Review: Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz

Revelations (Blue Bloods #3) by Melissa de la Cruz
Publication date: October 31st, 2008
Publisher: Hyperion
Number of pages: 264
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository
Add to Goodreads
Synopsis: Schuyler Van Alen's blood legacy has just been called into question: is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins? As controversy swirls, Schuyler is left stranded in the Force household, trapped under the same roof as her cunning nemesis, Mimi Force, and her forbidden crush, Jack Force.

When an ancient place of power is threatened in Rio de Janeiro, however, the Blue Bloods need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high, the battle is bloody; and through it all Schuyler is torn between duty and passion, love and freedom.

Jen's review:

True love does not come easy, but that's all part of the journey of life... 

In the third installment to the Blue Bloods series, comes another thrilling story that sets Bliss, Schuyler and Mimi on the beginning of separate paths in their lives.
With Schuyler dealing with the fallout of having to live with the Forces, Mimi is planning her bonding, while Bliss on the other hand has had more of a difficult turn of events.

When things take a turn for the worse in Rio, the Elders and Blue Bloods alike, including Schuyler go to help. But things in Rio don't turn out as they expected. Expect death, betrayal, love, passion, jealousy and accusations.
Schuyler's relationship with Jack takes an interesting turn, but she will have to wonder whether or not they truly belong together. Is it possible for Jack to break his bond with Mimi? Will they truly be able to get together and not having to hide their feelings for one another? It's a battle of the hearts, and one is bound to get broken.

Mimi and Bliss each have their own share of problems. With Mimi, its knowing that Jack doesn't love her like he does with Schuyler and trying to make him see that everything with her would never work out, and  how he and Mimi are the ones that belong together.
Bliss, on the other hand is battling a demon inside her, she tries to help Dylan, who has been taken to a place to help him after being abused by the Silver Bloods, and when everything Rio hits the fan, Bliss will have nowhere to run. She might be running out of options, and if she can't stop what is destroying her on the inside, it might be too late for them all..

This book was action packed, especially during the stuff that happened at Rio. Turn of events that nobody will ever be able to forget. You can tell that the story is taking a new direction, not a bad one, but a different one. But that's the thing with stories, they don't always follow the same path that you might think they would. Things surprise you. Shock you. But in the end, its all about the journey that life takes these characters on.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

April's review:


Just when Schuyler's life seems to be looking up, everything comes crashing down on her. Charles has gotten custody of her, and with being in the same household is making it easy for Mimi to torture her. Jack won't even acknowledge her, and she has been forbidden to even talk to her grandfather and Oliver.

The book has some great plot twisters. A couple of familiar faces are back, and keeps you on your toes on who is on what side. Even though Mimi is planning hers and Jack's bonding ceremony, he has been meeting with Sky in a secret apartment. It's not long before their secret is blown. On top of everything there as been some activity in Rio,and Lawrence has flown over to check everything out. When the whole Conclave is called to Rio because Lawrence is in trouble, Sky refuses to stay behind.

If you enjoyed the first two books, you will sure love this one. Who doesn't love a little forbidden romance? We finally learn who is the Silver Blood traitor, and looking back I think the clues were kind of obvious. One of my favorite books of the series.

Rating: 4/5 

Review: Evie's Knight by Kimberly Krey

Evie's Knight by Kimberly Krey
Publication date: September 11th, 2012
Publisher: Kimberly Krey
Number of pages: 389
Format: Kindle
Purchase: Amazon (Kindle)
Description: When Evie falls in love with Calvin Knight, their young, virtuous romance conjures a truly wicked spell.

Evie always thought her eighteenth year would be magical, but so far it's not what she hoped for. Her best friend has gone wild, her love life is void, and she misses her mom more than ever. But life for Evie is about to change. Calvin Knight, the object of her fascination, is about to fall madly in love with her. Just one problem: Their love conjures a murderous woman from beyond the grave who wants Evie dead. The same demon who has haunted the Knight men for over four generations. Soon Calvin is forced to make a choice: Set Evie free and hope to evade the wrath of The Raven- haired Ghost, or use his newly gifted strengths to fight against her. If he chooses to fight and wins, Calvin will free the Knight men of this demonic witch. If he loses, Evie will become her next victim.

Thanks to Kimberly for allowing a chance to read and review this book, as I have been looking forward to it for months. 
Today, I finally got around to reading this on my Kindle, and I spent the whole day just reading it. It was unstoppable. A definite page-turner.

We are introduced to the story of Evie and her personal Knight, Calvin. It's a story of two people who have come together, but the past, revenge and fate try to tear them apart.
Evie has always liked Calvin, but they hadn't actually talked before. That is until one day.... they do, and from that moment on... their fate and everything that comes afterward is put into motion. From the very first encounter, their lives  would never be the same again. 
The closer they become, the more Calvin starts to believe the stories his grandfather kept telling him as a child. That the men in their family, the Knight men. Are cursed.

