Been Away...

So yes I know it's been a while since I have posted on here. Between work, sleep, book hangovers, and vacation, I find it's harder for me to be motivated sometimes. It doesn't mean I have read a ton of great books and have the reviews all ready for posting (and some that aren't written yet). This is going to take a while...

Vampirates: Blood Captain

Vampirates: Blood Captain

By Justin Somper

"For Connor, these are testing times aboard notorious pirate ship, The Diablo - not least when Captain Wrathe's obnoxious nephew Moonshine joins the crew. And, as things reach breaking point, Connor finds himself crossing a line from which there is no return. Meanwhile Grace and Lorcan journey to Sanctuary, a mountain retreat presided over by vampirate guru, Mosh Zu Kamal. If anyone can heal Lorcan's blindness, it's Mosh Zu, but he's more interested in Grace. Combatting danger on all sides, Grace realises her fate is inextricably bound up with the vampirates..." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5

I'll be damned if Sidorio and Jez aren't back. Surely, considering how long these Vampirates have been around, someone has had to end one at some point?! Guess not!!

Poor Lorcan, Poor Vampirates Captain! They both need so much help. Grace meets so many new people who actually help her unlock many of her talents. Connor is so moody it gives me whiplash. I just wish that so many people didn't feel the same way as Sidorio. 

Mosh Zu is very much how you would expect a guru to be. I just wish he was a bit more real world and connected than he is.

Vampirates: Tide of Terror

Vampirates: Tide of Terror

By Justin Somper

"Sequel to Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean. Traitor Sidorio, unable to control thirst, builds a crew and takes a ship. Former crewmate Grace 14 wants to help blinded Lorcan who rescued her, and keep her twin Connor safe at the elite Pirate Academy. Will they stay together or follow their own journey?" Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5

Can I just say how much I dislike the pirate captains?They are so selfish and using despite the pretty words that come out of their mouths. Cheng Li is definitely well on her way to being the same way. I just can't stand her at all.

Connor needs to wake up. He is involved in piracy so things are going to happen, and people will use him no matter where he goes. I hate that he had to lose someone and visit the academy of liars to see all of this. I hate that Connor seems so lost despite how close he keeps coming to feeling okay again. At least you helped put an end to Sidorio!

Grace, honestly! You need to get a grip girl! Of course your drawn back to the Vampirates and Lorcan!! Especially, once you find out he isn't doing alright. Going to such extremes to get back is crazy girl! Cheng Li should be straight up slapped! However, I am glad she gets back to the Captain and to Lorcan, no matter what that crazed donor says!!!

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean

By Justin Somper

"Twins, Connor and Grace, never dreamed that there was any truth to the Vampirate shanty their father sang to them before he died, but that was before the two were shipwrecked and separated from each other. For Connor, who is taken aboard a pirate ship, there's the chance to learn to swordfight, but for Grace, aboard a mysterious ship of vampire pirates, the danger is great. What will it take for them to find each other?" Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5

I first came across this book when pirates and vampires were becoming all the rage in my world. What better than pick up a book about both?

Poor Connor and Grace Tempest! We start out the book with them losing everything from their father to their home. They set on a very dangerous journey which automatically turns for the worse. Luckily, they are rescued, but they are separated. Connor finds himself swept up in the wonderful life of being a pirate. At this point, I adore Connor and the rag-tag group of pirates. I love that they try to make him feel better despite everything that has happened!

Grace is found in a much different situation. She is swept into the life of the Vampirates. In a way, Grace is in much more danger than Connor. I love Lorcan. He has been trying so hard to protect Grace, but she finds her way into trouble. The Captain and Darcy are great. The ship seems full of good people with one big exception. Sidorio the arrogant ass. I was so torn when Connor and Grace became reunited. I wanted them to be safe together, but I didn't want her to leave Lorcan!

Until I DIe

Until I Die

By Amy Plum

"Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5

Oh.....My..... God...... Where do I start with this book?!

