Review: Awaken by Meg Cabot

Awaken
Abandon Trilogy #3

Author: Meg Cabot

Publication Date: July 2, 2013

Publisher: Point

Genre: Mythology

---

Synopsis:

Death has her in his clutches. She doesn’t want him to let go.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera knew by accepting the love of John Hayden, she’d be forced to live forever in the one place she’s always dreaded most: the Underworld. The sacrifice seemed worth it, though, because it meant she could be with the boy she loves.

But now her happiness — and safety — are threatened, all because the Furies have discovered that John has broken one of their strictest rules: He revived a human soul.

If the balance between life and death isn’t fixed, both the Underworld and Pierce’s home back on earth will be wiped away. But there’s only one way to restore order. Someone has to die

My Thoughts: I have been following this series and eagerly anticipating this final novel for awhile. If you follow my reviews you will know that I am ga-ga for mythology and I love Persephone and Hades based books.  Most of my favourites right now are at least somewhat based on the star-crossed couple from Hell (or Hades, rather).

This novel is the last of the Abandon Trilogy from Meg Cabot.  In it, Pierce Oliviera finally accepts her role in John's life and in the underworld.  However, the Furies have something else entirely in mind.  The Fates have mysteriously disappeared and the Furies are running wild causing havoc in both the Underworld and on the surfaces on Isla Huesos. Together, John and Pierce have to figure out how they are going to save both of their worlds.

In truth, I liked the previous two books in this series a lot more in comparison to this one.  At times, this one seemed to come to a dead creep and then pick up and go a mile a minute.  The pacing was strange at times and infuriating at others.  There were a lot of moments were I just kind of stared at the novel incredulously and wondered: "Did that just happen?", and not in a good way.  There were a couple of aspects thrown in (like Thanatos) that I just thought was a little bit of an overkill and pointless to the plot other than maybe to save a character I had no interest in in the first place and to use up a chapter or two.

Other than that, I did enjoy it though.  I felt like it tied up the loose ends of the series well and I still read it in one sitting. It makes me sad that the story of John and Pierce has come to an end and that I won't have anymore books about them in the future, but it seemed like that was a good place to end the series.  If you haven't yet checked out the Abandon Trilogy, I certainly suggest that you do.  It is definitely worth your time.

Review: Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Peril
The Sweet Trilogy #2

Author: Wendy Higgins

Publication Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Harper Teen

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology (Angels/Demons)

---

Synopsis:

Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things. 

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind. 

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?

My Thoughts: I have been waiting for this book since I read the last one, which was on it's release date.  I can't say how happy I was to finally have it in my hands and wasted no time jumping into the book.  Safe to say, once this one was open it was one that was not put down until it was finished.

Anna is a lot different than when we met her in the first book.  After discovering her true heritage, she is now monitored by demon whisperers - things that report to her father and all of the other dukes whether or not she is doing her job.  So, Anna is forced to adapt.  No longer is she the goody-two-shoes from the beginning of Sweet Evil; however, even with the noticeable changes the reader can still find so much of the old Anna.  I found myself torn between the new Anna and the old Anna a lot but as she came to a happy medium I think I did with her as well.

Kaiden is just as infuriatingly sexy, mysterious and bad-boyish.  I just love him to pieces  especially as this book hit the middle and towards the end.  Just thinking about him makes me all giggly, despite my rocky start with him at the beginning of this book (he is just infuriating to me [and Anna] at the beginning).

I almost liked the plot of Sweet Peril more than I did Sweet Evil.  It was full of action, romance, heartbreak and all of the things that make up good books and good movies.  This was one that I could not put down for even a second and I am already looking forward to the next novel in this series.

Review: Dreaming Awake by Gwen Hayes

Dreaming Awake
Falling Under #2

Author: Gwen Hayes

Publication Date: January 3, 2012

Publisher: NAL Trade

Genre: Fantasy

---

Synopsis:

She fell for him in a nighttime world. But the time for dreaming is past—and the here-and-now can be just as fragile their love…

When Theia Alderson first encountered a mysterious, handsome boy in her dreams, she never imagined how finding Haden Black—and falling in love—could change her life. To save Haden, Theia sacrificed everything. And the dangerous bargain she made could have lasting repercussions.

Now Theia has returned to Serendipity Falls, and she finds herself struggling with the same deadly hungers that have tortured Haden. When students at their high school fall prey to a mysterious illness, Theia can’t help but wonder if Haden’s control is slipping—and how much longer she’ll have a grip on her own.

