FINALLY!! The Fiery Heart ( Bloodlines # 4) by Richelle Mead

THE FIERY HEART (Bloodlines # 4) by Richelle Mead

5 STARS!

Synopsis from Good Reads:
In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.
 I feel like I have been in a reading rut lately...like maybe it isn't these authors that I adore...but I have dug myself into such a hole of expectation that I cannot get out of it.
Richelle Mead has saved me from that hole and thankfully has redeemed my thoughts on what is to expect from an author of a certain caliber. No offense to those that I have read recently, but it looks like the blame was all on me for building up my expectations too high and letting them crash and burn.
I will start by saying that I love the Bloodlines series...and if you haven't read it you seriously need to. However, if you haven't read the Vampire Academy Series you need to do that first! This is a spin off series so it would just be best!

The Fiery Heart...pure AMAZING. Adrian was fab, Sydney stupendous, the rest of the gang wasn't in this book as much, but it was seriously just WOW.
I promised myself that I wouldn't give too much away so I will keep it sort and sweet:
Me reading the book:
 Awww
OH NO!
WHAT?
YEAH!
NO!!!!!
Right on Sydney!
Stupid Cliff Hanger how will I ever make it to this Summer???

So to Sum up in two words:
READ IT!

The Mortal Instruments 2-4 review

So I have decided to lump books 2-4 together. For no particular reason...
I am going to start with book 2 and work my way back.

CITY OF ASHES (The Mortal Instruments # 2) by Cassandra Clare

4 Stars (Maybe 3.75)

Synopsis from GR:
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

It is really hard for me when I pick up a new book and there are gaps in between the books and there is a lot of back story. I mention this because it is not only a big pet peeve of mine, but a serious 'fear' of me missing out on a story line or having to rush through a book to understand what happened when I wasn't around. I was really worried that this series would be like that...thankfully it isn't. This story picked up right where the first book left off and it was a suspense filled one! I am so thrilled with this series and I cannot wait to delve more into it. I am also super excited that Clare intends to write 5 or 6 series in this same world! I love when authors do that! Oh and look at how stunning that cover is! Moving right along:



THE CITY OF GLASS (The Mortal Instruments # 3) by Cassandra Clare

5 Stars! WOW This book really did it for me!

Synopsis:
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the third installment of the New York Times bestselling series The Mortal Instruments.

 So IMO this series just keeps getting better and better! This book in particular was a HOME RUN for me. I was a little surprised at some of the events in the book, but once again I see where you are going with this Miss Clare and I love it! Very rarely do I rate a book 5 stars. It could be a really well written book but usually I find a small part of the book leaving me wanting something. This book was perfect! I loved where the story line went. I enjoyed the development of characters and the introduction to new characters. I cannot wait to read book number four and five! Super excited! 


CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS (The Mortal Instruments # 4) by: Cassandra Clare

 3 Stars
Synopsis from GR:


Clary is back in New York and life is good: she’s in training to be a shadowhunter and is finally able to call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. When Jace inexplicably begins to pull away from her, Clary is forced to acknowledge that she herself has set in motion a chain if events that could lead to the loss of everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge.
The stakes are higher than ever…


Okay I am not even sure where to begin with this one...except IMHO this book was a MAJOR MAJOR let down. I really wasn't even sure I wanted to give this book 3 stars...And I predicted in the previous book that I absolutely knew what was going to happen as far as the villan is concerned and ding ding ding...we have a winner. The only problem? It was horribly done. Everyone that is supposed to be happy ends up being miserable and the story line itself is super depressing...To be honest I am not even sure when I will start book number 5 because if it is anything like this one my love for the series will be lost. SIGH it was going so well!! After reading some other things about this series I have heard rumors that it was originally supposed to be a trilogy and honestly if that is the truth it would have been really great! Here is to HOPING that book number 5 and 6 will redeem the series for me. Sorry to end on such a downer.

