Sweet Oblivion (Sweet #1)

Sweet Oblivion

(Sweet #1)

Bailey Ardisone

Release Date:

December 30, 2012

Publisher:

Self-Published

Pages:

386

Source:

My Personal Copy

(Kindle Freebie)

Reading Level:

Young Adult

Description:

 Nariella has a hard life. Hated and beaten by her foster father, she finds solace in the one person who has always been there for her--Rydan, her overprotective best friend. His sheltering only gets worse once Nari collides--literally--with Mycah. a boy being chased by two kinds of evil; a boy who Nari is convinced is either the devil or an angel. But she was wrong. He's something completely different.

 Then there's Namine. A servant who lives in fear for her family, for herself, and for the dying kingdom she lives in. But there is hope, and she's the only one who can bring that hope home to save them all. Namine will risk everything to make that happen, even if it means betraying her king.

People always want the truth until they have it. To be let in on secrets until they get burned by them. Nari is no different. But once she's kidnapped, tortured, and ultimately becomes intertwined in a secret world she never could've imagined existed. She knows there's no going back to blissful ignorance. And maybe she doesn't want to.

If darkness is the absence of light, what results from the absence of truth?

Nothing but Oblivion.

~Amazon

My Thoughts:

 Sweet Oblivion was an extremely confusing read. At one point I told my husband, 'I am 80% finished with this book, and I haven't a clue what is going on.' Most of the book felt plot less. I couldn't figure out what point the story was trying to make or where it was going. The chapters alternate between two point of views- Nariella and Namine. 

 Nariella is girl who is obviously in the real world. That much is easy to figure out, but she is surrounded by characters you know nothing about. Rydan has been Nariella's friend since childhood, but he is so silent and closed off the only thing you really learn about him is he is very talented with music. Then there is Mycah. He just suddenly starts showing up, and when he leaves no one can even remember he was there. Mycah is a very easy to like character. He has a lot of mystery around him that keeps making you want to turn the pages. 

 The Namine chapters give you very little information to help you figure out the story. It is easy to guess that she is in a fantasy world and not Earth. Other than the not-on-earth thing I had no idea what was happening, or even what the point of these chapters were. 

 Then the last 5% of this book happened. Everything started to make sense, and somewhat fall into place. It really left on a huge cliffhanger, but I loved it! I have not purchased the second book in this series yet, but I do plan to do it when I am able. I really can't wait to find out what is going to happen next. And I think I will understand what is going on better in the next book. The ending had several surprises, and really made the other 95% worth it. Sweet Oblivion was on it way to having a low rating from me, but in the end it was a major turn-around. 

Mirror of Shadows Review & Giveaway

Mirror of Shadows

T. Lynne Tolles

Release Date:

September 1, 2012

Source:

Review Copy Provided*

Reading Level:

New Adult







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Description:

Ella McKaye returns home for her grandmother's funeral to find she's inherited a ton of money and a run down mansion she never knew existed, called Grey Manor. Her greedy mother is appalled when the will stipulates specifically that Ella can't give her any of the inheritance. She quickly throws Ella out of her home forcing her to take up immediate residence in the spooky old mansion.

Within minutes of entering her new home she has a strange interaction with a creepy old mirror in the main hallway and the ghostly inhabitants of the past get more and more agitated the longer Ella's there. Nearly fatal back to back accidents make Ella start to wonder if she's angered some ghost or if there is something more sinister at work. Will Ella unravel the deadly mystery before she becomes a ghost herself? Or will fate take

another one of the Grey ancestors to the grave.

Teaser Sentence(s):

He looked absolutely mortified as he grabbed a dishtowel and held it in front of him as if to hide the fact he was in his underwear. Of Course the boxers could be seen from all edges of the dishtowel, making Ella want to giggle at his sudden realization of his lack of pants.

My Thoughts:

Mirror of Shadows was a nice paranormal mystery.

Elle was a very independent protagonist. She wasn't dependent on a man to come in and save the day, even though that did keep happening. I was happy she didn't come off as being perfect. She even made herself look a little crazy at the beginning when she first met Jeremy. I hated Matt straight from the beginning, but I love Jeremy. He was the silent, keep-to-himself type, and that drove me crazy wanting to get to know him. Jeremy was another character who wasn't perfect. He was handsome and, obviously, likes cats, but he was far from flawless and had a somewhat bad background. There was not any insta-love or hooking up, so I have my fingers crossed for a follow up book with more on Elle and Jeremy's relationship.