And still the nightmare realm of Under won’t let them go. Someone from Haden’s past is determined to destroy Theia from the inside out, starting with those closest to her, forcing Theia to choose between family and friends and a love that may have been doomed from the start…

My Thoughts: I read this series in two days - I just couldn't put it down.  From the very first chapters in Falling Under this series had me enthralled and completely captivated.  When I reached the ending of Dreaming Awake I could hardly believe it was over and was instantly craving more.

The Falling Under series is about a girl named Theia, who was born in America but raised in England hence the British accent.  Theia was just a regular misfit girl in high school with an overbearing father before Haden Black came into her life and turned up into down and down into up.  Then, someone from Haden's past comes and threatens everything they hold dear and Theia must make a pact with the devil to save Haden.  But Haden isn't giving up on Theia so easily.

The evolution of Theia from the first book (Falling Under) to Dreaming Awake, and even during dreaming awake, is something miraculous.  At the beginning of Fallen Under we find Theia as a socially awkward girl repressed by her father so that she is the picture of perfection of British Aristocracy.  He tries to tame anything wild that she could have possibly got from her American mother and sets harsh limits to which she has always abided.   Then, slowly at first but surely, she starts to change as she must adapt to the situations that her love for Haden Black puts her in.  By the end of Dreaming Awake, Theia has her own mind and does not need or look for anyone's permission to be herself or do what she wishes. She really gets a back bone and lets herself free and I loved watching her transformation.

Haden Black is someone I could totally sink my teeth into.  He is sweet, charming, jealous and with just enough bad to make me (and Theia) swoon. He had a couple of weird/creepy moments that made me reminiscent of a sparkly vampire (not naming any names) but they were very minimal and easy to look over when he is just so damn hot and weird and perfect all rolled up into one giant Haden roll.

I enjoyed this series so much that I am a little sad it is over.  I liked that it was different, even though the way it was written did give me a throw-back to the first two arcs of the Vampire Diaries books.  However, the plot was something I enjoyed immensely and the characters were pretty awesome as well.  All in all, if you are looking for a good read I would definitely recommend picking up this series.

Review: Perfect Chemistry

Perfect Chemistry
Perfect Chemistry #1

Author: Simone Elkeles

Publication Date: December 23, 2008

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers

Genre: Contemporary

---

Synopsis:

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect.

Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

My Thoughts: I picked this book up because recently I had been seeing everywhere.  So, I just grabbed it one day when I was in the book store for a Christmas present and brought it him.  I am ashamed to admit that it said on my TBR shelf beside my bed for this long without being read.  I remember picking it up at one point and reading the first chapter then setting it back down.  I wasn't sure what I was going to think of the whole gang thing, but I was pleasantly surprised when I finally sat down to read the whole thing.

This was a kind of Romeo-Juliet-esque story.  Brittany was from the right side of the tracks, Alex was from the wrong side of the tracks.  Right from the beginning they hated each other and knew they would never work out together.  But when they finally begin to warm up to each other and let each other in, their families, friends and lives stand in the way.

I didn't like Brittany at first, much like Alex.  Even from her POV it seemed to me like she was a little too obsessed with perfection.  Everything she did had to be perfect from her hair, her clothes, her grades, reputation - even the boy she dated had to go along with the perfect image.  Despite her referencing her "deep dark secret" and her horrible family life, I thought she was just the next perfection driven cheer captain.  However, when we see exactly what is happening with Brittany at her home with her family I really came to sympathize and even like her a little.  There were moments where I just thought she was being over-dramatic or stupid, but other times when she handled crazy situations with a lot of grace.

Despite being a gang member, I really liked Alex from the get-go.  He was snark and funny - but he was also putting on an image of what people thought he should be to the world.  Deep down he was still funny and snark, but also caring, gentle and would do anything to protect his family and find out who murdered his father.  Alex was one of the sweetest guys I have read about in a while.  His character was so well developed he almost-literally came to life on the pages.

I really, really liked this book.  It would totally have gotten a five from me if it weren't for some strange moments with Brittany that I felt may have been a little out of character and it pulled me out of the novel a bit.  I loved the intensity of the emotions and situations.  If you haven't picked this book up yet, you definitely should!

Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Wither
The Chemical Garden #1

Author: Lauren DeStefano

Publication Date: March 22, 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Genre: Dystopian

---

Synopsis:

By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children. When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape--before her time runs out? 

Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts to escape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom?

