Cover Reveals!

There have been a bunch of never covers released for series that I've really enjoyed.  I was so excited to see them and can't wait for the releases!

• The Dark and Hollow Places (Forest of Hands and Teeth #3) by Carrie Ryan
  I love this one!  This series has had such haunting covers.  I can not wait to see how this story ends (if it ends here.)

 

• Desires of The Dead (The Body Finder #2) by Kimberly Derting
  These covers are beautiful!  I loved the first in the series and looking forward to this one!

 

• Entice (Need #3) by Carrie Jones
  I have to admit, I'm on the fence with this series.  But, I've gotten them all from the library so I'm sure I will still read this one.  The covers are great (although this one is a little different than the rest).

 

• Lemniscate (Angel Star, #2) by Jennifer Murgia
  I really enjoyed Angel Star, so looking forward to this one.  I didn't know the Lemniscate was the proper term for the Infinity Symbol.  So now the title and cover make perfect sense!

•   The Iron Queen (Iron Fey, #3) by Julie Kagawa
  I've only read The Iron King, but really liked it.  I like how similiar all the covers are but use different colors.

• The Lost Saint (The Dark Divine, #2) by Bree Despain
  I love this cover!!  I have yet to figure out what they have to do with the story.  But, they are so eye catching.

•        River Marked (Mercy Thompson #6) by Patricia Briggs
  This may not be the official cover.  But, I sure hope so!  I love this series and can not wait for this next one. 

The Fire Opal by Regina McBride

Title: The Fire Opal

Author: Regina McBride

Published: May 2010 by Delacorte

Pages: 304

ISBN: 9780385737814

Source: ARC from Around The World Tours

Description: There was a time when Maeve O'Tullagh led a simple life; a time when she and her mother, Nuala, collected kelp on the foreshore near their cottage in Ard Macha; a time when she played among the Celtic ruins with her older brothers and daydreamed about the legendary Holy Isles, an enchanted land ruled in a past age by a beautiful goddess. But after Maeve's sister, Ishleen, is born, her mother sinks into a deep, impenetrable trance. For years, Maeve tries to help her mother "awaken," and then the unthinkable happens: Ishleen succumbs to the same mysterious ailment as Nuala. Heartbroken to think that her sister and her mother might be lost to her forever, Maeve sets off on an unimaginable quest to a world filled with fantastical creatures, a web of secrets, a handsome, devious villain who will stop at nothing to have her hand in marriage—braving them all to retrieve a powerful glowing stone that will help her recover the souls of her loved ones and bring them home to Ard Macha. 

I Give This ...

  

I haven't read many books set in Ireland.  But, what I have read seems to have it's own mystical quality.  There's something about Ireland that makes it different and I don't think it's just the legends and myths that have been passed down for centuries.  This book is no exception.  I think the place and some of the events that are in the background of the story are real.  But, it never feels real if that makes sense.  It's almost as if the entire story takes place in a fog. It's beautifully written.

While, the story is beautiful, I never connected with any of the characters.  Mauve was just the tool to tell the story.  I understood why she went to such lengths to rescue her mother and her sister.  And her adventure was definitely interesting.  I just had a hard time investing myself in anything she did.  

I think I might have found more interest in the story if I knew more about Irish legends, etc.  The whole story just felt like it was missing something for me.  

 

  There was a time when Maeve O'Tullagh led a simple life; a time when she and her mother, Nuala, collected kelp on the foreshore near their cottage in ...more

Poison by Sara Poole

Title: Poison

Author: Sara Poole

Published: August 1 2010 by St. Martin's Griffin

Pages: 416

ISBN: 9780312609832

Source: ARC from Around The World Tours

Description: In the simmering hot summer of 1492, a monstrous evil is stirring within the Eternal City of Rome. The brutal murder of an alchemist sets off a desperate race to uncover the plot that threatens to extinguish the light of the Renaissance and plunge Europe back into medieval darkness.
Determined to avenge the killing of her father, Francesca Giordano defies all convention to claim for herself the position of poisoner serving Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, head of the most notorious and dangerous family in Italy. She becomes the confidante of Lucrezia Borgia and the lover of Cesare Borgia. At the same time, she is drawn to the young renegade monk who yearns to save her life and her soul. Navigating a web of treachery and deceit, Francesca pursues her father’s killer from the depths of Rome’s Jewish ghetto to the heights of the Vatican itself. In so doing, she sets the stage for the ultimate confrontation with ancient forces that will seek to use her darkest desires to achieve their own catastrophic ends.

