Review: Existence

Existence by Abbi Glines

(Kindle Location, 1303) "You're the one thing I want the most in the world yet the one thing I cannot have. Because to have you completely would be impossible."




SYNOPSIS:


Pagan has maintained normalcy in her life by ignoring the wandering souls she has seen since she was young. With her cold rebuff, they leave her alone. But Dank is different. Not only can he speak, but she finds herself unable to deny the passion between them. Who is this mysterious soul and what does he protect her from?

REVIEW:


I'm not sure my review can be too descriptive without some spoilers so I will avoid that. Honestly, I'm tired of weak female protagonists that simply lose their minds over the loss/disappearance/rebuff from a boy. Is this what teenage girls are supposed to connect with - where is the girl power from the 90s? Life can be much tougher people. 


Pagan is a very one dimensional character - not in that she is shy or has "geeky" hobbies, but the truth of the matter is that in order for the author to have her solely interacting with Dank, she has a very absentee mother and a friend who simply disappears once she resumes dating her old boyfriend. What are Pagan's hobbies? What was her past boyfriend like? What does she find funny? What are her dislikes? We never know. 


Towards the end the book seems very rushed. One minute Pagan sees other people die, then she volunteers at a hospital, then she's in the hospital and then she almost dies again...and so on. Also, we never find out - why does Dank appear so young? Can he change bodies? Faces? Why does he pretend to like the popular girl? Why are some souls chosen to transport people? What's the difference between transporting and being claimed by Death? 


Then the last line of the book comes as a shock but in a really underdeveloped way. It's as if all of a sudden Top Model ended with Tyra Banks turning to the camera and declaring she's a vampire - when we've seen absolutely ZERO evidence of that. This is how it is with one of the characters. 


Bottom Line: I won't be reading the next book in the series. Perhaps if Pagan's character was more developed and likable it would save the weakness of the plot but the combination is just not worth it. 


Rating: ♥ = eh, not so good

Review: Immortal City

Review for Immortal City

By: Scott Speer


(Kindle) Location 746 "It was one of those moments in life, Maddy thought, one of those moments where you had to choose between what you knew was right and your friend." 




SYNOPSIS:
Angel City is an alternate universe where instead of the media and general populace worshiping celebrities and keeping up with their day to day activities - the world instead worships Angels. At some point after WWII, Angels decided to come out of the closet so to speak and turned the business of saving lives into just that - a business where only those who can afford to pay for protection benefit. 


Maddy is a "poor" girl with a close group of friends who doesn't care about the Angels. She spends her time focusing on college apps and the scholarships she needs to attend. However, that all changes when Maddy captures the attention of THE hottest Angel and she likewise feels a irresistible attraction to him. 


REVIEW:


This review is going to come off a little...biting...but I just can't help it. 


It's very easy to write a novel where you simply take everything from the real world and instead of the word "celebrity" you simply insert "Angel." Granted the author did try to put some flesh to Angel history by having had them reveal themselves around 60 years ago, but simply put - I was not impressed by this so called alternate universe that was really in fact too similar to reality. 


And I just have to say... I could not get over that the author felt that if someone shops at Target - it means they are poor! Oh poor Maddy - she can only afford Target! What? Hello, Michelle Obama shops there...and honestly the $100 I end up spending there goes way further at say Walmart for example. Maybe this wouldn't have bothered me if he hadn't mentioned it like 5x...


Lastly, what is this book about? Love? A message about society? It's difficult to tell because there isn't a clear cut focus. The result is that I didn't feel a real connection between Maddy and Jackson and I didn't really care to find out more about the Angels. 


Then as usual I looked up the author to see if he had a website - and lo and behold what did I find out? He is the ex-boyfriend of a celebrity. Scott Speer So not only does this now sound like he has a bone to pick with the very world in which he exists!!!! but now I was able to understand why he thought Target was such a low grade store! 


Bottom Line: While the premise is very clever and original - that's about all that's interesting about this novel. I also can't help but think author uses himself as a canvas for his main male character's supposed good looks!


Rating:  ♥  = eh, not so good

Exciting April/May Releases

There are some many new releases coming in April and May. Here is a list of what I am most looking forward to reading!