My Thoughts: This is one of those books that I wasn't sure about until I picked it up and opened up to the first page.  After that, I was hooked.  This is one I did not put down and stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading and thinking: "Just one more chapter!".

The summary above does very well in summarizing, basically, the whole book.  Rhine is kidnapped off of the streets on her way home from work, shoved into the back of a dark van and driven across the country to be sold as one of three brides for Linden.  Despite Linden being horribly naive and not as bad as she would have thought, Rhine's sole thought is of escape and living the last four years of life she has left her own way.

It was weird to imagine a world full of only young people.  There are the much older first generation people who age normally, but other than that every man was under twenty-five and ever woman under twenty.  There are orphans running rampant around and most people who are working are really young.  There were so many things that I found abhorrent in this novel and gave me such a shock (for instance, a thirteen year old girl being married off and getting pregnant and not many thought twice about it).  When I sat down and absorbed the world it made sense that things like that would be routine in a world where the young died young.  It really made the world seem real and painted a picture of what it had become.  But it was nevertheless disturbing.

Rhine Ellery was sold into a polygamous marriage after being kidnapped.  It was one of the many things that could happen in the world she lives in but never one she considered.  So, at the ripe age of sixteen she was married with two sister wives - one older and one younger.  Not to mention the existing first wife, Rose, who at the age of twenty was succumbing to the disease they would all eventually fall prey to.  Rhine's other sister wives all seem to accept their fate one way or another. Rhine, on the other hand, does everything within her power to make sure that she escapes - even if that means pretending to be in love with her husband and calling him "sweetheart".

Gabriel is the man who serves the sister wives their food and tends to their needs.  He is the only servant other than the wives' own personal servant permitted on their floor (which has no stairs and an elevator that can only be accessed with a key card).  He and Rhine form a companionship that could certainly turn into something else - if they weren't constantly worried about someone walking in on them or finding them out.  Gabriel is a sweet guy who barely remembers life outside of the confines of the mansion in which he serves.

Linden, the husband of Rhine and her sister wives, is so sweet and naive.  He and Rhine do get along and under any other circumstances they could have been at least sincere friends, I believe.  Linden is horribly in the dark about how his new wives have been brought to him and even what happens in his own home.  Everything in Linden's home is overseen and ruled by his cold, calculating and uncaring father - Vaughn.  Vaughn is a scientist who is laboring for a cure to the disease that is killing off humanity by any means possible.

Overall, I really, really liked this book.  Some of the things that happened or were mentioned through me off guard and left me reeling and unbelieving but the fact that I had a reaction so intense really speaks for the writing and the author of this series.  I honestly can't wait to start the next one.

Review: A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

A Shade of Vampire

Author: Bella Forrest

Publication Date: December 14, 2012

Genre: Fantasy

Thank you to Bella Forrest for the review copy!!

---

Synopsis:

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.

A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood. 

She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.

An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains. 

Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince. 

Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.

Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?

My Thoughts: This is a short novel but definitely one vampire lovers should pick up.  Sadly, I think I may never had read it had it not received a request to review it - which would have been my loss.  I really loved how this book took the vampire lore back to how it is supposed to me.  There were no glittering vampires, no magical daylight rings.  There were just vampires who couldn't stand in the sunlight and were blood thirsty and could be killed with a wooden stake through the heart.

Sofia Claremont's only wish is not to go crazy.  Which sounds weird, but after seeing her mother slowly go insane and thinking she may have the same disorder makes her fear for the worst.  One night, after getting into a fight with her bestie Ben (who she happens to have more-than-bestie feelings for) she is abducted from the beach where she was taking a walk only to wake up in the Blood Shade.  The Blood Shade where vampires are real, humans are chained and slaved and her only hope of survival is their newly-awakened prince.

This was a short novel, so things tended to go a little quick but I liked it.  The fast-paced flow made sense to the story and didn't have you stopping to think that is was unrealistic at all (well, other than the vampires but who doesn't love a little vampire now and then?).  Though, when there is no sun in the sky I guess it would get rather hard to tell days from nights so the days kind of blurred for the main characters in my eyes and I am not quite certain how long they had been together.  Regardless of that, it seemed perfectly fitting with the story.

I also loved the characters, pretty much all of them.  I thought a couple could have been more developed but when I found out that this was only the first one in a series I was a bit more forgiving on that factor.  I felt like I knew the main characters well enough which was great and I fully expect the others to be fleshed out more in the upcoming book(s) and I look forward to it.

