{Review} Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Released: September 25th 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Hardcover, 404 pages
Series: White Rabbit Chronicles
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real….

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….

I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.
I'd tell my sister no.
I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.
I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.
Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.
I'd tell them I love them.
I wish... Yeah, I wish.

Rating

{Book Review} BLACK DAWN by Rachel Caine

Black Dawn 
by Rachel Caine

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: NAL
Format: Hardback, 367 pages
Genre: YA Paranormal, Adventure, Romance
Series: Morganville Vampires, #12
Source: Bough from Walmart.
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Rating: 4.5 stars

The hotly-anticipated twelfth instalment in the Morganville Vampires series 

In Last Breath, the rain brought a new and dire threat to Morganville and its vampires... their ancient enemies, the draug. Now, the vampires are fighting a losing war, and it will fall to the residents of the Glass House: Michael, Eve, Shane and Claire, to take the fight to an enemy who threatens to destroy the town, forever.


Lovers of Morganville, rejoice: Black Dawn takes the intrigue, romance and nail-biting suspense of the series to its highest level yet!

Ahhh, Rachel Caine. You cease to entertain me. :) I think that the Morganville Vampires will forever be one of my top ten favorite YA series'. And Black Dawn just adds more to the suspense and thrilling experience to the story of MV! As always, can't wait for the next installment. <3

{Review} STORM by Brigid Kemmerer

Storm
by Brigid Kemmerer
Release Date: April 24th 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Format: Paperback, 353 pages
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Series: Elementals, #1
Source: Received a signed copy from author.
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon


Rating - 4.5 stars

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming . . .

{Book Review} CINDER by Marissa Meyer

Cinder

by Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Publication Date: January 3, 2012

Format: Hardback, 400pp

Age Range: 12 - 17 Years

Series: Lunar Chronicles Series , #1

Genre: YA Dystopian

Order: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, the ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

MY EMOTIONS. THERE THEY WENT. SCATTERED EVERYWHERE.

This book totally made the top few on my list that made me want to actually kill someone myself. Brutally. And mercilessly. ._. Instead of having to go through the pity I felt for the main character, whilst thinking, I would totally give that person a good hard jab in the vagina. Anyway, that's just me, focusing on two characters in particular that I fucking despised. Onto the actual review. xD

I reeeally loved this book, it was an awesome retelling of Cinderella. Very different, but very awesome. :3 A cyborg Cinderella is just freaking brilliant. If the cover and title were different, I actually wouldn't have thought this was based on Cinderella, especially with the New Beijing setting. But I think that I'd catch on sooner or later by the end of the book. Though it would take some serious thinking, with the Lunars and whatnot. xD 

The world was so unique and original and compelling, it was hard to think that a world like that could come to life in someone's head. But it did with me, and it was vivid. <3 I could picture the setting perfectly. Marissa totally nailed it on the head with "world-building" skills. True dat. It had a lot of history to go with it too, since it's set in "New Beijing." The original Beijing was destroyed in World War IV. I thought that was pretty cool. c: And to go along with the history, the scene were Cinder had found the old car in the junkyard was darn neat. Since she's used to hovers and this is set in the dystopian future, she has never seen cars like there are nowadays.

The character building in this was fantastic as well. They were well developed and just wonderful. Cinder has to be one of my favorite heroines. She's tough, brave, and determined. I loved everything about her, and her being a mechanic just added to it But I'm glad there wasn't a fairy in this--to help her with the ball. She got stuff done herself without complaint. And can I just say that Iko, Cinder's android, was just cute? :3 Prince Kai was a very nice hero, as well. I didn't have a problem with him at all until the very last few pages. (Though I don't know if it was fake or not. I assumed it was. Hoping, rather.) I don't want to say that I swooned or got excited every time he came around in the book, but I was interested in what he was doing. I liked him, and I wanted him and Cinder to have more "alone" parts than there was. Because I feel like they both deserve it, Cinder more than him. 

The two characters I was talking about earlier was Cinder's stepmother--Adri--and stepsister--Pearl. Adri was unbelievably harsh and mean to Cinder, I almost couldn't stand it. I wanted Cinder to tell her off or do something, but I guess she was bidding her time. Or maybe I'm just a violet person. xD I would've punched or slapped her. And do worse to that bitch Pearl. >_> I was alright with Peony, the other stepsister. Because she actually loved Cinder, and was nice to her. Queen Levana just needs to go, as well with Sybil and Torin. I don't like them lol. At all. 

The Lunars are different. Very different. I loved it. c: There always has to be an enemy right? xD Well that's were the Lunars come in with this retelling. And the fact that they live on the moon, is just down right awesome. The whole Lunars idea was brilliant and instant-mind-grabbing for me!