Kill Me Softly
by Sarah Cross
Release date: April 10th

 I am a huge fan of the retelling of fairytales! Plus the cover is one of my favorites this year.














The Selection
by Kiera Cass
Release Date April 24th

A new take on the dystopian genere. A novel without a war or disease looks very interesting!

Insurgent
by Veronica Roth
Release Date May 1st

Divergent number 2 need I say more??

Hemlock
by Kathleen Peacock
Release Date May 8th

A werewolf story with a romantic cover, what's not to love?



Eighteen Kisses
by Laura Jane Cassidy
Release Date May 2nd


I stumbled upon the first book in the series Angel kiss while searching the Kindle Store and it became one of my favorite Kindle Hidden Gems stories.

Review: Under the Never Sky

Under the Never Sky
by Veronica Rossi
Published Jan 2012
374 pages


Description from Goodreads:

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Review:

Over the last year I have fallen in love with dystopian novels. Under the Never Sky highlights everything that makes this genre so captivating. I was hooked by the first chapter. Aria lives her life within the dome where nearly everything is done virtually. After a night gone wrong Aria is unjustly thrust from the only world she has ever known into the un-domed world. Aria is an amazing character. Even though she is alone and terrified her inner strength shines through as she makes her journey through the new world.  All of the characters were really well developed, Perry is definitely swoon-worthy.  Aria and Perry’s budding romance is super sweet and builds slowly through the novel. I really can’t think of any negatives about Under the Never Sky except the wait for the second book! This is a story you can get lost in. I wanted to read it quickly to know what happened but I also didn’t want the book to end J

So what’s the bottom line?

Read, read, read!!!!!! Under the Never Sky is an enthralling read with a few surprises and a sweet love story. This is truly a great debut novel from Veronica Rossi and I cannot wait to read what comes next.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ = awesome book- a must read! 

Review: Starters

Starters (Starters #1)
by Lissa Price
Published March 2012
368 pages


Description from Goodreads:

HER WORLD IS CHANGED FOREVER

Callie lost her parents when the Spore Wars wiped out everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty. She and her little brother, Tyler, go on the run, living as squatters with their friend Michael and fighting off renegades who would kill them for a cookie. Callie's only hope is Prime Destinations, a disturbing place in Beverly Hills run by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man.

He hires teens to rent their bodies to Enders—seniors who want to be young again. Callie, desperate for the money that will keep her, Tyler, and Michael alive, agrees to be a donor. But the neurochip they place in Callie's head malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, and going out with a senator's grandson. It feels almost like a fairy tale, until Callie discovers that her renter intends to do more than party—and that Prime Destinations' plans are more evil than Callie could ever have imagined. . .

Review:

I am loving that there are so many dystopian novels out there!  Starters is a story about with the allure of eternal youth. When I saw this on Netgalley it immediately grabbed my attention. The main character, Callie, is living in a world where the Spore Wars have killed everyone from age 20 to 60. Teens like Callie are pretty desperate having lost their parents and have no one else to help them. Enter a business where the youth (Starters) can rent their bodies to the elderly (Enders) for a huge sum. For Callie the money is too great to pass up because she is trying to take care of her little brother. Callie is supposed to be in a deep sleep while an Ender “rents” her body, unaware of the activities taking place. But something goes wrong and Callie wakes up in the middle of the rental. She learns that the Ender renting her body is planning on murdering someone. While trying to figure out how to stop her renter from committing murder while in her body Callie learns some shocking truths.

As a whole I enjoyed the story. The characters were well developed and the story was fast paced with a shocking twist at the end.  I do wish there was better world building. I was left with a lot of questions, like what caused the Spore Wars, or why the elderly live to like 150 years old. Even with these questions running through my mind I was still able to enjoy Starters. The concept is different from any other dystopian novel that I have read it definitely had a high creepy factor.

So what’s the bottom line?

If you love dystopian type books I would give this book a try.  Overall Starters is an enjoyable read with some unexpected twists.

♥ ♥ ♥ = really liked it

Hidden Gems: Review of Ascent (The Party Series, Book One)

The growing popularity of electronic reading devices has resulted in an abundance of ebooks that are cheap and some that are even free! I mean who doesn’t love a free book? Hidden Gems are reveiws for these rarely talked about books. These are the books that may not get a lot of press but we have found them to be pretty great.
The first Hidden Gem is Ascent (The Party Series, Book One) and the best news is that it is free!!!!

