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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read for myself and to give it an honest opinion.
Unraveling (Unraveling #1)
Author: Elizabeth Norris
Paperback
480 Pages
Published: April 23, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Overview
Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.
But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.
My Take
I attended a book signing where Elizabeth Norris was there! I decided to give her book a try. She was promoting the sequel to Unraveling so I decided to get the first book to see if I liked it. I did get the paperback book signed which is always awesome to do. It was fun to meet her and the other authors that were there as well. I had an open mind when I began to read this book.
Janelle is a teenager who lives with her mother, father and brother. Her life looks great on the outside to everyone but inside it is chaos. Her mother is bipolar and is constantly taken care of. Her father works long hours and is rarely home to help out when needed. What it boils down is that Janelle does most of the work around the house. She is almost taking on second mom duties. She gets along with her brother great as I loved their relationship with each other. She is just an amazing character. Pretty busy life, Janelle has!
One day things all seem normal until Janelle dies and then comes back to life! Well that sure got my attention. It took Janelle a while to put the pieces together on what had happened to her. When she figures it all out, it's quite a shock considering it is also related to her father's work. She began to snoop and let her interest fall into the depths of investigating. She is one smart cookie! Even I was shocked when I read what had happened to Janelle. This point in the book left me wanting to know more! So that required more reading.
She also did not expect to fall in love with Ben. Ben is quite the guy. He's a quiet guy around at the school. Even though the spark is there for Ben and Janelle! They know there is work to be done to solve the mystery and save the world. While trying to solve the mystery, they uncover some gruesome scenes which is a combination of science fiction and paranormal. It was different and unique. There is trust, devotion and love between Ben, Janelle and others when they go through this adventure together. All relationships have those components and I loved how this was shown in the book through the good and the bad events that happen.
Adventure goes to one thing after another. You get the action, the drama, the love, the hardships and choices that are hard to make. All the emotions explode in this book! I was feeling quite a bit of things. You will fall in love with the story and the characters. I loved how Janelle learns the secret of Ben and his friends which was awesome. The way it unfolded was not what I expected. Janelle is such a strong character considering what she has been through. Some people would not be that strong.
I'm not going to give any of the spoilers out and about on this book because it is so great. Plus I want you to go get it. It's different and had me hooked on from the first chapter. There is one line that everyone talks about that Ben says and I totally agree with them that it is such a fantastic line! Curious what it is? You'll have to go get it.
I am so getting the next book in this series! Thanks for Elizabeth Norris for writing such an amazing story. Plus it was lovely to meet you too!
Liz and I at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville, IL
Story: B
Cover: B
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Disclaimer: I was given this ebook to read by the author in exchange for an honest review and opinion.
Sunshine
Sunshine Series #1
Author: Nikki Rae
Format: eBook
Pages: 330
Published: January 28, 2013
Overview
18 year old Sophie Jean is pretty good at acting normal. Sure, she’s not exactly happy, but happiness is nothing compared to being like everyone else. She can pretend she’s not allergic to the sun. She can hide what her ex-boyfriend did to her. She can cover up the scars she’s made for herself. Ignore anything. Forget anything. Then Myles enters her life, and he has more than a few secrets of his own. When accident after accident keeps happening to Sophie, she can’t help noticing that he’s everywhere. That he knows too much. That she’s remembering too much.
It’s one thing covering up her own dark past, but does she really need to worry about people finding out just how much Myles likes her? Or that despite how much she doesn’t want to repeat past mistakes, she kind of likes him back? Not to mention the fact that she now has to conceal that Myles drinks blood-that he says he’s about four hundred years old. She almost forgot about that part.
But Sophie has no plans to ruin the normal life she has created for herself. She can deal with this little glitch, no problem. Even if word has gotten around to the wrong vampire about Sophie and Myles, even if she’s putting the few people she loves at risk. Suddenly, those who were monsters before are just people, and the monsters? They’re real. Now being a normal human being is the least of her problems. Now she has to stay alive.
