Book Review: Stork by Wendy Delsol

Title: Stork
Author: Wendy Delsol
Series: Stork #1 of 3
Publisher: Candlewick
Released: October 12, 2010
Website: http://www.wendydelsol.com/

Book Summary:

Family secrets. Lost memories. And the arrival of an ancient magical ability that will reveal everything.

Sixteen-year-old Katla LeBlanc has just moved from Los Angeles to Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, Katla soon finds out that she’s a Stork, a member of a mysterious order of women tasked with a very unique duty. But Katla’s biggest challenge may be finding her flock at a new school. Between being ignored by Wade, the arrogant jock she stupidly fooled around with, and constantly arguing with gorgeous farm boy and editor-in-chief Jack, Katla is relieved when her assignment as the school paper’s fashion columnist brings with it some much-needed friendship. But as Homecoming approaches, Katla uncovers a shocking secret about her past — a secret that binds her fate to Jack’s in a way neither could have ever anticipated. With a nod to Hans Christian Andersen and inspired by Norse lore, Wendy Delsol’s debut novel introduces a hip and witty heroine who finds herself tail-feathers deep in small-town life.

So this one gets point for originality. I've seen a lot of myths, lore, legends, and folktales tackled but have yet to read a book based on storks, you know the "where babies come from" kind of storks.   I've gone back and forth between giving this book 3 or 4 stars and finally went with 4 simply due to unique spin this book put on the folktales.  Of course this book did contain many of the typical YA fantasy/paranormal story-line elements you'd expect but it had enough inventive differences to make it memorable. I was however a little weirded out by the way the Stork Society called each other to gather for a meeting, it kind of made my skin crawl just thinking about it, perhaps that aspect was a little too original.

This is the first book in a series and I'll likely pick the next book up from the library to see where this story-line goes.  If you enjoy the young adult genre and are looking for something a little different give this one a try.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Some language, storks deliver babies so sex is implied and a couple of the candidates (including one teenager) are not married.

Source: Library

Also by Wendy Delsol:

Book Review: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Body Finder
Author: Kimberly Derting
Series: Book 1 of 4
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released: March 16, 2010
Website: http://www.kimberlyderting.com/


Book Summary:

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.

This was a creepy, suspenseful, romantic read.  A great mix of mystery, romance and fantasy.

Most of the book is told from Violet's point of view.  Violet hears "echoes" of both the dead and of those who've killed others.  For the most part this unique ability usually finds her digging up the bones of dead animals but occasional she stumbles across something much more horrifying.  No one knows of her ability except for her family and childhood friend Jay.

I loved watching Violet's relationship with Jay develop into something more than just friendship.  I'm a succor for the "best friend turned more than friend" kind of relationships.

Most of the story is told from Violet's perspective but there are short snippets thrown in that are written from the mind of a serial killer, that's that creepy part.

For those who scare easily you might not want to read this while home alone at night.  I don't scare easily and enjoy an occasional suspenseful, creepy book so I thoroughly enjoyed this one.  I'll definitely be reading the sequels.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Some language including 1 F word. No sex but some passionate making out. Creepy & suspenseful.

Source: Download from Audible.com

Also by Kimberly Derting

Book Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Scorpio Races
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: None
Publisher: Scholastic
Released: October 18, 2011
Website: http://maggiestiefvater.com/

Book Summary:

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

Technically classified as young adult fantasy this book seemed real. The water horses in this book are based on mythological creatures but Maggie wrote them in such a way that I wouldn't be surprised to see them coming up out of the sea the next time I visit the ocean.  A testament to what an amazing writer Maggie is.

Due to the fact that I loved Maggie's Mercy Falls werewolf series, the Scorpio Races has been high on my want to read list.  Although completely different than the Mercy Falls series the Scorpio Races did not disappoint.  The Scorpio races is less romance and more about the horses, the island, the people and the races themselves.

I found myself rooting for both Kate and Sean and hoping somehow they could both win the race.  Ultimately I found the ending of the book to be very satisfying.

There is some violence in this series due to the fierce, untamed nature of the water horses (but violence in books doesn't bother me the way sex and language does).

I started Maggie's Books of Faeries series but never got further than the first chapter of Lament. I think I'm going to give that series another try because this book proved to me that Maggie is a phenomenal writer.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: some language and violence

Source: Download from Audible.com

Also by Maggie Steifvater:
The Wolves of Mercy Falls



Books of Faerie

Book Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Title: Firelight
Author: Sophie Jordan
Series: Book #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released: September 11, 2010
Website: http://www.sophiejordan.net/

Book Summary:

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

I really liked this one! First off it was fairly clean there were just a couple instances of some milder language which makes it a book I can recommend without have to be overly concerned about the content.  The story moved along at a face pace and kept me entertained.

