Review: Dead Rules by Randy Russell

Title: Dead Rules

Author: Randy Russell

Series: N/A

Format: Hardcover (376 pages)

Release Date: June 21, 2011

Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, Drama, YA, Thriller/Horror/Suspense

Rating:

 

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Summary

Till death
Jana Webster and Michael Haynes were in love. They were destined to be together forever.

Do
But Jana's destiny was fatally flawed. And now she's in Dead School, where Mars Dreamcote lurks in the back of the classroom, with his beguiling blue eyes, mysterious smile, and irresistibly warm touch.

Us
Michael and Jana were incomplete without each other. There was no room for Mars in Jana's life—or death—story. Jana was sure Michael would rush to her side soon.

Part
But things aren't going according to Jana's plan. So Jana decides to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true—no matter what rules she has to break.

Source

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Review

Plot: The plot is very simple, Jana Webster has died and can not fully grasp her surroundings until her still living boyfriend, Michael, is along with her in Dead School. The plot seemed innocent at first. To me, Jana was so in love with Michael, she wished he would be beside her as she went through this process anyone would be scared about. However, as the story progressed, I knew it was more of an obsession than love. We follow Jana for a majority of the time, but it isn't until we see other characters' POVs that we see something is wrong. Jana will do and has done anything to get Michael to be beside her in the afterlife. The plot takes a bunch of twists and turns with many of the characters to keep you intrigued along with Jana's.

Character(s): Jana - I don't know if it is me, but again, I couldn't connect with Jana. It really felt like you were just reading her story. I was invested more in the other characters and what was going to happen, but Jana was too extreme for me to relate or feel empathetic towards. She's so blind by what she assumes is her happily ever after, she doesn't focus on what's in front of her. I don't know if this is due to the fact she just doesn't want to grasp that she died or that she really was obsessed with him, but it seemed so ridiculous the measures she would go to for a boyfriend. But maybe that was just it, maybe she truly does feel he is the only thing she has.
Mars - I can't say much about him with giving stuff away, but I can say looks can be deceiving. Mars seems like a total sweetheart and misunderstood because of his position of a Slider. He gets left behind and is the in between for Jana to get to Michael, which is a shame. I loved his story more and wish it could have been fully in his view with just Jana as the new girl and seeing her story play out through his eyes. But at the same time, it is a nice lesson to show to not be blinded by what you know but take risks with people or to not believe that there is only one form of happiness in one person. Mars is such an intriguing character and I wish there was more of him than I got.

Cover: The cover describes the theme of the book. It is elegantly disturbing. The eyes of the girl kind of remind me of Jana's character. She is visually beautiful and elegant, but there's a darkness and disturbance from her childhood and experience that makes her appearance terrifying at times.

Closing Thoughts: I'm giving this book a three out of four because this is the only time I thought a book truly needed a sequel. Many times, I just want another installment, but this one kind of needs one. The ending was left so open for all of the characters and there was no true development of Jana other than her knowledge to certain things that occurred. Plus, I want to know what happens to Mars in the long run. Even if Jana is not in it, I want to know his story. It is a beautiful book and I'll recommend it if you're looking for more of a dark read, but just be ready for many questions risen and only some answered.

Where to find Randy:

Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: Generation Dead (Generation Dead #1) by Daniel Waters

Title: Generation Dead

Author: Daniel Waters

Series: Generation Dead
            1. Generation Dead
            2. Kiss of Life
            3. Passing Strange

Format: Hardcover (392  pages)

Release Date: May 6, 2008

Genre(s): YA, Paranormal Romance, Horror, Fantasy, Drama

Rating:

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Summary

Phoebe Kendall is just your typical Goth girl with a crush. He’s strong and silent…and dead.

All over the country, a strange phenomenon is occurring. Some teenagers who die aren't staying dead. But when they come back to life, they are no longer the same. Feared and misunderstood, they are doing their best to blend into a society that doesn’t want them.

The administration at Oakvale High attempts to be more welcoming of the “differently biotic." But the students don’t want to take classes or eat in the cafeteria next to someone who isn’t breathing. And there are no laws that exist to protect the “living impaired” from the people who want them to disappear—for good.

When Phoebe falls for Tommy Williams, the leader of the dead kids, no one can believe it; not her best friend, Margi, and especially not her neighbor, Adam, the star of the football team. Adam has feelings for Phoebe that run much deeper than just friendship; he would do anything for her. But what if protecting Tommy is the one thing that would make her happy? Source

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Review

Plot: In Generation Dead, zombies are not a sign of the end of the world nor are they a hidden creature. They live among the living and are only young Americans. I was very curious why this was happening to a select group, but there was very little actually discovered apparently. In the book, scientists are trying to find out why it is happening, but I wish there was some progression so the reader wasn't so confused on how there are zombies. Besides that, the book is set in third person but has multiple viewpoints throughout the book, but the main character followed is Phoebe. She has a crush on Tommy who is a living impaired student at her school. He becomes more of a spectacle when he wants to go out for the school's football team. Throughout the book, you can see one football player's animosity towards Tommy grow to the point where he plans to hurt him. There is a lot that goes on in a book, but is slow at times. It is hard to sum up the book because there were so many questions left unanswered and so many things that were happening.

