eARC Review: Scorched Souls by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef {Book 3 in Chosen Series}

Title: Scorched Souls
Author(s): Jeff Altabef; Erynn Altabef
Series: Chosen, book 3
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
Genre: Scifi, YA thriller, paranormal, action
Source: received from authors, Novel Publicity, ebook, 13+



Synopsis:

Fate and destiny clash in the explosive, heart-pounding conclusion to the award-winning Chosen series.~~~~~Survival is not enough.Alliances will be formed.Loyalties tested.A choice made.My name is Juliet Wildfire Stone and I’m not just a Chosen, I’m the Alpha… and the fate of Earth rests in my hands.When I finally met the Prime Elector, he wasn’t anything like I expected. He was supposed to be our mortal enemy, a monster I needed to destroy to fulfill my destiny, yet he was nothing like that—he’s young, brilliant, and looks like an angel.Caught in the middle of a conflict between two ancient foes, which threatens to rip Earth apart, I must do what is right at all costs. To choose my fate, and Earth’s future, I will need to navigate a new path, form unlikely alliances, and solve ancient mysteries forgotten for centuries.Yet I cannot do it alone. Will the other Chosen follow me? Do I have the strength to make the right choice, or will the people of Earth be enslaved for all time?

My Thoughts:

It's finally here! The last book in the series, Chosen, by Jeff and Erynn Altabeff, a father daughter author team!! Scorched Souls is such a perfect title to this story.  It is literally the embodiment of how the characters feel; how I feel after reading this! 

I want to thank the authors for sending me the e-book, and also a huge shout out to Novel Publicity for thinking of me too. You guys rock!!

Now, I need you to remember that this is the last book in the series.  I try my best not to reveal spoilers, but sometimes when you are discussing the last book, that is impossible to do.  So if you haven't read the other two books then please run and grab those books before you even read this.  

Scorched Souls picks up around about where Brink of Dawn leaves off.  All of the Chosen are together, having survived a battle and losing their mentor, Stuart.  They are all a little shaken, but Juliet, our main protagonist, seems to be feeling the effects of her choices.  She still feels guilty for killing and she worries more and more about the other Chosen.  

There is also  a budding relationship between Juliet and Connor that seems to give her strength when she needs it most.  

I am grateful the authors did not make this into a love triangle with Troy.  I love Troy and I believe what he and Juliet shares transcends any physical love.  Troy is her best friend, her brother, maybe even her Jimny Cricket, or her conscience.  Their relationship is magical and I appreciate the fact that it wasn't lessened by turning it into a love triangle.  Thank you!

I believe this book is a literary masterpiece because of the utmost care that is put into creating characters that are believable, realistic, and lovable.  Yes, our main characters have powers and abilities that most of us don't, but that doesn't take away from us being able to relate to them.  It just shows us more of how human they become when they are forced to bear such responsibility.  

These people are wracked by fear, anxiety, guilt, and self-doubt; yet they overcome all of this to protect each other every day.  They also show us love, respect, honor, intelligence and bravery in every choice they make.  I honestly believe lots of teens today could learn from Juliet and her friends.

I know I have, even being a lot older than these characters.  

There is a quote that Juliet's grandfather tells her and I absolutely love it:

"The Wind Spirit isn't always good, and Coyote isn't always bad." 

Honestly, I believe that  sums up life perfectly.  Every person has both inside them.  You have to look at their actions and try to find their soul to see the "goodness" that you need to find.  Wonderful quote!

There are lots of concepts discussed through the book, including the American Indian culture, as well as the essence of souls, and forgiveness.  I think an important concept that gets addressed is death.  There are different aspects and beliefs out there and I like that the book caters to other beliefs as well.  And of course, I love how there are many common similarities to the Spirit World in different beliefs.  Great job!

There  is non-stop action in Scorched Souls, and we are traveling to England this time, Connor's hometown.  So we get to explore a little more about our resident good bad boy's past. 

I have always wanted to visit England and through the beautiful and detailed descriptions, I feel like I was right there with everyone.  

I feel like a great way to sum up Juliet and her progression is a quote from our friendly neighborhood hero, Spiderman:

"With great power, comes great responsbility."

Juliet continues to get stronger and stronger and struggles with controlling the power as it flows through her body.  She is faced with a difficult decision that could destroy everything she holds dear.  Even throughout all of this, though, she doesn't lose sight of her humanity.  She continues to grasp what it means to be human, to contain a soul.  

