Passion by Lauren Kate

The Summary:

Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

The Review:
I had less than stellar feelings about the first two books in this series: Fallen and Torment.  I liked them both well enough, but neither pulled me in until the very end.  And then they were over and I was left wanting more, even though I hadn't enjoyed them as much as I'd hoped to.  Well, surprisingly enough, Passion pulled me in from the beginning and didn't let me go.  Luce's quest to discover why she and Daniel are cursed led her to many different eras in which she and Daniel had lived and loved, throughout time.  Personally, I loved experiencing all the different lifetimes that Luce and Daniel spent together; they were so much more interesting to me than anything in the previous books had been.  In each life, they loved each other so passionately.  I'd become so irritated with the Luce of the 'present,' but I think she really pulled her head out of her rear and finally came to understand that Daniel really does love her, and why he loves her.  She even discovered that Daniel's curse was even worse than her own.

Not only the storyline itself, but the pacing of Passion kept me interested.  Fallen and Torment were both so sloooow, but I never felt that way about Passion.  I also liked being able to see things not only from Luce's perspective, but also from Daniel's.

Passion is easily the best book of the series.  I can only hope that Rapture doesn't disappoint.

The Rating:
4/5

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

 

How do you defy destiny?

 
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
 
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart. (Goodreads)

From the beginning, I was engrossed with this book.  The Greek mythology, the 'starcrossed' lovers...I couldn't get enough.  The characters were interesting and intense.  The storyline itself was fascinating.  From the first time they met, Helen and Lucas hated each other so much that the urge to kill was stronger than anything else.  Helen tried to understand why she was feeling such an immediate hatred for someone she'd never set eyes on before, but it wasn't until Lucas explained to her that they are demigods, controlled by the Fates, that she really understood.  And even then she couldn't have guessed the role the Fates would play in their lives.  Helen and Lucas were destined to be together, but destined to be pulled apart.

Some reviewers on Goodreads have said that Starcrossed is too similar to Twilight.  I will admit to thinking that certain aspects of Starcrossed felt very similar to Twilight, but that in no way took away from what a spectacular story Starcrossed is.  I think my only issue with this book is the author's overuse of long, drawn-out descriptions of the characters' actions.  Sometimes less is more.

I really enjoyed Starcrossed, and I look forward to reading Dreamless when it's published.  I need to know how Lucas and Helen will cope with the knowledge they've gained as to who they are and what their futures hold.

4.5/5

Back When You Were Easier to Love by Emily Wing Smith

I'd read such great reviews of this book that, when I saw it on the Coming Soon list on the library website, I immediately placed a hold on it.  I was so excited when it finally came in.

WHO ZAN IS: Blow-your-mind brilliant. Stop-your-heart gorgeous. Hold-your-breath clever.

WHO ZAN WAS: Joy’s boyfriend.
WHY JOY NEEDS HIM BACK: So she can breathe again.
WHAT THAT MEANS: An elaborate road trip involving a SAAB 900, Sprite, and Barry Manilow. Oh, and Noah, Zan’s irritating-but-almost-charming ex-best friend. Original and insightful, quirky and crushing, Joy’s story is told in surprising and artfully shifting flashbacks between her life then and her life now. (Goodreads)

In Back When You Were Easier to Love, Joy attempts to find closure after her boyfriend, Zan, leaves without telling her goodbye.  She'd thought things between her and Zan were perfect, but maybe Zan didn't feel the same way.  There were clues that he needed to get away, but Joy didn't pay attention to them until it was too late.  And now that Zan's gone, his best friend, Noah, is practically stalking Joy for reasons unknown to her.  Joy really just wants to be left alone, but maybe she can find a way to use Noah's interest to her advantage.  Maybe she and Noah can take his car on a roadtrip from sleepy Haven, Utah to California to find Zan.

I expected to love this book.  I didn't, but I thought it was cute.  Joy kind of drove me nuts because she was so hung-up on Zan, who I didn't even like.  I preferred Noah, hands down.  I'm glad that Joy grew to discover just what a jerk Zan is and what a great guy Noah is.  I love that their relationship developed slowly, and that they really grew to appreciate things about each other.

Joy and Noah, and just about everyone else in Haven, are Mormons, and their faith plays a role in the book.  I didn't know this going in, but being LDS myself, I could appreciate it.  Their religion wasn't in-your-face or anything, it was simply a part of them.  And I really liked that.

3/5

Die For Me by Amy Plum

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love? (blurb from inside cover)

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, or even what it was really about.  Sometimes I think it's best to go in not knowing too much, and I think that worked for me with Die For Me.  Having now read the summary on Goodreads, I'm glad I hadn't read it before reading the book...boy, is it spoilery!

I found that I was immediately pulled in by Kate's voice, which made the first quarter of the book really interesting.  As she met Vincent, though, I felt like things really started slowing down.  I'd hoped that upon discovery of what Vincent is, my interest would increase again, but I never really felt like that happened until close to the end of the book.

