From Goodreads: The eyes never lie. No one’s eyes are darker than Eryx. Not even the Devil’s.

When Jax and Sasha first see Jordan Ellis, they know she is no ordinary teenager. She’s the daughter of the President after all, but she’s also Anabo – a descendant of Eve.

What they don’t know is that Eryx plans to kidnap Jordan and force President Ellis to pledge his soul. If Eryx’s plot succeeds, the consequences would be catastrophic.

But the Mephisto brothers do know about Jordan’s secret identity. And for one of them, she could be the match that leads to their soul’s salvation.

Now it’s a desperate race against time to save Jordan and prevent Eryx’s haunting eyes from discovering her true identity.

A thrilling story of romance, danger, and intrigue, THE MEPHISTO KISS continues the marvelous mythology that began in THE MEPHISTO COVENANT.

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I love, love, love, this book!  The series has turned out to be amazing, and I am in awe of Faegen’s sheer writing abilities!  She is so creative and her novels quickly enrapture the reader; I read this in one sitting because it is that good!  If you haven’t started the series, trust me, you need to read this!

One of the aspects that I love so much about the series, and this novel in general, is that it follows a different male lead in each book.  In The Mephisto Covenant, we met Jax and learned everything through his eyes.  He’s exceptionally dreamy and I was in love.  In The Mephisto Kiss, it’s Kryos’ (Key) story, and though he has a lot of issues, and I do mean a lot, so does Jordan, his intended Anabo, and their banter and interactions throughout the novel make this fictional tale seem so real.  I can’t imagine being in Jordan’s shoes… not only is she the president’s daughter, but she undergoes a very life-threatening ordeal only to be whisked away and learn that her long time boyfriend is severely injured, that her father believes her dead, and that she’s an Anabo destined to live on a mountain, take down demons, and never set foot in her old life again.  At times, I thought Jordan was being a bit childish, but then I’d step back and go through all the steps of her ordeal again, and then I’d think that Key was actually being childish… I flip-flopped allegiances so many times in this love story that it isn’t even funny, but it made me love the story all the more.  Especially with the climactic ending… I was screaming, and I do me screaming at the characters, crying, sniffling, the whole nine yards.  Faegen really can spin a tale, keeping the reader glued to the pages as the suspense and sheer terror of it all rises.  And, Faegen write characters so in depth that you feel everything they do…  I’m already on pins and needles for the next installment! Pick this series up, seriously, you won’t be disappointed!  Five stars!

I purchased a copy of this novel from Amazon.

The Mephisto Mark (#1)

The Mephisto Kiss (#2)

The Mephisto Mark (#3)

From Goodreads: A thrilling mystery set against a stark landscape and the inspiration of Nome’s real-life dog hero, Balto.

Twelve-year-old Tee has just moved to Nome, Alaska, with her writer father and sullen little brother, Jack. Jack isn’t happy about the idea of living in the middle of nowhere, but Tee and her dog Henry are thrilled — so much open space to run around and sniff!

But on a walk near their new house, Henry spots something that has him seriously spooked. Tee sees a mysterious shadow, and it seems to be following them. Have they disturbed a restless spirit? And what other secrets might this dark place be holding?

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This is a really cute MG, younger YA read that has just enough creepy elements to enthrall, while also warming the heart with its sound themes and motifs. The story flips back and forth between the past and present, remaining mostly in the present to expand on the story, but the added past information helps spur the reader on as they realize this isn’t just a ghost story, but a search for the grave of a missing child, as well. Now, that probably sounds morbid, and it is, but it’s presented in such a way that it isn’t going to give your kids nightmares (at least, I don’t think it will) and the mystery of it all really helps build the anticipation of the story.  Though not a child or younger teen, I really liked this novel and plan to put it on the Outside Reading Book List for my students as I think it’s a valuable story.  It’s simple, easy to read, interesting, and the characterization is great.  Tee and her brother are very life-like characters—I’m sure I’d be acting just like Jack if I were stranded in Alaska, and I truly enjoyed learning about Alaska, the characters, and the ghost dog as it all unfolded.  Kimmel did a great job and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author—hopefully something for a little older crowd.  Three and a half stars.

Scholastic Press has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on November 1, 2012.

From Goodreads: On one side of the Rift is a technological paradise without famine or want. On the other side is a mystery.

Sixteen-year-old Glenn Morgan has lived next to the Rift her entire life and has no idea of what might be on the other side of it. Glenn’s only friend, Kevin, insists the fence holds back a world of monsters and witchcraft, but magic isn’t for Glenn. She has enough problems with reality: Glenn’s mother disappeared when she was six, and soon after, she lost her scientist father to his all-consuming work on the mysterious Project. Glenn buries herself in her studies and dreams about the day she can escape. But when her father’s work leads to his arrest, he gives Glenn a simple metal bracelet that will send Glenn and Kevin on the run—with only one place to go.