When Calvin and his brother, Parker meet the mysterious-who-knows-too-much waitress,  Fiona, something unexpected happens. When its discovered that their futures have been designed because of a long-ago grudge, a now spirit/ghost has on their family, the boys along with Fiona attempt to do something that could either set them free, or kill them...giving this woman what she wants to begin with. One of them.
Its basically a race against time if they ever want a chance to stop the past repeating once again, and to have some kind of future.

Evie is great. I really liked her. She is strong for a female lead, and while it might seem she was dependant upon Calvin and the relationship they have, it wasn't something that was a bad thing. Together they made one another stronger than they were apart.
She has been through more than most people. That is something she and Calvin have in common, and I'd imagine one of the things that probably bonded them to one another. They know what it is like to experience a loss. But even though their losses are slightly different, there was that connection between them that they understood each other's pain.

Calvin is an interesting character. Like I mentioned about, he has had his fair share of loss. But not only that, he has to look after his brother, who seems to be a irresponsible guy who gets drunk and does something stupid most of the time. Being the older brother, Calvin feels he has to fix his problems and make sure he is alright. That can sometimes feel like a burden.
But meeting Evie's, it's like for once in his life... he can actually live.. and not worry about his brother or anything else. He is free to just be himself and love. But of course, that itself comes with all sort of complications....

Kimberly did such a great job with this story. It exceeded all my expectations I might have had coming into this story. It was such a fresh take on the urban fantasy genre. There was so much to love about the story of Evie and her Knight, Calvin. We have falling in love for the first time, heartbreak, revenge, family, loyalty, happiness and the satisfaction of their story coming to the place where it was meant to be.
So much happened, and I didn't feel like I had just read one book. I felt like I had just been on an incredible journey for so long and enjoyed every moment of it.

I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a good, well-written romance. 

Rating -- 5/5

Follow Friday #9

Hi everyone..Happy Friday! I hope everyone has had a great week.
Follow and Feature Friday is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee.

Q: What hyped up book do you think was worth all the talk?

The Hunger Games. But then again, I read those books before they became popular, before they were made into a movie. Sure, the rights had been picked up, but not that many people knew about the series.

Some memorable mentions also include; Everneath, The Immortal Rules and Unravelling. I'm sure there are more that I could mention, but I don't want to write an esssay :P

 

Tell me yours.

 

 

Night School by C.J Daughtery

Night School (Night School #1) by C.J Daughtery
Publication date: January 5th, 2012
Publisher: Atom
Number of pages: 451
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon & The Book Depository
Add to Goodreads
Description: Allie's world is falling apart...

She hates her school. Her brother has run away. She's just been arrested. Again. And now her parents are sending her away.

But instead of hating boarding school, Allie is happy. She's making friends. And there's Carter, a brooding loner with whom she feels an instant connection.

Cimmeria Academy is no ordinary school. Her classmates - and maybe some of the teachers - are hiding secrets. And soon it begins to fell like a very dangerous place...

This one has been on my shelf for quite a few months, after picking it up in the bookstore from a recommendation from a employee at the store. 
What I assume would be one thing, this story turned out to be something so completely different than what I was expected and I was pleasantly surprised.

We are introduced to Allie, who just got arrested for the third time, and her parents have had enough. They have exhausted all options, and so the only thing they can do is send her off to an exclusive boarding school.
It doesn't even occur to her that nobody has ever heard of Cimmeria Academy, so how did her mother know? Allie doesn't like that she is being forced away from her best friend or her family, but there isn't much she can do about it.

Upon arriving at Cimmeria Academy, she is soon introduced to new friends and sexy, mysterious guys.
We have ourselves a little love triangle. As you will.
First we have fun and charming, Sylvain. He is everything that Allie needs, or so she thinks.  And then we have broody, sexy and mysterious, Carter. He warns her about Sylvain. He is a guy of not many words, but the ones he does make, he makes it count.

If you think Cimmeria Academy is an ordinary school, think again. Once the reveal of Night School is discovered, everything changes and you won't be able to believe what happens next.
This book has a great romance, lots of dark mystery, blood and murder. I guarantee this one is a instant page turner you won't be able to put down.

Rating: 5/5

Revie of "Blue Moon" by Alyson Noel

Blue Moon (The Immortals #2) by Alyson Noel
Publication Date: July 7, 2009
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 
Number of Pages: 284
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads
Descriptions:  Alyson Noël's bestselling Immortals series has been hailed as "addictive," "beautiful," "haunting," and "mesmerizing." In Blue Moon, Ever has a chance to bring her family back from the dead - but only if she's willing to sacrifice the guy she loves more than life itself.

