Book Review: Brink of Dawn by Jeff Altabef & Erynn Altabef

Title: Brink of Dawn
Series:  Chosen
Author(s): Jeff Altabef & Erynn Altabef
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
Date of Publication: Nov. 28,2015

Goodreads Synopsis:

Follow-up to the multiple award-winning Wind Catcher
They walk among us as if they are gods.Only the Chosen know what they are.Only the Chosen know to fear them.And only the Chosen can defeat them.
Evolved Publishing presents the second book in the multiple award-winning Chosen series of young adult mystery thrillers, which feature an American Indian fantasy and supernatural theme, from the same author who brought you the award-winning thriller Shatter Point, and his daughter.
Juliet Wildfire Stone and her best friend, Troy Buckhorn, barely escaped their sleepy Arizona town alive. Now they’re speeding to New York City to find the three other Chosen. The Chosen must band together to face an ancient foe that threatens all humanity.
Yet Juliet doesn’t know whom to trust, and strange things are happening in the City.
The Chosen will be tested, their resolve questioned, and their flaws exposed. Each must decide whether he or she will fulfill their destiny—or run. To defeat the enemy, they must stop battling among themselves and overcome their own struggles.
Only one can lead them. Will Juliet embrace her powers in time?
Brink of Dawn picks up where the multiple-award-winning first book in the Chosen series, Wind Catcher, left off, but it can also be read as a stand-alone novel. Continue the adventure! And be sure to watch for the third and final installment in this exciting series, Scorched Souls, to launch in late 2016.
AWARDS FOR WIND CATCHER:WINNER: Readers' Favorite Awards -- Gold Medal 2015: Young Adult Coming-of-Age
WINNER: Mom's Choice Awards -- Silver Medal: Young Adult Books
WINNER: Beverly Hills Books Awards - 2015: Best Young Adult Fiction
WINNER: Awesome Indies -- Seal of Approval: "A treat to read."

My Thoughts:


Is it possible to actually fall  in love with something or someone more than you already are? 
Yep, absolutely possible.
And that is pretty much what has happened with this series, these authors, and the characters.  The Chosen series really does keep getting better and better.  
I love that  in the second installment, Brink of Dawn, we delve deeper into the prophecy and realize it isn't only central to Native American folklore; it gives us similarities and examples from the other major religions too.  So just like in the book where we have very different people from all walks of life coming together for a common purpose, we see that the beliefs have more in common than most people realize they do.  It is truly a breath of fresh air in this day and age.  
Our main character, Juliet, is still recovering from losing someone very close to her in the first book, Wind Catcher, as well as trying to reconcile herself with the fact she will have to commit crimes she may not be able to forgive herself for, even if it is to save the planet.  In this book, Juliet has to learn more about herself as she goes into a self-imposed exile internally.  
Troy is still there protecting his best friend, Juliet, and learning more about himself as well.  We see a tremendous growth in each of these characters as they learn their importance in each other's lives. 
We are also introduced to a few new characters that play pivotal roles in the progression of the story.  Connor, a young man who is very troubled and drinks to deal with the pains of the past, is an interesting character that I have to say I really enjoyed.  He proves the point "never judge a book by its cover" to be true time over time.
Akari is super fun!  I also love that we get to see Japanese mythos brought in and are able to find similarities between it and the other mythos in the story.  Akari is a strong and tough female but still has issues that she must learn to overcome.  She has panic attacks when she least needs to have them and I just find myself loving her so much because I , too, suffer from panic attacks.  I can definitely relate, even if I can't save the world from powerful aliens! 
Blake is also an enigma in his own right too.  At first glance, you would think he is a pompous and spoiled young man, but we soon come to find out he has the biggest heart you could imagine.  He, just like his counterparts, have some serious issues that he will have to work through to save the world.

I found myself reading Brink of Dawn nonstop and having a very hard time putting it down to do routine things like eat, sleep, or teach.  This is a story that has an exciting plot, relatable and lovable characters, and a theme to die for.  
I highly recommend this series to anyone that loves fantasy with a mixture of the different mythos (including Christianity) and has a scientific appeal to it too.

Connect with the Author:

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Quick Reviews: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass
Sarah J. Maas
Bloomsbury USA Childrens
May 7 2013
paperback, 404 pages, bought, high fantasy


From Goodreads:

In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass--and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.

My Thoughts:

I have officially found my new favorite fantasy author!  Of course, I have a lot of favorites; but Sarah J. Maas is on fire with her writing!!  Seriously, she is one awesome creative lady!

Throne of Glass has everything you would expect in a high fantasy: magic, fighting, and a little bit of romance.   What makes it much different is our protagonist is a kick ass female.  Celaena is one of the coolest heroines in the Young Adult genre right now.  
She is a huge complex character that has this exterior that seems so solid and strong; but then when we start delve deeper into her actions we see how broken she really is.  

