Review: Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead

Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date: April10th, 2008
Number of pages: 327
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Rose Hathaway’s got serious guy trouble. Her gorgeous tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason has a huge crush on her, she keeps getting stuck in her best friend Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian.

Then a massive Strigoi attack puts St. Vladmir’s on high alert, and the Academy crawls with Guardians—including the legendary Janine Hathaway... Rose’s formidable, long-absent mother. The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy’s not taking any risks. This year, St. Vladmir’s holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only provide the illusion of safety. When three students run away to strike back against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. Only this time, Rose—and her heart—are in more danger than she ever could have imagined.

In the second installment to this enticing series, Richelle Mead has done it again.

We follow the story of Rose as she battles love, hurt, loss and the journey of growing up. In this book, Rose has to go through many things that will change her. First is when she discovers the strigoi are aiming at closer to home.
After discovering a house full of murders, Rose begins to understand more about how the world works. She starts to grow up into someone to be reckoned with.

After parents and students scared after recent events, everyone heads to a ski lodge where it will help getting their minds off the attacks, but what happens there, well might as well be worse than anything Rose of her friends have ever encountered before.

This is yet another action-packed adventure for the ever-growing Rose Hathaway, as she battles her feelings for Dimitri, friendship with Mason and all the strange happenings that occur throughout the book.
We also get our first appearance by Adrian in this book. When I first read this, I wasn't a big fan of Adrian, but I now have come to have a new appreciation for him after seeing him as a main character in the Bloodlines series.
I can now see that things with him isn't what they appear to be. It's nice to go back and see things differently with a new pair of eyes.

We are also introduced to Rose's mother, who is a legend amongst the Guardians. She and Rose have an interesting sort of relationship. They are very alike whether they like to admit it or not, and not better the preferred word in this instant. But there was moments between them where you could tell Rose needed her mother, and some sweet moments that will go a long way into repairing their relationship. Of course, there are also 'other' moments where they get in each others faces, and it's usually not a pretty sight.

The end of this book.. will always make me bawl. It is one of those moments that you don't see coming and it will rip you heart into pieces. Heartbreaking, full of angst, bits of romance, mystery and intrigue. This book is sure a keeper and one you will keep thinking about even after you have closed the book.

Review: Nameless by Lili St Crow

Nameless (Tales of Beauty & Madness #1) by Lili St Crow
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date: April 4th, 2013
Number of pages: 304
Format: E-format
Source: E-copy via Netgalley and publisher.
Preorder a copy: Amazon | The Book Depository

When Camille was six years old, she was discovered alone in the snow by Enrico Vultusino, godfather of the Seven—the powerful Families that rule magic-ridden New Haven. Papa Vultusino adopted the mute, scarred child, naming her after his dead wife and raising her in luxury on Haven Hill alongside his own son, Nico.

Now Cami is turning sixteen. She’s no longer mute, though she keeps her faded scars hidden under her school uniform, and though she opens up only to her two best friends, Ruby and Ellie, and to Nico, who has become more than a brother to her. But even though Cami is a pampered Vultusino heiress, she knows that she is not really Family. Unlike them, she is a mortal with a past that lies buried in trauma. And it’s not until she meets the mysterious Tor, who reveals scars of his own, that Cami begins to uncover the secrets of her birth…to find out where she comes from and why her past is threatening her now.

I was THRILLED when I discovered that Lili was coming out with a new YA series. A fairytale re-telling at that. It seems this kind of thing is quite the thing these days.
If you couldn't tell by the description, then I am sure the cover is a BIG hint as to what re-telling this novel is about. Yes. Snow White, but it's certainly not your average version of the story.
No. This is a version you have never seen before.
This story will leave you panting with anticipation and breathless from excitement.

After my disappointment toward her ending of her Strange Angels series. Yes, that is NOT how I envisioned it ending, and I am still bitter about that to this very day. Lili, if you are listening... how about like.. a novella that will tell the events of after the ending... after like Graves returns, eh?
Anyway different story. Lets keep to topic now.

Lili does an amazing job on this re-telling. It's dark, romantic and dangerous.

We are first introduced to Cami as a young girl as she is found by the head of one of the most powerful families residing in magical-town, New Haven. She is mute. We then skip over the next ten years and things have changed. Sure,  Cami can now speak, but there are certain factors that have stayed the same.

Cami finds herself falling in love with the one person who hated her as a child. She is someone close to her, and the story between there is sweet, sensual and perfect. Niko, is the son to  Papa Vultusino, he will do anything for Cami. Protecting her. Loving her. There is nothing.. no cost less. Nothing that will change the way he feels about her. But Niko himself has Family stuff to deal with when things suddenly change in the household.

Cami knew she was different from them. She is Mortal, and they weren't... and she has always felt that she shouldn't be included as one of them. We soon discover there is more to her past than she knows, or remembers.
Things start to come to light upon the new arrival of Tor.. who seems to know more than he is letting on, and the friendship he forms with her will either help or destroy her.
It's knowing who to trust, and whether to believe in what feels the impossible.
Does Cami's flashes of memory mean something? Or are they just useless pieces of information that will lead nowhere?

I'm interested to see whether these characters will carry on throughout the series and the characters connect to one another like Marissa Meyer's series does, or whether each book will be a stand alone story. I suppose we'll discover at some point that answer.

I do look forward to see the next installment. To see what fairytale it shall be. 

If you are wondering on whether you want to read something else by Lili after the disaster of the ending to Strange Angels, fear not... this is not a book which will disappoint. It will take you through twists and turns. It's a journey of self discovery, of a love so tender and passionate. 
This is a story you will never forget....

Be sure to pick this book up once it releases in April.

Review: Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Destroy Me (Shatter Me #1.5) by Tahereh Mafi
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Harper
Number of Pages: 103
Format: Ebook
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In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of. . .

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

Set after Shatter Me and before its forthcoming sequel, Unravel Me, Destroy Me is a novella told from the perspective of Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.

