Review: The Girl with the windup heart by Kady Cross

The Girl with the Windup Heart (Steampunk chronicles, #4) by Kady Cross
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication date: May 27th, 2014
Number of pages: 400 pages
Format: E-galley via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

In 1897 London, a final showdown is about to begin.

London's underworld is no place for a young woman, even one who is strong, smart and part-automaton like Mila. But when master criminal Jack Dandy inadvertently breaks her heart, she takes off, determined to find an independent life, one entirely her own. Her search takes her to the spangled shadows of the West End's most dazzling circus.

Meanwhile, taken captive in the Aether, Griffin King is trapped in an inescapable prison, and at the mercy of his archenemy, The Machinist. If he breaks under the hellish torment, The Machinist will claim his powers and control of the Aether itself, and no one in either world will be safe-especially not Finley Jayne and her misfit band of friends.

Finley plunges headlong into the Aether the only way she knows how, by temporarily dying. But she cannot parry The Machinist's maneuvers for long. To defeat him for good, Griffin will have to confront his greatest fear and finally come face-to-face with the destructive power he wields.

In the epic finale of this fantastic steampunk series, comes a fantastic story sure to please the most loyal of readers.

After all his flirtations, dirty dealings and escapades, Jack Dandy finally has met his match, and gets his story told. With Mila she is every bit his match, the piece to the puzzle finally being placed together. You'll swoon at their moments. It's romantic, daring and all-round satisfying, not just for these characters, but also the series in itself.

Kady Cross really has come so far with this story, characters and the overall story and I could not have been any more happier to see where each of these characters have ended up.
If someone told me a few years ago that I would be enjoying a story on steampunk I'd have told them they were crazy. It never seemed to be something I thought I would like, but then comes along this story (and also Cassandra Clare's 'The Infernal Devices') and I'm hooked. I was so fascinated with this whole genre that it has taken a place amongst one of my most enjoyable genres within the literary world.

Not only do we get to see Jack's journey and romance, but we also get to see the final continuation of my favourite couple in this series, Griffin and Finley. These two have come such a long way since 'The Girl in the Steel Corset' and I couldn't be more pleased with how things had progressed from start to finish between the two of them. They have been through so much, not just as a couple, but as characters, individuals.

This is a series that will forever be in my mind and one I wouldn't mind re-reading from time to time. This is my love letter to these characters.

Thanks to Harlequin for giving me this opportunity to review this in exchange of an honest review.

Review: The Cracks in the Kingdom by Jaclyn Morarity

Time slides around the world so strangely ...

It's not easy being Princess Ko.

Her family is missing, taken to the World through cracks in the Kingdom, which were then sealed tightly behind them.

Now Princess Ko is running the Kingdom, and war is looming.

To help her find her family, she gathers a special group of teens, including Elliot Baranski of the Farms. He's been writing secret letters to a Girl-in-the World named Madeleine Tully - and now the Kingdom needs her help.

Madeleine and Elliot must locate the missing royals, convince them of their true identities, and figure out how to unlock the dangerous cracks between the Kingdom and the World.

All before their enemies can stop them

Have you ever imagined if there could be another world parallel to own? Whether there could be just a crack in the distance that would split each of the worlds. This is the case for Madeline and Elliot, who live in different worlds; but yet only a crack away from touching.

The way Jaclyn has created this story is just so unlike anything I've ever heard it. It brings something new and special to the table.  A world so enticing, and adventurous that all you want to do is know more about it.
This is the second book to this thrilling saga and Jaclyn does not pull any punches in terms of surprises and unexpected twists.  Elliot and Madeline find themselves teaming up to stretch their little crack a bit further in an attempt to basically break it open.  Elliot has been given the task in helping to find the missing royal family, who is in the normal world but yet have no idea who they are and whether they are from someplace else.

That's not the only thing Elliot has on his hands, because on top of finding the Royal Family, he is also working on finding his father, who has also disappeared. The two mysteries become even more interesting as the story unfolds. He is a young boy with so much to deal with... is there a point where it could all become too much?  It certainly would be understandable if he decides he can't do both things without unravelling himself.

Madeline's life hasn't become any easier either. Between her friends, who discover the secret she and Elliot share, to her relationship with her mother, whom has basically come back from the brink of death.  The letters she and Elliot continue to pass between one another seems to be the only thing keeping them together.  Although, even that simple thing gets a bit too much for them both when the situation with the Royal Family arises to be a bit too much to handle... can their friendship survive, or were they always meant to part ways when they no longer needed one another?

This was a thrilling installment, which might be even better than the first. It brings in friendship, secrets, drama, action and heartbreak.
The friendship between our two characters seem to be changing every time, and it's a matter of how much they are willing to go on until everything is changed to the point of no return.

I absolutely love this story and cannot wait until the third, next year!  Oh why do we have to wait so long? I don't do well with waiting.

A BIG thank you to Pan Macmillian Australia for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.  I must apologise for the delay... it seems I had to take a break in regards to blogging for a while.. but hopefully I am back now.

Review: Witch Finder by Ruth Warburton

Witch Finder  (Witch Finder, #1) by Ruth Warburton
Publisher: Hoddler
Publication date: January 2nd, 2014
Number of pages: 374 pgs
Format: Kindle E-Galley via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

London. 1880. In the slums of Spitalfields apprentice blacksmith Luke is facing initiation into the Malleus Maleficorum, the fearsome brotherhood dedicated to hunting and killing witches.

