Review: Hunted (House of Night Series #5)

Hunted (House of Night Series #5) by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pub. Date: March 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
336pp

The good news: Zoey’s friends have her back again and Stevie Rae and the red fledglings aren’t Neferet’s secrets any longer. The bad news: Ancient evil with the face of an angel has been let loose – that and various other nasties (whose faces aren’t so angelic). Grandma Redbird is in trouble. Heath is in trouble. The House of Night is in trouble. Okay, let’s face it – Zoey’s whole world is in trouble! But when the trouble comes from a being who appears to be beauty personified, will the world believe it? Especially when only a teenager and a group of misfits are the only ones who really understand the danger he brings. Will Zoey have the strength and wisdom to reveal the truth? Especially when, in the House of Night, the truth is often hard to come by…

So this is the 5th book in the House of Night Series, hmmh... where do I begin? I can say that it kept me somewhat interested, but the plot felt so déjà vuish if you know what I mean (been there done that, what’s new!). “Gosh this is a hard one!” I finally see why I kept putting this book off. I told myself “Look, you’ve had this book on Currently Reading forever, get it over with and read it already.” The writing and the dialogue was so irregular from the first few books, I had to do a double take on the cover to make sure this was by the same authors. I don’t know how many times I rolled my eyes while reading this book, it was frustrating. I mean really, “Did she say that?” or “No! She did not do that…….AGAIN!” And when it finally gets interesting….Hold for it…… “Let’s form a circle and sing Kumbaya and everything will be ok.”  THE END! Pleeeeease!

I’m really lost for words on this one or I could take a note from the book Ohmigod….Ohmigod….Ohmigod…. I was disappointed! Well, “that’s all she wrote.”

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Waiting On Wednesday: Blood Promise

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

Pub. Date: August 25, 2009

Age Range: Young Adult

480pp

Series: Vampire Academy Series, #4

Hello, is it August yet? With the ending of book 3 Shadow Kiss, I was like “No she didn’t!” I mean, I have to wait until August to see what’s going to happen next. All of this waiting is driving me crazy! I love this series!!!

Check this out Dimitri!

Plagiarism Buttons! Just say NO!

With all of the Plagiarism going on around the blogosphere, I decided to create a couple of buttons.

<br /><br /><br /><a href="”http://fantasticbookreview.blogspot.com“"><br /><img src="http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu263/FantasticBookReview/plagiarism125.png" /><br /></a><br /><br /><br />

<br /><br /><br /><a href="”http://fantasticbookreview.blogspot.com“"><br /><img src="http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu263/FantasticBookReview/plagiarize120.png" /><br /></a><br /><br /><br />

Treasure Chest Tuesday

**Contest Closed**

Question: Have you read these books?

Answer: No

Well here’s your chance to win a free copy!

There are several follow-up novels coming out this year that are part of fantastic series. I thought it would be great to share these amazing books with readers who have not had a chance to read these books. (The contest will end at midnight May 12, 2009).

Rules: There will be 3 winners!!

1. Post a comment on which book(s) you would like = 1 entry
2. Link contest to your blog = 2 entries
3. Follow my blog = 3 entries

I will announce the winner May 13, 2009. This contest only applies to U.S. and Canada Residents.


Here's a quick review of the books

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Synopsis

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival.In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Quick Review

First off, this book was sitting on my shelf for a few months before I picked it up because I had no idea of what to expect. Let me just say Wow! This book was fantastic from the beginning to the end; I was so captivated that I was up all night reading this book. The plot and characters are well developed and I was mesmerized by the world that Katniss lives in. When I got to the end of the book I was like “No, I want to know what’s going to happen next.” I’ll be biting my nails waiting on the second book titled Catching Fire due out September 2009.


Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Synopsis

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.

She never expects to fall in love with beautiful Prince Po.

She never expects to learn the truth behind her Grace—or the terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

Quick Review

What a great debut novel for Kristin Cashore! The writing and imagery in this novel is fantastic and I found myself not able to put this one down. I was captivated from beginning to end. I love the characters in this book. “I want more Katsa and Po!!” At the end of the novel, I found myself wanting to read more. I can't wait to read the next novel which is the prequel to Graceling titled Fire due out October 2009.


Deadly Little Secrets by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Synopsis

Some secrets shouldn't be kept...

Up until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe the rumors, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. She's inexplicably drawn to Ben.and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help-but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret.

