{Review} Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

Divergent (#1) by Veronica Roth
Publication Date: May 23, 2012
Publisher:  Katherine Tegen Books
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My Rating:

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

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen.

But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her. (SOURCE)

I'd heard people rave about Divergent for a long time and since the movie is now being cast, I bumped it up on my 'to be read' list. I was worried I would spend my entire reading experience comparing it to The Hunger Games. I'm happy that it was different enough that it didn't happen a lot. 

Divergent is a beautifully written story with an interesting plot and characters. I was fascinated with the dystopian world Veronica Roth created. I was most excited to see what all the scuttle butt was about when it came to Four. I saw him name mentioned fairly often with a lot of "he's my fictional boyfriend" statements. After getting to know him, I can understand why that is.

Four is a spectacular character full of courage, intelligence, and fire. I love the way he slowly creeped up on me. It was hard getting to know Four because he's an extremely private person, but the little bits here and there made him all the more interesting to me. With the book being from Tris' point of view you don't really know what Four is thinking or what he's up to. When he finally opened up to her I could see why everyone was so swoony over him.

Tris is an entertaining character herself. She is a brave teenage girl, diving head first into a place much different than the home she grew up in with her family. Seeing everything from her perspective was fascinating to me. The training she goes through is grueling but it makes her into an amazingly strong young woman. As the story progresses and she and Four become close I couldn't help but ship them like crazy.

When the story hits a certain point I was shocked, maybe even convinced it might have been a dream sequence. It wasn't. My mind is still blown by what I read. Such a twist I wasn't expecting...not in the way it happened at least. Such a great book though!! I really did love it and can't wait to get back into the Divergent world again.

These are only my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Circle of Light (Light #3) by Jennifer DeLucy

Circle of Light by Jennifer DeLucy
Publication Date: Oct 9, 2012
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads
My Rating:

Synopsis: Empath and Pathcrosser to the dead, Lillian Hunt has finally come into her own as a Sentient being. All seems well in her brave new world...that is, until a tragic turn sends her tight-knit Sentient group on a rescue mission through lore-infested Europe. Their goal is to save the love of Lily's life—vampire Sentient, William Maddox—from both the prejudice of their own society and the dark intentions of ancient vampires. But how will they keep hope alive, even as time runs out? (SOURCE)

Circle of Light is book three in the Light trilogy. I've been anticipating it's release for some time. I can't confirm or deny that I fangirl a little over Jennifer DeLucy and have talked to multiple people, telling them they need to read these books. They're not just another vampire story. They are so much more than that. The characters are well rounded and the plot is in-depth and interesting. She's created her own world. A world I really love.

In Circle we get all the stories wrapped into a nice, neat package. With a pretty bow on top. I especially enjoyed that, because often in a trilogy or series, the other characters fall to the wayside. I get why that is, but getting to see closure for everyone was a nice surprise.

I spent the bulk of the book swooning over Christian and Nicole, William and Lilly, and enjoying the other members of the household. Even the minor characters were a fun addition. Except maybe Judy Lynn (oh, you'll learn about her). I wanted to shove her off a cliff *smiles sweetly* She definitely brought the drama. But the thing is, the drama wasn't forced or overly used. There wasn't a sense of it being thrown in just to get us from point A to point B. It was solid and interesting.

I love how there's such a clear picture of how the Seers and Sentients live their lives. It gave me the feeling of being their friend, of being a part of their world. One of my favorite things a book can do for me is take me to another time and/or place. Circle of Light did that with ease. It was, in a word: superb. I'm actually sad to see this trilogy end but this last book made me warm and fuzzy.

I highly recommend the trilogy if you are looking for a twist on the usual paranormal or supernatural. You won't be disappointed. You can even enter to win a copy here.

