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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 bought this book to read for myself and to give it an honest opinion.
Life After Theft
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Hardcover
Pages: 345
Published: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Overveiw:
Moving to a new high school sucks. Especially a rich-kid private school. With uniforms. But nothing is worse than finding out the first girl you meet is dead. And a klepto.
No one can see or hear Kimberlee except Jeff, so--in hopes of bringing an end to the snarkiest haunting in history--he agrees to help her complete her "unfinished business." But when the enmity between Kimberlee and Jeff's new crush, Sera, manages to continue posthumously, Jeff wonders if he's made the right choice.
My Take:
I've never read any books of Aprilynne Pike until now. My first impression on "Life After Theft" was that it was quite interesting take on a ghost. Most ghost stories that I have read swim towards romance, revenge or horror aspects. In Aprilynne's "Life After Theft" has the ghost geared towards more of realizing how you can affect someone. This book is contemporary with a light touch of paranormal.
First off Jeff moves to a state of the art school that is filled with rich students. He enters the school thinking all will be well. The first person he sees is a girl named Kimberlee who acts really strange to him as he thinks she's playing a joke on him since he's the new kid. Kimberlee is a ghost and has been trying to get someone to notice her for some time now. Jeff is the one who can see and hear Kimberlee! Kimberlee is quite happy about this and then wants Jeff to help her with her unfinished business. Jeff is not so thrilled about this concept since it's about returning all the stuff that Kimberlee stole when she was alive.
As the task begins and Jeff learns the story behind this. Both Jeff and Kimberlee have their good and bad moments. Jeff realizes Kimberlee is not the easy to get along with and was not really nice when she was alive. While dealing with Kimberlee, he also manages to snag a girl named Sera who has issues as well. Jeff learns about the issues of Sera as he sticks with her no matter what Kimberlee says about her. Jeff seems the type of guy giving everyone a chance which I found this to be quite a nice feature. Does Jeff help Kimberlee with the whole thing? Does Kimberlee change? Does the romance between Jeff and Sera actually work?
The book was a fun read. I enjoyed Jeff the most since he was just a great, round guy. Kimberlee took me some time to warm up to. Sera had me curious at times and then I was not sure if I could trust her or not. It was a game of Sera vs Kimberlee for I. Overall the characters were quite interesting and real. I think think book shows you a depth of everyone wanting to fit in somewhere. The plot was quite an adventure since all the characters connect to each other on one level or the other.
If you are looking for a simple and light read, then go pick up this book today. I'm glad I read "Life After Theft!" I look forward more of Aprilynne Pike's work.
PS: The cover is quite interesting!!
Story: B
Cover: B
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read for myself and to give it an honest opinion.
Mercy
Author: Rebecca Lin
Paperback
Pages: 280
Publishing Date: October 19, 2010
Publisher: Disney Press
Overview:
Mercy is an exile from heaven with shattered memories of who she used to be. She's doomed to "wake" repeatedly on earth, each time in a new body, and assuming a new life. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct, and at night her dreams are haunted by her lost love, who pleads with her to find him. This time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen-year-old reeling from the loss of his twin sister, Lauren, who was kidnapped two years ago. Only Mercy and Ryan believe his sister is still alive. For the first time she can remember, Mercy has a purpose: she can help. So she doesn't understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the mystery of Lauren's disappearance, danger looms just one step behind. Will Mercy be able to harness her extraordinary power in time? The first in a dazzling new series, Mercy masterfully weaves romance, mystery, and the supernatural into a spellbinding tale that readers will devour.
My Take
This cover caught my eye as I snatched it up! The story itself I just liked it. It did take me a little time to get into Mercy. Angels are the name of this game which was different for me to read. I tend to read this genre once in a blue moon.
Anyways, Mercy is her name. That is what she calls herself since she cannot remember her name. Although the one things she does remember is a haunting man name Luc who appears in her dreams and promises to be reunited. She often finds herself in new places and bodies as she soul jacks a person. All she knows is she has been going to one person's shell to another and has very faint memories of who she'd been. Mercy also has a power where she can touch a person and see into them of their thoughts and incidents that make them who they are. After learning of this about Mercy it made me wonder why she was in this "doomed" status.