The ending for this book totally left me hanging and mouth watering for more. D: I was definitely surprised when Cinder found out about her past. I didn't see that coming at all. Also the way Kai treated her when he found out about her...situation...ruined me. v_v I thought he'd be more understanding and all. But it makes sense (only if he was fooling her.) The surprises just kept coming in this one!

I'm glad I didn't rush into this book as I normally would have. I took time in it, and enjoyed it very much. I can't freaking wait until the next books. Which I am hella excited for. I read the Goodreads synopsis' for them, and those will be something to look forward too. Especially the last one. ;) I have a feeling all of them will be filled with epicness!

Rating: 5/5

{Review} EMBRACE by Jessica Shirvington

Embrace
by Jessica Shirvington
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Incorporated
Format: Hardback, 400pp
Age Range: 12 - 17 Years
Genre: YA Supernatural Romance
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters, #1
Source: Bought
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…”

Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before.

Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her.

A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden…

Look for the sequels ENTICED in September 2012 and EMBLAZE in March 2013!

This book, I will admit, wasn't the best book I've ever read. And it wasn't the worst book either. But damn, it was almost painful to get through without cringing or wanting to throw the book in acid. I say that, but it did get better about over halfway through it. Just a smidgen. And to be honest, I did really want to like this book. But it was just...MEH. This book was way too fast-paced and basically scattered everywhere.

Characters... I. Hated. Violet. She is whiny, weak, bitchy, and almost slutty when it comes to Lincoln and Phoenix. I did see a slight transformation between the beginning and end of the book. But I didn't really care lol. It was like the transformation did shit to her attitude. So that's all I'm gonna say on her. Bleh. And her friend Steph was just the same way. -_-

I felt sorry for Lincoln more than anything. I don't think he deserved to be treated as badly as Violet treated him. When all he did was protect her and watch over her without telling her the details. I mean, what's the point in getting mad and shit when you're gonna find out sooner or later? Sooner rather than later. That's the point of "coming of age" at the age of seventeen. *head/desk* If it were me; granted, I'd be a bit upset, but I would think it was for the better of it. Violet just pitched an ungodly fit and didn't talk to Lincoln for a few weeks. WTF. I liked Lincoln better than anybody in this book. I liked Griffin, though. It was like he didn't care about the bullshit that went on between Lincoln and Violet. And I felt automatically satisfied when he hit her like... umpteenth times.

Phoenix. *Sigh* I liked him...then I didn't like him. It was almost like his and Violet's relationship was based on sex. Which they did have. I mean it's quite obvious that they're going to do it from the point when Phoenix put his hands all over her in Hades. (Which is a restaurant/club.) By the end of the book though, I didn't like him. For all the right and wrong reasons I guess. He lied way more than Lincoln, that's a fact that you'll read at the end. And he's snarky and cocky with his devil-may-care attitude. So much so that it was just annoying to the point to where I just wanted to shove a metal pole up his ass and call it a day.

I think the one of the reasons why I didn't like this book all that much was because it was focused around...well...lust. And angels. Ohohohooo, let's not forget the angel part. I've read way too many angel books, and this is just done it in for me for them. Unless the book actually sounds good. Though it wasn't the same...plot...that angel-based YA books have. I don't think I've read a book where the angel-human hybrid had to go through a few tests in order to become a Grigori. Which was slightly different than most YA lits. So I will give it credit on that.

Also, another reasons why I didn't like it; this happened in the beginning. The Christian in be and my Southern ways...automatically didn't like this. I mean, I don't see how a Christian person could like it. Here's the quote in Violet's POV:

How could I believe in God? What kind of bastard would leave me motherless the moment I was born? Would leave me alone in a room with a sicko who would mess with my mind forever? And that's just me; don't even get me started on the rest of the world. God? He's for the very lost to question and the very found to praise.

Okay, don't get me wrong. I think I get an idea how hard it would be to go motherless and almost get raped and whatnot. And I apologize if I offended anyone how there... But holy shit. I just wonder if Violet even took a minute to think...well maybe that wasn't God's doing. Maybe it just happened out of coincidence. I know it seems kind of heartless of me. But it's just...I'm Christian, and I thought I would say something about it.

I hate giving a book a bad rating, and a review to go with it. x_x But it did get better through the middle/end. Just not enough for me to actually give it four or five stars. Much less three. But, I read what the next book is about, and I think I might give it a try. Only if I can get passed the urge to strangle Violet.

Rating: 2/5

{Book Review} THE IMMORTAL RULES by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules
by Julie Kagawa (blog, twitter, facebook)
Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin TEEN
Format: ebook, 504pp
Age Range: 14 years+
Series: Blood of Eden Series, #1
Genre: YA Paranormal, Dystopian
Source: Received from NetGalley.
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

*flails around, screaming* This. Was. The. Definition. Of. Badassery. I have a hard time believe anyone could not like this book. I can't put it into words about how different this was from her Iron Fey series. Not bad different, believe me. I have nothing bad to say about this piece.

