Christopher C. Payne's Blog, page 16

Give up the Ghost

Publishing Details
Publisher: Holt, Henry & Company
Date: April 27, 2010
ISBN13: 9781429918657

ISBN: 1429918659

Available editions: e-Book, Hardcover, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

Give up the Ghost – Megan Crewe

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over "breathers." Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody…and Cass loves dirt. She's on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.



But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass's whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.



As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim's life, she's surprised to realize he's not so bad—and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it's time to give the living another chance….



Song: Emily – From First to last





Cass/Cassie is a social misfit, a person who everyone hates and fears, and someone who could see ghosts.





Being Cass has not been easy, she has no friends after her former best friend, Danielle, turned the whole school against her four years ago, and her social life dwindled even more with the death of her sister, Paige, and how suddenly she found herself being able to commune with the dead.





Cass has ghosts as friends and she doesn't do well with the living, in fact, the people hated her because she seemed to know every secret they possessed, and so they saw her as a freak, a threat. Yet, Cass was okay with that. When Tim, one of the VP started to talk to her and seek for her help, they both changed in the process of developing a friendship.





It might be because of the song, or because I was emotional that day, but I was bawling through the chapters. Cass seemed like a normal teenager with a special gift, I don't see her as a freak everyone thought she was, or even considering her to be an emo (she doesn't actually 'preach' about death nor was she suicidal), I respected her for her maturity and her sense of seeking out justice, although telling on people was not really the best way. I enjoyed reading from her perspective although I, as a reader could only experience her turmoil and her emotions from the sidelines, yet I felt like I relate to her well.





Megan did a great job in describing Cass' family problems, it was a bonus that she never left out family values. And I praised her for making sense, it made so much sense that I cried. Weird huh? I also appreciated the fact that what Tim and Cass had was nothing romantic, it was about two friends who cared about each other (although I can't deny that I silently hoped they grow into something more, a sequel perhaps?). On that note, I also wanted to praise Megan for coming up with such humorous jokes, and oh, the lists.





The only thing I hoped for was for Megan to elaborate more on certain parts of the story, the only complain I had for the entire story was that it was sort of short and there were several parts I think should be given more effort. Overall, the writing was smooth and easy to read, plus, I had a wonderful time being Cass.





Reviewed by,

Natasha Anne

Mile 81

"Mile 81"

By:  Stephen King

ISBN:  9781451665604

Published September 1, 2011 by Simon & Schuster

Available Format:  ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

The first half of the story is about Pete Simmons.  He's too young to go off with his big brother, so he makes up an adventure for himself in an abandoned old rest area/Burger King.  As a popular teen partying spot, there was lots for young Pete to see and do, including having a taste of some discarded vodka.  When Pete decides to take a short nap, the real action begins.  An old, muddy station wagon crashes into the traffic barrels barricading the entrance to the rest area.  A station wagon that apparently doesn't have a driver.  There it sits, waiting for innocent passersby to fall into the trap.

Another unmistakably classic Stephen King fiction.  I was all captivated with Pete's part of the story and then, WHAM!, here comes the completely bizarre and creepy part!  The religious insurance salesman and lesbian equestrian I dealt with, but when the family came along with their two young children—oh my goodness.

I really wish there was more explanation about the mysterious car.  I mean, there's an idea, but not enough for me to get a clear picture.  Why was it there in particular?  Why a muddy station wagon?  Were there others like it?  We know all about the people of the story, as usual, but the monster isn't understood at all.

There's really nothing more to complain about with this little tale.  It is entertaining and quick.  There's plenty of adult language and inappropriate material, so definitely not for the younger readers.  You also might not want to read it just before bed like I did!  It'll make you think twice before being a Good Samaritan, that's for sure!

Review by Cassie McCown

Twisted

Title: Twisted (Intertwined #3)

Author: Gena Showalter

Format: Hardback and Ebook

Genre: Paranormal, Young adult

Publisher: Harlequin, August 2011

ISBN: 0373210388

Dying was painful enough for Aden but it turns out living is harder than he ever thought possible. His girlfriend, Victoria, brought him back but the consequences of that are staggering.

He struggles to recognize himself and there is this darkness within him, taking over…changing him. He's cheated death too many times and now it stalks him, crouches in wait to finally claim him.

The souls trapped inside him once could have helped, but now they are growing weaker and the darkness in him grows stronger. And he isn't the only one changing. Victoria, the love of his life, is different, becoming more human, more weak.

Meanwhile, Mary Anne and Riley are having issues of their own. Mary Anne is on the run, running from everyone she loves, trying to keep them safe from her strange ability. Riley is hot on her trail until Tucker interferes and he can't see her anymore. Then Mary Anne is alone with Tucker. Can Tucker be trusted? He's being manipulated by the old vampire king and doesn't seem to care who he hurts.

Life couldn't get any worse. Could it?

I anticipated this book forever. I waited for it to be released, I stalked Gena Showalters website and tried to get an ARC. The first two books of this series are awesome, full of twists and turns and lovable characters, and I could not wait for the next chapter. With serious regret and something I truly hate to say, it wasn't all I was hoping it would be. But there were some great things about it.

First off, the cover is awesome. Aden is hot! Gotta love some of that. I think the thing I enjoy most about these books (besides Riley) is the plot. The twists and turns the characters take are really great. I never knew where the story would go and to me, that makes a good read. No doubt about it, Gena Showalter is a fabulous writer – she weaves a tale like no one else.

For the first half (maybe a little more) of the book Aden really struggled with the darkness in him and the consequences of Victoria saving his life. He was different. While I understand that anyone would be different after everything that happened, I have to say that I missed the old Aden. His character was soo good and he was so strong. Granted he is still super strong in this book (he kicks a** a lot!), but I missed him. He was different and not really in a good way. Now toward the end he did start becoming the Aden I knew and loved but it was kind of bittersweet for me. It was kind of like seeing a friend after a long absence and them not being how you remember them being. *sigh*

Victoria was still great, I actually liked the changes that went on with her, I thought her story line was unique and I can't wait to see what happens with her in the next book. It seemed though that it took forever for her to finally tell Aden what was going on though, and sometimes the distance between them got to me too. I liked when they were together and solid.

Riley is my most beloved character of this series. There is something about him that I love. His loyalty, honesty, strength, how he accepts himself and likes who he is. All these things chalk up to major hotness in my opinion. There wasn't enough of him in the book. Not nearly enough. And when he was in the book he was busy fighting and running and brooding to be the guy I loved. I also was hoping for more detail about Riley's two brothers who were cursed by a witch. What a great storyline that would be to explore.

MaryAnne is still a great character. She changed too in this book from who she was. She was more likely to snap and be sarcastic. She was more willing to make tough decisions. It did annoy me that she never came out and told Riley what and how she was feeling. The distance between her and Riley was greater than ever and that was a disappointment to me too.

Can I just say that if Riley was mine, I would never ever let go?

The end of the book made me gasp. I was like "this did not just end like this!" It kind of made me mad. I love a good cliffhanger but this was just…shocking. The way that Riley ended…was awful, I can't imagine him ever doing that. And Mary Anne, what will become of her?

And Aden…on Aden what on earth are you doing?

You can bet that I will be reading the final book of the series the minute it hits the shelves. Even though it wasn't everything I hoped it would be it was still a good book. I read it in two days. I still can't get enough of Riley and Aden. I love the twists and turns of the plot and I can't wait to see what becomes of the remaining souls in Aden's head. It's almost sad that the next book will be the last, these characters have really captured me and I like them.

I would recommend this series to anyone who loves a good paranormal book. It's definitely worth your time and Gena tells a story with ease.

So there you have it. My opinion.

This review is written by Cambria Hebert

Smurfs

Title: Smurfs

Director: Raja Gosnell

Format: In theaters (July 2011)

Rating: PG

Genre: Comedy, Family, Animation

Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Katy Perry (Smurfette), Hank Azaria, George Lopez (Grouchy Smurf), Jonathan Winters (Papa Smurf)

LA LA LA LA LA LA, LA LA LA LA

Does anyone find that song mildly annoying?

You do?

Some of the Smurfs are even annoyed by it too.

But no worries, they are cute enough to deflect even the most annoying of songs.

An old childhood favorite is back and on the big screen. The Smurfs go on their biggest adventure yet when the evil wizard, Gargamel, chase them from their magical village. (Yes, they still live in mushrooms!)

In their haste to get away they tumble through a vortex and find themselves in a whole new world – our world! Central Park and New York City to be exact! With Gargamel (and his evil cat!) hot on their trail the little blue Smurfs must navigate through the city and find their way back home before the wizard captures them for his heinous plans.

On their journey they meet new friends and change the lives of everyone they meet.

My two kids (ages 8 and 5) really wanted to see this movie and they walked around my house for days upon days using the word "smurf" in every sentence they could. Imagine hearing "Mom, I think I just smurfed myself" day after day.

I think I would rather hear the Smurfs sing their little song over and over again.

So when the opportunity arrived to take them we decided to fill their curiosity of these little blue people. Imagine my dismay when they asked what they were! I mean, the Smurfs were a household name when I was a kid. I watched them endlessly. Whenever we would eat blue candy everyone would say "did you eat a smurf?". I said that once to my kids (before the movie came out) and they looked at me like I had three heads.

Moms are so uncool.

I have to say that because I was so fond of these little things I was extremely skeptical about this movie. I mean, you can't change something that classic. Just from the previews I could tell that they looked different. I guess some would say, re-digitalized and made better in 3-D. Personally, I liked them better back in the day. (They way they looked anyway).

The movie itself was cute. The kids in the theater got a real kick out of the Smurf's antics and the "evil" cat of Gargamel's was a huge hit as well. In fact, the cat was one of my favorites too.

The movie mainly centered around Clumsy Smurf, Papa Smurf and Smurfette. Of course there was Brainy and all the others as well. There was a new guy too, I can't remember his name. He wore a kilt and had a beard. He talked in an accent too. He was funny, but because he wasn't an original, he wasn't my favorite.  Hey, I told you I was a fan of the classic and you don't mess with the classics.

The main human actors in the movie Neil Patirck Harris (he rocks!) and Jayma Mays (who also is fabulous on GLEE!) were a good pair. I like Neil Patrick Harris, I think he is full of talent and I actually brightened a bit when he came on screen. He plays this insanely busy marketing director for a major cosmetics company that is handed a promotion and a "do this or your fired" job. His wife (played by Mays) is beautiful and supportive to a fault and is also pregnant with their first child, a baby that Patrick is very nervous about having.

The movie has some good life lessons in it for kids like to believe in yourself, work together, and family is the most important thing in life. It also has the bad guy who gets what he deserves and some humor.

I do wish that we got to spend more time in the Smurf village instead of NYC because it is such a magical place. I also kind of got annoyed they way they used the word "smurf" for everything.

All in all I think this is a great movie for kids. They will laugh and be in awe of the little blue people that they didn't really know about before the movie. I will say that if you are an adult and used to be a fan of the Smurfs as a child, this movie might miss a little. They aren't really how I remember them, but the movie did bring back memories for me of the Smurfs I used to love.

So there you have it. My opinion.

This review is written by Cambria Hebert

City of Fallen Angels

City of Fallen Angels

By: Cassandra Clare

ISBN:  9781442403543

Published April 5, 2011 by Simon & Schuster

Available Format:  Hardcover, paperback, audiobook, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★☆

City of Fallen Angels is book four of The Mortal Instruments series that was originally meant to be a trilogy.  Someone has been killing Shadowhunters who previously belonged in Valentine's Circle and leaving their bodies around the city.  This provokes hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters. Internal feuding among vampires is ripping the Downworld community apart, and only Simon, the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side, can decide the outcome.  Unfortunately for them, he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Meanwhile, Jace and Clary investigate a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them, consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever.  Love, blood, betrayal and revenge:  the stakes are higher than ever.  (Synopsis modified from Wikipedia)

I really don't know why this book has gotten so many negative (and often quite rude) reviews!  I love this series, and while this was not my favorite, I love this book as well.

I did desperately miss Magnus and Alec, and I wanted to know more about Maia and Kyle.  Jace came across more sad and pitiful, but not necessarily in an endearing way.  I have a love/hate attitude toward the ending.  I feel like that is what the whole book was leading up to—Jace is mysteriously conflicted and then his fears are realized—and we're left hanging, of course.  So, his annoying behavior throughout the book actually makes more sense in the end.  Clary was just so-so this time.  She's still not the strong heroine I want her to be, but she isn't completely weak and boring either.  She just sort of floated along through the whole narrative, which would have been perfectly okay if there had been more depth in some of our other favorites (previously mentioned).

Other than that, I was okay with the plot and all the subplots.  I still love Simon, and I think he was a more meaningful star than Clary, which I think was intentional.  It seems like there is much less demon fighting and more relationship issues happening, so maybe that's why many people were a bit turned off this time.  Even in the pivotal action scene near the end, it is more about Jace and Clary than what they are fighting against.  I don't mind all the relationship stuff, so I never once found myself completely bored with the story.

