Indomitable is a prequel novella to Intangible by J. Meyers and it focuses on Jonas and how he became the powerful being he is when we meet him in Int...moreIndomitable is a prequel novella to Intangible by J. Meyers and it focuses on Jonas and how he became the powerful being he is when we meet him in Intangible. I didn't think it was possible to like Jonas anymore than I already did but I was so wrong. He has overcome SO much in his life and dealt with so much tragedy. My heart just broke for him as I read this novella. There was quite a bit of crying going on here. I went through half a box of kleenex. J. Meyers, you've done it again. I get more enthralled with these characters with every tidbit you give us. I can't wait to see what you show us next! (less)
Ok, so first of all I have to give a giant SQUEEE for my bff Victoria Escobar on her debut novel, Of Gaea. I might be a little biased, but I think thi...moreOk, so first of all I have to give a giant SQUEEE for my bff Victoria Escobar on her debut novel, Of Gaea. I might be a little biased, but I think this book is fantastic. I was lucky enough to be the first person to read it. I knew from the start it was going to be an amazing story. And now here we are, celebrating it's publication. I couldn't be more proud to be a part of it!
Of Gaea is a breath of fresh air in a young adult genre that is swarming with paranormal novels. It's unique and packed full of action and fantastic characters you grow attached to without even realizing it. As a fan of books like the Percy Jackson & Harry Potter series' I have to say, this book is my favorite kind of read.
If you love stories with twists and suspense, action, humor and romance, then Of Gaea is a must read! I can't wait for the second book in the series! ~Mel
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review**(less)
Where do I begin with this amazing series? This was another that sat on my to read list for far too long before I finally had the chance to pick them...more Where do I begin with this amazing series? This was another that sat on my to read list for far too long before I finally had the chance to pick them up. I have to thank my lovely friend Touya from The Reader's Garden for badgering me until I was completely enthralled with just the idea of reading these books. I devoured all four volumes in a week. Then I went and read all the novellas, (yes, out of order, sorry guys). I couldn't pause between books to see which one went where. That was last month and even with my busy reviewing schedule for the blog I am currently re-reading The Iron King. I was already experiencing withdrawal from Julie Kagawa's brilliance.
The Iron Fey series is written by the fantastically talented Julie Kagawa and consists of four full length novels (The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, The Iron Queen and The Iron Knight) and three novellas (Winter's Passage, Summer's Crossing and Iron's Prophecy). It is centered around 16-year-old Meghan Chase as she learns about her true heritage and is pulled into the Nevernever to save her brother and finds herself immersed in the surreal landscape of the fey.
This series is the complete package; it has everything you could possibly hope to find in a book. We have a strong willed, loyal female lead in Meghan. Ash more than fills the role of the oh-so-swoon-worthy yet deadly prince. Puck is the consummate best friend and prankster, cracking jokes while always having Meghan's back. And of course, we cannot forget the seemingly all-knowing guide/ally, Grimaulkin, who just happens to be a cat. There are more than enough villain types to go around as well.
This series is emotionally charged and pulses with danger and suspense. I found myself completely drawn in from the very beginning and it still hasn't let me go. Julie Kagawa has created this beautifully terrifying universe and populated it with interesting and dynamic characters that will ensnare your heart and mind. I am very glad I waited until all four books were released before reading it-honestly, I don't know how I would have survived the wait between books. I am very excited about the spin off series ( tune in later on this week for my review of The Lost Prince!)
Do you love stories of the fey, laughing, crying, being terrified and excited all at the same time? If so, this series is tailor made for you. The Iron Fey is a powerhouse production, completely enchanting and highly addictive; I dare you to read it and not love every moment. (less)
OMG Kristen Day-I didn't think I could love you anymore than I already did, but I was SO very wrong!! You have outdone yourself. This book was perfect...moreOMG Kristen Day-I didn't think I could love you anymore than I already did, but I was SO very wrong!! You have outdone yourself. This book was perfect in every way-I was on an emotional rollercoaster the entire time!!! Fantastic! Wonderful. Superb. I can keep going! Thank you for another fabulous installment in Stasia's story!!! I can't wait for book 4!! (less)
ReAwakened is the second book in the Angel Creek Series by the phenomenally talented Ada Adams. Some of you may remember my review of ReVamped (book 1...moreReAwakened is the second book in the Angel Creek Series by the phenomenally talented Ada Adams. Some of you may remember my review of ReVamped (book 1 in the series). I was worried the sequel might not live up to the first but I really didn't need to. I read the bulk of this book in a day and now I am really just DYING to know what happens next..again. Ada Adams got me again.
