FamilyFriends
Be Thankful
Be Responsible
Eat
Drink
and
Be Merry
For those who celebrate, and those who don't:
Have a great Turkey Day
Tofu-Day
or just Thursday!
25 November, 2010
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
FamilyFriends
Be Thankful
Be Responsible
Eat
Drink
and
Be Merry
For those who celebrate, and those who don't:
Have a great Turkey Day
Tofu-Day
or just Thursday!
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
24 November, 2010
A Flash of Fiction: Day Two (NOVEMBER)
Book: LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR
Author: INEZ KELLEY
Genre: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Published: November 2010, SAMHAIN PUBLISHING
I received this e-ARC free from the author Inez Kelley, in exchange for an honest review
From Good Reads:
“Make me your goddess and I’ll take you to heaven.”
This sultry promise sparks a scorching, unforgettable one-night stand. The next morning Bram Winters awakes with a hickey and a head full of wicked memories—alone. His nameless goddess is gone without a trace, along with his shirt. And his heart.
Five months later, he stumbles across his mystery lady in a Laundromat, but she still won’t give up her name. Worse, she begs him to leave, no questions asked. Once he catches the spark of terror in her eyes, though, his firefighter training takes over—and he digs in for the duration.
Lady never wanted Bram to see her life’s ugly underside, but it’s too late—his socks are already in the washer. He was supposed to be her declaration of independence from her unstable ex, a bittersweet memory to carry into her new life.
I Liked -- Plot: Bram and "Lady" come together in a sultry tangle of chemistry and desire on a hot summer night. It's just supposed to be a one-night stand. However, it's Bram who wants more, and when he encounters her again, he intends to keep her high on the fireworks that the two create, until he can convince her to stay with him. Whew, the best scene by far, was the one in the laundromat, where Bram "distracts" her from her creepy ex lurking outside the building. The scene could have turned into a revenge scenario, where they "show" her ex exactly what they have together, but it's more about how they both lose themselves when they come together.
I Liked -- Character: "Lady" is an interesting character. I like that she admits her sexual feelings for Bram. Though he is hot under the collar for her, she is really the one that comes off as a sensual, confident character. She is the one that really saw their encounter as a hot, one-time coupling. And later, even though she is aware of the danger that her ex poses, she never comes off as meek or afraid.
My Rating: 13/15 Highly Recommend (4 stars) if you liked:
Coin Operated by Ginny Glass
Veiled Desire by Alisha Rai
Links for the author:
Inez Kelley website
Author: INEZ KELLEY
Genre: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Published: November 2010, SAMHAIN PUBLISHING
From Good Reads:
“Make me your goddess and I’ll take you to heaven.”
This sultry promise sparks a scorching, unforgettable one-night stand. The next morning Bram Winters awakes with a hickey and a head full of wicked memories—alone. His nameless goddess is gone without a trace, along with his shirt. And his heart.
Five months later, he stumbles across his mystery lady in a Laundromat, but she still won’t give up her name. Worse, she begs him to leave, no questions asked. Once he catches the spark of terror in her eyes, though, his firefighter training takes over—and he digs in for the duration.
Lady never wanted Bram to see her life’s ugly underside, but it’s too late—his socks are already in the washer. He was supposed to be her declaration of independence from her unstable ex, a bittersweet memory to carry into her new life.
I Liked -- Plot: Bram and "Lady" come together in a sultry tangle of chemistry and desire on a hot summer night. It's just supposed to be a one-night stand. However, it's Bram who wants more, and when he encounters her again, he intends to keep her high on the fireworks that the two create, until he can convince her to stay with him. Whew, the best scene by far, was the one in the laundromat, where Bram "distracts" her from her creepy ex lurking outside the building. The scene could have turned into a revenge scenario, where they "show" her ex exactly what they have together, but it's more about how they both lose themselves when they come together.
I Liked -- Character: "Lady" is an interesting character. I like that she admits her sexual feelings for Bram. Though he is hot under the collar for her, she is really the one that comes off as a sensual, confident character. She is the one that really saw their encounter as a hot, one-time coupling. And later, even though she is aware of the danger that her ex poses, she never comes off as meek or afraid.
My Rating: 13/15 Highly Recommend (4 stars) if you liked:
Coin Operated by Ginny Glass
Veiled Desire by Alisha Rai
Links for the author:
Inez Kelley website
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
23 November, 2010
A Flash of Fiction: Day One (NOVEMBER)
Book: WINTER WISHES
Author(s): VIVI ANDREWS, VIVIAN AREND, MOIRA ROGERS
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Published: December 2010, CARINA PRESS
I received this book for free from NET GALLEY, in exchange for an honest review.
From Good Reads:
A woman has the Christmas Eve from Hell. Two cat shifters play naughty games. And a witch brings out the beast inside the man. The magic of the season takes on a whole new meaning in these three fantastic—and festive—novellas from some of the best voices in paranormal romance.
Anthology includes:
Tangled Tinsel by Vivian Arend
No Angel by Vivi Andrews
Freeze Line by Moira Rogers
I Liked -- Plot (TANGLED TINSEL): I admit that I am not much of a cat person, but Vivian Arend made me laugh out loud with the antics that she put her cat shifters up to. Because El is a cop, and she is ordered to protect the irascible Kyle from some unknown harm, she ends up fake engaged to him. The two of them are now obliged to spend the winter holidays together under El's parents' roof. Kyle wants to get in her pants, and El has to embrace the side of her that isn't human. The side of her that wants Kyle with equal fervor.
I Liked --Character (TANGLED TINSEL): Though Kyle comes off as a layabout, he is anything but. I love his lighthearted outlook on life, and the great embodiment of cat shifters that Arend manages to show in his character. He's basically what I love about reading Arend. She builds characters that can be playful, sexy, protective, and badass all at the same time.
I Liked -- Plot (NO ANGEL): Wow. This is the first work of Vivi Andrews' that I have read, and I was certainly not disappointed. In a contemporary world where angels and demons are common-place, Andrews matches up the demonic Jay (Jevroth), step-son to the Morningstar, and Sasha, a seemingly normal human. I was impressed at how involved I got while reading about Sasha's quest to retrieve Jay from Hell.
I Liked -- Character (NO ANGEL) Though I usually do like a bad boy, Sasha was the character that I really enjoyed while reading this novella. Clearly she has a right to her anger toward Jay. Not only does it seem like he wants to break up with her, then he disappears into a hell vortex, and later when she sees him again, she finds out that he has been hiding his demon ancestry. But, Andrews writes Sasha true. Yes, she gets upset with Jay, but she also recognized her deeper feelings for him. AND, she doesn't rely on him to get the two of them out of Hell.
I Liked -- Plot (FREEZE LINE): Moira Rogers rocks the post-apocalyptic paranormal story line! I never have anything bad to say about any of Rogers' work, and this is no exception. It's not just that FREEZE LINE involves a world split between heat and cold, but also a world split between witches and werewolves. One is infinitely dangerous to the other, both in terms of weather and humanity.