Sofia and Derek felt like opposites of each other, but it also felt like they completed each other as well - like they were two halves to one whole.  What she lacked he had and vice versa and they seemed to feed off of each other and adapt and become more than what they were.  Derek's transformation because of Sofia is more apparent since he struggles a lot more but Sofia's changes are evident as well.

This book was a short, sweet and quick read but once I stopped I couldn't put it down.  I loved how it took me back to the vampires of old.  I can't wait to pick up the next book in this series when it is released.

Review: Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Through the Ever Night
Under the Never Sky #2

Author: Veronica Rossi

Publication Date: January 8, 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Genre: Fantasy/Dystopian

---

Synopsis:

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both. 

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder: Can their love survive through the ever night?

My Thoughts: Okay, I almost like this novel better than the first one - which is a hard feat because I loved Under the Never Sky!  It was sweet, surprising, overwhelming and had just the right amount of action for me.  I sped through this novel and didn't want to put it down for a moment.

At the beginning of the book, Perry and Aria are finally reunited after months apart after the previous book.  Aria has become a much more self-sufficient woman, clearly able to take care of herself for the most part now - a far cry from when she first left her home pod of Reverie and was a defenceless and sheltered Dweller.

Perry is trying to cope with the responsibility of being Blood Lord of the Tides.  He never wanted or expected to be their leader, but he is doing his best with what he has been given - which isn't a lot since the Aether storms and wandering tribes threaten their homes and their livelihood.

Everyone is still in search of the Still Blue, hoping beyond all hope that it does exist somewhere and they can make it there before their whole world succumbs to the scorching fire of the Aether.

The last book was a mission for Aria to find her mother and become self-reliant.  This book is about struggle.  Perry and Aria struggle to find a way to be together without everything and everyone trying to stop them.  The tribes are all struggling for food and maintaining their land.  Perry is struggling to be a leader and Aria is struggling to try and save everyone.

All in all, I loved this book.  It has some really sweet parts with Aria and Perry which I really, really loved.  Then, there are the parts that made me gasp and my heart wrench.  Through the Ever Night really drew me into the world and left me reeling when I was forced back into reality.  I love this whole series so far and can't wait until the next one.  If you haven't checked it out yet, pick it up!

Review: The Goddess Inheritance by Aimée Carter

The Goddess Inheritance
The Goddess Test #3

Author: Aimée Carter

Publication Date: February 26, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Thank you Harlequin Teen for the review copy via NetGalley

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology

---

Synopsis:

Love or life.
Henry or their child.
The end of her family or the end of the world.
Kate must choose.


During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal.

In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.

With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.

Even if it costs her eternity.

My Thoughts: This is one of my favourite series.  I love it and I think that this was a good ending to a series that has enraptured me from the first page.

The last book (Goddess Interrupted) left off at a massive cliffhanger for the readers and this novel picks up almost nine months later.  I wish I had seen more of the time in between those nine months, but for the flow of the novel and the series I could see how it was skipped.

This book was full of action, even more so than the previous ones had been.  I felt as though the romance in it was a little less consuming than the first and second one and kind of left me hanging for more, but nevertheless there were a lot of sweet scenes for everyone involved.  Plus, I understand why you wouldn't have time for romantic gestures and cuddling with all that was going on.  It really left you relieved at the ending when everything was finally in it's place.

The characters in this series are wonderfully developed - each and every one of them.  If you read this series and haven't checked out The Goddess Legacy a short story between Goddess Interuppted and The Goddess Inheritance you definitely should.  It made me look at the characters in this final book in a light that I never would have when reading it.  So, I enjoyed every character good and bad in this series.

The reader gets to see a new side of both Kate and Henry in this final novel.  Kate becomes more fiercely protective than she had ever been before and you get to (finally) see exactly what Henry can do and why he is so fearsome.  These two have been through so much together and if there is any reason to be glad an amazing series is over, it is because the characters you adore finally get some peace in their lives.

I did, however, really really miss the Underworld in this one.  I wish I had seen more of it!

Overall, I loved this book just as much as I loved the other ones.  I wish a few things had turned out differently, but that happens with almost every series people read.  I am pretty satisfied with the ending and I feel like all loose ends are tied up marvellously   If you haven't read this series yet, I highly suggest that you do.  It isn't something you would want to miss!

