Where Dead Bodies Lie (Body of Dowser #1) by Kat Cazanav
Synopsis For as long as I can remember, I have been told to follow three important rules;
Always guard my ability
Never share my secret
And pretend to be normal.
However, those three little rules don’t make my life easier. I still find dead people and deal with strange visions. Not to mention, an attraction to a boy who doesn’t exist. Whenever we cross path’s he mists away like smoke on a mirror. He drives me crazy, that Kaff Cooper.
As a flock of dead crows fall from the blackened sky, Kaff becomes the only one who can see the truth straight to the dark underbelly of who I actually am.
My hands feel the pull to extract the forsaken, the lost, the forgotten. It comes as naturally as breathing and there is no stopping it.
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My Review I was intrigued by the premise of this book. The idea of a body dowser was too good to pass up. Stella has the ability to find water with nothing but her fingertips. Her father uses her ability to mine for gold, until Stella’s powers dredge up more –dead bodies and possibly something dark from another realm. The cave-in that follows kills her father and almost Stella herself.
Stella moves in with her Aunt Lily, who is barely an adult herself, but does her best to raise her young niece. Lily sends Stella to boarding school in Canada to give her an opportunity at a better education. There, Stella meets Kaff Cooper, who’s as mysterious as he is good-looking. Creepy things begin to happen in the small Canadian town, and everyone is pointing the finger at Stella.
Plot The story starts off with a young Stella, then jumps forward to her freshman year where she first meets Kaff and unleashes her ability on a school field trip. She’s sent back home, being too weird for the exclusive school, and home schooled until her senior year. The school offers to expunge her record, giving her a chance at a full college scholarship, in exchange for three days of community service at the school.
The rest of the story unfolds over those three days and it’s a lot. Maybe two-thirds of the story take place over a short window of time. The story is almost exclusively plot-driven and it’s a busy, twisty plot. There are some things that didn’t make sense to me and others that seemed implausible, but for the most part, it’s a good, fast ride.
World Building
The world building is fantastic. Author, Kat Cazanav, paints a dark world that is as gloomy as the stunning cover of her book. Her settings come alive in intense fashion. The world of body dowsing is complex and sometimes confusing, but I think that’s okay, because the story is told in first person and the protagonist herself doesn’t seem to fully understand it all.
Characters
Stella is a unique character. She’s grim, brooding, and yet likeable, in a Tuesday Aadams sort of way. Kaff Cooper is the most intriguing character in the book. I never quite figured him out, but I want to. Kaff Cooper alone will get me to read the next book.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed About Where Dead Bodies Lie
1. The settings. The descriptive details the author uses paint a beautiful, dark picture that comes alive in stunning and sometimes terrifying ways.
2. Aunt Lily. Stella’s young aunt puts her life on hold to become a mother and you never doubt that she’s always got Stella’s best interests at heart.
3. Kaff Cooper. The boy is an enigma, but he can be sweet and he truly cares for Stella.
4. Body Dowsing. This was a really creative, unique twist on the paranormal.
5. Kaff’s Bedroom. When Stella breaks into his room to find out more about the mystery boy, what she discovers gave me the chills.
Bottom Line Where Dead Bodies Lie is a unique twist on the young adult paranormal genre with interesting characters and plenty of plot twists.
Disclaimer I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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Title: Where Dead Bodies Lie Series: The Body Dowser #1 Author: Kat Cazanav Release Date: December 16, 2014 Pages: 245 Genre: Young Adult Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Author Kat Cazanav
About the Author I keep thinking I’m almost done writing this novel. Just one more chapter and I’ll let it go into my editor’s hands. Then something happens and I delay the inevitable; ending a relationship with a bunch of cool characters and saying good bye to a story that lived in my head forever. I use any excuse not to finish what I started nine months ago.
I have to pay bills, feed the dogs, feed myself (repeatedly) pick lint off my sweater, stare at the floor. The list goes on and on. But then I snap out of it. What am I thinking? Of course. I’ll turn it into a series. My characters will never die. I call my editor and give her a date. Now there’s no way out. I have to finish and set the story free. So this week I’m completing “The Body Dowser” with the hope all my readers enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.
And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.
In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself.
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My Review I want to give this book more than five stars. Because I gave Apollyon five stars and this is even better. Because this is how you end a young adult series. Not a happily ever after, but it’s satisfying and leaves us with hope instead of despair. Because it didn’t ruin the entire series for me for a change.
This final book in the series is almost non-stop action, but not to the point that it becomes exhausting. The author slows it down enough to allow us to catch our breath before ramping it back up again. I’m not someone who is easily moved to tears. Just ask my husband. He cries during movies before I do. But a few really moving, bittersweet, and heartwarming moments managed to wet my Sahara-dry eyes.
Plot Sentinel is almost entire plot-driven, although there are still a few moments of character development that are like the most delicious cherry on top of the perfect sundae. With everything in the previous books leading to war, war has finally come and Alex and her friends must fight for everything they know, love, and believe in.
And because it’s war, people get hurt and people die, but there are no senseless deaths. Each death serves a purpose, to move the plot, to further the story. And as painful as it is to lose characters we love, when well-done, they make the story richer.
World Building
If possible, the world building is even more complete this time around. It was already incredibly well developed, but the more the world unfolds, the more there seems to be to still learn. Like the TARDIS, it’s bigger on the inside.
Characters
The characters in Sentinel are still fascinating, still fully developed, but they had room to grow, and that’s exactly what they do. Seth is the boy I always knew he would be and that was beautiful to see. Watching Alex accept her fate with grace and dignity was worth the wait. And Aiden…what can I say, he is the ultimate book boyfriend to the very end.
Top Five Things I Love About Sentinel
1. The action. There’s a lot of it and it’s all really well done.
2. Alex and Aiden. Still the cutest young adult couple in all of Greek mythology.
3. Seth. Seth is back and better than ever.
4. Apollo and Alex. There is a really bittersweet scene between the two of them that just really works.
5. The end. A completely satisfying conclusion to a fun series.
Bottom Line
The perfect example of how to wrap up a young adult series in a satisfying way.
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Title: Sentinel Series: Covenant Series #5 Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout Publisher: Spencer Hill Press Pages: 316 Category: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Synopsis “Love in my world usually ended up with someone hearing ‘I smite thee!’ as she was cursed to be some lame flower for the rest of her life.”
For three years, Alexandria has lived among mortals–pretending to be like them and trying to forget the duty she’d been trained to fulfill as a child of a mortal and a demigod. At seventeen, she’s pretty much accepted that she’s a freak by mortal standards… and that she’ll never be prepared for that duty.