Character(s): Phoebe - I'm not completely sure whether or not I like her. I loved that she stuck up for Tommy and the other living impaired, but I wondered if she would have still done it if she wasn't into Tommy. I wish they went more into Phoebe before meeting Tommy because it seemed like there was no life to Phoebe before Tommy and the living impaired walked into her school. She does have personality and some fire in her, but I also wish there was more than just living impaired on her brain sometimes.
Tommy - He was definitely a person I wish we followed more. I wish it was more in his viewpoint since we all know how humans feel and it would be nice to go just between first person POV with Phoebe and Tommy. At first, I thought he was a great guy but after Phoebe started questioning his actions and how he acted towards her, I didn't know if he was what I thought he was. Hopefully, we learn more about him in later books.
Adam - I have to talk about him because he is a favorite of mine. I loved how simple his life was but also how much of an underdog he is in the book even though other characters assume he is not. He has feelings for Phoebe but they go completely unrequited or not recognized because her focus is on Tommy. I honestly wish he got some good luck because he absolutely none in this book, even after he continually helped Phoebe out. I'm hoping he gets more credit and is actually in Phoebe's focus now.

Cover: I love this cover because it reminds me of The Ghost and the Goth cover. It's bright and colorful, which is great when you're finding summer reads, but also has the darkness of paranormal from the cheerleader. It's beautiful and glad the rest of the series' covers look awesome as well.

Closing Thoughts: I'm giving this book a three out of four because it was interesting to read but not enough..."wow" factor. I wish there was something huge that happened or that the characters had a little more obstacles, but this is just the first installment. I would still recommend this because it is a fun read, but it is just a bit slow sometimes. However, I'm still going forward with the rest of the series because I really want to see what happens to the characters after this first book.

Where to find Daniel:

Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare

Synopsis: The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most important of all—Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her. His mother just found out he’s a vampire and now he’s homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse wrecking his life. And they’re willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he’s dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.
 
Review
Plot: I was very hesitant going into this book because I heard that Simon would be a major part of the story. I loved Simon, but I was so used to Clary being in the spotlight that it would be weird to read about someone else. However, Clare did an amazing job with Simon's story. It seemed sensible with sharing his story since he was a vampire with a Shadowhunter best friend and two girls vying for his attention, who have no idea about each other. The plot continues with the other characters' stories as well as new secrets revealed, which is a nice breather rather than reading one person's story. But, Simon was interesting to read about because usually with vampire stories, they leave their families behind or their families were never really around. With Simon's family, he tries to think of a way to tell them, but is too afraid of what they'll think of him. Also, with Simon's abilities, more evil tries to capture Simon's power, which is great for a wedding!
 
Characters: Simon - His storyline was great! I felt like it went in the right direction, however, I felt like it was sort of predictable. I loved that he wasn't afraid to say how he felt and show his love for Clary. When it came to his love triangle, I was very confused. I won't give away spoilers, but it was very obvious which girl he truly liked and the other one he just dated because he still cared for her. Even if he did end up with the same girl, I wish the road there would be a little less predictable.
Clary - Overall, Clary still has a very important storyline in here with dealing with her new Shadowhunter status and Jace's weird behavior. I felt like I was Clary when dealing with Jace because even though you knew things she didn't know, you were still trying to figure out his motives and thoughts in certain scenes.
 
Cover: Clare never disappoints us with brilliant covers. I love Simon and Clary on here and the colors. my only problem is with the dress Clary is wearing. It doesn't necessarily change my mind on the cover; it just doesn't seem as beautiful as described in the book.
 
Overall Rating: I'm giving this book a three out of four. This book was not the best out of the series, but it was nice to get a different perspective and character to look at. Clare appeased my reluctance to read this book. Even though this book didn't fully hit my expectations, I'm so excited for the last two installments. If you haven't read the MI series yet, I would advise you to. It is the kind of series that hits every different type of audience and has something everyone can relate to.

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

Review: Betrayed (House of Night #2) by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Synopsis: Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night. She's come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey's old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.

Review

Plot: I was happy to finally continue this series and see if the series would go on a good path that the first book left us off with. I was, however, very disappointed with the second installment. I was hoping that we got to see Zoey grow up to be the Dark Daughers' leader and grow into her own. It was hard to see if any of that was happening with the many immature situations going on. I wanted to like this book as much as I liked the first installment, but I couldn't get over the teen angst that was evident in all of the characters. The plot line was intriguing and is very well-developed. I could definitely see issues that will pop up in the third installment and new tensions forming.

Characters: Zoey - There are so many characters, I'll stick with Zoey for now. I loved Zoey in the first book. She was very feisty and passionate about the ones she loved and helping others. It was nice to see a strong character and comfortable with herself. In this installment, I saw that Zoey start to diminish. She seemed to start lacking maturity or just thinking through her decisions. I'm hoping it will get better as the series goes on, but this book did not do her justice.

Cover: I love the series' covers. The intricate designs and dark hues truly make the reader grab the atmosphere of what House of Night is like. Plus, they do an amazing job with getting the models to look like the actual characters.

Overall Rating: I'm giving this book a two out of four. I couldn't get into it and was questioning almost every action Zoey or someone else made. I wish I could get into this series, but after this book, I don't think I can continue. The Casts do an amazing job with their descriptions and writing, but it wasn't enough to keep me drawn in.

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: Beneath the Skin (The Maker's Song #3) by Adrian Phoenix

Synopsis: THE FATE OF THREE WORLDS...

The dark pieces of vampire rock star Dante Baptiste's past are violently emerging, and it is only a matter of time before the Fallen discover he is the creawdwr they have sought for thousands of years. The destruction he left behind in Oregon threatens to reveal his identity as Fallen Maker and True Blood, exposing the young nightkind to shadowy predators -- mortal and supernatural -- who will do whatever it takes to win his favor...or destroy him.

RESTS IN DANTE'S HANDS.

When beautiful FBI special agent Heather Wallace went AWOL on assignment, she chose irresistible Dante over the shady government forces that now stalk them both. Heather has her own secrets of the past to uncover, but she is also the only one who can hold her nightkind lover together when his dangerous quest for the truth threatens to send him over the edge. And as she and Dante fight for their survival, she realizes they must work together to protect their future -- before his mysterious destiny tears them apart....

Review
Plot: I was so excited when I was able to finally get my hands on this book and get closer to being up-to-date with the series. The book quickly goes into where we left off in In Cold Blood, Heather and the gang continue to try to get back to New Orleans and figuring out how to control Dante's power. It was definitely filled with twist and turns that I was hoping for. We find out more about what Dante is and how his mind works along with his developing powers. I loved the parts where Dante flashed between reality and dreams because we got to see how bad Dante is becoming. I could feel myself getting tense and anxious from Dante's mind and could understand why he has constant seizures and migraines. But, Heather is his light, and when she was around him, it was hard not to see why he loves to be around her and the silence she brings. However, I didn't get as much romance as I wanted. The romantic scenes were nice and delicious, but it wasn't enough compared to the other books. Phoenix is always very elegant with her books with creating a plot along with a few steamy scenes, but I wish there were a few more. But, this book is still enough to keep me craving for the fourth installment.

Characters: Heather - Heather is an amazing character. I do love how she has progressed from being distant and closed off to being more emotional and letting not only Dante but others inside her head. She is very protective of Dante and that seemed more prevalent in this installment. We could see that she did have a jealous side, but it was never spoken too much about to discover her insecurities.
Dante - Of course, we all love Dante! (It's hard not to.) But, I felt a little distant from him. I did love the scenes with seeing into his mind and dreams. However, when it came to his relationship with Heather, it didn't seem like it was his priority. I wouldn't expect it to be though. He's trying to figure out what he is and how to control it along with finding out what happened with Lucien and getting away from almost every creature on earth.

Cover: I love the colors of this color. It is very dark and sinister in the background with Heather on the cover. I don't really like the wig the model is wearing, but I do like how the covers usually translate the characters.

Overall Rating: I will give this book a three out of four. I absolutely love this series and can't wait to see what Phoenix has in store for us fans! This installment was a great bridge to what is to come in the series. I was shocked by some of the turns the book takes, but it's definitely nice turns. The plot is progressing with not only people finding out about Dante being a True Blood and Fallen Maker but also him evolving into his own. This is a must read series and I commend Phoenix for such an amazing series!

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

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

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
 
Review
Plot: I've heard so much about this book and with the movie fast approaching, I decided I would give this a try. At first, when I started to read it, I didn't understand hype or anything. I was intrigued by what became of North America and how even though it is in the future, it doesn't seem like it by District Twelve. However, you start to understand why they don't have much cable or even water sometimes. The government controls everything and that is where the Games come into play, to make sure everyone stays in line. Once Katniss came forward in place of her sister, the ball started to roll...including with Peeta. It wasn't until we met Cinna where I started to get emotionally involved with the book. He observes Katniss and expresses her personality through her wardrobe and the outfits she describes sound so extravagant and glamorous that I can not wait to see what they look like in the film. As the Games start, I was clenching my teeth and hoping for the best for Katniss. While reading it, you are completely engrossed in the Games and start choosing the characters you like and which ones you could do without. And, Collins, is not shy not tell the details of someones death or the wounds on opponents. I could see myself cheering when Katniss avoided death or finally found water! The plot is centered around the Games, but you can see that there is more to come after the Games, including Katniss' rebellious moments.
 
Characters: Katniss - I was very wary of her when I started to read the book. She was a very closed off character and didn't acknowledge her emotions, which I had seen before. But, it was so hard for me not to love her. She had a hard life and was the bread winner of the family. Plus, she went in the place of her sister, so that gave a million check marks by her name for me.
Peeta - Peeta is very funny and a relief compared to the constant high stakes emotions Katniss has. However, I can not see him as a good fit for Katniss. He says the cutest things sometimes, but when it came to the action and helping Katniss, he fell flat. It was hard to see him just stand by while Katniss kicked butt and helped them survive. I'm all for girl power, but Peeta seemed to just keep getting hurt.
 
Cover: I love the Mockingjay pin. The description of them seemed to fit Katniss and her journey. But, I liked it mostly because it signified her district and that she was representing a group of people who are looked upon as weak.
 
Overall Rating: I am giving this book a three out of four. The plot is definitely enticing and I am even more excited for this series, but it had a slow start. It seemed to take forever for just Katniss to get to the Capitol. The book, however, is an amazing read and this is a great book to read if you're into dystopia and action. Plus, it has the romance that us love addicts want.

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

"In the beginning, there's boy standing in the trees....
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angle blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place- and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tires to find her way int a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she's have to make- between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?"

Plot: Best. Book. Ever. I probably say that about every book I have reviewed, but I mean it. I wish I could tell you the ending, but I am not that kind of person. Anyway, the ending is really confusing so I don't think I could... In the beginning, Clara has finally found her purpose. She doesn't know much, but there's a boy and a fire. She figures she must have to save him. She moves away from her home, and moves to where she has to go. And may I just say, I think she is top on the list of "Worst First Days of School." She trains and works hard to stay focused on her "mission." But then Tucker comes along. At first he seems like some jerk who she can't stand, but then she gets to know him more. Everything turns into one big question mark as she struggles with everything she must decide. I love it!
Main Characters: Tucker. Is. Amazing. Nothing else to add to that. He is just epic in every way, shape, and form. Of course, so is Clara. She's a perfect balance of responsible and whiny teenager.
Cover: I was interested that it was Natalie Portman (...it is right?). I never see real celebrities on books for some reason and I thought it was awesome. She is one of my favorite actresses and she looks beautiful on this cover.

Overall: I read this one at my aunt's too, and I don't think I looked up once from this book. It is one of my favorites so far and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves romance stories about angels. I give this a 4/4 but for some reason my computer won't upload the picture, so imagine it's there.

Sweet Daydreams,
Brooke

P.S. If you go here then you can go to Cynthia Hand's blog, which has news about her books, and what I thought was cool, different covers for this book. One has her with her angel hair, and another has her with her redish orange. Look it up if you want!

Review: Captivate (Need #2) by Carrie Jones

Synopsis: Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure -- despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his. Source

 

Review

Plot: I was so excited to finally get back into the world of pixies when I bought Captivate. I was not disappointed when I was instantly dropped back into the war with the pixies. It was refreshing to have new and old characters talk more about the pixies. In Need, Zara and her friends painted the pixies as monsters and that was that. There were no if, ands, or buts about it. Since it is fiction and about myths, Jones can paint the pixies however she wants, so I thought that all pixies in this series are bad because Zara and her friends did. But, in this installment, we see that Zara and her friends are oblivious to the pixie world. They made assumptions about the whole race by what Zara's father did. Astley, a new pixie to Maine, has Zara start to open her eyes and make her rethink everything she believed. I am glad with the new character and can already guess that there will be a love-triangle, however, Astley is interesting and mysterious, so I know it won't be a smooth ride with him. Since we're on the topic of romance, I have to mention Nick and Zara's relationship. I love them together and every time Nick comes along I want to squeal with joy. However, I couldn't take the nicknames or the lovey dovey phrases. I love romance and I can deal with the squishy romance that you can only find in books, but I felt like their's was too much. However, they are such a cute couple and loved every minute they were together.

 

Characters: Zara - Zara is very logical. She likes to think things through and go through all of her options in every situation. It was hard to read sometimes when it was a high-intense situation and we'd hear every thought she had. But, she would speak them too. I'm not sure whether I like that or not. Sometimes, I do want to hear what she was thinking and how she felt, but I also did want them to get down to business. I'll have to see if I'll like this in the long run for her.

 

Nick - Nick is absolutely adorable. I could eat him up. I love how protective and loving he is towards Zara. He isn't perfect, which is what I love, because I can't stand the flawless love interests. Just like Zara, I got fustrated with him sometimes too, but I also wanted to squeel every time he said or did something romantic.

 

Astley - Loving him as the new character. It was hard to keep up with what he wanted, but I loved his personality. Since he is a pixie, he lives a different lifestyle and has better knowledge of the pixie world. I'm hoping I see more of him in Entice.

 

Cover: I love the Need series' covers. They are so simple and elegant with the black background and gold accents to the girl. I view the girrl as Zara since she is mostly human, but has pixie in her. So, the lips and tear are part of her as a pixie, plus giving a hint to the book's plot.

 

Overall Rating: I'm giving this book a three out of four. The plot was a great continuation from the first and a great opener to the third installment. Captivate brings back all the characters we love and adds growth to them while having the war of the pixies continue with even more surprises.

