Review: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

 

Series: The Raven Cycle (Book 2)

Hardcover: 416 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: Paranormal

Date of Publication: September 17, 2013

 

My Rating: 3 out of 4

Synopsis:

If you could steal things from dreams, what would you take?

Ronan Lynch has secrets. Some he keeps from others. Some he keeps from himself.

One secret: Ronan can bring things out of his dreams.

And sometimes he's not the only one who wants those things.

Ronan is one of the raven boys - a group of friends, practically brothers, searching for a dead king named Glendower, who they think is hidden somewhere in the hills by their elite private school, Aglionby Academy. The path to Glendower has long lived as an undercurrent beneath town. But now, like Ronan's secrets, it is beginning to rise to the surface - changing everything in its wake.

Review:

I hate to say it, but the second book in The Raven Boys series fell flat for me. I am so disappointed, because I really wanted to love this book. It took me two months to read it--which is really saying something because I read the first book in about three days.

I would argue that more than half of this book could be removed and the reader would still know what's going on. The unnecessary filler and "character building" didn't serve it's purpose. For the majority of the novel it felt as though the plot were at a stand-still. It was such a struggle for me to finish it. If I had not already bought the third book, I would have put it down and been done with it.

My love for the characters and the story is the only thing that really kept me going. There were moments that I enjoyed and moments I didn't, but I can't rate this one higher due to the drop in momentum.

Oh, and there were so many F-bombs I lost count. That is something else that annoys me. I know we are talking about high school boys here, but it took away from the beauty of the work.

I hope the third book redeems the series.


Check out my review of The Raven Boys

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Review: Kiss of Fire by Rebecca Ethington

Series: The Imdalind Series (Book 1)

Electronic: 374 pages

Publisher: Imdalind Press

Genre: Supernatural

Date of Publication: October 31, 2012

Synopsis: 

Joclyn Despain has been marred by a brand on her skin. She doesn't know why the mark appeared on her neck, but she doesn't want anyone to see it, including her best friend Ryland, who knows everything else about her. The scar is the reason she hides herself behind baggy clothes, and won't let the idea of kissing Ryland enter her mind, no matter how much she wants to.

The scar is the reason she is being hunted.

If only she knew that she was.

If only she had known that the cursed stone her estranged father sent for her 16th birthday would trigger a change in her. Now, she is being stalked by a tall blonde man, and is miraculously throwing her high school bully ten feet in the air.

Joclyn attempts to find some answers and the courage to follow her heart. When Ryland finds her scar; only he knows what it means, and who will kill her because of it.

Review:

I love this book!

I felt the complete range of emotions with Kiss of Fire. I became invested in the characters. I wanted them to succeed. Usually I'm a sucker for the villain, but I wanted this one to just burn and die. There were some great twists and plot devices that I enjoyed. 

The entire time I kept wondering what race the characters belonged to--vampires, witches, ancient gods. I liked how they weren't what I expected. 

This novel is a page turner and will kept me enthralled until the end. I highly recommend it.

Rating: 5 out of 5 owls

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Review: My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey

Genre: Supernatural

Synopsis:

The Drakes are rather different to your usual neighbors. They are vampires and some of the members of the family date back to the twelfth century. One of the children, Solnge, is the only born female vampire known and, as such, she poses a direct threat to the vampire queen. Her best friend Lucy is human, and when Solange is kidnapped Lucy and Solange's brother, Nicholas, set out to save her. Lucy soon discovers that she would like to be more that just friends with Nicholas. But hot does one go about dating a vampire? Meanwhile, Solange finds an unlikely ally in Kieran, a vampire slayer on the hunt for his father's killer.

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed My Love Lies Bleeding. This is a fast read that will keep you laughing and will leave you feeling good when you reach the end. The characters are endearing, the plot moves quickly, and there is a balance of adventure, suspense, and romance.

While I wouldn't say the plot is original, it is the epitome of the teen vampire romance. Think Twilight but with vampires who actually drink human blood. I liked that there were different types of vampires that represent a variety of mythologies from across the world. Though many of the plot twists were predictable, the plot kept moving.