There is a hint to a love triangle but it doesn't overtake the plot at all.  Rather, it works well with the problems that arise throughout the story and brings out the positives of both male characters.  I don't know how she chooses but I kinda agree with her choice as well.  He is AWESOME SAUCE!  

Throne of Glass introduces us to a world that could be so beautiful if it wasn't ruled by this evil  man who sucks the life out of everything special.  That is what is amazing about the author's writing, she can construct this dark awful person and then turn around and create someone so good that you have to have hope for the world.  She gives us a world that holds both darkness and light as well as a character that has both traits battling inside her.  

I loved this book right off the bat and jumped on ordering the next two books instantly.  If you are huge fantasy fans or even just love strong kick ass heroines who are intelligent and super funny then I urge you to pick this book up.  It is witty and snarky and has some awesome fight scenes that are comparable to epic movies.  

Grab your own copy:

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Connect with Sarah J. Maas:

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Blog Tour Review: Wind Catcher by Jeff and Erynn Altabef {Chosen book 1}

Welcome to my stop on this amazing blog tour for Wind Catcher by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef.  A huge thanks goes to the Novel Publicity for putting this all together and allowing me to be a part of it!  

This fantasy adventure series is steeped in American Indian culture and so much more.

Winner: Mom's Choice Award -- Silver Metal

Winner: Awesome Indies -- Seal of Approval

Recipient: Readers' Favorite -- 5 Star Review

Juliet Wildfire Stone hears voices and sees visions, but she can't make out what they mean. Her eccentric grandfather tells her stories about the Great Wind Spirit and Coyote, but he might as well be speaking another language. None of it makes any sense.
When she stumbles upon a series of murders, she can't help but worry her grandfather might be involved. To discover the truth, Juliet must choose between her new life at an elite private school and her Native American heritage. Once she uncovers an ancient secret society formed over two hundred years ago to keep her safe, she starts to wonder whether there's some truth to those old stories her grandfather has been telling her.
All she wants is to be an average sixteen-year-old girl, but she has never been average-couldnever be average.
Betrayed by those she loves, she must decide whether to run or risk everything by fulfilling her destiny as the Chosen.

"Wind Catcher is a suspenseful, wonderfully written story that will capture your attention and hold it prisoner. A book that you won't want to escape from. Brava!" - Stephen Fisher, Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

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Check My Review!

What an amazingly unique story!! I can honestly say I have never read anything like it! I loved the strong Native American themes running through it as well as the deep plunge into the rich culture then and now.

This story seemed to quench my thirst for knowledge of the more supernatural aspect to the Native American history and storytelling and I loved the creativity of the authors.

Even though this is, in essence, a young adult book, I was literally kept at the edge of my seat while reading. The plot has some very intense situations as well as mature threads running throughout the story. I love that our authors see our “young adult” crowd as more than older kids; they see them as very intelligent and can handle the more mature themes including murder and secret societies.

And come on, who doesn’t love secret societies?



I was also totally in love with the fact that Wind Catcher can’t be limited to just one genre. It has mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, and I personally think it has this “coming of age” sense to it too. Trust me, there is something for everyone in this awesome novel!

Besides being super interesting, the book is very well written. Both authors, Jeff and Erynn, pay such close attention to details, big and small, and the words flowed easily from the pages to the mental pictures in my mind.

The characters are complex and you can see definite changes as the story progresses for the main character. Juliet Stone starts out as being torn from fitting in at her private school and still trying to hold on to a place in her culture too. I enjoyed watching her as she learned more about her past, which helped her deal with her problems with the present.

I also enjoyed immensely how at the beginning neither Juliet or Troy was very trusting of those out of the Native American society, but as the story goes on and delves deeper into the mysteries of the secret society, we see more trust being developed. We see characters of different heritages putting their lives on the line for Juliet and others. I love to see this coming together of different peoples. Awesome!



Overall, I was insanely happy with the way Wind Catcher turned out! I was hooked from the very first pages and found myself reading this story in less than two days. I already know I am going to have a really hard time making it till November for the book two, but I will probably find myself re-reading book one to make the wait a little easy. I would definitely recommend Wind Catcher to anyone who is fascinated by the Native American history and the rich mythology too, especially when it is combined with a modern twist!

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Book Review: Sisters' Fate by Jessica Spotswood {Book 3 The Cahill Witch Chronicles}

Title: Sisters' Fate
Series: The Cahill Witch Chronicles
Author: Jessica Spotswood
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Date of Publication: August 14 2014
Source: bought, young adult, historical fiction, hardcover, 368 pages


From Goodreads:

A fever ravages New London, but with the Brotherhood sending suspected witches straight to the gallows, the Sisters are powerless against the disease. They can’t help without revealing their powers—as Cate learns when a potent display of magic turns her into the most wanted witch in all of New England.