Julie Kagawa didn't fail me with this one. That's for damn sure. Before this book, I was about done with vampire books. Like, almost completely wiping them off my genre criteria. But when I heard that she was writing a vamp book, I couldn't resist the hella strong urge to pick this book up. (Even thought I got this as a eBook through NetGalley. <3 Thanks NG, I love you.) Julie developed basically a whole new breed of vampires that definitely do not sparkle. They drain you, not become besties with you. Like most YA books that have even one vampire in it. -__- It was like taking a breath of fresh air. <3

I loved how she came up with the rabids too. I'll be damned if that's not what caused the nightmare I had when I went to sleep after I finished TIR. (I shit you not. I almost woke up screaming. *shudders*) Those things are basically have all the killer works. Something I definitely do not want to run into when I'm taking a nice walk out at night.

The scenery in this book was insanely awesome. I could picture a combination of, like...Priest and Silent Hill together. (Minus the gore from SH. x_x) The action in it was so vivid, I had to reread over some parts, it was that intense.

The character development in this was amazing. Every character almost has their own kickass trait. Except for maybe Ruth. *recoils in disgust* Allison Sekemoto has to be one of the most badass heroines out there in the YA lit world, as for as I'm concerned. With her being a vampire, and wielding that katana, just screams that she could drop your ass like a dime in less than five seconds flat. Aside from her skill to take someone down, I seriously loved her personality; brave, independent, courageous, kind when she wants to be(which was rarer than red steak). She takes nothing from anybody. And she has a mouth on her like a viper. ;3 I love her.

Her mentor, Kanin, was my second favorite character, since Allison was totally my first--which is rare, because I hardly ever pick the heroine out of a book as my favorite character. Kanin was so incredibly mysterious and...and...brooding. So much so, I don't even think I saw a description for his hair. (Which bugs the ever lovin' noodles out of me.) Though, him not taking any crap from Allison just makes him all the more awesome. I'm tired of mentors or teachers or whatever going easy on their "students." It's almost borderline pathetic. I think I almost had a heart attack when got taken away. I think I almost let a tear shed. But I didn't let it fall because I thought, that cannot be the last we see of him.

And Zeke, being as cool and skilled as he is, I didn't find him to be the most perfect match for Allison that I thought he would be. Sure, he's awesome, no doubt. But (and it's stated in the book) he's sees the good in everything. But it's not like I don't like him for Allison, I do. I'm just saying that Allison...is what she is, and Zeke is so...pure and good. xD They're complete opposites. Then, when shit hit the fan, he got down to business. Aside from that, I definitely loved him. <333 (What's not to love? Blonde, blue eyes, lean muscles, and scars. They're sexy.) I hated Ruth, the nosy bitch. So there's not much to say on her. And I didn't like Jeb either, so I'm pretty content with how things turned out. ;)

JK had me in awe with writing this little precious. The level of badassery is so high, I cannot even comprehend. She can definitely make that happen, with her wicked world building skills. I loved every moment of this book, and do not regret not waiting for the release date, and savoring it with everybody else. xD I'M GREEDY, AND I CAN'T HELP IT. I read this within one sitting, and couldn't believe my eyes when I finished it. YOU DUN IT AGAIN, KAGAWA. This has to be the longest review I've written so far.

Also, the sneak peak of The Iron Prince wasn't anything like I imaginied it would be. I'm going to like Ethan Chase...

Rating

THE GODDESS TEST by Aimee Carter {Book Review}

Publication Date: April 19, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Paperback, 304pp
Age Range: 14 - 17 Years
Series: Goddess Test Series, #1
Genre: YA Fantasy & Romance
Source: Bought at B&N.
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall. 

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

Slight spoilery ahead.

As this book is a debut and all, I thought this was a pretty neat book. The first reason being because it's Greek mythology based. Anyone who knows me (or has read my interests on my profile) knows that I love Greek mythology. <3 asdfghjkl;

The second reason being the plot. It's definitely a new take on GM for YA books. And it got even neater when the seven deadly sins got involved. Either it was a dumb moment for me, or I just really didn't see it coming, because I didn't. >_< It should have been obvious for me, considering every time someone brought up the tests Kate had to pass, there was always the seven tests, not just this one test. So, a bunch of hints and I still didn't get it. xD It was a nice..."surprise" when it was mentioned.

Speaking of the deadly sins, I thought that Henry and Kate went a bit too fast. ._. Especially for a debut short, first book out of the series. Though, for that one part, I guess it's okay since they were drugged. Though it's still like....whutjusthappened, it went by so fast. I almost didn't have time to comprehend what was going on. xD But I feel like I should've saw it coming, because hardly anything was happening between the two romantically, and then...BAM. THEY DUN FUCKED.