I Liked -- Character (FREEZE LINE): Typically, the werewolves in Rogers' books are at the very least, semi-alpha and very protective. Shane embodies these attributes, but he never seems derivative of other male characters that Rogers has written about before. Though he cannot survive in the same temperatures that Nadia needs to exist, he still escorts her to safety when she is at her most vulnerable. He leashes what he considers his "animal", and though the two have an explosive chemistry, he still comes off as tender and caring.
My Rating: 14/15 Must Read (4.5 stars)
Links for the authors:
Moira Rogers website
Vivian Arend website
Vivi Andrews website
Author(s): VIVI ANDREWS, VIVIAN AREND, MOIRA ROGERS
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Published: December 2010, CARINA PRESS
From Good Reads:
A woman has the Christmas Eve from Hell. Two cat shifters play naughty games. And a witch brings out the beast inside the man. The magic of the season takes on a whole new meaning in these three fantastic—and festive—novellas from some of the best voices in paranormal romance.
Anthology includes:
Tangled Tinsel by Vivian Arend
No Angel by Vivi Andrews
Freeze Line by Moira Rogers
I Liked -- Plot (TANGLED TINSEL): I admit that I am not much of a cat person, but Vivian Arend made me laugh out loud with the antics that she put her cat shifters up to. Because El is a cop, and she is ordered to protect the irascible Kyle from some unknown harm, she ends up fake engaged to him. The two of them are now obliged to spend the winter holidays together under El's parents' roof. Kyle wants to get in her pants, and El has to embrace the side of her that isn't human. The side of her that wants Kyle with equal fervor.
I Liked --Character (TANGLED TINSEL): Though Kyle comes off as a layabout, he is anything but. I love his lighthearted outlook on life, and the great embodiment of cat shifters that Arend manages to show in his character. He's basically what I love about reading Arend. She builds characters that can be playful, sexy, protective, and badass all at the same time.
I Liked -- Plot (NO ANGEL): Wow. This is the first work of Vivi Andrews' that I have read, and I was certainly not disappointed. In a contemporary world where angels and demons are common-place, Andrews matches up the demonic Jay (Jevroth), step-son to the Morningstar, and Sasha, a seemingly normal human. I was impressed at how involved I got while reading about Sasha's quest to retrieve Jay from Hell.
I Liked -- Character (NO ANGEL) Though I usually do like a bad boy, Sasha was the character that I really enjoyed while reading this novella. Clearly she has a right to her anger toward Jay. Not only does it seem like he wants to break up with her, then he disappears into a hell vortex, and later when she sees him again, she finds out that he has been hiding his demon ancestry. But, Andrews writes Sasha true. Yes, she gets upset with Jay, but she also recognized her deeper feelings for him. AND, she doesn't rely on him to get the two of them out of Hell.
I Liked -- Plot (FREEZE LINE): Moira Rogers rocks the post-apocalyptic paranormal story line! I never have anything bad to say about any of Rogers' work, and this is no exception. It's not just that FREEZE LINE involves a world split between heat and cold, but also a world split between witches and werewolves. One is infinitely dangerous to the other, both in terms of weather and humanity.
I Liked -- Character (FREEZE LINE): Typically, the werewolves in Rogers' books are at the very least, semi-alpha and very protective. Shane embodies these attributes, but he never seems derivative of other male characters that Rogers has written about before. Though he cannot survive in the same temperatures that Nadia needs to exist, he still escorts her to safety when she is at her most vulnerable. He leashes what he considers his "animal", and though the two have an explosive chemistry, he still comes off as tender and caring.
My Rating: 14/15 Must Read (4.5 stars)
Links for the authors:
Moira Rogers website
Vivian Arend website
Vivi Andrews website
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
16 November, 2010
Book Review: Contagion by Joanne Dahme
Book: CONTAGION
Author: JOANNE DAHME
Genre: HISTORICAL FICTION
Published: September 2010, RUNNING PRESS KIDS
I received this book for review, from Star Book Tours
From Good Reads:
A young woman named Rose strives to rid Philadelphia’s water of the deadly typhoid bacteria. Set in the late 19th century, Rose Dugan is a young wife who is actively involved in her community. But when her best friend is killed while working at Philadelphia’s Water Works' gardens, the mystery around her death pulls Rose in. Will she save the city from a deadly typhoid outbreak that is threatening the city’s water system? Will Rose unravel the mystery behind her best friend’s murder—a fate that was actually meant for her?
My Review:
CONTAGION is full of interesting characters that inhabit historical Philadelphia on the precipice of a typhoid outbreak. Even though the story is seen in alternating chapters, through the eyes of Rose Dugan and Sean Parker, it's not just their personalities and viewpoints that are expressed throughout the book. Rose's husband, Patrick is an almost overwhelming character, in terms of his attitude and influence. I felt that even Rose's friend, Nellie Murphy, had distinctive characterization, for the brief time that she appears in the book.
Perhaps because of the historical setting, I felt that there was a lyrical aspect to the language in CONTAGION. I have encountered this in novels that have a contemporary setting (MAGGIE STIEFVATER!), but Joanne Dahme clearly has her finger on the right ebb and flow of the English language during this time, as well as the rhythm of the inner dialogue of her characters.
And, that comes to the heart of my feelings while reading CONTAGION. There was a flow to the book, almost like a body of water. Almost like the Schuylkill River, that plays such a big part within the pages, in the debate about filtration and disease. There were times that I read it slowly, savoring every word. There were times that I sped through the pages, anxious to see what was going to happen next. But always, I was entranced by the story and its ultimate outcome.
4/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 12/15
Highly Recommend, if you liked:
Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
Dangerous Neighbors by Beth Kephart
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Author: JOANNE DAHME
Genre: HISTORICAL FICTION
Published: September 2010, RUNNING PRESS KIDS
I received this book for review, from Star Book Tours
A young woman named Rose strives to rid Philadelphia’s water of the deadly typhoid bacteria. Set in the late 19th century, Rose Dugan is a young wife who is actively involved in her community. But when her best friend is killed while working at Philadelphia’s Water Works' gardens, the mystery around her death pulls Rose in. Will she save the city from a deadly typhoid outbreak that is threatening the city’s water system? Will Rose unravel the mystery behind her best friend’s murder—a fate that was actually meant for her?
My Review:
CONTAGION is full of interesting characters that inhabit historical Philadelphia on the precipice of a typhoid outbreak. Even though the story is seen in alternating chapters, through the eyes of Rose Dugan and Sean Parker, it's not just their personalities and viewpoints that are expressed throughout the book. Rose's husband, Patrick is an almost overwhelming character, in terms of his attitude and influence. I felt that even Rose's friend, Nellie Murphy, had distinctive characterization, for the brief time that she appears in the book.
Perhaps because of the historical setting, I felt that there was a lyrical aspect to the language in CONTAGION. I have encountered this in novels that have a contemporary setting (MAGGIE STIEFVATER!), but Joanne Dahme clearly has her finger on the right ebb and flow of the English language during this time, as well as the rhythm of the inner dialogue of her characters.
