Review: Empower by Jessica Shirvington

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating: 5/5

Teaser Tuesday 28

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Want to play along?

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers
• Share the title and author

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

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

Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating: 5/5

 

 

Review: Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating: 2/5

 

Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

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

This was worse.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating: 3/5

 

Review: Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Apollyon (Covenant #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publication Date: April 4, 2013
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Number of Pages: 343
Format: Paperback
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Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.

 From the last book I pretty much stopped shipping Alex and Seth. I recognized that her heart will always belong to Aiden, BUT I just can't like him. Even so I had high hopes for this book. But if left me feeling disappointed. It took me almost a week to read this book. I just couldn't get into it, and I would go days without even reading or even remember I was reading it. Even though I'm Team Seth, while Alex was under the influence of the bond, I hated how she referred to him as "my Seth". It made it sound like he owned her. Which that is another thing that bugged me, the bond. Earlier books made it seem like the bond was this powerful thing and almost impossible to break. But Alex remembering her love for Aiden broke it no problem. I guess the message was that their love is more powerful than the bond? I was hoping we would get to see Alex and Seth together before she broke the bond.

Speaking of Seth, we barely saw him in the book. We saw conversations between him and Alex through their connection, and there was a scene where he was able to pull her into his subconscious. I'm still holding on to some hope that he can be redeemed. Like Alex has realized he just wants to be accepted and loved and he's drunk on power. Another question arosed in this book about Seth. Alex and every other Apollyon eye's turned amber once they awakened, but Seth was born with amber eyes, the eyes of the Apollyon. Why?

The first half of the book was very slow, but if you love Aiden/Alex then you will probably love it. It was too much for me. I guess not enough action. I ended up skimming through a lot of it. I was ready to give up on the book, but the second half really picked up the pace and had me interested again. Alex travels back to the Underworld to seek out Solaris. There she finds out the secret to stopping Seth. But if seems impossible, she must transfer his power to herself and become the God Killer instead of Seth.

 We finally find out what god is responsible for Seth and behind the destruction. Honestly I wanted to slap Alex for not realizing it sooner.  I swear these books needs to have more of the gods in them, especially Apollo. I loved at the end when Apollo tells Alex a story behind one of his sons and tell hers the moral of the story is he always finds a way to take care of his own. I swear if Alex wasn't a descendant from him I would so ship Alex and Apollo.

Overall this book was blah to me. Not sure why I didn't noticed it till now but there are tons and tons of pop culture references in this series. Which I do find neat and usually enjoy. But what about ten years down the road? It's not going to appeal to those who pick the book up then. I did enjoy one that I'm pretty sure is a reference to the author's LUX series (which is on my tbr list and dying to start). I'm glad there's only one more book in the series. With how this book turned out, I'm not sure I could take much more. I'm curious how things will be wrapped up.

Rating: 2.5/5

 

Review: Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

Mystic City by Theo Lawrence
Publisher: Corgi
Publication date: October 11th, 2012
Number of pages: 397 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository | Bookworld Australia

For fans of Matched, The Hunger Games, X-Men, and Blade Runner comes a tale of a magical city divided, a political rebellion ignited, and a love that was meant to last forever. Book One of the Mystic City Novels.

Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself

Aria Rose is the youngest child of one of two rival Mystic City families. After an accident that renders her memories blank, she is told of a secret relationship that she and Thomas Foster, the son of the other rival family they had.
She knows the story. But she can't remember a thing about this so-called relationship that was meant to have taken place. No feelings. No memories. But it must be the truth because why would her family lie?

It isn't until she meets Hunter, who makes her feel the kind of things she should be feeling with Thomas, and she begins a journey to something she never thought would happen.
Secrets will be revealed. Relationships and family will be tested, and most of all, Aria will discover just what the relationship between herself and Thomas is. Is her memories of him returning from memories flashing back to her, or are they completely different?

