The opening chapter of this book drew me in immediately. You know something big is going to happen, and then we meet Star. She is struggling...more4.5 stars.
The opening chapter of this book drew me in immediately. You know something big is going to happen, and then we meet Star. She is struggling with an internal darkness she can't control and has been forced to move across the country. There was a lot of relationship building and character development in the first three quarters of the book. This was good and I enjoyed reading about the secondary characters (especially Rose). Desiree did a nice job of weaving in the suspense which had me jumping to conclusions about the private school kids and wondering if Star was something different altogether. I'm looking forward to seeing what role Gabe will play, as I have a feeling we haven't learned everything about him just yet. I can't wait for the next book of the series.
The Good: Suspenseful, well-paced, and great characters.
The Issue: Although I enjoyed it, this book felt like a prologue to a much greater story. I also wasn't too keen on Star's treatment of her parents, although I have a feeling there's more to that story too.
In summary. A well written book that kept me guessing which side everyone was on until the very end.(less)
I really enjoyed this book. Right away I liked Ryann and her inner commentary on the bar patrons (so true!) Right away, I didn't like Quinn....more4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. Right away I liked Ryann and her inner commentary on the bar patrons (so true!) Right away, I didn't like Quinn. An arrogant ass who uses girls and tosses them aside like nothing. However, I became a fan as the author slowly began to show his softer side and his fierce protectiveness over someone he never thought he could have. I liked the fae folklore although felt confused by the random Ryann-hunting demon. I think the pacing fit the story perfectly and I also really enjoyed meeting Martha and seeing her relationship with Ryann develop. In all, this was a solid read I couldn't put down and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
The Good: Great characters whose emotions and feelings for each other evolve nicely through the story.
The Issue: I'm not sure I understand why there was a demon thrown into the mix - I don't know if it was necessary and thought perhaps there could be something more involved with the fae instead.
In summary. A good paranormal romance with intriguing characters and new folklore.(less)
First of all, I love the blurb. It had me intrigued right away and also thinking this book was going to be about something completely differe...more4.5 stars
First of all, I love the blurb. It had me intrigued right away and also thinking this book was going to be about something completely different. Boy, did Tara surprise me with a world that I wish I could live in! Mixed with demons, vampires, witches, and more...it was certainly my cup of tea! Rayne discovers who she really is not long after arriving at college. Amidst a cute boy who's fighting his instincts that want to kill her and an urge to do all the things she swore she wouldn't, she soon learns her purpose. And she learns that she's lived through this many times before. I liked Wyatt and Constantine and am not sure where my loyalties lie at this point, as I believe we don't know their true intentions yet. Rayne is an interesting character torn between the lives she lived before and the one she wants to live now. I couldn't put this book down and I am so excited to read the next one. Trust me, this is a must read!
The Good: A twist on some paranormal creatures and an interesting way they all fit together.
The Issue: There were a few times I was a little confused with Rayne's decisions (especially concerning Wyatt), but not enough to distract me from the story.
In summary. 4.5 stars. A great start to a series and an author I'm looking forward to reading more from.(less)
Another great book. I'm so happy Rachel hasn't lost interest like so many other series I read. Ends with a cliffhanger that opens up a slew of possibi...moreAnother great book. I'm so happy Rachel hasn't lost interest like so many other series I read. Ends with a cliffhanger that opens up a slew of possibilities.(less)
I have to say that I haven't been super crazy about the Bloodlines VA spinoff thus far, but Richelle redeemed herself in this book. At the b...more4.5 stars.