And of course as well as being introduced to some new characters, we are allowed a reunion with some returning characters from the other two books.   

I will warn you that the ending is a hard one.  We do lose people and you will shed some tears.  But I also understand the need for this ending and I think you will too.  

The Takeaway:

Scorched Souls is a fantastic ending to a wonderful series that combines aliens, faith, American Indian culture, and secret societies to give us a story that is wholly satisfying and soul embracing. 

Don't forget to check out the sponsored giveaway posted here. And remember to grab your own copy at:

Purchase:

Amazon

Connect with our Authors:

Jeff Altabef:

Twitter|Website| Facebook | Newsletter

Erynn Altabef:

Facebook|

The Extraordinary October Tour: Extraordinary October by Diana Wagman

Hi All!  Today is my stop on the Extraordinary October Blog Tour hosted by Xpresso Reads.  The minute I saw this beautiful cover and read the synopsis for the story, I knew I had to have this book.
A huge shout out goes to Giselle from Xpresso Reads allowing me to be a part of this tour.  And thanks to Diana Wagman for sharing the protagonist, October Fetterhoff, with the world. I think you will enjoy her as much as I did.

Title: Extraordinary October
Author: Diana Wagman
Publisher: Ig Publishing
Date of Publication: Oct. 11, 2016
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult


Synopsis:

October is an ordinary girl. From her plain looks to her average grades, there seems to be nothing special about her. Then, three days before her eighteenth birthday, she develops a strange itch that won’t go away, and her life is turned upside down. Suddenly, she can hear dogs talk, make crows fly, and two new and very handsome boys at school are vying for her affections. After she starts “transplanting” herself through solid rock, October learns that she is not ordinary at all, but the daughter of a troll princess and a fairy prince, and a pawn in a deadly war between the trolls and the fairies. Now October will have to use all of her growing powers to save her family, and stop a mysterious evil that threatens to destroy the fairy world.
In the fantastical vein of authors such as Julie Kagawa and Holly Black, Extraordinary October takes us on a magical journey from the streets of Los Angeles to the beautiful and mythical underground fairy kingdom.

My Thoughts:

Extraordinary October is an interesting book that's about a young girl about to turn 18, who gets a terrible itch and her whole world she knows gets flipped on its head! She slowly starts to realize elves, fairies, trolls, and magic is real.  And she, October, finds herself embroiled in all of it.  

First off, the protagonist's name is pretty cool and unique : October.  It's hip, fun, and festive!  

The one thing that I really admired about our main character, October, is that she isn't perfect.  She is immature, hormones going 100 miles an hour, and she makes mistakes.  Sometimes a lot.  There are times that she can learn from her mistakes; other times she doesn't.  I think this trait makes her more relatable to most teenagers than any other characters.  

Speaking of other characters, the supporting ones are very entertaining.  There were times I enjoyed them more than our main one. Especially, Luisa and Chris or Green.  They were honest and kind.

I also enjoyed seeing the magical world through October as she slowly accepted what she was seeing.  The little scenes that played out while she was out and about: the man talking to little buzzing creatures, the woman with the elf on her shoulder, and of course hearing animals talk.  

Who wouldn't want that little power?!!?  

Extraordinary October seems to be a character driven plot solely relying on our characters to get the story moving along.  Therefore at times I found it to be exciting but others it moved a tad bit slower than usual.

There were times I thought the "Ha, ha, ha" after every joke got old.  I would have liked less of those and more credit giving to the reader to reach the inference to the joke without the explanations pointed out each time.  

I also wasn't too happy with the obvious love triangle that was put out there from withing the first few chapters.   There was also a huge insta-love concept that could have been toned down a good amount and we could have still developed the blossoming relationship found there.

Other than these techniques, I found Extraordinary October to be a fun read, with a surprising twist about the villain and even her own parents.   The ending, I felt, was overall an enjoyable one with no noticeable cliffhanger.  It was well rounded and could be a stand alone or even the first book in a series.  

I would have to give this book a 3 heart rating!

Want to pick up your own copy?

Amazon| B&N| Kobo

Get to the know the Author:

Author Bio: 

I have always written and always wanted to be a writer, but didn’t think I could make a living at it. So I became a mime. (You can imagine what my father had to say about that.) I worked on the streets of NYC with two partners, stopping traffic in front of the Met and annoying tourists. When, to my great surprise, that didn’t work out, I returned to school in film–thinking screenwriters made a living. And when I had ten scripts and my agent had stopped returning my calls, I wrote a novel. I did it just because I wanted to love writing again and not think about selling or casting or marketability. That novel was Skin Deep, and it’s a testament to writing from your heart that the first person to read it, bought it. I’ve been trying to write from the heart ever since.

