Jen's review of "Goddess Interrupted" by Aimee Carter

Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test #2) by Aimee Carter

Publication date: March 27th, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Number of pages: 304

Format: Paperback

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Description: Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans. As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person whom she would really rather not meet. Henry's first wife, Persephone.

In the sequel to, "Goddess Test", Kate has just spent the past six months travelling the world with her friend, James who kindly decided to travel with her so that she isn't alone. As much fun as she might have had, Kate can't wait until she is back with Henry since they haven't seen each other since she left.

But upon her arrival, things aren't what she expected them to be. Henry is basically ignoring her, and she discovers that there is an enemy awakening that has the potential to destroy them all.
While Kate had sentenced Calliope down to the underworld to spend time with each girl she had killed before Kate, things don't stay that way. She soon finds a way to extract her own revenge. Not just on Kate, but on them all, since I guess she blamed them all for not stopping Kate and the punishment she dished out.

When Henry suddenly disappears, Kate has to try to find a way to find him, which means going down to the underworld and going to the one person she wish she didn't have to see.
Her sister.
Persephone.

This was a great installment to the trilogy. I always wondered what Persephone was like, and to be honest -- in the beginning I didn't like her at all. But then towards the end you could see she wasn't so bad after all.
I was glad that this introduction to her just resolved Henry's feelings for her, since he never got that in the past, so that there was always these lingering feelings for her which always there in his heart and mind.

There was a definite cliffhanger to this book, and one that just makes you hate Calliope even more than you might have before. It's a "OMG.. You can't leave it there," kind of ending, and it just makes you want the next book like NOW. Unfortunately we have to wait, but I am sure it will be worth it and all this heartache will have some kind of resolution.

I felt Kate's heartache when she felt that Henry didn't love her, and only married her because he had to. It didn't help that Henry didn't put her mind at ease very easily, which only just added to her doubts. It was understandable, because what's in a guy's head... well, wouldn't we all like to know. If he never told her then it's hard on Kate to really understand how he felt toward her.

                                                              Rating: 4/5

April's review of 'Destined' by Aprilynne Pike

Destined (Wings #4) by Aprilynne Pike 
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Number of Pages: 320
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Description:  Tamani looked at her gravely, and reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear.

He hesitated for an instant, then his hands found the sides of her face, pulling her to him. He didn't kiss her, just held her face close to his, their foreheads resting together, their noses almost touching.

She hated how much it felt like good-bye.

Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and Klea plans to use her to help conquer and destroy Avalon. But Klea's reach extends far beyond one wild Winter faerie. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares to face what may be Avalon's final days, in the stunning conclusion to the Wings series

Destined picks up right where Illusions left off, with Yuki trapped in a chair, while everyone else tries to get answers. When I first heard that the whole book takes place within 24 hours I was a little weary, but Pike makes it work. When Klea shows up to rescue Yuki, it's finally revealed what and who she really is. And more surprisingly that Shar has knows her really well. I do have to admit that the nickname Klea calls Shar is pretty funny. Shar fights Klea, while Tamani escapes with Laurel. With Klea admitting she knows where the gate is, Laurel and Tamani has no choice but race to Avalon to warn them, taking along David and Chelsea, and for the first time in a thousand years humans are admitted to Avalon. What comes next is the biggest battle that even Laurel is afraid that not everyone will make it out alive. 

I'm trying to hard to keep this spoiler free, when I just want to shout what exactly happens in the book. Going into the book I knew there was a big death, looking back on who I thought I would be ok with dying, I was right on who it was, but I was anything but ok with it. And with it being near the beginning of the book, all I wanted to do was cry my eyes out through out the whole book. There were even a few more deaths, and one of them well I wasn't expecting that one. Laurel and Tamani even shares a few tender moments. I have a new fondness for David in this book. He risked everything to help Avalon, and by the end of the book even formed a one of a kind friendship with Tamani. Jamison was amazing throughout the whole book, and at the end we come to a full understanding of why he voted for Laurel for the scion mission, and even why he helped Tamani so much. Laurel does make her choice, and while I won't revealed who it is, but I was thrilled to no end. (Which if you want to know just look back at my reviews on the other books and you could figure it out) I did like the ending, it wasn't a definite ending. She did leave it open to your imagination, and if she ever decides to write more books for the series it's very possible. There's a letter at the end of the book, along with a note from Pike. The letter is the real ending that Pike had intended before she even wrote the first book, and is very bittersweet. More so with this book we see that the series is more about David and Chelsea, and how humans react and coop with learning there's real magic in the world. 

Rating: 5/5

 

Follow Friday #3

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. Its a way to get out there and meet new bloggers and discover new blogs. :)

Q. What is one thing you wish you could tell your favorite author?
I would tell Karen Marie Moning (who I plan on meeting in October), how amazing I think her writing is and that her books have changed my life, made me want to be a better writer with the way she writes her stories, characters and the world she creates.