The City of Bones (Mortal Instruments # 1) by Cassandra Clare

THE CITY OF BONES ( Mortal Instruments #1 ) by Cassandra Clare

4.5 Stars

Goodreads synopsis:
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Where to start? First off I guess I will start out by saying where the heck have I been?? I understand that sometimes I am a bit behind the times...but this came out in 2007! I should have read this years ago...the benefit is that not only are all six books in the series out, BUT the first movie hit theaters in August and will be out in December on DVD/Blu-ray. Very exciting.

As for the book, it was really well done. Fast paced, solid characters, excellent plot. It certainly left me wanting more and thankfully I have the second book with me so I don't have to wait too long for my next nerdy fix. I was a little dissapointed at how the book ended, but I am on to you Miss Clare and I am hoping that my instincts are correct with your plot development!

I hope you all pick this one up! I will keep you posted on the rest of the series and the movie!
TTFN. 

Goodreads Choice Awards 2013!

Final Round of Goodreads best book of 2013 voting
Voting ends on the 25th of November

Lol I always tell my husband that he should be thankful that certain people aren't real because I would totally stalk them.

Allegiant (Divergent # 3) by Veronica Roth

ALLEGIANT (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

I am not in the right mind to do a star rating on this book at this time...Honestly I may not ever be.

Goodreads summary:

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

Okay first off I have come to the conclusion that maybe dystopian book aren't for me...
That being said:

PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS READING although there are no specific 'spoilers' in my review it is probably a little spolier-esq...


I am seriously at a loss for words...
I loved this series. Like with most of my favorite series' I became a bit obsessive. Up until this point I wasn't sure that there could be a worse way to end a series than Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. My apologies, because seriously this was worse. Yet I find myself still really liking this series, (after mockingjay I didn't read anything for nearly a month). I was so upset I even told my husband, "Honey you will never believe it!" He is not a reader and doesn't understand it...his response: "Sorry honey I cannot be responsible for your emotions toward fictional characters in your life". Which is all fairness is a valid point.
The book was so fast paced and lively. Honestly I still struggle with where I should rate this book because the first part of it was nicely done. The last few chapters really tore my heart apart and although after reading Roth's blog you can read it here ( VRs View on her book )I have a better understanding of WHY the book ended the way it did. It just doesn't seem right or fair. I understand that life isn't right or fair...but in my opinion books are supposed to be and unfortunately Allegiant fell a bit short for me. Maybe that is because again it is a dystopian book.
Is it worth the read? Absolutely, but go into it knowing that you most certainly will bawl your eyes out. Unless you don't have a heart, in which case dystopian books are probably the perfect read for you!
Too sad for any more words..

THE BRIDE WORE SIZE 12 (Heather Wells # 5) by Meg Cabot

THE BRIDE WORE SIZE 12 (Heather Wells # 5) by Meg Cabot


3.5 Stars


Goodreads synopsis:
Heather Wells is used to having her cake and eating it too, but this time her cake just might be cooked. Her wedding cake, that is.

With her upcoming nuptials to PI Cooper Cartwright only weeks away, Heather's already stressed. And when a pretty junior turns up dead, Heather's sure things can't get worse—until every student in the dorm where she works is a possible suspect, and Heather's long-lost mother shows up.

Heather has no time for a tearful mother and bride reunion. She has a wedding to pull off and a murder to solve. Instead of wedding bells, she might be hearing wedding bullets, but she's determined to bring the bad guys to justice if it's the last thing she does . . . and this time, it just might be.

 I love Meg Cabot, and you really cannot go wrong with one of her books. I almost felt like the series could have ended with the last book, but it was certainly a great read. As always Heather Wells kept me on my toes with this one. I did feel like maybe Cooper (Heather's fiance) took on Heather's role for 'crazy'...a little. I am also hoping with some of the parts, that there may-perhaps be another book...we will see!

Insurgent (Divergent # 2) by Veronica Roth

INSURGENT (Divergent # 2) by: Veronica Roth

4.5 Stars 
Goodreads discription:
One choice can transform you, or destroy you.

Every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves, and herself, while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.


