Black Dawn (Morganville Vampires #12) by Rachel Caine
Publication date: May 1st, 2012
Publisher: Penguin
Number of pages: 512
Format: Paperback
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Description:
With its eclectic mix of vampire and human citizens, Morganville,
Texas, has always been a risky place to call home. But with the invasion
of the vampire’s deadliest enemy, Morganville isn’t just in danger—it’s
dying…
Ever since the draug—mysterious creatures that prey on
vampires—took over Morganville, the lives of student Claire Danvers and
her friends have been thrown into turmoil. Most of the town’s residents
have evacuated, but Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael have chosen to stay
and fight.Using the city’s water system to spread, the draug have
rapidly multiplied. Things in Morganville look grim, especially since
vampire Amelie—the town founder—has been infected by the master draug’s
bite.
Now, if Claire and her friends don’t figure out how to
cure Amelie and defeat the draug, it looks like Morganville will become
little more than a ghost town…
Its amazing to think about this being the 12th book in the series, and yet, the story is as refreshing as it was from that very first page of Glass Houses.
I don't know how Rachel does it. Its simply amazing. I could not praise her enough and how she has managed to keep the story fresh throughout all this time.
In Last Breath, we were introduced to the one thing the vampires were most afraid of. The thing even humans were afraid of. The Draug.
The Draug are something in which seems impossible to stop, and yet life-threatening. They are a species that run through water, so imagine how difficult it would be to know when you are up against one, or even many. How would you know if you were infected by one? Or even how to go about stopping it? You can't... and that is the very thing Claire and her friends try to overcome in this book.
Claire, Shane, Michael and Eve find themselves joining forces with the vampires to get rid of the Draug. After Amelie gets sick, they are on a race against time to fix this mess before its too late.
But before that happens, their own have problems. Not only do Eve and Michael have some issues between them they need to work out, but Shane goes through something himself that involves the Draug.
This is an exciting installment to this series, and loved every moment of it.
Recent previous books we have had different POVs, rather than just Claire's, and this book follows that trend. We get Michael, Even and Shane's different POVs througout this book, along with our normal protagonist, Claire.
Its nice to see others and their thoughts and experiences as they go through their journeys which the plot takes them on. A new experience that we don't see very often. To get in the head of our other main characters, to see what they see, and feel what they feel.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Tempting Evil (Riley Jensen Guardian #3) by Keri Arthur
Publication Date: February 27, 2007
Publisher: Dell
Number of Pages: 371
Format: Paperback
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Description: In a world of sorcery
and seduction, the nights bring out the beautiful, the damned, and the
desired. Here, Riley Jenson is on her own–half werewolf, half vampire,
working for an organization created to police the supernatural races.
Trusting her superiors and lovers barely more than she trusts her worst
enemies, Riley plays by her own set of rules. Her latest mission: to
enter the heavily guarded pleasure palace of a criminal named Deshon
Starr–a madman-scientist who’s been messing around in the gene pool for
decades.
With two sexy men–a cool, seductive vampire and an
irresistibly hot wolf–vying for her attention, Riley must keep focused.
Because saving the world from Deshon Starr will mean saving herself–from
the trap that’s closing in around her. . . .
The book picks about about six months or so after the end of the second one. Riley has been busy training to go undercover. But when the timetable gets moved up, Riley is unsure if she can pull it off. Even though, Jack manages to keep Quinn out of the loop on when the mission is going active, Quinn is smarter than Jack.
It doesn't take long for Riley to capture the attention of Deshon Starr's lieutenants, or even Deshon Starr himself. He claims that Riley looks familiar, and even hints that he knows her true identity. It's not until she goes to brunch with Starr, and sees what he has in mind for the entertainment. Rhoan, undercover as security is set to fight one of Starr's creations. Riley knows that Starr knows who Rhoan is, and suspects who she is as well. Riley is growing more uncertain if she will make it out alive.
I'm really starting to love this series. Not as much of Kade in this book as I would like. And I want to see more of Kellen. Still not feeling Quinn and Riley as a couple. And I simply adore Rhoan. I just have a soft spot for sibling relationships. Liander isn't in the books nearly enough either. Hopefully at the end of the series Rhoan will finally settle down with him.
