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Review Date: 5/23/2016
MY THOUGHTS
I love this series, and the original Shadow Falls series! So, of course I was more than happy to read this set of novellas that take place in the Shadow Falls world! I've already read a few of the novellas, because they were ebooks before they were put together in this book. Anyway, I enjoyed the novellas in this book!
The first novella is Turned at Dark. I read this one before reading this novella collection. This novella focuses on Della when she first turns into a vampire. It's a really quick story, but it gives you some background on Della's life and it kind of is a quick introduction for the spin-off series. I gave it 3 stars.
The next novella is Saved at Sunrise. This novella focuses on a mission Della is sent on, with Steve as her partner. This takes place before Della and Steve get into a relationship and Della currently doesn't like him. It's kind of interesting seeing their relationship, before there was an actually relationship, and I felt it I got to know Steve more. Also, Della is, of course, her badass and snarky self. I gave it 4 stars.
Spellbinder is the next novella and was the other novella that I read before, I actually received this one for review. This one focused on Miranda participating in a spell competition. I really liked this one! It was short, but it felt like a full novel! I also really enjoyed reading from Miranda's perspective! I gave it 5 stars! Read my full review here.
Unbreakable is the next novella. This one is about Chase's past. I feel like this one is kind of vital in a way. Chase's past is kind of mysterious and while we do find out about some of his past in the series, this novella delves deeper. I gave this one 4 stars.
The last novella was a surprise. Fierce is from the point of view of Fredericka and I actually really liked it! This novella was actually a bit longer than the others, but I felt like I was fully into the story! I vaguely remember Fredericka in the Shadow Falls series, where she was cruel, but she turned around at some point. I felt like in this novella, I got to know her better! This was probably my favorite of the novellas, 5 stars!
IN CONCLUSION
This set of novellas is not necessary to read in order to understand the series, but I do recommend it! It gives you a better background on the characters and it's just great to read more of the series! I'm definitely looking forward to any more inclusions to this world!
I love this series, and the original Shadow Falls series! So, of course I was more than happy to read this set of novellas that take place in the Shadow Falls world! I've already read a few of the novellas, because they were ebooks before they were put together in this book. Anyway, I enjoyed the novellas in this book!
The first novella is Turned at Dark. I read this one before reading this novella collection. This novella focuses on Della when she first turns into a vampire. It's a really quick story, but it gives you some background on Della's life and it kind of is a quick introduction for the spin-off series. I gave it 3 stars.
The next novella is Saved at Sunrise. This novella focuses on a mission Della is sent on, with Steve as her partner. This takes place before Della and Steve get into a relationship and Della currently doesn't like him. It's kind of interesting seeing their relationship, before there was an actually relationship, and I felt it I got to know Steve more. Also, Della is, of course, her badass and snarky self. I gave it 4 stars.
Spellbinder is the next novella and was the other novella that I read before, I actually received this one for review. This one focused on Miranda participating in a spell competition. I really liked this one! It was short, but it felt like a full novel! I also really enjoyed reading from Miranda's perspective! I gave it 5 stars! Read my full review here.
Unbreakable is the next novella. This one is about Chase's past. I feel like this one is kind of vital in a way. Chase's past is kind of mysterious and while we do find out about some of his past in the series, this novella delves deeper. I gave this one 4 stars.
The last novella was a surprise. Fierce is from the point of view of Fredericka and I actually really liked it! This novella was actually a bit longer than the others, but I felt like I was fully into the story! I vaguely remember Fredericka in the Shadow Falls series, where she was cruel, but she turned around at some point. I felt like in this novella, I got to know her better! This was probably my favorite of the novellas, 5 stars!
IN CONCLUSION
This set of novellas is not necessary to read in order to understand the series, but I do recommend it! It gives you a better background on the characters and it's just great to read more of the series! I'm definitely looking forward to any more inclusions to this world!
Review Date: 5/24/2016
THE RUN-DOWN
Violet's parents have been in Paris for the past few months, leaving Violet and her twin brother, Luke, alone. They have been running out of money and decide to rent out the guesthouse.
A teenager named River West is the one that rents the house, but strange things begin to happen...
MY THOUGHTS
It's hard for me to outright say how I feel about this book.
There are things that I absolutely love about this book, and things that I don't like at all.
Let's start with what I did like: The story.
Yes, we may have seen this story before.
Stranger comes to town, strange things happen, yadda yadda yadda.
But this most definitely had some differences! (Which I can't say because... SPOILERS!!!)
Anyway, the story was made up of creepiness! For some completely odd reason, I adore creepiness in books!
And I did say creepy, this was not a scary book.
But the level of creepy and the detail in the story made me feel like I was actually in the book...
Now for what I didn't like: The romance.
I couldn't quite understand the romance. I couldn't understand why Violet wanted to be with River, especially when she knew that he has hurt people and didn't really regret it.
I honestly believe that the good outweighs the bad.
Did I dislike the romance? Yes, but the romance took a backseat to the mystery of the town.
All in all, this was a good creepy story and I'm curious to see what's next!
Violet's parents have been in Paris for the past few months, leaving Violet and her twin brother, Luke, alone. They have been running out of money and decide to rent out the guesthouse.
A teenager named River West is the one that rents the house, but strange things begin to happen...
MY THOUGHTS
It's hard for me to outright say how I feel about this book.
There are things that I absolutely love about this book, and things that I don't like at all.
Let's start with what I did like: The story.
Yes, we may have seen this story before.
Stranger comes to town, strange things happen, yadda yadda yadda.
But this most definitely had some differences! (Which I can't say because... SPOILERS!!!)
Anyway, the story was made up of creepiness! For some completely odd reason, I adore creepiness in books!
And I did say creepy, this was not a scary book.
But the level of creepy and the detail in the story made me feel like I was actually in the book...
Now for what I didn't like: The romance.
I couldn't quite understand the romance. I couldn't understand why Violet wanted to be with River, especially when she knew that he has hurt people and didn't really regret it.
I honestly believe that the good outweighs the bad.
Did I dislike the romance? Yes, but the romance took a backseat to the mystery of the town.
All in all, this was a good creepy story and I'm curious to see what's next!
Review Date: 6/29/2015
MY THOUGHTS
I adore the Falling Kingdoms series, so I definitely wasn't about to miss out on a spin-off series! I don't love this as much as Falling Kingdoms, but this was a brilliant start to a new series and I can't wait to read the next book!
This book has multiple perspectives, like the Falling Kingdoms series, but this book is very unique. We get the perspective of Crys, a modern day teenager whose sister falls into a coma after touching a mysterious book. Then, there;s Maddox, who lives in Ancient Mythica (the world of Falling Kingdoms) who sees a girl that only he can see. Lastly, there's Farrell, whose involved in a secret society. All three of these teens stories are interconnected and will have to find the truth to their families and their lives.
This book is a very interesting Urban Fantasy, since half of it takes place in a fantasy world. I thought it was very interesting traveling into Mythica again, though many many years before the events of Falling Kingdoms. This version of Mythica was familiar to me, but so so different and I actually enjoyed this fact! While I sometimes preferred the fantasy world, our world was equally fascinating.
My main problem with this book was just the fact that, for awhile, not a whole lot was happening. It didn't pick up until the very very end, and that's what saved the book. It isn't until then that the dark plot twists and action that I associate with the Falling Kingdom series comes to shine!
As for romance, don't expect much. There isn't any romance in this book, though there will probably be some in the next books. Still, Morgan Rhodes has been known to make me confused on what to ship, and to also rip ships to shreds.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this book was very slow-paced, but the last few chapter strongly made up for it! I recommend this book to fans of Falling Kingdoms, fantasy, and urban fantasy! Also, this book can definitely be read if you have not read the Falling Kingdoms series, even though you should really read that series!
Lastly, this is a great start to the series and I honestly can't wait to read more!
I adore the Falling Kingdoms series, so I definitely wasn't about to miss out on a spin-off series! I don't love this as much as Falling Kingdoms, but this was a brilliant start to a new series and I can't wait to read the next book!
This book has multiple perspectives, like the Falling Kingdoms series, but this book is very unique. We get the perspective of Crys, a modern day teenager whose sister falls into a coma after touching a mysterious book. Then, there;s Maddox, who lives in Ancient Mythica (the world of Falling Kingdoms) who sees a girl that only he can see. Lastly, there's Farrell, whose involved in a secret society. All three of these teens stories are interconnected and will have to find the truth to their families and their lives.
This book is a very interesting Urban Fantasy, since half of it takes place in a fantasy world. I thought it was very interesting traveling into Mythica again, though many many years before the events of Falling Kingdoms. This version of Mythica was familiar to me, but so so different and I actually enjoyed this fact! While I sometimes preferred the fantasy world, our world was equally fascinating.