If I hated Shatter Me so much why did I read this book? Well honestly I was bribed. Not to mention Warner did intrigued me.

For the most part the novella bored me. I found myself skimming the second half. In the short story Warner is injured from where Juliette had shot him in the first book. We realized that Warner isn't really that crazy and psycho. That would be his dad, who has mentally abused Warner all his life. Warner finds Juliette's notebook, and find myself falling even in more in love with her.

I'm kind of torn between how I really feel about this. Warner is a completely different person in this novella than in the first book. I do feel sorry for him, and actually starting to really like him. But there's a part of me that wonders if Mafi decided she didn't want Warner to be this crazy psycho murderer and wrote this to redeem his character. Having a psycho in a love triangle wouldn't work.

The writing style in this is a thousand times better. If the books were in this writing style I wouldn't mind continuing with the series. But there was a peek at book two and I skimmed through it a bit. Definitely not finishing the series. But I'm intrigued enough to get my friends to tell me how it all ends.

Rating: 2/5

 

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi
Publication Date: November 15, 2011
Publisher: Harper
Number of Pages: 338
Format: Paperback
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I have a curse.
I have a gift.

I'm a monster.
I'm more than human.

My touch is lethal.
My touch is power.

I am their weapon.
I will fight back.

No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon.But Juliette has plans of her own. After a lifetime without freedom, she's finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever.

Juliette has been locked in a mental asylum for the past three years.Hasn't even talked to another person in three years. Her touch is deadly, able to kill anyone that touches her skin. Out of nowhere, she is given a cellmate, a boy. I still don't understand why she freaked out so much about the cellmate being male. But could he be the boy from her past? The only person who ever was kind to her?

Adam asks too many questions. But it's not long before the Reestablishment comes for her. And Adam isn't who he seems. But Warner is convinced that Juliette belongs to him, and there's nothing stopping him from claiming her.

Disappointment is not a strong enough word to describe how I feel about this book. Even though this book is in a dystopian setting, I wouldn't even consider it a dystopia book. More of just a romance book. I couldn't even connect with Juliette. I found her very whiny and didn't even have a back bone throughout most of the process. I did like Adam, but when it came to shipping Adam and Juliette? NOPE. We didn't get to see them fall in love. It was just like oh well we're in love and we don't know anything about each other. They had feelings for each other since they were kids? They didn't even talk to each other? I could understand Juliette, he was the only person who was kind to her. But Adam? What did it matter if she had disappeared when she was 14? How can you be in love with someone that you've never talked to? I think Juliette is just too desperate for love she will fall for anyone.

Then we have Warner. Initially I have intrigued by him. Then I realized he was just a sick, crazy, psycho. Still don't understand why Warner was obsessed with Juliette, besides the fact she can be used as an easy weapon. And of course the two love interests in the books are immune to Juliette's touch. The only character I liked in the series was Kenji. Now he was awesome. Why wasn't he in majority of the book?

Now we get to my big issue. Some may say Mafi's writing style is unique, but I saw it's awful. I had to force myself to read the first four chapters. I should of stopped there. The strikeouts are annoying, but I could deal with it mostly. What got me was not writing out the numbers. For example, There were two eyes staring back at me. In the book it would be There were 2 eyes staring back at me. That is a huge no no in writing. You write out the numbers. I don't know why, but that was the hardest part to read the book. Not to mention later in the book there was a number that was half written out and then I did come across a number that was completely written out. No consistency, and I can't stand reading a book without consistency. Then there's the use of double negatives, and the metaphors. There were at least one metaphor per page, sometimes more. You do not need to over use metaphors for a good book. Or how the writing style half the time seemed like it was in a poem style. How did this book even get published?!

I only finished the book because I told a friend I would, plus I hate not finishing a book after starting it, even if I hate it. The first four chapters I had to force myself to read. The rest read better, but I just wanted to throw the book out the door. The plot of the story is actually interesting, but it needs to be done right. The author needs to attend writing classes, even basic writing classes.

Rating: 1.5/5

Stacking the Shelves [05]

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews where you can share books obtained via the bookstore, the library, online, through trade, borrowed from friends, gifted and/or received for review that you're adding to your shelf.

I admit, I have been lazy lately, so these are the books I have bought and given for review over the last few weeks.


Review from Pan Macmillan.

Joy Dettman is an Australian author. I was given the chance to review the entire catelogue of this current series, and after doing some research, I felt it should be interesting to read something different.

Pearl in a Cage
Thorn on the Rose
Moth to the Flame
Wind in the Wires

I look forward to reading this series.


For review via Netgalley and Harlequin

And BOUGHT:

Purpose & Promise by Kristie Cook.  -- I have read these, but gave the original covers to my c-blogger, and re-bought them because I have this peeve when it comes to change of covers, lol It doesn't sit right with me.

Skylark by Meagan Spooner
The Shifting Price of Prey by Suzanne McLeod

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter
Hysteria by Megan Miranda
Night School: Legacy by C.J Daughterty
Prodigy by Marie Lu -- Read last night, and how dare she end it like that? Break my heart in pieces, will you? *bawls*

Remember what I said about my pet peeves?  Yes, well after the UK decided NOT to buy the 3rd book, I suddenly had a delimma. Have 2 paperbacks and one hardback, or just re-buy them all in US hardback. So I decided on the latter.
And here we all, all of the Birthmarked series.

Birthmarked, Prized & Promised by Caragh O'Brien


And there we are.. the books I have gotten recently,

What about you?

Review: The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies #2) by Pittacus Lore
Publication Date: August 23, 2011
Publisher: Harper Collins
Number of Pages: 406
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

I've been putting off reading this book for the past year and a half. Why? Honestly I have no clue, since I loved the first book. And now I find myself hitting myself in the head for not reading it sooner.

The story alternates between two POV, the first one is Number Seven who has been living in a Catholic owned orphanage in Spain. Her protector has stopped talking about their purpose and acts like it all was a fairy tale. It's not long before she befriends the new 7 year old girl, Ella. Right away I knew there was something special about her. But how much longer can she stay hidden?