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This is one of those books that I liked overall, but there were some hiccups and slow moving scenes along the way that made it a little hard for me to want to turn to the next page.  I think Magisterium started out as a very unique piece, but at the same time, there seem to be a lot of books coming out right now that deal with “two different sides/worlds,” such as Skylark (and even The Future We Left Behind, to an extent)and I’m finding that these novels are following the same patterns: highly advanced worlds versus the unknown/being lied too.  Now, there isn’t anything wrong with that in the least; perhaps it’s because I’m reading them all in such close succession that I’m not falling directly in love with any of them.  Thus, what originally seemed quite enticing to me, when I read the synopsis, no longer is due to reading other books along the same lines… and so I have to wonder… if I’d read this prior to any of the other books I’ve read that are similar, would I feel differently?  Perhaps.

Now, Hirsh does put his own spin on this divided world, with one group being very technologically advanced and perfect, while the other side is full of magic, fantasy, and… mayhem.  I liked the idea behind the fantasy aspect of the novel, but I’m not an extreme fantasy buff, so the multiple talking animals and such didn’t necessarily make me like it any more than I already did—in fact, that’s one of the last things I was expecting to find in this novel, but Hirsh explained this fantastical world quite well and I found it interesting enough.  I liked the talking animals and thought their personalities were very well developed, just as I liked Glenn’s personality (but I hated Kevin). However, the weird delirious responses of Kevin and Glenn once beyond the Rift confused me a great deal and I’m still not 100% sure what was really happening… I think I have the general idea, and I liked the overall concept of the novel—missing mother, father trying to find her through creation of technological devices, a girl attempting to save both of her worlds… and I did like the overall premise; I just didn’t fall in love with it.  So, if you’re really into fantasy and magical worlds interspersed with technological advances, then this might be right up your alley.  For me, I give it three stars.

Scholastic Press has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read a copy of this novel, via Netgalley.

From Goodreads: Bronte Talbott follows all of the exploits of the British royals. After all, they’re the world’s most preeminent dysfunctional family. And who is she to judge? Bronte’s own search for love isn’t going all that well, especially after her smooth-talking Texan boyfriend abruptly leaves her in the dust.

Bronte keeps a lookout for a rebound to help mend her broken heart, and when she meets Max Heyworth, she’s certain he’s the perfect transition man. But when she discovers he’s a duke, she has to decide if she wants to stay with him for the long haul and deal with the opportunities– and challenges– of becoming a royal.

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I am very sorry to say that this novel is not what I expected, and I didn’t care for it at all.  First and foremost, this novel is all about sex.  It has a somewhat interesting storyline, and based on the book blurb I really wanted to read it, but it ended up being mostly about sex, with some graphic erotica interspersed, which I really don’t want to read about… for instance, I didn’t  want to know about the “moisture” between Bronte’s  legs or how she screams at Max to put “it” in… umm… definitely not what I was expecting in this “love” story that, in my opinion, was more so an obsession with sex.

Secondly, Bronte drove me batty.  She is a very smart young woman doing great things for herself, but she is an absolute idiot when it comes to men. It’s like all her brains turn to fluff when it comes to relationships, which is really unfortunate because I was hoping she would be a strong female character.  She also cusses like a crazed sailor (not endearing to me) and focuses on sex way too much.  Upon meeting Max, eight weeks of really great sex ensues, but I never felt that I learned anything substantial about either Max or Bronte, aside from the fact that they really… like… sex.  And in that case, I didn’t feel like there was a concrete enough relationship to solidify falling in love or getting married.

I think that if the story focused more so on the budding relationship between Max and Bronte, and much, much less on their sexcapades, I might have liked the novel.  In my opinion, Mulry is a good writer, but this type of novel is not my style (which is why I didn’t read 50 Shades of Grey, and why I don’t seek out novels focusing on sex.  I just don’t want to read it.  I don’t like all the touching and grabbing… and I think this story really could have been good had it focused less on sex and more on the plot.

Now, if you read 50 Shades of Grey and enjoyed it, then I think you might like this novel.  As I said, Mulry is a good writer, and this might be something you really enjoy.  But, for me, it just wasn’t what I was expecting.  One star.

Sourcebooks Landmark has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on November 1, 2012.

From Goodreads: Fresh out of jail and hopeful his troubles are behind him, Valentine Slade returns to his hometown of Lott, New Mexico. But for Val, his troubles are just beginning. His girlfriend’s State Trooper brother comes after him with a shotgun, his mother Caroline has been diagnosed with a mysterious form of terminal cancer, and a mutilated corpse is found on the road outside his house.

And there’s something more…something…unnatural out in the desert…something that is not human watches and waits, luring Val deeper and deeper into a terrifying mystery that may very well be tied to otherworldly intelligence…and tied to Val himself. To find the truth Val must delve into nightmares he’d rather forget, horrors he’d rather not know, and into places where there is nowhere to hide.