Quick Review

This was my first time reading a Laurie Stolarz novel and I’m excited about the 2nd book titled Deadly Little Lies which is due out November 2009. It's full of suspense and it kept me guessing throughout the book. This was a real page turner and I ended up reading this book in one sitting. I love Laurie's writing style and I can't wait to read more of her books. She has a series called Blue is for Nightmares that I can’t wait to start reading.

Memorable Moments Monday (1)

I’ve decided to pick out one of my favorite books every Monday and post the most memorable moments or quotes from the book.

Feel free to post your favorite moments or quotes from the featured book.

This week’s feature will be: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Paperback Pg. (317)


This was the scene after the birthday picnic, when Simon catches Jace and Clary kissing.


Jace: “In future, Clarissa,” he said, “it might be wise to mention that you already have a man in your bed, to avoid such tedious situations.”


Simon: “You invited him into bed?” Simon demanded, looking shaken.


Jace: “Ridiculous, isn’t it?” “We would never have all fit.”


Clary: “I didn’t invite him into bed,” Clary snapped. “We were just kissing.”


Jace: “Just kissing?” Jace’s tone mocked her with its false hurt. “How swiftly you dismiss our love.”

I loved this whole scene, this is where we start to see Jace falling for Clary and he was acting like it didn’t bother him.



Paperback Pg. (345)

This was the scene at Lady Dorothea when they went to get the mortal cup.


Dorothea: “Didn’t I read your tea leaves, Shadowhunter? Have you fallen in love with the wrong person yet?”


Jace: “Unfortunately, Lady of the Haven, my one true love remains myself.”


Dorothea: “At least,” she said, “you don’t have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland.”


Jace: “Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting.”

This was so funny! There are so many good moments in this book that I have decided I would only list my favorite 2.

In My Mailbox (2)

The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

Synopsis

Book II in the Darkest Powers trilogy takes us deeper into a world where the supernatural intrudes on the everyday with riveting effect.

If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl – someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I’m as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment – not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a group of people who call themselves The Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I’m a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control: I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.

I’m running for my life with three of my supernatural friends – a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch – and we have to find someone who can help us gain our freedom back before The Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.

I’m moving this one up in my reading pile! I enjoyed the first book and got my mom to read it and she keeps calling me asking me when I’m going to send her a copy (Geesh Mom!).

Bad Girls Don’t Die by Katie Alender

Synopsis

Alexis thought she led a typically dysfunctional high school existence. Dysfunctional like her parents' marriage; her doll-crazy twelve-year-old sister, Kasey; and even her own anti-social, anti-cheerleader attitude.

When a family fight results in some tearful sisterly bonding, Alexis realizes that her life is creeping from dysfunction into danger. Kasey is acting stranger than ever: her blue eyes go green sometimes; she uses old-fashioned language; and she even loses track of chunks of time, claiming to know nothing about her strange behavior. Their old house is changing, too. Doors open and close by themselves; water boils on the unlit stove; and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough to see their breath in.

Alexis wants to think that it's all in her head, but soon, what she liked to think of as silly parlor tricks are becoming life-threatening--to her, her family, and to her budding relationship with the class president. Alexis knows she's the only person who can stop Kasey -- but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?

This sounds spooky! I can’t wait to dig in!!

Fade by Lisa McMann

Synopsis

SOME NIGHTMARES NEVER END.

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck.

Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open — but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability — and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd feared....

I’ve had this on my list for some time now, but there have been other books that I could not hold out on so I passed it up a few times because even though I read the first one, I really did not feel like I had to have it. I guess it just her writing style. (“Shrug”)

Five Star Review Free Giveaway Contest

CONTEST CLOSED!


Take a good look at the following books!!

I've decided I'm going to give away new copies of the books by some of my favorite authors that received high marks from me. Any book review with 5 stars will be given away. So as of now there are 5 books with 5 stars. Because Stargazer recieved 4 ½ stars, I'm going to throw this one in. (The contest will end at midnight May 8, 2009).



Here are the rules: Go to the review of the book you would like to have and post a comment ** There will be 6 Winners**.

1. Post a comment = 1 entry
2. Link contest to your blog = 2 entries
3. Follow my blog = 3 entries




I will announce the winner May 9, 2009. This contest only applies to U.S. and Canada Residents.

Fellow Bloggers, Let’s Do A Poll On Our Favorite Vampires

With all the books out today, many of them are great supernatural series involving the vampire characters that we pine for. So I thought it would be great if I did a poll so see what everyone thinks. This list includes YA and adult novels since some of us follow both.


