Foretold ~ A Demon Trappers Novel by Jana Oliver

Title: Foretold ~ A Demon Trapper's novel (Book 4)
Author: Jana Oliver
Pages:  352
Published: St. Martin's Griffin 2012

From Goodreads ~

In the fourth Demon Trappers novel, Riley faces the final battle for humanity and Beck's heart—and Hell is the least of her problems
Now that Riley’s managed to (just barely) fend off Armageddon, everything’s changed. Well . . . most things. After their passionate kiss before the big battle in the cemetery, Beck is back to treating her like a little girl, as if nothing ever happened. While she’d love to just tell him off and move on, Riley vowed to take care of Beck the way he’s taken care of her since her father’s death—but she’s about to get a whole lot more than she bargained for. When she’s commissioned to go with Beck to his hometown and help him care for his dying mother, they stumble too close to a dark and murderous secret, one that Beck fears will drive Riley away from him forever. As chaos breaks loose, Riley may be Beck's only hope for redemption . . . and survival.

Meanwhile, up in Atlanta, it’s quickly becoming clear that Heaven may have won a battle, but the war is far from over. Riley and Beck face a stormy future, as Lucifer's ex-right-hand-man, Sartael, proves himself to be more resilient than anyone thought. He has Atlanta in his grip and is about to begin a brutal war with the prince of Hell. As the seconds tick down toward a final confrontation, it's up to Riley and the man she loves to finally defeat their old enemy, or lose everything they've fought for.

So, What did I think?

Perfect.  This was a perfect ending to a fantastic series.  I don't think I can rave enough about how much I am in love with this series and the author Jana Oliver.  Her writing is consistent and beautiful.  She takes the characters and makes you fall in love and have emotions you never thought you could have with words on a page.  I will definitely be re-reading these books in the future and will, I'm sure, love them just the same if not more the next time around.

Please, if you have ever considered or thought about reading these books...DO!  You will not regret it.  

Forgiven: A Demon Trapper's Daughter Book 3

Title: Forgiven: A Demon Trapper's Novel ~Book 3
Author: Jana Oliver
Pages: 354
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 2012

On the Cover ~

Heaven help you if you've lost your heart to hell....

The days are growing darker for seventeen-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne.  With her father's reanimated body back safely, Beck barely speaking to her because of a certain hunky fallen angel, and a freshly made deal with Lucifer, she has enough on her hands to last a normal teenage lifetime.  Though she bargained with Heaven to save his life, her ex-boyfriend, Simon, has told the Vatican's Demon Hunters that she's working with Hell.  So now she's in hiding, at the top of everyone's most-wanted list.

But it's becoming clear that this is bigger than Riley, and rapidly getting out of control:  Something sinister is happening in Atlanta...or someone.  Caught between her bargain with Heaven and her promise to Lucifer, Riley fears the final war is coming - and it may be closer than anyone things...

So, What did I think?

These book are just so great! I'm definitely a Jana Oliver fan! I can't help but get caught up in the characters and get all emotional. Riley has continued to be a strong minded heroine in every book.  I love her independence.  No matter what she does, I know that she is going to do what is right.  

I can't help but love Beck more and more in each book. His stubborn withdrawal gets frustrating at times but I know he has reason to withhold his emotions towards Riley.  

The third book was filled with more kick butt action and intense emotions.  There is just so much to say about these books but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.  Definitely find these books and read them! 

Striving For the Goal

I know it's been a while since my last post, but believe me, I've got plenty of posts coming up.  The reason for my absence is because I've been trying to reach my goal for 2012.  I had a goal to read 100 books for the year 2012 and I DID IT!  Go me!!  Now that I've reached my goal, I have about 10 books to review and blog about.  Stay tuned because I've read some REALLY good books in the past few weeks.  Some are probably going to be new to you, so you will want to know a little bit about them.  I appreciate your patience and can't wait to start the new year with a new goal and lots of blogging!  Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!!

Soul Thief (A Demon Trappers Novel Book 2) by Jana Oliver

Title: Soul Thief ~A Demon Trappers Novel (Book 2) (aka Forbidden)
Author: Jana Oliver
Pages: 324
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 2011

On the Cover ~

Riley Blackthorne is beginning to learn that there are worse things than death by demon.  And love is just one of them...

Riley has about had it up to here.  After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured - her boyfriend, Simon, gravely so - and now her beloved late father's been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer.  As if that's not enough, there's Ori, one sizzling-hot freelance demon hunter who's made himself Riley's unofficial bodyguard, and Beck, a super-overprotective "friend" who acts more like a grouchy granddad.  With all the hassles, the seventeen-year-old is almost ready to leave Atlanta behind.

But as Atlanta's demon count increases, the Vatican finally sends its own demon hunters to take care of the city's "little" problem, an pandemonium breaks out.  Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell's attention: An extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever...

So, What did I think?

As a predecessor to a fabulous beginning, this book does not disappoint!  It picks up right where book one left off and continues with it's fantastic story line and wonderful writing.  I have to say, though, I a may appear a little bias, because this book happens to take place very close to home.  I, yet again, love how the author creates a "new Atlanta" for me.  It's as if I am living in the book...or close to it.  