Despite My Love Lies Bleeding (aka Hearts at Stake) being very entertaining, be warned that there is tons of corny moments, fluff to the extreme, and nothing special that sets it apart from YA vampire romances. I really enjoyed it, but I'm not sure that a few months from now I will remember it. This is a novel that one curls up and reads in one sitting.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Review: The Vampire Underground by Brian Rowe

Genre: Supernatural

Synopsis:

Sixteen year-old Brin Skar hates everything to do with being scared, so she isn't happy when she discovers that her junior year Film class at Grisly High is devoted to the horror genre. Worse, the first assignment for the students is to create their very own horror movies.

Brin and five classmates travel to Bodie Ghost Town in California to shoot their creepy film, but they soon find themselves fighting a real terrifying threat when a clan of mean, ruthless vampires emerge from beneath the surface and start attacking the group. The teens, headed by Brin and the egotistical director Anaya Frost, have no help from the outside and become outnumbered by the bloodsuckers a hundred to one.

But when Brin meets Paul, a helpful and smoldering vampire outcast who's had enough of his shameful life, she discovers he may be the only key to their survival.

Review:

This book is just weird.

I was excited at the premise that the vampires would be the "true to legend" type and would be vicious bloodsucking machines. And that is indeed what they are. There are scary images and horror scenes--Rowe definitely accomplished that. However, the humor was not convincing and made the scary vampires look silly and ridiculous. There was a game show of horror where the vampires behaved as if they were on the price is right. This completely killed the intense image they had portrayed mere chapters before.

Original--perhaps. Entertaining--not so much. I enjoyed the references to the cult classics and the shift from the happy and sparkly Cullen vampires. The fear was realistic and not all of the characters make it out of the town. There are some redeeming qualities, but I don't feel the need to continue the series.



Rating: 3 out of 5 owls



Review: Savor by Megan Duncan

Genre: Supernatural | Vampires

Synopsis:

When Claire Miller turned eighteen all she wanted to do was celebrate her birthday, but after a night on the town with her best friend she awakes to a visitor she never expected. The rulers of her region, a vampire royal family, have chosen her to be turned as their new heir and vampire princess. in a world fueled by the power of blood, Claire quickly discovers the vampire royal family is not what they seem and that she has secrets in her past she never knew existed. 

Review:

This is a page turner for sure. Megan Duncan has created a world run by warring vampires. Claire has her world and everything she has ever known turned upside down overnight. Talk about a happy birthday.

Robin, who reminds me of that spunky optimistic friend that every girl has, acts as Claire's rock in this new environment. Ana and Luka are clearly the antagonists--I mean, c'mon, Claire takes the throne from them. I'd be angry too. Dmitry and Arrick are wonderful. Sexy hunks of man flesh. I love a drool-worthy love interest and she gave me two.

I was a little disappointed that Claire's new 'parents' did not put forth more effort to get to know her before acting like they just had nothing but unconditional love for her. I didn't buy it. Claire kept having the feeling that she was being used, but her longing for parents who loved her clouded her judgment. In the end she was right. 

What I loved: Claire gets the (second) shock of her life when she realizes that she doesn't actually know who she is. The ending really is terrific. Congrats to Megan for keeping her audience on their toes. The big ending made all the fake cliches make sense and it added a whole new dimension to the drama. Loved it.

Oh, and the cover is gorgeous. Enough said.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Review: Flutter by Melissa Andrea

Genre: Supernatural | Shapeshifters

Wow...I haven't read a decent book about shapeshifters in a long time. I had no idea which branch of supernatural lore Flutter would encompass when I began reading it, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I admit that I chose to read it almost solely based on the cover and the fact that it was in the Paranormal/Urban Fantasy genre.

The plot moves at a very fast pace, which I greatly appreciate, and the characters face ample amounts of drama, which engages the reader and makes them develop attachments towards the characters. Adan and Sara's interactions with each other include fire hot chemistry, moments of sweet affection, and sheer adoration.

The only reason I'm not giving Flutter a 5 star review is due to the grammar mistakes and the tiny bit of confusion that I felt at the end. In my opinion, when creating a new world, an author should take care to develop it fully in the first novel, instead of throwing in details at the end. Don't get me wrong, I like Melissa's original interpretation of this type of lore, but I wish she hadn't waited until the very end to make it epic. Despite that, Melissa has created a new dynamic for the Urban Fantasy genre, and I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.

