Review: Immortal Hearts (Vampire Kisses #9) by Ellen Schreiber

Title: Immortal Hearts

Author: Ellen Schreiber

Series: Vampire Kisses
            1. Vampire Kisses
            2. Kissing Coffins
            3. Vampireville
            4. Dance with a Vampire
            5. The Coffin Club
            6. Royal Blood
            7. Love Bites
            8. Cryptic Cravings
            9. Immortal Hearts

Format: Hardcover (260 pages)

Release Date: May 15, 2012

Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, YA, Drama

Rating:

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Summary

Athena "Stormy" Sterling is coming to Dullsville, and Raven is both excited and panicked in anticipation of Alexander's little sister's visit. Alexander tells Raven that she and his sister have a lot in common, but can the mini-Raven be everything she hopes for? Alexander calls her Stormy for a reason.

Stormy's visit stirs up the perfect immortal whirlwind. Raven is forced to take a good look at what it would really mean to be a vampire in the Sterling family, aside from some of the things she already loves, like shunning the sun and sleeping in a coffin with Alexander. When Raven compares her life with Stormy's, she can see that it's not all starry skies and black roses. But Raven knows she's always wanted to be a vampire.

Alexander is as romantic and dreamy as ever, and though he keeps showing Raven how much he loves her, will she ultimately be able to convince him that it's the right thing to turn her?

This final chapter of Vampire Kisses' nocturnal romance will keep all mortal and immortal hearts racing. Source

 

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Review

Plot: I sadly have a bone to pick with Mrs. Ellen Schreiber. Me, like many other VK fans, have been waiting for the epic conclusion of Raven's romantic story. But it has crashed and burned in more ways than I can describe. In this last installment, Raven meets Alexander's little sister, Stormy, who she is anxious to please. I loved Stormy's character and how she was different than Alexander but there wasn't much substance. There is so much that could have been done with her instead of taking the easy and predictable way out. I don't really know the complete plot line of this book because there seemed to several that didn't truly keep me on the edge of my seat or had any true epic conclusion. I guess I should have assumed so because there was no consistent plot line that lasted through every book, so the last installment didn't have any tremendous climax other than whether or not Raven will be turned. I was waiting with baited breath as to what Alexander's decision will be, but it wasn't enough for me to be surprised or anxious at the ending.

Character(s): Raven - I've got to say, when I first started this series, I thought Raven was my hero. I think I can speak for many other people that this series came along right when we were going through our "goth" stage. It was amazing to have a heroine whose lifestyle revolved around that, but this installment did worry me that Raven's lifestyle got the best of her. She lives in a small town where no one is like her and instead of being happy with finding a guy who shares the same interests and feelings, she is determined to find out if he is a vampire and when she finds that out, she want shim to turn her. If someone continually told me that they wouldn't turn me or said that I shouldn't want that, after awhile, I would have taken their word for it. It seemed like she was more gaga over the dream of being a vampire and Alexander was her key rather than seeing what a great guy he was.
Alexander - I felt bad for him. He was constantly pestered to turn Raven and he wasn't being selfish at all but wanted her to have a life that wasn't immersed in darkness. I kind of wish there was a way for him to be mortal. I think the book swayed so much to Raven's wants, Alexander didn't really get anything. I wish he could have found a way to be mortal and finally have be able to see the sun.

Cover: The cover is adorable and cohesive with the rest. I wish this last one could have another character in the book like Stormy or Alexander. But it definitely is dark and gorgeous.

Closing Thoughts: I gave this book a two out of four because I was truly bummed with the finale and the ending. I waited for so long to see how the story would wrap up and it just seemed like it was just another book in the series. I would recommend this series to middle grade readers because it is a series to not get too attached to. It is truly bittersweet to read this book, I loved this series for years and hated seeing it come to a close, but I wish it was a bit more epic.