I have to say that Riley must be one of the hottest chicks in Atlanta, because she not only has one, two, but THREE hotties after her!  First off, I never really had a great feeling about Simon in the first book, NOW I despise the guy.  Ori, well, he may be one of the sexiest men on earth, but he definitely has some secrets....definitely!  Now, my money is on Denver Beck, a southern to the core, strong minded, soft hearted babe who hides behind this tough guy motif that, in my opinion, will eventually break as Riley starts to slip away.  If you have read these books, I would love to know who you are routing for, so please comment!!

Now that Riley is on the run from the vicious demon hunters who don't plan to just have a chat, the plot thickens.  What will Riley do?  Where will she go?  Who will she choose to trust?..or is there anyone trustworthy?  All these questions and more I hope to answer as I move on to the third book, Forgiven.  I am super excited because the forth book comes out this month (December 15th!!!) I will definitely be in line to buy it!  

This book made me laugh and even shed some tears(when Beck opens his heart).  I hope that you will take it upon yourself to find a copy of these books and enjoy them as much as I am.

If by chance Jana Oliver ever reads my blog, I just want to say that I love your writing and hope to read many more books by you in the future! 

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Title: Enclave (Razorland Book 1)
Author: Ann Aguirre
Audiobook Length: 7hr 53mins
Narrator: Emily Bauer

Goodreads Description~

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

So, What did I think?

What I liked most about this book is that it has a strong heroine, Deuce, a Huntress who has earn her title and wears her scars proudly for her people.  She is strong, smart, and brave, true, but underneath all her tough, scarred exterior she has a golden heart that she would gladly sacrifice if it meant saving the life of someone else.  Will this be enough to save her on the top side?  

I really enjoyed the reading by Emily Bauer.  Her voice was pleasing to listen to and she gave the story character.

This book has so much potential to blow my mind in the sequel.  Will it though?  We shall find out, because I have already downloaded the sequel, Outpost, to my iPod through Audible.  

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Title: Unspoken
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Pages: 370
Publisher:  Random House

From the Back of the Book ~

Kami Glass loves someone she's never met...a boy she's talked to in her head ever since she was born.  She wasn't silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale.  Still, Kami hasn't suffered too much from not fitting in.  She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself.  Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries.  The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami.  Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown - in fact, she's determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing.  Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods?  What is her own mother hiding?  And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him?  Does she hate him?  Can she trust him?

Sarah Rees Brennan brings Gothic romance kicking and screaming into the twenty-first century with a heroine who can take care of herself, a boy who needs to be saved, and the magical forces that bring them together and tear them apart.

So, What did I think?

Unspoken is a pure reflection of Sarah Rees Brennan's contagious and witty personality.  It is funny and spooky all at once.  At times, it made me laugh so hard out loud that I had to explain that I wasn't crazy.  When Kami ended up in the well and Jared asked her jokingly if she happened to "have a very intelligent collie who might communicate through a systems of barks to her parents that little Kami is in the well", I absolutely lost it!

One thing I like best about Unspoken is that the book ended so that I wanted more yet I wasn't left with too many questions at the end.  It was a fulfilling cliffhanger, if that makes sense.  I guess the best way to describe it is that this chapter of Kami's life was complete and yet you feel you want to continue into the next chapter of her life.  I look forward to another story of risk taking adventures and maybe a new twist into Jared and Kami's relationship.  

The only thing I did not enjoy about this book was the fact there was some time lagging in the middle.  I felt it carried on too long before getting to the big story.  However, I feel that in that time, the author was able to build more on the character's relationships.  

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery and strange happenings.  If you are a Nancy Drew reader or maybe a Scooby Doo fan, you will love this book.   

I received this book from the author at YallFest in Charleston, SC on November 10, 2012.  Here are a few pics of the author as she signed books.

Visit Sarah Rees Brennan ~

www.sarahreesbrennan.com

email: sarahreesbrennan@gmail.com

Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Redemption (Book 4 of the Beautiful Creatures Series)
Authors: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Pages: 451
Publisher: Little Brown

From the Back of the Book ~

I'd had nightmares about him before.  Before I knew him, or at least knew he was going to be Ethan.  But this wasn't like anything I'd ever seen in any nightmare.

It was real.

Ethan Wate has spent most of his life longing to escape the stiflingly small Southern town of Gatlin.  He never thought he would meet the girl of his dreams, Lena Duchannes, who unveiled a secretive, powerful, and cursed side of Gatlin, hidden in plain sight.  And he never could have expected that he would be forced to leave behind everyone and everything he cares about.  So when Ethan awakes after the chilling events of the Eighteenth Moon, he has only one goal: to find a way to return to Lena and the ones he loves.

Back in Gatlin, Lena is making her own bargains for Ethan's return, vowing to do whatever it takes - even if that means trusting old enemies or risking the lives of the family and friends Ethan left to protest.

Worlds apart, Ethan and Lena must once again work together to rewrite their fate, in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series.







