Review: Champion by Marie Lu

Champion (Legend #3) by Marie Lu
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Number of Pages: 369
Format: Hardback
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He is a Legend.

She is a Prodigy.

Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position.

But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything.

With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

I will have to say after the last book, Prodigy, I was a little bit worried about how this one would end. Especially considering the majority of books in the genre doesn't always have the best endings.  But Marie Lu nailed it.

The book picks up sometimes after the end of Prodigy. June has accepted one of the Princeps-Elect positions and is working for Anden, while Day is on the other side of the country with his brother, also working for the government, but still getting treated for his illness, which June nor the country knows about. But the country is on a brink of a war, and could face a terrible fate. Which is why June has asked Day to come to the capitol.

Revelations and secrets unfold in this fast paced book. Day and June will just break your heart. They've fought so hard to be with each other. There were scenes that brought me close to tears. The love triangles...well more of square was resolved in a very believable way. I was more than pleased with the way Tess was handled. June and Anden...well I wished we got to see more of that. Don't get me wrong, I like Day and June, but I felt a huge spark between June and Anden.

It's interesting seeing the different countries in the book. The US not being a powerhouse country, and Antarctica actually having inhabits, and even Africa being one of the most powerful countries. I did wished we learned more about what exactly happened to the US or even see it become whole again.

The ending...well it was one of the better ones for this genre. Even more of a happy ending. I really enjoyed this series.

Rating: 4/5

 

Review: Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews

Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: December 3, 2013
Publisher: NYLA
Number of Pages: 175
Format: Ebook
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On the outside, Dina Demille is the epitome of normal. She runs a quaint Victorian Bed and Breakfast in a small Texas town, owns a Shih Tzu named Beast, and is a perfect neighbor, whose biggest problem should be what to serve her guests for breakfast. But Dina is...different: Her broom is a deadly weapon; her Inn is magic and thinks for itself. Meant to be a lodging for otherworldly visitors, the only permanent guest is a retired Galactic aristocrat who can’t leave the grounds because she’s responsible for the deaths of millions and someone might shoot her on sight. Under the circumstances, "normal" is a bit of a stretch for Dina.

And now, something with wicked claws and deepwater teeth has begun to hunt at night....Feeling responsible for her neighbors, Dina decides to get involved. Before long, she has to juggle dealing with the annoyingly attractive, ex-military, new neighbor, Sean Evans—an alpha-strain werewolf—and the equally arresting cosmic vampire soldier, Arland, while trying to keep her inn and its guests safe. But the enemy she’s facing is unlike anything she’s ever encountered before. It’s smart, vicious, and lethal, and putting herself between this creature and her neighbors might just cost her everything.

First I would like to thank Ilona Andrews in providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Everything I pick up from them I instantly fall in love with, and with this is no exception. The world building is just amazing. I love that with all of their books the world isn't explained up front. It makes the book more mysterious, and the reader sitting there coming up with different theories. 

Dina is pretty kickass herself. And you have to feel bad for her, struggling to get by. Not to mention her parents just disappeared one day and no one has any clue what happened. What's a good book without a love interest or two? Although myself I preferred Sean. I wished there were a little more romance in it and that it was a little bit longer. But you take what you can get.

The book was exactly what I come to expect from a Ilona Andrews book. I think one of my favorite things about the book was the humor. There were parts that had me laughing so hard I was crying. If you haven't read this yet, you should. And the illustrations included was pure amazing.

Looks like this will be made into a series. That news made me beyond excited and already want more of this series. I'll be looking forward for the next installment impatiently.

Rating: 4/5

 

 

Review: Empower by Jessica Shirvington

Empower (Violet Eden Chapters #5) by Jessica Shirvington
Publication Date: November 12, 2013
Publisher: Hachette
Number of Pages: 464
Format: Paperback
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It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.

Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.

But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.

Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.

Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.

With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.

The final book in this amazing series picks up two years after the end of Endless. Violet realizing that the ones she loves will always be in danger, she takes off on her own. For the last year she has joined a gang of rogues and living in London. We see a recurring character that we briefly met in Emblaze, Gray. I do have to admit I didn't remember him, but I grew to love him. But when an old friend disappears, Violet knows she has to go back to New York and help find him. For backup Gray is coming a long for the ride.

