Review: Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones

Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson, #5) by Darynda Jones
Publisher: Piatkus
Publication date: July 9th, 2013
Number of pages: 339 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | The Book Depository

Charley Davidson may not look like your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper, but she has vowed to reap grimness wherever she goes despite this unfortunate fact. Sadly, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. As he is the main suspect in her arson case, she has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth.

However, when dead women start appearing in her apartment—lost, confused and terrified beyond reason—Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes' help, especially when it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma, is the serial killer's next target. With his ability to observe incorporeally, surely he can find out who's responsible. And even if he can't, he is the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return: Charley. All of her—body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she might be willing to pay...

There are times when I can't believe I hadn't read this series sooner. This is far becoming one of my favourites in Urban Fantasy. Darynda can do it all. From hot and sexy. To humorous fun and interesting cases. This is definitely one that needs to be read by everyone interested in this genre.

With book five under the belt, I can honestly say this has been my favourite thus far, and that goes to saying something as the last few books have been amazing. The stakes have been raised, the cases have been intriging, but most of all, the relationship between Charley and Reyes have progressed to a point of no return.
Reyes is full of flaws, is a complicated man, but loved with his whole heart. Charley is the one who has made him heart and soul ever since the beginning. Reyes is the only man for Charley, no matter what she might have told herself from time to time. They will come to a stand-still, a never-ending point where they cannot go back, only forward.  That time is now...

It's about time things have started to happen with our favourite couple. It has been a slow burn over the past four books, but that all has changed with this newest installment. Things have always been hot, heated and steamy  where it concerns these two, but there was never a real push in the right direction. Things have changed --   ever since Reyes became Charley's new neighbour, he has made his intentions clear to her.  He wants her, body and soul, and there isn't anything he isn't willing to do to claim her as his.  The thing is though, she has always been his, and he hers. It just has taken them a while to admit certain things, because they sure have not been easy.

Charley and Reyes as individuals have grown from strength to strength. They have had their own personal journeys they have been on, but those journeys have lead them to one another. It's where they are supposed to be, if they can make things work, that will be the end of it. The start of a new life.. together.
Charley is at first a little hesitant, but of course, nobody can ever rest Reyes for very long.  Minus that, her newest case keeps her busy especially when her sister becomes the possible next victim, and she'll need Reyes help in locating the person responsible. But by him helping her, he'll need only one thing...

If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy and have not yet been introduced to these books, then what are you waiting for?  This is a series you should not be missing out for a second.
I look forward to the sixth installment. BRING IT ON.

5 Stars

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: Champion by Marie Lu

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

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5  MILLION stars

Review: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Charley Davidson, #4) by Darynda Jones
Publisher: Piatkus
Publication date: October 30th, 2012
Number of pages: 308 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | The Book Depository

Welcome to the world of grim reaper extraordinaire, Charley Davidson. Try as she might, there's no avoiding her destiny.

Sometimes being the grim reaper really is, well, "grim." And since Charley's last case went so awry, she has taken a couple of months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above . . . or at least get dressed. It becomes clear something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she's insane. But the more they refute the woman's story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, is out of prison and out of Charley's life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved.

Darynda Jones has done it again. She has produced yet another amazing installment in the Charley Davidson series. She steps everything up a notch. Not only do we learn more about Charley, but also Reyes, who is very promiment in this book, and we finally get major progress for our favourite couple, Charley & Reyes. In every way possible.

Charley has been a bit, not herself after she takes a break after the events of the previous book. She probably wouldn't have come out of her stupor if it wasn't for her best friend, Cookie who brings her a case that she can't refuse. A woman comes by and claims someone is trying to kill her. This may be a run of the mill type case, and at first she doesn't think of it, until Charley begins to think Harper's claim just may well be true.

Charley goes through many changes in this book, but I feel it's to make the readers see that she is human. She goes through life events and it does affect her. She isn't some sort of robot that has no emotions, but she does.
She went through a lot and is still recovering after what Earl did to her in the previous book, and it's not something one easily gets over.  With the help of one best friend, Charley slowly begins to come back into the world and take her place as she knows it.
There are many reveals in this book,  one for example is the reason why her dad went to the extremes that he did, and I think you can understand him a little more now that he wasn't doing those things just for the kick of it. He had valid reasons, and it kind of made me a little teary when telling her about it.