Amy Plum created a unique world with unique characters.  I can honestly say that I've never read a book with characters quite like Vincent and his family before, and I liked that.  I came to really enjoy Vincent and his friends.  Their banter with Kate was engaging and funny.  The Parisian setting was also something I enjoyed.  I loved reading about all the Parisian sites, and I felt like a tourist of sorts, just as I had while reading Anna and the French Kiss.  Overall, I found Die For Me to be a pretty good read.

3.5/5

Everlasting by Alyson Noël

Their darkest enemies now defeated, Damen and Ever are free to embark upon their final quest—to free Damen from the poison lingering in his body. If they can just find the antidote, they’ll finally be able to feel each other’s touch—and experience the passionate night they’ve been longing for. But their fight to be together will lead them into the most formidable terrain yet…into the dark heart of Summerland.

Here in a land of scorched earth and endless rain, Ever and Damen will discover their relationship’s hidden origins, expose a secret history they never imagined…and come face to face with the true reason fate keeps tearing them apart. Only then, when the final mystery is unraveled and the last secret revealed, Ever and Damen’s future will hinge on one ultimate decision that will put everything at stake….even eternity. (Goodreads)

This is the sixth book in The Immortals series, and am I glad this series is finally over!  Dragging a story out over six books just seems like too much to me, especially when most of the things that happened with these characters easily could have been condensed into three or four books at most.

In Everlasting, Damen and Ever are finally free to be together, but the curse that Roman placed on them, which doesn't allow them to ever physically touch, is still in place.  And Ever and Damen are still searching for the antidote.  While Ever wants to find the antidote, she feels that there's more expected of her, only she's not sure what that might be.  While in the dark part of Summerland, Ever and Damen come across an old woman named Lotus, who tells them that they need to journey back to where it all started, into a life that the two don't remember having ever lived.

Honestly, I thought the first part of this book was pretty good, but as the pages kept coming and coming I started to feel burned out.  Overall, the series was tied up nicely, and I enjoyed being able to see how the journey for other characters in the series ended.  It was a good read, but I'm glad it's done!

3/5

Summer's Crossing review, and The Iron Knight cover

Title: Summer's Crossing (#3.5 in the Iron Fey series)

Author: Julie Kagawa

Source: Kindle e-book (currently FREE on Amazon)

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summer's Crossing takes place after The Iron Queen, and follows Puck and Ash on an adventure into the Summer Court.  Leanansidhe, the Exile Queen, has come to collect on a favor that Ash owes her.  She asks Ash to bring her back the violin Queen Titania has stolen from her.  What follows is an ingenious, hilarious story told from Puck the Prankster's point-of-view.

In a nutshell, I loved it.  Puck was his usual sarcastic self, and Ash was the brooding ice prince.  It's a novella, so it's short, but I don't feel like I was missing out on anything, in spite of the length.  I love that we were given a glimpse into Puck's thoughts, though I firmly remain in Ash's corner.  My thirst for The Iron Knight has been reawakened, and I can't wait to get my hands on it when it's released!

Speaking of The Iron Knight...

This is the full cover for The Iron Knight, with Ash on the front and Puck on the back.  What do you think?  I love the blue, but I don't love the guys.  Sorry.  I think I actually prefer the guy that's supposed to be Puck (the smirk really fits him!), though neither of them really strikes my fancy.

Between the Lines by Tammara Webber

Reid Alexander is hot, hot, hot in Hollywood.  He signs up to play the role of Will Darcy in a modernized  high school version of Pride & Prejudice, and it is during auditions to find 'Lizbeth' that he meets Emma Pierce.  The chemistry between Reid and Emma is almost as hot as Reid himself, and Emma gets the part.  This is Emma's first major role; she's done plenty of commercials, but has never landed a leading role in an actual Hollywood adaptation.

During filming, Emma meets Graham Douglas, who plays bumbling Will Collins.  Graham and Emma begin running together each morning, and they develop a special camaraderie.  Where Reid will be happy acting for the rest of his life, Emma wants more out of life, and Graham encourages her to seek bigger and brighter opportunities.

Emma falls for both boys, but all three of them have major issues and problems to resolve.

My husband gave me a Kindle for my birthday, and I've mostly downloaded free books onto it (though I have bought a few of the cheaper YA books, like the Trylle Trilogy by Amanda Hocking).  After reading some reviews of this book, I decided to spend the 99 cents to buy it.  And, I enjoyed it.  The story and characters were engaging, and I liked the alternating points-of-view between Reid and Emma

I guess I should really say that I enjoyed most of the characters.  Reid was an exception.  I started out really liking him and thinking that perhaps he wasn't such a bad boy, but by the end of the book I was completely disgusted with him.  Graham, on the other hand, was adorable and I found myself wishing the book had been told from his point-of-view alongside Emma's.

I never once felt like I didn't want to be reading this book.  It was cute, engaging, and well-written.  My real main problem (besides Reid, but my aversion to him shows that Ms. Webber did a fantastic job writing his character) was with the large amounts of underage drinking and the foul language which was so prevalent throughout the book.  Plus, Reid kept pressuring Emma to be intimate with him.