Jeremy and Elle were well written and, to me, felt like they could be real people. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story. It was fun (and creepy) trying to figure out the secrets of Willow along with Elle. Who was she? Why did she die? Is she good or bad? What the heck is up with that mirror in the hallway? The ending was good, and I would recommend this to anyone who wanted a clean, paranormal romance.

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T. Lynne Tolles

T. Lynne Tolles is a lifelong avid reader of all things paranormal and now is a writer of new adult paranormal romances for readers 15 to 115. She grew up in the sunny California San Francisco bay area. She's the mother of two, wife to one and pet mom to three cats and Newfoundland dog. 

Blood of a Werewolf is the first of five books in a series called, the Blood Series. Other titles include Somber Island and Mirror of Shadows - both unrelated to the series.

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*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for my opinion.

The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3)

The Iron Queen

(The Iron Fey #3)

Julie Kagawa

Release Date:

January 25, 2011

Publisher:

Harlequin

Pages:

368

Source:

My Personal Copy

Reading Level:

Young Adult

Description:

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back. ~Amazon

Teaser Sentence(s):

He favored me with another patient look. "And how much experience do you have with swords and weapons in general?"

"Um." I glanced down at the saber in my hand. "Thirty seconds?"

My Thoughts:

Okay, I am trying to figure out where to even start here. At first I was worried. I thought the book had a really slow start. It took until about half way through before the story picked up. 

The Iron Queen is book 3, so by now I know all the characters pretty well. I was thrilled that Ironhorse was mentioned as much as he was, and in his own way played a very important part in helping make things easier on Meghan and her companions. 

"Be quite, Goodfellow," Ash growled, peering into the shadows with narrowed eyes. "We're not alone."

"Yeah? How do you figure that, prince? I don't see anyone" (Puck)

"The cait sith has disappeared."

"...crap." (Puck)

I love Puck and Grimalkin. Usually, I do not like talking cats. There are very few exceptions to this for me. (Cheshire Cat, Salem) Grimalkin is absolutely one of my exceptions. His attitude is just how I think every cat thinks-a little stuck-up and only looking out for themselves. Although, I do believe Grim helps more selflessly than he is given credit for. He doesn't always make a bargain or gain something in return. 

Puck also has an I-don't-give-a-crap attitude that makes me love him even more. He is continuously loyal to Meghan. Even after she hurt him, and broke his heart. He is still always there when she needs him. Always trying to make her happy, even if it's at his own expense. He is the perfect best-friend.

'And he stayed there, kneeling beside me, holding my hand in his. Something splashed the back of my hand, cold as spring water, crystallizing to my skin. A faery's tears.'

Ash wrecks havoc on my emotions. It only takes about 2 sentences involving him to break my heart. For a dark, winter faery, who hardly ever shows any emotions himself, his scenes get to me the most. I do not know how Julie Kagawa manages this, but Kudos to you, Julie. Ash makes the series for me. I am super excited the next book, The Iron Knight, is his book. (yay!) 

Everdark (Dark Ink Chronicles #2)

Everdark

Dark Ink Chronicles #2

Elle Jasper

Release Date:

June 7, 2011

Publisher:

Signet Eclipse

Pages:

336

Source:

Borrowed 

Reading Level:

Adult

Description:

When Savannah tattoo artists Riley Poe is ambushed by an undead enemy, she inherits some of the traits of her attackers-and a telepathic link with a rampaging vampire. Now, she's experiencing murder after murder through the victims' eyes. And her new powers will not be enough to stop the horror-or the unending slaughter. . .

Teaser Sentence(s):

Sitting around a roaring campfire on a Georgia barrier island at night with a handful of centuries-old vampires, Gullah conjurers, and adolescent boys with vampiric tendencies made for a way more interesting crowd than any other I'd ever hung with in my wild teenage years, or in my adult years, truth be known. No lie- it was surreal. Bizarre. Oh, and Zetty-can't forget the big Tibetan.

My Thoughts:

Now, bad-ass Riley Poe has vampiric tendencies and is, somehow, even more bad-ass.

Riley is one of my favorite main characters. She is very independent, and doesn't need a man to protect her, even before she had 2 ancient vampires out to get her blood. Eli is a bit too overprotective of her in my opinion. I often find myself wishing he would back off some. 