I did take a long break in the middle of reading this because I was so inundated with my other work I had to put my reading-for-pleasure aside.  It took a few minutes for me to get my bearings again when I continued the story this week, but then I was sucked right back into the Shadowhunter world.

I'm anxious to see how this ending plays out.  Will Jace overcome this evil?  Will his and Clary's relationship survive?  Will Clary ever toughen up and be able to stand up for herself (more like Isabelle)?  I wonder if Camille will return, and does she really know a way for Alec to become immortal.  Hopefully Cassandra will heed the fans' advice that we get more of Alec and Magnus (By the way, you can learn more about Camille and Magnus in Clockwork Angel)!

If you are a Mortal Instruments fan, I don't know how you can resist checking this volume out as well.  I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did!

Review by Cassie McCown

Crossroads

Crossroads

By:  Mary Ting

ISBN:  9781937085766

Published July 29, 2011 by World Castle

Available Format:  Paperback, ebook

My Rating:  ★★★★★

After the tragic death of her friend, Claudia begins dreaming about a beautiful, heaven-like place.  She soon learns this place is all too real, this isn't the first time she's traveled there, and for some reason she is there when she, as a human, should not be.  Crossroads is an in-between place where souls can go when they are between life and death, but Halo City is open only to those who carry the blood of an angel.  Marked by her unexplained passage into Halo City, the Fallen and an army of demons begin stalking Claudia.  It is up to the nephilium to protect Claudia and discover what makes her so very special.

There is nothing I love more than a good book about angels/nephilium, especially when those angels have a tendency to act more human than divine.  Don't forget they are breathtakingly gorgeous and can kick some serious tail!

One thing that bothered me was that Claudia had a friend who was also named Claudia.  I expected there to be more to the story, but it never really developed any further.  I can't really explain my thoughts on that without giving some of the plot away, so if you want to talk about it more, read the book and email me!  :-)

I like how Claudia's relationship developed.  I love the supplemental characters in the story—her mom, her Gamma, Patty, Austin, etc.  Everything was well-rounded and the characters were all established so well.  Ting has an easy, fun writing style which I related to quite well.  I have the clearest picture of Crossroads in my mind, and it is beautiful!  There are some amazing characters, locations, and scenes in this novel!

I don't want to give too much away, but there is a certain someone in the story who helps the bad guys at one point.  Well, I thought I had it ALL figured out, and boy was I upset that this good person turned bad!  But, I had it all wrong!!!  Fooled me!  It's always fun to try to figure out what's going on, but it is even better when the author is clever enough to completely blindside you with a shocking revelation.  Once my pride recovered, I was relieved that the "good guy" actually was good!

I also appreciate that Ting didn't leave us completely hanging at the end.  Sure, a suspenseful ending is interesting and sets up anticipation for the next book, but I felt that the crisis of Crossroads was satisfactorily resolved, and there is a peaceful respite in the story that still leaves us wanting more but doesn't make us feel like we have been cheated either.

I have been dying to read this book for a while now and couldn't stand putting it off any longer.  I am SO glad that I jumped in!  If you are a YA Fantasy/Paranormal Romance fan, this is an absolute must read.  If you aren't, well, try it anyway!  :-)

Review by Cassie McCown

Katie's Hope

Title: Katie's Hope

Author: Lizzy Ford

ISBN: None as of yet

Format: E Book

Katie's Hope is book two in the Rhyn trilogy which takes up three weeks after Katie's Hellion leaves off.

It seems the Immortals have no intention of letting her go and are also no closer to finding out what exactly makes her so special. Rhyn believes the only way that he can protect her is to step up and take his place among the Immortals whether they want him there or not.

The question is, will it cost him everything?

Let me first say, "Brava!" to Lizzy Ford.

This novel, in my somewhat humble opinion is her very best work to date. Katie's Hope is a myriad of twists, turns, shockers and bombshells. From the very first page you are thrown head first into the action where she dropped you off last time.

Only this go around, there is much more at stake and time is rapidly running out.

Friends become enemies, brothers turn against each other, demons are coming out of the wood work, and there is nowhere to turn.

This book was a real page turner and I sped through it like it were a short story, only to get to the EXTREME cliffhanger ending to find out that the final installment will not be out until March 2012.

Seriously? SERIOUSLY?

