Review - Lost in Time (Blue Bloods #6) by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Lost in Time

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Series: 6th (Blue Bloods, Masquerade, Revelations, The Van Alen Legacy, Misguided Angel,
Pages: 342

Published: September 27th 2011 by Hyperion 

ISBN: 9781423121299

Source: Library

 

Description: The stakes have never been higher for the young Blue Bloods of Manhattan. After their brief yet beautiful bonding ceremony in Italy, Schuyler Van Alen and Jack Force depart for Egypt, desperate to find the elusive Gate of Promise before Jack must face his twin, Mimi, for a blood trial. A blood trial that only one of them can survive. But everything Schuyler thought she knew about the gate turns out to be a lie, and they soon find themselves ensnared in a deadly battle against the demon-born. Schuyler and Jack take up arms, only to realize that there is a much graver threat simmering in the Kingdom of the Dead.  Meanwhile, determined to save the only vampire she still loves, Mimi has followed Kingsley Martin into Hell. With the help of her new human Conduit, Oliver Hazard-Perry, Mimi makes a bargain with the Queen of the Dead that she may soon regret. When the time comes to choose between love and revenge, both Mimi and Oliver will learn the true meaning of sacrifice.   

 I Give This ...

Once again... I've let time get away from me.  School is back in session and with teaching, homework, and the kids' outside activities, blogging falls behind.  Since this one is not a review book, I'm going to make this short and sweet.

Jack and Schulyer kind of drove me crazy in this book.  I don't think they really mean to bury their heads in the sand, but that's what it felt like they were doing.  I think they were enjoying their honeymoon time together.  It was almost like they didn't want to face the reality of the world around them.  As long as the convinced themselves that they were looking for the gate, it didn't matter how much time passed.  I was glad to see push come to shove and they were forced to deal with the matters at hand.  Jack needed to face Mimi, and Schuyler needed to find the gate.

Mimi Forces really grew on me in this book.  She knows she has to face Jack, but she's willing to let him stall as long as possible.  In the mean time, she's going to Hell back for Kingsley.  Her trip through the land of the dead was my favorite part of the story.  It reminded me a great deal of other stories I've read in the past that deal with world of the dead.  I do have to admit that I was a little nervous if the old Mimi would emerge in order to fully extract Kingsley from Hell's grasp.

It was a little slow at parts, but the ending just shows how evenly matched Jack and Mimi are.  And it also shows how much they truly love their significant others but respect their bonds.  I'm looking forward to the next one to see how this all ends.

Review - The Immortal Crown (Age of X #2) by Richelle Mead

Title: The Immortal Crown

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: 2nd (Gameboard of the Gods)

Pages: 432

Published: May 29th 2014 by Dutton Adult

ISBN: 9780525953692

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Gameboard of the Gods introduced religious investigator Justin March and Mae Koskinen, the beautiful supersoldier assigned to protect him. Together they have been charged with investigating reports of the supernatural and the return of the gods, both inside the Republic of United North America and out. With this highly classified knowledge comes a shocking revelation: Not only are the gods vying for human control, but the elect—special humans marked by the divine—are turning against one another in bloody fashion. Their mission takes a new twist when they are assigned to a diplomatic delegation headed by Lucian Darling, Justin’s old friend and rival, going into Arcadia, the RUNA’s dangerous neighboring country. Here, in a society where women are commodities and religion is intertwined with government, Justin discovers powerful forces at work, even as he struggles to come to terms with his own reluctantly acquired deity. Meanwhile, Mae—grudgingly posing as Justin’s concubine—has a secret mission of her own: finding the illegitimate niece her family smuggled away years ago. But with Justin and Mae resisting the resurgence of the gods in Arcadia, a reporter’s connection with someone close to Justin back home threatens to expose their mission—and with it the divine forces the government is determined to keep secret. 

I Give This ...

  I wasn't completely sold on Gameboard of the Gods, so I'm not entirely sure why I picked the second in the series up for review.  Perhaps it simply because I'm draw to Gods and Goddesses and it still had some potential.  In this case, I'm glad I didn't give up because it was better than the first one.

I think I liked Justin and May's interactions more.  They are trying so hard to pretend they aren't completely head over heals for each other, that sometime a lot of it just gets in the way.  But this time around, they are required to pose as a couple.  I think it forces them to think and act in ways that they've spend forever repressing.  Plus, it was interesting to learn about their personal God and Goddess and how they related to each other.  The big picture is much more intertwined than I thought.