A cute story, but there was just too much questionable behavior for my tastes.  Still, there is a sequel coming out later this year, and I'm pretty sure I'll read it.  I'd like more of Graham's story.

3.5/5

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War.

The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he’d been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.

Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will. (Goodreads)

What can I say about this book?  It was absolutely amazing.  Heartbreaking and very hard to read at times because of all the detail about the torture Louie and the other POWs experienced, but amazing.  Louie's plane goes down, and he and his pilot, Phil, are stranded on a life raft for 47 days.  It's incredible enough that they survived for 47 days out on the ocean, but that's not where the story ends.  Louie and Phil wash up on an island which happens to be occupied by the Japanese.  The next almost two years finds them enduring immense cruelty and hardship at the hands of the Japanese.

I know I wouldn't have been able to survive what Louie and Phil did.  I would have wanted to die.  In the book, Louie himself said: "If I knew I had to go through those experiences again, I'd kill myself."  But his strength of will and determination to see his family again pulled him through the hell the Japanese put him through.

5/5

Source: Borrowed from the library

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

Passion by Lauren Kate

Publication date: June 14, 2011

"Every single lifetime, I'll choose you. Just as you have chosen me. Forever."

Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.  (Goodreads)

 

First off, I love this cover!  The splash of red and the clouds behind Luce are very eye-catching.  I've read the first two books in this series, Fallen and Torment, and while I haven't exactly loved them, I've liked them enough to want to continue.  Honestly, I think this series is much too drawn-out (and there's a fourth book due out next year!), but I'd like to see what happens with Luce and Daniel.  The cliffhanger endings never fail to leave me wanting more.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, to spotlight upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Cover reveal - The Iron Knight

Well, hello, Ash!

What do you think?  I'm not so sure.  The guy on the cover doesn't really 'look' like Ash to me.  Of course, I built Ash up so much in my mind that his gorgeousness could never possibly be replicated on a book cover. ;)

Still, it's exciting to see what the cover looks like!  Can't wait to read it!

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

I think I'll jump on the 'Waiting on Wednesday' bandwagon this week, though I won't link my post to the actual host blog, Breaking the Spine.

This week, I'm anticipating the release of Bloodlines by Richelle Mead.  I LOVED her Vampire Academy series...the final book left me ecstatic for one guy, but heartbroken for the other.  Well, the guy left behind by Rose Hathaway is the love interest of Sydney the Alchemist in this new series.

BLOOD DOESN'T LIE

Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding.

To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning.  (Goodreads)

The cover doesn't really do much for me, but I guess I'll just try not to look at it too much. ;)  Bloodlines will be released on August 23rd.

Illusions by Aprilynne Pike

Illusions is the third book in the Wings series.  I realized, as I searched for my reviews of the other two books (Wings and Spells), that I hadn't reviewed them.  So I guess I'll just do a quick little overview of what these books are about.

The main character, Laurel, discovers, in Wings, that she's a faerie when a flower blooms on her back.  She's introduced to Tamani, a faerie who also happens to be Laurel's guard.  Tamani has been in love with Laurel for the longest time, but Laurel has a boyfriend, David.  In Spells, Laurel spends a summer in Avalon, the faerie realm, learning her spells and faerie lore.  She grows closer to Tamani, but denies that her feelings are more than friendly.  As she learns more about what it means to be a faerie, she also discovers that deadly trolls are out to get her.  She comes to depend on both David and Tamani to keep her safe, but finally begs Tamani to let her go.

In Illusions, the trolls are still causing problems for Laurel and Avalon, and new student, Yuki, seems shifty.  Laurel wonders almost instantly if Yuki is a faerie, and is she is, what court does she belong to?  And does she even know that she's a faerie?  Things seem fishy, especially since mysterious Klea introduced Yuki to Laurel.  Laurel isn't sure about Klea's motives, but she knows not to completely trust her.

This third installment found Laurel even more torn between Tamani and David.  Honestly, it was grating on my nerves.  Just pick someone already, Laurel!  Quit leading both boys on.  It's obvious to me that Tamani is Laurel's guy, and Laurel might finally be realizing that.  Or not.  She just can't make up her mind.

Illusions had some boring, drawn-out parts (every time Laurel talked about using her faerie magic to find out what kind of faerie Yuki is, I wanted to pluck my eyes out), but overall it was an okay read.  The discovery as to what Yuki and Klea are wasn't all that shocking, but it made a good stopping point.  I definitely think these books could have been condensed...I mean, is a fourth book really necessary?  Regardless, I'll read the final book so that I know how the story wraps up.  I won't be waiting on pins and needles, but I'll read it.

2.5/5

One final thing...what's up with the Illusions cover?  It seems so different than the other covers, especially the title font.  Not so sure I like it.  The reflection of the flower in the water is cool, but the font looks horrible.  Just my opinion.

Other ratings:

Wings: 4/5

Spells: 3/5

Divergent by Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.  (Goodreads)

It seems that I waited months for this book to be released.  My sister, Kira, was lucky enough to read this one before me, and she, like the entire blogosphere, it seems, highly recommended it.  So I was ecstatic when my library hold finally arrived!  Upon starting the book, I was immediately pulled into Beatrice's world.