Brutal torture, extreme and unusual punishment and NO FAIR!!!!

Lizzy Ford can weave a tale like nobody's business.

Like I have said before, while creating a fictional world, her characters still have tough challenges and obstacles like we do in the real world.

However, in this book, Rhyn comes off in a much better light and is much more likable as he is trying desperately to win Katie's affections and prove to her that he can protect her no matter what others would have her to believe.  Katie does love him but is rightfully confused as what to do about it.

He has a history of being unstable and unreliable, not to mention the fact that she keeps having dreams of her death AND that Death herself made it clear that they were only living on borrowed time.

My question is this: will Lizzy drop the one BIG bombshell that I secretly yearn for most books to do?

Will there be a taste of happy ever after only to have it lost?

If anyone can do it and get away with it, it is definitely Lizzy Ford.

SIX MONTHS and counting!

Review by: Jenn P.

RIO

Title: Rio

Director: Carlos Saldana

Genre: Animation/Family/Adventure/Musical

Format: DVD

Rating: PG

Rio is about a blue Macaw named aptly, Blu.

Blu is "birdnapped" as a baby from Rio by smugglers that traffic him into the US. He is found after his crate falls from a truck by a little girl named Linda.

Fast forward about 15 years, a man from Rio (Tulio) stumbles into Linda's bookstore to inform her that Blu is the possibly the last male of the species and he has a female (Jewel) at his sanctuary in Rio De Janerio.

He implores Linda to help, to take Blue there so that the two can mate, thus helping restore the species and then they can come back home.

Sounds like an easy enough plan right?

Well, if it were, it wouldn't be that good of a movie, huh?

Blu AND Jewel are birdnapped by the traffickers to be sold to the highest bidder.

While the two don't get along at first, they have no choice but to now work together to get out of the mess so Blu can get back home to Minnesota with his owner Linda.

It took me three painstaking days to finish this movie.

Not because it was bad, but because I have a 15-month-old who gets side tracked very easily.

He could watch it for about 15 minutes at a time (which is a testament to how good this movie is), before moving on to something different like trying to force the dog to eat baby wipes.

ANYHOW, this movie WAS really good!

I love that the creators of child movies, add a little humor in them for the parents who are forced to watch them.

Rio does this brilliantly!

Not only is it a movie packed full of vibrant color, from all the tropical birds to the scenery but the climax of the movie takes place during Carnivale, it also has a star studded cast.

Anne Hathaway is the voice of the feisty blue female being held against her will. George Lopez is the voice behind a hilarious toucan that tries to help Blue and Jewel get together. Tracey Morgan voices a little off but lovable bull dog that is also on the Macaws' side. Not to mention, Jamie Foxx, Will.I.AM., Wanda Sykes and Jane Lynch.

Rio is both a cute movie for the kids AND a funny movie for the parents.

The only part that was a little disturbing was a character named Nigel who is a very evil and very scary looking Cockatoo. I mean, this bird is wicked nuts and if I were a child between the ages of 2-6, I'd probably end up deathly terrified of them.

There are a few times in this movie where what happened should have been his untimely demise was a bit much for little kids, in my opinion, and one time I was just openly shocked at what they did to this crazy bird, but it's not what it looked like.

That's all I can tell you without ruining it.

However, he does have a funny-evil side – in one part of the movie he breaks out in a song and even does a rap impersonation of Weird Al Yankovic.

Other than that, Rio has the normal formula of the awkward meeting of two people (and birds), the attraction they all deny and the funny sidekicks (a crazy little yellow bird that wears a bottle cap as a hat. Voiced by Jaimie Fox) that try to bring them together.

There is also a very funny scene that reminded be a little of West Side Story, when some wild monkeys and birds have a hilarious battle royale.

Rio also in a round about way brings up the topic of the very real issue of animal trafficking and how dangerous to different species it has become.

All in all, it was a great movie that I secretly cannot wait to watch again with my little boy and long for the time when I will be able to finish it one sitting.

I recommend this movie to animal lovers, parents, and anyone looking for a good, clean laugh.

Review written by: Jenn P.

Tamporlea

Tamporlea

By:  Tiffany Lovering

ASIN:  B0053PWNFM

Published May 31, 2011

Available Format: ebook

My Rating:  ★★★★☆

On a celebratory camping trip before she heads off to college, Jasmine Taylor encounters a mysterious man while on a hike with her mother.  Orion asks Jasmine to accompany him to his home, Tamporlea, in order to take her rightful place as Queen of the kingdom.  Tamporlea is one of three magical Gypsy realms.  Shortly after Jasmine's arrival, she is faced with betrayal and war between the three monarchies.  Will Jasmine choose to stay and rule the kingdom or will she return home and have her memory of Tamporlea completely erased?