What a wonderful second installment of 'Divergent' (review below). So nicely done. I feel like this book wasn't quite as good as the first, but not every book can be perfect and this one was certainly close! I am so excited to read the third book in this series. One thing I love most about my favorite books is when there are surprises in store for me. I love the twists and turns that 'Insurgent' took! I found some of the book a little bit predictable, but for the most part there were some really big WOW moments. Well worth my time, I couldn't put it down!

A Beautiful Evil (Gods & Monsters #2) by Kelly Keaton

A BEAUTIFUL EVIL (Gods & Monsters #2) by: Kelly Keaton

3.5 Stars

Goodreads.com overview:

Myth and mayhem inhabit a richly reimagined New Orleans in this sequel to Darkness Becomes Her.After the epic graveyard battle at the end of Darkness Becomes Her, Ari and her friends know what they’re up against: Ari is facing the Medusa curse and is haunted by the image of what she will become. To make matters worse, the heinous goddess Athena has kidnapped young Violet and is threatening to destroy Ari.

Ari, along with the superhot Sebastian, is doing everything she can to learn more about Athena and to get Violet back. But the battle of good and evil is bigger than she realizes, and she’s about to be pulled into a world more horrific than she could ever imagine....

I enjoyed this book. On my scale of favorite book ever-to-I couldn't finish it was certainly somewhere in the middle of the pack. I really like the main characters- Ari & Sebastian, and their band of misfit toys: Henri, Violet, Crank, & Dub. In this series the antagonist is one of my favorite Greek Deities-Athena. Which for me was a bit of a stretch but certainly a great story line. Even though I really enjoyed this read it took me about 3x longer than a normal book of this size. It wasn't one of those books that I would constantly think about until I finished it. That is my main reason for the 3.5 rating I found that it may just be a bit forgettable. 

In the beginning of this series from GR:
Ari can't help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can't be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it's impossible to protect herself when she doesn't know what she's running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won't stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

This series has something for everyone: Vampires, Witches, Shape-shifters, and Gods. It is certainly worth your time and at just above 300 pages it should be a nice quick 'in-between' book.
Enjoy!

Throw back Thursday!

Today I am paying tribute to Kady Kross's "Steam Punk Chronicles". Specifically I would like to tell you a little about the first book in the Trilogy called The Girl in the Steel Corset. I can honestly say that this is one of the most unique story lines that I have ever come across.
Here is good reads description:

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one...except the "thing" inside her.When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no "normal" Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch....

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of "them." The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help--and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on--even if it seems no one believes her.

Kross has a terrific voice in her novels. She makes her characters (especially Giffin King and Jack Dandy) super yummy! The thing that impressed me most about this story was that it didn't start out okay and improve from there. It was amazing from the beginning. If you haven't read it yet, PLEASE do! You won't be disappointed.

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass # 2) by Sarah J Maas

CROWN OF MIDNIGHT (Throne o Glass # 2) by: Sarah J. Maas

4 Stars

If you haven't read the first book Throne of Glass I suggest you skip the description for C.o.M. and also here is what the first book is about:
After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Charol Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another.

Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined...
 
Okay now here is the Crown of midnight one...again do not read this if you intend to read the first book (I highly recommend it!)

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

I gave both books in this series 4 star ratings. As for the second book it nearly didn't make the cut. I had very mixed emotions about it. At first I felt like it wasn't moving nearly fast enough. The first book was really full speed ahead. I felt like I barely had time to catch my breath! In retrospect the lag time in this book could have been from all of the secrets that kept pouring from the book. The secrets kept coming right up until the last chapter. In all honestly the four star rating was sealed by the last chapter. Up until that time it was a solid 3 for me...way to reel me in at the last minute Ms. Maas! I suppose I will sit on pins and needles for however long it takes for the next one to come out...unfortunately no news on that front :(
 

Revealed (House of Night #11) by: P.C. Cast

REVEALED (House of Night # 11) by: P.C. Cast & Kristen Cast

3.5 Stars

The spellbinding eleventh and penultimate installment in the #1 New York Times bestselling vampyre series

Drastically altered after her fall at the end of Hidden, Neferet is now more dangerous than ever—and her quest for vengeance will wreak havoc on humans, as well as Zoey and her friends. Chaos is loosed in Tulsa and the House of Night is blamed. Can Zoey stop Neferet in time to keep her anger from escalating to full-on war? Or will someone else have to step in to take the fall?

