Return To Paradise by Simone Elkeles Review

Published: September 1st 2010 by Flux
Paperback, 302 pages
Book Series: Leaving Paradise, Book 2
(Click here for review of book one of the series, Leaving Paradise)

Book Description:

Caleb Becker left Paradise eight months ago, taking with him the secret he promised to take to his grave. If the truth got out, it would ruin everything.

Maggie Armstrong tried to be strong after Caleb broke her heart and disappeared. Somehow, she managed to move on. She’s determined to make a new life for herself.

But then Caleb and Maggie are forced together on a summer trip. They try ignoring their passion for each other, but buried feelings resurface. Caleb must face the truth about the night of Maggie’s accident, or the secret that destroyed their relationship will forever stand between them.

Review:

I literally can't get enough of Simone Elkeles books. It's almost like an addiction!

Caleb and Maggie's relationship is one I can't forget because I'd never expect such a romance in a teen book, to me it was inspirational. When they're stuck in a summer stumble, we meet a few other characters, all who really made this book almost better than the first. And like most of Elkeles book, this story felt real...

Something I hadn't expected was the humor. I mean it wasn't just a few chuckles here and there...it was laugh out loud HILARIOUS!

The sequel, if you've read Leaving Paradise, is a must read...regardless on whether you thought Leaving Paradise was good or just plain awesome! Have yourself some hot romance, fun dialog and wicked humor. Definitely recommended.

5/5

Book 1 : Leaving Paradise

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

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton Review

Published: November 15th 2010 by Clarion Books
Hardcover, 322 pages
Book Series: Goblin Wars, Book 1

Book Description:

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.

Favor Quote...

"...Did God create them evil?"

"Of course not." Mamieo stopped to pick up a piece of blue bleach glass. "Why would the Almighty do such a wicked thing? All creatures," she said when they walked on, "from the moment they exist, set about becoming through their own free will. Some are becoming more of what they were meant to be, and some becoming less..."

Review:

When I picked up this book...actually when I first saw the cover of Tyger Tyger I had hoped to be engaged into a vivid world filled with mythical creatures, adventurous characters and imaginative settings. Kersten Hamilton has done just that.

The beginning of the story starts with Teagan and her love for animals. Even thou the book wasn't love at first read, I had a lot of respect for the author's writing which made made it hard for me to keep my eyes off the pages. Come to think of it, the characters are what blew my mind away first. For a story dealing with goblins and Irish Mythology, Teagan and the others seemed so real. Abby, Teagan's friend, was so likable and hilarious...a true friend. Irish Traveler Finn Mac Cumhaill is one I couldn't get enough of either, he was smart, charming and the farthest thing from a cliche. I loved his accent, I even tried my best to portray the way he'd talk.

Basically it's a war against the Goblins and disgusting as they are, I couldn't help but love the ugly bad guys. Tyger Tyger only got more fascinating as I read but that actually became a small problem for me...

By the middle-end of the book I started to become more demanding but knew I'd have to wait for the sequels. The story had a few drags here and there but it was too good to consider it a bore. In all, kersten Hamilton has created a fun-enchanting read. I can't wait for more Finn, Teagan, and Abby...even the Goblins.

4/5

Over the Moon by Diane Daniels Review

Published: July 27th 2010 by Tate Publishing
Paperback, 256 pages


Book Description:

When seventeen-year-old Tiana moves to Hurricane, Utah, her comfortable world is turned upside down as she traverses the rough waters of adjusting to a small town and new school. Her father insists they were supposed to move here for some unknown, important purpose, and the voice in her head tells her not to argue. After resigning herself to being a miserable outcast, Tiana finds that she is not only accepted by most of the students at her new high school but is also the recipient of unwelcome attention from the opposite sex.

But then she meets the mysterious Andrew Martin and is soon Over the Moon crazy about him. Andrew seems to be the perfect boyfriend: protective, tender, good with her parents, and a fabulous kisser. But he also has a few unusual qualities: an intuitiveness that borders on mind reading, a touch that seems to heal, and almost superhuman strength. Tiana marvels at his talents but doesn't seriously consider the implications until she can no longer ignore the clues: Andrew does not belong on Earth. When Andrew admits his true identity, Tiana enters a world previously unknown to her and is plunged into mortal danger as it is Andrew's sworn duty to combat evil, extraterrestrial villains who wish to invade Earth and enslave mankind.