I was interested in the Draki lore/mythology. Firelight does follow the typical young adult paranormal fantasy storyline.  There was nothing unexpected yet there were unique aspects to this story that made it an enjoyable read.

If you devour young adult paranormal romances (Twilight, Fallen, Shiver, Mortal Instruments, Hush Hush, etc.) and haven't read this one you are missing out.  If these titles make you shudder then this is probably not for you.

I'll be starting the sequel soon!

Content: Just a couple instances of mild language

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: Download from Audible.com




The sequel Vanish was released on September 6, 2011

The third book Hidden is scheduled to be released in September of 2012.

Book Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Title: Unearthly
Author: Cynthia Hand
Series: Book #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Author's Website: http://www.cynthiahand.blogspot.com/


Book Summary:

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Another fabulous 2011 release that I finally got around to reading.  I guess one advantage to being behind is that I can now read the books fellow bloggers have voted the Best of 2011. Odds are that if several of my blogging friends have all loved a book I will too.  Unearthly is no exception to this rule.

So we're back to love triangles again but as I said in my last review nearly all the books I love have love triangles.  I actually like both boys in this one but am surprised because I'm not rooting for the character I thought I would be rooting for.  I loved that the relationships in this book didn't spontaneously happen overnight.  It took months for things to develop which was a nice change.

Hooray for another book that I would let my teenagers read.  I can not remember anything objectionable in this book.

In a way I'm glad I waited to read this book because we are left with so many unanswered questions at the end.  Thankfully the sequel comes out in less than two weeks and thanks to Netgalley & HarperTeen I have a copy of Hallowed waiting to be read.

I think Unearthly standouts in teen paranormal romance genre.  It is beautifully written and I loved the new take on angels.  Another book I highly recommend you read especially if like me you missed the boat when this one got released.

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!

Content: Clean

Source: Audio Download from Audible.com



The Ebook of Unearthlyis currently just .99 cents on Amazon.com. I highly recommend you splurge and spend the $1 to read this book if you have not read it yet.

The Sequel Hallowedwill be released on January 17, 2012.

Book Review: The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

Title: The False Princess
Author: Eilis O'Neal
Series: None
Publisher: Egmont USA
Released: January 25, 2011
Author's Website: www.eilisoneal.com

Book Summary:

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia's led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when it's revealed, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess, a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection. Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she's ever known.

Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins - long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control - she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.

Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history, forever.

A dazzling first novel, The False Princess is an engrossing fantasy full of mystery, action, and romance.

I'll be giving this one to my daughter to read.  The False Princess is a great book for tweens, teens & adults.  This book had a little bit of just about everything: romance, mystery, magic, history, adventure, fantasy.  Simply put it is just a great story that I enjoyed reading.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean Read

Source: Download from Audible.com

Book Review: The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Title: The Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Series: Book 1 of 3
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Released: September 27, 2011

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Fabulous story! Seriously this is just the kind of book I love to read.  Given the choice of what to read I gravitate towards young adult paranormal/fantasy.  The Daughter of Smoke and Bone was right up my alley. Despite some content I wish hadn't been there (see my note below), I couldn't help but love this story.  It's original and I love the way Laini writes.  One of my favorite recent reads.

Although The Daughter of Smoke and Bone wrapped up with a cliffhanger like ending it left me feeling satisfied.  Looking forward to the yet to be named sequel that will come out a year from now.  In the meantime I'm going to start on Laini's Dreamdark series hoping it will be half as good as this one.

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it.

Source: Received a review copy from publisher but I downloaded it from Audible.com.

Content: Not a clean read but neither was it overly explicit or graphic. The book started off with Karou in an art class drawing nudes, remorseful over having given up her virginity to the male model. I wasn't sure about the book at that point but it definitely went up from there. There was language throughout the first half of the book but I didn't notice as much during the second half of the book, probably because the character that swore the most was no longer a part of the storyline. There was implied sex but without details. Recommended only for older teens and adult.