After Charley tries to get the vacant and yet superior apartment, she discover who exactly had bought it, shockingly, a new neighbour in Reyes.
Out of prison and now back in her life. Who would have thought? Reyes acting like a human and decides to court her. He seems to have gotten over his issues about her bounding him when he was in prison and all the stuff that went on.
Charley, and the readers get many answers when it comes to Reyes. Like why he calls her Dutch, and just what other abilities Charley may have that she doesn't yet know about.

I look forward to the fifth installment, to see what Charley and her band of friends are up to.

5 Stars

Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones

Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson, #3) by Darynda Jones
Publisher: Piatkus
Publication date: February 2nd, 2012
Number of pages: 310 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository | Kindle

Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back! And she's drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because every time she closes her eyes she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan.

Granted she did imprison Reyes for all eternity, but how is she supposed to solve a missing-persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hell-bent on murder when the devil's son just won't give up on his plan of seduction..... and revenge?

The third installment to the Charley Davidson series is just as awesome as the previous two. Seriously, there is just nothing not to love. These characters. Hilarious lines and a swoonworthy love interest in the form of the son of Satan. What can get any better than that?

These characters just get better and better. While Charley is trying to not to sleep because she is told she is summoning Reyes, who she has bound his spirit back to his body and he aint too pleased about that. It's like her subconscious wants him there with her, no matter what she thinks in the daytime.
There were some scenes that were downright heartbreaking, there were others that were sexy as well.  This is what you get when dealing with Reyes. He is sex on a stick, man. No way to go around that.

We have other characters that come into play.  Cookie, who is just as great as ever, and then there is Charley's dad. Now, okay. I can understand where he is coming from, and I felt bad for him in time especially toward the end, but I guess it was also his own doing when you think about it. Not wanting your daughter involved with this kind of stuff anymore is hard to explain when you're the one who got her into it in the first place.  I think he is kinda regretting that now.  Ah, men! I hated seeing them fight though, because I love their father/daughter relationship they have going on.

Garrett's story just is too heartbreaking, and there was a little something that happens at the end where he is concerned. I was both concerned and worried he may not come back from this, but thankfully it is not his time yet.
And then we have the Biker gang who happen to own the asylum. They were a crack and a half, and interesting and new interactions we have with our Charley.

The relationship between Charley and Reyes heats again, and he is more present in this book than he was in the previous one. We discover a lot about him that we didn't before. He will make your heart bleed, and make you swoon all at the same time.

Onto the next book it is.

5 Stars

Review: Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4.5 Stars

Review: Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones

Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson, #2) by Darynda Jones
Publisher: Piatkus Books
Publication date: January 5th, 2012
Number of pages: 307 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase:  Amazon | The Book Depository

"If you hang around with dead people, life can deliver a whole world of trouble."

Take it from Charley Davidson, part-time P.I. and full-time Grim Reaper.The deceased find her very sparkly. Demons find her irresistible. And one entity in particular wants to seduce her in every way possible...

When Charley and Cookie, her best friend slash receptionist, have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally.) has left his corporeal body because he's being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can't let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they'll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven...well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty.

Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm's way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?

When Charley gets woken up in the middle of the night by her best friend Cookie, to go to a meeting with her friend, Mimi, but it seems she has gone missing. After some much thought, Charley decides to take the case and she soon discovers not everything is as it seems. There is someone after Mimi, and they won't stop until she is dead.
This is a mystery only Charley can solve, and even she will be finding a hard time in doing that. With questionable suspects, disappearances and murders, she might figure that this is something she can't even solve.

Then there is Reyes. Charley's kind-of lover, who is also the son of Satan. Charley has no idea what's going on with him, and when she demands some answers ---  she may not be prepared for the ones she gets. With his enemies trying to use his body to open up the gates to hell, he'll do anything to stop that from happening... even if it means getting rid of his host body, once and for all.
I loved the relationship between these two.  In The First Grave on the Right, I was intrigued by Reyes and loved their little interactions, but with this book, Second Grave on the Left just expanded things so much more. I couldn't get enough. The chemistry between the two of them is burning hot, and got to love they have some history.

