Sunday Post (8)

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.


Last Week on the Blog: 
Monday: Review of Alanna: The First Test by Tamora Pierce
Tuesday: Review of Shadows by Paula Weston
Wednesday: Back To School HOP
Thursday: Review of The Shade of the Moon by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Friday: Moirai Release Day Blitz
Saturday: Review of Where Beauty Lies (Sophia and Ava London #2) by Elle Fowler

Michelle's books:

No books for me this week! I SERIOUSLY need to catch up on my Netgalley books !! After the websites revamp I looked at my ratings and got so angry at myself! So That's what i'm reading this week!.. and the next.. and the next lol

On a side note: I joined the book sharing site called BookLikes! It's like Goodreads but with a different layout and some different ways of sharing. You can have your own blog to post your reviews and other stuff to, and you can link up your affiliate pages right there on the website! It also can be synced up to goodreads so i'm not letting that slide either! When I post a review or rate a book on Booklikes it transfers it over to my Goodreads account!

I still have alot of work to do to get it organized and set up, but if you want to follow me there, or have me follow you visit me at ThePassionateBookworm1.booklikes.com :) I'd love to have more friends there as well!





Brittany's Books:

Next Week on the Blog:

Monday: Cover Reveal
Tuesday: Undecided!
Wednesday: WOW
Thursday: Undecided!
Friday: Stepping out of your Elemant: Easy by Tammara Weber
Saturday: Nothing at this moment!  :) 

Where Beauty Lies by Elle and Blair Fowler

Where Beauty Lies by
Elle and Blair Fowler

Source: Received a copy from the St. Martin's Griffen in exchange for an honest review, no compensation.
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release date: August 13th, 2013
Series: Book 2 in Sophie and Ava London
Edition: Hardcover
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis via Goodreads: 

The London sisters return in this charming new novel about love, friendship, and the perils of fame. Despite their very public arrest, Ava and Sophia London are about to discover that in L.A. there's no such thing as bad press. Suddenly, they are the hottest "It" girls in town and are one step closer to making their brand, London Calling, a household name. Their newfound celebrity status takes them jet setting to New York City to expand their brand into fashion and home goods. Their first stop is fashion week, where they're about to put on their inaugural fashion show...but not if their rivals have anything to say about it. The same unseen enemies responsible for framing them in L.A. are back - and determined to ruin the sisters for good this time. Can Ava and Sophia find out who's trying to destroy them before it's too late?

I read this book as a stand alone book and enjoyed it.  I did not find myself confused at all because I hadn't read the previous novel.  I have heard that the first Beneath the Glitter is very good.  Contemporary YA is not my usual subgenre but I was pleasantly surprised.   Ava and Sophia are lovable characters that are relatable to a woman at any age.  They are extremely dedicated to their work and want to make it in the fashion scene.  BUT don't worry this isn't a book just about fashion!  There is quite a plot to this story and I unexpectedly found myself very invested in the story.

Even though this book wasn't in my usual genre, I still enjoyed it.  It wasn't just about clothes, cute boys and money, there was a plot.  There was a decent amount of  romance but plenty of mystery and betrayal, enough of a mix to keep you reading!  However, the book was based on some pet nappers and that idea seemed a little juvenile to me.  Again, I am used to paranormal problems like a rogue werewolf or something!

I would recommend Where Beauty Lies to people that like contemporary YA's like Lauren Conrad L.A. Candy series.   If you liked that series, you will love this one.  It is also very similar to the problems that are found in Gossip Girl.

Moirai Release Day Blitz!

Moirai by Ruth Silver (Book 2)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science-Fiction

Goodreads

Summary:

Olivia has been on the run from the government of Cabal since the marriage ceremony. Finally settling in and finding herself a place to call home, in Shadow, Olivia and Joshua are preparing for the uprising that they and the rebel alliance have been planning for months.

With new abilities and special talents, from Mindonsiphan, Olivia learns that she can do more than most ordinary eighteen year olds. Learning both to hide and perfect her skills will be one of the biggest challenges she'll be forced to face.

A constant rollercoaster of emotion and adventure await Olivia and Joshua, as they embark on a journey to the rebel city of Torv, and what was once home, Genesis.