Book Review: Slayers by C.J. Hill

Title: Slayers
Author: C.J. Hill (AKA Janette Rallison)
Series: Slayers Book 1 of ?
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Tags: Fantasy, Dragons,Young Adult

Dragons exist. They’re ferocious. And they’re smart: Before they were killed off by slayer-knights, they rendered a select group of eggs dormant, so their offspring would survive. Only a handful of people know about this, let alone believe it – these “Slayers” are descended from the original knights, and are now a diverse group of teens that includes Tori, a smart but spoiled senator’s daughter who didn’t sign up to save the world.The dragon eggs have fallen into the wrong hands. The Slayers must work together to stop the eggs from hatching. They will fight; they will fall in love. But will they survive?

Slayers is the first book in a new series by one of my favorite young adult authors. C.J. Hill is a pseudonym for author Janette Rallison. I've loved Janette's young adult romantic comedies and was excited that she has branched out into the fantasy genre.

Slayers is a great book I enjoyed reading.  This is a clean fantasy book that will appeal to a wide audience from tweens through adults.  C.J. Hill has created a unique breed of dragons and dragon slayers and written them into a fun story line.  I'm looking forward to the sequel.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean

Source: Review copy from author & ebook off Netgalley

Book Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Series: None
Released: September 13, 2011
Publisher: Doubleday
Tags: Fantasy, Magic

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.
True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.
Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

Many new books will debut this fall,
So many in fact, it’s hard to remember them all.
But one novel in particular I’d like to remind,
Defies all expectation, it’s one-of-a kind.
The title you ask? Why The Night Circus of course!
It’s a formidable debut, an enchanting tour de force.
A reminder if you have yet to enter the Circus gates,
A matchless world of wonder, novelty, and fervor eagerly awaits.
So I invite you dear friend to read with tenacity,
And you’ll see that the above is said with veracity.
Le Cirque des Rêves is calling your name,
Once you step inside, you’ll never be the same…

First off I listened to the audio version of this book.  Jim Dale is the narrator and everything came alive as he read this book.  I'm not sure if my experience would have been different if I had read the book.  It is full of details and descriptions.  It seemed like half this book was nothing more than imagery and the characters seemed almost secondary to the circus itself.  I usually enjoy books that are much more fast paced and plot driven but this held my attention the entire time.  It is beautifully written.

There is romance in this book but it wasn't the focus of the book. There was a large cast of characters who all played a large part in the story instead of just focusing on the two main characters.  This has to be one of the most original, well written books I've read.

Content: (May be considered a spoiler)
There was only one swear word that I remember in the entire book (but it was the F word) and one scene with implied sex.
So if you take white out to the F word on page 10 and skip the second half of page 295 it would be a clean read. (At least those were the page #s in the ARC I have).

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: ARC from publisher but I downloaded it from Audible.com because Jim Dale is the narrator.

Book Review: Tempestuous by Lesley Livingston

Title: Tempestuous
Author: Lesley Livingston
Series: Wondrous Strange Book 3 of 3
Released: December 21, 2010
Publisher: HarperTeen
Tags: Young Adult, Fantasy, Faeries

Book Summary contains Spoilers if you have not read Darklight.

I don't love Sonny Flannery."
That's the lie Kelley Winslow told to protect the boy she loves from a power he doesn't know he possesses. Devastated, Sonny retreats—to a haven for Lost Fae that's hidden deep underneath New York City.
But Kelley's not about to let things end in heartbreak. To get Sonny back, she's got to find out who's after his magick—and how to use her own. She's got to uncover who's recruiting Janus Guards to murderously hunt innocent Faerie. She's got to help rebuild the shattered theater company she called family. And she's got to do it all without getting dangerously distracted by the Fennrys Wolf, whose legendary heart of stone seems to melt whenever he's around Kelley.
The intrigue and romance that began with Wondrous strange andDarklight come to a stormy head in Tempestuous, the breathtaking conclusion to Lesley Livingston's ravishing urban Faerie trilogy.

This was a great end to a great series. I listened to an audio version of this book and Lesley Livingston again did a fabulous job as the narrator. We've had A Midsummer's Night Dream then Romeo & Juliet and now references to Shakespeare's The Tempest.  I have really enjoyed this series, the exact type of books I love to read.

It's nearly impossible to write a review of the 3rd book in a series without including spoilers so this will be brief (as most of my reviews usually are anyway).  All the unanswered questions from the series are all wrapped up nicely and everything comes together in this satisfying conclusion to the Wondrous Strange trilogy.  This book has a little of everything: magic, mythology, mystery, adventure and romance.  A series I would highly recommend.

The main characters Kelley & Sonny are of course fabulous but there is also a great cast of supporting characters as well. I love Fenrys, Tyff, Chloe, Maddox, Jack, Bob and all the rest.

If you enjoy faerie fantasy and can handle some mild language then try this series.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: Audible.com download

Content: Some language

Book Review: Crossroads by Mary Ting

Title: Crossroads
Author: Mary Ting
Series: 1st in a Series
Released: July 29, 2011 (First published April 6, 2011)
Publisher: World Castle
Tags: Angels, Young Adult, Fantasy

On the same night of her friend’s tragic death, Claudia Emerson encounters another world, Crossroads, through her dream. There, she learns about a mix breed of angels and humans, who possess supernatural powers. Among those with these powers, lies evil, known as the fallen. Mystified by her ability to enter this place called Crossroads, certain that the fallen will be after her, she is assigned a guardian angel named Michael. Aden, the fallen leader, is convinced that Claudia holds the key to help destroy Crossroads. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.

Currently there are a wide variety of young adult books that deal with angels... I've read a lot of them. Crossroads is a welcome addition, especially for those looking for a different, unique twist on fallen angel/guardian angel mythology.

There are a few details in the story line I wish had been explained more clearly, but overall I was satisfied. The writing is descriptive and believable and the characters were well developed and likable.  There was enough mystery to keep my interest and bring me back to the story, but it was a book I could put down. Crossroads is first in a series and wrapped up nicely, at least without the Epilogue. If you stop reading before the epilogue this could be a stand alone.

Overall Crossroads is fairly clean. There is quite a bit of romance and kissing that takes place including one scene where Claudia inexplicably ends up without a shirt on.

If you love this genre give this one a try, it's received some great reviews on goodreads.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Source: From Author for Review

Content: no language or sex but has a passionate kissing scene with the main character in just a bra.

Have you read Crossroads? What did you think? If you have posted a review on your blog or website please feel free to link it up.

Book Review: Darklight by Lesley Livingston

Title: Darklight
Author: Lesley Livingston
Series: Wondrous Strange book 2 of 3
Released: December 22, 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Tags: Young Adult, Fantasy, Faeries, Romance

The Book Summary contains spoilers if you have not read Book 1: Wondrous Strange.

Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was a Faerie princess, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved the mortal realm from the ravages of the Wild Hunt.

Now Kelley is stuck in New York City, rehearsing Romeo and Juliet and missing Sonny more with every stage kiss, while Sonny has been forced back to the Otherworld and into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the remaining Hunters and Queen Mabh herself.

When a terrifying encounter sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful but destined to be cut short. An ancient, hidden magick is stirring, and a dangerous new enemy is willing to risk everything to claim that power.
Caught in a web of Faerie deception and shifting allegiances, Kelley and Sonny must tread carefully, for each next step could topple a kingdom . . . or tear them apart.

With breathtakingly high stakes, the talented Lesley Livingston delivers soaring romance and vividly magical characters in Darklight, the second novel in the trilogy that began with Wondrous Strange.

Lots of twists and turns in this sequel to Wondrous Strange. Although I enjoyed this book, it wasn't quite as good as the first book in the series. If I had read Darklight when it was released I would have been annoyed with the cliffhanger ending. Thankfully the third and final book Tempestuous is already out so I started on it as soon as I finished Darklight. It picks up moments after this book end.

I love the world and characters Lesley Livingston has created.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: A little language

Source: Audio download from Audible.com


Have you read Darklight? What did you think? If you have posted a review on your blog please feel free to link it up.

Book Review: Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

Title: Wondrous Strange
Author: Lesley Livingston
Series: Wondrous Strange Book 1 of 3
Released: September 9, 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Tags: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Faeries, Midsummer's Night Dream

17 year-old Kelley Winslow doesn’t believe in Faeries. Not unless they’re the kind that you find in a theatre, spouting Shakespeare—the kind that Kelley so desperately wishes she could be: onstage, under lights, with a pair of sparkly wings strapped to her shoulders. But as the understudy in a two-bit, hopelessly off-off-Broadway production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, wishing is probably the closest she’s going to get to becoming a Faerie Queen. At least, that’s what she thinks... In this fun, urban fantasy, Kelley's off-stage life suddenly becomes as complicated as one of Shakespeare’s plot twists when a nighttime trip to Central Park holds more than meets the mortal eye.

The Wondrous Strange series has been on my to-read list for nearly two years. I had company coming this past weekend and needed to spend a day cleaning so I needed a good audio book to listen to. Wondrous Strange did the trick and I got my house clean and an entire book listened to all in one day.

I was a little worried when I started this and it said "read by the author". Most of the books I have listened to that have been read by the author have been a less than stellar performance. Thankfully Lesley Livingston did a great job with the narration of her book.

I enjoy young adult faerie stories and love the characters from Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream so Wondrous Strange was right up my alley. I loved the Iron Fey series and although this book has some of the same characters it is completely different.

I was completely drawn into the story, loved the writing and characters. I'm just about to start the sequel Darklight.  For those who enjoy young adult faerie stories I recommend you give this book a try, I'm hoping the rest of the series is as good as this one.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: Audio download from Audible.com

Content: a little language (maybe 4 or 5 times throughout but no F word)

Have you read & reviewed Wondrous Strange? Feel free to link you to your review.

Book Review: Lost Truth (Truth #4) by Dawn Cook

This is the final book in nationally bestselling author Dawn Cook's magical ''Truth Series''. One last lesson. Alissa is steadily advancing in her magical studies with the last surviving Master at the legendary Hold. But she's haunted by dreams--dreams revealing that other Masters have survived. Alissa's dreams lead her to a distant island where she and a rescue party discover countless Masters, alive and part of a flourishing magical society. But instead of being welcomed, Alissa finds that she herself may need to be rescued. The Masters' leader, Keribdis, believes that she should be Alissa's teacher, whether Alissa likes it or not. When Alissa rebels, she endangers not only her magic but also her life.

I'm not going to say a lot in this review because I don't want to spoil this series for anyone who has not read it. I thought this was a fabulous end to the series that brought many loose ends together and tied everything up very nicely.

I've been very impressed by Dawn Cook's Truth series. This was the 4th and final book and I enjoyed them all. It's nice to find a epic fantasy series that is clean and entertaining. Glad I read these.



Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Audible.com download

Book Review: Forgotten Truth by Dawn Cook

This third book of the enchanting Truth Series is a tale of magic and love. Alissa is the only student living in the Hold, learning a millennium's worth of magic from the last surviving Master. Even shape-shifting to her dragon-like raku form is becoming second nature. But when a spell goes awry, Alissa is transported back four centuries to an era when the Hold and its city thrive with magic students and their tutors. Separated from the man she loves by four hundred years, Alissa's distress and confusion are causing her to lose control of her shape-shifting. If she can't return to her own time, Alissa will be permanently transformed into her bestial form with no memory of her human life--or her love.
I'm really enjoying this series. Forgotten Truth, the 3rd book in the series, involves time travel and finally gives me a reason to like Lodesh or at least feel compassion towards him. It sets up a love triangle for the 4th book. I'm interested to see where this story goes and hope there is a happily ever after for all the characters although I'm definitely rooting for Strell.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Download from Audible.com

Book Review: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

What really happened to Anastasia Romanov?


Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.


In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams…

I accepted a review copy of Haunted which is the sequel to Anastasia Dreaming. As I don't read books out of order I quickly read this one so I can start Haunted.

Dreaming Anastasia is a book that is right up my alley... magic, fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, adventure, fairy tale with a little romance mixed in.  The legend of Anastasia Romanov mixed with the Russian folktale character Baga Yaga meets modern day Anne Michaelson for a unique story that I enjoyed.

Without reading the epilogue this book could have almost been a stand alone.  However after reading the prologue I'm intrigued and looking forward to reading the sequel tonight.

When I put this book down I was drawn back to it wondering how it was going to end.  The story is told from alternating narrators of Anne, Anastasia and Ethan which meant great character development for all of them.  Twists and turns kept this from being a predictable read.




Content: Language throughout, talk of boyfriend's groping hands, smoking

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Library

Book Review: Secrets and Shadows (13 to Life #2) by Shannon Delany

Summary: Nothing's simple when you run with werewolves. Jess Gillmansen thinks she's seen it all but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she's suspected. With Jess' realization that the Rusakovas' mother is still alive and imprisoned, the group's choices become harder and trust more important. Lines are drawn and relationships change as the broken Rusakova family struggles to reunite to free their mother - and those who Jess thought to be normal people show themselves to be much, much more...

First let me say I enjoyed Secrets and Shadows and am really looking forward to the next book. This one had a cliffhanger ending and I'm grateful to only have a 6 month wait instead of the typical year wait between sequels.

Secrets and Shadows kept me turning the pages wanting to know what happened next and had me frustrated at the same time. Pietr and Jessica's choices drove me crazy through the first half of the book and I didn't like or trust Sarah or Derek and just wanted them out of the picture. There are so many subplots and characters in this book that play an important roll in the story. At the end of this book we have some answers but just as many unanswered questions. This is a complex storyline with many twists and turns and I was left guessing where the story was headed but enjoyed the ride.