Ascent (The Party Series, Book One)
ebook by Amy Kinzer
www.smashwords.com


Description from Smashwords:


For three teens, returning to the past is the only way to save the future.



After years of recession a new political party is ascending to power. To control the United States they must offer leaders people will vote for. The Party has chosen a select group of teens to attend the Institute for Youth Development (IYD) for training to become the nation’s next leaders. But no one has a perfect past and in a world where every moment is captured on film it has become increasingly difficult to find future politicians. Everyone has something from their past they wish they could change.


Matt wants to go back and change the night he drove drunk and ended the life of his girlfriend and best friend; Farrah-Kate, the daughter of America’s most tragic actress, wants to save her movie star mother; and Rick is ordered to go back and change the night he hacked the governments computers.


Marvin Winn, a casino billionaire and Party founder has funded a device that will take the chosen back in time to alter their past. But not everyone is attending the Institute because they want to join The Party. And while everyone returns to their past, one person will choose not to come back, putting everything The Party seeks to achieve at risk.



Review:

The best news about this book is that it is FREE!!!!  On http://www.smashwords.com/  you download this book for free in a number of formats including for your Kindle! I am always searching the internet and my Kindle for free or extremely cheap books.  Once in a while I come across a hidden gem of a book.  Mostly I never finish these free books that I get most just aren’t for me. When I find one that is actually good I tend to get quite excited.

 Ascent kept me hooked. Set in an alternate world where the United States is now a one party state and the Party is quite content to control everything.  The book centers around 3 teens sharing their stories in alternate POVs. Farrah-Kate, Matt, and Rick are among a number of teens to receive the elusive golden envelope to join the Party’s summer program.  After graduation they will become a member of the Party from which there is no going back. The characters were well developed but I found the world in which the story is set to be lacking.  I needed more information to understand exactly what was going on. Basically the Party chose these candidates because they are flawed but they have the capability to allow the students to go back in time and change the one event in their past that makes them flawed. When they return from their time travel essentially the idea is that they will have fixed the flaw in their records making them the ideal Party candidate. 

I admit I usually stay away from time traveling books because I often find them confusing.  The simplicity in the story kept me hooked.  Matt and Farrah-Kate have extremely personal reasons for returning to the past, they both wish to prevent the death of someone very close to them.  Rick on the other hand is a total conspirator nut who wished to gain entry into the Party, but I am not exactly sure if he just wants conformation of the conspiracies or if he wants to bring the Party down, either way he is an entertaining character.  I really liked Farrah-Kate and Matt they were both hurting so much and willing to give up everything to change the past, I really felt for them. There is not much romance in the story but there are some tender moments between Farrah-Kate and Matt. 

I don’t want to give away too much of the story but it is a quick fun read that has me wishing book 2 is coming out soon. I tried to research it but didn’t have much luck. I would definitely recommend this story for anyone who loves dystopia type novels.  What have you got to lose its FREE!!!!!!!!!!!

Review: Juliet Immortal

Juliet Immortal
by Stacey Jay
Published August 2011
304 pages




Description from Goodreads:


The most tragic love story in history . . .


Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

Review

I didn’t know what to expect from this book. Usually before starting a book I have a pretty good idea of the plot and tend to read other’s reviews but with Juliet Immortal I just glanced at the back before reading. Almost immediately I was swept into Juliet’s story. I can’t say enough good things about the author’s writing style it allowed me to connect with Juliet from the very first page and honestly I may have put the book down once only to find myself running back to it, I just had to know if Juliet found her happy ending. The retelling of Romeo and Juliet’s story was brilliant and truly original. There were no tragic lovers in this story instead Romeo led Juliet to her death for the promise of immortality by a group called the Mercenaries. Juliet was offered a chance to thwart Romeo by becoming an Ambassador. As an Ambassador Juliet battles Romeo for the life of soul mates throughout time.