Flutter is a must-read.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Book Trailer:

Monday Mania--Zombies

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

The Forest of Hands & Teeth
by Carrie Ryan

The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Review: Kindred by Erica Stevens

Genre: Supernatural

Synopsis:

What do you do when the one you love is also you worst enemy?
Trapped in a destiny she does not want, Cassie finds herself lost and adrift, until he walks into her life, turning it upside down and awakening her in ways that she never dreamed possible.

Cassie is stunned and devastated to learn that she belongs to a long line of vampire slayers known as The Hunters. A murderous rampage by a group of elder vampires has left the Hunter line decimated and the remaining Hunters scattered around the world. With her friends Chris and Melissa's aid, Cassie struggles to rid the world of the monsters that murdered her parents. Though Cassie knows it is her fate, she chafes against her heritage, and is resentful of the shortened lifespan that has been placed upon her by the circumstances of birth. Struggling to get through every day, Cassie finds herself simply going through the motions of living. That is, until Devon arrives. Tall, dark, and mysterious his arrival turns the school, and Cassie's life, upside down. Fighting against her fierce attraction to him, and the chaos he represents in her carefully ordered days, she is irresistibly drawn to him. Though worried that what she truly is will place Devon in danger, she is unable to fight her feelings for him. He is the one light, and the only source of hope she has in a world that revolves around death and fear. What she does not know is that Devon has some dark secrets of his own, secrets even more frightening and dangerous than hers. Secrets that threaten to tear them apart forever.

Review:

It seems like it has been forever since I've read a good vampire book. Since the whole Twilight craze started, I've been avoiding  vampire novels. However, I have to say that Erica Stevens does a great job at describing the soul searing connection between Cassie and Devon. I do wish there had been more interaction between the love birds, but it suits the needs of a YA reader. What I liked most was how despite Cassie's seemingly careless attitude towards her classmate's social hierarchy, once her status falls she feels hurt. There are so many novels out where the heroine doesn't care about what her peers think of her, but Cassie has a realness about her that is very relatable. I was left wanting more development between Cassie and Devon. Hopefully I will read that in the next installation. 



Rating: 4 out of 5 owls



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Monday Mania--Vampires

Immortal Embrace by Charlotte Blackwell

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber

Midnight Predator by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause

Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

Biting Cold by Chloe Neill

Review: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Genre: Fantasy | Fairy Tales

Synopsis:

Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris—the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend—but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?

Review:

I've mentioned this before on my review of Sweetly, but I have to say it again--Jackson Pearce is a genius and a brilliant story teller. Her imagery is beautifully horrific, the characters are intriguing, and the story is a unique twist on a classic fairy tale. Sisters Red is a perfect blend of mystery, adventure, and romance. 

Jackson had me hooked from start to finish. I have very few negative things to say, and those are merely preferences rather than anything negative about the writing. First off--I'm not a fan of foul language, though I understand that some things just can't adequately be conveyed without it. The F-bomb is used about 3-4 times, so be warned. However, I would like to say that while I did not appreciate it, the story was still superb. The other aspect I did not appreciate was how Silas kissed both sisters. It's just one of those stupid jerk moves that just irks me. Still love Silas, though. The last nuance that typically annoys me, but was so masterfully incorporated that I quickly got over it, was the dual points of view. I don't like switching between two different perspectives. It's annoying and distracting. Yet, I have to admit that Jackson has a seamless transition that reflects the relationship between Scarlett and Rosie. 

So, while there are several aspects that usually irk me past the point of acceptance, Jackson's writing is so ensnaring that I can live with them. I love that I kept finding myself surprised.  By the end I kept thinking "wow, this book was so good."

Rating: 5 out of 5 owls

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Review: Enigma by Aimee Ash

Genre: Supernatural

Synopsis:

When KATE HARRIS moves to Long Beach California, she hopes to finally settle in her new home. She longs to have friends and fantasizes about meeting the guy of her dreams. But after one dangerous night, Kate finds herself obsessing over a mysterious stranger who saves her life, and she embarks on a quest to uncover his identity.