I do believe that was one thing I didn't really like about this book.

Considering this being a short book, it had a pretty good bit in there happening. Not a lot, but not a little either. It was preh-ty cool to give God/Goddess names to everyone in the book. (Well, almost. I guess. Excluding Kate.) Henry as Hades was perfect, I thought. Though, it being Hades, he's a lot more...kinder? Henry's behavior is something I would expect Zeus to have; I picture Hades to be merciless and cold-hearted and mean. But I look over it because they're "brothers." ...Or maybe I just picture Greek gods to be that uptight and stuff. o_o

For the characters: I did not like Kate that much. I'm falling for Henry, but not quite there yet. (Need the second book for that too happen *IF*) I despised Ella.
And Callipoe(or Cantaloupe as I'd like to call her).... Just, go away, please. I've had enough of you jealous love-crazed girls.

I was alright with Walter, Dylan, Ava, Theo, Xander, Irene, and Sofia. Meaning, they weren't talked about enough to really like or dislike them. And I feel really sorry for James. :/

All in all, it was a good read, pretty enjoyable since it's GM. <3 Four out of five stars, just because it was a bit too fast-paced. Definitely need the second one, though.

 Rating

WINGS OF THE WICKED by Courtney Allison Moulton {Book Review}

Publication Date: January 31, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Hardback, 528pp
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult
Age Range: 14 years+
Series: Angelfire Series, #2
Source: Bought at B&N
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Life as the Preliator is harder than Ellie ever imagined.

Balancing real life with the responsibility of being Heaven's warrior is a challenge for Ellie. Her relationship with Will has become all business, though they both long for each other. And now that the secret of who she really is has come out, so have Hell's strongest reapers. Grown bold and more vicious, the demonic threaten her in the light of day and stalk her in the night.

She's been warned.

Cadan, a demonic reaper, comes to her with information about Bastian's new plan to destroy Ellie's soul and use an ancient relic to wake all the souls of the damned and unleash them upon humanity. As she fights to stay ahead of Bastian's schemes, the revelations about those closest to her awaken a dark power within Ellie that threatens to destroy everything—including herself.
She'll be betrayed.

Treachery comes even from those whom she loves, and Ellie is broken by the deaths of those who stood beside her in this Heavenly war. Still, she must find a way to save the world, herself, and her love for Will. If she fails, there will be Hell to pay.

*Slight Spoilery!* This is one of those times where I'm seriously mad about the next year release date for the next book.



...I seriously...seriously...LOVED this book. IT WAS SO EMOTIONAL, I COULDN'T STAND IT. But I did, and it seriously left a bruise on my heart. xD

Will is so sweet. I mean, ugh. He's number one on my top five favorite male heroines in books. AND HE'S BADASS. WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOOOR? And then Cadan? WHY DID YOU ACT THAT WAY? Damn it all if I didn't fall for him too! -_-' They were both so freakin' sweet. I don't think I've ever read about a (TWO) guy that's that caring and...and...and...UGH. *_*

There was definitely some sad parts in this book. One in particular that I just...felt so hurt over. I didn't cry, I just felt hurt. I think all the "sad" parts in there I just felt hurt over. Especially for Ellie and Will. It was back and forth that I felt sorry for. I know in one part with Ellie and her Dad. And can I just say that I was not excepting what happened with him. I was like...o_o... And then when Ellie lost it, I thought it was hella badass. ;D

I reeeeeally loved the action scenes in WotW. It was definitely detailed and intense. I couldn't stop reading them. o.o BRUTAL, MAN. You can tell Ellie is getting better and better at her fighting strategies. I don't know if it means shes coming into her Gabriel state even more, or if it's just in her nature since she is Gabriel. (Sorry if I gave that away. D:)

I think the almost heart attacks that I had when I read this book is enough for me to send CA Moulton my medical bills. Especially that one I had in the last few pages of the book. YOU PULLED A CASSANDRA CLARE ON US, CA. D:< Buuuut I won't because I'm a nice person, and I want the next book. :3

View all my reviews

Rating

ANGEL FIRE by L.A. Weatherly {Book Review}

Publication Date: January 24, 2012
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Format: Hardback, 638pp
Age Range: 14 - 17 Years
Series: Angel Trilogy Series, #2
Genre: Supernatural Romance, Young Adult
Source: Bought at Walmart
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

In the wake of the Second Wave, the angel menace has exploded, and Alex and Willow are on the lam. Willow's prophetic dream points them to Mexico City, where they connect with a fledgling group of angel killers led by the exotically beautiful Kara, an Angel Killer from Alex's past. But the team remains suspicious of Willow, even after the more-experienced Alex takes over as leader, training them hard for a rush attack on the Seraphic Council, or "The Twelve." This elite group of all-powerful angels is also under the scrutiny of Willow's angel-father, Raziel, who has his own sinister plan to defeat them.  