Tamporlea is a rather unique fantasy, focusing on Gypsies in a more modern setting while still keeping a bit of an old world, "outsider" feel.  I really appreciated the setup of the hierarchy system they have in their community and how Jasmine does not agree with the segregation and class system.  I am anxious to see how things play out as Jasmine moves ahead as the leader.

While I truly loved the story, I did think the manuscript could have used just a teensy bit more proofreading.  The errors didn't distract me from the story at all, but another run through would probably be beneficial just to keep everything moving smoothly.

That being said, the story does flow quite nicely.  There is a lot of background information woven into the present action, but it is broken up so the reader doesn't feel like they are in Tamporlea History 101.  There is a nice sense of suspense throughout, especially concerning Tyran.  It does leave you hanging at the end, but the conflict at hand was resolved well.  Tiffany definitely sets book two up perfectly!

This is a great, quick young adult read.  I am looking forward to diving into the following two books of the series!  I recommend you grab a copy of Tamporlea and try it out for yourself!

Unjust, book two of the series, is available for purchase now.  Unified, the final book of the trilogy, will be released sometime this month!

Tiffany will be dropping by Gathering Leaves Friday, September 9th for one of my fab author interviews .  Please be sure to drop by to learn more about all things Tamporlea and Ms. Lovering!

Review by Cassie McCown

 

Crescendo

Crescendo

Becca Fitzpatrick

SIMON & SCHUSTER, year 2010

ISBN: 978-1-4169-8943-1

Available format: Hardcover, Paperback & ebook

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it. A mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever (if that's possible) and what's worse, he seems spending time with Nora's archenemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadn't been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude, Nora finds herself drawn to him – despite her lingering feelings that he is hiding something.

If that weren't enough, Nora is haunted by images of her murdered father, and comes to question whether her Nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death. Desperate to figure out what happened, she puts herself in increasingly dangerous situations to get the answer. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything – and everyone – she trusts.

When I first read Hush, Hush I don't think there was even talk of there being a next book, well not yet anyway – but boy am I glad that Becca Fitzpatrick wrote Crescendo. I was at the store looking for something new to read when Crescendo caught my eye. I stared at it in awe, I couldn't believe that it was out. I snatched the book up immediately. I opened it and read the first few pages and was jumpy with excitement! I knew right then that I had to get it. So I did and I began to read it right when I got home. This book takes you into a world of fallen angels, love, betrayal, and revenge. If you haven't read Hush, Hush or are thinking that Crescendo isn't going to be worth your time and money, your wrong! It totally is worth your time, money, and so much more.

Plot – ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ The plot beginnings where Hush, Hush left off. It's a few months after Hush, Hush and Nora is in a happy relationship with Patch, well as happy as she's going to get anyway. After a whacky night at the beach things soon start to change, Patch starts to change. He isn't around as much as Nora would like and she hears that he's hanging out with Marcie Millar, Nora's archenemy. She wants to get some answer from Patch, but he tells her to leave him alone basically and Nora is happy – well maybe not happy – too. Then Scott Parnell moves back to town, and things come up that surprise Nora, no pun indented! Nora starts to wonder if her Nephilim bloodline has something to do with her father's death. She wants answer and she is determined to get them, no matter what the cost. I loved the plot of Hush, Hush and I loved the plot of Crescendo. What makes a great plot is where there actually is one. Your drawn into the story and in the role of Nora. You experiment what she does, what she feels and the mission she is on to discover all that has been on her mind since she discovered that she is part of the Nephilim bloodline.

Writing – ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ The writing is similar to Hush, Hush and of course that is a good thing. What one of the things that made me fall in love with Hush, Hush was it's writing (the other being the characters) and how the words are alive and you don't find yourself confused after the first paragraph.

Characters – ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ The characters are both original and unique. You can't help but fall love with Nora, Patch, Vee, Rixon, and even Marcie Millar from time to time. You'll find yourself falling deeper in love with each character as you learn more about them and traveling with them through a journey to discover all the secrets of the Nephilim world and all that is hidden in it's shadows…

Overall I give this book ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ – more and no less!

Review by Lura