The House of Night series is an international phenomenon, reaching #1 on U.S., German, and UK bestseller lists, and remaining a fixture on The New York Times Children’s Series bestseller list for nearly 150 weeks and counting. With more than 12 million copies in print, rights sold in thirty–eight countries to date, and relatable, addictive characters, this series is unstoppable. Now, in the eleventh and penultimate installment of the series, the action is more intense and the stakes even higher as Zoey and her friends battle to protect their school and home from devastating evil—all while balancing romances, precarious friendships and the daily drama of the House of Night's halls.

 My Thoughts:
First and foremost I want to start out by saying that I am a big fan of all things P.C. Cast. I have her to thank for easing me into reading paranormal romance. Without reading her first book in the House of Night (HoN) series I wouldn't have even considered picking up a romance novel. So thank you for that! 

With Revealed I felt a little let down. I even waited almost a week to write this review because my reaction to the book seriously stumped me...I have read ALMOST every book that P.C. has published and with the exception of one (Divine by Blood in the Parthenon series): her books are witty, fun, intriguing, and leave me wanting more..with Revealed that simply wasn't the case.

Now was the book actually bad? Absolutely NOT. Maybe I didn't like it as much because I have bigger expectations from her. Honestly I think the reason I didn't like it is because I felt like two of the main character's personalities did complete 180s. I think it really hurt the book and hopefully there is a logical reason behind it and will be revealed in the next book (pun not intended lol). Redeemed is scheduled to release next October 2014. Hopefully the series finale is better than this one. 

Here is some background on the series if you have yet to pick it up (from goodreads.com):

House of Night is a thrilling, New York Times bestselling young adult fantasy series. The books follow 16-year-old Zoey Redbird as she is "Marked" by a vampyre tracker and begins to undergo the “Change” into an actual vampyre. She has to leave her family in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and move into the House of Night, a boarding school for other fledgling vampyres like her.

It’s tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends. It gets even harder for Zoey to fit in when she finds she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. As Zoey tries to make new friends and maybe find a hot boyfriend (or two), she comes up against all kinds of evil. Things at the House of Night are not always what they seem. Can Zoey find the courage deep within herself to find the truth and embrace her destiny?

My final thought:
Read it! But be prepared for it not to be like the rest of the series :) 

A Radiant Sky

A RADIANT SKY (A beautiful Dark # 3) by: Jocelyn Davies

3 Stars

Since the night of her seventeenth birthday, Skye has been torn between two opposites: Light and Dark, the Order and the Rebellion, Devin and Asher.

But her decision shocked both sides—because she chose neither.

With the help of her friends, Skye forges her own path, setting out to gather an uprising of Rogues. The treacherous and elusive half-angels may be the key to maintaining the balance of fate and free will. But completing the mission her parents left unfinished is more difficult—and dangerous—than she could have imagined. And doing so comes at a cost: Her greatest love may now be a lethal enemy. Because it’s not just the Order that sees her as a threat who must be eliminated. The Rebellion does, too.

And both sides will do whatever it takes to win.

Dark days lie ahead, and if Skye is to survive, she’ll need to rely on her extraordinary powers and the strength of her will. Because she has a future—and a love—that’s worth fighting for.

The sweeping, darkly romantic story that began with A Beautiful Dark and gathered intensity in A Fractured Light comes to a thrilling conclusion in A Radiant Sky.

I hate to say this because I loved Jocelyn Davies first two books...but I feel like this ending was a bit of a let down. The story was well told, however I feel like she could have probably put the last two books together, condensed it, and made it into one. Here are the details about the first two books so that you have a little bit of an understanding about what they are...

A Beautiful Dark:  
On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies.