Just as Ever is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an immortal, initiated into the dark, seductive world by her beloved Damen, something terrible is happening to him. As Ever's powers are increasing, Damen's begin to fade after he is stricken by a mysterious illness that threatens his memory, his identity, his life.

Desperate to save him, Ever travels to the mystical dimension of Summerland, where she uncovers not only the secrets of Damen's past - the brutal, tortured history he hoped to keep hidden - but also an ancient text revealing the workings of time. With the approaching blue moon heralding her only window for travel, Ever is forced to decide between turning back the clock and saving her family from the accident that claimed them - or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows weaker each day....

I was servery disappointed in this book. Honestly I didn't particularly like it all that much. I wanted to slap Ever about a million times. 

There's a new kid in school, Roman. And it can't be coincidence that it seems that all of a sudden that Damen seems to be getting weak. Ever takes an immediate disliking to Roman, sensing that something isn't right about him. Even if Damen doesn't. But the night that Ever and Damen are suppose to finally get intimate, Damen runs off and remains missing the whole weekend. When he finally resurfaces on Monday, it's almost like he's a completely different person. For one, he has an aura and seems human. Then he can't even remember that he's in a relationship with Ever, and even calls her a stalker. Things gets weirder when Miles and Haven start hanging out with the cool kids.   

Turning to Sumerland for answers, Ever finds how to not only save Damen, but to go back in time to her family and save them from the accident. In the alternative universe where her family is alive, and she doesn't remember Damen, she feels like something isn't right. Coming home from camping everything freezes and her sister tells her that she doesn't belong here. She's meant to live through the accident, and Ever is return back in "present time". 

I really wished she would of stayed. I think it would of took an interesting turn. And would of loved to see her "meeting" Damen through her old life. Now she has to choose to trust Roman or the creepy twins she met in Summerland to save Damen. This is when I just wanted to slap Ever. I even knew she was making the wrong decision. And that decision is going to change her and Damen relationship forever. 

I'll read the next book just to see how the series goes, and because I don't like to abandon series. But so far I'm not impress. 

Rating: 3/5

 

Review of "Shades of Midnight" by Lara Adrian

Shades of Midnight (Midnight Breed #7) by Lara Adrian
Publication Date: December 9, 2009
Publisher: Dell
Number of Pages: 383
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads
Description: In a frozen wilderness steeped in darkness, the lines between good and evil, lover and enemy, are never black or white but drawn in Shades of Midnight.

Something inhuman is stalking the frigid Alaskan wilds, leaving unspeakable carnage in its wake. For bush pilot Alexandra Maguire, the killings stir memories of a horrific event she witnessed as a child and evoke in her the inexplicable sense of otherness she has long felt within herself but never fully understood . . . until a darkly seductive stranger with secrets of his own enters her world.

Sent from Boston on a mission to investigate the savage attacks and stop the slaughter, vampire warrior Kade has his own reasons for returning to the frigid, forbidding place of his birth. Haunted by a secret shame, Kade soon realizes the stunning truth of the threat he faces–a threat that will jeopardize the fragile bond he has formed with the courageous, determined young woman who arouses his deepest passions and most primal hungers. But in bringing Alex into his world of blood and darkness, Kade must confront both his own personal demons and the even greater evil that could destroy all he holds dear.

 I've been putting continuing reading this series off, mainly because I didn't really enjoy the last few books. This book is a great improvement over the last few ones.

I instantly fell in love with Kade. I was disappointed the lack of his twin Seth in the book. I really thought there would be more than that. I knew there was something off about the town cop, Zach. I really started to enjoy the book towards the end. I absolutely love the interactions between the guys.

The ending with Jenna was such a twist. I'm not even postiive that I believe that the Ancient is dead. But I feel like the Ancient was somewhat nice to Jenna the time it was holed up in the cabin with her. It would be interesting to learn if Jenna is another Breedmate or not. I really want her to be. Which speaking of, I'm still anxious to learn more about Breedmates.

Even though each book is a different story in the series, I do love how it has one continuous sub plot.  And I can't wait to see how everything turns out.

Rating: 4/5

Waiting on Wednesday #7....Gates of Paradise.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Watch out for the explosive finale in the Blue Bloods series.
The seventh and final novel in the epic saga.

All your questions answered. . . All the mysteries explained. . . Friends reunited. . . Hearts broken. . . Will Bliss return with the Hellhounds? Will Schuyler save the Blue Bloods? Who will live? Who will die?

I'd say this is one of my favourite YA vampire books. So much that I have lost count on the times I have re-read this series.
I love the mythology, the romance and the mystery. Its such a jam packed, historically-mythology for this genre to boot.
I cannot wait to see how this ends. Jack and Schuyler need their HEA. So does Mimi and Kingsley. Oliver needs to find his true love. Lucifer needs to be defeated and the Blue Bloods need to find their salvation.