I Give This ...

 

If your looking for something fast paces this isn't it.  In fact, it took me awhile to get into the story.  But gradually the characters grew on me.  I found it very interesting that so many are actual figures in history and how much of their lives revolved around poisons.  So, it's only appropriate that the story be about the fictional poisoner.  I enjoyed Francesca's voice.  She questions her actions, but always continues on with what she thinks is right.  I liked her relationships with the characters around her.  People are both afraid and in awe of her and it shows in how the behave towards her.  She's got an end goal, and I don't think she cares how she gets there.  I do get the feeling the some of the "real" characters are played off as being a little bit less diabolical than they might have been in real life.  Cardinal Borgia is said to have been one of the most corrupt Pope's in Catholic history.  I did not get that impression from this story.      

The story is slow to build. It has to lay out all the details first.  I felt it did a good job of portraying Rome in the late 1400's.  It was also interesting reading about the Catholic church and how it may have functioned in a different era.  It's also an era I'm sure the church would like to forget.  The inclusion of the Jewish people and some of their strife's during this time make the story very real.  Some of the events may be fiction, but it seems like this could have happened.  Overall, I liked it quite a bit more than I thought I would.  The ending leaves an opening for a sequel and I would love to see more of the Borgia family and of Francesca.

  

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium

Author: Lauren Oliver

Series: have a feeling it will be first in a series

Published: February 2011 by Harper Teen

Pages: 440

ISBN: 9780061726828

Source: Around The World Tours

Description: Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that one love -the deliria- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love. 

I Give This ... 

  

Put me in the camp of those who weren't sure Lauren Oliver's next novel would top her debut Before I Fall.  I think with this one, she proven she has something to offer the young adult genre and will be here to stay.  While I have to say I didn't like it as much as Before I Fall, it is still one of the best books I've read this summer and right behind my 5 star books for the best of the year.  I highly recommend getting it as soon as it's released.

I've really enjoyed books set in a future society.  Although, I'm not sure why it's always rigorously controlled by  whatever government system is in place.  It always works with the storyline though, and this one is no exception.  I think it's because everyone is so afraid to break the rules, that when they do it makes it that much more exciting.  I love how the characters believe they live in a Utopian society, when actually the opposite is probably true.  I do have to admit that for half the story I thought it took place in Portland, Oregon.  I had a hard time adjusting my thinking when I realized it was actually Portland, Maine.

I grew to love Lena by the end of the story.  Some characters push the rules from the very beginning of the story.  Lena fights it every step of the way.  She's trying her best to be a model citizen and accept what's society has chosen to give her.  I think she hopes by doing this, she can overcome her own families failures.  She doesn't want to be different.  Alex is wonderful.  I knew what he was, but was surprise at how well he seemed to blend into society.  I loved how he pushed Lena into finding out what she really wanted.  He was always right there when he needed her most.  I also enjoyed watching Lena and Hanna's relationship evolve.  At first they were trying to accept how their relationship will be different after they are both cured by stepping away from each other before their operations.  But, then they realize that how they feel about their friendship now is just as important.

The story itself is beautiful.  Oliver has a way with story telling that just captures you from the first pages.  I picked it up and finished it less than 24 hours later (I stopped to sleep lol).  The ending left me breathless and craving more.  The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is some of the ideas of this society weren't entirely believable to me.  The idea that people could be cured of loved but then expected to raise a family just didn't sit well with me (I didn't buy into the idea of not experiencing love would prevent such incidents as children being drowned in the bathtub as explained at one point).  I also was reminded greatly of Uglies by Scott Westerfeld.  The story lines were very similar.