Violet's initial plan to get in there and out without Lincoln realizing she's there fails the moment she walked in the first meeting. We see a new Lincoln, a colder harsher Lincoln, and honestly I don't blame him at all. Going in the book I knew I wanted some angst, but this...it was heartbreaking. It tore my heart into two pieces. All I wanted to do was locked them in a room together. In all the heartbreaking scenes, there were a few swoonworthy scenes, that gives you hope.

All love issues aside, Violet has a bigger problem. There's someone out to get her angel maker, and they are going to use Violet to do it. And this time she's not sure if she can make it out a live.

This book was perfect. We finally see Violet accepts who she really is. Not to mention we finally learn who her angel maker is. I knew a second before it was revealed who it was, and thinking back it didn't really surprise me.

The best part of this book was Violet and Lincoln. After they get through their angst, they were beautiful. It really showed they were really soul mates, and made for each other. Usually in books we see how much the girl loves the guy, but in this we see exactly what Lincoln feels for Violet without it being cheesy.

I couldn't stop thinking about this book for days after reading it. I kept re reading certain scenes over and over again. It was a perfect ending for the series. And I can't think Jen enough for sending me the books when they are first released in Australia. I like to think I'm the only one in the US who has finished the series (which it could possibly be true since the last book isn't released here until next spring).

Rating: 5/5

Teaser Tuesday 28

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

Just finished reading Empower by Jessica Shirvington. My god was it perfect. If you haven't read the series then I urge you to run out to the bookstore right now and pick up the first one.

 He was still yelling. "But you're not fixed at all, are you? We're still us in the terrible ways and none of the good!"

Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead
Publication Date: August 16, 2007
Publisher: Razorbill
Number of Pages: 332
Format: Paperback
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St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a half human half vampire that is train to protect the full blooded vamps, the Moroi. Lissa is the only remaining member of her royal family line, which makes her a princess, and even more vulnerable, who is also Rose's best friend. Rose has swore to protect Lissa at all costs, which is the reason why they have been on the run from their boarding school for the past two years. But luck isn't on their side anymore, and they are being forced to go back to the one place Rose is certain Lissa isn't safe.

One of the things I love about this book is Ms. Mead just jumps into the story with little world building. It's just explained as it goes. It's the same with why Rose and Lissa had left the school and what was exactly going on. Yes it's almost frustrating you want to know what had happened. But I love guessing as the story goes. Now if you haven't read the series yet, I know what you are thinking, not another Twilight. I remember after reading Twilight, and way before even hearing about this, seeing the books in the bookstore (this is also before I really got into the paranormal genre) rolling my eyes and thinking it's a copy off of Twilight. You couldn't be more wrong. The vampires is a whole new category, and honestly I forget that they are vampires half the time.

Rose and Lissa's friendship is one of the best I've read. It takes real love and loyalty to put someone else needs above your own. To give up everything to protect them. It's just not one sided either. We get to see how Lissa will do anything to protect Rose's reputation. They each look out for each other and do what they believe is best for the other. They are truly sisters at heart, each other family.

What is an YA book without a lead guy that is drool worthy? This book is no exception. Dimitri, who is described as a god. One of the kickass Guardians around. He just so happens have to mentor Rose considering she is way behind in her training. We see a sort of a friendship develop between the two of them. It's not long before Rose realizes that she's crushing on her mentor, not to mention he's seven years older than her.

But through all the high school and romance drama, there's a danger lurking around. The same danger that caused them to go on the run, but this time there's no running away this time.

This book has it all; friendship, humor, love, danger, forbidden. Although the core of the book is Rose and Lissa's friendship, the connection between Rose and Dimitri can not be ignored. You will laugh, cry, and even scream. Not to mention such an addicting book. Even after re reading so many times and knowing what will happen I still can't put this book down. If you haven't checked out this series then do it ASAP.

Rating: 5/5

 

 

Review: Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Sentinel (Covenant #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publication Date: November 2, 2013
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Number of Pages: 297
Format: Paperback
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It's a beautiful day for a war.

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself.