According to her mother, that’s a good thing.
But as every descendant of the gods knows, Fate has a way of rearing her ugly head. A horrifying attack forces Alex to flee Miami and try to find her way back to the very place her mother had warned her she should never return-the Covenant. Every step that brings her closer to safety is one more step toward death… because she’s being hunted by the very creatures she’d once trained to kill.
The daimons have found her.
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My Review This prequel to the Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, introduces us to headstrong Alex, swoony Aiden, Alex’s mom, and the world of Greek Mythology that these characters inhabit. In flashbacks, we see a young Alex stand up to her elders and her mom abandoning their world to protect her daughter. As a half blood (half demigod, half human) Alex is stronger than mere mortals, and that strength and her strong will, keep getting her into trouble in the mortal world.
They live a life on the run, never staying in one place too long. Until the daimons, evil creatures driven to drink the blood of demigods, find them, then all bets are off.
This short prequel does a really good job of establishing the world and Alex’s character, but it fell short of really engaging me. If I wasn’t already a devoted JLA fan, I’m not sure I would have bothered reading the first book in the series. It isn’t necessary to read this prequel to enjoy the series, but after you’ve read the first book, it might be good to go back and read the prequel to help understand how things got to be the way they are. In fact, I think if you read in that order, Book 1, Prequel, Book 2, then Daimon is actually a pretty good story.
Plot The plot is somewhat lacking since the purpose of the prequel is to set up the series, which is why this isn’t necessarily a compelling read. Even so, there were some surprises that set everything in motion for book 1, Half-Blood.
World Building
This is where Daimon really shines. Introducing us to modern-day Greek Gods, their hidden world, and the mortal world they sometimes interact with, sets the stage for the series really well.
Characters
We mostly get a look at Alex and her character, as well as the evil of the daimons. It’s obvious from the first chapter that Alex is complex, unconventional, and completely unpredictable. We also get to see how much Alex’s mom loves her and what she was willing to sacrifice for her daughter.
Bottom Line
As a prequel, it’s not really necessary and not all that compelling. But if you read Half-Blood first, it fills in some blanks.
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Title: Daimon Series: Covenant Series #0.5 Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout Publisher: Spencer Hill Press Pages: 62 Category: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Eve Collins, darkness has descended after her love vanished into the night sky. A new protector has been appointed, one who challenges everything she’s believed to true.
In this third installment of The Revelation Series, Eve will become aware of dangers and worlds that exist only in her nightmares and bloodline secrets that will trigger a centuries old war.
You can escape anything, except your destiny.
Readers captivated by Revelation and Restraint will become enthralled with Redemption.
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My Review This is my favorite book in the series. So much happens that I almost couldn’t catch my breath. Almost. The author skillfully ensures that I could in fact catch my breath. But just barely, before she sent me careening off again.
Eve is adjusting to life without Asher, but not very well. Things go from bad to worse when she finds out who is now in charge of protecting her. She’s thrust from one crazy adventure to the next with danger around every corner.
There are some bittersweet moments, including her reunion with Asher, but because this is the Revelation series, it’s only the calm before the storm. I love where Eve and Asher are relationship-wise in Redemption. And I love the themes woven throughout. The stakes are higher than ever this time around and Eve learns a devastating secret that changes everything.
Plot As always, Randi Cooley Wilson plots like a fiend. So much happens, but I never lost sight of the story. The main plot is strong and the subplots wind through like tiny vines, enhancing the main plot rather than detracting from it.
World Building This is where Redemption really shines. Everything from the world of Gargoyles to heaven and hell and everything in between (leprechauns anyone?) is richly detailed and thoroughly developed.
Characters
The characters are the same ones we know and love, with no new major characters introduced. I see some growth in a few characters, less in others. I’d like to see Eve do a little more growing up in the next book. In fact, I believe that’s exactly where she’s headed based on how things end.
Top Five Things I Love About Redemption
1. Eve and Asher’s relationship. I love where it’s going.
2. Callan’s aprons. I mean, come on, they’re awesome!
3. The growing tension between Asher and Keegan. This has potential to building into a wicked conflict.
4. The Leprechauns. They’re not what you think.
5. The big revelation. No, I won’t give it away, but I kick myself for not seeing it coming.
Bottom Line
I love Redemption, with all of its twists and turns, passion, danger, and yes, even the cliffhanger ending.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
About the Book
Title: Redemption Series: Revelation #3 Author: Randi Cooley Wilson Pages: 246 Release Date: December 15, 2014 Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords
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Author Randi Cooley Wilson
About the Author Randi was born and raised in Massachusetts where she attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies. After graduation she moved to California where she lived happily bathed in sunshine and warm weather for fifteen years.
Randi and her husband recently moved back to Massachusetts with their daughter where she was encouraged to begin writing again.
Revelation is her first novel and The Revelations Series is her first New Adult Paranormal Romance book series.
“I’ve had a love affair with books, writing and storytelling since childhood. It has been a dream of mine to introduce this world and these characters to you. I hope I’ve done them justice.”
Randi loves to hear from readers, you can reach out to her via Twitter: R_CooleyWilson and/or Facebook: authorrandicooleywilson
Giveaway $25 GC to B&N or Amazon (winners choice) and a digital copy (Nook or Kindle, winners choice) of: Revelation, Restraint and Redemption by Randi Cooley Wilson
Synopsis “History is on repeat, and things didn’t go so well the last time. “
Alexandria isn’t sure she’s going to make it to her eighteenth birthday–to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she’s a goner… and so is Aiden.
If that’s not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time “training”–which really is just Seth’s code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time–she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.
But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she’s caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed… and destroyed.
Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate…
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My Review So far, this is my favorite book in the series. It’s full of action, danger, romance, unconditional love, duty, responsibility, and conflicting emotions. Oh yeah, and lots of Greek Gods. With Alex having awakened as the Apollyon, she and Seth now have a duty to perform, but Seth and Lucien have different goals from the others. We finally learn who on the dark side is helping Seth and Lucien, and why Seth trusts Lucien so emphatically, even when the rest of us can see he’s no good.
I’ve always been a fan of Seth. Even when he seemed something other than ideal. But then I was always able to see in the good in Snape, too. So I’ll be thrilled if I’ve been right about Seth all along. And if my feelings about Ward from Agents of Shield can be proven accurate, I’ll be in a happy, happy place.
Plot There’s less of a plot in Apollyon than in previous books in the series, because there is a lot more character development. Alex finally, finally begins to grow up and take responsibility for her actions. The relationship between Alex and Aiden intensifies in a positive way. He clearly loves her and that alone makes her more endearing. Because let’s face it, Aiden is perfect.