All in all this series keeps getting better with each book.
Rating: 4/5
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 teaser is from Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost.
"Hey Walks Like An Egyptians, how about for once you drop the formal stuff and talk like you live in the twenty-first century?"
"The shit's gonna splatter, start buggin', yo," Mercheres responded instantly.
Kissing Sin (Riley Jensen Guardian #2) by Keri Arthur
Publication Date: January 30, 2007
Publisher: Dell
Number of Pages: 355
Format: Paperback
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Description: From Melbourne’s
gleaming skyscrapers to its throbbing nightclubs, Riley Jenson’s world
is raging with danger and desire. A drop-dead-gorgeous werewolf–with a
touch of vamp coursing in her blood–Riley works for an organization
created to police the supernatural races. But when she wakes up naked
and bruised in a barren alley, she knows only that she must run for her
life.
Within moments Riley collides with the sexiest man she’s
ever seen: steely, seductive Kade, who is fighting a life-and-death
battle of his own. With old lovers and enemies gathering around her,
Riley knows she is being pursued by a new kind of criminal. Because in
Riley’s blood is a secret that could create the ultimate warrior–if only
she can survive her own dangerous desires….
I was a little hesitant to read this book, since I wasn't that fond of the first one. But I did enjoy the first one enough to give it a second chance. I ended up loving it, and the issues I had with the first didn't even bother me in this one. Perhaps it has something to do with I felt like the sex was toned down and I felt like there was more of a plot in this one.
Riley wakes up in what looks like a government training facility, with no memory of how she got there or for the past 8 days for that matter. Getting help from another captive, a shifter name Kade they end up escaping. But the danger is far from over. And with Riley's luck with her loves lately, Kade isn't exactly who he says he is. Add to the mix that Quinn is back, and the only way to get answers is to hook back up with Misha; one of her old lovers that used her in the last book. I really adored Kade, and hoping to see a lot more of him in future books. Even with her life in constant danger she does manage to meet a new werewolf, Kellen who just happens to be a hot alpha.
In the first book I was shipping Riley and Quinn kind of hard. But in this book...it just wasn't there. All I wanted Riley to do was to tell him off and tell him it's not going to happen. Even though it wouldn't work out, I wanted to see Riley with Kade.
The ending was sad. I really liked Misha and had a soft spot for him. Even though Riley says she didn't/doesn't love him, I felt like she did in some way, even it was just loving him as a friend.
Rating: 4/5
Unravelling (Unravelling #1) by Elizabeth Norris
Publication date: June 7th, 2012
Publisher: Harper Collins
Number of pages: 445
Format: Paperback
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Description: 24 meets the X Files in the biggest teen blockbuster of the summer…
STOP THE COUNTDOWN. SAVE THE WORLD…
Leaving the beach, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit head on by a pickup truck.
And killed.
Then
Ben Michaels, resident stoner, is leaning over her. And even though it
isn’t possible, she knows Ben somehow brought her back to life…
Meanwhile,
Janelle’s father, a special agent for the FBI, starts working on a case
that seems strangely connected to Ben. Digging in his files, Janelle
finds a mysterious device – one that seems to be counting down to
something that will happen in 23 days and 10 hours time.
That
something? It might just be the end of the world. And if Janelle wants
to stop it, she’s going to need to uncover Ben’s secrets – and keep from
falling in love with him in the process…
Unravelling is one of those books where you just know before you even open up the book that you're going to love it.
At least, that's what happened to me. Just even going by the description of the plot, it sounded so mysterious and intriguing, that I could not love it.
Janelle was normal. As normal as someone can be with a father in the FBI. But everything changes when she gets hit by a truck and left for dead.
But then, the next thing she sees is a boy standing over her... a boy she doesn't even associate with, because he isn't in her 'crowd' starts to do something to her.
The next moment, she is alive.
Everyone seems to think it was a miracle, but Janelle... has a feeling there is more to it than that. There has to be because she knows, she died. And how can someone... anyone bring back someone that was dead? It was impossible... right?
Ben Michaels. Ah, I loved him. The mysterious boy at the beach. Who wouldn't love someone like him saving your life, even if that life has now changed and will forever be different than what it was before.