The second POV shows us, John/Four, Six, and Sam on the run. Unsure of where to go, they head to Florida. But when their location is discovered they must flee once again. It takes a while, but John finally opens the letter that Henri left him. There were a few surprises, but the one that wasn't a big surprised is that Sam's dad was an ally and that Sam has been right all along that he was kidnapped.

I originally found Seven POV was boring. It did pick up about half way through. The twist with Ella was surprising. And I knew the mentioned of a second ship in the first book meant something. Which I find the past the most fascinating and want to know more about Lorien. So far I do think my favorite character is Six. The only issue I had with this, was whenever John would find himself flirting with Six or feeling guilty he would repeat that he loves Sarah, or Sarah is the girl for him. Mentioning it once is enough, I don't need to be reminded every other page. It almost seems like that he kept repeating it for his benefit, that he was trying to convince himself. If you haven't guessed I'm not a fan of John and Sarah. I really do want to see him and Six together.

This is a first for me, even though there is romance in the books, I'm not really interested in the romance. The action is what originally intrigued me about the story. While the book is kind of slow to start out with, there's plenty of action, along with a betrayal from Sarah and poor Sam gets left behind. And even rescuing Number Nine whose been capture for the last year.

If you love action then you should love this series. And I'll make sure this time I don't wait so long to read the next book.

Rating: 4/5

 

Review: Crossroads by J.J. Bonds

Crossroads (Crossroads Academy #1) by J.J. Bonds
Publication Date: November 11, 2011
Publisher: J.J. Bonds
Number of Pages: 229
Format: Ebook
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 When Katia enrolled at Crossroads Academy she knew things weren’t exactly going to be easy. The sole heir to the worlds’ most powerful vampire, her presence was bound to cause a stir. But nothing could have prepared her for this. Whispers follow everywhere she goes. So does trouble.

Bodies start turning up in nearby Rutland and Katia is sucked into a twisted web of danger and deceit. Haunted by nightmares she can’t explain and a thirst for blood that is never sated, Katia will do whatever it takes to keep her past buried.

Nothing at Crossroads is what it seems and Katia’s secrets may be the darkest of them all.

First I would like to thank the author, JJ Bonds, for giving me this opportunity to read and review this book. 

Even from the description I could tell this book has a Vampire Academy vibe to it, and while it does, Bonds put her own twist to it and makes it her own story.

Katia is the long lost great niece of Aldo, one of the council members and pretty much the most powerful vampire out there. We are never given how Aldo came to find Katia, just that he saved her life and she has been living with him for the last year. Honestly it was hard for me to connect to Katia. She was too guarded and secretive, not interested in making any friends. The only thing she is really interested in is training in martial arts. She's obsessed with being the best. It doesn't take long for Katia to make enemies of the "in group". The only exception is Nikolai, who has agreed to help train Katia. The guy who despises Katia, Blaine is interesting. It never comes right and says it, but there are very subtle hints that he's gay with a huge crush on Nik. Kind of annoys me, just come out and say it. 

Then vampire mythology are interesting in this book. There are half breeds whom have pretty much no rights and are treated like second rate citizens. We learn that the half breeds are humans that have been turned into vampires. After Katia learns that half breeds have a strong bond to their sires, she wants to confront Aldo about that information and wonders why he never mentioned that to her. 

Once Katia's big secret is revealed everything starts to make sense. Her nightmares, her thirst that she can't control, and even her obsession with training. The only thing that bug me is that as a reader I feel a little betrayed. The whole time Katia had been lying to herself, pretending she is someone else. In result I feel like I've been lied to. It makes a great twist, but I was bummed out that she isn't really Aldo's niece. 

The only thing that bugged me about the book, was in the middle of the murders, one of her teachers made them watch the news. They had shown some gruesome details, which would never happen in real life. I know this is fiction, but it's one of my pet peeves.  

Overall the book is pretty descent. Like I mentioned earlier the idea isn't a new one, but the plot is refreshing and new. I'm not sure how I feel about Katia and Nik yet, but I'm intrigued since it has that forbidden romance to it. 

Rating: 3/5

 

Review: House Rules by Chloe Neill

House Rules (Chicagoland Vampires #7) by Chloe Neill
Publication Date: February 5, 2013
Publisher: NAL Penguin
Number of Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
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In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps.

At the tender age of 27, Merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle—and her metal —tested like never before.

It started with two . . . Two rogues vanishing without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their house in peril, Merit and her Master, the centuries old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined.

 With Cadogan house breaking away from the GP by choice.So naturally there would be chaos around the house. Making sure everything is set. But ever since Merit has become a vampire, when has anything been easy? When the GP shows up a few days early, Ethan knows they are up to something, and he wants to know exactly what it is. In the middle of everything vampires are being killed, rogue and house vamps. And in fear of the GP the other houses aren't very cooperative, even if their own are being stalked. And of course Lacey is invited to help with the transition.

I haven't been disappointed with one of Neill's books yet. And this one doesn't disappoint. There are characters I wished were in the book more. I need more Merit and Mallory scenes. I want to see these two get back on track, and it seems they are headed in that directions; you can tell it's going to be a long road. We did see a little bit of Catcher though, but not enough. We get the information that him and Mallory are talking and working through everything, but I wished we get to see that first hand.

And then we have the shifters, which I absolutely love them, especially Gabriel. If you remember a few books back, Gabriel had a vision of the future of a little boy with Ethan's eyes. We get a mentioned in this book, but not enough. And I for one need to see Gabriel more often and I need more information about this little boy. I absolutely love Merit joining their poker game.

And of course we have Jonah and the RG. Merit if officially inducted into the RG, but her luck Lacey sees her with Jonah. This is one of the points in the book when I wanted to slap Merit. After Lacey confronts Jonah, Merit assumes she knows that she joined the RG. Which I have no clue how Merit concluded that. All Lacey saw was them two in a parking lot, I knew Lacey had assumed she was having an affair with him. And then there's the matter of the RG stealing the Cadogen's egg to force them to physically leave the house. I had a good feeling it was in the house, especially after her conversation with Gabriel. Just took Merit longer to figure out.