Question:

Which of the following vampire books has your favorite character? Post a comment on who and why.

Here is the list of some of my favorites:

1. Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward
2. Blueblood Series by Melissa de la Cruz
3. Dark-Hunter Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon
4. Evernight Series by Claudia Gray
5. House of Night Series by P.C. and Kristen Cast
6. Midnight Breed Series by Lara Adrian
7. Mortal Instrument Series by Cassandra Clare
8. Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer
9. Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
10. Vampire Diary Series by L.J. Smith


Results: Out of 29 votes, our favorite vampire series is Twilight.

Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward
3 (10%)

Blueblood Series by Melissa de la Cruz
2 (6%)

Dark-Hunter Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon
2 (6%)

Evernight Series by Claudia Gray
1 (3%)

House of Night Series by P.C. and Kristen Cast
0 (0%)

Midnight Breed Series by Lara Adrian
1 (3%)

Mortal Instrument Series by Cassandra Clare
4 (13%)

Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer
8 (27%)

Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
4 (13%)

Vampire Diary Series by L.J. Smith
0 (0%)

Other
4 (13%)

Review: Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
Pub. Date: March 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
256pp

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO?
All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.
John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge — and over...

Short Review
When I was searching for new releases, this book cover just said something to me, so I read the excerpt and I was hooked. I ask myself, what makes for a great story line? Let me see….add lots of drama, witty banter, a great plot, teens with issues and last but not least a “sexy guy in uniform.” (I had to stick that in there.)

I love Meg and John’s relationship or might I say "lack of." Jennifer Echols did a fantastic job with this novel. I was supposed to be reading another book but I plead the 5th. I wanted to read a few pages to refresh my memory and guess what happened next…..I found myself on a rollercoaster ride at the end of the ride, I was saying "Yippee, I want to go again."

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Drum Roll for One Lovely Blog Award!

I have some fantastic news! I've received the One Lovely Blog Award from Ink and Paper, please check out her blog.

Rules:

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

My Picks for newly discovered blogs:

Wondrous Reads
Reverie
Books By Their Cover
Just Your Typical Book Blog
Reading Rocks
And Another Book Read
Reading Keeps You Sane
The Book Girl Reviews
Stop, Drop & Read
Reviewer X
Bloody Bookaholic
Ashley’s Bookshelf
Insert Book Title Here
Garden of Books

Book Fanatic

Review: Dark Guardian #1: Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne

Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Pub. Date: March 2009
Age Range: 12 and up
272pp

I see him and know what this turmoil inside of me means: He's the one. My forever.

Kayla is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying—and thrilling—gene that will change her life forever.

Lucas is dangerous, gorgeous . . . and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate, his love could put them all in harm's way.

As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destruction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny.

Mini Review
So this is Rachel Hawthorne's first book in her crossover to a supernatural series, and I think she did a good job with the writing and plot but it was still predictable. I only wish there was more character development since each book in the series is based on different characters. This was a quick and easy read for me and by the end of the book, I felt like it ended too soon. This series has the potential to be good so I will have to wait on the next book called Full Moon which is due out in June.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

In My Mailbox

So I have a few books in my mailbox that I'm excited about reading and can't wait to get started.

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO?
All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.

John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge — and over....

The chieftains of Sevenwaters have long been custodians of a vast and mysterious forest. Human and Otherworld dwellers have existed there side by side, sharing a wary trust. Until the spring when Lady Aisling of Sevenwaters finds herself expecting another child-a new heir to Sevenwaters.Then the family's joy turns to despair when the baby is taken from his room and something...unnatural is left in his place. To reclaim her newborn brother, Clodagh must enter the shadowy Otherworld and confront the powerful prince who rules there.

Review: Raven by Allison van Diepen

Raven by Allison van Diepen
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pub. Date: February 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
288pp

Zin dances with fire in every step, speaks in a honey-sweet voice, and sees with eyes that can peer into your soul. Nicole's friendship with him is the only thing that saves her from the boredom of school and the turmoil of her family life. It's no wonder she is madly in love with him. But she can't understand why he keeps her at a distance, even though she can feel his soul reaching out for hers.

Zin is like no man Nicole has ever met, and he carries with him a very old secret. When Nicole uncovers the truth, her love may be the only thing that can save him from it.