Review:

The author might as well have used all the names mentioned in Twilight, and I mean all of them. And what the heck, why not throw in the setting in there too.

Over the moon had a lot potential. There were times in the book where I was engrossed in learning all about the extraterrestrial and Andrew Martins' world. It was the only part of the story that was thought provoked. I could care less about Tiana...the only dialog that came from her was,

"The bell rang, and he was gone. How did he manage to get out of the room so fast? Was he trying to avoid me...?"

"...I feel so stupid. I was so angry at Jordan. He attacked me in a cave. I ran away..."

The passion in the novel was all to heard of by many of Twilight read-a-likes. However there were a few olden days love gestures that I liked but not enough to save the story in all. By the end of the book, I envisioned the author taking more time to make this a much more spectacular, unique read and thought...WOW, this could have been brilliant.

Too bad really. The best thing about this book was the cover art.

2/5

How to ruin my Teenage Life by Simone Elkeles Review

Published: June 1st 2007 by Flux
Paperback, 281 pages
Book Series: How to Ruin, Book 2

{Review for Book 1: How to ruin my Summer Vacation}

EVERYTHING in sixteen-year-old Amy Nelson Barak's life is going wrong! Her mom got married and moved to the suburbs, and now they are going to have a baby. Amy moves in with her dad in Chicago and signs him up for an online dating service. His first four dates are that night . . .

What else? Her dog Mutt impregnated her grumpy neighbor's prized poodle, so Amy will actually have to get a part-time job to pay for half the veterinary bill. And there's this totally annoying boy, Nathan Rubin, who just moved into her apartment building. Luckily, Amy has a cute boyfriend named Avi. Only he's more like a non-boyfriend considering Avi is in the Israeli army for the next three years.

What's a girl to do when everyone is conspiring to ruin her life?

Favor' Quote...

"You know what your problem is?" I ask him.

"Yes. I have a daughter who insists she knows everything."

"That's not your problem, Aba. That's your blessing."

Review:

This is the second book to the ruin series by Simone Elkeles. Now, I'm gonna be honest, this book was a little frustrating in the beginning...

Come on, Avi was no where in sight! Can ya blame me? Anyway, towards the middle and especially the end of the book, it got really hot. However, prior to Avi's return, I got a lot of laughs and fists in the air so surely, it was worth it from beginning to end.

Amy, who's back home in Chicago, is feeling more strained than ever. As if Avi's non presence until the summer isn't enough, her friends and family seem the least bit helpful in her love-sick situation. And Nathan, the dorky but mysterious new neighbor, seems to not only remind Amy of her "non-boyfriend" Avi, but might be intriguing enough to make her do something stupid. For reasons she doesn't know.

Hmm, what should Amy do indeed.

I'll admit, parts of the books were predictable but it was those kind of scenes I rooted for most. In general this book was really fun and entertaining. So thanks again Simone. Having such a unique way with words and ideas for young adult fans, it makes it hard, for me atleast, to dislike any of Elkeles books.

4/5

Other books from the "how to Ruin" series:

~How to ruin my Summer Vacation (Book 1)
~How to ruin my Boyfriends Reputation(Book 3)

*Ruined (Book 1,2, and 3)

How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles Review

Published: October 1st 2006 by Flux
Paperback, 234 pages
Book Series: How to Ruin, Book 1

Book Description:

Moshav? What’s a moshav? Is it “shopping mall” in Hebrew? I mean, from what Jessica was telling me, Israeli stores have the latest fashions from Europe. That black dress Jessica has is really awesome. I know I’d be selling out if I go with the Sperm Donor to a mall, but I keep thinking about all the great stuff I could bring back home.

Unfortunately for 16-year-old Amy Nelson, “moshav” is not Hebrew for “shopping mall.” Not even close. Think goats, not Gucci.