Let me just start by saying, I loved the first book in this series and could not wait to read the other two books.  However, by the end of the third book I was completely ready to be out of Lena and Ethan's head.  This fourth book was just a chance for resolution to me.  And I feel it did just that.

Of course, in the end of the third book, we all felt that when Ethan jumped off the water tower, things just didn't feel right.  Obviously, it couldn't end like that.  The fourth book takes us through the Otherworld and back again.  It leaves you feeling complete.  I was, however, disappointed because I just didn't feel as involved in the final books.  I wasn't giddy with joy for Lena and Ethan by the end.   I like a book that leaves me happy or shocked.  And this book just didn't.  

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Title:  Pushing the Limits

Author:  Katie McGarry

Pages: 392
Publisher: Harlequin Teen 2012

Connecting with Katie ~
Website: http://www.katielmcgarry.com/
Twitter: @KatieMcGarry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katielmcgarry
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4575371.Katie_McGarry

From the Back of the Book ~

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms.  Even Echo can't remember the whole truth.  All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.  But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined.  Now Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

 Absolutely heart-hooking!  Pushing the Limits provided a little of everything for all readers but a lot of romance for those like me who just adore a good couple.

Let me start with Echo, which by the way is a fantastic name (for all you LOST fans, you may also remember an Echo, so it may not sound so unique to you) . Echo Emerson is a quasi strong heroine who despite her past is fighting to lead a normal life.  It isn't until her strength, Noah "HOTTIE" Hutchins enters her life that she begins to see that there is a silver lining.  Maybe normal isn't all it's made out to be.  Besides, what defines normal?  Noah has his own battles to fight and with the help of Echo, he might just win....provided he still wants to.  Together, the dynamic couple learn about life and letting go...and how to have the strength to make decisions that might not be part of their ultimate plan.  

Noah Hutchins is definitely at the top of the list as one of the most loveable men.  If only there were guys like him in the real world...and if there were, they lived in small towns like mine.  Boys in books are just so much better!

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Title: The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Volume 2 of the Mara Dyer trilogy)
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Pages: 527
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2012

Link Up with Michelle Hodkin~
Blog: http://www.michellehodkin.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaraDyer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michellehodkin
Goodreads: Michelle Hodkin, Author

From the Book Cover ~

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can't.

She used to think her problems were all in her head. They aren't.

She couldn't imagine that after everything she's been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.  She's wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly.

What will become of Mara Dyer next?

There are no words to describe the emotions this book put me through.  It was a roller coaster ride from beginning to end.  And believe me, by the end, this is one ride you want to get off.  I'm not going to reveal any secrets, but lets just say the twists and turns Mara and Noah take will leave you biting your nails to short little nubs and saying "Oh my gosh" until the last period.  

Secrets are uncovered.  Lies are revealed.  More questions arise, and yet no answers to previous questions are given.  It's almost frustrating by the end.  And where did the flashbacks from the past come from?  Who is Mara Dyer and Noah Shaw?  For that matter, who are Stella, James, and Jude?  Is anybody who we think they are?  What's real? and what's not?

I don't believe I have ever read a more suspenseful book than this.  Like I said, there are no words that can describe it, you just have to experience it for yourself.  Good luck.

Best Line Ever: "If I were to live a thousand years, I would belong to you for all of them.  If we were to live a thousand lives, I would want to make you mine in each one." ~ Noah Shaw

Madly and the Jackal by M. Leighton

Title: Madly and The Jackal

Author: M. Leighton

Pages: 273

Publisher: M. Leighton Copyright 2012

Where to find Michelle ~
Blog: http://mleightonbooks.blogspot.com
Facebook: M. Leighton Author Page
Twitter: @mleightonbooks
Goodreads: M. Leighton, Author
Email: m.leighton.books@gmail.com

From the Back of the Book ~

How deep does love run?  Deeper than the ocean?  Deeper than memory?  Deeper than magic?

Following their plan to save Atlas, Madly and Jackson return the spirit of Wolfhardt to his prison beneath the sea.  But even the best laid plans couldn't account for the surprises they find.  This time, Lore aren't their only challenges.

Madly is special in ways no one could have guessed and dark forces seek to control her.  They want her power, but first they must weaken her.  They need her beaten.  Vulnerable.  Near death.  And alone.  But that task isn't an easy one with Jackson at her side.  The strongest of their kin, the only way to separate Jackson from Madly is to destroy his love for her, to erase it from his mind.  And his heart.

Is it possible to steal Jackson's love from Madly?  Or is their love the only truly unbreakable thing?

Ok. So, the one thing I can say about this book is HOT! HOT! HOT! In the first book, yes it had some scenes that would make you blush, but in Madly and the Jackal...Oh My Gosh!  I have yet to read any of M. Leighton's adult books, but if they are half as steamy as some of the scenes in this book then I am in.  I believe the first romantic scene actually even made me jealous.  Not only does Jackson have the looks but he's got the moves too.  I am just "madly" about Jackson!  

The story line sticks to the first book really well, and I feel another book coming on soon.  I haven't checked to see when the next book comes out or if she has made plans for another book, but I know I will definitely be reading it.  As you can tell, we have only been through two of the fairy tale creatures that have been set free from Atlas, so I feel we have a long way to go.