We are not alone. There is no escape from the truth. No escape from…TRINITY.

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I don’t recall reading any novels about aliens in the recent past, so I suspect that’s one of the main reasons I was drawn to this debut novel.  I’m always looking to read something different than the norm—first it was wizards, but then everyone began writing about them.  Then it was vampires, and then zombies, faeries, fallen angels… but I really haven’t come across aliens. Until now.

Dearborn has created a very enticing story. With a hero fresh from prison, a dying mother deemed the town nutcase, and a police force ready to lock him up at the first sign of trouble, Val has a lot on his plate.  Throw in the mysterious deaths of his enemies, a panther like alien prowling the premises, and two alien races vying for Val’s attentions, and you’ve got a very intriguing story.

I really liked the idea of the different alien groups, but I did find it a little difficult to keep them straight.  Though they aren’t similar in appearance, they both tend to do and want the same things, so I kept forgetting who was the “good” race and who wasn’t.  We learn about them from a story being transcribed into a novel named Trinity, and though I found this very interesting, it confused me when it first picked up. Let’s see if I can explain it clearly.  Trinity (as in the novel we’re reading, not the novel referenced inside this novel, which is ALSO called Trinity) begins with Val leaving prison, and the subsequent chapters that follow focus solely on his story.  But then there comes a chapter referencing an interview between a doctor and a female who claims to have been abducted by aliens—this is a chapter from the book Trinity (which is the “book” inside the book).  As the doctor is transcribing his findings with “alien abductees,” he doesn’t give real names, so it took me a bit to figure out who the woman was, what she was talking about, and how Val related to it all, because all of a sudden the story wasn’t about Val at all, but a woman with boyfriend issues.  Of course, once I did figure out the reason behind the random-like interjections of the transcription, it all began to make perfect sense, but it was such a jarring way to bring together two separate stories that, originally, I was extremely confused.  So, keep that in mind when reading this book.  There is a “book” within the book that references different chapters, focusing on a woman who is quite important to the story.  I won’t tell you who she is, but you’ll probably figure it out right away, unlike me, as you now know that there is what seems like random stories throughout the novel.

This novel is definitely otherworldly, as it should be, but even so, some of it seemed really weird to me, and I definitely wanted more background of the two alien races pinpointing Val.  I think perhaps that would have made it a little more understandable, but it’s also completely feasible that I just missed something important about the two groups, and so found them too mysterious (as in, not knowing enough about them).

I liked the characterization a lot, but did find that Val’s girlfriend was a little daft, as it were.  Her solution to everything, like all the dead bodies popping up, drove me crazy, and the fact that Val just went along with it made me want to smack him upside the head, but then again, I guess, having just gotten out of prison, he wouldn’t be too eager to have the police all over his yard due to the many deaths taking place around him…

Overall, Trinity was a good read and I’m excited to see what’s next for Dearborn.  I’d recommend Trinity to any sci-fi buffs out there, or to anyone looking for something completely different.  This is it.  Three stars.

DarkFuse has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read a copy of this novel, via Netgalley.

From Goodreads: Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

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I was so stoked that Kagawa decided to write a spinoff novel of her Iron Fey series.  I really enjoyed her first series, learning all about iron faeries; it was such a unique idea to begin with, but Kagawa certainly wasn’t done, and as it turns out, she still has more awesomeness up her sleeves, for which I am very thankful!

This story follows Meghan’s little brother, Ethan (remember the little guy that was kidnapped and thus brought Meghan into the Fey world in the very first novel?), who is all grown up now (well, in high school, anyway).  But, he’s very bitter; angry with the fey, angry with Meghan, angry with his parents… all around angry, as is to be expected, what with being kidnapped as a kid, “abandoned” by his sister, and having parents that just don’t get it. And yet, as much as he tries to hide it, he has a very big heart, for both humans and fey, as it turns out.

Ethan has a lot of learning to do in this novel, and I loved watching his struggle as he learns more about the fey and his sister’s kingdom.  There were plenty of twists and turns, and our beloved characters from the first series all make an appearance, including Meghan’s son, who plays a huge part in this novel, and I just thought that was great.  I wasn’t expecting it at all, and it completely made the story for me as I loved The Iron Knight so much!

Overall, Kagawa’s newest series is epic, and I loved the new turn of events, with a new group of fey entering the human world—a group no one is expecting, especially the Iron Fey.  And, if you thought the Iron Fey were interesting in the first series of books, then you’re definitely going to love the new dangers presented by the fey that blast themselves into the human world in this latest novel. Four stars.

Harlequin has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read a copy of this novel, via Netgalley.