I'm curious as to Lucian's involvement in this whole thing.  For most of the first book I wrote him off as just a person in the background.  But, I think he is a far bigger player than anyone knows.  He's way to subtle, but he may have tipped his hat when it came to this big trip into Arcadia.  He's looking for more than just an age to push over the top in politics.  I have not quite pegged if he's going to work out to be the bad guy.  I hope not, because I think he's far more useful in Justin's corner.

I liked the drama with Tessa.  I knew that getting mixed up with the reporter was a bad idea.  I think she knew it deep down as well.  But, she was determined to prove her worth and couldn't possibly imagine what Justin could be mixed up in that would be beneficial.  But, most of the time it's always about who you know.    

I'm hooked now, so I am eagerly awaiting book 3.  There is something big in the works and the gods and goddesses aren't done playing games yet.  They have been so subtly through most of the series, that I'm waiting for that big moment!

 

Review - Dissonance (Dissonance #1) by Erica O'Rourke

Title: Dissonance

Author: Erica O'Rourke

Series: 1st

Pages: 496

Published:  July 22nd 2014 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 

ISBN: 9781442460249

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

 

Description: Delancy Sullivan has always known there’s more to reality than what people see. Every time someone makes a choice, a new, parallel world branches off from the existing one. Eating breakfast or skipping it, turning left instead of right, sneaking out instead of staying in bed ~ all of these choices create an alternate universe in which an echo self takes the road not traveled and makes the opposite decision. As a Walker, someone who can navigate between these worlds, Del’s job is to keep all of the dimensions in harmony. Normally, Del can hear the dissonant frequency that each world emits as clear as a bell. But when a training session in an off-key world goes horribly wrong, she is forbidden from Walking by the Council. But Del’s not big on following the rules and she secretly starts to investigate these other worlds. Something strange is connecting them and it’s not just her random encounters with echo versions of the guy she likes, Simon Lane. But Del’s decisions have unimaginable consequences and, as she begins to fall for the Echo Simons in each world, she draws closer to a truth that the Council of Walkers is trying to hide ~ a secret that threatens the fate of the entire multiverse.  

I Give This ...

  Well this was fascinating and maddening all at the same time.  The idea of alternate universes created from each decision made by each person was interesting.  But, at the same I couldn't wrap my head around it.  The shear number of these universes has to more than even the Walkers can hope to control.

At first, I wasn't sure I understood what it was exactly that the Walkers did in relation to the other dimensions.  The full scope of their job isn't really explained up front, but more woven throughout the story.  Basically the are in charge of keeping the base dimension stable.  The other dimensions are ghosts of this one and really aren't even real, but tied to the base.  However, ripples from the outer dimensions can effect the base and cause chaos.  Choices made in other dimensions can actually bleed over into the base.

Delancy was interesting in the sense that she doesn't seem like your typical Walker.  You can tell she's brilliant and good at it.  But, she doesn't follow the rules set forth by the Council.  When she accidentally does something she's shouldn't be able to do, she's put on probation.  The Council follows her every move, but it's not so much to monitor her progress but to see exactly what she is capable of (and maybe to keep an eye on her family).   As with many books, The Council isn't exactly as it appears.  

 The more Delancy travels between the other dimensions, the more fascinated I became.  Some of these world's are permanent, while others exist for mere moments.  All depend on the person and the decision being made.  It so much to tend to, it's no wonder that the Council is trying to keep tight control of it.  Of course they are going about it the wrong way and a revolt has silently been brewing.

I enjoyed this for the most part.  I wasn't overly into the romance between Delancy and Simon, but it gradually grew on me.  I did find the plot and setting to be awesome.  I'm actually looking forward to more of this series!

 

Review - The Girl with the Windup Heart (Steampunk Chronicles #4) by Kady Cross

Title: The Girl with the Windup Heart

Author: Kady Cross

Series: 4th (The Girl with the Steel Corset, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, The Girl with the Iron Touch)

Pages: 396

Published: May 27th 2014 by Harlequin TEEN 

ISBN: 9780373211197

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: London's underworld is no place for a young woman, even one who is strong, smart and part-automaton like Mila. But when master criminal Jack Dandy inadvertently breaks her heart, she takes off, determined to find an independent life, one entirely her own. Her search takes her to the spangled shadows of the West End's most dazzling circus. Meanwhile, taken captive in the Aether, Griffin King is trapped in an inescapable prison, and at the mercy of his archenemy, The Machinist. If he breaks under the hellish torment, The Machinist will claim his powers and control of the Aether itself, and no one in either world will be safe-especially not Finley Jayne and her misfit band of friends. Finley plunges headlong into the Aether the only way she knows how, by temporarily dying. But she cannot parry The Machinist's maneuvers for long. To defeat him for good, Griffin will have to confront his greatest fear and finally come face-to-face with the destructive power he wields. 