What Willow hasn't told Alex is that there was also a mysterious boy in her dream, one she felt overpoweringly attracted to. When brooding, gorgeous Seb shows up in the flesh, he turns out to be another - possibly the world's only other - half angel. He's been searching for Willow all his life, and when Alex enlists this rival to help keep Willow safe, he can't predict what chemistry will pass between them . . . or how far Willow might go to keep Alex safe. Will their love endure or spell doomsday for the human race?

UGH....- asdfghjkl;! So much emotion in a thick book. <33 I'd love to see the thickness of Angel Fever. But I have a feeling it'll be thinner or the same size as this one. OH WELL. I NEED THE THIRD BOOK EITHER WAY.

I seriously thought I would cry a few times during this book, buuuuut I didn't. Major will power, that is. I wouldn't be crying out of sadness...(well maybe one time)...but I'd probably be crying out of frustration and sympathy for Willow. And Alex. Hell, maybe even Seb. He just needed more lovin' in general that I'd be more than willing to give him.

I liked how this is set in Mexico. Totally a new scenery for angels and whatnot. You know, you usually picture pretty, nice settings for books with angels. Like snow, mountains, fog, etc. But like I said in my review for Angel Burn, these aren't your average angels. SOUL-SUCKING BEASTS, they are. :D And so, the setting is perfect for them; dry, sandy, and hot.

Characters: Right away, I feel in love with Seb. Oh my God~ He is such a sweetheart, I couldn't stand it. He's definitely anything and everything I see in my type of guy. (Because I have a weakness for sweet-as-hell guys. ;P) Willow...is just Willow. At times she can be one of those typical heroines, weak and needy. But then she realizes the situation she's in, and deals with it maturely. I liked her a smudge better than AB. And Alex....<33333 I've always loved Alex. He's just...*-* hot...in every which way. ;3 I don't think I liked anyone in the group that Alex and Willow stayed with. I sure didn't like Kara, the jealous bitch.

This book oozes sexual tension. Oozes it. And you just goooootta love it. ;) I know I did. I mean, I don't really think I could read a book that didn't have some sort of sexual tension in it. If I could read one that didn't, I would definitely be dragging through it. ;P Anyway, this book deserves a five-star rating, right off the bat. It was just amazing and awesome and...-sighs contently- sooo good. <3 Can't wait to see what's in store for the next one!

Rating

VANISH by Sophie Jordan {Book Review}

Publication Date: September 6, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Hardback, 304pp
Age Range: 12 - 17 Years
Series: Firelight Series, #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult
Source: Bought online at B&N
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

An Impossible Romance.
Bitter Rivalries.
Deadly Choices.

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

Slight spoilery.

Is it just me, or like....hardly anything happened in this book? I mean, yeah a few things happen. But it's like, well there should be more to that situation. :/

Although, I did like the book, I really did. It's like this book and Firelight could have been one book. It would've been more interesting the first time around. But ya know how authors and publishers are.

ANYWAY. before I start sounding more like an idiot... I liked this book because there's an original species in there. You don't see a lot of dragon descendants in YA books. And Sophie totally pushed it a bit more in Vanish. It was definitely vivid, I could picture it in my head perfectly.

As for the characters. I felt really sorry for Jacinda in the beginning of this book. She was treated like total crap, when it was her mother's fault. Although, I did feel sorry for her mother towards the end, but it seemed like that was what she wanted when she left the pride the first time. I also felt sorry for Cassian. :c He just...-sigh-...he just needs more love. almost got her wings clipped off. :/ Aaaand, I didn't feel anything for Tamra. At all. I didn't like her in the first book, and I don't like her in this one. Dar. Severin & Corbin can go die in a hole~

Damn, love makes you do stupid-ass things, doesn't it?

4/5 because I love dragons & Cassian. :3

Rating

LOTHAIRE by Kresley Cole {Book Review}

Publisher: Gallery Books (Imprint of Simon and Schuster)
Publication Date: January 10, 2012
Format: Hardback, 468pp
Age Range: Adult
Series: Immortals after Dark Series, #12
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Bought from Premiere Collectibles.
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

ALL FEAR THE ENEMY OF OLD

Driven by his insatiable need for revenge, Lothaire, the Lore’s most ruthless vampire, plots to seize the Horde’s crown. But bloodlust and torture have left him on the brink of madness— until he finds Elizabeth Peirce, the key to his victory. He captures the unique young mortal, intending to offer up her very soul in exchange for power, yet Elizabeth soothes his tormented mind and awakens within him emotions Lothaire believed he could no longer experience.

