Review: Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards

Phoenix
Black City #2

Author: Elizabeth Richards

Publication Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Genre: Dystopian

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Synopsis:

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

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

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

This enthralling sequel to Black City is just as absorbing, delicious and steamy as the first book, leaving readers hungry for the series conclusion.

My Thoughts:  I can't believe I waited so long to read this series.  I love the cover of Black City and just kept going back to it, but it was always side-tracked by something else.  I am so glad that I finally decided to pick this series up and give it a go.

First off, I want to really just thank the author for making such a fantastic world.  I haven't been more involved with a dystopian universe since I read The Hunger Games.  I was appalled at the state and conditions of Black City and the blatant discrimination, disregard for life and attempted genocide that these books really portray.  It sucked me in and left my emotions in turmoil for both Black City and Phoenix.

I also want to applaud Elizabeth Richards for not making either book predictable.  With all of the dystopian novels released (especially in the YA genre) nowadays it is hard to keep them fresh and full of surprises. Both Black City and Phoenix caught me off guard on multiple occasions and I could never figure out where we were going to end up - but boy, was it a fun ride.

At first, I wasn't sure what to make of both Ash and Natalie as characters.  It took me a chapter or two to warm up to them.  Now, I couldn't picture my fan-girl couplings without a dose of Natalie and Ash.  They are both fearless and fiercely protective of their friends, family and especially each other. I can't sing either of their praises more - they are perfectly imperfect and developed.

I absolutely love this series.  I can't wait for the third book to come out. I would follow this series through twenty books if I could convince Elizabeth Richards to write that many.  I love the characters and loathe the villains.  It is perfect.  Read it if you haven't picked it up yet - you will not be disappointed!

Review: A Castle of Sand by Bella Forrest

A Castle of Sand
A Shade of Vampire #3

Author: Bella Forrest

Publication Date: June 26, 2013

Thank You Bella Forrest for the review copy!

Genre: Paranormal

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Synopsis:

What Sofia has with Derek feels like a sandcastle; temporary and something that the waves of life and time will soon ruin...

Since the return of Gregor Novak, the island has turned several shades darker. His hatred toward Sofia and thirst for fresh blood lead to a brutal war igniting between father and son.

Meanwhile, the hunters are gaining formidable strength and resources by the day; they know that the safety of The Shade hangs entirely on its ability to remain hidden from them.

And a sinister secret lies in wait for Sofia within the bowls of an Egyptian desert ... a secret that threatens to crush her sandcastle much sooner than she could have expected.

My Thoughts: I love the Shade of Vampire series.  I think it is different and I really like how the vampires are portrayed in it - like real vampires, not some idealistic envisonment of them.  Every time that a new Shade of Vampire is being released I get super excited.  I love the world that Bella Forrest has created with the vampires and hunters and the more I read about it the more I fall in love with it.

In this novel, we start out where the last one ended - much like the previous one.  I love that I can just pick up these novels and know exactly what is going on and not even miss a beat.  The story floods back to me the moment I start the book.

I love, love, love Sofia Claremont in this book.  She really does come into her own more than either of the previous books.  She seems to find where she belongs and what she needs to do.  Her and Derek's relationship really does become a partnership, vastly evolving from the first book. Sofia stands by her beliefs and doesn't let anyone deter her - even Derek himself.

Derek is just as awesome as ever.  I totally love him.  Just as much as Sofia comes into her own in this one, so does Derek.  Despite being hundreds of years old, he really hasn't been able to grow into the person that he needs to be in order to fill the destiny set out for him.  I feel like he has come a lot closer in this novel.  In many ways, he may have grown into himself more than Sofia.

I am really looking forward to the next installment in this series.  Although this one had tragedy and triumph, I feel like the next one may indeed be the best one of the whole series (which is saying a lot if you have read my reviews on the other two as well).  I really applaud Bella Forrest for creating such a unique and awesome world for me to escape to.  I am definitely staying tuned for the next one!