Jan can't get here fast enough. So far, I have been waiting a year for this... and its not even going to be out until 2013. 
I am currently re-reading this series and I love everything about it. I love picking up new bits of information, piecing things together and connecting dots that I didn't see before.

Melissa. The world better not end before I get this in my hands, otherwise, there will be hell to pay!

Biting Cold by Chloe Neill

Biting Cold (Chicagoland Vampires #6) by Chloe Neill
Publication date: August 9th 2012
Publisher: Gollancz
Number of pages: 337
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon & The Book Despository
Add to Goodreads
Description: Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined.
And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans.

Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed.

No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.

Hands on deck. Prepare for a wild ride. ..... 

Throughout the series thus far, Merit has gone through her transformation into a vampire, to meeting and starting her on again-off again relationship with house Master, Ethan, dealing with trouble as it comes her way but never lets it get her down. 

After Merit goes through the worst experience of her life and finally gets back Ethan, life couldn't be even more perfect ---- except on the part where they have to go track down her best(ex?) friend, Mallory after discovering that she is after something so dark and powerful, it could destroy the world. That is the last thing they want or need.

I really enjoyed this book. It was getting back its flair from the first few books of the series. The previous one wasn't as great as they had been, for obvious reasons, but Biting Cold, I felt was getting back to basics and everything was almost right in the world.
Ethan was surely getting back to his own self, which included being protective and also self conscious regarding their relationship. One step forward, two steps back. Yes, we have heard and played this game before. But hey, at least he is trying, right?
But I understood where he was coming from, even if it frustrated me at times, and Merit too. But I feel this was a journey for him and eventually he would understand that he doesn't need to protect her, she is badass enough to take care of herself.

I do love what progress they had in this book and how much page time was dedicated to their relationship. It was always on then backburner in previous books as she deals with other things.
But in this book, they only have each other for company as they deal with the Mallory situation, so it in turn gives them a reason to focus on each other, their issues and what needs to be solved between them.

There is also a few interesting discoveries along the way through Biting Cold. We discover who and what Tate really is, and his role in this world. And then we also find out  what happens to their House after the events from Drink Deep.
Lets just say... the way this book ends, it makes you wonder how the story will be after something crucial happened toward the end. It sure is going to put things into perspective, and change certain things.

I loo forward toward the 7th book in this 10-book series, House Rules. The title, after having read Biting Cold, makes so much sense and feels very fitting to be the next arc in this series.

Rating -- 4.5 / 5

Darkness Devours by Keri Arthur

Darkness Devours (Dark Angels #3) by Keri Arthur
Publication date: June 26th, 2012
Publisher: Penguin
Number of pages: 375
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Purchase at: Amazon & The Book Depository (Free international shipping)
Add to Goodreads
Description: Half-werewolf, half-Aedh Risa Jones can enter the realm between life and death, and she can see the Reapers who collect the souls of the dead. Now, she is using her gifts—and the investigative know-how of a man who broke her heart—to find a cabal searching for the power to control time, reality, and fate. And this is besides her work for the Vampire Council, half of whom want her dead.

But for now the Council needs her alive. Someone is killing blood-whore addicted vampires, and Risa must find the guilty party. If she succeeds, she may finally convince the council to lift the execution order on her life. But before she succeeds, she must first survive…

If there was one person Risa never expected to see again, it would be her ex, werewolf lover, Jak. He is also a investigator reporter, who once used her to gain information on her mother and then exploited it through any means possible. 
Talk about a blast from the past.  But in order for her to solve a case, she'll have to ask for his help, as there isn't many people who can do what he can and be unseen in the process.

Risa is also on a mission, she needs to complete a task for the Vampire Council, if she doesn't succeed, she could be dead. So this is a matter of life and death with an execution order hanging over her head. Her mission takes her to a place that involves blood whores and vampires. Risa is on the clock to find out who the killer is before it is too late.. for everyone involved.

Risa is such a strong, admirable and independant woman. She is also determined when she needs to be, and loyal to her friends. I absolutely love her friendship with her longtime friends, family and her unique relationship with sexy reaper, Azriel.
The little dance they have going on between one is full of pent up frustration and tension. Their species aren't meant to have anything together, but there is something so powerful between them that will not be denied any longer.

I had asked Keri after the released of book 2, whether or not we'll get something happening between Risa an Azriel at some point, and she said just wait for Darkness Devours.  Boy was she right. The moment between these two... were so worth waiting for. The chemistry between them is electric and real. It's something that burns out through the pages of the book... makes you yearn for more.

This is a fantastic installment to Risa's series. A Riley Jensen spinoff, in which takes us through the life of Risa... a half werewolf and half Adhe. A unique breed, and an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.

Rating - 4 out of 5

 

Follow Friday #8

Hi everyone..Happy Friday!
Follow and Feature Friday is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee.