And, that comes to the heart of my feelings while reading CONTAGION. There was a flow to the book, almost like a body of water. Almost like the Schuylkill River, that plays such a big part within the pages, in the debate about filtration and disease. There were times that I read it slowly, savoring every word. There were times that I sped through the pages, anxious to see what was going to happen next. But always, I was entranced by the story and its ultimate outcome.
4/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 12/15
Highly Recommend, if you liked:
Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
Dangerous Neighbors by Beth Kephart
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
15 November, 2010
Book Review: Undertow by Moira Rogers
Book: UNDERTOW
Author: MOIRA ROGERS
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE/ HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Published: October 2010, SAMHAIN PUBLISHING
I received this book from the author, Moira Rogers for free, in exchange for an honest review.
From Good Reads:
Victor left behind a life of crime to focus on a new vision--helping his alpha build an island sanctuary for werewolves. Harsh experiences prepared him for the hardships involved, except when it comes to dealing with the young female refugees of the brutal Boston pack--especially Simone, who rouses his inner wolf like no other...
Born to wealth and privilege, Simone lost everything when she fell for the seductive whispers of the textile heir who turned her. Once adrift, now she is fired by a new sense of purpose--the chance to broker peace between werewolves and European wizards..
...when a winter storm traps them together during a full moon, she breaks through his walls so easily and completely, the question is no longer how he'll stay away, but how he'll let her go.
My Review:
I just discovered the awesome writing that comes from the hands of the two authors known as Moira Rogers. In the past three months I have devoured almost their full body of backlist works. I am a convert. I say all of this in the beginning of my review in case it starts to get a bit gushy and fan-girlish. But truly, I can't get enough of their RED ROCK PASS series.
Recently, Rogers went back to the beginning of the sanctuary idea and ideals that are spelled out in the RED ROCK PASS books. Basically, there are werewolves that have been living under oppression and subjugation to some evil-type Alphas. But, some other werewolves, who abhor the ill-treatment of their bretheren, (and women; good golly are these rough-and-tumble males protective of their women!) have created different communities that offer sanctuary and benevolent Alpha leadership to any who wish to escape their current situation.
UNDERTOW is the second book in this BUILDING SANCTUARY series. Victor and Simone are both new residents to the island sanctuary, where many of the females- Simone included- have been brutalized by their former Alpha. What always astounds me about Rogers' work, is that the stories are always so intense and layered, even the books that come in at short of novel-length. I am always left wanting more, but it's because the writing is so consuming, with complex characterization, fantastic stories, and great world-building.
UNDERTOW delivers the same punch as the previous book in the series, A SAFE HARBOR. But this time, instead of pulse-pounding danger, and the wolfy wars that mark the RED ROCK PASS series, Victor and Simone receive a more mellow tale. Though the two are not in the midst of a war, they are not without hurdles that need to be overcome, in order for them to find happiness with each other.
I really liked the change in pace, and being able to watch one of the relationships unfold, without threats of immediate death hanging over their heads. The isolation that Victor and Simone find themselves in, is a great setting for two people who are not alpha wolves, but still have strong personalities. Moira Rogers' exceptional storytelling is showcased perfectly, and UNDERTOW is an fantastic addition to the BUILDING SANCTUARY series.
5/5 for plot
4.5/5 for characters
4.5/5 for language
My Rating: 14/15 Must Read
Visit the links below to find out about Moira Rogers and books:
Moira Rogers website
Blog
Twitter-- Bree half
Twitter-- Donna half
Author: MOIRA ROGERS
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE/ HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Published: October 2010, SAMHAIN PUBLISHING
I received this book from the author, Moira Rogers for free, in exchange for an honest review.
Victor left behind a life of crime to focus on a new vision--helping his alpha build an island sanctuary for werewolves. Harsh experiences prepared him for the hardships involved, except when it comes to dealing with the young female refugees of the brutal Boston pack--especially Simone, who rouses his inner wolf like no other...
Born to wealth and privilege, Simone lost everything when she fell for the seductive whispers of the textile heir who turned her. Once adrift, now she is fired by a new sense of purpose--the chance to broker peace between werewolves and European wizards..
...when a winter storm traps them together during a full moon, she breaks through his walls so easily and completely, the question is no longer how he'll stay away, but how he'll let her go.
My Review:
I just discovered the awesome writing that comes from the hands of the two authors known as Moira Rogers. In the past three months I have devoured almost their full body of backlist works. I am a convert. I say all of this in the beginning of my review in case it starts to get a bit gushy and fan-girlish. But truly, I can't get enough of their RED ROCK PASS series.
Recently, Rogers went back to the beginning of the sanctuary idea and ideals that are spelled out in the RED ROCK PASS books. Basically, there are werewolves that have been living under oppression and subjugation to some evil-type Alphas. But, some other werewolves, who abhor the ill-treatment of their bretheren, (and women; good golly are these rough-and-tumble males protective of their women!) have created different communities that offer sanctuary and benevolent Alpha leadership to any who wish to escape their current situation.
UNDERTOW is the second book in this BUILDING SANCTUARY series. Victor and Simone are both new residents to the island sanctuary, where many of the females- Simone included- have been brutalized by their former Alpha. What always astounds me about Rogers' work, is that the stories are always so intense and layered, even the books that come in at short of novel-length. I am always left wanting more, but it's because the writing is so consuming, with complex characterization, fantastic stories, and great world-building.
UNDERTOW delivers the same punch as the previous book in the series, A SAFE HARBOR. But this time, instead of pulse-pounding danger, and the wolfy wars that mark the RED ROCK PASS series, Victor and Simone receive a more mellow tale. Though the two are not in the midst of a war, they are not without hurdles that need to be overcome, in order for them to find happiness with each other.
I really liked the change in pace, and being able to watch one of the relationships unfold, without threats of immediate death hanging over their heads. The isolation that Victor and Simone find themselves in, is a great setting for two people who are not alpha wolves, but still have strong personalities. Moira Rogers' exceptional storytelling is showcased perfectly, and UNDERTOW is an fantastic addition to the BUILDING SANCTUARY series.
5/5 for plot
4.5/5 for characters
4.5/5 for language
My Rating: 14/15 Must Read
Visit the links below to find out about Moira Rogers and books:
Moira Rogers website
Blog
Twitter-- Bree half
Twitter-- Donna half
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
12 November, 2010
Book Review: Awakened by Ednah Walters
Book: AWAKENED
Author: EDNAH WALTERS
Genre: YA FANTASY/ PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Published: September 2010, PILL HILL PRESS
I received this book for review from Star Book Tours
From Good Reads:
Most teens turn sixteen and get the license to drive, Lil Falcon gets the license to kill demons, but no one told her she is not supposed to fall in love with one.
Orphaned as a child and raised by an eccentric grandfather, Lil is concerned with surviving high school and is unaware she's a Guardian—a being with super powers charged with killing demons and protecting humanity. But when she meets Bran, a mysterious boy with amazing abilities, his psi energy unlocks her latent powers...