From Goodreads: The Morrow Secrets is a high-fantasy gothic adventure story written for children in the 10 to 14 year age group but also enjoyed by adults who love delving into the world of mystery, suspense, imagination, and make-believe. It is the first book in a series about Tallitha Mouldson, a headstrong girl caught up in the sinister web of her eccentric family, the powerful Morrow dynasty. This fantasy saga is set in an alternative world and begins in a strange, rambling house called Winderling Spires in the land of Wycham Elva. The Morrow Secrets is an epic tale of dark forces, with a beguiling mystery to be solved, an exciting yarn of deception with frightening twists and wicked turns. The story has weird, whimsical characters, some motivated by wicked intent. They lurk round corners… watching Tallitha and luring her further into the dreadful secret….

It is a story of the heroine’s fight against the evil forces that have shaped the past and still surround her present. Tallitha is determined to unearth the family secret and so begins her breath-taking adventure, exploring the forbidden floors of the bizarre old house and discovering a number of intriguing clues which lead her ever further into the heart of the mystery. During her quest, Tallitha discovers she has inherited strange paranormal powers, passed down the female line of the Morrow clan. With the help of her eccentric cousin Esmerelda, Tallitha escapes the clutches of her suffocating family and makes her way across the dangerous terrain of Wycham Elva into the wilderness and the dark world of Breedoor. Accompanied by her brother and cousins, she learns more about the mysterious past of the Morrow family, she forges new allegiances, endures terrifying challenges, and encounters the strange creatures of the underground kingdom. Eventually she reaches the haunting castle of Hellstone Tors and the awesome truth about her family is laid bare…

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If you read the Goodreads “synopsis” above, I’d say that’s a pretty epic review of the novel itself… and I wish I had written it!  This gothic story is perfect for Halloween, and it’s creepy in all the right places, yet still a lighthearted mystery.  Tallitha’s life is very strange… her mother is crooked, her aunts are surreal and extremely strange, the servants are proportionately creepy… and as the novel unfolds, the reader is whisked away to a terrifying underground world where strange creatures await.  Full of mystery, suspense, magic, and betrayal, this is a novel MG and YA are sure to enjoy.  I also believe that fantasy lovers of all ages will love it—and though I’m not really a fantasy die hard, I really did enjoy the story and highly suggest checking it out if you’re in to creepy old houses, magical situations, terrifying creatures, and fantastical situations.  Three stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Ten years ago, Lexie Dodson fled her home in rural Ohio, leaving behind a heartbroken brother and abandoning a devastated fiancé. While chasing her desire of a fast paced life in the city, and the obscurity of urban life, she is shaken to her very core by an act of violence that leaves her betrayed, broken, and pregnant—and with nowhere to go but home.

Seeking refuge and facing gut wrenching decisions, she is confronted not only with the past she left behind, but also with a love that never died—a love waiting for something to stoke the flames.

Told from the perspective of four characters, Waiting on Hope will stay with you well after the last page has been turned.

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I really enjoyed this book.  I had a few trepidations going into it, as it’s about rape and I tend to shy away from novels of this topic, but I was very thankful to find that Souder’s chose to pick up the story after the fact, instead of forcing the reader to live through it in vivid prose.  Had Souders chose the latter, I really don’t think I could have read it as it’s just not something I handle very well.  Now, Souders does eventually have Lexie face what happened, as she should, but Souders is very tender in her telling of it, and it didn’t set me on edge as I had feared it would, which, in my opinion, means Souders really has a way with words and storytelling, and I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

I love that this is a “healing” novel.  The characters truly are waiting on hope, and while the topic itself is dire, and Lexie, her family, friends, and former boyfriend are all going through a very difficult time, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  And no, it’s not one of the those cheesy “everything happens for a reason” type stories, but rather a substantial story about healing and coming to terms with our struggles.  I truly felt for all the characters, and while some made me extremely angry, I think this is a heartwarming novel that can touch many lives—and I think every young woman should read it.  Though intense at times, Souders does an amazing job portraying the characters, their struggles, and their ultimate redemption.

I love novels that present different points of view, and Souders did a phenomenal job piquing my interest and allowing me to see the many different perspectives throughout the novel.  This can be a very hard narrative technique to use, but Souders has mastered it and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.  Five stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: From her birth, Abisina has been outcast–for the color of her eyes and skin, and for her lack of a father. Only her mother’s status as the village healer has kept her safe. But when a mythic leader arrives, Abisina’s life is ripped apart. She escapes alone to try to find the father and the home she has never known. In a world of extremes, from the deepest prejudice to the greatest bonds of duty and loyalty, Abisina must find her own way and decide where her true hope lies.

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This is one of those novels that I definitely think our young adult population should be reading as it addresses many important issues, such as discrimination, bullying, tolerance, and forgiveness.  I certainly don’t expect to come across such phenomenal themes when I pick up a novel, but that’s exactly what I got in Abbott’s Watersmeet, and I really enjoyed it.