I have to say that I haven't been super crazy about the Bloodlines VA spinoff thus far, but Richelle redeemed herself in this book. At the beginning I was worried we were going to see a lot of the same Sydney - too smart to be so dense. And although there was some of that, I could finally say that she started to get it. Magic isn't so taboo, Adrian is a possibility, and rebelliousness is lurking just under her skin. I loved the underlying mystery in this one, which kept the action evenly paced and pulled in many of the players...especially Adrian. And who doesn't want to see more Adrian? Marcus and his merry men were intriguing and I was so afraid Sydney was going to make a very bad decision - I almost expected it from Richelle, but thankfully she did what I wanted and that opened up a whole other set of doors. This one didn't let readers hanging on the edge of cliff despite the changes that will be coming next. I like where the plotlines are going and I'm actually excited to read the next book when it's released.
The Good: An action-packed storyline and focus on the Sydney-Adrian romance. Very well done!
The Issue: I missed Eddie in action, would have like to see more time with Rose and Dimitri at the wedding, but that's about it. In all...pretty solid.
In summary: A redeeming installment that got me back on board.
This was my favorite of the series so far. Tara has grown up a bit and is beginning to understand her role in the bigger picture. Not only i...more4.5 stars.
This was my favorite of the series so far. Tara has grown up a bit and is beginning to understand her role in the bigger picture. Not only is she embracing her wolf (or she does eventually), but Wes is by her side (most of the time) to help her. Heather is weaving in several plotlines that are all tightly related and she's doing a great job at it. I'm intrigued by the science behind hybrids as well as the blood bond and am curious to see where that goes. I'm not too keen on the strength of Tara's feelings for Alex and that might be why I'm still not totally committed to her and Wes (sorry). I did like seeing the relationship between Cambria and Derrick develop, and it was nice to see some of the original characters make an appearance again. Yep, the wolves still talked...and yep, I'm still trying to look beyond that - but I can and I did and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
The Good: Lots of action and stories that are starting to all tie in together.
The Issue: The love triangle...I'm still not sure how I feel about it yet. I think it's because I feel like there's more passion between Tara and Alex and not Tara and Wes.
The Rating: 4.5 stars. Looking forward to seeing what happens next and wish I didn't have to wait.
No second book slump here! Stephanie had me entertained from the first page, and I had to read this book every day until it was finished. Clara, Gabe,...moreNo second book slump here! Stephanie had me entertained from the first page, and I had to read this book every day until it was finished. Clara, Gabe, and the gang have grown up quite a bit and are preparing themselves for the ultimate battle. Like regular teens thrown together in stressful situations, romances bloom and romances fail. I am very interested to see what happens with the love triangle, and several budding relationships within the rest of the group. It was nice to see an old character return, while it was torturous to feel the loss of another. The storyline with Jessie and Sveigja reminded me a little bit of Stevie Ray and Kalona from the House of Night Series, but I'm okay with that and I wonder what kind of role they will play in the series conclusion. In all, Stephanie captured me with her realistic characters and intriguing storyline and I am dying for her to release the last book as soon as possible.
The Good: Non-stop action. I like it when I get to the end of one chapter and can't wait to start into the next one.
The Issue: I wish I would have waited until Book Three is out to read the series, because now I have to be patient until 2013 to see what happens!
The Rating: 5 conch! Great characters, great plot, and great writing. A definite must-read!
The Review: And the saga continues! Adele and Tristen are forced apart to deal with situations in different parts of the realms. Tawni and Ro...more4.5 stars
The Review: And the saga continues! Adele and Tristen are forced apart to deal with situations in different parts of the realms. Tawni and Roc continue to be the unflinching support system both of the MCs need, and I've enjoyed learning more about each of them. This second installment does have a feel of The Hunger Games vibe in terms of a rising resistance and an incorrigible president. But I'm okay with that. Adele and Tristen have to battle sickness, bullies, and street kids...and David had me sucked into every twist and turn. This was a well written sequel that made me start The Sun Dwellers right away.
The Good: Another fast read because the book is full of action and mounting tension. Some questions are answered, some more develop.
The Issue: Not enough time of Adele and Tristan together. I wanted to see more of their relationship building in an organic way - to avoid the dreaded insta-love. Perhaps I'll get my wish in The Sun Dwellers.
