Sinner Review

Title: Sinner (Wolves of Mercy Falls 3.5)
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: July 1st 2014
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5



inner follows Cole St. Clair, a pivotal character from the #1 New York Times bestselling Shiver Trilogy. Everybody thinks they know Cole's story. Stardom. Addiction. Downfall. Disappearance. But only a few people know Cole's darkest secret -- his ability to shift into a wolf. One of these people is Isabel. At one point, they may have even loved each other. But that feels like a lifetime ago. Now Cole is back. Back in the spotlight. Back in the danger zone. Back in Isabel's life. Can this sinner be saved?

Review:

The Wolves of Mercy Falls is one of my all time favourite series and Maggie Stiefvater is one of my favourite authors. When I heard that there would be a companion novel following the conclusion of Forever, following non other than my favourite character, Cole, I was ecstatic to say the  least. Sinner in no way disappointed, it was an absolutely amazing book, and even though it was much different in tone, setting, and plot than Grace and Sam's story, Cole and Isabel's story was an excellent (second) conclusion to the world and characters from The Wolves of Mercy Falls.

Sinner came off as more of a contemporary romance than Shiver which was a more of a paranormal romance. Werewolves really do take a step back in the plot that focuses more on Cole and Isabel's life in LA, their hot and cold relationship, Cole dealing and coping with his dark past, and the reality show that Cole gets himself into. Although the wolves were one of my favourite aspects on the books prior to Sinner I was in no  way disappointed with their absence. Werewolves are sill part of the story, just a much smaller part.

Maggie Stiefvater is one of the best writers I have ever read, she weaves such a detailed and absorbing story that is poetic in a sense. She has a very unique style of writing that makes you fall in love with her characters and their story, she also creates a deep connection between the readers and the characters through her poetic style. I always seem to have a strong love and admiration for the characters that she creates such as Cole and Sam. She forms a dark past but makes it beautiful through her transmission.

I would 1000% recommend reading Sinner, is was a  great addition to an already outstanding trilogy. It takes you through the dark minds of Cole and Isabel, as the book is narrated by both characters, and shows how they leave behind their past, overcome their differences to realize their love for one another. Sinner is more of a contemporary novel about the love story of a life time with avery little werewolf action that will I guarantee not disappoint old and new fans of The Wolves of Mercy Falls.

Endless Knight Review

Title: Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles #2)
Author: Kresley Cole
Publisher: Simon and Schuster for Youhg Readers
Release Date: October 1st 2013
Source: Finshed Copy for Review
Rating: 5/5


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

Unexpected Allies

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

Gut-Wrenching Treachery

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

Review:

Poison Princess was the type of book I enjoyed much more when I thought about it in the days following reading it. Endless Knight, in comparison, was just as amazing when I thought about it after as when I was reading. I loved Poison Princess, but I LOVED Endless Knight. I read it quite awhile ago and I am still thinking about it while at the same time anxiously awaiting the third book.

The concept of The Arcana Chronicle is absolutely amazing and 100% unique, Kresley Cole has quite the imagination to bring to life tarot cards personified as teen who are fighting to the death in a post apocalyptic wasteland filled with zombies and cannibals. 


The story was phenomenal and I know how a new book boyfriend, Death. I loved getting to see the real Death, from his name, his power, and the visions that Evie has you get the impression that he is evil. I will just say that there is more to him that meets the eye. As for Jackson I... do not like him anymore, for those of you who have read the book I'm sure you know why and can understand.

I f you are looking for an amazing addition to an amazing series I cannot recommend Endless Knight enough, I was just as good if not better than Poison Princess and leaves you on a cliffhanger that keep you intrigued. The plot and character development were well developed, the writing flawless, and to top it off it takes place in an amazing world.

The f-It List Review

Title: The F-It List
Author: Julie Halpern
Release Date: November 12th 2013
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 5/5

Alex’s father recently died in a car accident. And on the night of his funeral, her best friend Becca slept with Alex’s boyfriend. So things aren’t great. Alex steps away from her friendship with Becca and focuses on her family.

But when Alex finally decides to forgive Becca, she finds out something that will change her world again--Becca has cancer.

So what do you do when your best friend has cancer? You help her shave her head. And then you take her bucket list and try to fulfill it on her behalf. Because if that’s all you can do to help your ailing friend--you do it.

 

Review:

 

What intrigued me the most about The F-It List was its title, the title alone is what made me initially pick up the book immediately after I had received it in the mail. I definitely wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did since I rarely ever read contemporary books because usually I'm not interested in them.