Going to Israel with her estranged Israeli father is the last thing Amy wants to do this summer. She’s got a serious grudge against her dad, a.k.a. “Sperm Donor,” for showing up so rarely in her life. Now he’s dragging her to a war zone to meet a family she’s never known, where she’ll probably be drafted into the army. At the very least, she’ll be stuck in a house with no AC and only one bathroom for seven people all summer—no best friend, no boyfriend, no shopping, no cell phone…

Goodbye pride—hello Israel.

Review:

I'm giving this book a "don't judge a book by it's cover" stamp. Nice and bold so everyone can see.

The setting of this book is Jerusalem, which for me makes this an even more interesting read because I'm Palestinian and know the country and it's people fairly well. The characters are, as usual in Elkeles books, fascinating! Amy, who's 16, isn't so much in control as she'd like to be. Her dad is living in Israel and so when she is sent there by her mom, away from her best friend and "boyfriend",stubbornness gets the best of her.

She's half Jewish but doesn't consider that side of her heritage or appreciate much until she truly sees Israel and meets Avi, an Israel hunk who I'd love to meet. Amy struggles with her misfortune and it doesn't help when a few people close by can't stand her as much as she can't stand the smell of goats in the air. For one, Avi and Amy can't stand one another but as much as this sounds cliche, they soon start to fall for each other. For reasons that are inspiring. Something else that was a general inspiration was the relationship between Avi and a Muslim boy, Tarik. I loved how that scene went.

I can't stress the admiration I have for Simone's stories enough. Her style in writing is so readable and unforgettable. I could never compare Elkeles or her books because they're so different, she always does her own thing.

Although not my favorite from this author because of the few times I rolled my eyes at Amy's obnoxiousness, I definitely recommend this book.

It's fun, loving, smile-to-yourself brilliant!

4/5







Other books from the "how to Ruin" series:

~How to Ruin My Teenage Life (Book 2)
~How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation (Book 3)

*Ruined (Book 1,2, and 3)

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa Review

Published: August 1st 2010 by Harlequin Teen
Paperback, 359 pages
Series: The Iron Fey (Book 2)
Book 1: The Iron Daughter For Review Click here.

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Favorite Quote...

"Tears filled my eyes and ran down my face, The gash on my cheek stung where they passed, but I didn't care. All I could see was Ash's pain, his loneliness, his yearning for someone who wasn't me..."

Another fun, entertaining read from the Iron Fey series. Julie Kagawa can do no wrong, her ideas and writing are once again, phenomenal!

So basically the story is another quest. It's a journey to find the Scepter of the Seasons that which was taken by "a new" kind of Iron fey. However close by, Meghan and the gang stop at nothing to win the oncoming war.

For the most part, this story was entertaining with all it's fun dialog, adventure and entrancing romance. Meghan, whose officially my favorite character in the books, is incredible. Her ways in handling a tough situation is still shocking...and so...inspiring. And how could I miss Grimalkin? the mysterious all-seeing cat. Team Ash? Team Puck?How can I choose from the two? They're both brilliant in their own personalities...

I can't get enough of puck and his witty remarks, nor can I ever forget the knowing, sweet and sexy Ash.

As for the rating, I didn't give The Iron Daughter a perfect mark because there were times, in just a few parts of the story, where I couldn't help but sigh boredom. But still a great book.

4/5

More from the Iron Fey Series...

Book 1: The Iron King ~*~ Book 3: The Iron Queen

Masks by Patricia Caviglia Review

Published: July 8th 2010 by iUniverse
Paperback, 128 pages

Masks tells the story of two teenagers struggling to be normal together, despite their dysfunctional families.

Rebecca Jacobs is an unremarkable teenage girl-at least, that is what she wants the world to believe. But her private life is made public when her verbally abusive father embarrasses her at a school dance, and soon gossip and whispers buzz throughout the school.

One of the witnesses to Rebecca's public humiliation is David Miller, the high school bad boy. Unsure about how to help her, he settles for becoming her friend. Rebecca and David grow closer with each passing day, eventually falling in love.