My main problem with this book was just the fact that, for awhile, not a whole lot was happening. It didn't pick up until the very very end, and that's what saved the book. It isn't until then that the dark plot twists and action that I associate with the Falling Kingdom series comes to shine!
As for romance, don't expect much. There isn't any romance in this book, though there will probably be some in the next books. Still, Morgan Rhodes has been known to make me confused on what to ship, and to also rip ships to shreds.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this book was very slow-paced, but the last few chapter strongly made up for it! I recommend this book to fans of Falling Kingdoms, fantasy, and urban fantasy! Also, this book can definitely be read if you have not read the Falling Kingdoms series, even though you should really read that series!
Lastly, this is a great start to the series and I honestly can't wait to read more!
Review Date: 7/10/2015
MY THOUGHTS
After reading Rumors, the second book in The Luxe series by the same author, I was worried about this book. What I learned from Rumors was that Anna Godbersen isn't afraid to tear apart your heart. I went ahead and picked it up, knowing what may come, and I actually ended up enjoying this book a little bit more than The Luxe series.
This book is from three perspectives: Cordelia, Letty and Astrid. Cordelia and Letty are best friends that have left their rural town for the big city of New York. Though, for different reasons. Letty wants to make it big and become famous. Cordelia is there to find Darius Grey, a famous gangster that she believe is her father (that left when she was a baby). Astrid, on the other hand, has grown up in New York in luxury. She's currently dating Darius Grey's son and befriends Cordelia. But, of course, shenanigans ensue and everything isn't as simple as it seems.
First of all, I love the setting! This book takes place in the 20's and it felt entirely feel. I admit, I enjoy books that take place in the 20's, it's such an interesting era, but I actually felt like I was in the 20's. Everything was very well-detailed, including the big city.
Also, I love how Anna Godbersen begins her books. I usually hate Prologues that take place in the future, but hers only vaguely hint at what's to come, making me turn the pages faster to figure things out!
One reason why I might've enjoyed this a teensy bit more than The Luxe is how I didn't hate any of the points of view. In The Luxe, there are some perspectives of, basically, the villains and it makes me so upset when I read from their demented perspectives. I actually liked the girls in this book, I didn't love them and they have their flaws, but none of them are Penelope! Though, I did dislike something Cordelia does at the very very beginning (that poor boy).
This book has lots of drama, of course, which generally isn't something I love. This is probably why I can't give this a 4, though, there's less drama in this book than The Luxe. Boy, is that series crazy. Anyway, I still enjoyed this book and the drama, which kind of makes me feel
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this is a great historical fiction for those who enjoy the 20's, drama, and books featuring the elite. I enjoyed this book and plan on continuing the series.
Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend (Broken Hearts & Revenge, Bk 1)
Author:
Book Type: Hardcover
2
Author:
Book Type: Hardcover
2
Review Date: 1/26/2016
MY THOUGHTS
I admit it. The main reason why I picked up this book is because Katie Finn and Morgan Matson are the same person. As Morgan Matson is one of my all-time favorite authors, I just had to read a book by her alter-ego!
This book is about Gemma, who was planning on doing charity work over the summer with her boyfriend of two years. The boyfriend who decides to dump her right before the trip. Gemma's mom and stepdad were planning on going to Scotland over the summer and Gemma can't go with them. The plan: Gemma can stay with her dad in the Hamptons. The problem: Last time she was there, Gemma ruined a girl's life. When Gemma gets to the Hamptons, she runs into Hallie, the girl she was cruel to. But with her new makeover and a cup of coffee with the name Sophie on it (her best friend), Gemma is a completely different person. Gemma decides to take up being 'Sophie' while trying to make up for what she did to Hallie, but karma is out to get her and she just keeps running into trouble.
This is a fun read, but not a fun read. The synopsis describes it perfectly "Filled with summer sun, boys, and friendships gone sour". This book has many fun, light-hearted aspect, but with Gemma's past at the Hamptons, her mishaps, and her lies, it brings out the sourness to the story! But I did greatly enjoy reading it, even if it was predictable at times.
Gemma is a great main character and she does have her flaws, which I actually appreciate in a character. She regrets what she did to Hallie and, while what she did was horrible, I can see why a kid would do that considering her circumstances. She really wants to make things up with Hallie and even when things hit the fan, she still tries and I really appreciate that. I don't exactly like how she lied though. I can see why she did, but it was just a disaster waiting to happen.
I did have issues with the ending. The last 20 something pages are the climax and a lot of interesting stuff happens in those pages. There was no cliffhanger, but I felt like the book ended right at the end of the climax.
IN CONCLUSION
This was a really great read! It was enjoyable and fun, but also very drama-filled. It was predictable at times, but it didn't take away from the book. This is a great start to a new series and I can't wait to read the sequel!
I admit it. The main reason why I picked up this book is because Katie Finn and Morgan Matson are the same person. As Morgan Matson is one of my all-time favorite authors, I just had to read a book by her alter-ego!
This book is about Gemma, who was planning on doing charity work over the summer with her boyfriend of two years. The boyfriend who decides to dump her right before the trip. Gemma's mom and stepdad were planning on going to Scotland over the summer and Gemma can't go with them. The plan: Gemma can stay with her dad in the Hamptons. The problem: Last time she was there, Gemma ruined a girl's life. When Gemma gets to the Hamptons, she runs into Hallie, the girl she was cruel to. But with her new makeover and a cup of coffee with the name Sophie on it (her best friend), Gemma is a completely different person. Gemma decides to take up being 'Sophie' while trying to make up for what she did to Hallie, but karma is out to get her and she just keeps running into trouble.
This is a fun read, but not a fun read. The synopsis describes it perfectly "Filled with summer sun, boys, and friendships gone sour". This book has many fun, light-hearted aspect, but with Gemma's past at the Hamptons, her mishaps, and her lies, it brings out the sourness to the story! But I did greatly enjoy reading it, even if it was predictable at times.
Gemma is a great main character and she does have her flaws, which I actually appreciate in a character. She regrets what she did to Hallie and, while what she did was horrible, I can see why a kid would do that considering her circumstances. She really wants to make things up with Hallie and even when things hit the fan, she still tries and I really appreciate that. I don't exactly like how she lied though. I can see why she did, but it was just a disaster waiting to happen.
I did have issues with the ending. The last 20 something pages are the climax and a lot of interesting stuff happens in those pages. There was no cliffhanger, but I felt like the book ended right at the end of the climax.
IN CONCLUSION
This was a really great read! It was enjoyable and fun, but also very drama-filled. It was predictable at times, but it didn't take away from the book. This is a great start to a new series and I can't wait to read the sequel!
Review Date: 6/14/2015
MY THOUGHTS
Gosh, this book was amazing! It's a well known fact, at least around my house, that I have an obsession with aliens. Whenever I see any hint of the world "alien" in a synopsis, it immediately gets put on my TBR list! Thankfully, this book exceeded my expectations!
This book takes place 30 years after most of humanity was wiped out by a biological disease. After a horrible event that left Jax comatose for awhile, Jax and her brother now live in a 'safe' human settlement. Jase, Jax's brother gets to be a hunter while Jax has to be a 'proper women': Wear dresses and wait until she's promised at 18, then pop out babies. Jax plans on persuading Jase to leave the settlement, but Jase ends up getting taken by aliens. Jax needs to find Jase, but the only way to find the alien city is to team up with an alien.
I love pretty much everything about this book! The world is so well-crafted! While I do wish that I could get more information on the Collapse, everything about the current world is really well-crafted. We especially get to know more info on the aliens.
What is the strongest in this book has to be the characters. Jax is a very strong, and stubborn character. She learns things about her brother that would cause most people to not help him, but she continues trying to save him. I loved Lir, the alien, but I can't quite figure out where he lies.
This book was also very surprising. I, honestly, didn't know what to expect from this book. I wasn't able to guess ahead of time what would happen, this book was anything but predictable.
IN CONCLUSION
Amazing book! I strongly recommend this book! It has great characters, well-crafted world, and ALIENS! Oddly, this book reminded me of Angelfall, one of my all-time favorites. So, if you loved that book, this one is also a possibility!
Now, I am very much anticipating the sequel!
Gosh, this book was amazing! It's a well known fact, at least around my house, that I have an obsession with aliens. Whenever I see any hint of the world "alien" in a synopsis, it immediately gets put on my TBR list! Thankfully, this book exceeded my expectations!
This book takes place 30 years after most of humanity was wiped out by a biological disease. After a horrible event that left Jax comatose for awhile, Jax and her brother now live in a 'safe' human settlement. Jase, Jax's brother gets to be a hunter while Jax has to be a 'proper women': Wear dresses and wait until she's promised at 18, then pop out babies. Jax plans on persuading Jase to leave the settlement, but Jase ends up getting taken by aliens. Jax needs to find Jase, but the only way to find the alien city is to team up with an alien.