As Janelle finds herself involved in his life, she starts to see things differently, and the moment she discovers the secret that he and his group of friends are keeping, that realization will bring her whole world crashing down on her.
Soon after she recovers, Janelle discovers a device that seems to be ticking down to something occurring in 23 days. She has no idea what it is, but whatever it is, it can't be good.
I felt like this novel was a mixture between Fringe, Roswell and the X-Files. I was absolutely glued to each page and had to know what was going to happen next.
It was addicting, enticing and a page turner.
One of the things I loved about this book was the story between Janelle and Ben. I was sucked in. I loved their history and their relationship throughout the entire book. It was beautiful, sweet and yet also heartbreaking. It was something that was always meant to be, ever since... well, a long time.
I look forward to the sequel to this book. I can't wait to discover more of this world...and where Ben and Janelle's relationship goes next.
The Glimpse by Claire Merle
Publication date: June 7th, 2012
Publisher: Faber &Faber
Number of pages: 432
Format: Paperback
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Description: In a near future,
society is segregated according to whether people are genetically
disposed to mental illness. 17-year-old Ana has been living the
privileged life of a Pure due to an error in her DNA test. When the
authorities find out, she faces banishment from her safe Community, a
fate only thwarted by the fact that she has already been promised to
Pure-boy Jasper Taurell.
Jasper is from a rich and influential
family and despite Ana’s condition, wants to be with her. The
authorities grant Ana a tentative reprieve. If she is joined to Jasper
before her 18th birthday, she may stay in the Community until her
illness manifests. But if Jasper changes his mind, she will be cast out
among the Crazies. As Ana’s joining ceremony and her birthday loom
closer, she dares to hope she will be saved from the horror of the City
and live a ‘normal’ life. But then Jasper disappears.
Led to
believe Jasper has been taken by a strange sect the authorities will not
intefere with, Ana sneaks out of her well-guarded Community to find him
herself. Her search takes her through the underbelly of society, and as
she delves deeper into the mystery of Jasper’s abduction she uncovers
some devastating truths that destroy everything she has grown up to
believe.
You live in a world where everyone is tested by their DNA. To determine whether you will get sick, which would pass onto to potential children. They are separated into Pures and the Crazies.
After living her whole life thinking she was a Pure, Ana discovers a shocking secret her father had been keeping her from. A mistake he had made, but it is also one that could change Ana's entire life in her community.
Ana was meant to be joined with fellow Pure, Jasper, but when suddenly he goes missing and nowhere to be seen, people start to suspect the worse: He has been kidnapped.
Ana takes it upon herself to try track down her missing mate-to-be, unable to handle not knowing what has happened to him, but to do this, she knows she has to leave the safe and guarded community she has known almost her entire life. She has to go into the unknown.... the place where the 'Crazies' are known to live. Sure its a risk, but what other choice she does have?
This journey takes her on something so completely unexpected. New friends and relationships starts t form, and Ana realizes the true meaning of true love. Its the kind that will get her in trouble, but also one she can't live without.
Can Ana locate Jasper and discover the truth of what really happened? Or is he, and she also, lost to everyone forever?
I was captivated by this book. I absolutely loved the world that Claire built. Just when I think I have read them all, something comes along and changes my whole perspective.
The characters in this book all add something unique to the setting and to Ada. Whether its love, or friendship, or family. They are all tied together and brings out something special.
The relationship between Ana and Cole was fascinating to watch. But I also liked her relationship with Jasper. I kinda shipped them both I think, but story-wise and character, going through the book, you know which relationship will last and which one.
Both boys have their own qualities about themselves, but I think, I wish we had seen more of Jasper, because its like he wasn't given a chance in terms of Ana's feelings. Its like.. when things started to begin, he gets kidnapped... and end of story.
The end is sure of a cliffhanger, and I look forward to the conclusion to this duet, and see how everything starts to unfold.
Rating: 4 out of 5
At Grave's End (Night Huntress #3) by Jeaniene Frost
Publication Date: January 1, 2009
Publisher: Avon
Number of Pages: 342
Format: Paperback
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Description: It should be the best
time of half-vampire Cat Crawfield’s life. With her undead lover Bones
at her side, she’s successfully protected mortals from the rogue undead.
