Black Ice Review

Title: Black Ice
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Release Date: October 7th 2014
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 4/5


Sometimes danger is hard to see... until it’s too late. 

Britt Pfeiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage. 

In exchange for her life, Britt agrees to guide the men off the mountain. As they set off, Britt knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there... and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target. 

But nothing is as it seems in the mountains, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally? 

Review:

I can't say that I have ever read a book that falls into the thriller, murder mystery genre before reading Black Ice. I think I have now found a new genre, or sub-genre, that I love!I knew that I was going to read Black Ice simply for the fact that it was written by Becca Fitzpatrick, the author of one of my all time favourite series, Hush, hush. Knowing that Black Ice was in a completely different genre than Hush, hush I didn't know what to expect. While I don't consider Black Ice to be Becca's best work to date, it was still an amazing book nonetheless.

The premise of Black Ice is what immediately drew me in, a snow storm that leads two friends seeking refuge with two strangers who then take them hostage where an unexpected romance with the enemy possibly takes place, what doesn't sound amazing about that? Everything was flawless about Black Ice, the plot was very well though out and executed, the setting was both intriguing and refreshing, and the writing was outstanding. I loved the side characters, which I won't get into anymore detail about as it could possible spoil the book.

While I did thoroughly enjoy the plot, I did find it a bit predictable, I don't know if it's just me but I totally knew what was going to happen. To Becca Fitzpatrick's credit the twist was a bit outside the box and may surprise most, I did pick up on the subtle clues early on. My only other complaint would be that Britt was a very annoying character, she was very whinny and is too dependent on the men inner life, which she admits to many times throughout the book. The redeeming factors surrounding this is that we, as readers, get to see the complete 180  Britt goes through as the traumatic experiences that she is living through forces her to grow to become a less annoying, self relying, independent human being.

Black Ice is a fantastic murder mystery- thriller that will take readers on twists and turns as Britt tries to survive the deadly storm and her brutality of her captors while also falling for the inconveniently falling for the enemy. Definitely pick up Black Ice if you are interested in reading a book that is different than the majority of YA fiction that is popular at the moment, you won't regret it, I promise.

The Jewel Review

Title: The Jewel (The Lone City #1)
Author: Amy Ewing
Release Date: September 2nd 2014
Publisher: HarperTEEN
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 4.5/5

The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude. Not just any kind of servitude. Violet, born and raised in the Marsh, has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty—because in the Jewel the only thing more important than opulence is offspring.

Purchased at the surrogacy auction by the Duchess of the Lake and greeted with a slap to the face, Violet (now known only as #197) quickly learns of the brutal truths that lie beneath the Jewel’s glittering facade: the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life.

Violet must accept the ugly realities of her existence... and try to stay alive. But then a forbidden romance erupts between Violet and a handsome gentleman hired as a companion to the Duchess’s petulant niece. Though his presence makes life in the Jewel a bit brighter, the consequences of their illicit relationship will cost them both more than they bargained for.

Review:

I think most, including myself, will be drawn to The Jewel because of it's gorgeous cover, this books is much more than just a gorgeous cover though. The actually story is much more dark and intriguing than the cover lets on and I loved every minute of reading The Jewel.

The Jewel was not what I was expecting at all, I didn't know that it was a dystopian when I first started it. It unlike any dystopian I have read, which is hard to do these days, they all seem to have the same plot points they must hit. I would compare The Jewel to The Hunger Games, the Eve trilogy, and The Selection  it has minor qualities that remind of certain aspects in these other dystopian worlds. There are some magical elements tied into story as well, I will only say that just to tease you.

I loved Violet as a character she is more mentally strong the physically unlike other heroines in a dystopian world. She is not the initiator the rebellion, characteristic of dystopians, but gets caught up in while trying to find a way to survive in this deadly world hidden beneath the wealth and beauty. The side characters were also amazing, they really added to the plot and my overall enjoyment of the book.

The reason this book gets a 4.5 rating and not a 5 is because her love interest, Ash, does not come in until a good portion into the novel and their was a bit of instant love. Prior to his addition into the story I had assumed her love interest would be with one, or both, of the other guys who appear close to the beginning of The Jewel.

I would definitely recommend The Jewel, it was an amazing debut that surprised me with its content. I was eagerly awaiting the next book, The Jewel had a killer cliffhanger that left me wanting more, immediately. Pick up The Jewel is you are looking for a unique dystopian that has dark and somewhat disturbing elements and a very well thought out and executed plot.

