New author page post!

Lauren Kate, has a masterpiece on her hands with the fallen series. Although I have not read all of them I a deeply in love with the relationships that have been built and rebuilt between the characters. And such strong and ever present characters they are!

Fallen Series: 

Fallen  2009

Torment  2010

Passion  2011

Rapture  2012

Novella: Fallen in Love #3.5,  2012

~This series brought my joy and sorrow. I loved every minute of it! 

Teardrop Trilogy: 

Teardrop  2013

Waterfall  2014

Novella: Last Day of Love  #0.5, 2013

~ I have yet to read this series. I have past it many times in the store and thought, if I had the extra cash! One day I will get to it.

Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove  2009

~Another one that I have yet to read. I did actually pick it up from the library once but had to much going on it actually get to it. I will try again.

Unbound by: Georgia Bell

Publication Date: 

October 2013

Overview: 

After her father dies, Rachel realizes she is scared and stuck. Scared of heights, of cars, of disasters harming the people she loves. Stuck in a life that is getting smaller by the minute. Stuck with a secret she has kept all her life: Someone has been watching over her since birth. Someone who tends to show up when she needs him the most. Someone she believes is her guardian angel.

Eaden is a 1,500-year-old immortal who wants to die. Drained by a life stretched too thin, he has requested his final reward – a mortal sacrifice bred specifically to bring him death. But something went wrong. Rachel’s ability to grant death has mutated in ways that threaten to upset the uneasy alliance between mortals and immortals. And utterly beguiled, Eaden discovers that although Rachel is the key to his death, because of her, he no longer wants to die. And he will do anything to protect her.

Swept into a world of legends, caught between the warring political factions of immortals, and carrying the future of mortal kind in her flesh and bone, Rachel must risk everything to save her world and the man she loves.

My thoughts: 

This was a brilliant book! I started it late yesterday after noon and was finished before bed. It skips around a bit in the beginning but is worth the chaos and the waiting for it to straighten out! 

I love how she makes the character, Rachel, so full of anxiety, but at the same time brave enough to confront this stranger that has been a big part of her life. The way the relationship between Rachel and Eaton, the stranger, blossoms is absolutely beautiful. The story is the right combination os danger, romance, jealousy, and the unfathomable.  

My rating: 

5 stars

Ecliptic by: Sara Lunardi

Publication Date: 

October 2013

Overview: 

"Have you ever wondered what the signs of the zodiac really are, and why they have influence on all human beings?" Alex asked us out of the blue.
Was he kidding? What did this question have to do with our situation?

On the night of 13th June 2035, during an exceptional shower of shooting stars seen all over the world, mysterious signs representing zodiac constellations appear on the shoulders of Izie De Rossi and her twin brother Sam, two ordinary teenagers living in London.

From that night on, the lives of the twins will never be the same. A cruel countdown begins, leading them to fight for the survival of the entire human race alongside extraordinary creatures of the zodiac endowed with supernatural powers, the Guardians.

In the midst of all the dangers and sacrifices forced upon her by her mission, Izie meets the handsome and mysterious Riley. She feels immediately drawn to him in a shocking and overwhelming way... but things are not always as they seem.

My thoughts:

Zodiac signs and future based, this novel focuses on scfy/fantasy astrology, which makes this already something new and excited to read. 
These three friend develop powers on a special date. The book go back and forth between two points of view which t time can be irritating...it's one of my pet peeves. But once you get past figuring out which point of view your in you find yourself enjoying this well written book. These people have to deal with their new powers and figure out how to control and use them. Not everyone is good, some are evil and you have to figure that out for yourself! 
All the characters from this book have been developed so well, it makes you want to jump inside this novel and be apart of the action. I can't wait to read more!