It's been so long since I have done one of these. Probably months and I am ashamed I have been so lazy, or busy, since I have been planning my (Jen) trip to the US. But now I have some free time, I thought I would get back into the swing of things.

Anyway, this week's question is....

Q: What hyped up book do you think was not worth all the talk? 

I'm going to choose two things that spring to mind right now..
First one is the obvious one...' Fifty Shades of Grey'. Probably one of the most hyped up books all year, and of course I was curious and wanted to check it out for myself.  That's how you will only know if you like something or not. And I didn't. I guess it wasn't for me. I understood the fascination and why some might like it, but IMO it was too hyped up for my taste, and didn't deliver.

Another one is actually a sequel. 'Fever' by Lauren DeStefano. This book I felt was quite hyped up to be a great sequel to 'Wither', and I was looking forward to it. But it kind of let me down, apart from the end. It wasn't what I was expecting and I was disappointed it wasn't as good as I thought it would be.

Speak out  in the comments..

Review: Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione

Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #2) by Larissa Ione
Publication date: December 1st, 2011
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Number of pages: 414
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Purchase the book: Amazon & The Book Depository (Free shipping)
Add to Goodreads
Description: The signs are everywhere...disastrous world events. Evil rising up, unleashed upon the innocent. The prophecies were there...but no one listened. Until now. The time has come for those who can either usher in Doomsday...or prevent it. They are here. They ride. Tlifhe Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Arik Wagner, a soldier with the U.S. Army's paranormal unit, the R-XR, kissed a girl and liked it. And then he went to hell as punishment. Where he's spent weeks being tortured...and plotting revenge.

Limos, Horsewoman of the Apocalypse, isn't your average girl. She's immortal, dangerous, and her fiancé is Satan himself. In a moment of weakness, she gave in to her desire and kissed Arik, triggering her fiancé's wrath - and his claim on her. In order to save Arik, and the world, Limos must make a dangerous pact with her recently turned evil brother, Pestilence. A deal that might just cost her her soul...and her heart.

I could just smack myself for not reading this sooner. I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Eternal Rider, and only made me look forward to the second. But for some reason, I hadn't gotten around to getting this, and I think I was on a YA kick.
But here we are, and I was glad I did get around to checking this book out. It was definitely worth the wait and time spent.

If you remember in book 1 we met the four siblings, also the horsemen(and woman) of the apocalpse.  First we had Ares, and now his sister, Limos.
I wasn't sure what to think of her at first. She definitely was hiding more secrets than we, or her siblings knew about. And sometimes she could get frustrated with all her lies, but I understood why she didn't tell the truth right away, until she was forced to.
She hasn't had the easiest life. Not only was she raised basically in hell and grew up differently than her brothers, but she also found herself in a eternity-long marriage if or, when her seal breaks.

After a surprise kiss from Arik, that is the moment where both of their lives is forever changed. He didn't realize the consequences of one simple act.
He then finds himself in Hell, literally. And Limos will need to find a way to get him out of there before he does the one thing she told him not to under no circumstance, but how much torchure can one human be able to handle?

I didn't know what to expect of Limos and Arik's story, but what I got I loved. I loved discovering more about them, plus not only that, but the side story sets things up for Than's book which is next, so that was nice to see. It makes me anticipate getting to that book, which I plan to buy soon enough.

If you haven't read this series yet, you should, but before you do that, read Larissa's "Demonica" series first, as even though its not necessary, but the world building starts off in the previous series.
I see this more as a spinoff. Its set in the same world, and there are appearances from old characters, but the main characters are completely new.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Teaser Tuesday 12

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Want to play along?

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers
• Share the title and author

Since I just finished reading Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and the book had some hilarious parts, I figured I would go with one of those this week. 

That was pretty much when the Guards behind me decided they were going to try to make me do this. And that is when I decided I was going to be hitting someone again.  

April's review of "Daimon" by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Daimon (Covenant #0.5) by Jennifer L. Arementrout
Publication Date: May 10, 2011
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Number of Pages: 67
Format: ebook
Add to Goodreads
Description:  "Love in my world usually ended up with someone hearing 'I smite thee ' as she was cursed to be some lame flower for the rest of her life."For three years, Alexandria has lived among mortals--pretending to be like them and trying to forget the duty she'd been trained to fulfill as a child of a mortal and a demigod. At seventeen, she's pretty much accepted that she's a freak by mortal standards... and that she'll never be prepared for that duty.According to her mother, that's a good thing.But as every descendant of the gods knows, Fate has a way of rearing her ugly head. A horrifying attack forces Alex to flee Miami and try to find her way back to the very place her mother had warned her she should never return-the Covenant. Every step that brings her closer to safety is one more step toward death... because she's being hunted by the very creatures she'd once trained to kill.The daimons have found her.