Content: Swearing and innuendo

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: ARC Tour

Blog Tour: Book Review: Shadow of the Sun by Laura Kreitzer

Gabriella's past is a mystery, but that never stopped her from achieving her goals. As a supernatural specialist, and far more intelligent than anyone her age, she has always been ignored by her peers. Because of the isolation she has always felt, she put her life and soul into her job. Being a supernatural specialist hasn't given her the divine intervention she always longed for, until one day a shipment arrives from Italy containing three dead bodies with an uncanny ability to regenerate. Gabriella is frightened and intrigued, but not as scared as she becomes when a dark creature attacks her.


As the bodies come back to life, the plot takes an unexpected twist that you won't see coming. The supernatural world only begins to unfold before her as angels appear, her dreams start to haunt her, and the very past she has forgotten comes back with startling clarity. Romance blooms, escape plans are made, an assassin is out to kill her, and death is only around the corner. But what is more terrifying than all of it is the fact she is the chosen one, the Illuminator, the one who will save them all.

When I received this book in the mail I honestly thought "Oh no! What did I agree to review" - a 500+ page self published book?  Honestly my expectations were not very high and I put off reading this book until the last possible minute.  A great reminder to me that first impressions are often inaccurate!

My initial judgement of this book was completely wrong.  This book is fabulous!  I was surprised at how quickly I was able to read this book.  Despite being 500 pages long Shadow of the Sun is a fast paced, quick read.  The story was original, imaginative and held my interest through the entire thing. I loved the characters and the original take on angels.

This is a great start to a new series.  A good mix of everything I love fantasy, romance, action, mystery, adventure... There will be 5 books in this series and I've added them all to my to read list.  Well done Laura!



For all the stops on the The Teen {Book} Scene Blog Tour: http://theteenbookscene.weebly.com/timeless-series-tour-details.html

Content: Just a few swear words

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

Book Review: Hidden Truth by Dawn Cook

Alissa never believed in magic. But then she went to the Hold, a legendary fortress where human Keepers once learned magic from enigmatic Masters. Under the tutelage of the last surviving Master, Alissa discovered that she had inherited her father's magical ability. But the Hold is ruled by Bailic, the renegade Keeper who seized the First Truth, a book of magic he will use to harness the might of the city of the dead and wreak a war of total devastation. The book has thwarted Bailic's every attempt to access it, while it continually calls to Alissa--who must summon all her will to resist it. For if she gives in to the First Truth' s ultimate power and knowledge, she will be utterly changed--and the man she loves could be lost to her forever.

Hidden Truth is the second book in the Truth Series by Dawn Cook AKA Kim Harrison. This will be a short review since I don't want to spoil this series for anyone who has not read the series. Great characters and story make this a fantasy series worth reading. The second book has a little more romance than the first. Ready to start book #3 of this enjoyable fantasy series.  If you like clean fantasy give this series a try, I'm sure liking it.

This would be a 5 Star book but there are a few places where the story lags a little.



Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Audio Download from Audible.com

Book Review: First Truth by Dawn Cook

Alissa doesn't believe in magic. her father's stories about the Hold, a legendary fortress where human Keepers learn magic from the enigmatic Maters, are just that―stories. But her mother insists that Alissa has inherited her father's magical ability, and so she must go to the Hold―the only place her talents can be trained.


On her way, she crosses paths with Strell, a wandering musician from the plains. And though Alissa is not sure she can trust a plainsman, Strell has something she needs―one of her father's old maps. Traveling together, they can reach the Hold before the snow sets in.


But they don't know that the Hold is nearly empty. Something is very wrong and someone believes that Alissa and Strell knows about a book called First Truth.

Up until just over a week ago I had never heard of this series before. I was looking for a new audio book to listen to and my friend Diane had rated this one 5 stars. We have similar taste in books so I thought I'd give it a try. This was right up my alley!

I love fantasy, especially clean fantasy. I tried explaining this book to my husband yesterday and couldn't. It's such a simple storyline but like most epic fantasy it's full of complex details. 

If you enjoy epic fantasy give this series a try.  I loved watching the relationship between Strell and Alissa develop. First Truth is a clean read with great characters and just subtle hints of romance which will hopefully become not quite so subtle in the rest of the series.  As soon as I finished this last night I downloaded and started on book 2 in the series.



Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Audible.com download