These are only my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Cursing Athena (Order of Seven) by Lisa Sanchez

Cursing Athena (Order of Seven) by Lisa Sanchez
Publication Date: Mar 6, 2012
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads 

My Rating:

Synopsis: For Danika, the only thing worse than going commando while wearing a fugly, silver bodysuit, was dealing with her deadbeat, ex-husband James. Catcalls, unwanted groping and lecherous stares weren’t really her cup of tea either, but she’d endure all of it and more if her new job serving cocktails at Masquerade meant ridding herself of his mountain of debt. It was just a job, after all, and what choice did she have with James' creditors breathing down her neck? What she didn't bargain for, however, was falling heels-over-head in lust with a two-hundred-plus pound, shape-shifting immortal from Ancient Greece.

On a mission to take down a parasitic demon, Ty doesn't have time for distraction. Not even when that distraction could prove to be his possible lifemate in the form of sweet, innocent, yet sexy-as-hell Danika. But when the leech he’s hunting goes after the cocktail waitress, all bets are off. Unable to resist her siren call any longer, Ty surrenders himself to Danika, body and soul, treating them both to a night they'll never forget. (SOURCE)

First off, I really love Lisa's writing! This is the second book of hers I've read and enjoyed immensely. Cursing Athena is a bit short but it doesn't take away from how great the story is. Their is a supernatural aspect that boosts the romantic.

Ty is party of Athena's army of elite seven. They protect humans from demons. These men are hand picked by Athena to serve her. But Ty is also cursed to be a shape shifer. He is the perfect weapon-- powerful, lethal and nearly indestructible.

Danika is newly divorced and struggling to support herself by working two jobs. One of which is a server in a popular night club. A place that has a skeazy boss and questionable goings on. But she needs the job to pay off the debt left for her by an ex-husband.

Ty is on the hunt for a particularly vicious demon when he sees Danika. He is instantly attracted to her, unable to keep his eyes off of her across the room. Danika feels it, her body reacting instantly, even before she sees him. I loved that piece of the story-- how aware she was of him without even knowing what she was reacting to.

When she approaches Ty's table, he is cold. He is a man unwilling to let himself get distracted until he finds the demon he's after. That is, until Danika's disgusting boss comes to her, demanding she give a lap dance to an equally disgusting patron. Ty decides to step in and Danika thinks that just maybe, he might be interested in her after all.

Ty defends Danika, intimidates her boss and demands he buy her time himself. When Danika's soon to be ex-husband shows up she tries to get him to leave, fearing he will cause her to lose the job she needs. Things with him heat up and he drags her to a back room. He's a violent man and Danika is in danger. She manages to get away from him but he's not done yet.

Danika losing her job because of her ex forces Ty to realize he needs to help her. The connection he feels for her is undeniable. When she leaves the club Ty follows her, keeping her out of harms way when someone attacks. It made my heart pound because Ty shifts into his animal. He could tear her to pieces even though he was only following her so he cold make sure she was safe. Once Ty takes care of the attacker he takes Danika back to his place... where he explains his life to her. Giving her the chance to walk away if she wants to. (Really, who would?)

The vulnerability he shows really tugged at my heart. And the tension and chemistry between the two is off the charts. Cursing Athena left me wanting more, which is not a bad thing, especially given that it's not a stand alone book. I'm really curious to see where the next book goes and to find out more about the shifters and their purpose. I like the twist Ms. Sanchez used to create her little universe.

Cursing Athena is available in ebook only and it's priced at a steal. Go. Read. Now.






These are only my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by R.L. LaFevers

Publication Date: Apr 3, 2012
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads 
My Rating:
 



 

Synopsis:  Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf? Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart? (SOURCE)

I don't even know where to begin with this review. I started out taking notes as I read, but I became so wrapped up in the story they fell by the wayside. I received Grave Mercy through netgalley after getting a mass email from them. It sounded intriguing but I wasn't 100% that it was my kind of book. Since I wanted to read something different, I decided to give it a go. Boy am I glad I did.


When you first meet Ismae, she is very young. The reader learns a little of how her life has been, how she is 'given' to a horrible man and forced to marry him. But then she's spirited away by someone from her past and hand delivered to a convent.

This convent is like no other convent. It is the house of Saint Mortain's assassins. He marques them and his lovely young girls are sent on missions to track down murderers, those that have committed treason and so on. Ismae is put through three years of training before she stars going on missions herself.