 Author links: 

http://www.dianawagman.com/

https://twitter.com/dianawagman

Giveaway Time:

We are super lucky today to be a part of this amazing giveaway going on right now!  You have up for grabs some beautiful fairy lights to help light your way in your darkest hour.  

Be sure to click on the link below to be taken to the rafflecopter for the giveaway!

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251231433/

Book Review: Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood {Book 2: The Cahill Witch Chronicles}

Title: Star Cursed
Series: The Cahill Witch Chronicles
Author: Jessica Spotswood
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Date of Publication: June 18, 2013
Source: bought, hardcover 384 pages



From Goodreads:

With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.
Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.
In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.

My Thoughts:

 I wonder if anyone else is ready to have Maura turn herself into a frog or just vaporize herself.  I am so ready for that girl to just disappear!!!  I dislike Maura immensely and I don't really know if I can ever forgive her for the mistakes she has made.  And yes, I gave her the benefit of the doubt in the first book but I just really want to destroy her now!
Oh well.  Enough of my ranting...On to my review.

Star Cursed is a roller coaster ride of emotions with so much happening in this book you never have time to get bored with it.  We become privy to more secrets concerning the Cahill witches and learn more of the other characters as well.  
Just like Born Wicked, Star Cursed is a character driven story with a wonderful cast of protagonists and antagonists that we come to love and hate respectively.    Spotswood is amazingly talented at writing the many different aspects of a character's thought process.
We are able to visually see the characters work through their anger, their happiness and all of their problems as we go through the plot.   It's almost impossible not to feel empathy for Cate as she tries to stand in for their Mother when dealing with her sisters.  I even see Cate assuming a "parental" role in the lives of the other witches that are introduced in the novel.  

Besides such stunning descriptions of the historical era,  the author is also able to give us an interesting story  with some intense foreshadowing for what is to come in the series.   This leaves us feeling creepy and tingly as we go through the plot.  The oracles bring a certain horror factor to the story as well as the setting of Harwood Asylum and its inhabitants.  But the most frightening aspect of the story is the Brothers exerting their power more and more everyday.  
Star Cursed will not leave you disappointed as the reader gains new allies and losing more than we were willing to give up.  In this sequel we are forced to understand the true meaning of sacrifice.  
And betrayal.

Get your own copy at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Connect with Jessica Spotswood:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter |

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:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Connect with Jessica Spotswood:

Goodreads | Twitter | Website| 

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???  

Get a Copy at:
Amazon |Barnes & Noble |The Book Depository |

Book Review: Gemini Rising: Ethereal Fury by Jessica O'Gorek { Gemini Rising Book 1}

Title: Ethereal Fury
Author: Jessica O'Gorek
Series: Gemini Rising
Pubisher: Cogent Publishing
Date of Publication: April 13, 2013
Source: received from author for my honest opinion of it
Genre: paranormal, romance, science fiction, YA

Goodreads Synopsis:

BEWARE! THE PLANET IS WOUNDED... THE GEMINI ARE RISING AND OUR TIME ON EARTH IS LIMITED
Angry at the human race and its methodical destruction of her resources, Mother Earth recruits souls who have just left their bodies to serve Her, and turns them against humanity. Gemini, a clan of paranormal beings, picked from these possessed humans, emerges. A powerful, rising force proceeds to carry out Mother Nature’s plan to systematically destroy towns, cities, states… and eventually, the world. Amidst the chaos, a forbidden relationship between a human girl, Violette, and Onyx, a lead Gemini, begins. They will both find themselves in the middle of a revolutionary war that will either save, or destroy our world.

My Thoughts:

Looking at the cover, I wasn't too sure if I would like Gemini Rising or not.  The cover didn't really incite any strong feelings for me and the blurb made me think it was really too science fiction for me.  
But I have been trying to get out of my comfort zone and try new and different stories that I normally would have skimmed over.  
I am glad I did pick this one up.  

There is so much going on in this book than what the blurb explains, what the cover reveals, and what I even considered it to be about.  Yes it does have a little science fiction y aspects to it but nothing that made me want to jump and scream.  Actually, it made me look at other scifi stories in a different light now.   