Abisina has had a very hard life, and yet, for the most part, she is relatively normal.  I would think that someone who goes through as much as she does, being outcast, jeered at, and occasionally beaten, would not only hate those who treat her so unfairly, but also hate the world.  Abisina is a much stronger person than I am, because I don’t think I’d come out on top like she does, but even so, it’s a struggle for her, and I loved that Abbott made Abisina’s character so real.  Yes, Abisina comes out on top, but she struggles with her feelings throughout the novel, and even though she was discriminated against by her own people, she easily becomes the discriminator when meeting others, such as dwarfs and centaurs.  She’s not perfect, by any means, and though she did and said some things that I scoffed at, in retrospect, I’d probably do the exact same, as shameful as that may be.  It is very easy for us to become what we hate, especially if we’ve experienced it our entire life (being bullied to becoming a bully, etc.).  It’s just as easy for us to fear a certain thing or group if we’ve experienced unpleasantries because of it/them (such as a fear of all dogs because one bit us once upon a time), and I really loved the struggle that takes place throughout the novel as Abisina must come to terms with the idea that not all dwarfs, centaurs, etc., have ill will towards others.

I really enjoyed the fantasy aspect of this novel as Abbott fleshes out the mythological creatures we don’t hear all that much about: centaurs, fauns, trolls, dwarfs, and fairies.  Though we learn more about some than others, I was initially drawn to this novel because of the title—I wanted to know more about centaurs and Abbott definitely provided a lot of information.  And, I love that she provided both sides of the coin for these creatures; not all are good, and not all are bad, which, again, goes back to the idea that we are all unique and prejudice against others is a terrible thing.

Overall, I really enjoyed the journey Abisina embraks on in order to find her father and try to save her people from the evil that has taken over.  At some points I did feel like the novel was a bit slow in terms of action, but when the action came, Abbott did a phenomenal job capturing the reader’s attention and bring it all to life.  Four stars.

I purchased a copy of this novel from Amazon.

From Goodreads: Josh, Digger and Meri were rudely ported out of their time and far into the future by the Wizard of Time. King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur, is missing from its timeline. Without the sword in its proper place in history, everything from that point forward could change. Josh and his new found friends must find a way to return the sword to Arthur that won’t upset the timeline. However, the Bard’s have other plans. They want to rule time. They would do anything to stop the return of the sword. Is it murder to eliminate a timeline so that person was never born?

Follow Josh and his friends back in time to Camelot. Meet the Lady in the Lake, the King’s nephew, and Merlin. Rejoice as things go right and cry when a dear friend is erased from time. Did they do something wrong? Can it be fixed, or was the sword’s return the catalyst to the world’s demise?

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This is a very intriguing YA book that lovers of history and Arthurian times will devour.  Owen does a phenomenal job creating a unique, enticing story surrounding the historic Excalibur, and I love how she meshed the past, present, and future together through the characters of Digger, Josh, and Meri.   It was really interesting to see how the teens interacted with one another as they came from different time periods, and what they learned about each other as the novel unfolded was highly interesting and very unique.

Josh is the main character, coming from what we know as present day, and while his actions take the forefront, both Digger and Meri are great sidekicks.  Their quest, while a strange one, was really intriguing because they had to learn to work together and figure out how to survive without the aid of anything but their wits, which I thought was a great way to build up the characters.  I especially liked how Meri continually showed up the boys, causing them to rethink their position on women’s roles within history, though I wish more information was given surrounding her background, as well as that of Digger.

Having the characters all come from different timelines is very intriguing and I would have loved more insight into their “worlds,” but as they were on such a time crunch, it makes sense that they didn’t spend more time discussing where they come from.

Personally, I really liked the story, though I thought the resolution of the novel moved a bit too quickly. All of a sudden the characters were done with their quest and were whisked away home, which left me feeling as if something was missing… and yet, overall, I thought this was a really good, unique read and I highly suggest looking into it.  Three and a half stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: A Bonus 13 to Life Prequel Story.

Meet Jessie Gillmansen as she realizes that things might not be what they seem in the town of Junction.

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Every once in a while I peruse through Amazon looking for a new series to sink my teeth into, and I always love it when there is a prequel or some other inexpensive short read I can purchase to see if the series is something I’m interested in as, lets be honest, book blurbs don’t always put the best foot forward, as it were.  And this is how I came across the series, 13 to life.  Unfortunately, I didn’t find this particular prequel, Beasts and Bffs, to be all that riveting.  Perhaps it was just way to short for me to make any connections, but I did read it twice (it’s that short) to make sure I didn’t miss anything the first time around, and upon the second read, I still didn’t feel much in terms of the story.  Three girls go for a jog, two of them hate each other, and during a bickering fight, they hear something rather large in the woods with them.  And that pretty much sums it up.  For me, that didn’t spur me on to read the rest of the series, so while it’s not totally off my radar, I’m sorry to say it’s just not one that caught my attention, either.  Two stars.

I purchased this novella from Amazon.