My Review:
AWAKENED tells the story of Lil Falcon. One day she's an average teen, and the next she's uncovered family secrets, discovered that she is part of an angelic society that protects human-kind, found her true love, and become the target of an evil nemesis. And, truthfully that is in the first 1/4 of the book. It may seem like too much, too fast for some readers. I admit it was a little too much, too fast for me.
I found the development of Lil and Bran's relationship to be very rushed, even for a YA paranormal romance. But wait, Ednah Walters does give a plausible (in the world of AWAKENED, at least) explanation for why they feel the way they do. It works for the book, and there wasn't a third-party intruder that can be usually found in a YA romance. Don't get me wrong, I do like a good "triangle", but the way that Walters wrote the connection between Lil and Bran, a triangle would have been overkill. So, I thank her for not going there.
And now, here's where I am going to totally contradict myself. What really worked for me about AWAKENED was the fast pace of the novel. Wait! What? You say. I know, I just said in the previous paragraph that Lil and Bran's relationship moved too fast. But, it was just that aspect of the plot, ok? Otherwise, I thought that the novel moved along mirroring the regular balls that are thrown at teens. Juggle this, juggle that. So, Lil might be a little abnormal. It doesn't mean that she doesn't have to take the hits.
In the end, I really enjoyed reading AWAKENED. Some books I like because I admire the writing. Some, because I admire the author, and others because I like the genre or plot. But, it's always great when I find that I am having fun reading a book. Though, obviously none of the above is exclusive, in and of itself. I did like the characters that Walters introduced, and though "angels" seem to be big in YA right now, she created her own mythos that sets this book apart from the crowd.
3.5/5 for plot
3.5/5 for characters
3/5 for language
My Rating: 10/15 Recommend
Here's a few links that will give you more information about the author:
Ednah Walters website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Author: EDNAH WALTERS
Genre: YA FANTASY/ PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Published: September 2010, PILL HILL PRESS
I received this book for review from Star Book Tours
Most teens turn sixteen and get the license to drive, Lil Falcon gets the license to kill demons, but no one told her she is not supposed to fall in love with one.
Orphaned as a child and raised by an eccentric grandfather, Lil is concerned with surviving high school and is unaware she's a Guardian—a being with super powers charged with killing demons and protecting humanity. But when she meets Bran, a mysterious boy with amazing abilities, his psi energy unlocks her latent powers...
My Review:
AWAKENED tells the story of Lil Falcon. One day she's an average teen, and the next she's uncovered family secrets, discovered that she is part of an angelic society that protects human-kind, found her true love, and become the target of an evil nemesis. And, truthfully that is in the first 1/4 of the book. It may seem like too much, too fast for some readers. I admit it was a little too much, too fast for me.
I found the development of Lil and Bran's relationship to be very rushed, even for a YA paranormal romance. But wait, Ednah Walters does give a plausible (in the world of AWAKENED, at least) explanation for why they feel the way they do. It works for the book, and there wasn't a third-party intruder that can be usually found in a YA romance. Don't get me wrong, I do like a good "triangle", but the way that Walters wrote the connection between Lil and Bran, a triangle would have been overkill. So, I thank her for not going there.
And now, here's where I am going to totally contradict myself. What really worked for me about AWAKENED was the fast pace of the novel. Wait! What? You say. I know, I just said in the previous paragraph that Lil and Bran's relationship moved too fast. But, it was just that aspect of the plot, ok? Otherwise, I thought that the novel moved along mirroring the regular balls that are thrown at teens. Juggle this, juggle that. So, Lil might be a little abnormal. It doesn't mean that she doesn't have to take the hits.
In the end, I really enjoyed reading AWAKENED. Some books I like because I admire the writing. Some, because I admire the author, and others because I like the genre or plot. But, it's always great when I find that I am having fun reading a book. Though, obviously none of the above is exclusive, in and of itself. I did like the characters that Walters introduced, and though "angels" seem to be big in YA right now, she created her own mythos that sets this book apart from the crowd.
3.5/5 for plot
3.5/5 for characters
3/5 for language
My Rating: 10/15 Recommend
Here's a few links that will give you more information about the author:
Ednah Walters website
Blog
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
11 November, 2010
Double Review: American Satyrs by Stella and Audra Price (18+ READ)
Book: OF CRIMSON AND COLLARS
Author: STELLA AND AUDRA PRICE
Genre: PARANORMAL/ CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Published: September 2009, ALL ROMANCE E-BOOKS
I purchased this book
From ARe:
As a princess of the Satyr confederation, Minerva has been coddled, spoiled and revered, as well as taught and trained just how to serve her Satyr. Beautiful, sexy and a prize in herself, she's anxious to meet the man that will become her lover, master, and reason for living.
Esben Chambers, a half demon, half something else orphan lives on earth with few cares or ties. His family partially unknown, he's embraced his Strigo, or time demon, heritage, though some of his powers are well out of the scope of the lords of time.
When an Imp shows up at his estate and claims he's the only living Satyr prince to clan Tempest, Ben realizes there might be something to figuring out just who his father's people were, and agrees to go to New York for a Convergence Summit. He's counting on figuring out why he was left alone in the world...
Book: TO COLLAR AND KEEP
Author: STELLA AND AUDRA PRICE
Genre: PARANORMAL/ CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Published: September 2010, TOTAL-E-BOUND
I received this book from Stella Price for free, in exchange for an honest review
From Total-E-Bound:
Olanis, the summer holiday is upon the Satyr clans once more and it is the time for Harlequin, prince of the Rummer clan, to claim his first and only female, the Grecian Satyr princess Arabella, sight unseen.
Unsure of what kind of woman his clan had brokered for him, he is both interested in the woman that would wear his collar, and nervous that she won’t meet his standards. His female has to rival him in all things, and his hopes of that coming true are slim and none.
Arabella craves two things, finishing her education, and being claimed by her Satyr. An anomaly in the Satyr world, Arabella was afforded opportunities other princesses weren’t. Now, in a foreign land she is given over to the Prince she was promised to, and she couldn’t be more nervous. What's a girl to do when you’re being gifted to a man you have never seen?...
My Review
The AMERICAN SATYRS series, created by Stella and Audra Price, has started off with a bang, with the first two books. It's sexy and uninhibited, yet the characters come off as intelligent and successful in their chosen businesses. In other words, there's great banter, as well as great bedroom scenes.
OF CRIMSON AND COLLARS is the first book in the series, and it details the meeting of Ben and Mina. Ben doesn't know of his satyr heritage, until he is invited to take part in one of their summits. The world of the satyrs is a contemporary setting, however the two pursuits that matter the most to them are pleasure and success. Ben's a half-demon, so he knows how to get down and dirty, and Mina has been waiting for a man like him.
The two are seen again in TO COLLAR AND KEEP, but the second book belongs to Harley and Arabella. This time around, the Olanis summer holiday is the backdrop to the characters' romance. The female satyrs are raised to find the man that will possess them, and Arabella is highly admired because she is a princess in her clan. I like the fact that despite the "possession aspect", Price made the love stories truly reciprocated. And, when there is true love between the couples, the women sustain the men.