April's review of 'Insurgent' by Veronica Roth

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth
Publication Date: May 1,2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Number of Pages: 525
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Description:  One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.  Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. 

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

 Insurgent picks up right where Divergent left off with Tris, Four, Caleb, Peter, and Marcus headed towards Amity for safety. Even though the Amity decides they will stay uninvolved in the war, they offer a safe house to those who can follow their conditions, including you can't start a conflict. Which given the fact Peter is among them, it doesn't take long for Tris and Peter to get into a fight. The result of that is Tris being given a peace serum, which she was given a little too much. And honestly it was one of my favorite scenes seeing her on it. It was hilarious. But sadly Four was not amused. When the Erudites and the Dauntless-traitors storm Amity compound, they must again run for their lives. 


It's been about three hours since I've finished the book and I still can not find the words to describe it. My love for Four/Tris grew 200% in this book. Even though there were some heartbreaking scenes between the two. They spent the majority of the book fighting and on the outs with each other. I almost felt like they were playing tug of war with my emotions. They fight then they somewhat makeup only to start fighting again. Without giving much away, I will say there was one scene towards the end that will make your heart melt.


There were many twists and turns. At one point it was hard to tell who was on what side. And it's revealed that the Erudites attacked Abnegation for a different reason than what we believed, to prevent certain information from being revealed to the public. But they failed in that, in the end it was revealed and nothing will ever be the same again. I believe that Tris is more important than we thought. 


We see a lot of the characters from the first book, and even get to meet some new ones. The book was an emotional rollar coaster. There were even a few hilarious scenes, along with a few heartbreaking ones. There's only one word to describe the book: AMAZING. I simply could not put it down. I literally read it within 24 hours. I do have to say that it's much better than the first one, which I thought was impossible. Now {im}patiently waiting for the final book in the series next year. 

Rating: 5/5

Waiting on Wednesday #5: Biting Cold by Chloe Neill

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

Biting Cold (Chicagoland Vampires #6) by Chloe Neill
Publication date: August 7th, 2012

Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans.

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

I am waiting for this one, because after the last one... I just NEED to know what's going on.. and now Ethan is back, so is my sanity! :D What are YOU waiting on?

April's review of 'Wicked Lovely' by Melissa Marr

Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely #1) by Melissa Marr
Publication Date: June 12, 2007
Publisher: Harper Teen 
Number of Pages: 328
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Description: Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries. Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.
Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries. Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.
Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention. But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires. Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything. Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21 st century faery tale

Aislinn or better known as Ash always followed her Grams rules when it comes to faeries, afraid of what they might do to her if they found out that she has the Sight. But now they are following her, and none of the rules seem to apply anymore. Learning that Keenan is the Summer King terrifies her. But getting rid of him seems to prove impossible.Turning to Seth, her best friend turned boyfriend, for help only puts him into danger. Keenan has been searching for his Summer Queen for the past nine hundred years. Until he finds her his powers are bound. Enter Donia. She had fallen in love with Keenan once upon ago. And believing that she could be with him forever and that she's his queen she risked the Winter Chill. Now she carries the chill with her and put warn every girl that Keenan decides upon not to trust him. Only way for her to be free is for another girl to take the risk, but they all decide to be Summer Girls; the faeries that make up the Summer Court. Keenan is sure that Ash is the Summer Queen and won't stop at nothing until he makes her his. 


I was surprised at some of the content in the book considering it's YA. Ash friends are all into the party scene, including drugs. Even though Ash stays clean, she makes a reference that she doesn't drink or get high to keep her focus on following the rules. Towards the end of the book, Seth and Ash engage in some sexual activity, while it was never told straight out what they were doing it wasn't hard to figure it out. My impression is that the book is on a very fine line between YA and Adult. 


The best part to me was the Seth and Ash scenes. I just wasn't interested in Keenan pursing Ash. I got the impression that Keenan was desperate to find his queen he didn't care who it was. Even though you could still see the sparks between him and his old love Donia. When Ash realizes she has no other choice but to accept Summer Queen she makes it plain and simple to Keenan she sees this as a job and there will be no love between them. What I am disappointed in is the fact that we learn Ash's mom, who was thought to die in childbirth, revealed to be one of the girls Keenan pursued in the past was the only one to escape the faery life by dying. I really thought that would of impacted Ash more, and even thought we would hear more about it. 


I wouldn't say this was the best book, or even I couldn't put it down. What kept me most intrigued and wanting to read more was Seth and Ash. All in all it was still a good book. And I'll continue to read the series to see what happens to them all. 

Rating: 4/5

Teaser Tuesday 05

 

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

This week's teaser is from Illusions by Aprilynne Pike. I actually re read it last week, and in excitement for the last book, Destined, in the series being released today I wanted to share one of the more funny scenes from the third book.

"He has an iPhone," Laurel said to David. "My faerie sentry who generally lives without running water has an iPhone. That's. Just. Great." 