After everything that happened in book 1, Afterlight, I was thrilled to get to know Seth a little better. Seth also now has vampiric tendencies, and is just as bad-ass as his sister, Riley, when it comes to fighting rouge vampires and newlings. 

I still really liked all of Eli's vampire family, especially his siblings, Phin, Luc and Josie. Luc has a great attitude. He knows Riley can take care of herself, and tries to get Eli to realize that too. Victorian is also a main part of this story. He was made to not seem like such a bad guy in Everdark. I am very curious to see how his story is played out.

Some readers may not enjoy the Gullah accents some of the characters speak with. I am from the South, so reading this comes naturally for me.  I have read a couple reviews where the reader complained of this, so be warned.

I personally enjoy this series. I know vampire stories are everywhere these days, but if you like a good smutty read with not-so-average vampires then you should check this series out. 

Deer in Headlights Review & Giveaway

 Deer in Headlights

Staci Hart

Release Date:

February 13, 2013

Publisher:

Promise Socks Publishing

Pages:

164

Source:

Review Copy Provided*

Reading Level:

Adult

Description:

What do the Greek gods do when they're bored? Because they're always bored, so humans are the perfect players in their games.

Aphrodite owns love; she hasn't lost a competition on her turf in over three millennia. Apollo is on a mission to win. He's counting on it to finally get the one woman he's never been able to have. The two gods will choose their human players, and if Aphrodite can't get them together before the clock runs out, Apollo will get his way. And Aphrodite couldn't have that.

Lex and Dean are perfect for each other, they just don't know it yet. Dean is a perpetual bachelor, and a brooding, beautiful rock star. Lex is always with a man, but she'll never fully give herself up. Aphrodite has her work cut out for her, but if she can't make it work, no one can.

The gods have their own drama. Apollo killed Aprhodite's mortal love - they've got beef that's been dragging on for thousands of years. Ares, the douchebag, is forever trying to pick a fight, and trying to get Aphrodite into bed. And Persephone, Aphrodite's best friend, is the one person who Aphrodite shares everything with.

Follow the gods as they fight, laugh, cry, lose love, gain power, and make a mess with humans.

Teaser Sentence(s):

'"...When he was alive, he was always stealing my glory. What is the modern phrase you use?"

"Stealing your thunder. Zeus loves that one."

"Yes, I suspect that he would."'

My Thoughts:

Deer in Headlights has 3 of my guilty book pleasures: Greek gods, a guy in a rock band, and a romance story full of angst. So, it's safe to say I really enjoyed reading this book.

There are two stories in this book. One story is mainly focused on Aphrodite-or Dita-and Apollo. Most all the main gods of Olympus live in a mock Luxury New York apartment, so you get plenty of interaction between the others such as Ares, Persephone, Hermes, and even Zeus and Hera. But the main focus is on an ancient feud between Apollo and Dita.

The rest of the book follows the lives of Lex and Dean. Dean is a damaged guitar player and lead singer for the band 'Paper Fools'. Lex is dating the drummer, Travis, when she enters Dean's life. Their path to try to be together is full of stumbles thanks to Apollo and Aphrodite's competition. If they end up together Aphrodite wins and continues her 3,000 year long winning streak. If Apollo wins he is granted one favor from Aphrodite, and he has been trying for centuries for this chance.

I really enjoyed both stories. If your guilty book pleasures are similar to mine then I think you would enjoy this book. It is definitely a book for adult readers. Some of the scenes did get a little smutty, so be warned.

Amazon   |   Goodreads

Author Staci Hart 

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom; she has three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife; even though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. Her favorite word starts with f, ends with k, and there a uc in there. Just saying. From roots in Houston, to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's sleeping, cleaning, or designing graphics. But let's be honest, she's mostly writing.

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*I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my post/review. I was not compensated in anyway.

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)

Shatter Me

(Shatter Me #1)

Tahereh Mafi

Release Date:

November 15th 2011

Publisher:

HarperCollins

Pages:

338

Source:

My Personal Copy

Reading Level:

Young Adult

Description:

Ostracized or incarcerated her whole life, seventeen-year-old Juliet is freed on the condition that she use her horrific abilities in support of The Reestablishment, a post-apocalyptic dictatorship, but Adam, the only person ever to show her affection, offers hope of a better future.