I love pretty much everything about this book! The world is so well-crafted! While I do wish that I could get more information on the Collapse, everything about the current world is really well-crafted. We especially get to know more info on the aliens.
What is the strongest in this book has to be the characters. Jax is a very strong, and stubborn character. She learns things about her brother that would cause most people to not help him, but she continues trying to save him. I loved Lir, the alien, but I can't quite figure out where he lies.
This book was also very surprising. I, honestly, didn't know what to expect from this book. I wasn't able to guess ahead of time what would happen, this book was anything but predictable.
IN CONCLUSION
Amazing book! I strongly recommend this book! It has great characters, well-crafted world, and ALIENS! Oddly, this book reminded me of Angelfall, one of my all-time favorites. So, if you loved that book, this one is also a possibility!
Now, I am very much anticipating the sequel!
Review Date: 6/14/2015
MY THOUGHTS
I loved the first book in this series, so I was excited to read this book! This book was full of surprises and it was absolutely fantastic!
Aliens have been secretly messing with Earth's time field. Skylar, Win, and the rebels have discovered the weapon that will free the Earth and are now heading back to the space station that this race calls home. But Skylar is an Earthling and can't be fully allowed on the station, unless she pretends to be an Earthling "pet". The rebels continue to meet, but they face betrayal and Skylar is determined to find the spy.
I was a bit disappointed at first by the fact that there wasn't really any time travel, but I actually think I like this more than the first book! I feel like I'm getting a better understanding on these people, as horrendous they are towards Earthlings. It was interesting getting this look into things and even though I ended up with more questions, I felt like things got clearer.
There is a new unexpected romance in this book and, oddly enough I was shipping it. I actually really liked this. It also didn't distract from the plot at all, so that's a plus!
This book has a lot of just planning and plotting, so it may have some middle-book syndrome, but it wasn't dull or boring. The spend of this book really picks up in the end, so much that I'm still reeling from it. It was really intense and, yes, there was a cliffhanger.
IN CONCLUSION
This is such a great sci-fi series and this was a great sequel! I admit, I actually like it more than book one! I felt like I learned so much more of the world and characters, and I loved the unexpected romance. There is a cliffhanger that my brain still can't comprehend, so you may want to wait on this one, but I definitely recommend this series!
I loved the first book in this series, so I was excited to read this book! This book was full of surprises and it was absolutely fantastic!
Aliens have been secretly messing with Earth's time field. Skylar, Win, and the rebels have discovered the weapon that will free the Earth and are now heading back to the space station that this race calls home. But Skylar is an Earthling and can't be fully allowed on the station, unless she pretends to be an Earthling "pet". The rebels continue to meet, but they face betrayal and Skylar is determined to find the spy.
I was a bit disappointed at first by the fact that there wasn't really any time travel, but I actually think I like this more than the first book! I feel like I'm getting a better understanding on these people, as horrendous they are towards Earthlings. It was interesting getting this look into things and even though I ended up with more questions, I felt like things got clearer.
There is a new unexpected romance in this book and, oddly enough I was shipping it. I actually really liked this. It also didn't distract from the plot at all, so that's a plus!
This book has a lot of just planning and plotting, so it may have some middle-book syndrome, but it wasn't dull or boring. The spend of this book really picks up in the end, so much that I'm still reeling from it. It was really intense and, yes, there was a cliffhanger.
IN CONCLUSION
This is such a great sci-fi series and this was a great sequel! I admit, I actually like it more than book one! I felt like I learned so much more of the world and characters, and I loved the unexpected romance. There is a cliffhanger that my brain still can't comprehend, so you may want to wait on this one, but I definitely recommend this series!
Review Date: 6/29/2015
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MY THOUGHTS
This is such an amazing series and I was not disappointed in this conclusion!
This takes place directly after the events in Hover. Ari is back on Earth and Earth happens to have a new leader, who is borderline a dictator. The new leader is intent on the fact that Ari knows Zeus's plans to destroy the human race and uses Jackson to torture her. But Ari is intent on saving Jackson and finding a peaceful war to save the human race, or she will lose everyone she loves.
I have a huge love for alien books and the world-building in this series is phenomenal! It not as much in this book, as this book takes place entirely on Earth, but the idea of the Ancients and this dystopian futuristic Earth is so vividly created.
Also, the characters in this series are so well-developed! It's been awhile since I've read the first book, but Ari and basically any of the characters, have grown so much since that first book and it is both amazing and heartbreaking! I love Ari and how strong she has become. I love how loyal she is to her friends and family. I also love how great many of the supporting characters were.
The romance was also really great! I love Ari and Jackson together and I rooted for them from the start. We still get to see how much they loved each other in this book, without distracting from the plot.
My only issues with this book is the epilogue. It's not a bad epilogue, but it's really cheesy and it's the cliche epilogue you get with most conclusions of series. Again, not bad, I just could've been fine without it.
IN CONCLUSION
If you love this series, I honestly don't see why you wouldn't read this one! It's a great conclusion and just as good as the other books! I hope to see more by Melissa West!
MY THOUGHTS
This is such an amazing series and I was not disappointed in this conclusion!
This takes place directly after the events in Hover. Ari is back on Earth and Earth happens to have a new leader, who is borderline a dictator. The new leader is intent on the fact that Ari knows Zeus's plans to destroy the human race and uses Jackson to torture her. But Ari is intent on saving Jackson and finding a peaceful war to save the human race, or she will lose everyone she loves.
I have a huge love for alien books and the world-building in this series is phenomenal! It not as much in this book, as this book takes place entirely on Earth, but the idea of the Ancients and this dystopian futuristic Earth is so vividly created.
Also, the characters in this series are so well-developed! It's been awhile since I've read the first book, but Ari and basically any of the characters, have grown so much since that first book and it is both amazing and heartbreaking! I love Ari and how strong she has become. I love how loyal she is to her friends and family. I also love how great many of the supporting characters were.
The romance was also really great! I love Ari and Jackson together and I rooted for them from the start. We still get to see how much they loved each other in this book, without distracting from the plot.
My only issues with this book is the epilogue. It's not a bad epilogue, but it's really cheesy and it's the cliche epilogue you get with most conclusions of series. Again, not bad, I just could've been fine without it.
IN CONCLUSION
If you love this series, I honestly don't see why you wouldn't read this one! It's a great conclusion and just as good as the other books! I hope to see more by Melissa West!
Review Date: 5/23/2016
MY THOUGHTS
I was enormously excited when I first found out about this book! Link & Ridley were my favorite characters from the Beautiful Creatures series, so a spin-off featuring them? Heck yes!
But, sadly, I was disappointed by this book. Was this a bad book? No, not at all, but I was expecting so much more!
One of the major problems that I had with this book was the fact that nothing happened. Okay, that may be an exaggeration, a few things happened, but for a majority of the book nothing significant happened.
And I admit it, I also had some trouble figuring out what was going on. It's been awhile since I've read the Beautiful Creatures series and have very vague recollections on what happened. Since this is a spin-off, many many MANY characters and events are mentioned and/or make some kind of appearance. There is absolutely no recap as to what happened in the Beautiful Creatures series, so while I did remember some of the things, there were a lot of moments where I would go "Wait, who's that person again?" or "Can you please tell me what exactly happened?!?!". I was able to put some of the pieces together, but it would have been nice if I was able to fully understand what was going on.
Also, Link and Ridley in Dangerous Creatures did not match how I remembered them from Beautiful Creatures. I remeber Link as the funny goofball. While he's still a goofball, he was not funny. And Ridley...I don't know why I found Ridley's characterization so different. I guess I remembered her as a strong badass, but she just didn't seem that way at all in this book.
And do not get me started on the stupid romance. I have no idea what was up with this romance, but it was ridiculous. A new character is introduced in this book. He's first introduced as a villain, but he somehow ends up as Ridley's love interest???? Granted, this irritated me because I ship(ped) Link & Ridley so hard, and then this jerk comes in to steal the show. And I just couldn't see what was happening here. New guy, Lennox, is basically trying to give Link & Ridley to the bigger villains, maybe even kill them himself, yet he is also seen kissing and confessing love to Ridley. I just don't understand!!!
One last gripe: The cliffhanger. Yeah, this book ends in a cliffhanger. I always have a special hatred towards cliffhangers, but this one was just ridiculous. The cliffhanger had nothing to do with the plot of the book or even the characters. It was just a random event placed at the end of the book just because the authors wanted a cliffhanger. As I said, ridiculous and completely irritating and it actually makes me inclined to read the next book (which was probably the purpose).
IN CONCLUSION
As you can see, I was very disappointed with this book. Since it's been so long since I've read the Beautiful Creatures series (which I liked much more than this) I kind of question if the main reason that I disliked this book was the fact that my tastes have just changed. Maybe I would have the same feelings towards Beautiful Creatures if I were to read the series again now.
