The Broken Lake by Shelena Shorts (mini review)

Published: August 19th 2010 by Lands Atlantic Publishing, LLC
Paperback, 304 pages
Book Series: The Pace, Book 2
Click here for Book 1, The Pace Review

Summary:

In the aftermath of Sophie's ordeal, Weston will make some uncharacteristic decisions to distance himself from the past in an attempt to change the future.
But, while venturing into the improbable, the present sneaks up in a chilling way that will lead to Wes' unexpected submission. Suddenly, Sophie will find herself watching as both his immortal secret and his own existence are threatened.
Continuously intriguing, The Broken Lake takes readers to a place where eternal bonds confront a division that is sure to leave everyone wondering whom they can trust.

Review:

Well this was a disappointment. The book was pointless if not painfully repetitive. It was like one long chapter with none or too many boring details.

I did like a few parts of the book thou, some scenes and dialog reminded me of how much I loved Book one, The Pace by author Shelena Shorts but...

I wish I hadn't disliked it so much because honestly, I couldn't find a reason to like the constant fluff-kisses and typical conversations this book offered. There was barely any "wow" to it.

2/5

The Greyfriar by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith Review

Title: The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire, Book 1)
Published November 18th 2010 by Pyr Paperback, 320 pages


Vampire predators run wild in this exciting steampunk adventure, the first in an alternate history trilogy that is already attracting attention.

In 1870, monsters rise up and conquer the northern lands, As great cities are swallowed up by carnage and disease, landowners and other elite flee south to escape their blood-thirsty wrath. One hundred fifty years later, the great divide still exists; fangs on one side of the border, worried defenders on the other. This fragile equilibrium is threatened, then crumbles after a single young princess becomes almost hopelessly lost in the hostile territory. At first, she has only one defender: a mysterious Greyfriar who roams freely in dangerous vampire regions.

Whew , this book spoiled me. I loved it in so many ways...

But I must admit, I hadn't been quickly immersed in this book after reading the back description and I guess I was afraid by the presentation in the first few pages too because it was slightly intimidating in all it's alternative(otherworldly)history ...I was very wrong in my prediction. The promise of greatness in this read was fulfilled and there is no doubt that the on going Vampire Empire series will be epic. Enriched with wicked steampunk adventure, this read overachieves in all genres from soul-defined romance to impressive combative action. I was also enthralled by the glow of realism in the story too, it merged with the fantasy and paranormal romance aspects of the novel almost perfectly.

As for the cons, I waited for the eventual cliches but the writing was so crazy good that it distracted me from any that came. The love was something else too...it was a fine twist in the vampire romance part of the novel.

Clay and Susan Griffith are a fantastic duo.

By the end of the book I was completely blown away and excited for the upcoming sequels. The Greyfriar is a hidden classic, a thrilling story and I hope you consider this book because this book is too good to be missed.

Here is a video of the trailer for The Greyfriar if you'd like a peek at that:




4.5/5







Fav Quotes...

" "Greyfriar!" His tall figure leapt, and he drew his rapier while in the air, the blade falling as he came down. A bloody head lolled to the side. The swordsman didn't stop moving but rushed the vampire Adele was barely holding at bay...Clawed hands rose to strike the man across the face, but Greyfriar ducked and thrust through the chest of his opponent, twisting the blade to destroy her heart. The body fell to the ground and Greyfriar turned to Adele."

"Her hands astonished him. Her skin was so much darker than his alabaster flesh..."

Bruiser by Neal Shusterman Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Tennyson:
Don't get me started on the Bruiser. He was voted "Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty" by the entire school. He's the kid no one knows, no one talks to, and everyone hears disturbing rumors about. So why is my sister, BrontË, dating him? One of these days she's going to take in the wrong stray dog, and it's not going to end well.

BrontË:
My brother has no right to talk about Brewster that way—no right to threaten him. There's a reason why Brewster can't have friends—why he can't care about too many people. Because when he cares about you, things start to happen. Impossible things that can't be explained. I know, because they're happening to me.

Award-winning author Neal Shusterman has crafted a chilling and unforgettable novel about the power of unconditional friendship, the complex gear workings of a family, and the sacrifices we endure for the people we love.

This book was a web of astonishment. A true! ...but not so true story. Throughout the book, you have the voice of four unique characters that tie things up with a great message. In my opinion, this story told a message in the most unique way I've ever read.

In a nutshell, the story is about a girl, Bronte, who has been dating "the Bruiser" to soon find out by her brother, Tennyson, that there's more to The Bruiser then just a funny name. He has a special ability that I dare not mention because it's far more deserving than to just spoil you with.
Neal Shusterman has written a well thought-out book so I really recommend you get a copy or borrow it from a library.

The humor, action, science, and sheer wonder of the story is one of a kind.

4.5/5

My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent Review

Photos will lead to GoodReads

Book Description:

She doesn't see dead people, but…

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

My Review:

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

Just to point out: It's hard for me to get into the whole sensing the near death and love triangles but I read this one because of the rave reviews and proof that there are exceptions to what people dislike. (For Example click hear for my review of The Body Finder).

In my opinion, My Soul to Take started out bland for me but promising myself to uphold the "100 page rule"...I kept on reading. As I read, I found the story original and tempting for the most part but there was just something I didn't like about it. Kaylee, the heroin, and the two boys never held my interest. Nash, the love interest, was as forgettable as the dialog itself.

To me, the book description gave me the impression that the story will be somewhat imperative and thoroughly heart pumping, but in the end, I felt let down and lost any interest to read any of the sequels. incent an "OKAY"

2/5

Prequel: My soul to Lose {0}

Sequals : My soul to Save {2} , My soul to Keep {3} , My soul to steal {4} , If I Die {5} .