There are a few action scenes, but it’s more suspense that drives the story. You know something really ugly is about to happen, you just don’t know when or where. The big action scene at the climax is INTENSE, but really well done. And the ending is sweet, but perfectly sets up the last book in the series.
World Building
I love Armentrout’s world building. The way she weaves in Greek mythology with current day life is seamless and just unpredictable enough to keep us on our toes.
Characters
Characters is what JLA does best. She does a good job of creating such diverse personalities and keeping them true to themselves. Apollyon is no exception. As I mentioned above, Alex finally grows up a bit, Aiden is beautifully perfect, and we finally get a better understanding of Seth. One that only makes me root for him more. And without giving anything away, we get to “visit” with Caleb. Because as everyone knows, death is not the same in the world of Greek mythology as it is in reality.
Top Five Things I Love About Apollyon
1. Alex and Aiden. Seriously, they are just so darn cute together.
2. Seth. Yes, I adore Seth. I know he’s got some sort of God-crazed power trip going on, but I suspect he will redeem himself.
3. The Big Action. Yes, that scene is tough to read, but man it’s just so good.
4. Character Development. I love Alex’s growth. It’s long overdue, but I it’s worth the wait. I think Alex had to go through everything she has in order to get to the point where she was ready to grow up.
5. Caleb. I missed him. I love that we get a glimpse into his afterlife.
Bottom Line Apollyon is my favorite book in the Covenant series so far. Plenty of action, drama, and steamy Alex/Aiden time.
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Title: Apollyon Series: Covenant Series #4 Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout Publisher: Spencer Hill Press Pages: 363 Category: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Synopsis About three things I was absolutely positive:
First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him – and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be – that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.
When Bella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.
What Bella doesn’t realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back…
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My Review I read Twilight a few years ago and just now getting around to reviewing it. There was a lot of hype surrounding this book and I approached it with cautious optimism. I’d heard all the negativity as well as the over-the-top swoon-worthiness of it, but wanted to read it with an open mind. I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t nearly as bad as all the bashers would have me believe, but I don’t think it came even close to hitting the romantic mark. I never really felt the chemistry between Bella and Edward. These two couldn’t be less perfect for each other. But where Twilight really shines is in the world building and in the action and suspense.
Plot
Clearly the main plot is the forbidden romance. Edward is attracted to Bella’s “special” blood in a way he’s never been before. But he’s sworn to protect humans, not kill them, so he attempts to stay far away from Bella. Bella has never seen a more beautiful boy (or bigger asshole if you ask me) and can’t help falling for him. She ultimately figures out his secret and the two begin a romance that is devoid of any heat, and not just because Edward is a cold-hearted undead vampire. There is zero passion between these two. But the other vampires hellbent on drinking the elixir that is Bella’s blood provide a page-turning subplot that far surpasses the romance, making this a compelling read.
World Building
The world building is one of the strongest aspects of Twilight. Stephenie Meyer has created a world of vampires with its own rules that sets it apart from others I’ve read in the genre. Her vampires don’t die in sunlight, the sparkle, hence their need to live in places like Forks that are perpetually overcast. Her depiction of the small Washington town has more charm than any of the characters who inhabit her story. I can totally picture the town, feel the cool air, almost smell the fresh pine.
Characters
While I didn’t connect with any of the characters, I can’t deny that they are well-developed. Bella might be annoying, but she’s multi-dimensional. I have less of a sense of who Edward is, but I believe that is intentional. He’s supposed to be an enigma. Bella’s relationship with her father develops through the story from awkward to something less than awkward which is believable for a teen daughter who’s lived with her mother before suddenly moving in with her small-town sheriff dad.
Top Five Things I Love About Twilight
1. The World Building. Stephenie Meyer has her own view of vampires and it’s radically different from the world of Dracula. It’s a fun twist.
2. The Setting. Forks, Washington comes alive between the pages in vivid fashion.
3. The Adventure. The story of the vampires out for Bella’s blood and the events that follow are what kept me turning the pages.
4. Character Development. While I’m not necessarily a fan of the characters, I can appreciate that a lot of work went into developing them.
5. The Baseball Scene. Because it’s just plain fun.
Bottom Line Twilight is actually pretty good. No, it’s not a good romance, but if you aren’t reading it for romance, it’s not a bad story.
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About the Book
Title: Twilight Series: Twilight #1 Author: Stephenie Meyer Publisher: Little, Brown Books Release Date: September 6, 2006 Pages: 544 Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Synopsis Debut-novelist Jenny Elliott’s thrilling romance, chosen by readers, writers, and publishers for the first list in the new Swoon Reads imprint, pours on the tension and danger in an addictive combination that will keep you turning pages!
Something strange is going on in the tiny coastal town of Liberty, Oregon. Cara has never seen a whale swim close enough for her to touch it—let alone knock her into the freezing water. Fortunately, cute newcomer David is there to save her, and the rescue leads to a bond deeper than Cara ever imagined.
But then she learns something about David that changes everything, and Cara is devastated. She turns to her best friend for support, but Rachel has changed. She’s suddenly into witchcraft, and is becoming dangerously obsessed with her new boyfriend….
Cara has lost her best friend, discovered that her soul mate is off limits, and has attracted the attention of a stalker. But she’s not completely alone. Her mysterious, gorgeous new friend Garren is there to support her. But is Garren possibly too perfect?
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My Review Save Me is not your typical paranormal romance. This is a fresh take on the genre with a supernatural twist. Something dark and sinister is afoot in Liberty, a fictional town on the Oregon coast. Cara, a high school senior with a love of whales, volunteers part time for Liberty Charters, a whale watching tours business. While working a tour, she meets a cute newcomer to town when both are tossed overboard by a transient killer whale. Thus begins an intense romance that is doomed before it starts because David is completely off limits.
A second newcomer, Garren, provides a much-needed, albeit not romantic, distraction as she pines for David and watches her best friend, Rachel, become that girl. The one who ditches her best friend for her new boyfriend, Ethan. But there’s more to Ethan than meets the eye and Cara soon fears for her Rachel. Add to that a jealous girl with her sights set on David, more transient whale sightings, and things become mysteriously eerie.
Save Me takes a traditional, religious look at witchcraft and demon possession that is both creepy with shades of The Exorcist, as well as endearingly sweet. There is no overt horror, no strong language, and no sex, making this a safe choice for younger teens and even middle grade students who like their stories on the darker side.