A Fractured Light:
 When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. It's not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories come flooding back. She tries to put the past behind her, but she knows she'll be forever haunted by the ruthless betrayal that almost took her life.

Skye returns home, but with the knowledge of who she really is, nothing can ever be the same. As she tests the limits of her newfound powers, Skye discovers that she's capable of far more than anyone could have imagined. Both the Order and the Rebellion want her for their side as war between the factions looms. She can't forget the terrifying truth she now knows about the Order, but something holds her back from embracing the Rebellion.

A Fractured Light picks up right after A Beautiful Dark's shocking cliffhanger ending and is perfect for fans of Lauren Kate's Fallen and Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush saga

Okay so now that you know a little about the series. I really love Asher. It was fun to get the background on Skye's family history and some background on Aunt Jo...but still the last book left me wanting just a little more. The Series in it self is a good one, I just wish that the end wasn't so... anti-climatic...

Vote for your 2013 favorite books of the year!

Don't forget to check Goodreads.com to vote for the best books of the 2013 year.

https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2013

**ADULT READ: The Darkest Craving (Lords of the underworld # 10)

THE DARKEST CRAVING (Lords of the Underworld #10) by: Gena Showalter

4 Stars
This is an Adult Romance Novel with ADULT content :)


New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter is back with a breathtaking Lords of the Underworld tale about a warrior trapped by darkness and the woman determined to save him

Having endured weeks of torture in the bowels of hell, Kane wants nothing to do with his beautiful rescuer, Josephina Aisling. The half-Fae female threatens to awaken the demon of Disaster inside him—a beast he’s determined to kill, no matter the price.

Josephina is hunted by a brutal enemy—her royal family—and Kane is her only source of protection. He’s also the only male to ever set her aflame, and even he succumbs to the heat. But as they navigate the treacherous world of the Fae, they are forced to make a choice: live apart…or die together.

I feel like it has been way too long since I have read Gena Showalter...when in all actuality I have read quite a bit from her this year. However she is such a versatile writer that I find myself forgetting that she wrote the white rabbit chronicles too. The books are SOO different and the main reason is probably because they are intended for two completely different audiences. Gena's story telling ability never ceases to amaze me and Kane's story is really no different. 

Background on the Lords of the Underworld from goodreads.com :

Long ago, twelve immortals warriors – each more dangerously seductive than the last -- stole and opened Pandora’s box, unleashing the evil from within. Now they carry that evil within themselves. Violence, Pain, Death, Disease, Disaster, Misery, Doubt, Promiscuity, Defeat, Lies, Secrets, and Wrath. When a powerful enemy returns, they will travel the world in search of a sacred relic of the gods – one that threatens to destroy them all.

Kane is the keeper of Disaster and he is the main character in this book. I have always felt sorry for Kane. In the previous books he walks into a room and the ceiling falls or the electricity shorts and he gets shocked...so sad. I feel like he more than the others, can never live a normal life even for a few hours. In the past few books Kane had a fairly large presence and because I don't want to give away any spoilers for those who haven't read the other books, but it wasn't pretty. I was so happy to learn that he was finally getting his story and a little chance of normal. There were some really interesting concepts in this book and although Torin (promiscuity) wasn't in this book a lot I look forward to his story "The Darkest Touch" Which will be out in 2014 YAY!!

Gena has also written a spin-off series called Angels of the dark. I recommend reading at least the first 6 or 7 books of LotU before you start it. The third book in that series 'Burning Dawn' will be out in April and I am pleased to show the pre-order poster that includes the cover that Gena released TODAY!!

SOOO awesome! Can't wait!

Divergent

DIVERGENT (Divergent #1) by: Veronica Roth

4.5 Stars

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Okay so I usually am less inclined to read a book if there is a fairly large following behind it...I am not sure why this it. I can probably attribute it to the fact that as a teenager I was not one to give into peer pressure, in fact if someone tried to pressure me into something (ie. Drinking, smoking, dating someone...) I was certainly NOT going to do it. Just to have the smug satisfaction that I chose to go against the grain. Now I find myself in the same situation in the book universe. Oh everyone loves 'Divergent'...yeah I will put it on my to-read list but I am certainly not going to read it any time soon. So two years later I find that I really need to read it, if for no other reason that I will also not allow myself to be one of those 'fan girls' who reads things only after the movie comes out.

