Touch of Frost

Touch of Frost

By Jennifer Estep

"My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy; a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest. But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why; especially since I should have been the one who died..."  Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5

I so love books about gods and goddesses! This book seems to mix all of them from many different belief systems and mixes them together in a fantastic way. I honestly could not get enough of these books even though I read the, when I was in a logical frame of mind.

Gwen is such a great character to follow. I'm not sure I would want her powers though. As much stuff as we touch during the day, I'm not sure seeing visions from people would make me comfortable in my own skin. Luckily, She makes a friend, Daphne, a Valkyrie by first blackmailing her into helping her. She also works for an overbearing librarian, Nickamedes, to help pay for school.

This book then slams you with one of the craziest plot twists which leads Gwen to find her destiny and to become an enemy of the god, Loki. (Thanks for making me think of Tom Hiddleston the whole time!)

BTW, Gwen and Logam need to get over themselves. She should have kissed him to begin with, and he shouldn't have been such a wiener at the end!

Wicked Lovely

Wicked Lovely

By Melissa Marr

"Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty - especially if they learn of her Sight - and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.
Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.
But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King, who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost — regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faery intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning twenty-first-century faery tale." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5

I'm not sure how I would feel seeing Faeries everywhere. Knowing that they could harm people and having to pretend they don't exist would be tough.

Poor Aislinn! Forced to make a choice she never wanted to make in the first place. I love Aislinn and Seth together! Who doesn't love a guy with tatts and piercings who lives in a train? I just wished they would have admitted their feelings sooner, although I'm not sure it would have made a difference in the grand scheme of things.

I could have never fell for a person I knew was a faery and only wanted me to get his powers back. He has a harem of women and a winter girl he loves anyway! I do believe Aislinn made the only choice she could though, and she gets to keep Seth. So, alls well that ends well. Ready to read the next!

Dark Star

Dark Star

By Bethany Frenette

"Audrey Whitticomb has nothing to fear. Her mother is the superhero Morning Star, the most deadly crime-fighter in the Twin Cities, so it's hard for Audrey not to feel safe. That is, until she's lured into the sweet night air by something human and not human--something with talons and teeth, and a wide, scarlet smile. 

Now Audrey knows the truth: her mom doesn't fight crime at night. She fights Harrowers--livid, merciless beings who were trapped Beneath eons ago. Yet some have managed to escape. And they want Audrey dead, just because of who she is: one of the Kin. 

To survive, Audrey will need to sharpen the powers she has always had. When she gets close to someone, dark corners of the person's memories become her own, and she sometimes even glimpses the future. If Audrey could only get close to Patrick Tigue, a powerful Harrower masquerading as human, she could use her Knowing to discover the Harrowers' next move. But Leon, her mother's bossy, infuriatingly attractive sidekick, has other ideas. Lately, he won't let Audrey out of his sight. 

When an unthinkable betrayal puts Minneapolis in terrible danger, Audrey discovers a wild, untamed power within herself. It may be the key to saving her herself, her family, and her city. Or it may be the force that destroys everything--and everyone--she loves." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5

This book was my second great surprise!

Suoerheroes. Demon-fighting superheroes.

I loved this book. Audrey is such a great character. She is witty, funny, and find trouble where ever she goes despite not actually looking for it. I hate that so much was hidden from her, but I'm not sure life would have been easier if she knew everything. I spent a of the book hoping she would be Called, but after the end, I'm not sure I will continue to hope that. After all, if she was called, she probably wouldn't need a Guardian.

Which brings me to Leon! He just seems so angry and upset at Audrey through the whole book for no reason. I'm not entirely convinced that it's just frustrated feelings for her either. I hope it is, because I don't see a reason to make her life anymore difficult than being chased by demons. I love them two together. I'm so ready for the next one. Hurry up February 25th!!!

Die for Me

Die for Me

By Amy Plum

"In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5

Just when I thought the majority of the books I picked up were about vampires or werewolves, I got a very pleasant surprise. Two surprises, actually. This book was the first of the two.

Poor Kate. She loses her parents and then moves to Paris where she knows no one. Although, the Paris things isn't all bad considering she wants to forget about her old life anyway to make the pain go away. She is so heartbroken as would any child be after losing her parents. I'm very glad that her sister and grandmother convince her to rejoin the world and go out and enjoy Paris. Without that push , she would never have met Vincent.

Ah, Vincent... It would be very hard not to fall for this guy even with knowing what he was. After a rocky beginning and a few rocky parts in the middle, Kate and Vincent make such a great couple despite what he is and what she will have to put up with to be with him. I spent the whole book hoping Kate would do something so that their love could be immortal, and then I had to reel myself in because she still has family who would probably understand anyway. I haven't stopped hoping that it will happen eventually though!

I am dying to read the rest! Definitely one of my favorites!!!!!!!

Vampire Academy

Vampire Academy

By Richelle Mead

"St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5

Oh my Gosh!!!! I have said before I love snarky character. I adore Rose. She is so sarcastic and wild! This book is filled with juicy high school drama and that just draws you in more. I am so glad Lissa can use compulsion to keep her and Rose together. They compliment each other so well, and Lissa is going to need Rose to help her keep her powers in check. They are incredibly lucky and blessed to have their Bond.

Dimtri. Where to began! Gosh, I love the relationship between him and Rose. I cannot believe he lies about how he feels, breaks Rose's heart, only for her to find out the truth from someone else. (The plot twist is a bit predictable although I didn't see the Natalie thing coming.) I'm very glad she confronts him about all of it! 

I loved these so much I went out and bought the rest!

Obstacles

Obstacles

By Christopher Michael Reardon

"A child will die. You're afraid to live. Would you go to all lengths to save him? Darkness knows no bounds, as Alcott, an African American doctor sees all too well. The man is petrified by death. His fragile existence rests at the mercy of the universe. This fact is far too much for him to handle. From unyielding nightmares to elevator terrors, he's lost in paranoia. 

Assigned to look after an ill child, Alcott's horrors only heighten. Gari is a nine-year-old boy with a fatal disease. He will surely pass on within the year. Alcott bonds with him more and more each day. Part of him knows this grim fate just isn't right. 

Alcott befriends a hospital patient. This lunatic forces him to lug home an ancient text on bringing back the dead. Despite the man's obvious dementia, Alcott attempts the scheme. Charging up a cliff, he recites the chant over ocean gusts. 

A god woman glides in from the horizon. She instructs Alcott on the trials to save Gari's life. These fearsome Obstacles require true strength. From battling sharks to wielding a flail, he must prove fortitude against genuine danger. Alcott decides his fate at this moment. 

Death's claws shall not grasp Gari's soul." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 3 of 5

First, I have to say I hate giving rough reviews. I do, however, like to be honest to both readers and the author. With much thought, I set out to make sure I spoke the truth.

The writer creates a world of characters with strong feelings. Instead of feeling sad, they are depressed. Instead of upset, they are furious. The story behind this book is a good one with some excitement, but at times  I felt it drag on. Then, the author would find his way again. It's an okay first try. Keep at it!

Incubus

Incubus

By Jennifer Quintenz

"Braedyn Murphy used to think nothing important ever happened in her sleepy town of Puerto Escondido. But that was before she learned she was a descendent of Lilith, the mother of all demons. Now Braedyn fights to protect humanity from the Lilitu - the beautiful, souls-stealing daughters of Lilith.

As she fights the Lilitu, Braedyn must also fight her growing love for her boyfriend Lucas - because even a simple kiss could end his life. Their only ray of hope is an angel’s offer to make Braedyn human, but it’s an offer she can’t accept until the world is safe from the Lilitu.

Braedyn knows she’s a key player in this ancient war... but she’s not ready to believe she just might be humanity’s best hope of surviving the final battle for Earth." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5

I love the story surrounding Braedyn. I think it is so brave of her to stay a Lilitu in order to take down the rest of her kin along side the Guard, despite what she really wants. I absolutely adore Lucas and Braedyn's father. They both care about her so much, which is why this book irritated me slightly.

Like all teenagers Braedyn feels like she knows better than anyone else what needs to be done. This just isn't once in the book and she learns a lesson. Oh no. Its a running theme. I just wish for once she would have listened and let people handle what they said they would. I did not like Seth from the beginning. For the moment his character came into the book, I knew something was off, and when he made a move toward Braedyn, that just sealed how I felt. I guess I just love Lucas too much. I am excited for what is to come. 

Hiatus!!!

So, I would like to apologize for my hiatus.
Big things have been happening, and, although I have been reading, I have just now got around to doing all the reviews!

Be prepared because I have been on a reading binge!

(Disclaimer: these are not my gif files and were not made by me, but instead by some lovely person with the same Cumberbatch Addiction. Thank you to whoever you are!)