She is sent to infiltrate court and help protect the duchess of Brittany. Gavriel Duval escorts her, quite reluctantly, I might add. He's suspicious of her, just as she's suspicious of him. And my my but the sparks do fly. They are both strong and intense characters that pulled me right into the story. She's meant to spy on Duval, but he's not what she and the convent thought he might be. As Ismae gets to know him more, and as Duval learns what the Death maiden's are truly all about, it's obvious there is so much more than what meets the eye.

From chapter one I was intrigued and curious. The scenes are so beautifully written that you can see them, as if you're watching a movie, not reading a book.That's always (for me) a sign of a great book.

As the story moves along there are so many questions. They keep piling up, and even when you get answers, it just makes more questions pop up. It's also full of intrigue and action. The plot, the antagonists, protagonists, secondary characters-- they are all great, well rounded characters that make this story what it is. The lure and myth behind the book is fascinating and gets your brain really going. Ms. LaFevers built a whole world that just amazed me and made me crave more.

Oh... and Grave Mercy is a young adult book. Huh. I'm still not sure how to wrap my brain around that one. The whole time I was reading I kept thinking "isn't this YA?? I thought it was YA." Seriously, it reads so differently than any YA I've ever read. The sizzle was off the charts. I dare say it's the only YA I've read that did not leave me saying "stupid fade to black" even when it faded to black. The story is so layered that I don't even miss that part. Because I admit, I read YA but it's not my main focus, because well-- I like the smut. With this book I didn't feel like I was missing out on things.

I can't rave about this book enough. Like I said, I did get it from netgalley and since it will expire on my kindle, I'm planning to buy. As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to pre-order now.

Now to wait for Spring 2013 for the second book, Dark Triumph. What in the world?!

{Review} Fifty Shades Freed by E. L. James

Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3) by E. L. James
Published Date: Jan 19, 2012
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads
My Rating:

Synopsis: When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed.

Now, together, they have more – love, passion, intimacy, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control, and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present.

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, misfortune, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past.

Seductive, shocking, sad and funny, Fifty Shades Freed is the compelling final volume in the Fifty Shades trilogy. (SOURCE)

In general I am a huge fan of angst, but with my angst, I require a Happily Ever After too. What can I say? I am picky like that. I want my tears to be worth it. I was so very nervous to start reading Fifty Shades Freed. Excited, but definitely nervous. With everything Christian and Ana had gone through in books 1 and 2, I didn't know if they would survive much more. Plus, they really just deserved to be HAPPY.

I'm writing this review under the assumption (yeah, I know, never assume) that you have either read books 1 and 2 or won't mind a few spoilery moments. Be sure to check out my reviews of the first two books, where I swoony sigh all over the place. Also note, this trilogy has BDSM, if that's not your thing, well... sucks for you, because Fifty is HOT.

In Fifty Shades Darker our beloved Christian foils death but we don't know who the asshole that tried to kill him is. I'd really hoped that it was a female character that went a little wacko. Especially once she is out of the picture. Easy peasy, Fifty is safe. Or not.

Freed begins where Darker left off, Ana and Christian are married (everybody say woohoo!)  and on a delightful honeymoon. Fifty being, well, Fifty is a paranoid jerk that won't let Ana out of his sight. Of course, it's not a bad position to be in when you are married to a man that sizzling hot. But he's keeping his real concerns to himself, trying to protect his new wife. Only thing is, Anastasia isn't the type of woman that really feels she needs protecting, especially since she doesn't know what Christian's deal is.

Body guards, security detail, a driver, and no privacy, even when they are back home and Ana returns to work. The tension between them is a slow burn. Probably not even slow. More like, moderate. Bless his heart, Christian is adorable and I wanted to hug him for being protective of his family but man, is he frustrating.