The body Mercy is in is named Carmen. Carmen is a foster child who is in with a family that has their daughter Lauren missing for two years now. Mercy is curious about this. Ryan, who is Lauren's brother is still trying to figure out what happened to her. Mercy joins in Ryan in his hunt of clues and interviewing people. They try to put the pieces together. Suspense hits the spot along with romance and supernatural elements.
At the end of the book it wraps untangles Lauren's disappearance in a nice way. Although it does make you feel a bit sad for Mercy because she has to leave the boy she cared about. The ending did leave me curious. I may try to get the second book.
Go get this book, if you want something different to read!
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Cover: A
Story: B
Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
The Rules
(Project Paper Doll #1)
Author: Stacey Kade
Hardcover
Pages: 416
Published: April 23, 2013
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Overview
1. Never trust anyone.
2. Remember they are always searching.
3. Don’t get involved.
4. Keep your head down.
5. Don’t fall in love.
Five simple rules. Ariane Tucker has followed them since the night she escaped from the genetics lab where she was created, the result of combining human and extraterrestrial DNA. Ariane’s survival—and that of her adoptive father—depends on her ability to blend in among the full-blooded humans in a small Wisconsin town, to hide in plain sight at her high school from those who seek to recover their lost (and expensive) “project.”
But when a cruel prank at school goes awry, it puts her in the path of Zane Bradshaw, the police chief’s son and someone who sees too much. Someone who really sees her. After years of trying to be invisible, Ariane finds the attention frightening—and utterly intoxicating. Suddenly, nothing is simple anymore, especially not the rules
My Take
I loved the cover! That's what attracted me to the story. Once I read what this book was about, I decided to give it a go. The hardcover copy that I purchased was also autographed too! Yay!
The story takes place in high school and of course it has stereotypes of who's he best in the class and such things as that. It's told from Ariane and Zane's point of view throughout the story which I enjoyed. You can get a real feel for Ariane and Zane are thinking and feeling. Both of them are struggling with things. For instance, Ariane constantly battles to stay under the radar and follows the rules that she is told to. Zane tries his best to be the best for his father and never seems to please him. He also misses his mother. Eventually these two meet under high school drama.
The drama in high is dealing with who's who as your friend, bullying and surviving high school. The drama seems to be coming from Rachel, who's a girl who wants to get everything her way no matter what the consequences are. I really did not like her at all. The story really does not go into that much into action except towards the end of the book, leaving it open for another I believe! We do learn a bit more about Adriane's background which I found fascinating. I felt sorry of what Adriane went through and glad that she learns to stand up for herself in many ways.
Adriane and Zane together are amazing. Their witty remarks off of each other is playful and fun. They just fit nicely together. They seem to understand each other a little bit. Do they continue to be friends or no? Will Zane find out about her secret? Will Adriane end their friendship in order to be safe? What will happen?
I never read that much sci-fi genre but this one sure got my attention. Check it out today! Go pick up this book and give it a try. I could not put it down at all. I look forward to the second book. It just totally different and a bit serious on the side.
Story: B
Cover: A
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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!
Dying to Remember The Station #2
Author: Trish Marie Dawson
Format: eBook
Published: December 12, 2012
Publisher: Pretty Little Weeds Publishing
Overview
Piper has new challenges to overcome, new names to learn and is faced with a new Station occupation. Did she make the right choice - choosing to stay at the Station and become a Volunteer? Does she really want answers to the questions that never leave her mind? How did the Station come to be? What lies beyond? Who is Andurush and what, exactly, does he want with Piper?
She must ask herself once again if she has what it takes…but this time it isn't about saving lives, it is about discovering what lies beyond death.
Would you want to know?
My Take
Oh my gosh! This story was amazing. The first book leaves you with a cliffhanger and then picks up onto this next book. I could not put this story down at all. I had an intense desire to read it all the way through.
The story flowed nicely and it was well written. The character Piper goes on another adventure with her job and works hard as she can. When she gets back from her assignment, there's a meeting being called due to her last assignment as this type of incident has never had happened. When Piper hears about it, she's shocked and amazed and curious and confused. Such an emotional roller coaster for her! When I read about this part of the book, I was shocked too but in a good way. So what happens now for Piper?
Remember the hot guy Sloan from the first book? Well he's back in this second one. Piper has feelings for him, will it happen? I like how Sloan and Piper connect on each other's level. They immediately understood each other so well. You got to get the book to find out if they will be together or not. It's another journey in Piper's life.