Plot
The main plot revolves around the witchcraft and there are a lot of balls in the air, making it fun to try to figure out what’s going on. The subplots involving who Garren really is, Cara’s affection for Grayback and Bobbie, the local whales, and the romance with David all add lighter moments to the darker main plot. Author Jenny Elliott doles out the information we need, as we need it, to keep us in the story. She builds to a climax, weaving together all of her subplots into the main plot, and tying up all the loose ends in a satisfying conclusion.
World Building
World building is where Save Me really shines. I can almost feel the briny ocean air, sense the cool sand beneath my toes, hear the waves crashing to shore through the descriptive settings, tone, and word choices the author makes. Liberty, Oregon comes alive inside the pages. The world of witchcraft, demon possession, and religious symbolism and rituals all have an air of authenticity, but are fueled by Elliott’s imagination. She’s clearly done her research, but allows her own creativity to influence the rules around the world she’s created.
Characters
Cara is mature for her age which keeps her from making so many of the impulsive teenage mistakes a lot of characters in this genre are famous for, and it’s refreshing. It also makes her relationship with David, who is a bit older, not only believable by understandable. It never seems implausible that a man four years older would be attracted to a teen girl because she’s intelligent, wise beyond her years, and caring.
The conflict between Cara and her mother over her relationship with David is realistic. David was also quite believable in his role as the forbidden love interest who tries so hard to do the right thing, despite his strong feelings for Cara. The romance between Cara and David is so sweet that it is a welcomed offset to the dark themes of witchcraft and demons. It’s like the perfect sweet and sour chicken – just enough of both to make a delicious blend.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed About Save Me
1. The descriptive details of Liberty, Oregon and the way the author makes the setting come alive.
2. The paranormal twist based on religion and witchcraft which is a refreshing departure from what I’ve read in this genre recently.
3. That cover! I mean it’s gorgeous and it fits the mood for the story so perfectly.
4. Cara’s devotion to her best friend, Rachel, and how determined she is to save her.
5. The underlying story of the whales that threads through the story, tying everything together and epitomizing the themes of good versus evil.
Bottom Line Save Me is a fresh take on the paranormal romance that is both darker and lighter than many others in the genre.
Disclaimer I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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About the Book
Title: Save Me Author: Jenny Elliott Publisher: Swoon Reads Release Date: January 6, 2015 Pages: 336 Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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Author Jenny Elliott
About the Author Jenny Elliott is a lifelong resident of Washington State and lives in Spokane with her husband and four kids.
Writing fiction is her favorite method for avoiding insanity. Other avoidance techniques include reading, playing Scrabble, and browsing social media sites.
Tortured Souls (The Orion Circle #1) by Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Synopsis Sometimes Rest in Peace isn’t an option…
Kacie Ramsey sees ghosts—and it’s ruining her life. Her mother left, her father blames her, and no matter how hard she tries, she can’t keep the ghosts away. Now a new power has emerged. Nightly visions of grisly murders and a relentless predator draw her to the brink of insanity.
When the phantom appears at a party, Kacie’s longtime crush, Logan, saves her. He invites her to join the Orion Circle, a group of supernatural hunters with chapters in schools all over the country. Through the Circle, Kacie learns to embrace her spiritual powers, and for the first time in her life she feels in control rather than a victim.
But the Foxblood Demon will not give up so easily. A demented serial killer in life who trapped the souls of the thirteen children he murdered, imprisoning them within the walls of his mansion. Now in death, he plots his return while drawing power from the pure souls of the children. He recognizes something in Kacie he’s never seen before—a medium powerful enough to provide a vessel for his tainted soul.
Kacie can’t ignore the tortured souls of the children crying out to her every night. With Logan at her side, she will fight the Foxblood Demon. But can they banish this powerful phantom, or will Kacie lose not only her body, but her eternal soul to the monster.
My Review Kacie has an unusual gift that she’s kept hidden for most of her life. When she did try to confide in her family, it didn’t go so well. So when the guy she’s been crushing on not only suddenly shows an interest in her, but invites her to join the Orion Circle, the most exclusive club in school, things are about to get interesting.
Kacie learns that there are others with similar talents to hers and the Orion Circle are just one group of these. They use their abilities to investigate supernatural claims around town. Things go from interesting to dangerous pretty quickly as it appears dark demons are after Kacie.
The story moves, sometimes too quickly, not allowing me to catch a breather, and the relationship between Kacie and Logan is in that category. I felt like they jumped from mutually interested to full-on couplehood rather quickly. Logically, within the context of the story, it makes sense. They have a bond, but as a reader, I would have like to see this develop more naturally and at a slower pace.
Plot
This is a fast-paced story without a lot of subplots. As I mentioned above, there are times it feels like it moves too fast without giving the reader a chance to relax between the action. The plot isn’t necessarily ground-breaking either, but it is a solid paranormal tale with some interesting twists.
World Building
I’ve decided world building is my new favorite aspect of a story. When it’s well done, it transports me to a completely different place, even if the world is contemporary small-town America. But if I can picture the places where scenes take place, understand the social hierarchy of the subculture involved, I’m invested in the story. Tortured Souls has decent world building. Kimber Leigh Wheaton has developed a paranormal world with defined rules for interaction that is logical and flows well within the story.
Characters
Kacie is the only character I really felt like I knew. Even Logan is a bit of an enigma to me. The other members of the Orion Circle are more shallowly defined than I would like. That said, this is a plot-driven story and the plot holds up, even with a less-developed supporting cast.
Bottom Line
I enjoyed Tortured Souls. It’s a good paranormal adventure with enough romance to satisfy teen readers (and adults).
Disclaimer I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
About the Book
Title: Tortured Souls Series: The Orion Circle #1 Author: Kimber Leigh Wheaton Publisher: Sea Dragon Press Pages: 227 Category: Young Adult Paranormal Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton
About the Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a bestselling YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance.
She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs, four cats, and lots of dragons. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals.
Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, video games, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!)
She currently lives in San Antonio, TX but has been somewhat a rolling stone in life, having resided in several different cities and states.
Synopsis Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex.
Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for.
Even if it means making war against the gods..
My Review This 80-page novella is a bridge between Deity and Apollyon and is told exclusively from Aidan’s point of view. This is our first trip inside his head and he’s everything I thought he would be and more. I love his devotion to Alex, even if it means starting a war with the gods. While it’s not critical to read Elixir before Apollyon, its fun to see it unfold rather than summarized after the fact.
Alex is being held captive to keep her from Seth and from becoming the Apollyon early. She lashes out at everyone as she and Seth share their freaky mind-melding capabilities. Alex doesn’t know where she’s being held, which is the only reason Seth hasn’t come to her. Aiden will do anything to protect her and prevent the others from putting her on the elixir, the one thing that terrifies her most. But when things go from bad to worse, there may not be anything he can do to prevent Apollo from doing just that.