My rating: 

5 stars

When Adam Lacroft Met Death by: Carlos Paolini

Publication Date: 

September 2013

Overview:

"I'm what awaits at the end," she added in a deep voice, mocking a story-teller, "the one thing no man can avoid." She giggled at my unchanging look of incomprehension. "I'm Death, silly."
After being caught in a car accident, Adam Lacroft meets Death (a gorgeous brunette in her twenties and something of a flirt). Eve, as she tells him to call her, explains that she feels bad about Adam's pointless death and, out of some weird sense of pity and fancy, offers him a deal to win his life back.She gives him three days to find the man that killed him and kindly return him the favor. Adam fills his best friend Erica (a gorgeous redhead. Adam is just surrounded by hot chicks) in on the whole thing and they both start the hunt. But as Adam and Erica find out more and more about their target, they find less and less of Eve's version of the events and Adam starts to worry--less about if what he is going to do is right or wrong--and more about if Even will honor their contract and give him what she promised.

My thoughts: 

I never thought I would find myself laughing at death. Reading this story I laughed, cried and enjoyed myself! This is such a fresh take on things. A way to look death in the face and laugh. This poor boy is going through many things in life. Much like all of us he is getting older and dealing with life issues that are completely normal.

When Adam wakes up and finds himself "dead" and stuck with Eve, she gives him the opportunity to make a moral decision. What would you do? I love that, it puts such a spin on things. When Adam realizes he shouldn't trust her he has to find a way to save himself. 

My rating: 

5 stars

The Contaminants by: Devin K. Smyth

Publication Date: 

December 2013

Overview: 

When America attempts to "purify" earth to maintain its own dominance, it sparks a worldwide nuclear holocaust. Teen friends Jessil and Soraj are among the few survivors. They escaped on a cruiser that now orbits the planet and is designed to help regenerate the earth's ecosystem. Soraj’s father leads the regeneration process and is hopeful that he can salvage a region in North America for the cruiser’s return. 

But when Jessil discovers a message indicating her own father may have survived the holocaust back on earth, she’s determined to rescue him immediately with Soraj's aid. Can they succeed even though the planet they return to is very different from the one they left—and that their success could mean failure for the regeneration process?

My thoughts: 

This book is very much about the results of a nuclear holocaust. It talks a lot about racial purity and the possibility of human extinction. The narrator seems very sympathetic to the cause and makes the world sound wonderful and frightening all at the same time. They make those whose race seems pure come aboard and ship and destroy what is left of the world, in order to create something that seems better. I don't like that, it seems racist. But it does make a great story-line! 

We get to read this story from two perspectives and they have their own ways to deal with things that happen and it is intriguing to read it, as the author has written. It has great flow, strong characters and a great story line. I find myself fighting to help them in their plight! 

I want to read more of this story. Find new ways to live, new beginnings and endings. Quite fun!

My rating:

4 stars

The Vampires' Reflection (Of Light and Darkness)by: Shayne Leighton

Publication Date:

 June 2013

Overview:

 Months after their brutal victory over Aiden and his hierarchy of Wizards, Charlotte and Valek have returned from Prague to their home in the Bohemian Occult City. However, this time, they are joined by their new band of misfit, magical friends. In the light of day, all seems to be at peace now that the Regime has been toppled, and the coven of rogue monsters has finally found their freedom. But Charlotte soon discovers that much like her adopted Vampire family, she has developed a strange addiction of her own. Her new disease is destroying her from the inside out, and Valek finds himself at a loss as he defies all odds to save her life.

My thoughts: 

After reading the first book in the series I was glad to have received the second one as well! I wanted to know what was going to happening the lives of Charlotte and Valek! They deal with darker things then ever before and feelings that are hard to figure out. This book still has that old time setting but with a different spin on things then the new age vampires. No sparkling skin here! I know that being a fan of this book most readers would really enjoy the love story going on between the main characters, but I just don't like that thought of this man raising her as his daughter and then the feelings that come later. It's on the pervy side of things. But I understand that love has no limits and am happy that they have this strong bond.
Old characters are there as are new ones, that bring new havoc to the scene. I am quite intrigued by what is happening to Aiden. I think this character could go really far and would love to read more about him. I feel for him and everything that has happened to him. I am drawn to him! Really!!!! Hoping to read more soon!

My rating:

 4 stars

Endless by: Amanda Gray

Publication Date: 

October 2013

Overview: 

Jenny Kramer knows she isn't normal. After all, not everybody can see the past lives of people around them. When she befriends Ben Daulton, resident new boy, the pair stumble onto an old music box with instructions for "memorization" and discover they may have more in common than they thought—like a past life! Using the instructions in the music box, Ben and Jenny share a dream that transports them to Romanov Russia and leads them to believe they have been there together before. But Nikolai, the mysterious young man Jenny has been seeing in her dreams who has now appeared next door, was there, too. Jenny is forced to acknowledge that Nikolai has traveled through time and space to find her. Doing so means he has defied the laws of time, and the Order, an ominous organization tasked with keeping people in the correct time, is determined to send him back. While Ben, Jenny, and Nikolai race against the clock—and the Order—Jenny and Nikolai discover a link that joins them in life and beyond death.

My thoughts: 

This isn't necessarily just a time traveling novel, it is romantic. By touching the palms of other hands she see things that normal people can't this has made her a loner. This poor girl has no mother, but a very loving and caring father....there relationship is wonderful! Ben, comes across as a dick but is he really? These is a cliffhanger at the end that leaves me wanting more...much more! This story is quite fast paced that leaves you wishing the author had slowed it down a bit. And yet there are times that you are completely bored!

My rating: 

3 stars

Stomach Bug!

          Please beware, this is the season of passing on a friendly bug! I myself caught this bug and am trying to recover. For the past 32 hours I have been down! Unable to read, wrote and catch up!  
        Be considerate of others, if you have said bug stay home. LYSOL!!!!! 
I attended a family function where my cousin's boyfriend was infected! Instead of separating himself from everyone else, he was very much present during all things. UGH!
      And now I am sick! Well recovering! I am starting to feel better, have eaten some and trying to keep it down! 
      If you are an AUTHOR and I owe you a review this has affected the time to get it out, but I am reading to day!

Of Light and Darkness: The Vampire's Daughter by: Shayne Leighton

Publication Date: 

August 2011

Overview: 

When one human stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of overcoming them in this coming-of-age modern fairytale may result in war between light and darkness.



Abandoned as an infant in Prague, naive and strong-willed Charlotte Ruzikova was raised by one of the last Vampires left alive. As a human, she knows no other home than the one nestled deep in the woods of Eastern Europe, where Witches drew spells of enchantment, Phasers threw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in kin. Charlotte has lived her life in the dark with her Guardian, content to having him to herself and reveling in his attention, until she's realizes she wants more...



Resident medical doctor and Vampire, Valek Ruzik fears the day his ward would come of age and blossom into a fine woman, and he is forced to confront his own motives as time is of the essence once his past catches up to him, and their lives become endangered...



As genocide and war threatens their secret society, the dictator in power is ready to wipe out Valek's race, but Charlotte will not allow that to happen. Fighting for the only one she's ever loved and truly believed in, she will do whatever it takes to save their love...before the sun comes up and light takes over.

My thoughts:

     I wasn't sure if I would like this book. I love vampire but it seemed a little old age vampire. But I gave it a chance and loved it. The beginning was kinda hard to get through. Trying to figure out what is going on with Valek, the vampire, but finding the baby changes things. It brings you into a new light of things. 

      He raises this girl to be human and not a vampire, which it strange. It brings you back to "The Cullen's" from "Twilight"  and how they change each other to be vampires. He takes a daring step and keeps her human. Mistake or great idea?

      Now it bugs me that he raised Charlotte to go out and find humans to feed him. I don't think I could handle getting food for my vampire father! I would have to draw a line, but it just brings the authors brilliance to light. 

      I immediately loved Charlotte, just living with the creature of the night and feeding. Going against the grain and rules set by dear old dad. She has fire and spunk in her that makes her easy to want to be friends with, help or even fall for. And her dad does which makes my skin crawl, but then again who wouldn't. In my opinion most worlds filled with vampire and wizards are rules by vampires this on is not. 

Aiden, hum..I don't know what I can say that won't give anything away but...humm.

My rating: 

4 stars

The Fountain of the Earth by: H.L. LeRoy

Publication Date:

November 2013

Overview: 

    Terra Vonn is fighting to survive in a destroyed world, surrounded by unspeakable horror . . . and things are about to get much worse. After witnessing the vicious murder of her mother, Terra Vonn has a singular focus—exacting revenge on the killers. But before she can complete her plans, savagery intervenes and she is cast alone into a brutal post-apocalyptic world. As she trails the men south through a land filled with cannibalistic criminals, slave traders, and lunatics, the hunter becomes the hunted. Terra quickly learns that she is neither as tough nor as brave as she thinks she is. Worse, she may be the only one who stands between what little remains of civilization and destruction.

My thoughts: 

   First, this books jumps right into the story. It feels like there is no before thought, but I am grateful for once. I am usually all about the back story how did we get here sort of thing, but with this on it doesn't have that and I didn't miss it. 
   Second, this poor Terra has rough life, all the character do but considering it revolves around Terra I have to say it's bad. Losing everyone and everything you have is a hard way to go and then have to trudge on with the guilt, grief and regret pouring over you everyday, I would have probably fallen into a hole and covered myself with dirt. She is strong, stronger then she knows. She fights a battle that one would think is an ever losing battle, and wins over and over.
     The writer has created a strong story and an adventure that makes you want to be a fighter. A great story line and wonderful characters make this book one to grab.
    I think the ending surprised even me. And that is something that is hard to do. I hope to read more by Mr. LeRoy.

My rating: 

5 Stars

Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite by: Lianne Simon

Publication Date: 

September 2012

Overview: 

From the heart of an intersex teen, one who must ultimately choose male or female--family or true love--comes the story of a deeply emotional and perilous journey home. This is a young adult novel unlike any other--an authentic portrayal of the issues faced by a child growing up with a sexually ambiguous body.

Jameson can be like other boys after minor surgery and a few years on testosterone Well, at least that's what his parents always say. But Jamie sees an elfin princess in the mirror, and male hormones would only ruin her pretty face. For him to become the man his parents expect, Jameson must leave behind the hopes and dreams of a little girl. But what is so wrong with Jamie's dreams that they can't be her life?

My thoughts: 

Reading this book was so difficult. Going through this poor souls trials and tribulations made your heart ache and break. I wanted to reach out an hug everyone affected by this condition. Due to intersex (hermaphrodite) people are bullied, outcast and unloved. I feel like this book would help those who act against them understand what they got through. 

Always struggling to please the family Jameson hides the girl within, the one he longs to be. An appendectomy requires him to have surgery at a teaching hospital, which outs his condition to a friend. But through this process he/she fights and frees the girl within. Her family doesn't approve and wants her to receive the helps they think she needs, but in truth coming into your own or figuring out what/who you wants to be is the revelation that this girl needs. 

He life is now her own and I think the courage she possesses, shows others how to live through this.

A very touching story.....

My rating:

5 stars

Justice (Deck of Lies, #1) by: Jade Varden

Publication Date: 

December 2011

Overview: 

A House of Cards...

When you build an entire life on a foundation of lies, it only takes one truth for the whole thing to come crashing down. I never invited the truth in. I never went searching for it. I never had any reason to suspect that the two people I loved most were dishonest with me every second of every day.

I made one bad decision, and in a single day my entire world changed. If I'm ever going to discover the truth about myself and my parents, I have to trace all the lies back to their source. I have to try to find the truth that they're hiding.