All in all, I'm very anxious to read more and hope that anyone reading my review will grab a copy and join this journey with me.

Madly Wolfhardt by M. Leighton

Title:  Madly Wolfhart

Author: Michelle Leighton

Pages: 262

Publisher:  M. Leighton 2011

Locating the Author ~

Blog: http://mleightonbooks.blogspot.com
Facebook: M. Leighton Author Page
Twitter: @mleightonbooks
Goodreads: M. Leighton, Author
Email: m.leighton.books@gmail.com

From the Back of the Book ~

Madly is your average nearly-eighteen year old girl - for a mermaid princess, that is.

Madly James is thoroughly enjoying her internship in Slumber when the unthinkable happens - there's a prison break in Atlas, Madly's home beneath the sea.  A traitor has set free eight Lore, the spirits of what humans know as fairy tales, and they are making their way to Slumber to awaken their descendants.

The first spirit to arrive is that of Ulrich Wolfhardt, a man that was once obsessed with wolves and a young maiden he would follow through the woods.  After a bite from a wolf, Wolfhardt's obsession with the girl became an unnatural hunger and the young maiden's grandmother cursed him with a fate worse than death.  And now he's back...with a vengeance an a bite that can infect others as well.

Madly must learn the identity of Wolfhardt's descendant and stop him before he kills again and spreads his curse across the earth.  But the only person strong enough to help Madly is Jackson, the Sentinel who vowed to protect her and the one person capable of breaking her heart.  Can Madly resist forbidden love long enough to save the world from Wolfhardt?  Or will she have to sacrifice her heart and her destiny to save the ones she loves?

I have to admit.  I was completely shocked at how much I liked this book.  In all honesty, I'm not really fond of books about mermaids and water people (which is odd since one of my favorite Disney movies is The Little Mermaid).  The concept of throwing in the fairy tales was so unique though.  I'm a huge fan of the TV show Once Upon a Time, and Leighton's concept of bringing in the fairy tales one at a time reminds me so much of the show.  I'm not sure how many book are going to be in the series, but I know the next book is about Dr. Jackal and Mr. Hyde, which I am currently reading now so stay tuned for my review.

The back of the book tells you a basic summary better than I can so I won't bore you with a repeat of what the book is about.  I will, however, tell you a little about why I like the book.  First off, Madly comes across as a brave female lead who is pushed into her role as Princess quicker than she expected.  She is strong and stubborn which makes for a great read.  Her royal friends aren't as dominant in the book so we don't find out a lot about them.  Who we do, however, meet is Jackson Hamilton.  Oh my gosh!  I am completely enamored by this guy!  He's hot, sexy, chivalrous, strong, and hot..did I mention that already?  Leighton has a way of steaming up the place when Jackson is around. She's very good with detail and paints a picture so clear it will make you blush.  

To sum it up, I feel that whether you like mermaid stories or not, you will find Madly a book you will be glad you read.  Honestly, I started this book one day and didn't realize how fast I was going through it until all of a sudden it was over.  So, pick it up!  I think one of the best parts is that M. Leighton is self published, so if the book doesn't lure you in, show some support and check it out!

Rift by Andrea Cremer

Title:  Rift - Prequel to Nightshade

Author:  Andrea Cremer

Pages: 430

Genre: Supernatural Fiction

Publisher: Philomel Books
Locating the Author ~
Website:  www.andreacremer.com
Book Website: www.nightshadebook.com
Twitter:  @andreacremer

From the Cover ~

Ember Morrow was promised to the knights of Conatus at birth, her life traded for her mother's.  So when the horsemen come for her, soon after her sixteenth birthday, Ember's not surprised.  What does surprise her, though, is the magic the knights wield, the demons they hunt, and the feelings she has for Barrow Hess, the powerful man she serves.  When the knights realize that one among them is dabbling in dark magic, danger heightens and Ember must choose whether to follow the path to darkness or to escape the order and pledge her life to destroying her fellow knights.

With action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality, this breathtaking prequel to the Nightshade series delves into the history of Bosque Mar and the origin of the rift between the Keepers and the Searchers.

Ever since I read Grave Mercy by Robin LeFever (excellent book by the way), I have been infatuated with stories set in historical times.  There is something about the knighthood that just screams romance to me.  Maybe it's all the chivalrous, strong men that lure me in.  So, when I started reading this book and it talked about the Knights Templar, I immediately recognized the greatness of this book.  I have already read the Nightshade series, which I loved and highly recommend, even if you don't like stories about wolves, because the Nightshade series is so much more than just wolves.  It has time weaving, romance, historical wonders and loads of action packed adventures.  Rift is a completely new story line that incorporates one character from the Nightshade series by telling how he came to be the man he is in Nightshade.  It's fascinating really to learn how Bosque Mar came to be.  Of course, Rift is just the beginning of his story and I can't wait to read Rise.


