than twenty-four hours) was because it was one of those lazy days where I had nothing better to do than read. I thought Jessica was pretty cookie-cutter-female-nerd, and Lucius was kinda of typical mysterious-bad-boy, though in places I thought he was rather inconsiderate, stupid and annoying. It was an okay book, but I wouldn't rush to put it on your TBR stack.

Rating: 

 

Book Review: A Kiss in Time

Title: A Kiss in Time
Series? No
Author: Alex Flinn
Genre: Romance, Modern Fantasy
Age Level: YA (12-18)
Page Count: 371
Summary: In this retelling of Sleeping Beauty, typical high school guy Jack wants nothing more than excitement and freedom from his parents when he takes a trip to Europe for the summer. But even in Europe, all they do is look at boring museums. So when Jack fights his way through thick brambles and finds himself in what looks to be an abandoned theme park - like Colonial Williamsburg, but in Europe - what is he to think? Then he stumbles upon a huge castle, and finds a sleeping princess - and what can he do but kiss her? Soon enough, the princess Talia is awake, and forcing Jack to take her from her country and parents back to the states. Things get messy, though, when it turns out it's not just Talia's parents looking for them - it's an evil witch! Will love be enough to stop her and save Talia?

Review: I've read Alex Flinn's Beastly and I loved it - this was no different! (My love for it, I mean. Not the actual book.) 

 This book was split into three parts: part 1 Talia, part 2 Jack, part 3 Talia and Jack. Meaning, the first part was told in all Talia's point of view, the second part was told from Jack's POV, and the third part did every other chapter - Talia, Jack, Talia, Jack. I actually really liked this format, being able to see both character's perspectives on things - from their initial reactions to each other, to later on, when they began to develop feelings for each other.

Jack seems like the typical teenage guy, and in many ways is (read: concerned about drugs and girls) but he also has some deeper, more likable traits. I love how he had that one fear, the one thing he couldn't face, and you could tell that from just reading his character - before even reading where it was essentially spelled out for you towards the end of the book. Normally, it takes a series - and into the second half of the series - to really understand a character that well. I was really impressed by Ms. Flinn in terms of that. 

I was also impressed how... old-fashioned Talia was when she spoke, and in her thoughts. I'm a writer (as previously mentioned) and there are at least a couple of characters that are very old. When I try making them seem their age, however, I always run into problems. I loved how Alex Flinn managed to make Talia actually seem her age. 

There have been many, many different take-offs of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale. However, I feel as if this is one of the better ones. Make this part of your TBR pile - you won't regret it!

Rating: 

Book Review: Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Blue Bloods
Sequel? The first in the Blue Bloods series, followed by Masquerade.  
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Genres: Romance, paranormal/fantasy
Age Level: YA (13-18)
Page Count: 302
Summary: Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious New York City private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes to the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates. But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler's life changes dramatically. The death of a popular schoolmate haunts her in unexpected ways. And strangest of all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing an interest in her.
Once an outcast, Schuyler is thrust into Manhattan's most exclusive social circle. Its members are the powerful, the wealthy, and - as Schuyler soon discovers - the unhuman. They are Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires, and for centuries they've been invincible. Now something is preying on this elite group. and Schuyler wants to find out the truth. But is she the most vulnerable of them all?

Review: I've heard a lot about the Blue Bloods series, and all though it wasn't as amazing as I've heard, it wasn't all that bad, either.

 It had vampires written in a way I have never thought of before, and I was impressed with this idea. I don't want to put in to many spoilers, but it had them cast in a different light than I've read before, and I found that very interesting.

However, the characters left something to be desired. I've always thought that characters make the book; if they aren't lifelike and believable, I find it very hard to get into the story. The characters didn't seem like people, but like words on a page. And that bothered me.

Nevertheless, I know a lot of others liked it, and it is quite likely you will as well. Even though it wasn't perfect, I am planning on checking out the next book from my library.

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