The story begins with Juliet entering the body of teenager Ariel. In her quest to save soul mates from Romeo she meets Ben. Will Juliet finally find true love? I could really feel Juliet’s anguish and her need for revenge throughout the story. Her emotions were so raw everything from her hatred and her desire to love and to be loved all of these feelings were clearly conveyed to the reader. I spilled more than a few tears throughout this story. With each new body she enters her hatred for Romeo grows as she tries to stop him from making one lover take the life of another. Romeo oh Romeo….you can’t help but hate him through most of the story as he is selfish and destructive with little to no redeeming qualities. By the end of the story I didn’t quite like him but I had hope that he could be something better.


Ben was so charming and a perfect match for Juliet. Juliet struggled with her need to be loved for her real self and not the body she was occupying. From her first encounter with Ben she felt that he was seeing Juliet and not Ariel. I loved their chemistry. Everything was so intense between them but it never felt forced. I have to admit I was kind of hoping in the beginning of the story that Romeo would redeem himself for Juliet but I forgot all that after I met Ben :P  I wasn’t crazy about the ending but I think that is mostly because the story was so emotion filled and action packed that I was expecting a bigger bang but the ending was sweet. I did find Romeo’s new story to be intriguing. I am not sure if there will be future book about his new task?


So What's the Bottom Line?


Juliet Immortal was such a creative retelling of Romeo and Juliet and the character’s emotions made the story for me. The story ended up being a powerful love story reminding me of fairy tales where the battered princess overcomes all. If you like stories that add a twist to classic tales this one is definitely for you!

♥ ♥ ♥ = really liked it

Review: Graceling

Review Graceling

                                or this cool version

471 Pages
By Kristin Cashore

""Her senses were sharp. She caught the fall of every leaf in the garden, the rustle of every branch. And so she was astonished when a man stepped out of the darkness and grabbed her from behind."

"His eyes came back into focus then and looked into hers. And then something mischievous in his eyes, and a grin."

SYNOPSIS:


"Graceling, my debut novel, is the story of Katsa, who has been able to kill people with her bare hands since she was eight. Katsa lives in the seven kingdoms, where very occasionally, a person is born with an extreme skill called a Grace. Gracelings are feared and exploited in the seven kingdoms, and none moreso than Katsa, who's expected to do the dirty work of torture and punishment for her uncle, King Randa. But then she meets a mysterious stranger named Po, who is also a Graced fighter and the first person ever to challenge her in a fight. The two form a bond, and each discovers truths they never imagined about themselves, each other, and a terrible danger that is spreading slowly through the seven kingdoms."
description by author


REVIEW:


Ok so unlike Georgia I don't think I've ever copied a synopsis.  It's a matter preference. But the reason I did this time is because I really wanted to get to this review. 


I LOVED this book. If you like the "Alanna" series by Tamora Pierce or Mistwood by Leah Cypess you will really enjoy this novel. This novel is for fans of a good old fashioned adventure book set in a fantasy world that has more in common with a medieval past. 


Katsa is a strong female character and although her reality is so different from ours we can still identify with her feelings of struggling to find her true self while learning to navigate through complex relationships and a sometimes dishonest world. 


She is both alone and supported by good friends, but her life changes when she meets Po. He is both like her and unlike her at the same time. He challenges her to be brave and to see herself differently. 
Together they undertake an adventure to bring  justice to the seven kingdoms.


The author writes simply but descriptively, where both dialogue and fight scenes are well developed.  Each character is well rounded and are a part of the tapestry of this rich world. 


Bottom Line: Not for Twlight fans, but otherwise READ IT!


♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ = awesome book- a must read! 

Review: Original Sin

398 Pages
Published in 2011
By: Lisa Desrochers

"I'm feeling just short of terrified, but as I melt into her, the fire spreading under my skin settles into a warm glow. I deepen our kiss, needing to feel closer, wanting this-my first kiss with my first girlfriend-to last forever."  p.214

 "This time, the force of His power is unbearable - unfiltered Hellfire ripping through my body and destroying everything in its path. The last thing I hear before everything fades into agonizing black is my own scream." p. 285

SYNOPSIS:

Luc adjusts to his new human form while dealing with demons who have been sent to retrieve him back to Hell. When the demons on his tail discover that he has become mortal, and to boot is tagged for Heaven, they stick around to find out how he did it.