Rebecca's main priority is keeping her relationship with David a secret from her overprotective parents, but there are other problems she must also confront. First, Rebecca's best friend tries to steal David away. Then, Rebecca is forced to face David's violent behavior, which closely resembles her father's temper. Rebecca's worst enemy, though, is herself. In her desperate need to keep her home life separate from her love life, she lies to her parents and to David. When the truth is exposed, she must confront reality-alone. She quickly learns that sometimes secrets are harder to live with than the truth.

This reminded me so much of Junior High, but I have to admit, David is a better memory than I ever had with any of the boys in my tween years...he sweet, determined and sexy. At first I thought he was a walking cliche, I mean the girls claimed he was "so romantic"...I didn't see it that way but as read on I learned his side in the story and grown to really like him. Rebecca, whom David soon falls in love with, is not too aware of the cruel world of JHS. As she begins to realize and have a new take on her surroundings, David supports her with as much control as he can steady.

The book was a breath of fresh air but a few things I disliked about the story was the constant cigarette smoking, ranting teens, and their lives in general that seemed pointless.

But hey, I'm a teen myself and I know that's how we get sometimes at are early teen years. (Excluding the cigarettes...never smoked a day in my life)

Having said that, I wish the vocabulary was more colorful. I still have hope for Patricia Caviglia because I've seen the brilliance in her work...parts of Masks had my eyes glued to the page...

In all, it was okay...I'm curious to see what she comes up with next.

2.5/5

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma Review

Published: May 27th 2010 by Definitions
Paperback, 418 pages

Sixteen-year-old Maya and seventeen-year-old Lochan have never had the chance to be 'normal' teenagers. Having pulled together for years to take care of their younger siblings while their wayward, drunken mother leaves them to fend alone, they have become much more than brother and sister. And now, they have fallen in love. But this is a love that can never be allowed, a love that will have devastating consequences ...

How can something so wrong feel so right?

FYI, This Book is not Suitable for Younger Readers. As said on the back of the book itself.

Quote(s): "...Her face glows like an old fashioned streetlamp, lit from the inside, and everything else in the room disappears as if into a dark fog" -pg 120

This book was, well, let's just say I have never in my life been so emotional distraught...and amazed. At first, I couldn't believe the praise this book got because lets be honest...rarely does a person relate to a book about incest but to my astonishment, I haven't related to a book as much as I did this one.

Forbidden stole my heart on November 26, 2010 in which I couldn't think anything more important to do than to learn as much about the characters lives as possible. Every part of me felt for them to the point where I officially believed they were real, the writing is that good.

I couldn't sleep well that night and on the day after I'd tear up now and then as I helped my 9 year old brother with his homework, or hung out with my big sister at Starbucks. Tabitha Suzuma writes a compelling story about every kind of love there is.

Officially my second favorite author and second favorite book. After Stolen by Lucy Christopher.

5/5







Goodreads link: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma
Amazon link: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles Review

Title/Series: Leaving Paradise (Leaving Paradise, Book 1)

Published: April 1st 2007 by Flux
Paperback, 303 pages

Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled.
After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.
Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

So as you may already now, I love this author. To me, Simone Elkeles never disappoints. Leaving Paradise was actually the first I've read from her books and so this is how the glorious discovery of this super spectacular author started...

I began reading this book in Barnes and Noble, my back lay against the teen favorites book shelf and when I saw that I couldn't stop reading I had to run to the cash register because whether I finished there or in my bedroom, I wanted
Leaving Paradise in my possession.

For Simone Elkeles, it's all about the characters and how they live. She works with the idea of confused and/or troubled teens who need a some positive energy to get them thinking of their life's worth and what better positive than love and forgiveness.

Caleb Becker for one isn't feeling to good about himself, he not sure if he wants to live life portraying a boy who physically impairs teen girl, Maggie Armstrong by crashing into her while driving drunk. He's done his time in jail but things just don't feel how they should be.

Maggie is trying to live as best she could with her permanent limp but she can't help her fury from being mad at the world...and Caleb. She finds no use in crying over the past but when she grows a curious relationship with Caleb she can't help but feel a number of emotions, ones that shouldn't even be worth a thought.