Don't get more wrong, I didn't hate this book. I actually kind of liked seeing a glimpse into this world again, but the bad outweighs the good.
Anyway, I don't really want to read the next book (because of that stupid cliffhanger), but I do get the feeling that the series will probably improve as it goes on. The fact that not much happened in this book is common for first books in series, so maybe the next book will have me? I don't know, but I do hope it gets better.
I was enormously excited when I first found out about this book! Link & Ridley were my favorite characters from the Beautiful Creatures series, so a spin-off featuring them? Heck yes!
But, sadly, I was disappointed by this book. Was this a bad book? No, not at all, but I was expecting so much more!
One of the major problems that I had with this book was the fact that nothing happened. Okay, that may be an exaggeration, a few things happened, but for a majority of the book nothing significant happened.
And I admit it, I also had some trouble figuring out what was going on. It's been awhile since I've read the Beautiful Creatures series and have very vague recollections on what happened. Since this is a spin-off, many many MANY characters and events are mentioned and/or make some kind of appearance. There is absolutely no recap as to what happened in the Beautiful Creatures series, so while I did remember some of the things, there were a lot of moments where I would go "Wait, who's that person again?" or "Can you please tell me what exactly happened?!?!". I was able to put some of the pieces together, but it would have been nice if I was able to fully understand what was going on.
Also, Link and Ridley in Dangerous Creatures did not match how I remembered them from Beautiful Creatures. I remeber Link as the funny goofball. While he's still a goofball, he was not funny. And Ridley...I don't know why I found Ridley's characterization so different. I guess I remembered her as a strong badass, but she just didn't seem that way at all in this book.
And do not get me started on the stupid romance. I have no idea what was up with this romance, but it was ridiculous. A new character is introduced in this book. He's first introduced as a villain, but he somehow ends up as Ridley's love interest???? Granted, this irritated me because I ship(ped) Link & Ridley so hard, and then this jerk comes in to steal the show. And I just couldn't see what was happening here. New guy, Lennox, is basically trying to give Link & Ridley to the bigger villains, maybe even kill them himself, yet he is also seen kissing and confessing love to Ridley. I just don't understand!!!
One last gripe: The cliffhanger. Yeah, this book ends in a cliffhanger. I always have a special hatred towards cliffhangers, but this one was just ridiculous. The cliffhanger had nothing to do with the plot of the book or even the characters. It was just a random event placed at the end of the book just because the authors wanted a cliffhanger. As I said, ridiculous and completely irritating and it actually makes me inclined to read the next book (which was probably the purpose).
IN CONCLUSION
As you can see, I was very disappointed with this book. Since it's been so long since I've read the Beautiful Creatures series (which I liked much more than this) I kind of question if the main reason that I disliked this book was the fact that my tastes have just changed. Maybe I would have the same feelings towards Beautiful Creatures if I were to read the series again now.
Don't get more wrong, I didn't hate this book. I actually kind of liked seeing a glimpse into this world again, but the bad outweighs the good.
Anyway, I don't really want to read the next book (because of that stupid cliffhanger), but I do get the feeling that the series will probably improve as it goes on. The fact that not much happened in this book is common for first books in series, so maybe the next book will have me? I don't know, but I do hope it gets better.
Review Date: 1/26/2016
MY THOUGHTS
Every time someone lies, Nadette has a bell ring inside her head. For the past two years, Balasura have been trying to convince Nadette to stay in her dreams, stay in their world. They want her ability, but her ability allows her to see through their lies. Now they're tired of waiting and will force her into submission by threatening her family and torturing her during waking hours.
On the other side of the country, Julian lives with a mother who couldn't care less about him and an ability to lie. Every night, Julian sees his best friend, Orane in his dreams. Then Orane dies and Julian finds out that his best friend was a Balasura and was actually evil. Julian doesn't want to believe, but now there's someone else being targeted and he has to help her get to safety.
After the end of Sing Sweet Nightingale, I was expecting this book to follow the same characters. Instead we get two new characters and a new story. Interestingly, it still feels like the story is being carried over. The characters in this book are connected to the ones in the last book and even the events are connected. It's actually a great way to continue the story!
I liked both Nadette and Julian. I liked Nadette's strength. She doesn't have the strength that we associate with most YA girls, but the real kind. The kind where she has to go through something difficult and it able to do it, but also not perfect. She's human and she does break and few times, but she's still strong. I also love her attachment to her family and her family in general. She has a crazy, huge family and I just loved how they believed in Nadette and just never questioned her.
Julian was a great character too. He would hate me by saying this, but I felt really bad for him. He has a bad family life, sure, but that's not the main reason. First of all, his best friend turned out to be evil and then throughout the book he just seemed confused and I really just wanted to shake him, so he would be able to see things more clearly.
As for romance, there wasn't really much romance, but it was dealt with very well, especially when it came to Nadette. I appreciated how this book didn't follow what most people expect from YA, while adding diversity.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and I like how the story was carried over and it still felt like I was reading something new. The end was very action packed and it kind of left me hanging, so I can't wait for the next book.
Every time someone lies, Nadette has a bell ring inside her head. For the past two years, Balasura have been trying to convince Nadette to stay in her dreams, stay in their world. They want her ability, but her ability allows her to see through their lies. Now they're tired of waiting and will force her into submission by threatening her family and torturing her during waking hours.
On the other side of the country, Julian lives with a mother who couldn't care less about him and an ability to lie. Every night, Julian sees his best friend, Orane in his dreams. Then Orane dies and Julian finds out that his best friend was a Balasura and was actually evil. Julian doesn't want to believe, but now there's someone else being targeted and he has to help her get to safety.
After the end of Sing Sweet Nightingale, I was expecting this book to follow the same characters. Instead we get two new characters and a new story. Interestingly, it still feels like the story is being carried over. The characters in this book are connected to the ones in the last book and even the events are connected. It's actually a great way to continue the story!
I liked both Nadette and Julian. I liked Nadette's strength. She doesn't have the strength that we associate with most YA girls, but the real kind. The kind where she has to go through something difficult and it able to do it, but also not perfect. She's human and she does break and few times, but she's still strong. I also love her attachment to her family and her family in general. She has a crazy, huge family and I just loved how they believed in Nadette and just never questioned her.
Julian was a great character too. He would hate me by saying this, but I felt really bad for him. He has a bad family life, sure, but that's not the main reason. First of all, his best friend turned out to be evil and then throughout the book he just seemed confused and I really just wanted to shake him, so he would be able to see things more clearly.
As for romance, there wasn't really much romance, but it was dealt with very well, especially when it came to Nadette. I appreciated how this book didn't follow what most people expect from YA, while adding diversity.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and I like how the story was carried over and it still felt like I was reading something new. The end was very action packed and it kind of left me hanging, so I can't wait for the next book.
Review Date: 5/23/2016
MY THOUGHTS
This was one of my most highly anticipated reads, but I oddly enough didn't have high expectations of it. I liked the author's other book, Another Little Piece, but it didn't wow me. Along with that, this book doesn't have an extremely high average rating on Goodreads. But the fact that I didn't have high expectations made me love this book even more. I was not disappointed by this book at all.
This is an extremely weird and creepy book, but in a good way. I loved how weird this book was. The town was insanely creepy, but full of mysteries. What I really found interesting was how perfectly normal this town was to those living there. The 4 year thing where normal kids go crazy is just a part of life. The inhabitants of the town even have special abilities and that's not considered strange at all!
The way this book was narrated was interesting as well. The book is told in dual point-of-view, but by both by Skylar. Every so often we would get a memory of Skylar & Piper that would give us hints of what's actually going on with Garnerville and it was a very interesting way to tell the story.
One thing that I have been loving lately in books is unreliable narrators. Yes, this book definitely has that. Skylar, our main character, has a very questionable memory. She takes pills called forget-me-nots that actually causes her to forget things, so yeah, not a very reliable narrator. What's so great about books with reliable narrators is that it makes a book more mysterious and every plot twist even more shocking! And yes, we get one of those! (and I loved it!)
Of course, this book wasn't perfect (just like Gardnerville isn't), there were some things that I had issues with, but not many. I felt that this book was a bit slow at times, even though I do understand why. I also felt that the ending was rushed. The climax was crammed into a little chapter and that was a bit much for me.
IN CONCLUSION
I definitely recommend this book! If you're in the mood for a weirdly awesome standalone, pick up this book! While I will be waiting for more by Kate Karyus Quinn.
This was one of my most highly anticipated reads, but I oddly enough didn't have high expectations of it. I liked the author's other book, Another Little Piece, but it didn't wow me. Along with that, this book doesn't have an extremely high average rating on Goodreads. But the fact that I didn't have high expectations made me love this book even more. I was not disappointed by this book at all.