This book I was impressed. I had been wanting to read it for ages, and when I finally got the chance to do so, I couldn't believe how much I loved it.
I loved the relationship between Aria and Hunter.  There were things I had a bad feeling about since the very beginning, and I looked forward to discovering the truth just like Aria was.
The secrets, betrayal and realizations that come through in this book surprised me. I had a feeling who her true relationship was with going by the prologue.

The world which Theo developed sucked me in. It wasn't just a modern day tale of Romeo and Julet. No, there was so much more to this story than the relationships and romance. There was death, mystery and intrigue. Secrets and lies. New beginnings and shocking endings. 

I look forward to see what is next for this story, and what becomes of these characters. How the relationships progress.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: Grave Memory by Kalayna Price

Grave Memory (Alex Craft #3) by Kalayna Price
Publication Date: July 3, 2012
Publisher: ROC
Number of Pages: 373
Format: Paperback
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As a Grave Witch, Alex solves murders by raising the dead—an ability that comes at a cost, and after her last few cases, that cost is compounding. But her magic isn’t the only thing causing havoc in her life. While she’s always been on friendly terms with Death himself, things have recently become a whole lot more close and personal. Then there’s her sometime partner, agent Falin Andrews, who is under the glamour of the Winter Queen. To top everything off, her best friend has been forever changed by her time spent captive in Faerie.

But the personal takes a backseat to the professional when a mysterious suicide occurs in Nekros City and Alex is hired to investigate. The shade she raises has no memory of the days leading up to his brutal ending, so despite the very public apparent suicide, this is murder. But what kind of magic can overcome the human will to survive? And why does the shade lack the memory of his death? Searching for the answer might mean Alex won’t have a life to remember at all…

I really meant to spread the three books out, but I just couldn't help myself. I blame my friend who sent me some amazing quotes and I knew I had to start this ASAP.

The book picks up about a month after the second book ended. Her love life hasn't gotten any better since the last book. A relationship with Death is forbidden, plus he stopped his random visits. Falin is under the Winter Queen's control and must obey her commands, and she's commanded him not to have any personal visits with Alex. But that doesn't stop her from having the FIB raiding Alex's house, and having Falin conducting them. Not to mention Caleb is getting very frustrated with all the raids and even threatened to evict Alex from the house.

Alex is still struggling with her new found heritage, learning that the Shadow King is her grand granduncle through her mom. Which makes Alex more fae than human, not that she will admit it. I was a little disappointed that we didn't see more of the Shadow King in this book. But we do see a little bit of interaction between Alex and her father. Which I wish there was more of. Yes he acts like a jerk towards her and seems like he doesn't really care. But I feel like everything he has done is to protect Alex, he's just not good at showing how much he cares. Or a comment makes me think that Alex's siblings aren't really his kids. Speaking of siblings, I have a feeling that at some point Alex's missing brother will turn up or we will at least learn what happened to him.

Alex's new case is complicated as ever. Does this girl ever get easy cases? People are committing suicide, yet their shades has no memory of the act or even a few days before it. And each person had witness a suicide the day they started losing their memories. But when the people she cares about are close to losing their lives, Alex will give anything to save them.

What the first half was lacking in romance, the second half certainly made up for it. If you weren't sure who you want Alex with, this book will make your mind up. It seems at times Alex is torn between both men, but with Falin under the Winter Queen's control Alex can never trust him. He's not completely the bad guy though. He's just caught in her twisted game, and pretty much a slave. But Death...it has the forbidden love going on. Not to mention he's always been there for Alex, and knows are her secrets. Not to mention he will sacrifice everything to save her.

So far this book is my favorite in the series. And the ending....it's shocking and seems like the love triangle will come back in focus. I really hope in future books we see more of Alex interacting with more of the fae, more of dad, and I really want to see more of Caleb. Which maybe now that him and Holly are an item, which I saw that coming since the last book. Counting down the days till the fourth book comes out.

Rating: 5/5

 

 

Teaser Tuesday 24

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Want to play along?

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers
• Share the title and author

I still can't get over Kalayna Price's series Alex Craft. This teaser is from Grave Memory. It's a little longer than two sentences, but I think it's my favorite quote in the whole book.