Ember Morrow is a sixteen year old royal who was promised at birth to Conatus, the leader of the knight court, in return for her mother's life.  Though her family does not approve of the agreement, Ember is excited to take part in the oath of the knights and leave her family.  She craves adventure and secretly practices using the sword behind her father's back.  I won't tell you much more about the story because you can read that on the cover. However, I recommend you read Rift to find out more. 


I truly loved this book.  Andrea puts together a beautifully written story with characters you will surely love to read about.  It was well paced and constantly kept my attention.

Cover Reveal ~ Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris

VH1's website just gave us a sneak peek at the cover for Unbreakable, the sequel to Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris!!  Here it is!  Drum Roll Please...............

Sooo, What do you think?  Personally, I like it! Let me know your thoughts!

Hidden by Sophie Jordan

Author: Sophie Jordan
Pages:260
Genre:YA Fantasy
Publisher: Harper Collins

On the Cover ~ 

A Dangerous Journey.  Shattered Bonds. Undying passion.  Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted her fate long before she fell in love with Will - a human and, worse, a hunter.  When she ran way with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured.  Weighted down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disquise, things quickly spiral out of her control.  As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive.  But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....

Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy.

First off, let me tell you a little bit about myself.  I'm not the type of person that, when it comes to the last book of a trilogy, to read the book cover. Mainly because I don't want to spoil any suspicions or expectations about the book. So, with that being said, I went in to this book blind having read it over a year ago.  Sometimes, an author has a way of picking up where the last book left off by putting in little refresher of what was going on.  Hidden was different.  This is one of those books where I should have went back and reread Vanish so that I could remember exactly what was happening. Without a clear understanding of the scene, I admit I started this book pretty confused.  It starts out right in the middle of action.  The pace, from there, was back and forth.  One minute it would be moving along pretty fast and the next minute it would linger over a situation, becoming a bit boring for me.

I hate to admit it, but out of all the books in this series, this was the worst.  Don't get me wrong!  It wasn't bad.  It was just not all I had hoped it would be.  The relationships, of course, were already developed from the previous books; but, to me, this book kind of watered down the relationship between Jacinda and Will.  It was almost as if Will wasn't as important to her as the previous books made out.  Hidden put more emphasis on making the reader have feelings for Cassian.  Which worked!  I almost wanted her to end up with Cassian instead of Will, which after spending the last two books totally in love with Will, would have been very disappointing. 

One thing I noticed about this series was that the author introduced several new draki and directions that she could spin-off into a new series.  I know I would like to learn more about the grey draki and his pride or the other prides in general for that matter. I hope Sophie Jordan considers making another series to give us some more about the prides and what they are like.

Overall, this was a good book.  It wasn't fantastic like I had expected but it wasn't horrible either.  The ending was resolved and I felt the series was worth the read. If you have an opinion, let me know! I love comments!

To learn more about Sophie Jordan and the Firelight series and to enter a Firelight SWAG contest visit: http://www.sophiejordan.net/ya/news.html

 

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Barnes

Author:  Jennifer Barnes

Length: 10 hours 53 min

Narrated by: Eileen Stevens

Purchased:  Audible.com

From Goodreads ~

Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it.  That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two. 

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

 



The Goodreads description is a pretty good summary of what the book is about.  Bryn, a teenager who has been raised by a pack of wolves and a "mother" not much older than her who adopted her after her parent's brutal murder by a rabid wolf, sets out to find the answers behind how Chase, a teenage boy, survived an attack by a rabid wolf like the one who killed her parents.  Bryn's rage behind her parent's death and the connection between this stranger, Chase, cause Bryn to go beyond the rules of the pack and hunt down the rabid wolf.  

What I like most about this story, is that the main character, Bryn, is not a wuss.  She doesn't live like a normal teenage girl.  She is strong minded and stubborn.  Her strength and determination are appealing.  I also like Chase who seems vulnerable yet strong at the same time.  

The narrator of this audible book was pleasant to listen to and kept my attention. There isn't a whole lot to say about this book.  If you enjoy reading books about wolves and strong female characters, you will really enjoy this one and should check it out. 

The Forsaken by Lisa Stasse

Author: Lisa M. Stasse

Pages: 375

Genre:  YA Futuristic Suspense

Published by: Simon & Schuster 2012

From the Back of the Book ~

Alenna Shawcross hasn't seen her parents since they were dragged out of her house by government soldiers of the UNA, a new nation formed from the remnants of Canada, the USA, and Mexico.  And, now, as a sixteen-year-old orphan, she has failed a government personality test designed to diagnose subversive tendencies.

As punishment, Alenna is banished to the wheel, a mysterious island where all the kids who fail get sent.  A place where the conditions are brutal, and a civil war rages between two very different tribes of teenagers.

So when Alenna meets Liam, a charismatic warrior who is planning to escape, she must find the strength to make a difficult decision: to either accept her new life on the wheel, or to embark on a journey that will uncover shocking secrets about the UNA - and her own identity as well.

My Thoughts ~

I don't even know where to begin to explain how this book made me feel.  From the Prologue, I was hooked.  The setup of the story was one of the most gripping I have read in a while.  If I had had the time and energy, I probably would have never put this book down.  I wish I could say that this was a very unique book of its type but I saw several similarities in this book as maybe The Hunger Games, Divergent, and yes, The Cabin in the Woods (the movie, because I have not read the book).  It's more serum, experimenting with minds, another game with teenagers and a gigantic twist at the end.  