I Give This ...

 I was pleased to see this one as I had no real indication that the series was over after the last book.  After a rocky start, I've come to really enjoy this characters and I wanted to see an satisfying ending.

I really wish that Griffin would stop holding so much back from his friends.  Granted we wouldn't have a story without it.  But, his friends rely so much on him, I wish he would give the slightest indication that he needed them a little bit.  Because of this character flaw, he is literally draining himself dry in the Aether.  It's a good thing that Finley doesn't stand for that kind of crap.  She's determined to prove her worth to Griffin.  I think she feels like she needs for Griffin to see that he can trust her, heart and soul.

I was surprised by the tension between Finley and Emily.  I don't think that was there before.  I think it might be because they both care for Griffin in different ways and have to argue about who has the better way to save him.  I really enjoyed that addition of Mila in relation to Jack Dandy.  I didn't particularly care for his relationship with Finley, but I liked his character.  So, I readily accepted his new found fascination with Mila.

I liked how most of this story took place in the aether.  It reminded me a little bit of Dante's Inferno.  I enjoyed Finley's own personal demons that she had to overcome in order to get to Griffin.   I enjoyed how conniving The Machinist could be.   I never failed to be surprised the lengths he wold go to get what he wanted.

In the end, I was surprised by this series.  I'm still hesitant when it comes to steampunk, but I've learned to give it a chance.  This series has helped me accomplish that.  I will be looking for Kady Cross again.

 

 

Review - Unhinged (Splintered #2) by A.G. Howard

Title: Unhinged

Author: A.G. Howard

Series: 2nd (Splintered)

Pages: 400

Published: January 7th 2014 by Harry N. Abrams

ISBN: 9781419709715

Source: Library

Description: Alyssa Gardner has been down the rabbit hole and faced the bandersnatch. She saved the life of Jeb, the guy she loves, and escaped the machinations of the disturbingly seductive Morpheus and the vindictive Queen Red. Now all she has to do is graduate high school and make it through prom so she can attend the prestigious art school in London she's always dreamed of. That would be easier without her mother, freshly released from an asylum, acting overly protective and suspicious. And it would be much simpler if the mysterious Morpheus didn’t show up for school one day to tempt her with another dangerous quest in the dark, challenging Wonderland—where she (partly) belongs. As prom and graduation creep closer, Alyssa juggles Morpheus’s unsettling presence in her real world with trying to tell Jeb the truth about a past he’s forgotten. Glimpses of Wonderland start to bleed through her art and into her world in very disturbing ways, and Morpheus warns that Queen Red won’t be far behind. If Alyssa stays in the human realm, she could endanger Jeb, her parents, and everyone she loves. But if she steps through the rabbit hole again, she'll face a deadly battle that could cost more than just her head. 

 I Give This ...

Another case of why didn't I read this sooner, especially knowing how much I loved the first book.  I can't say enough about this book and the series so far.

I was happy to be back with Alyssa even if she's in complete denial that Wonderland exists.  She has her mom back, even if she's become a bit overprotecting.  Jeb is still alive, although he has no recollections of the events in Wonderland.  In her opinion, her world is almost perfect.  The only thing out of place is her art has taken on a mind of it's own, beautiful but a bit morbid. Because blood is not a normal medium used and she's not really guiding the picture that forms.  That, and Morpheus continues to haunt her dreams. 

There's so much that happens in this book that it's hard to describe it all in one messily little review.  The Red Queen is trying to infiltrate the human realm in very subtle ways.  One the twins that guards the graveyard has left her post, which leads to way for some of Wonderland to cross over.  But through it all Alyssa is convinced that she's not needed.  It isn't until she learns that the truth not only about her mother, but her father as well, that she begins to accept just how deep her destiny runs.  

I think the most fascinating thing about this series is how the author has managed to give even more life to the world created by Lewis Carrol.  The characters and scenery are familiar, but the have more depth.  Each element is darker and more malicious.  It seems everything and everyone has an ulterior motive.   The only part that lost me a little was the ending at prom seemed a little cliche.  But, it had to happen at some point.

 

Review - Bloody Valentine (Blue Bloods #5.5) by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Bloody Valentine

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Series: 5.5 (Blue Bloods, Masquerade, Revelations, The Van Alen Legacy, Misguided Angels)

Pages: 147

Published: December 28th 2010 by Hyperion 

ISBN: 9781423134497

Source: Library

 

Description: The Blue Bloods have powers beyond human comprehension: strength that defies logic, speed that cannot be captured on film, the ability to shape-shift, and more. But in matters of the heart, no one, not even those immortal vampires, has total control. In Bloody Valentine, part of the best-selling Blue Bloods series, author Melissa de la Cruz offers three tantalizing stories that delve deep into the love lives of the all-powerful vamps (and their Red Blood friends) from New York's Upper East Side. Might a witchy new girl help cure Oliver's broken heart? How did Allegra fall in love with a human? Will Schuyler and Jack finally be bonded?