"No game. I want all of you, Alex. Body." His hands moved to my waist. "Mind." He kissed my forehead. "And soul." His hand moved and my back arched as a pleasure so thick it verged on pain spread through me. 

Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver
Publication Date: February 3, 2011
Publisher: Harper Teen
Number of Pages: 441
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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They say that the cure for Love will make me happy and safe forever.

And I've always believed them.

Until now.

Now everything has changed.

Now, I'd rather be infected with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie.

Lena looks forward to receiving the government-mandated cure that prevents the delirium of love and leads to a safe, predictable, and happy life, until ninety-five days before her eighteenth birthday and her treatment, when she falls in love.

I know I'm doing this backwards. I should of re read Delirium, before I read the final book Requiem. I didn't really plan on re reading it or even the second book. And some may even ask why I would want to re read Delirium after that last book. And honestly, I feel like for a series about love, romance was missing in Requiem. I wanted to remember the beautiful story about love and sacrifice that Oliver created in the first book.

The premise of the world in this series is unique and creative. The US government has claimed love is a terrible disease. Each city is surrounded by a boarder, and they have created a cure. Once you've had the cure you don't feel pain, and you are almost a completely different person. Each person is given the cure close to their 18th birthday. Lena has been counting down the day until her procedure. Her mother had been infected with love, and after having the procedure three separate times, she commits suicide. Lena believes the cure will save her and keep her safe.

Lena has one last summer before she and her best friend, Hana, are cured and everything changes forever. Hana is very rebellious, listening to illegal music and even going to illegal parties and socializing with boys. While Lena follows the rules, Hana starts to question everything. Until Lena meets Alex. All of a sudden she is bumping into him everywhere. And when he saves her life, she knows she can't stay away.

The whole books is a page turner. Even the second time reading the book I was just intrigued as the first time. There's even a few surprises along the way. Even though I'm disappointed in how the series turned out I will always love this one. It teaches us there's nothing can take away love. The ending! Oh it's a tear jerker. The ultimate sacrifice for love is paid. The book as a whole is just beautiful.

Rating: 5/5

 

 

Review: Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Requiem (Delirium #3) by Lauren Oliver
Publication Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Harper Collins
Format: Hardback
Number of Pages: 391
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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They have tried to squeeze us out, to stamp us into the past.

But we are still here.

And there are more of us every day.

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor.

Maybe we are driven crazy by our feelings.

Maybe love is a disease, and we would be better off without it.

But we have chosen a different road.

And in the end, that is the point of escaping the cure: We are free to choose.

We are even free to choose the wrong thing.

Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

I've been dying for this book ever since the end of Pandemonium. The third and final book in the series, picks up three days after book two ends. I'm a little disappointed in this. I really wished it picked up right at that last scene. I would of loved to see the outcome of Alex just popping up out of nowhere. From the beginning you can feel the tension between Julian and Alex. Not to mention they won't even look or speak to one another. Or the fact that Alex won't even acknowledge Lena. The first scene we get in between Alex and Lena broke my heart.

I do love how each chapter alternates between Hana and Lena. For about the first half of the book oddly I was more interested in Hana. Even though she has been cured, I don't think it actually worked on her. If you haven't read the first short story, Hana, you don't really need to since the big revelation is revealed in this book. Hana feels guilty about what she did to Lena, and worries about her family. She sets out to find them and help however she can. Not to mention that she has second thoughts about her match, Fred, whom since his dad was killed is about to become mayor. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she is determined to find out what happened to Fred's first wife, Cassandra.

One of the things I love about the book is Lena is finally reunited with her mother. I feel like those parts were passed over. I would of loved to see more in dept, and see Lena telling her about Alex and even Julian. Which speaking of, I never really wanted him and Lena together. But I felt bad for him in this book. Lena kind of strings him along. Which she thinks Alex doesn't love her anymore, but that I wanted to slap her. Alex tells her that he had never loved her, and she actually believes him!