 

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

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: Jabril (Vampires in America #2) by D.B. Reynolds

Synopsis: Houston, Texas-Cowboy boots, baseball and journeys to the stars . . . right? Wrong. Because Houston is also home to Jabril Karim, one of the eight powerful Vampire Lords who control all of North America. And as Private Investigator Cynthia Leighton will soon discover, not all Vampire Lords are created equal. For Jabril is the face of evil in the new world, a vampire who values no life but his own, who enslaves those he desires, steals whatever he covets and destroys anyone who stands in his way. Running from L.A. and its seductive Vampire Lord, Raphael, Cyn sees the Houston job as a welcome refuge, a place to get away and heal her broken heart. But Texas will be no vacation. For in Jabril Karim, Cyn will confront a true enemy, one who will go to any lengths to satisfy his lusts, enrich his coffers and expand his power. Fighting for the lives of two young sisters, Cyn's journey will take her through the streets of Houston and back to L.A., where the human police are determined to bring Raphael down for the murder of one of their own. But the danger doesn't end there. For Jabril has set his sights on Cyn, and he will stop at nothing to have her. Source

Review

Plot: I was really eager to read this after the ending to Raphael. The last one left me wanting more of Raphael and Cyn. I was hesistant when I heard about a new vampire lord and a new character involved. The Cyn and Raphael romance did not falter and most of their scenes were...spicy! Along with the continuing romance, I did love the new vampire lord. He was so evil and tactless that I couldn't help but hate Jabril. His every step was only thought out for his benefit, even when it came to "friends". I wasn't too happy with some of the small characters.They seemed unnecessary to me and only used for the certain situation they were introduced in. Other than that, I loved the plot and thought it was a nice continuation on the characters and their lives.

Characters: Cyn - Cyn is a great heroine. She is able to carry herself, but she is trying to make up her mind about Raphael. I did like how she did think about Raphael and was heartbroken, but it didn't consume her thoughts. She had a job to do and she put her all into it.

Raphael - I couldn't get enough of him! He is so protective of Cyn, but yet is gentle and kind towards her. I loved when he would make up the dreams and hold her. I'm glad that he was in here, even when he physically wasn't.

Cover: I liked how it did have Jabril and Mirabelle were on the front. We've seen Cyn and Raphael, so it was nice to get a visual of the newcomers.

Overall Rating: I give this book a three out of four. I loved the book and the continuation on Raphael and Cyn, but there were some elements I could have done without. After reading the ending, I know the relationship status of Raphael and Cyn. However, I would still love more and see if they can still work with one another.

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Sirensong (Faeriewalker #3) by Jenna Black

"When Dana is invited to Faerie to be officially presented at the Seelie Court, it's no easy decision. After all, everyone knows Titania, the Seelie queen, wants her dead. But Titania declares not to be the one behind the death threats; and her son, Prince Henry, makes the decision a whole lot easier when he suggests Dana might be arrested for (supposedly) conspiring to usurp the Seelie throne. So she and her father better do as they're told... The journey through Faerie is long- and treacherous. Dana thought it would be a good idea to have her friends along, but her sort-of-boyfriend, Ethan, and her bodyguard's son, Keane, just can't seem to get along, and Kimber's crush on Keane isn't making anything easier. When a violent attack separates Dana from their caravan, the sexy Erkling saves her in just the nick of time... and makes it clear he hasn't given up on making her his own. Arriving at Titania's beautiful palace should be a relief. But Dana is soon implicated in an assassination attempt against Titania's granddaughter, and is suddenly a fugitive, forced to leave her father behind as she and her friends flee for their lives. Will she be able to prove her innocents before the forces of the Seelie Court- or worse, the Erkling- catch up with her? And will she save her father before he pays the ultimate price in her stead?"

Plot: This is another book that fails to mention it's the FINAL book in it's series (Faeriewalker). I emailed the author, Jenna Black, asking a couple of questions. One thing I asked was when the next one would be out since couldn't find a date or anything. She said... it was actually over! This was her favorite book out of the series, and I think it's mine too. I love the shocks and surprises and it always seems that as soon as one problem is solved another arises.

Main Character(s): I still love Dana. She's strong an knows the difference between right and wrong. Bravery and stupidity. I love her. I feel bad for her, because I have to say, her mom isn't the best in this one. I wanted to strangle her at times, and so did she, but she sticks with her.

Cover: All the covers (especially this one) are all so different from each other. But they all have similar aspects, like the sparkles. I love this one, and the color contrast.

Overall Rating: I give this a 3/4. I probably should give it a 4, but I am stubborn and don't exactly like who she ends with, but you can decide for yourself! This is the best book, and despite my feelings, has a great ending. It's well written, and I enjoyed it as much as the others.

Sweet Daydreams,

Brooke

Requested Review: Reborn (A Goddess of Night Novella #1) by Ley Mesina

Synopsis: Lily Westbrook discovers that being half witch and half vampire is more of a challenge than she thought. When her powers mature on her eighteenth birthday, she unlocks a mystery that many witches thought was a legend.

After moving back to her birthplace in Cedar Creek, MA to attend Kensington University, Lily is instantly pulled deeper into the world she was kept from- the world of witches and vampires-uncovering the truth about her past and discovering who she is meant to be. Source
 
Review
Plot: Right off the bat, I knew that this book was going to have a unique plot. I've never thought about a feud between witches and vampires. Luckily, Mesina did an amazing job with it and actually made the feud seem possible. The penalties of witches and vampires mingling were harsh, but it made the plot more interesting. Because of the penalties, Lily thinks her parents are dead and she'll never see them again. Along with the feud, the history of the characters were very complex. Everything seemed to connect to one another. There were a few holes in some of the plots, but I let it go since I'm guessing this will be a continuing series. What you do learn from the first installment is a lot of secrets hidden from the characters, which shows that not many of the characters are purely good nor purely bad.