However, what sets this book apart is the way the author pulls in the characters.  Alenna is NOT a Katniss Everdean!  She started out weak and vulnerable with little athletic skill whatsoever.  She didn't know who she was or what to do.  It was her will and determination that kept her in the game and opened up her true identity.  The strong characters in the book are Alenna's friends.  Gadya (the warrior), Rika (the heart), Liam (the strength) and David (the brain) each bring a special touch to the story. 

Another part that's unique about this book is that you never know what's going to happen.  There is shock and sadness and just those "whoa" and "wow" moments that keep The Forsaken truly a must read. 

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

Author:  Jennifer Bosworth

Pages: 378

Genre:  Supernatural Suspense

Publisher:  Farrar Straus Giroux Books

From the Book ~

Mia Price is a lightning addict.  She has survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.

Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction.  But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger.  The beaches become massive tent cities.  Downtown is a crumbling wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the revelers drawn to the destruction by a force they cannot deny.  Two warring cults rise to power, and both see Mia as central to their opposing doomsday prophecies.  They believe she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the far more devastating storm that is yet to come.

Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but she fears he isn't who he claims to be.  In the end, the passion and power that brought them together could be their downfall.  When the final disaster strikes, Mia must risk unleashing the full horror of her strength to save the people she loves, or lose everything.

My thoughts ~

First off, don't listen to the description the book gives.  It's so vague and leaves you nothing really for what this book is truly about.  Yes, it is about a girl named Mia that ever since her first encounter with lightning, she has craved and sought after opportunities for more strikes.  However, what the book description doesn't mention is that the basis for the book revolves around the two cults said mentioned, and is just as much about their story as it is Mia's.  Of course, Mia is the key to both cult's victories, but these cults are a big part of the book.  

I have to admit that when I first started reading this book I thought it was a silly story line and almost put the book down.  It wasn't until the cults got really involved that the book started picking up.  After the secrets are revealed and the truth comes out, that is when the book becomes so good you really don't want to put it down.  I wanted to know more about this gift that these people possessed and how it was going to destroy the world starting in Los Angeles.  Yes, I have to admit, in my mind the whole time, I was thinking, "why don't these people just leave Los Angeles if the living is so rough and they were starving?"  That's just the common sense in me trying to ruin a good book though.  

Now, on to the characters!  Mia is a strong character with a strange addiction.  I mean, who chases after lightning just to get a rush?  That's one tough chick.  She stands her ground(no pun intended), and resists both cults until there is just no other choice for her in order to save her mother and brother.  The mother!  Wow, sometimes you have problems...but boy does she have problems.  Leaving Mia to take care of the family during this time of destruction makes you just want to slap her at times.  Then there is JEREMY!  Now, the whole time I pictured Jeremy as this Dean Cain looking guy with a little longer hair all because they reference him as a Clark Kent with his glasses.  He's mysterious and everywhere!  I immediately trusted Jeremy from the beginning and never doubted his choice to protect Mia.  The "spark" these two bring when they are together is intense and hot!  My favorite character, besides Jeremy, is Katrina with her tough front she puts up.  She's witty and fun yet full of passion that no matter how much you are supposed to hate her you just can't.

If you have been debating about whether or not to read this book, well debate no more!  I would recommend it just for the attraction between Mia and Jeremy.  But aside from the love interest in this book it was a really good book and well worth the quick read.  Read it!  Then let me know what you think!

Predestined by Abbi Glines

Author: Abbi Glines

Pages: 274

Genre:  YA Fiction

Published: 2012 by Abbi Glines

From the Back of the Book ~

You would think after helping save her boyfriend from an eternity in Hell that things would go back to normal.  Well, as normal as life can be when you can see souls and your boyfriend is Death.  But for Pagan Moore, things are just getting weirder.

The high school quarterback and reigning heartthrob, Leif Montgomery, is missing.  While the town is in a frenzy of worry, Pagan is a nervous wreck for other reasons.  Apparently, good 'ol Leif isn't your average teenage boy.  He isn't even human.  According to Death, Leif doesn't have a soul.  The quarterback may have skipped town but he's still showing up in Pagan's dreams...uninvited.

Dank has known from the beginning that Leif wasn't human.  But he hadn't worried about a simple soulless creature. Now, he realizes he made a grave mistake.  Pagan's soul has been marked since birth as a restitution, to a spirit so dark not even Death walks near it.  Dank knows saving Pagan's soul won't be easy but Pagan is his.  And he's already proven he'll defy Heaven to keep her.  If Hell wants a piece of him too, then bring it on.

My Thoughts ~

Sqeeeeallll ... Fabulous!  For sequels, the second book is normally not as good as the first and third book tend to be, but for Abbi Glines' Existence series the second book is almost better than the first.  With new trials and lots of love, Predestined is packed full of creativity.  I suppose if I had to mention the down side to this book, it would be the editing.  There are several left out letters or words that could have been corrected by an editor, but this is not a deal breaker for me.  When you have such an amazing story and characters that just grab at your heart strings, little things like misspelled words mean nothing.  Again, the cover is literally "eye" catching.  I have to admit that there was one point, and I'm not going to spoil it, that I actually shed tears.  

