From Goodreads: When ordinary measures are no longer enough, criminal mastermind Fu Man Chu makes use of a supernatural henchman to get his way. Soon, Scotland Yard is confronted with a series of unexplainable deaths that unsettle Victorian London, and Inspector Lestrade turns to occult detective Jason Dark and Siu Lin for help.


But as they look into the case, little do the ghost hunters suspect that the evil crime lord has already made them the vampire’s next target!

Filled with enough mystery, drama and suspenseful action to transport you to the sinister streets of gaslit London, your encounter with the extraordinary awaits as a new nightmare emerges and an old nemesis returns.

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Dark and Lin are back in another who-done-it tale of the paranormal as Fu Man Chu wreaks havoc on London once more, this time using the ultimate vampire as his puppet.  Set in the 1800s, Fu Man Chu’s Vampire is the eleventh novella in Henkel’s amazing series, with the main character, Jason Dark, acting as the paranormal Sherlock Holmes. 

I really enjoyed this story, especially as Siu Lin, the strong female lead of these novellas, becomes extremely vulnerable in this novella.  I won’t give away any spoilers, but I was actually very worried that this novella might be the end of our beloved heroine, especially as black magic makes Fu Man Chu’s vampire impossible to destroy.  This is another great novella by Henkel, and if you haven’t read any of the series yet, rest assured that most are stand alone, though I suggest reading them all to obtain the full experience.  Three stars.

I recieved a copy of this novella from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: “We carry many things into the desert. We carry our entire lives on the back of our k’toogs. We are the people who wander the wasteland, to rally the ek’luka behind our caravans, so we might harvest and slaughter them to eat them and make of their bodies needful things.

The ek’luka are ugly and treacherous. We give them the remnants of our tribe, the garbage left in our wake, so they will follow us. They will eat anything they can. They are scavengers.

One has eaten my son’s hand. Its unforgiving beak crippled him forever in one bite. I was not fast enough to stop it. I do not know how I will ask him to forgive me for it when he is older.

We carry many things into the desert. We carry tents and tent poles. We carry food and water. We carry weapons and tools. I carry my guilt with me. I cannot toss this away and forget it like the garbage of our tribe. I will carry it with me forever.”

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This is a very intriguing story about one family in a group of nomads, traveling the desert in search of things they can take back to the cities and sell/trade.  A very laid back people, the narrator discusses his thoughts and daily routines as this short novelette unfolds.  While one may read the synopsis and wonder what the story is truly going to be about, the truth is, the synopsis is dead on.  Our narrator describes life as it happens for him and his tribe, focusing a great deal on the “onesides,” those who have only one hand due to getting too close to an ek’luka.  The narrator is obsessed with the fact that his son in a oneside, blaming himself for not reacting quickly enough, and for the fact that the ek’luka took his son’s good hand, leaving behind the filthy left one. 

As the story unfolds and the narrator and his tribe meet another group, happening upon a deceased dragon, the story takes on a bewildering, fantastical feel to it as the narrator begins to relate the odd happenings around him.  It’s quite an interesting story, especially the ending as it all comes into focus for the reader and s/he begins to understand exactly what happened, though for a short time I, personally, found the novelette to be a bit confusing because the narrator becomes unreliable, in a way.  I can’t say much more than that without giving away the twists of the novel, but it’s definitely worth the read, especially for those interesting in amazing world building and mystical situations. 

I would classify this as an adult novelette, mainly due to the perplexity of the situations within the story, but also due to some minor sexual references.  Try it.  Three stars. 

I obtained an eBook copy of this novel from Amazon when it was listed as free.

From Goodreads: It was like a nightmare, but there was no waking up. When the night began, Nora had two best friends and an embarrassingly storybook one true love. When it ended, she had nothing but blood on her hands and an echoing scream that stopped only when the tranquilizers pierced her veins and left her in the merciful dark.

But the next morning, it was all still true: Chris was dead. His girlfriend Adriane, Nora’s best friend, was catatonic. And Max, Nora’s sweet, smart, soft-spoken Prince Charming, was gone. He was also—according to the police, according to her parents, according to everyone—a murderer.

Desperate to prove his innocence, Nora follows the trail of blood, no matter where it leads. It ultimately brings her to the ancient streets of Prague, where she is drawn into a dark web of secret societies and shadowy conspirators, all driven by a mad desire to possess something that might not even exist. For buried in a centuries-old manuscript is the secret to ultimate knowledge and communion with the divine; it is said that he who controls the Lumen Dei controls the world. Unbeknownst to her, Nora now holds the crucial key to unlocking its secrets. Her night of blood is just one piece in a puzzle that spans continents and centuries. Solving it may be the only way she can save her own life.

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This is like a YA cross between The Da Vinci Code and Indiana Jones, complete with secret religious sects, much deciphering of code, fleeing across continents, murder, mayhem, betrayal, and even a little romance.  Although the story seems to begin a bit slowly, focusing on Nora’s past life in order to explain her current school situation and research internship, the story does quickly pick up as Nora begins deciphering the Latin letters of Elizabeth Weston.  Weston, a historical poet immersed in Prague’s world of alchemy, was a real figure for which Wasserman based much of her novel, taking the mysterious history of many from Prague and creating this intriguing story. 

With the death of Nora’s best friend and the disappearance of her lover, Nora is whisked away into a world of cat and mouse as she attempts to discover the truth behind Weston’s letters and find out who not only killer her best friend, but is also after her.  This was a delightful tale of mystery and intrigue, and I enjoyed most of it very much, but on occasion, I did find myself lost.  With all the clues and deciphering going on, I had a bit of a problem keeping up.  Things moved so quickly in this novel, which I absolutely loved, but my mind wasn’t able to keep everything in order due to the vast amount of changes constantly taking place.  This is no fault of the authors, I know—I’m not mathematically inclined in the least, and have found, on multiple occasions, that books, and even movies, with this much coding and deciphering, tend to leave me behind when it comes to how everything fits together.  Of course, I love the roller coaster ride that I find myself on as I read novels like this, and Wasserman did a superb job keeping my interest peaked throughout much of the novel, so a few lost points on my part is really no big deal in the big scheme of things. Overall, I think this is a really good read and that many will highly enjoy it.  Four stars.