Then there is the romance factor.  It does play a huge part in the story but it is told in a way that makes it seem so innocent and yet alluring at the same time. Violette is like a siren and yet so demure that she has no idea she is this gorgeous human being.  The only thing I had a slight problem with was how the male characters: Slate and Onyx, kept switching "woman" and "child" interchangeable together while trying to explain Violette.  I guess at the age she was becoming, she could be considered a "woman-child" but it was just uncomfortable when they were lusting after her and then compare her to a child.  
Other than that, I really liked how the romance progressed through the story.  Slate is an okay guy but Onyx is the more interesting one.  Slate just seemed so stale to me.  But I usually go for the underdog anyways.  
The plot is a really original and creative one.  We hardly ever see Mother Nature personified in a pissed off tone before.  Usually, she is the all knowing all understanding one that will always forgive us.  
Not so with Gemini Rising.  She has had enough and sends out her force of Gemini to stop the chaos.  And how ironic how she picks out her "killers" to fulfill her demands.  Very creative twist!  
I also enjoyed the religious questions that are raised in the story, Gemini Rising.  If the bishop and other lesser priests are supposed to be doing God's work, then why do they have the right to act the way they do.  That could be considered a little controversial but I, personally, loved it!  I think we should all question everything around us so we can continue to learn about the world. Great job!
I also thought it was a great way to tie everything in together on how people came together.  And the ending?  Let's just say you will be salivating for the next book in the story.  Yes, it is one of those endings.  One of those where you want to pull your hair out but at the same time, have to give props to the author for leaving it like that.  Definitely hooked me!

All in all, Gemini Rising is a great read that flows really well and will have you stuck to the pages wanting to see what else Onyx has up his sleeve.  I expect big things from Jessica O'Gorek and I know many others will love this original concept with a pretty amazing story line.

I give it four hearts~

Links to Buy:

Amazon | 

Connect with the Author:

I was born in Chesapeake, Virginia on April 19th, 1979. I was raised within the American Indian religion and was taught great respect for the earth and all its living beings. Powwows, sweat lodges, vision quests, you name it, I’ve done it. I was the weird kid who would confront kids on the playground in elementary school when they squished a bug. I would very sincerely tell them what they were doing was morally wrong and then I would pray for the bug to come back as a butterfly in its next life.
​I grew up admiring my father, Barry Weinstock, as an author. He took me around the country to different places so he could research and write his Wilderness Survival books. One of his greatest works, “The Path of Power,” was written with a great medicine man, Sunbear. When I was twelve I started
hand writing novels. My first one was two thousand pages. My dad always encouraged me and would rave about my writing. He gave me the confidence I needed to keep writing and follow my dream. My daughter, who is twelve, is currently working on her first novel. I hope to continue the legacy

Goodreads | Website | Twitter |

Book Review: Splintered by A.G. Howard { Book 1 in the Splintered Series}

Title: Splintered
Author: A.G. Howard
Series: Splintered book 1
Publisher: Amulet Books
Date of Publication: Jan. 1, 2013
Source: bought from Books A Million
Genre: YA, Paranormal, fairy tale retelling, 
Challenges: 2013 Debut Author Challenge

Goodreads Synopsis:

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

My Thoughts:

Okay, so I have always been a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (like you didn't know who wrote it ).  I loved reading the stories, even the Disney version that was way watered down compared to the original one.   And I loved all the different movies based on the story line too; although I really did enjoy Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter the best. 

So when I seen this novel, I knew I had to have it in all its glory!  I mean, come on, the cover alone is enough to make you imagine all this creepy goodness happening in the book, but then it Howard goes even farther and makes it a sorta retelling and sorta sequel to the Alice books.  

Of course one of the reasons I think I loved Alice in Wonderland so much was because of the darkness that surrounds the story.  Tumbling down a rabbit hole, falling into a kingdom with some very psychotic beings running around, screaming "Off with their heads!"  There was so much symbolism in this tale that its hard not to read it without writing an essay on it.  
(I know its crazy but I love to write essays)

And after reading the synopsis for Splintered I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed for this retelling as well.  
Let me just say I am so freaking happy I picked this book up!!!  
Splintered is dark, comical, and very sexy.  Yes, it is YA but there is this underlying hint of reckless rebellion that surrounds Alyssa, Jeb, and most definitely Morpheus.  