Review:

For this review I going to try and look at this novel through the eyes of a sixteen-year-old. If you loved Twilight then I believe that you will enjoy Enigma. Young audiences will appreciate the love triangle and the drama that ensues because of rivalry between the twin brothers Jake and Sebastian. These twins are gorgeous, charming, and have a whole set of supernatural abilities that make them swoon worthy. Kate, on the other hand, has no depth and is a serious contradiction. She is unwilling to accept a family who loves her, despite their idiosyncrasies, yet is determined to form a bond with a woman who hates her because Kate will cause the destruction of her sons. What irritated me most about Kate was how she treated Jake in the last half of the novel. She couldn't be honest with Jake or herself. I've mentioned before that I hate love triangles, but I understand that younger audiences love them. Still...Kate could have handled the situation better. I think there could have been more development than a shotgun romance with crash and burn ending. 

Something that irritated me throughout the novel was the fact that Kate was in college. None of the details about the classes, prom, or the teachers made any sense. It wasn't until I realized that Aimee Ash is from the UK that I made the connection that "college" is actually high school. It's like the light bulb went off. 

Apart from some inconsistencies and the lack of character development, I thought the idea behind the story was great. I kept expecting Jake and Seb to become superheroes in some way, but their heroic deeds were small and had little to do with their superhuman abilities. I was craving a strong villain instead of family drama. Again, Enigma has a great beginning and a great foundation story, but needs more complexity and maturity (even for the younger audiences).

Rating: 3 out of 5 owls

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Review: Prince of Wolves by Quinn Loftis

 

Genre: Supernatural |  Werewolves

Synopsis:

Jaque Pierce was just an ordinary 17 year old girl getting ready to start her senior year in high school in Coldspring, Texas. When a mysterious foreign exchange student from Romania moves in across the street, Jacque and her two best friends, Sally and Jen, don’t realize the last two weeks of their summer was going to get a lot more interesting. From the moment Jacque sets eyes on Fane she feels an instant connection, a pull like a moth to a flame. Little does she know that the flame she is drawn to is actually a Canis Lupus, werewolf, and she just happens to be his mate; the other half of his soul. The problem is Fane is not the only wolf in Coldspring, Texas. Just as Fane and Jacque are getting to know each other, another wolf steps out to try and claim Jacque as his mate. Fane will now have to fight for the right to complete the mating bond, something that is his right by birth but is being denied him by a crazed Alpha. Will the love Fane has for Jacque be enough to give him the strength to defeat his enemy, will Jacque accept that she is Fane’s mate and complete the bond between them?

Review:


Soul mates, intended, betrothed, destined--call it what you may; I prefer shotgun romance. Throw all elements of the real world out the window. Jacque falls in love, discovers she is part werewolf, and gets involved in a battle-to-the-death ritual all in one week. Geez, I wish my weeks could be that exciting. Disregarding the fact that the book takes place over the course of one week, I fell in love with the characters' personalities. Jacque's girlfriends are hysterical sassy ladies who, despite needing some lessons in class, keep everyone light on their toes and add necessary touches of humor. I LOVED the possessive traits that Fane can't help but exhibit when it comes to his mate. He doesn't want another man to be the center of Jacque's attention and he isn't afraid to let her know it. He is all alpha-male and all the good things about a man wrapped up in one amazing package. Loftis definitely sold me on her interpretation of the werewolf mythology. Now on to book 2. 



Rating: 4 out of 5 owls



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Review: Wildly by T. Swanepoel

Genre: Sci-Fi | Fantasy

Synopsis:

She underestimated the dark side of the moon...

Valerie, a freshly-arrived varsity student, falls in love with her rescuer after an unusual attack. But what she doesn’t know, is that Alex is not the average boy-next- door.

She unknowingly witnesses the build-up to an ancient battle between the sun and the moon… and soon discovers that she is the centre pin of the battle.

Review:

If you like complicated plots, action, comedy, romance, and well rounded characters with a touch of the supernatural then this is the book for you. Wildly combines scientific theories with supernatural elements to create an exciting and intriguing story. The characters are the physical embodiment of stars and planets (think Sailor Moon here) and manifest powers that are similar to their respective planet/star's physical and chemical makeup. I remember the difficulty of my Astronomy class in college and I must commend Swanepoel for the sheer amount of research and attention to detail put into this story. I can see myself learning something new each time I read it. Honestly, I think I need to read it again just so I have a better understanding of what actually happened. This story is so complex, mysterious, and exciting that readers will pick it up again and again. The icing on the cake for me is that Swanepoel targets both adolescents and adults. The characters are college age so Wildly suits a wide variety of audiences. As of now it is free for Nooks. Check it out, it's worth the read.