 

Teaser Tuesday - The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:
   "Good thing you wore your bulletproof vest,"  Will observed dryly.  "Guess me and Fitch didn't get the message."

~ The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.  Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

I started the week by finishing Poison  by Sara Poole.  It wasn't a very fast read, but I ended up really enjoying the story.  I love it when a historical fiction makes me curious about the actual facts in the story.

I then read The Fire Opal by Regina McBride.  The story was very intricate with some very beautiful world set up.  I just found myself not very connected to the main character or her adventures.  

I then picked up The Wolf of Tebron by Suzanne Lakin.  I loved the setting and the words of advice throughout the whole story.  It had a fairy tale sort of feel and reminded of Aesop's fables.  I just didn't feel the ending that way I think I was meant too for some reason. 

I had hoped to finish Matched by Ally Condie this weekend.  Instead, I had a very impromptu trip to visit some girlfriends who live  2 1/2 hours away.  We ended up going to a free music festival.  The main line up included Macy Gray, The Backstreet Boys, and Brett Michael's.   It's an very odd combination but it was lots of fun.  I even enjoyed Michael's cover of Sublime's What I Got.

So for this week, I will finish Matched.  Next, I plan to read The Warrior Heir by Cinda Chima.  I also want to read Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel and if there's time I'll finish The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi froIn My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!  I also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to the description on Goodreads!

Swapped:

 

• Ivy by Julie Hearn

Review Nightstand for CSN Stores

Awhile back I had a post for CSN Stores.  Their promotional team had contacted me about the possibility of doing a review.  I had stated that I intended on getting a nightstand for my daughter's room.  Since we've received and have had a month to use it, I thought it was time to post my review.  

The ordering process was pretty easing.  I only had a small complication with the address verification.  Which is nothing new.  My address is 2 years old but still have problems with systems shooting it back as invalid (thank you country commissioners for changing our address and causing years of problems).  It took 7 days to get it.  Which again is common as we live in Idaho and it always takes longer to get things unless it's shipped from the Western US.  The package was well taken care of with no marks or dents on it!  The inside was nicely packaged as well.
It took very little time to put together.  The pieces aren't marked, but I was able to figure out which ones went were.  I was able to put it together on my own with the help of my 4 year old daughter.  My only complaint was the picture instructions that told you to do one thing and then a side note that I completely missed that told you to do another.  I had to take it partially apart and fix my mistake.  Also the door hangs a little funny.  You can't tell, but it's a little tight in the opening.  You have to push the door to the left (towards the hinges) to get it to open and close properly.  It's almost like the hinges are to big for the door. But, my daughter is able to do this with no problems.
She loves having a place to put her cup of water, kleenex, etc at night.  And the lower shelf is full of her favorite books.  Which is great, because it clears up some space on her bookshelf for some containers with toys in them.  Overall, it a wonderful little nightstand and serves it's purpose well.  It doesn't match her room furniture exactly, but she picked it out and really loves it!

Noah's Castle by John Rowe Townsend

Title: Noah's Castle

Author: John Rowe Townsend

Published: March 2010 by October Mist Publishing

Pages: 211

ISBN: 9780978545710

Source: sent by publisher

  



Description: What if money became worthless? The coming winter was going to be a hard one and not because of the weather. As England descends into economic chaos, sixteen-year-old Barry Mortimer's life turns upside down when his father moves the family from their cozy home in the city to a grim, brick mansion on the outskirts of town. Why isn't anyone allowed to visit the Mortimers' new home? What is Father doing in the cellar and why is he keeping it a secret?  As rumors of skyrocketing prices and food shortages become reality, Barry's world begins to crumble. Can his family hold together as a nation collapses around them? Terrifying because it could happen tomorrow...

I Give This ...