Mini Review
This is my first time reading an Allison van Diepen novel, so when I read the synopsis for this book, I did not know what to expect, but I was surprised by her take on pop culture. I had a hard time imagining the dance scenes, but that did not take away from the story.

Overall Raven was a quick and easy read and I wish the other characters and their history was more developed, but I loved Zin and Nic’s relationship.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review: Pride by Rachel Vincent

Pride by Rachel Vincent
Pub. Date: February 2009
400pp

I'm on trial for my life. Falsely accused of infecting my human ex-boyfriend—and killing him to cover up the crime. Infecting a human is one of three capital offenses recognized by the Pride—along with murder and disclosure of our existence to a human.

I'm two for three. A goner.

Now we've discovered a rogue stray terrorizing the mountainside, hunting a wild teenage tabbycat. It's up to us to find and stop him before a human discovers us. With my lover Marc's help, I think I can protect the vulnerable girl from both the ambitious rogue and the scheming of the territorial council.

If I survive my own trial…

Mini Review

Rachel Vincent continues this shape shifting series with Pride and it keeps getting better, this is my favorite in the series by far. If you haven't read Stray and Rogue already, head to your local bookstore and pick up a copy. This is an excellent series. Like its predecessors, Pride is fast paced full of action, suspense, and romance. This series is a real page turner, by the end of the book there have been new and startling discoveries which will have you begging for more.

Rachel Vincent is an amazing author and one of my favorites. I love her writing style and the characters in this series are amazing. I can’t wait to see what adventures the next installment has in store for Faythe. The 4th installment of this series called Prey comes out in July.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Pub. Date: March 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
320pp

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

Mini Review
First let me start by saying it took me some time to write this review, I could not come up with words to do it justice. Carrie Ryan did a fantastic job with her first novel. The writing was terrific and the plot and characters were well developed. I was mesmerized through Mary’s observation of romance, family, friendship, and the unconsecrated. This novel grabs you by the teeth and hangs on until the end.

So, imagine how thrilled I was when I found out there is a second book in this series called The Dead-Tossed Waves and it comes out spring 2010. I can’t wait to read more of Carrie Ryan’s Novels.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

All Book Reviews

Here is a list of all of my book reviews

13 to Life by Shannon Delany

-A-

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven Wedel
All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
Almost to Die For (A Vampire Princess of St. Paul, #1) by Tate Hallaway

Alpha (Shifters, #6) by Rachel Vincent
A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker

Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna Dressed in Blood, #1) by Kendare Blake
A Need So Beautiful (A Need So Beautiful, #1) by Suzanne Young
Angelfire (Angelfire, #1) by Courtney Allison Moulton
Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia

Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri
Ash by Malinda Lo
As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
Awakening, The (Darkest Powers, #2) by Kelley Armstrong

-B-

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie (Books of Faerie, #2) by Maggie Stiefvater
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Behind Every Illusion by Christina Harner

Being Jamie Baker by Kelly Oram
Betrayal by Lee Nichols
Betrayals (Strange Angels, #2) by Lili St. Crow

Betraying Season (Leland Sisters, #2) by Marissa Doyle

Blood Bound (Unbound, #1) by Rachel Vincent

Blood Magic (Blood Journals, #1) by Tessa Gratton
Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4) by Richelle Mead
Blood Red Road (Dustlands, #1) by Moira Young
Bloody Good (Brytewood, #1) by Georgia Evans
Blue Moon (The Immortals, #2) by Alyson Noel

Body Finder, The (Body Finder, #1) by Kimberly Derting

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

-C-
Candle Man, Book One: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance by Glenn Dakin

Candor by Pam Bachorz
Captivate (Need, #2) by Carrie Jones

Catching Fire (Hunger Games, #2) by Suzanne Collins
Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa M. Klein
Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, #3) by Cassandra Clare
Claire de Lune (Claire de Lune, #1) by Christine Johnson

Clarity (Clarity, #1) by Kim Harrington
Clearing, The by Heather Davis

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1) by Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2) by Cassandra Clare
Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Crusade (Crusade, #1) by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors
Curse the Dawn (Cassandra Palmer, #4) by Karen Chance

-D-
Damage by Anya Parrish
Dark Divine, The (The Dark Divine, #1) by Bree Despain

Dark Goddess (Billi SanGreal, #2) by Sarwat Chadda

Darklight (Wondrous Strange, #2) by Lesley Livingston

Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monster, #1) by Kelly Keaton
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Day Before, The by Lisa Schroeder
Dayhunter (Dark Days, #2) by Jocelynn Drake

