Waiting on Wednesday #18 -Wake Unto Me

Waiting On Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Wake Unto Me

Release Date: March 31, 2011

Publisher:  Speak
Paranormal/Ghosts

A haunted castle, a handsome young man dead for four hundred years, one heck of a scary portrait of a witch, and a treasure hunt -- not to mention a princess for a roommate! -- all await 15 year old American girl Caitlyn Monahan when she earns a scholarship to a French boarding school. There are secrets behind the stone walls of Chateau de la Fortune, buried for centuries along with the mystery of who killed Raphael, the charming ghost who visits Caitlyn at night. But as Caitlyn unearths the history of the castle, nothing scares her as badly as the secret she learns about herself, and the reason she was chosen to come to the Fortune School. And nothing breaks her heart as badly as falling in love with a dead guy.

I blame Meg Cabot's mediator series for my new infatuation with ghost books. They sound so intriguing and I love the different ways a love story can play out when one of the characters happens to be dead...ooh, ahh, interesting!

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Posted in: ghosts,paranormal romance,Waiting On Wednesday

Review: Raven by. Allison van Diepen

Title: Raven    
Author: Allison van Diepen 
Age Range: 12+
Publication Date: February 10, 2009
Pages: 304
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 9/10

Synopsis from Goodreads: The door that was always closed is opening, and I am consumed. I don’t know if a full minute goes by that I don’t think of him, that I don’t replay how it felt to have his hand brush mine, his eyes look my way. And yet he’s hiding, still. He talks as if my feelings for him are in the past, as if they couldn’t possibly be relevant now that I know the truth about him. But I don’t have that kind of power over how I feel. And if he doesn’t know that, he’s blind." Zin dances with fire in every step, speaks with a honey-sweet voice, and sees with eyes that can peer into your soul. It's no wonder Nicole is madly in love with him. Their friendship is the only thing that saves her from the boredom of school and the turmoil of her family life. But she cannot understand why he keeps her at a distance, even though she can feel his soul reaching out for hers. Zin carries a very old secret. When Nicole uncovers the truth, her love may be the only thing that can save him from it.

Review: Take break dancing, add amazingly diverse characters, sprinkle a less than typical immortality complex, and top it off with a hot as day romance and you have Raven by Allison Van Diepen. I have to admit I was excited and apprehensive about the way Raven was going to play out since it seemed that the theme of the book was going to be a combination of break dancing and immortal characters, not the usual mix. But it worked perfectly, and Allison Van Diepen makes sure of that in the way she relates the deepest most romantic moments of the book as well as the most unexplainable moments, back to break dancing, who knew break dancing was such a vivid topic.

Paranormaly, this book exceeded my expectations 10 fold. We have all heard the idea of the immortality being played on all different kinds of fields, but never like this. It had a history and an Asian Flare behind it that just made is so unique and original. 

This book used one of my favorite kinds of build ups when it comes to the romance, the best friends who secretly love each other, but have something holding them back. In this case it was Zin's immortality and Nicole (or Raven's) lack of it. They say that love transcends time, but its hard to believe that based on the situation of these two.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book so much. What kind of shocked me is that it was a stand-alone, the book's plot was definitely the making of an incredible series, and I really have not seen or read a paranormal/urban fantasy book, especially if it was a romance, that was a stand-alone. It was a refreshing change of pace!!!

Recommendations: Paranormal romance lovers will devour this book in an instant!

Characters: 10/10 
Plot: 9/10
Originality: 10/10 
Entertainment: 10/10 
Ending: 9/10 
Writing Style: 9/10 
Cover: 10/10

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Posted in: paranormal romance,Review

Waiting On Wednesday #13- Falling Under

Look at that cover!!! I just love the roses. Im a sucker for roses, as long as they aren't red, yuck! The title that accompanies this work of art is Falling Under by. Gwen Hayes.
 

In her dreams he’s irresistible—seductive, charming, and undoubtedly dangerous. But when he appears to her when she’s awake—and captivates her just the same—she’s not sure which way is up and which is down. Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life, not allowed the same freedoms as the rest of the teenagers in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, she feels every urge she’s ever denied burning through her at the slightest glance from Haden Black. Theia knows she’s seen Haden before—not around town, but in her dreams. Theia doesn’t understand how she dreamed of Haden before they ever met, but every night has them joined in a haunting world of eerie fantasy. And as the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her forward one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear. And as she slowly discovers what Haden truly is, Theia’s not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

I think this book sounds like it is going to be incredible. It sort of reminds me of Beautiful Creatures, with the whole 'I saw you in a dream' prospect. Couple an awesome cover and a synopsis screaming paranormal romance and you have what I suspect to be one of my favorites in the future.