I just love this series.These two poor kids. They love each other so much, but things are never easy are they? Through the book, they are both trying to find a way to ease his suffering while he is trying to resist his instincts. His way turns out to be dangerous, but then again so is hers. I just love these two together. They are so in love with one another. They would do anything to fix it. He is so romantic.

Poor Jules. It's clear how he feels about Kate, but she chooses to ignore it. I love him to pieces too. I miss Charlotte and Charles in this book, but I know this is what everyone needs. So many shocking things happen in this book!

Arthur and Violet can go suck an egg. Arthur i might be able to grow to like, but Violet can take a long walk off a short pier and never wake up for all I care! I am so desperate to find out what happens. I need the last one!!!

Midnight Frost

Midnight Frost

By Jennifer Estep

"Here we go again … 

Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead. 

As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there …" Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5

I enjoyed this book. You find out so much about the people important in Gwen's life. I think the whole going off in to a trap thing is crazy. They know they are but they seem a bit unprepared for it. Gwen meets someone you never expect in a million years and find out this crazy big secret about her past. Thank god Logan FINALLY shows up but is still acting like a wounded deer. Come on boy! Sign her mattress already!!!! At least it ends pretty well. I'm ready to read the last one!

Texas Gothic

Texas Gothic

By Rosemary Clement-Moore

"Amy Goodnight knows that the world isn't as simple as it seems—she grew up surrounded by household spells and benevolent ghosts. But she also understands that "normal" doesn't mix with magic, and she's worked hard to build a wall between the two worlds. Not only to protect any hope of ever having a normal life.

Ranch-sitting for her aunt in Texas should be exactly that. Good old ordinary, uneventful hard work. Only, Amy and her sister, Phin, aren't alone. There's someone in the house with them—and it's not the living, breathing, amazingly hot cowboy from the ranch next door.

It's a ghost, and it's more powerful than the Goodnights and all their protective spells combined. It wants something from Amy, and none of her carefully built defenses can hold it back.

This is the summer when the wall between Amy's worlds is going to come crashing down." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5

I adored this book. I loved the characters, especially Amy. I mean what girl hasn't accidentally ran around outside in their drawers? This girl just got lucky and the hot neighbor was there to see it. At least she tried to play it off like it was a bikini. After all of this has already happened, she winds up getting caught up in a big ghost scandal turned real scandal and is compelled (by magic duh) to help figure everything out and fix it. I love the chemistry between Amy and Ben, the neighbor boy. They argue and bicker. So, of course, the attraction is undeniable.

The ending left me wanting! What happened? GAH!

Marked

Marked

By P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

"The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed.  In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire -- that is, if she makes it through the Change.  Not all of those who are chosen do.  It's tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling.  She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx.  But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers.  When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny--with a little help from her new vampyre friends." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5

This book is crazy and very good. So, apparently, this book is set in a place where vampyre marking is a common occurrence. Therefore, poor Zoey. First, she gets marked and then realizes her friend is a bitch and a slut bag. Then she goes home to detached, crazy extremist parents. Piss poor extremist parents. So, naturally off to Grandma's house we go. Thankfully, Granny gets her to the school she needs before she dies.

Things then start happening pretty fast. She makes a enemy of the alpha female. She meets the Alpha female's bf who likes her and she likes him back. She figures out that her powers are more developed than any others. I love her roommate to pieces, and let me just say, Insta-tattoes? Sweet! Things end way to positively so I think I'm safe in assuming that things are fixing to get real shitty. Ready for the next!

Crimson Frost

Crimson Frost

By Jennifer Estep

"For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes—the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki—the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will.

I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming.

I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself…" Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5

(Disclaimer: I apologize for any spoilers in this review. This book made me so damn mad though!!!!)

Welp! That was short lived! This girl just gets the raw end of the deal all the time. She finally gets to go out with Logan, and it all goes south from there. She gets arrested, by Logan's dad no doubt!  (btw he is an ass) Gwen just keeps getting ridiculed at school and everywhere. IT's just awful. Thank god for her friends! Gwen was almost strung up! Poor Oliver in this too. The ending is just nuts. Everyone should be very grateful that Gwen was around! Logan's dad ate his words! Woo. Logan and Gwen just need to get over themselves and be together! GEEZ! Stop running off on each other!!!

