Review: Frostfire by Amanda Hocking

Frostfire
((Kanin Chronicles #1)

Author: Amanda Hocking

Publication Date: January 5, 2015

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy

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Synopsis:

Bryn Aven is an outcast among the Kanin, the most powerful of the troll tribes.

Set apart by her heritage and her past, Bryn is a tracker who's determined to become a respected part of her world. She has just one goal: become a member of the elite King’s Guard to protect the royal family. She's not going to let anything stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss Ridley Dresden.

But all her plans for the future are put on hold when Konstantin– a fallen hero she once loved – begins kidnapping changelings. Bryn is sent in to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?

My Thoughts: I was so excited when I managed to get this book series from BookOutlet at a massively discounted price.  I really love Amanda Hocking and have read all of her series thus far and own most of the books from the series.

One thing I love about this book is that it is set in a universe I have already fallen in love with, the world of the Tryll.  If you haven't read the Tryll series, it is a definite must.  I absolutely adored the whole thing.

In this series, instead of following the Tryll Kingdom, we follow the Kingdom of Kanin.  They are another species of troll that live in West Canada.  So, yay for that!  Woot, Canada!  (I am from Eastern Canada).   It follows Bryn Aven, a Kanin tracker whose job it is to bring Changlings home safely.

Hocking has created another strong, independent female character.  Bryn shows that she doesn't need to rely on anyone to get the job done.  She is dedicated, strong-willed and willing to do what has to be done to get the job done.  In fact, it almost becomes a flaw on how stubborn and independent she can be.  But I like that.  I like when strong characters have obvious flaws.  No one is perfect.

The men in this book definitely take a back-seat to Bryn.  She has two "love" interests, but given that she isn't buying into the whole getting married having babies propaganda she tries really hard to just ignore it and move on in life.  Bryn is more focused on her career and advancement.

All in all, I really loved this book.  There was intrigue, mystery, a kick-ass female lead and just enough romance to give it flare.  I would recommend any Amanda Hocking book to anyone who enjoys reading Young Adult Fantasy.  I can't wait to pick up the next book in this series and delve in.

Review: The Secret Eater by Ros Jackson

The Secret Eater

Author: Ros Jackson

Publication Date: July 15th, 2013

Publisher: Self-Published

Genre: YA/Fantasy

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Synopsis:

Kenssie is a demon who feeds from secrets. Lately pickings have been slim, and she has grown so weak that her shield of invisibility is slipping. As the servant of a demon who eats embarrassment she already feels like she's the laughing stock of the demonic world. But the scorn of someone who thinks that Hawaiian shirts are the height of cool is the least of her worries. A powerful fear demon is dead set on making her his slave, a position that carries seriously short life expectancy. She has no friends. No powers. No clue. Her only hope of escaping a life of terror lies in stealing a grimoire she's never seen from the clutches of a vindictive group of master demons.

My Thoughts: I always feel quite terrible when I read through a review book and don't enjoy it. But I have to do my part as a book reviewer and be honest, since that is what an Author expects when sending out copies of their books. It definitely wasn't a terrible or completely un-enjoyable book, and I'm sure there are readers out there who will enjoy it. But it wasn't for me and don't worry I will explain why.

The entire book felt to me as if it had been pretty hastily thrown together. There was quite a bit happening, so it wasn't boring or anything like that. I enjoy a fast paced book  but this one was a little bit too fast for me. Just as I was starting to get used to a certain scenario or grasping what was going on, things were changing and moving on to something else. It wasn't necessarily hard to follow, but it was hard to get into the story or attached to the characters when everything was flying by so quickly.

Nothing was explained too clearly during the story. We can grasp the main idea which you get from the synopsis above, but we  pretty much hit the ground running in this story with no time for catch up or back story or even just more information about how these characters work. The plot line just seemed to be lacking in depth, and quite a few events just didn't really make sense to me. I found it to be kind of flat and stitched together with a few characters thrown in there that we don't really get the chance to know at all.

