Review: Becoming Alpha by Aileen Erin

Becoming Alpha (Alpha Girl, #1) by Aileen Erin
Publisher: Ink Monster,
Publication date: December 17th, 2013
Number of pages: 267 pgs
Format: E-Galley
Purchase: Amazon Kindle

Tessa McCaide has a unique talent for getting into trouble. Then again, it isn’t easy for a girl with visions to ignore what she sees. Luckily Tessa and her family are leaving California and moving halfway across the country, giving her the perfect opportunity to leave her reputation as “Freaky Tessa” behind.

But Tessa doesn’t realize that kissing the wrong guy in her new Texas town could land her in far more trouble than she ever imagined. Like being forced to attend St. Ailbe’s Academy, a secret boarding school for werewolves.

Even if the wrong guy did accidentally turn her into one of “them” and doom her to attending the weirdest high school ever, Tessa can’t help her growing attraction to the mysterious Dastien Laurent.

When vampires attack St. Alibe’s and her visions pinpoint an enemy in their midst, Tessa realizes that boy drama and her newfound canine tendencies might just be the least of her problems

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for allowing me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

It's not often you can find originality in a YA paranormal series. I knew by the synopsis that this book sounded interesting, and I couldn't wait to see how it separated itself from everything else out there.
I was pleasantly surprised. While it could be a little predictable, but I liked that it had it's own original story. I really liked the characters, Tessa in particular and the things they went through.

After Tessa was 'attacked' after meeting a sexy new guy, she doesn't think very much about the scratches she pertained, not until later when her body starts to go through some changes. Ones that are very painful. She has no idea what is happening to her, but her parents do, and there is only one answer.
After her dad's boss/friend recognizes the signs and knows he did this, he takes Tessa in to his school to be able to amongst her own kind. It's the only thing possible to do before she can be around others without hurting them. Yes --- Tessa is being changed into a werewolf. It's not something she wanted, but it is done and she can only accept it and make the best out of the situation.

I didn't like Dastien at first, but the more we saw of him, and the consequences of one moment, I think you can understand him a bit.  I ended up adoring his relationship with Tessa. It's not an easy one, but the wait for them to get to the right space was glorious to read about. They really were perfect for one another. Sure, things didn't start as well, and they didn't start off on the right foot, but I felt he made up for his past descretions. Sometimes you just can't fight fate. Things happen for a reason, and there is a reason his heart chose her.

The other characters were fun and interesting. I look forward to see where the author goes with this series. I will be looking forward to the next book, and see how Tessa is handling her wolf, friends and her relationship.

A real fun, interesting take on the were genre. If you are a fan, then this book is definitely for you. It's not to be missed.

4.5 Stars

Review: Angelbound by Christina Bauer

Angelbound (Angelbound, #1) by Christina Bauer
Publisher: Ink Monster
Publication date: December 17th, 2013
Number of pages: 532 Pgs
Format: E-galley
Purchase: Amazon Kindle

Eighteen year old Myla Lewis is a girl who loves two things: kicking ass and kicking ass. She’s not your every day quasi-demon, half-demon and half-human, girl. For the past five years, Myla has lived for the days she gets to fight in Purgatory’s arena. When souls want a trial by combat for their right to enter heaven or hell, they go up against her, and she hasn’t lost a battle yet.

But as she starts her senior year at Purgatory High, the arena fights aren’t enough to keep her spirits up anymore. When the demons start to act weird, even for demons, and the King of the Demons, Armageddon, shows up at Myla’s school, she knows that things are changing and it’s not looking good for the quasi-demons. Myla starts to question everything, and doesn’t like the answers she finds. What happened seventeen years ago that turned the quasi-demons into slave labor? Why was her mom always so sad? And why won’t anyone tell her who her father is? Things heat up when Myla meets Lincoln, the High Prince of the Thrax, a super sexy half-human and half-angel demon hunter. But what’s a quasi-demon girl to do when she falls for a demon hunter? It’s a good thing that Myla’s not afraid of breaking a few rules. With a love worth fighting for, Myla’s going to shake up Purgatory

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was interesting. Different from what I thought,but enjoyable definitely.
We're introduced to Myla, who is half demon and half human, and she fights demons in Purgatory arena certain souls have chosen this form of combat in attempting to gain entry into Heaven or Hell. When the demons start acting more strange than usual, Myla starts to suspect there is something very bad about to happen.