To make matters worse, Cate has been erased from the memory of her beloved Finn. While she’s torn between protecting him from further attacks and encouraging him to fall for her all over again, she’s certain she can never forgive Maura’s betrayal. And now that Tess’s visions have taken a deadly turn, the prophecy that one Cahill sister will murder another looms ever closer to its fulfillment.

My Thoughts: 
Cate has really stepped into her shoes, so to speak.  She has come into her own as a woman, as a witch, and as a sister.  We have watched this character grow throughout the series to turn into a very powerful and interesting person.
In fact, each sister has contributed to this series in some big and small way to shape it into a fine historical fiction and exciting magical novel.

I wasn't really feeling this cover picture.  I just felt it lacked something.  I am not sure what, and the model is beautiful but I don't know if that is what I pictured Cate to be like.  Of course, this doesn't take away from the novel at all.  I was just not into this cover picture.

But the overall plot did deliver very well.   There are a few twists and turns that I wasn't expecting but for the most part everything fell into place of how the plot was going in the first two books.  We lose some characters I wasn't expecting to and gained a few allies that I was hoping for.
The conflicts between the sisters and Maura comes to a final battle in this story and we are shocked by the turnout.  I feel guilty for the way I felt about Maura even though she deserved it and yet I feel like she may have redeemed herself as well.  I would have liked for more to happen between the sisters as allies before the ending but again, I understand the way it played out too.  Besides, when it comes to series finales I think we will always find something we wanted more just because we really don't want it to end.

Remember how there is always two sides to every story?  Well, I really love how our author does that.  She shows us that even though the Brothers are the worst people in charge, some of the extreme thoughts of the witches aren't the greatest idea either.  Mrs. Spotswood, instead, details one extreme to the next showing us that it is always better to find a compromise or meeting ground.

Another point that I loved about the third book is that there is some revolutionary thinking ( for this time period anyways) where we find the women and men coming together to argue points about breaking away from those in charge.
Besides being a paranormal romance novel, Sisters Fate is truly a great historical novel giving us a look into how women were treated back in this time period.  Yes, witches were feared and hated but girls and women were treated terribly too.  It is a great novel for someone looking for a magical story but is a very rousting historical fiction.

All in all, I was pretty satisfied with how Sisters' Fate ended the series.  There were some things I would have liked to see more of and characters I didn't want to lose but overall the story was carried through very well.  I believe we were given what we needed and that is the most important part of a story.  Getting what I needed from it not just what I wanted or wished for.

It was a wonderful series and I look forward to anything else that Mrs. Spotswood will bring us in the future!

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Book Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Title: Born Wicked
Series: The Cahill Witch Chronicles
Author: Jessica Spostswood
Publisher: Speak
Date of Publication: Jan. 8 2013
Source: bought, paperback, 352 pages


Goodreads Summary:

A gorgeous, witchy, romantic fantasy by a debut author! Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and the Beautiful Creatures series!
Everybody thinks Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship--or an early grave. Then Cate finds her mother's diary, and uncovers a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. But if what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe--not even from each other.

My Thoughts: 

I was a little confused when I first started reading Born Wicked.  I seriously thought this book was set in present time and I could not figure out why everything seemed so off.  But once I realized it was more in the late 1800's early 1900's, then everything seemed to make so much more sense.  And actually, I think the story wouldn't have been as interesting if it were a present day novel.  
This was a time period where there really were witch hunts and women being wrongly accused of witchcraft; so to actually be a witch and growing up in this time period is pretty darn scary and exciting.  

I actually love historical fiction and it made me giddy to know that Born Wicked was one.  But it is much more than just that too.  There is also a huge alternate universe feeling to the novel because of the views expressed by the characters.  Women are treated terrible in the US (which back then that wasn't unfathomable) but they are treated exceptionally well in places like Dubai.  They are even allowed to wear trousers!!  Oh I love my trousers and couldn't imagine not wearing them; although I think it would be fun to have the beautiful dresses as well. 

I loved the world building as we learn more about the past and why things are so bad now for women from the men called the Brotherhood.  There is so much mystery surrounding the witch hunts and there is definitely more to it and just what those in control would have us believe it to be. 
The author did a wonderful job of creating characters that we can relate to but still have this magical component to them that makes them even more interesting.  The three sisters are hard not to love and I find I enjoy each one because of their different personalities and how they meld together to work.  Of course, until they don't.  I mean they are sisters and sisters argue.  Right?  

My favorite has to be Tess.  I just love how quiet and soft spoken she is but so intelligent.  And she is the youngest as well.  I feel like Cate, the oldest and the one telling the story, sometimes forgets that each one has a personality that she loves as well.  She is just so worried about them all the time, she forgets to actually enjoy their company as well.  As a mother, I can completely understand that.  Sometimes the worries and frantic nerves can take over and we forget to enjoy the simple things too.  