The world building is so fantastic in this book.  I loved the art that Alyssa creates that is very much unconventional and in many ways a little strange.  There is strange loveliness that surrounds all the characters in Splintered which really adds to the whole sexy allure of the novel.  The moths are very special in this book and it is amazing that those same creatures that most people would describe them as ugly compared to dainty little butterflies; have really took center stage and become an important creature that has its own underlining beauty.  
Personally, I still don't like those huge moths to fly at my head, but since reading Splintered I definitely look at those little guys much differently now. 


I love how the world building transposes itself upon both worlds: human and Wonderland, to create this lovely and frightening place that has took the sanity out of Alyssa's world long ago.  

Besides the beauty of Wonderland, the characters are written very well.  The protagonist, Alyssa, is an eccentric teen who doesn't fall into the typical YA heroine stereotype.  She is a skater girl who can hear insects talk. She also has an uncanny ability to make her artwork come alive...even when its been dead for a little bit.   Alyssa is snarky, beautifully gothic and determined.  Alyssa was a fun character to read about because it still surprised me with the tests she had to go through and yet how easily she fell into place with Wonderland.

Jeb, who is Alyssa's crush and the boy who she grew up with, is also an interesting character.  But I felt he fell more into line with the typical YA male hero.  He has this troubled past, he is a bad boy with good intentions, and he is "friends" with our female heroine.  This didn't turn me off from the novel, though, I just didn't cozy up to Jeb.  How could I?  
Especially when I found myself falling straight in love with Morpheus.  
Oh dear me...Morpheus.  The name itself gives me chills without even having to think of the character it represents.  
And yes, I did imagine Johnny Depp the entire time I read Splintered and Morpheus entered my thoughts.  
Howard did an excellent job of writing Morpheus.  Is he the bad guy?  Or is he the misunderstood hero lost in a mixed up chaotic world?  I loved the fact that with Morpheus no one really knew what side he was on.  He is this mysterious stranger with much power that can take our breath away and keep us, the readers, on our toes throughout the entire story.  
And the lesser characters, like the different species in Wonderland, were written beautifully too.  And slightly scary too.  I wouldn't describe Splintered  as a horror story but it does have this macabre vibe to it.  Which really adds to the whole tingly feel of the novel.

The plot in Splintered is simply dark and thrilling.  There is romance, mystery, deceit; even a feral aspect to it.  Like the creatures in Wonderland are just waiting to turn on everyone around them because of the darkness that envelopes the area.  The best way to explain it is: structured chaos.    I actually love the fact that the plot is hard to break down into simple explanations.  The more chaotic it is, the more I enjoyed the story.  I always found there was a rhyme and reason that I just had to really search for and that in itself created the mystery surrounding the chaos of the Wonderland.  

I imagine my review is probably a little chaotic in its own right, but I can't help it.  I really fell in love with Splintered.  I felt like I was in a dream like state as I read the story and really hated when I had to come back to our reality.  Alyssa's reality is much more fun; even if it is downright terrifying at times.  
I had to give Splintered five hearts and I cannot wait till I can get my hands on Unhinged, book 2 in the Splintered Series.  If you check out the cover you will see my heartthrob is on the book.....Morpheus himself.  
Beautiful cover and I know I will fall right back down the hole with Morpheus...happily re entering the chaos.  

Links to buy:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |



Connect with the Author:blog| Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |

Book Review: Dark Triumph by R.L. LaFevers { Book 2: His Fair Assassin}

Title: Dark Triumph
Author: Robin LaFevers
Series: His Fair Assassins
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books  for Children
Date of Publication: April 2, 2013
Source: bought, hardcover, 385 pages
Links to buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

From Goodreads:

Sybella's duty as Death's assassin in 15th-century France forces her return home to the personal hell that she had finally escaped. Love and romance, history and magic, vengeance and salvation converge in this thrilling sequel to Grave Mercy.
Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. The convent views Sybella, naturally skilled in the arts of both death and seduction, as one of their most dangerous weapons. But those assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

My Thoughts:

I have totally completely and whole-heartedly fell in love with this series! It combines everything that I love in a book: suspense, romance, strong female characters that can kill twenty ways to sundown, and a huge paranormal vibe going through the story set in a historical fiction.  It is honestly the best of all genres and I am so glad that I jumped into this series head first!

Okay....I will try to go through this review like a big girl, instead of a fan girl screaming like a maniac.   