From Goodreads: Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It’s gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie’s estranged father–an elusive European warlock–only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it’s her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

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I really liked this novel and I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.  The world of Hex Hall is so intriguing and I have to say, boarding schools for the “gifted” is one of my favorite settings for YA novels.  Now, of course, there is a lot of predictability that happens when YA novels take place at boarding schools since there are now so many books that have this setting, but I loved that Hawkins keeps her characters and plotline so original.  Yes, there are the token enemies, the best friend, and the secret crush, but Hawkins creates them in such a way that it’s not just another run of the mill, “already heard this story in another format” kind of way.  Of course, with so many novels now taking place in boarding schools, there is bound to be a little predictability, but Hawkins still managed to blow me away with her many twists and turns, causing me to second guess my assertions as the novel unfolded.

I think what I loved the most about this novel is that you really can’t tell who the bad guys really are.  Yes, all the evidence points in certain directions, but then Hawkins throws in a twist and the evidence seems to be dashed to pieces.  I love a novel that keeps me guessing, and that’s exactly what Hawkins does in Hex Hall.

Sophia is a strong character and I really enjoyed getting to know her.  As a witch only growing up with a human mother, she’s a bit behind when it comes to her abilities, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching her grow and learn to wield magic.  I also enjoyed her assertive nature and the fact that she sticks by those trodden upon by others.

Hex Hall harbors many different students, fairies, shapeshifters, witches, and even the lone vampire, and I liked learning about the different factions, though most of the emphasis is placed on witches.  It was very intriguing, and as the story builds and the students begin dying off, it’s impossible to put aside.  Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and highly suggest adding it to your “to be read” pile.  Four stars.

I purchased a copy of this novel from Amazon.

From Goodreads:  A former naval starfighter pilot, Maarkean Ocaitchi once fought to protect the Alliance and its principles of freedom and democracy, but his sister’s rebellious past forced them both into a life of smuggling. He nevertheless refuses to believe her assertions that the whole system is corrupt… until she is arrested and condemned to death as a traitor. Now, Maarkean must decide where his loyalty lies, and will either spark a rebellion or help crush the spirit of democracy once and for all. The experience will challenge everything he thinks he knows about resistance, loyalty, and friendship. Written in the spirit of heroic space adventure, Aristeia: Revolutionary Right is the first book in a series by new author Wayne Basta.

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I was reminded, very much, of Star Trek as I read this sci-fi novel.  In fact, I recommended it to my brother and mother because, growing up, they were really into all the different Star Treks and space adventure TV shows out there, and I really think this is up their alley.  Likewise, I believe any lover of space adventures will enjoy this novel as Basta creates a highly detailed world complete with spaceships, intense weaponry, aerial fights, and other worlds that are highly interesting.

While I’ll admit I’m less into sci-fi explanations and more into the character development, I think Basta did a fantastic job with both.  He creates many interesting characters, and I really enjoyed getting to know them as the story unfolded.  Maarkean and Saracasi were my favorite and, in my opinion, the most developed of the characters.  They felt very real and, though I’m not necessarily an epic sci-fi fan myself, I cared about their world and their freedom, and their predicaments and disposition really made me want to continue reading the story.

I had a little bit of a problem keeping all the characters straight, as there are many and their names aren’t exactly easy to pronounce, but overall I think Basta did a great job building up his universe alongside his character development.  In general, I believe those who enjoy the occasional science fiction novel will like Aristeia: Revolutionary Right, while those hardcore science fiction lovers out there will adore it.  Three and a half stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: The spell was simple…

Cruentus Protectum (Defend the Blood)

But what do you do if your blood is your enemy?

Victoria Warrick has always known she was different. An outcast at school, she is no stranger to adversity. But when she receives an old journal for her seventeenth birthday, nothing prepares her for the dark secrets it holds — much less one that reveals she’s a witch with unimaginable power.

What’s more, when she meets the dazzling but enigmatic Christian Devereux, she has no idea how much her life is about to change. Enemies will hunt her. Friends will turn on her. The terrible curse that makes her blood run black will stop at nothing to control her. And Christian has a sinister secret of his own…

Without knowing whom to trust, can Victoria survive her blood’s deadly desires? Or will she lose everything, including herself?

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According to Tori Warrick, she’s just an average teenager trying to survive the “mean girl” society that is high school.  But as she soon finds out, Tori is anything but average—in fact, she comes from a long line of extremely powerful witches, and as she comes into her powers she realizes that there are much worse things in life than a few bullies in high school.

This was a really interesting read.  I enjoyed the twist on vampires and witches, and while some of the novel was predictable, Howard does a great job making her debut novel stand apart from other vampire/witch novels.  I really enjoyed Tori, though some of the decisions she makes drove me batty.  She does, however, begin to come of age in this novel, and I enjoyed seeing her come to terms with herself and her love for Christian.  Admittedly, the on again, off again relationship between Tori and Christian did get a little old after a while, and I wouldn’t have minded if some of that were cut out.  But overall, I think the climax of the novel was extremely worth it, especially as it becomes clear who the true enemies are and we learn just how sinister and evil warlocks, witches, vampires, and even humans, can be.