The more I discover about myself, and my past, the more I realize that lies really are better than the truth. But now that I know the lies are all around me, I can't stop until I've discovered them all. I'll pull each lie away, one by one, and examine it to see what's underneath...until this house of cards crumbles into dust at my feet.

I just hope I can survive the crash.

My thoughts: 

Rain Ramey, this poor girl, in a matter of days her life gets torn apart. She believes that she is a poor girl on scholarship to a prestigious school. She's nervous but with her families strength behind her knows she will do great.

First day of school already has two enemies. One because she is smart and on because she made a mess of a girls clothing. 

You don't get much back story on how she won the scholarship and what kind of live she is living before all of this to understand her way of living, but you get the feeling that they are a low income sort of family. It sort of fast forwards you into this girls live. 

She gets thrown in to another family and has to survive the outcome of the past mistakes they have made. At the same time she wants to understand why things have happened they way they have. And who does she really belong with. Her life is hard and getting harder by the minute. And then what happens, but a murder. Who did it is my question? I feel like it could be her new boyfriend or her new sister. It's anyone games. 

This author has done a wonderful job of making twist and turns. You never quite sure what is going to happen and that makes the surprise all the more intriguing. 

My rating: 

4 stars

Up Next: 

The Tower

Drowned Sorrow by: Vanessa Morgan

Publication Date: 

November 2013

Overview: 

Megan Blackwood has just lost her son in an accident. Now she has come to Moonlight Creek with her teenage daughter, Jenna, hoping that a change of scenery might help to put their lives back together. But something odd is happening in Moonlight Creek. When rain falls over the village, its inhabitants commit grisly murders, leaving the village deserted again with the first rays of sunshine. Beneath the lake's surface, something watches... and waits... Waits to reveal a tragic past drowned in mystery and fear. One that doesn't bode well for visitors. By the time Megan realizes that her daughter's life is in danger, it might already be too late. 

My thoughts:

 This work is very creative. They way she used water as the center of the entire plot was incredibly clever. The opening was shocking and attention grabbing. The plot was intriguing and twisted. I enjoyed that she only gave away a little at a time. Never too much so you know where she is going. It's a secret to the end. The characters are really well written. 
I will say that I am not a fan of trying to follow several stories at once. I feel confused and sometimes get lost. These where easier to follow then some that follow that pattern, I didn't feel that it skipped around too much for my taste and could have slowed down and given a little more information. I also see that no one received any kind of redemption, you would expect them to get it. I also think there should of been and in depth explanation about how it all came about. 

My rating: 

3 stars

Back to Work

       One holiday down and two more to go. But I am back to work. I added a playlist page, to let you know what I am listening to while reading. I will update it by season, unless something special grabs my attention. I also updated the Author Requested page, so you all can check them out! If you see anything you'd lie me to listen to or read...drop me a line and I will check it out! 

Allegiant by: Veronica Roth

Publication Date: October 2013

Overview: 

What if your whole world was a lie?

What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?

What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

My thoughts: I could not wait to get this book. I was terrified they would be sold out,considering the hype around Divergent, the movie, coming out next year. 

I am completely in love with the Tris/Four relationship. I know they have had there struggles, in previous books, but they are meant to be together. 

Being trapped in jail is not place for my girl Tris and Four working with the enemy is no place of him. Somehow Tris is pardoned, out and free she and Four make plans to run away. Where do they go? The outside world. Where no one dares venture and where they could be killed on sight. 

Things don't go according to plan, they do end up outside, by friends are injured and killed in the process. They even break someone out of jail! What?

I am completely pissed about the ending. I wanted marriage and roses...maybe baby! For things to go down as they did, I know it was to keep Tris new and improved bad ass image, but really! Four the tortured soul. Life will never be complete for him I fear. 

My rating: 5 stars