Review: Endure by Carrie Jones

Endure
Need #4

Author: Carrie Jones

Publication Date: May 8, 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology

---

Synopsis:

Zara is at the center of an all-out war, and an impending apocalypse. True, she’s successfully rescued Nick from Valhalla, but it simply isn’t enough. Bedford is being ravaged by evil pixies and they need much more than one great warrior; they need an army. Zara isn’t sure what her role is anymore. She’s not just fighting for her friends, she’s also a pixie queen. And to align her team of pixies with the humans she loves will be one of her greatest battles yet. Especially since she can’t even reconcile her growing feelings for her pixie king…

Unexpected turns, surprising revelations, and one utterly satisfying romantic finale make Endure a thrilling end to this series of bestsellers.

My Thoughts: I read this series back to back in a whirlwind couple of days. I have to say, I really really enjoyed the series as well. I loved the first book, felt a small dull in the next few, but I am so glad that I stuck it out until the end because it was totally worth it.

The Need series is about a girl named Zara White and her journey. I loved watching her really and truly evolve and go through so much from Need to Endure. She was pretty awe-inspiring and I was glad to be in her head. The turmoil she goes through when facing moral dilemmas feels genuine.

Endure, in particular, is probably my favourite book out of this series. Not just because Zara ends up with the boy I was rooting for (YAY!) but also because of the action, the romance, the friendship and the obstacles they overcome.

Zara is the girl in Amnesty International. She tries to save the world, one letter at a time and is a pacifist. By this novel, all of her beliefs have been tested as well as her character. Nick is her first love and an overprotective alpha wolf with a black and white view of the world.

Astley is the pixie king that showed Zara that not all pixies are bad and turned her world from black and white to help her see the grey. He is respectful of her decisions and defends them (most of the time).

Again, I really liked this entire series and would recommend it! It has a lot of Norse Mythology in it, which I liked since I could discuss it with my husband since he loves it so much. The only negative I have about this book is that I wish a few more things were clarified for me in the end - but sometimes it is good to leave the viewers wanting more, I suppose.

Review: Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Unspoken
The Lynburn Legacy #1

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan

Publication Date: September 11, 2012

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Genre: Fantasy

---

Synopsis:

Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

My Thoughts: This book was one that I picked up from the library on a whim, really, and I am really glad that I did. It was a pleasant surprise and took me almost no time to read through the whole thing. It was really hard to put down.

Kami Glass has spoken to a boy in her head since she can remember. He is her best friend, they have no secrets from each other and are always there for each other. Imagine her surprise when she meets him in real life, after which a series of tragic events start happening and she is determined to find out what is happening in the small, ancient town of Sorry-in-the-Vale.

Kami Glass was a hoot to read about. Imagine a young Lois Lane and you pretty much have her down. She is head-strong, curious, an intrepid reporter who will do anything to get the scoop and pretty stubborn once she has her mind set on something. She doesn't hesitate when she has to dive head-first into something to get some answers, which inevitably leads her to trouble.

Jared Lynburn is a troubled guy. His parents weren't exactly the parents of the year and he has always gotten into trouble and reveled in it. Kami seems to be the only one to be able to keep him centered and grounded, and even she has a hard time sometimes. He and his cousin, Ash, are nearly identical (their mothers are twin sisters) but couldn't be more different in terms of personality. Jared is all rugged tough-guy while Ash is sweet and charming.

The ending of this book made me mad, want to cry, furious and crazy with anticipation for the next one. I can't wait to see what Brennan has in store for us next. I love the dynamic of the story starting with the mind-reading already established and that they could do it back and forth rather than just one or the other being telepathic. It is a beautifully frustrating love story that leaves you begging for more at the end. If you haven't read it yet, you should definitely check it out!

Review: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

Dreaming Anastasia
Dreaming Anastasia #1

Author: Joy Preble

Publication Date: September 1, 2009

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Genre: Fantasy

---

Synopsis:

What really happened to Anastasia Romanov?

Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.

In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college--until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams...

My Thoughts: I had been hoping to read this book since it was first published and I finally got around too it. Lucky that too, because I was certainly missing out by putting it to the wayside for so long. It got me so into the mythology and lore of Anastasia again that I just had to watch the animated movie (no matter how inaccurate it may be).

Anne is, I have to say, one of the most down to Earth girls ever to grace the pages of a paranormal young adult book. Oh, that guy you just met following you around like a creepy stalker? Ask him if he has been following you, tell him to stop and warn him you are going to call the police. What a normal reaction, I love it! Oh, a one-hundred year old immortal boy stuck at eighteen wants to kiss you? Instantly tell him how wrong it is that someone his age, despite his looks, wants any sort of relationship with a sixteen year old. I adore Anne.