Luke’s final test is to pick a name at random from the Book of Witches, a name he must track down and kill within a month, or face death himself. Luke knows that tonight will change his life forever. But when he picks out sixteen-year-old Rosa Greenwood, Luke has no idea that his task will be harder than he could ever imagine.

I've always loved stories that involved witches and magic. I had been looking forward to Ruth's new series for a while as I adored her previous witch series.
The setting of this story was set in the past, the 1800's to be exact, which I think I must have forgotten at first, but it was easily remembered while reading.

The fact it was also set in London in such a historical time was too good to pass up. I was curious to see how witches and magic would be dealt with during this time period, as if it were in the US it wouldn't have been treated well --  lets remember the Salem Witch trials, shall we?

While this book didn't blow me away, I did enjoy the story for what it was. The two characters were interesting, different but in other ways, the same.
Luke's journey was interesting. He was tasked to finding and killing one witch as part of his trials to be accepted into the brotherhood.  Rosa is a young witch who has no idea what she is about to get herself into.
They may have different POVS and journeys, but soon those gaps begin to close when their paths cross and their lives become entertwined.
I really liked these two. They don't have things easy.. as they both go through things that are difficult, but the closer they find themselves, the less they find to hate each other.

There was some interesting mythology involved in this story. If there was one thing I wish.. it would be that the ending would have packed more of a punch.  But while I have some complaints, it was still a fun and enjoyable story that I feel is only just the beginning.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hoddler for the chance to review this in an exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3.5

Crash into You by Katie McGarry

Crash into You (Pushing the Limits, #3) by Katie McGarry
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Publication date: December 1st, 2013
Number of pages: 464 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | The Book Depository

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind.

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look.

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

There is nothing that Katie McGarry cannot do. I don't say this about many YA contemporary authors, mainly because I am very hesitant when it comes to this genre. Not every author can pull off an amazing story that sucks me in every time. Katie can do that. Every time.
She is definitely on my Must-read list. I have all the faith in the world when it comes to her and to this series. When I got the opportunity to review this title from Harlequin Australia, I could not pass up the chance to score an early copy and discover Isaiah's story. I badly wanted him to have happiness after the stuff he had been through with Beth, which did not end very nice at all.

 When things pick up, Isaiah is determined to find a way to gather some money for the place he and Noah live in, otherwise things are about to go to hell. He'll have to go back to Beth's aunt's and Noah will live in the dorms on campus. He'll do anything not to go back there, not since Beth...
He only sees one option. To race again, but when he makes a deal he can't get out of, he is determined to make the best of it, until a girl turns up at the race and he makes a deal to protect her.
Isaiah has six weeks to come up with what is needed, otherwise, there will be hell to pay.. and he'll refuse to let anything come to this girl.

Rachel goes to the best school, comes from a wealthy family and has to put up appearances for her family. She tries to be the best daughter she can be, but there is only so much she can fake. This is why she loves speed and racing her car. It takes her away from life, to a place where she can be who she wants to be.
But the moment she agrees to race in a street race, everything changes. Not only does she owes a debt to the owner of the race, but a rough around the edges guy named Isaiah has taken the debt on for himself, and together they will have to try raise the money before the deadline.  But what happens in six weeks can change their lives forever...

I have to say ---  I loved Noah's book.  I really liked Beth and Ryan's, but.. MY GOD.  This book? My favourite, no doubt about it.  I have always adored Isaiah. I wanted him to find love and happiness. I wanted him to take control over his life and find some resolution. He find the things he wants most in life.  THIS BOOK ...  has it all.  Not only is his relationship with Rachel just beautiful. But he is so flawed, so vulnerable and takes things on himself. He has so much inside of him that just makes you want to go and hug him.
He and Rachel are just made for one another.  They have so much in common, minus the part about their backgrounds and pasts. But they are both troubled, damaged in some way or another. They both love cars and racing. And other things.
They are like two peices of a puzzle slowly connecting into place. Two halves of a whole finally coming together where they belong.

We meet some newcomers who, some I adored, like Rachel's twin, Ethan and West. Then she has other brothers who are a bit older, but were understandable and I liked by the end.
Her brothers have this protectiveness over her that was kind of adorable. Nothing I wouldn't expect from older brothers for their younger sister, especially when boys are involved. Along with some friends of Isaiah's, this was a page-turner from the very first page.
Bring on the next installment. I will be so there.

5 Stars

Review: Champion by Marie Lu

Champion (Legend, #3) by Marie Lu
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: November 5th, 2013
Number of pages: 353 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | The Book Depository

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

CHAMPION is the final conclusion to Marie Lu's 'Legend' trilogy and it ends with a blast. After the end of Prodigy, I wasn't sure where Marie Lu would go with Champion. There was always that uncertainty, of the unknown to where she would end such a series. I had been so excited for this book to the point that I'm pretty sure I went to the bookstore like five or more times to see if the book had come in yet. I hated that it took almost a week for the bookstore to receive the books, and was so delirious when I finally had it in my hands.
I, of course dropped anything I was reading at the time to focus on this book at hand. Nothing was as important as me reading this final installment.
I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen to both Day and June, and what would become of them by the end of this conclusive novel.