All I have to say is thank god the series is over. The books in the middle I loved, but the first book and these last two books? Not so much. I only read this since it was the end of the series, and I was curious about Seth. This will probably be a short review since I don't want to spoil anything.

I ended up skimming through a lot of the book. I just couldn't bring myself to actually read a lot of the scenes, especially the Alex and Aiden ones. They are just so boring. From the moment I started reading I just wanted to bang my head against something hard. There was a situation in the beginning of the book that almost made me put down the put and not continue. It was really unnecessary, especially in an YA book. Also, there's way too much pop culture references in this series. Don't get me wrong, I love references but there's a right and wrong way to do them. This series is filled with them, and in 10 years if someone picked up this series and read it, they would be like wtf is this. I prefer books/series that make references without actually naming them. Not to mention the term cray-cray was actually used. Come on, really? Yes that term is hot right now, but it's a fad.

I wasn't even impressed when Seth first came into the book. I get it, to redeem him he had to act a little ooc. But I was so glad when Seth went back to the one we grew to love. But what really saved the book, or at least made it bearable was when Apollo showed up.  He's by far, my favorite character in the book.

The book itself, wasn't all that bad. It was decent. The ending was a bit of a surprised though. And it actually made me want to cry. But the twist of events, well I knew it was coming how it all ended.

I still believe this series, especially the first book is a rip off of Vampire Academy. I'm sorry but I don't believe it's a coincidence, and she's never read VA, there's too much similarities.  I want to like this author, but this series made it so hard. Although I have a few of her other books on my tbr list, I'm not sure if I want to read them.

Rating: 2/5

 

Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth
Publication Date: October 22, 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Format: Hardback
Number of Pages: 526
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The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

I've been in a reading slump lately. For the last few months it has taken me at least two weeks to finish anything. But this-I finished in two days. Not sure if it's because it's the first YA I've read in months, since YA usually are quick reads. I will admit I was nervous about reading this. I heard a lot of people hated the ending, and it even made people who heard about it before hand refuse to read it, and I even know of someone who doesn't even want to see the movie. Although I had decided I didn't want to know how the book ended, I ended up reading reviews a few days before I started the book and then ended up spoiling myself. Not that I had already somewhat guessed the ending.

Sitting here hours after I finished the book, I'm still not sure how I feel about it. I wouldn't go as far as I thought it was amazing, but it was almost there. I didn't like the multiple POVs. Both Tris and Four's pov were too similiar. I couldn't really tell them apart. During Four's chapters I had to keep reminding myself whose chapter it was. I've never really been a big fan of the guy's POV in YA books. They are tricky and most authors can't nail them down. And the truth behind the factions and even what exactly Divergent is was disappointing. I was hoping, no expecting for more.

Another thing is Tris and Four was constantly in a bad place with each other. It tore my heart apart. I wasn't a big fan of Four's characterization in the novel either. He was this amazing, strong guy in the first two. But because of certain revelations he became this broken person, unsure of himself. I loved Tris' growth though, and the growth of hers and Four's relationship.

I don't want to go too much into detail and spoil the book for anyone. But the ending was so tragic and heartbreaking, even knowing it ahead of time. I wanted to scream and cry. Even wanting to cry my eyes out.

I know most people hated the ending. Said it was pointless, and ruined the series. But it made sense to me. The book is about self-sacrifice, love, betrayal, and family. Thinking back on the last two books there was foreshadowing. And everyone should remember this is dystopian fiction. This genre isn't about romance and happy endings. Veronica Roth made a bold move, and I respect her for that. She knew that it would upset people. Maybe it wouldn't of hit so hard if the romance didn't seem to be the core of the series.

Rating: 4/5

 

Review: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2) by Diana Gabaldon
Publication Date: July 1, 1992
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 743
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For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland's majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones...about a love that transcends the boundaries of time...and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his ....

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire's spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart ...in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising...and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves....