There's quite a few deaths in the book. One was a big shocker and I couldn't believe it happened! I just wanted to yell and cry. There were certain plots in the book that I thought was pointless. All the trouble Hana went through to find Cassandra, and to seems for nothing. All that came from it was her telling Hana what an evil man Fred is. And Lena and Hana finally coming face to face. So disappointed! I expected more. They did end up saving each other. But through out the whole book it seemed so obvious that she wasn't cured, and then when Lena was there she was acting almost completely cure! For how Hana acted and though through the whole book she was acting kind of ooc.

I thought the first half of the book was amazing. But the ending almost felt rushed. Not just rushed, but I turn the page expecting more and that was the end! I think it's obvious who Lena chooses to be with in the end, but it was left open ended. I know Lauren had said she did that she the reader can decide for themselves how things turned out. But I think it was a cowardly war to end the book. Especially on Hana part. It just left her wandering around on the streets. I had expected so much more from this book. It really didn't feel like an ending to the series.

Rating: 3.5/5

Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead
Publication Date: February 12, 2013
Publisher: Razorbill
Number of Pages: 401
Format: Hardback
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In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.


Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

AMAZING. Just perfection. Richelle Mead has never let me down with one of her books. I do have to admit, I wasn't a huge Adrian and Sydney shipper. Don't get me wrong I liked them, but this book sold me on them.

The book picks up not long after the second book left off. Sydney gets dragged out of bed in the middle of the night to perform a spell. Ms. Terwilliger needs a virgin to perform this spell and Sydney is the first one on the list. The results aren't that great. Ms. T sister's is a bad witch and now Sydney's life could be in danger.

Not to mention she still needs to find the mysterious Marcus Finch. He wasn't what I expect him to be. For some reason I thought he would be older. But nonetheless I fell in love with him. And he's not the only one that is running from the Alchemist, there are others with him. And he tells Sydney a shocking secret, the Alchemist's tattoo forces loyalty to the group and there's a way to break it. Even though Sydney is already questioning the Alchemist, but is she really ready to throw away her whole life and team up with Marcus and his group? Is there any truth to the claim that the Alchemist are working with the Warriors?

Early on in the book, Sydney along with two of her fellow Alchemists were invited to a vampire wedding. I had forgot that Sonya was planning a wedding. I was kind of hoping it was Rose and Dimitri or even Lissa and Christian. But I do love the small appearance of Rose and Dimitri, and even Abe. I know this series is about Sydney but I wish Rose would show up for more. In the Vampire Academy series I got the feeling that Sydney and Rose could really be great friends. And Abe. Oh Abe. Please show up more.

This book is filled with ton and tons of Adrian and Sydney scenes. I seriously couldn't get enough. Even though Sydney claims she doesn't, no CAN'T love Adrian, she can't seem to stay away from him. She even ends up with a hickey! There are tons of other swoon worthy moments between these two. But Jill's safety is still her number one priority, and when news surfaced that the Warriors are looking for Jill, Sydney demands more protection, and then covers up her uncharacteristic behavior by lying and saying she's afraid she can't handle being close to all these vampires. Just when we thought we could see our favorite couple happy, Sydney's world is turned upside down when the Alchemists sends her backup for the rest of the mission.

While I was reading a review, I was reminded that in all of Mead's other series, the third book usually ends in heartbreaking shock. While this one wasn't heartbreaking, the shock at the end was enough to leave your mouth hanging open.

Rating: 5/5

 

Teaser Tuesday 18

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 comes from The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead. There were too many awesome parts in this book, but this one made me laugh so hard and reminded me why I love Adrian.

“You're not as much of a lost cause as she was. I mean, with her, I had to overcome her deep, epic love with a Russian warlord. You and I just have to overcome hundreds of years' worth of deeply ingrained prejudice and taboo between our two races. Easy.” 

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend #1) by Marie Lu
Publication Date: November 29, 2011
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Number of Pages: 305
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

Even though this book has been on my to be read list for a while, I was a little nervous going into the book. The last few books that had been recommended to me I didn't enjoy. But with this one I found a winner.