Characters: Lily - There are so many characters from the story that I will just stick with Lily. She is an awesome heroin because she's not used to the world she lives in and is slowly being shown the secrets of her family and world. She is a pretty powerful person because of her background, but she's not sure of what to do. However, by the end of the book, she's starting to grasp her purpose in life and what she needs to do to save the ones she loves.

Cover: Not the best cover, which is a shame since it's not giving the book any justice. It does show Lily, the main character, and her necklace. It doesn't show much about the plot either, which is also disappointing.

Overall Rating: I'm giving this book a three out of four. I loved the book and want to continue the series, but I was confused in some parts. There are some characters' purposes or history that I'm not fully clear on. But, hopefully, it clears it up in the next book. I'd give this book a try, it's very intriguing and unique.

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

Requested Review: Vampires Rule (Rule Series #1) by K.C. Blake

Synopsis: They don't call him Jackpot for nothing.

Jack has always beat the odds... at least until now. When he was attacked by a werewolf, vampires saved him. When he got tired of living the vampire life, another werewolf attack freed him, making him human again. Now Jack just wants to live a normal life, but what's normal about a hunter girlfriend, a brother who wants to stake him to be on the safe side, and a head werewolf building an army to rule the world? Source

Review
Plot: I'm disappointed this book isn't more popular. After reading this book, I'm craving for more. I was hesitant that it revolved around a guy main character, but this book definitely pushed away my fears. I loved hearing Jack's thoughts on going from a human to a vampire to a human. It was intriguing to hear about a vampire going back to being mortal, especially when he turned mortal because he was scratched by a werewolf. Of course, the werewolves and vampires have a raging feud towards one another, but now there are hunters and wraiths thrown into the mix. The romance in this books was genuine. They didn't instantly love each other from the start or pushed away the other's flaws. They did have issues, but they eventually worked through them. It was new to both of them, so each time something intimate would happen, I was holding my breath. The climax and ending did still have a few loose ends hanging in the air, so I'm hoping the rest of the series ties up the loose ends.

Characters: Jack - I loved Jack. He was having trouble adjusting to his new life. He wants to move on and live a normal life, but with his destiny in place and a new love, it's hard for him to just leave it all behind. He was also a romantic kind of guy. He talks about how much he loves Silver and the life he wants with her. This helps him figure out where he wants to be and how to live.
Silver - She is a stubborn girl, who I couldn't get enough of. She has such a hard exterior because of her family's origin and her destiny. But, she's not afraid to let Jack in and open up. She doesn't give up on him, which is admirable and romantic. She did want her way all the time, but she had reasons for it and never wanted anything bad to happen to the people she loved or innocent people.

Cover: The cover doesn't give the book justice. So, don't judge this book by it's cover please. I wish the cover was more intricate to draw people in.

Overall Rating: I give this book a three out of four. It is a very good and unique series. There were some grammatical mistakes here and there. However, this is a great start to a series and I can't wait for more from K.C. Blake.

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: Night Star (The Immortals #5) by Alyson Noel

Synopsis: After fighting for centuries to be together, Ever and Damen’s future hinges on one final showdown that will leave readers gasping for breath. Don’t miss this explosive new installment of the #1 bestselling series that’s enchanted millions across the world!

Haven still blames Ever for the death of her boyfriend Roman, no matter how hard Ever’s tried to convince her it was an accident. Now she’s determined to take Ever down…and destroy Damen and Jude along the way. Her first step is to tear Ever and Damen apart—and she has just the ammunition to do it.

Hidden in one of Ever’s past lives is a terrible secret about Damen—a secret that illuminates new facts about her relationship with Jude, but that’s so dark and brutal it might be enough to drive her and Damen apart once and for all. As Ever faces her greatest fears about the guy she wants to spend eternity with, she’s thrust into a deadly clash with Haven that could destroy them all.

Now it’ll take everything she’s got—and bring out powers she never knew she had—to face down her most formidable enemy. But in order to win, she must first ask herself: is her own survival worth dooming Haven to an eternity of darkness in the Shadowland? And will learning the truth about Damen’s past hold the key to their future? Source
 
Review
Plot: I'm finally getting the chance to catch up on my reviews, so bear with me! With finishing the fifth installment of the Immortals, I'm glad the series is ending soon. I like the series and when it does come on the big screen, I will see it. But, I feel like the series was stretched out for too long. We're on the fifth book and Damen and Ever still haven't gotten the potion. Ever keeps saying time and time again that the universe and destiny want Damen and her to be together. If that were true, wouldn't destiny or the universe throw you a bone instead of having every situation you're getting close to the potion shatter by someone or something? But, I digress. I will say that Night Star was the toughest to get through. It took forever for something to happen between Ever and Haven. I was hoping for something to happen. I wasn't disappointed in the climax of the story, but I was expecting the outcome. However, it's nice that finally they're getting somewhere and dealing with each issue in their lives.
 