Usually I'm good at figuring things out before they were reveal. But the person who was killing vamps? I didn't see it coming until the last second. But who he was working for? Knew that from the first moment.

The book is pretty much a filler, but it's a very enjoyable one. I know most people don't like filler books, but you can tell that the events books need to happen for the series to continue. We have that humor that we all are accustomed to. And no shortage of the mentioned of food. Which I advise don't read any of the books in this series if you're hungry.

Rating: 4/5

 

Mini review: The blood Countess, The Spider Goddess & The Skeleton Key by Tara Moss

Pandora English is no ordinary small town orphan. When she's invited to live with her mysterious Great-Aunt Celia in New York City, she seizes the opportunity to escape her stifling hometown break from her tragic past and make it as a writer. Things, however, are not what she is expecting. For starters, her great-aunt's gothic mansion is in a mist-wreathed Manhattan suburb that doesn't appear on maps. And then there's Celia herself - a former designer to the stars of Hollywood's Golden Age - who is elegant, unnaturally young and always wearing a veil. Pandora lands a job at a fashion magazine and her first assignment is covering the A-list launch of the latest miracle cream, BloodofYouth. But something is not right about the product, nor Athanasia, the drop-dead beautiful face of the brand. It seems there may be a secret ingredient in BloodofYouth, a secret worth killing for..

I was given The Skeleton Key to review, but since I hadn't read the first two, I decided to track down the books to read and review them first. So while I am quite behind on my review for Book 3, I knew I had to read the first two first. I'm picky like that.

In the first installment to this Pandora English series, Tara Moss takes us on a journey as we discover a young girl, Pandora, 19 years old travels to New York City to live with her Great Aunt after not being able to turn down the enticing invitation.

Upon arriving in New York, she soon finds herself in a whole new world she couldn't have expected if she tried.  Gaining an position at a top-fashion magazine, Pandora, the same name as herself, her world begins to turn upside down when her first assignment at work is covering the latest miracle cream product, but Pandora quickly discovers there is just something not quite right about this miracle cream. There is a real possibility that it does more than making your skin look younger... something so far sinister is at work, and if she doesn't discover something fast...it will be deadly to everyone around her.
Pandora's new life is everything she hoped it would be. Exiciting, full of life and new experiences, but when she starts to see the dead, she realizes that she might not be so normal after all.

This is a story of a new beginning, finding ones self, and understanding that not everything is as it seems.

I really liked this novel. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I found myself pleasantly surprised.

Verdict: 3.5 / 5

It's been two months since Pandora English left her small hometown to live with her mysterious great-aunt in a haunted mansion in Spektor – the fog-wreathed suburb of Manhattan that doesn't appear on any map. With the help of her great-aunt and the beautiful – but dead – Lieutenant Luke, Pandora is beginning to understand the significance of the Lucasta family heritage her late mother kept secret from her. Pandora is heir to a great gift. And with that comes frightening responsibility...

Meanwhile, she seems doomed to be forever underestimated in the mortal world. Her fashion editor boss doesn't seem to know she exists. But New York needs Pandora's special gifts. There is a new designer in town, and her ambitions extend far beyond taking over the fashion world one knit at a time...

It's been two months since Pandora English arrived in New York. Two months since her life changed and she found herself in the world of the supernatural.
In the next part of her journey, she discovers what it means to be the 7th of the Lucasta family.

Pandora, ever since she arrived has formed some connection with Lieutenant Luke, but there is one problem: He is a ghost, who she can only see. They have a complicated relationship, but he seems to be the only one that understands her. Whether that's because he understands what it is like to live in this kind of world, or something else. But it doesn't seem any other guy can compare, unfortunately.

That's not the only thing she has to deal with. There are Athanasia and her followers, who are bound to get revenge on Pandora for staking Athanasia previously. Of course they don't care it was done in self defense, because they are only out for themselves. It sure doesn't help when she has Dues, a head-honcho vampire protecting her against the pack of girls. 

The plot. Was quite interesting and we got to learn some new information. While in the previous book it was about Athanasia and her product, which was blood related, this book we start to understand more about the world.
A new woman has turned up in town, and her Aunt-Celia seems to know more about her than Pandora does, and as events develop, she discovers that she can do more than work at a magazine.

I enjoyed this book much more than the previous, as you start to come to grips with the supernatural world, what Pandora's possible role in it, and that she was always meant to come to Spektor. 

Verdict: 4/5

In the third Pandora English mystery, Pandora is still negotiating her double life as a lowly assistant at a New York fashion magazine with the reality that she has great supernatural powers and responsibilities.

With the full moon set to rise once again, Pandora has a very special date looming. Her beautiful spirit guide, Civil War soldier Lieutenant Luke, will be a flesh-and-blood man, if only for the night, and she hasn't been able to stop thinking about it. But a chance encounter with playboy Jay Rockwell sees that very human attraction start all over again – even though Jay doesn't remember their previous relationship, or the fact that Pandora saved him from a gang of ill-tempered undead supermodels.

Meanwhile, Pandora – with her special skeleton key – is slowly unlocking the mysteries of the haunted mansion where she lives with her great aunt Celia. What sinister experiments did the architect Dr Edmund Barrett conduct there before he died? Where is his laboratory? And what are the strange noises emanating from the basement?

On the centenary of the mysterious fire that supposedly killed Dr Barrett, he returns to the mansion. He has a message for Pandora. But he has brought with him a dark force that threatens to tear apart the delicate balance between the worlds of the dead and living...

In the third Pandora novel,The Skeleton Key, Pandora learns more about her role as the Seventh, and more about The End of the World. Her abilities start to manifest and she begins to understand more about them and herself as well.