Won't be a long review since this was a short story. With me, prequels are either hits or misses. And I guess it depends if you actually read it before the first book or not. This one, it was ok nothing special to me. No new information, just when the daimon had found Alex and her mom, with Alex on the run. I'm sure I probably feel differently about it if I had read it before the first book. If you haven't read Half-Blood, then I would recommend reading this first. It leaves you wanting more. I do kind of wish it went back to right before Alex's mom pulled her from the covenant and ran for it. I would love to see Alex in those days. 

Rating: 3/5 

April's review of "Pure" by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Pure (Covenant #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publication Date: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Number of Pages: 329
Format: Paperback
Add to Goodreads
Description:  There is need. And then there is Fate
Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.
When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude or killing her.
When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

Even though I had major issues with the first book, I decided to give the series another shot. I do have to say this book is a big improvement. With only a few similarities to Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series, I felt like I was actually reading a different series. 

When Alex feels like nothing can get any worst, a daimon has breech Covenant security and has attack a student. The aftermath isn't good for the halves. Not only do all of them have an early curfew now but they aren't even allow to leave the Covenant control island. And the icing on the cake? All halves, students, guards, and sententials are required to have physical exams to ensure they haven't been turned. Even though Seth has told Alex that Lucian has given the order that Alex is not to be searched, Alex still finds herself about to be subject to a search. Even though Seth comes to her rescue and "remind" the guards that Lucian has order Alex not to be searched, Alex has already shown an example to stand up for themselves and say no. Which leads to be very dangerous. When there is a second attack at the school, there's a devastating death. Even though I knew the death was coming, it was foreshadowed in the first book, didn't make it less sad. In the aftermath, Alex realizes the importance of those exams. When Alex has to travel to Court to give testimony, she just might not make it back. Somebody desperately doesn't want Alex to Awaken, and will do anything to make sure she either forced to servitude or ends up dead. 

In the first book I was Team Aiden all the way. But in this book I couldn't help but be on Team Seth. Seth gives off the imagine of only caring about himself and has the biggest ego, but he cares for Alex. Through the tough times, he is there for Alex when Aiden cannot and won't be there. He's very overprotective of her and even comes close to killing a Master over her. I amaze myself that I actually switch over teams. I usually love the ships like Alex and Aiden, but in this series...I wish it wasn't as predictable. And let's face it YA is very predictable. This is the extreme of forbidden love. If anyone ever finds out that she has kissed Aiden, she will lose everything and force into servitude while Aiden could face death. I know you can't help who you fall in love with, but Alex shouldn't of let herself fall in love with him. Or at least not admit it so soon in the series. 

And then there's Lucian, Alex's step father. He seems to really care about Alex and her well being. But Alex knows better. Even though I'm suspicious of him, there's a part that really do want him to care about her. The ending made made me gasp. Alex has committed the ultimate crime as a half. Just when she thinks it's all over for her, Aiden covers it up. 

This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down. Even though I keep flip flopping through teams, I'm sure the next book will probably decide for me. 

Rating: 5/5

 

Jen's review of "Born at Midnight" by C.C. Hunter

Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls #1) by C.C. Hunter
Publication date: March 29th, 2011
Publisher: St Martins Press
Number of pages: 398
Format: Paperback
Purchase a copy at: Amazon + The Book Depository (Free international shipping)
Add to Goodreads
Description: Don’t miss this spectacular new series that will steal your heart and haunt your dreams, Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart.

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

My review --

If I could bang myself on the head for not reading this sooner I would. I can't believe it has taken me this long to get around to reading this series. Yes, I am ashamed.
I kept seeing these books in the bookstore, heard about them  through reviews and bloggers, but I can now say I am thankful I went and bought the book myself and decided to read it.

Kylie was just an ordinary girl, dealing with friendships and ex boyfriends, when her father leaves and she gets caught at a out of hand party. What does her parents then do? Ground her? No. Yell? No. But instead, they send her off to a camp that will help for people like her.
Yeah.
Freaks.

But once Kylie arrived at Camp 'Shadow Falls', she starts to see that things, and the people there aren't normal. They aren't even human, well not really. Why was she brought with them when she is normal, and these people aren't?
Kylie spends pretty much most of the book convincing herself that she is there by mistake, that there has to be some other explanation as to why they think she belongs there.
She isn't a vampire or some kind of fey. She isn't a werewolf. She is ... well, Kylie.
Shadow Falls is a different kind of place than she imagined, but soon she discovers a blast from her past, along with not just one, but two guys she develops feelings for.

Derek and Lucas. Two guys who couldn't be even more different from one another, but also they own a place in Kylie's heart. Its the beginning of a triangle, that was for sure.
I adored both of them... and throughout the whole book I wasn't sure what Team I was on. I couldn't pick because both of them had qualities that appealed to me, and to Kylie.
But now that I think about it, I think I am leaning toward Team Derek. It might have to do with the fact that I found myself scanning pages looking for his name. If that doesn't say something, I don't know what does.
But I guess we'll see in the next two books, which I need to get and read. 