*composes self* 
*takes deep breath*  

ILOVETHISFREAKINGBOOKSOMUCH!!!!!!

Now, I am much better.  

Dark Triumph is very similar to Grave Mercy but in a lot of ways it is far different too.  In Dark Triumph, Sybella goes through her own hell and really starts to question her belief in Death, especially her place in his world.  Just as Isme went through her personal revelation in Grave Mercy, Sybella has to go through her own as well.  
But Dark Triumph seems much more darker than Grave Mercy.  Okay, chill out.. I know what you're thinking: " Um they are daughters of Death who kill for a living and as a religion..of course it is dark!!" 
And you're right the overall series is dark....but Sybella's life really brought the utmost pain to me.  The things this woman has went through, and continues to go through, is beyond what I think any normal woman could live through and still be somewhat sane.  
Our main female protagonist is one of the strongest characters I have ever read!  I love that she is so dangerous and yet there is this fragility about her that really breaks your heart.  Sybella always has to be on guard because her very existence stays in danger constantly.  And yet even with all this darkness surrounding her, she still finds some things beautiful.  Like her friendship with Isme, her adoration for her younger sisters, and the growing attraction between her and "Beast".  She is one of the most complex and fulfilling character I have ever read.  There is so much going on with Sybella that you will definitely have an emotional thrill ride with her.  

Then there is our main male protagonist and I am so glad he is the one that is in this book.  I loved him so much in Grave Mercy and I am thrilled that LaFevers chose Beast as the male equivalent for Sybella.  On the outside, he has these scars and isn't the most beautiful man alive.  Many females run from him just for his looks, when they are perhaps missing out on the most admirable man alive.  Beast was a great guy and I enjoyed reading more about his life too.  

As I read Dark Triumph, I kept thinking to myself what a small world it really was.  There are so many tie ins for these two characters that it almost seems like fate was involved.  Which could be true?  Who knows?  

I love that LaFevers took a important event in history and twisted it slightly with a paranormal feel to it.  I also love that she personifies Death, giving him this fatherly personality to him.  It could really be compared to religion in this day and age.  Okay please stop before you get your torches and start screaming "sacrilegious" at me.  Let me explain.....
You know how you have this faith but these awful things keep happening to you and sometimes your faith wavers, causing you to question your life, your creation, and your very existence.  Well the handmaidens in His Fair Assassin series do this as well.  Throughout the stories these ladies think he has forsaken them (sound familiar?) and in a special moment usually at our rock bottom, we find our faith and we see that our Father was there for us all along.  
I really just completely fell in love with the similarities that LaFevers gives us when Isme and Sybella question their lives and beliefs  and they find that their father was watching all along.  
I guess I rambled there a lot but I really had a point and I hoped I made it.  
Anyways, back to the review.
LaFevers also does a wonderful job of world building.  She takes this amazing time in history but alternates it to fit the paranormal view of it.  As she writes, I really feel like I am transported back in time with the characters in this historical fiction.  Oh and is it just me but man I would love to have one of those dresses so bad!  

All in all, Dark Triumph is an overload for our emotions.  We get so many going on: despair, love, fear, hatred, and hope.  But probably most importantly, forgiveness.  There are a few surprises through out the story and we find out who our real enemies are and those that we can truly trust.  
Also be prepared for a abrupt ending.  I would have loved a little bit more but I guess I will just impatiently wait till the next book.  

One more thing.  Raise of hands: Who really wants to punch the Reverend Mother all the way back to the convent?  I don't know how much I can take of her until I have to get a punching bag with a picture of her face on it!?!?!

I had to give Dark Triumph five out of five hearts!  

Connect with Robin LaFevers:
Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | 

Check out my review of Grave Mercy, book 1 in His Fair Assassin here.

Audiobook Review: Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor {Book 2 in Daughter of Smoke and Bone Series}

Title: Days of Blood & Starlight
Author: Laini Taylor
Series: sequel to Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Audiobook Publisher: Hachette Audio
Date of Publication: Nov. 6, 2012
Source:  received from Hachette Audio for honest review
Format: audiobook 
Narrator: Kristine Hvam

Book Synopsis:

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.
This is not that world.
Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.
In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.
While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.
But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

My Thoughts:

You know how you come along through your life and you see things that seem very well matched together?

For example:

• peanut butter and jelly
• cookies and milk
• books/hot tea/coffee

I think you are starting to get the idea now.  