Rating: 5 out of 5 owls



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Review: Glimpse by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Genre: Supernatural | Teen Romance

Glimpse is an endearing novel about the blooming love between two teenagers who struggle with overcoming the shame of their parent's secret love affair, and coping with the emergence of Zellie's supernatural premonitions. When Zellie begins to have visions of death involving those around her, their new love is put to the ultimate test--she must choose between leaving Avery to protect him from a gruesome death, or remain with him and risk indirectly being the cause of his demise.

I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the ultimate religious figure somehow having supernatural powers that are (seemingly) unrelated to God. The first novel does not explain the origins of this power, only that it is specific to women. Zellie eventually gets a mentor who trains her how to use her power to help save people. The plot was decent and interesting, despite the obnoxious teen vernacular, until the second half of the book. When Avery and Zellie discover that their parents had an affair that left Zellie's mother pregnant, they do not stop their relationship. Now, while I understand that they are not technically blood related, this come too close to incest for comfort. Combine this with the secret societies, poor references and language used in an attempt to appeal to a young teen audience, and the sudden appearance of the grandmother who faked her death and you have a good plot gone bad. The brief appearance of a boy who has the same power as Zellie (introduced about three pages after her grandmother says that only women have the power) gives me hope that Zellie will fall in love with him, ditch Avery, and get away from the incest.

Glimpse is an easy read and the plot is intriguing enough to appeal to an older audience, just expect a plethora of valley-girl sayings and character immaturity. It is a YA novel, after all. I'm considering reading the sequel, just to see the direction Benefiel takes.



Rating: 3 out of 5 owls



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Review: Hopeless Magic by Rachel Higginson

Genre: Supernatural

Hopeless Magic  is Higginson's riveting sequel to Reckless Magic. I was really impressed by the seamless transition that reads as a continuation of the main story, rather than an entirely new adventure that merely recycles characters. While I am not fond of love triangles, the rising tension between Eden and Jericho, along with Kiran being a royal pain, is both exciting and aggravating. As of right now I'm leaning towards team Jericho. I love villains, but as a love interest Kiran just doesn't cut it. I'm anxious to see how all of the pain and tragedy affects the relationships, and I'm looking forward to meeting Eden and Avalon's parents.

What I love most about Higginson's story so far is how attached I've become to the characters. Her characters are portrayed with a sensitiveness towards the struggles and perspectives of the teenage population, while emphasizing the mystery of the supernatural.



Rating: 4 out of 5 owls



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Review: Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

Genre: Supernatural | Werewolves

Synopsis:

Having fallen for a human boy, a beautiful teenage werewolf must battle both her packmates and the fear of the townspeople to decide where she belongs and with whom.

Having fallen for a human boy, a beautiful teenage werewolf must battle both her packmates and the fear of the townspeople to decide where she belongs and with whom.

Review:

This is the book that started it all for me. I first read Blood and Chocolate when I was a sophomore in high school. I LOVED it. By the time I finished high school I had read it over ten times.  I now read it at least once a year. There has been some debate around this novel concerning its sensual content. Vivian, the main character, is a strong teenage werewolf who relishes in the beauty of her beast. That is, until she meets Aiden, a human boy who she falls madly in love with. However, according to the laws of her pack Vivien must put aside her seeming teenage infatuation with Aiden and mate with Gabriel, the pack's new leader--a sexy hunk of man-flesh. Despite their mutual attraction for each other, Vivien is determined to resist Gabriel and make Aiden hers. 

This book combines supernatural elements with typical teenage angst and has a murder mystery appeal to it. What I appreciate most is the realistic voice that Vivien has. She is a teenager struggling to learn how to balance her role as the new alpha female and gain acceptance from her human counterparts. It is a story of self-discovery, sacrifice, and love. 

Tasty Tid-bit:

"You think you're such a stud, don't you?" she said. 

"Don't you?" he asked.

She stormed out of the kitchen to the dining room.

He followed her. "I see I'm required to court you in every room of the house."

"Not likely," she replied. 

"I'm looking forward to the bedrooms," he said.

"Go to hell!"