But though Cat’s worn disguise after disguise to keep her true identity
a secret from the brazen bloodsuckers, her cover’s finally been blown,
placing her in terrible danger.
As if that wasn’t enough, a
woman from Bones’s past is determined to bury him once and for all.
Caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vamp, yet determined to help
Bones stop a lethal magic from being unleashed, Cat’s about to learn the
true meaning of bad blood. And the tricks she’s learned as a special
agent won’t help her. She will need to fully embrace her vampire
instincts in order to save herself—and Bones—from a fate worse than the
grave.
Cat's like couldn't get better. Everything seems to be falling in place. But even with different hair and eye colors, Cat's cover is being blown too often. But when they use another vampire as bait, it could be a deadly mistake.
I love this series. And can't believe it took me this long to continue with the series. There were a few surprises along the way. Tate wanting to turn into a vampire? So did not see that one coming. I do find it ironic that he agreed to it and to Bones turning him. And you can always count on Justine and Bones to bring some hilarious scenes. And even though Bones and Cat got married vampire style in the last book, him actually proposing to her and wanting to give her an actual wedding made my heart swell up. Their happiness is short lived though. When Bones doesn't make it back from a mission, and is presumed dead Cat's world falls apart.
Vlad, a new character has to be my new favorite. I can't get enough of this series or even Bones and Cat. I can't wait to catch up with the series.
Rating: 4/5
Endless (Violet Eden Chapters #4) by Jessica Shirvington
Publication date: August 28th, 2012
Publisher: Hachette
Number of pages: 446
Format: Paperback
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Description: Love will kill us all.
Angels
are real. They aren't always kind. Violet Eden is certain of all this
because she is Grigori - part angel, part human. She has felt the
influence of both light and dark.
When Hell unleashes its worst,
Violet must embrace every facet of her angel self to save the people
she cares about and the world as she knows it. But death is not the
worst thing that Violet will face. For her, the endless question 'Can
love conquer all?' will finally be answered.
I would say this is one of my favourite series in the Angel genre. And it's not because I am biast, with Jessica being a aussie like myself or anything, but I feel the world Jessica has created has been special and unique, which isn't easy when there has been so many stories all similar in one aspect or another. But somehow, she makes it unlike anything else out there, and I feel that is one of the thing that makes these books stand apart from everything else.
We begin right off from where 'Emblaze' left off, with that bloody darn cliffhanger. We had to wait a year between books with something like that. I don't know how I survived it, to be honest. It only made you want to know what was going to happen next.
I won't say what the cliffhanger was, for those that have yet to read Emblaze, and don't want something, which I feel is a game changer spoiled. I guess that's something you have to consider when publications aren't up to date with one another, and in this case... it's the US that is a tad behind.
Violet's life isn't any easier in this book. She sure has had her share of bad days, and they keep on coming.
She and her friends are instructed to head to New York, to go face to face with the council of the Grigori, after what happened in Jordan. The reprecussions of the events that happened there have not gone over well with the elders, should we say.
Not only does Violet have to prove herself to them, to show that she is indeed 'one of them', but they soon have their hands full dealing with an unexpected turn of events that transpires, and Violet and her friends need to decide the right course of action to take before anyone else gets hurt, or worse.
The much complicated relationship between Violet and Lincoln only becomes even more complicated, if that's even possible. But it is also even more beautiful, honest and heartbreaking than ever before. There are some amazing moments between the two of them that will make your heart roar, but other times, some moments just make your heart ache because they are hurting from not able to be with one another.
I'm sure Jessica doesn't do it on purpose, but the things she puts these two through is so heartwrenching, but I expect a payoff eventually... but thankfully there are more books to come, because the cliffhanger? Yeaaah... its one I wouldn't wish to be for a final book in a series. But its also one that makes you learn for more, and wonder what will happen next.
There are so many crazy things that happen in this book. I'd say.. it's one of my favourite books in the series. Many reveals get put in the open. New relationships form.. and maybe old ones as well. And after the story is done, you can sit back... and things will start to make sense, as in things that you thought you knew, but after finding out new information.. you start to get a whole new vibe to it.
I guess I should mention Phoenix, eh?