This story was the first and certainly not my last by this author. I can never fully tell the ways of how Simone Elkeles stories have this amazing affect on me...it's all life, love, raw emotions, and humor...it's some of the best ya fiction out there...

I strongly recommend Simone's books, you might hate it, you might love it, you might just think they're okay...but at least try them because one can never fully explain all the ways why her books are so likable.

5/5




Sequel: Return to Paradise (Book 2)

Finding You by Kristen Kehoe Review

Published : April 30th 2010 by FriesenPress
Paperback, 176 pages

Sloan Sawyer's family began to dissolve the day her father died. Fifteen then, Sloan had turned to her mother for comfort, and had been turned away. Now, at eighteen, a senior in high school, Sloan is alone and playing the role of guardian for her fifteen-year-old younger sister, who appears to be set on ruining her own life. Along with trying to save her sister from her destructive decisions,, Sloan is working day and night to get into a prestigious art program, while working out twice a day to try and clinch a state title in swimming-the same state title that her mother had won when she had been Sloan's age. When an incident at school brings her into contact with the new kid, who also happens to be the principal's son, Sloan finds herself beginning one more relationship that she isn't sure she knows how to handle.


The only thing I can compare this book to is to a tree. Unmoving and just...there.

The title of this story, Finding You, already gives away the moral of the story and so as any reader would hope from a book description such as this, it's disappointing in the end to find the read to be nothing but dim characters living their typical, all too heard of lives.

However I was interested to see how the story would play out did after reading the first few pages but too quickly did the story seem to fade into nothingness. Sloan, who is meant to portray a mature eighteen year old with overwhelming responsibilities, turns out to have a messy personality instead...she has the thirteen year old complaints and the occasional eighteen year old ignorance...which for me doesn't mix well. Grady, whose the son of the principle where he and Sloan go to school, is a classic boy mixed in with a bland story. I did liked him more than Sloan but at the same time felt pity for him and his love life. I expected the romance to be a bit more original than it was but it came out as an attempt rather than the actual thing.

Something that bothered be the most though was change of point of views chapter after chapter. I felt like there should have been the names on the beginning of each chapter depending on who was telling the story...Sloan or Grady. Basically this book had a lot of cliches and not enough pizazz.

2/5

The Duff by Kody Keplinger Review

Published: September 7th 2010 by Little Brown/Poppy

Hardcover, 288 pages

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

I thought I'd at least like this book but I think I might just hate it. Hmm. Let's see....

At first the author gives the impression that Bianca Piper( The Duff) is a down to earth, smart, retro fun kinda girl. The brute honesty in the writing was funny and surprisingly, I was able to relate to The Duff from her distaste in grinding in the clubs to her love for the movie Atonement.

But the book didn't hold my interest long enough to even say it was okay.

Just as the climax appears, the books sinks like an anchor. Even from the beginning Bianca's relationship with Wesley Rush was odd and it got even more preposterous as I read on. The side characters are typical enough...not much to say about the obvious...I mean, is this really how highschoolers are. I'm nineteen and I don't remember it being like how it was in the story.

As for the writing, all that was exciting in the beginning of the book repeated itself but just in different words as it went on. I had faith in Kody Keplinger, I was hoping to be blown away by an author my age who had made headlines for her story. But if I wanted to read a story such as this I'd visit sites such as quizilla and wattpad...not that those websites aren't any fun, they have good stories written by amateurs but I think The Duff, published, could have been much much better.

Good heavens...what a disappointment. But do give it a try, you never know. I'd recommend this to someone in JHS who likes ranting teens and a big twist in his/her books.

P.S I'm out in a hunt to find a good book by a young writer because I know it's out there...
So if you know any good young writers, let me know.

Favorite Quote(s)...

""Oh, come on," I fumed, "The guy is a man-whore. I can't stand him. He sleeps with everything that moves, and his brain is located in his pants-which means it's microscopic.""


2/5

The Pace by Shelena Shorts Review

Series: The Pace Series, Book 1
Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing
Pages: 302 (Paperback)

Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.