Ana and Christian are plunged into uncertainty. Neither of them really talking about what's going on. Mostly because Christian, though he's grown since Fifty Shades of Grey, is still the same Christian. He refuses to tell his wife anything. If I were her I would have been ready to knock some sense into him. She's certainly stood up to him in the past, which is one thing I love about her. She's not weak. With the fear for his families safety running rampant in his head, Christian goes into overdrive. Every little thing sets him off and in turn, that sets Ana off because he won't talk to her.

During those stressful times, Christian decides to take Ana on a little trip with friends. Those days were so sweet and hot but under the surface, there was something (someone) laying in wait. I really wanted Christian just to learn that you can't run away from your problems (or buy your way out of them either). That's just his way though, it's the only way he knows to be. Though it's kind of twisted, it's one of the things I love about him.

Unknowingly, Ana misses an important appointment and when she realizes what has happened, there is a huge blow up between her and Christian. Hurtful, angry words are thrown around and my heart just clenched. All I could think was that was the end of them. They'd already been through so much already, how could they make it through something else? Especially something that would change both their lives forever. There are so many misunderstandings between them, I just wanted to shake them both. Then shove them in a closet and tell them "TALK"! But since I'm always a glutton for punishment, those angsty, heart breaking times were among my favorites.

Ana and Christian drift, not speaking, not looking at one another -- ugh. When she makes a move to help a family member he is torn to pieces, believing the worst of her. But she is once again, in danger, and Christian once again, is her knight in shining armor. Knight in handcuffs? Knight with bondage rope? I don't know. Whatever. Either way, he was there for her. And Ana, even though she didn't know how things were going to end up for them, she still did everything she could to protect him.

I guess that's another thing I love about those two, they are both trying to protect one another without the other really knowing. Ana is the perfect match for Christian; and he is the perfect match for her, even with his insecurities about being a good husband. I'd like to sit down with him and make him see that he's worthy of Ana's love, as well as that of his family.

Oh! I just can't say how much I loved Freed. The epilogue itself gave me a glowy happy heart. I felt it was the perfect way to end the trilogy.

These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} The Next Always (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy #1) by Nora Roberts

The Next Always (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy #1) by Nora Roberts

Published Date: Nov 1, 2011

Publisher: Berkley Trade

My Rating:

Synopsis: The historic hotel in BoonsBoro, Maryland, has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it's getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect of the family, Beckett's social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there's another project he's got his eye on: the girl he's been waiting to kiss since he was fifteen...(SOURCE)

I've always been a huge Nora Roberts fan. For her to write a romance novel that has a bit of a paranormal twist, that's even better for me!    Clare is a military widow and has moved back to the small town she grew up in, with her three young songs in tow. Beckett is the hard working man that has loved her since he was a teenager. He and his family are restoring a historic hotel into a bed and breakfast. Clare owns a book store across the street. Both of them love their work and their families but it's obvious something is missing.    Beckett's 'crush' (can you call it that when you're talking about adults?) on Clare is so cute. He tries not to be obvious about it but everyone (except Clare) sees it. I enjoyed how he did everything he could just to get the opportunity to see her. Like stopping by for coffee at her book store every day, inviting Clare over to check out the progress on the inn. It made my heart warm.   I also really enjoyed that Beckett spends time with Clare's boys. And not because he's trying to get her to date him, but because he cares for them too. They are pretty funny and cute kids though, so I loved them too.   Beckett's brothers and mother were a hoot so I'm looking forward to their books too. As it is with most trilogies it's obvious who the next books will be about. The other two Montgomery boys and two of Clare's friends. That part might be slightly predictable but I don't mind in the least.    The 'paranormal' aspect I mentioned is a -- friendly ghost that has taken up residence in the old inn. Nobody know who she was. There are some pretty amusing moments with Beckett having 'conversations' with her and even giving her a name. Clare isn't comfortable with the ghost in the house though. She finds it creepy. Ms. Ghost plays a pretty important role in protecting Clare when danger comes calling though. I liked that she wasn't just there as background noise. I can't wait to learn more about her in future books.   The Next Always really 'hit the spot' for me. It was a read that I breezed my way through because I didn't want to put it down. It's the perfect beach or rainy day spent on the couch kind of book. I look forward to the next one.