There's another aspect of the book on the matter's of Piper's job which leads to find out that she is different. How is she different? It's amazing what she finds out of this aspect but at the same time Piper is frustrated and so forth. For me I'm curious about this as I'm sure it will be explored in the next book as I wait in great anticipation with a new character called Rush! I'm curious of this character Rush and how he will come into play.
So go get this book today! You won't regret it. Great book and Trish did a great job. The cover is amazing too even though I have the ebook! I look forward to more.
Cover: A
Story:A
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The Medium (Emily Chambers Spirit Medium Trilogy #1)
by C.J. Archer
ebook,
260 pages
Published July 2nd 2012 by Oz Books (first published June 30th 2012)
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Whisper by Alyson Noel
Publisher: Square Fish
Publication Date: 4/24/2012
Pages: 240
Overview
This time, Riley might really have bitten off more than she’s ready for. After practically begging the Council for a more challenging Soul Catch, she is assigned an actual Roman gladiator—Theocoles, the Pillar of Doom. How is Riley, a skinny twelve-year-old, supposed to get through to him? Then she meets the beautiful Messalina, who convinces her that her only chance is to become part of this world. To accomplish this, Messalina helps Riley through a dramatic, mystical makeover, transforming her into the beautiful and mature teen she’s always wanted to be. Finally, Riley can experience her first boyfriend and her first kiss. With a dream this enchanting, will she ever want to leave?
My Take
I love the Riley Bloom series. Each book that I've read about Riley Bloom are adventures filled with various stories of her being a Soul Catcher and adjusting to it. This book was sweet and well paced! Riley learns to deal with Theocoles as it ties in with Messalina. A few themes sprouted out of the adventure that Riley goes on such as forgiveness, romance/crushes and a bit of history (after all it does relate to Roman times).
Even though these series are geared towards 9-12 year olds. I enjoyed them. This is a great way for tweens to read! The writing is smooth as silk. Reading about Riley always makes a smile upon my lips to see how she is doing and what she learns. All the covers are so stunning and the colors that are placed on them..wow!
So pick up the series today. Be sure to check out the links below.
(Short Review)
Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach
Publisher: Penguin Group USA Incor
Date: 3/31/2011
Pages: 304
Overview
Caitlyn Monahan knows she belongs somewhere else. It's what her dead mother's note suggested, and it's what her recurring nightmares allude to. Desperate to flee these terrifying dreams-and her small town-she accepts a spot at a boarding school in France. Only, when she arrives, her nightmares get worse. But then there are her amazing dreams, so vivid and so real, with visits from an alluring, mysterious, and gorgeous Italian boy from the 1500s. Caitlyn knows they are soul mates, but how can she be in love with someone who exists only in her dreams? Then, as her reality and dream world collide, Caitlyn searches for the real reason why she was brought to this school. And what she discovers will change her life forever.
My Take
The main character Caitylyn was very realistic and likable character. I could understand how Caityln felt going to a new school, who hasn't felt like that? Get those butterflies of nervousness in our tummies and then slowly trying to make friends. I'm sure we all have been there. I know I have!
I loved how she connected with Raphel. I felt like this book had a bit of time traveling though Caitylyn dreams. If you like time traveling, ghost stories, treasure hunting, romance and a bit of gothic, then this book is for you. Yes there is a treasure hunting aspect in it which reminded me of Da Vinci Code movie a little bit feel like an adventure.
Love being in a different time and can't really savor it since of the time differences is heart wrenching. I love that! Gloom and doom of love and yet is there hope for it to survive?
Historical aspect was written very well with detail. The author did well with this. I hope to read more of her books down the road.
Cover Rating: B
Story Rating: A
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Timeless by Alexandra Monir
Randhom House Children's Books
3/13/2012
304 pages
Overview:
When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.
My View:
Time traveling!!! This book had me wrapped around its finger. I read it in two days. I could feel what Michele, the main character was going through emotionally along the adventures she embarked on with time traveling. It was also interesting to see what family secrets Michele uncovered. Music is even mentioned in this book which is another thumbs up.
Other characters being mentioned in this book were amazing aw well. You could see and feel their personalities. I also enjoyed the characters, Philip and Lily. Great characters over all. I look forward to more!