A DEADLY FORCE DWELLS WITHIN HER

Growing up in desperate poverty, Ellie Peirce yearned for a better life, never imagining she’d be convicted of murder—or that an evil immortal would abduct her from death row. But Lothaire is no savior, as he himself plans to sacrifice Ellie in one month’s time. And yet the vampire seems to ache for her touch, showering her with wealth and sexual pleasure. In a bid to save her soul, Ellie surrenders her body to the wicked vampire, while vowing to protect her heart.

CENTURIES OF COLD INDIFFERENCE SHATTERED

Elizabeth tempts Lothaire beyond reason, as only his fated mate could. As the month draws to a close, he must choose between a millenniaold blood vendetta and his irresistible prisoner. Will Lothaire succumb to the miseries of his past . . . or risk everything for a future with her?

Lothaire, the book itself, was good. Not great. Not amazing. Just good. I feel like I'm betraying the series for saying that. Because I just thought this was going to be the best out of the whole IAD collection. The up-roar for this novel was tremendous in my opinion. I just knew it was going to be the badassery of the whole series. I mean...it was Lothaire. I think anyone who's read a KC IAD book, knows that it was a HUGE shocker for him to be the main hero. The book itself screams and stands out more than the rest of the IAD books. Because it's suppose to be awesome and kick-ass.

I was sort of disappointed with this one, and I was soooo revved up for this novel to come out. I had ordered the signed and numbered edition back in November. Yeah. I actually think this book wasn't worth the almost thirty dollars it cost me. But I'm not going to rip this book a new asshole, because I did actually like the book.

The reason being said, I felt like it dragged a lot in some places. Sometimes it would be like...nothing happened. Then bam! Lothaire traces everywhere and shit happens all at once. It's kinda hard to keep track for me.

Although, I do like the history in the prologue. That was hella unique and exciting to see part Lothaire's childhood. Because he's such a secluded character. And you know...vicious. Among other things... But he was hard to love. I thought I'd be going head-over-heels for him in this one. I just...couldn't. I guess it was because he's so superior and selfish. He decides a lot of shit for his own benefit with Ellie. I mean... Some of the threats were just funny and ridiculous. But then it was like...really? You're going to act like this now? But in the end of the book, I liked him a bit better. But not love, though. Ellie was definitely a cute girl. I can relate to her because of where we're both from: the South. ;P She's from Virginia and I'm from North Carolina. I think we'd get along pretty well. It funny to bring to complete opposites together for a love story.

And trust me. Lothaire and Ellie are totally and completely different. So different, I had started to wonder in a few parts how things were going to work out. If they'd work out. But that's just how Kresley is with her books. :3

It also ended quite different than most of Kresley's novels. This one sort of ended off like it was it's own, totally different series. Like there could be a Lothaire: Part 2 or something. If that were the case, then hell yeah. As Ellie would say, brangit. Maybe I'd like Lothaire even more. I want to so bad. <3333

But, this books was definitely good. I feel like I want to give it a lower rating, *dodges daggers*, because I just feel disappointed enough. But I don't because I actually did like it, deep down lol. And I love her IAD series...lots. Plus because of the sexy scenes. xD

Rating

JESSICA RULES THE DARK SIDE by Beth Fantaskey {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Format: Hardback, 320pp
Series: Jessica, #2
Age Range: 14 - 17 years
Source: Bought at local bookstore.
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

The highly anticipated sequel to Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side.  

It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?

I seriously, seriously hope there's a third book to this. I had to wait three years for this one to come out, I hope to God I don't have to wait another unholy amount again. And it better be thicker than the second too; waiting three years for a shorter book than the first is just...ridiculous. But I can understand since she wrote Lucius's and Jess's wedding and a whole other book within the three years. But still. Good Lawd. ._.

I loooooved how Jessica transformed in this book. She went from normal high schooler to princess to ruler. It was definitely cool how that happened. I can say that I didn't like her in the first book, but she totally done herself justice with coming back at Lucius's trial.

And Lucius himself, I felt incredibly sorry for him. D: Even though he's as strong as the toughest steel there is, he seemed fragile when he was locked up. I hated it for him. Maybe it was because there was definitely lacking in JessicxLucius scenes. (If there's a third book, there better be more. *points an accusing finger in the author's direction*) Or two, I'm just used to him being all superior and whatnot. Kingly.