Excerpt:

“He wants her thrown in the dumpster.” I grimaced as I approached the mattress. “Help me.” I gestured towards the body. “I can't carry her on my own.” Even if I could, I wasn't doing this alone.

“I'm not throwing her away like garbage!” Lisa crossed her arms. “Think of something else, Jacqueline.”

“We could grab some wood, wrap her body, and burn her.” I glanced around the small bedroom. It was mostly empty, except for the dresser against the wall. There were no trinkets, no signs of another life outside of Genesis. I couldn't help but wonder if anyone missed her from back home.

“How are we going to do that without getting caught?” Lisa asked.

“I don't know. Craynor will know we did it.” We were the ones that were told to throw the body away.

“We could find a place in the far end of the lot and bury her.”

Lisa frowned. “No, I like the idea of burning her body. We'd be making a statement. Anita would have approved.”

“If we get caught, we'll be killed,” I reminded her. So much for staying out of trouble.

“He's killing his servants. You don't think that demands attention?” Lisa huffed. “I would have liked to know what I was getting involved in before I worked here.”

“It wasn't like you had a choice.” I reminded her bitterly. That was what we were fighting for: our freedom to make choices. Whether they were right or wrong, they were our choices to make.

“Even so,” Lisa scoffed, “she deserves more than being thrown away like a piece of trash.”

Footsteps clomped through the hallway, just outside the door. “Well whatever we decide, we need to do it fast.”

Other Books in the Series

Aberrant by Ruth Silver (Book 1)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science-Fiction

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Summary:

In the future Dystopian society of Cabal, the government instills equality for all and offers its citizens the perfect system. There is food, shelter and jobs for everyone. The one requirement is to follow the rules without question, including the government's match in marriage and "The Day of the Chosen", a lottery that randomly selects families to conceive children as natural means hasn't existed in generations. Following her eighteenth birthday, Olivia Parker accepts her requirement to marry her childhood best friend, Joshua Warren, and is eager to start her work assignment and new life when it all comes abruptly to an end as she's arrested and thrown in prison. The only crime committed, her existence. Olivia is unlike the rest of the world born not from "The Day of the Chosen." The truth haunts the government and puts her life in grave danger as one simple fact would destroy the perfect system. 

With Joshua's help, Olivia breaks free of prison and is forced on the run. Together they set out to find the promised rebel town in search of a new home and new life together. Their situation seems less than promising as they reach the town of Haven. New rules and customs must be adhered to in order to stay. Leaving would mean most certain death in the large expanse of the Gravelands. Time is running out as the government mounts an attack to destroy Olivia and bury her secret with her. Thrown into a world unlike their own, they must quickly adapt to survive.

About the Author:

Ruth Silver attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication in the spring of 2005.  While in college, she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, Deuces are Wild, which she self-published in 2004.  Her favorite class was Creative Writing senior year where she often handed in assignments longer than the professor required because she loved to write and always wanted to finish her stories.  Her love of writing led her on an adventure in 2007 to Melbourne, Australia.  Silver enjoys reading, photography, traveling and most of all writing.  She loves dystopian and fantasy young adult stories.  Her debut novel published by Lazy Day Publishing, ABERRANT, was released April 2013.  The second novel in the series, MOIRAI, continues the saga. Ruth has been actively writing since she was a teenager.  She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.

            You can visit her online at http://writeawaybliss.com.

Author Follow Links:

Website: http://writeawaybliss.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/writeawaybliss

Facebook: http://facebook.com/writeawaybliss

Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/ruthsilver

Giveaway

1 signed ARC Aberrant (US only)

1 Any book up to $10 from Amazon or Book Depository (Open Intl)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Shade of the Moon ( Life as we knew it #4 ) by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Source: Edelwiess

* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an Honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release date: August 13th, 2013
Series: Life As We Knew It #4
Edition: Ebook, 304 pgs
Genre: Young Adult/ Post Apocalyptic / Survival
Rating: 1/5

It's been more than two years since Jon Evans and his family left Pennsylvania, hoping to find a safe place to live, yet Jon remains haunted by the deaths of those he loved. His prowess on a soccer field has guaranteed him a home in a well-protected enclave. But Jon is painfully aware that a missed goal, a careless word, even falling in love, can put his life and the lives of his mother, his sister Miranda, and her husband, Alex, in jeopardy. Can Jon risk doing what is right in a world gone so terribly wrong.