Random House Children’s Books has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on April 10, 2012.

From Goodreads: Williams Point is a Mississippi Delta cotton town. The land is black and fertile, the horizon cotton-white, and the humid air muffles dissonant insect harmonies. It’s the summer of 1946.

Sam Swain, the Chief of Police, believes that a community defines its people, and when the good and bad of Williams Point are known and balanced the result is something you can value. But when he investigates the murder of two prominent whites—Adelia “Auntie” Southworth and her niece Madeleine Lott, both poisoned by arsenic—Swain learns the truth can sound its own dissonances.

Auntie and Madeleine are murdered in their home, among family and friends, who withhold information from Swain to impede his investigation. As he slowly exposes the truth behind these murders, Swain discovers other crimes and transgressions—long past and present—and his own complicity in what he finds.
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This is a wonderful mystery novel, depicting life in the South in the late 1940s.  With its wonderful prose and enticing storyline, this novel is a must read for all.  Luce does a spectacular job creating his in-depth characters, leading the reader down multiple paths as Sam Swain searches for the murderer of two prominent women.  Amazingly enough, nothing is as it seems in Williams Point, and as Swain uncovers the countless truths behind the townsfolk, multiple interesting twists come to light, making many a suspect in the recent murder. 

I spent the majority of this novel thinking I knew exactly who the murderer was.  When that didn’t pan out, I pinpointed the next suspect and was certain he/she was to blame.  After that fell through, I was positive that I knew the killer for certain this time around, and yet Luce stumped me repeatedly as this novel unfolded.  In the end, I never saw the true identity of the murderer coming, but it made such perfect sense that I can’t believe I overlooked it.  Luce is, indeed, and amazing mystery writer, with his solid prose and detailed descriptions, Motherless Children is a wonderful novel that I highly recommend.  You won’t be disappointed.  Four stars.

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

From Goodreads: Her sister swore that she would never let her die; now the entire world may pay the price. In a land where gods walk beside men and witches defy death, war changes everything. Scholar and warrior, witch and king, priestess and corpse-all must come together to save their world from the ravages of the coming tempest.

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Opening with the creation of a zombie and the eventual kidnapping of the main character, Achane, readers will easily be drawn into this unique story.  Tuomala paints very vivid pictures for her readers and the journey across Erekos is a beautiful one, honing in on many scenic descriptions that will cause the reader to feel as if they’re physically within the pages of the story.  This is a very descriptive novel, and Tuomala’s ability to capture life so beautifully is a testament to her writing abilities, but due to the vast descriptions, readers must be patient as the story unfolds.  It’s not a fast paced action novel, though Erekos does tell a story of love and war, and how good intentions can have dire repercussions. 

Told in segments that jump from situation to situation, whisking the reader across Erekos and back again, Tuomala weaves a world in which witchcraft, gods, scholars, warriors, and priestess’ all have a role, and though I wouldn’t say this is a jovial read by any means, it really makes the reader think, and ends on a contented note.  It’s hard to say who would most enjoy this novel, but I’d recommend this for readers who like amazing descriptions and a slower paced read, with seemingly disconnected events that are all brought together in the end.  Three stars.

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

From Goodreads: In 1888, following her mother’s sudden death, 17-year-old Arabella Sharp goes to live with her grandmother in a posh London neighborhood. At her grandmother’s request, Abbie volunteers at Whitechapel Hospital, where she discovers a passion for helping the unfortunate women and children there. But within days, female patients begin turning up brutally murdered at the hands of Jack the Ripper.

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Overall, this was a very interesting story concerning the identity of Jack the Ripper.  I loved how Reeves was able to stay extremely close to history while also putting a supernatural spin on the mysterious murders that plagued London in the late 1800s.  Having limited knowledge about Jack the Ripper, I did a little bit of research on him before I began reading this novel and, upon completion of the story, found that Reeves actually works the known events of the Ripper’s career right into her story, making it a very authentic retelling, save the supernatural elements.  It always impresses me when authors are able to take true events and weave a fictional tale from them, explaining the unexplained, and I found this to be a very appealing read, especially once the story really got going.

In the beginning, though, I found that I wasn’t really grabbed by the story.  I’m not sure why this was, especially as I became much more interested in the novel as it unfolded, but initially I wasn’t too interested in the events of the novel.  Part of this, I think, may stem from the fact that I never personally connected with any of the characters.  While I enjoyed them, I didn’t grow fond of them to the point that I feared for them.  I didn’t want anything bad to happen to any of them, but, when the Ripper struck, I wasn’t really phased, which sounds really harsh, I know, but it’s true. However, as the story unfolded, and the supernatural elements became more distinct, the novel picked up a lot and I found myself turning pages as quickly as possible in order to find out the identity of the Ripper.  And, though the conclusion of the novel was clean and to the point, I believe there may be a sequel, which I am looking forwards to, especially as there is room for one as the story isn’t really over.  Three stars.

Flux Books has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read a copy of this novel, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: Peace was fleeting. Vorham Riddess, Venur of Esra Province, covets the crystal ore buried deep in Leland’s mountains. His latest device to obtain it: land by marriage to a Leland maiden. But that’s not all.

Among Dragonkind, old threats haunt Mount Gore, and shadows loom in the thoughts of the Red who restored life to land and love. A dragon hunter, scarred from countless battles, discovers he can yet suffer more wounds.

In the midst of it all, Sela Redheart is lost, driven from her home with only her old uncle to watch over her. As the dragon-born child of Kallon, the leader of Leland’s Dragon Council, she is trapped in human form with no understanding of how she transformed, or how to turn back.

Wanderers seek a home, schemes begin to unfurl, and all is at risk as magic and murder, marriage and mystery, strangle the heart of Esra. A struggle for power far older and deeper than anyone realizes will leave no human or dragon unaffected.

In a world where magic is born of feeling, where the love between a girl and a dragon was once transformative, what power dwells in the heart of young Sela?

