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Almost a hundred years ago, the Enchanters defeated the Lord of the Underworld in one of the most fearsome wars the world had ever seen. The public thinks that this victory means the people are safe. But they’re wrong. The supernatural beasts the Lord unleashed remain on the earth, multiplying and ravaging what’s left of civilization. As long as these monsters exist, mankind will be in danger. And though the government, ruled by the magic-wielding Enchanters, seeks to protect their people, they are too few in number. They need the Defenders – a special class of non-magical humans – to fight the monsters. The Defenders are an elite force, and mankind’s only hope against the horrors that live beyond their gates.
Fourteen-year-old Aurelia “the Firedragon” Sun has been training since she could walk to become a Defender, and her extraordinary combat skills have earned the attention of the powerful government. In fact, she’s been tapped to represent her nation in an international monster-fighting competition, which pits champions from across the globe against creatures of the Underworld in a violent spectacle. If she wins, she will become a full-fledged member of the Defender force.
But as Aurelia moves deeper into the competition, she realizes that all is not as it appears. There’s something sinister behind the competition, something that could change the way she sees everything … and the Enchanters, it seems, are not the heroes she thought. Aurelia begins to ask questions. But before she can discover the truth, she is pitted against the most dangerous monster in the competition – one that will take her life if it can.
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Beautiful Decay
Author: Sylvia Lewis
Paperback
Pages: 304
Published: April 9, 2013
Publisher: Running Press Kit
Overview:
Ellie Miller has always needed her space. Literally. With a touch that rots whatever she encounters, Ellie must keep people at a distance for their own good. Not that her classmates are itching to be best friends with the "freak" of the high school.
So when newcomer Nate MacPherson makes it his mission to get close to her, Ellie has her suspicions. But when he identifies her as a viviomancer who can work the forces of life and reveals himself to be a necromancer who can manipulate death, Ellie finds herself trusting Nate and the romance that is blossoming between them. Unfortunately for the two, family secrets can kill, and they will need more than their abilities to keep a zombie mom and a conglomerate of evil-doing supernaturals under control.
After spending her life pushing everyone away, Ellie's realization of the full extent of her power and willingness to let people get close to her may be the only way to save the ones she loves.
My Take:
I found this little special gem at the bookstore while browsing about! The cover just jumped out at me and said 'read me!' I had to take this book home.
I enjoyed Ellie, the main character quite a bit. Ellie is shunned in town due to her ability which I think takes a toll on her. So she fades in the background as much as she can, keeping to herself. As time goes on as she learns about Nate, the new guy. After hanging out with Nate as best as they can, usually through phone calls, she learns to stand up for herself. She realizes she does not have to be afraid and can control her ability. You will read Ellie being sarcastic quite a bit in the book. THe one thing I did not like was the fact that her mother and father were not very close to Ellie. Her parents did not take the time to be involved in her life as Ellie herself did the same thing.
Nate is a guy who has a lot going on in his life and was surprised that someone like Ellie was in the school that he attended. He tells her things such on matters of his life, the ability he has and what her ability is. Ellie seems to be cool with what he speaks of and takes it all in as best as she can. He is a guy who is straight to the point and swears quite a bit, but is very protective. He dislikes people who get picked on. You will be able to see this in the story and I think it is a great trait for Nate. Nate lives with his mom and she has this special need which Nate takes care. I admired Nate for doing what he does.
Then there's Mackenzie, Ellie's best friend whom she met online. I love those those two connect and tease each other. They are so great! I love how Mackenzie talks of different hair colors she tries and asks for Ellie's input. I can see these two being best friends for life. Mackenzie also has a secret as well which I thought was very, very cool. What will Mackenzie's reaction be if she finds out about Ellie's ability and the drama she is going through? Will she still remain friends or no?
As you get closer towards the end of the book, danger arises! Nate, Ellie and Mackenzie get thrown into a world of action, drama and suspense. The first few pages of the book captured my attention. As I continued to read, I could not put this book down. I had to know what Ellie's world was about and why she was there and what was going to happen to her. It was amazing how the three of them worked together to the best of their knowledge. Ellie is one tough cookie, Mackenzie has that smart gene, and Nate knows enough to get by. The ending was kind of left open which makes me wonder if there will be a sequel! I hope so. So go find this little gem and read!