I really wanted to like this one. I did. I LOVED the rest of the series. It was heart wrenching and honest and had amazing characters. The Shade of The Moon however, fell completely flat for me. 

Jon grew into a completely unlikable character. I honestly couldn't stand him, and as the story went on I liked him less and less. Even when he was trying to redeem himself.. I just didn't care. For me to enjoy a book I also need to at least kind of like the the character. They can have faults sure.. but there was pretty much nothing I liked about Jon anymore. 

It was awkward for me to go from an entire series that focused on Miranda to her barely being in the story at all. I feel like the story took a completely different turn that left me, and probably other readers thrown for a loop. 

The story felt like an unneeded addition to a series that was amazing as it was. I pretty much wish I had stopped at book #3 and let myself believe that was how it ended. Most of the time even if I didn't love the series, I push through to finish it so that I can see how it all wraps up and what happens to the characters. I really wish I hadn't with this one. 

I definitely recommend the rest of the Series. But I would pause before reading #4 :/ 

I hate rating a book 1 star, But that was my honest opinion of the book. I understand that everyone has the right to a difference of opinion, so if you read this book and enjoyed it please feel free to say so in the comments.

Miranda’s disbelief turns to fear in a split second when a meteor knocks the moon closer to the earth. How should her family prepare for the future when worldwide tsunamis wipe out the coasts, earthquakes rock the continents, and volcanic ash blocks out the sun? As summer turns to Arctic winter, Miranda, her two brothers, and their mother retreat to the unexpected safe haven of their sunroom, where they subsist on stockpiled food and limited water in the warmth of a wood-burning stove.

Told in journal entries, this is the heart-pounding story of Miranda’s struggle to hold on to the most important resource of all--hope--in an increasingly desperate and unfamiliar world.

Back to School Hop YA BOOKS

Title: Untraceable

Series: The Nature of Grace, Book One

Genre/Keywords: Contemporary Thriller

Length: 315 pages Extras: Blog Tour

Release date: Print: November 29, 2011 – ebook: November 15, 2011

ebook ISBN: 978-0-9847991-0-7

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9847991-2-1

Purchase: Amazon paperback & ebook signed copies Barnes & Noble local indie bookstore

Summary: Grace grew up in the woods. When her forest ranger dad disappears on patrol, she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove he’s alive. Torn between a hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the wilderness to find her dad. Soon, Grace is caught in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. It will take more than a compass and motorcycle for this tough heroine to save all she loves.

Praise for Untraceable:

"This thrilling story is a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception and teen romance. The action flows like a brisk mountain stream interspersed with rapids, holding suspense to last page." - Kirkus Reviews

“Johannes has done a marvelous job of creating a suspense-filled mystery with surprises that keep you guessing all the way to the end. Untraceable is a thoroughly engrossing and riveting page-turner.” - IndieReader

"This story is action-packed and very funny in some parts. There is even a bit of young romance...There is a strong message of wildlife conservation, so it is somewhat educational in that aspect." - Readers Favorite

"Grace is a spunky, independent, nature girl who doesn't need a boy to save her. With wilderness survival, a juicy love triangle, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster, this fast-paced novel had me holding my breath until the very last page—and still begging for more!" -Kimberly Derting, author of Body Finder series (Harper Teen)

 

About the Author:

S.R. Johannes is the award-winning author of the Amazon bestselling thriller series, The Nature of Grace (Untraceable and Uncontrollable). Unstoppable (book 3) is scheduled for September 2013.

S.R. Johannes is the YA advisor of ALLi and a winner of the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Awards (Young Adult category) as well as a Silver medalist (2nd place) in the IPPY awards for YA Fiction. She was also nominated for 2012 Georgia Author of the Year (Young Adult category), a Finalist in The Kindle Book Review's Best Young Adult of 2012, and a YA Finalist in the US Book News Best Book of 2012.