Review: The Watcher by Lisa Voisin

The Watcher

Author: Lisa Voisin

Publication Date: March 4, 2013

Publisher: InkSpell Publishing

Genre: Fantasy/Angels

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Synopsis:

Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her.
Can he face her without falling again?

Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings—soft and silent like snow—and somebody trying to steal them.

When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook.

In search of the truth, Mia discovers a past life of forbidden love, jealousy and revenge that tore an angel from Heaven and sent her to an early grave. Now that her soul has returned, does she have a chance at loving that angel again? Or will an age-old nemesis destroy them both?

Ancient history is only the beginning.

My Thoughts: Oh my God, I really loved this book.  I love angel/nephilim books and this one was out of the ballpark for me.  Angels actually acted like angels and demons like demons.  I liked that the mythology in this one stayed close the the known mythology.

This book is about Mia Crawford, a seemingly ordinary girl with an obession with wings and ancient archaelogy.  Then, Michael Fontaine comes waltzing into her school and her world is flipped upseide down.  She starts seeing things that can't be real, bad things start happening to the people around he and she keeps getting flashes and feelings from a time that she couldn't possibly remember. That is, until she finally discovers Michael's true identity.

I liked Mia.  She was actually a pretty normal teenage girl.  All of the ways that she reacted to each situation just left me cheering her on, since most of her reactions are the way that I envisioned myself reacting to her weird situations - which is rare to find for me.  I guess I am strange.  But that is okay, because Mia was strange with me.  :)

Michael was... enigmatic.  For quite a long time I wasn't sure whether I liked him or not or what his deal was.  I mean, Mia warmed up to him but it took a but for me to.  That was okay though because when I finally did warm up to him man did I ever!  Love this guy!

I loved this book and I can't wait to grab the next one in the series.  I liked the way the story flowed, I liked the plot twists and all of the villains.  At first, I didn't think that this was going to be a book that I was going to enjoy but I am SO glad I finally picked it up and once I did I did not put it down.  This series is definitely on my watch list.

Review: The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Evolution of Mara Dyer
Mara Dyer #2

Author: Michelle Hodkin

Publication Date: October 23, 2012

Publisher: Simon & Shuster Books for Young Readers

Genre: Paranormal

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Synopsis:

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.
She can’t.
She used to think her problems were all in her head.
They aren’t.
She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.
She’s wrong.
In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

My Thoughts: Okay, so my fellow blogger and friend, Jenn, has been trying to get me to read this series for what seems like forever.  For whatever reason, I kept putting it off.  I even bought the first book while it was on sale a while back but it has been sitting on my bookshelf ever since, just collecting dust.  Then, my daughter ran off with my e-reader and I turned to my bookshelf and there it sat.  So, I picked up the first book and I am glad I did.  I was so impressed with the first that I continued on to this novel right after and now I am waiting in stunned anticipation for the third, set to be released in October 2013 last I checked.

This book series is definitely different.  The main character, Mara Dyer, is pretty much certifiable - even when you are in her head since it is first person. She is going through a lot of paranormal stuff, that is true, but she is also pretty insane if you ask me.  There are moments of clarity and I think, "Wow, maybe Mara isn't as crazy as I thought she was after all."  Then she sees or does something else to make me question her sanity all over again.  I know some people may argue this fact (since, really, there is a lot of weird things going on around her as well as this), but sometimes you have to face the facts.  Mara Dyer is, in fact, at least a little nutty.  Despite this (and her hallucinations that are sometimes real, sometimes not) Mara had grown on me.

Noah Shaw is delectable and a trooper, I have to say.  He sticks with Mara through it all.  He believes in her even when she starts to doubt herself.  The fact that he has a supernatural ability like hers (-ish) certainly doesn't hurt him believing in her either.  He is willing to do so much for her it is just incredible.  He is so good and sweet to her and sometimes I think (she does as well) he is the only thing keeping her from going off of the deep end.