Rating:  5 out of 5

April's review of "Destined for an Early Grave" by Jeaniene Frost

Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress #4) by Jeaniene Frost
Publication Date: July 15, 2009
Publisher: Avon
Number of Pages: 355
Format: Paperback
Add to Goodreads
Description:  Her deadly dreams leave her in grave danger. Since half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her undead lover Bones met six years ago, they've fought against the rogue undead, battled a vengeful Master vampire, and pledged their devotion with a blood bond. Now it's time for a vacation. But their hopes for a perfect Paris holiday are dashed when Cat awakes one night in terror. She's having visions of a vampire named Gregor who's more powerful than Bones and has ties to her past that even Cat herself didn't know about.

Gregor believes Cat is his and he won't stop until he has her. As the battle begins between the vamp who haunts her nightmares and the one who holds her heart, only Cat can break Gregor's hold over her. She'll need all the power she can summon in order to bring down the baddest bloodsucker she's ever faced . . . even if getting that power will result in an early grave.

 I do believe this has to be my favorite book in the series so far. I think it had everything that I feel like was missing from Cat and Bone's romance in the beginning. It was also kind of weird reading with her not actively killing vampires. And even though I knew she wouldn't stay with her job forever, it's kind of a shock that she actually quit. Cat's strange dreams about a vampire name Gregor is no coincidence. Gregor is claiming that he had married Cat long before she had met Bones. Early on in the book I could tell that it's the truth. Bones goes into over protective mode. And honestly I thought he was being an ass through the whole thing. When Cat thinks that Bones and all her family and friends are in deadly danger, she runs to Gregor to get her memories back. 

When she makes it back to Bones his anger is more than she can bare. It seems that he has decided that he doesn't want to be with her anymore. She runs off to Vlad. I absolutely love Vlad, and his friendship with Cat. When Spade calls to tell her that Bone is cornered in New Orleans, she knows she has to find a way to get him out of there. Once the rescue mission is complete, she feels like she still isn't ready to face Bones; especially given the fact that there's been proof that he's been sleeping with other women. Before Bones can see her, her and Vlad rush back to his place. But it isn't long before Bones shows up and is ready to kill Vlad to take back what he believes is his. 

There's a few surprises in the book. There's a death that made me just cry. And not only does Cat decide to turn into a full vampire, but another character gets turned against their will. Turning a half vampire into a full vampire isn't easy. For one, she doesn't like the taste of human blood, and there's the fact that when her emotions run high her heart still beats. 

If you haven't read this series yet, then you should. You won't regret it. 

Rating: 5/5

 

Jen's review of "Covet" by Melissa Darnell

Covet (The Clann #2) by Melissa Darnell
Publication date: September 25th, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Number of pages: 488
Format: Kindle \ Netgalley ARC
Add to Goodreads
Description: Dangerous to be together. Painful to be apart.Savannah Colbert knows she broke up with Tristan Coleman for the right reasons. Most of all, to keep from killing him with her new vampire abilities. But try telling her heart. Now, lost in a sea of hostile Clann faces, Sav tries to come to terms with what she's becoming and what that means for her future. And that someone is doing their best to bully her into making a terrible mistake.

Tristan can't believe Sav won't even talk to him. If being apart is her decision, fine. Just don't expect him to honor it. But even as he prepares to fight for the girl he loves, forces beyond their control take them both in directions neither could have foreseen or prepared for.

A reckoning is coming…and not everyone will survive.

My review -- 

 I would like to thank Netgalley for giving me this chance to review this book. I have been waiting for this for what feels like forever. I loved Crave, and the relationship between Savannah and Tristian. I longed to see what was next for them, and how they would overcome the cliffhanger which we were left with. 

 After the dramatic events that occurred toward the end of "Crave", Savannah and Tristian find themselves on their way back toward home, but Savannah is left with a heavy heart and a horrible choice she will have to make.

Tristian and Savannah are forced to go in separate directions. Not because they don't love one another, but from forces out of their control.
Things don't come easy for either one of them, and people still won't accept them together as a couple, no matter what they do or say, there doesn't seem to be a way of getting around it.
But Tristian won't give up. If there is a way for them to be together, he will find it. No matter what he has to do.

Savannah is still the strong girl we met in Crave, but now she has so much on her mind that it doesn't help her personal relationships.
Between her relationship with Tristian to her family, she can't seem to have a moment of peace. 
While Tristian hasn't had it easy as well. He goes through his own personal journey to become the person he is meant to be, and whether or not that will take him away from Savannah... that is the question.

Oh boy. What a cliffhanger we are left with, and it makes me want the 3rd book now. Melissa sure knows how to tease her readers, and make us want more by the ending line.