It definitely makes for a quick read with only 10 chapters, and none of them being very large. So if you're looking for a quick fantasy fix or a light read in between books, then this might work for you. Fantasy and paranormal are usually a soft spot for me and it's not hard to get me hooked on such a book, but unfortunately this book just didn't do it for me. I found it to be anti-climatic with an abrupt ending that left me feeling confused. That being said I know there will be others who will like it and find all the strong points that I missed.

Review: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Dark Triumph

Author: Robin LaFevers

Publication Date: April, 2013

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Genre: Fantasy/Historical Fiction

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Synopsis:

Sybella's duty as Death's assassin in 15th-century France forces her return home to the personal hell that she had finally escaped. Love and romance, history and magic, vengeance and salvation converge in this thrilling sequel to Grave Mercy.

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. The convent views Sybella, naturally skilled in the arts of both death and seduction, as one of their most dangerous weapons. But those assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

My Thoughts: I read Grave Mercy last year and I loved it. I was pretty excited for Dark Triumph and when I received a surprise copy for review I was so happy I did a little dance in the street. Don't judge me. Well I finally got to read it and I loved it even more than Grave Mercy. Dark Triumph follows around Sybella this time and there is less politics and more personal story this time. Which I think is one of the reasons I liked this one so much more.

Sybella had run away from home and gone to the convent to escape her evil father (is he ever evil) and the convent sends her back to his household to be a spy. Who better than family? Someone who will be allowed free reign in the household. Her father doesn't really trust anyone though, he is of course D'Albert. All Sybella wants is to kill him, he's evil and deserves it, but she never sees a marque on him. She begins to lose faith in Mortain, since he is allowing such evil to live and is debating even going against her god to ger her vengeance.

Then there is Beast, the love interest. I can't help but like him. He's a warrior with a soft spot and he make a great team with Sybella when they are travelling. The two of them together are extremely deadly.

Once again, Robin LaFevers writes amazing scenes that you can get lost in, characters that you love, others you hate and takes you on a ride that keeps you wanting more. I just love her writing style so much! This is not a small book, about 400 pages, and I found myself tearing through it. I'm slightly disappointed that I have to wait so long for the next book! This is one of the best series that I've ever read and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction, or even anyone looking to try something new.

*A review copy was provided from the publisher for review*

Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus

Author: Erin Morgenstern

Publication Date: September 13th, 2011

Publisher: Doubleday

Genre: YA/Fantasy/Romance

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Synopsis:

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands. True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

My Thoughts: Oh my goodness. I have literally just finished this book and I feel like I am in a state of shock. Finishing this book was one the hardest things to do ever. This is definitely the most spell binding, magical, enchanting book I have read in a long time. I will be recommending this book to everyone one I meet from this day forth, of that much I am positive.

This book plunges us into the mystery, beauty, and wonder of magic in a way that I have only encountered once before. That was in reading Harry Potter, not that these two stories are in any way alike aside from that. But they both completely encapsulate you in their world of awe inspiring magic and fantasy and gave me that same feeling of being hopelessly lost in a fantastical world that I so desperately wanted to be a part of.

I am at a loss for the words I need to give this book the credit it deserves. I feel speechless and awe struck. The romance weaved into this story was all consuming, desperate, and so real and contained so much depth. I literally felt warm and fuzzy whenever romance was involved. And that was more than you'd think. This story seems to carry a certain romance all throughout it. Something about each page is alluring and enchanting. Making you admire it and feel the need to have more. So even when there wasn't your literal romantic happenings, it was still there in the atmosphere, teasing you and constantly reeling you in.

This is definitely a book I could see myself re-reading. I could easily have closed the last page and started over again right then and there and probably would have loved it even more the second time around. This book is a masterpiece. And as much as it about magic, I feel like Morgenstern herself had to be a magician of sorts to write a story like this one. The way it made me feel was amazing and it's something readers constantly search for in books. And when they find it, they treasure it always. I know I will treasure this story and I will attempt to share it with whoever is willing to crack it open. I'm definitely placing this among my favorites. If Erin is to put out any other book, I know I will be snapping it up immediately. She obviously has incredible talent, and a writing style that literally does cast a spell on you.