Where to find Ellen:Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads

 

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: Soul Bound (Blood Coven #7) by Mari Mancusi

Title: Soul Bound

Author: Mari Mancusi

Series: Blood Coven
            1. Boys That Bite
            2. Stake That!
            3. Girls That Growl
            4. Bad Blood
            5. Night School
            6. Blood Ties
            7. Soul Bound
            8. Blood Forever (September 4, 2012)

Format: Paperback (256 pages)

Release Date: March 6, 2012

Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, YA, Fantasy, Action/Adventure

Rating:

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Summary

Sunny McDonald and her vampire boyfriend, Magnus, are on the run-accused of treason and wanted alive...or undead. And her twin is the slayer sent to track them down.

Rayne would do anything to save her twin sister, Sunny, from the Vampire Consortium dictator who wants her dead. Instead, she's been commissioned by Slayer Inc. to find Sunny and Magnus and deliver them to the Consortium...which Rayne knows means certain death. She also knows that if she and her boyfriend, Jareth, disobey orders, they are signing not only their own death warrants, but also those of every vampire in the Blood Coven.

As a rival slayer with a personal vendetta moves in, Rayne and Jareth must do something to stop her. So they embark on their most dangerous journey yet, deep beneath the streets of New York City and through the Gates of the Underworld. But when a greedy god demands the ultimate sacrifice, will Rayne be forced to choose between her sister...and the vampire she loves? Source

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Review

Plot: In this seventh installment of the Blood Coven series, Rayne is ordered to find Sunny and Magnus after they go on the run after being committed of treason. I say this a lot but I can not say much without giving major spoilers away. I will say that it is again full of pop culture references and ridiculous plot twists. Not in a bad way, but in a sense that its sort of cartoonish. The way she set up the fairies are the same way she sets up the Underworld. I wish it was taken a bit more seriously, but maybe that's the point, it's not suppose to be. It is very ridiculous at times but I still love this series. I don't think it is a timeless one because of the constant pop culture references, which is a pet peeve of mine, but it is a fun one to read. To me, it's like a purse book. You keep it in your bag for something to enjoy while you're waiting for someone or something. I love this series and like the plotline with the sisters, but I feel like this might turn out to be like Vampire Kisses.

Character(s): Rayne - Rayne is...Rayne. She is feisty and quick with the comebacks like she always is. I like that she has such a big dilemma in her hands with her sister's fate but also her own. It brought more to the plot because it wasn't an easy out for Rayne nor was it an easy choice. I do think that she does get the short end of the stick in the book and its interesting to see how it plays out for her. I did think that when something happens to one of the character's, I guess I was a little surprised at her emotions. They weren't as emotional or natural as I would think they would be.
Sunny - You don't get to read much of Sunny in this book, but she does make appearances in the most pivotal plot twists. She still seems too innocent for my taste. She's a fairie now and is dating a vampire, but I still feel like she's too innocent for me. It seems like she still wants a "normal" life but it will never happen. I wish she would come to revelation and not keep pushing away from something that is inevitable.

Cover: I love this cover, especially because the model looks like Rayne. It sort of reminds me of a mix between a Vampire Academy and Vampire Kisses novel.

Closing Thoughts: I'm giving this a three out of four because it is sometimes a bit corney but it's also very addictive. I love this series and will finish it up, but I wish it was a bit more serious. It seems to always be funny that when there's a serious scene, it seems like an extreme change and I can't take it seriously by then. It is a funny and enjoyable series, but just beware of the references and cartoonish feel.

Where to find Mari:

Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

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: Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Title: Stardust

Author: Neil Gaiman

Series: N/A

Format: E-book (160 pages)

Release Date: first published: 1998, E-book published: June 13, 2009

Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Action/Adventure, YA

Rating:

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Summary

The fascinating and engaging new novel from Neil Gaiman, one of the premier writers of fantasy, is here. Stardust is a fantasy tale extravaganza, a mythical quest for love, starting with the heart's desire of a young man and his eventual travels throughout the world of Faerie. In the tradition of his Neverwhere and graphic novel The Books of Magic, Gaiman twines threads of several plotlines deftly together to form a Dunsanianlike fairy tale of fellowship, passion, and humanity's place in an always unpredictable and continuously changing, magical world. 