We learn more about the origins of the Mansion, and the occupants who lived there to begin with.
After some digging around, Pandora discovers Dr. Barrett's lab, and what lies beneath it. The mysteries soon become complicated when Pandora finds Dr. Barrett and his wife, who are both deceased, and Pandora makes some discoveries that she just might regret.

Like the title of the book, The Skeleton Key refers to a special key given to Pandora by her Great-Aunt Celia that opens one of the many doors in the mansion she has longed to explore.

In terms of the romance, things start to happen between Pandora and her Lieutenant Luke, as there is one night where the moon is full that he can come out in the flesh. The pair then decide to make a date out if it, and Pandora takes him one place he has not been in many years: outside. New York City has changed since the last time he has been out there.. technically, the world has changed itself in over 150 years that he has been dead.
I adore these two. Their relationship is not an easy one, well considering he is dead. But when during their anticipated date outside, he suddenly disappears.... and when he returns, let's say.. he isn't exactly the same.
Can Pandora discover what is wrong going on before things get a little too crazy?

The ending to this book makes me look forward to the next installment in this series.  I urge Tara to write quickly. I can't wait to take myself back into the world of Pandora and what lies through it.

Thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending me this copy of the book.

Verdict: 4.5/5

Review: Gates of Paradise by Melissa de la Cruz

Gates of Paradise (Blue Bloods #7) by Melissa de la Cruz
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication date: Jan 15th, 2013
Number of pages: 355
Format: Hardcover
Purchase:  Amazon | The Book Depository

Schuyler Van Alen is running out of time. The Dark Prince of Hell is storming the Gates of Paradise, intent on winning the heavenly throne for good. This time he has his greatest angels by his side, Abbadon and Azrael—Jack and Mimi Force, as they are known in the Coven.

Or so he thinks. Even as Lucifer assigns Jack and Mimi the tasks of killing their true loves, the Force twins secretly vow to defeat the Dark Prince once and for all. But how far will Mimi and Jack go to conceal their real loyalties?

Meanwhile, former vampire Bliss Llewellyn has joined forces with Lawson, the greatest wolf of the underworld, to free his people from their imprisonment in Hell. As they struggle against impossible odds, an ancient message, woven into the very fabric of time, reveals just how much depends on the success of their mission.

Lucifer seeks the key to the Gate of Promise, and when Schuyler is taken captive and delivered straight to Hell, she must make an unthinkable choice—the same one the archangel Michael was forced to make during the Crisis in Rome. Will Schuyler find the strength to do what he could not?

The epic, heartbreaking Blue Bloods series comes to a close with this final novel about staggering courage, unbearable sacrifice, and the immortality of true love

And...so the final book of this epic, breathtaking and romantic saga with perfect mythology to boot. The end of one of my favourite series to date that combines angels, vampires, heaven and hell. Melissa has always delivered in every single volume as she pushes the romance and the mysteries to the brink where you'd have to know how this will all end for our beloved characters.

This climatic conclusion sees our favourites battle evil, love, loss and everything in between. We also have Bliss's POV back in the novel since her role in the events have come to pass. Every single story that we have come to know gets cleared up in this final novel. From Jack and Sky, Mimi and Kingsley, Bliss , Michael and Gabrielle. Everything ties together in a way that's a perfect way to end a 7-book saga.

Melissa's portrayal of these characters as they started as one thing, but over the course of the series have grown into young adults, full of spirit, love and confidence. All of the girls, and boys, men and women have in their own gone through so much in their lifetimes. They have discovered loss, love, betrayal and kept secrets along the way.

This conclusion answers all lingering questions, though it may leave some things hanging, that Melissa has recently answered in her Gates of Paradise Q & A

In this finale, Jack and Mimi have gone back to their old master, but in reality, they are playing a role so they can work on getting their bond unturned, and the only person that can do that is Lucifer. Knowing Lucifer, nothing comes without a price.
The question is, can they successfully play their parts and get back into the fold without getting caught in the process? When they get asked to do the one thing they will never be able to do, the twins will have to decide what is worth more... love or to stay as who they think they are and crumble to the darkness.

Michael and Gabrielle's story is told throughout flashbacks of the past,  as we travel back to Florence and then Rome to discover the true nature of their separation. What began to tear them apart. These parts, I pretty much knew before hand, but I was happy to have any scenes of them because they are one of my favourite ships of the saga.  I know some people liked Ben and Allegra, but me.. I preferred Michael and Gabrielle.
The truth of what really happened may shock you. It may make you think badly of Michael, but to me... everything he did... was for love, and he can't be faulted for that, even if the consequences of his actions just became worse for their kind.

And while Bliss is back, she is also with someone. Lawson.  If you haven't read her series, Wolf Pact.. you might be confused as to who he is, but since i read it beforehand, I knew everything she went through, what they went through, and it was nice to see her back with her friends again. To see her role play out in the battle against her father, Lucifer.

Schuyler has her own journey to go through. Probably the most important role in defeating the Silver Bloods and Lucifer. She comes across certain things she never expected to find. And with her best friend, Oliver by her side, they will discover more than they ever bargained for. And almost all the surprises they come across, Oliver will discover that his life doesn't always revolve around Sky as it once did. 

This is a story of love. How you can find it, lose it and to sacrifice it for the greater good.
I couldn't have asked for a better end to this series. And  I look forward to the spinoff series, that is in the making. I love this world, the mythology and characters. I personally think there is so much left to explore.

Verdict: 4.5 / 5

Review: Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Boundless (Unearthly #3) by Cynthia Hand
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication date: February 1st, 2013
Number of pages: 448
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

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

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

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

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

I have put reviewing this off for weeks so I can prepare my thoughts. This sure was a roller-coaster of a trilogy. It has its ups and downs. Twists and turns. Characters do things you don't expect or wish they didn't do, but all in all, it was a pretty good story set over three wonderful books.

Cynthia has done a marvelous job at these characters, the mythology and the setting of each of the three books.