Wake

Author: Amanda Hocking

Publication Date: August 7th, 2012

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Genre: YA/Fantasy/Paranormal

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Synopsis:

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group. Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different. Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

My Thoughts: I've been wanting to read this ever since I finished the Trylle Trilogy a while ago. Amanda Hocking has an addictive and persuasive writing style. She's really great at luring you in and making you crave for more.

So how suiting for her to write a book about girls who lure you in with their presence and voice. These girls show up in a small town and everyone is simultaneously attracted to them as well as terrified of them. They have a very commanding presence that makes you take notice and hang on their every word, especially those of the male variety. But at the same time, they are confusing everyone and freaking them out. But the former feeling definitely overwhelms the latter.

Introduce the main character Gemma. She's a really level headed, smart, determined and down to earth girl. Her biggest and only vice is water. She lives to swim, to be in the water, and just lives for all things aquatic. She's seriously addicted. She might as well be half fish, it's like she needs swimming to survive. She lives at home with her awkward but supportive dad, and her very controlling and protective older sister, Harper.  Harper is almost like a secondary main character in this story. She plays a really big roll in how everything unfolds, and there were quite a few chapters where we just got to learn about her own background and her own point of view. I really liked that and it was a fun added dynamic that kept the story fresh and the pace fast.

Everything seems pretty great with Gemma's swimming going swimmingly (hehe), and the boy she has a serious crush on just happens to like her back. But then the mysterious trio of girls, that used to be 4 girls, decide to focus in on Gemma. When they start hanging around and demanding her attention, everything gets messed up real fast.Those girls are bad news bears. It's a big old down hill slide from there on in, and it was great.

I guess that sounds weird. But I just really enjoy a book that never gets boring and keeps the energy and interest high. It's not easy to find fault in a book that keeps your turning the pages relentlessly. Amanda hocking and peaked my wonder yet again by taking on a brand new fantasy element. I think she pretty much mastered it and I really liked her take on these fantastical beings. I will definitely be reading more into the series!

Review: Darkest Light by Hiromoi Goto

Darkest Light

Author: Hiromi Goto

Publication Date: January 31st, 2012

Publisher: Razorbill

Genre: YA/Fantasy/Horror

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Synopsis:

Adopted as an infant, Gee has been kept ignorant of his troubled past. Now, at sixteen, he is a loner both despised and feared by his classmates. Dark feelings slowly grow inside him, but as he struggles to control them, his past catches up with him. Abandoning his adoptive grandmother and the place he has called home, Gee is compelled to travel to Half World, one of the Three Realms all living things must pass through. Fractured at one time, the Realms of the Flesh, Spirit and Half World have been reunited, but they are at risk: their fate rests on Gee's own journey of self-discovery. With two unlikely companions, a heartless cat and a self-destructive Neo Goth girl, Gee must fight the monstrous and the horrific and, most difficult of all, he must overcome his own propensity for evil.

My Thoughts: The struggle to keep the balance between the three realms continues in this sequel to Half World. For which you can find my review here. This time though we see little to none of Melanie. She is out of the picture pretty much and instead, this time around we are following Baby G.

Only, Baby G isn't a baby anymore, he's a teenage boy. Gee knows there is some dark mystery behind where he came from, but has not even the slightest clue just how dark it is. His "Popo" or pseudo grandmother has raised him and taken care of him and has kept many deep and dark secrets. But the secrets are forced out when beings from the Half World enter the Flesh World to reclaim him and bring him back home. That's when Gee realizes that nothing is as it seems. And there are reasons he has always felt like an outsider and never fit in or ever had any friends. Gee has a past that downright terrifies him, but he has no choice to but to face it head on if things are to be set right and the balance between the three realms restored.