Dark Frost

Dark Frost

By Jennifer Estep

"I've seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I'm supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I'm just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me--again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects--and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I'm also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me? It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can't use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me--and I'm in for the fight of my life." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5

Geez, What a rollercoaster! So much happens in this book it makes your head spin. 

As we all know, Logan really cares for Gwen. Daphne comes into her powers, and Gwen can suck the essence right out of a person. We find out a huge secret that Nick has been harboring the entire time. 

The biggest thing in this book is the Helheim Dagger. Gwen, honey, you read comic books. You really should have seen this coming. Nike drives me absolutely insane. You tell her to find it knowing full well what will happen! Gosh! For someone who isn't supposed to meddle, you sure did. I completely get that Gwen's mom was just done. That poor woman gave up her life for the gods and now her daughter is fighting for hers... Cray!

Kiss of Frost

Kiss of Frost

By Jennifer Estep

"I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword..." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5

Gosh, this poor girl. The guy she loves breaks her heart and then rams his tongue down his new girlfriend's throat right in front of her. Of course, she goes on the ski weekend with her Valkyrie friend hoping for happiness, but she couldn't chose a good guy if he bit her. She almost dies several times in the book... Fenrir wolf, avalanche, creepy psycho killer, etc. Poor Gwen is soooo marked. So, Oliver starts out sketchy but definitely becomes one of my favorite characters. We get a glimpse into Logan's mind and sneak peek at that big nasty secret keeping him and Gwen apart. So much crazy stuff happens in this book, but it's very good. 

It's been a while...

Gosh, it's been a quite a bit since I've been on here.

That doesn't mean that I haven't been reading.

I certainly have, and I have been buying more.

Sit back... I got a lot coming at you!

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!)

The Grimm Chronicles, Volume Two

The Grimm Chronicles,Volume Two

By Isabella Fontaine & Ken Brosky

"200 years ago, the Brothers Grimm unleashed their stories upon the world. Literally. Now the characters of the Grimms’ stories walk among us. With every day that passes, they grow more evil. They are the Corrupted, and only a hero can stop them.

For 18-year-old Alice Goodenough, that means taking precious time off from her summer vacation. In addition to volunteering at the local library, Alice must stop the Corrupted who are now actively hunting her down. With the help of her magic pen and her trusty rabbit friend, the world has suddenly gotten a lot more complex. The Corrupted are everywhere, and only Alice can see them for what they truly are.

This book contains 3 episodes of the critically acclaimed series:

Episode 4: The Orphanage of Doom
Episode 5: Blood and Thunder
Episode 6: The Order of the Golden Dragon"

Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5

I definitely enjoyed this book a lot more than I did the first one. The part that was most enjoyable was that it not only dealt with the supernatural aspects ,but it also dealt with real world problems facing teens today. Subjects such as drinking, fitting in, bullying, and finding your place in this world is some things every teen goes through. I think it makes this book easier to relate to. 

I love that Seth has stuck by her through all of this and is so willing to help her. I hate that Trish is so lost from the group, and I believe it is only right that her new boyfriend is part of the corrupted plan. I'm sorry but I enjoyed that bit of Karma. What sucks the most is, I believe Alice will need all the friends and help she can get to survive and live a long life. I know that her and Seth have kept it a secret from Trish, but Trish knows that Edward left and that Alice has changed, but I guess some friendships just drift apart. I am very excited about Chase. I love his story and cannot wait to see where the story takes him and Alice. 

I am very concerned about Briar. The fact that he cannot control his invisibility worries me that the corruption is in fact getting to him, and I do not look forward to the day Alice might have to deal with that. 

I think Eugene Washington was a more interesting and likable character than Grace was in the previous one. Eugene felt more connected to the story, and I enjoyed his entries a much more. (Not to mention her created Briar!)