This series was strange, but good strange.  Following a first-person narrative when the narrator doesn't always know what is real and what is not and is constantly seeing things to make you question it is something that I am not entirely used to.  Of course, Mara is a little more sane than what I seem to be portraying in this review (although, not much more).

I am really looking forward to the third book in this series (The Retribution of Mara Dyer, due out in October 2013) and I am glad I finally picked it up.  I enjoyed The Evolution of Mara Dyer a little more than The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer so I can only imagine what number three has in store for me.  Loved this book and love this series!

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite
The Selection #2

Author: Kiera Cass

Publication Date: April 23, 2013

Publisher: Harper Teen

Genre: Dystopian

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Synopsis:

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn't sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

My Thoughts: Okay, so I have been waiting for this one for what seems like eternity and as soon as I laid my hands on it I did not put it down.  It had me pulled back into the world of Illea from the very first page and I may or may not have done a happy dance when my husband brought it home for me (after he made the employees at the store hunt it down since they had still been boxed).

America Singer has made it into the top six of the Selection and is now an Elite.  The competition is getting more fierce and more personal than it has ever before and yet America still can't decide between Aspen and Maxon. When her heart is swayed one way, a horrifying experience makes her do a one-eighty and start questioning everything she knows all over again.  She must then determined what she wants, who she wants and who she was meant to be.

America is a little bit different, a little more hesitant for most of this novel.  In the Selection she came in guns-a-blazing and new what she want and what she definitely didn't want.  This America questions all of that.  Since she met Maxon her heart has been swayed and she begins wondering if maybe she does have what it take to rule beside him.  Just as quickly as those thoughts come they are replaced by insecurities, jealousies and doubt.  It is different from the America I am used to, but definitely a new side of her that makes her seem her age.  Never fear though, when needed the old America comes out with a force to be reckoned with that leaves you cheering for her.

Maxon probably surprised me the most.  He had always been, in the Selection, sweet and caring and a little bit of a pushover to me.  I loved him regardless.  They say that when two people spend a lot of time together that they start to pull pieces of each other's personality and you can definitely see that for Maxon and America in the Elite.  Maxon is down to his final six girls, and although he has always wanted America, he has decided that she may decide not to want him in the end.  He grows a backbone and is firm with America that she will have to make a decision at some point.  And near the end he really comes into himself and I was so proud and happy and in love with him that I think I was blushing the whole time.

This book was excellent.  There were so many moments that made me blush, anxious, tearful and overjoyed that it was like I was riding an emotional roller coaster.  There wasn't too much plot development in terms of movement, but there was some.  There was, however, a bucket load of character development that made me fall more in love with America and Maxon than I have ever been before.  If you haven`t started reading this series you definitely should.  If you have read The Selection you should already have The Elite in your hands!

Review: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess
Infernal Devices #3

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publication Date: March 19, 2013

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Genre: Fantasy/Historical

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Synopsis:

Tessa Gray should be happy - aren't all brides happy?

Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute.

A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.

My Thoughts: I love anything by Cassandra Clare and this series definitely did not disappoint.  It was chalk -full of all the Shadowhunter-y goodness that I love and it had Magnus Bane in it.  What's not to love?

Clockwork Princess picks up right where Clockwork Prince left off.  Tessa and Jem are planning their wedding (it starts off with Tessa's dress fitting) and Will is trying his best to pretend he is happy about it.  Unfortunately, Mortmain is still looking for Tessa in order to use her for his grand plans, even though no one knows why he wants her - other than to marry her.  So, it is the book where all things must come to their peak and tie up the series.

Clare always creates characters that I am just crazy about.  At first I was reluctant to pick up this series because I so loved the characters from The Mortal Instruments and worried that these characters would not be able to capture my attention as well and wholly.  I was completely wrong.  Everyone in the London Institute and in the book were amazingly written and I am just as attached to them as I am to the characters in TMI (the only exception being Jace, because I love him so).

The Clockwork Princess dragged me back into the world of the Shadowhunters and I barely put the book down.  It was full of highs and lows for the characters and everything they were feeling, I was feeling right along with them.  All of the loose-ends were tied up impeccably and there was really that feeling of finality when the story was complete that gave me the feeling of "all's well that ends well."

Unfortunately, the very ending was a bit too sweet for me.  When you have read the book/series (which I hope you will do, because it is excellent!) you may know what I am talking about.  The last chapter seemed a little out of place to me and a little too... happily ever after?  If that makes sense.  I normally like things like that, but in this case it was a little too much for me.  I would, however, definitely recommend this whole series along with anything else written by Cassandra Clare.

Review: The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

The Eternal Ones
The Eternal Ones #1

Author: Kirsten Miller

Publication Date: August 10, 2010

Publisher: Razorbill

Genre: Fantasy

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Synopsis:

Haven Moore can't control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan, and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother's house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then, an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is and who she was. In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves¸ before all is lost and the cycle begins again.

My Thoughts: All I can say is that as soon as I put this book down I was looking for a sequel and hoping that there was one.  It could have stopped at this book but I just didn't want it to end!  I didn't put this book down from the moment I picked it up.

Haven passes out and says weird things.  It has been happening since she could remember and she had managed to stop them, until now.  After seeing a famous womanizer (Iain Morrow) on tv one day it happens in front of her grandmother, after she called him Ethan - the imaginary boy she has believed she is in love with since childhood.  After that, things get weird(er) and Haven ends up on a whirlwind adventure in New York City to find out who she really is.

I would just like to point out here that I feel really bad for the childhood Haven had.  Her beloved father died in a car crash when she was young, her mother broke down and was sent away for awhile and her crazily religious grandmother took her in.  Her grandmother then deduced that all of her fainting and talking of other lives were brought on by a demon and told the whole town to pray for her - which, in turn, caused her to be completely ostracized.

I love the idea of reincarnation and books that play on that idea.  The magnetic draw to people from their past lives in this series really makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.  Just thinking about it gives me the tinglies.  I also loved the moment when, by fate, Iain and Haven meet for the first time (in this life).  She gets dragged along at his pace and it seems all too soon - but at the same time it doesn't.  Not with memories of Ethan and Constance inter-crossing.

Haven, I should say, acts like detective as she tries to solve the mystery behind the deaths of Constance and Ethan.  She is unknowingly reckless with it and it causes a lot of mistrust between her and Iain.  Iain is mysterious in and of himself.  He tells Haven lies about where he is going and what he is doing - but insists that it is for her protection.  Throughout the novel I was back and forth just like Haven.  Not quite believing all the information she turned up with but at the same time not knowing what to do with it or who to trust.

The ending of this book really got me and I am excited to read the next one.  The world that Miller created drew me into it and made me sad when I had to put it down.  I loved it!

Review: Daughter of Earth and Sky by Kaitlin Bevis

Daughter of Earth and Sky
(Persephone #2)

Author: Kaitlin Bevis

Publication Date: December 21, 2012

Publisher: Musa Publishing
Thank you Musa Publishing for the review copy

Genre: Mythology

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Synopsis:

Some vows can never be broken.
Persephone thought she could go back to her normal life after returning from the Underworld. She was wrong. The goddess Aphrodite is born among the waves with more charm than she can control. Zeus is stalking Persephone and her loved ones, and Thanatos is no longer content with Persephone’s silence.

He wants her soul.

Persephone can’t tell anyone about Thanatos’ betrayal, and it drives a wedge between her and Hades. Her mother is still keeping secrets, and Melissa’s jealousy of Aphrodite threatens to tear their friendship apart.

Alone, Persephone turns to a human boy for comfort. But will their relationship put him in danger? Sacrifices must be made, and Persephone must choose between her human life and her responsibilities as a goddess. If she doesn’t, she could lose them both.

But will either life be worth choosing once Zeus is through with her?

My Thoughts: I love the first book in this series and I was ecstatic when I received Daughter of Earth and Sky to review.  If you follow my reviews at all, you know that I am a big fan of mythology and a huge fan of Hades.  So, safe to say that this book is right up my alley.

A lot of things that were started in the first book (Persephone) came to a head in Daughter of Earth and Sky, things that I was really excited to see the resolution to and Bevis didn't disappoint.  This novel is full of emotional highs and lows .  It was a roller-coaster of emotion that I just didn't want to get off of... and I didn't until it was finished. In fact, once I opened the book I very rarely strayed away from it.

I enjoyed the character development in this book. We get to see more sides of Hades than we did in the first book and Persephone seems to grow into herself and her new roles.  Hades is more willing to drop his guard around his wife (most of the time) and he is put through situations that really show his character.  Persephone seems to have come to terms with being a Goddess and Queen of the Underworld... well, a lot more than she had before.  By the end of the novel, she really has a better understanding of who she is, what she wants, what she doesn't and some of her (im)mortal flaws.

I think that the villains in this novel were spectacularly done.  I mean, I hated them.  Some of the things that they put Persephone and Hades through were enough to make me scream.  Just typing about them now is enough to make me super mad when I think about them!

All in all, I think I may have liked this book more than the first one - which is saying something.  This is an excellent series and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for their next read.

Review: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

City of Fallen Angels

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publication Date: April 5th, 2011

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Genre: YA/Paranormal/Romance

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Synopsis:

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. Someone is murdering Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other one. When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

My Thoughts: Book #4 and I am still so unbelievably in love with this series. I've heard rumors that this book was a little disappointing when compared to the rest of the series. But I did not find it to be so at all. As per usual, I was loving every single minute and gripping the book with a death grip of anxiety and hope and love.

When we left in the City of Glass, everything ended on a pretty good note. It was definitely rough ride getting there, but things ended on a high note I would say. I for one was so freaking excited For Clary and Jace. Finally, it looked like things didn't have to be so complicated for them, and they could just be together like they needed to be. Oh but I was so horribly wrong.  The suspense and intensity that Cassandra Clare always dishes out for us is never ending. What a false sense of security I was lead into. But hey, I am not complaining! The constant torment, and never ending battle of good versus evil, with the most surprising plot twists imaginable are all reasons why I love these books so much. Not to mention Jace is literally my favorite book boyfriend ever.

I thought it was a great installment to the series. Immensely captivating, I just devour these books, and they in turn devour me. I always get so caught up and emotionally attached. Trying to talk to me while I am in reading these books is almost a death sentence. Don't come between me and my Mortal Instruments haha. We got some brand new plot development with new foes, and unexpected old ones.We are continually strung along with the roller coaster ride that is Jace and Clary. We get to watch Clary immerse herself more and more into the life of becoming a shadow hunter. Also, lots of character development with Simon. I will admit I never liked Simon overly much. But he is beginning to grow on me and I would say this book has made me actually quite like him.

The characters we love so much are ever growing and constantly changing. Faced with new challenges and developments that never feel old or over done. Everything always feels fresh, new, exciting, scary, terrifying, and wonderful. I have to say I am at a huge conflict with the ending. I just can't believe what happened and that that is where we were left off. I don't yet own the next book in the series, but at this point I'd do just about anything to get my hands on it!

Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent

Author: Veronica Roth

Publication Date: May 1st, 2012

Publisher: Harper Teen

Genre: YA/Dystopia/Romance

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Synopsis:

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

My Thoughts:  First thing I am going  to say is this: If you can say no when asked if you've read this yet, then you desperately need to do something to change that answer. I'm completely serious. For anyone reading this review right now who hasn't read this series, do it! I am so mad at myself for taking so long to read it. But now that I have, I know it's one of those ones I will carry with me for a long long time.