I enjoyed following Gee much more so than I did Melanie. He had a lot more character depth. He was a lot more cynical, brave and forthright. Where as at times I found Melanie to be whiny and a little too childish. The evil and shadows that Gee has to conquer are astounding, and the strength required to  get through is almost unattainable. He luckily managed to make a friend just before his epic journey into the Half World began. But at times she is more than a burden than an aid. But I loved her as well. She was not afraid to kick some serious butt and to tell it like she sees it. She was very independent and courageous. Together they made quite a pair, ravaging there way through the Half World.

The visuals in this story are so vivid and bright. Even though Half World itself is supposed to be all grey tones, the imagery still shines through and  I think I would do some pretty terrible things to see this made into a graphic novel. There are a few random illustrations throughout, but they never pick the really gory and scary things that I wanted to see. They were easy enough to imagine in my own mind, enough to give me shivers and goosebumps.

I would recommend this story to any and all fantasy fans, or fans of Asian culture or Asian style story telling. But if you have never given that kind of thing a try, I think this series is an excellent place to start! But I will warn you in advance, this book is not afraid to get disgusting, evil and twisted. But it also creates hope and light among this dark moments. It's a fantastic, adventurous, terrifying read and I definitely think you should give it a try!

Review: Dreaming Awake by Gwen Hayes

Dreaming Awake
Falling Under #2

Author: Gwen Hayes

Publication Date: January 3, 2012

Publisher: NAL Trade

Genre: Fantasy

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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: You Are Mine by Janeal Falor

You Are Mine

Author: Janeal Falor

Expected Publication Date: May 6th

Publisher: Self-Published

Genre: Fantasy/YA

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Synopsis:

Serena knows a few simple things. She will always be owned by a warlock. She will never have freedom. She will always do what her warlock wishes, regardless of how inane, frivolous, or cruel it is. And if she doesn’t follow the rules, she will be tarnished. Spelled to be bald, inked, and barren for the rest of her life—worth less than the shadow she casts. Then her ownership is won by a barbarian from another country. With the uncertainty that comes from belonging to a new warlock, Serena questions if being tarnished is really worse than being owned by a barbarian, and tempts fate by breaking the rules. When he looks the other way instead of punishing her, she discovers a new world. The more she ventures into the forbidden, the more she learns of love and a freedom just out of reach. Serena longs for both. But in a society where women are only ever property, hoping for more could be deadly.

My Thoughts: This book took no time at all to sink it's teeth into me. Only a couple pages in and I was already completely intrigued. This is an astounding debut novel for Janeal Falor and  I just know there will be even more greatness in books to come.  I will definitely be in line to read more of her work :).

I found this to be  a very unique take on Warlocks and how they work, and what a world run by them would be like. It was also a spectacular insight to the life of women when we were placed at such an inferior level. With a big helping of fantasy, magic, and fantastical beings, we get a real glimpse at what it was like for women to be owned, controlled, dominated, and labelled for one use only; breeding.

But Serena is not like other women, she is not at all ready to obey. She never really has been. Even growing up in her home with her father she was always the cause of disturbance and receiving uncounted punishments. Even throwing herself in front of her many sisters to protect them. She shows   boundless strength, inspiring determination, and refreshing adversity. She will do what she thinks is right and pay for the consequences if need be. I admired her immediately, and that admiration steadily grew throughout the novel.

Watching Serena take terrifying steps toward changing life for all females was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I was scared, depressed, joyful, and angry with her. I was ready to fight for and with her. And I know if I had of met her in that time and place I would have seen her as someone to follow and believe in.

I would definitely recommend this story to all fantasy lovers, as well as all YA fans. It's a brand new story from a brand new author, filled with refreshing and exciting new ideas. This is one debut novel you don't want to miss because I'm positive the future of writing is bright for Janeal Falor.

Review: Half World by Hiromi Goto

Half World

Author: Hiromi Goto

Publication Date: January 30th, 2009

Publisher: Puffin Canada

Genre: YA/Fantasy/Horror

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Synopsis:

Melanie Tamaki is human—but her parents aren’t. They are from Half World, a Limbo between our world and the afterlife, and her father is still there. When her mother disappears, Melanie must follow her to Half World—and neither of them may return alive.

