Book Review: Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Title: Bloodrose
Author: Andrea Cremer
Series: Nightshade Book #3 of 3
Publisher: Philomel
Released: January 3, 2012
Website: http://www.andreacremer.com/


Book Summary:

Calla has always welcomed war.

But now that the final battle is upon her, there's more at stake than fighting. There's saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay's wrath. There's keeping Ansel safe, even if he's been branded a traitor. There's proving herself as the pack's alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers' magic once and for all. And then there's deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

First off this far too adult in nature to be a young adult book in my opinion.

Skip this paragraph if you don't want a spoiler. I was extremely annoyed that after sleeping with one character Callah was then making out with the other one while in nothing but a towel and who knows how far that would have gone if they weren't interrupted. This book should have been cleaned up or marketed only to adults.

Thanks to a disgruntled reader who started her ranting review I can't believe Andrea Cremer.... I knew some of what was coming in the storyline. I debated whether to just skip the final book in this series but decided I wanted to know how the story ended. I didn't really love the ending. I was actually unsatisfied with it.

I do think the way Andrea writes is well done.  She drew me back into a story I didn't like and kept me reading to the end.  I just didn't like where she went with her story line.

Rating: 2.5 Stars - Take it or leave it

Content: Langauge, sex & violence

Source: Library

Book Review: Awakened by Ednah Walters

Title: Awakened
Author: Ednah Walter
Series: Guardian Legacy
Publisher: August 22, 2010
Released: Pill Hill Press
Website: http://www.ednahwalters.com/


Book Summary:

Most teens turn sixteen and get the license to drive, but Lil Falcon gets the license to kill demons. Orphaned as a child and raised by an eccentric grandfather, Lil is concerned with surviving high school and is unaware that she's a Guardian-a being with super powers charged with killing demons and protecting humanity. When she meets Bran, a mysterious boy with amazing abilities, his psi energy unlocks her latent powers. But Bran has a secret that can ruin their growing relationship, and the truth she discovers may destroy everything she believes in unless she finds the right balance between love and sacrifice.

When originally given the chance to review this book I turned it down. I took one look at this cover and dismissed the book. I really had no desire to read it thinking it was likely going to have content I'd find objectionable.

However over the past year or so I've had many interactions with author Ednah Walters. A recent plea for me to review the sequel to this book opened a line of discussion in which I was assured there wasn't anything really objectionable in this book so I agreed to read it.

They say don't judge a book by it's cover and for me that applies to Awakened. My initial judgement of this book based on the cover was far from accurate. Other than a couple mild swear words there wasn't anything objectionable in this book. In fact it was far cleaner than most of the young adult books I've read lately.

I found the mythology of the Xenithians and Hermonites to be both unique and intriguing. The glossary of terms, characters and lineage at the beginning of the book came in handy more than once as the story unfolded. I'd expected this book to be more romance than anything else but the romance was just a part of the story line.  This book was a fast paced good verses evil tale that was full of great characters and relationships. I will definitely be picking up the next book Betrayed.

Rating; 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Cleaner than most YA I've read lately- just a little mild language

Source: From Author for Review

Book Review: Reaper by Rachel Vincent

Title: Reaper
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers Novella 3.5
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: November 16, 2010
Website: http://rachelvincent.com/


Book Summary

Tod Hudson was a typical teenager. He liked girls, sports, food and tolerated his younger brother, Nash. In fact, he had his whole life in front of him--and due to his bean sidhe heritage, it was going to be a very long life indeed. And then the car accident occurred.
Suddenly Tod's future wasn't so sure, and he had to make a choice. Life... Death... or something Between....
An ebook exclusive Soul Screamers series novella.

I started reading the 5th book in The Soul Screamers series (If I Die). About 1/4 of the way in I had to stop and read this book. I had a sudden desire to learn more about Tod. I've always liked Tod but as he started to take a big role in I was compelled to learn more about him.

If you are a Soul Screamers fan this novella is a must read. It's a short read but provides so much vital information within its pages.  This fits in as book 3.5 in the series but I would recommend reading book 4 first and then going back and reading this one. Sabine is mentioned and I liked not knowing anything about her relationship with Nash when I started book 4.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Similar to the others in the series - language, innuendo, crude comments, talk of sex

Source: Bought

Book Review: My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent

Title: My Soul to Steal
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers Book 4 of 7
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: December 21, 2010
Website: http://rachelvincent.com/

Book Summary:

Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can't just pretend nothing happened. But "complicated" doesn't even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

See, Sabine isn't just an ordinary girl. She's a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people's fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn't above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

This series has sucked me in... I'm sleep deprived but can't seem to get enough.