During the Victorian era, in the small village of Wall, a stone barrier separates our world from the land of Faerie. Although there is a break in the bulwark, which is constantly guarded by two townsmen with cudgels, there are hardly ever any troubles between the two realms. Once every nine years, during "the Market," villagers and outsiders are allowed to enter Faerie and sell, buy, and trade with the magical inhabitants. During the Market, young Dunstan Thorn is given his "heart's desire" and soon finds himself making love to an alluring but cursed faerie maiden.

Dunstan returns to Wall to marry Daisy Hempstock, but nine months later an infant is found at the crack in the barrier with a card pinned to its blanket reading: Tristan Thorn. Tristan grows to manhood as a human, but certain faerie features and abilities make themselves known. He falls in love with the standoffish Victoria Forester, and in the heat of a romantic moment promises her anything she might wish. As they watch a star fall toearth,Victoria jokingly promises that she will marry Tristan if he returns with the star.

True to his own oath, Tristan sets out to find the star for his beloved. Once in Faerie, his mystical heritage comes in handy as he recalls places and history that he's never been formally taught. However, Tristan isn't the only one hunting for the star, and his competitors are decidedly unfriendly. An ancient trio of witch-queens called the Lilim need the star's heart to add years of youth to their already near-immortal lives, and will stop at nothing to gain what they want. Also in search of the star are the three remaining devious and deadly sons of the Lord of Stormhold, for therein lies the power of their family. Eventually, though, Tristan discovers the fallen star, which appears as a lovely young woman with a broken leg, and though he's forced to take her with him against her will, he eventually becomes her sworn protector. Source

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Review

Plot: In Stardust, we follow Tristan who is the son of Dunstan and a cursed faerie. He grows up in a human village but is isolated because of his faerie characteristics. He falls for Victoria who he promises anything to in exchange for her hand. She tells him she would love a fallen star they both see and he sets out to claim it. Along the way, he finds he is not the only one who wants to retrieve the star. The story is a classic and definitely owns up to it. The pacing was not slow but gradual. I loved how the story switches from Tristan's father's life, to set up the story, and then flowed to Tristan to describe what has become of  Dunstan's "heart's desire". The village and Faerie seems like the divide for Tristan between where he believes is his life and where he truly belongs. I can't say much but I can believe why they call this book a classic.

Character(s): Tristan - I only really want to talk about Tristan because he is the only central character of the book. I loved how Neil created Tristan as a misfit but brave as well. I had the sense that Tristan knew he didn't belong in the village and I think finding the star was the way for him to find out where he belonged. I'm glad he still had love for his family, but also needed to find himself since he truly didn't fit with them completely. He is very naive and falls hard for people, but he means the best. At some points, he is very blind to what goes on around him and the feelings of others, but it is evident he would soon find out. I won't say any spoilers but when he does find out feelings, it seems...rushed. Like he saw the true feelings of both people and went with the one who favored him.

Cover: I don't know if this is the original cover, but it is gorgeous. I love the whimsical feel along with just the forest because it reminds me of Faerie.

 

 

Closing Thoughts: I'm giving this book a four out of four because it truly deserves nothing less. It is an amazing book to read because of the lessons it teaches you. I won't say what I learned because it seems like the type of book where you take away from it what you need to. This book has amazing characters and a fantasy world that is simplistic but beautifully described. If you're looking for a book with fantasy but also Old Age, then this is it.