The history that is mentioned in this book is awesome too. You get a feel for what it is like back then in the early 19th century. A great historical and supernatural book. Pick it up today to read.
The cover is stunning. I so cannot wait to see the second book's cover was well as the story. Keep up the fantastic work Alexandra!!
Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A
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So I have finished Wake Unto Me...a review will be coming soon!
Currently reading: The Immortal City....
Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
When Rose Wakes by Christopher Golden
Publisher: Mtv Books
Publication Date: September 28, 2010
Pages: 320
Overview:
Her terrifying dreams are nothing compared to the all-too-real nightmare that awaits. . . .Ever since sixteen-year-old Rose DuBois woke up from months in a coma with absolutely no memories, she’s had to start from scratch. She knows she loves her two aunts who take care of her, and that they all used to live in France, but everything else from her life before is a blank.Rose tries to push through the memory gaps and start her new life, attending high school and living in Boston with her aunts, who have seriously old world ideas. Especially when it comes to boys. But despite their seemingly irrational fears and odd superstitions, they insist Rose not worry about the eerie dreams she’s having, vivid nightmares that she comes to realize are strangely like the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. The evil witch, the friendly fairies, a curse that puts an entire town to sleep—Rose relives the frightening story every night. And when a mysterious raven-haired woman starts following her, Rose begins to wonder if she is the dormant princess. And now that she’s awake, she’s in terrible, terrible danger. . . .
My Take
Retelling of Sleeping Beauty in the modern times with a twist here and there! I enjoyed the book. Of course when Rose awakens and can't remember anything, she relearns everything on her own. I love how Rose is sweet but also learns to stand up for herself as well with the dealings of high school, her aunts and herself. She's a powerful character. Of course we know the prince usually rescues the princess but in this version he doesn't act like that. Rose and the character who is to be the prince actually have a relationship which was very nice to see. Each page was amazing. I rarely read fairytales that are retold and I"m glad I read this one. You got to pick up this book and read it today!
Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: B
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Disclaimer: Read this book that was donated by Story Siren blogger before it was shipped off a book basket for a donation
Abandon by Meg Cabot
Publisher: Scholastic Inc
Publication Date: 4/26/2011
Pages: 320
Overview:
Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.
But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid. Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.
My Take
This book was sent to me by Story Siren who donated it to the book baskets I"m putting together for the silent auction that I'm attending to! So when I saw the book out of the package, I knew this book was in to read pile and this was my chance to read it before it would be shipped off for the auction! I'm glad I got a chance to read it.
The book was filled with mystery and fantasy. Romance seems to pop up a bit but that becomes consistent later in the book, I think. I love how through out the book Pierce realizes there's something more than meets the eye of what is happening to her. Pierce is a character that draws danger to her as well as drawing John in.
Memories of Pierce come and go throughout the book which helped me to understand where Pierce is right now along with John in the picture. The relationship between John and Pierce seems be hot and cold which I dare wonder if it will meet up in the middle in the next book? And the danger that is after Pierce makes me wonder how that will go in the next book? Will she be safe or no?
John, I am curious of his past and how he came to be who he is. Hope to see that in the next book.
The book left me wanting to know what as going to happen to Pierce and John. Plus the description of the necklace sounds amazing which makes me want to have one! The second book is in my To Read Pile.
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Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: B+
Disclaimer: I won this book to read in exchange for an honest opinion!
A Strange Fire by L.H. Cosway
Overview:
Flo has always had problems. Her stammer prevents her speech and her dad’s abuse makes her life a living hell. Not to mention she sees colors other people don’t.
When her dad decides to ship her off to live with her grandma in the sleepy town of Chesterport, Flo thinks that this is her chance for a better life. But on her very first day at her new school she is ridiculed and laughed at for having a stammer. One student sticks up for her and his name is Frank.
Frank’s body is surrounded by an aura of fire, but Flo is the only one who can see it. He lives in a foster home for troubled teenagers. Flo is drawn to him because he’s different and so is she.
Things are about to get scary, because Chesterport is not your ordinary suburban town. It’s infested by a coven of dark witches who prey on the young and the elderly. Soon Flo discovers that she’s next on their list of victims, and finds herself fighting a battle she never would have imagined possible.
My View:
I won this eRead book from a contest by the author herself! Happy that I won, I downloaded it to my iPad and began to read. At first, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was surprised to be reeled in so quickly like a month to the flame.