Beatrice has been raised in the Abnegation faction her entire life.  Known for their selflessness, the Abnegation don't think twice about giving up their seat on the bus or helping the homeless ("factionless").  Selflessness definitely isn't second nature to Beatrice, though.  It is during her aptitude test that Beatrice discovers something unique about herself, something which will lead her to make a surprising choice at the Choosing ceremony.  Told not to divulge her secret to anyone, Beatrice must now find a way to fit in with her fellow initiates.  I can't say too much more about which faction she chooses because the majority of the book takes place within that faction, and to say too much would spoil the fun.

It is within her chosen faction that Beatrice meets Four.  At first, I found the chemistry between the two lacking, but that was soon resolved.  I loved the part in the book when Four invited Tris into his simulation.  This was the point where we, as readers, learn so much about Four and what he's experienced in his life.  I love that he's a character with imperfections.  And I love the way his name is explained.

Four and Tris discover a secret plot to overthrow the government, and it is this discovery that drives the rest of the book.

Overall, I found Divergent to be a lot like The Hunger Games.  Personally, I liked The Hunger Games more, but Divergent definitely has a lot going for it.  The action, the romance, the character development...all were very well done.  There were a couple of parts in the book that I didn't find as exciting (a lot of time was spent on Tris' initiation trials), which is why I'd actually fall somewhere between a 4 and a 5.  But, I'll just say 5 to keep it simple.  The ending was amazing, and I am really looking forward to continuing the journey with Tris and Four.

5/5

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

So, Hourglass left off with star-crossed lovers Bianca and Lucas facing very different futures than they'd originally thought.  Bianca turned into a wraith and Lucas became a vampire.  Honestly, I don't remember the exact details that brought us to that point, but that doesn't really matter.  Since Lucas is now one of the vampires he used to kill as a member of Black Cross, he seeks refuge at Evernight Academy after a battle with his own mother.  Bianca hides out at Evernight with Lucas, and since no one can see her unless she becomes solid and allows them to, she's free to do as she wants.  Mostly, she wants to help free Lucas from the horrible nightmares of Charity that have been plaguing him.  And she wants to know why Mrs. Bethany is hiding wraith traps all over the school.  What is Mrs. Bethany planning, and does Bianca have anything to fear from her former headmistress?

I had planned on reading this book because I read the three previous books, but when I went to pick it up I discovered that I just didn't care.  I wanted to skip it, but I gave in to my sister's request that I read it.  I can't say that I enjoyed it.  I thought it was okay, but I can't give it higher praise than that.  Honestly, I was pretty bored most of the time I was reading.

I discovered some things about Mrs. Bethany's past life that should have been interesting, but really just did nothing for me.  The fate of Bianca and Lucas was somewhat interesting, but by the time that all came about at the very end of the book I just didn't care.

There's a book about Balthazar in the works, but I am so done with this series and these characters.  I won't be reading it.

2/5

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

I loved Hex Hall, and I literally couldn't wait to read Demonglass.  My sister Kira was visiting over the weekend, and she had her copy of Demonglass with her.  I ended up reading the first 16 chapters of it while she was out running an errand, and I texted my husband and told him to buy me a copy because I just HAD to finish it, and the library hadn't gotten it in yet.  That's how much I love this series.

Demonglass picks up right where Hex Hall left off, with Sophie wanting to go through the Removal.  You won't know what that is until you've read Hex Hall, so do go and pick up a copy...you'll love it.  Sophie travels to England to spend the summer with her dad, the head of The Council, and makes some surprising discoveries. 

Sophie is such a smart aleck, she cracks me up.  I laughed out loud so many times while reading DG.  And the boys....*sigh*....oh, those boys.  I'm a 31-year-old woman who's been married for almost 11 years, and I found myself swooning big-time...over a 17-year-old and a 19-year-old.  Seriously.  Archer Cross has stolen my heart.  But Cal is really amazing, too.

I love that the action and heart-pounding started almost immediately.  Page 18 confirmed a suspicion I'd had, and really, I wasn't as upset as I thought I'd be because by that point I'd already overcome any qualms I'd had.  So much happened, and none of it bored me.  On the contrary - I was hooked from page one, and flipped those pages as fast as I could.  And that ending.  Oh, my.

I loved the interactions between Sophie, Cal, and Archer, and I enjoyed learning more about all three of them, especially Cal and Archer.  Their stories and the reasoning behind their actions were really interesting.  Rachel Hawkins has created the perfect love triangle.  I'm not really sure who I want Sophie to end up with, because I know either guy would be great.  It's hard for me to choose between Team Archer and Team Cal, and that's not usually the case with me.  Okay, okay, I admit that I'm more Team Archer, but Cal is such a close second.

I am totally enamored with these books.  This series has easily become a new favorite of mine, and the wait for the next book is going to be far too long.  I. Want. It. NOW.