I just loved Raniero. He was totally lovable with his surfer attire and Italian accent. He got even hotter when Mindy cut his hair and shaved his face. I could just imagine him in my head. And all I could see was Jared Padalecki. *sighs dreamily* <333

This was a very interesting and cool sequel that I have been waiting on for my entire life it seems. There were definitely some twists and turns in this. I was sort of expecting who the real suspect was. It was sort of obvious in my opinion, seeing as how there weren't many characters to begin with. Oh well. *shrug* I heard there was a third book, there better be a third book. >_>

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FIRELIGHT by Sophie Jordan {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★★
Publication Date: September 7, 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Paperback, 326pp
Age Range: 12 - 17 Years
Series: Firelight Series, #1
Source: Bought at Books-A-Million
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love. 

With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the draki—the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda’s rebelliousness forces her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her draki spirit fades. The one thing that revives it is the gorgeous, elusive Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can’t resist getting closer to him, even though she knows she’s risking not only her life but the draki’s most closely guarded secret.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Dragons. Finally.

I really enjoyed this book. Like...a lot. I was hoping to find/read a YA book that's about dragons. Or in this book's case, draki. Definitely a whole new original unique story. It caught my attention from the first chapter; that's what I like. ;)

The scenery in this has been definitely used in other books. School, then woods. So it wasn't much to call amazing. But it was totally cool, considering it was dealing with dragons descendants. :3

There's only a few characters in this are easy to like for me. As in Jacinda, Will, Catherine, and Cassian. I didn't like Tamra, the mom, Brooklyn, Xander, and Angus. Tamra was waaaaaay too whiny, it seemed like she only thought about herself. (But I kinda feel sorry for her. o.O) And I didn't like Jacinda's and Tamra's mom, just in general. But I understand why she's like that. Protection, safety, yadda yadda. =.= Xander can just go rot in a hole infested with draki. Angus too.

I really liked Will. <3 He was just so cute and adorable.~ He was totally easy to like. :3 But then there's Cassian. It's my nature to fall for the underdog. >w< He really did seem like he wanted to love Jacinda more than the pride wanted them to mate. It was frustrating, totally. But Cassian is a big hunk of male that seemed swoon worthy. :D


I seriously need the next book. Like. Now. ._. I knew I should've gotten it when I got then first. <_<

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THE DEMON IN ME by Michelle Rowen {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★
Publication Date: May 4, 2010
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 352pp
Age Range: 17 - 18 Years
Series: Living in Eden Series, #1
Source: Bought at B&N
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Hell hath no fury like a woman possessed...

After her hunky police detective partner guns down a serial killer in front of her, "psychic consultant" Eden Riley realizes that she's no longer alone. A voice in her head introduces himself as Darrak. He's a demon. But not in a bad way. He was cursed 300 years ago and he wants to find a way to break free. Eden's psychic energy helps him take form during daylight, and she's going to have to learn to live with this sexy demon...like it or not.

This actually was a pretty good book. I liked the plot, which had to have been thought out and planned. There were a few surprises in the book, especially the ending. That was like a slap in duh face. I knew I didn't like Ben. <_<

As in most adult books(though this one wasn't really bad on the sex, just one SHORT scene. ;p), the lead female has to be stubborn as hell. Well, the ones that I've read, at least. Sure, being possessed by a demon without any warning would freak me out too. But in her case, she went to far, and ending up with some minor consequences. And she's the only one out of Darrak's hosts that is able to hear him clearly in her head. And he tries to reason with her, and whatnot. (I sound stupid.)

Eden herself is an alright lead heroine for this type of book. I really like how her name clashes with the plot and essence of the book. I do think that she needs to suck up more, especially at the end of the book. She's got new powers, and they're dangerous. It probably wouldn't surprise me if she killed someone because of it. (Lol, I know what you're thinking. I'm harsh sometimes. ;3)

Darrak, the main hero in this book, and also a demon, is a hot-piece-of-ass. I liked him from the very beginning, black-smoke and all. ;P He's got a cute sense of humor, of course I'm going to like that about a guy lol. And I also like the way he's protective over Eden, it's like, deathly protective. They made such an awesomely-cute couple.


Also, I didn't like Selina. At all. Or Ben. At all.

Ooooh, the sexual tension that's going to be in the next book, now that Eden's got her new pow-ahs. *ominus music plays*

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TOUCH OF FROST by Jennifer Estep {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★★
Publication Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Format: Paperback, 336pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Series: Mythos Academy Series, #1
Source: Bought
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

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...

I really liked this book a lot. I really love Greek and Norse mythology, and this had it all. <3 And I intensely like the idea that Loki is the bad guy in this. Not many books talk about him, or Thor for that matter. At least, any that I know of.

I felt insanely sorry for Gwen; she's a genuine good-natured girl. And how she's treated in this book just pisses me off to no end. I just want to run up and hug her and pamper her. :)

Logan is just a complete jackass. But he's kickass too. Although, jackass ruled out kickass in my shelves for heroes. The ending of it totally made me dislike him more than the beginning. Maybe my feelings will change in the second book, but probably not by much. But I do hope that there's more to his story like he said in the end of the book. I'd like to know more of his history and why he's slightly bipolar. ;P (That's not in the book, just so you know.)