Where to find Neil:

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: Entice (Need #3) by Carrie Jones

Title: Entice

Author: Carrie Jones

Series: Need
            1. Need
            2. Captivate
            3. Entice Brooke's Review
            4. Endure

Format: Paperback (288 pages)

Release Date: December 6, 2011

Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, Action/Adventure, YA, Fantasy

Rating:

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Summary

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that's not exactly how things have worked out. Nick is dead-supposedly taken to some mythic place for warriors called Valhalla, where Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. Bedford needs its warriors more than ever, since a group of evil pixies is devastating the place. But even if Zara and her friends can reach Valhalla, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. Will Nick even want to return with her? Especially since she's not just any pixie . . . She's Astley's queen. Source

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Review

Plot: It has been awhile since I have read this book, but I still remember it clearly. Entice follows immediately after Captivate and Zara's quest to get Nick back. I have to say that this went to the very...stereotypical paranormal romance route somewhat. Once Astley stepped in, I knew what would happen and I hated it even more when I found out how good of a guy he was. He needs Zara's help with his followers and it seemed the only reason she hesitated was because of what other people would think. Yes, it is a lot to take on. But it was always "Nick hates faes" and "Betty will kick me out." It was rarely ever about whether or not she wanted to do it or if she felt like this was her destiny. The quest to find Nick is a long and tiring one, but it does raise more questions about certain characters and new creatures like the ones related to Valhalla. I hope they'll come back more, but seeing as how it was only because *spoiler* Nick died *spoiler* I don't know whether or not they'll show up. But it is interesting to see Zara take on the role as queen and see that she might actually like or feel normal in that position.

Character(s): Zara - I feel more disconnected to Zara by now. I just feel like I'm reading what she's doing and not truly being as invested as I was in Need. in the first installment, we were meeting Zara and what was happening in her life, but now it seems like none of that mattered. Her beliefs, her stepfather's death, what happened with her real father, etc. It seems like all of that has to stop because Nick died. I can see why it would affect her, but I hate how now the series has turned into them versus the faes to saving Nick and everything else is on hold.
Astley - If I have to pick a team, I'm standing next to this guy. I felt like he was incredibly sweet and patient with Zara. He knew what she was doing to him and even if he was heartbroken about it, he still helped her. There is now a love triangle but I hope for once the second love interest gets a shot at the girl. If he doesn't, I will be incredibly disappointed because he seems to great and natural when he's around Zara.

Cover: I rarely ever say a cover is bad nowadays. This one is no exception. I adore the black, pale and gold. They are so striking with one another and gives an amazing feel of the setting in the book. I'm glad this is a consistent theme that runs through the whole series.

Closing Thoughts: I am giving this book a three out of four because I do love this series. Like I've seen and heard with many other people, I don't know why but I'm so addicted and invested in this series. I can't get enough of it and love the darkness but "realness" to it. I hope the love triangle doesn't become stereotypical, but I'll just have to see!

Where to find Carrie:

Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

Review: Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

Title: Bloodlines

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines
            1. Bloodlines
            2. The Golden Lily
            3. The Indigo Spell (release date: Feb. 12, 2013)

Format: Hardcover (421 pages)

Release Date: August 23, 2011

Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, YA, Drama

Rating:

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Summary



Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist - one of a group of himans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worls of humans and vampire. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiances in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside - and within - the school grounds. Now that they're hiding, the drama is only just beginning. Source

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Review

Warning: This review may contain spoilers for those who have not yet read the Vampire Academy series.

Plot: In this spin-off series of Bloodlines, we follow Sydney who is an Alchemist and friend of Rose Hathaway's. Bloodlines begins with Sydney being assigned to Jill, Lissa's half-sister, to protect her after many extremists threaten her life. Sydney and Jill are sent to a California prep school to lay low for awhile until much of the chaos has blown over. At first, I was hesitant about a spin-off because many of them never measure up to the original. However, I was ecstatic it was a spin-off to Vampire Academy and that many of my favorite characters (*cough* Adrian *cough) would be in it. I loved how Mead intermingled not only a continuation of VA but also a new plot that seemed logical and exciting. I can't give away much without spoiling both this series and VA, but Mead is making a new series in itself. It is interesting to see how Moroi deal with leaving in a place like California and more of the background of Alchemists. Again, without giving spoilers, it is a great starting plot that does leave more to happen later on and new characters to come into the mix.

Character(s): Sydney - Already knowing a little about Sydney, I would say that I'm glad she got her own series in a way. I love her attitude when it comes to her duties and being rebellious. We saw Rose, who does as she pleases to help the one she loves, but Sydney is a complete 180 from Rose, which is something new to their world. Sydney has a soft spot with her sister and protecting her, but she also has the determination to prove herself as an Alchemist as well as gain her reputation back because even though she mostly follows the rules, at this point, other Alchemists she her as a disturbance.
Jill - Jill seems a lot like the Lissa for me, which shouldn't surprise me because they're sisters. Unlike Lissa, she's more shy and reluctant to speak her opinion but you do see that she an hold her own when she needs to. Mead did an incredible job with making Jill mature for her age, but also make decisions and have opinions that are not so mature. She wants to have a life as a normal teenager but also knows she has more responsibility that keeps her from having that option.

Cover: The classic VA cover still resonates with Bloodlines! I love how she puts models that look like the characters. I wish they would be a little more whimsical but they are iconic for me when I think of her because she has down them with each VA cover so far. But I do like how Bloodlines has more of an edgy but yet elegant feel to the title and colors.

Closing Thoughts: I give this book a four out of four because it is an  incredible start to a spin-off. The characters all have their faults and own personalities, which all contribute to the plot. The plot is something nice and quick to start off the series so the characters have room to grow and also have new plot ties for future books. If you're skeptical about reading it like I was, I would give it a try. It does have secondary characters and is a spin-off but it also seems to be on its way to be a series that can stand on its own as well.

Where to find Richelle:

Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads
My post for a Bloodlines casting on Open Book Society

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

Review: The Ghost and the Goth (The Ghost and the Goth #1) by Stacey Kade

Title: The Ghost and the Goth

Author: Stacey Kade

Series: The Ghost and the Goth
            1. The Ghost and the Goth
            2. Queen of the Dead
            3. Body and Soul

Format: Hardcover (281 pages)

Release Date: June 29, 2010

Genre(s): Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Humor

Rating:

 

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Summary

Alona Dare–Senior in high school, co-captain of the cheerleading squad, Homecoming Queen three years in a row, voted most likely to marry a movie star… and newly dead.

I’m the girl you hated in high school. Is it my fault I was born with it all-good looks, silky blond hair, a hot bod, and a keen sense of what everyone else should not be wearing? But my life isn’t perfect, especially since I died. Run over by a bus of band geeks—is there anything more humiliating? As it turns out, yes—watching your boyfriend and friends move on with life, only days after your funeral. And you wouldn’t believe what they’re saying about me now that they think I can’t hear them. To top it off, I’m starting to disappear, flickering in and out of existence. I don’t know where I go when I’m gone, but it’s not good. Where is that freaking white light already?

Will Killian–Senior in high school, outcast, dubbed “Will Kill” by the popular crowd for the unearthly aura around him, voted most likely to rob a bank…and a ghost-talker.

I can see, hear, and touch the dead. Unfortunately, they can also see, hear and touch me. Yeah, because surviving high school isn’t hard enough already. I’ve done my best to hide my “gift.” After all, my dad, who shared my ability, killed himself because of it when I was fifteen. But lately, pretending to be normal has gotten a lot harder. A new ghost—an anonymous, seething cloud of negative energy with the capacity to throw me around—is pursuing me with a vengeance. My mom, who knows nothing about what I can do, is worrying about the increase in odd incidents, my shrink is tossing around terms like “temporary confinement for psychiatric evaluation,” and my principal, who thinks I’m a disruption and a faker, is searching for every way possible to get rid of me. How many weeks until graduation? Source