Now with March quickly approaching I broke down and got the book yesterday. I have a love hate relationship again with anything 'popular' so it is with much reluctance that I admit the fans got it right...this book is incredibly amazing. A few people have ask me what I would compare it to and 'Hunger Games' keeps popping into my head, even though they only real similarity that the two share is that the new futuristic societies that have become the US have both decided to divide into fractions. Other than that there is really nothing else. (Oh and PS Hunger Games I am still pissed at you for the way 'Mocking Jay' ended and if the Divergent series comes close to that I may just off myself...)

 'Divergent' is the tall, dark, handsome, and funny guy in the room. He draws you in with his beautiful cover and quick 'pick up' lines and continues to fascinate you throughout the evening and seriously leaves you needing wanting more. There were some witty comments but not enough to thing he's trying too hard, enough violence and suspense that leave you on the seat of your chair but not enough that you are having nightmares for months on end, enough romance to keep you interested, and of course enough hero/bad guy issues that you feel like a giddy-nerdy teenager. Thank goodness I don't have to wait a year in between books, because that might have given me a coronary. The book didn't end in a huge cliff hanger which I appreciate, I mean seriously authors! Making your readers wait for a year plus when the story didn't end in a good spot is both cruel and fascist. Okay I relent, I understand why you do it...but that doesn't make it any easier to endure those months and months between your work. So Ms. Veronica Roth on behalf of readers everywhere, I thank you for ending your first book well and making the entire thing a work of art.

Super excited to check out book number two. Stay posted hopefully my review of 'Insurgent' will be quick to follow this one.

Through the Zombie Glass (White Rabbit Chronicles, #2)

THROUGH THE ZOMBIE GLASS (White Rabbit Chronicles #2) by: Gena Showalter

5 Stars

 Inspired by the childhood classic Alice in Wonderland, this harrowing and romantic story features teen zombie slayer Alice Bell who has lost so much—family, friends, her home. After a strange new zombie attack, Alice fears she may be losing her mind as well. A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do wicked things. The whispers of the dead assault her ears and mirrors seem to come frighteningly to life. She’s never needed her team of zombie slayers more—including her boyfriend, Cole—than she does now. But as Cole strangely withdraws and the zombies gain new strength, Ali knows one false step may doom them all

 This review contains spoilers from the first WRC book.

I'm going to start out saying that I usually don't pick up zombie books...out of all of the paranormal out there, I have never understood the 'zombie' idea zombies or had any interest in it. HOWEVER I love me some Gena Showalter. She is one of my favorite authors of all time. I got really hooked on her when she and P.C. Cast wrote Mysteria and Mysteria Lane with a couple of other wonderful ladies. What can I say...anything she writes, I am hooked.

I loved the first installment of the "White Rabbit Chronicles"-Alice in Zombie land. I also love how Gena made zombies seem 'plausible'...see there it is again, people shape-shifting into werewolfs I am totally cool with...walking rotting corpses...not so much. So when Gena made zombies spirits that only certain people can see and had them bite to infect other spirits which then would infect the person I thought..hmmm yeah that could TOTALLY happen. SO again thank you Gena for coming up with an interesting new spin.

Back to book number two. It was INSANE! and yes that is a complement. I was so happy when Ali and Cole got together in the first book. In this book their relationship went through some serious turmoil, and Ali really developed into a bad-ass. I enjoyed the new characters in the book and I am really excited to see where the next book goes! In the end this book had everything that I look for in a book. A great story line, solid characters humor, love, twists and turns.
I seriously cannot wait until 'The Queen of Zombie Hearts' the third installment in this series releases next year! Until then I will just have to tide myself over with Gena's upcoming 'Angels of the Dark' book.
 