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Posted in: paranormal romance,Waiting On Wenesday

Review: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by. Beth Fantaskey

Title: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side   Author: Beth Fantaskey
Age Range: 14+
Publication Date: February 1, 2009
Pages: 351
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 10/10

Synopsis from Goodreads: The undead can really screw up your senior year ...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—
and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.


Initial Reaction: "Oh how I loved Jekel Loves Hyde hope Beth Fantaskey doesn't disappoint."
End Reaction: "I love Jekel Loves Hyde, but I hate to admit that this book tops it hands down!"

Review: By the name alone, when reading this book I expected a romance, and somewhat of a self-help book if the chance to date a vampire ever came upon me (I'm crossing my fingers!). I got that, and much more. Chilling and thrilling at the same time, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side was exactly what I am looking for when it comes to a paranormal romance with a "dark side".

Lucius just wants to go to America, grab his destined princess, and get back to Romania before he has a vampire war on his hands. Jessica's wants nothing to do with that. But she really can't help falling for Lucius's passionate ways and she finds herself doing her best to keep her logical way of life in tact. She has no plans to become a vampire or get in touch with her past, but she really can't control how she feels about Lucius.

Jessica, or Anastasia, was the most difficult character that could possibly be thrust into the world of the paranormal. She runs on logic, rationality, even the concept of pi baffles her, send in a Romania Prince claiming they both are vampire royalty, and you have the most conflicting romance (if you could originally call it that) possible. I really had strong thoughts about how in the world she was ever going to accept this whole vampire princess life she was so against. And Lucius, all arrogant and formal and mannerly. How boring right, wrong! His arrogance is really annoying, but he seems so passionate, so...swoon-worthy. He has that whole, I'm awesome and I know it thing going on. Its hard to really pick out what kind of couple they would make, but it sure is an interesting one!

Now down to the good stuff, the romance. The last word I would think to describe this romance would be cute. I'd go with destructive, conflicting, and hot. I could disregard the first two and just settle with hot. Who would have know that could some how spring from two such different characters. They both want what they can't have. And when they do have what they want,  they either don't want it, or can't have it. It is a very difficult, and somewhat doomed romance, but when its right, it is soooo right.

This book makes it official to me what an amazing author Beth Fantasky really is. It has officially secured her place on my "Favorite Authors" list. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us!!!

Recommendations: I recommend this book to all those who liked Jekel Loves Hyde, even if you didn't like it, I think you should gives this book a try. To all those who love a great paranormal romance, and Vampires!!!

Try:  Jekel Loves Hyde 

   
Characters: 10/10 
Plot 10/10
Originality: 10/10 
Entertainment: 10/10 
Ending: 9/10 
Writing Style: 10/10 
Cover: 9/10

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Posted in: paranormal romance,vampires

Review: 13 to Life by. Shannon Delany

Title: 13 to Life                                                      Author: Shannon Delany
Age Range: 12+
Publication Date: June 22, 2010
Pages: 320
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 8/10

Synopsis from Goodreads: Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early. 


Initial Thought:  "Yes. I am definitely in need of a good werewolf book!"
End Thought: "Awww, that was so sweet. I wasn't expecting that much romance, but it sure delivered! I can't wait for the next books!!!"

Review: 13 to Life is a romantic, dramatic, and fantastic paranormal novel that sets up a great premise for what I suspect to be an amazing paranormal romance series in the future.This paranormal romance book was focused very much on the drama and romance between the characters with a few werewolf hints thrown amiss the pages. Which was unexpected, but worked just as well for me since it allowed the romance and the characters to develop greatly.

Throughout most of the book, I wasn't really sure where the paranormal aspects came in or how that would play in. Shannon Delany gives little hints of Pietr's werewolfism throughout the book, but I wasn't sure of how that was going to play into the story since the real focus to me seemed to be the love triangle. Oh yes, I wasn't expecting it either, but there is a bit of a love triangle. Even though one point on said triangle was so freaking annoying and oblivious... Anyways, the romance played a huge role in the book which I thought was great. It really gave the romance time to grow instead of feeling rushed. As the two main characters get closer, Pietr's secret becomes more of an issue, and the paranormal aspects of the book really begin to show.

The ending or specifically the last few chapters are another one of my favorite parts of this book. Everything kind of begins to make sense, and is pulled together into one awesome mystery kick butt action scene. A lot is revealed and something different about this ending that distinguishes it from a lot of other books with such a mysterious and paranormal basis is that I did not see the ending coming at all. It was completely unexpected and it explained many of the characters more thoroughly, intensified the romance, and finally gave me the action packed werewolf scene I was looking for throughout the book.

In conclusion, I thought this book was great. It was refreshing to read a paranormal romance where I could actually see the romance developing and have a plot ending that I did not see a mile away. It really sets the pace for what to expect in the rest of the series . A well developed romantic plot, the drama of high school life, and the mystery of the Rusakova family and how Jessica fits into it is summarizes what 13 to Life, and hopefully the next books in the series, are all about.