Myla was an interesting character. She is definitely strong and badass, as you would have to be to fighting demons. But since she has a human side she has very realistic emotions as well. There was some witty lines where you won't be able to stop smiling or laughing. She has a charm that is very likeable.
The world building is great. I feel there is so much more we haven't seen yet, which might be revealed in the following books. This story doesn't just deal with demons or angels, but other species which was fun to see. I feel there is so much potential with this that anything is possible.

There are some great characters, from Myla's friends, to a new love interest.  The romance wasn't overdone or one that takes over the plot, but more like on the side, which was nice that it doesn't overpower the main things going on. But it's also a work in progress.

Over all, this is a great action-packed, strong debut. I look forward to see where Bauer takes the story next.

3.75 Stars

Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave (The Fifth Wave #1) by Rick Yancey
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia
Publication date: May 7th, 2013
Number of pages: 480
Format:  E-Galley via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository | Book World (Australia)

The Passage meets Ender’s Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey.

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

If there was words that existed to describe the length of my love for this book I would use them, but since there isn't, I will just say one thing: Holy. Damn. Amazingballs.
This is no surprise to those that have read it. Rick Yancey's The Fifth Wave has got to be one of the, hands-down best books I have read in years.
This was one of those highly anticipated books which everyone kept talking about wanting to read or have read. It definitely lived up to the hype and expectation.

The well-thoughtout characters to the devastating yet fascinating world building Yancey has created, there is simply nothing not to love about this book.
It may be the first in a new series but it might as well have been half way through, because the story was so thorough and planned out, I could not praise it enough.

Our main characters consist of female protagonist, Cassie; Evan and Ben. The book is also split up into sections and alternates POVs.
We're introduced how the world came to be how it is portrayed today. What happened to make it that way and how it hasn't stopped, just in a different stage. Cassie finds herself alone and fighting through life after the kidnapping of her brother. She soon meets mysterious and alluring Evan, who is someone she isn't sure she can trust. In a word such as this... I can't say I blame her. She'll do anything she can to find and locate her brother, Sammy, but she might have to trust Evan somewhat if he is her key in getting back the only family she has left.

This is a beautifully written story. It's tragic. Devastating and emotional as our characters slowly find the answers they are looking more... but will they find out more than they bargained for?
We're introduced to what exactly what the 5th Wave is, which happens to be the next stage of the elimination process of mankind, and it just may be the worst one yet.

There is a slow romance burning. It's not a main factor, but it is more like an ember slowly burning throughout the book, which will burn into the second book --- going by the ending, that is.

I absolutely loved Cassie. She is a lone ranger. A fighter. After all she has been through, I can understand why. Her brother is the only one she has and she takes it upon herself to do everything she can to look after him. Because if she doesn't, who will?
Evan I also loved from the beginning too. He was mysterious with secrets lurking in the shadows. There was something about him that appeared odd and suspicious... and just when you discover what he is hiding.... may shock you to the very core.

I absolutely anticipate the next book. Can August 2014 hurry up please? How do these publishers expect us to wait over a year? I just do not approve. Not at all.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Fall of Night (Morganville Vampires #14) by Rachel Caine

Fall of Night (Morganville Vampires #14) by Rachel Caine
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: April 24th, 2013
Number of pages: 350
Format: E-format via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Thanks to its unique combination of human and vampire residents, Morganville, Texas, is a small college town with big-time problems. When student Claire Danvers gets the chance to experience life on the outside, she takes it. But Morganville isn’t the only town with vampire trouble...

Claire never thought she’d leave Morganville, but when she gets accepted into the graduate program at MIT, she can’t pass up the opportunity. Saying good-bye to her friends is bittersweet, especially since things are still raw and unsettled between Claire and her boyfriend, Shane.

Her new life at MIT is scary and exciting, but Morganville is never really far from Claire’s mind. Enrolled in a special advanced study program with Professor Irene Anderson, a former Morganville native, Claire is able to work on her machine, which is designed to cancel the mental abilities of vampires.

But when she begins testing her machine on live subjects, things quickly spiral out of control, and Claire starts to wonder whether leaving Morganville was the last mistake she’ll ever make...

What happens now that Claire has finally left Morganville to do the one thing she has always wanted to do?

In the fourteenth novel in this series, Rachel Caine does not stop at anything. If you think things had been becoming boring, then think again because this novel begins a new journey for our beloved characters.
Claire arrives at MIT to start a new journey for herself, to be able to see what else there is out there outside Morganville, but she soon discovers the true meaning of what Home is to her, and it may not be what she thought it was.