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Gamber has written another wonderful novel in that of Sela, the sequel of Redheart, which picks up many years after Redheart’s conclusion and focuses on the second generation of dragons in Leland province.  Though there is a generational gap between the novels, I found it extremely refreshing as new characters permeate the novel, and yet our beloved older characters still pepper the story enough to have a healthy presence. Gamber’s choice to continue her story through this generation gap allows her characters years of peace and quiet in between, which is perfect as Redheart had a complete ending, with no cliffhangers. There are no dire circumstances the reader is dying to know about and so, when Sela picks up years later, the reader is given a brand new cast of characters with just enough information about the beloved previous ones to make a wonderful sequel.

Mirroring the writing style of the first novel, Gamber presents her story using different perspectives, focusing mainly on Sela, but also jumping to different characters and giving the reader an in-depth glimpse into their minds as the events surrounding them become perilous.  I really enjoyed this writing style, and the use of third person was ideal as it gives the reader access to all the characters’ thoughts and feelings. 

Sela, trapped in her human form and desperate to become a dragon again, sets the events of the novel in motion through her rash decisions, taking the reader on an exciting ride through the Leland and Esra Provinces as the story unfolds.  I really enjoyed her character; her headstrong personality made her lovable, though it gets her into trouble on more than one occasion.  Her parents, Kallon and Riza, only want to protect her, but having a human among dragons is dangerous for all, especially as Fordon Blackclaw is still on the loose.  Sure she must protect her parents and create her own destiny, Sela sets off on a journey full of suspense and peril, landing her in the middle of the Esra Provence and the object of the Venur’s desires… though many of the events in the story seem disconnected, Gamber has expertly woven them all together, leading to the finale that will leave the reader yearning for more. With its fantastical nature, riveting characters, and suspenseful prose, Sela is a book all will enjoy.  Four stars.   

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

      The Sela Blog Tour Dates and Participants Are As Follows:

• March 27 Lisa’s Book Reviews
• March 28 Watch Play Read
• March 29 Stuck In Books
• March 30 Fade Into Fantasy
• March 31 Ian’s Realm
• April 1 Jelly Bean Chair Reviews
• April 2 Once Upon A Time
• April 3 A Book Vacation
• April 4 Jess Resides Here
• April 5 Soliloquy
• April 6 Vilutheril Reviews
• April 7 Ritesh Kala’s Book Review
• April 8 Sci Fi Guys
• April 9 Unputdownable Books
• April 10 Edi’s Book Lighthouse
• April 11 Workaday Reads
• April 12 Eva’s Sanctuary
• April 13 Book and Movie Dimension Blog
• April 14 Babs Book Bistro
• April 15 Azure Dwarf Horde of Fantasy and SciFi
• April 16 Fade Into Fantasy
• April 17 Reading Away the Days
• April 18 Splash of Our Worlds
• April 19 Ali’s Bookshelf
• April 20 Sheila Deeth
• April 21 I Heart Reading
• April 22 All-Consuming Media
• April 23 Spellbound By Books
• April 24 One Thrifty Gurl
• April 25 Evie Bookish
• April 26 Booklady’s Booknotes
• April 27 Ella Bella Reviews
• April 28 I Smell Sheep
• April 29 The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia
• April 30 Darlene’s Book Nook
• May 1st From The Bookshelf of T.B. (special tour encore and wrap-up visit)

From Goodreads: The degradation of Queen Clara’s sphere continues without apparent end. She must ask for assistance from the neighboring Kingdom of Kentucky to combat the demise of their way of life. However, the alliance isn’t as strong without the promise of marriage, which in the past stood to unite the spheres.

Tensions run high, the ruination of additional spheres an imminent threat, causing strife and conflict. When Clara is seen as a pawn in a greater scheme and change of leadership, the Travelers interfere in an unforeseen way.

When two different groups of Travelers’ objectives collide, a cataclysmic event ends in a scenario of unprecedented upheaval and resolution. Can Clara and the Band save the sphere and in so doing the people of the future? Will Clara find the peace and love she deserves?

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I really love the Savage series.  Blodgett has created an alternate universe with characters so enticing and a plotline so unique that it’s impossible to put these books down.  The Savage Vengeance, the latest in this riveting series, picks up with Clara and the Band as they decide to travel to the Kingdom of Kentucky to ask for assistance, the kingdom from which Clara suffered much abuse at the hands of Prince Frederick.  Though Frederick is no longer a threat, Kentucky still holds much trepidation for Queen Clara, and rightfully so.  Blodgett expertly  sweeps directly into the action from there, and the already dire situation goes from bad to worse as events quickly unfold and Clara finds herself once again taken from her people and facing the atrocities of the fragment.

The suspense of this series is amazing.  Without fail, Blodgett makes readers’ heart jump into their throats on multiple occasions as the battles between the fragment and the Band ensue.  With a ratio of around 15 males to 1 female, the fragment find their livelihood through the kidnapping and trade of females, and the Band work to solely protect all women.  Clashing on multiple occasions, blood is shed and both people of the fragment and the Band are hurt, but perhaps the most interesting part of this entire novel is the interweaving of series as Blodgett unites her characters from the beloved Death series into that of the Savage series.  Using Caleb Hart and his friends to help explain more of the background of Clara’s world, the spheres, the different species within the strange world, and how it all fits into the genetic mutations of the teenagers in the Death series is ingenious!

I really loved having two of Blodgett’s series come together in this way; it’s completely unique and the interlacing of stories was extremely interesting and well done.  Having read both series, I had no problems following the young travelers’ storyline as they “dropped” into the sphere world, and though I don’t believe one needs to read the Death series in order to understand their appearance in this novel, I still highly recommend it because it will help shed some light on their inner personalities (plus, it’s an amazing series!). Overall, I really loved this book.  Five stars.