Plot
Although it is a novella, there is a lot going on with this plot. It is Jennifer L. Armentrout afterall. As with her novel-length books, she tells a compelling story, builds to a pulse-pounding climax, and mixes in some sweet, romantic moments. One of the things I like most about Elixir is that Aiden sounds like Aiden and not a guy’d up version of Alex. That was always my problem with Daemon’s point of view in the Lux series, the inside of his head just sounded too much like a more profane-laced Katy. That’s not the case here. Aiden is his own person, with his own thoughts and his own expressions.
Characters
The character development of Aiden is my favorite part of Elixir. He’s conflicted about so many things, but not his feelings for Alex. Even though their romance is forbidden with a capital F seven font sizes bigger than a regular f, he’ll do anything to save her. Watching Alex transform from a Seth-possessed demon child to an elixir-intoxicated dingbat through Aiden’s eyes is heartbreaking, but incredibly well done.
Bottom Line Elixir, while a novella, is really well done and worth the read. While you don’t have to read it to finish the series, you’ll be glad you did.
Title: Elixir Series: Covenant Series #3.5 Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout Publisher: Spencer Hill Press Pages: 80 Category: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Synopsis “History is on repeat, and things didn’t go so well the last time. “
Alexandria isn’t sure she’s going to make it to her eighteenth birthday–to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she’s a goner… and so is Aiden.
If that’s not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time “training”–which really is just Seth’s code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time–she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.
But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she’s caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed… and destroyed.
Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate…
My Review Deity picks up the pace in an already faced-paced series. It’s a busy, busy novel! Alex and gang are back home after killing a Pure at the council, which Aiden covered up for her. Major bonus points in Team Aiden’s column. Alex and Seth continue to “train” together and the heat between these two Apollyons nearly reach the boiling point. Bonus points in Seths’ column. But alas, Alex is in love with Aiden even though it is forbidden for them to ever be together. Seth has his good points, first and foremost, a relationship with him is permitted, but love is a fickle thing.
We finally get answers to some of the questions that have been piling up, including exactly why Pures and Halfs are forbidden to be together. And it’s a doozie!
This is my favorite book in the series so far. A lot does happen, but it’s never overwhelming. We get just enough answers to keep us from pulling our hair out in frustration. There are some very satisfying elements to make up for the unbelievably tense cliffhanger ending. Normally I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, but because I’m late to this series, I get to pick up and read the next book the minute I put this one down, and I’m in a forgiving mood.
Plot
It’s a busy, action-packed plot with lots of surprises and more than a few OMG moments. A lot of ground is covered in Deity, from answers and revelations we’ve been waiting for, to relationship development, and most importantly, character development. It was long past time for Alex to grow up and I’m pleased to see her moving in the right direction. She’s got a lot of issues, and she’s entitled to them. Her life has been anything but easy, but if anything, she seemed less mature as a result of things that should have sobered her up. It was great to see her finally accept that her lot in life is what it is, and bucking the system isn’t the answer.
One of the best parts of this installment in the series is the role of the Gods. I’ll admit to not being up on my Greek Mythology, so I had to do a little homework. I found a copy of the Cliff Notes guide to Greek Mythology in the garage and scanned it as I read. The Gods playing a bigger role only raises the stakes to astronomic proportions.
And yeah, there’s the cliffhanger mentioned before, so if you hate cliffhangers, be forewarned.
Characters
As mentioned above, Alex does some much needed growing in Deity and I like her more for it. Seth does a little devolving though, but at the same time, we get a deeper glimpse into who he is and what drives him. I know a lot of people were turned off by Seth after this book, but it only endeared him to me more. I love a tortured bad boy and Seth is pretty badass and ridiculously tortured. Aiden is still perfect, so I don’t have much to complain about.
Bottom Line Deity is the most explosive book in the series to date. Tons of action, lots of revelations, and an edge-of -your-seat cliffhanger.
Title: Deity Series: Covenant Series #3 Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout Publisher: Spencer Hill Press Pages: Category: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Synopsis When seventeen-year-old Maximillion Taylor and his best friend, Jones go to a house party, he doesn’t expect to get kidnapped—much less by a succubus—and she’s not the only one on the hunt.
Thrown into a world of angels and demons, where nothing and no one is what they seem, Max ventures to find his true identity and learn to fight the demons who pursue him. When his origin is revealed, it’s a race against the clock for a battle that will determine whether he can protect the ones he loves or succumb to his true nature.
Through lies, betrayal, love and pain, Max must prepare to face the demons before it is too late…
My Review This was a page-turning paranormal adventure with enough romance to satisfy any teen reader. It’s the story of Max, a typical 17-year old boy who is anything but typical. After attending a party with his best friend, Jones, and a couple of hot twins, Max is kidnapped and discovers the world he lives in is more than he bargained for. One filled with demons and angels and a sexy succubus, determined to inhale the life out of him.
Told from Max’s point of view, it’s a nice change from most young adult paranormal romances, which are almost always told from a female’s point of view. We get to see Max as he copes with the truth, learns more about himself and his family, grapples with love, lust, and everything in between in teen boy fashion.
Plot
The story is definitely a little different from most paranormal teen romances I’ve read lately, and in a good way. There isn’t much I can say here without spoiling anything, so I’ll just say there were a lot of twists and turns that kept me hooked.
Characters
While this is primarily a plot-driven story, and there’s a lot of plot going on, the characters are fascinating. Max in particular is fun and different. He captured me from the opening page when he hopped a fence in drag. Yes, a straight teen boy in drag. I was instantly hooked. His best friends, Jones and Angela, are equally intriguing with nothing typical about any of them. There are a lot of players in this story and it’s hard to tell who can be trusted, which only adds to the fantastic plot.
Bottom Line Sins of the Fallen is a solid young adult paranormal with a nice twist. If you like stories of fallen angels, you will get a kick out of this one.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
About the Book Title: Sins of the Fallen (Sins of the Fallen #1) Author: Karina Espinosa Release Date: January 28, 2014 Pages: 294 Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Greed by Karina Espinosa
Synopsis Maximillion can never return to the normal life he once had—not now that he’s Wrath—one of the seven Nephilim. After the failed battle with Abbadon and his demons, the death of a loved one, and the betrayal of the person he trusted the most—Max was forced to go into hiding. But not before devising a plan to look for answers: to search for the other Nephilim.
Max and his best friend/guardian angel, Jones are on the run for a month before their first clue leads them to Sin City, Las Vegas to find the Nephilim of Greed. But Nikolai’s reluctance to help and fear of an unknown force leaves Max with more questions than answers.