The book is told in both June and Day's POV. At times it took me a minute or two to adjust when it would switched, but usually I like multiple POV as long as the author doesn't repeat scenes. I immediately fell in love with June's relationship with her brother, Metias. From the description I knew Metias dies, but I wasn't expecting it so early in the book. I loved both Day and June equally. Throughout the book I kept forgetting how young they are.

The world building is a little iffy in the book. We are told enough to get a general idea. We are left with a ton of questions at the end. Hopefully they will be answered in future books. The mystery around who really killed Metias wasn't a surprised to me, I had it figured out from the beginning; which honestly I thought was in general was obvious.

I wasn't too impressed with any of the secondary characters. I initially liked Thomas, but I knew something was off about him. Tess...she seemed just to be there. The only ones I enjoyed was Day's brother John. This book is fulled of action and even death, which is surprised me for being the first in the series.

I'm looking forward to reading the second book, and hoping to learn more about how the Republic came to be, more about the Colonies, and why did they fail Day at his Trail; I could be wrong but I feel like his score has a significance.

Rating: 4/5

 

Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date: February 12th, 2013
Number of pages: 448
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository


Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she struggles to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she finally tracks down the elusive, enigmatic Marcus Finch – a former Alchemist who the organisation denies exists, and who lives in shadows, on the run. With Marcus's help, Sydney realises that the group she's been loyal to her whole life has been hiding the truth from her. Is it possible that her golden lily tattoo might have more power over her than she thinks?

As she struggles to come to terms with what that might mean, Sydney is compelled to use her growing magical powers to track down an evil magic user who is targeting powerful young witches. Using magic goes against everything she always thought she believed, but she realises that her only hope is to embrace her special blood – or else she might be next.

Forging her own way is harder than Sydney ever dreamed. Maybe by turning off her brain – and following her heart – she'll be able to finally figure out where she belongs.

Oh wow! What is there not to say about this book?

I think that there is no question about it. This is the best book come in the Bloodlines series. It gave you so much that you wanted, and more. And even things you didn't realized you wanted until they were right in front of your face.

Richelle has continued to kick butt in terms of these gorgeous characters. The mysterious plots and the continued budding romance between Adrian and Sydney.
I won't talk about them yet. Let me get to the other stuff before the gushing begins, k?

There is so much character growth for both Adrian and Sydney. I do wish that we had more things happen between Eddie and Jill, but I'd imagine that will be something that will grow throughout the rest of the series.
Sydney goes through a lot of things during the course of this novel. From sorting out how she feels toward Adrian, and how she should proceed with that. Denial. Guilt. Terror and fear. All these things applied when it came to Sydney, because for her.... falling for someone, a Moroi no less goes against everything she was taught to believe in. But the more she starts to discover about 'her own' people, the more her defenses drop to a degree where she lets what she feels inside her heart.
She just might start to believe... it may not be wrong at all, but all so very right..

Sydney also battles her ability to do magic. This is something nobody, even herself can understand. Why is she the only Alchemist to be able to have this ability? Is it something to do with who she is? There are still questions surrounding this discovery. But in this book, Sydney starts to understand that part of herself and come to slowly accept it more than she has the last two books. I would say she goes a long way to understanding that it is now a part of her, so might as well denying it.

We also get to meet the all mysterious Marcus Finch. He is someone who was mentioned by Clarence and was someone of a figure in the previous book, but in The Indigo Spell, Sydney finally tracks him down and that is where she makes many realizations and discoveries that may change more of her perspective of everything she knows. She will start to see things a little bit different after meeting someone who has purposely gone against their code, and broken the spell that holds the glue that sticks who they are together.
I wasn't sure what to think of him. Many others I know thought he might be involved in some kind of love triangle with Sydney and Adrian, but I never thought such a thing. I assumed his role in her life would be a bit more complicated than that, and more so have to do with who she is as a person. His role in making her believe the impossible goes a long way to progress her as a character.