Endless Knight (Arcana Chronicles #2) by: Kresley Cole

ENDLESS KNIGHT (Arcana Chronicles #2) by: Kresley Cole

4.5 Stars

In this seductive follow-up to 'Poison Princess', #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole takes us deeper into the dark world of the Arcana Chronicles.

Shocking Secrets

Evie has fully come into her powers as the Tarot Empress, and Jack was there to see it all. She now knows that the teens who've been reincarnated as the Tarot are in the throes of an epic battle. It's kill or be killed, and the future of mankind hangs in the balance.

Unexpected Allies

With threats lurking around every corner, Evie is forced to trust her newfound alliance. Together they must fight not only other Arcana, but also Bagmen zombies, post-apocalyptic storms, and cannibals.

Gut-Wrenching Treachery

When Evie meets Death, things get even more complicated. Though falling for Jack, she's drawn to the dangerous Endless Knight as well. Somehow the Empress and Death share a history, one that Evie can't remember—but Death can't forget

Okay one word to describe this book WOW.  Sorry if this review gets a little spoiler-y...hopefully I won't ruin anything for you, but warning read on with caution. This book has done something that I can honestly say has never happened to me before. It has take two solid lead male roles and made me fall in love with them both...and honestly I am a one man kind of gal. Totally Team Edward in Twilight, Team Lucas in Starcrossed, Team Stark in HON, Team Tam in Wings...you get the idea....anyhoo I seriously don't know who I love more the Louisiana Cajun Jack Deveaux or Aric the Death Card. It's strange because before this book I was all Team Jack, but seriously I am as confused as ever, and as good as I usually am at predicting what will happen next I am at a complete loss this time. I guess I will have to patiently await the next installment which unfortunately at this time doesn't have a release date...sigh.

Back to my thoughts on the book: I thought the first book in this series was okay...nothing stupendous although I really loved the characters. Nothing awful although there was so much going on with the background that I found it a little hard to keep everyone straight. (maybe I will reread it to see if I still feel that way).

The Second book was NOTHING like the first. I am not sure why the two were so vastly different in my mind, but I LOVED 'Endless Knight'. My only real complaint is that the book ended with a bit of a cliff-hanger and lets face it authors love to let us stew...Evie I felt developed more as a character. Jack was a little more brooding, but still hot, and I actually started to like Serena  (in the first book sorry for the French I thought she was a complete bitch). So overall I think that as a whole the book was much better due to the deeper back story and the character development. This is really a series that you should keep your eye on. I look forward to checking out more of Kresley Cole's work. I hear she cooks up a mean romance novel.

TTFN.

THE ELITE by Jennifer Banash

3.5 Stars

From the top, you can see everything… except yourself.

When Casey McCloy steps into the elegant Bramford building, she's overwhelmed. Fresh from the Midwest, she's moved to New York's Upper East Side to live with her grandmother and attend the prestigious Meadowlark Academy. Here all that matters is who you know. The girl to know is Madison Macallister: popular, pretty, platinum blond. She's not just Casey's new classmate and neighbor; she's an icon. So Casey aims to get in with Madison and her gorgeous gal-pals from the start. As the reigning queen of coolness, Madison is capable of destroying reputations with one well timed whisper. Better to be on her good side.

But after a city-haute makeover from her new frenemy Madison, Casey is wearing the right clothes, saying the right things, and meeting the right people, including Drew, the boy-about-town who Madison thinks belongs to her and her alone

This book reminded me of a duller version of 'Private' by Kate Brain (well except for the murders and such). It was a good book, I enjoyed the insight into the mind of the upper east side Manhattan teenager. It was a little hard to get through all of the fashion references. Don't get me wrong I enjoy vivid scenes as much as the next girl, but I don't really need a full page describing someone's outfit. That being said I will read the next two books...because let's face it I can't really start a series and not finish it...I will do a double review in the next few weeks on the final two and let you know my ultimate verdict.

Bottom line it was an easy read and would be a good 'filler' novel when you are painstakingly waiting for your next favorite book to come out...cough cough *Firey Heart* cough.