Claire's life at MIT starts to become a little out of control, she might start to reconsider leaving her friends, her boyfriend and Morganville after all.

This installment felt like a breath of fresh air when we see Claire in a new environment, a place outside of vampires and into a life she has always thought she wanted. But she may discover what she thought she wanted, and what is true could be two very different things.
But her life back in Morganville is not always lost on her when someone from her not so distant past comes along, keeping an eye on her.
This novel is full of adventure, excitement and realizations that your home will always be where your heart is.
We also get to see how things are going back in Morganville with our multiple POVs that continue in this book.

By the end of this, you can feel things might be starting to wrap up for an ending that I can see just on the horizon.

Rachel Caine has surprised me time and time again, and I look forward to the next novel.

Rating:  4.5 / 5

Review : The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Australia
Publication date: May 1st, 2013
Number of pages: 428
Format: E-copy via Netgalley
Links: Amazon | The Book Depository

In Allison Sekemoto's world, there is one rule left: Blood calls to blood

She has done the unthinkable: died so that she might continue to live. Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie's birthplace in New Covington, what Allie finds there will change the world forever-and possibly end human and vampire existence.

There's a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago-and this strain is deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries, if Allie can get to him in time.

Allison thought that immortality was forever. But now, with eternity itself hanging in the balance, the lines between human and monster will blur even further, and Allie must face another choice she could never have imagined having to make.

Allison has always wanted things that is forbidden to her. First it was Zeke; the human boy who stole her heart, and then it was Eden where she was not wanted. After discovering that her maker and mentor, Kanin is in trouble Allison decides it's her job to go and save him whatever the cost.

She begins on a long journey to locate where Kanin could be, but soon discovers someone so completely unexpected on her trip that she didn't expect to find: her blood brother Jackal. After the two of them form an unlikely alliance they discover a plague lurking around, which was a deadly virus named Red Lung that wiped out so much of humanity long ago, and their sire just might be the one person who knows the cure. That is if they are able to get to him in time before Lethal, Sarren does more damage than he has already.

As they go from place to place, they are forced to control certain things from Allie's past and when they run into the most unlikiest person they just might discover there is hope yet for them all.
The race is on and if they don't rescue Kanin soon; they might not have anyone to rescue.

In this book, Allison becomes so much stronger and embraces her vampire side where in the previous installment that was something she kept hidden or refused to think existed. But when things come to light, Allison meets people from her past once again.. she'll have to make a choice that could end up costing her more than she ever imagined.

Love interest to Allie, Zeke makes a return and there was certain things about him and his family that get revealed which I don't see coming.  I am glad though, to have him more involved with the story than he was. I didn't want him to just be a love interest, because to be honest in the first book I didn't really get a feel for him or his relationship with Allison. But in this book.. Damn, I was downright shipping them.
He really comes to his own as a character and I was so thankful, because it wouldn't be Julie if any character was just put in just for one reason. They need things to do.

Jackal. Oh, how was it possible that I went from hating him in The Immortal Rules to adoring him in this novel? It seemed impossible, but you start to understand him a bit more than before. It was nice to see that he was not all bad that he appeared originally. I look foward to seeing more of him in the next book.

And last, but not least... my second favourite character... Kanin.  I don't know why, but from off the bat in The Immortal Rules, I really connected to this lonely and stubborn vampire. He clearly has issues, but he was a teacher and mentor to Allison. Give her life and a new understanding on vampires when she  became one. He gave her a home and lessons on how to survive on how she is now, and if it wasn't for him... she probably would not have lived this long.
Even though we didn't see as much of him as I would have liked, I thought what we did get was worth while and it meant something.
Kanin is someone who you can like and understand. He has been through so much in trying to find a cure over the years. I love his relationship he has with Allison.. he is not just her sire and mentor, but also her family. More than blood.

Of course we are left with one huge whopping cliffhanger that makes you... W.T.F. Yes. It will leave you hanging like nothing else.

I personally can't wait to see where Julie takes things in the next book in this series.. I do wonder though, is this a trilogy.. or will there be more books? Feels like it could be a trilogy though. Most series these days tend to be.

 I would like to thank Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for giving me this chance to review this title in exchange for a honest review.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Stacking the Shelves [05]

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews where you can share books obtained via the bookstore, the library, online, through trade, borrowed from friends, gifted and/or received for review that you're adding to your shelf.