ReAwakened picks up shortly after ReVamped leaves off and the action starts right back up at the very beginning. This book was a nonstop thrill ride, I had no idea what could possibly happen next and I loved every moment of it. From beginning to end, this book had me completely enthralled with the characters and their continuing growth as the plot unfolded. I especially enjoyed seeing Dawn, Brooke and Sophie come into their own and reveal more of their true depth to us.
Not only do we learn more about the characters we already know and love *cough* Sebastian *cough*, we also met a few new faces in ReAwakened. My favorite of these new characters, without a shadow of a doubt, is Razor. He is hilarious, witty, charming and unendingly useful. He fills every scene he's in with a brilliant mix of humor, sincerity and sarcasm. I adore him. My very favorite character, though, is Sebastian. He brings new meaning to the term 'swoon-worthy' in my opinion. He's mysterious, charming, sexy, handsome, intelligent, capable and so many other wonderful things. I could just go on and on..but you get the idea.
This book had it all; intrigue, action, romance, twists, humor and paranormal elements. Reading it was like being on a roller coaster ride. My emotions ran the gamut; I laughed, cried, sighed, gasped and even yelled at a few points in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed it even though the ending made me want to scream (and I did). Ms Adams has accomplished what I thought to be impossible; this book is even better than it's predecessor. (less)
The Unsacred Gift is a stand alone novel by C.S Dorsey about a young woman struggling with a terrifying gift she doesn't understand. When contacted ab...moreThe Unsacred Gift is a stand alone novel by C.S Dorsey about a young woman struggling with a terrifying gift she doesn't understand. When contacted about reading this book, I was instantly intrigued by the synopsis.
Honestly, I find it hard to talk about this book without giving something critical away. I'll try my best, though. Sissy is a wonderful character and you find yourself praying things will start to go her way soon. You can't help but pity her situation; cutting herself off from her family and denying herself any kind of real relationship for fear of what she'll see is eating her up inside.
Gripping, suspenseful and thought provoking, this book was a fast, very intense read. I spent the duration of the book on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen with Sissy next. The twist is huge and I definitely didn't see it coming at all. All in all, a very enjoyable read!(less)
Reign of Blood, the first book in a new series by Alexia Purdy, takes place in a dystopian future Las Vegas where vampirism is a sickness that has rav...moreReign of Blood, the first book in a new series by Alexia Purdy, takes place in a dystopian future Las Vegas where vampirism is a sickness that has ravaged the world and mutated all its inhabitants in some way. A new and interesting take on the vampire genre, this book was phenomenal. I read it in one evening.
The story is told from the point of view of our main character, April, a kick-ass girl with a determination to survive and save her family in a world gone crazy. It's a fast-paced thrill ride told with humor and compassion. The plot is really different from your run of the mill vamp books and it grabs your attention from the very start and never lets go. The action is non-stop and helps to ratchet up the suspense.
I really love the characters in this book, and not just our heroine. Rye, one of the 'new' vampires April comes upon while looking for her family is probably my favorite character from the book. He is what every paranormal male lead should be in my opinion; sweet, protective and lethal all at the same time. April is a survivor, without a doubt, but she's also funny and smart. I really love that even though she is able to take care of herself she isn't too proud to take help that's offered to her, even when it comes from someone she believes to be her enemy.
Action, suspense and romance makes this the perfect book for me. I love Purdy's writing style, it had me engrossed from the very first page. This book is a must read for lovers of the vampire genre! (less)
The Succubus Gift is the first book in The Telepathic Clans series by B.R. Kingsolver. When approached by the author I was very excited to read this b...moreThe Succubus Gift is the first book in The Telepathic Clans series by B.R. Kingsolver. When approached by the author I was very excited to read this book; it sounded like something I'd really enjoy. It sounded like a really different spin on the paranormal. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would and that's saying something.
The story follows members of the Clan as they find a family member they thought to be dead and learn about her abilities. I really enjoyed the emphasis on family and loyalty. This is a family you DO NOT want to cross. They're lovely people, of course, but hurt them or one of theirs and you'll wish you were never born. I loved every one of them! I think she could tell the story from any one of their points of view and it would be fantastic. They're all so interesting and well developed; definitely not cookie cutter characters.
Brenna is such a kick ass character, I really loved her! She is strong, determined, funny, sexy and honest, a dangerous combination, for sure! I think every woman secretly wishes she could be more like Brenna is. She doesn't shy away from putting herself in danger to protect others. I really loved the dynamics of the friendship between her and Rebecca, her protector. It was very interesting & I hope we learn more about it in the next book.