How to write a review for Book #4 in the series without spoilers? Not really possible!

If you've read this series and made it through book 3 then you'll likely love this addition to the series. For some reason I'm just pulled into these books. They are NOT clean reads. The first book wasn't too bad but the heat just keeps increasing with each book. In this one Sabine oozes sex, she's sex personified and there is nothing subtle about her actions.

Despite the content which I wish was toned down a little, I haven't felt such emotion while reading a series in years. My emotions were in turmoil while reading this book. Sabine is so awful. I abhor her and yet somehow came to love her too - is such a thing possible? Nash - to love him or hate him? I keep flip-flopping back and forth and it's making me crazy. Add in an evil Netherworld element and it's one wild ride of a story.

Rating: 5 Stars - I Loved It

Content: Once again this book was another step up from the last one. More language, more sex talk, more innuendo.

Source: Audible.com download

Book Review: My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent

Title: My Soul to Save
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers Book #2 of 7
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: December 29, 2009
Website: http://rachelvincent.com/


Book Summary:

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies.

So when teen pop star Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn't wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can't cry for someone who has no soul.

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad's ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend's loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls: a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can't possibly understand.

Kaylee can't let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk….

This novel enlightened me on what is actually going on with all the Disney Channel & Disney Movie Stars. Thank you Rachel for finally clearing up exactly what Disney is doing to these young child stars. Oh wait Disney wasn't even mentioned in this book?  Could have fooled me!

I have the worst time writing reviews on sequels. It's so hard! I hate spoilers. I prefer to pick up a book not even having read the back cover. I don't want to know where I'm going until I get there.

So all I am going to say is that I really enjoyed My Soul to Save.  It's a great addition to the Soul Screamers Series which is unique, well written and very entertaining.

The first book got a full 5 Stars, this one comes close with 4.5. A little too much content for my liking and not quite as good as the first book.  But having already read books 3 & 4 in this series I can say that it's been a long time since I've been pulled into a series and felt such emotion while reading.

Rating: 4.5 Stars Highly Recommend (as long as you have read the content warning first).

Content: language, innuendo and sexual content. There was always an "interruption" (Tod or the phone) before things went all the way but there was definitely desire, passion, making out and wandering hands. (Please note that with each new book in this series the level of sexual content has escalated, book one is fairly mild but by book four the heat was quite high for a young adult book).

Source: Download from Audible.com

This book is part of Soul Screamer Volume One:

Book Review: My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent

Title: My Soul to Lose
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Prequel to Soul Screamers Series (novella)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: July 1, 2009
Source: Read Online
Website: http://rachelvincent.com/


Book Summary:

It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed and it's the worst day of her life.

Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.

She tries to convince everyone she's fine--despite the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream which comes burbling up again and again. Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities....

"An eBook exclusive prequel to Rachel Vincent's SOUL SCREAMERS series."

Read it for FREE Here: http://soulscreamers.com/soulscreamers/sites/all/themes/harlequin/mysoultolose.pdf

My Soul to Lose is a short Prequel to My Soul to Take.

I'm actually glad I read My Soul to Take first. This could have been a prologue to that book but I liked not knowing what was in this book when I read My Soul to Take. I think you can honestly go either way, read this first or the book first but I would recommend reading My Soul to Take first.

There is really nothing more I can say that won't be a spoiler.  A must read for Soul Screamers fans.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: language, innuendo and some crude comments

Source: Read Online on the Soul Screamers website

Soul Screamers Volume One: My Soul to Lose, My Soul to Take & My Soul to Save

Book Review: My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

Title: My Soul to Take
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers Book #1 of 7
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: July 29, 2009
Website: http://rachelvincent.com/


Book Summary

She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.

I probably should have reviewed this book as soon as I finished it earlier this week. Instead I found and read its prequel, then picked up the 2nd book in the series, and then the 3rd. I started the 4th book at midnight last night and have already finished it and just bought book number 5. As soon as I'm done with that I'm planning to buy the 2 novellas I've not yet read. I'm sleep deprived but just can't seem to get enough of this series.

It's been way too long since as series of books kept me up because I couldn't put them down.  I'm sure it helps that the first five books in the series are already out.  I've loved being able to finish one and jump right into the next one.  In fact part of me wishes I'd waited to start this series until all the books were out. I have a feeling the wait for the last two books in the series is going to be excruciating.