Dead Tossed Waves, The (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, #2) by Carrie Ryan
Deadly Desire (Riley Jenson Guardian, #7) by Keri Arthur
Deadly Little Lies (Touch, #2) by Laurie Stolarz
Deadtown (Deadtown, #1) by Nancy Holzner

Deception (Haunting Emma, #1) by Lee Nichols
Delirium (Delirium, #1) by Lauren Oliver
Demon's Lexicon, The (The Demon's Lexicon Trilogy, #1) by Sarah Rees Brennan
Devil's Kiss (Billi SanGreal, #1) by Sarwat Chadda

Die For Me (Revenants, #1) by Amy Plum
Divergent (Divergent, #1) by Veronica Roth
Dream Life by Lauren Mechling
Drought by Pam Bachorz

-E-
Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst
Enclave (Razorland, #1) by Ann Aguirre
Entice (Need, #3) by Carrie Jones
Entwined by Heather Dixon
Everlasting by Angie Frazier

Evermore (The Immortals, #1) by Alyson Noel
Everneath (Everneath, #1) by Brodi Ashton
Eternal Ones, The by Kirsten Miller
Eyes Like Stars (Théâtre Illuminata, #1) by Lisa Mantchev

-F-

Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog

Fallen (Fallen, #1) by Lauren Kate

False Princess, The by Eilis O'Neal
Firespell (Dark Elite, #1) by Chloe Neill

Forest of Hands and Teeth, The (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, #1) by Carrie Ryan

Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

For Keeps by Natasha Friend
Fragile Eternity Fragile Eternity (Wicked Lovely, #3) by Melissa Marr

-G-

Gathering, The (Darkness Rising, #1) by Kelley Armstrong
Generation Dead (Generation Dead, #1) by Daniel Waters
Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines
Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

-H-

Hallowed (Unearthly, #2) by Cynthia Hand
Halo (Halo, #1) by Alexandra Adornetto
Half-Blood (Covenant, #1) by Jennifer Armentrout
Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampire, #4) by Chloe Neill
Hearts at Stake (The Drake Chronicles, #1) by Alyxandra Harvey
Hereafter (Hereafter, #1) by Tara Hudson
Hex Hall (Hex Hall, #1) by Rachel Hawkins

Hollow, The by Jessica Verday

Hourglass (Hourglass, #1) by Myra McEntire
Hunted (House of Night Series #5) by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush, #1) by Becca Fitzpatrick

-I-
ICE by Sarah Beth Durst
Ice Song by Kirsten Imani Kasai

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Incarceron (Incarceron, #1) by Catherine Fisher
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan
Inside Out (Inside Out, #1) by Maria Snyder
Iron Daughter, The (Iron Fey, #2) by Julie Kagawa 

Iron King, The (Iron Fey, #1) by Julie Kagawa
Iron Witch, The (The Iron Witch, #1) by Karen Mahoney

-J-

Jealousy (Strange Angels, #3) by Lili St. Crow

-K-
Kiss of Life (Generation Dead, #2) by Daniel Waters

-L-
Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception (Books of Faerie, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater
Lemniscate (Angel Star, #2) by Jennifer Murgia
Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #2) by Maggie Stiefvater
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Losing Faith by Denise Jaden
Lost Saint, The (The Dark Divine, #2) by Bree Despain

-M-
Magic Under Glass (Magic Under, #1) by Jaclyn Dolamore

Mark, The (The Mark, #1) by Jen Nadol

Matched (Matched, #1) by Ally Condie
Mirrorscape by Mike Wilks
Molly Fyde and the Parsona Rescue (The Bern Saga) by Hugh Howey
Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
Moonlight (Dark Guardian, #1) by Rachel Hawthorne
My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers, #1) by Rachel Vincent

-N-

Near Witch, The by Victoria Schwab

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
Nightshade (Nightshade, #1) by Andrea Cremer

-O-

Once a Witch  (Witch, #1) by Carolyn MacCullough

Once Dead, Twice Shy (Madison Avery, #1) by Kim Harrison

Other (Other, #1) by Karen Kincy
Out for Blood (The Drake Chronicles, #3) by Alyxandra Harvey

-P-

Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy, #1) by Kiersten White
Possessed by Kate Cann
Prey (Shifters, #4) by Rachel Vincent
Pride (Shifters, #3) by Rachel Vincent
Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters, #1) by Michelle Zink