For a debut novel, Howard really blew me away, and I’m excited to read the next book in the Bloodspell series, Bloodcraft, when it comes out next year.  I love the idea that Tori’s blood is so powerful and can cause such devastation, and I love that we get to see so many different paranormal factions in action throughout this novel.  Four stars.

I purchased a copy of this novel from Amazon.

From Goodreads: It’s been over six months since the eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano. Alex and Darla have been staying with Alex’s relatives, trying to cope with the new reality of the primitive world so vividly portrayed in Ashfall, the first book in this series. It’s also been six months of waiting for Alex’s parents to return from Iowa. Alex and Darla decide they can wait no longer and must retrace their journey into Iowa to find and bring back Alex’s parents to the tenuous safety of Illinois. But the landscape they cross is even more perilous than before, with life-and-death battles for food and power between the remaining communities. When the unthinkable happens, Alex must find new reserves of strength and determination to survive.

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Mike Mullen really knows how to spin a terrifying story that wraps the reader into its clutches and doesn’t let go until the final sentence.  I am in absolute awe, once again, with this sequel to Ashfall, and cannot wait for the third installment in this riveting story.

Alex and Darla are back, stronger than ever now that they’ve had time to recuperate on Alex’s uncle’s farm.  While no one would say they’re living in luxury, they have survived the volcanic eruption, figured out how to grow kale to stave of scurvy, and things are about as good as they can get when its constantly below freezing and ash and snow cover the ground, having knocked out technology as we know it.  But the chance encounter with thieves, brandishing the rifle Alex’s father was last seen holding, once again stirs up Alex’s unease and determination to find his parents, and so the trek back into the wilderness begins.

I love Darla.  She has a good head on her shoulders, and while life is anything but easy, her ingenuity and previous life on a farm make her one of the most valuable characters within the novel.  Together, with Alex, they seem to be an unstoppable force, and I absolutely love them as a couple.  Though Alex is lacking in some of the rudimentary skills needed to survive the freezing wilderness, with Darla’s help he is able to preserve, but it isn’t until things go very wrong that we begin to see just how driven Alex really is when it comes to saving those he loves.  Darla is my hero, but when Mullin pulls her from the action for a hefty portion of the novel, Alex easily slides into her place, becoming a favorite for all who read.

It’s impossible not to root for these two lovers, and Mullin keeps his story packed with fast paced action and heart pounding drama, making it a must read, in my opinion.  As it’s a long novel, I wasn’t able to finish it in one sitting, but putting it aside was pure torture.  Alex’s plight and the peril the characters find themselves in is excruciating, and I couldn’t push them from my mind, even when other tasks were before me.  My mind kept replaying the events, trying to figure out how to make things right again, even when I wasn’t reading—that’s how much the book affected me!  It’s a beautiful story and is extremely captivating, and though I screamed aloud at the characters (mainly Alex) throughout the novel, I still love them all, even the newcomers Alex meets along the way.

Mullin introduces his readers to even more terrifying possibilities throughout this second novel—from unfrozen waterfalls and barricaded towns, to cannibalistic leaders set on trading slaves, Alex and Darla must trudge through the wilderness in hopes of surviving long enough to cross paths with Alex’s parents, if they’re still alive.  And I just can’t get enough.  Five stars.

Tanglewood Press has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on October 14, 2012.

From Goodreads: Tales From Under the Bridge, all you ever wanted to know about trolls, and a few things you probably didn’t. Life and death, myth and legend, magic and mayhem, all rolled up into six fabulous stories that lift the lid off the dark world of these wonderful, horrible creatures. With a supporting cast of drunken gnomes and angry fairies, Tales From Under the Bridge drags trolls out of the darkness, kicking, fighting, biting, drinking, belching, and farting, into the light of day. Just don’t expect them to be happy about it.

Join these marvelous monsters as they practice their own, well, different, flavor of magic in a school for troll wizards. Observe them prepare for parenthood, question their morals and fight for their bridges. Experience their seasonal festivals and intrude upon their mating habits. Prepare to witness secrets never before revealed.

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This book is hilarious. It’s really gross too, but so hilarious that I enjoyed it.  Generally I won’t read compilations of short stories, but I was so interested in the life of trolls that I couldn’t pass this up, and I’m so glad I didn’t.  They are a disgusting creature, trolls, but getting to know them, aside from their looks, was a lot of fun.  Observing their “mating” rituals was really amusing (no worries, this book is pretty much clean aside from farting, belching, and drinking) and so far off the beaten path that it just works.  I mean, I guess if you think hard enough about all the folklore out there concerning trolls, you’d probably assume that everything they love is backwards from what we love, but I still wasn’t expecting it.  The more disgusting the troll, the more enticing they are to their own populace, and watching them all interact with one another was quite entertaining.