I admit, I have been lazy lately, so these are the books I have bought and given for review over the last few weeks.


Review from Pan Macmillan.

Joy Dettman is an Australian author. I was given the chance to review the entire catelogue of this current series, and after doing some research, I felt it should be interesting to read something different.

Pearl in a Cage
Thorn on the Rose
Moth to the Flame
Wind in the Wires

I look forward to reading this series.


For review via Netgalley and Harlequin

And BOUGHT:

Purpose & Promise by Kristie Cook.  -- I have read these, but gave the original covers to my c-blogger, and re-bought them because I have this peeve when it comes to change of covers, lol It doesn't sit right with me.

Skylark by Meagan Spooner
The Shifting Price of Prey by Suzanne McLeod

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter
Hysteria by Megan Miranda
Night School: Legacy by C.J Daughterty
Prodigy by Marie Lu -- Read last night, and how dare she end it like that? Break my heart in pieces, will you? *bawls*

Remember what I said about my pet peeves?  Yes, well after the UK decided NOT to buy the 3rd book, I suddenly had a delimma. Have 2 paperbacks and one hardback, or just re-buy them all in US hardback. So I decided on the latter.
And here we all, all of the Birthmarked series.

Birthmarked, Prized & Promised by Caragh O'Brien


And there we are.. the books I have gotten recently,

What about you?

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
Publisher:  Random House
Publication date: January 31st, 2013
Number of pages: 240
Format: Ebook via Netgalley
Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository

R is having a no-life crisis—he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he is a little different from his fellow Dead. He may occasionally eat people, but he’d rather be riding abandoned airport escalators, listening to Sinatra in the cozy 747 he calls home, or collecting souvenirs from the ruins of civilization.

And then he meets a girl.

First as his captive, then his reluctant guest, Julie is a blast of living color in R’s gray landscape, and something inside him begins to bloom. He doesn’t want to eat this girl—although she looks delicious—he wants to protect her. But their unlikely bond will cause ripples they can’t imagine, and their hopeless world won’t change without a fight.

R is a zombie who can't remember about his real name or his life before. As he lives at an abandonded airport with the rest of the Zombies. The moment he sees Julie, his existence suddenly changes forever.

This was an interesting, but yet romantic take on Zombies. I guess it seems to be IN right now, like the new Vampires. I really liked what Isaac did with this story.
The romance between R and Julie was very sweet, and it's something that happens over the course of the book.

R is such an interesting character. He is different from everyone else. He feels, he speaks, whilst in slow words. But he is just like a human, but. well dead. It makes you feel for him in so many ways. And when he meets this girl, he is so intrigued by her that he doesn't want to let her go.

Julie is also a great character. She is strong and kickass. She isn't scared of him or what he is, and by being with her, R slowly, somehow becomes human again. It's so surreal, but maybe it's the power of the love between the two of them.

I have been meaning to read this book for a while now, so I am glad Netgalley and Random House were able to give me the chance to review it.
I am looking forward to the upcoming movie adaption. I can't wait to see how similar it is to the book.

Verdict:  4/5

Review: Shadowhunters and Downworlders by Cassandra Clare (+ others)

Shadowhunters and Downworlders by Cassandra Clare (and others)
Publisher: Smartpop
Publication date: January 29th, 2013
Number of pages: 256
Format: E-Arc Galley via Netgalley
Buy: Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series, epic urban fantasy set in a richly imagined world of shadowhunters, vampires, werewolves, fairies, and more, has captured the imaginations and loyalty of hundreds of thousands of YA readers. Originally a trilogy (City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass), the series has extended to six titles, plus a prequel trilogy, the Infernal Devices, and a planned sequel series, the Dark Artifices. A feature film is planned for 2013.

Shadowhunters and Downworlders, edited by Clare (who provides an introduction to the book and to each piece), is a collection of YA authors writing about the series and its world.


Authors Who Contributed:
Holly Black / Kendare Blake / Gwenda Bond / Sarah Rees Brennan / Rachel Caine / Sarah Cross / Kami Garcia / Michelle Hodkin / Kelly Link / Kate Milford / Diana Peterfreund / Sara Ryan / Scott Tracey / Robin Wasserman

First, I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me this chance to review this title in exchange for a honest review.