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Story Rating: A
Cover Rating: A
Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)
by Tahereh Mafi
338 pages
Published November 15th 2011
Publisher: Harper
Overview:
Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war– and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.
My Review:
I must say the cover jumped right out at me as I was browsing through the bookstore one day. Once I read the synopsis, I had to get it. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down until sleep beckoned me to bed.
This is a story I will not forget. The had a great pace and was a wonderful flow with all the events that happen in this book! The story had adventure and snagged my curiosity. I wanted to know what was going to happen to Juliette. The scenes in the book as so vivid that you can picture it all in your head while you read this amazing story.
If you like superpowers or ever imagined to have them, then this book is for you! It had a touch of X-men style in it but it was different and refreshing. It made me wonder if there was any others like Juliette out there. Was that even possible? Anything is possible right? You should pick up the book to find out.
Juliette - who knows how one would react being cooped up in a cell for so long? Everyone reacts differently. For Juliette it was interesting to see how she was in a cell and outside of the cell. I think one would be hesitant to the world and how things were, wouldn't you be that way? As for her powers, I think she's in a state of mind of not using them because she does not want to hurt anyone which I liked. Although a part of me wonders why she did not use them to get away at times? Perhaps she needed confidence or something more to get in a good state of mind? I like her. I think maybe in the next book, she will be like this? I hope so!
Then there's Adam who comes into the picture to somewhat help Juliette but there's more to the story about Adam doing what he does. The whole connection with Juliette and Adam is amazing in the matters of romance and friendship. It made me smile and root them. Why not root for something good? I love Adam's tattoos! The bird on his chest sounds amazing and I love the significance behind it.
Pick up the book today and see what you think!
Cover: A
Story:A
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
His Dark Embrace
Author: Amanda Ashley
Published: June 1, 2012
Publisher: Zebra
Pages: 338
Overview:
Tall, dark, mysterious—and with a faint scar on his cheek that only makes him more gorgeous—Kaiden Thorne is one schoolgirl obsession Skylynn never forgot. Now, returning to her childhood home after eight years, she can’t believe her reclusive neighbor is still living across the street—and hotter than ever. Skylynn doesn’t know how Kaiden manages to stay so young, virile, and impossibly attractive. But she knows she wants him…even if he harbors a fearful secret he refuses to tell her.
When Kaiden sees the beautiful young woman Skylynn has become, he can no longer control the bloodlust that is his true nature. Once he pulls Skylynn into his arms, presses his lips against hers—and accidentally draws blood—he longs for more. Only she possesses what he wants and what he needs. Only she can save him or destroy him. But once Skylynn agrees to help Kaiden battle his darkest desires, there is no turning back.
My Review:
Occasionally I read Amanda Ashely's books as I haven't read her books in a long time. Some are good and some are so so. Yes I occasionally like the vampire romance type of genre.
As the overview is mentioned up above, I liked both characters: Kaiden and Skylynn. Of course Skylynn always had a crush on Kaiden when she was growing up. Kaiden seemed to developed a crush for Skylynn when he sees her as a woman. Somehow Skylynn learns of what Kaiden is as the two get close together. At first she was in shock and thought how was it even possible that vampires exist? She did not know what to do but slowly decided to hear Kaiden out. Once Kaiden explained himself to her, things to be calm.
Skylynn brother returns home with amnesia and Kaiden's enemy arrives. Drama peaks up and both Skylynn and Kaiden go on an adventure together. The adventure seemed a bit short paced somehow. Of course there are turns and twists in this story which I did not even see coming. It was a refreshing change of pace for myself to read.
So will Kaiden and Skylynn be together or will one of them bite the dust? Pick up the book today and find out.
I do have to mention the cover is stunning. I like the gold and black together with Kaiden's appearance on it.
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Cover Rating: B
Story Rating: B