Both of these stories come in a little shy of novel-length, but never feel rushed or incomplete. Price manages to tell a detailed story of the characters' lives, their journey from strangers to lovers, and even include background on the fantasy aspects of the satyrs, as well as their business pursuits. I'd definitely love more. Readers who enjoy a hot, quick read, where the sexual content is explicit, but not the only focus of the story will sure to be satisfied.
OF CRIMSON AND COLLARS
4/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 12/15 Highly Recommend
TO COLLAR AND KEEP
3.5/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 11.5/15 Highly Recommend
Find out more about Stella and Audra Price and their books at the following links:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Yahoo group
And the romance convention organized by Stella Price:
Authors After Dark blog
Authors After Dark website
Author: STELLA AND AUDRA PRICE
Genre: PARANORMAL/ CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Published: September 2009, ALL ROMANCE E-BOOKS
I purchased this book
As a princess of the Satyr confederation, Minerva has been coddled, spoiled and revered, as well as taught and trained just how to serve her Satyr. Beautiful, sexy and a prize in herself, she's anxious to meet the man that will become her lover, master, and reason for living.
Esben Chambers, a half demon, half something else orphan lives on earth with few cares or ties. His family partially unknown, he's embraced his Strigo, or time demon, heritage, though some of his powers are well out of the scope of the lords of time.
When an Imp shows up at his estate and claims he's the only living Satyr prince to clan Tempest, Ben realizes there might be something to figuring out just who his father's people were, and agrees to go to New York for a Convergence Summit. He's counting on figuring out why he was left alone in the world...
Book: TO COLLAR AND KEEP
Author: STELLA AND AUDRA PRICE
Genre: PARANORMAL/ CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Published: September 2010, TOTAL-E-BOUND
I received this book from Stella Price for free, in exchange for an honest review
Olanis, the summer holiday is upon the Satyr clans once more and it is the time for Harlequin, prince of the Rummer clan, to claim his first and only female, the Grecian Satyr princess Arabella, sight unseen.
Unsure of what kind of woman his clan had brokered for him, he is both interested in the woman that would wear his collar, and nervous that she won’t meet his standards. His female has to rival him in all things, and his hopes of that coming true are slim and none.
Arabella craves two things, finishing her education, and being claimed by her Satyr. An anomaly in the Satyr world, Arabella was afforded opportunities other princesses weren’t. Now, in a foreign land she is given over to the Prince she was promised to, and she couldn’t be more nervous. What's a girl to do when you’re being gifted to a man you have never seen?...
My Review
The AMERICAN SATYRS series, created by Stella and Audra Price, has started off with a bang, with the first two books. It's sexy and uninhibited, yet the characters come off as intelligent and successful in their chosen businesses. In other words, there's great banter, as well as great bedroom scenes.
OF CRIMSON AND COLLARS is the first book in the series, and it details the meeting of Ben and Mina. Ben doesn't know of his satyr heritage, until he is invited to take part in one of their summits. The world of the satyrs is a contemporary setting, however the two pursuits that matter the most to them are pleasure and success. Ben's a half-demon, so he knows how to get down and dirty, and Mina has been waiting for a man like him.
The two are seen again in TO COLLAR AND KEEP, but the second book belongs to Harley and Arabella. This time around, the Olanis summer holiday is the backdrop to the characters' romance. The female satyrs are raised to find the man that will possess them, and Arabella is highly admired because she is a princess in her clan. I like the fact that despite the "possession aspect", Price made the love stories truly reciprocated. And, when there is true love between the couples, the women sustain the men.
Both of these stories come in a little shy of novel-length, but never feel rushed or incomplete. Price manages to tell a detailed story of the characters' lives, their journey from strangers to lovers, and even include background on the fantasy aspects of the satyrs, as well as their business pursuits. I'd definitely love more. Readers who enjoy a hot, quick read, where the sexual content is explicit, but not the only focus of the story will sure to be satisfied.
OF CRIMSON AND COLLARS
4/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 12/15 Highly Recommend
TO COLLAR AND KEEP
3.5/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 11.5/15 Highly Recommend
Find out more about Stella and Audra Price and their books at the following links:
Website
Blog
Yahoo group
And the romance convention organized by Stella Price:
Authors After Dark blog
Authors After Dark website
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
09 November, 2010
Advance Review: Angelfire by Courtney A. Moulton
Book: ANGELFIRE
Author: COURTNEY A. MOULTON
Genre: YA URBAN FANTASY/ SUSPENSE
Published: February 2011, KATHERINE TEGAN BOOKS/ HARPERCOLLINS
I received this book for review from STAR BOOK TOURS
From Good Reads:
When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.
A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle...
My Review:
ANGELFIRE delivers one kick-ass heroine in Ellie. I definitely feel that the phrase "strong female main character" is over-used and mis-used. It can devalue the true strong female character. And, that character can be found within the pages of this awesome book.
Imagine having horrible nightmares of your own death. They get more graphic and scary the closer you get to your birthday, and then BAM! you are told that you are the mighty Preliator, a demonic-reaper slayer. A person that wields the powerful angelfire, and a fearsome warrior for man-kind. WHAT!? That would kind of be my reaction.
But, this is the character that Courtney A. Moulton has created. This is Ellie. She fights for her life and the continuation of humanity at night, then uses that same determination to get through high school during the day. What makes Moulton such a fabulous writer is that she makes Ellie balance these two things. She includes humor, danger, fear, horrific monsters, snark, and pulse-pounding action within the pages of this book.
ANGELFIRE is a fast ride, an intense read, and I wanted it to go on long after the last page. Luckily for me, and all of the other fans of Moulton's novel, there will be more to come. Ellie and Will are returning to fight more reapers, and I for one, can't wait.
4.5/5 for plot
5/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 13.5/15 Must Read
Find more information on C.A. Moulton at the following links:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Author: COURTNEY A. MOULTON
Genre: YA URBAN FANTASY/ SUSPENSE
Published: February 2011, KATHERINE TEGAN BOOKS/ HARPERCOLLINS
I received this book for review from STAR BOOK TOURS
When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.
A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle...
My Review:
ANGELFIRE delivers one kick-ass heroine in Ellie. I definitely feel that the phrase "strong female main character" is over-used and mis-used. It can devalue the true strong female character. And, that character can be found within the pages of this awesome book.
Imagine having horrible nightmares of your own death. They get more graphic and scary the closer you get to your birthday, and then BAM! you are told that you are the mighty Preliator, a demonic-reaper slayer. A person that wields the powerful angelfire, and a fearsome warrior for man-kind. WHAT!? That would kind of be my reaction.
But, this is the character that Courtney A. Moulton has created. This is Ellie. She fights for her life and the continuation of humanity at night, then uses that same determination to get through high school during the day. What makes Moulton such a fabulous writer is that she makes Ellie balance these two things. She includes humor, danger, fear, horrific monsters, snark, and pulse-pounding action within the pages of this book.
ANGELFIRE is a fast ride, an intense read, and I wanted it to go on long after the last page. Luckily for me, and all of the other fans of Moulton's novel, there will be more to come. Ellie and Will are returning to fight more reapers, and I for one, can't wait.
4.5/5 for plot
5/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 13.5/15 Must Read
Find more information on C.A. Moulton at the following links:
Website
Blog
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
08 November, 2010
Book Review: StarCrossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce
Book: STARCROSSED
Author: ELIZABETH C. BUNCE
Genre: YA FANTASY
Published: October 2010, ARTHUR A. LEVINE BOOKS
I received this book for review, through STAR BOOK TOURS
From Good Reads:
Digger thrives as a spy and sneak-thief among the feuding religious factions of Gerse, dodging the Greenmen who have banned all magic. But when a routine job goes horribly wrong and her partner and lover Tegen is killed, she has to get out of the city, fast, and hides herself in a merry group of nobles to do so. Accepted as a lady's maid to shy young Merista Nemair, Digger finds new peace and friendship at the Nemair stronghold--as well as plenty of jewels for the taking. But after the devious Lord Daul catches her in the act of thievery, he blackmails her into becoming his personal spy in the castle, and Digger soon realizes that her noble hosts aren't as apolitical as she thought... that indeed, she may be at the heart of a magical rebellion.
My Review:
I know that I have never used this phrase in a book review before, but it is so apt for STARCROSSED: a web of intrigue. This book really got under my skin. It wasn't a paranormal romance, and it wasn't an urban fantasy. It's wasn't even a fantasy that I've come to read in YA. It was a book all on its own, and it was amazing.
There's no coddling in this novel for the main character, Digger. I was introduced into her world as she ran for her life from the people who had killed her friend, and sometimes lover. Digger is street-smart, sly, not easily duped, and a master thief. But, when she falls in with a group of upperclass youngsters, and finds herself mixing in among their families, all of her "worldliness" seems poor training for the wealthy intrigue, court secrets, and hidden dangers that await her new life.
The reader does get bombarded by the places, the spiritual aspects that play out into the political world that Digger lives in, and the people that have their part in a "revolt" that took place long ago. I can understand how it might be too much information, but I didn't have any problem settling into STARCROSSED. Digger, AKA Celyn is a terrific character that shows the world around her in vivid detail.
Elizabeth C. Bunce has crafted a novel that includes sweeping world-building, multi-faceted characters, and an ominous mystery. Digger must try to balance her own curiousity with the demands of a man who wishes to use her as a spy, without losing the moral code that she holds dear, even though she is a self-confessed thief. STARCROSSED delivers an awesome story that kept me riveted. This is a book that every YA fantasy lover should go read, now.
4/5 for plot
4.5/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 12.5/15 Highly Recommend
Visit the links below to find out more on the author and books:
Elizabeth C. Bunce website
Author: ELIZABETH C. BUNCE
Genre: YA FANTASY
Published: October 2010, ARTHUR A. LEVINE BOOKS
I received this book for review, through STAR BOOK TOURS
From Good Reads:Digger thrives as a spy and sneak-thief among the feuding religious factions of Gerse, dodging the Greenmen who have banned all magic. But when a routine job goes horribly wrong and her partner and lover Tegen is killed, she has to get out of the city, fast, and hides herself in a merry group of nobles to do so. Accepted as a lady's maid to shy young Merista Nemair, Digger finds new peace and friendship at the Nemair stronghold--as well as plenty of jewels for the taking. But after the devious Lord Daul catches her in the act of thievery, he blackmails her into becoming his personal spy in the castle, and Digger soon realizes that her noble hosts aren't as apolitical as she thought... that indeed, she may be at the heart of a magical rebellion.
My Review:
I know that I have never used this phrase in a book review before, but it is so apt for STARCROSSED: a web of intrigue. This book really got under my skin. It wasn't a paranormal romance, and it wasn't an urban fantasy. It's wasn't even a fantasy that I've come to read in YA. It was a book all on its own, and it was amazing.
There's no coddling in this novel for the main character, Digger. I was introduced into her world as she ran for her life from the people who had killed her friend, and sometimes lover. Digger is street-smart, sly, not easily duped, and a master thief. But, when she falls in with a group of upperclass youngsters, and finds herself mixing in among their families, all of her "worldliness" seems poor training for the wealthy intrigue, court secrets, and hidden dangers that await her new life.
The reader does get bombarded by the places, the spiritual aspects that play out into the political world that Digger lives in, and the people that have their part in a "revolt" that took place long ago. I can understand how it might be too much information, but I didn't have any problem settling into STARCROSSED. Digger, AKA Celyn is a terrific character that shows the world around her in vivid detail.
Elizabeth C. Bunce has crafted a novel that includes sweeping world-building, multi-faceted characters, and an ominous mystery. Digger must try to balance her own curiousity with the demands of a man who wishes to use her as a spy, without losing the moral code that she holds dear, even though she is a self-confessed thief. STARCROSSED delivers an awesome story that kept me riveted. This is a book that every YA fantasy lover should go read, now.
4/5 for plot
4.5/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 12.5/15 Highly Recommend
Visit the links below to find out more on the author and books:
Elizabeth C. Bunce website
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
06 November, 2010
Eight Days of Halloween Winners!
I've got some winners from my Eight Days of Halloween book giveaways to announce!
First, thank you everyone who participated, and followed the rules. I do appreciate it when you take the time to fill out the forms that I create. Not only does it make it easier on me to determine the legitimate entries, but it identifies each entrant, so that someone doesn't think that they won because they might have the same name as the real winner.
Anyway, here we go:
Eight Days of Halloween Day Two: Masques by Patricia Briggs and Poisoned Kisses by Stephanie Draven
I used random.org to create a list of each of the entries. If you had extra entries, your name went on the list more than once. Then, a random number was chosen, and the name matched with the number.
Winner is: MANDY
Eight Days of Halloween Day Three: Slayed by Amanda Marrone
Clearly someone should get thee to a lottery counter, STAT!
Winner is: MANDY
Eight Days of Halloween Day Six: The Hollow by Jessica Verday (*signed*)
So many books and movies to scare and spook. Great Halloween suggestions, everyone. Thanks for your comments!
Winner is: jmspettoli
Congrats to everyone! Note to winners: If we haven't already made contact, please email me by Wednesday November 10th, with your mailing address, to redeem your prize.
First, thank you everyone who participated, and followed the rules. I do appreciate it when you take the time to fill out the forms that I create. Not only does it make it easier on me to determine the legitimate entries, but it identifies each entrant, so that someone doesn't think that they won because they might have the same name as the real winner.
Anyway, here we go:
Eight Days of Halloween Day Two: Masques by Patricia Briggs and Poisoned Kisses by Stephanie Draven
I used random.org to create a list of each of the entries. If you had extra entries, your name went on the list more than once. Then, a random number was chosen, and the name matched with the number.
Winner is: MANDY
Eight Days of Halloween Day Three: Slayed by Amanda Marrone
Clearly someone should get thee to a lottery counter, STAT!
Winner is: MANDY
Eight Days of Halloween Day Six: The Hollow by Jessica Verday (*signed*)
So many books and movies to scare and spook. Great Halloween suggestions, everyone. Thanks for your comments!
Winner is: jmspettoli
Congrats to everyone! Note to winners: If we haven't already made contact, please email me by Wednesday November 10th, with your mailing address, to redeem your prize.
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
05 November, 2010
Book Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
Book: NIGHTSHADE
Author: ANDREA CREMER
Genre: YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE/ FANTASY
Published: October 2010, PHILOMEL
I received this book for free at BEA
From Good Reads:
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 Review:
Nightshade was such a fantastic read! Kudos to Andrea Cremer for creating a novel so layered and interesting that I had to keep turning the pages. From the very beginning I adored the idea that she was telling the story of a werewolf pack leader that was a girl. Truly a girl, because Calla is still in high school, yet she has all the makings of a strong Alpha...well, anything. An Alpha woman. An Alpha werewolf.
This is why I thought that Calla was a really great character. She is the unarguable leader of the Nighshade pack, but now it is time for a new pack to emerge, and with that, Calla will have to cede much of her power to her male counterpart, Ren. How this is going to come about is a great read, and a great ride.
Deference is clearly not a word that Calla uses on a regular basis. The societal mores of the NIGHTSHADE characters and lives are revealed throughout the pages, but never was it more clear the part that Calla would have to play, in a scene where Calla goes head-to-head with her mother. And, gets schooled too. As my dad used to say to me, diplomacy is the art of letting the other person get your way. As strong as Calla is in her anger and protectiveness, her mother is just as strong in the way that she handles the other Alphas that surround her. Though she may seem meek, she is never cowed.
And, this is exactly why I loved NIGHTSHADE so much. There's so much more to it than just being another YA werewolf novel. There's more to it than the "triangle" that is created between Calla, Ren and Shay. It's about following a pre-planned destiny versus letting something new take hold of your heart. And as Calla uncovers more and more about the history of the Guardians because of Shay's research, she finds that everyone has their own version of historical events, and it's time for her to stand up and find out the truth, instead of letting it be told to her. Again, I say kudos to Andrea Cremer for her amazing book.
4.5/5 for plot
5/5 for characters
4.5/5 for language
My Rating: 14/15 Must Read
Follow the links below to find out more information on the author and her books:
Andrea Cremer website
Bio
Blog
Twitter
Shay Doran's Shadow Days Blog
Shay Doran Facebook fan page
Shay Doran Youtube web series
Author: ANDREA CREMER
Genre: YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE/ FANTASY
Published: October 2010, PHILOMEL
I received this book for free at BEA
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 Review:
Nightshade was such a fantastic read! Kudos to Andrea Cremer for creating a novel so layered and interesting that I had to keep turning the pages. From the very beginning I adored the idea that she was telling the story of a werewolf pack leader that was a girl. Truly a girl, because Calla is still in high school, yet she has all the makings of a strong Alpha...well, anything. An Alpha woman. An Alpha werewolf.
This is why I thought that Calla was a really great character. She is the unarguable leader of the Nighshade pack, but now it is time for a new pack to emerge, and with that, Calla will have to cede much of her power to her male counterpart, Ren. How this is going to come about is a great read, and a great ride.
Deference is clearly not a word that Calla uses on a regular basis. The societal mores of the NIGHTSHADE characters and lives are revealed throughout the pages, but never was it more clear the part that Calla would have to play, in a scene where Calla goes head-to-head with her mother. And, gets schooled too. As my dad used to say to me, diplomacy is the art of letting the other person get your way. As strong as Calla is in her anger and protectiveness, her mother is just as strong in the way that she handles the other Alphas that surround her. Though she may seem meek, she is never cowed.
And, this is exactly why I loved NIGHTSHADE so much. There's so much more to it than just being another YA werewolf novel. There's more to it than the "triangle" that is created between Calla, Ren and Shay. It's about following a pre-planned destiny versus letting something new take hold of your heart. And as Calla uncovers more and more about the history of the Guardians because of Shay's research, she finds that everyone has their own version of historical events, and it's time for her to stand up and find out the truth, instead of letting it be told to her. Again, I say kudos to Andrea Cremer for her amazing book.
4.5/5 for plot
5/5 for characters
4.5/5 for language
My Rating: 14/15 Must Read
Follow the links below to find out more information on the author and her books:
Andrea Cremer website
Bio
Blog
Shay Doran's Shadow Days Blog
Shay Doran Facebook fan page
Shay Doran Youtube web series
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
04 November, 2010
Book Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Book: CRESCENDO
Author: BECCA FITZPATRICK
Genre: YA FANTASY/ SUSPENSE/ PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Published: October 2010, SIMON AND SCHUSTER CHILDREN'S
This book was an unsolicited review copy, given for free in exchange for an honest review. (ARC edition)
From Good Reads:
Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away, and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.
The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl...
My Review
Here's the thing about the first book in Becca Fitzpatrick's series. I liked HUSH HUSH, but it didn't wow me. But still, I very much wanted to read CRESCENDO. I think Fitzpatrick has just the right mix of mystery, dialog and romance to carry a reader through. And, where I was bogged down a little in the focus on Patch and his bad-boy attitude in the first book, there is more of a focus on Nora in this one. But, perhaps I didn't expect the same amount of urgency in CRESCENDO as there was in HUSH HUSH, because now Patch and Nora are together. The mystery of Patch and Chauncey is revealed, and Nora has sacrificed for Patch. What more could happen? I'm ashamed that I didn't think that Fitzpatrick could produce another edge-of-the-seat book. Because she did, she really did.
I did have some issues with the way that Nora allowed Patch to treat her. Though, it's clear that she wants to be with him, some of the treatment that Patch affords Nora is a little insulting. He has secrets, yes. He had secrets in HUSH HUSH, but after the events that wrap the first book, I thought that their relationship would be a little less troubled. I wanted to move onto the mystery that is presented involving Nora's father. Instead, I kept being distracted by Patch's sudden attachment to Marcie Millar, Nora's seeming archenemy.
However, tension and conflict are cornerstones of Fitzpatrick's writing, and she delivers beautifully on both. Even the prologue is so captivating, that I was caught from the beginning. I had to find out how it connected to the story that had already been told, and the significance of these events in the current story. Despite my annoyance at how Nora allowed Patch to get under her skin, the fact that I engaged that deeply in the story, shows how well the writing appealed to me.
I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in this series with high expectations. What will Fitzpatrick bring to the table after HUSH HUSH and CRESCENDO? I want more. When I read the last page in any book, having that feeling in my heart, is the best thing in the world.
3.5/5 for plot
3/5 for characters
4.5/5 for language
My Rating: 11/15 Recommend
Find out more about Becca Fitzpatrick and the books she has written, at the following links:
Author's website
Blog
Facebook fan page
Twitter
Bio
Author: BECCA FITZPATRICK
Genre: YA FANTASY/ SUSPENSE/ PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Published: October 2010, SIMON AND SCHUSTER CHILDREN'S
This book was an unsolicited review copy, given for free in exchange for an honest review. (ARC edition)
Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away, and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.
The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl...