Well... of course he is in this book, probably more than the other books, well maybe except for Embrace, which I think he is in quite a bit. But in this book, you discover a new layer to him, and he'll do things that you don't expect, but in a good way.
He is quite the character... and actually, I went from hating him in the previous book, to understanding him a bit more.. and I am not sure I would say I like him, but I feel and get him and his actions.
Lincoln is one of my favourite characters, and I love that we got to see more of him in this book, and get to know him a tad more than we might have before. Just when I thought I couldn't love him any more, I was wrong and he is there showing me things I didn't know, or even think about. The way he loves Violet is so real.. so raw and so passionate. I want a Lincoln... can I buy him somewhere?
Jessica needs to start working on the next book like now, because I need it in my hands, but I know we might have to wait a while, and I guess.. IF I have to, I'll wait.. but with that kind of ending? Damn --- I can't say it's going to be easy.
Jess does such an amazing job with this book, I could not put it down. So many feelings came out of it, I can only imagine it couldn't have been easy for her writing it.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Evermore (The Immortals #1) by Alyson Noel
Publication Date: February 3, 2009
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Number of Pages: 301
Format: Paperback
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Description: The first book in Alyson Noël's extraordinary new Immortals seris. Enter an enchanting new world, where true love never dies...
After
a horrible accident claims the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old
Ever Bloom can see people's auras, hear their thoughts, and know
someone's entire life story by touching them. Going out of her way to
avoid human contact to suppress her abilities, she has been branded a
freak at her new high school — but everything changes when she meets
Damen Auguste.
Damen is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He's the
only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head -
wieling a magis so intense, it's as though he can peer straight into her
soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and
mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. And she has no
idea just who he really is - or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is that she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him.
Even a day after finishing the book, I'm not exactly sure how I completely feel about the book. Even though it was a quick read, I couldn't put it down anxious to see how everything is turning out. But I felt like the ending was just...I'm not sure of the word. But if I didn't know it was a series I would of thought it was a stand a lone book.
Meet Ever. Blonde hair, blue eyes, cheerleader, and popular. But that was the old Ever. A car accident had claimed her whole family, except for her. She got to lived while they all died. Now not only does Ever see everyone's auras and can hear their thoughts, one touch from a person and she knows their life story.
I liked Ever, but I didn't love her. She did annoyed me at some points in the story. She could of easily take care of Stacia and Honor, but she didn't. And what is with all the odd names in the book? The only friends she has are Haven and Miles. I loved Miles. I think he was one of my favorite characters. Haven kind of annoyed me. Even though Ever consider her her best friend, I got the feeling they were more of frienemies than actual friends.
And you can't have a YA romance story without someone wanting to stand in the way. Enter Damen's psycho ex, or well technically his wife. I was a little disappointed towards the end. I wanted to know more about Damen and Drina past. And more about Ever's past lives. But Damen refuse to let Ever get away from her this time.
I was stuck on how to rate this book. The end was kind of dragging on a little bit for me. And I thought we were get more information on The Immortals. But I really did like the book. And curious what the others have in store.
Rating: 4/5
Pleasure Unbound (Demonica #1) by Larissa Ione
Publication Date: July 1, 2008
Publisher: Forever
Number of Pages: 391
Format: Paperback
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Description: In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life . . .
She's
a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure-but fears it will
always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by
demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn
with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers,
she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.
Two lovers will dare to risk all.
Eidolon
cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage
and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well
be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his
need for the truth and his quest to find his perfect mate before a
horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the
unthinkable-and let Tayla possess him, body and soul . . .
My friends have been hounding me for months to start to read this series. I finally gave in and read the first one. And now I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I'm sure you've heard Fifty Shades of Grey has been described as book porn. E.L. James need to read this and take notes. Not only did I need a cold shower during most of the book, I needed one by the end of the third chapter.
This book has it all; romance, sexy scenes, a mystery to solve, and humor. A demon and a demon hunter falling in love? You know the plot is going to be amazing. And the relationship between Eidolon and his brothers? You are going to laugh your ass off. These are the kind of books I love to read, the ones where they keep you laughing through the whole thing. There are even a few twists that will make your jaw drop.
If you love steamy love scenes, romance, and the supernatural; then this book is a must for you. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Rating: 5/5