Recommendations:  All werewolf fanatics must read this book. Everyone who loves a good romance along with a lot of drama on the side will love to sink their teeth into this one. Werewolves rule!!!


Characters: 9/10 
Plot: 8/10
Originality: 8/10 
Entertainment: 10/10 
Ending: 10/10 
Writing Style: 10/10 
Cover: 10/10
  

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Posted in: paranormal romance,werewolves

13 to Life Blog Tour: Interview + Excerpt with Shannon Delany

Today Shannon Delany, the author of 13 to Life, is visiting Black and Blue Ink as the next stop on her Blog Tour.  She is here to talk about her upcoming debut YA paranormal novel 13 to Life. She has also provided a small excerpt from 13 to Life at the end of this interview so read on. Here are 10 things that will make you that much more anxious to read 13 to Life. 

 
Q: What made you decide to create a paranormal YA book for your debut?

A: I've always been fascinated with the idea that things may look absolutely normal on the surface, but below it all something else is lurking. We're a very self-absorbed species--I think it's important to shake up a seemingly normal and dull world when playing with fiction.


Q: If you could be any mythical creature, fantasy or paranormal what would it be?

A: I think a werewolf might actually be an interesting choice--but not if it comes with the strings attached to my particular werewolves. I'm not the kindest creator.

Q: Have werewolves always been your guilty pleasure when it comes to paranormal books, or was it just a successful whim?

A: Totally a successful whim. I may love wolves, but I only recently started investigating werewolves.

Q: 13 To Life is a very action packed and romantic book, but it also tackles some very deep and emotional topics, were they based on personal experiences?

A: The emotional issues Jess struggles with in 13 to Life are based on a loss I recently experienced. My mother died a couple years ago after fighting (and being told she was winning) against cancer. It was very much like what Jess sees most nights.

Q: Is there something you cannot begin writing without or something that keeps you going while writing?

A: I don't have necessities, but I do enjoy a fancy coffee from time to time. It sort of encourages and rewards me as I go.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a writer?

A: My favorite part of being a writer is discovering the story and voice of a story. It's like exploring a brand new world with an experienced guide.

Q: Did you always want to be a writer?

A: I always wanted to do something that allowed me to creatively express myself. I've enjoyed doing art, teaching, and writing. All offer different things to creative people.

Q: What are you favorite writers and/or books?

A: The people who blurbed 13 to Life are definitely among my favorite authors--that's why I asked them to read and blurb. That includes Maria V. Snyder, Ann Aguirre, Jeri Smith-Ready and Lucienne Diver. Each of them create great characters and intriguing worlds. I'm also a big fan of Mercedes Lackey, Anne Mccaffrey and Orson Scott Card.

Q: Anything else you want your readers to know about you and your book???

A: Just that I encourage readers to give 13 to Life a try and keep an open mind. It's designed to be read by different people at different levels. Some people will enjoy it for a quick and fun read and some people will read deeper into it and find the foreshadowing for the next books in the series. Either way, I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks again for including my blog in your tour!!! 
Thanks so much for hosting me, Chioma!

13 to Life: Chapter 4, part D (used with the author’s permission)

Mr. Miles laughed. “Good enough. Pietr, right?”
Pietr nodded.
“Very good. Everyone’s been talking about your family already. Not much else to do at Junction High, I guess.” Mr. Miles clapped his hands together.


Shannon Delany's first novel in her YA paranormal series can be purchased at fine retailers everywhere. Shannon asks you to buy her book from the bookstore you love best! 
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository 
 

Learn more about Shannon (http://ShannonDelany.com) and 13 to Life (http://13toLife.us/blog) or explore the town of Junction (http://www.13toLifeSeries.com).
 

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Posted in: Interviews,paranormal romance,werewolves

Waiting on Wednesday #12- Warped

WoW, I haven't done one of these in a very long while but I missed it so I decided to bring it back. This week's I am featuring two books for Waiting on Wednesday. The first book is Warped by. Maurissa Guibord.

 Warped

January 11, 2011 

  

 Things get weird after Tessa Brody's father buys a dusty old unicorn tapestry at an auction. The wild, handsome creature woven within it draws Tessa, and frightens her too. One day she pulls a silver thread from the tapestry and releases the unicorn. Only he isn’t one at all. He’s William de Chaucy, a young sixteenth century English nobleman with gorgeous eyes, a weird accent and haughty attitude to spare. Will was trapped in the tapestry by Gray Lily, a sorceress who stole the thread of his life and relies on its energy for her eternal youth. Now Gray Lily wants her unicorn back and she’ll do anything to get him. If that isn’t bad enough “his lordship” de Chaucy seems to think Tessa is someone she’s not: the girl who trapped him so long ago in the forest. Despite the sparky chemistry between them he seems to have the strange idea that she’ll be his undoing once more. Maybe she will. Because there’s a connection, an attraction to Will that Tessa can’t deny. She’s even beginning to dream about events in a forest of long ago. Or is she reliving them? But Tessa knows one thing for sure. She could never be some heartless twit of a virgin who would trap a unicorn.