I have loved the dual POV for Day and June. They both have separate stories and slowly they found them connecting toward one another. There was of course, a time jump in between Prodigy and Champion which was close to a year, I think. They both were a little older and wiser, doing the things that needed to be done.
June was working for Anden, and Day was on the other side of the country doing other kind of work, also with his brother. He was also getting treatment for his illness, something which June still had no idea about.
The fact she didn't know just broke me heart, but I knew there was only a matter of time before they were reunited and she would discover the truth.  When that moment came, my heart went out to the both of them. June having to know that that the love of her life was dying and there was nothing that she could do about it.  
Day hating to be apart from her, didn't want to burden her with this news. But when June asks Day to come to the Republic, that is when things really begin.

There is a war going on and Day is the only thing that may help in succeeding in helping the country win. If not, well, they are all in deep trouble.  This is an action-packed adventure, full of twists and surprises. With heartbreaking confessions and things you did not expect.

Love triangle, anyone? I know some people felt Prodigy was the beginning of one, but let me clear this up for you. It is non existent. It was not there before, and in this book, it is not there here as well. The love between Day and June belong with Day and June.  There was nothing happening with anyone else, and if after this book you are unsure of that, then I think we read two completely different books.
The feelings. Love between these two is so beautiful, heartbreakingly, flawless. One of the best love stories executed so well. There is nobody else for them but each other.   Don't believe me?  Okay....

“You drive me insane June. You're the scariest, most clever, bravest person I know, and sometimes I can't catch my breath because I'm trying so hard to keep up. There will never be another like you. You realize that, don't you? Billions of people will come and go in this world, but there will never be another like you.”

until the day we meet again I will hold you in my heart and protect you there, grieving what we never had, cherishing what we did. I wish you were here. I love you, always.”

“Please don't take him away from this world. Please don't let him die here in my arms, not after everything we've been through together, not after You've taken so many others. Please, I beg You, let him live. I am willing to sacrifice anything to make this happen- I'm willing to do anything You ask. Maybe you'll laugh at me for such a naive promise, but I mean it in earnest, and I don't care if it makes no sense or seems impossible. Let him live. Please. I can't bear this a second time. "

He takes two steps away from me and then turns back like a caged animal. "Do you even love me?" he suddenly asks. He grips both of my shoulders. "I’ve said it to you before, and I still mean it. But I’ve never hear it form you. I can’t tell. And then you give me this ring" —he pauses to hold his hand up— "and I don’t know what to think anymore."
He draws closer, until I feel his lips against my ear. My entire body trembles. “Do you have any idea?” he says in a soft, broken, hoarse whisper. “Do you know how…how badly I wish…”
He pulls away long enough to look me desperately in the eyes. “If you don’t love me, just say it— you have to help me. It’d probably be for the best. I’d make it easier to stay away from you, wouldn’t it? I can let go.” He says it like he’s trying to convince himself. “I can let go, if you don’t love me.”
He says this as if he thinks I’m the stronger one. But I’m not. I can’t keep this up any better than he can. “No,” I say through gritted teeth and blurry vision. “I can’t help you. Because I do love you.” There it is, out in the open. “I’m in love with you,” I repeat.

Okay I should stop now with the quotes before I end up bawling on the floor. You get the picture now, right?

Back to the book...*deep breath*.  Throughout the series these characters have been through so much, done so much and they are so very young. Nobody should have to go through the things they have over the past three books. But they have and it has made them stronger by the end of it, in some way or another. They both have changed, in different ways than they were when we first started this series. I do not regret this story for a moment, if anything it will forever live on in my heart as being one of the best epic of proportions, once-in-a-lifetime trilogies which makes you feel a whole lot of emotions. These characters move into your heart and stay there.
Day and June. Nobody else like them nor ever will be. I admire them so much. From their bravery, to their honesty and the way they love. So intensely, passionately and wholely. They are beautiful characters and I would recommend this series to the world if possible.

The way this story ends felt so natural. It's not picture perfect. It's not your typical happily ever after ending, nor is it a heartbreaking one.  It was very highly satisfying, full of hope and promise and a happy one, just a little differently than we might have first thought.
I can't see anyone not liking the ending. There are certainly worse endings as you all know, so to have this series end in such a way is a relief,  and done so beautifully, in character with the point of things to come.

I feel satisfied and happy to leave these characters to carry on with their lives. Knowing they will be okay now. There will come a time when I will revisit them with re-reads of this series. But all in all, I could not have found a better ending to an amazing series. I applaud Marie Lu.  You now have a fan for life.

5  MILLION stars

Review: Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz

Frozen (Heart of Dread, #1) by Melissa de la Cruz  & Michael Johnston
Publisher: Putnam
Publication date: September 17th, 2013
Number of pages: 336 pgs
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.

At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she's heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.

But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.

Frozen is something that's been in the works for quite a while, Melissa and her husband co-authored this and it was fabulous. Melissa's first try at Dystopia and it has worked so well.
It's different from anything else, which is not an easy thing to accomplish when you have so much dystopian things out there and it's not easy to find something that hasn't been done before.

Natasha, otherwise known as Nat lives in New Vegas, which is basically old Vegas but is now covers in ice. She works as a blackjack dealer at one of the casinos, but longs for something more. There is a rumor about a place that is glorious. There is free-flowing water, no ice, food and basically her version of heaven.  The question is, how does one get there, and if it does exist, is it worth risking her life to find this place? She doesn't have much to lose at this point..