Will he discover who is hunting the Nephilim? And if he does, can he overcome the forces of evil against them?
Find out in the sequel to Sins of the Fallen, where Karina Espinosa pulls readers back to the saga unfolding in the world of angels and demons—a world where everything falls part.
My Review Greed is a solid follow-up to Sins of the Fallen. Max’s story moves forward as he searches for other Nephilim and comes to terms with who he is and the fact that he can’t go back to his old life. As Wrath, one of the seven Nephilim and the son of a fallen angel, he’s got a lot on his shoulders. And after his mother’s death (I feel bad now that I disliked her so much in the first book) he’s dealing with a lot, everything from anger to guilt. Considering he’s Wrath, anger fits in nicely. Their search for other Nephilim, particularly, Greed, not only gives the book it’s title, but sends Max and Co. to Vegas, the playground of sin and greed.
Plot
Once again, Karina Espinosa delivers a solid plot with more twists and turns and fantastic character development. The author ups the stakes this time around as the plot builds. The world building is also fantastic. I love her fresh and deep take on mythology.
Characters
The character development is fantastic. Max is extremely believable as he comes into his own with his identity. The new cast adds a lot both to the plot as well as to further building established characters. The way they play off each other does as much as anything to tell us who they are, although Angela starts to get on my nerves in this book.
Bottom Line Another solid read from Karina Espinosa that builds on book 1 and takes us on a fantastic adventure.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
About the Book Title: Greed (Sins of the Fallen #2) Author: Karina Espinosa Release Date: August 1, 2014 Pages: 203 Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
About the Author Born in New York City, my family picked up and moved to South Florida when I was twelve. After high school I spent the next few years traveling and experiencing what life had to offer me. At twenty four years old, I’m back in South Florida in my third year of University-majoring in Communication studies. When not in the writing cave, I usually have my nose in a book or on Netflix, cut off from the world with a huge bowl of ice cream.
The Accidental Kiss (The Kiss Series #1) by Nicole Simone
Synopsis
They were like fire and ice.
But he was everything she didn’t know she needed.
Marked by tragedy, Sky Noel leaves Los Angeles with her mom to start anew in Castor, a small town in Louisiana. It was supposed to be Sky’s chance to have a normal life but she soon finds out normal isn’t written in her DNA.
When a mysterious boy named Daemon shakes up Sky’s fragile hold on reality, she is thrust into a world where zombies and voodoo not only exist in the pages of a novel. They are hidden in the darkest corners where danger lurks and death awaits. With a price on her head, Sky has to put her trust in the boy with the ocean blue eyes but is Daemon everything she was warned against and more?
Tricked into selling his soul, Daemon lives out his existence at the mercy of the voodoo priest. That is until one fateful night when his path is forever changed.
Desperate to atone for his sins, Daemon brings it upon himself to protect Sky at any cost. However, a secret hidden in his past could rip away the very person who makes him feel human again.
My Review There are a lot of similarities between The Accidental Kiss and other young adult paranormal novels I’ve read recently, right down to an incredibly sexy, cocky guy with green eyes named Daemon. But there are enough differences that this book stands on its own. I love the Santeria angle, and the fact that it’s set in southern Louisiana is another plus for me. And yes, the Sublime song does dance happily in my head throughout the book. When they go into the Cat’s Meow in the French Quarter, complete with girls dancing in cages, I actually squealed. It’s one of my all-time favorite places in New Orleans!
Plot
The plot has a lot of unique angles for the genre. I loved that I never knew what was going to happen next. Where the story really works is in the world Nicole Simone has created. She’s done a lot of work building a realm for her characters and she doles out information, as necessary, to move the story forward. While I like the romantic angle between Daemon and Sky, there isn’t anything really new there. And that might be what bothered me the most. His brooding, her lust for him, his determined need to protect her, the obstacles that keep them apart…it all felt too familiar. But because the other elements in the story book so well, I was able to overlook that aspect and enjoy the story.
Characters
Even though I found Sky and Daemon to be sort of typical for the genre, I thought the supporting cast was fun and more developed than I’m used to. Just because Sky and Daemon weren’t anything particularly unique, doesn’t mean I didn’t like them or root for them, because I did.
Bottom Line If you like young adult paranormal, you should enjoy The Accidental Kiss. It has enough unique elements to make it very enjoyable and enough plot twists to keep you guessing.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
About the Book Title: The Accidental Kiss Author: Nicole Simone Series: The Kiss Series #1 Release Date: August 12, 2014 Pages: 249 Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords
Author Nicole Simone
About the Author Nicole Simone works in digital media by day and at night, pens character driven romance novels that will make your mama blush. She lives in Los Angeles, C.A with her fat bulldog named Humphrey.
Restraint (Revelation Series #2) by Randi Cooley Wilson
Synopsis A FORBIDDEN LOVE WILL BECOME DEEPER.
A LOYALTY WILL BE TESTED.
AND ONLY DARKNESS WILL REMAIN.
One revelation changed everything, turning Eve Collin’s world upside down with grief and questions of identity and allegiance. Now as she flees enemies that refuse to give up, Eve must also face the mounting attraction between herself and her gargoyle protector. Will she ever truly be safe? How much will she sacrifice to survive and who will she become?
Restraint is an addictive pleasure a spellbinding continuation of Eve’s journey of self-discovery, love and sacrifice.
Readers captivated by Revelation will eagerly devour Restraint.
Restraint is volume two in The Revelation Series.
My Review Restraint is more intense, more action-packed, steamier, and more heartbreaking than Revelation. The story picks up on the heels of the tragic loss of Aria as Eve tries to deal not only with her grief, but the guilt she feels over Aria’s death. Asher is forbidden to love Eve and Eve feels her preoccupation with Asher is partly to blame for what happened to Aria, so they both must exercise restraint when it comes to the other. With these two, that’s easier said than done.
Lucifer is after Eve and he’s got a legion of dark followers to help him. Eve has her gargoyles, and her ascension powers. And then there’ all that unresolved sexual tension which drives many of the best moments in the book.
Plot I thought the plot was more gripping than Revelation. Revelation was about Eve discovering who she is and what she’s to become. But now that she knows, we really get into the meat of the action. Between that and the insanely hot scenes between Eve and Asher, Restraint was hard to put down. And I’ll admit, I’m dying read about Eve’s experience with Asher’s, er….piercing…
Characters The characters are true to form. There is some development, but not a ton. And I think that’s okay at this stage. Restraint is more about plot development than character development. I’m still intrigued by Gage, still love Asher, and still want to see Eve succeed. I’m beginning to soften toward McKenna and might be secretly in love with Callan. One of the best scenes in the book involves Callan, sexual frustration, and lots of baked goods.