This book sounds like it is going to be amazing. For some reason the plot sounds familiar. Like something I read in a manga or something, but either way it sounds like it is going to be incredible.

The second book is The Iron Witch. Is it just me or whenever you hear a title with the word Iron in it do you immediately think of Faeries too?

The Iron Witch
February 1, 2011 

Freak. That’s what they called seventeen year-old Donna Underwood in high school after a horrific fey attack that killed her father when she was just a child. Her injuries and rehabilitation resulted in magically enhanced strength, thanks to the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. As a child of the alchemists, she is both blessed and cursed with a magical heritage that doesn't leave much room for boys, parties and homework. Now, after ten years of wishing for a normal life, she finally has to accept her role in the centuries-old war against the darkest outcasts of Faerie: the Dark Elves. Aided by a gorgeous half-fey dropout, Donna must race to save her best friend’s life - even if it means betraying one of the world’s greatest secrets and confronting the very thing that destroyed her family.

I really just think the artwork in this cover is simply beautiful. It is so intricate and detailed, I love it!!! Though it is a long long wait until the release date,  I'm just going to have to withstand! What do you think of this book? What are you waiting for this Wednesday?

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Posted in: faeries,Paranormal,paranormal romance,Waiting On Wednesday

Review: The Reckoning by. Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Reckoning                                                Author: Kelley Armstrong
Age Range: 13+
Publication Date: April 6, 2010
Pages: 391
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 8/10

Synopsis from Goodreads: Only two weeks ago, life was all too predictable. But that was before I saw my first ghost. Now, along with my supernatural friends Tori, Derek, and Simon, I’m on the run from the Edison Group, which genetically altered us as part of their sinister experiment. We’re hiding in a safe house that might not be as safe as it seems. We’ll be gone soon anyway, back to rescue those we’d left behind and to take out the Edison Group . . . or so we hope.


Initial Thought:  "Nooo, why oh why must this series end. I still can't wait to read it!!!"
End Thought: "I loved it. I might just write a letter to the author so I can get at least one of my questions answered."

Review: I couldn't wait at all to read this book. Right after I finished The Awakening I knew I had to read The Reckoning immediately. I had to read it so bad that I ended up betraying my morals and reading the book on my friends e-reader. I know, shame, but it was so worth it. The plot line of the Darkest Powers series deepens and thickens so much in this book. And so many new aspects of Chloe, Derek, Simon, and Tori's past is revealed and the role they play in this book is so extensive that I am coming out of this series with a lot more questions than I went into it with. 

The plot in this book is far more intense, fast paced, and all in all more interesting than the other books. This book introduced and really developed many parts of the series I was hoping to learn more about. But as true as that was, the way the plot thickened and different parts were developing, I had no idea how it could possibly be the last book in the series and until the end of the book, I still felt the same way. Many of the secrets of the Edison group and how exactly why they are out to get the "altered supernaturals" are revealed, but not as developed as I would have liked.

The romance is amplified 100% in this third book, and I was definitely happy to see that. I really don't want to give anything away, but from the beginning of the book I could feel the attraction between these two characters even as the plot became a lot more action-packed and serious.

I so desperately wanted to give this book a perfect score. I loved it that much. But that love was fresh in my mind for about 10 minutes until my brain began registering, and the immense amount of questions built up. I can't really say without spoiling the book, but they were pretty significant, maybe not that much to the main plot, but to the bunches of mini plots going on in the story as well. The book itself did not feel rushed, but the details felt rushed and overlooked, which led to many new questions, with none of them being evaluated or answered. I definitely believe that this book could have gone on to have a fourth even fifth book, and I know I would have been more satisfied with an ending that answered my questions.

In a nutshell, I loved this book. Mainly because I loved the rest of the series and it had as much strong points as a book can have. Beware though, don't come into reading this book thinking that all the answers you have from the books before or this book will be answered, you are going to have to make your own inferences regarding those.

Recommendations: All fans of the others books cannot stop at either The Awakening or The Summoning. You must read this one, it is by a long shot the best one of the series. And to all those who are on the fence about reading the series, it is definitely worth it as it combines a great new paranormal plot line, great characters, and a subtle romance, that I'm pretty sure could carve anybody's book cravings!
 