In this conclusion, Clara finally comes face to face with everything she has been preparing for since the day she got her first vision. Everything has been building up to this point.
The decisions she makes, and the consequences could have the impact to change everything forever. Clara finds herself in  Stanford, with Christian and Angela as they try to battle every-day life as normal teenagers into a new college.   But they all know that at some point, something huge will happen, and that moment will be sooner than they may think.

I really enjoyed many aspects of this novel. From the moments between Clara and her brother, Jeffery, to the Clara and Christian scenes(were of course my favourite), to her friendship with Angela and moments between herself and her dad.
We do find ourselves fighting a battle, as each of their visions start to come to light, and end up being connected to one anothers in a way they never thought possible.

While I had my complaints... and let me rant for a little bit.

The ending....

I don't agree with. It seemed to come from out of nowhere, it's as if Boundless never existed. As if Christian never fell in  love with Clara, as if her feelings for him didn't exist. It felt, Cynthia just changed the ending to something that would satisfy most fans, and didn't care what Christian fans felt about it. He really got jipped in this book. If the ending was planned all along... why even have Christian love her.. why not just have CC as best friends and that be it.  He really got the short end of the stick and I don't think it is fair, especially with their last scene together.. I really want him to have the happiness that he so deserves, so I hope that at some point, Cynthia does decide to write a novella for him and give him the happy ending he should have had in this book.

Sure, Tucker does show up in this book.. I did felt it was out of place of everything we knew about him. But I guess the reasons doesn't matter, as long as it serves its purpose, eh?
Well, Tucker fans should be happy with how it ends for his character, even though I felt.. if everything was leading up to the ending... then he should have been included more in the plot and in the book, where to me.. it felt all of a sudden, and random.. But of course, I'll always feel different about this kind of thing to others.

I enjoyed Angela's story, even though I picked up on a few things. There was also some foreshadowing in terms of Angela and Christian. A little bit that I felt was nice for them that came into play in this book. We also got to understand him more, and learn more about his father, and who he is. Some have pretty much guessed this before now, but it was nice seeing some things confirmed.

I do think this series could have gone for one more book, but since it wasn't to be, I guess.. overall, this was a pretty good conclusion. I just don't feel the epilogue was needed at all. Some people get their happy ending.. and some, well, don't.

Sometimes, not all authors know how to write a proper triangle. Someone always seems to get the wrong end of the stick.

Verdict: 4/ 5

Review: Whispers at Moonrise by C.C Hunter

Whispers at Moonrise (Shadow Falls #4) by C.C Hunter
Publisher: St Martin's
Publication date: October 2nd, 2012
Number of pages: 383
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Even at a camp for supernatural teens, Kylie Galen has never been normal. Not only can she see ghosts, but she doesn’t seem to belong to any one species—she exhibits traits from them all. As Kylie struggles to unlock the secrets of her identity, she begins to worry that Lucas will never be able to accept her for what she is, and what she isn’t…a werewolf.  With his pack standing in their way, Kylie finds herself turning more and more to Derek, the only person in her life who’s willing to accept the impossible.



As if life isn’t hard enough, she starts getting visits from the ghost of Holiday, her closest confidante.  Trouble is, Holiday isn’t dead…not yet anyway.  Now Kylie must race to save one of her own from an unseen danger before it’s too late—all while trying to stop her relationship with Lucas from slipping away forever.   In a world of constant confusion, there’s only one thing Kylie knows for sure.  Change is inevitable and all things must come to an end…maybe even her time at Shadow Falls.

This novel picks up right from where the previous one left off. Kylie has faced one ghost problem after another since this series started, and this book is no different.
Kylie gets a visit from a ghost who takes on the appearance of Holiday. She doesn't understand why or how, but she knows she has to get to the bottom of what is going on before it does become a reality.

Her relationships aren't any easier either. Her relationship with Lucas is something his pack doesn't like, for many reasons.. But what happens when Lucas does something that makes Kylie believe that everything between them has been a lie. He doesn't understand who and what she is, and doesn't seem like he would ever be comfortable with, while Derek on the other hand is there for her and accepts her, with no questions.
Can her heart make up its mind before it's too late?

I really adored this book. I have no shame in admitting that I am Team Derek, and after this book.. I really hope she ends up with him, because I feel he loves her for who she is... and you can see the differences between he and Lucas, who just lies and betrays her. If she ends up with Lucas, I just don't think that is ending a very good message to girls in the world about the kind of relationships one should allow yourself to be in.

My 2nd pairing would have to be Holiday and Burnett. I just love their relationship that has progressed throughout the series, and this book just had me swooning. There is so much to love about their banter and how far they have come. They both have had issues, she more than him, but at some point you have to let the other person inside to show how you feel.

I know, there is one more book left, I just hope it ends on a note that is well done by the characters and gives a happy ending to our characters, one way or another.

Verdict: 4.5 / 5

Review: Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls #3) by C.C Hunter

Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls #3) by C.C Hunter
Publisher: St. Martins
Publication date: April 10th, 2012
Number of pages: 380
Format: Paperback
Purchase at: Amazon | The Book Depository

Kylie Galen wants the truth so badly she can taste it. The truth about who her real family is, the truth about which boy she’s meant to be with—and the truth about what her emerging powers mean.  But she’s about to discover that some secrets can change your life forever…and not always for the better.



Just when she and Lucas are finally getting close, she learns that his pack has forbidden them from being together.  Was it a mistake to pick him over Derek? And it’s not just romance troubling Kylie. An amnesia-stricken ghost is haunting her, delivering the frightful warning, someone lives and someone dies. As Kylie races to unravel the mystery and protect those she loves, she finally unlocks the truth about her supernatural identity, which is far different—and more astonishing—than she ever imagined.

In this next installment, Kylie again has her hands full, not just of her romantic prospects, but also because she has a ghost following her but who has amnesia. Odd, right?
Things are never dull in Shadow Falls. Something is always going on whether it's ghosts, romance, drama or teenage bickering.
These are very quick and easy reads, you can read them in such a short amount of time as it's so easy to get sucked into this world that cc. hunter has created. It's so alive. Magic and exhilirating.