After earning an MBA and working in corporate America doing marketing for over 15 years, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her dog, English-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes -someday- will change the world.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter | Bilan Inc

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shadows by Paula Weston

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Text Publishing
Release date:  July 2nd, 2012
Series: Rephaim #1
Edition: Ecopy
Genre: Young Adult/ Paranormal Fantasy
Rating: 4/5

It’s almost a year since Gaby Winters was in the car crash that killed her twin brother, Jude. Her body has healed in the sunshine of Pandanus Beach, but her grief is raw and constant. It doesn’t help that every night in her dreams she kills demons and other hell-spawn.

And then Rafa comes to town. Not only does he look exactly like the guy who’s been appearing in Gaby’s dreams—he claims a history with her brother that makes no sense. Gaby is forced to accept that what she thought she knew about herself and her life is only a shadow of the truth—and that the truth is more likely to be found in the shadows of her nightmares.

Who is Rafa? Who are the Rephaim? And most importantly, who can she trust?

Fast-paced and gripping, Shadows, the first book in the Rephaim series, is a standout paranormal romance for fans of Richelle Mead and Cassandra Clare.


Yes, this is another book about angels and nephilim.  I truly didn't think that there were that many books about angels out there but I stand corrected by my latest reading selections.  I have read 3 angel-nephilim books in the last month!  Still, this is a good addition to the angel YA genre. It is very similar to what is in the current YA angel subgenre but I still really liked it, it just didn't blow my mind. I don't know if anything can top Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush series for me!

The beginning of the book was extremely confusing and consequently hard to attach myself to the story.  However, after a few chapters I was able to get a good grasp of the setting and characters and really enjoy the book.  I felt very confused for Gaby and wasn't sure where the story would end up for her.  The plot goes beyond just angels and nephilim, there are demons!  I always like a mix of supernatural characters!  I thought the angel mythology was also really thought out and contained very few plot holes.  I will be reading the second book in the series as soon as I have a moment!

I would recommend this book to anyone that loves nephilim stories. If you liked Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick than this book is right up your alley.  It has an interesting twist on the whole fallen angel theme and was quite a fast read.  Like I said earlier it was a good book but not something that deserves a 5/5.

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

Source: Personal Copy

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release date: January 1st 1983
Series: Song of the Lioness #1
Edition: Paperback, 274 pgs
Genre: Young Adult/ Paranormal Fantasy
Purchase: Barnes and Noble / Amazon
* We receive a small kickback from amazon purchases, all will go towards funding future giveaways!
Rating: 5/5

"From now on I'm Alan of Trebond, the younger twin. I'll be a knight."
And so young Alanna of Trebond begins the journey to knighthood. Though a girl, Alanna has always craved the adventure and daring allowed only for boys; her twin brother, Thom, yearns to learn the art of magic. So one day they decide to switch places: Disguised as a girl, Thom heads for the convent to learn magic; Alanna, pretending to be a boy, is on her way to the castle of King Roald to begin her training as a page.
But the road to knighthood is not an easy one. As Alanna masters the skills necessary for battle, she must also learn to control her heart and to discern her enemies from her allies.

Tamora Pierce will always have a reader in me. No matter what she writes she will always be on my Auto buy list. Alanna The First Adventure is the story that started it all and won my heart. The thing that I really love about this book and the series as a whole, is that you get to grow right alongside Alanna. Or well, I did the first time I read it. that was when I was around 12 or so, and I didn't have all the books at once so I read them spread out... ANYWAY. Alanna's character grows throughout the book, not just personality wise but she actually ages as well. Some stories are set in a shorter period of time, even some series only revolve around a year of time passing. With Tamora Pierces books you get to watch the character grow and change and experience the vast range of emotions that we all do growing up. You don't just know her as a Preteen, you read about her as a preteen, a teen and an Adult, and even get to read more about her in Pierce's other series. 

Alanna The First Adventure is filled with action and adventure, magic and intrigue. This first book doesn't really have Romance, I mean... she is 11.. and pretending to be a boy, makes things a bit difficult. That is one of the reasons though that I love recommending this series to younger readers. Like I said, you get to grow with the character. 