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

From Goodreads: Seventeen year old Katelyn Richards is a stronger person than anyone will ever know, and that is just the way she wants it. Behind her normal facade lies the reality of a broken home life. Thanks to her abusive mother, a string of deadbeat stepfathers, and an unsympathetic system, Katelyn has learned that the only one she can count on is herself. Her life’s mission has become to shield her nine year old brother, Kevin, and to give him the future that they both wish for. A life with no more abuse, no worries about where their next meal will come from, and no more wondering if they will have a roof over their heads.
When her mother moves them again, this time to a small town in Montana, Katelyn’s resolve is shaken when she meets Max, a cute boy from her new school, who gets a glimpse into her real world. Max slowly manages to break through Katelyn’s wall of distrust, stirring up feelings she never saw coming. Now with her world more complicated than she ever intended, Katelyn struggles with the decision to follow her heart into the arms of the first boy she has ever loved. A decision that could risk the promise she made to protect Kevin, and to give them the ‘someday soon’ that is so close within their grasp.

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King’s latest novel will leave readers feeling open and raw; this gritty tale of life, love, and abuse is so gripping and touching, it’s impossible to put down.  Though gut wrenching and heartbreaking, Wishing for Someday Soon is a must read, a story of love and redemption that, with its vivid characters and hellacious circumstances, urges the reader to turn the pages as this fictitious story brings real tears to the eyes.

Katelyn has a terrible life, yet she is a strong, personable character who diligently protects her little brother, Kevin, and doesn’t allow her circumstances to make her a bitter person.  I was enraptured with the story; King has an innate ability to create extremely real life situations and characters, which caused me to spend much of the novel in tears as it unfolded.  I wept for three fourths of the novel as this gripping tale ate away at my soul, but many of the tears were for joy, as ironic as that may sound.  Katelyn’s life is horrible, yet she remains strong for her younger brother, and though her home life is atrocious, the love and care she finds in her new town is extremely moving.  The willingness of strangers to help them really broke my heart, leaving me in awe of these amazing people who came to Katelyn’s and Kevin’s aide. It really is an amazing story that left me breathless; I stayed up all night reading it and was wholly satisfied and thankful at the conclusion of the novel.  King never ceases to amaze me, and her latest novel is a beautiful tale that all must read.  Five stars.

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

From Goodreads: On Amelia Island, Florida, 36-year-old journalist Fawn Cortez is adjusting to life in her new surroundings as she prepares for her upcoming marriage. Her father’s tragic death earlier in the year still haunts her. For decades, Juan Velarde Cortez obsessively hunted a legendary treasure, and his passing has left unresolved feelings for Fawn. Now, when a series of grisly killings rock the small island community—each victim’s face has a distinct signature—Fawn suspects a bizarre connection between the murders, her father’s quest, and the death ritual of an infamous Seminole Indian from the 1800s. A cigar box that once belonged to her father appears to hold the key. As Fawn draws closer and closer to solving the 200-year-old puzzle and determining the killer’s identity, she will be forced to unravel historical clues that will lead her on a harrowing journey. Time is quickly running out as a serial killer is watching and waiting in the shadows. Will Fawn discover the truth before she becomes the next victim?

With historical links and storyline twists, this follow-up to Gary Williams’ & Vicky Knerly’s debut novel, “Death in the Beginning,” engages all the necessary elements of and delivers a fast-paced, heart-pounding thriller.

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Three Keys to Murder is a riveting roller coaster ride, complete with non-stop action, intriguing characters, and an amazing plot line.  The beginning of the novel immediately pulls the reader in as an underwater explorer, Juan Velarde Cortez, finds what he believes to be a long lost treasure, peaking readers’ interest as he unseals the large metal box and unleashed something unexpected.  This sets the pace for the novel as it then jumps ahead three months, focusing on Cortez’s daughter Fawn, as she attempts to deal with not only her father’s death, but also the mysterious circumstances surrounding the recent deaths of some inhabitants of Amelia Island.  As a journalist, Fawn is drawn to the story surrounding the murders and, as the novel unfolds, Williams and Knerly produce an amazing storyline with multiple twists and turns, keeping the reader enamored with the novel from start to finish; it’s impossible to put down.

Fawn is a very strong, well-written character, vibrant and full of life.  While she has her own personal demons, Fawn sets her focus on the facts surrounding the multiple murders and begins sleuthing around Amelia Island and St. Augustine, connecting historical accounts and unearthing artifacts.  I love a good murder mystery, and Three Keys to Murder does not disappoint!  Fawn is an extremely smart, strong female lead, and piecing together the mystery alongside her and her trusty sidekick Bailey was an intense experience that, I think, will be even more fun the second time around; I already can’t wait to read this novel again using the knowledge I now have.

Williams and Knerly have a way with words and are able to cast suspicions on all the characters as events unfold, leading the reader to believe certain characters are involved in more ways than one.  This was really exciting because the authors were able to make me feel a certain way towards a character, only to cause me to change allegiances as the story progressed.  With its many twists, I never saw the identity of the murderer coming, especially as Williams and Knerly were able to cast doubt and suspicion on many of the characters.  I love books where I find out that the answers have been in front of me the whole time and that I just didn’t make the connections because the authors are superb mystery writers.  It was also amazing to find that while I was thinking the plotline was driven in one direction, something completely different was actually taking place, and I was shocked by the revelation of what was really happening throughout the story.

One of the best parts of the book, aside from everything mentioned above, is that the setting and background for this fictional story is, in fact, derived straight from history.  The amount of time and research that went into creating this novel is more than evident as Williams and Knerly explore the past while creating an enthralling storyline.  Though the story is fictional, the places and people really do/did exist, and I’m always in awe of authors who are able to take facts and produce a stunning fictional story, capturing the reader’s attention from start to finish.  I now want to take a trip to Florida and visit the different settings of the story on both Amelia Island and in St. Augustine.  The fact that Williams and Knerly were able to take facts and flesh out a fictional story surrounding them is extremely intriguing, and finding out that these places really exist, and that the characters mentioned, such as Chief Osceola and Black Caesar, were real and are accurately portrayed, is amazing.