Ok now for the real question.. What is it with total heart-throbbing guys with four letter names?  Ponder on that!  Dank is such a strong, powerful character with this heart that contradicts everything he stands for.  I find Abbi Glines' talent is in how she creates or portrays her characters to the readers.  Thank you Abbi!  

For more about Abbi Glines and see more books by her visit her website, and don't forget to add this book along with her others to your Goodreads.

Airel (The Airel Sage Book 1) by Aaron Patterson

Author:  Aaron Patterson and Chris White

Narrated by Phil Gigante

Length:  11 hours

Purchased on Audible

Goodreads Review ~

All Airel ever wanted was to be normal, to disappear into the crowd. But bloodlines can produce surprises, like an incredible ability to heal. Then there’s Michael Alexander, the new guy in school, who is impossibly gorgeous…and captivated by her. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she can hear the sound of pages turning, and another, older story being written. It is the story of an ancient family, of great warriors, of the Sword of Light, and the struggle against an evil so terrible, so far-reaching, that it threatens everything. Airel knew change would be an inevitable part of life. But can she hold on when murder and darkness begin to close in and take away everything she loves? Will she have what it takes when the truth is finally revealed?

My Thoughts ~

This book may have been better if I hadn't listened to it.  For me, it was very hard to keep up with because it jumped from present time all the way back to B.C. time.  That's a huge jump in time and it made it hard to believe that something with such a generational gap could exist.  I couldn't keep up because one minute you would be listening to chapter 8 and the next you would be listening to chapter 3.  That is why I say it may have been better to have actually read a paper copy.

As for the story line, the character relationships were hard to make out and I couldn't get a grasp on them.  The love relationship between her and Michael was extremely fast and cheesy.  The narrator made Michael sound silly. The idea behind the story was a good idea if it was only executed better.  I feel, however, that everyone should read and decide for themselves if this book is right for them. 

Overall, I really did not enjoy this book.  If you have read it and think that I should read it in book form please let me know.  I really thought I would enjoy this book.  To read more about Aaron Patterson visit his website.  Aaron is also doing a FAN FICTION Contest for the Airel Saga, so check it out.

Existence by Abbi Glines

Author: Abbi Glines

Pages: 161

Genre:  YA Fiction

Published: Wild Child Publishing.com

From the Back of the Book ~

What happens when you're stalked by Death?  You fall in love with him, of course.

Pagan Moore doesn't cheat Death, but instead, falls in love with him.

Seventeen year old Pagan Moore has seen souls her entire life.  Once she realized the strangers she often saw walking through walls were not visible to anyone else, she started ignoring them.  If she didn't let them know she could see them, then they left her alone.  Until she stepped out of her car the first day of school and saw an incredibly sexy guy lounging on a picnic table, watching her with an amused smirk on his face.  Problem is, she knows he's dead.

Not only does he not go away when she ignores him, but he does something none of the others have ever done.  He speaks.  Pagan is fascinated by the soul.  What she doesn't realize is that her appointed time to die is drawing near and the wickedly beautiful soul she is falling in love with is not a soul at all.

He is Death and he's about to break all the rules.

My Thoughts ~

Look at those eyes!! Amazingly gorgeous guy on the cover!  Ok, so this was a very short first book, but don't judge it by it's size! It's packed full of great reading. 

Pagan, who as you've read, see's souls wondering around that for her entire life have never made contact with her verbally.  Then Dank Walker, a famous musician and Death himself, shows up at school.  I don't know about you, but any guy as gorgeous as the one on this cover would definitely catch my attention.  Dank, however, has his duty as Death.  Following Pagan around, singing her lullabies at night, he has a change of heart. 

I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this book.  Pagan has a heart of gold and her emotions run deep for everyone she meets.  You don't read many books where passion runs so deep in the main character.  The romantic triangle leaves you torn and longing for resolution.  I was completely shocked at the end, but of course I won't tell you why.  This is a book you will definitely want to read in order to find out what happens.  I am uber excited about the next book!  I stumbled along this book at a book festival in Decatur, GA and met with Abbi for an autographed copy of some of her books, so stay tuned for my review on Existence #2 - Predestined.  

To find out more about the author and her other books, visit http://www.abbiglines.com.  You will definitely want to add this one to Goodreads.

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

Author:  Jana Oliver

Pages: 340

Genre: YA

Published: St. Martin's Griffin

From the Back of the Book ~

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary demon trapper Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps.  The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta's local Trappers Guild needs all the help it can get - even from a girl.  When she's not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice Simon, Riley's out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils - Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life's about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley's routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood.  And as if that wasn't bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined.  As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart - and her life?