Now for the romance.  OH YES. Ladies and Gents. There is so much love. Romance in this book. It's so gushing and romantic and all sorts of words I could use to describe it.
The progression of the relationship between Adrian and Sydney is my favourite part of this series. The moment they started to have small comments and interactions in Vampire Academy, I had a feeling that he might end up being her love interest in the spinoff. I knew that Richelle would give him his happy ending at some point, especially given the way that series ended for him. And boy was I glad that Sydney is indeed the girl for him. She makes him better, more than Rose ever did. With Sydney, Adrian wants to be better and not just to impress her. No. For himself. He wants to better his life and make something out of the person he is today. Sydney is just the key that makes that happen by being in his life.
I loved all the moments between them. It only added up to the most perfect ending in terms of where they stand with one another at the end of the book. Confessions. Realizations. Honest feelings. It's all happening guys.. and I couldn't be happier.

The first time I read VA, I wasn't much of an Adrian fan because I was Team Dimitri and I just didn't want him to come in between my otp, and I had no idea how Richelle would end the series. Yes, I felt bad for him, but he, I have come to understand is such a complicated character that it would take awhile until he found the right girl for him.
He is someone who has grown since he was first introduced. He was originally a party boy, who liked the flirt and have fun... and that changed into wanting to be better for Rose. Of course we know what happened there, and I think for good reason. I think he had to experience certain things during that series for him to come to this part of his life where he was ready to meet someone like Sydney. To be ready to change. That had to be his own doing and not because of someone else. Because of him. So yes, Adrian has changed and it has been amazing to witness him doing so throughout this series, and even more so in this book.

As for the ending... while it wasn't the kind of cliffhanger that Shadow Kiss was... I admit, I was expecting something big to happen, and while it did, it was such a relief it was not the kind of heartbreaking kind of ending.
I do have a feeling the heartbreak will come within the next book, The Fiery Heart. Come on. This is Richelle we are talking about, who is known for her heartbreaks and not giving the OTP a happy ending half way through the series, and that is where we are at. Book 3. Which means they won't get their HEA until book 6. Whatever these two will go through in the next 3 books, won't be easy.. but it shall be rewarding, that is one thing I am sure of.

Bring on The Fiery Heart!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Gates of Paradise by Melissa de la Cruz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verdict: 4.5 / 5

Review: Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Half Blood (Covenant #1) by Jennifer.L.Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Publication date: October 18th, 2011
Number of pages: 281
Format: Kindle
Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository
Add to Goodreads

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

While this book sounds a lot like Richelle Mead's "Vampire Academy," and trust me, the signs were definitely there,but if you look deeper you can see it's a whole different story, damned the similarities between the series.

We are introduced to Alex, who is a half blood. After being on the run and the death of her mother, she is discovered and gets sent back to the academy she attended before her mother took her away.
Alex is a great protagonist. She is  strong, independant, and goes where her heart takes her, even if her heart is telling her something that is so impossible.
We also have the love interest, Aiden. A total hottie, who will make you swoon at anything he says. It's not just on the surface. He has hidden sadness behind those beautiful eyes and smile.
Then we have Seth. He is someone unexpected, and you'll be thrown through a loop when it is revealed as to the connection he has with Alex, and then... we have a triangle formed. Both boys have their moments, and loveable things about them, but me... I have been Team Aiden since his very first scene with Alex.  And when I start to love a couple.. there is no going back, and I have a feeling.. with Aiden and Alex, the road is going to be long and hard.

We have shocks and surprises. Things even I didn't see coming. There is lots of things to love about this book. From the relationships to the friendships. The mythology is also something to be really intrigued about.

I'm sure this is the beginning of a great journey for these characters. I look forward to learning more about the whole plot.
A great first installment.

Verdict: 3.5/5

Review: Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Beautiful Redemption (Caster Chronicles #4) by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Publisher: Little Brown
Publication date: October 23rd, 2012
Number of pages: 451
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository

Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?

Ethan Wate always dreamed of leaving the stifling Southern town of Gatlin. But he never dreamt that finding love with Lena Duchannes would drive him away. Lena is a Caster girl whose supernatural powers unveiled a secretive and cursed side of Gatlin, so powerful it forced him to make a terrible sacrifice.