The F-It List follows the story of two bestfriends, Alex and Becca, Becca has come down with cancer and Alex is given the task of completing Becca's bucket list, known as "the f-it list". As you can probably imagine Th F-It List is an emotional read with heart. There are happy moments and sad that will surely bring a fear tears.

I really enjoyed Halpern's writing ; it was very well done, it draws the reader in, and it feels very real adding to the realness that a contemporary novel is supposed to have. I enjoyed the friendship between Alex and Becca, it's a friendship that many wish they could have. My favourite aspect of the novel would have to be the romantic relationships that both Alex and Becca acquire throughout the novel, it just shows that even in times of life or death love can occur.

Overall The F-It List was an amazing book, and that's saying something coming from me who doesn't typically like contemporary novels. But the book is very sexual so keep that it mind when reading, it's not for the younger audiences.

The Selection Review

Title: The Selection ( The Selection #1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: April 24th 2012
Source: ARC from trade
Rating: 5/5

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Review:

 

I've debated long and hard as to whether I should write a review on The Selection or not. In the end I decided to in the hopes I could sway those hesitant to pick up this book like myself to do so.

 

I've had The Selection in my possession since long before it was released in 2012, and just now picked it up. Boy am I glad I did, I absolutely loved The Selection! The dystopian word the Kiera Cass has created is The Hunger Games meets reality TV in the Bachelor. Which in my opinion is an amazing combination and works extremely well together. Right from the first chapter you will automatically be drawn into this amazing world.

 

As for the characters I loved all the main ones; America, Maxon, and Aspen. Though is respect to the love interest I am partial to Prince Maxon, I would describe him as a gentlemen in sexy form. What I enjoyed the most about the characters in The Selection is the relationship they have with each other, while reading you can really feel the connection and tension at times between them. The other girls part taking in the selection aren't so great and I was glad to see some of them sent home.

 

All though The Selection lacks on the action it is still a very fast paced read that will have you thinking about it for days after finishing it and have you scrambling to get your hands on The Elite (believe me I know). I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone but because of it's nature I feel it would be more suited for the female audience.

Midnight Frost Review

Title: Midnight Frost
Author: Jennifer Estep
Release Date: July 30th 2013
Publisher: KTeen
Source: ARC for review
Rating: 5/5

Here we go again …

Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead.

As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there.

 

Review:

 

After the killer ending of Crimson Frost I was frantic to get my hands on Midnight Frost so that I could see what happened next in Gwen's story. Luckily Midnight Frost in no way disappoint, picking up not long after the events of Crimson Frost.

 

Gwen has no time to mourn the disappearance of Logan before the reapers make their next more to eliminate Gwen. In this instalment in the Mythos Academy series someone close o Gwen has been mistakenly poisoned and her and friends must race against the clock to find an antidote before the person dies.

 

I found the plot of Midnight Frost to be thrilling and very fast paced. The only down side is there is a lack of Logan, but with all the action going on the pages will fly by and you will hardly notice Logan's absence.

 

Somethings to look forward to is the introduction of a new character who is very interesting, and who also reveals secrets from Gwen's father's side of the family. The ending was also amazing it so sweet and doesn't have an unbearable cliffhanger, though I have to say any wait for the next Jennifer Estep book is unnbearable. I can't wait to see where the story goes in the next book, Killer Frost.



The Evolution of Mara Dyer Review

Title: The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2)
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: October 23rd 2012
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 5

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

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

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

Review:

 

Being a huge fan of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer I had no doubts that I would thoroughly enjoy it's sequel as well. Going into reading The Evolution of Mara Dyer I forgot just how amazing Michelle Hodkin really is. Seriously, the is not a single flaw I can pinpoint. This book was amazing right from the beginning.

 

In The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer we were left off on a major cliffhanger, that Jude was alive. This caused for a really intense read, but throughout you are left wondering if he really is back or is Mara imagining it. The psychological thriller aspect is still a major theme in this book, and it a large reason in why I love it so much. It makes the book really unique and with the paranormal parts to the book Mara Dyer is a one of a kind.

 

What I enjoyed the most about the Evolution of Mara Dyer though was that we get to see Mara and Noah's relationship grow and thrive. They really are the cutest couple, even if they do have quite a few personal issues. Noah's also in my top 3 book boyfriends. I just can't get enough of him, I love him. Also I like how now that we know they have some sort of power, we get to see what they can do with it. The idea of others having powers is also brought out which is always interesting.

 

I don't know what else I can say about this 100% amazing book, except that I loved it! Warning: if you think the cliffhanger in The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is bad, this one is worse.. I didn't know if I should cry in anguish or scream for book three now!! I ended up doing both. The wait is going to be unbearable. If you haven't read the available books in this series yet, please do so. I can't recommend them enough. Truly amazing.