Surprisingly good read by new author Shelena Shorts. Ignorance got the best of me at first but never again I say!


The story is wicked awesome but reads nice and steady. I don't really like a very complex read and being that it's a science fiction novel, one would expect it to be just that but it's far from a drag. The suspense is excellent, these days ya fiction could get a little annoying and repetitive which would have me end up skipping pages...


But thank God for Shelena Shorts, she brought to life a marvelous story with clever, very likable characters.


Not only is Weston ageless, but in my opinion, near flawless...my gosh can the man be anymore breathtaking. Sophie is one lucky gal but I don't envy her because one can't help but be intrigued by her. She's got a good heart and a strong mind but in a way she's still like everyone else...it's easy to want know about a character when their thoughts and ways of doing things are so inspiring. However, the conjuring of such a character isn't so easy but Shelena does just that.


I was also impressed by the way Shelena Shorts intertwined the science fiction aspects of the novel with Weston's and Sophie's romance, the control she has in her writing is something to appreciate. By the way this story was put together, I can see the author's determination in making a well thought out story with catchy characters, original setting and good flowing dialog. Shorts is one sure debut author you can't miss.


5/5

The sequel, The Broken Lake(Book 2), has been released.

The third book, The Iron Quill(Book3), release date and cover Not Available

Unknown Magic by Evelyn M. Byrne Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads


Title: Unknown Magic
Author: Evelyn M Byrne
Series: Daughter of Prophecy, Book 1
Publisher: White Bird Publications
Pages: 350 (Paperback)

Discovering she is a Tuatha Dé Danann straight from Irish Mythology, turns Megan’s life upside down. As if that was not enough, an arrogant, drop-dead gorgeous man tells her she is his mate.

Seamus escaped his mysterious captors seventeen years earlier, taking a little girl with him and returning her to her home. Returning to the one location he considers his safe haven, he recognizes Megan as the young child he rescued. Only now, she is stunning enough to make him forget, almost, just how treacherous his life is.

Megan soon realizes fighting her attraction for Seamus is a losing battle. But when the people hunting Seamus track them down, Megan and Seamus are faced with a much more immediate and deadly threat—a struggle for the lives of all the Tuatha Dé Danann. Can they overcome their pursuers and win?

(Note: There is some strong sexual content in this novel. Gets pretty Erotic at times.)

First off, I'd like to praise this beautiful cover art, it's actually what grabbed my attention first.

Now for the book itself, it was both very good and not so good in my opinion. Why? Because in short, the story is magnificent but it stumbles with too much details.

Throughout this story, Megan Tully tries to find her true self as a Magical Being with as much help as she can handle. Her father, Jim, isn't so carefree about the whole situation considering the trauma in their family that which Meghan barely remembers. Seamus who answers to fate and claims her as his match is the obvious choice for Megan whether anyone likes it or not, he as well as Megan's uncle's will try their best to help her recall most of what was forgotten before she becomes a full Tuatha herself on her 25th birthday.

The story was very exciting for the most part but I can bet it would've been better if it was cut down by a hundred pages or so. The magic was enchanting and the characters were just as appealing. I admired the pride of the Tuatha De Danann and was captivated by Seamus's love for Megan...he actually reminded of one of the the brothers in the Black Dagger Brotherhood books by JR Ward. If only the story didn't drag so much I would've favored it much more. It felt like I was stuck on the same subject for pages...and too many times I thought Megan as a teen rather than a women in her early twenties.

All together this was a worthy read and I will probably read the sequel when it comes out on Dec. 14, 2010

Favorite Quotes...

"She looked up into the most stunning pair of jade-green eyes she had ever encountered. She could see the rolling hills of Ireland in them and his face was that of a god."

"..."Oh, I do not think do. I will give you plenty of exercise to keep you in shape," Seamus said with raised eyebrows.""



3/5






Sequel: Stolen Magic

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Sydelle Mirabil is living proof that, with a single drop of rain, a life can be changed forever. Tucked away in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, her dusty village has suffered under the weight of a strangely persistent drought. That is, of course, until a wizard wanders into town and brings the rain with him.