I believe the character development was done beautifully.  It is probably the strongest point of the book.  We see Cate in all her glory when she is strong and when she feels like everything is falling apart.  I just want to reach into the book and give her the comfort that she needs so much.  I don't believe she makes all the right decisions but at the same time, I don't know how she could have made any other decision as well.  

And of course there is a love interest.  There is a love triangle but I don't think it is as pronounced as I worried it would be.  I think Paul could be a good guy (though he gets on my nerves) and I think Finn is the absolute most adorable funniest guy there is.  I even love the name more too: Finn.  Plus, he is a bookseller and come on, what is not to love for that!!!???  He is definitely a triple threat. 

I am a sucker for all books about witches and magic and Born Wicked was a great story that had me hooked into instantly.  I feel like there is so much more in the story, hidden between the lines, about women's suffering through the ages, but is told from a magical standpoint.  There are a few surprises throughout the book that will shock you and have you shaking your head but all in all I really loved Born Wicked!   I am starting the second book as soon as I finish this review!  I hope it is as good as the first!

Get your own copy at:

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Connect with Jessica Spotswood:

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Book Review: Ruin and Rising {Book 3: The Grisha Trilogy} by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Ruin and Rising
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: Book 3 The Grisha
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
Date of Publication: June 17, 2014
Source: bought, hardcover, 417 pages
Genre: fantasy, young adult, romance


Goodreads Summary:

The capital has fallen.
The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.
Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.
Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.
Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

 My Thoughts:

Anyone remember the song from Boys II Men about saying goodbye?  Well, I did shed a few tears with this one.  I really didn't want to say goodbye to Alina, Mal, Nicholai, hell I kinda miss the Darkling too!  Who wouldn't?    This series wrapped its magical arms around me and just squeezed my heart so much that it hurt to say goodbye to these characters.

I feel like everyone had grown so much through the three books and become what the world needed them to be, even if it left us disappointed for the outcome.  I felt like this book was so much more than just a story about right and wrong, good and evil.  The Darkling was charismatic; charming even while he was committing the most despicable acts throughout the book.  I seen there was so much more to him than meets the eye and knew he was pushed in this direction.  That isn't an excuse for him but I enjoyed learning more about him as a child, just so I could understand his brand of evil better.

I believe Alina respected him at first and of course she did have a slight crush on him { who wouldn't?} but there was more to it than that.  She felt connected to his emotions because some of them were her own. So I agree with the ending and I am glad that it was finished the way it was.  Compassion is a strong force just as much as hate and love is.

Bardugo put us through some serious tear jerking moments in the final book.  Yes, there was people that were lost that I didn't want to lose but again, it shaped the outcome in a way that fit for every character.  Leigh Bardugo is a wonderful writer who makes me question my very sanity as I read her stories.  She gives us insight into the innermost feelings of some of the darkest characters ever and we find ourselves understanding some of their motives and giving in to some pity for these people.  She shows us that we can't just group everyone into the "good" category and the "bad" category because basically people have layers.  I wonder if our author was fan of Shrek?

I really believe that Ruin and Rising did a good job of bringing the series to a close-even if it hurt like hell and it wasn't what I was expecting for Alina.  After everything that happened, the ending seemed so simple.  But  maybe that was the complexity of it; that no one was expecting it.  We were shocked right along with all of the characters and it was beautiful.

I cried for this book and yet my tears wasn't all sad.  I was happy for these people {yes I know they are not real, only in my heart } and I felt connected to them and genuinely vested in their lives.

I also loved reading the Darkling's short story that I got in the back of my book { Barnes & Noble edition}.  I loved that it was at the end of the story; of the series and it took us inside the Darkling before he became the terror everyone knew.  He was  just a boy and I loved seeing him in this fragile way.

All in all, I was extremely happy with the third and final book in The Grisha Series, Ruin and Rising.  It captured the entire thrill of the series again and everything seemed to come full circle in a way that was beautiful and sad and destined.
I have to give it five hearts!  Even many more for the love I felt for this series!

Get your own copy at:

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Book Review: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Title: Seraphina
Author: Rachel Hartman
Publisher: Random House 
Date of Publication: Aug. 10, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, fantasy, medieval fantasy
Source: bought, hardcover, 512 pages


Goodreads Summary:

In her New York Times bestselling and Morris Award-winning debut, Rachel Hartman introduces mathematical dragons in an alternative-medieval world to fantasy and science-fiction readers of all ages. Eragon-author Christopher Paolini calls them, "Some of the most interesting dragons I've read in fantasy."
Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.
Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed Seraphina!  It was a fun read with an interesting subject that you don't really see a lot of in young adult stories nowadays.  Especially being the main characters too.  Dragons!  Who doesn't love dragons?  Ever since I was a little girl I have been in love with the majestic dragon.  Yes, some are bad; but there are also some very good ones as well.  And I guess that is what made me love this story the most.  The idea that, just like humans, there is your good guys and your bad guys.  I love when a story shows us there is more to it than the stereotypes that the vast majority share.
Seraphina was an unique character with her many talents and difficulties that she had.  For the first few chapters, we aren't really sure why Seraphina is so afraid to bring attention to herself; only that she has some magical? abilities maybe and has to hide them from the rest of people.  And once we find out what the "secret" is, whoa boy!  It really is a big one that could bring about her death too.
I liked Seraphina.  I thought I would probably get a long with her if she truly existed.  She is quiet but awesome and caring even though she fears to get too close.  Funny that she ends up being friends with the prince and princess!
That is another character that surprised me: Princess Glisselda.  I automatically assumed she was a spoiled brat that would make trouble for Seraphina; but I was far from the truth.  The Princess was  actually very smart and paid attention to everything that Seraphina taught her.  And she was a caring princess too.  I can't wait to see how she does in the next book.
There is a slight love interest in the book but it doesn't take over.  Instead, it is light and fluttery, like a butterfly, that slowly comes to the forefront very quietly.  I don't know I liked that there was a love interest but I also liked that it wasn't the main story line too.
Really the main threads is the mystery and Seraphina finally coming to terms with herself; learning to appreciate her whole self and not just the parts that society would accept.
I loved this book!  I can't wait to jump into the next one as soon as I get my hands on it!  If you love high fantasy, dragons, and a great mystery then I insist you pick up a copy of Seraphina too!

Pick up Your Copy :


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Connect with Rachel Hartman:

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Blog Tour: Book Review: Hedge Witch by Simon Kewin

Hi All!  This is my stop on the Blog tour for Hedge Witch by Simon Kewin.  I want to thank the author as well as Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to be a part of this fun event!  And don't forget to click on the banner to go to the list of tour stops along the way!  Have fun!

Title: Hedge Witch
Series: The Cloven Land Trilogy {Book 1}
Author: Simon Kewin
 Date of Publication: April 2014
Source: received from author, Xpresso Book Tours 
Genre: fantasy, young adult


Book Synopsis:

Fifteen year-old Cait Weerd has no idea she’s being sought by the undain: sorcerous creatures of necromancy that feed off the spirit of the living. She doesn’t know the undain need her blood to survive. She doesn’t even know she’s a witch, descended from a long line of witches. Cait Weerd doesn’t know a lot, really, but all that’s about to change.
At Manchester Central Library she’s caught up in sudden, horrific violence. In the chaos she’s handed an old book that’s been hidden there and told to run, hide the book or destroy it. It contains all the secrets of the undains’ existence. They and their human servants want to find that as much as they want Cait.
What’s more, she learns that the fate of two worlds is at stake here. Just what she needs. Along with definitely-not-a-boyfriend Danny, she has to decide what the hell to do. Run, fight or just hope it all goes away.
It’s only then she learns who she really is, along with the terrible truth of what the undain have been doing in our world all this time …

My Thoughts:
The cover alone is pretty darn amazing!  I love the abstract piercings and the blue hair/eyebrows!  I think the cover really does the story justice and hooks you in with the beautiful artwork on it.  I also love that the main character thrives with individuality.  I really enjoyed the story line, especially with the parallel world that is there to help our main character, Cait, as well as hinder her too.
Who doesn't want a basement of old and rare books?  Yes, please!  That is a pretty cool scene and the action literally starts up in just the first few pages, grabbing our attention and not letting go.
I liked Cait but I wished she believed in herself more at the beginning of the story, as well as toward the middle.  I would have liked for a little bit more confidence from her.
I also loved the Old World tone to it.  As I read it, I felt like it was written as a classic, instead of this day and age.  I think it was the authentic British slang used throughout it.  I really felt like I was a part of the English culture, and loved having that feeling.  This story just had this cozy feel to it as I read it.  But that isn't to say it read slowly.  On the contrary, there were fast paced scenes in it with lots of action and other scenes that really captured my imagination.  The plot line flowed easily for me and was really easy to get caught up in the story threads.
I have always been a fan of witches and the lore that surrounds them.  I love that Hedge Witch built upon that and also bringing in its own magical essence too.

All in all, Hedge Witch is a great book with some very interesting characters that will make you laugh and groan all at the same time!  The Grandmother is pretty cool and I love the witches from the other world as well.  I can't wait to see how everything plays out in this series!  And way to go on such a cliffhanger ending!! How can you leave us like that??? How???

 Purchase your copy at:
| Amazon |


Connect with Simon Kewin at:
Website| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

A little about our Author:

Simon was born on the misty Isle of Man but now lives deep in the English countryside with his wife and two daughters.
He writes science fiction and fantasy as well as some stories that can’t make their minds up.
Find out more on his website at simonkewin.co.uk.