-Q-

-R-

Radiance (Radiance, #1) by Alyson Noel
Radiant Shadows Fragile Eternity (Wicked Lovely, #4) by Melissa Marr

Raised by Wolves (Raised by Wolves, #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Raven by Allison van Diepen

Reckoning, The (Darkest Powers, #3) by Kelley Armstrong
Red Glove (Curse Workers, #2) by Holly Black
Replacement, The by Brenna Yovanoff
Revenant, The by Sonia Gensler
Rise of Renegade X, The by Chelsea Campbell

Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry, #2) by Simone Elkeles

-S-
Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

Sea Glass (Glass, #2) by Maria Snyder

Season, The by Sarah MacLean

Secret Year, The by Jennifer Hubbard

Shade (Shade, #1) by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shadow by Jenny Moss

Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

Shadowland (The Immortals, #3) by Alyson Noel
Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater
Silver Phoenix (Kingdom of Xia, #1) by Cindy Pon
Sisters Red (Sisters Red, #1) by Jackson Pearce

Sky is Everywhere, The by Jandy Nelson

Sleepless by Cyn Balog

Sleepless by Thomas Fahy
Solitary (Escape from Furnace, #2) by Alexander Gordon Smith
Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt
Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate, #1) by Gail Carriger
Spell Hunter (Faery Rebels, #1) by R. J. Anderson
StarCrossed (Thief Errant, #1) by Elizabeth C. Bunce
StarCrossed (StarCrossed, #1) by Josephine Angelini
Stargazer (Evernight, #2) by Claudia Gray
Stay by Deb Caletti
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
Stolen One, The by Suzanne Crowley
Storm Glass (Glass, #1) by Maria Snyder
Strange Angels (Strange Angels, #1) by Lili St. Crow
Sweet Venom (Medusa Girls, #1) by Tera Lynn Childs
Swoon by Nina Malkin

-T-

Tangled by Carolyn Mackler

Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs
Tempted (House of Night Series #6) by P.C Cast & Kristin Cast

Trial by Fire (Raised by Wolves, #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
Tyger Tyger (Goblin Wars, #1) by Kersten Hamilton

-U-

Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, The by Michelle Hodkin
Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky, #1) by Veronica Rossi

-V-
Van Alen Legacy, The (Blue Bloods, #4) by Melissa De La Cruz
Vesper (Deviants, #1) by Jeff Sampson
Vespertine, The (The Vespertine, #1) by Saundra Mitchell
Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley
Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

-W-

Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach
Wayfarer (Faery Rebels, #2) by R.J. Anderson

Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman
Whisper (Whisper, #1) by Phoebe Kitanidis

Wings (Wings, #1) by Aprilynne Pike
Winter Longing by Tricia Mills
Wither (Chemical Garder, #1) by Lauren DeStefano

-X-

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-Z-

Review: Evermore by Alyson Noel

Evermore by Alyson NoelPublisher: St. Martin's Press
Pub. Date: February 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
320pp

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…
Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

Mini Review
So everyone keeps comparing this book to Twilight…. anyway, this is my first time reading an Alyson Noel novel and although her theme maybe somewhat like Stephanie Meyer’s, the plot is different accompanied with some twists and turns throughout the book. This book did keep my attention and I can say while I was reading the book I did not think at any point about Twilight. I think this book is a good start to this series and I am curious to find out what decision Ever is going to make about her future with or without Damen.

I love Alyson's writing style and the flow of the book was easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters and imagery in this novel. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Rating: 4 out 5 stars

Review: Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur

Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur

Publisher: Bantam Books

Pub. Date: March 2009
368pp

Seduction that kills. Pleasure to die for.

She just can’t resist . . .

Guardian Riley Jenson always seems to face the worst villains. And this time’s no different. For it’s no ordinary sorceress who can raise the dead to do her killing. But that’s exactly what Riley expects to find at the end of a trail of female corpses used—and discarded—in a bizarre ritual of evil. With pressure mounting to catch one fiend, another series of brutal slayings shocks the vampire world of her lover, Quinn. So the last thing Riley needs is the heat of the upcoming full moon bringing her werewolf hormones to a boil—or the reappearance of a sexy bounty hunter, the rogue wolf Kye Murphy.