My Review
Here's the thing about the first book in Becca Fitzpatrick's series. I liked HUSH HUSH, but it didn't wow me. But still, I very much wanted to read CRESCENDO. I think Fitzpatrick has just the right mix of mystery, dialog and romance to carry a reader through. And, where I was bogged down a little in the focus on Patch and his bad-boy attitude in the first book, there is more of a focus on Nora in this one. But, perhaps I didn't expect the same amount of urgency in CRESCENDO as there was in HUSH HUSH, because now Patch and Nora are together. The mystery of Patch and Chauncey is revealed, and Nora has sacrificed for Patch. What more could happen? I'm ashamed that I didn't think that Fitzpatrick could produce another edge-of-the-seat book. Because she did, she really did.
I did have some issues with the way that Nora allowed Patch to treat her. Though, it's clear that she wants to be with him, some of the treatment that Patch affords Nora is a little insulting. He has secrets, yes. He had secrets in HUSH HUSH, but after the events that wrap the first book, I thought that their relationship would be a little less troubled. I wanted to move onto the mystery that is presented involving Nora's father. Instead, I kept being distracted by Patch's sudden attachment to Marcie Millar, Nora's seeming archenemy.
However, tension and conflict are cornerstones of Fitzpatrick's writing, and she delivers beautifully on both. Even the prologue is so captivating, that I was caught from the beginning. I had to find out how it connected to the story that had already been told, and the significance of these events in the current story. Despite my annoyance at how Nora allowed Patch to get under her skin, the fact that I engaged that deeply in the story, shows how well the writing appealed to me.
I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in this series with high expectations. What will Fitzpatrick bring to the table after HUSH HUSH and CRESCENDO? I want more. When I read the last page in any book, having that feeling in my heart, is the best thing in the world.
3.5/5 for plot
3/5 for characters
4.5/5 for language
My Rating: 11/15 Recommend
Find out more about Becca Fitzpatrick and the books she has written, at the following links:
Author's website
Blog
Facebook fan page
Bio
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
02 November, 2010
Eight Days of Halloween- Day Eight: The Post-Halloween Come Down Continues
It's the last day of my Eight Days of Halloween feature. Now that it's November 2nd, I have to accept the fact that Autumn Mix candy corn, and fun-size candy bars' days are seriously numbered. Even pumpkin lattes will probably make room for eggnog lattes soon. And, I'll be OK with that. Soon.
So, for anyone else that might be having a little bit of trouble letting go, I've got some more good post-Halloween Come Down suggestions to keep you going for a few weeks. Until Thanksgiving grabs your attention.
THE ARGENEAU SERIES by Lynsay Sands
With 13 books in this paranormal romance series, plus a short story included in an anthology and a 14 on the way, you'll be busy for a while. No need to fear the post-Halloween season with these babies at hand!
THE WALKING DEAD mini-series on AMC
Not only does it have Brit hottie (to me, at least), Andrew Lincoln in it, but it has the requisite zombies that seem to make for good Halloween viewing. And hey, if the television show isn't your thing- or you don't have cable- check out the graphic novels!
Well, that's the end of Eight Days of Halloween. Enjoy basking in the last few rays of the Halloween season, and say goodbye until next year. Don't fight or fear the come down! And, check out my book giveaways, at the top of the blog. They'll be open until 6pm eastern on November 4th.
So, for anyone else that might be having a little bit of trouble letting go, I've got some more good post-Halloween Come Down suggestions to keep you going for a few weeks. Until Thanksgiving grabs your attention.
THE ARGENEAU SERIES by Lynsay Sands
With 13 books in this paranormal romance series, plus a short story included in an anthology and a 14 on the way, you'll be busy for a while. No need to fear the post-Halloween season with these babies at hand!
THE WALKING DEAD mini-series on AMC
Not only does it have Brit hottie (to me, at least), Andrew Lincoln in it, but it has the requisite zombies that seem to make for good Halloween viewing. And hey, if the television show isn't your thing- or you don't have cable- check out the graphic novels!
Well, that's the end of Eight Days of Halloween. Enjoy basking in the last few rays of the Halloween season, and say goodbye until next year. Don't fight or fear the come down! And, check out my book giveaways, at the top of the blog. They'll be open until 6pm eastern on November 4th.
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
01 November, 2010
Eight Days of Halloween- Day Seven: Post-Halloween Come Down
It's November 1st, which means that the Halloween costume goes back in the closet. The leftover trick-or-treat candy has to be given away or tossed, for your own good, so you don't eat it yourself. ALONE. IN YOUR BEDROOM. HIDDEN IN YOUR BEDSIDE DRAWER.
Oh wait. Is that just me?
Anyway, I love the whole concept of Halloween. I love thinking up the perfect costume, and becoming someone else for the night. I love trying out new ideas. No, I will not wear a costume from the "sexy" section of the store, but I do like to come up with a unique costume. Only, it's the post-Halloween come-down now, so what am I to do?
Here's my suggestion: Keep that notion going of trying something new. Your costume was something that you wouldn't wear of an average day, right? Even if the components came from your personal clothing collection, you might not have worn each of the elements together before.
Before this year, before this blog, I might never have tried an audiobook. I do have a pretty good collection of e-books, but would I have ever considered an e-reader before this spring? So, while I am not going to try to convince anyone that they need to switch from print books, I hope this post will at least encourage those die-hard print (notice I did not say "real", because that is extrememly insulting, IMO.) book readers to continue the Halloween spirit.
Try out something new, like you do with your costumes each year. You don't have to convert (I still LOVE print editions), but maybe you'll find that other book formats have value for you.
Here are some books that might just see you through the post-Halloween come down.
Print Editions
Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
Hungry for Your Love (A zombie anthology) including J.A. Saare
E-Books
Hollowland by Amanda Hocking
Ordeal by T.K. Varenko
Blood Lust by Zoe Winters
Audiobook Editions
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
Oh wait. Is that just me?
Anyway, I love the whole concept of Halloween. I love thinking up the perfect costume, and becoming someone else for the night. I love trying out new ideas. No, I will not wear a costume from the "sexy" section of the store, but I do like to come up with a unique costume. Only, it's the post-Halloween come-down now, so what am I to do?
Here's my suggestion: Keep that notion going of trying something new. Your costume was something that you wouldn't wear of an average day, right? Even if the components came from your personal clothing collection, you might not have worn each of the elements together before.
Before this year, before this blog, I might never have tried an audiobook. I do have a pretty good collection of e-books, but would I have ever considered an e-reader before this spring? So, while I am not going to try to convince anyone that they need to switch from print books, I hope this post will at least encourage those die-hard print (notice I did not say "real", because that is extrememly insulting, IMO.) book readers to continue the Halloween spirit.
Try out something new, like you do with your costumes each year. You don't have to convert (I still LOVE print editions), but maybe you'll find that other book formats have value for you.
Here are some books that might just see you through the post-Halloween come down.
Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
Hungry for Your Love (A zombie anthology) including J.A. Saare
Ordeal by T.K. Varenko
Blood Lust by Zoe Winters
The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.
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