5/5

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Sophie Mercer gets into quite a scrape when a prom night spell goes awry.  Her father, a powerful European warlock, and her non-magical mother decide to send her to Hecate Hall, affectionately called Hex Hall, a reform school for Prodigium (witches, faeries, and shapeshifters) like herself.   Her first day, she's asked by three black witches to join their coven, since she's a black witch herself.  The three witches are snobs with a capital S, though, and Sophie has no desire to join their coven.  What does interest her is Archer Cross, a devastatingly handsome teen warlock.  Unfortunately, he's taken...by snotty black witch leader, Elodie.  When members of the black witch coven begin turning up with holes in their necks and their blood drained, all fingers point to Sophie's vampire roommate, Jenna.  Sophie defends Jenna, and a mystery from Sophie's past may prove Jenna's innocence.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book.  I was blown away by how much I enjoyed it.  Sophie kept me cracking up, and the slowly building romance between she and Archer was sweet.  The characters were all engaging and the mystery of the book kept me guessing.  There were a couple of parts in the book that had me gasping in disbelief and surprise.  The ending was somewhat of a shock as well.  Who knows what the future holds for Sophie and Archer, but I'm hoping it's something grand!  (And please don't let Cal the groundskeeper be Sophie's secret betrothed!  I don't know why I keep thinking he may be, but there has to be a reason Archer introduced the topic of betrothals.  Right?)

I loved this book, and I can't wait to get the sequel, Demonglass, in my hands!

4.5/5

The Iron Fey series

Last week I read The Iron Fey series (The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, The Iron Queen)  by Julie Kagawa.  I figured I'd do mini reviews of each, since I can't remember a lot of the details now (I have a horrible memory!).  So, here goes...

In The Iron King, Meghan Chase learns she is a faery princess, daughter of King Oberon, the ruler of the Summer Court.  She journeys to the Nevernever (the land of fae) to rescue her kidnapped brother, and discovers that her best friend, Robbie, is really Robin Goodfellow, otherwise known as Puck.  Meghan also learns of a centuries-long war between the Summer and Winter Courts, but she can't help the feelings she's having for the Winter Prince, Ash.

I was immediately pulled into The Iron King, and I thought for sure that I'd love the book.  The beginning of the book was amazing, but Meghan's journey through the faery lands really dragged for me.  The ending made me like the book a bit more, but I was still somewhat disappointed overall, considering the excellent reviews the book has received.  3/5

The Iron Daughter finds Meghan in Queen Mab's Winter Court.  In The Iron King, Ash helped Meghan defeat Machina, the Iron King, and part of the deal between them was that Meghan would willingly accompany Ash to his mother's court.  Things between Meghan and Ash had been wonderful, so Meghan is surprised when Ash turns a cold shoulder to her in Tir Na Nog.  Following the changing of the seasons, the Scepter of Seasons is stolen, and fingers are pointed at King Oberon and the Winter Court.  Meghan and Ash know the real thieves are the Iron Fey, and Meghan is determined to prove that the Iron Fey are a real threat to the Nevernever.  Meghan and Ash once again join forces, this time to retrieve the stolen Scepter of Seasons.

I LOVED this book!  It was my favorite of the series, and there wasn't a moment that bored me.  I loved the characters, especially Grimalkin and Ironhorse, not to mention Prince Ash.  My goodness, is he ever swoon-worthy!  The love triangle grated on me a bit because, really, there's no way Meghan would choose Puck over Ash, but every book has to have a love triangle these days.  If that's the only bad thing I can say about the book, then that shows you how amazing this book really is.  I loved the decisions both Ash and Meghan made in the end, and I couldn't wait to begin The Iron Queen.  4.5/5

The Iron Queen was originally the end of the Iron Fey trilogy, but there is a 4th book in the works now.  Meghan and Ash find themselves pulled into an all-out war between the Summer and Winter Courts and the Iron Fey.  A new Iron King has taken over, and his influence is spreading over the Nevernever.  King Oberon and Queen Mab tell Meghan that she is the only person who can defeat the false Iron King, since iron doesn't affect her the way it does the faeries.  Meghan sets out to destroy him, knowing it's the only way the Nevernever and those she loves will be saved.

I wanted to love this book, especially since I loved The Iron Daughter so much.  I really liked this third installment, but it didn't affect me as much as The Iron Daughter did.  I do have to say that Ash was absolutely amazing in this one, and I loved every minute spent reading about him.  He and Meghan both changed so much, and I loved the way they worked so hard to set things right.  The ending was a bit disappointing, though, and I was left feeling a bit devastated.  It wasn't at all how I'd envisioned things ending, but it definitely left things hanging so that a 4th book, The Iron Knight, could be published.  The Iron Knight is Ash's story, and I am soooo excited to read it when it's released!  4/5

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Let me start off by saying that I LOVED this book!  I had no expectations going in, but hoped for a good, entertaining read.  I was not disappointed.  Cynthia Hand has written an exceptional story.