I Give This ...

I don't normally do short stories.  It depends on the story I guess.  I this case, I'm actually glad I read it.  I think it bridged a few gaps that I was missing in how things came to be the way they are.

I loved all three stories.  I was curious as to what would happen to Oliver.  I think the pain of being bonded to Schuyler was almost to much for him to bare.  It's event in some of the things he tries to do to be rid of her in his soul and his blood.  I was happy that the witch was able to cure him of the bonding, but sad when she left.  I felt that Oliver might have grow attached to her to quickly as a replacement.  

I think the story of Allegra and Ben  is my favorite.  She was willing to go against time and tradition by not renewing her bond.  She tried to not let that happen for the better of everybody involved.  But, she found she loved Ben to much and he loved her.  In the end the realized that it was better to be together no matter what the cost than live without each other.

Jack impressed me a lot in the last short story.  It's taken a long time for him to prove to me that he really does love Schuyler.  For some reason, I was never as sure of him.  I admire the great lengths he went to for all their friends to be there on their bonding day.  He made it special and meaningful despite all the dangers they were facing.

I do think reading this short book made certain events in the next major installment make a little more sense.  I also think it filled in some back story that I really wanted to know (like Ben and Allegra). 

 

   

Review - Midnight Thief (Midnight Thief #1) by Livia Blackburne

Title: Midnight Thief

Author: Livia Blackburne

Series: 1st

Pages: 376 

Published: July 8th 2014 by Disney-Hyperion 

ISBN: 9781423176381

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs. But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—and darkly attractive—and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull. Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease. When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival—and vengeance—might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives. In her arresting debut novel, Livia Blackburne creates a captivating world where intrigue prowls around every corner—and danger is a way of life. 

I Give This ...

This sounded like something that might be that it book, the one to rave about.  For awhile it really was.  I enjoyed so many aspects of this novel.  But, somewhere in the book an event occurred and the story took a different turn.  And one that just no longer resented with me.    

I really enjoyed Kyra.  Her ability to sneak into places undetected and leave the same way she came was fascinating.  That part of the story really drew me in.  I was hesitant when the Assassins Guild offered Kyra a place in their ranks.  But, I wasn't surprised that she accepted the offer.  I never felt it was about the money that was offered.  It was all about being able to prove that she could do the job and all it's challenges.  I think she also enjoyed skirting around those in charge without their knowing.  A way for her to prove that she was more than just a street urchin.  

I also really enjoyed Tristam.  He's your poster boy for someone who fully supports whatever government is in place.  To him, there's only black and white and no grey.  So, I think it's really hard for him to admit that Kyra might have got the best of him.  He never imagined that it was a women sneaking in and out without being seen.  I also like that as he gets to know here, he realizes that not everything is as clear cut as it seems.  That sometimes the good guy and the bad guy aren't always what you think.

So what happened?  It's actually really hard to explain without giving away something that I think is suppose to be a surprise, although an intricate part of the story.  Let's just say that there's something off about those Demon Riders and their wildcats.  I could see it coming, but I kept hoping the story wouldn't go there.  When it did, I was so disappointed.  I have no idea why the story effected me that way.

It's likely that I won't continue this story.  There are parts of me that are greatly intrigued.  But, I was put off by an element of the story that might be to much to overcome.    

 

Review - Where Silence Gathers (Some Quiet Place #2) by Kelsey Sutton

Title: Where Silence Gathers

Author: Kelsey Sutton

Series: 2nd (Some Quiet Place)

Pages: 360

Published: July 8th 2014 by Flux

ISBN: 9780738739472

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Seventeen-year-old Alexandra Tate sits outside Nate Foster's house, clutching a gun. After serving ten years for the drunk driving accident that killed Alex's family, Nate has been released from prison. Every night, Alex waits out of sight, building up the courage to exact her own justice. There's just one problem: Forgiveness. Alex has been able to see personified Emotions for as long as she can remember, and Revenge is her best friend. But when Forgiveness suddenly appears, he offers Alex a choice--getting even or moving on. It's impossible to decide when Revenge whispers in one ear . . . and Forgiveness whispers in the other. 

I Give This ...

I've been early awaiting this next part of the series.  Part of me really wanted more of Fear, but realizing this was more of a companion book I was just happy to back with these characters.