I really enjoyed this book because it feel so terrifyingly real.  It raised some thoughtful questions and I can't say what I would do in the same situation.  The setting is interesting.  It never gives a date, so really it could be in the past, happening now, or sometime in the future.  It's reads more like historical fiction for me.  I felt the story takes place sometime right after the world wars.  I think this is because of some of the chauvinistic attitudes of the men in the story (woman's place is in the kitchen, children should be seen and not heard).

  I was surprised at how intense the characters were.  Granted, I think the most developed are the males.  But, I think that's the point.  In this story, it's a man's world.  I really disliked Barry's father.  Although, I understood his actions and even appreciated the reasons behind them. I just wish he wasn't so secretive and treated his wife a little (or a lot) better.  Barry himself was a very thoughtful young man.  You could really seem him struggle with protecting his family (especially his father) and wanting to do what was right in his eyes.  I think my favorite character was Nessie and I wish we got more from her in the story.  

The story is well thought out.  As more and more people find out what is going on in the household, you can't help me feel very apprehensive of what might happen.  I can't imagine having to make the choice of making sure my family is provided for or providing for a population that is struggling beyond true comprehension.  I think that is were the story lack a little.  It just touches the surface of how others are handling the ordeals faced them.  I think it's toned down a lot for the intended audience. Overall, I think it's a book that will really make you think.  Having a family of my own, I can see both Barry and his father's points of view.

Book Blogger Hop and Follow My Book Blog!

It's time for some networking! Crazy For Books hosts the Book Blogger Hop which is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!

 TELL US ABOUT THE BOOK YOU ARE CURRENTLY READING!

I'm currently reading The Wolf of Tebron.  I just started it so I can't say much.  It had a very intense beginning though.  I'm hoping it's good.  The pitch I received stated it was along the lines of The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.  That alone had me wanting to review it!

 

Parajunkee hosts Follow My Book Blog!  Happy Follow Friday!

Interview with Tricia Rayburn author of Siren!

I'm thrilled to have Tricia Rayburn author of Siren here today!  Tricia is also the author of several books for ‘tweens including the MAGGIE BEAN series, and the forthcoming RUBY’S SLIPPER.  Siren is her first book for young adults.  Now on with the interview!

1.  Tell us about your debut book Siren and it’s main character Vanessa.

Siren tells the story of 17-year-old Vanessa Sands, a self-proclaimed scaredy-cat who's used to hiding behind her fearless older sister, Justine -until Justine jumps off a cliff and doesn’t return.  While everyone else thinks Justine's death is a tragic accident, Vanessa knows better and returns to the scene of the crime to figure out what happened. Along the way she finds romance and
faces some of her greatest fears...including one that will change her life forever.
 

2. I’ve read that you aren’t fond of swimming in the ocean, so what made you decide to
write a book were the ocean figured in so prominently?

I’m as drawn to the ocean as I am afraid of it, and I thought this push-and-pull would make for an
interesting story!
 

3. Why is it that Vanessa never realized that others were drawn to her?

Growing up, Vanessa always thought Justine was the beautiful, attention-grabbing one. It’s not
until she’s on her own that she realizes how people respond to her.
 

4.  I loved the twist on Greek Mythology. Was the idea always to involve the idea of the
Siren’s, or did that take shape as you were writing the story?

I definitely set out to write a story about modern-day sirens, though who those sirens were
changed as the story progressed.
 

5. Is there a sequel planned?

Yes! Siren’s actually the first in a trilogy; the sequel will be out next summer, and the third book
will be out Summer 2012.

I want to thank Tricia for dropping by!  I was so excited to here that there is a sequel (and even more so to learn it's a trilogy) planned!   To read my review of SIREN please click on the title!