I loved Clara, Christian, and Tucker.  They seemed so real, so likeable.  Ms Hand allowed their relationships with each other to develop over time, as real relationships do.  That in itself was a breath of fresh air.  I love that I initially didn't know whether or not to like Tucker.  I didn't know if he'd get in the way of Clara and Christian, or if he'd end up being the love interest.  Clara's two friends, Wendy and Angela, were so very likeable as well.  I simply adored everyone in this book.

The story was well-paced and very well-written; it was so easy and fun to read.  Details about Clara's purpose were given a bit at a time, and I loved the mystery of it.  I loved that Clara was so realistic.  She had struggles, and like any teenager, she wanted a normal life, all the while knowing that she had a greater purpose to fulfill.

I was sucked in to the story immediately, and couldn't put the book down.  And, wow, was there a big twist!  I CAN'T WAIT for the next one to be released!

5/5

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Not wanting to leave her life - or boyfriend - behind on Earth, but not able to face a life without her parents, seventeen-year-old Amy follows her parents and is cryogenically frozen for a 300-year journey across the universe.  Her parents are specialists who have been asked to help colonize a new planet, Centauri-Earth.  By a mysterious turn of events, Amy is reawakened 50 years too early.  She quickly realizes that her awakening wasn't an accident; someone tried to kill her.  With the help of Elder, the future leader of the ship, Amy goes on a quest to find who attempted to kill her, and who has been murdering the other frozen people.  She desperately wants to protect her parents from the same fate that awaited her.

 

I really wanted to love this book.  It sounded so amazing.  Unfortunately, I can only say that I liked it.  The premise was fascinating, but there was just something about the book that turned me off.  The alternating chapters between Amy and Elder were interesting (I love being privy to both points of view in a book), but I'd sometimes forget who was speaking and then have to re-read entire excerpts.  The characters weren't unlikeable, but I found that I didn't ever really care what happened to them.  I wasn't really cheering them on, though I was hoping that Amy would be able to save her parents.  I just wasn't as invested in the characters as I wanted to be.  Another problem I had was with "The Season".  Way too much time was spent on that particular plot point.  Eww.  I also sometimes felt like there was too much detail given.  Some parts of the book really dragged for me, and I couldn't help but wish that the book would end already.  Definitely not a feeling I want when reading a book.

Overall, it was a good read, but I don't know that I'll read the sequels when they're released.

3/5

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Oh my goodness, was this book awesome or what?  The following summary contains spoilers from the first and second books, so read at your own risk:

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her new found powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?

Even better than City of Ashes, City of Glass had me setting everything aside so that I could read.  I was on pins and needles, waiting to see what would become of the Shadowhunters and the Downworlders, and when Clary and Jace would realize that their relationship wasn't what they thought.  I had a lot figured out, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the reactions of the characters as certain things were revealed.

I was so happy that the Shadowhunters and Downworlders formed an alliance.  Clary's growth amazed me.  She went from a know-nothing Mundane to someone capable of defeating Valentine.  And Jace... oh, Jace.  His inner torment over his feelings for Clary was delicious.  He has some of the most swoon-worthy lines in this book, and I loved it, just as I loved getting to see Alec, Isabelle, and Simon grow and mature throughout the series.

I'm actually surprised that this 'trilogy' has been turned into a series of six books, though I guess I shouldn't be, given the success of the series so far.  I have to say that I thought the ending of City of Glass was perfect, though, with everything wrapped up nicely.  Even so, I'm going to have to read the next three books when they come out.

4.5/5

Also in the series: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Fallen Angels (2011), City of Lost Souls (2012), City of Heavenly Fire (2013)

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

I really should have written this review immediately after finishing the book.  I just finished the third book in this series, City of Glass, and the plots of all three books are kind of muddled together in my brain now, and I can't really remember what happened in which book.  So I'm just going to use the summary from the book cover for this review (there are spoilers from the first book, so read at your own risk):

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

After the revelations in City of Bones, I was definitely looking forward to seeing what City of Ashes had in store for Clary, Jace, Simon, and the gang.  All I can say is, wow.  I definitely didn't see some things coming (like Simon's transformation), but other storylines had some definite foreshadowing of what was to come in the third book.  I grew to love Jace even more, and felt for him and Clary with everything they had to deal with.  But I could already see where the whole Jace and Clary storyline was headed, so I had hope that things would work out (as in, be revealed) in City of Glass, even though there were more books still to come in the series.

Definitely more fast-paced than the first book.  I was left wanting more, and put everything else on hold to delve right into City of Glass.

4/5

Also in the series: City of Bones, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels (2011), City of Lost Souls (2012), City of Heavenly Fire (2013)

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

In The Dark Divine, Grace made the ultimate sacrifice to save her boyfriend, Daniel.  Now her brother, Jude, is missing and Grace will do whatever it takes to find him.  With each passing day, the wolf inside her is threatening to come out.  With Daniel growing distant, Grace turns to newcomer, Talbot, for help with her powers.  But a voice inside her head is urging her to give in to her dark side, and Grace isn't sure who she can trust.