Quickie Book Review: A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

Title:  A Shade of Vampire
Author: Bella Forrest
Publisher: Self
Date of Publication: Dec. 14, 2012
Source: bought, Kindle, 149 pages
Rating: Young Adult


Goodreads Summary:

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.
A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.
She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.
Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.
Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.
Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?

My Thoughts: 

First, I am completely and totally in love with this cover!  I think that is what made me come back to this story over and over again.  It is gorgeous in a creepy , shade of night sort of way, right?  
But then I started reading this story and yep, I fell in love all over again. A  Shade of Vampire   just sucks you right in, and you are immersed in the world of the royal vampires.  We don't even get to see what kind of life Sophia has before she is kidnapped and taken to the island where all her dreams and nightmares seem to exist.  
After reading the entire and very short story, I see why we don't really go into much detail of Sophia's life before becoming a "slave" to the Novaks.  And I say slave loosely, because she isn't treated like that from Derek's stand point; but being kept against your will is still considered slave behavior.  

Anyhoo, anyone else laugh when Sophia got the nice guards to talking?  I was not expecting them to be like, "dude" at all.  I was expecting a more refined demeanor so I think I was pleasantly surprised that the guards were cool.  I know that had nothing to really do with the story at all but I don't know I liked it and it solidified that I really would like Bella Forrest's writing style.  Small details like that, really make me happy because it shows me how the author can make everything flow easily through the story.  
Yea, I'm weird.  I've accepted it.

The characters are awesome in Shade of Vampire.  I like Sophia a lot and I like that she really thinks through certain areas before doing some things.  She is like a leader in her own right just as the sexy prince, Derek, is too.   
I love Derek!  Although, I think he should have been more kick ass to certain people in the early pages of the book, but it still made for good entertainment.  

For such a small book, a teaser if you will, there is a lot of world building that really gives us a great view of The Vale.  I love the tree house idea, especially since I never had tree house growing up.  I now want one as an adult, just like the villas in A Shade of Vampire.  Thank you, Bella Forrest for realizing my adult wish now!  

And then there is the one thing I didn't like about the story and his name is Ben.  (Now, I know what you're thinking: that's who you didn't like? What about Lucas?)  And yeah that's it.  Lucas is the antagonist, of course he has to be a dick and I don't like him but he is still crucial to the story.  But Ben? Uggh! He just gets in the way of my idea for the story everyone.  I feel like he keeps Sophia from being herself and he thinks Sophia can't think for herself.  I just don't like him at all.  Sorry.  

Overall, though, A Shade of Vampire was a great story that made me shoot through it until I was shocked to know I read it in about an hour, and then reeling from the fact that I don't have the second one.  Because the ending to this little morsel will have you saying, WHAAAAT???  

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Book Review: Rapture by Quinn Loftis { Elfin book 2}

Title: Rapture
Series: Elfin Series Book 2
Author: Quinn Loftis
Publisher: Self
Date of Publication: Dec. 25, 2013
Source: bought, e book,
Rating: Young Adult

From Goodreads:

Triktapic, the deadly dark elf assassin, has been restored by the Forest Lords to his rightful place as king of the Elven realm. Now, he must face his former comrades as he attempts to stop Lorsan, king of the dark elves, from enslaving the human race. Lorsan has already begun distributing Rapture, the irresistible drink that destroys those who unknowingly become addicted to it. Will Cassie, his Chosen, be able to give Trik the strength he needs to face his dark past?
Meanwhile, Cassie’s best friend, Elora, is in a fight for her own life. Elora, her mother, Lisa, and a small band of light elves have traveled deep into the dark elf realm in hopes of rescuing Cassie and Trik. But their mission quickly turns into a battle for their own lives as they are surrounded by Lorsan and his warriors. Though outnumbered ten to one, the humans and elves fight heroically. They fight for a King once lost, but now found. They fight for the human realm that doesn’t yet know it is in need of saving. They fight for love; a love that has already been discovered and a love that is waiting to be revealed. Despite their valiant efforts, the band is captured and held captive by the dark elf king.
The peaceful world that Cassie and Elora knew is long gone, shattered by their realization that elves walk secretly among them, and are bent on their destruction. Soon, each of the girls will be forced to choose her own path. Cassie must decide to which world she belongs and Elora must decide if she will fight for a warrior hell bent on keeping her from his side.
Two species, human and elf, stand on the precipice of war, united in one goal; shatter the dark elf king’s plan, and unite a divided race under the rule of the one true King.

My Thoughts:
The first book, Elfin, didn't take my breath away like most Quinn Loftis books do.  I liked it but I wasn't in love with it.  But I was vested enough in the book that I needed to read book 2, Rapture.  And I am very pleased that I did.
Rapture was amazing.  It truly came through for me in every way I was expecting a Quinn Loftis book to be: sexy, funny, exciting and just a fun young adult read.

I have this giddy hope that some of the characters from The Grey Wolves Series might show up in this series; but I am not sure if she will grant that wish.  I am a huge fan of combining worlds and I think when I dream at night I interact with all my favorite characters from all the series in the world!  A Mii Verse for book characters if you will.

 Quinn Loftis is wonderful at crafting these intriguing characters that really capture our hearts and make you feel some intense emotions as they go through their lives.  I think Rapture made me want to go back and read Elfin, looking through a whole new perspective.  Maybe I was just in a different mood at that time because now I can't seem to get enough of the sexy as hell elves.
Cassie has went through some major issues from the first book and I believe there is still some lingering fear residing inside her mind.  But on a whole, she seems to be more in control and the Queen she needs to be for her mate, Trik.
I love that Trik is like the dark and light elves combined.  He has qualities of both peoples and I think that is great way to show us the differences and similarities between the elves.  Loftis does a fabulous job of showing us the turmoil that lives inside a character that is used to the dark for so long and then to be immersed in the light, trying to live with the decisions he made.  Heavy real life stuff in an paranormal world.
That is what I love about Loftis; she can immerse us in a world with elves and magic, and yet make us still see the realistic side to it all.

I enjoyed Rapture very much but I think that has a lot to do with Elona.  She is hilarious, strong willed and highly intelligent.  Plus, the fact that she is a smart ass totally makes it all worthwhile!  I think if you are fan of Quinn Loftis, then you have probably already picked up this book.  But if you are new to her books, I think you should try them if you are interested in intense young romance, action, and incredible hot looking elves.  You will definitely be in for a treat!

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Book Review: Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter {Book 1: The White Rabbit Chronicles}

Title: Alice in Zombieland
Author: Gena Showalter
Series: The White Rabbit Chronicles Book 1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Date of Publication: Sept. 25, 2012
Source: bought, paperback,  404 pages

From Goodreads:

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.
Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.
Her father was right. The monsters are real….
To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….

I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.I'd tell my sister no.I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.I'd tell them I love them.I wish... Yeah, I wish

My Thoughts: 

I am a sucker for anything, and I mean anything, that is similar or alluding to the classic story, Alice in Wonderland.  I love that story and the oddities that are associated with it.  So I am always open-minded to anything that may share some story lines from the Lewis Carroll creation.  
But Alice in Zombieland is quite different than what I was expecting.  I believe I am not alone when I say I thought this would be a retelling of the classic story but with a minor difference: zombies.  However, that isn't what we have here.  Alice in Zombieland is something quite different and wholly entertaining, with minor references to the classic fairy tale.  

Of course, I was a little bummed out that it wasn't a retelling; but as I got further along into the story I realized the story is better than if it were a retelling.  The author, Gena Showalter, puts such an elaborate twist on these zombies that I felt like I was being introduced to zombies for the first time, all over again!  I love how she took the idea of zombies and made it all her own in such a creative and original way involving spiritual concepts that really bring it to a whole new level.  

Besides the originality of the plot, the characters really grab me and I find myself loving every minute of it.  Our main character, Alice Bell, had my heart at the very beginning.  The love that she exhibits for her little sister is just overwhelming.  I think when I first read the synopsis on the back, I assumed it was all because she was trying to fit in with some friends, or for a boy.  It usually is that way, but I was completely off the mark.  
The devotion that Alice professes for her little sister is staggering and I just felt so much loyalty to this character in the first few pages of the book.  Never have I been this drawn to a character so soon.  
And of course through everything that Alice experiences, her resolve and determination just solidifies my respect for her.

But Alice isn't the only protagonist that I felt a deep connection to too.  Her friend, Kat, is a perfect compliment to Alice and her terrible past.  Its like they were meant to be friends and I think everyone should have a Kat in their friendship circles! 
And then there is Cole Holland.  Oh my sexy goodness!  This guy is just Sexy Walking!  I know that makes no sense and yet it just does.  
He is the school's bad boy and leader of the bad boy click, where everyone else swears they are dangerous.  And they are but not in the way the rest of the school says.  I absolutely love the way Ms. Showalter wrote Alice and Cole's interactions!  They're funny, sexy as hell, and you could feel the tension even through the pages of the book.  Let me just tell you Gena Showalter can write some romance! Love it!!!
Oh and there is an ex-girlfriend who you will probably hate; I did.  But she brings a certain flair to the story and I just have to say one word: treadmill.  That scene is probably one of my favorites.  Maybe that makes me petty but I still like it.  
And I think it does play a part in the overall story line as well.  

Gena Showalter does a wonderful job reintroduces us to zombies in a different and even more interesting way than what we were used to.  I also enjoyed the fact that she took small details from my favorite children's story to enhance the world Alice Bell resides in now, helping her survive in more ways than one.  I think Alice in Zombieland is basically a book about loyalty, redemption, and love and the zombies are the cherries on top.  
I highly recommend this book to anyone! Its that good!

Connect with Gena Showalter:

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Quickie Book Review: Arclight by Josin L. McQuein {Arclight # 1}

Title: Arclight
Series: {Arclight # 1}
Author: Josin L. McQuein
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Date of Publication: April 23, 2013
Source: bought



Goodreads Synopsis:

No one crosses the wall of light . . . except for one girl who doesn’t remember who she is, where she came from, or how she survived. A harrowing, powerful debut thriller about finding yourself and protecting your future—no matter how short and uncertain it may be.
The Arclight is the last defense. The Fade can’t get in. Outside the Arclight’s border of high-powered beams is the Dark. And between the Light and the Dark is the Grey, a narrow, barren no-man’s-land. That’s where the rescue team finds Marina, a lone teenage girl with no memory of the horrors she faced or the family she lost. Marina is the only person who has ever survived an encounter with the Fade. She’s the first hope humanity has had in generations, but she could also be the catalyst for their final destruction. Because the Fade will stop at nothing to get her back. Marina knows it. Tobin, who’s determined to take his revenge on the Fade, knows it. Anne-Marie, who just wishes it were all over, knows it.
When one of the Fade infiltrates the Arclight and Marina recognizes it, she will begin to unlock secrets she didn’t even know she had. Who will Marina become? Who can she never be again?

My Thoughts:

This is definitely one of those books that I wasn't sure I would love because of the assumption  I placed upon it before I even started reading it.  "This is a science fiction type story so obviously that's not my thing..."  was exactly what I was saying to myself before I even gave Arclight like my full attention.  
Yes, I bought it for the pretty cover.    I know, I know.  That is pretty vain.  But I just loved how the rays of light sparkled upon the paper and how it was gently raised as well.  
And I guess I was slightly intrigued by something called the Fade.  It just sounded ominous.  
But I was definitely not giving Arclight enough credit.  Just because it had the word "nanite" in it, I assumed it was going to be like the old Star Trek shows (my mom was a huge fan and I had to suffer through many a marathon of them) and I think that is where my brain wanted to shut it down before I even really gave it a chance to play. 

But you know what?  I strapped my big girl panties on and decided to get out of my comfort zone and jumped headfirst into Arclight.... and I am so happy I did!
Arclight jumps right into the action.  There is no lull in the story at all; you are just thrust from mind reeling scenes to intense scenes and back again.  I loved how the author gave us just enough of the world building to keep us from sitting there in the light scratching our heads, but not so much that it seemed like a system overload.  She also used the characters as our storytellers instead of just a bunch of rote information that took forever to read through.  
I hit it off very nicely with the main character, Marina, as we see how she suffers being the "one they saved" from the dark.  I instantly connected with Marina and it was hard not to root for her after the way her classmates treat her so harshly.  I liked that she wasn't the popular girl.  This book is a dark science fiction/YA story with some heavy consequences in it and I loved the fact that it wasn't so much about the social ladder in a school.  It was more comparable to just surviving among those who blame you for just about everything.  Many of us have been the outsider but never secluded as much as Marina is in Arclight.  It was a great way to show us that it can always get worse.  
Of course besides Marina, there is other great characters that play a major part in the story.  I am sure most everyone adored Tobin and I did really like him but I much preferred Rue.  Oh Rue!  He stole my heart the minute he materialized in the story.  
And I guess that clues you in that there may be a love triangle in it.  But this triangle is slightly off as you will discover as you read through the book.  
The antagonistic characters were downright frightening.  The levels this character was willing to go through just to protect themselves and hurt others was plain scary.  I really didn't see any remorse in their behavior after their terrible deeds and yet it was the strong belief they had that pushed them right over the edge into insanity disguised by power.  

The story lines were very intense, and like I said there was some very dark ideas throughout the book.  I really felt like this was a "good vs. evil" and "light vs. dark" situation right from the start.  How symbolic that the geographic area has the light, the grey, and then the dark when there are many characters in the story that can't be grouped in just the evil side but are no where to being labeled as the good guys either.  
I am a huge fan of the grey area in society and I love that it is immersed in the Arlight as well in many different ways.  
I did, however, pretty much clue in to the outcome of the book by the middle of the story but I was still hooked on the story till the very end.  It didn't get boring for me but I wished a tad bit that the twist had been hidden a little bit deeper.  I would have liked to stay in the dark (no pun intended) a little longer in the story.  
But overall Arclight was a great read!  It really taught me to that it is okay to step out of our comfort zone, or in this case, comfort genre, to find a new genre to fall in love with.  Especially if it is one that we wasn't really into to begin with.  
I gave Arclight four hearts!

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