Alanna is a wonderful character. Filled with fire and wit and a desire to to anything within her power to get what she wants- to become a Lady Knight. The other characters in the story are amazing as well. You've got the ones you hate, the ones you adore, and the ones that grow on you. They all do something that helps Alanna grow as a Page and as a person. 

I've read alot of reviews that say the bones of the story are alot like Eon- Girl disguises herself as a boy in order to become a great warrior. But PLEASE keep in mind, The Song of The Lioness was written well before Eon. Eon is an amazing story yes, but just because they have some similarities should not make you think you are just going to be reading the same story all over again. Give Alanna A chance to win your heart :) I hope you love her as much as I did. 

The Sunday Post ( 7 )

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.


Last Week on the Blog: 

Tuesday: Review of Mermother by Elizabeth Jane Wolfe
Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday ( 2 ) 
Thursday: Review of Steel Lily by Megan Curd ( 5 Stars ) 


Michelle's books:

Gifted by a friend :)

Brittany's Books:

Next Week on the Blog:

Monday: Review of Alanna: The First Test by Tamora Pierce
Tuesday: Review of Shadows by Paula Weston
Wednesday: Back To School HOP
Thursday: Undecided!
Friday: Moirai Release Day Blitz
Saturday: Review of : Where Beauty Lies (Sophia and Ava London #2) by Elle Fowler 

Steel Lily by Megan Curd

Steel Lily by Megan Curd

Source: Received a copy from author in exchange for an honest review, no compensation.
Release date: August 12th, 2013
Edition: Ebook
Genre: Young Adult/Fiction/Dystopia
Rating: 5/5


Synopsis via Goodreads: 
AVERY PIKE is a commodity. No, more than a commodity. Her existence is guarded at all costs.

She’s a water Elementalist, the strongest of her dwindling kind. She creates steam to provide energy to fuel Dome Four: the only thing standing between humanity and an earth ravaged by World War III. No steam, no Dome. No Dome, no life.

Or so she thinks.

That is, until a mysterious man offers her a way out of having to donate steam. A way to escape the corrupt government of Dome Four. While the offer seems too good to be true, Avery is intrigued. But when she arrives to her new home, she realizes the grass isn’t any less dead on this side of the fence. Instead, the lies are just hidden better.

…Which means digging deeper.

When Avery enlists the help of her friends to uncover the truth, she learns that while some secrets are better left concealed, humankind was never meant to live in a cage. And when you can control the most sought after resource, you can learn to control anything…including the fate of your world.


This book was awesome!  It is steampunk, dystopian, elemental and science fiction heaven.  I LOVED the world building, it was so unique.  From the idea of domes, to the elemental abilities, to the character's problems everything was so remarkably different than other books in this genre.  I was feeling tired of the dystopian genre but this book was the perfect cure. Megan Curd's ability to create images is out of this world!  I felt like I was in the dome with the characters! The plot twists and turns enough to keep you guessing but not feeling dizzy.   

I really liked Avery's character.  She is one of the strongest water Elementalists despite that she very much wants to be a normal teenager.  At first I was not sure if I was going to enjoy Avery but she really grows into a more sassy and spitfire character by the end.  I also really enjoyed the banter between Avery and Jaxon.  Yes, there is a swoon worthy boy in the book! :)

I haven't read a dystopian this good since The Maze Runner, Divergent, or even Hunger Games.  It just caught my attention from the first sentences to the last!  The ending was ARGH and a little bittersweet but it makes me want the second! 

If you are looking for something different and love dystopian novels, than this book is for you!  I also really think fiction readers will like this book, it has just a little bit of something for everybody!

Book 2 out December 2013:

  

What's Up Wednesday (2)

In Place of Waiting on Wednesday Brittany and I will be answering book themed questions :)

 We would love to hear YOUR answers in the comments! 

Feel free to tell us what questions you want answered in the future!

What is a Book Or Book Series that you think you will Re-Read for many years to come?

Brittany's Pick: 

The Mediator series by Meg Cabot

Why? : 

Because it was the 

"the first time I swooned over a fictional character"

Michelle's Pick:

The Song of the Lioness Series by Tamora Pierce

Why?:

"Because I have never met a female MC so strong. She puts up with so much S*** and works so hard to get what she wants; to be a Lady Knight. It is inspiring."