Bottom Line Restraint is a solid follow up to Revelation that furthers the plot in intense fashion. If you like your paranormal romances on the steamy side, this is right up your alley.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
About the Book Title: Restraint (Revelation Series #2) Author: Randi Cooley Wilson Release Date: July 23, 2014 Pages: 250 Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
Author Randi Cooley wilson
About the Author Randi was born and raised in Massachusetts where she attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies. After graduation she moved to California where she lived happily bathed in sunshine and warm weather for fifteen years.
Randi and her husband recently moved back to Massachusetts with their daughter where she was encouraged to begin writing again.
Revelation is her first novel and The Revelations Series is her first New Adult Paranormal Romance book series.
“I’ve had a love affair with books, writing and storytelling since childhood. It has been a dream of mine to introduce this world and these characters to you. I hope I’ve done them justice.”
Randi loves to hear from readers, you can reach out to her via Twitter: R_CooleyWilson and/or Facebook: authorrandicooleywilson
REVELATION (The Revelation #1) by Randi Cooley Wilson
Synopsis A DIVINE SECRET,
A LOYAL PROTECTOR,
A FORBIDDEN LOVE.
Eve Collins starts her freshman year at college blissfully unaware that one revelation will challenge everything she’s believed to be true about her family, life, and future, and right in the midst of it all is Asher St. Michael.
Mysterious and aloof, Asher is appointed to protect Eve at all costs. Bound by his oath of loyalty to mankind, loving her is forbidden. Dark and enigmatic, Gage Gallagher may be even more dangerous to Eve than the demonic army that hunts her.
Caught in the middle of a centuries old war, Eve must choose sides knowing that the wrong choice will cost more than just her life. Can Asher and Eve fulfill their destinies or will their love destroy everything? Revelation is a journey of self-discovery, love, and sacrifice.
This is volume one of a series.
My Review I love stories of forbidden love, particularly when they involve hot bad boys. Revelation includes both. The extensive world building Randi Cooley Wilson includes is like whipped cream and a cherry on top.
Eve is a typical college freshman, balancing school, life, and the tense interpersonal relationships that accompany living in close quarter with three relative strangers. Enter two different, but equally hot boys who each have a strange fascination with her, and her life is about to get really complicated. And that’s all before she finds out who she really is and what destiny has in store for her.
The sexual tension between her and forbidden love, Asher, is palpable. Her reluctance to embrace her fate is understandable. And the battle for good and evil? Oh, it’s only just begun!
Plot
Eve discovers she’s more than she ever imagined and that the world she lives is far more than anyone ever knew. She battles with her true identity, the role of Asher in her life, and her destiny. Much of the early plot is devoted to Eve learning who and what she is. It’s a pretty substantial info dump, but it’s done through dialogue, and Eve’s interwoven reactions help keep things moving. The subplot of her relationship with Asher is easily the most intense storyline. The push and pull, the clashing of personalities, the sexual tension, all drive it in delicious fashion.
The author does a masterful job of doling out information slowly, on a need-to-know basis. Most of the time, those with the information feel Eve doesn’t need to know, which means the reader doesn’t get to know it either, hooking us in all the right places.
While Eve struggles to come to grips with her new reality, there are times she seems to accept some of it a little too easily. And her relationship with Asher seems to turn on a dime early on, before returning to a more realistic pace. But I was able to overlook those issues as I got deeper into the meat of the story.
Characters Revelation’s characters are deep and rich, snarky and fun. The dialogue is witty and may be the best part of the character interaction. Eve is complex. Part innocent, part bitch on wheels, getting in everyone’s face and never backing down. It’s fun to watch her process her ever-changing understanding of what’s going on.
Asher…intense, hot, loyal. This excerpt pretty much sums it up: I turn around. The minute I glance at him, my heart skips a beat. He’s wearing nothing but jeans, hanging low on his hips. No shirt, black dragon tattoo on display along with every single one of his firm muscles. I think I actually hear Aria purr. Yep, I kind of want to purr, too.
Eve is off limits, but that doesn’t stop him from teasing her or throwing out sexual innuendo like candy from a circus clown. It almost seems cruel and yet still adorable at the same time.
Aria, Kenna, Abby, Callan and Keegan each have their own distinct personalities that shine through their words and actions. Even Gage, who is the most enigmatic of the supporting cast, is darkly fascinating.
Bottom Line Revelation is a new take on the paranormal genre. This has some of the most detailed world-building I’ve read in awhile. The characters are fun and the romance is both heartbreakingly sweet and achingly tragic.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
About the Book Title: Revelation (Revelation Series #1) Author: Randi Cooley Wilson Release Date: April 23, 2014 Pages: 314 Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
About the Author Randi was born and raised in Massachusetts where she attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies. After graduation she moved to California where she lived happily bathed in sunshine and warm weather for fifteen years.
Randi and her husband recently moved back to Massachusetts with their daughter where she was encouraged to begin writing again.
Revelation is her first novel and The Revelations Series is her first New Adult Paranormal Romance book series.
“I’ve had a love affair with books, writing and storytelling since childhood. It has been a dream of mine to introduce this world and these characters to you. I hope I’ve done them justice.”
Randi loves to hear from readers, you can reach out to her via Twitter: R_CooleyWilson and/or Facebook: authorrandicooleywilson
Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn’t exactly awesome–especially when Alexandria’s other half is everywhere she goes. Seth’s in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom–so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do–and sacrifice–for her.
When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies–lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon–and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn’t blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude–or killing her. When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.
My Review This book was even better than the first, more action, more emotion, more intensity, heart anguish. The story builds solidly on the first, further exploring the world the author has created and developing the characters who inhabit it. I had an idea of where this story was going, but I was dead wrong. And that was so fun! Nothing bores me like predictability and the fact that the author kept surprising me kept any boredom at bay.
Plot
Lots of twists and turns in this story. The plot is intriguing and I never knew where we were going, because this fantasy world created by JLA is based on Greek mythology, but is still a world of her own making. Which means she makes the rules and anything goes. There was more action in this book and definitely more Alex snark, which is always a good thing. The fact that we get to know Seth a little more is a bonus.
Characters
Jennifer L. Armentrout does snarky characters like no one else, and Pure doesn’t disappoint. Alex is Alex, but she’s growing although she’s still making mistakes. She wouldn’t be Alex if she didn’t. Aiden is still perfect and he’s still my book boyfriend for life (BBFL), but there’s something about Seth. The way he’s so cocky, yet just below the surface, there is something…damaged. It makes me want him to be one of the good guys, but the jury is still out on that. What isn’t unclear is that he’s a thoroughly fascinating character.