This wasn't what I had expected when I heard about this. It might be something a fanatic would love, but even I who loves Cassandra's works wasn't sure what the point of this was.
This was basically a bunch of authors going and repeating what the books were about, and commenting on the characters, plots and relationships.
Sure, there was some funny parts, and essays on certain relationships and characters, but as a whole.. it was kind of boring, and I wasn't sure what the point was, as it didn't reveal any new information.

I am sure some others would love this book just to read what other authors comments on the characters are, but for me.. I guess I was a tad disappointed it wasn't more than it was.

Verdict: 2/5

ARC Review: Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian

Edge of Dawn (Midnight Breed #11)
Lara Adrian
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication date: February 26th, 2013
Number of pages: 288
Format: E-format
Pre-Order / Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository
Add to Goodreads

Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost.

Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.

Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts

First off, I would like to thank Delacorte Press and Netgalley for giving me this opportunity to review this book for an honest review.

I was so happy when I discovered that Lara was continuing this series, although I wasn't sure how things would go as she was skipping twenty years from the last novel. It sure was a gutsy move, but I can say for sure that it paid off.
Not only do we see our old and favourite characters, but we also get introduced to a new generation of breed and breedmates. I am excited to see where things will go from here.

Many of us originally had wondered who would be Mira's love interest for this book, because all we knew  all year was that she was getting her own story, usually we discover the male first. I hoped upon hope that it would be who I felt it should be. I had hoped that I wasn't seeing things and there was foreshadowing in 'Darker Midnight' between these two characters.
When Lara answered that very important question and we found out that her love interest would be none other than Kellan, I could not have been any more happier than I was. I was glad my instincts were correct, and I could not wait to dig into their story.

I absolutely loved the history that Lara brought to this new generation. She has added our old favorites with a little extra, as they deal with the fallout of Lucan's announcement twenty years prior that changed everything, and for breed and humans alike.
We soon learn that Mira, while in charge of her own team within the order, is still haunted from a personal loss that she carries with her every day. Someone close to her that is now lost to her forever that has changed her, and she'll do anything possible to get those responsible for the tragedy.
She might have her friends and family around her, but there would always be a hole inside her heart that can't be repaired, as to her, something will always be missing.

Kellan has never had the greatest childhood, but his friendship, and relationship with Mira was something that change him for the better. If it wasn't for her, he probably wouldn't have survived as long as he did. The tragedy that took so much away from him has taken it's toll on the child boy when as a child. But years later, Kellan will be forced to do something drastic in hope to change for something happening.
After he left nine years prior, Kellan never thought he would see Mira again, but as the fates would have it, that would not the plan. Their paths soon cross and you begin to understand the hurt stuck between them, the longing, and the love still constant when they are both in the same room together.
Is it possible for two people who have been there for one another through so much be able to repair the damage that occurred years earlier? Can something be repaired when it felt like it was very much broken in pieces?

There are no words to describe how much I loved this book. Not only for Mira and Kellan. But for Nathan, their childhood friend, who I suspected is book is next on the agenda. (Crave the Night, is what its called), and also for the new generation of breed that we have come to know and adore during the course of this story. The kids are grown up and are coming into their own as individuals and warriors, and I am sure they will make their parents proud at who they are becoming.

We also get into the thoughts of come of our favourites, such as Lucan, who is as big of a presence was he was during the last ten books of this series. I look forward to seeing what the others have been up to.

If this is what we have to look forward to from this point on, then I say BRING IT ON!

Verdict: 5/5

Jen's review of "Bane" by Trish Milburn

Bane (Coven #2) by Trish Milburn

Publication date: May 31st, 2012

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books

Number of pages: 178

Format: Kindle

Add to Goodreads

Description: To protect those she loves from herself, Jax will leave them all behind. She'll risk everything in a desperate search for answers.
Jax Pherson fled the darkest of covens and from her own father's evil. For a brief moment, her courage was rewarded. She found everything she'd ever wanted. A normal life. An amazing boyfriend. An envy-worthy best friend .
But her past put them all in danger, forcing a confrontation with the dark covens. In a life-and-death battle to save those she loved from the covens, Jax gained staggering power. Power so intense, so dangerous, she fears the darkness that now dwells inside her like a living thing.
If she can't control the power, she may yet become as evil as the witches she conquered.
With her friend Egan, Jax leaves all she's built and heads for the one place that might hold the answers she desperately needs to hold back the darkness-Salem, Massachusetts. Her research unearths a shocking discovery: the Bane, a secret group of witches dedicated to thwarting the covens.
Jax desperately needs their help in her fight against the covens, but finding the Bane is easier said than done and takes all her skills and courage. As Jax gets closer, her dark powers begin to rise and control her actions. If she succumbs to the darkness, Jax may have as much to fear from the Bane as the evil covens and the determined hunter on her trail.