Alexandra is one angry teenager.  I'm not discounting her anger, because I think part of it is very justified.  She's been through hell and back at a very young age.  But, part of me wonders if those raising her shouldn't have been doing more to help her.  I think they might have been afraid to push to hard.  She makes reckless choice throughout this story.  Since I've never been in her position, I found it hard to agree with many of the.  Granted I don't think it helped that her companion since childhood was Revenge.  

I truly love the concept of this series.  For some reason that idea of emotions and elements being able to take on human forms in fascinating to me.  I love how Revenge and Forgiveness battle it out in this one.  They have to be constant enemies vying for the top prize.  I loved each of them, even when I knew in my heart that it would be better for Alexandra to pick Forgiveness.  I love the other elements that we see and how they perfectly embody the emotion they represent.

I hope Kelsey Sutton write more of these books.  I don't think I would tire of getting to know different emotions in this light.  Plus, I really enjoy the humans they interact with.

 

Review - Deep Blue (Waterfire Saga #1) by Jennifer Donnelly

Title: Deep Blue

Author: Jennifer Donnelly

Series: 1st

Pages: 340

Published: May 6th 2014 by Disney Press 

ISBN: 9781423133162

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description: Deep in the ocean, in a world not so different from our own, live the merpeople. Their communities are spread throughout the oceans, seas, and freshwaters all over the globe.  When Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, awakens on the morning of her betrothal, her biggest worry should be winning the love of handsome Prince Mahdi. And yet Sera finds herself haunted by strange dreams that foretell the return of an ancient evil. Her dark premonitions are confirmed when an assassin's arrow poisons Sera's mother. Now, Serafina must embark on a quest to find the assassin's master and prevent a war between the Mer nations. Led only by her shadowy dreams, Sera searches for five other mermaid heroines who are scattered across the six seas. Together, they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood and uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world's very existence. 

I Give This ...

Mermaid books tend to be hit of miss with me.  I think it's just one of those topics that can get cheesy really quickly.  It has to be believable without being over the top.  I think this book does that just fine.

I was a little unsure at first because it seemed like Serafina wasn't going to be that strong of a character.  She's use to being told what to do and feeling like she's never going to live up to her mother's expectations or her crown.  But when all hell breaks loose, Serafina must step up to the plate quickly.  She has a hard time with this at first.  It's more of denial in admitting that her mother and the rest of her nation might be wiped out.  She hesitates in her decisions thinking that they have little importance.

I actually really enjoyed the world building behind this one.  I would have liked more information on the different nations, but what I got was enough to picture this world.  I loved how there was a little mystery surrounding Prince Mahdi.  I wasn't quite sure if he was going to warp into a bad guy or just seriously misunderstood.   I also loved the idea of the 6 mermaids being descendants of the original ruling mermaids.  I think they each represent the characteristics that originals were known for.  

I think I especially enjoyed watching Serafina grown and learn throughout this book.  She's really begins to lead in the end and accept her new position.  I really look forward to book 2!

 

 

Review - The Taking (The Taking #1) by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Taking

Author: Kimberly Derting

Series: 1st

Pages: 357

Published: April 29th 2014 by HarperTeen 

ISBN: 9780062293602

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: A flash of white light . . . and then . . . nothing.  When sixteen-year-old Kyra Agnew wakes up behind a Dumpster at the Gas ’n’ Sip, she has no memory of how she got there. With a terrible headache and a major case of déjà vu, she heads home only to discover that five years have passed . . . yet she hasn’t aged a day. Everything else about Kyra’s old life is different. Her parents are divorced, her boyfriend, Austin, is in college and dating her best friend, and her dad has changed from an uptight neat-freak to a drunken conspiracy theorist who blames her five-year disappearance on little green men. Confused and lost, Kyra isn’t sure how to move forward unless she uncovers the truth. With Austin gone, she turns to Tyler, Austin’s annoying kid brother, who is now seventeen and who she has a sudden undeniable attraction to. As Tyler and Kyra retrace her steps from the fateful night of her disappearance, they discover strange phenomena that no one can explain, and they begin to wonder if Kyra’s father is not as crazy as he seems. There are others like her who have been taken . . . and returned. Kyra races to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had, but what if the life she wants back is not her own? 

I Give This ...

  I'm not super found of alien books.  They usually just aren't my thing.  But, I wanted to give this a shot because I love Kimberly Derting.  Plus, one never knows...I might have loved it.

I really loved the premise of this story.  Kyra disappears in a flash of light and turns up 5 years later.  Her whole life is different, except in the case of her physical self.  This was a part of the story I found greatly intriguing.  She hasn't aged a day in those 5 years.  So, she stuck in a life were her family and friends have gone without her.  Nothing feels the same and she must learn to deal with it.