Gabe can no longer resist Frannie and so leaves her protection in charge of her twin brother Matt. But Matt is not as experienced with being a guardian, and finds himself grappling with emotions of lust, guilt, and maybe even love for Luc's new neighbor, Lilli.


Things are going well for Frannie and Luc and Frannie tries to develop her Sway. But just when she begins to settle into a summer routine things go drastically wrong - her friend Taylor is caught up with a demon, Matt is not around to protect her, she struggles to master her Sway, and ...worst of all...she discovers that she may not be able to trust Luc after all.

REVIEW:

The one thing that I can say is that this is no filler book. Often what you see with the second book in a series is that the author simply expands on a weak storyline, maybe introduces a new character, makes one revelation, but inspires tons of more questions.


Original Sin is not like that. Fans of Personal Demons are treated to another thrilling roller coaster ride with plot twists and new adventures. She also develops all of the characters to further reveal their fears and dreams.


Unfortunately the characters lose their individuality. What I LOVED about Personal Demons was that all of the characters came across so strongly. With Original Sin at times I even forgot from whose view I was reading.


Luc also becomes a boring, emotional fellow and Frannie vacillates between worry about Taylor, worrying about her Sway or hooking up with either Luc or Gabe. And then there's Matt. A sort of blank character who helps to move plot along because of his involvement with Lilli.


Yeah, I'll read the third book to see what happens. But I'm not as excited.


Bottom Line: I like how different the concepts are in this book. I hope the author picks up in book three where she left off in book one. And just as a side note, the events in this book become much more mature in terms of violence and sex. Not for tweenies.

♥ ♥ .5 = liked it

Can't Hardly Wait.....for August

Here are the upcoming releases for August that have us the most excited!!

Soul Thief (The Demon Trappers #2)
by Jana Oliver
Release Date August 30th 2011
 
The Demon Trapper's daughter was one of my favorite reads this year so I cannot wait for book two!!! p.s. I think it is really cool the author isn't making us wait a whole year for book 2 :))
 
Description from Goodreads:
 
Riley Blackthorne is beginning to learn that there are worse things than death by demon. And love is just one of them…
Seventeen-year-old Riley has about had it up to here. After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured, her boyfriend Simon is gravely injured, and now her beloved late father’s been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer. As if that’s not enough, there's Ori, one sizzling hot freelance demon hunter who’s made himself Riley’s unofficial body guard, and Beck, a super over-protective “friend” who acts more like a grouchy granddad. With all the hassles, Riley’s almost ready to leave Atlanta altogether.


But as Atlanta’s demon count increases, the Vatican finally sends its own Demon Hunters to take care of the city’s “little” problem, and pandemonium breaks loose. Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell’s attention: an extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever

Cursed (Demon Kissed #2)
by H.M Ward
Release Date August 31st


I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was one of the first books I bought when I got my Kindle.  I am just not so sure I like where book 2 is heading but I will definitely be buying this book.


Description from Goodreads:


Ivy's on her way to kick ass and save Collin from the horrors of the Underworld. Along the way she discovers that the truth won't set her free. Deep-seated deception leads Ivy closer to her destiny. But, being queen of the demons is not the destiny she wants. Ivy will have to overcome lust, power, and love if she wants to survive.

Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1)
by Richelle Mead
Release Date August 23rd


I only learned about Bloodlines about a month ago so luckily I haven't had a long wait for this book. I loved Vampire Academy and am excited that some of the characters make an appearance!!


Description from Goodreads:


The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.



When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.


Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.


What are your Can't Hardly Wait Books for August?

Review: Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy #1)

Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy #1)

by Jennifer Estep

Published July 2011

350 pages

Description from Goodreads:

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy — a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.

But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why—especially since I should have been the one who died.

Review:

I have a weakness for stories in a boarding school, maybe because I used to wish my parents would send me to one. Whatever the reason I usually tend to enjoy the paranormal boarding school tales and a Touch of Frost was no exception. The story piqued my interest at the beginning with its basis on mythology. Gwen Frost, the main character, is new at boarding school not there by choice and suffering from the recent loss of her mother. There is not a lot of dialogue in the book which I admit caused me to skim some sections. On the plus side of this the reader really gets to know Gwen in the first book. Her loss over her mom is real and often times raw which caused me to get teary eyed a few times. I really liked Gwen she was funny, sarcastic, and brave enough to do what she thought was right even if it caused more trouble to her. I wished we got a chance to know the secondary characters more especially Daphne and Logan. I’m holding out hope that they will be more developed in the next book.