 
Characters: 9/10 
Plot: 8/10
Originality: 8/10 
Entertainment: 10/10 
Ending: 7/10 
Writing Style: 10/10 
Cover: 10/10
  

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Posted in: Magic,paranormal romance,werewolves

Review: Asleep by. Wendy Raven McNair

Title: Asleep                                                           Author: Wendy Raven McNair
Age Range: 13+
Publication Date: April 23, 2009
Pages: 422
Genre: Romance, Heroes, supernatural
Rating: 10/10

Synopsis from Goodreads:  Adisa Summers doesn't know her boyfriend, Micah Alexander, can fly. Micah's odd emotionless behavior, rigid posture, and vacant eyes are a mystery sending mixed messages to Adisa. When a flash of lightning sends a tree crashing down on her, Adisa is shocked to see Micah actually flying to her rescue! In an instant, Adisa is in his arms, looking up at the sky over his shoulder as they fly parallel to the ground. Micah shifts, shielding her completely with his body. As the tree explodes against Micah's back, Adisa feels him shudder with the impact and the air fills with wood chips and sawdust. Miraculously, they aren't smashed into the ground. They safely continue flying. Micah finally begins to open up to Adisa about his secret life as a superbeing and she discovers another shocking secret. Micah burns for her--literally as well as figuratively. ASLEEP is a superhero teen love story setting modern day Atlanta that's filled with thrills, romance, and suspense. 


Initial Reaction: "Finally! Characters that remind me of myself, I can't wait."
End Reaction: "Sure Daimon's a bad boy, and Edward sparkles, but my new man Micah can fly!!!"

Review: Asleep combines the best of a hot romance, the teen angst of growing up, and the exciting and suspenseful supernatural aspects of novels that I love. Adisa is just living life. She goes by living in the shadow of her two perfect twin sisters, and finding solace in the childhood superheroes she has loved all her life. Then mysterious, fine as heck, and stoic Micah comes and begins to show the smallest, emotionless interest in her, does she begin looking outside the usual limits of her life.

Adisa rocks the house. She is such a silent force. Yeah she is quiet, but she has a strong as heck mind under all that silence. I love how through the book Adisa doesn't lose herself. In some books when I flip from the front to the back of the book after I finish it, I found that the main character seems to be two different people, but Adisa doesn't change, she grows. She comes out of her shell after finding a part of herself that she never knew was even in there.

 Micah, Micah, Micah... Tall, dark, fly me into the night Micah. What can I say, he is so close to perfect, while being no where near there, (if that makes sense). He has a really soft spoken personality that distinguishes him from the typical male characters in YA. Yet, he is always prepared to save the day when it comes to Adisa, even when the people he is saving her from are those closest to him. I am definitely looking forward to reading more and getting to better understand who Micah really is in the next book.

The entire plot of Asleep is something totally different. I don't even know if I should categorize it as paranormal, maybe I'll call it supernormal or parasuper (supernatural + paranormal???).  The entire superhero world Wendy McNair  has created is nothing like I have ever read before. Not just your typical paranormal vampires, werewolves, faeries Oh My. More along the lines of supernatural healers, fliers, people who have the ability to hurl fireballs from their hands. And not just the characters, this whole idea of a different superhero world with leaders, laws, courts, prophecy's and everything else right under the noses of all the normal people amazes me.
  
Everything about this books intrigues me. The intense yet shy romance between Micah and Adisa that I could actually see building and getting stronger and closer. The mystery that is Micah: his world, his family, and his very existence and how Adisa fits into it. Something I really loved about the book is how everything connected. That initial attraction between Micah and Adisa wasn't as initial as was thought; there is a background story to every mystery, which usually ends up opening a new mysteries.

Overall, I loved and adored this book so much. It was exciting, beautifully written, and has me checking everyday for word on the release of the sequel.

Recommendations:  I recommend this book to romance lovers, paranormal and fantasy lovers, mystery lovers, and those looking for a great addition to their POC Reading List!!!


Characters: 10/10 
Plot: 10/10
Originality: 10/10 
Entertainment: 10/10 
Ending: 10/10 
Writing Style: 10/10 
Cover: 10/10
 

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Posted in: african american,paranormal romance,POC Challenge,Series

Review: Captivate by. Carrie Jones

Title: Captivate                                                            Author: Carrie Jones
Age Range: 12+
Publication Date: January 5th 2010
Pages: 273
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 9/10


Synopsis from goodreads: Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure -- despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his. 


Review: Captivate is a remarkable book, as a sequal to Need, I have to say the second surpassed the first,  leaving me even more excited about what else is comimg up in the series. Romantic, suspensful, and captivating (pun-intended), Captivate is a must read sequal that takes readers more into the faerie realm introduced in the first book and into the minds of new and old characters leaving you needing (another intended pun) more!!!