This is an extremely weird and creepy book, but in a good way. I loved how weird this book was. The town was insanely creepy, but full of mysteries. What I really found interesting was how perfectly normal this town was to those living there. The 4 year thing where normal kids go crazy is just a part of life. The inhabitants of the town even have special abilities and that's not considered strange at all!
The way this book was narrated was interesting as well. The book is told in dual point-of-view, but by both by Skylar. Every so often we would get a memory of Skylar & Piper that would give us hints of what's actually going on with Garnerville and it was a very interesting way to tell the story.
One thing that I have been loving lately in books is unreliable narrators. Yes, this book definitely has that. Skylar, our main character, has a very questionable memory. She takes pills called forget-me-nots that actually causes her to forget things, so yeah, not a very reliable narrator. What's so great about books with reliable narrators is that it makes a book more mysterious and every plot twist even more shocking! And yes, we get one of those! (and I loved it!)
Of course, this book wasn't perfect (just like Gardnerville isn't), there were some things that I had issues with, but not many. I felt that this book was a bit slow at times, even though I do understand why. I also felt that the ending was rushed. The climax was crammed into a little chapter and that was a bit much for me.
IN CONCLUSION
I definitely recommend this book! If you're in the mood for a weirdly awesome standalone, pick up this book! While I will be waiting for more by Kate Karyus Quinn.
Review Date: 5/25/2016
MY THOUGHTS
I guess I have an odd soft spot for dystopian books. I think I read only the first sentence of the synopsis and immediately added it to my TBR list! A dystopian society on the moon? Yes please! And this was a good book.
Phaet lives in a Moon colony with her sister, brother, and mom. When her mom is taken into quarantine for having a fever, Phaet and her siblings are sent to live in Shelter. To avoid having her siblings live in that horrible environment, Phaet enlists in the Militia, despite her young age of 15. Phaet has to undergo brutal training in order to get to the top rankings, where she will make enough money to help her mother, who is now in jail.
I think my main problem in this book is just that it didn't catch my attention enough. I don't know. I felt like this book wasn't anything new in the dystopian genre. I've seen many books with plots similar to this, especially the Militia training scenes which reminded me of Tris training to be Dauntless in Divergent. I'm not accusing the author of copying or anything like that, Divergent wasn't the first book with this. And I still enjoyed the plot because I am a sucker for these dystopians. As far as world-building, it was nicely done. I did get a pretty good grab about what it was like in the Moon colony. I did have issues with how little I seemed to know about the war between Earth and the Moon. I felt like I was told about it, but I never saw anything that hinted about it.
Characterization wise, the main character is a great one. Phaet is very loyal to her family and it's obvious that she loves them. I also applaud her dedication to helping her family. It's not easy to give up your future and them go through training that can potentially damage you. Then she has to compete against a bunch of 18 year olds. I really gave to give this girl props. I would also like to mention that her family and friends see her as changed because of the training. She disagrees with them, but I do think she changed just not in a bad way as her friends and family say. She became stronger.
This book also has no romance by the way. That may change in future books, but there was no annoying romance to distract the plot. If you are one who avoids books with romance, this is a book you can pick up!
This book is a bit slow-paced for the most part though. A majority of the book is the training, but near the end of the book there is a huge climax. A heaping load of events happen near the end and we find out about many important things. It takes a bit to get there, but it does get to be a very exciting book.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this isn't a new story. It's similar to other dystopians and it is a bit slow-paced, but the book really picks up near the end. I know I sound really nit-picky about this book, but I did like this book. It was very interesting with great characters and no romance! After the way this book ended, I am looking forward to the next book!
I guess I have an odd soft spot for dystopian books. I think I read only the first sentence of the synopsis and immediately added it to my TBR list! A dystopian society on the moon? Yes please! And this was a good book.
Phaet lives in a Moon colony with her sister, brother, and mom. When her mom is taken into quarantine for having a fever, Phaet and her siblings are sent to live in Shelter. To avoid having her siblings live in that horrible environment, Phaet enlists in the Militia, despite her young age of 15. Phaet has to undergo brutal training in order to get to the top rankings, where she will make enough money to help her mother, who is now in jail.
I think my main problem in this book is just that it didn't catch my attention enough. I don't know. I felt like this book wasn't anything new in the dystopian genre. I've seen many books with plots similar to this, especially the Militia training scenes which reminded me of Tris training to be Dauntless in Divergent. I'm not accusing the author of copying or anything like that, Divergent wasn't the first book with this. And I still enjoyed the plot because I am a sucker for these dystopians. As far as world-building, it was nicely done. I did get a pretty good grab about what it was like in the Moon colony. I did have issues with how little I seemed to know about the war between Earth and the Moon. I felt like I was told about it, but I never saw anything that hinted about it.
Characterization wise, the main character is a great one. Phaet is very loyal to her family and it's obvious that she loves them. I also applaud her dedication to helping her family. It's not easy to give up your future and them go through training that can potentially damage you. Then she has to compete against a bunch of 18 year olds. I really gave to give this girl props. I would also like to mention that her family and friends see her as changed because of the training. She disagrees with them, but I do think she changed just not in a bad way as her friends and family say. She became stronger.
This book also has no romance by the way. That may change in future books, but there was no annoying romance to distract the plot. If you are one who avoids books with romance, this is a book you can pick up!
This book is a bit slow-paced for the most part though. A majority of the book is the training, but near the end of the book there is a huge climax. A heaping load of events happen near the end and we find out about many important things. It takes a bit to get there, but it does get to be a very exciting book.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this isn't a new story. It's similar to other dystopians and it is a bit slow-paced, but the book really picks up near the end. I know I sound really nit-picky about this book, but I did like this book. It was very interesting with great characters and no romance! After the way this book ended, I am looking forward to the next book!
Review Date: 5/12/2016
MY THOUGHTS
I love the idea of time travel, so when I found out that this book revolved around time travel, I had to pick it up!
This book has two points of view: Alora and Bridger. Alora is a teenager in 2013. She has been living a normal life until she begins to have memory black-outs at seemingly random moments. Bridger lives in 2146 and has been training his ability to time travel. On one such mention, he comes across his deceased dad, warning Bridger that he needs to go back and save Alora. Bridger doesn't know Alora, but he risks his future to illegally time travel back to finish what might've been his dad's last mission. But why is Alora so special?
I admit, I don't think you can ever go wrong with time travel. I, personally, loved the aspect of someone from the future changing the past. This is a concept that has been done before, but this time it was different. Usually, someone from our time travels from the past, but this time someone over 100 years in the future travels into the past. I loved this and I also loved seeing how the future society worked. Because of genetic manipulation, many people have the ability to bend space, time, and mind. I loved this idea and how it was explored!
This book was very evenly paced. There wasn't a whole lot happening at points, but there was definitely build up to the climax. I was able to guess some of the major 'plot twists' early on, but I really enjoyed seeing these come together and I was still surprised along the way.
As for romance, there is some feeling between them, but it's very long-lasting, so it never takes control of the plot. So, it gets two thumbs up from me.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this was a really interesting time travel read with a different take. I strongly recommend this to anyone who enjoys sci-fi and time travel! As for a sequel, as far as I know, this is a stand-alone, but there is definitely room for more. If there is more, I'll definitely be reading it!
I love the idea of time travel, so when I found out that this book revolved around time travel, I had to pick it up!
This book has two points of view: Alora and Bridger. Alora is a teenager in 2013. She has been living a normal life until she begins to have memory black-outs at seemingly random moments. Bridger lives in 2146 and has been training his ability to time travel. On one such mention, he comes across his deceased dad, warning Bridger that he needs to go back and save Alora. Bridger doesn't know Alora, but he risks his future to illegally time travel back to finish what might've been his dad's last mission. But why is Alora so special?
I admit, I don't think you can ever go wrong with time travel. I, personally, loved the aspect of someone from the future changing the past. This is a concept that has been done before, but this time it was different. Usually, someone from our time travels from the past, but this time someone over 100 years in the future travels into the past. I loved this and I also loved seeing how the future society worked. Because of genetic manipulation, many people have the ability to bend space, time, and mind. I loved this idea and how it was explored!
This book was very evenly paced. There wasn't a whole lot happening at points, but there was definitely build up to the climax. I was able to guess some of the major 'plot twists' early on, but I really enjoyed seeing these come together and I was still surprised along the way.
As for romance, there is some feeling between them, but it's very long-lasting, so it never takes control of the plot. So, it gets two thumbs up from me.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this was a really interesting time travel read with a different take. I strongly recommend this to anyone who enjoys sci-fi and time travel! As for a sequel, as far as I know, this is a stand-alone, but there is definitely room for more. If there is more, I'll definitely be reading it!