Now Ethan must find a way to return to Lena - and Gatlin - as she vows to do whatever it takes to get him back. Even if it means trusting old enemies or risking their loved ones' lives. Can Ethan and Lena rewrite their fate and their spellbinding love story in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series?

And here we have it. The conclusion of a four-part saga, of love, mystery, secrets and redemption.

The end of Beautiful Chaos, we were left with a shocking decision and act made by Ethan that I couldn't see what would happen next, nor where we would be left in regards to Ethan and his relationship with Lena, and everyone else he loves.

In this spellbinding finale to an amazing and addicting series comes all the answers we could want and need. Changes are made. Events transpire and we have come to expect shocking reveals.
Ethan finds himself in a place he never thought he would be. Lena and his family can't seem to accept he is gone and will do anything to bring him back, if possible. While he did made the ultimate sacrifice, it's not what  Ethan thought it would be. He is too is willing to go the great lengths to get back to the ones we loves.

This story comes to a climating end for our beloved characters. I applaud Kami and Margaret for bringing us this unique story. For these amazing characters and the gorgeous town of Gatlin where nothing is as it seems.

The love between Ethan and Lena has no bounds, and there wasn't anything these two would not do for one another. The moment they met... that was it. While they have had their ups and down, and obstacles they have had to face, but in the end... love really was the key, and they are better for one another than they are apart.
Linc and Ridley, now their on and off relationship has been one of my favourite things about this series since the very beginning, and in this book we finally get the payoff we have been waiting for the longest time now. This is probably one of the most complicated relationships in this series, but just seeing where they ended up just made everything worthwhile..

There sure was some heartbreaking scenes, new revelations about events and characters we know and love, but what series doesn't come with risks?
I'm sad this is the end, but I look forward to see this series on the big screen. I hope it does well, so we can continue to see this series played out on screen.

Kudos to the authors. They are a great combination and I look forward to their future works, together and separate. A force to be reckoned with. One that rivals Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie.

Verdict:  4.5 /  5

Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles #1) by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Publication date: December 1st, 2009
Publisher: Little Brown
Number of pages: 563
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository
Add to Goodreads

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

In the first of a four-book saga comes a new world of the supernatural that will trace you, entice you and make you flip through page after page.
This is a romantic supernatural love story of not only about two young lovers destined not only just for each other, but also to change the world.

We meet our protagonist, Ethan Wate, is a sixteen year-old teenager living in a small town of Gatlin where everybody knows one another; parents, students and the like. It's not often that the people get treated to a newcomer, and when it does happen..it's as if Christmas morning has arrived.
It's quite rare when you discover a book series where you have a male protagonist. It may have become more so these days, but it was a nice surprise to discover a different change of pace. It supplies you with a different vibe to a book vs from a female protagonist.

Ethan's life changes quickly with the arrival of Lena Duchannes, the neice of the town's shut-in, who not only takes Ethan by surprise but he also discovers she happens to be the very girl he has been dreaming about for months.

Gatlin soon becomes a place where nobody will never forget. It's a place where the caster world becomes its full focus and Ethan, Lena nor anyone will be able see it as just Gatlin, a boring and ordinary town.
There are secrets that lie beneath and through the town, away from the human eye, and if you start to dig and find yourself in their world... well, you'll discover a whole new world you may not be ready for.

The relationship between Ethan and Lena was done beautifully, and so natural. It's certainly your ordinary love story, what these two have goes back longer than either one of them understand, not initially that is.
Two young teenagers that, even though their kinds aren't meant to co-exist and be together, there is something that is pulling them to a point where nothing else is an option. Love is a choice in which they have no control over.

We have some other fascinating characters including Ethan's best friend, Linc and Lena's wayward cousin, Ridley, and I have a feeling these two might have something, but good luck in trying to get them to admit it.

This is a crazy, action-filled adventure as we go through the past and discover that not everything as it seems, and there is more to it than anyone thinks.

Verdict: 5/5