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Review

Plot: I was excited about finally being able to read this book, but also very skeptical with it as well. It seemed from the plot that this book would be full of stereotypes and labels and it's a fine line to walk when it comes to books. However, I was happy that this book played on them very well and didn't make them stereotypical....stereotypes. Kade gave each character a back story and some substance rather than a character to fill the silence or to liven up a situation. The plot mostly follows Alona, who just passed away from being hit by a bus (Mean Girls popped in my mind at that scene), trying to find her way around her past life and how to get out of it. She goes to Killian, a classmate who is defined as a Goth loner, who she thinks can help her out as well as helps him in some ways. Besides the characters, the plot has a very strong backbone. By that, I mean it sticks with itself and doesn't have any pronounced plot holes. The plot flows through the book and many scenes only compliment what happens at the end of the book. It keeps you on the edge throughout because you want to know what the black cloud is, why Alona is defensive about her life and if anything will become of Alona and Killian.

Character(s): Killian - I put Killian first because he is a new character that I fell in love with. He is hilarious as well as loyal and brave. He has gone through a lot but still makes decisions logically and doesn't let the comments of others effect him. Many ghost whisperers are scared of what they have or talk to the dead in public and are barely noticed once they do. Killian is a realistic interpretation of what could happen to a ghost whisperer if they're continually caught talking to air or knowing private things about others. I like how Killian is used to his abilities but still doesn't know everything about them.
Alona - It seems like a given not to like Alona because she's supposed to be snotty and high maintenance. But even after the first book, I like her. You can already see her facade breaking down and see her finally face her past. Has she completely changed? Definitely not. But when she's with Killian and seeing her when she sees her mother, you see why Alona acts the way she does. I like how Kade gave her some room to develop but also didn't do it in one book since this is a series and it hasn't been too long since her death.

Cover: I loved seeing the cover during the summer because it is very bright and colorful, and looks like a great read for the summer. It draws you in to a story that, on the outside, seems happy and fun, but gives you a deep story that has those elements as well. Plus, the models on the front are dead on to the characters' appearances! That makes me a happy camper.

Closing Thoughts: All I have to say is that this is a great summer read. I'm glad I read it now because the summer sets the tone for it and you get completely immersed in it but it still feels like summer. The plot is fluid and builds to not only a great turning point but also to the rest of the series. The characters develop and grow but not entirely because they still have flaws and it is not the end of the journey. This is a great book to read at any time, but I would definitely recommend this for a summer read that is quick and refreshing!

Where to find Stacey:

Website l Twitter l Goodreads

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

Review: The Vampire's Daughter (Of Light and Darkness #1) by Shayne Leighton

Title: The Vampire's Daughter

Author: Shayne Leighton

Series: Of Light and Darkness

      1. The Vampire's Daughter
      2. The Vampire's Reflection

Format: E-book (258 pages)

Release Date: June 28, 2011

Genre(s): YA, Paranormal Romance, Adventure/Action



Rating:

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Summary

When one human stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of overcoming them in this coming-of-age modern fairytale may result in war between light and darkness.

Abandoned as an infant in Prague, naive and strong-willed Charlotte Ruzikova was raised by one of the last Vampires left alive. As a human, she knows no other home than the one nestled deep in the woods of Eastern Europe, where Witches drew spells of enchantment, Phasers threw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in kin. Charlotte has lived her life in the dark with her Guardian, content to having him to herself and reveling in his attention, until she's realizes she wants more...

Resident medical doctor and Vampire, Valek Ruzik fears the day his ward would come of age and blossom into a fine woman, and he is forced to confront his own motives as time is of the essence once his past catches up to him, and their lives become endangered...

As genocide and war threatens their secret society, the dictator in power is ready to wipe out Valek's race, but Charlotte will not allow that to happen. Fighting for the only one she's ever loved and truly believed in, she will do whatever it takes to save their love...before the sun comes up and light takes over. Source

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Review

Plot: The Vampire's Daughter follows the life of a young girl named Charlotte who is raised by a Vampire doctor, Valek. She is almost a woman and is noticing her attraction towards Valek and she is not the only one. As her attraction towards him grows, a new dictator could cut the new bond they are now forming with one another, and could ultimately lose any chance of being with Valek. This was definitely a new take on the human-vampire relationship. I was glad for a change and a little more reality into how a relationship like that would work. Charlotte was raised by Valek but she doesn't see him as a true father figure, more of a guardian. But that does come into controversy with some characters as the story progresses. I was glad the relationship was a large element in the story but loved that there was a reliable plot, which showed the truth in some and growth in others.

Character(s): Charlotte - Charlotte is definitely a new spin on heroines. I loved how strong-willed she was and how loyal she was towards Valek. I did wish she wasn't consumed with thoughts of Valek but then again I could forgive it since it was really just her and Valek. She kind of did play the damsel in distress but I was glad she did. Nowadays we see very independent heroines and I was glad to see someone who did need a little rescuing of her own and wasn't scared to ask for it. One thing I did love about Charlotte was her dominance in some scenes. After she confessed her feelings, she didn't go back on them, but rather stood her ground throughout the time following.
Valek - Valek is a very brooding character. (Thank you, Leighton!) I love the mysterious and brooding type that harbor so many secrets they're endless. At first, I was confused on his and Charlotte's (or Lottie's) relationship. At first, he did seem protective of her and very fatherly but as the story progressed and he saw Lottie's feelings for him, it changed. You could see his love for her turn intimate and it was strange but you got used to it as you could see that at one point he was her guardian but Lottie grew up and Valek's perspective of her changed.

Cover: I'm glad the eyes were the focal point. Every time Charlotte mentioned Valek's eyes, I always reverted back to the cover. I wished Valek looked a little younger on the cover since he looks about 24 in the book, but other than that, it's great! I love the darkness contrasting with the red and Valek's eyes...just beautiful!

Closing Thoughts: Overall, I give this book a big four nail polishes! It had a great plot turn that I was not expecting as well as the drama between Charlotte and Valek that arise. I'm glad this romance had more substance than just falling in love. They see the good and bad in one another and are willing to work through on top of the new dictator. I did talk mostly about the romance but the plot is a great one and starts this series off to a great start.

Where to find Shayne:

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Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: Silence (Hush, Hush #3) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Silence
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Series: Hush, Hush
       1. Hush, Hush
       2. Crescendo 
       3. Silence Brooke's Review
       4. Finale (Release Date: Oct. 23, 2012)

Format: Hardcover - 438 pages

Release Date: October 4, 2011

Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, YA, Fantasy, Mystery

Rating:

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Summary

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever. Source

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Review

Plot: Silence is the third installment in the Hush, Hush series and I am so thankful this was not the last book. I think me, among thousdands of other fans, thought this would be the end but once I started reading the book, I was glad to see that this might not be the end. Silence starts out with Nora waking up, not knowing about anything that has happened in past years and finally being found after several months. She goes back to her life trying to go back into routine of summer school, family and friends...totally forgetting Patch. Basically, the book surrounds Nora trying to regain her memory and figuring out why all of these supernatural happenings are going on around her. I was disappointed when it came to some of the way people acted around her, either they acted like she should already know everything she forgot or hid things from her. But then again it was kind of interesting to see her memory work when it came to Patch. It was very gradual and faint, which was good because I would have been so angry  if she remembered Patch and not her mom.

Character(s): Nora - Sad to say, I'm glad Nora lost her memory. She was easier to read and I could empathize what she was going through. I would say that I did still feel a little off with her because she still is herself and she does do a few things that I think are unnecessary. She does eventually move past it but that is one problem I always have with her is that she does some things where the characters' ask her why she would do it and I am doing the same as well.

Cover: Becca never disappoints me with her covers. This one is probably my favorite of the four. It looks very dramatic but also simple, telling the story of the two in one pose. Definitely love the models, and love the theme Fitzpatrick always keeps with this series.