Teaser Sentence(s):

'Someone picked up the sun and pinned it to the sky again, but every day it hangs a little lower than the day before. It's like a negligent parent who only knows one half of who you are. It never sees how its absence changes people. How different we are in the dark.'

My Thoughts:
I have a habit of going into books without reading what they are about. I did that with Shatter Me, and guess what... another 'touch of death' book. I read 3 books about this subject in the same week. You could say I am getting burned out.

I did like this book a little more than the others. I think the Dystopian theme to the book made it feel a little different from the others. I am not sure if I like Juliet or not yet. There isn't anything wrong with her personality or anything, I think I just need more time to get to know her. Of course, there is one guy who can touch her without dying. I bet you didn't expect that, did you? I like Adam, and I am thrilled he turned out to be one of the good guys. 
Towards the end of the book, you learn that somewhere beyond the borders of the Reestablishment there are more 'gifted' people living hidden. I am actually looking forward to learning more about these people in book 2. I am hoping for some originality in the powers the people there have.

Toxic (Denazen #2)

Toxic

(Denazen #2)

Jus Accardo

Release Date:

October 16 2012

Publisher:

Entangled

Pages:

317

Source:

My Personal Copy

Reading Level:

Young Adult

Description:

When a Six saved Kale's life the night of Sumrun, she warned there would be consequences. A trade-off. Something taken for the life they gained. But Dez never imagined she'd lose the one thing she'd give anything to keep... And as if it's not enough Dez finds her immunity to Kale fading, the Six bought in to help Kale learn to control his killer touch starts drooling on him the moment they meet. Worse than that? Jade can touch Kale. But bimbo Barbie is the least of Dez's problems.

After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice--surrender to Denazen for the cure...or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn't involve being bagged and tagged--or losing someone she loves--Dez keeps the poison a secret. But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there's a traitor among them. Jade.

Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there's any hope of proving Jade's guilt before they all end up residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead...

Teaser Sentence(s):

'Kale was trained for this kind of thing. Breaking and entering. Sneak attacks. All-around ninja stuff. Alex could name each member of every nineties alternative band ever formed. Kale could kick all their asses. It just was what it was.'

My Thoughts:

I really liked book 1, Touch, in this series, but I cannot say the same for Toxic. There was a serious lack of action, unless you count all the plant killing. Dez spent most of the book whining and being jealous instead of taking care of the problems at hand. 

The thing I liked most about this book is probably the creepy twins who work for Denazen, Able and Aubrey. I liked their powers and their sinister attitudes, even though I do not think I was supposed to like them. I was surprised to find out who the actual traitor was, but the rest of the book was just 'meh'. I have a strong feeling of dislike towards Jade. She continuously had a crappy stuck up attitude, and I really hope she isn't in the next book. I also hope there is more of Alex. I really like him, even though I cannot figure out why. He isn't a major character, and he has done some pretty bad things. I guess I can still see the good in him.

I will still buy and read book 3 when it comes out. For some reason the second book in a series always seems to bore me, so before I call it quits I want to give it one more shot.

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3)

Clockwork Princess

(The Infernal Devices #3)

Cassandra Clare

Release Date:

March 19, 2013

Publisher:

Simon & Schuster

Pages:

568

Source: 

My Personal Copy

Reading Level:

Young Adult

Description:

THE INFERNAL DEVICES WILL NEVER STOP COMING

Tessa Gray should be happy-aren't all brides happy? Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows beings to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London institute. A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan.

He needs Tessa.

Charlotte Branwell, head of the Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are engaged, Will is still in love with her.

The last words of a dying Shadowhunter provide the clue that might lead Tessa and her friends to Mortmain. But their small group cannot stand alone, and the powerful Consul doubts that Mortmain is coming. Deserted by allies, the Shadowhunters find themselves trapped when Mortmain seizes the medicine that keeps Jem alive. With his best friend at death's door, Will must risk everything to save the girl they both love.

To buy Will time, the warlock Magnus Bane joins with Henry Brandwell to create a device that could help defeat Mortmain. As they all work to save Tessa and the future of the Shadowhunters that resides with her, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself-for in the discovery of her own true nature, Tessa could become more powerful than she ever dreamed possible. But can a lone girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army?

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy. ~book blurb

Teaser Sentence(s):

'Every meeting led to a parting, and so it would, as long as life was mortal. In every meeting there was some of the sorrow of parting, but in every parting there was some of the joy of meeting as well.'

My Thoughts:

It's been a couple weeks since I finished reading Clockwork Princess, and it's still getting to me. I opened the book to check the number of pages, and seriously, my eyes start watering!

Cassandra Clare managed to conclude this series flawlessly. Everything came together smoothly in the end. I never would have guessed the love triangle between Tessa, Jem and Will would have worked out the way it did. I grew really close to these characters throughout this series, and it really is sad to have to let go of them all. In the end, I have never been more happy for a fictional character than I was for Tessa. She got everything she deserved; love, happiness, and answers to secrets long kept. 

If you haven't read The Infernal Devices or Mortal Instruments, I suggest you do so, and make yourself familiar with the world of the Shadowhunters!

Elixir / Apollyon Reviews & Giveaway

Elixir

(The Covenant #3.5)

Jennifer L Armentrout

Release Date:

November 27, 2012

Publisher:

Spencer Hill Press

Pages:

74

Source:

My Personal Copy

Reading Level:

Young Adult

Description:

Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex. Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for. Even if it means making war against the gods.

Teaser Sentence(s):

'My fist connected with his jaw before I even knew what I was doing. His head jerked back as he staggered to the side. I shot forward, grabbing him by his shirt, and slammed him into the wall, rattling several paintings.'

My Thoughts:

If you follow the Covenant series, then this is a novella you really should read. I usually deem novellas unnecessary, but in this case I think you need to read Elixir to get the full effect of Apollyon. You will not lose out much on valuable information, but you will lose out on emotions. In Apollyon, Aiden's feelings and behavior reflect from events that happen in Elixir. It's the same with Alex. You get a much clearer picture of who she is while connected to Seth. Plus this novella is written from Aiden's point-of-view and it's free to download! You can get your copy HERE.

 Apollyon

(Covenant #4)

Jennifer L Armentrout

Release Date:

April 4, 2013

Publisher:

Spencer Hill Press

Pages:

348

Source:

My Personal Copy

Reading Level:

Young Adult

Description:

Fate isn't something to mess with... and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate. And Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods-and Alex herself-to being her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex's power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex's connection to Seth isn't the only problem. There are a few pesky loopholes in the whole "an Apollyon can't be killed" theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer... or she might become the God Killer herself. ~book blurb

Teaser Sentence:

'Oh, I was two seconds from jumping on his back and strangling him from behind... with love, of course.'

My Thoughts:

This series just keeps getting better and better!

When I started reading The Covenant series, one thing that interested me the most was the Greek Gods. Since childhood, I have had an obsession with Greek Mythology. Apollyon absolutely fed my need for the gods. Of course Apollo was in Apollyon, he has made appearances in the past couple Covenant books. There was also Hermes, Artemis, Ares, Dionysus, Persephone and within the first 50 pages Apollo and Thanatos are throwing god bolts and the 2 remaining Furies are in action.

I do not want to give away any spoilers, so I am keeping this short and sweet. If you have not ever read this series, you need too! There is still one book left to come out this summer, so you still have time to get caught up! You can start out by downloading the free prequel novella Daimon HERE. 

I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who likes to read young adult novels. This is one of my favorite series in that genre. I am excited for book #5 Sentinel, but at the same time I do not want this series to end. 

I have an extra Covenant bookmark set. Who wants it? This giveaway is going to be US ONLY. (Sorry international followers. I will do something awesome soon to make up for it!)

If you are under 18, make sure you have your parents' permission, because I will have to get the winners physical address to mail the bookmarks to you. Good-Luck!

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The Sweetest Dark (The Sweetest Dark #1)

The Sweetest Dark

Shana Abe 

Release date:

April 9, 2013

Publisher:

Random House Publishing 

Pages:

352

Source:

Netgalley *

Reading level:

Young Adult

Description:

Lora Jones has always known that she's different. On the outside, she appears to be an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl. Yet Lora's been keeping a heart full of secrets: She hears songs that no ones else can hear, dreams vividly of smoke and flight, and lives with a mysterious voice inside her that insists she's far more than what she seems.

England, 1915. Raised in an orphanage in a rough corner of London, Lora quickly learns to hide her unique abilities and avoid attention. Then, much to her surprise, she is selected as the new charity student at Iverson, an elite boarding school on England's southern coast. Iverson's eerie, Gothic castle is like nothing Lora has ever seen. And the two boys she meets there will open her eyes and forever change her destiny.