Nat discovers there is a group of rebels who know a way to get to the Blue, and the leader of the group is, Ryan. They connect instantly, but she doesn't understand what she is feeling for him, although she can't let it affect her because her main purpose is to find this place, and that's it. She finds herself able to trust Ryan and she can't figure out why, since she hardly even knows him. She'll have to work out what is between them, and if it is worth exploring. The closer they get to her drop off point, Nat grows close to the group to the point they start to feel like her friends, if not, family.

This is told in dual POV. Ryan and Nat. It's interesting to see their journeys toward one another. But this is not about the romance. This story is so much more. The world building is fascinating, although I am not surprised since Melissa de la Cruz is great at building up great stories.  I have loved most of her books in the mythology genres, and so it's only natural this was going to be just as wonderful as the rest.

There is so much potential for this series. I can't wait until book 2, to see where the journey takes both these characters, and this world they are in.

An action packed adventure that people will sure to love. Make sure you get your hands on this book ASAP. It's not to be missed.

4.5 Stars

Review: Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards

Phoenix (Black City, #2) by Elizabeth Richards
Publisher: Putnam
Publication date: June 4th, 2013
Number of pages: 368 pgs
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Ash and Natalie are just starting to build a life together when things in the United Sentry States go from bad to worse. Ash and Natalie find themselves at the center of turmoil when dictator Purian Rose threatens Natalie’s life unless Ash votes in favor of Rose’s Law—a law that will send Darklings and other dissenters to a deadly concentration camp known as the Tenth.

When Ash can’t bring himself to trade Natalie’s life for those of millions of Darklings, her fate is sealed. Enter Elijah Theroux, the handsome Bastet boy Natalie once saved from her mother’s labs, where he’d been experimented on and tortured. It was his venom the Sentry used to create the lethal Golden Haze, the heart of the government conspiracy that led to Black City’s uprising and Ash’s rebirth as the Phoenix, the face of the rebellion. Elijah is back and Ash doesn’t like him; it’s clear he’s taken with Natalie, and Ash fears she may have feelings for him as well.

But Elijah also may have the answer to taking down Purian Rose for good—a powerful weapon called the Ora. Ash, Natalie and Elijah just have to escape Black City undetected to find it. But fleeing the city and finding this weapon (if it even exists) are easier said than done, and the quest could tear Ash and Natalie apart, even pushing them into the arms of others.

In July this year I had the pleasure of discovering this fantastic series. I picked up Black City by random while I was in Sydney after my cruise and adored it. I wasn't sure how Phoenix was going to top that, but I couldn't wait to read it and discover what exactly happens after the end of BC.

I absolutely love the way Elizabeth Richards narrates this story with the multiple POV with Ash and Natalie. It works and makes sense in the scope of the story. While they may be together they have different stories going on in between one another, so to understand what the other is going though it's natural to get inside their heads individually.

From the moment I began this book I knew it was going to be amazing, possibly even more so than the prior one, and I was absolutely correct. Phoenix takes everything Black City had and added so much more to it. More action, romance, angst, tension, issues and problems for everyone to deal with.
The story was riveting from start to finish, I had to know more and more. What was going to happen next? What was in store for Ash and Natalie?  Both characters have changed so much since Black City as they should given the things they were dealt and went through thus far.
Their relationship has gone from strength to strength, but not without some problems. Things aren't always rosey for these two love birds. They have relationship problems, communication problems and make stupid mistakes, that if they would communicate more they wouldn't have gone through the things they did.
But I guess it's all about the journey they have to go through that will make them stronger in the end, and I believe that was the purpose.
I wouldn't really say it was a triangle forming, because there is no doubt that Ash and Natalie love one another and nobody else, but sometimes, things get confused and make someone thinks something else. Or things happen that push them to other people, but I was glad that it was not as horrible as the blurb makes it out to be.

There was more action and rebellion type things in Phoenix. You also got to see more of the world, Elizabeth has built and understand why and how things are the way they are. There are different  species out there that gets talked about.  This is a book where the stakes get raised to a high extent and pushes the boundaries to a point where there is no going back.
This book gives us everything that makes a rebellion against Puritan Rose worthwhile, and understandable. It makes you hate him and his followers even more so.

I loved the romance between Ash and Natalie in this book. Black City was more about setting them up, with added complications, but Phoenix was more about what they would do for one another. Their love moved me. It was beautiful, hot, sweet and sincere. While they are bonded, that doesn't make their relationship get boring. No, they have obstacles in their past (namely a boy named Elijah), but not for one minute did they stop loving each other.  There was scenes that were angsty and I just wanted to force them together, there was scene when I wanted to tear up. These two are meant to be, and not because they have to be, but rather because they want to be together ---  that every fibre in their being just yearns for one another, plain and simple.

I look forward to the conclusion to this series. HURRY UP. I want it now. I can't wait to see how everything is concluded. Not only for Ash and Natalie, but also for the rebellion and Puritan Rose. This was an exciting read. Surpasses it's predecessor.

5 Stars

Review: Countdown by Michelle Rowen

Countdown by Michelle Rowen
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Publication date: October 1st, 2013
Number of pages: 325 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository | Bookworld Australia


2 pawns thrown into a brutal underground reality game. 

Kira Jordan survived her family's murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis.