Summer in Paris by Michele Ashman Bell

Title: Summer in Paris

Author: Michele Ashamn Bell

Published: March 2010 by Vaylor Publishing Group

Pages: 224

ISBN: 9781935546177

Source: copy sent by Author 

Description: Kenzie Williams feels like she has it all; wealth, friends, popularity and talent. But when her father tells her that he has declared bankruptcy, her whole world in New York City turns upside down. Her parents' solution while they sort through their financial and marital problems is to send Kenzie to live with her relatives in Paris...Idaho!  Feeling like she's been sentenced to three months in Hickville Prison, Kenzie arrives in Idaho feeling like a square peg with name brand clothes, in a round, horribly podunk, hole.  Leaving everything she loves behind, Kenzie is forced to get up at the crack of dawn, do chores, and hang out with her cousin's loser friends. She feels like she's about to die until she meets Adam White, the town outcast, who's been accused of killing his best friend and is being blamed for some trouble that's been happening around town.  Not only is Adam the best-looking guy she's ever seen, but he's also the most fascinating guy she's ever met and Kenzie is determined to get to know him and find out his secret. But, the longer she stays in Paris, the more she realizes, Adam isn't the only one keeping secrets.

I Give This ...  

 

I'm probably one of the few people who have read this book who actually knows were Paris, Idaho is.  And probably part of an even smaller group who has actually been there.  In fact, the tabernacle that is briefly mentioned in this book stands right next to a huge bronze bust of my great-great-great grandfather, so needless to say I might be a bit biased.  I thought the setting was perfect for this story.  You can't get much more small town and remote than that.  I think it gives a good feel for how out of place someone from a big city can be.  It's also extremely accurate for the area.  I dislike reading about real places and having the details wrong (notice I said wrong, because I really don't care if something is made up).  

The characters are wonderful for the most part.  Kenzie actually got on my nerves a little.  For someone being from New York, she's seemed really goody two-shoes.  But, since the teens from small town seem to be the opposite, it's almost like the author decided to switch the stereotypes.  I really loved Kenzie's Aunt and Uncle.  They were total opposites from the types of parents you see in typical YA fiction.  They actually knew what was going on with their kids (for the most part), punished them for their actions, and gave a real sense of family.  I also like how the made sure Kenzie knew that she couldn't get away with the same thing she did when she live in New York.

The story itself is a very clean for YA.  It's more about Kenzie learning what's important.  Turns out she finds exactly what she's looking for in the small town.  She also helps her parents see what's important.  I also like how the story felt very appropriate to the area (if that makes sense).  Southern Idaho is very steeped in the Morman religion.  I think the story fits right into that.  It's about fitting in as an outsider, standing up for what you believe in right, and not following the crowd.

Cate of the Lost Colony By Lisa Klein

Title: Cate of the Lost Colony

Author: Lisa Klein

Published: October 2010 by Bloomsbury

Pages: 336 

ISBN: 9781599905075

 Source: ARC from Around The World Tours

 

Description: The greatest unsolved mystery of American history--what happened to all the colonists who landed on Roanoke Island in 1587? This novel traces the fortunes and misfortunes of one Cate Archer, banished to Virginia by a jealous Queen Elizabeth because of her dalliance with Sir Walter Ralegh. What will be her fate in this dangerous New World?  

I Give This ...

 

 I had high hopes for this book.  A pretty cover, Elizabethan England, the lost colony of Roanoke, romance, and danger makes for a pretty fantastic build up.  I was not disappointed.  It's a little slow to start, and one charcter annoyed me, but overall I truly loved this book.  

The setting was marvelous.  I tend to love anything set during Tudor England (particularly King Henry VIII or Elizabeth I).  I think the author did a fantastic job with the royal setting and what it might have been like to serve Queen Elizabeth I.  I first had the impression that the book was set more in the colonies, but it's actually about half and half.  I was impressed with the descriptions of Roanoke.  I confess I don't know any more details than the few provided by the history books.  I felt this did an accurate job of portraying the life of early colonists. 