Mermother by Elizabeth Jane Wolfe

Mermother by Elizabeth Jane Wolfe

Source: Received a copy from author in exchange for an honest review, no compensation.
Release date: March 27th, 2013
Edition: Ebook
Genre: Young Adult/Fiction
Rating: 4/5



Synopsis via Goodreads: 


A young woman explores the ancient mysteries of the sea in an unforgettable adventure of friendship and family. Escaping from an abusive past, she finds solace in an underwater world full of beauty, wealth, and power. Discover how her life is transformed as she struggles to find true love in a world that forbids it.

This novel has been published as a fundraiser for the International Ocean Institute!


Mermother is a fast paced and unpredictable novel.  The synopsis does not do a real good job of telling you the best parts about the book.  The book is much more exciting than how the synopsis reads.   It is a first person account of Briony, a 25 year old woman who wakes up in a tide pool, next to a "girl" named Sylvie. This other "girl" is actually a mermaid who shows Briony what is like to be a creature of the sea.

Sylvie's character is really superficial and I found myself not liking her at points.  I also found myself super confused by Briony's choices during the novel. She agrees to stay with Sylvie and learn the ways of the sea for a few days but ends up staying much longer.  She doesn't really stop to question or worry about her previous life.  She is fine letting her loved ones think that she drowned at sea. Briony also seems to go along with some other disturbing things throughout the book that would have sent a normal person running in the other direction.  

Mermother has some shocking aspects that reminded me of the Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.  I found myself disgusted and mad but I just HAD to keep reading.  I had the very same feeling while reading the Handmaid's Tale.  I can't wait to read the next in the series because I want to know how everything turns out!

I have not read many books with mermaids but I really liked this one.  I liked that it is not about a girl that falls in love with a mermaid.  Mermother is a bit twisted and holds lots of surprises!

Sunday (6)

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.


Last Week on the Blog: 

Monday: Review of  Render by Stephanie Fleshman and Blog Tour 
Tuesday:  Review of The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
Wednesday: What's up Wednesday 
Thursday: Review of King Hall by Scarlett Dawn
Friday: Review of Grasping at Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper
Saturday: Nothing! :)

Michelle's books:

Nothing this week! Trying to play catch up on reviews and such before I go get more to add to the pile :)





Brittany's Books:




Next Week on the Blog:

Monday: To Be Determined
Tuesday: Review of Mermother by Elizabeth Jane Wolfe
Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday
Thursday: Review of Steel Lily by Megan Curd
Friday: Dual Review of Quake by Lisa Arrington
Saturday: Nothing at this point. :)

Grasping at Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper

Grasping at Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper

Source: NetGalley

Publisher: Starry Sky Publishing
Release date: May 25th 2012
Series: The Kinderly Series Book #1
Edition: Ebook, 368 pgs
Genre: Young Adult/ Paranormal Fantasy
Purchase: Barnes and Noble / Amazon
* We receive a small kickback from amazon purchases, all will go towards funding future giveaways!
Rating: 4/5

Leave it to Maryah Woodsen to break the one rule that will screw up eternity: Never erase your memories.

Before entering this life, Maryah did the unthinkable—she erased. Now, at seventeen years old, she’s clueless that her new adoptive family has known her for centuries, that they are perpetually reincarnated souls, and that they have supernatural abilities. Oh, and she's supposed to love (not despise) Nathan, the green-eyed daredevil who saved her life.

Nathan is convinced his family’s plan to spark Maryah's memory is hopeless, but his love for her is undying. After spending (and remembering) so many lifetimes together, being around an empty version of his soulmate is heart shattering. He hates acting like a stalker, but has no choice because the evil outcast who murdered Maryah in their last lifetime is still after her.

While Maryah’s hunter inches closer, she and Nathan make assumptions and hide secrets that rip them further apart. Maryah has to believe in the magic within her, Nathan must have faith in the power of their love, and both need to grasp onto the truth before they lose each other forever—and discover just how lonely eternity can be.

Grasping at Eternity gave me everything I wanted out of this book and more! If I wasn't already a huge fan of novels about Reincarnation, Grasping at Eternity would make me one. Karen Amanda Hooper adds some twists to the idea that really add to the story and helped keep me interested.