My Take
The author contacted me to have me review her book and so I did. I was given a synopsis of the book as it grabbed my attention. The story is a sweet paranormal!
Once I started reading this book, I realized how interesting Sophie was. She is type of gal who is quite strong with putting a front to not let anyone know how much pain she is in. I felt sorry for her of the things that she had been through and yet wanted her to get some type of happiness! She deserved some happiness as her mother seems to be evil. How could a mother act that way? What was wrong with her thinking and the way she acted towards Sophie? I really did not like her at all.
Sophie has some great friends though who kept her strong in the things she did. Sophie does not tell her friends everything because she is afraid of being rejected. Myles enter the picture as there is a connection between him and Sophie. Myles and Sophie slowly took time to connect with each other. I loved this. When they finally tell each other their secrets, it seems to give a sense of relief but at the same time they both wonder if the other still wants to be with them.
Each chapter has a line from a song or movie which was pretty neat to see. The book itself I would say it's suited for Young Adult and New Adult! It's a quick and sweet read with tons of emotions in it. It has a rather unique storyline and it is not like Twilight at all. I look forward to more on this author. Please give it a go.
Story Rating: B
Cover Rating: B
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Clockwise (Clockwise 1)
Author: Elle Strauss
Format: eBook
Pages: 290
Published: November 21, 2011
Publisher: ESB Publishing
Overview
Casey Donovan has issues: hair, height and uncontrollable trips to the 19th century! And now this—she’s accidentally taken Nate Mackenzie, the cutest boy in the school, back in time. Awkward.
Protocol pressures her to tell their 1860 hosts that he is her brother and when Casey finds she has a handsome, wealthy (and unwanted) suitor, something changes in Nate. Are those romantic sparks or is it just “brotherly” protectiveness?
When they return to the present, things go back to the way they were before: Casey parked on the bottom of the rung of the social ladder and Nate perched high on the very the top. Except this time her heart is broken. Plus, her best friend is mad, her parents are split up, and her younger brother gets escorted home by the police. The only thing that could make life worse is if, by some strange twist of fate, she took Nate back to the past again.
Which of course, she does.
My Take
Casey is quite a character in this book. She time travels since she was 9 years old and has adjusted to it. She adjusts her time between high school, home life, social life and time traveling. She is a very down to earth character and is quite lovable. She is also thinks quickly on her feet given the situations she gets in.
So she gets ready to time travel and somehow ends up taking Nate with her! Well this was a first time and was quite a shock! She of course has a crush on Nate as well. I think it's more of a love and dislike relationship with Nate due to the fact that Nate's girlfriend so does not like Casey. Anyways, Nate at first thinks it's a prank and does not believe it's 1860. Once reality hits Nate, he's shocked and curious at the same time. I think he realizes he had to depend on Casey and the way she took gumption of the situation was great. Do they become friends or enemies when they go back to the normal time? You must read this book to find out.
I love love love the history aspect of this! It allows you to understand history more of how United States was back in 1860! You get a peek of farm life, family life, racism, no transportation and even a bit of sexism pops up. All of these aspects you see in the book and really gives you a sense of it was back in 1860. I enjoyed it!
There are a few other surprises in the book related to the character Samuel which caught me off guard! You'll like this little surprise. The other characters in the book help the story along perfectly. The story is well written and you won't regret reading this book today. If you are looking for something simple and fun to read then this book is for you. I liked it because it was time traveling, adventure, friendship, historical and even perhaps a bit of romance?
Story: A
Cover:B
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Disclaimer: I bought this ebook to read to give it an honest opinion!
Dying To Forget (The Station #1)
Author: Trish Marie Dawson
Edition: Kindle
143 Pages
Published: August 3, 2012
Overview
"...With trembling fingers, I reach up and touch the hard and chiseled contours of his chest while Ryan's large and strong hands roam over my entire body, feeling and squeezing everything. I've never been touched like this before and my insides are starting to freak out.
