The Essence by: Kimberly Derting

Publication Date: January 2013

Overview: At the luminous conclusion of The Pledge, Charlaina defeated the tyrant Sabara and took her place as Queen of Ludania. But Charlie knows that Sabara has not disappeared: The evil queen’s Essence is fused to Charlie’s psyche, ready to arise at the first sign of weakness.

Charlie is not weak, but she’s being pushed to the brink. In addition to suppressing the ever-present influence of Sabara, she’s busy being queen—and battling a growing resistance determined to return Ludania to its discriminatory caste system. Charlie wants to be the same girl Max loves, who Brook trusts, but she’s Your Majesty now, and she feels torn in two.

As Charlie journeys to an annual summit to meet with leaders of nearby Queendoms—an event where her ability to understand all languages will be the utmost asset—she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. And the only person she can turn to for help is the evil soul residing within.

My thoughts: Charlaina is dealing with a lot. From Sabara inside her and someone out to kill her, this girl has a lot on her back right now. 

I think I would crack under pressure. 

Her love Max....is amazing but during this book their romance is mostly pout on the back burner. I think you could write a whole book about them and maybe it won't have taken me so long to get into this one. 

I was disappointed because it took me a long time to read. I actually had to make myself read a couple chapters every day, normally I would have just picked it up and never put it down. After the kidnapping and other traumatic things that happen everyone seems again Charlie but I know they care, even if she doesn't and in my opinion she needs the kick Sabara out of there. They nee to work and find a plan to get rid of her once and for all. 

My rating: 3 stars

A Fractured Light by: Jocelyn Davies

Publication Date: September 2012

Overview: When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. It's not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories come flooding back. She tries to put the past behind her, but she knows she'll be forever haunted by the ruthless betrayal that almost took her life.

Skye returns home, but with the knowledge of who she really is, nothing can ever be the same. As she tests the limits of her newfound powers, Skye discovers that she's capable of far more than anyone could have imagined. Both the Order and the Rebellion want her for their side as war between the factions looms. She can't forget the terrifying truth she now knows about the Order, but something holds her back from embracing the Rebellion.

My thoughts: I have to say I was quite worried about this book, due to the ending of the last.

Skye wakes up many days later and find that everything has changed. She is worried about her aunt and friend, but has no way to contact. She is stuck in a cabin with Asher and friend. I know my fears would be that the rebellion has taken them. They then allow her to go home and she has to face the consequences of all that has happened. She has to confess but only to find that they knew., Or some of them knew things other assumed. I have to say that the end of this book shocked me quite a bit. People are changing sides and making their own sides. It's a shocker for sure and I con't wait to read more. 

My rating: 5 stars

Up Next: Radiant Sky

Dreamless by: Josephine Angelini

Publication Date: May 2012

Overview: Dreamless continues the story of Helen Hamilton, a shy girl living on Nantucket Island whose desire for an ordinary life was thwarted when she discovered she is a Scion, a descendant of a Greek god and a mortal. Each Scion has a power, and Helen’s is the ability to travel to Hades.
 
Helen is determined to use her talent to stop a war amongst the gods and change her destiny, which is to live a life patterned after that of the tragic Helen of Troy. But her quest may cost her Lucas Delios, the boy she loves.

My thoughts: Helen is in love with her cousin....how gross does that sound? But it really isn't. And I have to say I love the idea of them and am quite sad it will never be.

We'll truthfully if he's as yummy as he sounds i would go for it too. 

Trouble is they really have to stay away from each other and they can't let anything go on. So I am sure all of this with Lucas pisses her off and makes her question everything that is and was.

Now Helen and another hottie Orion are together in the underworld trying to save them from the fighting that will be.

War is being raged against all, over man kind....some could die. And someone does...for sure.

My rating: 5 stars

Shadowhunters and downworlders, Edited by: Cassandra Clare

Publication Date: January 2013

Overview: Explore the world of the Mortal Instruments with Cassandra Clare and more

Join Cassandra Clare and a Circle of more than a dozen top YA writers, including New York Times bestsellers Holly Black, Rachel Caine, and Kami Garcia, as they write about the Mortal Instruments series, its characters, and its world.

Inside you’ll read:

A cinematic tutorial on why the best friend (Simon) always loses out to the bad boy (Jace)
The benefits (no, really!) of incest . . . at least in literature What we can read between the lines of Alec and Magnus’ European vacation The importance of friendship, art, humor, and rebellion And more, from the virtues of Downworlders to the naughty side of Shadowhunting

My thoughts: I really have to say this is a great way to let fans into an author's mind and to beat it all, it's not just on author. Many author tell tales of things you can fin within this book. Clare, talks about how she find her self making up runes based on designs made from a friends tattoo art. 

Kate Milford- talks about how ordinary everyday places can turn into a place full of war, vampires, or even demons.

Diana Peterfreund - takes on the topic of weapons and how they, as authors, gain idea and perspective. 

Robin Wasserman- laws, loyalty and keeping the peace....a favorite for no one, but the only way to survive.

Kami Garcia- relationships....incest and love. Friendships and much more.

My rating: 4 stars