Three Keys to Murder, with its perfect flow and explanations behind each hidden artifact and the puzzle pieces, reminded me very much so of how Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code flowed.  The storylines between these two novels are not similar in any way, but the sheer writing genius is evident in both.  Up until now, I’ve always thought that The Da Vinci Code had the perfect flow for a murder mystery novel, sending the lead character on a quest to connect history with artifacts, but in retrospect, I think Three Keys to Murder might just top The Da Vinci Code.  Thus, if you’re a lover of The Da Vinci Code, then Williams’ and Knerly’s novel is a must read!  Five stars.

I received an ARC of this novel from the authors in exchange for an honest review.  Three Keys to Murder releases tomorrow, April 1, 2012.

From Goodreads: What would you do to save the life of your child?

It’s a question microbiologist Richard Draman thought he’d answered when he walked away from his career to focus on curing a genetic defect that is causing his daughter to age at a wildly accelerated rate. But now he and his wife Carly are being forced to come to terms with the fact that eight-year-old Susie’s time is running out. Then they receive an unexpected gift: startling new research into the fundamental secrets of life that could be the miracle they’ve been looking for.

When Richard is arrested on a trumped-up charge of having stolen the data, he takes his family and runs, seeking out a retired special-forces operative and old friend to help dig up the truth behind the controversial experiments. Determined to either save Susie’s life or die trying, the Dramans plunge into a bloody conflict between two powerful factions vying for control of a discovery that could change the face of humanity.

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This was a highly entertaining read, especially as it deals with the idea of immortality.  Who wouldn’t want to live forever?  To slow down and reverse ageing, and to have infinite time with loved ones? It’s a really intriguing concept, and while many might say they’d rather not live forever, I think that, if the fountain of youth were unveiled and people had the option, many would probably change their tune.  Of course, then we’d get into issues of who controlled the fountain, who could drink from it, how to deal with population abundance, and so on and so forth, which is food for thought and a topic that Mills’ novel takes on.  I have thought about what it would be like to live forever, but never taken into consideration all the rules and regulations that would have to go into place if it were really an option, but after having read The Immoralists and Mills’ perceptions of what could happen, I do know that it’s a pretty scary idea.    

I really liked how Mills developed his characters, Richard, Carly, and even Susie, making the reader really fall in love with them and root for their plight from the very beginning.  Susie is such a cute little girl, and yet she’s dying from Progeria, a disease that causes her to rapidly age.  Of course, her parents aren’t ready to come to terms with this disease, no parent ever would, and it’s a rollercoaster of a ride following Richard and Carly as they attempt to do everything in their power to find the cure and protect Susie at the same time. 

While I found that I sometimes could foresee the future of the plot, and was annoyed on occasion that the main characters couldn’t figure something out that I thought was blatantly obvious, I was still rapidly engaged in this story.  All the pieces fit together nicely, and I really enjoyed the fast pace and interesting situations the Dramans find themselves in as they race against time to save their daughter.  Four stars.

I purchased this novel from Amazon Kindle.

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

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

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I first read this series in 2010, and I fell in love instantly.  Of course, many had recommended it to me, but I kept putting it off thinking that it couldn’t be as good as everyone was saying… but it was.  It was better.  Amazing.  Absolutely stunning!  Collins is a master storyteller, weaving together such an intricate tale, pulling the reader into the story and making him/her feel like s/he is physically there throughout it all.  I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with Peeta and Katniss, her inner monologue, the suspense, and the constant fear factor.  I became extremely wrapped up in the story and found it impossible to put the book down, especially because Collins keeps the story moving so quickly, yet fleshes out all the scenes and characters so perfectly that it’s impossible not to fall in love with the book, in my opinion.  Collins amazes me, and so it was no surprise that a movie deal was soon in place. Hence, I recently re-read the first book in the series, The Hunger Games, this past weekend, finishing it the day before I planned to see the movie.  Again, I fell in love with the story, rooting for Katniss and Peeta, laughing, crying, and overall having another wonderful reading experience.  The book is definitely five star material. 

And then, I went to see the much-anticipated movie with a group of friends.  I was ecstatic as I walked in, but not so much when I walked out.  And here’s why I think that is: it’s not a good idea to read the book right before going to see the movie.  Why?  Because this perfect book will be so fresh in the mind that when the director changes things, they stand out immensely, which makes it difficult to watch without any bias.  Of course, books are always better than the movie, or usually so, and I knew that was a big possibility going into this movie, but I was expecting so much more based on all the hype I was hearing concerning it.  Don’t get me wrong, I did like the movie, but in my opinion, they cut out too many of the important scenes, added some things that didn’t fit and, overall, I feel like those who didn’t read the novel are at a bit of a loss.  Quite honestly, so much important information was left out that, if one isn’t familiar with the book, not everything will fit together and questions will arise.  While I do think lots of people will be able to fill in the blanks enough to have a great movie experience, I have talked to many people who watched the movie and didn’t read the book, and overall, many said they had lots of unanswered questions.  I did the best I could to fill them in, like why Katniss yells at her mother, what the flashbacks about Peeta really mean, how Peeta hurt his leg, etc. but it’s not the same, and I’ve told them they really need to read the book, because so much is ultimately left out. 

Two major issues I had with the movie were that Rue wasn’t present enough and the cave scene was shaved down too much. These are two extremely important episodes within the novel, and they really needed to be played up more because many of the events rely on them, and I expected them to be a huge portion.  While I was glad for the portions they did include, I can easily see how someone who didn’t read the book would be a little confused concerning these events.  I won’t go into details here in order to avoid spoilers for those who haven’t read the book or seen the movie, but I was a little disappointed by how quickly these two events seem to be glossed over.

The shakiness of the camera in the beginning of the movie also made me a bit ill.  I have motion sickness, and watching extremely shaky movements on screen makes me ill very quickly, so I started out the movie already disliking it based on camera movements.  I think the director chose to do this in order to show how scared those in District 12 really were, and to give a quick overview of what life was like in the District, but I would have much rather had a smooth flowing camera, even if less could have been captured on screen, because it really made my nauseous—not a good feeling to have when just sitting down to a highly anticipated movie.  Now, on the other hand, I was glad for the shakiness of the camera when the tributes ran to the cornucopia and the blood bath ensued, as it created a shell for what was happening and didn’t make it as gruesome to watch.  Due to the shakiness of the camera, viewers have a much harder time focusing on one set thing, and so the murders that ensue were played down a lot, which was good, because I was nervous about how all the child murders would be portrayed on screen.  In this instance, I think the director made a good call to use shaky movements, and I’m also thankful that the two scenes I just mentioned were really the only times I noted the camera moving all over the place.  Everything else was very smooth, which was great.