"I want you, Piper," he murmurs into my neck.
My mouth drops open in surprise and even though my brain seems to be telling me to jump and run out of the room, I’m unable to move, stuck firmly to the same place on the mattress. With my nerves on high alert, I glance at the door repeatedly, sure that someone will come bursting through it at any second but the steady thumping of the music downstairs reminds me that no one can hear what is happening in this room. No one cares that Ryan Burke took me, of all people, into a bedroom. That realization hits me suddenly. Oh. My. God. What am I doing here?"
Piper Willow dies the summer after her high school graduation but she doesn’t make it to Heaven or Hell…instead she finds herself in a spiritual terminal called the Station. She’s given only two choices: Return to Earth as the subconscious for a person in need of some outside assistance, or move on and spend an eternity lost in her own sorrow and pain.
Does Piper have what it takes to save a life - to be the nagging voice inside someone else’s head - or will she fail and end up lost and tormented in limbo...forever?
My Take
This story was quick for me but I enjoyed it a great deal. This lovely gem covered some major issues that teens go through but the main issue that pops up is suicide. This is a tough subject to cover but the author handles it with great care. I did think how or what could drive someone to consider suicide while reading this story but I was mostly focused on the main character Piper and her journey.
Piper is the main character who is quite an a regular teen but with issues. The things she goes through in life makes her unique and a tough cookie, but sadly Piper decides to puts her flame out. It was a heart wrenching decision. Things change once Piper ends up at the Station. I liked this concept a great deal! To have another place to go other than heaven or hell is quite interesting to me. I'm sure the concept has been done but I think the way Trish explains what The Station is makes you think there is another chance to be happy with aspiration. So what choice does Piper make? Does she go to earth as a subconscious for a person who needs help or does she spend an eternity lost in her pain? The decision she makes is quite cool.
The story was so good that I'm not giving you the whole thing because I WANT you to go get it and read it! Although I must say there Piper's mentor who seems to be interesting. I am curious of his story. I wonder if the author will do his story but back to this book! One other character that popped out at me was Sloan and it was quite fascinating!! Each page of the story was filled with such wonderful writing as it held my attention in the late hours of when I was reading! I got lost in this story and finished it. The ending left me wanting more! It was a cliffhanger! It was amazing. I want more and I will have more of this Piper's story.
The cover is stunning. It popped out at me when I was browsing online. I want those boots from the cover. Someone get them for me? The cover and the synopsis sealed the deal for me so I had to purchase this book for my iPad. I'm so glad I did. I would have loved to have a paper copy of the book as well. I enjoy having both copies: paper and electronic. :)
Cover: A
Story: A
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
(Various covers of the books)
The Future of Us
Author: Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler
Paperback,
356 pages
Published January 5th 2012
by Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
Overview
It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.
By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.
My Review
This story was fast paced and quirky! The cover caught my eye and after I read the back of the book of what the story was about, I decided to give it a go!
The whole idea of finding about yourself in 15 years is quite something! I wouldn't mind a peek, wouldn't you? So this is what happens with Emma and Josh. They somehow get a blast into the future with Facebook and see where they are. They try to figure out what they want in life for the future. Decisions that you make now will affect your future, how true that is! Will Josh and Emma succeed in what they want for the future?
I love the talk of the 90s from this book, reminds me of my days of high school and a bit of college. I kind of miss it. The good ole days!
The book goes back and forth between Josh and Emma which I liked a great deal but at times it seemed a little slow too. You can actually understand and feel each character. It's a fun, unique and quick read. Give it a shot if you are interested in this type of book. I did and glad I did since it allowed me to have a bit of variety in my reading diet.
Story: B
Cover: B
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Artwork up above is by Victoria Frances.
Here are some recommendations to read for teens in the vampire genre.