The second Outlander book picks up not only right after the first one ends, but also twenty years in the future. That doesn't sound possible now does it? The beginning picks up twenty years later. Claire has returned to the land that she had once fell in love with, Scotland with her grown daughter. At some point Claire had returned to her time, back to Frank pregnant. Frank made Claire promise that as long as he lives she won't tell their daughter, Brianna, who her real father is. Now it wasn't made clear to me if Frank ever believed her story or not. Just that he's not the biological father of the baby. But with the passing of Frank, Claire knows it's time to tell Brianna the truth.

Claire seeks out Roger, the adopted nephew of the Reverend, the close friend of Frank's in the first book. She wants him to find out what happened to a list of Scottish warriors. In their search, Claire makes a devastating discovery that could change everything. She then reveals the truth to her daughter, and tells her and Roger her journey through time. This is where the book picks up from the last one. Jamie and Claire are in Paris pretending to be Jacobites to prevent the Highlanders from going to war. 

Although I did love this book, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one. I've heard many complaints about how long the book is, and how a lot of it could be cut out. But that's one of the things I love about these books. We get to see their everyday lives, and it seems more realistic. Like you are right there with them. I do have to admit the beginning with them being in Paris kind of moved slow. Maybe it's just my bias towards Scotland, but the scenes placed there were my favorite.

I didn't think my love for Jamie could grow after the first book. But once again I was wrong. We saw Jamie and Claire grow as a couple. They weren't perfect, they had their ups and downs, arguments, and then there was even a few situations you weren't sure they could work through. Their love is realistic. You don't just fall in love and then happy ever after, you have to work for it.

Trying to change history isn't an easy task. And with a few surprising discoveries, they aren't sure if they can. But  with a twist of turns of events we discovered why Claire went back to her own time. I thought that at some point the story would go back to the present time and Claire and Brianna would venture back to Jamie's time, and was kind of disappointed that they didn't.

Like the first book, I thought this was just amazing. The same conflicts show up in this one as well, violence and rape. If you can't handle those subjects this isn't the series for you. Also the Scottish dialect is used and sometimes took me a few times to read a sentence to understand.

Rating: 4/5

Teaser Tuesday 27

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

I know, I know, it's been months since I've done one of these. I always remember the day after. To make up for lost time I will post a few teasers.

The first one comes from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon, the second novel in her Outlander series. I just finished this one today, and I absolutely love me some Jamie Frasier.

“I will find you," he whispered in my ear. "I promise. If I must endure two hundred years of purgatory, two hundred years without you - then that is my punishment, which I have earned for my crimes. For I have lied, and killed, and stolen; betrayed and broken trust. But there is the one thing that shall lie in the balance. When I shall stand before God, I shall have one thing to say, to weigh against the rest."

This next one comes from On the Edge by Ilona Andrews. I've only read the first book, but I can't wait to read more of the series.

"Go brush your teeth, comb your hair, put on dry clothes, and get the guns. We're going to Wal-Mart.”

 

Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky #1) by Veronica Rossi
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Harper Collins
Number of Pages: 376
Format: Paperback
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Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered.

This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland — known as The Death Shop — are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent energy storms will. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild — a savage — and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must come together to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

 Meet Aria. She lives in a pod protected from the outside world. Inside the pod she has everything she has ever wanted. She can go into any realm/world she wants and no harm done to her. Plus they don't ever get sick or even get periods (lucky girl). But her mother is away on business and the communication line with the pod she is on has gone done. She just knows something is wrong. To try to get information she convinces the son of one of the consuls to break in one of the sectors that is damage. From there things go wrong. But there's an outsider, Perry, who had broke in at the same time and saved Aria.

But Aria pays the sacrifices and gets thrown into the outside. And Perry just happens to stumble across her and saves her from eventually dying. But Perry needs Aria. To the outsiders or savages as they are often referred to, Aria is a Dweller. Perry's nephew has been kidnapped by them, and he has to get them back and Aria seems to be his only hope.

The book and the world building is interesting. And very different. But I just couldn't really connect to the characters. I liked them as individuals, but Aria and Perry as a couple I couldn't get into. I felt like them falling in love came out of nowhere. They initially hate each other, but one day they started being friends and then bam they are in love. *rolleyes* I did love Roar.

I felt like all the reveals in the book was very predictable. I could see them coming all along.  The book was ok. But it didn't interest me enough to continue with the series.