I loved the little billy goat versus the trolls, and the school for troll wizards reminded me of Harry Potter, only for the most despicable types of pupils, using various gasses to promote their magic.  Honestly, I don’t know where Blake came up with all these ideas and stories, but I really did enjoy them, and I’d say most YA+ males would really enjoy these short stories as well.  If you like prim and proper romance, then this definitely isn’t for you, but if you’ve ever wondered what the troll thought of the goats, or what gnomes and fairies really do during the day, then this is a novel for you.  Four stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: As Charlotte steps through the gate, she has a strong feeling that nothing will ever be the same again.

Moving back to South Carolina after three years away, Charlotte knows she’s going to have to face people from her past and adjust to a new high school, but she’s completely unprepared for what else waits for her in Charleston.

Drawn through an old garden gate, Charlotte discovers a hidden world where she meets Calvin, a boy to whom she is inexplicably attracted. As Charlotte is pulled deeper into this hidden world, it’s up to her older brother Kevin to rescue her. No matter how hard Kevin tries, the rescue depends upon Charlotte fighting her intense feelings for Calvin while mastering a set of abilities that she has only just discovered she possesses.

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Lovers of Alice in Wonderland, The Secret Garden, and C.S. Lewis’ Narnia books will highly enjoy this first novel in the Afterglow trilogy!  Ivy paints a beautiful world on the other side of the garden door, and I felt like I was traveling there alongside Charlotte as she ventured over to start her new life. Of course, looks can be deceiving and as the story unfolds, we learn the many intricacies of the new world Charlotte inhabits… and not all are good or what they seem.

I really enjoyed Charlotte’s character in this novel.  While there is “instant love,” Ivy takes the time to explain the culture and magical connections behind it, making it feasible and swoon worthy.  The love connection is also not portrayed as “perfect,” like so many stories out there, and I loved that Charlotte is a strong young woman,  able to keep her wits about her and make decisions that, though extremely difficult, elevate her to a mature young woman intent on doing what is right for the good of all, and not just for her own selfish desires.  I really enjoyed getting to know her throughout the novel and I can’t wait to see what happens between her and Calvin/Liam in the next installment of this enticing read.

I also really liked that this novel, though mainly focusing on Charlotte’s plight, is told through the point-of-view of both Charlotte and her brother, Kevin.  This allowed me to know what was going on in all aspects of the story, and I always love having multiple perspectives.  I can imagine it makes writing a story extremely difficult, but Ivy does a superb job focusing on each character and flawlessly bringing them together, though I would have liked a little more information about Kevin’s time with Monty and his group as I felt that section was a little rushed in order to get to the climax of the story.  In the end, though, I thought Ivy did a superb job and I really enjoyed this novel.  Four stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: My name is Gemma Lucas and my life’s a mess. Alex is gone, my dad’s trapped in his own mind, and my mom’s working for the dark side. Not to mention Nicholas refuses to quit haunting me.

The world has also entered apocalyptic mode. Everyday more vampires, witches, and fey run the streets. Innocent people are dying. The Mark of Malefiscus is showing up everywhere. And I’m the only one who can stop it.

The only problem is I have to die in order to do so. And I have to let Alex die. Something I’m not sure I can do.

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This final book in the Fallen Star series is, actually, not the final book at all.  It is, but it isn’t, if you follow what I just said.  Having just completed the novel, I was sad to see that the series was over, especially because not all my questions were answered.  However, at the very end of the novel I was informed that The Lost Soul is already out and it’s a spinoff of the Fallen Star series.  It’s a new series, but it continues the story of Alex and Gemma.  Happy dance, the story does continues!

In the fourth installment of the Fallen Star series, Sorensen gives the reader both Gemma’s and Alex’s viewpoint throughout the story.  It’s a first for the series, but I absolutely loved having two points of view and I hope this continues in the Fallen Soul series.  Being able to follow both characters throughout the novel was amazing, especially as Gemma and Alex were away from each other throughout much of the story.  This allowed me to stay connected to both characters as Sorensen begins to bring them back together again, which I really enjoyed.

I have to say that the ending wasn’t really what I was expecting.  Based on all the twists and turns within not only this novel, but also the entire series, I really thought there would be some sort of knock down drag out fight at the end in order to save both Alex and Gemma from death.  There isn’t.  It all sort of neatly resolves itself, and while I love a happy ending, it did leave me scratching my head.  However, like I said, there is a spinoff to the series, so it’s not over yet, and I’m sure we’ll learn even more enticing information and perhaps some of my questions will be answered as well.

Overall, I really liked this series and I highly suggest picking it up if you haven’t tried and of Sorensen’s novels yet.  Four stars.

I purchased a copy of this novel from Amazon.