Darkfever (Fever #1) by Karen Marie Moning

Title: Darkfever

Author: Karen Marie Moning

Series: 1st in Fever series

Pages: 304

Published: August 2006 by Delcorte Press

ISBN: 9780739474235

Source: Library

 

Description: MacKayla Lane’s life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that breaks down only every other week or so. In other words, she’s your perfectly ordinary twenty-first-century woman. Or so she thinks…until something extraordinary happens. When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death–a cryptic message on Mac’s cell phone–Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister’s killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed–a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae…. As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister’s death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless Vlane–an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women–closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac’s true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book–because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands…. 

I Give This ...

I've had this on my to-read list for quite awhile.  But, other books kept jumping out at me.  I'm glad I finally picked it up.  It's a very interesting start to a series I think I will really enjoy.

If it weren't for the sexual aspect of this book, it could be borderline YA.  MacKayla is only 24, and still has some late teen tendencies.   She's young, naive, and somewhat unfocused.  She's content to go through life for the moment, although you get the feeling she's on the brink of being forced to grow up.  And then here sister is murdered, and she feels like she's the only one who can solve the case.  It's amazing how fast she recognizes her own shortcomings in actually accomplishing this task.  It's also amazing how fast she gets in over her head.  But, I liked her.  She had a mouth, without being vulgar.  And she knew what she wanted.

The world of the Fae is different in this one.  It's much more dark and gruesome.  Mainly because the few books I have read, don't focus so much on the Unseelie.  Vlane was interesting.  His story line alone is what pushed this book into adult paranormal (if not down right erotica for his short appearances in this book).  Maybe that's what made me think we would eventually get some release for the obvious sexual tension between Mac and Jericho (not to mention the cover of the book).  


But, why everything was there for a great book, it just felt a little slow to me.  And there was just something missing (I can't put my finger on it).  I'm greatly intrigued though and will definitely continue the series.

The Season by Sarah MacLean

Title: The Season

Author: Sarah MacLean

Published: March 2009 by Orchard Books

Pages: 352

ISBN: 9780545048866

Source: Personal Copy

Description: Seventeen year old Lady Alexandra is strong-willed and sharp-tongued -- in a house full of older brothers and their friends, she had to learn to hold her own. Not the best makings for an aristocratic lady in Regency London. Yet her mother still dreams of marrying Alex off to someone safe, respectable, and wealthy. But between ball gown fittings, dances, and dinner parties, Alex, along with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, manages to get herself into what may be her biggest scrape yet. When the Earl of Blackmoor is mysteriously killed, Alex decides to help his son, the brooding and devilishly handsome Gavin, uncover the truth. But will Alex's heart be stolen in the process? In an adventure brimming with espionage, murder, and other clandestine affairs, who could possibly have time to worry about finding a husband? Romance abounds as this year's season begins!
 
I Give This ...

I'm a sucker for historical fiction, and I don't think there is enough of it in the YA genre.  This one popped up on my radar about the time I picked up The Luxe series by Anna Godberson.  I thought it was great and the description doesn't give this story enough credit.  It reads very modern with just enough historical aspect to make you realize you reading something set in a different time period.

I loved Alex.  She's head strong and gets away with it in her own family.  But, you can tell she knows what is expected of her.  Sometimes, this gets the best of her and it's fun to see some of the reactions she gets out of people.  I liked watching her debut into society.  Despite her insistence that she hates these high society parties, I think part of her enjoys coming into her own.  I think what she dislikes are the rules and feeling like she can't choose her own destiny.  Her friends Ella and Vivi seem to fit into her world perfectly and each bring a different perspective to the story.  They get into scrapes together, but manage to have each others back at the same time.

I also loved Gavin.  He's just the right mix of the boy next door and the one you can not have.  He's charming and handsome.  I liked watching his feelings change for Alex from brotherly love to something much deeper.  I also liked how he struggles with his feelings.  It feels very real and not something brought in to bring romance to the story.  Plus, the mystery that surrounds his father's death makes the story that much more interesting.

Overall this book made me realize how much I love YA historical fiction.  It's not as heavy on details as regular HF, plus just the right touch of romance.  I think this one my be the perfect place to start for those looking to dive into the genre (especially teens).  Plus, I think there's room for a sequel!

Teaser Tuesday - Halo by Alyxandra Adornetto

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:
   "I was not too impressed with human language; it seemed absurdly limited.  There was so much that couldn't be put into words.  That was one of the saddest things about people - their most important thoughts and feelings often went unspoken and barely understood."

~ Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

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've had a good reading week to finish off September.  It feels good to finish off my current review pile plus read a book that brings me one step closer to finishing my challenges for the year (only 1 book to read).

I started the week reading My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison.  I really liked this book.  It was fun and had some interesting thoughts on the classic fairy tales. 

Next I finished A Breathe of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon.  I ended up really enjoying this one.  It was more like the first 3 in the series.

I also read Out for Blood by Alyxandra Harvey.  I love this series so far.  I like how she's given each person in the family their own story so far.  It really helps you get to know a particular person.

Last, I finished Moon Spun by Marilee Brothers.  Not quite sure what I thought of it.  It took off in a different direction than I thought.  Also not sure why each book Alli has a new love interest.

I almost forgot that I also read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling.  I love how the books take a darker done from here on out. 

I'm currently reading Halo by Alexandra Adornetta.  It interesting, but a little slow.  And, I'm not sure I like all of the characters.  I also plan on reading Relentless by Dean Koontz and The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. 

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!

Review:

• Out for Blood by Alyxandra Harvey (Around The World Tours)

Swapped:

 

• Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

The Aristobrats by Jennifer Solow

Title: The Aristobrats

Author: Jennifer Solow

Pages: 224

Published: September 2010 by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

ISBN: 9781402242588

Source: Publisher sent for review

Description: It’s all about the Attitude. Parker Bell knows the secret to beauty is pretty simple–wearing the right clothes isn’t as important as how you feel in them. Popularity is like that too. It’s all about attitude. You have to picture who you want to be and then just imagine that’s who you already are. This year Parker and her three best friends have made their way to the top of the populadder at Wallingford Academy. And they’re ready to use their Aristobrat status to help spread positive vibes throughout the school. But when the girls are assigned to produce the seriously lame school webcast, their popularity plummets! Will this tragedy destroy the girls' status? Or their friendship? Or both?

I Give This ...

 My first guy reaction was I don't really like this.  But, it's not because this isn't a good book.  I just don't identify with it.  And that's ok, because not every book written is going to have cross over appeal.  So, I continued on with the idea that I'm previewing it for my daughter's to read when they are older.  

While, I still had a hard time with the lingo (thank god there's a glossary in the back lol), I ended up liking the story for the message I think it portrays.  I think it has a really positive vibe to it.   These girls are the most popular in their school, but they didn't get there by stepping all over everyone below them.  I think the girls found out something really important about themselves through this book.  It's not always about what you wear, who your friends are, were you sit at lunch, or how many friends you have on facebook.

I would completely recommend this for younger girls (maybe as young as 8).  

The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green

Title: The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball

Author: Risa Green

Pages: 320

Published: September 2010 by Sourcebooks Fire

ISBN: 9781402241062

Source: copy from Publisher

Description: In a world where nothing is certain, a little magic couldn't hurt...right? When Erin Channing's favorite aunt dies, Erin is bequeathed a pink crystal ball and a set of weird instructions. Granted, Aunt Kiki (aka Aunt Kooky) always lived "outside the box." But now Erin and her two best friends are convinced that the pink crystal ball holds the key to their future-or at least the key to getting dates... Consider Your Fate to Be Sealed . . .Absolute knowledge is not unlimited; let the planets be your guide to the number.There are sixteen ways to die, but four of them you will never see.  The future belongs to you alone. Other voices will be disappointed. One rotation is as far as you can see. Only uncertainty lies beyond.

I Give This ...

I was happy to discover this book wasn't as shallow as I initially feared. 3 teenagers and the power to make even their silliest dream come true can make for a pretty frivolous story.  But, they learn the hard way that things aren't always what they seem, and some things are better left that way they are.

I actually really liked Erin.  She seems the most level headed of her friends, but gives into the pressure (which I almost would have be more disappointed if she hadn't).  She's dealing with the death of aunt who walked out of her life for unknown reasons.  A mother who is dealing with her sister's death the only way she knows how.  Plus, that mysterious pink crystal ball that she doesn't believe can do what her friends think it can (at first).  It's fun watching what the ball can do and how it can twist around what Erin asks for.  Erin learns what she thinks should happen isn't always how it plays out.  I also liked how she was able to learn about her aunt and help her mom deal with her death.

I think the book touches on many different issues in a teens world without making any of them the sole subject of the book.  It deals with death, peer pressure, family issues, appearances, bullying, and first loves.  I thought it was all very well done.

The books has the potential to turn into a series.  I'm hoping the next owner of the ball learns some lessons just as Erin did.