I was intrigued by Kyra's interactions with everyone.  She must learn to deal with the fact that her parents are divorced, her mother is remarried, she has a half brother, and her father might be considered a little crazy.  The hardest thing of all is realizing that the boy she made so plans with, had to make them without her.  I understood her anger at Austin, but I'm glad she got over it.  It was really his fault.  I absolutely adored her interactions with Tyler.  It was a little strange at first, but I just had to take in the account that Kyra was 16 despite the tie that had passed.  

What got me in the end was really the alien aspect.  Turns out Krya's dad might be entirely crazy.  Kyra did go "somewhere" for those 5 years.  There are those in secret branch of the government that are trying to contain all those who have disappeared only to return "different."   But, there are those who have experienced exactly what Krya has the are willing to help her.  It might be at Tyler's expense though, and this is were the story lost me.  

I'm not entirely positive I will read the next one.  I would like to see what happens to Tyler and I'm interested in what actually happens to those who have disappeared.  But, I'm still not sold on the alien aspect.

 

Review - Dark Metropolis (Dark Metropolis #1) by Jaclyn Dolamore

Title: Dark Metropolis

Author: Jaclyn Dolamore

Series: 1st

Pages: 304

Published:  June 17th 2014 by Disney-Hyperion 

ISBN: 9781423163329

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description:  Sixteen-year-old Thea Holder's mother is cursed with a spell that's driving her mad, and whenever they touch, Thea is chilled by the magic, too. With no one else to contribute, Thea must make a living for both of them in a sinister city, where danger lurks and greed rules.  Thea spends her nights waitressing at the decadent Telephone Club attending to the glitzy clientele. But when her best friend, Nan, vanishes, Thea is compelled to find her. She meets Freddy, a young, magnetic patron at the club, and he agrees to help her uncover the city's secrets-even while he hides secrets of his own. Together, they find a whole new side of the city. Unrest is brewing behind closed doors as whispers of a gruesome magic spread. And if they're not careful, the heartless masterminds behind the growing disappearances will be after them, too. Perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, this is a chilling thriller with a touch of magic where the dead don't always seem to stay that way.

I Give This ...

I've quite enjoyed Jaclyn Dolamore's work so far.  She managed to turn her stories into something unique.  This one is no exception.  

One can't help feel sorry for Thea soon after meeting her.  Her father is dead, or so they have been told.  Without a body and her mother's decent into madness, Thea is often left wondering if he's possibly still alive.  Her mother and father were bonded through magic with their marriage, a process now considered illegal.  Without his presence,  Thea's mother is going losing touch with reality a little more everyday.  If the people in authority knew this, they would take her away.  So, Thea does what she must and works hard to keep them feed and a roof over their head.

And then she meets Freddy, whose got a lot of problems of his own.  Taken from his parents to be raised by his uncle, his life has been focused on his talent.  You see, Freddy can raise people from the dead.  He sees it as giving them a second chance of life, but his uncle has been keeping something from him.  These people aren't returned to their families, and life might be stretch at what these people are living.  They are being used to run the city and kept in their place because they need something extra from becoming zombish creatures.

I really enjoyed how this story played out.  Thea faces some crazy things throughout, but she never back down from doing what is right.  Freddy final takes the blindfold off and realizes what he has helped to create.  I know he did it unknowingly, but I can't help but wonder what the true purpose of his powers are.   There has to be something useful about it.  Especially knowing how he can control it as well.

I will be looking forward to the next one!  I'm eager to get to know these characters more! 

 

 

Review - The Fire Wish (The Jinni Wars #1) by Amber Lough

Title: The Fire Wish

Author: Amber Lough
Series: 1st

Pages: 320

Published: July 22nd 2014 by Random House Children's 

ISBN: 9780385369763

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: A jinni. A princess. And the wish that changes everything. . . .  Najwa is a jinni, training to be a spy in the war against the humans. Zayele is a human on her way to marry a prince of Baghdad—which she’ll do anything to avoid. So she captures Najwa and makes a wish. With a rush of smoke and fire, they fall apart and re-form—as each other. A jinni and a human, trading lives. Both girls must play their parts among enemies who would kill them if the deception were ever discovered—enemies including the young men Najwa and Zayele are just discovering they might love. 

I Give This ...

When I first read the description for this, I though "Jinni? That's brilliant!"  Apparently, this might be the new hot topic in YA, but I don't care.  I'll read it until I'm bored of it I'm sure.