So did I like the first book My Soul to Take? Most definitely.  It is original and full of twists and turns and some amazing characters.  I loved both the story line and the characters.  My knowledge of folklore is obviously lacking because I didn't even know what a bean sidhe was prior to starting this book. Rachel Vincent's version of banshees & grim reapers is both creative and entertaining.

Content: language, making out, innuendo, sexual tension. (Having now finished the first 4 books of the series I should note that the intensity of the content has increased with each book).

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend to Older Teens & Adults

Source: Audible.com Download

Book Review: Die for Me by Amy Plum

Title: Die for Me
Author: Amy Plum
Series: Revenants Book #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released: May 10, 2011
Website: http://www.amyplumbooks.com/


Book Summary:

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

I don't think I've ever read a Zombie book before. Prior to Die for Me if you asked me I'd probably say I don't like Zombies. This book definitely changed that opinion. Similar to the way Twilight changed my opinion on vampires Die for Me changed the way I see Zombies. Called Revenants, a term I had never heard prior to reading this book, these zombies are a far cry from the gruesome creatures I picture when you say the word zombie.

I loved everything about this book. From the characters and story-line to the action and romance, this book seemed as if it were written just for me. Although this book follows the typical young adult paranormal romance story-line it was completely unique in many ways and left me wanting for nothing except to get my hands on the sequel as soon as possible.

Die for Me is a beautifully written book that I won't soon forget. The sequel Until I Die is definitely on the top of my want ("need now") list.

Content: I can't remember anything that was objectionable in this book (maybe I was too engrossed in the story to notice).

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it.

Source: Audible.com Download



The sequel Until I Diewill be released on May 3, 2012.

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: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Title: Wolfsbane
Author: Andrea Cremer
Series: Book #2 of 3
Publisher: Philomel/Penguin
Released: July 26, 2011
Author's Website: http://www.andreacremer.com/

Book Summary:

When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer, one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack and the man she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Wolfsbane picks up right where Nightshade left off.  In this book we are introduced to a whole new cast of characters and we learn a lot more about the mythology/lore of the Searchers, Keepers & Guardians.  I let myself enjoy the story and get lost in this world although there were a few things that seemed to come just a little to easily to be believable to me.  I guess that's the nice things about fantasy novels - the world the author creates can play by its own rules.

The love triangle is still in full swing as Calla can't seem to make a decision and stick to it.  Although I predict she'll end up with Shay eventually I'm not actually rooting for either Ren or Shay after this story, they both did things that irritated me.  After redeeming himself at the end of Nightshade I really thought Ren might make a comeback in this story but found myself disappointed with his actions. Shay took a backseat on the adventures in this book and didn't play nearly the part I thought he would.  Although once again Calla has made a decision I think we'll see more waffling in Bloodrose.

I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a great job.  Although the book held my interest throughout I was a little put off by some of the content.  As a parent I don't like it when young adult books have sex scenes in them, it makes me uncomfortable. Yes I understand in the real world things go on but I'm much more of a fade to black and keep it behind closed doors type of a reader.  In my opinion this book is much more adult than young adult. This one didn't have the sexual desire and tension dripping from every page like Nightshade did but what content was there was much more intense than the first book.

I will finish out this series sometime soon because I am interested to see how things play out.  It won't go down as my favorite series but it has been an imaginative, fast paced story that I've enjoyed reading.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Content: Having read the first book in the series this I was expecting content in this one. Wolfsbane did not have as many instance of sexual tension, desire, innuendo, etc. as Nightshade had, but what was there was more graphic than the first book including two scenes with way too much detail for a young adult book.  My teens won't be reading this one.

Source: Download from Audible.com



The Nightshade Series:


Rift: Prequel to Nightshade


Novellas:


Shadow Days: HERE

Book Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Title: Nightshade
Author: Andrea Cremer
Series: Book #1
Publisher: Philomel/Penguin
Released: October 19, 2010
Author's Website: http://www.andreacremer.com/

Book Summary:

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything- including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

My 3rd read of 2012 is one that has been on my list for a long time. I added Nightshade to my to read list in June of 2010. I've heard great things about this book and I had a copy of it at one point but gave it away in a giveaway before I had the chance to read it. I finally downloaded it from Audible.com to listen to it.

