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.

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 Evolution of Mara Dyer Blog Tour

Hello everyone! Today I have a super special post put together by Michelle at Simon and Schuster Canada. Below you will find a brief interview I did with the amazing Michelle Hodkin, author of the Evolution of Mara Dyer.

If you haven't check out my review of the highly anticipated sequel, go HERE!!

 

 

 

 



How did you come up with the idea for Mara's story?

The short answer is that it was inspired by true events; I met a teenage girl in 2008 who inspired the main character. The longer answer is here.


Are you working on any other side projects that we should be looking forward to in the future?

Right now, I'm hard at work on The Retribution of Mara Dyer, the third book in the series; but I can't help but sneak in some writing time on another book I've been tinkering with. It's a total secret right now, so all I can say is: It's YA.


Who's was your favourite character that you created for the series? Why?

I truly and honestly enjoy writing all of them. I have a blast writing Daniel and Joseph for reasons completely unrelated to the actual books, and Mara, Noah, and Jamie are all interesting to write about in their own ways. Jamie's dialogue practically writes itself, Mara tends to be the most complicated, because of reasons that become apparent by the end of the first book, and Noah is the most surprising (and therefore tricky). His thoughts rarely match up with his external reactions, which readers will see when they read The Evolution; a slice of it is written from his point of view!

 

I grew up in South Florida, went to college in New York, and attended law school in Michigan. When I'm not writing, I can usually be found prying strange objects from the jaws of one of my three pets. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was my first novel.

 

http://www.michellehodkin.com/

@michellehodkin

 

 

 

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.

 

Poison Princess Review

Title: Poison Princess (The Arcana Chronicles #1)
Author: Kresley Cole
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: October 2nd 2012
Source: ARC for review
Rating: 4.5



Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side…

Review:

Imagine if all the Major Arcana in the Tarot cards were actual teens that had special abilities connecting to their card. Now throw in a gruesome apocalyptic setting with mutated zombie like humans and a super hot boy who rides a motorcycle named Jackson. Sounds awesome right? Well the good news is, is Poison Princess is an amazing thrill ride of a book with a new and exciting take on the apocalypse.

Poison Princess started off a bit on the slow side, but as the story progressed things started to pick up a fair amount and I ended up falling in love with this book. Now that I go back and think about it after reading , I think that I love it more than when I was actually reading it. I just needed time to digest it.  I loved how the author used Tarot cards in a whole new way that I would never have thought of using them.

I totally fell in love with Jackson while reading, he's the ultimate bad boy, who's amazing on the eyes and rides a motorcycle. He may come off as a jerk, but I think readers will see why he is the way he is and the nicer side of him while reading.

The writing was very well done and descriptive, and at some parts very visual and gory. Which is something I personally really enjoy. Evie is a rather weak character to begin with, but as she embraces her unusual powers she grows as a person. The powers that some of the characters have in Poison Princess are really neat, I can't wait to see what they do with them in the sequel.

I loved the romance for the most part, I just got a bit annoyed with the tension between Jackson and Evie. Usually though relationships in books that start off with tension end up to be the best. There were some steaming scenes I'm sure many will enjoy.

Poison Princess is a post-apocalyptic books that should not be missed. Kresley Cole takes a some what over used setting and flips it around to make it fresh again. It's jammed packed with a steamy romance, zombies, and super awesome powers connected to Tarot cards. This book is sure to be a hit in the YA genre. You will definitely be looking forward to continuing the series.

Between the Lines Review

Title: Between the Lines
Authors: Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer
Release Date: June 26th 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: ARC for review
Rating: 3.5

What happens when happily ever after…isn’t?

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.

And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.

Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate, the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale.

Review:

Having only heard of Jodi Picoults books briefly before I didn't know really what to expect in Between the Lines, the concept of the book really interested me though. I loved the mix of fairytale with reality and the alternating chapters spilt into 3 sections;  Delilahs point of view, Oliver's point of view and the actual fairytale story that Oliver lives in.

If you think other book you've read previously have a forbidden romance you have to check out the one in Between the Lines, can't get more forbidden then falling in love with a guy who lives in a book and not even in your world. Although the concept of falling for a guy who is a "fiction"character may seem a bit odd, I enjoyed it and it made the book unique in its own way. Jodi Picoult and her daughter, Samantha Van Leer worked very well together and I couldn't tell where one began and where one ended, it was seemless.

The characters in Between the Lines (the fictional book Oliver lives in) are controlled to act out the story as readers read it, when I discovered this while reading I was entralled, that just sounds so awesome and made me think does that happen when I read a book. I wish! Each of the characters has a life outside of the role they play in the book, it's like characters that we read about are actual people, awesome!

This book did seem though that it's written more for pre-teens are younger teens, or die hard fairytale fans. Throughout the book there are little drawings on the side of the pages that go along with what's happening in the book. They made the book really cute and detailed, I can't wait to see what they look like in the finished copy.

Between the Lines is a great book written by a mother, daughter duo. Blends reality with fiction seemlessly and incorporates a forbidden romance that takes place in 2 worlds. Between the Lines is a pysically detailed piece of literature that should not be missed based  on it's unqiness. If you love fun, cute reads and fairytales, this is the book for you.