Rating: 3/5

 

Review: Biting Bad by Chloe Neill

Biting Bad (Chicagoland Vampires #8) by Chloe Neill
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Publisher: NAL Penguin
Number of Pages: 350
Format: Paperback
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Merit has been a vampire for only a short while, but she’s already seen a lifetime’s worth of trouble. She and her Master, centuries-old Ethan Sullivan, have risked their lives time and again to save the city they love. But not all of Chicago is loving them back.

Anti-vampire riots are erupting all over town, striking vampires where it hurts the most. A splinter group armed with Molotov cocktails and deep-seated hate is intent on clearing the fanged from the Windy City come hell or high water.

Merit and her allies rush to figure out who’s behind the attacks, who will be targeted next, and whether there’s any way to stop the wanton destruction. The battle for Chicago is just beginning, and Merit is running out of time.

Considering it's been about a month since I've read this, this review will be rather short.

It might of took eight books, but Merit and Ethan have finally some drama free relationship time. It was rather nice to see nothing interfering with their relationship for once.  They even go to Merit's parent's house for a family dinner. Which was probably one of my favorite scenes in the books.

But Chicago's vampire scene has never been quiet since Merit has joined its ranked. There's an anti-vampire group striking out and rioting hitting vampire houses and their safe locations. I had a good feeling who was behind it but not why, since some of the attacks didn't really destroy anything.

We do see Merit and Mallory getting somewhat back on track. And even a tiny bit of the shapeshifters, which is never enough. There was a mention back to the vision of that child that we assumed is somehow Ethan and Merit. And even foreshadowing that there could and may be a way for Merit to turned back human. Which honestly I think at this point she wouldn't. And I couldn't see Ethan turning back to a human.

This was probably one of my favorite books in the series. We got a little bit of everything. Including a jaw dropping cliff hanger, that no doubts sets up the next book. You can tell the series is winding down, and although it makes me sad I can't wait to see how it all ends.

Rating: 4/5

Review: On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

On the Edge (The Edge #1) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: September 29, 2009
Publisher: Ace
Number of Pages: 309
Format: Paperback
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Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, between the world of the Broken (where people drive cars, shop at Wal-Mart, and magic is a fairy tale) and the Weird (where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny). Only Edgers like Rose can easily travel from one world to the next, but they never truly belong in either.

Rose thought if she practiced her magic, she could build a better life for herself. But things didn’t turn out how she planned, and now she works a minimum wage, off the books job in the Broken just to survive. Then Declan Camarine, a blueblood noble straight out of the deepest part of the Weird, comes into her life, determined to have her (and her power).

But when a terrible danger invades the Edge from the Weird, a flood of creatures hungry for magic, Declan and Rose must work together to destroy them—or they’ll devour the Edge and everyone in it.

I'm not sure why it has taken me this long to read this series. I've been thinking about it ever since I discovered Kate Daniels. I had even brought the first book a few months ago and hadn't gotten around to it. And once again I wanted to hit myself for not reading this sooner.

Ilona Andrews is a literary genius. I'm convinced now that they can write nothing to disappoint me. However I think I do enjoy Kate Daniels more this book stands on its own. I knew only a few pages in I was hooked when I came across this line:

 “Yes, I'm too mad to punish you right now. We'll talk about it when we get home. Go brush your teeth, comb your hair, put on dry clothes, and get the guns. We're going to Wal-Mart.”

Although we learn afterwards the guns has nothing to do with actually going to Wal-Mart, but the statement makes you think that. And along with thousands of others sometimes I wished I had a gun in Wal-Mart. *sigh*

We potentially have two love interest for Rose, who I loved from the beginning. It's almost hard to hate a kick ass heroine, especially one with two younger brothers who she is responsible for. Initially I wanted Rose to give William a chance. I didn't particularly care for Declan, although I grew to love him as did Rose. I really did love the ending, and I couldn't help but smile/giggle about it for days.

From looking at the descriptions of the other books, I find it interesting that each book features different main characters like the paranormal romance series, yet there's no doubt that this is urban fantasy. At first I wasn't sure I would like that, but after reading this book and seeing that it focus more on the plot rather than romance I'm positive I'm going to love it. I can't wait till I can go buy the rest of the series and continue.