Riley has threatened Murphy with arrest if he doesn’t back off the investigation, but it’s Riley who feels handcuffed by Kye’s lupine charm. Torn between her vamp and wolf natures, between her love for Quinn and her hots for Kye, Riley know she’s courting danger and indulging the deadliest desires. For her hunt through the supernatural underworld will bring her face-to-face with what lurks in a darkness where even monsters fear to tread.

So Riley is back at it again, there’s no time for rest and relaxation in her world. This book is another great addition to the series. I always want to hear more about the sexy men in Riley’s life and how the full moon affects her relationships. As for her current lover Quinn, I love how he’s willing to give Riley everything she desires….what a perfect man and how can I find one that’s undead.

Who is this sexy bounty hunter Kye Murphy? If you have been keeping up with the series, he was introduced in the previous installment Darkest Kiss as a bodyguard. With a change in employment, he’s constantly interfering in Riley’s investigation. What is a girl to do? Mmm… who knows when you have the hots for two men. We get a few surprises in this installment and they are to die for. Do you remember that question: “Can two souls have one soul mate? “

I’m always delighted to see what new cases Riley has to solve and wonder how close to home the cases come within reach of her personal life. This was a quick enjoyable read for me. I look forward to the next Riley Jenson adventure.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review: Curse the Dawn by Karen Chance

Curse the Dawn by Karen Chance
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pub. Date: April 2009
400pp

Cassie Palmer may be the world's chief clairvoyant, but that doesn't mean people have stopped trying to kill her. And now, the self-styled god Apollo, the source of Cassie's power, is on the warpath—leaving her no choice but to face down her creator once and for all.

In this latest installment of the Cassie Palmer Series, the Senate and the Circle and let’s not forget about a God are still on a mission to kill, capture or control Cassie. She is continuing to learn about her new powers and trying to stay alive in the process of juggling relationships between the gorgeous all powerful Vamp Mircea and the adrenaline junky war mage Pritkin. In another life I think Cassie must have been a cat because she continues dodging bullets.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret “This is the best installment of the series by far”. Karen Chance gives us everything that we could ask for in Curse the Dawn. This book is action packed; it has romance, suspense, and it’s hilariously entertaining. I found myself laughing so hard my cheeks hurt. When I finished reading this book, I wanted to delve into Cassie’s journey all over again.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pub. Date: March 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
560pp

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters — never mind that enter-ing the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine
mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she
harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City — whatever the cost?

Finally, it’s come down to the battle of the century, who’s going to be the victor (Shadow Hunters or Downworlders or maybe both). This was a fantastic ending to a great series. This book has everything humor, action, romance, suspense. We finally get our question answered: So is Clary and Jace really brother and sister? Well, let me just say “my my my.” I won’t go into the details, you will have to find out for yourself. Cassandra introduces us to a new character that goes by the name of Sebastian, well who is this mystery guy and could he be the link to all puzzles? Oh! I have to mention Alec and Magnus, and I have to say, “I absolutely adore them”.

The writing and plot is exceptional. Cassandra Clare continues to surprise me with the plot twists. I was so enthralled, I had to know what was going to happen that I stayed up in the wee hours of the night to finish the book. I’m sad to see that this is the last installment to the Mortal Instrument Series, but we have more to look forward to with the Infernal Devices Series next year.

**EDIT - There will be a 4th book in this series City of Angels which is scheduled for release in 2011.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Pub. Date: March 2009

Age Range: Young Adult

336pp

The vampire in me was closer to the surface . . .

Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous students of all—vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them.

But Bianca fell in love with Lucas—a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when his true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school.

Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross—or deceiving the powerful vampires of Evernight. Bianca's secrets will force her to live a life of lies.

Yet Bianca isn't the only one keeping secrets. When Evernight is attacked by an evil force that seems to target her, she discovers the truth she thought she knew is only the beginning. . .

Short Review
Let's see where do I begin....I have to give props to Claudia Gray for her second installment in the Evernight Series. If you enjoyed Evernight then you will not be disappointed. I have to say Stargazer was even better than Evernight. The Characters are well developed and the plot is outstanding. How can you not root for Bianca and Lucas, they have been through so much and it's only getting tougher with other forces that threaten their relationship. Bianca is still discovering about what is to be a vampire with a few surprises in the mix and Lucas is learning to deal with what he's always believed about vampires.

Claudia Gray also explores other characters that we have come to love and she introduces us to new characters in this book and I just have to say I want more Balthazar (Can I just say hot!!). I'm marking my calendar for the third installment Hourglass.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars