Review: The Goddess Test (Goddess Test #1) by Aimee Carter

Synopsis: It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess. Source

Review

Plot: I'm a huge fan of adaptions, including ones that involve Greek mythology. This book really surprised me, I thought that stepping into the history of the gods was a bit dangerous. Since I studied Greek mythology, I was hesitant if they would bring up the dark situations that revolve around the gods. I was happy to see that Carter did explain some of those topics and in a subtle way. The plot was a bit confusing at first because we were going by what Kate was experiencing. In the prologue we got a small hint of what was going on, but we were still clueless. I was waiting for them to reveal everything, but they would reveal some secrets at a time and they were surprising. Luckily, by the end, I was caught up with everything that was going on. The only element of the story I had trouble with was the romance. Henry has this heavy and tall wall up because of his last experience with love as well as "The Test". Kate ties to break down his wall and get him to open up, but even towards the ending of the book, it was hard to know whether or not he truly had feelings for her. Sometimes it would seem as though he was just saying and doing what Kate wanted him to.

Characters: Kate - She was a headache at times. Kate wanted to look at every situation in a logical stand point and pick the logical decision. Well, you can't do that when you're dealing with mythical gods and a test that determines your fate. She was stubborn and distant at times, but halfway through the story, you could tell that she was embracing where she was at.

Henry - I loved how mysterious he was throughout the book and I feel there's still more about him we don't know. He always seemed hesitant or distant from Kate. At times, I could see that he was falling for her. But, even when he said the beautiful three words any girl wants to hear...I didn't believe it.

Cover: I like the cover. The boldness of the green on the leaves and grass is beautiful and seems to compare with the Garden of Eden. The girl fits the description of Kate, however I'm not a big fan on the expression she gives. I wish it was different, like maybe sadness or lovesick, something other than the current one.

Overall Rating: I'm giving this book a three out of four. The plot was great and I loved the mix in of the gods and mythology, but the romance wasn't doing it for me. Also, I wish that the gods were a bit more stereotypical. Not to the point where Zeus had a lightning bolt in his hand and Poseidon was constantly in water, but just more than we were given. When they announced who was who, I couldn't believe that they were seriously that god. I would give this book a try, I like it enough where I'll continue the series, but will be hesitant gong in. If you like Greek mythology, I think this is a pretty good adaption of them.

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

Synopsis: Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents rules;especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father's office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be the key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To improve her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen's sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill's accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything, even Tristen's love just for the thrill of being . . . bad. Source
 
Review
Plot: I am a huge fan of Beth Fantaskey, so I was excited when I got my hands on JLH finally. I'm glad I got the chance to take a break from the UF and paranormal world for awhile, and Jekel Loves Hyde was an amazing read. I loved the book because it was a great romantic adaption of the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story. I was scared to see Jill's bad side, I automatically knew it would be something with her being more..."easy". When I read her on her "Hyde" side, she was "easy", but she used it to help her kill. It was kind of interesting to see Tristen because at some points, you thought he had a mental illness but you also knew there was something more to it. The most interesting part of the book had to be that it was two characters instead of one. Usually with the Jekyll and Hyde story, it's just one person going through it. This book shows one person trying to save the other, but it happens to both of them. I liked it because both characters were the victims and the heroes.
 
Characters: Jill-I liked Jill in the aspect of a strong and brave heroin. Jill was sort of the stereotypical smart girl: glasses, loves chemistry, and is lonely. However, I did like that she was sort of stereotypical because Dr. Jekyll was a scientist and you couldn't have a Jekel that went to parties every weekend and wore short skirts or else when she did change, you couldn't see a difference.
Tristen-Thank you, Beth, for making this boy British. I love British boys and their accents, so Tristen had my vote from the very beginning. He was different from other romantic interests because he was so distant with Jill, but not... He wold share his deep feelings about how he felt about the "beast" inside of him with Jill, but keep some things from her. He was very sweet though and I almost melted when he called Jill "beautiful" or "dear". If I was her, I would have toppled over every time his British behind said those things.
 
Cover: This cover is absolutely stunning. The only thing I wanted was to see Tristen's face. I've noticed that the protagonists (Jill and Jessica from Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side) have their face shown, but you only see the guys' body. I like that she kind has her own trademark. Now when I see that kind of thing, I'll think of Beth Fantaskey. But,Tristen, please show me your face!
 
Overall Rating: I give this book a four! It was amazing, I love Beth Fantaskey's stuff. The ending to this book was a nice happily ever after. I am kind of hoping Beth has a sequel to this because I feel like stuff is just beginning between Jill and Tristen. Usually when I wish, there is no sequel...but I can only hope. If you have read this and liked it...please read Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, it is absolutely amazing and I am so ready for the sequel. You can read Jessica's and Lucius' wedding here.

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

Review: Sisters Red (Sisters Red #1) by Jackson Pearce

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 fiercely alongside her. Now Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves and finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax– but loving him means betraying her sister and has the potential to destroy all they’ve worked for.

Twenty-five-year-old Jackson Pearce delivers a dark, taut fairy tale with heart-pounding action, fierce sisterly love, and a romance that will leave readers breathless. Source

Review
Plot: I wanted to take some time out from my book challenges, so I picked up this book when I saw that many other book blogs have reviewed it. I am a sucker for a good retell on classics...when they're done right. I have to say that I loved Sisters Red. It was a nice refreshing take on an age old classic. I loved how instead of the main character being just one person, it was two sisters. Not only were they sisters, but they talk throughout the book of having the same heart. I loved that type of metaphor, but it did seem like that fact got in the way of both of them. The book is told in both Rosie and Scarlett point of views. I have to say that I preferred Rosie's point of views because she had outside interests and more emotions. She started to fall for Silas and she wanted a life outside of just hunting Fenris (like werewolves). It was nice to see that she didn't want to disappoint or hurt her sister, but she didn't want to deny that she wanted something more. Scarlett's chapters were harder to read because they honestly all about hunting. I understood it was her passion, but I was sort of thankful when Rosie chapters would come around because I could kind of take a break from hunting. I did, however, like that you saw the differences between someone who loves hunting and someone who feels that they are binded to hunting.

Characters: Scarlett-I liked Scarlett. She was a nice character to provide the motherly and protective half of the two sisters. She is tied to hunting willingly, but wishes that she could have a normal life. But, with all of her scars and bites, she knows she could never have a normal life.
Rosie-Rosie wants that normal life back. She wants to go to school and do things that interest her. I loved her most when she was struggling between her love for Silas and her love for her sister. She doesn't want to disappoint her sister by disliking to hunt day in and day out, but she wants to have a life and show her feelings for Silas.
Silas-I liked Silas for the most part. He was hesitant to make a relationship with Rosie, but wanted to for the most part. He also wanted a life outside of hunting and wasn't afraid to tell Scarlett that. I will say without giving out any spoilers that I was pissed with Silas at one point. He cheated on Rosie...well, in a way, he cheated on her. I won't say when, but you will know the part I was talking about.

Cover: I loved the cover to this. It was creative to connect the girls' hair with the wolf. It was beautifully done and I loved how simple the cover is, but each color and design are very well pronounced.

Overall Rating: I give this book a four out of four because it was a great retelling of an old classic and I do recommend who love Little Red Riding Hood or want to see Red Riding Hood movie that comes out in March, please read this book. There is a sequel coming out. There is no set date or title, but Little Brown has made a deal with Pearce for a sequel!

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: Beastly by Alex Flinn

“a must-read for fairy-tale fans.” (School Library Journal )
“Teens will race to see if the beast get his kiss, lifts the curse, and lives happily ever after.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“[An] engrossing tale that will have appeal for fans of fantasy and realistic fiction” -- VOYA. (Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) )
I am a beast.

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.


You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly. Amazon

I read this book about a week ago after finding it in the Young Adult section. This was one book that once I started I couldn't stop...and I pushed my summer reading back even further. *cough* I'm a sucker for good remakes of classics, this one was of Beauty and the Beast.

The plot was an obvious plot. A very gorgeous guy gets turned into a beast because he is ugly on the inside and the witch turned him ugly on the out. Then he has to find a girl who will love him for him, which turns out to be an average girl. Even with the obvious plot and ending, I did love the writing and the characters and emotion in the writing made me love the book.

Speaking of the characters...AH-mazing! Of course, the characters did make the whole book, even though they were somewhat predictable. Kyle was a good character but he got on my nerves when it came to him talking about looks. Even when he was a beast, looks were still everything to him. He did develop well in the book though, the progression of Kyle becoming a "Beauty" of his own was nice to see. To me, everyone cares about looks and Kyle did draw them out a lot but by the end of the book, they are still there but not in the wrong ways.

I loved Lindy in this story. She was a good natural girl...if that makes sense. Like any other girl, she was peeved and frightened at first. She is a great character for the book beacause she gives Kyle a wake up check. I certainly loved the parts where Kyle was obsessing with her because she wasn't warming up to him. And, I loved her during the part of the "dance" you all know in the classic story, but it's not the exact same "dance" with the yellow dress and all that.

I recommend this Young Adult and romance readers. It was an amazing read and I think other than Starcrossed, Beastly was one of my favorite summer reads. I give this book a four out of four for the great plot and writing, along with the amazing characters.

P.S. There will be a film adaption, I've seen the trailer. After reading the book, it doesn't look like the film will be ANYWHERE near as good as the book, so I recommend you guys read the book before you go see the movie. Before watching the trailer below, there are two key ideas in the book that obviously were overlooked in the movie: 1) Kyle is supposed to be a beast, with fur, claws, and all. and 2) Lindy is supposed to have red hair. Of course, I will go see the movie but after readnig the book, I think there will be a lot of "That wasn't in the book!" comments in my section.


Peace and Fangs,
Alisha