Review Date: 1/26/2016
MY THOUGHTS
This is such a wonderful book series! I have been following this book series ever since I picked up Splintered. Even before that I knew how much I would love this series! Now I don't know whether to be happy or sad. I'm happy because I just finished an amazing book, but sad because this series is over with!
This book picks up right when Unhinged left off. Alyssa is taking her dad to get his memories back. Her mom is stuck in Wonderland, as the only entrance has closed. Jeb and Morpheus are trapped in AnyElsewhere with Red. Alyssa has to find a way to fix Wonderland and save both Jeb and Morpheus.
I apologize ahead of time for this mess of a review. I love this book and this series so, so much! It's really hard for me to form complete sentences, that actual make sens, without full-on gushing about this book! First of all, this book is different than the others. This time, Alyssa has to travel to AnyElsewhere which is much darker than Wonderland if you can believe it. I really have to applaud the author's imagination in the whole entire series and it really shows strongly in this book! And the world is created so vividly!
The characters are also amazing, of course. What I really have to think about are the changes these characters go through since the beginning, but in this book alone they change so much!
Now, for the romance. Before I reread the books, again, I was solely on Team Morpheus. Because, come on, it's Morpheus! I still love Morpheus, but I don't like counting out Jeb. Yeah, Jeb isn't as awesome, but he is such a sweet guy and I feel weird admitting this, but I do believe that Jeb belongs with Alyssa and he really does love her! But Morpheus belongs with her too! GAH! No wonder Alyssa has trouble deciding!
The ending is a hit and miss, apparently, to most people, but I thought it was brilliant and emotional! (the whole series is brilliant)
IN CONCLUSION
I love this book series so much! It's imaginative, stunning, a so unique! If you have yet to pick up this series, what in the world are you waiting for?! If you have read the previous books, let me just say that this final book will not disappoint.
It goes without saying that I really look forward to more books by A.G. Howard!
This is such a wonderful book series! I have been following this book series ever since I picked up Splintered. Even before that I knew how much I would love this series! Now I don't know whether to be happy or sad. I'm happy because I just finished an amazing book, but sad because this series is over with!
This book picks up right when Unhinged left off. Alyssa is taking her dad to get his memories back. Her mom is stuck in Wonderland, as the only entrance has closed. Jeb and Morpheus are trapped in AnyElsewhere with Red. Alyssa has to find a way to fix Wonderland and save both Jeb and Morpheus.
I apologize ahead of time for this mess of a review. I love this book and this series so, so much! It's really hard for me to form complete sentences, that actual make sens, without full-on gushing about this book! First of all, this book is different than the others. This time, Alyssa has to travel to AnyElsewhere which is much darker than Wonderland if you can believe it. I really have to applaud the author's imagination in the whole entire series and it really shows strongly in this book! And the world is created so vividly!
The characters are also amazing, of course. What I really have to think about are the changes these characters go through since the beginning, but in this book alone they change so much!
Now, for the romance. Before I reread the books, again, I was solely on Team Morpheus. Because, come on, it's Morpheus! I still love Morpheus, but I don't like counting out Jeb. Yeah, Jeb isn't as awesome, but he is such a sweet guy and I feel weird admitting this, but I do believe that Jeb belongs with Alyssa and he really does love her! But Morpheus belongs with her too! GAH! No wonder Alyssa has trouble deciding!
The ending is a hit and miss, apparently, to most people, but I thought it was brilliant and emotional! (the whole series is brilliant)
IN CONCLUSION
I love this book series so much! It's imaginative, stunning, a so unique! If you have yet to pick up this series, what in the world are you waiting for?! If you have read the previous books, let me just say that this final book will not disappoint.
It goes without saying that I really look forward to more books by A.G. Howard!
Review Date: 5/25/2016
MY THOUGHTS
This book was very different than the first book! I didn't like this as much as the first book, but this is still a very great read!
Charlie is now Queen of Ludania, after defeating Sabara, but Sabara isn't dead. Sabara is living inside Charlie's mind and Charlie has to fight her for control. Not only is it hard for her to fight Sabara and kept it a secret. Apparently, some of her people are very unhappy with her erasing the class system. A resistance has appeared and they want Charlie dead and they don't care who goes down with her.
The first book in this series had a dystopian feel to it, but this book was more fantasy oriented. Of course, this book takes place in an entirely different world and it has a few magical elements, but the fact that Charlie is Queen now and there's no longer a tyrant rule only brings the fantasy aspect up. What I liked about this book was that Charlie's new status allowed us to see more of her kingdom and the other kingdoms. Also, it slowed realistically that when you erase laws that people have grown up with, there will be anger. Yeah, the laws were extremely controlling and cruel, but these people were used to this life. Not that I agree with their methods at all.
Also, I was fully expecting Sabara to still be alive, but I did like how the battle between them in Charlie's mind was incorporated. It was very interesting. Though, Charlie really upset me. She wouldn't tell anyone this and it was really important! Yeah, I kind of understand where she was coming from, but she should have at least told her friends or Max.
Now, I hate saying this, but there were a lot of things that I bothered me about this book. The plot was a mess for one, I felt like a lot of things were happening at once, but by the end of the book I was really questing what the point of all these ways. There was Sabara, the resistance, assassins, and a bunch of other side plots, but they felt so scattered that I really didn't see the point.
As for romance, there wasn't much. Charlie and Max love each other, obviously, but they are separated for half the book and the other half is focused on the numerous plots. If it weren't for the plots being so scattered, I would probably like that, but it was just okay. There was a random romance side-plot with some of Charlie's friends, though, that I could deal without.
IN CONCLUSION
I had issues with this sequel, but it wasn't a bad sequel. It was a bit of a mess of a middle-book with it's scattered plots, but the fantasy elements were interesting and I loved seeing more about this world. I did like this book, though not as much as the first, but I plan on reading the next book.
This book was very different than the first book! I didn't like this as much as the first book, but this is still a very great read!
Charlie is now Queen of Ludania, after defeating Sabara, but Sabara isn't dead. Sabara is living inside Charlie's mind and Charlie has to fight her for control. Not only is it hard for her to fight Sabara and kept it a secret. Apparently, some of her people are very unhappy with her erasing the class system. A resistance has appeared and they want Charlie dead and they don't care who goes down with her.
The first book in this series had a dystopian feel to it, but this book was more fantasy oriented. Of course, this book takes place in an entirely different world and it has a few magical elements, but the fact that Charlie is Queen now and there's no longer a tyrant rule only brings the fantasy aspect up. What I liked about this book was that Charlie's new status allowed us to see more of her kingdom and the other kingdoms. Also, it slowed realistically that when you erase laws that people have grown up with, there will be anger. Yeah, the laws were extremely controlling and cruel, but these people were used to this life. Not that I agree with their methods at all.
Also, I was fully expecting Sabara to still be alive, but I did like how the battle between them in Charlie's mind was incorporated. It was very interesting. Though, Charlie really upset me. She wouldn't tell anyone this and it was really important! Yeah, I kind of understand where she was coming from, but she should have at least told her friends or Max.
Now, I hate saying this, but there were a lot of things that I bothered me about this book. The plot was a mess for one, I felt like a lot of things were happening at once, but by the end of the book I was really questing what the point of all these ways. There was Sabara, the resistance, assassins, and a bunch of other side plots, but they felt so scattered that I really didn't see the point.
As for romance, there wasn't much. Charlie and Max love each other, obviously, but they are separated for half the book and the other half is focused on the numerous plots. If it weren't for the plots being so scattered, I would probably like that, but it was just okay. There was a random romance side-plot with some of Charlie's friends, though, that I could deal without.
IN CONCLUSION
I had issues with this sequel, but it wasn't a bad sequel. It was a bit of a mess of a middle-book with it's scattered plots, but the fantasy elements were interesting and I loved seeing more about this world. I did like this book, though not as much as the first, but I plan on reading the next book.
Review Date: 5/25/2016
MY THOUGHTS
This book was very different than the first book! I didn't like this as much as the first book, but this is still a very great read!
Charlie is now Queen of Ludania, after defeating Sabara, but Sabara isn't dead. Sabara is living inside Charlie's mind and Charlie has to fight her for control. Not only is it hard for her to fight Sabara and kept it a secret. Apparently, some of her people are very unhappy with her erasing the class system. A resistance has appeared and they want Charlie dead and they don't care who goes down with her.
The first book in this series had a dystopian feel to it, but this book was more fantasy oriented. Of course, this book takes place in an entirely different world and it has a few magical elements, but the fact that Charlie is Queen now and there's no longer a tyrant rule only brings the fantasy aspect up. What I liked about this book was that Charlie's new status allowed us to see more of her kingdom and the other kingdoms. Also, it slowed realistically that when you erase laws that people have grown up with, there will be anger. Yeah, the laws were extremely controlling and cruel, but these people were used to this life. Not that I agree with their methods at all.