Characters: Ever - I like Ever. She does make mistakes and at times I do chastise her actions, but she is a normal Immortal girl. When she found out one of Damen's secrets, she wasn't happy with him. She couldn't believe what he did and even though she still loved him, she was angry at him.
Damen - Damen is a sweetheart. But, I want to more about him. We hear about his past from time to time, but I want to know the complete story. Hopefully, we'll get to know everything in the last installment. But, I felt Damen is still holding some things back from Ever.

Cover: I love the Immortals series covers, they're always stunning. I just didn't know how this one related to the book. I know the girl is Ever, but I'm not sure if she's looking at her Night Star or if she's looking at a potion or...I'm not sure.
 
Overall Rating: I give this book a two out of four. I wasn't feeling this book and felt it dragged. I can't wait to read Everlasting to see how the series ends, but I think I have a hunch. I would give this series a try, I know a lot of people have different feelings on this series. So, I would read the first and see if you want to read the rest.

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

Requested Review: Raphael (Vampires in America #1) by D.B. Reynolds

Synopsis: Malibu, California-home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich . . . and vampires.

Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he'd give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it's too late.

Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who's tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn's happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself.

Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both. Source

Review
Plot: The book centers around the investigation of a female vampire gone missing. Cyn is called in for the job and I'm glad she was. Instantly, you see the attraction between Cyn and Raphael. Cyn is hesitant when she notices the attraction because she doesn't know if she is truly attracted to him or if he is causing her to be. I was curious too since that is one of his strengths. However, as I read through the book, I saw that Raphael was falling for her...and hard. At first, I questioned how a vampire lord who could have anyone would pick Cyn. Cyn is very beautiful, smart, and powerful, but wouldn't he want someone who was equally his rank and a vampire? But, I did see that he was intrigued by Cyn and was attracted to her. Along with the constant lust and passion, there is the finding of Alexandra, who is missing. The climax was fast-paced and it did finish pretty quickly, but was very logical.

Characters: Cyn-I have seen her character before. The strong heroine who has snappy comments and isn't ready for a relationship. I can say that I do love those types of characters because it's a different take on the classic heroine. They don't intend to fall in love, but once they do, they can't see how they lived without it. She is a very great character that I want to see more of.
Raphael-Very sexy and smooth. He always knows what to say and how to say it. I loved when he came into each scene and when we got the chance to see his history. He's misunderstood and shows little emotion. I loved the scene where he was thinking about Cyn after she was injured. He was so sensitive and gentle, it was hard to think he was a vampire lord.

Cover: I am glad that they gave a snippet of what Raphael looked like. I'm not sure if the girl on the cover is supposed to be Cyn. If it is, I was thinking her hair would be longer, but it is just a model.

Overall Rating: I give this book three nail polishes. I loved this book and am craving for more. There are some situations I could have predicted, but give this book a try. If you are a huge Adrian Phoenix fan, this is a book you need to read!

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Once a Witch

"Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search- and the stranger- will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all."

Plot: The plot was okay, and it actually was pretty unique. It wasn't too overused, and had good twists and turns. For some reason though, it didn't keep my attention well. I would read, just because it was the book I was reading, not because I HAD to know the ending and it wasn't a constant page turner.

Main Character: The main character, Tamsin, is the outcast in her family, and doesn't take it well. Being ignored by all her once-friends, and being looked down on has really taken a number on her. So much that she pretends to be her sister, Rowena, for some attention. Sometimes, she can bug me, but over all, I like her.

Cover: Unfortunately, my computer isn't letting me put up pictures today, so I can't show you the cover. It's not that amazing though. I never really like having people on the cover because it doesn't leave you has much to remember. Though, if they cut off the eyes, or only show a part, that's okay. This shows her full body, and she holding a book. It's okay, just nothing special. I've seen an alternate cover, and like it a lot better.

Overall Rating: I have to give this one a 2/2. It was an okay read, but like the cover, nothing special. There's another one after called Always a Witch, and I might read it, but if it's just as good as this, than probably not. I wouldn't recommend reading it, but if your bored and looking for something to read, it could be your type of story.

Sweet Daydreams,
Brooke

Review: Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses #8) by Ellen Schreiber

Synopsis: The morbidly monotonous Dullsville has finally become the most exciting place on earth now that Raven is madly in love with her hot vampire boyfriend Alexander, and a crew of vampires has taken residence in Dullsville's old mill. Raven discovers Jagger's plan to open a new club, The Crypt, right here in Dullsville. But is it her dream come true, or her worst nightmare? Raven and Alexander have to figure out what the nefarious vampire has in store for Dullsville's teen and vampire population. Can Raven convince Jagger to listen to her plans to make the Crypt the morbidly magnificent dance club it could be? Will it be safe for mortals and vampires alike?

And as Sebastian and Luna's relationship heats up, Raven wonders about her own amorous fate: Will Alexander ever turn her? Does he crave her and does he want to spend eternity together? And what does she really want?

With cryptic secrets and cravings, this eighth installment in the Vampire Kisses series is a romantic and mysterious thrill ride. Source

Review
Plot: I love this series. Even though they are short, they are wonderful quick reads and they leave me wanting more. I loved Cryptic Cravings, but I was disappointed with a lack of romance. Each VK does not disappoint with the constant romantic dates in the cemetery and the bunches of black roses, but this time around, we barely got any of that. I will say that the rest of the book did fill in the romantic blanks with good mystery and drama. But, Jagger opening up a club in Dullsville? I love the idea, but I wish we could have built up to the situation, not just having it pop out of nowhere. I wish the books were longer so we can not only see character progression, but plot progression as well.