Books like this one are incredibly hard for me to give a rating to. If I could base my rating solely on the storyline this book would probably be a 5 star book. I loved the story and the new take on mythical creatures. The werewolves or guardians as they are called in this story were unique and I was drawn into the story. I flew through this book in one day. It was well written and I wanted to keep reading despite the content.

Speaking of content... this book had way more than I expected. I realize in hindsight that it was my error thinking this was clean read. Not sure where I got that idea but it was not a clean read. There was language throughout (most of it mild) and plenty of sexual tension, innuendo and desire. There were no actual sex scenes but I wouldn't give this one to my teenagers. The males in this book were allowed to "play" all they wanted but Calla was expected to be pure at her "union".  There was nothing really graphic but it seemed like every other page either Ren or Shay was making Calla's blood boil with desire creating quite the love triangle. Ok I'm exaggerating (a little) but there was obviously some raging nearly out of control hormones at work.

Speaking of love triangles... I'm not sure if I'm voting for Ren or Shay. It was Shay all the way through until the end when Ren redeemed himself in my book. I have a feeling Ren might make a come back in the next book.

I've just started on the sequel Wolfsbane which has picked up right where this one left off.  The cliffhanger ending would have been an issue if I had read this when it was released but since the series is now complete I can just jump right to the next book.

So the question is - Is this book for you?  If you enjoy young adult paranormal and don't mind some content then yes.  If you are looking for a clean read then no.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great story.

Content: Much more than I expected - language througout and plenty of sexual desire, innuendo, tension and talk without any actual sex scenes.

Source: Download from Audible.com



The Nightshade Series:


Rift: Prequel to Nightshade


Novellas:


Shadow Days: HERE

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 Lost Saint by Bree Despain

Title: The Lost Saint
Author: Bree Despain
Series: Book 2 of 3 in The Dark Divine Trilogy
Published by: Egmont USA
Released: December 28, 2010

A family destroyed. A love threatened. An enemy returns.

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process.

Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot, a newcomer to town. But as the two grow closer, Grace's relationship with Daniel is put in danger - in more ways than one.

Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her - not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.

Bree Despain delivers sizzling romance and thrilling action in the heart-pounding sequel to the The Dark Divine.

I loved this sequel.  

I loved the new characters.  I loved the story line.  I loved the twists and turns.  I loved the werewolf lore.  I loved not knowing for sure who was good and who was evil. I even loved the cliff-hanger ending.  I thought this was better than the first book in the series.

Perhaps it was simply because I was sick today in bed and this book took my mind off the miserable state of my body?  Or perhaps it is because this is a fabulously written book?  Or perhaps it is because this is the kind of book I enjoy reading?  I don't know for sure but I do know that I loved The Lost Saint and can not wait for the final book The Savage Grace to be released in March.

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!!

Content: More content than I remember is The Dark Divine - language and violence.  Talk of "doing it" but focuses on Graces decision to wait for marriage.

Source: Audio 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.

Blog Tour: Book Review - Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger.
Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.
Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

Fabulous debut!

There is already a lot of hype about this book and its release date is still 3 months away.  In my opinion it is well deserved hype.  Shattered Souls is an original, engaging book that is sure to be a hit with those who enjoy young adult paranormal fiction.  I was hooked right from the start and loved the characters and storyline.  This book stands alone but I would love a sequel. 

There is an overwhelming number of books in this genre being released and it is impossible to read them all.  Shattered Souls is one you don't want to miss.

Content: A little language and innuendo

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: ARC Tour through The Teen Book Scene

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey will be released by Philomel/Penguin on December 8, 2011.

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

Book Review: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer 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 when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

I really enjoyed Falling Under. I was hooked from the first chapter and wanted to know just what Haden really was. It took quite a while for the revelation to be made and by then I was glued to the book.  A great cast of characters and constant twists and turns made this a very entertaining book that kept me guessing until the end. Wrapped up nicely with plenty of room for a sequel.

This book is darker and more edgy than what I usually read. It is not a clean read and I would not let my teenager read it. There were just too many comments about sex and desire. Plus there was more language than I'm comfortable with.

Falling Under will be released on March 1, 2011.


Content: language including 2 uses of the F word and plenty of innuendo, sexual tension, desire and talk of sex although no actual sex scene - my teenager won't be reading this one anytime soon.


Rating: 4 Stars

Source: ARC Tour

Book Review: The Blood of Cain by T.L. Gray

Teagan Dacre loves fast cars, loud music and beautiful women, however he carries a secret that keeps him isolated from the general population; he has strange silver eyes, heals really fast and hasn't aged in over a hundred years.
The darkest secret of all - he has a blood thirst that must be satisfied by each new moon.