I really enjoyed The Dark Divine, and I thought The Lost Saint was just as entertaining a read.  I liked the growth of Grace and Daniel throughout this book (though I felt like maybe Grace changed a bit too much; she definitely wasn't the good preacher's daughter in this one).  Their relationship hit bumps that any normal relationship does, but I thought they both needed to have more trust in each other.  New guy, Talbot, didn't help in that area, and he seems to be giving Daniel a bit of competition.  I liked the addition of Talbot, and I like what Bree Despain did with his character (can Grace trust him or not?), but personally, I remain firmly in Daniel's corner.  He's the guy for Grace, hands down.  The ending was incredible, and I can't wait to read the next book!

This was a great read.  The only thing I really dislike about these books is the font they're printed in. ;)

4/5

Also in the series: The Dark Divine

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna's parents are forcing her to spend her senior year at an American boarding school in Paris.  For most kids, the thought of spending a year in Paris is exciting, but Anna just wants her normal life in Atlanta with her mom, brother, best friend, Bridge, and Toph, the boy she's interested in.  She's lucky to meet a great group of people her first day at school, and the six of them become inseparable.  As she adjusts to life in Paris, Anna realizes that she has feelings for her new best friend, Étienne St. Clair.  He's oh-so-sexy and very smart...and he also has a girlfriend.  But anything is possible in the City of Light, where wishes have a way of coming true.

This book made me giddy.  Seriously.  I felt like a teenager all over again, falling in love for the first time.  It's a really cute story, with interesting characters and believable scenarios.  St. Clair immediately stole my heart, and I swooned right along with Anna throughout the entire book.  It was such a charming little book!

I realize that this is in no way a well-written review, but I can't stop the swooning long enough to put coherent thoughts together.  (Then again, when have any of my reviews been well-written?)

J'ai adoré ce livre!  (which means, I loved this book!)

4.5/5

Bloody Valentine by Melissa de la Cruz

Bloody Valentine is a novella of three short stories from the 'Blue Bloods' world.  This book is best read after Misguided Angel, the fifth book in the Blue Bloods series, as two of the stories take place after the events of MA.  The first short story follows Oliver Hazard-Perry as he tries to get over his feelings for Schuyler Van Alen.  The second story shows Schuyler's parents, Allegra Van Alen and Bendix Chase, fall in love.  The final story is the long-awaited bonding between Schuyler and Jack Force.

Of the three, my favorite was the bonding story.  I've loved Schuyler and Jack together since Blue Bloods, so it was fun to read their 'wedding' story.  I also really enjoyed Oliver's story, and I'm happy that he's no longer pining for Schuyler.  Oliver's story gives a sneak peek into Melissa de la Cruz's new spin-off series, the first of which is entitled The Witches of East End.  (I don't think I'll be reading the spin-off.)  I wasn't as interested in Allegra's story, truthfully, and I was left somewhat confused.  Overall, I'm left feeling very excited to get my hands on the final book in this series, Lost in Time.

I think the cover is gorgeous, and I enjoyed the stories.  Better than Misguided Angel, definitely.

4/5

Also in the series: Blue Bloods, Masquerade, Revelations, The Van Alen Legacy, Misguided Angel, Keys to the Repository (companion book), Lost in Time (Oct. 2011)

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

I tried reading this book about a year ago, and just could not get into it.  I made it to page 170, and then decided I couldn't go any further and returned the book to the library.  I told myself I'd try it again sometime.  When my sister, Kira, told me that she planned on reading this series, I decided that the time had come to give City of Bones another try.  But, where Kira has now read all 3 in the series (the fourth book - of six - is due out this spring), I only finished this first book a couple of days ago.

So, what did I think this time around?  I definitely enjoyed it more.  I didn't have a difficult time getting into the story at all, which was a relief.  I was actually worried that I would get stuck at the same spot and not want to read on.  I'm glad that didn't happen, because I ended up liking the story quite a bit.  Jace definitely intrigues me (I may have a teeny crush on him, too), and I'm interested in seeing what Clary can make of herself.  (I have to say, though, that the name 'Clary Fray' annoyed me the entire time.  Not a name that really flows well off the tongue.)  What kind of Shadowhunter will Clary be?  And what does the future hold for Clary, Jace, and Simon?  Simon is a cool character, too, and I'm already wondering what will be in store for him.

One thing that kind of bothers me about YA books these days is that almost all of the main characters seem much too young to be in some of the situations they're placed in.  I just can't wrap my head around a 14- or 15-year-old doing some of the things authors have them doing these days.  I felt that way with Clary.  She seemed a bit too naive and young to be a Shadowhunter.  I know she had a completely different upbringing than Jace, Isabelle, and Alec did, but a part of me still can't accept that someone so young (barely 15 years old) can do the sorts of things a Shadowhunter does.  And reading about Clary and a certain someone kissing in the hallway kind of shocked me, too.  Don't get me wrong - I wanted her to kiss this certain someone, but at the same time I was thinking how young she still is.  Maybe it's just me, and it's been too long since I was a teenager and felt urges like that. ;)

Anyway, I look forward to continuing with this series.  I really thought there were only 4 books in the series, and knowing that there are really SIX and that I'll have to wait until 2013 to finish the series is depressing.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Also in the series: City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels (April 2011), City of Lost Souls (2012), City of Heavenly Fire (2013)

Night Star by Alyson Noël

Haven blames former best friend, Ever, for everything that has gone wrong in her life since becoming an Immortal.  She's determined to make Ever pay, by killing her and sending her to the Shadowland.  And if Jude and Damen are destroyed along the way, all the better.  Haven tells Ever that Damen is not what he seems, and when Ever sees proof of that with her own eyes she again wonders if she and Damen really are destined to be together.