Now, when the characters were first introduced, in District 12, I really wasn’t impressed.  I know they were supposed to look dejected and shocked, but I wasn’t a fan of any of the main characters until they were nearly at the Capitol and their personalities began to shine through.  But overall, I did like the cast, and most of the acting was superb, though I thought Cinna’s lines were a bit clipped and I hope that he gets lines that flow a lot better in the next movie.  

I also really liked that they showed the game makers controlling the game, using this technique to fill in some of Katniss’ assertions from the novel and her inner monologue, and I thought that was an ingenious idea. In the book, Katniss assumes the game makers are producing certain things to make the game more interesting, and it was awesome to see the game makers actually do it in the movie, since it’s not actually in the book.

I was also impressed with special effects throughout the movie and, honestly, I think that when I buy it, because I will, and watch it on a smaller screen in my own home, I’m going to love it so much more.  And the reason for that?  I will have been removed from the novel for a bit, so it won’t be fresh in my mind and, so I’ll be able to watch the movie for what it is, and not be so biased about subtle changes.  The shakiness of the camera also won’t be such an issue for me because it doesn’t affect me as much on a small TV.  Therefore, even though I can only give the movie three and a half stars right now, I think that will change as time goes on.

From Goodreads: Finding your eternal soulmate – easy.

Stopping a true-love-hungry evil – not so much…

After breaking a centuries-old romantic curse, Emma Connor is (almost) glad to get back to normal problems. Although…it’s not easy dealing with the jealous cliques and gossip that rule her exclusive Upper East Side prep, even for a sixteen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the pain-especially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close….

But something dark and hungry is using Emma and Brendan’s deepest fears to reveal damaging secrets and destroy their trust in each other. And Emma’s crash course in über-spells may not be enough to keep them safe…or to stop an inhuman force bent on making their unsuspected power its own.

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Picking up soon after the ending of Spellbound, Shultz again captivates her readers through the intriguing love story of Emma and Brendan as they embark on another perilous journey. The suspenseful unveiling of the evil that awaits Emma, as it attempts to destroy, her kept me furiously turning the pages, and I loved that it took me much of the novel to figure out who the “bad guy” really was. In my opinion, this added to the suspense of the novel as Emma continues to be attacked in different ways, and it was a lot of fun trying to figure out who was behind it all. Even when the culprit was revealed, the suspense didn’t disappear.  Instead, Shultz made it even more harrowing after the name was released and, as we learn more about the “bad guy,” it becomes even more intense.  This made for a very climactic read that I really enjoyed. 

Of course, Brendan is just as dreamy as ever, and I relished watching Emma’s and Brendan’s interactions as their love abounds.  Though they face many hardships throughout the novel, I never felt like they were drifting apart, but rather becoming stronger in their relationship.  While Emma does have a tendency to keep information from Brendan, I believe she does it for the right reasons at heart, and watching everything unfold was extremely fun.  I also love the independence of these characters as well.  Though meant to be together, Emma is a strong young woman and can handle situations on her own, not relying on Brendan, which is always great to see in YA literature. 

The witchcraft elements of the novel were also a lot of fun.  I found myself wishing I had Emma’s cool powers as she attempts to learn new spells in order to protect herself and those closest to her.  Though she does make a few bad decisions when it comes to her abilities, I still sided with her throughout because, truth be told, I would have probably done the same things she did.  Overall, Shultz is an amazing writer, keeping the reader glued to the pages as this riveting sequel unfolds, and I highly recommend it. Five stars.

Harlequin Teen has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this book, via Netgalley, prior to its release today.

From Goodreads: Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she’ll have to fight for it. Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans. As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future. Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

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Carter is a phenomenal writer; I fell in love with her writing last year when I read The Goddess Test, so you can imagine my excitement when I received an ARC of the sequel, Goddess Interrupted, from Harlequin Teen!  Pure elation!  And, of course, this novel is amazing, just like the first, as it continues the breathtaking tale of Kate and Henry, entwining ancient mythology with the present.  I was pulled into the story from the very first page, wrapped up in the drama and suspense as the King of the Titans begins to rise, the gods and goddesses become endangered, and Henry starts to pull away from Kate.

Once again, Carter has left me enthralled, and with her killer cliffhanger at the end of the novel, I am already on pins and needles awaiting the third book, Goddess Inheritance, which I believe is slated to release in March, 2013.

Goddess Interrupted begins six months after the conclusion of The Goddess Test, as Kate is coming back to the Underworld for her coronation ceremony that will officially mark her as queen.  But, while Kate has been touring Greece on her six month sabbatical (check out The Goddess Hunt to see what she did over the summer), the King of the Titans has begun to wake, producing a frenzy in the Underworld and leaving Kate feeling bereft in her relations with Henry as his preoccupied mind leaves her feeling dejected.  While Kate has always had somewhat of a low self-esteem, in this novel she ultimately hits rock bottom.  She is very indecisive, and her constant questioning of her relationship with Henry did initially make me upset with her on some levels.  But, I understand her predicament as well, especially with Persephone now back in the picture, and though I wanted Kate to be a bit stronger and self defined, especially since she seems so strong in the in The Goddess Hunt, I was hoping Kate would maintain that strong vibe.  However, in reality, I think that if Kate had suddenly adapted a strong demeanor concerning her relationship with Henry, then the story wouldn’t be as valid.  Therefore, I am under the belief that Kate acted exactly as she should based on her personality in the first novel and the circumstances within the second.  Though some readers may not agree with me, I think Kate’s personality is defined perfectly, though I do hope to see her become for self-assured in the third installment.