Rating: 5/5

 

Review: Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter

Beauty Awakened (Angels of the Dark #2) by Gena Showalter
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
Publisher: HQN Books
Number of Pages: 448
Format: Paperback
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His name is Koldo. He is scarred, powerful, his control legendary-and he lives only for vengeance, determined to punish the angel who viciously removed his wings. But if he yields to the forces of hatred, he will be kicked from the heavens, eternally damned.

She is his last hope. Nicola Lane was born with a defective heart, yet this fragile human shows surprising strength as demons stalk her every move, determined to end her. She is the key to Koldo's deliverance...and his downfall. Though he fights duty, destiny and his first addictive taste of desire, his toughest battle will be the one for Nicola's life-even if he has to sacrifice his own....

 I was excited to read this. I love Gena Showalter, and the first book was amazing. But sadly this book falls short on my scale. I just couldn't really get into the book, and it took forever to read. I also heard she wrote this at a time where she rediscovered faith and got real religious. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking down religion, I'm religious myself. But you can tell it impacted the book. It was toned down a lot, and not a lot of steamy scenes that you expect with one of her books. Once my friend told me she had gotten religious, the style of the book made sense.

Don't get me wrong, I liked the book, but it wasn't one of her best works. I couldn't really connect to either main character. And felt like the plot just dragged on, and felt like the book could of been cut by at least 100 pages. I really did like Axel and want to see more of him. William showed up for a brief moment and we got hints to William's heritage.

The one theme that kept repeating was that to heal yourself you must let go of the negative thoughts and focus on the positive. Also that the Most High loves them and will always answer their pleas. It's a good message, although I felt like it was repeated a little too much. Like I said I liked the book but it felt like something was missing.

I almost consider not finishing the book and continuing with the series. But I was told that the new LotU book is a lot better and steamier. And the next Angel book sounds better too.

Rating: 3/5

 

Review: Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1) by Richelle Mead
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Dulton Adult
Number of Pages: 448
Format: Hardback
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In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

I was a little hesitant to read this since I heard a lot of people gave it bad reviews and didn't like it. Not to mention I had forgot about the book, but I had saw it in Books a Million for half off, which I didn't take as a good sign for it to be marked that low so soon after it's released. But I love Richelle, and haven't found a book by her I didn't like.

If you've noticed I've tagged this book both as sci-fi and paranormal. Is that even possible? I couldn't decide what genre this book would fall under. At first it seems sci-fi, but as you get deeper in it, there's some paranormal aspects to it. Hence I put in both.

Right off the bat, this book is completely different from Mead's other works. It doesn't read like anything she's written, and it's in the third person. It had me wondering if the negative feedback was because the book was so different, fear of the unknown?  I do have to say there was a scene where Mae is remembering how she met her ex, it felt outplace and like it was just stuck in placement.

I really enjoyed the book. The world it is set in is interesting, and has more of a dystopian feel to it. The humor that is presented in all her other books was missing in this one. She keeps strong characters, and even a kick ass heroine.

I wouldn't say this is her best work. I didn't love it. But I really did enjoy it. And curious on how things will play out. More curious about Mae and her past. And I can't help but shipping her and Justin.

Rating: 4/5

 

Review: Rise of the Gryphon by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love

Rise of the Gryphon (Belador #4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
Publisher: Pocket Books
Number of Pages: 480
Format: Paperback
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To prevent a genocide, Evalle is forced to embrace her destiny…but at what cost?

As an Alterant who fights everything from trolls to demons, Evalle has lived as an outcast among the Beladors, but can now change all that…and find answers to her origins as well. Those answers and a traitor hide within the Medb coven, an enemy poised to destroy the mortal world and all that Evalle holds dear. While her best friends Tzader and Quinn want to help, they have their own conflicts and face unthinkable choices as relationships with the women they love twist in unexpected directions. With time ticking down on a decision that will compel allies to become deadly enemies, Evalle turns to Storm and takes a major step that only complicates matters more when the witchdoctor he’s been hunting now stalks Evalle.