His grin faded. "I will court you," he said. "And I won't give up. I will wait for you like I waited for you outside that cave, and I'll follow you like I followed you home that night, keeping you safe. I will wait for you because you are meant to be mine"--his voice grew husky with desire--"and because you'll be worth the wait. Goodbye, Princess Wolf. Let me know what deeds must be done to win you."

When he'd left she could still smell him in the room as if he'd claimed her whole life. 

"I'll choose my own mate," she swore, and walked to the phone.



Rating: 5 out of 5 owls



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Review: Reckless Magic by Rachel Higginson

Genre: Supernatural

Synopsis:

16 year old Eden Matthews has been in and out of private schools for the last two years. She can't seem to stop herself from closing them down. Kingsley is her last chance to finish high school and the last private school willing to accept her.

She is focused on just getting through graduation until she realizes Kingsley is not like the other private schools she's been to. The students may be different, but so is she. And after meeting Kiran Kendrick, the boy who won't leave her alone and seems to be the source of all her problems, she is suddenly in a world that feels more make-believe than reality.

To top it off, she is being hunted by men who want to kill Kiran and her best friend Lilly is taken away to a foreign prison. Eden finds herself right in the middle of an ancient war, threatening everything she loves. She alone has to find a way to save her best friend and the boy who has captivated her heart.

Review:

This one has been added to my list of favorites. I had downloaded Reckless Magic on my Nook months before my aunt suggested I read it, however I wasn't able to read anything until my student teaching was finished. I am pleased to say that I haven't read a book that forced me to stay up all night until I finished it in years. I couldn't put it down. I quickly became emotionally attached to the characters and I relished in the romantic drama. I don't even know where to begin to describe how amazing this book is. Eden is strong, loyal, determined, outspoken, and so normal she's endearing. Kiran is a complete prick until the reader realizes how thoroughly smitten he is with Eden. Avalon is the perfect over-protective brother and Amory is just gallant. 

Rachel Higginson is brilliant. She has created a world with such care and intimacy that the reader feels connected and engulfed in the story. I see myself re-reading this book every year. I'm anxious to begin the next installment of the Star-Crossed series. Check out Reckless Magic, it's golden. 

Tasty Tid-bit:

"As unlikely as our love affair might have been, loving Kiran was the only concrete path I could imagine. Consumed with a love that would probably get me killed, I would never have chosen any other way. We were truly destined for each other, fated to be together... we were star-crossed."



Rating: 4 out of 5 owls



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Review: Elixir by Hilary Duff

Genre: Paranormal

Synopsis:

Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea’s father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea’s photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man—a man she has never seen before.

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father’s disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives—and their futures.

Review:

I'm not going to beat around the bush with this one. It is creepy to the extreme. I have a love hate relationship with disturbing and unsettling images. I love getting scared yet I hate the lingering hypersensitivity that seems to last for weeks. Hilary Duff's first novel is an intriguing tale combining the idea of each person having a soul mate with the belief in reincarnation. Problems: I was hoping for more character development, and the typical YA cookie-cutter format was distracting. While I absolutely love Hilary Duff, her novel could use some work. I think the chill factor is what is so appealing to me. Her ideas are great, but they need more depth. Having said that, I do think it's worth the read. Elixir is an interesting read, if nothing else. I will definitely read the next in the series.





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Rating: 3out of 5 owls



Review: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Genre: Supernatural | Vampires

Synopsis:

The undead can really screw up your senior year . . .

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

Review:

Okay, I'll admit, the title threw me off. It seems a tad cliche. Honestly, I wasn't going to download this novel, until I read a great review for it--go figure. Despite that, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading it. This novel is an easy read and can be knocked out in a day or two. The story didn't pick up until about half-way through, then I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed watching Jessica slowly fall in love over the course of the school year. Lucius is, of course, my favorite character. He experiences the most drastic character development. In a sense, he is the one that must sacrifice the most for what he wants. The light-hearted, carefree attitude of the American teen culture is like a drug for Lucius. He can't resist. He is tormented by his responsibilities as a vampire prince, as well as his longing for freedom. His reluctant relationship with Jessica is highlighted by the love triangle--or rather quadrangle--with two humans at school. Perhaps the aspect that I loved the most are the letters that  Lucius writes to his uncle. They are both amusing and disturbing. Beth Fantaskey has intrigued me and I will definitely read the sequel Jessica Rules the Dark Side. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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