Falling From Eternity by Megan Duncan (YA)
For William, life was as wicked and malicious as the beast he was trying destroy. Decades spent living a life of extravagance, domination and ravenous hunger haunted him. But when you live forever, the past never stays buried. And that which wishes to control you, will never let you go. William thought he found his escape, his one and only love, but the thing he fears the most could be the only thing that saves them. Or, it could doom them all
Crossroads (Crossroads Academy #1) by J.J. Bonds (YA)
When Katia enrolled at Crossroads Academy she knew things weren’t exactly going to be easy. The sole heir to the worlds’ most powerful vampire, her presence was bound to cause a stir. But nothing could have prepared her for this. Whispers follow everywhere she goes. So does trouble.
Red Dawn (Crossroads Academy #2) By J.J. Bonds (YA)
Katia’s done running. She’s fought fiercely to protect her identity, her secrets, and those she loves most. And while it hasn’t been easy, she’s finally making peace with the past. Katia’s even looking forward to the start of a new school year at Crossroads Academy.
Look for Me by Moonlight by Mary Downing Hahn
When the mysterious Vincent Morthanos arrives to stay at her father's inn, 16-year-old Cynda is mesmerized. His charm and sensitivity are irresistible. His attentiveness is constant. Cynda's sure she's in love. Daring to hope that the stranger shares her feelings, Cynda is innocently blind to who he really is--or to the terrible danger of coming under his spell.
iDrakula by Bekka Black
18-year-old Jonathan Harker is diagnosed with a rare blood disorder after visiting a Romanian Count. His girlfriend Mina and a pre-med student named Van Helsing team up to investigate the source of the disease. The teenagers discover a horrifying truth: the Count is a vampire. The harrowing events unfold through emails, text messages, web pages, Twitter feeds, and instant messaging-the natural modernization of Bram Stoker's original Dracula, which was written in letters, diary entries, and news clippings.
ReVamped (Angel Creek #1) by Ada Adams
A simple mission turned deadly. Nineteen-year-old vampire Dawn has led a sheltered life within the confines of her father’s presidential headquarters. Upon being sent on a mission to revamp four goofy misfits into guardians of a peaceful little town of Angel Creek, Dawn believes that all her dreams have finally come true. What starts off as a simple task, turns into something unexpected, changing Dawn’s life forever and leading the action-loving, thrill-seeking vampire teen on a path of mystery, danger and intrigue.
Sunshine by Robin McKinley
There hadn't been any trouble out at the lake for years, and Sunshine just needed a spot where she could be alone with her thoughts. Vampires never entered her mind. Until they found her.
The Vampire Stalker by Allison van Diepen
What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?
Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction.
Slayed by Amanda Marrone
But when the Van Helsings are called to a coastal town in Maine, Daphne’s world is turned upside down. Not only do the Van Helsings find themselves hunting a terrifying new kind of vampire (one without fangs but with a taste for kindergarten cuisine), Daphne meets her first potential BF! The hitch? Her new crush is none other than Tyler Harker, AKA, the son of the rival slayer family. What's a teen vampire slayer to do?
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (Jessica #1) by Beth Fantaskey
Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.
The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause
Zoe is wary when, in the dead of night, the beautiful yet frightening Simon comes to her house. Simon seems to understand the pain of loneliness and death and Zoe's brooding thoughts of her dying mother. Simon is one of the undead, a vampire, seeking revenge for the gruesome death of his mother three hundred years before. Does Simon dare ask Zoe to help free him from this lifeless chase and its insufferable loneliness?
Series Section:
In the Forests of the Night (Den of Shadows #1) by Ameila Atwater-Rhodes
Demon in my View (Den of Shadows #2) by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Shattered Mirror (Den of Shadows #3) by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Midnight Predator (Den of Shadows #4) by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
The Vampire Diaries Series by L.J. Smith
House of Night Series by P.C. Cast
Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer
Blue Bloods (Series) by Melissa de la Cruz