These are only my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2) by E. L. James

Published Date: Sept 15, 2011

Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop

Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

Rating:

Synopsis: Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades. While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life. Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy. (Source)

After the cliffhanger that was I was so thankful that was already published and I could go right into reading it. Anastasia has started a new career but she hasn't completely moved on. Christian still haunts her. Seeing her go through missing him is really heart breaking but I am glutton for punishment and I love angst. All Ana really wanted was for Christian to open up to her but he wasn't willing to do so. Since Fifty is in Ana's point of view it's hard to know what he's thinking. The angst lover in me wanted him to suffer, to miss her like crazy and to come crawling back, begging for forgiveness.

I also wanted Christian to see that he deserves to have someone love him and to be happy in a 'stable' relationship. I think he had a lot of fear locked inside himself -- definitely afraid that if he let Anastasia completely into his heart he would wind up hurt. Or that he would hurt her. So many times I wanted to just shove them both in a closet and lock the door until they talked it out.

There is a part of Ana that can't get over Christian's past 'relationships' too. It ate at her until she couldn't do anything but think about it anymore. She was so desperate to have every part of him that she didn't really see that he was giving what he could. I guess in a way, he was only giving what he would allow himself to give. He definitely could have been less controlling of his emotions. In the past, he'd also controlled Ana, but she's not going to allow that any more. She's going to bring him to his knees.

Not only are Christian and Ana struggling to find a common ground - between her fear of punishment and his fear of a 'vanilla' relationship - but someone from his past can't seem to let him go. Ana is faced with the ex that made Christian the man he is, as well as an ex that turned out to be a stalker. Her life is in danger and Christian does everything he can to protect her. There's also Ana's struggle with wondering if she's enough for him. If she can be what he needs in the play room - submissive enough.

The intensity and heat are still so easy to feel with these two. Even with all their struggles it's obvious their hearts are truly twisted up in love. It's up to the two of them to find a median where they can both get what they want. Love and acceptance, BDSM desires. Sigh. I wish I could just blog every single detail of this story. So many characters in this book that are easy to fall in love with. I want to read both this book and the first all over again.

As I stated in my review for Fifty Shades of Grey, this is a BDSM book. If that doesn't appeal to you, consider before reading.

These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1) by E. L. James

Published Date:

Publisher: The Writer's House Coffee Shop

Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

 

Synopsis: When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time. Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever. --Source

First, I want to preface this review by saying Fifty Shades of Grey started out as a Twilight fanfiction on the internet. I never read this when it was Twilight fanfiction. I'd heard of it but never got around to reading before it was pulled. That said, I'm pleased I never let others complaints about the author pulling the fanfic offline deter me from reading the published version.

Originally I was in the mood to read something different and downloaded the sample on my kindle. After reading through that, I purchased the book right away. I was hooked. Fifty is filled with intense characters that are full of passion. They are also riddled with flaws and imperfections. This makes the book entirely better, in my opinion. Anastasia and Christian are true people. I fell in love with them very easily.

As I read I went through a slew of emotions. Laughter, tears, frustration, heart break, love. I like nothing better than a book that makes me FEEL things from start to finish. I found myself actually talking to the characters as I read. Like they would hear me and I could change the outcome or make a difference in their story.

Fifty Shades of Grey is much more than a book about a man that feels the need to control emotionally and physically. It is about people that learn and evolve. Christian is changed by Anastasia, even in the very beginning. Even when he doesn't want to see how she's effected him. But not only does Ana change Christian's life, he changes hers as well. She finally gets something she never knew she wanted or needed in her life.

This book does contain BDSM but it is not used gratuitously. It is important to the story though so if that squicks you out, consider it before hand. There is nothing too severe, this is just a heads up.

I loved Fifty, honestly. I don't give a five start rating that often, not unless a book really sticks with me or I can't put it down. This is definitely one of those books.


These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Published Date: Aug 24, 2010

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My rating:

Synopsis: My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.(SOURCE)

I read the first four chapters as soon as I finished Catching Fire. After that, things got in the way and it was another week before I was able to pick Mockingjay back up. I couldn't put it down once I settled back into it.