Also, I was fully expecting Sabara to still be alive, but I did like how the battle between them in Charlie's mind was incorporated. It was very interesting. Though, Charlie really upset me. She wouldn't tell anyone this and it was really important! Yeah, I kind of understand where she was coming from, but she should have at least told her friends or Max.
Now, I hate saying this, but there were a lot of things that I bothered me about this book. The plot was a mess for one, I felt like a lot of things were happening at once, but by the end of the book I was really questing what the point of all these ways. There was Sabara, the resistance, assassins, and a bunch of other side plots, but they felt so scattered that I really didn't see the point.
As for romance, there wasn't much. Charlie and Max love each other, obviously, but they are separated for half the book and the other half is focused on the numerous plots. If it weren't for the plots being so scattered, I would probably like that, but it was just okay. There was a random romance side-plot with some of Charlie's friends, though, that I could deal without.
IN CONCLUSION
I had issues with this sequel, but it wasn't a bad sequel. It was a bit of a mess of a middle-book with it's scattered plots, but the fantasy elements were interesting and I loved seeing more about this world. I did like this book, though not as much as the first, but I plan on reading the next book.
This book was very different than the first book! I didn't like this as much as the first book, but this is still a very great read!
Charlie is now Queen of Ludania, after defeating Sabara, but Sabara isn't dead. Sabara is living inside Charlie's mind and Charlie has to fight her for control. Not only is it hard for her to fight Sabara and kept it a secret. Apparently, some of her people are very unhappy with her erasing the class system. A resistance has appeared and they want Charlie dead and they don't care who goes down with her.
The first book in this series had a dystopian feel to it, but this book was more fantasy oriented. Of course, this book takes place in an entirely different world and it has a few magical elements, but the fact that Charlie is Queen now and there's no longer a tyrant rule only brings the fantasy aspect up. What I liked about this book was that Charlie's new status allowed us to see more of her kingdom and the other kingdoms. Also, it slowed realistically that when you erase laws that people have grown up with, there will be anger. Yeah, the laws were extremely controlling and cruel, but these people were used to this life. Not that I agree with their methods at all.
Also, I was fully expecting Sabara to still be alive, but I did like how the battle between them in Charlie's mind was incorporated. It was very interesting. Though, Charlie really upset me. She wouldn't tell anyone this and it was really important! Yeah, I kind of understand where she was coming from, but she should have at least told her friends or Max.
Now, I hate saying this, but there were a lot of things that I bothered me about this book. The plot was a mess for one, I felt like a lot of things were happening at once, but by the end of the book I was really questing what the point of all these ways. There was Sabara, the resistance, assassins, and a bunch of other side plots, but they felt so scattered that I really didn't see the point.
As for romance, there wasn't much. Charlie and Max love each other, obviously, but they are separated for half the book and the other half is focused on the numerous plots. If it weren't for the plots being so scattered, I would probably like that, but it was just okay. There was a random romance side-plot with some of Charlie's friends, though, that I could deal without.
IN CONCLUSION
I had issues with this sequel, but it wasn't a bad sequel. It was a bit of a mess of a middle-book with it's scattered plots, but the fantasy elements were interesting and I loved seeing more about this world. I did like this book, though not as much as the first, but I plan on reading the next book.
Eternal (Hardcover Ed.): Shadow Falls: After Dark (A Shadow Falls Novel)
Author:
Book Type: Hardcover
2
Author:
Book Type: Hardcover
2
Review Date: 1/26/2016
MY THOUGHTS
I loved all of the Shadow Falls books and the first book in this spin-of series, Reborn, so I wasn't surprised that I loved this book just as much!
This book takes place not too long after the events in Reborn and I was a bit rusty on my memory of that book. Thankfully, it was very easy for me to get into this book. I jumped into this book very smoothly and my memory was quickly refreshed! Della is now bonded with Chase, which isn't very easy for her. Chase is still very mysterious and never answers any of Della's questions, though Della is still attracted to him (if asked she will deny it). We do still have a bit of a love triangle with Chase and Steve. Steve is Della's boyfriend and we see less of him in this book. Chase is in the book much more mostly due to the fact that Chase and Della are working together on a case. Frankly, I can't decide between the two...
This time Della sees yet another ghost and has another mystery to solve. This ghost is constantly telling Della to "find Natasha". She ends up getting sucked into visions of this girl, Natasha, and a boy, Liam, both vampires trapped and waiting to die. Not unusual except that Della isn't the only one sucked in the vision, Chase is too. The two also firmly believe that Natasha and Liam are still alive and need to be saved, despite the fact that everyone else (Holiday, Burnett, and Kylie) believes that they are dead. Della and Chase have to find out where the two are being held along with going along with what the FRU and Vampire Council are wanting them to do (though, they go against the rules quite a few times of course).
I just need to sit back and just talk about Della. Della is a completely different MC than most YA books. If you have read the Shadow Falls books and Eternal, than you should be very familiar with Della's unique personality. She's badass with a snarky sense of humor and an attitude. It's very interesting to see these books from her point of view.
It's also very interesting and unexpected how much Della's family was involved in this book and the series as a whole. Della looks deeper and finds out things that she has never known about her family and begins to learn more about her father's dark past.
IN CONCLUSION
This was a great next installment in the series! I loved the mystery and it was far from predictable. The book ended in a little mini-cliffhanger, which makes want to read the next book even more!
I loved all of the Shadow Falls books and the first book in this spin-of series, Reborn, so I wasn't surprised that I loved this book just as much!
This book takes place not too long after the events in Reborn and I was a bit rusty on my memory of that book. Thankfully, it was very easy for me to get into this book. I jumped into this book very smoothly and my memory was quickly refreshed! Della is now bonded with Chase, which isn't very easy for her. Chase is still very mysterious and never answers any of Della's questions, though Della is still attracted to him (if asked she will deny it). We do still have a bit of a love triangle with Chase and Steve. Steve is Della's boyfriend and we see less of him in this book. Chase is in the book much more mostly due to the fact that Chase and Della are working together on a case. Frankly, I can't decide between the two...
This time Della sees yet another ghost and has another mystery to solve. This ghost is constantly telling Della to "find Natasha". She ends up getting sucked into visions of this girl, Natasha, and a boy, Liam, both vampires trapped and waiting to die. Not unusual except that Della isn't the only one sucked in the vision, Chase is too. The two also firmly believe that Natasha and Liam are still alive and need to be saved, despite the fact that everyone else (Holiday, Burnett, and Kylie) believes that they are dead. Della and Chase have to find out where the two are being held along with going along with what the FRU and Vampire Council are wanting them to do (though, they go against the rules quite a few times of course).
I just need to sit back and just talk about Della. Della is a completely different MC than most YA books. If you have read the Shadow Falls books and Eternal, than you should be very familiar with Della's unique personality. She's badass with a snarky sense of humor and an attitude. It's very interesting to see these books from her point of view.
It's also very interesting and unexpected how much Della's family was involved in this book and the series as a whole. Della looks deeper and finds out things that she has never known about her family and begins to learn more about her father's dark past.
IN CONCLUSION
This was a great next installment in the series! I loved the mystery and it was far from predictable. The book ended in a little mini-cliffhanger, which makes want to read the next book even more!
Review Date: 5/23/2016
MY THOUGHTS
I loved all of the Shadow Falls books and the first book in this spin-of series, Reborn, so I wasn't surprised that I loved this book just as much!
This book takes place not too long after the events in Reborn and I was a bit rusty on my memory of that book. Thankfully, it was very easy for me to get into this book. I jumped into this book very smoothly and my memory was quickly refreshed! Della is now bonded with Chase, which isn't very easy for her. Chase is still very mysterious and never answers any of Della's questions, though Della is still attracted to him (if asked she will deny it). We do still have a bit of a love triangle with Chase and Steve. Steve is Della's boyfriend and we see less of him in this book. Chase is in the book much more mostly due to the fact that Chase and Della are working together on a case. Frankly, I can't decide between the two...
This time Della sees yet another ghost and has another mystery to solve. This ghost is constantly telling Della to "find Natasha". She ends up getting sucked into visions of this girl, Natasha, and a boy, Liam, both vampires trapped and waiting to die. Not unusual except that Della isn't the only one sucked in the vision, Chase is too. The two also firmly believe that Natasha and Liam are still alive and need to be saved, despite the fact that everyone else (Holiday, Burnett, and Kylie) believes that they are dead. Della and Chase have to find out where the two are being held along with going along with what the FRU and Vampire Council are wanting them to do (though, they go against the rules quite a few times of course).
I just need to sit back and just talk about Della. Della is a completely different MC than most YA books. If you have read the Shadow Falls books and Eternal, than you should be very familiar with Della's unique personality. She's badass with a snarky sense of humor and an attitude. It's very interesting to see these books from her point of view.
It's also very interesting and unexpected how much Della's family was involved in this book and the series as a whole. Della looks deeper and finds out things that she has never known about her family and begins to learn more about her father's dark past.
IN CONCLUSION
This was a great next installment in the series! I loved the mystery and it was far from predictable. The book ended in a little mini-cliffhanger, which makes want to read the next book even more!
I loved all of the Shadow Falls books and the first book in this spin-of series, Reborn, so I wasn't surprised that I loved this book just as much!
This book takes place not too long after the events in Reborn and I was a bit rusty on my memory of that book. Thankfully, it was very easy for me to get into this book. I jumped into this book very smoothly and my memory was quickly refreshed! Della is now bonded with Chase, which isn't very easy for her. Chase is still very mysterious and never answers any of Della's questions, though Della is still attracted to him (if asked she will deny it). We do still have a bit of a love triangle with Chase and Steve. Steve is Della's boyfriend and we see less of him in this book. Chase is in the book much more mostly due to the fact that Chase and Della are working together on a case. Frankly, I can't decide between the two...
This time Della sees yet another ghost and has another mystery to solve. This ghost is constantly telling Della to "find Natasha". She ends up getting sucked into visions of this girl, Natasha, and a boy, Liam, both vampires trapped and waiting to die. Not unusual except that Della isn't the only one sucked in the vision, Chase is too. The two also firmly believe that Natasha and Liam are still alive and need to be saved, despite the fact that everyone else (Holiday, Burnett, and Kylie) believes that they are dead. Della and Chase have to find out where the two are being held along with going along with what the FRU and Vampire Council are wanting them to do (though, they go against the rules quite a few times of course).
I just need to sit back and just talk about Della. Della is a completely different MC than most YA books. If you have read the Shadow Falls books and Eternal, than you should be very familiar with Della's unique personality. She's badass with a snarky sense of humor and an attitude. It's very interesting to see these books from her point of view.
It's also very interesting and unexpected how much Della's family was involved in this book and the series as a whole. Della looks deeper and finds out things that she has never known about her family and begins to learn more about her father's dark past.
IN CONCLUSION
This was a great next installment in the series! I loved the mystery and it was far from predictable. The book ended in a little mini-cliffhanger, which makes want to read the next book even more!
Review Date: 7/10/2015
MY THOUGHTS
Technically, this book is a companion to another book, [book:Tantalize|353016], but there is hardly anything connecting the two books. To be honest, I wasn't that big of a fan of Tantalize, but I already had a copy of this book, so I decided to read it anyway.
This book has two points of view: Miranda and Zachary. Zachary is a guardian angel and Miranda is his charge. When Miranda ends up being turned into a vampire princess, Zachary loses his wings and becomes a fallen angel. While Miranda is discovering what it's like to be a vampire, Zachary is trying to find a way to save her soul.
I had issues with Zachary from the beginning. I know that he is her guardian angel, but it was annoying that he would call her "my girl", when she didn't know he existed. He was also in love with her. The romance isn't even in the book for a majority of the time. Then they kiss once, near the end, and suddenly they are soulmates. This was very unbelievable.
I was, honestly, okay with the story in the beginning, but it went downhill when the "romance" was introduced. Though, the book is very slow-going. I didn't feel like anything was really happening until the end. The characters are also flat and the dialogue is awkward.
IN CONCLUSION
I wasn't a big fan of this book. Yeah, it wasn't my kind of book to begin with, but the characters, romance, and overall writing didn't help.
The next book is supposed to combine Tantalize and this one, but I do not feel inclined to continue the series.
Review Date: 5/12/2016
MY THOUGHTS
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year! I am so glad to say that this book exceeded my expectations! This was a wonderfully unique novel!
Madeline never leaves her house. She dreams of it, but Madeline has a rare disease in which she is allergic to everything and going outside can kill her. Madeline is used to staying indoors with only books, movies, and board games to keep her company, even if she wishes she could go outside. It's when a new family moves next door that her small world changes. She falls for the son, Olly, and they keep contact with each other, despite the fact that she much never leave her home. But meeting Olly makes Madeline realize that she's not living and more than anything, Madeline wants to live.
I really don't know how to talk about this book without full-on gushing! Everything (ha-ha) was perfect! I started this book late at night, I only meant to start it, but I had to keep going! I adored the writing, the characters, the story, everything. I picked up this book originally after reading the intriguing synopsis! A girl who is allergic to everything is certainly a new idea in the book and a perspective I wanted to see. Add the complicated relationship and I was curious to see how things would work out. The premise was very well-incorporated! It was precisely what I expected and more. The story was enormously realistic, in a new environment. I know I'm just gushing and repeating myself a lot, and I'm sorry for that.
I would also like to mention a nice surprise in the book. There are illustration, notes, and whatnot all throughout the pages. I'm a sucker for these things, so they made me very happy.
Now, Madeline is a fabulous MC. Also, she's a POC, which I feel weird mentioning, but it's so rare in YA and books in general that this just made me very happy. Anyway, Madeline is a very realistic character. Yeah, she has a rare disease, but she felt so real, as with her thoughts and actions. She also has her own flaws, like a normal human being. She makes many mistakes, but all of them are understandable is that makes any sense. It's interesting too, how this book is also a coming of age tale. She has lived a very sheltered life and the introduction to Olly gives her the realization that there's more to life and she's not really living it. I'm having a hard time describing more about her, but she's really a fabulous and strong character, and I love how real she is, while still being a character that stands out from other YA MCs.
As for romance, some people have described it as insta-love, but it's not. Keep in mind that Madeline hardly ever sees anyone and she's immediately interested in this odd boy moving in next door. This only escalates when Olly actually begins communicating with her and doesn't judge her for her disease. Also, their relationship starts as a friendship and then the feelings grow and instead of being cheesy, it's just real (there's that word again). Olly was also kind of adorable and just a fantastic guy!
The ending, though, was a bit odd. There was a twist that I wasn't expecting, but its still made sense and gave the book a very satisfactory ending.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I strongly recommend this book! Everything is amazing about this book! If you want to read a new contemporary that is wonderfully unique, then pick up this book! As for me, I'm looking forward to more books by Nicola Yoon!
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year! I am so glad to say that this book exceeded my expectations! This was a wonderfully unique novel!
Madeline never leaves her house. She dreams of it, but Madeline has a rare disease in which she is allergic to everything and going outside can kill her. Madeline is used to staying indoors with only books, movies, and board games to keep her company, even if she wishes she could go outside. It's when a new family moves next door that her small world changes. She falls for the son, Olly, and they keep contact with each other, despite the fact that she much never leave her home. But meeting Olly makes Madeline realize that she's not living and more than anything, Madeline wants to live.
I really don't know how to talk about this book without full-on gushing! Everything (ha-ha) was perfect! I started this book late at night, I only meant to start it, but I had to keep going! I adored the writing, the characters, the story, everything. I picked up this book originally after reading the intriguing synopsis! A girl who is allergic to everything is certainly a new idea in the book and a perspective I wanted to see. Add the complicated relationship and I was curious to see how things would work out. The premise was very well-incorporated! It was precisely what I expected and more. The story was enormously realistic, in a new environment. I know I'm just gushing and repeating myself a lot, and I'm sorry for that.
I would also like to mention a nice surprise in the book. There are illustration, notes, and whatnot all throughout the pages. I'm a sucker for these things, so they made me very happy.
Now, Madeline is a fabulous MC. Also, she's a POC, which I feel weird mentioning, but it's so rare in YA and books in general that this just made me very happy. Anyway, Madeline is a very realistic character. Yeah, she has a rare disease, but she felt so real, as with her thoughts and actions. She also has her own flaws, like a normal human being. She makes many mistakes, but all of them are understandable is that makes any sense. It's interesting too, how this book is also a coming of age tale. She has lived a very sheltered life and the introduction to Olly gives her the realization that there's more to life and she's not really living it. I'm having a hard time describing more about her, but she's really a fabulous and strong character, and I love how real she is, while still being a character that stands out from other YA MCs.
As for romance, some people have described it as insta-love, but it's not. Keep in mind that Madeline hardly ever sees anyone and she's immediately interested in this odd boy moving in next door. This only escalates when Olly actually begins communicating with her and doesn't judge her for her disease. Also, their relationship starts as a friendship and then the feelings grow and instead of being cheesy, it's just real (there's that word again). Olly was also kind of adorable and just a fantastic guy!
The ending, though, was a bit odd. There was a twist that I wasn't expecting, but its still made sense and gave the book a very satisfactory ending.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I strongly recommend this book! Everything is amazing about this book! If you want to read a new contemporary that is wonderfully unique, then pick up this book! As for me, I'm looking forward to more books by Nicola Yoon!
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