The mystery wasn’t hard to figure out but it was fun learning about different figures in mythology. The action wasn’t as strong as I thought it would be and in the times with fighting I think more dialog between the characters would have helped the story flow better. The author was very descriptive but at times I think it bordered on too much description. The ending isn’t much of a cliffhanger but there are still some unanswered questions making me anticipate book 2.

So what's the bottom line?

Touch of Frost is a light fun read that I read in one sitting. I enjoyed the characters and the mythology and look forward to future books in the series.  I guess it is east to tell that my biggest gripe about this book is the lack of character interaction. It was great to really get to know the main character but sometimes the best way to understand a character is through interaction. But overall I would recommend this book especially if you have a thing about boarding school paranormal books J   

I give it ♥ ♥ ♥ = really liked it

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the Story Siren, basically its a place to list all of the books we acquired this week.  To find more about this meme you can go here..


I didn't get a lot of books this week but I am super excited to read these two :)

What's in you mailbox??

Can't Hardly Wait...for July

Here are the upcoming releases for July that have us the most excited!! 

Wildcat Fireflies (Fenestra 2)

by Amber Kizer

Release Date July 12th

From Goodreads

Meridian Sozu is a Fenestra—the half-human, half-angel link between the living and the dead. She has the dark responsibility of helping souls transition safely into the afterlife. If people die without the help of a Fenestra, their souls are left vulnerable to be stolen by the Aternocti, a dark band of forces who disrupt the balance of good and evil in the world and cause chaos.

 Having recently lost her beloved Auntie—the woman who showed her what it meant to be a Fenestra—Meridian has hit the road with Tens, her love and sworn protector, in hopes of finding another Fenestra. Their search leads them to Indiana, where Juliet, a responsible and loving teenager, works tirelessly in the nursing home where she and several other foster kids are housed. Surrounded by death, Juliet struggles to make a loving home for the younger kids, and to protect them from the violent whims of their foster mother. But she is struggling against forces she can't understand . . . and even as she feels a pull toward the dying, their sickness seems to infect her, weighing her down. . . .

Will Meri and Tens find Juliet in time to save her from a life of misery and illness? And will Meri and Tens' own romance weather the storms of new discoveries?

 

 

 

 

 

Love Story

by Jennifer Echols

Release Date July 19th

 

From Goodreads:

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true

Luminous

by Dawn Metcalf

Release Date July 7th

From Goodreads:

As reality slips and time stands still, Consuela finds herself thrust into the world of the Flow. Removed from all she loves into this shifting world overlapping our own, Consuela quickly discovers she has the power to step out of her earthly skin and cloak herself in new ones-skins made from the world around her, crafted from water, fire, air. She is joined by other teens with extraordinary abilities, bound together to safeguard a world they can affect, but where they no longer belong.

When murder threatens to undo the Flow, the Watcher charges Consuela and elusive, attractive V to stop the killer. But the psychopath who threatens her new world may also hold the only key to Consuela's way home

My Life as a White Trash Zombie

by Diana Rowland

Release Date July 5th

From Goodreads:

Angel Crawford is a loser. Living with her alcoholic deadbeat dad in the swamps of southern Louisiana, she's a high school dropout with a pill habit and a criminal record who's been fired from more crap jobs than she can count. Now downward spiral her life has taken. That is, until the day she wakes up in the remembers being in an horrible car crash, anonymous letter telling her there's a job that it's an offer she doesn't dare refuse. a brand new addiction: an overpowering who decapitates his prey--just when she's hungriest Angel's going to have to grow up fast if she wants to keep this job and stay in one piece. Because if she doesn't, she's dead meat. Literally.