Ethan (or Etanovich) is a Russian immortal who was eighteen at the time of the deaths of the Romanov family. He has to find the girl who is supposed to break the curse placed on Anastasia to save her life and finally set her free. He is full of old-world charm and can be virtuous to a fault.

This story kept my attention from the first page. It is full of mystery, folktales and lore about Russia in general and the events surrounding the revolt and assassination of Tsar Nicolas and his family. It has packed full of action and mystery and I enjoyed it immensely.

Review: Insatiable by Meg Cabot

Insatiable

(Insatiable #1)

Author: Meg Cabot

Publication Date: June 8, 2010

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

---

Synopsis:

Sick of vampires? So is Meena Harper.
But her boss is making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn’t believe in them.

Not that Meena isn’t familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you’re going to die (not that you’re going to believe her; no one ever does).

But not even Meena’s precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets—then makes the mistake of falling in love with—Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side . . . a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire-hunters, would prefer to see him dead for.

The problem is, he already is dead. Maybe that’s why he’s the first guy Meena’s ever met that she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena’s always been able to see everyone else’s future, she’s never been able look into her own.

And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare.

Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future . . .
If she even has one.

My Thoughts: Meena Harper was just a regular dialogue writer on a soap opera - except for the small fact that she could see how everyone around her would die. Although, no one usually believes her. Then, she meets the handsome prince Lucien Antonescu and her life changes forever.

I love Meena (short for Wilhelmeena) Harper. Yeah, sure, she writes and loves soap operas and eventually fell in love overnight - but hey, gotta believe in love at first sight once in a while. This girl is definitely not a push-over though. She takes everything with a grain of salt and stands up for her beliefs, even when other people are telling her otherwise. She also has an iron-clad conscious that forces her to help everyone and anyone she believes she can.

There is a small love-triangle between Meena, Lucien (her vampire boyfriend) and Alaric Wulf (vampire-hunter). I hope that in the next book in this series that it will be explored more fully and certainly could be an interesting and even more complicated set of relationships.

Oh, and Meena’s unemployed brother Jonathan (Jon) is hilarious in a sad sort of way. He gave me chuckles a few times in this novel.

There were a few unrealistic aspects to this novel. Falling in love in a couple of hours seems strange, but I can give love at first sight the benefit of the doubt there. However, when everyone the character seems to know starts turning out to be vampires - I find that a little over the top.

But overall, I enjoyed this novel for what it was - a vampire novel with some pretty gorgeous guys that have a lot of money. Throw in some blood, battles and a five-hundred year old sibling rivalry combined with a giant fire-breathing dragon and you have Insatiable. This series is definitely on my radar for a good guilty pleasure.

Review: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

The Mark of Athena

(The Heroes of Olympus #3)

Author: Rick Riordan

Publication Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Hyperion Book

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology

---

Synopsis:

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she’s about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo’s fantastical creation doesn’t appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that’s only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close— the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth’s biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he’s now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare. . .

. In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven?

The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophesy remains a mystery. . . . With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.

My Thoughts: Oh my God! I am still reeling from the end of this book. I am not quite sure what to say except I can’t wait for the next one now!

We start off the book at the end of the last one The Son of Neptune. All seven prophesized demi-gods finally get together and embark on an ancient quest. It was kind of weird at the beginning after reading the first two. When the two sets of demi-gods merge together it is sort of surreal. You always knew it was going to happen but it is, at the same time, odd and hysterical as personalities clash.

As always, Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase are there, coupled with new-comers such as Jason, Leo, Hazel, etc... Altogether their powers and special talents make them a force to be reckoned with – especially with their new warship the Argo II. They make up a demi-god team with very powerful godly parents.

I enjoyed this book almost more than the other ones. Despite there being a lot of characters to follow, I felt that it flowed nicely and I was involved in everything. It was action-packed and there didn’t seem to be anyone left out of anything. POV jumping between seven different characters could be frustrating at times though, but surprisingly I didn’t mind that much.

I did have a hard time remembering who was Roman and who was Greek at times, but it wasn’t too hard to keep track of since it is repeated throughout the book at regular intervals.

Overall, I really loved this book and this series is among my favourites. I miss seeing my favourite gods as much as previous books in the series but the demi-gods more than make up for it. I would recommend this one!