This book had it all; lots of action, romance, suspense and humor. Loaded with intrigue and drama, it was a very fast read! I was on pins and needles for the whole book, almost, waiting to see what would happen next. I really love Kingslover's writing style and I cannot wait for book #2! (less)
The Ruby Brooch is the first book in the Celtic Brooch Trilogy by Katherine Lowry Logan. When I was contacted by the author to read this book, I was...more The Ruby Brooch is the first book in the Celtic Brooch Trilogy by Katherine Lowry Logan. When I was contacted by the author to read this book, I was instantly excited. It combines several of my favorite things; historical romance, time travel and a stubborn woman. I could not wait to read it. From modern day Kentucky to 1852 Independence, Missouri, this book brings you on a woman's journey through time that defies all the odds.
Kit, our main character is such a strong and determined woman, you can't help but love her as she tries to learn the truth about her parentage. Her loyalty and bravery are other traits that I really admired. She doesn't know how not to help people in need. I loved watching her story unfold. All the characters were vibrant and complex; no cardboard cut outs here. Cullen, Kit's love interest, is beyond swoon-worthy; he quotes Shakespeare, hums Bach and is overprotective in a non-control freak way. I adore him.
This was a fast read for me, probably because I couldn't put my kindle down. Instead I was carrying it from room to room so I could see what would happen next. It's fast paced, sweet and sad at times. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster as I read. Laughing one moment and crying the next. It's an incredible story rich with detail. I could picture the wagon train in my mind so easily from the author's descriptions. The story is told from the third person perspective which I really love because you get to get inside all the characters' heads and see what makes them tick.
Amazing characters and great storytelling make this a real page turner. The Ruby Brooch is one of the best books I've read this year; it's a fantastically original and moving book that will make you believe in true love and soul mates.This book was breathtaking from beginning to end. A poignant tale of loss and love and hope. I cannot wait for the next installment! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance. (less)
This book was a non-stop thrill ride from beginning to end, there was SO much I loved about it, I cannot wait for the next (and final :( ) book in thi...moreThis book was a non-stop thrill ride from beginning to end, there was SO much I loved about it, I cannot wait for the next (and final :( ) book in this series!! Rachel Vincent has done it again! Full review to follow!(less)
Ok let me start out by saying that I was very lucky to get a copy of this book from the author to read and review. When I read the synopsis, I thought...moreOk let me start out by saying that I was very lucky to get a copy of this book from the author to read and review. When I read the synopsis, I thought, hmm..this sounds different, I can't wait to read it. I was blown away by this book. Honestly. It was so much more than I was expecting! D.T. Dyllin brings us a story with suspense, romance, action, heartbreak and a great group of characters.
The story, told from the point of view of the main character, P.J. is rife with conflict and suspense. Far from being another cookie cutter paranormal story, this book has twists and surprises that will have you gasping out loud in places. Well-written and funny, I couldn't stop reading this book. I devoured it in a day. I literally carried it from room to room with me. I just had to know what would happen next.
Even as P.J. makes choices that you want to kick her for, you're cheering her on and hoping things turn out all right for her in the end. She is a great character, funny and stronger than she realizes. She is also fiercely loyal and even when she has no idea what to do, she tries to do something whether it's to save herself or others. She isn't your damsel in distress type, she wants to be able to kick butt and be a force to be reckoned with. You really can't help but love her.
I love P.J.'s friends, too. Jenna, her sex-obsessed female best friend may seem self-absorbed but she's always right there for P.J. when needed. Then we have Bryn, the other best friend and the love of P.J.'s life. He is sweet and yes, quite hunky. He's also smart and funny & unapologetically overprotective of P.J. I adore him.
Honestly the only thing I didn't like about this book was that it ended. I can't wait to find out what lies ahead for P.J. and her friends. If you are looking for a good paranormal read with a lot of romance and some steamy scenes to keep you interested, this book is definitely for you! (less)
The first thing I noticed about this book was the cover. It is arresting, to say the least. It caught my attention and I found myself wondering why do...moreThe first thing I noticed about this book was the cover. It is arresting, to say the least. It caught my attention and I found myself wondering why does the girl have blood on her lips? What are those marks around her eyes? I knew I HAD to read this book, if only to find out the answers to those questions.
Pursuer is the first book in the Alwahi series by Monique Morgan. I found this book on the IndieARCs page on facebook & big thanks to Michelle Warren, (creator of the IndieARCs page), because I really enjoyed it! Monique Morgan offers up a completely unique idea with some amazing characters to bring it to life. I was very glad to learn that this is the first in a series.