This book ensnared me. It had me in it's clutches and refused to let go. Putting this book down was tortuous almost to the point of physical pain. I read it in a day. I just could not, nor did I want to put it down. Of course, I had to a lot, but at every single opportunity that arose my nose was in those pages. Absorbing every single word.  When night time came, and the kiddies were all tucked in, I finally sat and didn't move for hours until it was done. When it was done, I actually yelled, out loud, at the book. My husband was laughing at my immense frustration in reaching the last pages. Ohhhhh, what a cliff hanger! I couldn't believe that's where we're left to wait until the next book. Although, clever on Veronica's part. Cause I'm sure that ending will have so many people clamouring to get their hands on the next book as soon as humanly possible.


If you've read Divergent you know that Tris had to go though some incredibly scary stuff. But I would say even though her experiences in Divergent were terrifying they pale in comparison to what's in store in Insurgent.  My stomach was in knots, I cried, I felt sick, sometimes I wanted to just punch the book. My heart was broken over and over. And then there's the plot twists and surprises. These completely unpredictable events that come out of no where and just leave you stunned. And I'm thinking...did that just happen?!  Just when you think things can't get any worse, guess what? Surprise! The unimaginable just happened, take that. This book really did a number on me. And I freaking loved it. Every single sentence and paragraph, I just loved it.

Tris and Four are both so inspiring. I love them separately, I love them together, I admire them completely. They both have this inability to see themselves as others see them. Incredibly brave and strong and selfless. The are constantly faced with impossible odds but they never back down. Moments of peace and happiness are far and few between in their lives, but together they can give each other those moments. Their relationship sets my heart aflame. They see each other for everything that they are. They know each other to the finest detail and trait. They admire each other like people in love should. But their relationship isn't that easy. Having a relationship in a world like theirs isn't easy in the first place. But then there's this self confidence issue they both have. They both think the other is amazing, and they themselves are not worth their time. It's hard for them, especially Tris, to just simply accept love. To be loved and to trust someone.


I could probably rattle on about this book all freaking day without pause. But I don't want to bore you to pieces with my gushing and fawning and drooling. Suffice to say, you absolutely need to read this. It's a fact, it's a real need. These books are nothing short of amazing. Veronica Roth has written something has left be blown away and 100% enamoured.  Phenomenal. I don't own these books and I need to change that. I need to own these so I can share them with as many people as possible. Also so I can just look at them and remember everything I experienced while lost in their pages.

Review: Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Starflower

Author: Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Publication Date: November 1st, 2012

Publisher: Bethany House

Genre: YA/Fantasy

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Synopsis:

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps the lovely Lady Gleamdren, Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal. But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?

My Thoughts: Oh. My. Goodness. How have I not heard of this series yet?! How has it not crossed my path until now? This book was massively overflowing with wondrous magical beauty. I can say without a doubt that this book rivals any Faerie story that I have read to date, easily.

I did not head into this book with high expectations. But before long I was completely blown away. I am at awe at how beautifully this story is written, no, woven sounds like a much better word. Because it's more like a masterpiece than anything else. Can you tell that I loved it?! Seriously though, if you haven't read this book yet, or were completely unaware of this series existence, like myself. You need to get your hands on this right now. All fantasy fans everywhere, read this, pronto, immediately.

This is book #4 in the series, but I read it without feeling like I was missing any details. I am thinking that the stories aren't completely related to each other. But I assure you I that I will be getting out there and reading the previous three installments as soon as I can. I have found a brand new author that I simply adore. Her writing carried me away into this amazing fantastical, and terrifying, stunning world. I was so sad when I closed the last pages because I was just not ready to go.

The characters in the story were all so incredibly developed. I gushed to my husband repeatedly with quotes from the book, and the incredible descriptiveness, immensely vivid imagery, and the characters within that I just could not get enough of. It was also such a fun read because it was like watching this awesome puzzle come together. We were given all these pieces of information and events that were seemingly unrelated. But as the story came together and all the pieces connected, it made the story that much more epic. Anne really has created a story to be loved by all.

I will be looking for more books by her, and definitely be wanting to read the rest of this series. Thank you so much to Anne for sending me her story. It's cast a spell on me and I've completely fallen in love. To all of you, I say again, go read this book. It's a must for any and all readers.

