Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis:

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She's not the person she'd always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel--all because of Finn Holmes. 

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken...though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she'd ever admit. But it isn't long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth--and he's come to take her home. 

Now Wendy's about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that's both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she's meant to become...

Review:

I will start this one off with by expressing my appreciation for Amanda's creative spin on troll legends. The "tryll" are not the gastly beasts of the common fairy tales we have all grown to love. These trolls are insanely beautiful, talented in magic, and tres chic when it comes to fashion and parties. 

I really like that Wendy came from a very tragic past. Her human mother tried to kill her when she was a child. Add that bit of drama to the fact that (like every other teenager on the planet) she cannot get past her negative self-image and low self-esteem, Wendy is definitely one angsty teen. 

After the handsome Finn comes into the picture and reveals that she is actually a changeling and must return to take over the tryll throne, Wendy's world is rocked in a way that no teen's should be. She shifts from having one mother who tried to kill her to a super rich and gorgeous mother who has no emotional attachment to her whatsoever and merely wishes to use Wendy for her own personal gain. 

Talk about some family love. I thought that given the situation Wendy handled the cards life dealt her with as much gumption and determination as possible for a teenage girl. 

My only hang up is the writing style. I wasn't too fond of it, though there were definitely quote-worthy moments. As a genre it's not what I usually read (this was my first novel about trolls), but I bought a used copy of the Torn to see what happens next. 

I've been on the fence about the rating for this one, so I'm going to give the novel a chance and give it a 4 out of 5. I'm hoping my reservations are there simply because I'm new to this sub-genre.

Rating--4 out of 5 owls

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Review: Hook's Pan by Marie Hall

Genre: New Adult | Fantasy | Fairy Tales

Synopsis:

Trishelle Page has known pain in her life, but instead of it making her weak, she's stronger. Confident. That is until the day a fairy kidnaps her during her staring role in Peter Pan's play and tells her not only do fairy tales exist, but that she'd the soul mate of the pirate they call Hook, making her question everything she ever thought she knew. 

Captain James Hook is a man at the end of his rope. He's not the villainous bastard tales have made him out to be. So when the curvaceous blonde drops, literally, at his feet he aims to prove it to her. If only to get her into his bed. 

What neither one knows is that fate and magic are conspiring and they can deny the attraction all they want but the end is already written, it's just a matter of getting there. 

Review:

I really liked the twist Marie Hall took in revamping the classic Peter Pan fairy tale. Hook is a smoldering, misunderstood brute who only wants revenge for the murder of his mermaid love. That all changes when Trishelle drops at his feet. These characters are headstrong and stubborn. There is enough character development between their steamy interactions to keep the plot interesting. 

The imagery was so delicately woven that I felt like I was seeing everything that Hook and Trisha were experiencing. The mermaid realm is simply beautiful. I enjoyed the witty banter and the realness of the characters. Trisha and Hook did not like each other at first, and I appreciate that. 

Normally I do not like typical "reincarnated" soulmate love stories; however, Trisha remained an individual and didn't regain all of her soul's memories and start having multiple personalities. She started off as Trisha and she stayed Trisha. I'm very excited that there are other novels in this series. I will definitely check them out. 

I received a copy of the text on NetGalley, so I didn't realize that this was the fifth in the series. It serves as a stand alone novel, though there are multiple references to the previous books. I think it's worth the read and I will definitely read the rest of the series.

Rating:4 out of 5 owls

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Review: Deer in Headlights by Staci Hart

Genre: New Adult | Mythology

Synopsis:

What do Greek gods do when they're bored? Because they're always bored, so humans are the perfect

players in their games. 

Aphrodite owns love; she hasn't lost a competition on her turf in over three millennia. Apollo is on a mission to win. He's counting on it to finally get the one woman he's never been able to have. The two gods will choose their human players, and if Aphrodite can't get them together before the clock runs out, Apollo will her his way. And Aphrodite couldn't have that. 

Lew and Dean are perfect for each other, they just don't know it yet. Dean is a perpetual bachelor, and a brooding, beautiful rock star. Lex is always with a man, but she'll never fully give herself up. Aphrodite has her work cut out for her, but if she can't make it work, no one can. 

The gods have their own drama. Apollo killed Aphrodite's mortal love--they've got beef that's been dragging on for thousands of years. Ares, the douchebag, is forever trying to pick a fight, and trying to get Aphrodite into bed. And Persephone, Aphrodite's best friend, is the one person who Aphrodite shares everything with. 

Follow the gods as they fight, laugh, cry, lose love, gain power, and make a mess with humans. 

Review:

This book is hot, steamy, and just a tad bit sexy.

I have mentioned this before in other posts, but I am a huge fan of Greek mythology. Staci Hart sticks very close to the classic lore while still managing to make the characters her own.

The banter and competitive nature was perfect. While I love books that portray the gods in their infinite wisdom, it was refreshing to see them keeping up with the times and the change in lingo.

Staci managed her transitions very smoothly, though I felt a few of the flashbacks were unnecessary--but I know the lore so it could just be me. Still, they were beautifully written and Staci has a great style. Overall, I stepped away from Deer in Headlights feeling like "I just read a good book."

There are some steamy scenes. Just letting you know.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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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: A Diamond In My Pocket by Lorena Angell

Genre: Fantasy | Heroic

Synopsis:

When Calli Courtnae breaks the World Record for the 100m, she is invited to Montana to prepare for

National tryouts. However, upon arrival using her lip reading ability she realizes she's been lied to, or at least not told the whole truth. She's a superhuman, a Runner, and her new world includes transporting packages for other supernatural groups. 

She's paired up with an overly anxious Gothic roommate, is continuously glared down by the gorgeous top-dog, Chris, who feels she doesn't belong, and is placed on a delivery team to transport a valuable magical diamond to a clan of terrorists who can kill with their thoughts. 

Chris, the team leader, is given the diamond, but Calli secretly received the real stone along with a vision of the future and an explanation of why she was hand selected to carry out the mission. Almost immediately the hidden diamond oozes unprecedented additional powers and abilities in Calli, making her more sought after than the diamond itself. 

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is a quick read and is full of adventure, drama, and angst. Lorena took great care in creating this world--rules, social caste and all. Even though it is obvious from the start that the characters are superhuman, their lack of empathy makes them a bit unrealistic. 

While I like mature characters--not all teenagers are controlled by hormones--Calli seemed too old for a junior in high school. However, she started to grow on me when she didn't pine away after all the cute boys and remained level headed in her difficult situations. Even without the powers that the diamond gave her Calli was able to base her decisions on the possible consequences. 

Lorena's explanation for the reason as to why humans manifest certain abilities was very scientific and believable. I liked that her explanation warranted that almost all humans are affected, not just a select group. I feel that her plot was original and a very interesting twist on the typical superhero theme. 

I will definitely read the next book in the series, A Diamond in My Heart.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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