1 reason Kira will never, ever trust Rogan. Even though both their lives depend on it.

Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira's psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan's secrets prove evermore deadly, Kira's only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can't escape.

Game Over.

Kira Jordan lives in a world where most of earth has been wiped out due to a virus killing 60% of the population. Those that did survive left and moved on to other places, and the cities became abandonded with barely no life left. A special place was then opened up with the best kind of life possible. You could have the perfect life, but only if you are chosen, or have enough money or/and connections to be able to get there.
This is something Kira has always wanted, but never has yet to be able to achieve. After her family was murdered a few years ago, and instead of being forced into foster care, she has chosen life on the streets. She has to use her looks to get what she wants, whatever they may be, and it worked... until one day, she woke up in a cell beside infamous Rogan Ellis.

The two of them find themselves in the middle of a do or die game. To get from one level to another, and if you manage to succeed and win, you just may get something you have always craved for.
In order to win, Kira knows she has to trust Rogan enough to help them survive throughout the levels, with the clock ticking down, it's now or never.

I really loved Kira. She had street smarts after being alone for so long. She has learned to be able to take care of herself after the deaths of her parents. She is rough, resourceful, yet honest, caring and vulnerable. She is also human, so she tends to get scared and not as brave on the inside as she may claim, and while that might be a flaw, I just think it's only natural and makes her human.
The things she had to go through ---  I'm not sure if I could have survived it, but she did. She has never given up no matter how much the past few years has taken a toll.

Rogan I also liked from the get go.  He has those bad boy looks with secrets hidden away. He also has been through many things over the past few years. While he may come from a rich family, not everything is as it seems at first, especially when you begin to understand him fully.
Rogan is just as broken, as been through just as much as Kira, and the two of them make a great pair, together and separate.
I loved seeing them interact. There is some chemistry between them that is noticable instantly, but Kira doesn't trust him, not properly at first, and with good reason. But even there are things either of them don't quite understand in the beginning.
Secrets come to light, layers get pulled back and reveal so much about Rogan, and also about Kira that just make them even more great characters.

Countdown is a suspenseful and exciting story, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen next.
With a mystery, family values, secrets and twist, this was a fabulous story.
I loved every part of this book. One of my favourite reads this year.  I urge you to pick this up and check it out for yourself.

This is a stand alone, but it was also sad to say goodbye to these two characters.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for allowing me this book for an honest review.

5 Stars

Review: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

The Dream Thieves (Raven Cycle, #2) by Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication date: September 5th, 2013
Number of pages: 450 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after...

If you had read The Raven Boys, then you are sure to adore this one. The Raven Boys saga is unlike anything I have read before. It is definitely more of a slow build because there is so much mythology and it's complicated plots and character developments. It was one of the most interesting books I had read in a long time.

Skip a year and we have the sequel -- The Dream Thieves. It is very easily known it is focused on a Raven Boy in particular, Ronan. In the first book he was always this person who you never knew very much about, but that there was something more to him than meets the eye.
In The Dream Thieves, you begin to understand who he is, how he came to be this way, and his family life. His relationship with his two brothers, and his history with his parents. It's not the easy family life that's for sure, but there is something about him that sets him apart from any of his friends.
There are also some surprising bits of information about Ronan that you may or may not have known before, and maybe after reading this it may make sense.

I felt this book was more about personal character development than it was about the mystery of Glendower. That was probably my only disappointment.. that there was not more progress in that area, but  I've no doubt book three will dig back into that whole plot, especially with the end of this one. It leaves you on a cliffhanger that will make you ache  for the next book in the series right this moment. 2014 can't come soon enough for me.

We did get some progress when it comes to Blue and Gansey, which is another favourite part of mine. You begin to see how they end up in love in the future. There is one scene in particular toward the end of the book that will break your heart... that will make you want these to to have some happiness even though you know it's gonna end sadly. The two of them suddenly realize what may be burning between them just won't go away no matter how much they wish it to.

I can't not mention the other two players in this book. Adam and Noah. You don't see a lot of Noah, but it makes me wish for him to have some kind of peace, and I don't think that will happen until the boys find what they are looking for, and until then, he is gonna have to go along for the ride until he can be happy enough to settle into his afterlife.  Hasn't the boy been through enough? It makes me sad that these boys and Blue are the only things keeping him on this plane, his existence really.
Adam is a complicated one. He is also a proud boy who wants to earn things on his own terms, which is understandable really. From someone who comes from nothing he wants to be able to make his mark in the world. And while things may not work out with the girl he likes, I hope he does find some sort of happiness and success before the end of the series. I don't think he is a bad guy, just an unfortunate one who sometimes makes bad mistakes.

This was a great sequel to such a unique series with a complicated mythology and mystery attached to it.  If you have yet to check this out, go and do it.

Rating: 4.5/5

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
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

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: Fragments by Dan Wells

Fragments (Partials, #2) by Dan Wells
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication date: February 26th, 2013
Number of pages: 564 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Kira Walker has found the cure for RM, but the battle for the survival of humans and Partials is just beginning. Kira has left East Meadow in a desperate search for clues to who she is. That the Partials themselves hold the cure for RM in their blood cannot be a coincidence--it must be part of a larger plan, a plan that involves Kira, a plan that could save both races. Her companions are Afa Demoux, an unhinged drifter and former employee of ParaGen, and Samm and Heron, the Partials who betrayed her and saved her life, the only ones who know her secret. But can she trust them?