Bottom Line Pure is exciting, twisty, full of action, and really hard to put down.
Title: Pure Series: Covenant Series #2 Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout Publisher: Spencer Hill Press Pages: 363 Category: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Synopsis The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals–well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.
Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she’s crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden.
But falling for Aiden isn’t her biggest problem–staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.
My Review There’s so much to love about Half-Blood. First, there’s Alex. She’s a feisty, irreverent, half-blood who’s never met a rule she’s not willing to break. And when the biggest rule of all means the boy of her dreams is totally off limits, you know there’s going to be trouble. The world Jennifer L. Armentrout has created is part Percy Jackson, part Vampire Academy, with a dash of Harry Potter. After Alex’s mother is killed, she returns to the Covenant where she was born to train to be a Sentinel. When Aiden, the boy she’s crushing on hard, agrees to train her, sparks fly and all hell breaks loose.
Plot
I know there are a lot of similarities to other books, and I’ve heard a lot of people complain, but as the saying goes, there are only seven original plots. The rest is execution and the author delivers a story that stands apart from the others and as a result, is unpredictable. Sure, we know something’s going to happen between Aiden and Alex because it’s forbidden, but this is a young adult romance after all. But what we don’t know is how the rest of the story is going to play out and how the intense attraction between the two of them is not only going to affect their lives, but the lives of everyone around them.
Characters
I like Alex. She’s mouthy, stubborn, and impulsive, which makes her unlikeable to some, but it’s probably what I like most about her. I get tired of female heroes who never do anything wrong. Sure, Alex does everything wrong, but it so fits her personality that I get her. Aiden is my book boyfriend. He’s perfect in every way. In fact, he’s the anti-Alex. Far from being a drawback, though, his perfection only makes him more endearing, because he tries to keep Alex in line. But, I think my favorite character is Caleb. As Alex’s best friend, he has some of the best lines and their relationship is sweet and helps humanize Alex a bit.
Bottom Line Half-Blood is a thrilling young adult adventure with a strong romantic component and both the romance and the adventure will leave you breathless.
Title: Half-Blood (Covenant Series #1) Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout Publisher: Spencer Hill Press Pages: 303 Category: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Synopsis Star reporter Sloane Masterson knows she has one helluva story when she witnesses hottie Hayden Lancaster bending forks with his mind.
Like any good journalist, Sloane sets out to uncover the truth, even if it includes a little stalking. When the superhuman feats start to pile up and the undeniable heat rises between them, Hayden has no choice but to reveal his secret: he’s an alien hybrid.
They’re as different as night and day—she’s a curvy, purple-haired, horror junkie and he’s a smoking hot, antisocial, brainiac—yet the intense fascination between them refuses to go away. Even at Hayden’s insistence that dating each other is “off limits” and dangerous, their fiery attraction threatens to go supernova.
Now Sloane’s dealing with creepy government agents, über snobby extraterrestrials, and a psycho alien ex-girlfriend out for revenge. After a crash course on the rules of interstellar dating, Sloane must decide if their star-crossed romance is worth risking her own life.
My Review I thoroughly enjoyed Lost in Starlight by Sherry Soule. Her youthful voice, fun and quirky characters, and intriguing plot hooked me from the first chapter. There were a lot of similarities to Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Obsidian — the main character runs a review blog, but in this case horror films and not books, there’s a hot alien with unusual eye color, an equally hot alien ex-girlfriend, a secret alien society, and oppressive government involvement. But there were also enough differences that I found myself lost in the story and stopped trying to compare the two.
Plot
The plot moves along, the dialogue is witty, and I’m ready to read the rest of the series whenever it’s available. To me, that’s solid storytelling. There were a few things that kept it from being a full five-star review. For one, I felt like there were a few gratuitous kissing scenes. Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE kissing scenes, they are among my favorite types of scenes. But they tend to lose their effect when there are so many of them, and nothing really develops. I’m not saying that things needed to escalate, but if there is no escalation, we don’t need the play-by-play for every kiss. If it’s just more of the same, it’s okay to gloss over it to keep the plot moving forward.
Another issue I had was that Sloane seemed to overthink things to the point that I didn’t feel like she was developing as much as I’d hoped. She seemed stuck, and given her situation, that’s understandable, but the reader doesn’t need to revisit the same points with her over and over again.
Characters
Sloane is fantastic. She’s strong, smart-mouthed, funny, and confident. I love that she’s not super skinny and that she’s mostly content with her size 12/14 body. That really sets her apart from so many other young adult protagonists. I love her crazy purple hair. In fact, my daughter just had her hair colored and chose purple, so when I read about Sloane, she was already somewhat endeared to me just because of that. And I can personally relate to having big boobs in high school and the utter obsession boys have at that age of talking to your chest.
I adore her two best friends. Both of them are interesting, non-stereotypical, loyal, and exactly the kind of girls I’d want to have for my besties. Hayden is pretty cool, too, although I’m still trying to piece him together. In some ways, he’s a selfish teenage boy who just happened to fall in love with the wrong girl, but manages to do the right thing at times. In other ways, he seems far older than 18 and he talks way more than any teenage boy I’ve ever met. But all things considered, he’s not your average teenage boy, which makes him interesting and unpredictable.
About the only characters I found lacking to the point of distraction were Tama and Darion. Without giving anything away, I’ll just say I had a hard time believing their actions. It’s possible we’ll get a little more insight into them in the next book in the series, but for this story, I had to suspend a lot of disbelief to get through their scenes.
Bottom Line
Lost in Starlight is a fast-paced, fun read that left me wanting to read more.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Title: Lost in Starlight (Starlight Saga #1) Author: Sherry Soule Publisher: Moonlight Publishing Pages: 293 Category: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Kobo
About the Author Sherry Soule lives with her family and one very spoiled black cat in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the bestselling author of the adult novel, “Immortal Eclipse” and the popular YA series: Spellbound. Sherry writes thrilling tales of romance and suspense, often mingled with a dash of the mystical and a splash of trendy fashion. Her love of literature began when she was a young girl and it has continued throughout her life.
Her published novels do not include any graphic sex scenes or explicit violence, nor excessive profanity, so that all of her novels can be read and enjoyed by both teens and adults.
Sherry’s debut novel, “Beautifully Broken” was nominated for Best Paranormal Romance in the 2011 Wizard and Witch/Sorcery category by The Romance Reviews (TRR). Her adult novel, “Immortal Eclipse” is a *TOP PICK* by Night Owl Reviews.
About the Author
Characters