In return for this gift, Wayland North is offered any reward he desires—and no one is more surprised than Sydelle when, without any explanation, he chooses her. Taken from her home, Sydelle hardly needs encouragement to find reasons to dislike North. He drinks too much and bathes too little, and if that isn’t enough to drive her to madness, North rarely even uses the magic he takes such pride in possessing. Yet, it’s not long before she realizes there’s something strange about the wizard, who is as fiercely protective of her as he is secretive about a curse that turns his limbs a sinister shade of black and leaves him breathless with agony. Unfortunately, there is never a chance for her to seek answers.

Along with the strangely powerful quakes and storms that trace their path across the kingdom, other wizards begin to take an inexplicable interest in her as well, resulting in a series of deadly duels. Against a backdrop of war and uncertainty, Sydelle is faced with the growing awareness that these events aren’t as random as she had believed—that no curse, not even that of Wayland North, is quite as terrible as the one she herself may carry.

Like Never After by Dan Elconin, I first heard about this title from the Who,What, When, Where, Why Blog. (For some reason the blog is no longer available, really sad). This was back at early 2010.

At that time, the title was yet to be released but the cover captivated me so much that I was immersed into finding any information regarding this novel.

The story tells of a distant village girl Sydelle lives in a small desert town that is about to be invaded by soldiers from another country. She’s saved from whatever fate occupation will entail by a traveling wizard called Wayland North. North claims that he needs Sydelle as his assistant (and guide – he has no sense of direction and can’t read a map to save his life), but there’s something he’s not telling her, some other reason she’s important to him. Syd is a talented weaver and has always dreamed of leaving her town, but under t ...more Sydelle and an unfortunate run into a young Wizard, Wayland North, who says he'd like her to accompany him in return for his good deeds to the place where she lives. Unable to ignore North's bringing of rain to the village, Sydelle lives in a small desert town that is about to be invaded by soldiers from another country. She’s saved from whatever fate occupation will entail by a traveling wizard called Wayland North. North claims that he needs Sydelle as his assistant (and guide – he has no sense of direction and can’t read a map to save his life), but there’s something he’s not telling her, some other reason she’s important to him. Syd is a talented weaver and has always dreamed of leaving her town, but under t ...more Sydelle and her family have no choice but to accepts the wizards request. At first Sydelle lives in a small desert town that is about to be invaded by soldiers from another country. She’s saved from whatever fate occupation will entail by a traveling wizard called Wayland North. North claims that he needs Sydelle as his assistant (and guide – he has no sense of direction and can’t read a map to save his life), but there’s something he’s not telling her, some other reason she’s important to him. Syd is a talented weaver and has always dreamed of leaving her town, but under t ...more Sydelle is appalled by everything having to do with North and his sloven ways but soon realizes the importance of the task in hand.

I rather not spoil the story so I'll just say that the books side trips involve wicked fights among magical beings, suspenseful drama involving royals and battles that will keep your eyes glued to the pages. I'm impressed by Alexandra Bracken first novel, she mixed all these enticing elements with a glimmer touch of fantasy romance...it's not everyday an author gives their all into a true passion of writing.

To me, books such as this shouldn't be labeled a quick read because I like to relax as I get lost into a world of magic and absorb all the enhancement and battles that come way...just as long as the story comes together and makes sense, which Bracken does for her debut novel. I really hope there's a sequel for it.

Just to explain why I didn't give this a 5/5...there were times in this book where it got a little cliche which naturally zapped back into New York 2010, but for the most part it was imaginative.

I recommend this book for any young adult reader, there isn't much to dislike. It's a simple yet complicated, fantastical read.

4/5

Mistwood by Leah Cypess Review

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The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwod.

But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty--because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

Excerpt:

"Isabel held her head up, swamped by a swirl of confusion, conflicting feelings. Cheif among them was a fierce urge to protect her prince, but from whom?

Her prince...The possessive came to her mind without forethought, and accepted it without question. He had summoned her to him, and she would keep him safe from any danger that threatened him. Even if she still had no idea why, or what that danger might be."