My Thoughts:  This book has sat on my shelf unread for far too long! I've been wanting to read this series for the longest time and I'm so glad I finally pulled it off the shelf and cracked it open. My high expectations were not let down.

If you are into the manga or Asian cultural scene at all then you definitely have to give this book a whirl. This was such a fantastic story filled with crazy extraordinary, literally out of this world adventure. It was dazzling and dark. It was eerie and breath taking. It was an epic struggle of evil and purity and more proof that sometimes even the smallest most seemingly insignificant people can completely change the course of the world and save our lives as we know them.

Half World is the story of 3 connected realms that have been knocked out of sequence. Every thing and every one has been doomed to remain in their realms eternally instead of passing on. But owing to the bravery of a few amazing characters all that is about to change.

I adored the character depictions, and the visuals this story held. I could envision all of it and it was all so deliciously creepy, dripping and oozing with creativity, with bursts of unexpected beauty and wonder. Melanie is a heroine we can all root for! She is just an average young girl faced with saving the world and re-connecting the realms. She's admittedly terrified and just barely stumbles her way through and because of that it was so easy to relate to her.

This book would be an enjoyable read for girls and boys of all ages! I even read some of it to my 4 year old daughter and she sat there and loved it :D. I am so glad I already own the sequel because I can't wait to see what happens next!

Release Date Review: Imaginable by J. Meyers

Imaginable

Author: J. Meyers

Publication Date: April 16th, 2013

Publisher: Self Published

Genre: YA/Paranormal/Fantasy

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Synopsis:

Twins Sera and Luke Raine’s unusual abilities are growing. Sera is healing vampires now, making them human again. And, at times, Luke can actually change the future he Sees. But Sera’s healing has dangerous consequences, and though Luke is altering the outcome of more visions, he can’t control them yet. Now Sera is in danger as the dark creatures of the Realm seek to use her. As Luke struggles to master his gift in order to save his sister, he discovers even more about his powers. And what he learns just may put him in greater danger than Sera has ever been.

My Thoughts: I am so excited to be reviewing this book on it's release date! Being part of the first crowd to spread the good word about this exciting and awesome book is well..exciting and awesome hah!

This book is the sequel to  Intangible which I read and reviewed last year. You can find my review here. I was very happy to hear from J. Meyers again concerning the release of her new book. I really enjoyed Intangible and I've been waiting impatiently to see what would happen next with Luke and Sera, the twins that I love so much.

Seriously, these two characters are just phenomenal. They have got to be the purest, most good at heart people around. They would do anything they could to help anyone that needed it, no matter what. They are always so immensely kind and considerate and generous. I also love them for their lovely relationship. They have the best sibling relationship I've ever encountered while reading. Their connection with each other and love for each other is unrivaled. There is simply nothing more important to them then each other. I found it beautiful and inspiring. And it's so nice to see the importance placed on family instead of the super hot  and mysterious girl or guy next door.

That being said, Luke and Sera are both romantically attached to someone. I was sitting here on the sidelines the whole time just cheering them on in every department possible. Cheering them on in their battles against their dark enemies, in the discovery and growth of their abilities, in their determination to do the right thing, in their bold and daring romantic advances, not to mention their survival.

In Intangible we seen Luke really struggle with his ability to see the future. Whether he sees it as something good or bad and also  to me it seemed he didn't really have any pride in what he could do. To him Sera was always the more powerful and important one. But in Imaginable we get to see Luke grow, big time! As he is fighting with all his might to protect his sister from those who would use her powers for evil he finds within himself way more power than he ever thought he had. As it turns out, Luke has  abilities that are astounding and unbelievably powerful.  I was jumping for joy within myself as he discovered himself and his confidence in what he can do.

If only he didn't take such dire consequences to find his strengths. Sera just can not catch a break in this story. She is constantly in the clutches of evil , being tortured with her worst imaginable nightmares. Every one wants to get their hands on Sera's healing abilities, abilities she doesn't even know the full extent of yet. And they are willing to do whatever dark and terrible deeds necessary to get what they want. Which is very unfortunate for Sera as she endures their torture and manipulation.

Luckily they have incredible and fearless friends, all with unique abilities of their own, because they all face some pretty terrifying foes. The bad guys in this story are seriously scary and being anywhere near them is definitely the last place I would want to be. But that doesn't stop any of them from running headfirst into the worst of it to help and save Sera. But they all face things that none of them are prepared for and  are more likely to join Sera in her torture than help her escape.

Imaginable was a perfect sequel.With even more adventure, fantastic character growth and brand new enemies. I am seriously enjoying this series and hoping there will be more to come! I want to see just how amazing Luke and Sera will become as their abilities continue to grow. And I want to see the good side of the prophecy fulfilled.  I would definitely recommend this series to any and all. It's a great, light, adventurous read with really unique characters. Thanks to J. Meyers for sharing this with me so I could help to share it with all of you.

Review: The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike

The Last Vampire

Author: Christopher Pike

Publication Date: October 16th, 2003

Publisher: Hodder Childrens

Genre: YA/Fantasy/Paranormal/Horror

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Synopsis:

Sita is five thousand years old and believes she is the last vampire. When someone begins hunting her, she thinks it is the client of a detective she killed. She enrolls in high school and befriends the detective’s son, and later falls in love with him. Meanwhile, Sita’s creator Yaksha has been following her, believing he must kill her to atone for his sins. Sita thought she had killed him years before.

My Thoughts: This book was really short so there isn't a whole lot I can say about it. But even though it was so short I really enjoyed it and I am definitely looking forward to reading more of the series!

I definitely liked Pike's take on Vampires! He makes them real, scary, terrifying, unbelievably powerful, and beautiful. Pretty much all the things a vampire should be. Not that there are plenty of them to go around in this story because Sita is supposedly the last one left! She has been around from the very beginning and now believes she is the only one of her kind that still survives. She's managed to live under the radar for many centuries, but suddenly someone is on to her, getting into her business and asking the wrong questions. Sita does not react well to this type of thing.

Her lust for violence and efficiency in slaughter was a beautiful thing. She's ruthless and calculating and definitely knows how to take care of herself. It's no wonder she has survived as long as she has. I was a little annoyed at times by her conceitedness, but it's not too bad and I guess if I was as stunning and powerful as her I might be a little full of myself too hah.

Another thing I really liked about this book was the inventive back story it gave us about the creation of all vampires and Sita's role during the event. I thought that was a really fantastic touch to the story. It really helps the reader immerse themselves in the world and make everything feel more realistic when we get the whole story. It was also really unique and not like any I'd heard before so points for that too.  It was short but Pike managed to pack a lot in there without it being to overwhelming and just enough to make you want to read more.

Although it was a tad predictive and Sita has a somewhat confusing personality, I still thought this book was pretty good and I will definitely continue into the series to see what becomes of her and her kind. And yes I would recommend this book to others. Especially those of the vampire loving kind, I think you'll enjoy Pike's creative creation story.

Review: Everbound by Brodi Ashton

Everbound
Everneath #2

Author: Brodi Ashton

Publication Date: January 22, 2013

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology

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Synopsis:

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away. 

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.
Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own. 

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.

My Thoughts: First off, I want to praise the covers for this series.  I absolutely adore both the cover from Everneath and this one as well.  I loved the first book in this series and I was really excited when Everbound came out.  The last book had such an intense cliffhanger that I was still hanging on to the edge of my seat.

Jack is now in the Everneath, taking Nikki's spot in the tunnels permanently so that she didn't have to return to them herself.  Nikki is determined to do everything that she can to get him out of the tunnels, even if that means that she has to journey into the Everneath to save him - but that means that she needs help from Cole, the immortal that took her to the Everneath in the first place and who she tried to kill in the last book.  Luckily, Cole has a weak spot for her, since he wants Nikki to take over the Everneath and be his Queen so they can rule together.

I really enjoyed the time we got to spend with Cole in this book.  I am not sure what it is about him, but I really, really like him.  I mean, Jack is fine and all - the good guy all-American boy.  There is just something about Cole that intrigues me so much more.

Nikki in this novel really does try to take things into her own hands.  She no longer is playing the victim card, something that she did all of the first book.  Now, it is all about saving Jack.  She is determined and forceful and it is a nice change in her, something that I really thought was missing from Everneath. It is so nice when you can watch a character morph and learn and grow throughout a series.

All in all, I enjoyed this novel thoroughly.  It gave me more insight into the characters, the Everneath and really had me hanging on and wanting more.  It left on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to read the third one when it comes out!

Review: Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

Days of Blood & Starlight

Author: Laini Taylor

Publication Date: November 6th, 2012

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA/Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance

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Synopsis:

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it. In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life. While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope. But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

My Thoughts: Finally I'm here being able to talk about book #2 in this phenomenal series! When I read Daughter of Smoke and Bone a while ago, I was completely enraptured. I was head over heels in love with the story, with Karou, with Akiva, with Brimstone, with the worlds within the story, just all of it. Everything about these books is incredible and so beautifully written. Taylor paints for us in these books this dark but amazing world that exists all around us oblivious humans. And she has me wishing it was real because it's all so mesmerizing.

We get to pick up pretty much right where we were left off, and thank goodness for that because I am just not willing to miss out on a single detail of this story. Karou has found her way back to where she came from and is facing her past and all it's demons (literal and figurative). She wants to right the wrongs she's done to her people, but somehow what she's doing still feels wrong. How far is she willing to go to make amends. How much of herself is she willing to give or lose to pay for what she's done. Or at least what she feels she has done. Because Karou places all the blame on herself for the fate of her people when really she is not completely to blame. The worst she did was fall in love, and dream of a better world. But who ever said love was easy?

Love, for Karou and  Akiva is anything but. I guess you could make that assumption for yourself when  you factor in that she is a demon and he is an angel.  Try to imagine what kind of twisted love story could be thought up for them. Then times the heart break, the romance, the pain, the tears, the destruction, and love by 100. Laini Taylor has written an epic love story that will break your heart ruthlessly over and over. That doesn't really change any in this book. We get to learn even more about Karou's past, her first life. We get to see what where she came from was like, and what is has turned into since she left. And we also get to learn a lot more about Akiva and his background, his story, his reasons for his actions. And the fight he is willing to put out, because he also feels he has done grievous wrongs and needs to write them.

So essentially, this book is about Akiva and Karou attempting to fix all the wrongs they believe they've done. While they're two groups are at open war. Akiva is still trying to find a way back to Karou, which is obviously not the easiest task when their people are killing each other and they are both involved in it. I love Karou and Akiva so very much. They are amazingly well developed characters. They both have an endurance and ability to feel that just blows me away. They can be so strong and fierce when it's needed. But then they can be so soft and understanding as well. They both have massive hearts and big dreams. But they can't get past their own wrong deeds or even each other's wrong doings enough to see each other clearly.

I spent the majority of the book just willing them together. Turning pages and biting my nails and hoping and hoping. Hoping right along with both of them for a better world. For the war to end. For life to stop ending. This has to be one of my favorite love stories. It has unreal depth and story encapsulated within it. It's about so much more than their love for each other, but for their own people, for a different life, for a happier ending.  And all the while death and destruction surround them and they are just trying to find their places and I'm waiting for them to find each other...again.

I cursed when this book was done because I was just not ready for it to be done. When the book has me so caught in it's grasp like that I am never ready to let it go. I'm gripping it just as hard as it's gripping me, and we're both saying "Don't let go! Don't stop!". Waiting for 2014 for the next book in the series is going to be so hard. I need to see this story continue! This is another one you gotta put on your to read list. And don't wait, don't push it on the back burner, you'll be sorry you did! There is no excuse for missing out on a story like this one. The originality will knock you off your feet, I promise you. Read it! Now! :)