We see the story unfold from our main character, Zanas' perspective; direct and concise the story is very exciting. The attention to detail is astounding and really helps pull everything together for the reader. There's lots of action , intrigue and even a little romance mixed in there. I was riveted through the whole book. This is the type of book where you never really know what's going to happen next and you love every minute of it. There is no lull in the action and conflict is everywhere Zanas turns. The conflict is really what moves the plot along at hyper speed.
Zanas is my very favorite part of this book. She is unlike any character I've ever read before; strong and capable and not afraid to show it. Her whole world has been flipped upside down and she stays strong and true to who she really is. It is very easy to admire her and her absolute determination to follow her destiny, regardless of where it leads her.
Pursuer is a great, fast read; a unique idea very well executed, I highly recommend it. (less)
ReVamped is the first book in the Angel Creek series by debut author, Ada Adams. I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. Honestly,...moreReVamped is the first book in the Angel Creek series by debut author, Ada Adams. I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. Honestly, I'm a bit over the vampire phase the world has been going through. But this is a completely new take on the vampire and I really did enjoy the originality.
The story is told from the point of view of our main character, a 19 year-old vampire, Dawn. She is a kickass heroine; determined, strong and compassionate. Dawn made me think a little of Rose Hathaway from Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series. (Honestly, that is never a bad thing!) I think if the two met, they would either be fiercely competitive, trying to prove which one was the better fighter, or they'd be best pals. It's really hard to say. I love Dawn's strength and her tenacity. As you follow the story, you learn you should never, ever count her out.
This book really has it all; a little something for everyone. Paranormal/supernatural beings, suspense, action, humor, a tiny bit of romance and some drama just to keep it interesting. It's very well written; concise with no wasted words but at the same time, it's wonderfully descriptive. You're easily drawn into the imagery of the little town with the diner and the beautiful gazebo in the square.
I really enjoyed this book, there was a wonderfully mismatched ragtag group of would be heroes and some great twists. I definitely didn't see them coming and I really cannot wait to read the next installment in this series!(less)
Set in Europe in the late 1400's, spanning a period of more than 3 years Grave Mercy takes you back in time when being a woman could be very dangerous...moreSet in Europe in the late 1400's, spanning a period of more than 3 years Grave Mercy takes you back in time when being a woman could be very dangerous. The story starts in a small village and we follow our main character, Ismae, as she's spirited away to a convent devoted to the god of death to save her life.
Our story is told from Ismae's point of view, and we follow her progress at the convent and on to a royal court as she takes on her first assignments. She is a strong, honest person trying to fulfill her destiny as handmaiden to Death, Himself. Ismae is determined to do her best and follow the orders of the Reverend Mother at her convent & also to her God, Death as he shows her signs to follow. She is loyal and kind at heart even though she's being trained as an assassin.
The story is fast-paced and filled with lots of action, intrigue, suspense and even some romance, too. The plot is riveting and the story moves along smoothly; you really MUST keep reading to learn who is betraying their country and plotting behind the scenes. The story is really well written and there are even a few twists thrown in to really keep you guessing. This book has a little something for everyone and I really loved it.
This was a very satisfying read and I can't wait to read the rest in the series! (less)
Intangible is set in a small town in Vermont, in our modern day world where the normal people go about their business not knowing about the paranormal...moreIntangible is set in a small town in Vermont, in our modern day world where the normal people go about their business not knowing about the paranormal beings surrounding them. It is the first book in what will be a series according to author, J. Meyers.
Our main characters are twins, Luke and Sera. They are what those in the know would call "Gifteds" and they have special powers. Luke can see the future, but has never been able to change the outcomes he sees in his visions. Sera can heal with the touch of her hand and also plant suggestions in people's minds if she wants to. What really struck me about these two is their moral strength of character. They have these powers and rather than feeling like they have been cursed, they think of their powers as a blessing bestowed upon them. Also, they only want to help people with their gifts. Some teenagers with their kinds of powers would be using them for their own ends and that's it. Not these two though. They are funny and smart and wonderful characters to follow.
The conflict rages throughout the book, always thrumming under the surface. The twins are coping with a huge personal loss and each are dealing with their own individual issues as well. The story is well written; funny and sometimes heartbreaking. It unfolds in a totally natural way; not too slow but not rushed either. The suspense builds and builds, leading up to a fantastic showdown at the end of the book. There is a horrifically scary villain to add terror to the story and lots of room for future installments.
My very favorite character from the book is Jonas, the leader of the vampire coven. He is just so good and strong and honorable. He may be a terrifying vampire but he is fair and he refuses to harm or let harm come to an innocent person. Even when the outcome jeopardizes his existence, he protects the innocent. Just love him to pieces!
To conclude, you really have to read this book! J. Meyers is a vibrant new voice for the young adult genre and I really cannot wait to see what she offers up next!(less)