Meanwhile, Haven is out of control.  She's chugging elixir like no one's business, and refining her powers so that she'll be ready for the showdown with Ever.  It's only a matter of time before best friend is pitted against best friend in a fight to the finish.

Night Star is the fifth book in the Immortals series, and I am really hoping that the sixth book, Everlasting, is the final book.  The title implies that it probably will be.  I can't wait to be done with this series.  This fifth book just dragged the story on.  Not much happened until the final pages.  I'm sick of reading series books where nothing happens, where the story drags and I want to pull my hair out.  I tell myself that I've come this far...I have to continue.

I hate Haven (I've said that with every book), and I'll be glad the series is over if only to bid farewell to her.  She gets more and more annoying with every book, if that's possible.

Ever finally realized who she's meant to be with in this installment, so that was at least something good.

This series has been like a roller coaster ride for me.  Books 1 and 3 received 3 stars from me, while books 2 and 4 received 4 stars.  It's only fitting that book 5 be given 3 stars then, right?  (Honestly, I was tempted to give it 2, but the ending was so much better than the rest of the book.)

3/5 stars

Also in the series: Evermore, Blue Moon, Shadowland, Dark Flame

Dark Flame by Alyson Noël

In Shadowland, Ever's attempt at getting the antidote for Damen failed.  Instead, she bound herself to her enemy, Roman.  Now there's a dark flame ignited inside her, and she's being pulled toward Roman.  She knows that she loves Damen, or at least some small part of her knows it, but Roman is the one she wants now.  She eats, sleeps, and breathes Roman, and she's terrified that Damen is going to find out and dump her.  She needs Roman to give her the antidote, but she's continually driven off course by her intense longing for him.

I thought Dark Flame was really good; much better than Shadowland.  It definitely held my interest, and I loved learning more about bad guy Roman...where he came from and what his story is.  He's such an interesting character, and I'm hoping to get more of his story, especially now that something surprising has happened to him.  I liked seeing this alternate side to Ever, too.  I just wish she'd learn to trust Damen, and not always attempt to work everything out on her own.  I want her to grow and learn from her mistakes, and I think she's finally getting there.  Damen was his perfect, patient self, and I respect that.  He's had ample opportunities now to drop Ever like a bad habit, but his love for her is true and has lasted centuries.  I also liked seeing a bit of Jude again.  He's now remembered his past with Ever, and he's ready to fight for her. 

I have two big gripes:  One, the way Ever was able to overcome her attraction to Roman.  All she needed to do was think positively, really?  Two: Haven.  She's annoyed me to no end since book one, and I just want her to disappear.  She should go to the Shadowland and never return!  I hate the way she jumps to conclusions, and how she thinks she's better than everyone.  Ugh.  Go away, Haven.

Overall, a really good read.  I'm looking forward to Night Star.

4/5

Also in the series: Evermore, Blue Moon, Shadowland

Entice by Carrie Jones

At the end of Captivate, Nick was killed and carried off to the mythical Valhalla.  Zara, who swears that her life means nothing without Nick in it, allowed pixie king Astley to kiss her, thus making Zara his queen.  Now, Zara is bound and determined to find a way to save Nick.  Bedford is being overrun by evil pixies, and young people are disappearing left and right.  A war is brewing, but Zara knows she doesn't stand a chance of defeating the evil pixies without warrior Nick by her side.  Finding a way to get to Valhalla is difficult enough, but, once there, will Nick even want Zara anymore, now that she's been pixie kissed?

I thought Need was good (3.5 stars), and I really enjoyed Captivate (4 stars), so I was very eager to read Entice.  (I read Need and Captivate during my 6-month blog break, so I didn't review them.)  The bottom line: I liked Entice a lot, but the whole 'finding a way to Valhalla' thing was far too drawn out.  Most of the book followed Zara and Astley (with support from Issie, Devyn and Grandma Betty) on their search for Valhalla.  Their attempts proved unsuccessful a time or two too many, which not only drew the story out, but annoyed me.  I just wanted to know if Zara would find her way and rescue Nick.  Not that I like Nick that much...he's okay, but Astley is the guy pixie I'm rooting for!  You can't help but fall in love with him in Entice.  He's so considerate of Zara and would do anything for her, even help rescue her werewolf boyfriend.  I am completely Team Astley!

The fourth book will be released sometime in early 2012.  Ugh.  Another long wait for another series book.  I look forward to seeing what the title will be, as well as what the cover will look like.  I think the covers in this series are gorgeous.

4/5

Also in the series: Need, Captivate