Characters: Raven-She is a very realistic character. She wants to have her all-time dream come true, but isn't sure if she wants to leave everything behind for it. Raven is a great character because usually all the vampire's girlfriends want is the vampire and that's it, but Raven sees that she's leaving behind her family, friends, and human life. I did like when she was seeing that not only was she in love with Alexander, but maybe...just maybe, there was something there with Trevor too.
Alexander-If there was a swoon button, I'd just click it a thousand times for Alexander and move on. But, since there is none, I will say that Alexander makes my heartache. He's the perfect boyfriend. In here, you see not only his constant romantic side but his protective and superior side. I loved that side of him and hope to see more!

Cover: Love the cover! I do wish that we had a cover for Alexander or Jagger or another character. Don't get me wrong, I love the covers with Raven, but I think I can speak for a lot of VK fans when I say we want to see a little more Alexander. Maybe we will on the next installment!

Overall Rating: I have to give this book a three out of four. I wish it was longer and something big happened. In a way, it did, but nothing that blew my mind. I'm hoping something extraordinary happens in the next book. However, I will stand by the series and say that anyone who loves vampires or romance, read this series. Plus, if you read The Coffin Club, you'll be happy to hear that a very sexy and well-missed character will reappearing in this book!

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: Dark Flame (The Immortals #4) by Alyson Noel

Synopsis: At the start of this mesmerizing new installment of the Immortals series, Ever is helping her friend Haven transition into life as an immortal. But with Haven drunk on her new powers and carelessly putting them all at risk, their friendship becomes more and more strained. At the same time, Ever delves deeper into magick in order to get control over her enemy Roman and free Damen from his power. But when the spell she casts on Roman backfires, she’s bound to her deadliest enemy. Frantic to reverse the spell the moment the moon enters a new phase, she finds her efforts are fruitless—there’s a strange, foreign pulse coursing through her, one that propels her toward Roman. Desperate to break free of this terrible curse before Damen or the twins can discover what she’s done, she turns to Jude and delves deeper and deeper into dark magick, ultimately risking everything she knows and loves—including Damen. Source

Review
Plot: I have to say that this series keeps me hooked in. It's been four books and I'm still reading to see what happens. I am still mad that Ever and Damen are still trying to get the antidote. Damen knows the recipe for the elixir, but not on how to get rid of some little curse. Plus, there's Summerland, you could always go there and ask how to figure it out. Along with that, Roman keeps frustrating me. He never gives up. What does he expect to happen? But, I digress. I did love the scenes with Jude. I feel like he doesn't get that much credit. He cares for Ever and it's evident, but yet she doesn't even give him a chance even though she knows she enjoys his company. It reminds me of how Bella was with Jacob. She was in love with Edward, but didn't even give it a chance that maybe someone else could make her happy. I felt like Ever is doing that with Jude.

Characters: Ever-I felt like Ever was a bit more...confusing in here. She seemed like she didn't know what she wanted. She didn't know if she wanted Damen or Jude. She didn't know if she truly desired Roman or not. She didn't know if she should try to be friends with Haven. She didn't know if she wanted to be immortal or not. It was constant yearning for one thing but then another.
Damen-He was so patient with Ever it was heartbreaking. You see Ever's deception of him whether on purpose or not and then he still forgives her and loves her regardless. I love Damen and his endless love because this is the girl of his dreams, so I can see why he doesn't want to give up so easily. But, it's hard to see him still love Ever and never doubt her after reading Dark Flame.

Cover: I love the Immortals series' covers. This one is cute, I love the showing of Haven, but Haven looks a little older than I thought. But, I do like how each title pertains to an object or theme in the book.

Overall Rating: I give this book a three out of four. This was not my favorite of the series, but it did give some progress to the series, so I know the last two will have to be filled with progression to the antidote and finding peace. If you are iffy about this series, I would recommend to read it over the summer. They're good reads for each week and if you read the whole series one after the other, it would seem like the series passed by.

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

Something Deadly This Way Comes

"I'm Madison Avery, in charge if heaven's hit squat. . .and fighting it all the way. When Madison died the night of her prom, she knew her life would never be the same. Now she has a powerful amulet, a team of rogue angels by her side, and the ability to flash forward into the future to see the shape of destiny. And of course, now she's finally with Josh - a perfect boyfriend who doesn't even care that she's dead.

But being dead has its disadvantages, too. Madison feels caught between the light and the dark , and between her real life and her timekeeper status. When Madison has the opportunity to get her body back - to be alive again - she faces her most difficult decision yet. If she claims it, she could return to being a normal girl - and have a chance at a real relationship with Josh. But would having the one thing she wants most in the world also mean giving up everything she's worked so hard for?"

This new edition to the Madison Avery series by Kim Harrison sounds much better than the others. These have always been a fun read, and nothing serious. But I can't wait to see which one she will chose. Her old body and life back or where she is now? Catch this new book in stores on May 24th!

Sweet Daydreams,
Brooke