I loved Cate.  She's a head strong character, which is perhaps why Queen Elizabeth banished her.  She never seems to know when to hold her tongue.  But, in the end, this character flaw is perhaps what saved them all.  I confess to never really liking Sir Walter Raleigh.  But, I've learned it seems to be a character flaw of the men Queen Elizabeth loved and controlled.  I also like Manteo.  His contribution both to the fictional story and in real history greatly intrigue me.  He's role in the events make the story that much more real knowing he's a real character in the history books.

The story itself is wonderful.  I loved the first half set in England.  I think it gives a good account of England during that time period.  I don't think any characters (including the Queen's) actions differ from any other fiction or nonfiction work set in the same time period.  If I thought I loved this first half of the book, it possible I loved the second half even more.  I loved watching Cate charge and make friends with the Indian women.  I thought it was great that she didn't sit and wait for Sir Walter to come for her.  I also thought the ending gave a highly plausible cause and reasoning to what happened to the lost colony of Roanoke.  I can't recommend this one enough, and will be looking for the author's other works!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.  Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

Oddly enough I only read 1 book that I said I would last week.  Which is ok because I wouldn't have read my favorite it awhile!  I started off with Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard.  I really liked it and immediately added the rest of the series to my wishlist!

For some reason, I decided against the rest of my planned week.  I picked up Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris instead.  I remember being a tad disappointed in book 8 but it's been awhile since I read it.  I really enjoyed this one and looking forward to Dead in the Family.

I actually went a whole day without reading after that!  I was going to pick up The Fiery Cross again, but I just didn't.  Sometime it's nice to have that little break, but I always feel weird when I don't read.

I had 3 tour books come in the same day.  So I picked up Delirium by Lauren Oliver.  I was reminded of Uglies by Scott Westerfeld a lot, but I really loved the story.  So much that I finished it in less than a day!  I want a sequel and this one isn't even out until February of 2011!

I'm currently reading Poison by Sara Poole.  I love the narrative but it's been a little hard to get into.  I'm starting to really enjoy it though.  I also plan on reading The Fiery Opal by Regina McBride and The Wolf of Tebron by Suzanne Lakin.  I'm hoping there will be time for Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel as well!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!  I also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to the description on Goodreads!

For Review:

• Songs for a Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson
• Delirium by Lauren Oliver (Around The World Tours)
• The Fire Opal by Regina McBride (Around The World Tours)
• Poison by Sara Poole (Around The World Tours)

Swapped:

 

• The Season by Sarah MacLean
• Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill
• Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh
• Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

Library:

 

• A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan
• The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

Love Bites (Vampire Kisses, #7) by Ellen Schreiber

Title: Love Bites

Author: Ellen Schreiber

Series: #7 in Vampire Kisses

Published: May 2010 by Harper Collins

Pages: 192

ISBN: 9780061689420

Source: Library

 

Description: As a mortal girl dating a vampire, Raven knows that love isn’t always easy. Now that Alexander’s parents have returned to Romania, Raven and her dreamy vampire boyfriend are happy to resume their cryptic romance.  But soon another visitor comes knocking: Sebastian, Alexander’s best friend, arrives for a stay at the mansion. At first Raven is wary, and then thrilled – this is the perfect chance to learn more about her darkly handsome boyfriend and his past. Raven has been wondering whether Alexander will ever bite her and make their love immortal, and Sebastian could be her guide to the love habits of Alexander and his kind. But when Sebastian falls for a particular Dullsvillian, will another mortal beat Raven to the bite?  

I Give This ... 
 

I liked this one quite a bit more than the last, but I'm beginning to feel like we are going in circles.   We know next to nothing about Alexander.  I'm hoping we are on the brink of something big, but I'm not sure how many more books that author can drag out of this.  I want something concrete and I want to know if he intends to chance Raven or not.  She's perfectly willing and she fits right in.  I want to know what's holding him back because he never explains anything.   Besides all that, the story was fun.  I think we get to see a lighter side of Raven.  She plans a party, plays matchmaker, and torments her nemesis some more.  I like Sebastian.  He's fun and gets himself into a trouble quite a bit.  Always interesting to see another vampire added to the story.  I liked the ending and look forward to the next book in the series!