Over all, this was a pretty interesting book. I really loved the history and research that was in this. Very interesting. :D Since I've got a hard-on for Norse and Greek mythology, of course I'd like it. <3

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RECKONING by Lili St. Crow {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★★
Publication Date: 11/1/2011
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Pages: Paperback, 304pp
Age range: Young Adult
Series: Strange Angels Series, #5
Source: Bought from B&N
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

The electric finale in New York Times bestselling author Lili St. Crow's Strange Angels series! 

Nobody expected Dru Anderson to survive this long. Not Graves. Not Christophe. Not even Dru. She's battled killer zombies, jealous djamphirs, and bloodthirsty suckers straight out of her worst nightmares. But now that Dru has bloomed into a full-fledged svetocha - rare, beautiful, and toxic to all vampires - the worst is yet to come. 

Because getting out alive is going to cost more than she's ever imagined. And in the end, is survival really worth the sacrifice?


DRU ANDERSON'S NOT AFRAID OF THE DARK.  BUT SHE SHOULD BE.

Oh my Cheez-Its. That can't be the ending. SO MUCH IS LEFT IN A CLIFFHANGERRR.

*le sigh* I don't want to say much, in fear of spoiling anything. But I will say that this is a somewhat satisfying ending to this series. I do believe I felt more sorry for Graves than anybody. Then Christophe. Hell, I felt sorry for Dru. But then it's like, Well you're kick-ass and stubborn. You'll find a way out of it eventually. And man, there was a lot of action in this one too. I mean, dur. You're going to expect a shit-ton of action in a Lilith Saintcrow book.

I feel like Graves wasn't in this book that much. I mean, I know it's nothing compared to Defiance. But still, this was the final book, and I feel like Christophe somewhat got all the heat. Even though I love him more than Graves. I still like Graves though. c:

There could definitely be a sixth book. And I'm not saying that like, "oh I heard somewhere that the author is writing another book." Noooo. I'm saying that like "there's a lot that's undone" type of way. Lili is notorious for endings like that, it seems. Her books leave you wondering. Big time. I read her Dante Valentine series that came out in one book... And it was weird. But a good type of weird. And it had an ending that was like..."WTF HAPPENS NOW?!" That's how I feel about the Strange Angels series. Like a few questions for instance. (Spoilery!!!!) Is Graves really coming back? Where does this leave Dru and Graves? Where does this leave Dru and Christophe? What's Dru's full name?

UGH. I wish there was a sixth one. :( But this was an awesome finale~

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CLOCKWORK PRINCE by Cassandra Clare {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★★
Publication Date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Edition Description: Collector's First Edition
Format: Hardback, 502pp
Series: Infernal Devices Series, #2
Source: Bought at Walmart
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Walmart

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Slight spoilery!

I say. That was the best book of Cassandra Clare yet. By far.

So much happened in this one book, I don't even know where to begin. D:

I wasn't expecting a number of things to happen with this one. I've been a fan of Cassie since City of Glass came out in 2009, and she never ceases to surprise me. Especially with this one. I mean, I don't think I've ever been more surprised by a book in my life yet.

One, it tells more about Will's family, and why he's such a jerk. (I think a lot of people will be satisfied with that bit.) I liked that I could see more into his past, because I really wanted to know why he acted the way he did. And lemme tell ya, he had a rough burden on him.

Also. CHAPTER 18. OH MY GODDDDDDDDD!!! If that didn't satisfy Team Jem fans (Which I am one), I don't know what will! HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. I think my heart leaped out of my chest!! I WASN'T EXPECTING THAT ONE DAMN BIT. o_o And the thing that made me even more happier, Tessa said yes. OMFGGGG.

I lol'd when Magnus kissed Will. That's all I'll say on that one. ;)

I feel absolutely sorry for Will at the end. Because after I read about his...situation...I started to like him...a lot. After he got all hyped up and happier than he's been in probably his whole life... And then Tessa had to tell him about...*shuts mouth before spoiler*...that. And her bluntness and the very last paragraph at the end of the book... dkhgsdkl;UGHHHH. That totally tore me down along with him. Because this book will sway you on which Team you're on. I know it did me, but I'm not too far gone from Jem. <3

Also. I really don't like Jessamine. I didn't like her in Clockwork Angel. What she did was really...bitchy. Nyeh.

I don't want to say too much, for fearing of spoiling anything and everything. I feel like I did already. But there's so much that happened in this, my head is still reeling! UGH.

I need the next book. And it's the last one. BAD FEELING.

God, help me.

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