Jesse is the school's groundskeeper-a beautiful boy who recognizes Lora for who and what she truly is. Armand is a darkly handsome and arrogant aristocrat who harbors a few closely guarded secrets of his own. Both hold the answers to her past. One is the key to her future. And both will aim to win her heart. As danger descends upon Iverson, Lora must harness the powers she's only just begun to understand, or else lose everything she dearly loves. -Amazon

Teaser Sentence(s): 

'"We are such stuff as dreams are made on," he said softly to the water. "Both infinite and finite, human and not. I'm of comet and clay and the sparks of sun across the ocean waves."' **

My Thoughts:

I liked this book a lot, but it felt like it took forever to figure out what was going on. In a way that bothered me, but it also kept me reading and unable to set the book down. 

I loved the idea behind this book. It was absolutely different from anything else I have read. I love dragons and stars, and this was such a different take on them both. I liked all 3 main characters: Lora, Jesse and Armand. I seem to want to favor Armand a little more than Jesse. So maybe the next book will have more of Armand and Lora instead of Jesse and Lora. 

This is definitely a darker young adult book. The ending is almost heartbreaking, and the romance aspect doesn't end happily. It did leave me really wanting to know what happens next though. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes their YA reads darker and more emotional.

*I received a free copy of this book from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for my opinion. 

**This passage was quoted from an uncorrected proof. The final copy may differ.

Deity (Covenant #3)

Author: 
Jennifer L Armentrout

Release date: 
Novemeber 2012

Publisher: 
Spencer Hill Press

Pages: 
330

Source: 
My personal copy

Reading level: 
Young Adult

Description:

"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time."

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner...and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But  as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed...and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

Teaser Sentence:

'"You shouldn't be doing that." The door handle jingled. It wasn't locked. "Alex!"

"I'm naked," I warned.

Silence and then, "Is that supposed to make me not want to come in there?"'

My thoughts:

It is hard to talk about the 3rd book in a series, without giving away spoilers from the other books, so this one may be a little short. 

I think Deity is the best I have read so far in the Covenant series. I sometimes think JLA is trying to send her readers into an emotional breakdown. I wanted to scream, cry, kick and throw a fit throughout this book. 

There were finally a few gods that had speaking roles. I have loved Greek mythology longer than I can remember, so I was super thrilled when some of the gods started showing up. 

I have decided I am firmly team Aiden. And Deacon and Luke-yep, I like that.

If you have not read this series, add it to your TBR list!

You can check out my review for Half-Blood here, and my review for Pure here.

The Morning Star

Author: Tania Penn

Release date: January 10, 2013

Pages: 277

Source: received review copy from author

Reading level: Young Adult

Buy on Amazon

Description:

Being the daughter of Lucifer keeps seventeen year old Dawn Belial busy. For almost her entire lifetime, she has been trying to think of a way to free her Archangel mother, Michaela, whom her father has held captive for centuries  She's also attending high school - balancing trigonometry, history, and recruiting souls for her father along with her wicked half-sister, Venus.

There has been no time for love until she meets mysterious Gabriel, a British exchange student. As they fall in love against their will, she discovers a startling secret about him, and a shocking connection to her mother that changes everything. -Amazon

Teaser Sentence: 

'"Hi there." British accent. That's all he had to say, internally I think I started melting. (Really dirty thoughts now.)'

My thoughts:

Books about angels can be either hit or miss in my personal opinion. I feel it's really hard to write one that I like. I was thrilled with The Morning Star. It had lots of angels and talk of the creator, but I did not feel like I was being preached to, or reading an overly religious book. 

A Morning Star is filled with well written characters I immediately connected with. Everyone was very well written. I loved the way Lucifer was portrayed. He was still very angelic in his appearance and social standings, but still had the attitude you would expect out of a fallen angel. Dawn-the daughter of Lucifer and an Archangel- is relatable, and an awesome protagonist. She has a lot of good in her, but she is the daughter of the devil. And, Gabriel, he's hot, blonde, and British. (I swear I go into books not knowing there is going to be a guy with an accent.) I think I am in love with this angel. 
The feel, the story line, the characters-everything about this book felt fresh and new to me. The only thing I had a problem with was that it ended. (But that's a good thing right?) This is one of those series that I want to have the next book in my hands the day it comes out. I recommend you get a copy now!