Meanwhile, back on Long Island, what's left of humanity is gearing up for war with the Partials, and Marcus knows his only hope is to delay them until Kira returns. But Kira's journey will take her deep into the overgrown wasteland of postapocalyptic America, and Kira and Marcus both will discover that their greatest enemy may be one they didn't even know existed.

The second installment in the pulse-pounding Partials saga is the story of the eleventh hour of humanity's time on Earth, a journey deep into places unknown to discover the means--and even more important, a reason--for our survival.

These books tend to be quite long, but I don't mind so much since they are highly interesting. This is the sequel to Partials and even more interesting than the first.
It's narrated by Kira and Marcus. They both go on their own fascinating and interesting journeys. We never really got the feel of who Marcus really was, but in this one, you can see there is so much more to him than love interest to Kira.

We also get a sense of the partials through different eyes, Marcus and begin to understand them a bit more than we did prior to this book. When something or someone is viewed through different people, you can see different observations and angles to them.

I think one of my favourite things was hearing from Samm's POV. It wasn't often, but it was delightful because I wasn't really a fan of him in Partials, but I came to a new understanding and appreciation from this book. Not only do you see that he has trouble with emotions and actions that makes certain things heartwrenching. I really enjoyed his interactions with Kira and I loved them more and more as you begin to see the start of something... just a tweek between the two of them. I would definitely approve.

With a dreaded cliffhanger, moments that will make you swoon, and action-packed adventure, this book is a worthy sequel to Partials.

I cannot wait until the conclusion to this series is in my hands ASAP.  I yearn to see how things come to an end for each and every character.

Rating: 4/5

Review: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer

Spirit (Elemental, #3) by Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher:  Allen & Unwin
Publication date: June 1st, 2013
Number of pages: 294 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He has learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can't seem to afford any allies.

He's up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.

Then there's Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She's not hostile. She's bold. Funny. Hot. But she's got an agenda, too.

With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down - which means he'll have to find someone he can trust.

POWER. ENEMIES. EVERYWHERE

This is the third book in the Elemental series and after Spark I couldn't wait to know more about Hunter. We were introduced to him in Storm, but at that point I didn't really like him all that much. He was coming in between Becca and Chris and I did not approve, aha. But I was curious about who he was and there was enough for me to continue to look forward to see if he would get happiness.

In Spirit, we discover there is more to Hunter than meets the eye. You think you know him. You don't. You think he isn't broken. He is. I was blown away by how much Kemmerer was also to affect me. I didn't expect to adore Hunter's story as much as the other two because I was in love with the Merricks and I wasn't sure how I would feel with this guy having his own book, but it totally worked because he is family.
In Spark he began to befriend Gabriel and even though the others didn't really like him because of certain things that went down in the first book, but when Michael Merrick takes a chance on him, that's all he needs.

Hunter has always been torn between what he has always been taught and what he feels deep in his heart. It's always been a US and THEM kind of thing. The Guide and then there is the Merricks. When a new girl takes an interest in him, he thinks he has found the one person who may take his mind of everything that has been happening. Unbeknowest to him, not everyone is as they seem. Her agenda may be more than texting the cute boy in class. It may be more about something far sinister than one might wish.
Meet Kate. She has a way of getting people relaxed enough to open up. I suppose she has her own secrets, and when she meets Hunter, she thinks she can use him to her advantage, but is she also prepared for falling for someone she shouldn't.. and what would the consequences of that might be?
Kate is a girl of mystery. She is bold and fearless. She and Hunter have more in common than he might realize, and when her story unravels, he may either want to duck and hide, or run. Or a third option? Trust your instincts because sometimes you have to have faith in someone rather than thinking they are one type of person.

I thought their relationship was definitely interesting and I supported it. There was times where I didn't like Kate or what she was doing, but I understood why, because there was a greater force behind her that makes her motives look like child play.
Hunter and Kate's relationship takes an interesting turn when they suddenly find themselves on the same side and have to decide how to go about surviving to the next day. Not everyone is as forgiving and understanding as she.

What I loved most about this book was how Hunter finally found the family he needs. It doesn't come easy, but I loved the way he has found himself in the hearts of the Merricks. Hunter is just as messed up as the rest of them, which means he would fit right in.
The way Michael Merrick handles Hunter, I feel Michael identifies himself with Hunter in some ways during his teenage years. He takes Hunter under his wing because he doesn't want to see his life worse than it already is.
When we get involved in his personal life and you see the way his family life is, well, it's easy to understand why he deserves so much better and by being around the Merricks makes him feel some sort of family. I wanted to reach out and hug him on more than one occasion. The things he has been through, the things he has had to endure just made my head spin. Every one is messed up and has issues in some form or another, but Hunter... Ugh.   His book just made me understand him like  I never did before.

Brigid Kemmerer also achieved one thing you don't often see in YA these days. A shock worthy event that I had to double check to make sure I was reading it right. She sure is not your typical YA author, and for that is actually a great thing. You never know what to expect or what she will do next. Her books keep you on edge. Just when you think you know... your world will be then turned upside down and you'll have no idea why.

I absolutely can't wait for book 4 in the series. I know it's gonna be Nick's book and that for sure is going to be interesting to say the very least.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Spark (Elemental, #2) by Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: October 1st, 2012
Number of pages: 350 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

EARTH. FIRE. AIR. WATER.