Taken at Dusk has it's own twist and surprises. Kylie soon gets the answers she is looking for, but is she ready for them, or will it be too much to handle? There are all sorts of problems that come in this story, and it is one surprise after another.
Kylie finally decides between the boys and gives Lucas a chance to see where things go.  That doesn't mean her feelings for Derek disappears, especially when he says and does things that make you swoon and root for him.
And while Kylie may not know what she is, that is what makes it harder for Lucas's pack to accept them as a couple, because it is kinda forbidden for them to be together. Ah, werewolves and their laws, eh?

This book has its fair share of romantic dramas, and not just including the current triangle between Kylie and the boys. We also have Holiday and Burnett, and also Miranda and Perry. Both of these relationship aren't coming easy, but sometimes, girls can be picky.
There is also some great moments between the girls ... Kylie and her two roomates. I really love this friendship they all have together. They are all each different from one another, but have bonded in a way that is really admiring.

When I think about the triangle, its actually quite well done. Most YA series... someone always gets hurt, killed off or leaves. But this series, c.c. hunter seems to be doing is better than most I have read in a long time. They can be done right, it's a matter of how you plot it out and stay true to the characters.

And while I have my preference, I do think it's hard to tell which way it will end up.

Verdict: 4.5 / 5

Awake at Dawn (Shadow Falls #2) by C.C Hunter

Awake at Dawn (Shadow Falls #2) by c.c Hunter
Publisher: St Martins Griffin
Publication date: October 11th, 2011
Number of pages: 383
Format: Paperback
Purchase a copy: Amazon | The Book Depository

Step into the world of Shadow Falls, a camp that helps teens tap into their special…talents. Once you visit, you’ll never forget it—and you’ll never, ever be the same.

From the moment Kylie Galen arrived at Shadow Falls Camp, she’s had one burning question: What am I? Surrounded by vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, fairies and witches, Kylie longs to figure out her own supernatural identity…and what her burgeoning powers mean. And now she’ll need them more than ever, because she’s being haunted by a new spirit who insists that someone Kylie knows—and loves—will die before the end of the summer. If only she only knew who she was supposed to save. And how…

But giving Kylie the most trouble is her aching heart. Gorgeous werewolf Lucas left camp with another girl, but he’s still visiting Kylie in her dreams. And Derek, a sexy half Fae who’s always been there for her when she needed him, is pushing to get more serious—and growing impatient, especially when Lucas returns. Kylie knows she needs to decide between the boys, and it’s tearing her up inside. 

Yet romance will have to wait, because something from the dark side of the supernatural world is hiding in Shadow Falls. It’s about to threaten everything she holds dear…and bring her closer to her destiny.

Ever since Kylie arrived at Shadow Falls, she has wanted to know what exactly she is, and in this book she is still trying to work that out.
One thing she knows for sure is that she can see and communicate to the dead, she isn't sure why or what that has got to do with what she is, but it's something, right? And speaking of the dead ---- Kylie finds herself being haunted by a ghosts who insists that someone close to Kylie will end soon.
As if that's not morbid enough....

Kyle also hands her hands full of romantic prospects. Her old childhood friend, Lucas who she shared a kiss with and then left with his she-wolf packmate to a place unknown and has yet to be heard of since, but that doesn't stop from him invading her dreams... whether she is doing or, Lucas.. that is the question.
And then we have hot fae named Derek, who has made his feelings and intentions clear to her, but when Lucas returns from his time away, Derek and Kylie will need to figure out where she stands with the both of them.

I really liked the mystery surrounding the ghost and trying to figure out who was going to die. It's hard to communicate with some, many ghosts because not many of them remember everything about themselves, how they got to be where they were... less alone answers to questions that Kylie might have.

The relationship between Kyle and Derek heats up, and then becomes complicated. I totally understand why Derek does what he does, because he doesn't want to be the 2nd choice. He wants her to be sure that it is him that she wants to be with, and that can't happen until she figured out whatever feelings she may or may not have for Lucas.
I am firmly on Team Derek, and have been since the beginning. This book only made my stand on that very sold and clear.

Kylie seemed just as frustrated as I in not knowing what she was. I look forward in discovering just that is, and I am sure, whatever it is, it's different than anyone else.

Verdict: 4.5 / 5

Review: Angel by L.A. Weatherly

Angel (Angel #1) by L.A. Weatherly
Publication Date: September 30, 2010
Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd
Number of Pages: 512
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

Angels are all around us: beautiful, awe-inspiring, irresistible.

Ordinary mortals yearn to catch a glimpse of one of these stunning beings and thousands flock to The Church of Angels to feel their healing touch.
But what if their potent magnetism isn't what it seems?
Willow knows she's different from other girls. And not just because she loves tinkering around with cars.
Willow has a gift. She can look into people's futures, know their dreams, their hopes and their regrets, just by touching them. But she has no idea where she gets this power from.

Until she meets Alex…
Alex is one of the few who know the truth about angels. He knows Willow's secret and is on a mission to stop her.
The dark forces within Willow make her dangerous – and irresistible.
In spite of himself, Alex finds he is falling in love with his sworn enemy

I read the UK version, but it's published under Angel Burn in the US. This series was highly recommended to me by two really good friends. Since all three of us have similiar tastes in books I assumed I would love this book. Turns out I didn't.

It started off interesting. I like the twist it took on angels, they aren't the good guys. It's something original. We are immediately introduced to the two main characters, Alex and Willow. Alex is an Angel Killer and has been his whole life. The CIA has taken over the operation and instead of working into groups, they work alone and they get a text from angel spotters for their next target. Willow has always known she was different; for one she's psychic, but she would of never imagined that she's half angel. Alex has been given orders to take out Willow, but he can tell she's not a full angel and doesn't hurt anyone. It's not long before they end up on the run and have the whole Church looking for them. When the only person that Alex can trust in the world turns on him, they have no place left to run.