My Thoughts ~

First off, a huge kudos for Jana Oliver, a Georgia girl!  I love the fact that this book takes place in Atlanta, GA.  It makes it feel believable and helps my imagination envision a city I am familiar with in a time of desperation.  The interesting part is that it takes place in 2018, which, hello!, isn't far away.  What an experience!

The main character, Riley Blackthorne is one bad chic.  Instead of working at the local coffee shop, she pays rent by capturing demons who like to destroy.  What I like most about Riley, it that she isn't portrayed as this ninja fighting trapper, but a cunning and witty trapper with a few weak spots.  Her life is rough and she isn't afraid to take life by the throat and conquer it.  However, being brave seems to be what constantly keeps her in trouble.

If you like a book for the romance, this one will have you biting your nails and asking yourself "who should she choose?"  I liked both of the romantic interests in this book and I can't make up my mind about who I think is better.  Simon, the sweet, thoughtful, handsome guy or Beck the hot, rebellious guy with a huge heart.  I guess we will know more about who Riley falls for in the next book.  

This book was very enjoyable and a quick easy read.  The style was simple yet able to keep you interested.  Overall, it had a steady pace.  Also, one of my favorite features it the cover!  I love the whole city in the background and girl on top of the world look.  A big thanks to Laurie, Meg & Caity at http://www.readergirlsblog.com/ for my copy of The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver.  For more information about The Demon Trapper series check out Jana Oliver's website.  Be sure to add this book on Goodreads

Raven by Allison Van Diepen

Author:  Allison Van Diepen

Pages: 279

Genre:  YA Fiction

Published: Simon Pulse

From the Back of the Book ~

Zin dances with fire in every step, speaks in a honey-sweet voice, and has eyes that can peer into your soul. Nicole's friendship with him is the only thing that saves her from the boredom of school and the turmoil of her family life.  It's no wonder she is madly in love with him.  But she can't understand why he keeps her at a distance, even though she can feel his soul reaching out for hers.

Zin is like no guy Nicole has ever met, and he carries with him a very old secret.  When Nicole uncovers the truth, her love may be the only thing that can save him from it.

My Thoughts ~

If you like the Step Up movies or are familiar with dance at all, you are really going to enjoy this book.  The author is able to use dancing lingo to create for the readers a vivid picture of what's happening on the dance floor.  Her methods are a creative and fascinating new spin for the imagination.  It was a refreshing take to literature that I have yet to experience before.  I hope to read more books that include dancing.

Overall, this book was an enjoyable read.  It read  a lot different than most books I've read so it took some time to adjust.  By different, I mean it was really fast paced and could have used more detail to execute the plot.  The story line was unique and original.  I can't say that I have ever read any other books about the Jiang Sui; although, for the longest I thought they were just another type of vampire.

As far as the character's relationships, I feel there could have been more details to help develop their stories.  The lack of detail made it hard for me to believe the relationships.  It came across as a type of love at first sight book that almost seemed too unrealistic.  

I feel that this book should have been longer so that the reader could experience closure.  From what I can tell, this is a stand alone book though.

What it all boils down to is , if you are looking for some creative new ideas to add to your imagination, then this book would be a great start.  I want to thank Rachel @ http://wantedreaders.blogspot.com/ for my copy of Raven by Allison Van Diepen. To grab your copy visit Raven.

Froi of the Exiles: The Lumatere Chronicles Book Two

Author: Melina Marchetta
Pages: 593
Genre: YA Fantasy
Published: Candlewick Press


From the Back of the Book ~

Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home....or so he believes.  Fiercely loyal to the queen and Finnikin, Froi has been taken roughly and lovingly in hand by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family and has learned to control his quick temper with a warrior's discipline.  But when he is sent on a secretive mission to the kingdom of Charyn, nothing could have prepared him for what he finds in its surreal royal court.  Soon he must unravel both the dark bonds of kinship and the mysteries of a half-mad princess in this barren and mysterious place.

It is in Charyn that he will discover that there is a song sleeping in his blood...and though Froi would rather not, the time has come to listen.

My Thoughts ~

I'm going to try to express my feelings for this book without revealing anything about the shocking ending.  As far as sequals go, this is a wonderful continuation to the first book.  The author picks up with the same pacing, however, to me, Froi's story seemed to drag a little bit in the middle.  I didn't mind so much in this book though, because I expected it.  Marchetta chose to develop several different characters in this book by jumping from Froi to Lady Beatriss to Lucian and Phaedra.  This was a great way to break up the pace.  As a reader, I had the chance to live through the eyes of many characters and develop a love or hate relationship for each.  I hope to learn more about each character that was introduced in the next book, Quintana of Charyn, releasing sometime in March 2013. 

Adopted by the Queen and her consort in the land of the exiles, Froi finds love and family in the Lumaterians as they take him in as one of their own.  Deep down, though, he feels there is more to who he is.  On his mission to assassinate the King of Charyn, he discovers more about himself than he ever dreamed possible.  That's about as much as I can say without spoiling it for those who haven't read it yet. 

I truly enjoyed this book and yes I have to admit that I cried in the end.  I got so caught up in the characters that I felt like I was a part of the book.  I really hope you will pick up the sequel to Finnikin of the Rock and read it.  You will not be disappointed.