In Summary: A great sequel that moved the story forward.
I really enjoyed the first book of the Dweller's Saga. After reading David's short stories in Furthermore, I knew I had to dive into his book...more4.5 stars
I really enjoyed the first book of the Dweller's Saga. After reading David's short stories in Furthermore, I knew I had to dive into his books. Adele is a strong character but not too stereotypical, and I really enjoyed that. Pairing her with Tristen was an interesting choice, but one that made sense to me as we learned more about his motives and who he really was. Tawni and Roc are great, as is Adele's quirky sister. The premise of why they live underground appealed to me as a scientist, and I thought David did a nice job explaining some of the perils of their world in a way that made sense. In all, this was an entertaining read and if you're looking for a unique dystopian, this is it!
The Good: Lot's of tension and world building. I couldn't stop reading because I had to find out where the story was going.
The Issue: Not really a bad issue, I just had to get used to reading in the present tense. I haven't read many books written that way, so it took me a few chapters before it flowed well in my head.
The Rating: 4.5 conch. A different kind of story with characters you will love. Make sure you have Star Dwellers on hand!
I don't even know where to begin with this book...in a good way. When I finished Men of The Cave, I was excited to see where the next installment woul...moreI don't even know where to begin with this book...in a good way. When I finished Men of The Cave, I was excited to see where the next installment would go. And Marisette sure didn't disappoint. I empathized with Kasey's return to the states and her estranged boyfriend. Teal is such a great character and I found myself wishing for a reconciliation the whole time. Without giving too much away, it was nice to see more of the secondary characters in this book and find out more about why Kasey is so important to so many immortals. The pacing flowed nicely and the plot was solid. Lots of action mixed with too much heartbreak (I'm still upset over one death in particular), will have you on the edge of your seat. The ending is a bit stunning, and somewhat disturbing to me - although disturbing isn't always a bad thing in my book. I will admit that I have my idea of how Kasey should handle the situation, but I'll have to wait until 2013 to find out if Marisette agrees.
The Good: Constant action, great mythological creatures, believable world building, and something different.
The Issue: Maybe it's just me, but I'm still having a hard time believing Kasey's undying love for Dion. I felt more of a relationship (good and bad) between Kasey and Teal. Perhaps I'm biased, but I hope what I'm seeing will play into Kasey's decision in Book Three.
The Rating: 5 conch! YA fans of mythology and love stories definitely need to check this one out. It's a "read in one sitting" type of book for me!
I LOVED this story. What more could you ask for than young characters, new powers, and an apocalypse on the horizon? I have a special place in my hear...moreI LOVED this story. What more could you ask for than young characters, new powers, and an apocalypse on the horizon? I have a special place in my heart for Norse mythology and Stephanie's twist on it had me hooked instantly. Gabe is a great character and it was nice to read a POV of a teenage boy who seems to be emerging as a leader. I thought the developing relationship between Gabe and Clara worked and felt natural. I was happy (in an author way) to see the Stephaine did what needed to be done in terms of death and destruction to suck me in even more. This is not your typical story and I can't wait to see where it is going!
The Good: Something different. Simple, I know, but I liked the concept and can't wait to continue the journey.
The Issue: Nothing really, I was thoroughly captured by Rising and immediately started Resistance.
The Rating: 5 conch. A different, interesting, and fun story everyone will enjoy.
I enjoyed the first two books in the series and have to say that the final installment didn't disappoint. I had to start reading it right aw...more4.5 stars.
I enjoyed the first two books in the series and have to say that the final installment didn't disappoint. I had to start reading it right away thanks to the cliffhanger at the end of Entice, and I couldn't put it down. Kenzie is forced to make some choices that dictate who will be a part of her life and how the next several years will go. It was nice to see all of the relationships evolve, and I felt that this was done organically. The dialogue was not forced, and I found myself drawn into loving, hating, and yelling at the characters. The Christian themes throughout the series were not too overdone, and will therefore appeal to a wider audience. I recommend checking out this series now!