Now, Henry made me mad on many an occasion.  While I think Kate has an excuse for the way she acts, Henry’s is a little more hard-pressed.  Perhaps it’s a male trait, but the fact that he is evasive and won’t just state his feelings outright is partially the problem with his and Kate’s relationship.  His lack of assurance, even when she outright asks, drove me insane, and some of his actions made me want to slap him—strong feelings for a reader, I know, but Carter has written this story so well that it’s impossible not to react. 

Persephone is, of course, a completely different issue all together, and I’d be happy if she never set foot in the books again, though I know that won’t happen.  It’s very easy to fault her for the mishaps within the story concerning Kate and Henry, but in reality, she’s not fully to blame, and the fact that Carter continually brings that to the forefront makes it a really intriguing read as all the events unfold.  Overall, I really enjoyed this novel!  Four stars.

I received an ARC of this novel from Harlequin Teen, via Netgalley, prior to its release on March 27, 2012, in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: A vacation in Greece sounds like the perfect way for Kate Winters to spend her first sabbatical away from the Underworld…until she gets caught up in an immortal feud going back millennia. Castor and Pollux have been on the run from Zeus and Hades’ wrath for centuries, hiding from the gods who hunt them. The last person they trust is Kate, the new Queen of the Underworld. Nevertheless, she is determined to help their cause. But when it comes to dealing with immortals, Kate still has a lot to learn…

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As both The Goddess Test and Goddess Interrupted deal solely with Kate’s life during her six months of winter with Henry in the Underworld, I was extremely happy to find that Carter wrote this novella divulging some of the experiences Kate had during her summer months as well.  This was especially helpful as Goddess Interrupted does allude to Kate’s trip to Greece, but not to the point where one must read this novella to understand what is happening in the central novels of this fabulous series.  Honestly, readers could skip this novella entirely as it isn’t pertinent to the main story, but why would they want to? 

Carter has, once again, taken readers into the world of Greek mythology, expounding upon ancient myth and legend in order to bring the story alive.  What I really enjoyed about this story is that, even though Henry isn’t in it as much as I’d like it to be, the reader really gets a sense for the loving relationship that Kate and Henry have.  It shows just how far Henry will go to please Kate, which is helpful to know, especially going into Goddess Interrupted, because things are a little strained in the second novel.  Truth be told, I read Goddess Interrupted before The Goddess Hunt, but I wish I had done it the other way around because I think it would have saved me a little bit of heartache as I read.  I don’t know if it’ll help all readers out there to read the novella first, but from personal experience, I suggest you do.  Four stars.

I bought this novella from Amazon Kindle.  Stay tuned for my review of Goddess Interrupted, which I’ll be releasing tomorrow.

From Goodreads: Sabrina, an artist, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and her parents check her into the Wellness Center. There she meets Alec, who is convinced it’s the world that’s crazy, not the two of them. They are meant to be together; they are special. But when Alec starts to convince Sabrina that her treatment will wipe out everything that makes her creative, she worries that she’ll lose hold of her dreams and herself. Should she listen to her doctor? her decision may have fatal consequences.

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This was a very interesting look at the life of a teenage girl struggling with schizophrenia, trying to deal with the real world and its problems while finding her center at the same time.  James does a great job fleshing out the characters, especially that of Sabrina, as she deals with her past and present life.  The multiple flashbacks were a great way to help solidify Sabrina’s previous life for the reader, showing us the intricate workings of her mind as we watch Sabrina begin to deteriorate in the present.  It was very intriguing to see her grapple with herself—with what she knows to be true, what she believes to be true, and what she is unsure of—while also trying to make everyone around her understand the world from her perspective.  I really liked Sabrina, although I spent a lot of time cringing at the decisions she makes once she meets Alec.  Although I didn’t see Alec as being a malignant force on purpose, his presence does set Sabrina back a bit on her road to recovery, as it were, and I found myself hurting alongside Sabrina as I read the novel. 

This isn’t one of those sweet romance novels that leaves the reader feeling extremely happy and cheerful; it’s not a fairy tale ending by any means, but it is a nice little love story with a feasible ending that gives the reader hope.  Overall, I enjoyed the story, though I wouldn’t recommend it for a light read.  It deals with some heavy topics, in my opinion, but James did a great job with his characterization and prose, drawing the reader into the story, and I definitely think it’s worth the read.  Three stars.

MacMillian Children’s Publishing Group has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on March 27th.

From Amazon: The Dream Metropolis is a science fiction novel that posits the idea of dreams becoming reality, and reality fading away into obscurity. It explores the relationship people have between their real lives and the escape that only dreams can provide.

The Dream Metropolis delves deeper into the mechanics of dreaming, all inside of an abstract, ever-changing city of dreams. The people inside this artificial dream world see everything before them as real, even though they do not know they are dreaming of each other, of other real people.

They are part of a project that works to exploit their limitless, dreaming imagination in an attempt to separate the mind from the body forever, to create a real world inside of the mind.

Although, not everyone wants to dream forever.

Warning: A good deal of explicit content, not intended for younger readers.

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Cressman’s novel is very well written and reads a lot like a dream, converging ideas within one another and connecting characters as an unseen corporation begins creating a world within the dreams of many.  Honestly, I’m a little slow when it comes to complex ideas like these, and so I struggled to wrap my mind around much of what was happening within the novel, especially in the beginning, but Cressman does a great job keeping the reader on top of the story, and by the end I understood the whole premise of the novel.  I have to admit, it reminded me of the intricacies of Inception, and though both The Dream Metropolis and Inception deal with dreams, they are completely different.  While there is tampering of dreams in both, I actually liked this book’s premise more than that of Inception (I didn’t understand that movie at all).  And yet, I think those who really enjoyed Inception will love this novel, especially as Cressman’s writing is superb, though complex.  Four stars.

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

From Goodreads: There’s one thing Maddie finds more tempting than red velvet cake: her coworker, Drew. All it takes is one of his sly winks or a playful hip-check by the cooler, and she’s incinerating the cookies. Her boyfriend would not approve.