Charley is such an awesome character. She is witty, honest, hilarious and loyal to her loved ones. She'll do what is right, or what she thinks is right and will do her damned best to make sure the spirits get peace and help others any way that she can.
The friendship she has with her best friend, Cookie is great. They have some fabulous scenes to the point I couldn't help laughing at some of the things they find themselves in.

I'm so glad I was introduced to this series. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I am proud to say it has sucked me right in.

Bring on the next book.


If you prefer reading via Audiobooks, here is a sample for this book, thanks to the publisher.

 5 Stars.

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent (Divergent, #1) by Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication date: April 25th, 2011
Number of pages: 487 pgs
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Beatrice Prior, also known as Tris has led an ordinary life, that is, until she had to decide which faction she must live in for the rest of her life. In her Dystopian world, Chicago has been split up into five factions: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). She grew up in Abnegation and everyone assumed (she included)that is what she would choose. Right? Wrong.
It wasn't until the choosing ceremony where she even surprises herself by not choosing Abnegation, but instead decides to choose Dauntless. She feels she has let down her family, but this is what she must do -- for herself.
She soon herself discovering their way of life, and it's enough trying to get through the initiation stage, less alone trying to deal with an unexpected romance, friends she aren't sure whether they like her or want her dead. Tris discovers things about the Faction that they don't want anyone else to know, and how sometimes... things aren't what they seem.

I loved this much so much. It was fast paced, with action to boot. It was high on my list along with The Hunger Games, which says a lot! I fell in love with Tris, who is such a strong survivor even for someone as young as she is. She is learning to be away from her family and not knowing anyone, but in the end.. she grows into this woman anyone would be proud to lead a revolution.

Other characters I loved: Four.. which is probably my 2nd favourite of the book, and up to par with Tris. He is someone whom is teaching Tris through training and making her into one of them. She discovers there are secrets about him that not many people know, and it will surprise you.

She makes a few friends along the way, as they band against their enemies who wish to kill them for a spot in the faction. Love, Loss, Betrayal. It all comes down to what you are willing to do to be there. To survive and becoming one of the Dauntless.

I totally recommend this to everyone who loves The Hunger Games. You shall not be disappointed. I wasn't.

5 Stars

 

Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant (Divergent, #3) by Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication date: October 22nd, 2013
Number of pages: 526 pgs
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Allegiant has got to be one of the most anticipated books this year and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it, discover just how this trilogy would end. Where would these characters end up, and what is behind the whole Divergence explantion.

This last part of the story picks up pretty much right where Insurgent left off, the people get the choice to either leave the city and take their chances out there, or stay. There was never an easy choice, because either way it's taking on the unknown and not knowing what would happen.
This book is told in dual pov, which after reading the book, it made sense why it was done this way. It was nice to get into the mind of Tobias, who was always kind of a mysterious kind of character and understand the things he is feeling, and going through.
His journey is a tough one and not an easy one.

Tris, Tobias and friends find themselves at a place where they finally discover all the truths about who they are, what it means to be Divergent.. and that really is only the beginning.
This book was like a rollercoaster.. you have a feeling how it's gonna end, but you can't help but be fascinated and look as you go up and down.
The whole reasons and explanations for being Divergent -- well, it wasn't what I was expecting, but I don't even know what I was thinking really. There was a lot to process, and I think I liked the explanation because it was certainly different and nothing we had ever thought about before. It took me by surprise.
There was twist after another. Things I didn't see coming, betrayals too, but I couldn't wait to see how it all would end.

The relationship between Tris and Tobias has been beautiful from start to end. It was realistic. They loved each other, but they also knew what was at stake. Amongst everything that was going on, they found happiness in one another that made them feel alive, and believe in a better world.  This series couldn't be what it was without them, together and apart.

Yes, there was sadness, tragedy. Not everything ends in roses. Dystopia worlds aren't always pretty. Terrible things happen. It's a bad bad world and I thought the ending made complete sense and I was satisfied. It might not have been the ending I wanted or thought we'd get, but after the scope of the story, I felt it was understandable, realistic and made sense. Not only for the story, but also character-wise. It doesn't make the book less great, or even ruin the series. It is what it is, and I'm okay with how things turned out.

Whatever might have happpened, I felt it made the story more memorable.. I look forward to what Veronica does next. She's definitely on my must-buy list. Her writing is just beautiful in the way she creates her stories.

4.5 Stars

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
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

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