Mirage by: Kristi Cook

Publication Date: June 2012

Overview: Danger looms large in the sequel to Haven, which Booklist called “a blend of the Gemma Doyle trilogy, the Twilight saga, and Lois Duncan’s thrillers.”

Violet McKenna is back for her senior year at Winterhaven and thrilled to be with Aidan after a long summer apart. But while their love for each other is as strong as ever, their troubles are far from over.

News of a rogue vampire on a killing spree sets everyone on edge. While Aidan is determined to stop the killer, Violet is chilled by a horrifying vision she simply must prevent...for if she can’t, two people she loves will meet a violent end.

In the midst of Violet’s fear, a mysterious newcomer enters her life—and he has some vital information not just about her past, but about her future as well. Now everything Violet held as truth is upended, and she is left not knowing whom to trust, if she is in danger, and—worst of all—whether she and Aidan are really meant to be together.

My thoughts: I would be lying if I said this was an easy read. There is  much to remember. All the kids have special talents, some more then others. 

Then you must remember whom is with who. It's quite confusing at times. 

I think with that many characters you must keep the story line simple and this is anything but simple. 

I do love several of the characters, especially the new ones: Matthew and Tyler. 

My rating: 4 stars

Nevermore by: Kelly Creagh

Publication Date: August 2011

Overview: And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting

On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;

And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,

And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;

And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor

Shall be lifted - nevermore!

— from "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

At once an homage to one of America's greatest writers and a page-turning psychological mystery that is equal parts horror, humor, and romance, NEVERMORE is the story of Varen — a Poe-fan and goth — and Isobel — a cheerleader and unlikely heroine. When a Lit. project pairs the two together, Isobel finds herself steadily swept into Varen's world, one that he has created in his notebook and in his mind, one where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life. Isobel slowly learns that dreams can be much more powerful than she'd ever expected, and that pain and despair come in all sorts of shades. As labels of "goth" and "cheerleader" fade away, she sees more in Varen than a tall, pale outcast, and a consuming romance is braced against the ever-clearer horror that the most terrifying realities are those within our own minds.

When Isobel has a single chance to rescue Varen from the shadows of his own nightmares, will she be able to save him — and herself?

My thoughts: I'm not really a fan of Poe, so parts of this that referred to him just got under my skin. It's a good thing this story revolved more around the characters then him:)

I love Isobel and Varen together, I enjoyed their story of discovery in each other... amazing. They are in love and although she never gets to tell him and vice versa, I  am sure they both feel that string connection they have to one another. 

The ending left me cold, yet wanting more. I hate the way things turn out, but I know the author thought it best to leave us hanging and keeping us begging for more.

My rating: 4 stars

Up Next for author: Enshadowed 

Starcrossed By: Josephine Angelini

Publication Date: May 2011

Overview: Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—now it's getting harder. She's having nightmares of a desperate desert journey, visions of three women weeping tears of blood. And why is she possessed by the sudden, unstoppable urge to kill the handsome new boy in school, Lucas Delos?

A love written in the stars . . .

A feud started in ancient Greece . . .

A curse not even the gods can break.

My thoughts: This one was wonderful. IF you get pass the never ending, but well written history lesson, you will fully enjoy this.

For some, you may totally enjoy it, but for others like myself; I found myself frustrated by the Greek  mythology that we were forced into. We all know the stories of love, hatred and war,  and yet we had to read it all over again. And not just once, the author referred back to it at every chance. 

It's sad to see this family torn apart by killings. Even if it was by mistake, your heart breaks for Hector. I know that Helen and Lucas will find a way to help Hector and hopefully find a way to be together again. I'm positive that Daphne is up to no good and she'll be found out.

My rating: 4 stars

Up Next by author: Dreamless