Closing Thoughts: This was a nice progression in the series but it wasn't my favorite book. Was it a great book? Absolutely. Did I completely enjoy it? Not as much as I did with Hush, Hush and Crescendo. I feel like this is the "sequel-isque" book, where it just progresses the story but doesn't truly stand out for me. I hope Finale will be the conclusion we're looking for. My opinion for this book is that I'm just glad it is not the ending to Nora's story.

Where to find Becca:

Website l Facebook l Twitter l Amazon l Goodreads

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: Spells (Wings #2) by Aprilynne Pike

Title: Spells

Author: Aprilynne Pike

Series: Wings
    1. Wings
    2. Spells
    3. Illusions
    4. Destined

Format: Hardcover (368 pages)

Release Date: May 4, 2010

Genre(s): YA, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Rating:       

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Summary

Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.

When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable? Source

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Review

Plot: I was so excited to finally be able to continue on in the Wings series. I wanted to know how Laurel would adjust to the fae world and the love triangle between her, David, and Tamani. Spells starts off as Laurel is getting ready to enter Avalon to spend the summer catching up with her abilities. As she goes through her studies as a Fall faerie, she starts to see the division of class between Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter faeries. But she also gets to know more of Tam's life and family as well as his feelings towards their relationship because of the classes. I loved the deeper look into Avalon because it has that very whimsical and peaceful but you also see that it is like every other world in the sense as it isn't all rainbows and sunshine, even though there's a lot of that. I was afraid of how Pike would make Avalon because some authors can make faerie world comes off as a little cartoonish or comical but she did an amazing job with this Avalon because you see the magical atmosphere of it as well as the reality of any world. Along with Laurel's stay there, I do like the return of some characters because it does create tension aside from the romance. Speaking of, there is much more and much more drama but it seems to be somewhat resolved. I wish there was just a little more fairness between the two, including with Tam. It seemed like no matter what happened in the story, it always goes back to the love interest that first shows up.

Character(s): Laurel - Laurel is one of the few heroines I love. I love that she is trying to find herself in being a faerie but also within the human world where she's grown up. She is definitely a force to be reckon with and knows what she wants when she finally decides on it. Except for when it comes between David and Tamani. Like I said before, I wish there were more fairness. Shar tells Laurel himself that she isn't being fair with Tam and I believe that as well. Tam obviously deserves a fighting chance and like so many other love triangles: the love interest that came into the picture after the first one always gets the short stick.

Tamani - In Wings, much to the demise of my friends, I was siding more with David. He seemed of more like a logical choice to me and seemed to love Laurel already where Tam just seemed to want to be with Laurel and that's all. But after reading this, I am completely Team Tam. After seeing Tam's life and his family, he seems so much more at home with Laurel and makes Laurel feel special. The only reason why I would say Tam couldn't be with Laurel was because of what Tam said himself and that is because he isn't in the same class as Laurel. She would be ridiculed if they were together and he would always be gone to help guard Avalon.
David - I felt like David was just...there. He was there for Laurel and was a good boyfriend but I don't see the spark in him as I do with Tam. He wants to be with Laurel but he seems to give up so easily. He rather have a love lost than to fight for Laurel. Not every character has to be passionate but if he really cares for her, he should fight for her just as much as Tam does rather than wait for her to come to his doorstep.

Cover: I love the Wings series' covers. I like how they just choose natural flowers that seem to go with the feel of each book and goes with the faeries. They're plants, so that is what the cover represents.

Closing Thoughts: I give Spells a three out of four because I loved the progression in the book when it came to Avalon and the love triangle. I just wish there was a different twist in climax or tension. It seems like it was put in because we needed tension away from what was happening between David and Tamani. I'm looking forward to reading Illusions and seeing what happens to Laurel going back to school now knowing she's a faerie and who she will choose in the end.

Where to find Aprilynne:

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Peace and Fangs,
Alisha