Cruel Beauty Review

Title: Cruel Beauty
Author: Rosamond Hodge
Release Date: January 28th 2014
Publisher: Balzar + Bray
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

Review:

Cruel Beauty mixes two of my favourite things into one: mythology and a retellings of classic fairytale. At first I was a bit skeptical as to how these to ideas to mix together but at the same time excited to see someone try. My final verdict is that it worked pretty well and made for a new and refreshing twist on an old fairytale.

Cruel Beauty follows the story  on Nyx who was chosen instead of her twin sister to marry the "Beast", who is actually very handsome and charming, and kills him in revenge for enslaving her world and killing her mother. For the most part the plot is much different than the original story, which is good because you don't know where the story is going to go and it's much more fast passed and action packed which is always a plus in my book.

I found Nyx to be a very unique character is YA fiction, she is full of hate. Specifically towards her sister and her father, her reasons are just in some ways so she is not an unenjoyable character as she may seem from this statement. I actually enjoyed her quite a lot and I especially loved her husband. There is a bit of a love triangle I would say, but is not your "typical" one, you will have to check out the book for yourself to find out more.

The only bad aspect for the book I can think of is that it goes heavily into detail with Greek mythology and not the myth and characters that the average person would know much about. It wasn't a problem for me because I have taken many mythology and ancient civilization classes but I can see where many may be confused and not enjoy the book as much due to this.

Overall Cruel Beauty was a refreshing addition to the fad of retellings with its added dark elements and mythology. The story is quite different than the Beauty and the Beast you may be used to but the basic plot points are still there... with a twist. I highly recommend this book to mythology, fantasy, and of course fairytale retelling lovers you won't want to miss this one.

Elusion Review

Title: Elusion
Author: Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam
Publisher: Katherine Teagen Books
Release Date: March 18th 2014
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 4/5

Soon, Elusion® will change the world and life as we know it.

A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.

Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.

Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions.

Suspense, thrills, and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.

Review:

I won't lie, I was ultimately drawn to Elusion due to its gorgeous cover, just look at it it's beautiful!! But Elusion is much more than just a pretty cover though, it has a unique, and in a sense relevant, concept with amazing world building that makes it a very visual appealing novel.

What I enjoyed most about Elusion is how much it can relate with modern issues in society and creates a future that seems realistic due to these issues such as pollution and our dependency on electronics and technology. In Elusion people are forced to wear oxygen masks to breathe because of pollution and escape into the world of magical worlds of Elusion, a technological invention, to get away for the harsh and depressing truth about reality. While we don't have this kind of technology (yet) I can see the future looking a lot like this one day and I like this aspect of the novel because the majority of dystopian societies aren't all that realistic (in my opinion) and finding one that is really drew me into the story made me intrigued and drawn into the story.

In addition to being a futuristic, sic-fi, dystopian novel Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam create a plot that is very much a mystery, and of course it also has a little bit of a romance thrown into the mix as well. What I'm trying to say is this book has got it all, the mesh of so many genres and aspects works and very well and creates a complex, but easy to understand and follow. and riveting roller coaster ride of a book.

I can't wait to see what happens next to Regan and the rest of the characters from Elusion, Elusion ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger and I am eagerly awaiting more! I definitely suggest giving Elusion a try, Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam make quite the power duo.

Sea of Shadows Review

Title: Sea of Shadows (Age of Legends #1)
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Random House Canada
Release Date: April 8th 2014
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.75/5

In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire’s worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned.

Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.

Ambushed and separated by an ancient evil, the sisters’ journey to find each other sends them far from the only home they’ve ever known. Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever.

Review:

I have read pretty much everyone one of Kelley Armstrong's book, YA and adult, and she is one of my favourite authors (and she's Canadian, yay!), so of course I was excited for her first book in the Age of  Legends series/trilogy and intrigued because it is a fantasy, which is must different than Kelley's typical paranormal/urban fantasy series. While I did really enjoy Sea of Shadows I have to say I much prefer Kelley's paranormal books that I have read in the past, it is only the first book in the series so maybe my opinion will change and it while match the ranks of  the Darkest Powers and  Darkness Rising trilogies. Only time will tell!

Sea of Shadows is told in third person in two points of views, twins Ashyn and Moria, both tactics are different from what I have read from Armstrong in the past. I admire her for break out of her paranormal mould, and change in form of narration I think the changes in style are part of the reason that I did not absolutely love Sea of Shadows. I do prefer to read in first person POVs, in fact all of my favourite books and written in first person.

The premise for Sea of Shadows in really unique and the world is very dark and really grabbed by attention. I will say though that the world building is quite slow and I was confused for the first third of the novel, but after, when it became clearer it was truly an amazing fantasy world. Because both twins are different, Moria is more the outgoing aggressive one, and Ashyn the quite, kind and polite one, so the change in narration was not confusing what so ever and was easy to distinguish who was telling the story at a given time.

I really enjoyed how, while being  a fantasy novel, the still was a very, very slight paranormal aspect tied in as well. I also enjoyed the side characters, which are boys and could  be possible love interests for the twins in later books, and Sea of Shadows are very minimal romance which is refreshing. It seems that the relationships will for at a more reasonable speed that in some other books.

The best parts of the novel by far for me would have to be the mythical creature that appear in the book, all of which I have never heard of, or seen in other books or movies. They were awesome! I also absolutely LOVED the ending, if definitely raising the rating I was going to give Sea of Shadows, and I cannot wait until next April to continue with the series to see what happens next.

Ultimately I think fans of Kelley Armstrong will enjoy Sea of Shadows even though it may not be her best book to date, reader will admire a change in genre and narration and fall in love with the amazing world that Kelley created in Sea of Shadows.

Blackout Review

Title: Blackout ( Blackout #1)
Author: Robison Wells
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: October 1st 2013
Source: ARC from Edelweiss
Rating: 4/5


Laura and Alec are trained terrorists.

Jack and Aubrey are high school students.

There was no reason for them to ever meet.

But now, a mysterious virus is spreading throughout America, infecting teenagers with impossible powers. And these four are about to find their lives intertwined in a complex web of deception, loyalty, and catastrophic danger—where one wrong choice could trigger an explosion that ends it all.

Review:

 

Usually I'm put off my a book that seems like it's geared towards to male audience, but in the case of Blackout I was so intrigued by a virus giving teens powers and terrorists I just had to pick it up. I am SO glad I did because I ended up really enjoying this book and can't wait to read the next one ASAP.

 

I have never read a book told partly in the third person perspective of a terrorist, it was very refreshing to read from a perspective of a "villain". I put villain in quotation marks because I am not quite sure if these teen terrorists are in fact bad, the motive behind their destruction may be justified. The overall story reminded me of Gone by Michael Grant which is a book I really enjoyed, with the twist of a virus spreading around powers.

 

While most of the powers acquired by some of the characters are not the best, I give Robison Wells bonus points for being creative. In most books the same basic powers are recycled over and over again, in Blackout you are in for some unique ones.

 

I ended up really enjoying Blackout; it was fast paced, very unique and it's sure to be a pick hit because it does appeal to both sexes and I event think it would appeal to all sorts of age groups as well. It's a very well rounded novel! Do not fear die hard romance fans there is some romance tied into the action paced teen terrorist novel.

Cold Blooded Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

Title: Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain #3)
Author: Amanda Carlson
Release Date: October 8th 2013
Publisher: Orbit
Source: eARC for Review
Rating: 4/5

Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious
skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realise is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...

Review:

After the brutal cliffhanger that Amanda Carlson left readers with in Hot Blooded I was more than eager to continue the series with Cold Blooded. I did really enjoy the third instalment of the Jessica McClain series, but I still stand on Full Blooded being my favourite of the series to date.

Where the other books in the series focus more on werewolves, demons, and goddess's etc. I really enjoy the change of focus to the witches and sorcerers and the politics of vampires. It adds a nice variety and creates a more fantastical world. And withall the super hot guys, I mean seriously I have never seen a book with as many as this, the world that Jessica McClain lived in is an enticing one that girls and guys alike would want to inhabit. With all the twists and turns the plot has you will be kept on the edge of your seat for the duration of the book.

The world, characters, and the way that Carlson writes puts her at the top of my favourite adult urban fantasy authors among Kelley Armstrong and Patricia Briggs.This series is a great transition from read YA to adult books, its not too sexual but it does have those oh so savoury steamy moments.

The only complaints I can really draw upon for Cold Blooded is that now that Jessica has embraced her powers she seem a little too over confident and because of this she takes on so many challenges that seem a little to much for one person to take on nevermind survive time and time again. Nevertheless I wholeheartedly recommend this series if hot men, a new take on urban fantasy, and action packed plots are your kind of thing definitely make sure you check out the Jessica McClain series and its next instalment, Cold Blooded.

 

 

GIVEAWAY:
 

*Note author will contact winner*

 

 



Enter Rafflecopter for your chance to winn the items shown in the picture above.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

3:59 Review

Title:3:59
Author: Gretchen McNeil
Release Date: September 17th 2013
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Source:ARC for Review
Rating: 4/5

Josie Byrne's life is spiraling out of control. Her parents are divorcing, her boyfriend Nick has grown distant, and her physics teacher has it in for her. When she's betrayed by the two people she trusts most, Josie thinks things can't get worse.

Until she starts having dreams about a girl named Jo. Every night at the same time—3:59 a.m.

Jo's life is everything Josie wants: she's popular, her parents are happily married, and Nick adores her. It all seems real, but they're just dreams, right? Josie thinks so, until she wakes one night to a shadowy image of herself in the bedroom mirror – Jo.

Josie and Jo realize that they are doppelgängers living in parallel universes that overlap every twelve hours at exactly 3:59. Fascinated by Jo's perfect world, Josie jumps at the chance to jump through the portal and switch places for a day.

But Jo’s world is far from perfect. Not only is Nick not Jo's boyfriend, he hates her. Jo's mom is missing, possibly insane. And at night, shadowy creatures feed on human flesh.

By the end of the day, Josie is desperate to return to her own life. But there’s a problem: Jo has sealed the portal, trapping Josie in this dangerous world. Can she figure out a way home before it’s too late?

From master of suspense Gretchen McNeil comes a riveting and deliciously eerie story about the lives we wish we had – and how they just might kill you.

Review:

 

Being a previous fan of Gretchen McNeil's work and the horror/suspense genre I had high hopes when starting 3:59 and let me tell you I was not at all disappointed. I wouldn't classify 3:59 in the horror genre, it's more of a suspenseful sci-fi novel. It does feel horrific at times for completely different reason which I will touch upon in a bit.

 

I absolutely loved the concept of 3:59; an alternate universe that appears to be an exact replica of the one Josie is living in that she can see for 60 seconds every 12 hours makes for a great plot and a unique story. I have to say my favourite aspect is the fact that 3:59 is a very scientific book, I personally love science I find it fascinating and one its used in a book to explain/prove what it happening makes the events seem all the more real, even though in the world we live in it couldn't possible happen. It makes me almost believe is could though!

 

The reason the book is a bit creepy it because of it being a scientific driven plot giving it the aspect of realism. The realism also enables you to put yourself in Josie`s shoes also adding the creep factor. For those not desensitised by creepy things may not want to read this after dark.

When you actually read 3:59 you will see that the actual plot of the book is not even mentioned in the synopsis, which I think is a great thing because I was surprised in a good way. I should also say that the synopsis does not to the book justice.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of 3:59, it`s more of a plot driven story than a character one that is packed full of suspense, action, and romance. I definitely suggest this book to anyone and everyone, once you start you wont want to stop until you`re done and it will keep you thinking about it days after you have finished reading.

 

Through the Zombie Glass Review

Title: Through the Zombie Glass (White Rabbit Chronicles #2)
Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: September 24th 2013
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 4/5

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

 

Review:

 

Yet again I thoroughly enjoyed Gena Showalters unique twisted on zombies in the sequel the Alice in Zombieland, Through the Zombie Glass. Zombies are over used in movies and film these days so it's refreshing to see a creative mind make it something new so reader can gain a renewed interest in Zombies. I will be the first to admit Zombies are probably my least favourite paranormal creature, I normally don't read books about them or watch movies. That being said it really means something when I say I really enjoyed Through the Zombie Glass.

 

On a whole this series is on the darker side, but I did find that this sequel was a bit darker which I really enjoyed. On top of Ali having to battle against the Zombies she also has to battle with the darkness that is inside of here, which makes for a gripping story.

 

Through the Zombie Glass is sure to get your heart pumping with the drama that goes down; relationship problems, cat fights, spies, and of course a whole bunch of zombie action are a few things to look forward to in this instalment. I love the characters that Gena Showalter has created, they are all very loyal and if they were real I would love to be friends will a lot of them and more than friends with Cole.

 

With a darker plot, introduction to new characters, drama, and raising the stakes from Alice in Zombieland, Through the Zombie Glass is sure to be adored by fans of the first book. I would definitely recommend this book just for the emotions you will feel from the tension between Ali and Cole. 

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown Review

Title: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown
Author: Holly Black
Release Date: September 3rd 2013
Publisher: Little Brown for Young Readers
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 4/5

Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave.

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

Review:

 

I haven't read a really enjoyable vampire book in quite a long time until reading Holly Black's The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. The atmosphere that Holly has weaved together in her latest novel in dark and gritty just like a tale about vampires should be.

 

While the book does start off on the slow side it serves a purpose, which is world building. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown has a complex world which takes time to explain to readers. If you stick through the slow beginning I can guarantee that you will end up loving the every other minute of the book.

 

As we all know vampire are REALLY over used these days in film and literature making it hard to create a story line that is unique. I strongly believe that The Coldest Girl in Coldtown stands out amongst other vampire book that have been written in the past and will continue to do so with the ones that are sure to come in the future. The concept, vampire mythology, and especially the setting are things that I haven't encountered before and is the main reason I ended up liking this book as much as I did.

 

Being a fan of Holly Black and not having read anything from her in a while I loved getting back into her writing and really enjoyed the dark element shes takes on in The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. Overall I really enjoyed The Coldest Girl in Coldtown and I was left wanting more (not sure if there will be more books or not). I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy/paranormal books.

Rush Review

Title: Rush (The Game #1)
Author: Eve Silver
Release Date: June 11th 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen
Source: ARC for Review
Rating:  4

So what’s the game now? This, or the life I used to know?

When Miki Jones is pulled from her life, pulled through time and space into some kind of game—her carefully controlled life spirals into chaos. In the game, she and a team of other teens are sent on missions to eliminate the Drau, terrifying and beautiful alien creatures. There are no practice runs, no training, and no way out. Miki has only the guidance of secretive but maddeningly attractive team leader Jackson Tate, who says the game isn’t really a game, that what Miki and her new teammates do now determines their survival, and the survival of every other person on this planet. She laughs. He doesn’t. And then the game takes a deadly and terrifying turn.

 

Review:

 

First off I have to say that Rush has to be one of the most unique books in the YA sci-fi genre, the whole video game aspect was a great idea. Because "the Game" which is what the characters refer to it as where they are pulled to fight aliens is set up like a video game, where character earn points for each kill I think Rush will appeal to not only girls but boys too in a wide age range. The super hot guy, Jackson is definitely for the girls. *swoon*

While I enjoyed all the characters in the book I would have to say that Miki is not my favourite she just seemed over confident throughout the majority of the book. That being said her two possible love interests Jackson and Luka were fantastic. I absolutely loved them both, but Jackson won me over by a fraction.

I loved how Rush was  fast paced  and action packed right from the first chapter it really grabbed me and didn't let go until the end (which has a greuling cliffhanger by the way). The only complaints I have would be that rather than having one climatic point there were many with slow moments in between. I can see this appealing to some though. I also found the book to be a bit comfusing at the beginning but Eve Silvers descriptive writing cleared thing up rather quickly.

I really enjoyed Eve Silver's, a local Toronto author, debut novel Rush. It was unique, action packed, and had swop worthy prominent male characters that cannot be helped but to love. Rush is definitely a book that should be checked out by individuals of any age and any gender.

Asunder Review

Title: Asunder (New Soul #2)
Name: Jodi Meadow
Publisher: Katherine Teagan
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 4

DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

Review:

 

After thoroughly enjoying the fantastic world Jodi Meadow created in Incarnate, Asunder was a sequel I couldn't wait to get my hands on. With the super  adorable relationship between Sam and Ana and the new revelations and questions that arose in Asunder, the book certainly does not disappoint.

I absolutely love the world of The New Soul trilogy, it's creative, magical, and unique. The journey that Ana and Sam undergo is just all the more awesome because of the genius world Jodi has created. The tension between the Old Souls and their negative feeling towards New Souls like Ana causes some very dramatic moments that readers will be fascinated with. The writing is also extremely well done, it's very descriptive and beautifully done.

The only thing that I can say against Asunder is that I would love to see some of the mythical creature mentioned throughout the book like trolls and unicorns. Dragons were apart of Incarnate, and were awesome, but seeing more of them and others would be amazing.

With the introduction of new characters,  a well written continuation of Incarnate with the sweetest of all romances, and with an ending that will have you egerly awaiting the final book in the series, Asunder is a sequel you won't want to miss. It's a case where you should jugde a book by it's cover, and this book has a gorgeous cover.

Alice in Zombieland Review

Title: Alice in Zombieland (White Rabbit Chronicles #1)
Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: HarlequinTEEN
Release Date: September 25th 2012
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 4

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real….

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….


Review:

Alice in Zombieland is an interesting and unique take on the classic Alice in Wonderland story we all know and love. It has enough similarities to be reconizable to the basic story of Alice in Wonderland, but it also has enough differences to make it, it's own story.

The writing was really well done, not too descriptive, really humourus in the dialogue and narration, and it had an abcolutely absorbing plot with amazing characters. For someone who just lost everyone she loved, Alice stays strong and has the determination to do what's right, kill zombies. Now throw in a super hot (heavy on the super) male love interest that has the same deterimation and motives, Cole. Oh how I loved Cole, he is truely the ultimite bad boy, in fact I would say he's the definition of a bad boy. My biggest weakness in life: bad boys...

The take on zombies is something that I have never seen before, in books or movies, and would have never even thought of. Ín Alice in Zombieland, the zombies aren't physical and something the average Joe can see. Their spirits and either you're born seeing theses monsters or something traumatic has happened that has caused you to see them. The way you kill these zombies is in someways the some and in some completely unique. Because of this the book really stood out and is more memorable.

The only negative thing I can really say about Alice in Zombieland, is the undertone of Christianity. It's not that big of a deal, but there is a bit of religion in the book. Not enough to spoil my enjoyment of reading the book. I just don't typically like anything to do with religion...

Some of my favourite bands are also mentioned a few times throughout the book, Skillet and Red, which is plus to me and made me connect to the characters because we shared a common interest. If your looking for a great, unique,and humourus rollercoaster ride of a book with non-stop action, Alice in Zombieland is a book you will definitely want to check out.

Once Review

Title: Once (Eve #2)
Author: Anna Carey
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: July 3rd 2012
Source: ARC won from Hapercollins Canada
Rating: 4


Sixteen years have passed since a deadly virus wiped out most of the Earth’s population. After learning of the terrifying part she and her classmates were fated to play in the rebuilding of New America, eighteen-year-old Eve fled to the wilds and Califia, a haven for women determined to live outside the oppressive rule of the king of New America. However, her freedom came at a price: she was forced to leave Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. Eve quickly learns that Califia may not be as safe as it seems and soon finds herself in the City of Sand and the palace of the king. There she uncovers the real reason he was so intent on her capture, and the unbelievable role he intends her to fill. When she is finally reunited with Caleb, they will enact a plan as daring as it is dangerous. But will Eve once again risk everything—her freedom, her life—for love?

Brimming with danger and star-crossed romance, and featuring a vivid dystopian landscape, this electrifying follow-up to Eve, which bestselling author Lauren Kate called “a gripping, unforgettable adventure—and a fresh look at what it means to love” is sure to appeal to fans who crave the high-stakes adventure of The Hunger Games and the irresistible love story of Romeo and Juliet.

Review:

Firstly can I say how much I love this cover? Because I really do, I found myself staring at it while reading. Once is one of the few sequels I find to be better than the first book. For me Eve was just an okay read, but Once step up to the plate and ended up being awesome.

One thing that really stood out in Once for me was all the great and jaw dropping revelations there were. There is a rather large one that will take you by storm, but Anna Carey has many more in store for you. Espiecially at the end, you will be left with a ending that will leave you desperetaly wanting (needing) to know what happens next.

Eve became a stronger human being in this novel, I wasn;t enjoying her on a personal level until Once, now I enjoy her as a main character and her POV. Which overall makes for a better and more enjoyable read. I like and don't like the romance between Caleb and Eve, on one hand it's sweet and on the other is too big of a part of the book. The romance is toned down a bit from what it was in Eve though.

I love the way that Anna Carey writes, to me it's the best aspect of reading her work. She writes in a very descriptive way, but not too descriptive and when I read her writing I can visualize what she is trying to describe. It really is amazing, her writing is her best asset.

Once is a sequel that is better than the first. Packed with sacrifices, revilations, and a heart stopping romance set is a horrifying dystopian world that has suffered the lose of most of the human population be disease. You definitely won't want to be missing out on this shocking seqeul in a fantastic trilogy.