  I was really intrigued by the set up of this one.  Jinni' and humans are at war with one another.  I think this is serious, but it's hard to tell because it's so far removed from this book.  I found that a little strange in the thought that this part of the story felt like an afterthought, added to give some sort of meaning to the conflict between the two.  But, maybe our main characters are so far removed from the actual fighting, that it didn't feel real to even them.  I liked the idea that at one time the two lived in harmony, even going so far as to helping each other.  There's always that one person that screws it all up for stupid reasons.

I liked Najwa the most of our two young women.  But at times she feels frightfully naive.   How can she be training to be a spy but makes the stupid mistakes that she does?  She's been trusted with such a big task that I think the forget how young she is.  All the other jinni saw was a way to maybe gain the upper hand in the war because she could enter in the palace walls when no other jinni could.  Zayele was interesting because she seems to care very little about trying to play Najwa.  Granted she has no one to guide her in the task like Najwa does, but the thought never seems to cross her mind.

Reading back on all that, one might think that I didn't particularly enjoy the book.  But, that's not the case.  I enjoyed the story a lot and breezed right though it.  I liked the lore behind the jinni and was completely fascinated by how they stored their memories.  Even the instant romance between the characters didn't bother me to much (probably because I'm no use to it outside of contemporary YA).  I really look forward to the next in the series!

 

   

Review- The Forever Song (Blood of Eden #3) by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Forever Song

Author: Julie Kagawa

Series: 3rd (The Immortal Rules, The Eternity Cure)

Pages: 393

Published: April 15th 2014 by Harlequin Teen 

ISBN: 9780373211128

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Vengeance will be hers.  Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.  Monster. Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions - her creator Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost - the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.  In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, her triumph will be short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone. THE FINAL HUNT IS ON. 

I Give This ...

The end of another great series by Julie Kagawa.  It's always bittersweet.  This series has been a great addition to the vampire genre.  

I was a little afraid that Allison was losing herself for awhile.  I knew the thought of Zeke's death would be hard for Allisoon.  But, her humanity has been way to big a part of her.  I never thought that losing him would cause her to loose faith in it.  Thankfully she's not that way for long because she needs that spark to defeat Sarren.   Her humanity is what makes her special and one of the reasons Kanin admires her so much.   

Sarren manages to surprise me again with his sadistic nature.  He knows just how to lure in Allison and Kanin.   I felt like Sarren was just testing them most of the time.  If it turned out he managed to kill one of them along that way, that would be just an added bonus.  He wants them to know what he is doing and to be there to see him unleash his no virus and know that they can do nothing to stop it.

I felt the end was fitting for the whole story.   It was one of the books that left me doubting until the very end.  It wasn't a feel good happy ending though.  just enough hope that the world can start anew. 

Anxiously awaiting Julie Kagawa's next book! 

 

 

 

Review - The Falconer (The Falconer #1) by Elizabeth May

Title: The Falconer

Author: Elizabeth May

Series: 1st

Pages: 378

Published: May 6th 2014 by Chronicle Books 

ISBN:  9781452114231

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

 

Description: Lady Aileana Kameron, the only daughter of the Marquess of Douglas, was destined for a life carefully planned around Edinburgh’s social events – right up until a faery killed her mother.  Now it’s the 1844 winter season and Aileana slaughters faeries in secret, in between the endless round of parties, tea and balls. Armed with modified percussion pistols and explosives, she sheds her aristocratic facade every night to go hunting. She’s determined to track down the faery who murdered her mother, and to destroy any who prey on humans in the city’s many dark alleyways.  But the balance between high society and her private war is a delicate one, and as the fae infiltrate the ballroom and Aileana’s father returns home, she has decisions to make. How much is she willing to lose – and just how far will Aileana go for revenge? 

I Give This ...

I really liked the description on this one.  Historical fiction set in Scotland, the fae, and the hit of steampunk has all the right elements.  This book ended up being just what I needed.

I thought Aileana was fantastic.  She makes no apologies for who she is, no matter the rumors that may be flying around.   It's not like she can tell anyone what she's really doing when she stopping all over protocols and proper behavior for a young women.  I think she feels guilty for lying to her friends, but that's about as deep as it goes.  In fact, I think she gets a little bit of pleasure from tracking down bad fae and killing them.  Especially if she can save a human life while doing it.  The problem is that I don't think anybody bothered to explain all the rules to her.  She setting herself up for immense danger.

I particularly enjoyed Aileana relationships with her pixie friend Derrick.  Who though a sidekick like this could be so much fun.  He's just the right mix of humor to give the story a lighter tone in certain places.  But, you can also tell he really cares about Aileana.  Overall though, I was must drawn to Aileana's relationship with Kiaran.  He gives off the impression that it's all business with Aileana.  But, you can tell there's something smoldering underneath.  There's something about the fae that just draw you, especially when it's done right.