The characters are all vibrant and all have very different personalities. I fell in love with them and really enjoyed finding out more about their past lives. Reading about their past lives got a bit confusing at times, but it made sense for it to be that way. They can't control what body they are reborn into. One life your best friend may be reborn as your brother/sister, the next they may be your father/mother! The one constant is they always had their soulmates. Until Marayah went and screwed that up for Nathan by Erasing that is.

Grasping at Eternity was a wonderful blend of just about everything I love in a story. Romance, Action, history, fantasy and a bit of mystery! I cannot wait to read book #2 and see what happens. Grasping at Eternity left me with my heart racing and dying to know what happens next. I also plan for sure on reading Karen Amanda Hooper's other book  Tangled Tides. I'm curious to see what more this author has to offer and what she does in the world of Mermaids!

Rating:

King Hall by Scarlet Dawn

King Hall by Scarlett Dawn

Source: NetGalley

Publisher: Escape Publishing
Release date: August 1st 2013
Series: King Hall #1 - No series name yet
Edition: Ebook, 280 pgs
Genre: New Adult/ Paranormal/contemporary-ish
Purchase: Barnes and Noble / Amazon
* We receive a small kickback from amazon purchases, all will go towards funding future giveaways!
Rating: 4/5

King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.

Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing: survival. Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings. Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Prodigies: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.

Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the revolution.

I have been looking for a awesome Paranormal New Adult book ever since this whole New Adult thing started. I mean.. I'm 24. I LOVE YA, but sometimes I want to read about characters that are more around my age, and experiencing the same things as me. Yes I remember my High school loves and losses like they were yesterday, but I don't always want to relive that. I am so happy to say that I have Finally found a NA Paranormal that I highly recommend! 

King Hall wasn't what I prepared myself for. The description and the cover art led me to believe it was going to be more of a historical fiction story. I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading it to find out that it was actually set it pretty much current times. Internet, cell phones, tv all that Jazz. King Hall is just a secluded school.. so the mystical world is kind of separated from all of the Human World stuff for the most part. 

This story will break your heart right in the beginning, I felt like I spent the rest of the book trying to heal that heartbreak right alongside Lily. It was really interesting to me that, while there is romance in the story, Lily's story isn't really about romance. It's more about Healing, and growing into herself. The Mystical races are kind of known for their " friendlyness " though, and even though she may be healing from losing her soul mate, she still gets herself into some .. compromising positions ... ( Please remember this is NA not YA, I do not recommend this title for younger readers as there are "sexy times" to be had.) 

This story had amazing characters. I loved the relationships between the Kings and Queens, both the friendship and the romance sides. They were all so unique and each brought something different to the table. They helped remind me what REAL friendship is. 

There is NOT a love triangle. But there is... a kinda taboo relationship.. though at the same time it's not really Taboo... and it's not really a relationship :/ It's kinda a : they are there for each other in anyway that they each need, it was something that I could really relate to and helped me truly feel for the characters. 

The Paranormal aspect of the story is really interesting, each race bringing something different to the table, and also each relationship creating their own magical bond, then the Kings and Queens having unique gifts themselves. It may sound complicated but it was complex in a way that kept me wanting to know more! Great action scenes that kept me on my toes and intrigue to keep me guessing. 

While the writing style at times left something to be desired; a bit repetitive and simplistic at moments, it did not stop my from absolutely LOVING this story. I cannot wait to see what happens in book #2. 

Rating: 4.5/5

What's Up Wednesday's

What's Up Wednesday's

- Until We decide on what else to do to fill the Wednesday void when we can't think of a WOW pick, I'll be asking " what "questions for myself and Brittany to answer! We would love to hear your answers in the comments as well!

What's the last book that did this to you?

Michelle's Answer: 

Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I kid you not. I wanted to curl up in fetal position and just bawl my freaking eyes out! SO MANY FEELS - Not recommended to Younger YA readers. This Book is #23 in the Dark Hunter Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon and is Paranormal Romance. - Filled with awesome characters. And Awesome mythology ( Greek, Atlantian ect.. ) Styxx and his Twin Brother Acheron are over eleven thousand years old!