I can define this book in three words if I wanted to but I'll make the effort and explain why this book in my opinion was for the most...forgettable.

Prince Rokan sets out to find the shifter so that it can protect him form assassins and death in general: by the way this fact was reminded constantly throughout the whole book so don't worry, you wont miss it or get confused in the slightest...
Isabel, the shifter who was taken from Mistwood by the prince himself, has the misfortune of forgetting her past from before she was taken which I thought was pretty intriguing but lets' focus on the characters for now shall we...Clarisse, soon to be King Rokans sister, is some what of a "bitch" which is fine but it wasn't painted with that old fantasy aura that I had hoped for...rather, she seemed a lot like Regina George from the movie Mean Girls.

The land and setting descriptions of the book didn't hold my interest to well either.

I don't understand, was this book dystopian...set in medieval times...what? There was a lot of times where the dialog matched a high school setting....words like bitch and sweet sounded weird in the conversations. The whole book was half "Graceling by Kristen Cashore" half "Mean Girls movie written by Wisman and Tina Fey." As for the romance, I lost track from all the flirting and Rokans' lonely cries...did I mention he was to be crowned king and described as a live alone die alone kind of guy. Confusing.

There were times of admiration...but only to be suspended by dissatisfaction. Half way through the book; things got abrupt and infuriating, which I didn't like. I can't say I didn't like it because I did. Sometimes it was so new and enticing but the book never held my interest enough to be memorable or satisfying. It's too bad, I really liked the cover.

2/5






As for sequels...There is "A stand-alone companion novel..."

Nightspell by Leah Cypess (Mistwood #2)

Just One Wish by Janette Rallison Review

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Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it’s all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery.

But Annika’s plan to convince Jeremy that a magic genie will grant him any wish throws her a curveball when he unexpectedly wishes that his television idol would visit him. Annika suddenly finds herself in the desperate predicament of getting access to a hunky star actor and convincing him to come home with her. Piece of cake, right?

I bought this Hardcover for $5.38(bargain price) at Barnes and Noble a little while back...let me just say this book is definitely worth more than a little over 5 dollars.

I had high expectations for this one and the result was pure entertainment; sweetness, humor, and intelligence...a pleasure to have read from start to finish. As for the plot, it seems impossible to have anything to do with "Hollywoods' Golden Boy" but Annika does just that. The story line seems typical...unrealistic probably but in truth it's so absorbing with all it's charms a young adult could ask for in a teen romance novel.

Janette Rallison has astonishing talent that takes the reader to full captivity as her story and characters draw you in with a promising flow. I appreciate the hard work put into Just One Wish.

This was Genius. I would recommend this to any twelve years and above.

5/5

Scribbler of Dreams by Mary E. Pearson Review

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Romeo and Juliet had the right idea. About dating the enemy, that is. They were true to their hearts.
Kaitlin Malone knows what it’s like to date the enemy. She was raised to hate the Crutchfields, and absolutely does until she meets Bram Crutchfield. It turns out he’s a great guy, one she can talk to, share things with…even love. But when Kaitlin gives her heart to Bram, her world spins out of control. Soon the Crutchfields are her friends and she’s a traitor to her own family.

To make things worse, Bram was raised to hate the Malones, especially Kaitlin’s father who murdered Bram’s dad. Bram doesn’t know Kaitlin is a Malone. If he did, he’d hate her too.

What’s a star-crossed lover to do?

I have to say, I got this book out of chance and have to put out there that I feel bad I hadn't known about this title before.

This story is basically a modern day Romeo and Juliet but that hype of Shakespeares' master work never wore the story down for me. Kaitlin slowly falls for the one person her and her family have known to despise, however, as the reader starts to grasp the power of love in this novel...it gives judgment a whole new meaning.

Mary E. Pearson knows what she's doing. I love the surprise, twist'n turns and the balance of drama, romance, and mystery in this novel. I'd recommend this to any young adult who are looking for that classic love story that we all love with a guarantee of a soft, exciting, original teen love romance. This book will have you appreciate and be more hopeful for that special person that you may or may not have come across in life.

Scribbler of Dreams is what every young adult needs.

4/5