I was a little taken back with the different POVs in the book, especially for a YA. Don't get me wrong I really like it, but I thought it was odd that Willow's POV was first person and everyone else was third person. Would of made more sense just to have everyone third person. I do have to say I read the book rather quickly for one end up not really liking. The beginning had just enough for me to stay interested, and then I had nothing else to do so I forced myself to keep reading. I did read the UK version though, I don't think it had much of an impact since I've read UK books before. But for a book that set in America and sounds Americans I would of thought it would have less of an UK influence. There were a few phrases that threw me off. And I'm used to most of the words spelled differently, but there were a few that I've never seen spelled like that before and took me a few minutes to figure out what it's suppose to be.

The middle is where I found myself bored to death. My first impression was that Willow and Alex fell in love with each other too soon, but then the more I thought about it the more sense it made. Which I really did love Alex and Alex and Willow. I just found their time in the cabin was pointless and boring. It did kind of pick up towards the end, but nothing to leave me speechless. Some of the twists you can see coming a mile before it's revealed.

I think the biggest thing that turned me off on the book is the Church. I'm fairly religious and I have no problem in reading books where it doesn't exist or the Church is something else entirely (like in Downside Ghosts by Stacia Kane), but in this religion still exist. But instead of worshiping God, it's the angels. They just swapped God for the angels. I'm sorry but I couldn't get into it.

At the end of the day it wasn't a bad book. But at the end it didn't leave me anxious to see what happens next.

Rating: 2.5/5

150 Followers Giveaway! *international*

GIVEAWAY TIME.

Finally, we're at 150 followers, so this calls for a giveaway.

Originally, I was going to have this as Australian partipants only, but then.. I changed my mind, so it's international. Shipping costs to hell!

PRIZE

Includes: Books 1-6 in Rachel Vincent's SOUL SCREAMERS series.

• My Soul to Take
• My Soul to Save
• My Soul to Keep
• My Soul to Steal
• If I Die
• Before I Wake

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Friday #13

Welcome, it's Friday again, and you know what that means.  A time where you follow other blogs and get to know the bloggers.

Feature and Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

Q: Happy Mardi Gras! If they were throwing books off a Mardi Gras float, what would you do to get them?

Oh man. Books. That's like saying.. chocolate, come get it.  I probably would scream, do something to get their attention. Wear something that would stand out, or something crazy. Maybe something like "Books are my drug. Fill me up."  Hah.

 

Review: The Twelfth Keeper by Belle Malory

The Twelfth Keeper by Belle Malory
Publication Date: January 22, 2013
Publisher: Belle Malory
Number of Pages: 439
Format: Ebook
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

When sixteen-year-old Kennedy Mitchell is proclaimed the world’s last keeper, she thinks it’s a cruel joke. Come on- her? Impossible. She’s no warrior. She isn’t wise beyond her years, or more importantly, capable of keeping Earth safe.

Except...no one will listen. And since all evidence says otherwise, the job is hers whether she likes it or not.

During the highly demanding training regime that follows, Kennedy struggles to fit in with Earth’s renowned protectors. Especially Phoenix Jorgensen, who openly despises her. Problem is, he may be the only one she can trust. The keepers have big secrets surrounding them. Secrets Kennedy isn’t comfortable knowing, much less being apart of. With Phoenix’s help, she’ll have to find a way out.

Either that, or die trying.

First I would like to thank Belle for giving me the opportunity to review her latest book.

At first I wasn't too sure how I feel about the book. It took a little bit to get into, but at the same time kept me interested enough to keep reading. The setting is kind of confusing. You can tell that it's set sometime in the future, but not sure exactly when. I've read books before where the first book isn't about world building. It just gives you enough information so you're not totally lost, but at the same time keeps you guessing. I like it. It leaves a lot to your imagination.

The concept of the plot is interesting. Earth was build with its own protectors, the keepers, born from  one of the twelve constellations. The Defense of Extraterrestrials, or DOE as it's more commonly referred as, has found all the Keepers but the last one; until now. Kennedy Mitchell has gone through a lot. With the death of her dad, her mom not only had to work two plus jobs, but had to move across the island they live on. When DOE insists that she is the twelfth keeper, she knows they made a mistake. There is nothing special about her. But when Kennedy realizes how much money trouble their family is in she agrees to go with DOE and train.

Enter Phoenix, keeper number nine and the first keeper that was found. Calaya, a stargazer, has been telling Phoenix that he will have a special bond with the twelfth keeper. That he will fall for her and will want to be her hero instead of Earth's. Phoenix is determine to not let that happen, nothing is more important than his responsibility of protecting his planet and the people. But when Kennedy's life is endangered Phoenix can't keep his emotions in check anymore.

I wasn't too big on Phoenix completely ignoring and keeping his distance from Kennedy and then wham all of a sudden he can't stay away. It's been done before, but I wish there were some kind of a communication between the two before the incident. But the time they had spent together, I couldn't help but fall in love with Phoenix. Not to mention laugh at Kennedy's comments about his coffee making skills. She should give him a few pointers.

Of course with being YA there are some guarantees. Enter Hunter, Kennedy's best friend. On the day she left he had kissed her and with that had told her his real feelings for her. I see a love triangle brewing in the near future. Instead of the usual snarky bff, we have Matilda, the latest robot to assist Kennedy. And there were times when I forgot she was just a robot. The comments she would make were hilarious, and especially love the fact she calls Kennedy Cupcake. Has to be my favorite thing about this book.

Then there are a few things that kind of bugged me. There were a few senteces that I had to read a few times to understand what was going on. Nothing big. And then there were the occasionally use of words like shit and fuck. Now I don't have a problem with it, but I don't think are very appropriate for YA.

Last but not least there's a few things that I keep wondering. Why does Kennedy refers to her mom by her first name? I want to know more about the keepers and the constellations. I want to know more about they day Kennedy's father died. What really happened to Kennedy that day? And why did the doctor lie to Kennedy about the phone?

Overall this book has me intrigued, and I can't wait to see what else is in store for Kennedy and the rest of the keepers.

Rating: 4/5