He could feel flames coming through the floor, looking for him. Sparks and ash rained down. He wasn't going to make it. He was going to fail. Again. Then a hand closed over his wrist and pulled, hard.

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. So when an arsonist wreaks havoc on his town all the signs point to Gabriel.

Layne is strangely drawn to him. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.

Gabriel can’t let Layne know that the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.

THE FUSE IS LIT…

FIRE. Hot guys. Strike a match. You're about to get hot!

I fell in love with this series starting with Chris's book and that took me long enough to read, for which I could slap myself for. I got around to reading this one and I could not have been any more pleased.

I adored Gabriel ever since the previous installment and couldn't wait to discover more about him and who would light his heart on fire.
His love interest I felt was perfect for him. Layne is someone in his class who helps him be better. Not just a twin to Nick, but someone all on his own. She makes him believe he can be his own person and be his own man who is capable of doing things just like anyone else.


I knew I would love anything about him, although I had no idea what would be in store for him. Not only did we discover oh SO much about who he is, but the book also dealt with his relationships with his brothers and Michael especially, who I felt they clashed so much because they were similar in ways they didn't want to acknowledge,
Gabriel had so many issues deep within himself he wasn't dealing with, and bit by bit, with the help of his newfound friendship (relationship?) with Layne, helped him come to grasp what he wanted out of his life and never to take anything or anyone for granted.
There were times in the book where I wanted to smack him, times where I wanted to hug him and reach to him. He is a complicated boy and more so than one would ever think in the beginning. He hardly shows how he really feels, but there are moments where you begin to understand him.

There was much progress as he begins to understand that he does not have to be a copycat of his perfect brother, Nick, but that he could be someone as well. He might screw up, but in the end, he means no harm and all wants is to be someone he doesn't feel he is worthy of being --- until Layne comes into his life.
Layne is the one driving force that makes him open up his eyes and appreciate the things he has. The people he has in his life, including his brothers, who are his best friends in the process. I loved their friendship and what grows into something so beautiful. It's interesting... he sees what Chris has with Becca and even though he may tease him for it, I don't think Gabriel ever thought he would have anything like that. He didn't think he was the sort who deserved anything more than he got.

I love these books because one thing they have going for them is character development. It was such a thing to witness to see Gabriel grow into this person who started out as someone different beforehand.

If you haven't read this series yet, GET A MOVE ON.  These books are not to be missed and you would not be disappointed.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Black City (Black City, #1) by Elizabeth Richards
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons BYR
Publication date: November 13th, 2012
Number of pages: 374 pgs
Format: Hardcover

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-old Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

AH. Black City. This has been a novel which I had heard many things about, mixed and I was a tad hesitant to read it, although I will always trust my own judgement first and foremost in the end.
I'm glad I did pick this book up when I was in Sydney after my cruise in July because it surprised me so much. I was shown that even those you were unsure about could appeal to you.
In this case, it did with me.

I loved the whole dual POV as it makes me think this is not just Natalie's story, nor is it Ash's.. It's both of their stories individually and together.
I loved them from the beginning and couldn't wait to discover what was exactly was happening. There was definitely shocks I did not see coming even though I was warned of one by a friend but had no idea just what it was. I felt in the end the shock ended up being for the best in the long run.

We're quickly introduced to our main characters, Ash and Natalie. While they come from two separate lives, their paths soon cross in an interesting and maybe predicable way. The rest, as they are is history.
We're dealt with a world where humans and darklings live separated from one another with a wall between them. It may be for protection or some other stupid reason, but I feel it made things worse than it did better. When Half-Darkling, Ash meets human, Natalie, daughter of the Emissar they find this connection forming between the two of them. Slowly, they fall in love. This may be Insta-love to some, but I quite liked it. As you go along in the story and things start to get revealed, you can understand that their bond is more than you might assume... that they really, are in love.  It is beautiful and pure and romantic and totally forbidden.

Soon, the two of then find themselves in the center of more attention than they may want or need. The things between them are much bigger than each of them and they may have to decide is their love worth ruining everything over. They have many decisions ahead of them. Many choices to make. Lots of questions and not many answers available.

This is a dystopian world with a twist. I loved how it was both paranormal and dystopian. Mixing both genres together was an interesting thing and it definitely worked.
I adored this book so much that when I discovered I couldn't find a paperback for book 2, I had to then buy both books in hardback right then and there. I was not one for waiting, and I actually am gonna start on Phoenix very soon.

I look forward to seeing the world and what happens in the second installment and what happens for our lovebirds. Will they be able to survive it all?

Rating: 4.5/5

 

Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass, #2) by Sarah J.Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Publication date: August 15th, 2013
Number of pages: 432 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Eighteen-year-old Celaena Sardothien is bold, daring and beautiful – the perfect seductress and the greatest assassin her world has ever known. But though she won the King’s contest and became his champion, Celaena has been granted neither her liberty nor the freedom to follow her heart. The slavery of the suffocating salt mines of Endovier that scarred her past is nothing compared to a life bound to her darkest enemy, a king whose rule is so dark and evil it is near impossible to defy. Celaena faces a choice that is tearing her heart to pieces: kill in cold blood for a man she hates, or risk sentencing those she loves to death. Celaena must decide what she will fight for: survival, love or the future of a kingdom. Because an assassin cannot have it all . . . And trying to may just destroy her.