I would like to see not only the stories that Alice encounters, but I would like to see a list of the name of the characters and those dealt with crossed out, much like the book Alice carries in the story. I'm just one that like to keep track though. :)

The Iron-Jawed Boy

The Iron-Jawed Boy

By Nikolas Lee

"Year 2300

Protea: Capitol of the Eldanarian Isle

Two hundred years have passed since the lands of the Outerworld humans were destroyed, save but a handful of rebellious cities. In their ruin, the last gods of Earth, the Illyrians, rose victorious. And ever since, it's with a cruel iron fist they've ruled over their subjects--desperate to keep their thrones.

Fast approaching his teens, Ionikus Reaves knows the gods' malevolence all too well, orphaned by them after their call for a military draft on Eldanar, his home island. But when a power once dormant in Ion boils to the surface, he's whisked off to a hidden world of the island, where he comes face-to-face with the mighty Illyrians.

For Ion is a Guardian--a reincarnated god bound to serve and protect the pantheon he's so quickly learned to hate. Now torn between his obligations as a Guardian and his hatred of the gods he's to guard, Ion finds himself in the middle of a war within himself. A war that could uncover a dark secret of the gods'...and split the pantheon in two." Courtesy of Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5

I will admit I was very skeptical of this book. I kept coming to on my "to read" list and trying to decide how I felt. I was then asked by the author to read and review it. I am very glad I accepted. I absolutely loved this book. 

Ion is such a great character. I automatically felt for him from the beginning. He is ripped from his family, has a piece of iron sealed to his face, sold into slavery to a complete jerk, nearly killed and then told he is a guardian for the society who caused all of this. This poor child. How do you cope with all of that? I understand how conflicted he feels throughout the book and how skeptical he is of the whole situation. I love how Vinya reassures Ion and makes him feel more comfortable in his new surrounds and with his powers. The climax of the story was one I hoped wouldn't happen, but I was blindsided by the help from the outside. The resolution was bittersweet. I only have one reaction to the ending: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

I'm dying to read the second book. I have added this book to my favorites.

Thrall

Thrall

By Jennifer Quintenz

"Braedyn is a normal girl just trying to survive high school with her two devoted friends, Royal and Cassie. Together they’re doing a pretty good job of shrugging off the slings and arrows cast their way by the popular crowd when a new boy, Lucas, moves into the house next door. Suddenly Braedyn finds herself falling in love for the first time.

But as her sixteenth birthday approaches, Braedyn discovers humankind is at war with the Lilitu, an ancient race of enticing demons that prey on human souls. Her father is a member of the Guard fighting against the Lilitu - and so are the new neighbors, including her crush, Lucas. 

As her world starts to unravel at the seams, Braedyn learns the right answers aren’t always clear or easy. And as for “good” and “evil” – it all depends on how we choose to act.

Inspired by the ancient Mesopotamian myths of Lilith and her offspring, Thrall explores first love, strong friendships, and taking on adult responsibilities against the backdrop of powerful supernatural forces and life-and-death stakes." 

Rating: 5 of 5

This novel was so good. I received it this morning and just finished it a bit ago. I absolutely loved it. 

Let me start by saying poor Braedyn. Everything was going her way for once, and then rug is pulled completely out from under her... multiple times. You feel so bad for her! The life she has known is a lie. She is keeping a huge secret from the guy she loves. She has an inner war waging that could mean losing the world as well as herself.  I love how strong of a character she is. Everything that happens to her, and she still manages to come out on the right side.  Honestly, Braedyn's transformation from a girl who only wants to blend in to a woman who can't is amazing. I love that the physical transformation isn't drug out. So many books ruin themselves by doing that. It is so easy to feel the way Braedyn does. This character is so easy to relate to despite the supernatural atmosphere of the book. The relationship between her and Lucas is so intriguing and complex.  Her dad is by far the best father ever. He loves her through everything. This book ends with a choice, and I would have made the same one she did. 

This novel is supernatural, but it feels like it could happen to anyone at anytime. I think that drew me in more than anything. I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I have added it to my favorites collection.