Teenage delinquent Angel Crawford lives with her redneck father in the swamps of southern Louisiana. She's a high school dropout, addicted to drugs and alcohol, and has a police record a mile long. But when she's made into a zombie after a car crash, her addictions disappear, except for her all-consuming need to stay "alive"

Review: Clarity

Clarity
by Kim Harrington
Published March 2011
242 pages


Decription from Goodreads:



When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? 
This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats. Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her.
It's a gift.  
And a curse.
When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

Review:Clarity is more of a murder mystery plot with a supernatural twist.  I am a fan of stories with psychic gifts and Clare’s gift of psychometry- she can she memories of the past when she touches objects- is really cool. Of course her and her family’s gifts have not made Clare’s life easy.  Throughout the book we see what being psychic has cost them. I really liked Clare’s character she’s strong and spirited but she also has a vulnerability to her.  


Now let’s talk about romance.  There are a lot of possibilities in this book. Clare has two (possibly 3?) yummy guys to choose from. I was frustrated with Clare’s relationship with Gabriel, I thought their connection happened too fast and at times it fell kind of flat for me. Then there is Justin, the ex. I am still unsure how to feel about this character and his relationship with Clare.  I do think he is a nice guy who made a really stupid mistake. With that being said I’m not sure if I am a fan of them being together and I think anyone who had a similar breakup will probably not be a fan of that relationship. It might just be me, but it seemed like every guy in the story was secretly lusting after Clare.  She is supposed to be this social outcast but with all these guys attracted to her I didn’t think her loneliness was that believable.  I mean I for one wouldn’t mind being an outcast if it meant having all kinds of guys being in lust with me :P


I enjoyed the mystery plot with Clare being an amateur detective. I definately felt a Veronica Mars vibe going on which worked for me, still hoping for the movie!  The psychic powers added a cool twist to the story. Being able to use her pyshic powers to solve a crime helped Clare with realizing that being different is rarely a bad thing. The ending wasn’t really a cliffhanger so no frustration only mild annoyance.


 So what’s the bottom line?


Clarity is a cute quick read, the story never drags.  I did have some problems with the book mainly the relationships, but I hope that these relationships and the character interactions will grow stronger in the next book. I may not have loved it but I enjoyed it and will most likely read the next book when it comes out.


♥ ♥ .5

Waiting on Wednesday Meme

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine created to highlight those books that we are not so patiently waiting to be released.

This week our eagerly anticipated book is

Shattered Souls                                                                         
by Mary Lindsey
Expected Release Date: December 8th 2011

From Goodreads:

A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger
Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.
Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.


A love triangle with a paranormal twist...what more could a girl ask for?  This sounds like an amazing read. I know that books shouldn't be judged by their covers but this cover is so beautiful it made me want to read the book even before I read the description.

Cannot wait for this book.....what book has you wishing you could speed up time?

Review: Demon Trapper

368 Pages
Published in 2011
By: Jane Oliver

"They held hands for another minute or so, and then he rose to fetch more hot chocolate. After he placed the order, he looked over at her and smiled. The rest of the room faded to gray. There was only him, his brilliant blue eyes, and that amazing hair."  p.184

"Riley pulled herself up. The demon laughed again, making her blood freeze. Its offer boomed through her mind again like a cannon- her life or it would kill all of them." p. 313





SYNOPSIS:

The world as we know it has changed and demons run rampant in the cities. The only protectors for the humans are the Demon Trappers and to some extent demon hunters employed by the Vatican. Riley is a young demon trapper struggling to prove herself in a male dominated league.

Her challenges intensify with the death of her father and the increasing danger she faces from the demons, who somehow know her name. Added to that, she has to deal with her father's previous hunting partner, Beck, trying to take on the role of a guardian when in fact he isn't much older than her.

She is able to find support in her friends Paul and Simon - but can she survive in the demon trapper world, and discover why the demons are targeting her?

REVIEW:

I've found a new a series to obsess over. The author is an amazing writer, adept at writing both descriptively and creating clear and detailed action scenes. Her characters also come across as real and three dimensional despite the fact that their world is so different from ours.

I came to know Riley as a person and not just another heroine. We see her grow and mature as she grapples with her father's death, feelings of loneliness, and of course, demons breathing down her back. Yet, she still comes across as a teenage girl, experiencing normal problems with boys and mean girls.

Beck is an amazing character and for the first time ever, an author is able to portray a Southern accent well. I hope we see more of him and his backstory in the coming books.

Overall, the premise of this book is interesting, the author write amazingly well, and while there isn't much chemistry going on - I cannot wait for the next book.

♥ ♥ ♥ = really liked it