April's review of 'Hex Hall' by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1) by Rachel Hawkins
Publication Date: March 2, 2010
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Number of Pages: 336
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Description:  Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Being a 16 year old witch should be fun right? Not for Sophie Mercer. She constantly have to move since she keeps screwing up and revealing herself. When a love spell goes wrong, Sophie is sentence to a reformed school for her kind, Hecate Hall aka Hex Hall.  On her first day, not only does she make a fool of herself in front of a hot warlock, she finds herself being roommates with the only vampire on campus, Jenna. She finds out that she is a dark witch, and the only other three dark witches on campus wants her to join their coven. Little does she know declining their offer she has made three enemies. To make matters worse she's crushing on the hot warlock, Archer, who also happens to be Elodie's boyfriend, the ring leader of the coven. To make matters worse, she learns that her father is actually the head of the council and most of the school resents him.

There's been mysterious deaths around campus, and Jenna being the number one suspect. Determined to prove Jenna's innocence, Sophie looks for other sources of the murders. Not knowing her enemies maybe closer than she thinks.

Another book I simply couldn't put down. And it was a very quick read. The book keeps you guessing with it's twists. The most shocking twist is that Sophie has been lied to about who she really is. 

Rating: 5/5

 

April's review of 'Illusions' by Aprilynne Pike

Illusions (Wings #3) by Aprilynne Pike
Publication Date: May 3, 2011
Publisher: Harper Teen
Number of Pages: 375
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Description:  Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.

But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

Laurel has survived two troll attacks on her life so surviving senior year should be easy right? Not a chance. She hasn't seen Tamani in almost a year since she told him to go away. But on the first day of school she discovers that Tamani has enrolled in her high school as a foreign exchange student so he could be closer to her to protect. That isn't the only surprise. Klea shows up again and has a favor to ask of Laurel. Enter Yuki, a non human Klea has rescued from the trolls and enrolled her into Laurel's high school. Klea wants Laurel to keep a eye on her. But the big surprise is Yuki is a fairy! A quick trip to Avalon to speak to Jamison confirms what Tamani knew. All fairies are born in Avalon and there's no record of Yuki.   

If that isn't enough on Laurel's plate, there has been signs of trolls in the area but none of the tracking tricks seems to be working. When Shar and Tamani finally catch up to a few they are alarmed to find that they are using powerful magic, fall fairy magic, to hide. They are sure that Klea and Yuki have something to do with the trolls. 

I think this may be my favorite in the series so far. Up till now, Laurel has chosen David. But with Tamani living in her world, she realizes that she still has strong feelings for Tamani. With David being jealous and starting fights with Tamani is the last straw for her and breaks up with David. She then runs to the cabin and share a stolen day with Tamani. Laurel is glad that Chelsea finally knows her secret. Even though it's never revealed how Chelsea had figured it out. The final twist at the end of the book reveals what season Yuki is, and changes everything. 

Illusions confirms my shipping Laurel and Tamani. Even her mom tells her that there's different kinds of love and staying with someone because they love her and been through tough times with her is wrong. I can't wait for the final book, which is being released tomorrow, to see how everything ends. 

Rating: 5/5

 

April's review of 'Spells' by Aprilynne Pike

Spells (Wings #2) by Aprilynne Pike
Publication Date: May 4th, 2010
Publisher: Harper Teen
Number of Pages: 359
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

Description: Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.

When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?

Spells picks up about six months Wings left off. Laurel told her parents the truth about everything. Or just about everything, she left the part about the trolls out. Her dad is fascinated by everything, while her mom doesn't even want to talk about anything fairy. With the school year over, Laurel is headed to Avalon to study for the summer. Laurel immediately feels awkward knowing that everyone knows her and some used to be her friends but she has no memories of them what so ever. She also has a hard time grasping how the Spring fairies are treated. Even though she doesn't like it she bit her tongue, plus she is having a hard time grasping her fairy skills. By the end of the summer she has improved but still can't make her own sugar-glass vials. Which once she gets home she practice making for an hour each day. 

Back at home, things with her mother haven't improved, but everything else is back to normal. Now that her parents know the truth, she doesn't have to hide her blossom.  Everything is going great until trolls show up at a party to attack Laurel. Laurel and David lure them away from the party, but they run them off the road. Just when she thinks this is the end, a stranger appears and rescues her. Klea dresses in all black and sunglasses is a mystery. The only thing they know for sure is that she and her group hunts non-humans like trolls. 

I couldn't put this book down. Once again Laurel is fighting her feelings for Tamani. Things escalate between them when Laurel lies to David and sneaks off to Avalon with Tamani for a festival. After David witness a kiss between Tamani and Laurel, she realizes that she must decide between the two of them. But before she can make David understand, Barnes is back and he kidnapped Chelsea. Laurel must chose between her friends lives or revealing the gate to Avalon. 

The ending broke my heart though. Laurel knows she's been stringing Tamani along. When she goes to tell him that she can't see him again, that she can't live in both worlds right now, she learns that Tamani has gone away. 

Rating: 5/5