Well the author, Laini Taylor, and the narrator, Kristine Hvam, are like these matches I named above.  They are great by themselves but when teamed up together they make magic.  I know that sounds cliche but I am telling you Hvam can tell this story like no other person I have ever read.  And of course without Taylor creating this frightening and powerful world there would be no story to tell.  

When I finished Daughter of Smoke and Bone I sat mystified.  I knew I had found my new favorite book.  The book that I needed to have a hard copy of, an auditory copy of, an digital copy of; and basically it would be cherished on the book shelf that no other person could reach unless I get credit check.  {Maybe its a little extreme but you know where I am coming from}

Everyone I talked to I bragged about this story; that I was lucky enough to read it and get sucked into a world where Seraphim and Chimaera collided, with all kinds of outcomes, many good but many evil. 

But then....I got my hands (and ears) on book 2 and let's just say I am forever changed from the simple yet powerful spoken words that came from Laini Taylor's imagination and uttered from Kristine Hvam's mesmerizing voice.  

So now, Days of Blood and Starlight is my new new favorite book.  

I found myself having a longer time finishing book 2.  Not because I found it distasteful but actually because I wanted to take my sweet time with it.  I wanted to slowly enjoy it and not rush through it like I did the first one.  I found myself really contemplating each chapter; and even now I find myself wanting to revisit the world of Chimaera when I become enthralled with waiting for book 3 impatiently. 

The characters in this story are rich and complex as they come.  It is hard not to wince at their pain, share in their happiness, and weep at their heartbreak.  Akiva has many warring natures inside him and yet he still finds himself trying to do what is right, even though he feels like he has lost everything.  

Karou is my heart and soul, character-wise.  She is broken in this book and slowly trying to make amends for what she feels is her fault.  And yet even through her guilt ridden thoughts, she still finds small comforts.  She is trying to become one person again even with the two personalities inside her.  Although she remembers her other life now, I still see her struggling to accept her life without Akiva, even though she blames him for so much.

While our protagonists are amazing characters and probably some of my most favorite ones in the literary world today; our antagonists are breathtaking as well.  They are dark, evil, and strangely seductive in their badness.  I detest Thiago but he does have a sexiness to him that I believe Taylor deliberately gives his character so we can see the dark allure he has over some of the Chimaera.  Then there is the Emperor of the Seraphim and his brother.  In all honesty, I really hate these guys more so than I do Thiago, even though I believe these evil Seraphim leaders have plenty in common with the white wolf.  

And of course I can't forget about the wonderful supporting characters of Zuzana and Mik.  I believe Zuzana has to be the comic relief in this dark and foreboding story.  She keeps Karou grounded to her human self even when it is so much easier to give in to her former Chimaeran self.  I love Zuzana to pieces and all of her quirky snarky comments really do add to this already emotionally written story.  

Besides strong characters to die for, the plot in this story is a strong thread that runs throughout the novel, keeping you focused on it no matter what.  Days of Blood and Starlight is a heavy, dark, and intense sequel that keeps you worrying that nothing is as it seems.  There is a lot of sadness in this story among all the battles, death, and war happening all around both sides.  But even during this time, you see small victories, small smiles and a small and fragile feeling: hope.  

I love how Taylor introduces us to many new characters but instead of bombarding us with so many that have very little to do with the main thread; each of these new identities we meet have an important part to play in this world.  

Of course, in Laini Taylor fashion it seems she loves leaving the reader gasping for breath, shocked at the sudden cliffhanger we are forced to deal with until the next installment rescues us from the horror of it all.  

I highly recommend you pick up this series.  It is the most beautifully well written prose I have every come across.  The world building as well as the character building is flawless and I just cannot find any fault with it at all.  

I am, however, spoiled to the audiobook.  The narrator, Kristine Hvam, is an amazing and talented vocal actress.  I am not really sure if that is what you would call it but in truth, I really think that is what she does.  She can do so many voices that they truly sound like something otherworldly definitely from another time and place.  Her voice of Brimstone is dark and gritty, though carrying a hint of warmness; while her voice of Zuzana is mischevious and mildly mocking.  I am so awestruck at this lady's vocals talents and I am so glad she is the narrator for this wonderfully enticing series.  

Like I said before:  these two together have gifted the literary world with a true magical present that we will never forget and will always cherish.

I give Days of Blood and Starlight five hearts and many many more!!!

Links to Buy:

Amazon  | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Audible |

Connect with Laini Taylor:
Goodreads | Website |