Just when you think things were fine and dandy... love and roses... think again. The story of Tristian and Savannah has only just begun, and its one that will make you cry and yearn for them both until they are happy, or we are happy. Whatever one comes first.

I applaud Melissa for able to write both POVs of the characters. I'm not sure if I would be able to do it. Writing from a male perspective has got to be hard enough as it is, but to keep their personalities and storylines in tact takes some strength.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Jen's review of "The Lost Prince" by Julie Kagawa

The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1) by Julie Kagawa
Publication date: October 23rd, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Number of pages: 400
Format: Kindle \ Netgalley ARC
Add to Goodreads
Description: Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’s dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myths and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

My name is Ethan Chase. And I may not live to see my eighteenth birthday.

My Review -- 

I know many people, well okay, pretty much the whole fandom has been looking forward to this book. To be able to hear Ethan's story after what we thought was the end. 
I was happy to receive a digital ARC from Netgalley and the publisher, and was excited to get back into the world that Julie created with the Iron Fey and Meghan's story.

We get introduced to Ethan's life, after years in the real world. He hasn't seen or heard from his sister in longer than he can remember, but he hasn't been fey free. Not at all.
Ethan is seventeen years of age and has just started at a new school after being kicked out of his others from things he couldn't control, and his parents hope that this will be the one school where he will stick around longer than before.
All he wants is to live normally, and wants nothing to do with the fey, but it seems they don't want to get rid of him, because they are around constantly, or maybe its that he is capable of seeing them wherever he goes whether he like it or not.

Soon after a friend's disappearance, and with the help of a new friend of his, Ethan finds himself having to go back to the one place he wished he could forget and never return, but sometimes, Ethan soon learns that you can't always get what you want.
With new friendships, a potential romance, mystery and intrigue, Ethan's story is one that you would want to read.

I really liked Ethan and his POV. Maybe even more than his sister, Meghan. I liked seeing things from his view and how his life has changed over the last few years, and even more so, ever since he was a child when he went through a horrible experience in which never to be repeated.
I also really liked Kenzie. She is strong, independent with an open nature that makes her a great heroine for this story.
You find out enough to want to know more about who she is, and her life. She even helps center Ethan, who I felt was a little misunderstood, but she understood him perfectly and never gave up on him.

There are appearances by some of our favourite character from the original series, and we also get introduced to another main character who has connections to Meghan and has a connection to the human world who has his own story to tell.

This was a great first installment to the new series, I look forward to reading more about Ethan and his friends as they continue onto this journey of theirs.
If you are a fan of The Iron Fey series, then there is no doubt you'll adore this book. So better put it on your to read list, otherwise the Fey will be after you.

Rating --- 4 out of 5

Waiting on Wednesday #6: FINALE

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.



My upcoming book I am anticipating is "Finale" by Becca Fitzpatrick

The publication date is Oct 23rd. (My birthday, even though I'll be in the US at the time)

Blurb:

Fates unfurl in the gripping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Hush, Hush saga.Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean they are fated to be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. Now Nora and Patch must gather their strength to face one last, perilous trial. Old enemies return, new enemies are made, and a friend's ultimate betrayal threatens the peace Patch and Nora so desperately want. The battle lines are drawn—but which sides are they on? And in the end, are there some obstacles even love can't conquer?

Jen's review of "The Darkest Seduction" by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld #9) by Gena Showalter
Publication date: February 28th, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin
Number of pages: 504
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Add to Goodreads
Description: Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive-but his potent allure comes at a terrible price. Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die. And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he'd thought was forever beyond his reach…until now.

Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet in Paris's arms, the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up.

Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally-or tear them apart?

I'd say Paris's story is the most anticipated book in the series yet. There is always one male in a book series like this in which has been built up for so many books, and you hope pays off to which you hope. In my case, I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped. 
But that's not to say it was bad, I did enjoy it, and glad he had his story. I guess I expected more. I did enjoy the side stories though, and if I am honest, those were my fav parts of the book. 

Its no surprise that his love interest is Sienna. I think that has been obvious for some time now, and I like her. I can understand that she has been through a lot.
The relationship Paris and Sienna have had since the beginning has not been an easy one, or even one where they liked each other. The opposite really.
But as time went on, they saw that what they felt with one another was something they haven't felt with anyone else before, and that was something worth fighting for.

The side stories, especially with Kane, whose book is coming up next captivated me the most. I look forward to reading his story.

Even though this is book 9, Gena Showalter stays true to each character throughout the series, and keeps the stories of each book fresh and a captivating for the character arc.
Its just a shame we have to wait almost a year until the next book. Gena is one busy woman, and she writes so much.
I remember when she used to release 2 LOTU books a year, but I guess that was before she had so many books she had to write.

My Rating: 3 out of 5