Review: The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

The Space Between

Author: Brenna Yovanoff

Publication Date: November 14, 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal

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Synopsis:

Everything is made of steel, even the flowers. How can you love anything in a place like this?

Daphne is the half-demon, half-fallen angel daughter of Lucifer and Lilith. Life for her is an endless expanse of time, until her brother Obie is kidnapped - and Daphne realizes she may be partially responsible. Determined to find him, Daphne travels from her home in Pandemonium to the vast streets of Earth, where everything is colder and more terrifying. With the help of the human boy she believes was the last person to see her brother alive, Daphne glimpses into his dreams, discovering clues to Obie's whereabouts. As she delves deeper into her demonic powers, she must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in her way. But she also discovers, unexpectedly, what it means to love and be human in a world where human is the hardest thing to be.

This second novel by rising star Brenna Yovanoff is a story of identity, discovery, and a troubled love between two people struggling to find their place both in our world and theirs.

My Thoughts: I really, really enjoyed this book.  It was kind of strange, but I liked it anyway - maybe because of it.  I also like it because it isn't a series.  Not that I don't love series', because I really do, just sometimes I don't want to wait years to know the end of my story.  Sometimes, just sometimes, I like to read a good story and have it be done.  There is something truly gratifying about it - even if you want more.

Daphne is the daughter of two of the most famous evil beings in the world - Lilith and Lucifer.  So, you would expect a big baddie.  Well, picture the opposite of that and you pretty much have Daphne.  She is super sweet and really fun to read about.  She really loves her brother Obie (maybe not so much her sister) and  likes to take care of people.

Truman is a self-destructive teen who has almost died multiple times.  Daphne tracks him down in connection to Obie and he then becomes and integral part of the story.

I even enjoyed the side-characters in all their glory.

This story makes you sympathetic to some of the demons that it portrays and gets you to second-guess some of the heavenly beings that appear.  The plot kept me interested and guessing and the characters managed to draw me in, which makes this novel an overall success in my book.  I would definitely recommend this book!

Review: Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

Sapphire Blue
Edelstein Trilogy #2

Author: Kerstin Gier

Translator: Anthea Bell

Publication Date: October 30, 2012

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Genre: Fantasy/Sci Fi

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Synopsis:

Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.

At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.

My Thoughts: Sapphire Blue is the continuation of the first book, Ruby Red, in the Edelstein Trilogy. Gwen Shepherd grew up her whole life thinking that her cousin, Charlotte, inherited the time-travelling gene that ran in their family. In fact, everyone believed that until the time came and Charlotte couldn't elapse. Instead, Gwen had elapsed several times without the aid she needed to do so safely. So, unprepared and surprised, Gwen is launched into the world of secret societies, time travelling and paired with her time-travelling partner - Gideon de Villiers.

I really, really like Gwen. She wanted to be normal and never wanted Charlotte’s life. She didn’t want to time travel or do anything that came with it. However, she had to learn to deal and she did so rather reluctantly. Despite how people put her down and constantly question her ability, she proves them wrong and always manages to come out on top. Although, she hates all the secret in the secret society she has to deal with and the fact that Gideon, even Charlotte, seems to know more about it than her. So, of course, she looks for her own answers while everyone around her questions whether she could be a traitor.

Gideon de Villiers, the time traveller from the other family, is two years older than Gwen and had always expected Charlotte to be his partner. Gideon is gorgeous and everyone knows it. He is always hot and cold though. One minute he is all about Gwen and the next he is giving her the cold shoulder. It is enough to give the reader (and Gwen) whiplash - even though he seems to want to protect her. The truth (I think) about his true feelings comes out at the end of Sapphire Blue though, so hang in there!

I love the concept of time travelling and just how funny it is when they talk about visits. You’ll know what I mean when/if you read the book. The rules aren’t as stiff as some of the other time travelling theories around and I enjoy watching them interact with people from the past. I especially like her new gargoyle friend, even though I was expecting not to. Overall, I enjoyed this one probably more than the first one (if possible). I would recommend it to anyone!