Florence (Flo) starts off with being kind of quiet but throughout the book she gets strong which I love. Flo does have a stutter which makes her interesting. Her ability to see auras of people seems to increase while she is living in Chesterport which I thought was neat but what brought that on? To see her go through such battles and come out stronger is amazing.
Frank, something about him is great when he gets in a protective mode of Florence. I loved that! Of course he has a bad boy vibe along with a strong bond with his foster brothers which is quite the character. The connection Frank has with Florence was interesting and left me in question of what was Frank? Was he human or no?
Besides Florence and Frank, there are other characters in this book that have supernatural elements to them which made me guess throughout the book until it was revealed. Wow! I'm not telling what the elements were. Plus there are other moments that were filled with emotion as to the simple things in life. I loved how sometimes simple things can make a difference in a character and life. The book has romance, high school drama, supernatural elements, action, horror, and heart breaking moments which were all nice done. The Buffy the Vampire references came across in this book made me squeal! Oh my! (Yes, I have watched Buffy the Vampire and Angel.) Thank you L.H. Cosway!!
The ending left me in question of whether or not there would be a sequel! If so, then I'm ready to read more since questions are swirling around in my head.
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Fateful by Claudia Gray
Publisher: HarperCollins Publisher
Publication Date: 9/13/2011
Pages: 336
Overview:
Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.
Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .
Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.
My Take
So I bought this book because it was related to Titanic and for some reason any Titanic stories catch my attention quite easily. The cover of the book that I have is the blue one. I posted both cover styles because they are both amazing. Anyways, I barely even saw the review that this book had werewolves in it until I actually read the book. That's a first for me not to see the supernatural elements in the book until I read it and it was fun! I actually read this book in one day, I just could not put it down.
The beginning of book caught my attention right away with Tess! I love how the book revolves around Tess's adventure on the Titanic as a servant and woman. I could empathize with her and how her reactions were realistic. Of course, Tess finds out that Alec is a werewolf and somehow feels naturally bonded to him. Love blossoms between Alec and Tess considering Alec is wealthy class and Tess isn't. Will it survive? They both go through stages of adventures of good and bad.
Other than Alec fighting to be a werewolf, Mikhail who is from the Brotherhood wants Alec to turn to the dark side of being a werewolf which is one of the stages that Alec goes through in the book. Mikhail also threatens Tess as well. This is the one of the dark aspects in the book other than knowing that the ship will sink. I love that there are supernatural elements aboard the Titanic!
The book mainly focuses on Tess and Alec but other characters come into play! Myriam who's Tess's bunkmate plays a nice character as well as George who fancies Myriam and works for the Titanic. Then there are Alec's father, the Lisle's and Ned. All the characters in the book are compelling and powerful!
As you know the Titanic sinks, but it is interesting to see who lives or dies! Another fantastic read! Pick it up today and you won't be sorry you read it.
Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A
Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Overview
Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she’s seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.
As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.
And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia’s not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.
My Take
I was captivated by the entire story line. Sure the first two chapters took me a while to get into but after that I couldn’t put it down. I’d say the supernatural elements grabbed my attention along with the main characters: Hayden and Theia who has the most concentration on in the story. If you like supernatural and romance, then this book is for you. Of course there are other characters in the book such as Varnie, Amelia, Gabe, and Donny along with Theia’s dad and Hayden’s mother.
Theia to me has a softness to her overall until Hayden comes into the picture where she learns to grow to be strong. Attraction is instant between the two! They meet together through dreams but also in a place called Under. Hayden has a hot and cold nature towards Theia which makes him more attractive to Theia, I think. Theia tries to figure Hayden out regarding to his actions and manners.
Other characters in this book are Amelia, Donny, Gabe, Varnie, Theia’s dad and Hayden’s mother. Amelia and Donny are Theia’s friends who are both great characters as well. Amelia is a gal who is into tarot reading and has a sweet personality as Donny is more brazen and realistic on things. I’m not sure where Gabe falls in but he seems to be a popular kid in the school who likes Donny. Varnie is another character who is a psychic and I think likes Amelia for some reason.
The book is just filled with twists and turns and I cannot wait to read the next book to see what happens next! There was a line in the book that made a reference to Twilight which made me laugh.
Publisher: Penguin Group USA Incor
Pages: 336
Author: Gwen Hayes
Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A
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