 Evalle is running out of time to find five Alterants to swear loyalty to Macha, and to find Tristian to find out their true origins. But first they must find a way into an illegal beast fight club, one that if she gets caught nobody will able to save her. Not to mention succeeding means going with the Medb, where she might not have a way out of their plans for her.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as the others. Don't get me wrong I still loved the book, but it felt like something was lacking. Maybe barely any scenes with Evalle, Quinn, and Tzader. Also we only got one scene with Isak. But on the plus side this book is filled with Storm and Evalle moments. I felt like some scenes were a little too cheesy, but I've been waiting since book one for these two to get with the program.

A little change from previous books, this one focus a lot less on the other characters and subplots, and focus mainly on Evalle. We do get a few answers in this book. We find out about Evalle's past, which I'm sure most of us had already figured out what had happened. Also we FINALLY get to know the other half of Alterants origins. And I was shocked. Thinking back, it kind of made sense. But still.

There's a significant death, that was both shocking and unexpected. I wanted this character gone from the beginning, but when it came down to it, well I realized I came to kind of like this person. Plus along with the death came a shocking revelation. The ending came with a few other surprises. Without giving anything away, Evalle stands up to Macha and basically tells her they will doing things her way from now on.

Giving how everything is coming together, I'm sure the next book will be the last. I can't wait to see how everything is wrapped up.

Rating: 4/5

 

Review: Magic Rises from Ilona Andrews

Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
Publisher: ACE
Number of Pages: 327
Format: Paperback
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Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost.

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta.

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap…

What's that you say? This book isn't out till tomorrow? Yes I know. But I happened to won a copy from a giveaway on Goodreads. I was beyond excited. And of course after waiting two years I couldn't wait to read it.

Both Curran and Kate has been asked to arbitrate a dispute and to protect a pregnant shapeshifter from the European packs. They both know it's a trap, but being paid in medicine that will help the children stop going loup. They can't ignore it and must go. But they aren't stupid enough to go alone, and take with them a team. The only one that I'm sad didn't go was Jim. I really do love him, and I thought it would feel weird not having him around. But in his place we get his sister, Kira. Love Kira, who is equally amusing.

They all are staying at a castle in a neutral area. The lord of the castle is human, but is widely respected by the shapeshifters and even have them as guards. The first holy shit moment happens, the lord turns out to be Hugh, Roland's warlord. And what seems to be a filler book suddenly turns into something much more. But Kate can't figure out what Hugh is up to, he's not actively trying to kill Kate nor seems like he has alerted Roland. I was fully expecting to hate Hugh. But DAMNIT! I ended up liking him, and seems like he's interested in Kate more than just turning her into Roland.

But Hugh isn't the only thing Kate has to worry about. The shapeshifter princess from the Alaskan pack is there. And it's obvious that she wants Kate's position. And as everyone keeps telling her, she's easy to replace since her and Curran aren't married.

The book isn't all sunshine and unicorns. It's emotional draining for Kate and Curran. Through majority of the book I just wanted to jump in there and beat him. There were plenty of times where I just wanted to throw the book out the window. I wanted to cry through most of the book. Trust me, when you read this book have lots of tissues around you. And a punching bag, and someone/something to scream at. There were times where I wanted to fine Ilona and just scream at them and ask why. But hold on to hope. It will be worth it in the end.

There's an almost death that had me in tears. And who saves the character will shock you to the core. But just when you think they may all get home safe, a shocking death that you never saw coming. I never thought I would miss this person.

Amazing isn't the word for this book. I haven't read a book/series that made me feel this way since Fever series by KMM. It will make you laugh, cry, scream, punch things. After I was done all I could do was sit there, and cry. It's been two days since I've finished the book and I still can't get over it. I find myself skimming through the book and re reading passages. Ilona Andrews have outdone themselves. Hands down the best book in the series yet.

Tomorrow when the bookstores open, run don't walk. You will not be disappointed in this book. This book deserves a million stars.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

Magic Slays (Kate Daniels #5) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: May 31, 2011
Publisher: ACE
Number of Pages: 308
Format: Paperback
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Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name, and many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate.

So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price .