This series is a fun one. It's an easy read, and this book is no exception.
In the first book, White Witch, we saw Jax find a life she wanted and fell in love. Things happened and she had to leave.
While she and her friend, Egan leave and find themselves in Salem, they start to dig into family histories and discover more than they ever bargained for.

Not only do they realize they have been lied to their entire lives, but the real truth about themselves and their powers is something they didn't anticipate upon.
Soon enough, Jax and Egan find themselves not alone, and discover that their past has caught up to them. Whether or not that's a good thing is yet to be determined.

I like both Jax and Egan. They are good friends. They both find themselves with similar pasts with complicated relationships with ones they love.

In this book, I like that we get down to more of the white witches, and whether or not Jax might be one.

Salem isn't what they think it is. The people... there are more to them than just ordinary folk, and Jax and Egan soon find themselves in the midst of something they never expected to be in.

The end of the book brings a whole new level of cliffhanger. It's something where you can't imagine what will happen from here on out, but want to know more.

With a great plot, new characters and a new town.. crazy and bizarre discoveries, this book is twice as good as the first book in this series. Things can only get better.

 Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this title.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Jen's review of "White Witch" by Trish Milburn

White Witch (The Coven #1) by Trish Milburn

Publication date: March 1st, 2012

Publisher: Bell Bridge Boks

Number of pages: 188

Format: Kindle

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Description: Witchcraft Is Her Family’s Business.No One Quits The Family And Lives To Tell About It. “Jax” Pherson has power, enough power to know her future will end in service to the dark coven her father controls. Unless she can stay hidden in a small community in the mountains of North Carolina. She must find a way to live without magic and deny the darkness she feels welling up inside her—the same dark power that fuels the covens around the world. All she wants is a normal life. A boyfriend. Friends. Some place to belong, but all too soon Jax’s barely begun new life hangs in the balance when she discovers that the boy she’s attracted to is sworn to kill her kind. He’s a hunter with good reason to kill everything that goes bump in the night. Even the most fleeting use of her power is tantamount to signing her death warrant and will bring both hunter and coven down on her. But can she walk away when her friends are threatened by an old evil? Something created by the magic of witches? Jax’s only hope of survival is to convince the boy she loves to forget everything he’s ever been taught and help her find a way to fight the covens. To believe there is some good in her.

Thanks to Bell Bridge Books and Netgalley for allowing me to review this title in exchange my honest review and take on this book. It has been a pleasure. 

After escaping from her family controlled by her dark coven father, Jax runs toward a small town in North Carolina where she hopes will be far enough for her to start a new life without magic. All she wishes is to be normal and not be in the life that she was.
Things are easy said then done. Its not too soon that she meets a boy who she discovers is everything she has been taught to stay away from. A human. A hunter. It's the worst possible boy to fall for.
Her head knows that, but tell that to her heart.

Jax soon sees that she can't run from who she is. The closer she and the new boy in her life start to get, she suddenly realizes that she doesn't care. These two have this insane attraction that not even the forces would be able to keep them apart.

Everything is not all daisies and roses, because a newcomer arrives in town just as things are getting to normal. A blast from her not-to-distant past and the two join forces and discover certain things that make them see everything they had been told their entire life has been a lie.
They start to wonder whether they really know the truth about who they are, and their abilities. But one thing is for sure: they are about to find out even if it's the last thing they ever do in that town.

This was an enjoyable, if not short read. It was a nice story, even though I didn't feel a lot actually happened and when it did it wasn't until half way until the end.
I feel the story could have been executed better, but it was nice nonetheless. I enjoyed Jax as a character, but I do wish we could have seen when she escaped her father and the events that led up to it. I think it might have had more of an impact.

There was a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, and I guess it will spring into the second book to this series to see where Jax goes and what happens next.
I did like the interesting take Trish had on the Witch genre and her world that she created about Jax and her family and magic was not one I had read about before, so I would have to applaud her for that.
I definitely will check out the next book when it comes out to see if the story builds up with more excitement.

                                                          Rating: 3/5