The Good: Unveil was another quick (great) read that I couldn't put down. Amber did a really nice job building the story (throughout the trilogy), the ultimate action sequence, and tying up loose ends.
The Issue: Nothing really stood out for me in terms of plot, although I will state that I was a little disappointed with Kenzie's final choice for a boyfriend. But it certainly didn't take anything away from the story, and that shows you how wrapped up I was in the characters!
The Rating: 4.5 conch. A really great finale in a series that's fast paced and enjoyable. Looking forward to seeing more from Amber Garza.
Entice picks up where Prowl left off, with Kenzie back home and starting her last year of school. She’s continued her relationship with Isaa...more4.5 stars.
Entice picks up where Prowl left off, with Kenzie back home and starting her last year of school. She’s continued her relationship with Isaac, despite the difficulties of long distance. Although Kenzie thinks she defeated the demon haunting her life, he has managed to maneuver his way into the lives of those she loves. Plus, an old crush comes around and begins to make time for Kenzie and be a solid presence when she’s struggling. I’m going to start off by saying I really liked Tanner’s character. He wasn’t overdone, or one dimensional and I felt like we got a better glimpse into this new relationship than we did with Isaac and Kenzie. Drake was dark and entertaining, and I was happy to see Haley come around at the end. Although a book with strong Christian views, I was still able to enjoy the story as a paranormal fan and have to give props to Amber for the cliffhanger at the end!
The Good: Entice was fast paced and an even better read than Prowl. Excellent pacing, dialogue, and world building.
The Issue: I hate to say it, but I had an issue with Isaac in this one. Although there were glimpses of it in Prowl, I found him to be very judgmental and pushy in wanting Kenzie to only hang out with people from church, as if no one else is approved. It definitely made me appreciate Tanner more.
The Rating: 4.5 conch. An intriguing story with great characters that leaves you wanting more. You will read this in a day and you better have Unveil in your hands ready to go!
Men of The Cave is a refreshing new story in the YA genre. Kasey flees to a study abroad program in Spain for the educational experience and for a cha...moreMen of The Cave is a refreshing new story in the YA genre. Kasey flees to a study abroad program in Spain for the educational experience and for a chance to escape her relationships at home. Along the way she meets Dion and his brothers…and this is where her life begins to change. Marisette did a wonderful job creating likeable characters and writing them in a way that a reader can connect with. I felt Kasey’s struggles in her heart as she dealt with the guilt associated with loving someone new. I understood Dion’s hesitancy in revealing who he really was. The mythology behind the brothers and Kasey’s important role in their future was interesting and entertaining and I am looking forward to seeing what happens with those relationships. Although it left off on a bit of a cliffhanger, I am excited for the direction of the story and anxious to get my hands on the next installment. This book has a great new concept that magically blends Greek mythology, Christianity, and the perils of being a teenage girl. With a storyline line that kept me interested and an overarching plot that will carry beautifully into the next book of the series, I think that YA fans will thoroughly enjoy this book, especially those looking for something new. (less)
Another great read by Kelley Armstrong. I am sad to see this series end, but thought there was enough of closure to keep me satisfied. I will be looki...moreAnother great read by Kelley Armstrong. I am sad to see this series end, but thought there was enough of closure to keep me satisfied. I will be looking forward to the anthologies in 2014!!(less)
Breena Cross has had a tough life and is determined to make a better one for her younger sister, Jenny. Unfortunately, finding out the truth...more4.5 stars.