The story seems so fast paced at times, that I didn't get a real feel for the world they live in.   It feels steampunk, but not to the point were I end up having problems with it.  And, in very few instances could I actually tell that this book was suppose to be set in Scotland.  However, in the end those things didn't really effect how I felt about the story.   I'm ready for the next one!

 

  

Review - Witchfall (The Tudor Witch Trilogy #2) by Victoria Lamb

Title: Witchfall

Author: Vitoria Lamb

Series: 2nd (Witchstruck)

Pages: 336

Published:  March 25th 2014 by Harlequin Teen 

ISBN:  9780373211005

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description:  Her darkest dreams are coming true. In Tudor England, 1555, Meg Lytton has learned how powerful her magick gift can be. But danger surrounds her and her mistress, the outcast Princess Elizabeth. Nowhere is safe in the court of Elizabeth's fanatical sister, Queen Mary. And as the Spanish Inquisition's merciless priests slowly tighten their grip on the court, Meg's very dreams are disturbed by the ever-vengeful witchfinder Marcus Dent. Even as Meg tries to use her powers to find guidance, something evil arises, impervious to Meg's spells and hungry to control England's fate. As Meg desperately tries to keep her secret betrothed, the Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, out of harm's way, caution wars with their forbidden desire. And with her most powerful enemy poised to strike, Meg's only chance is a heartbreaking sacrifice.

I Give This ...

I really enjoy paranormal book set within historical fiction.  I think it's a blend of both genre's that I enjoy.  Add in Tudor England, and I'm sold.  I've particularly enjoyed this other side of Princess Elizabeth.

Meg has every right to be walking on eggshells.  Princess Elizabeth enjoys her company as well as what she can do.  But, she's made it perfectly clear that if Meg is caught, Elizabeth will deny any acknowledgement of her actions.  Her life and throne are on the line, so I don't really blame her.  Add in the priests questioning her every move, and it's no wonder she doesn't swear off magic forever.  But, magic is a part of Meg and she can't deny it.

Fate is coming full circle now and you can anticipate how this story might play out.  Meg is more powerful than she can imagine, but she might be playing with fire.  It might not be possible for her to have her cake and eat it too.   Especially when it come to Alejandro.  I often wondered if the priest would be able to look past the magic the more it comes into play.  It goes against everything he's been taught.

I really enjoyed this installment even though it could be a little slow at times.  But, it's setting up for our finale and I'm looking forward to that book very much.  

 

Review - Killer Frost (Mythos Academy #6) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Killer Frost

Author: Jennifer Estep

Series: 6th (

Pages: 384

Published: February 25th 2014 by Kensington Books

ISBN: 9780758281548

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: I’ve battled the Reapers of Chaos before–and survived. But this time I have a Bad, Bad Feeling it’s going to be a fight to the death … most likely mine.  Yeah, I’ve got my psychometry magic, my talking sword, Vic–and even the most dangerous Spartan on campus at my side, in Logan freaking Quinn, but I’m no match for Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos. I may be Nike’s Champion, but at heart, I’m still just Gwen Frost, that weird Gypsy girl everyone at school loves to gossip about.  Then someone I love is put in more danger than ever before, and something inside me snaps. This time, Loki and his Reapers are going down for good … or I am. 

I Give This ...

I apparently was savoring this last book so much, I flat out forgot to write a review for it.  So, this review will likely not give this book justice.

It's always bring a little bit of apprehension when the final book is a series comes to play.  Especially, when it a series you've really enjoyed with characters you've loved.  That's how I felt about opening up Killer Frost.  I should never have doubted Jennifer Estep.  This book contained everything I had hoped for.  It tied up all the loose ends.  There was no wondering if things played out the way they should.  It was fast paced and moved full throttle to the ending.

I really loved Gwen in this last installment.  Gone is the girl trying to convince everyone that she doesn't belong in this world.  She's determined to see this through to the end and has even accepted the idea that it might not turn out exactly the way she would hope for.  Heck, she even acknowledges the fact that she doesn't have to do it alone.  Her friend will be there until the very end.  In fact....it kind of had a Harry Potter feel to it with the final battle occurring at Mythos Academy.

I still love her friends.  Logan is perfect in every way, especially in the fact that Gwen sees that he's not.  Daphne is the character that has surprised me the most in this series.  I think she balances out Gwen's insecurities nicely.  And those are just two of the secondary characters that make this book (and series) so great. 

I still need to read Jennifer Estep's adult paranormal series, plus this book gives the hint of a spinoff.  I won't be forgetting about her anytime soon!