Believing himself unique, Teagan's world gets turned upside down when he meets an unruly family of immortals seeking their father and maker, none other than the world's first murderer, Cain.

Everything Teagan thought he knew about himself is transformed when he learns how vampires came to be and for what purpose he was made.

For everything, there's a price to be paid, Teagan wonders if he'll be strong enough to pay it.

If I had to pick one word to describe the book The Blood of Cain by T.L. Gray it would be unique. Often I can guess where a book is going but I never had a clue with this one. Full of twists and turns it kept me guessing until the end.

The Blood of Cain mixes Christianity with fantasy for a very different kind of story. The vampire mythology in this book is unlike any I have ever read. The story focuses on the Biblical character Cain who is marked with silver eyes and is cursed to live his life alone until he inadvertently discovers a way to transform others. The story is told from the alternating perspective of Cain and modern day silver eyed Teagan.  It's a face paced novel that could easily be read in one sitting.

Overall a well written story. I'd like to have seen the relationship between Teagan and Tatiana developed a little more.



Content: A clean read for adults - there is some violence and a little language but nothing that stood out or made me concerned about recommending it.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author For Review

Book Review: Slayed by Amanda Marrone

The Van Helsing family has been hunting vampires for over one hundred years, but sixteen-year-old Daphne wishes her parents would take up an occupation that doesn’t involve decapitating vamps for cash. All Daphne wants is to settle down in one place, attend an actual school, and finally find a BFF to go to the mall with. Instead, Daphne has resigned herself to a life of fast food, cheap motels and buying garlic in bulk.
But when the Van Helsings are called to a coastal town in Maine, Daphne’s world is turned upside down. Not only do the Van Helsings find themselves hunting a terrifying new kind of vampire (one without fangs but with a taste for kindergarten cuisine), Daphne meets her first potential BF! The hitch? Her new crush is none other than Tyler Harker, AKA, the son of the rival slayer family.
What's a teen vampire slayer to do?

After 5 months of blogging the day is finally here, my first 1 star review.  Most books that deserve this rating I stop reading and never actually review. Unfortunately this was the only book I had with me during an hour and a half long basketball practice so I kept reading it. I enjoyed the first couple chapters but the book went downhill fast after that. I should have just closed the book and watched the basketball practice.

There were some large plot holes I just couldn't buy such as Daphne's "overprotective" parents let her, their 17 year old daughter, go off slaying vampires alone?

I was going to go with 2 stars because the despite the objectionable content the story was entertaining - rival vampire slaying families meet rich wannabe-vampire-slayer ex-star.  It was entertaining and an ok book - at least until the last page when I was completely turned off.

This is a book I just should have closed about chapter 3.

Tons of language & crude, crass, skanky content not appropriate for me as an adult let alone for a teenager. Skip this one, I wish I had.

Rating: 1 Star

Content: Tons of objectionable material including lots of strong language, innuendo and other crass, skanky content.

Source: ARC Tour

Book Review: Foresight by Sherry D. Ficklin

All Grace Archer wants is to graduate from high school and get on with her life. But the Gods of Fate have other ideas. Attacked at graduation by a mysterious woman with gruesome henchmen, Grace is lucky to escape with her life. Rescued by a Fae warrior named Chris and her Aunt Phoenix, Grace learns that her mother was the Greek Goddess Pandora. Now Grace must protect her mother’s urn from the crazed demi-goddess Lilith, who is determined to unleash its horrors on an unsuspecting Earth. As if her blood legacy is not bizarre enough, Grace begins to develop frightening powers that threaten to destroy her from the inside out. Can Grace find the strength to defeat Lilith? Can she learn to control her powers before she loses her mind?

The Gods of Fate Book One: Foresight is the first book in a trilogy by author Sherry D. Ficklin. I really enjoy books that contain elements of mythology interwoven into them so found myself drawn into this book. The combination of Greek Gods and Fae made for a unique tale.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were likable and the story held my interest throughout. The ending wrapped up well enough to be satisfying yet left me wanting to read the next book Second Sight which will be released next year.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy young adult stories with paranormal & mythical elements and who read for enjoyment (that's me) rather than with a critical eye.

Content: Clean read for 16+ - just a little mild innuendo and I think one instance of mildest of language.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Won in a giveaway