Breena Cross has had a tough life and is determined to make a better one for her younger sister, Jenny. Unfortunately, finding out the truth about her parents is about to make her a target in a hidden supernatural world. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to more from the author. Karen created an interesting set of characters whose lives are more intertwined than originally hinted, and who are easily relatable and likeable. Breena is tough, fiercely protective, and left wondering if she deserves anything better. I really liked the idea of a vampire convict watching over her and protecting her from the preternatural assassin. The mythology was interesting and a refreshing change from typical vampire, werewolf, witch stories. Although at first I was a little worried this would be another “look at you for five minutes and I’m in love” type of relationship, I was happy to see Breena’s inner struggle with her feelings over the two guys and was very happy with the outcome…for now. It’s obvious that there is more to come, and am very much looking forward to the next installment.
The Good: Great pacing, well developed storyline, interesting characters, and enough of a interest to look forward to the next book.
The Issue: Although not a major issue, I got a little annoyed with the consistent inner monologue. I felt that the author did enough within the dialogue and reactions that it wasn’t necessary. But still…a very minor complaint.
In short: A great debut novel. Fans of Kelley Armstrong, Kim Harrison, and Charlaine Harris will surely enjoy this book (less)
I put off reading any other type of mermaid/selkie/sprite stories while writing my own. But now I can sit back and fully enjoy them. And enjoy Sprite,...moreI put off reading any other type of mermaid/selkie/sprite stories while writing my own. But now I can sit back and fully enjoy them. And enjoy Sprite, I did. I think I read this book in two days - simply because I didn't want to put it down. Leigh has created a magical (and totally different) world for her water creatures, and I loved it. Her writing flowed well, the characters were believable, and I like where the story is going. Annabelle is a teenage girl with plans (love that!) until she discovers what she really is. Leigh did a nice job of flushing out Annabelle's new world, and although she accepted it rather quickly, I think that just goes to show how mature Annabelle is for someone her age. Adrian is a complete, well planned character and I look forward to seeing him more. I had my suspicions about Blake, and wanted to learn more - but have a feeling I will in the second book. If the writing style and world building don't draw you in, then the cliffhanger at the end will have you begging for more!
The Good: Sprite was a nicely paced, entertaining read that will keep you enthralled. The magical world alone is a bonus, plus I have to give Leigh props for incorporating some of the scientific names into her character types!
The Issue: It was a little hard for me to wrap my mind around Annabelle's swimming and breathing underwater and keeping it on par with the other creatures who were better adapted. But then I told myself to stop being so scientific and enjoy the story for what it is - a great story!
The Rating: 5 conch. A really great start in a series about all water creatures. I've already started Kin (Book Two!)
I thoroughly enjoyed both short stories and found them to be an exciting read. Madison's writing style immediately drew me into both dark and twisted...moreI thoroughly enjoyed both short stories and found them to be an exciting read. Madison's writing style immediately drew me into both dark and twisted worlds. Creepy farm houses, missing children, gypsies, and giant crows...I loved it! My only complaint is that I wanted to read more! I am looking forward to seeing more from this author. (less)
Shadow Cay is an action packed, fast-paced story about murder, corruption, deceit, and drug cartels, with a little bit of love thrown in too....more4.5 stars
Shadow Cay is an action packed, fast-paced story about murder, corruption, deceit, and drug cartels, with a little bit of love thrown in too. Taking place in the Bahamas, Florida, and Colombia, Leona’s writing style is right on par with the top mystery and thriller authors in bookstores today. A young girl witnesses her parent’s murder and ultimately finds herself in the middle of drug ring headed by the man responsible for ruining many lives. The story is told from a number of character perspectives, allowing the reader to fully explore the extent of their connectivity and deception filtering through those involved. Shadow Cay is an entertaining read, and is well deserving of all the awards and recognition highlighted on Leona’s website. Although at times I did find the switch in characters and timeline slightly confusing, Leona’s writing style is poetic and captivating. She has a way with words that I’ve rarely seen before and I found myself getting lost in her elegant descriptions. I definitely recommend Shadow Cay, especially for fans of Michael Crichton, Dean Koontz, Jonathon Kellerman, Patricia Cornwell, and the likes.(less)
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