Love or loathe Celaena, she will slice open your heart with her dagger and leave you bleeding long after the last page of the highly anticipated sequel in what is undeniably THE hottest new fantasy series

I would say CROWN of MIDNIGHT is one of the most anticipated sequels for 2013, and boy did it deliver. It was everything I could have wanted and more in a sequel to this series. Nothing is left unturned, if anything, it only amps up the whole story-relationships and character developments than ever before.

In THRONE of GLASS it opened up the story, we were introduced to our main characters, he plot and Celeana's first adventures to becoming the King's Champion. In CROWN of MIDNIGHT though, the stakes are raised, you discover more about these characters than you ever felt was possible. Just when you think you know everything or what will happen---  you are then thrown through a loop and the unexpected happens. With this book, expect heart palpatations, an intense journey, unexpected revelations and juicy twists and turns.

The romance is definitely knocked up a notch or two, which I'll be into more detail soon. I adored Celeana in the first book, but in this book.. you begin to understand her so much more. She does what she needs to do to survive, and sometimes you think she is heartless, and then get shocked when she does actually have a heart. She'll do things you never saw coming, find herself in situations and do certain acts that will tear your heart out.
Dorian is someone who I felt was in the first book, but was just there. I didn't have many feelings in regards to him or his relationship with Celeana. I felt bad for him because I had a feeling she just didn't feel as strong about him that he did with her, and it would be best if he let her go.
In this installment, I begun to really adore him. His whole personality came out so much more, discovering things about him that even HE was shocked about with the discoveries. I also felt that he should be loved by someone, even if it wasn't to be with Celeana. I just hope that somehow, before this series ends that he finds someone who loves him as much as he does her.

Now Chaol. I have loved him since the first book. He might have acted like a jerk, but boy, in this second installment to this story, you see so much more of him, and boy was it joyous. His relationship with Celeana has to be one of my favourite things about this book, and I have a feeling it's something which is only going to grow and grow over the course of the rest of then series. There is no point denying it now for those who have read it.  These two... OTP, love of each other's lives. They may have had previous loves, but this is the REAL DEAL people. No holds bars. It's romantic. Terrifying. Angsty. Full of hope and joy. Tears and pain. It's everything you want, everything you can't live without even if it hurts sometimes.
I look forward to discovering what is in store for these two come book 3. 2014. Come to me!

*cough* THAT cliffhanger? I knew it. But come on.. to leave it like that was just absolutely excruciating especially since we have to wait a year for the next book to be released.

Sarah has done an amazing job with this series thus far. I have never been one for High Fantasy, until THRONE of GLASS.  I am glad I picked up that first book one day in the bookstore and met these terrific characters.

If you haven't read this series yet, set everything down. Go and order it PRONTO.  You will not be disappointed.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Taking Back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper

Taking Back Forever (The Kindrily, #2) by Karen Amanda Hooper
Publisher: Starry Sky Publishing
Publication date: May 29th, 2013
Number of pages: 366 pgs
Format: E-format
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Forever is worth the fight.

Maryah erased all memory of her past lives, but she couldn’t erase her soul mate Nathan, or his undying love. Now, Maryah and Nathan have a second chance at a future together, but first Maryah must remember the person she used to be and embrace her supernatural gifts—more than one kindrily member’s life depends on it.

Maryah’s power is Harmony’s best hope of finding her kidnapped soul mate, Gregory. But Harmony isn’t big on asking anyone for help, and she’s tired of waiting, so she’s taking matters into her own hands. Heaven help anyone who stands in her way.

I love when an Indie book takes you by surprise and you fall head over heels with it. This is what happened to me with 'Grasping for Eternity.' The narrative, the mythology, characters and relationships pulled me in so deeply, it was one of my favourite books of 2012.

The follow up to the first book was very good. I loved being pulled back to this world with these characters. I couldn't wait to see what was going on between them all, and especially, Maryah and Nathan.
This book picks up pretty much right after the previous one ended. It was revealed that Maryah's little brother who died along with her parents may have just been reborn. I was surprised and happy for her when that little bit happened.
In this installment, we have two POVs again, but rather than Maryah and Nathan, this time we have Maryah and Harmony.  It was a little different, but a nice change to see things from Harmony's POV. We had to see how things were going with her and Maryah's POV just wouldn't do that.
Maryah has been trying to control her abilities to be able to help the others locate Gregory, but it's just not working as well as she hoped. Darn those little buggers.


Maryah and Nathan's romance keeps progressing, even though she doesn't remember everything, which she so desperately wants to. She doesn't know why she erased, but she does know that she loves Nathan. Since she is in this new body and she feels like a new soul, her relationship with Nathan feels like very much of one that is a seventeen year old, in love.  With Nathan though... he has loved her for so long, he is an old soul in a new body, so for him.. he understands things better than she does at current time.  While things do get increasingly intense between the two, Nathan is also a gentleman and wants to do what is right --- not just for Maryah, but for both of them.  He doesn't want to mess this thing up that's between the both of them.

I enjoyed this book immensely, and I look forward to see how things progress with the cliffhanger that we were left with.
This book also contained some bonus content, which I think is from the next book? Which I look forward to.
The stakes are raised, questions are up in the air and answers are wanted.  I hope the next one is just as good.

Rating: 4.5/5