Zara, the spunky main character who has just recently lost her step-father, learned she is part faerie, and found out her real father is a faerie King that has been preying on little boys, is one of the many characters I fell back in love with after the months between reading Need and Captivate. In my opinion, Zara grew more as a character than anyone else in the book,  and that made me love the book so much more. From the naive girl in the first book (remember- the girl who runs towards the unnatural voice in the woods in the middle of the night calling her name), to an incredibly strong leading character who isn't afraid of taking risks and plunging into danger for the sake of those she loves. Watch out Rose (Vampire Academy) Zara's now in the running for my favorite leading character!!!

Nick, Issie, and Devyn also grow in this book. Issie is still the loveable best friend who would still do whatever it is to help her supernatural friends even if she isnt exactly sure what she is doing. I stilled loved Devyn, I jumped up and down when he finally got out of his wheelchair, but then sat immediately back down when I realized it wasn't Issie he was sharing this special moment with. I mean gosh, Devyn is the eptiome of how clueless guys really get. All through the book I was yelling at him "How can you do that to loveable Issie?". And Nick is still the overprotective "hero guy" he feels he needs to be throughout the book.

Where do I start with this plot? So much is going on. Escapes, new Kings, a developing love triangle, transformations, discoveries, and so many near death experiences, and the new King Astley is at the center of it all. To be honest, I really didn't like him at all. Not only because he threatened my beloved Nick's place in Zara's heart, but because he seems so fake. Everything he said seemed to be totally ingenuine, and just for the sake of getting on Zara's good side. It was annoying. Every chapter brings a new faerie tip, and shocking gasps making you want to change pages even faster!!!

The ending was the perfect setup for the next book. Though some might think it was just a way to guarantee readers buy the next book, I don't think of it like that at all. I am even more eager for the next book in this series than I was for the second, and I expect it to be just as great in every way!!!


I Recommend: I recommend this book to all lovers of paranormal romances, lovers of the first book, fae, love triangles, and a book that you will definately not be able to put down!!!


Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
Originality: 9/10
Entertainment: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Total: 9/10




 

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Posted in: faeries,paranormal romance,Review

Review: Need by. Carrie Jones

Title: Need                          
Author: Carrie Jones
Reading Level: 13+
Publication Date: December 2008
Pages: 306
Series: Captivate (sequal)
Rating: 9/10

Synopsis (BN.com): Zara White suspects there’s a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She’s also obsessed with phobias. And it’s true, she hasn’t exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane . . . but Zara’s pretty sure her mom just can’t deal with her right now.

She couldn’t be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara’s overactive imagination. In fact, he’s still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There’s something not right—not human—in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you’d have to fear.
  
Review: Need is a mesmoririzing tale of fairies and shapeshifters coupled with a truly unique story of paranormal romance.

Zara was one of the most unique characters I have ever read about. She just gets weirder and more interesting with each page. First off dealing with the death of a parent, and then having her mother ship her off across the country to help her cope has to be one of the hardest things to deal with. To top it all off there is a mysterious man followig her cross country and stealing little boys from Maine. Zara finds solace from all these mishapts in her life by reciting phobias, a weird obsession of hers.  Zara is a strong herorine. With all the dangers placed in front of her and all the time trying to move on with her life past her father's death. She still stands strong throughout the pages, and is willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of her loved ones. Though sometimes I find myself yelling at the book for her reckless decsions, I mean who runs towards the scary voice calling your name in the woods, I know I don't.

The story pulls together very well. There is always a linkage. From discovering the true reason her mother sent her to Maine, who her stepfather real is, who her new love interest Nick real is, and the identity of the mysterious man who has been following her and leaving no trace except for gold dust. I loved the shy romance between Nick and Zara, it was so cute and dangerous at the same time as they find out the dark secrets they have been hiding from eachouther. So much mysterious creatures, new identity's, shocking discoveries, in every page. 

The ending pretty much pulls the book together, but one solution leads to a new string of problems that I suspect will be the basis of the sequal. I recommend this book to all fans of paranormal, romance, and mystery books.

Characters: 9/10
Plot: 10/10
Originality: 10/10
Entertainment: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Total: 9/10 

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Posted in: paranormal romance,Review,Series

Review: Dead is the New Black

Title: Dead is the New Black                                           
Author: Marlene Perez
Reading Level: 12+
Publication Date: September 2008
Pages: 208
Series: Dead is so Last Year, Dead is a State of Mind
Rating: 8/10

Synopsis: Welcome to Nightshade, California; a small town full of secrets. It's home to the pyschic Giordano sisters, who have a way of getting mixed up in mysteries. During their investigations, they run across everything from pom-pom-shaking vampires to shape-shifting boyfriends to a clue-spewing jukebox. With their psychic powers and some sisterly support, they can crack any case.

Teenage girls are being mysteriously attacked all over town, including at Nightshade High School, where Daisy Giordano is a junior. When Daisy discovers that a vampire may be the culprit, she can't help but suspect head cheerleader Samantha Devereaux, who returned from summer break with a new look; Samantha appears a little . . . well, dead, and all the most popular kids at school are copying her style.

Is looking dead just another fashion trend for Samantha, or is there something 
more sinister going on? To find out, Daisy joins the cheerleading squad. 

Review: Dead is the New Black is a short but great read. When I picked up this book at my library, first off loved the title, but since it was so short, I anticipated a cute very light read. Although this book is small it packs a huge punch, that you will have no choice but to go pick up the rest of these books in a hurry!!!

The main thing I loved about this book was how the mystery and suspence never stopped. Marlene Perez adds a new elements throughout the book keeping you guessing and trying to figure out who did it before the main character. Daisy comes from a family of phycics, and being the only non-phycic she really wants to find a way to help her mom with the new case. When a bunch girls from the cheerleading squad at her school start coming on with mysterious illnesses, she decides to there's only one thing she can do to help; infiltrate. I loved Daisy throughout the book. She was a likeable character, althought I find a lot of her choices a little reckless, and daring, but they actually made me like her more.

The plot for this book was fast paced, but not rushed. Along with the attacks going on Daisy has to worry about her sister dating a werewolf, her mom still searching for their missing father whom Daisy is convinced ran off with another woman, and her new best friend who seems to be becoming more than a best friend. But all elements were pieced together tastefully. The author keeps you guessing and trying to decipher the clues, as a good suspence book should. Overall it was a very enjoyable read.

I dont usually read suspence, but I cant deny anything paranormal, and this book fit the two together perfectly. It had the mystery, and suspence, accompanied with a little romance on the side. This book was really an interesting read, and it was the perfect set up for the next book. I can tell the next books in the series will be even better now that all the characters have solid roles and seem more developed.

The only thing I didnt really like about the book was that there seemed to be a lack of setting development. I couldn't really understand how one minute her town is just the typical small town, and the second minute the news is reporting there is a soul life sucking vampire is on the loose and no one really gives it a second thought. I couldn't really understand how the paranomal element just seemed to fit in too perfectly without any speculation.

The ending of the book was good. The mystery was resolved but I stilled had more questions that I wanted answered which I suspect will be done in the next books!!!

I reccommend  this book to all fans of suspence, mystery, paranormal, romance, and a quick read.

Characters: 8/10
Plot: 7/10
Originality: 8/10
Entertainment: 9/10
Ending: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Cover: 8/10
Total: 8/10
 



 

 

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Posted in: paranormal romance,Review,Series

Review: Beautiful Creatures by. Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Creatures                                             
Author: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Reading Level: 12+
Publication Date: December 2009
Pages: 563
Series: Yes!!! Hopefully there will be a sequal.
Rating: 10/10  I know its rare!!!

Synopsis: There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Review:  I began reading this book with very high expectations, which usually isn't a good thing because it sets me up for dissapointment, but not in this case. Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl did not dissapoint with this enchanting tale of finding love in the dull town you wish to escape, and discovering that this dull town holds secrets you never dreamed of.
            First of all, this books was in a male perspective. Which from the begginning made me hesitant to read it. Nothing against guys, but I always thought a book would always be better told from a girls point of view. But not in this book, I cant imagine Beautiful Creatures being as great as it was without being told in Ethan's point of view. In romances, especially paranormal romances, there is always that aspect of the tall mysterious male love interest throughout the book. That is not lost in this book, as the mysterious male interest is now a female. I ended up loving Ethan from the beginning. His attitude towards his town, the death of the his mom, and his new love interest is fun to follow throughought the story. He was the most relatable character for me throughout the book. Lena was spectacular. She was a real herorine. Very mysterious and closed up, with a new secrect uncovered every chapter. Macon I still have to say is my favorite character. Although his isn't a main character, I couldnt help but love Lena's uncle throughout the story.
             From the beginning to the end there isn't a dull moment in this book. There is always something going on, always a new part of the mystery to unfold, and Ethan finds out the small and boring town that he grew up in isn't as it once seemed to him. From the newfound beings he discovers, to the magical powers and developments in Lena, this book is filled with new intrigue.
           The ending of this book was nothing short of phe·nom·e·nal!!! You think the rest of the book is good, get ready to be even more amazed as even more action comes in the ending. I cannot count how many times I gasped in shock, in the last few chapters. Back and forth between the new and old characters secrets revealed, identitys revealed, and shocking betrayals. The end left me falling off my bed, and desperate for a sequal.
          In the end, I know for sure this book will remain one of my favorites forever. I loved reading it all the way through, and will continue re-reading and re-reading until the sequal comes out (I have heard different things on whether or not there is going to be a sequal, so cross those fingers!!!). I reccommend this book to all fans of paranormal, romantic, suspence, and a book that will wow and amaze you days, weeks, months after you have finished reading it!!!



Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
Originality: 10/10
Entertainment: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Total: 10/10





 

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Posted in: paranormal romance,Review,Series

Review: The Pace by. Shelena Shorts

Title: The Pace
Author: Shelia Shorts                        Publication Date: August 2009      Pages: 302                          Series: The Pace, The Broken Lake        Rating: 9.3  out of 10

Synopsis: Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.

Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that is sure to have readers asking for more.
 

 Review: I would just like to start out by saying I really really loved this book. The topic of immortality is really becoming widespread in the YA community. Shelena Shorts is adding to that genre, but with a new original twist that has not tey been explored. The Pace combines a truly orignial plot with an enthralling romance that will keep your nose in the book from the first pages to the very last (which ends with a killer cliffhanger by the way).

The topic of immortality usually comes with the use of paranormal characters such as vampires, werewolves, fairies,  the whole shabang.  But in this book the immortal character is human. Weston's current state of being is due to a medical experiment that didn't go as planned and now causes Weston to age 1 year every 30 years. This was a new way to go about exlaining the topic, and with the scientific backup the give in the story, I actually found myself thinking as if the story was true, that something like this could occur in real life (yeah its that good).

Sophie is such a loveable character. She is very shy and content with just being herself by herself. But don't let the shyness cloud your judgement of her, she is a very strong-willed character who shows it in many aspects in her relationship with Weston and the lifechanging discoveries she encounters along the way. Weston is the smooth, smart, good looking, college boy. He is a great leading male character that I couldnt help fall in love with as the story went on.

The plot, the plot, oh the undescibeable plot.  The plot of this book was just great. The immortanlity and the issues that come with it on Westons part is very fun to read. And as the story goes on and Weston's and Sophies lives start to become more and more intertwined, the plotline just grows adding more twists that I hope to be unravelled in the next book in the series. The best part of the plot for me was the romance. I really liked how the romance between Sophie and Weston didn't feel rushed at all. It wasn't that undeniable instant attraction that is so common in books nowadays (dont get me wrong I love it) but in this book, you can actually see how their relationship blossoms and how Weston begins to trust Sophie with more and more of his sercrets as they fall in love.

The ending was an added pleasure to the book. Just as some questions are beginning to be solved, new ones come up. The ending was added a suspenceful and thrilling aspect to the book that I was not expecting. It goes to show how a book can pull you in from the front cover to the very last page. And the ending was also a great way to set up for the next book which I am anticipating to be just as good as this one.

All in all this was a great read. I reccommend it to all fans of romance, and paranormal readings. 

Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
Originality: 10/10
Entertainment: 9/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Cover: 10/10
Total: 9.3/10 

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Review: Poison Study by. Maria V. Snyder

Title: Posion Study

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Publication Date: March 2007

Pages: 416

Series: Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study
  Rating: 9.5/10

Synopsis from BN.com

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooma in the palace--and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust--and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...
 

Review:
             Finally!!! Thats what I kept on thinking while reading this book. Finally a book that was so incredibly mind boggolingly good (yes, I felt the need to make up a word to describe this book). To say this book was a page turner would be a huge understatement. I would describe it as a gripping start to a trilogy.
           The plot of this book was very original. I have never seen the idea of a poison taster ever explored before, and Maria V. Snyder did it in a remarkable way. The plot in Poision Study is filled with twists and turns. There are so many routes the plot takes throughout the book, just adding to the suspence and intrigue. As the magical element is added to the story Yelena's commitment to the commander, and her new mentor 
Valek is tested while she starts discovering revealing things about who she is and where she comes from. 
With every new question being answered throughout the book, a new one is asked, keeping readers on their toes to the very last sentence.
          Reading about a main character such as Yelena was one of the greatests parts of the book. She is a person whom, despite what she has been through and her place now as a poison taster, is confident in her own. She is a very intelligent character and it is reasuring reading about a female character that doesnt get over shadowed by the male characters around her. She is such a strong character I couldnt help but shout "you go girl" in various places throughout the book. Valek is also a great leading male character, its fun to see how him and Yelena change together throughout the story. 
        The ending was perfection, is was a great way to pull the whole book together while still leaving enough unanswered questions and inquiries to make the reader sprint to their nearest bookstore and grab the second book in the trilogy.
        This book had all the great qualities I look for in a book that can hold my attention days after I finish reading it. I reccommend this book to all those who are fans of magic, paranormal, suspence, romance, and just a great page turners that will keep you guessing!

Characters: 9/10
Plot: 10/10
Originality: 10/10
Entertainment: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Cover: 8/10
Total: 9.5/10
 

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Posted in: Magic,Paranormal,paranormal romance,romance