When a reality TV crew descends upon the bakery, her simple summer job gets even more complicated. Maddie could become the Bakery Network’s next breakout star, if she can handle the heat of being cast as a show villain. Drew has an alternate idea: run away from everything, with him and his sexy tousled hair. She decides to take the leap, but when she finds out Drew’s been hiding a shocking secret, Maddie looks down at her packed suitcase and takes a moment to think. Should she fly off to Australia with a guy she hardly knows, or should she pick up her suitcase and hit him with it?

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Moon has created a hilarious novel; she’s a wonderful storyteller, capturing the reader’s attention from the very beginning with her true to life characters and their amusing circumstances.  Practice Cake is about Maddie’s struggles—a coming of age story, if you will—in which she has to deal with a controlling boyfriend, a crazy job, her sister and her sister’s unfaithful boyfriend, and an unhelpful egotistical friend, all while taking part in a reality TV show that begins to consume her life.  I spent much of the novel scoffing as I read, especially as Maddie tells it like it is, without sugar coating anything.  She’s a fresh and intriguing main character and I really enjoyed her.

Drew is also a very interesting character.  He’s aloof and sexy, yet his secret is a bit overpowering and may change the readers perceptions of him upon completion of the novel.  At least, it did for me.  Moon does a wonderful job fleshing him out and making the reader interested, but also cautious of his presence, adding a bit of suspense as the plot unfolds.  And yet, while Drew is a constant presence throughout the novel, the giant leap the synopsis touches upon above, concerning Drew and Maddie’s escape to Australia, really isn’t expanded upon until the very end of the novel.  This causes the reader to continue to turn the pages in rapid succession as he/she desires to know the truth about Drew, and even though most of the focus of the novel is actually on Maddie as she attempts to survive her day-to-day life, Moon has set up her novel to quickly intrigue and captivate her readers.  Overall, 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: Zan is a teenage boy with a talent for discovering any girl’s secrets. If he asks a girl to poke her finger into his navel, he gets a psychic trip to Secret Town. Zan never likes what he finds.

When he meets mysterious, beautiful Austin, with her waist-length hair and mature laugh, he wants to get acquainted with her the slow way. Austin, however, can’t resist her curiosity, and when she pokes her finger into Zan’s belly button, he sees … nothing.

Austin dashes out of Zan’s house and out of his life, leaving Zan heartbroken and confused. To find peace, he must unravel the secret of his power. Is it a gift, or a curse? How can Zan love someone with no future? How can he not?

Poke is a fast-paced story about Zan’s adventurous summer, as he battles witches, experiments with astral projection, and discovers the secret of his strange power, all to be with the girl he loves.

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This is a very cute novella.  Moon has written a piece that many young adults are sure to enjoy, as will many adults.  When I first picked up this novella, I wasn’t sure exactly what I thought about a fortune telling bellybutton—bellybuttons gross me out, truth be told—but Moon has written a very intriguing story surrounding this strange fortune telling ability, and Zan was an easily lovable character. He’s kind of a cooky narrator, but he tells it like it is, allowing the reader to rummage around in his mind as he attempts to woo Austin, maintain his best friend status with Julie and James, stay away from two crazy witches intent on stealing his powers, and deal with everyday teenage angst.  I really enjoyed the male perspective; male leads seem to be a dying breed among novels these days, and Moon did a superb job capturing Zan and presenting him extremely well.  Overall, Moon did a really good job with this novella, and I’m definitely interested to see where the series goes.  Three stars.

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

From Goodreads: Fifteen-year-old Willo was out hunting when the trucks came and took his family away. Left alone in the snow, Willo becomes determined to find and rescue his family, and he knows just who to talk with to learn where they are. He plans to head across the mountains and make Farmer Geraint tell him where his family has gone.

But on the way across the mountain, he finds Mary, a refugee from the city, whose father is lost and who is starving to death. The smart thing to do would be to leave her alone — he doesn’t have enough supplies for two or the time to take care of a girl — but Willo just can’t do it. However, with the world trapped in an ice age, the odds of them surviving on their own are not good. And even if he does manage to keep Mary safe, what about finding his family?

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In all honesty, I spent the majority of this novel thinking that I really didn’t like it and that it was a bit boring and not my style, and there are many different reasons why I felt this way.  In the beginning, I had a very difficult time deciphering what was happening.  Willo speaks in a dialect that was not necessarily hard to understand, but more so annoying to deal with.  I haven’t read many books where the entire story is written in a dialect, but I’ve heard they’re out there, and this is definitely one of them.  Willo narrates the story, so he tells it all through his broken English, and although this sets the novel apart from most other YA novels on this basis alone, it’s not a style that everyone will enjoy.  While I can understand dialects in novels fairly easily, Willo’s grammar grated on my nerves throughout nearly the entire story, and the part that really got me was his constant referral to the dog skin he wore and the dog that talked to him.  That part really threw me throughout the entire novel because I wasn’t sure if Willo was delusional or just had an imaginary pet to help pass the loneliness.  But… he hears the dog speak to him on many an occasion and I, personally, just found that weird in terms of the story.

Aside from the dialect, I also found the story to be a bit bland.  Willo spends the majority of the story arguing in his head, in the dialect, with the dog, and I really didn’t feel like there was much of a story to be had since all Willo did was talk to himself.  Now, while there was obviously more to the story than that, this is the aspect of the story that really stood out to me, and it wasn’t until Willo made it into the city that I felt like the story began to pick up at all, and even then, it was at a very slow pace.

However, when I got to the last quarter of the book, I found that it picked up and I ended up liking it, especially with the twists and turns that began to take place.  Up until this point, I felt that the novel was just a continuous portrayal of everyday hardships, with Willo wandering here and there thinking about his father, but in the end, I found that there was a rhyme and a reason for everything that Crockett put into his story (except the dog), and I ended up liking it, overall.  I would have loved it if the entire story flowed the way the last quarter did, with suspense and intrigue, but I’m at least thankful that there was a good ending to this novel.  It somewhat reminded me of Waterworld in a way—at least the ending did, so if you liked that movie, you might like this book.  Three stars.

Macmillian Children’s Publishing Group has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on March 27, 2012