Being mated to the Beast Lord has it's perks. Kate has now opened her own private investigation business, and things would be great if only Kate could get some business. When the Red Guard comes to her and want her to find a missing inventor and his invention, Kate jumps to the chance at her first paying job.

This is the first book in the series that isn't connected to Roland. But the danger could be worst than anything they have seen before. The missing device has the power to kill anything in its range that has any kind of magical abilities. And a secret society is behind it all and wants the world magic free. I won't go into much detail because it would give a lot away.

We finally get to see Kate and Curran as a couple. It's also a fear in books once your favorite duo gets together they will become boring and lose that spark. Kate and Curran could never be boring. He's still a control freak and she still fights all authority. We even discover they have pet names for each other. How sweet.

This book is just as amazing as the rest. We learn the fate of Andrea, whom true identity was discovered by the Order, and was forced to retired. With no job, Kate offers Andrea a job with her. I've always enjoyed Andrea and I love her and Kate's scenes together. We see Julie return, getting kicked out of school. But not everything is peachy. Julie is bitten by a shapeshifter and is endanger of going loup. Kate refuses to kill her. And her only other option is something dangerous. And Kate barely comes out of it alive, and in return ends in a coma, and it's Curran's turn to sit by her.

Of course I can't have a Kate review without some quotes:

The tension in his voice eased. "You sure you don't need your Prince Charming to come and save you?"
The kot in my stomach evaporated. My Prince Charming, huh. "Sure, do you have one handy?"
"Oh, I think I could scrounge one up somewhere. As often as I have to rescue you..."

 “Andrea raised her hand. “This is the hand that slapped Aunt B.”
“Maybe you should have it gold-plated.”
“Here, you can touch it, since you’re my best friend.”

 “Yes I can,” Curran snarled. “Listen: this is me telling you what you will not do.”
I raised the cookbook and tapped him on the nose. Bad cat.

 “It’s your duty as my best friend to be outraged with me.”
“I’m outraged!” I snarled. “That bastard!”
“Thank you,” Andrea said.

 “I know it's late, but could you find a book for me? It's called The Slavs: Study of Pagan Tradition by Osvintsev."
Barabas sighed dramatically. "Kate, you make me despair. Let's try that again from the top, except this time pretend you are an alpha."
"I don't need a lecture. I just need the book."
"Much better. Little more growl in the voice?"
"Barabas!"
"And we're there. Congratulations!”

 Shapeshifter parenting motto—if your kid slit somebody's throat, always have a backup plan to make the body disappear.

 “You snore worse. At least I don't turn into a lion in my sleep."
"I only did it once."
"Once was weird enough, thank you.”

 “I clawed my eyes open and rolled off my bed. For some reason, someone had moved the floor several feet lower than I had expected, and I fell and crashed with a thud.
Ow.
A blond head popped over the side of the bed, and a familiar male voice asked, “Are you okay down there?”
Curran. The Beast Lord was in my bed. No, wait a minute. I didn’t have a bed, because my insane aunt had destroyed my apartment. I was mated to the Beast Lord, which meant I was in the Keep, in Curran’s rooms, and in his bed. Our bed. Which was four feet high. Right.
“Kate?”
“I’m fine.”
“Would you like me to install one of those child playground slides for you?”

 Andrea stared at me. "You're not taking me seriously!"
"That's probably because you're not excited enough," Derek said. "You should clench your fists like they do in the movies, shake them, and yell, 'This is bigger than any of us! It goes all the way to the top!”

 “Did he just rip out the engine?" I asked.
"Yes", Saiman said. "And now he is demolishing the Maserati with it."
Ten seconds later Curran hurled the twisted wreck of black and orange that used to be the Maserati into the wall.
The first melodic notes of an old song came from the computer. I glanced at Saiman.
He shrugged. "It begged for a soundtrack.”

We also learn that Kate's mother was a witch and learn about her power. And we learn the truth what really happened when Kate's mom ran away with Voron. I like to ignore that. It's not a happy picture.
As I said this is the first book not to have a direct threat from Roland. But at the end Kate receives flowers and a card from Hugh, Roland's warlord. In the note he calls Kate Highness, which I find interesting. Or maybe not too interesting, just that Hugh knows for sure who Kate is.

Rating: 5/5