Lots of questions answered. Lots of heartache and bittersweet.

Peeta in particular tore at my heart. Seeing him struggle the way he did, wanting so badly for him to remember why he loved Katniss.

Then there is Gale, whom I loved as well. So full with pain, being in love with someone he wasn't sure he could 'have'.

The main focus isn't a romance between Katniss, Gale and Peeta, but the struggle and the battle they live with regarding the Snow and the Rebels. That's probably the most heartbreaking part. Knowing they are all struggling with inner demons, worrying about loved ones, losing others that have touched their lives.

Had so many people not read, reviewed and recommended the trilogy, I doubt I would have read it. I'm not usually into this type of thing- futuristic world where things have been destroyed, etc. I'm glad I joined the crowd this time. They are powerful books. Powerful characters that you can't help but love and pull for and want to see happy. Sadly, even the 'happy' isn't what we'd like to see them get. I guess given the things they've lived through, their HEA is more than they could have ever dreamed of.

My mind is still all over the place. Not really connecting all the dots. I think this is probably a good thing. When you read a book like this, it should be powerful enough to make you think about it for days after you finish it. It definitely makes you realize how lucky you are in the world you live in.

That aside, Suzanne Collins writes an amazing tale. I'm truly captivated. (And a little rambly.)

{Review} Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins
Publishing Date: Sept 1, 2009
Publisher: Scholastic Press

My rating:

Synopsis: Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn. (SOURCE)

I finished reading Catching Fire last night and I'm still not sure what I think. Even after sleeping and thinking about it all morning.

Every twist and turn was unexpected. Every emotion sent me on another roller coaster ride. I think I loved it. "Think" because my mind is still whirling so much from the first book that it hasn't caught up with the second.

I feel like I know Katniss. As if this isn't just a book, but a real event. I'm angry for her, for Peeta and Gale and Prim. For Haymitch, Darius, Cinna. Everyone.

I feel like I can't take a breath because if I do, something else might happen. I keep waiting on the other shoe to drop.

I want the Capitol and President Snow to be tortured and punished.

There are so many twists and turns I don't know what to think or say. One things for sure: I need more.

{Review} The Hunger Games (Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

Published Date: Oct 31, 2008

Publisher: Scholastic Press

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My rating:

Synopsis: Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning? In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love. (SOURCE)

I was turned into a blubbering mess within the first three chapters. I was ragey and ready to flounce. But everyone kept telling me "keep going" so I did. I don't like to leave a book unfinished unless I just can't get into it. And even through my anger at what was happening to these characters, I was glued to every page, every paragraph, every sentence and word. I couldn't stop. I started reading late yesterday and thought about it, dreamed about it after going to bed last night.

All day today while at work, it's all I could think about- Katniss and Peeta. What would happen to them, what Peeta's motives were, what obstacles they'd be given. I couldn't decide if I should be shipping Katniss/Peeta or if I wanted to knock him upside the head.

I've just finished reading and I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it all. It was beautifully written; so much so that as I read, I could see the action taking place in my head. It played out like a movie. It pulled my heart strings, made me angry, made me sad. My emotions were on a roller coaster ride but I had to read more. I needed it.

I haven't been this captivated by a book in a long time and I'm glad I finally had the time to read it. Now I just want to stay up all night and read Catching Fire. I'm so glad I kept going, kept pushing through to the end. This one was well worth it!

{Review} Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare
Publishing Date: Aug 31, 2010
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
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My rating:

Synopsis: Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all. (SOURCE)

I wasn't sure if I'd need to remember the bulk of what happened through The Mortal Instruments series when I started reading CA. It has been a good while since I've read those, after all. Happily, I was able to dive right into Clockwork when I began reading. I hadn't been expecting it to be set in a different time period but it was a pleasant surprise.

I loved all of the new characters introduced in this series and found myself thrilled to see some "familiar faces" as well. Jem, Tessa, Jessamine, Charlotte, Will, Sophie... I enjoyed and adored them all. I'm anticipating seeing them again and I don't doubt I'll be thinking about this book for a few days to come.

I can't decide if I'm suppose to be shipping Tessa/Jem or Tessa/Will. Not only that but I'm extremely curious about the epilogue. I just want to shake Will and tell Tessa to leave- to give him a taste of his own medicine and ignore him. I'm honestly concerned about Jem and hope that he will be well. There are so many unanswered questions and possibilities that I'm really anticipating more. That's a good thing, definitely. To read something that makes you think about it constantly, to wonder what will happen next; that's a successful book in my opinion.

Now it's time to let it all soak in.

{Review} Whisper of Light (Light #2) by Jennifer DeLucy

Whisper of Light (Light #2) by Jennifer DeLucy

Published Date: Oct 26, 2010

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

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My Rating:

 

Synopsis: The saying goes that all men are created equal... but Nicole Abbot knows better. Lacking the supernatural gifts of the Sentients she has known all her life, Nicole has lived with her nose pressed to the glass, withering beneath the guilt of her own inadequacies and the disapproving glare of her father. It's easy to believe that the universe has forgotten all about her, but things are not always as they seem. With the arrival of Christian Wright, a handsome but complex Combatant with a troubled history, Nicole is forced to question everything she has ever believed about herself, proving that sometimes, our most flawed perceptions are those reflected in a mirror.

Jennifer DeLucy again plunges us into the world of lingering spirits, dark apparitions, and malicious vampires. But this time she takes us to the California coast where we get to know a new ensemble of gifted souls that are just as vibrant and endearing as the Sentients we came to love in Seers of Light. In Whisper of Light, DeLucy delivers exciting supernatural encounters as well as very human interactions that will both break your heart and make it soar. ( SOURCE)

A fantastic follow up to Seers of Light! It was so fun to "visit" with recognizable faces, as well as meet new ones.

Nicole is such a strong character; it thrilled me to see her grow more confident in her own "gifts". Christian evolved so much from the man we saw in Seers and it made ME happy to see him make peace with himself.

These two are fantastic together. Another great pairing in this series that I'm totally in love with.

It's another great book from Jen! I could easily envision everything playing out- from plot to characters. My only "complaint" is- I wanted more, but I guess that's not such a bad thing ;)

Can't wait for the next book!

{Review} Seers of Light (Light #1) by Jennifer DeLucy

Seers of Light (Light #1) by Jennifer DeLucy

Published Date: Feb 16, 2010

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

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My Rating:

Synopsis: Lillian Hunt has never truly lived. Always sensing more to the world than is easily perceived, she fears that her instincts are stubborn flights of fancy, or worse, mental instability. But some things—disappearing strangers, tangible dreams, and visits from malevolent creatures—cannot be ignored. Before it's too late, Lillian is ripped from the only existence she’s ever known and thrust into a reality that she always suspected, but could scarcely believe. She must learn the truth about who she is, the powerful beings that wish to destroy her, and the two men who would die to protect her.

Jennifer DeLucy has created a unique, enchanting tale of destiny and the ageless power of love in her debut novel, Seers of Light. DeLucy's novel charms readers with quirky characters, while sketching a haunting portrait of one woman's journey on the path of the supernaturally gifted. But be prepared. Once you've entered the world of Seers, you will never be the same. (SOURCE)

I can't believe it took me so long to start reading Seers. I've had it in my TBR list for a while, and even owned it for a good bit of time before starting it. It is nothing short of amazing. Jennifer weaves an amazing tale that takes you through Lillian Hunt's journey to her new life.

Lily always felt as if somewhere were missing, little did she know, seeing ghosts was actually normal for her "kind". She has an awesome, supporting group of friends that assist her during her transition. There are twists and turns that left me second guessing my initial thoughts.

I love what Ms. DeLucy did with her vampires and lore of the other supernatural aspects of the novel. I'm excited that this will be a series, I need more... now. This one kept my glued to it like no other paranormal book has in a while. I'm happy to recommend it to everyone I know that loves this genre. Amazing read!