EmAnne

*Received for free in exchange for an honest review*

 

Rush was a good read! I am not salivating with a need to fangirl, but I enjoyed the ride Eve Silver took us on!

 

The first thing I loved about the book was Miki Jones. She's sassy, a little messed up, and a stellar main characters. She's got a voice that's unique and had me flipping pages. Also, of course, I liked Jackson. Even though I normally get frustrated with the "I'm mysterious and will answer all of your questions in one syllable... or less" type. However, in Rush, his antics made me smile and generally curious. It helps that Miki is just as exasperated with him as we are. Also, inside he is pretty sweet. I liked learning his back story!

 

The gaming aspect of the novel was awesome! I am not much of a gamer but it was super, super cool to learn terms. It was creative on the author's part! I do wish I got to learn more about the aliens... hopefully in the next book!

Overall, I absolutely recommend Rush. There's action and humor and interesting characters. Also, it goes by so, so fast. The ending was like ...BAM!

 

4/5 stars

Just a Little Series is a cute and addicting story, however I never really connected to the characters or the romance :( Also, I got a little bored by the end.

I would recommend Just a Little Series as something light to read on a rainy day :)

A bit of advice: Do not read The Fiery Heart until Silver Shadows releases.

However,

If the temptation is too much, make sure to buy a box of tissues and a punching bag. You'll need them.

AND, WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IN PUBLIC!

There will be crying, laughing, swooning, and yelling. (Which may be embarrassing in a public place.)

Read The Fiery Heart at your own risk. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Overall, I loved this book! I just wish the fifth book was in my hand. :D

Review to come :) 3.5 Stars!

Of Beast and Beauty was, in two simple words, utterly beautiful. In fact, I am not sure you should even read this review, just go and obtain this story. I don’t care how, just do it! (I mean, I would totally understand if you stole it from the library and midnight. I would do the same!) You’re still here? Darn. Well, I guess I will have to convince you further! Read on, my friends!

Isra is the blind Queen of a messed-up city, that thrives on their hatred of the Monstrous and the sacrifice of queens to the roses. Gem is one of the Monstrous, and he just want to keep his tribe members from starving, no thanks to the Smooth Skins. The two start as bitter enemies. I thought that both of these characters were breathtakingly created. They are no where near your average hero and heroine. Trust Me.

The writing is spectacular. For example, the first page starts off describing an old secret, a girl, and a darkness that is a big part of the book, and her use of language pulled me into the mystery of the secret, the darkness, and the girl. My emotions were running high, even from the beginning. The desperation of both Gem (to save his tribe) and Isra (to rule a kingdom... with her own secret) ran through me, along with the little pricks of hope or happiness the author presents us. Also, the ending was perfection. *sigh* The last two page were, yes I am going to use the two words again, utterly beautiful.

Finally, I must mention the rose garden. Ahh, how this garden intrigued me. The bloodthirsty roses enchanted me and I love how the flowers play such a big part in the story. Now, before I leave, I must ask you a question. Who is Beauty and who is the Beast in this novel? Think on it as you read this novel.

5/5 Stars

Review to come :)

Amazing. The Percy Jackson series and I go way back (since I was 8) and the characters are all carried in my heart wherever I go. House of Hades is another excellent installment in the series! :D

Dreamer was a delightful read! Not only was I easily immersed into Anna and Liam's story, I also was rooting for both characters the entire time. This book is perfect for readers looking for a quick and creative novel with a easy-to-read writing style and a real cool ending!

The book starts off with introducing us to to the dark world of Anna who lives in fear that she will hurt those closest to her. Liam has never known such a fear, but he does know that his mother vanished because of the dreams. How can the start not intrigue you?

Anna and Liam, as stated above, were both amazing characters. In my interview with Nicole, she stated that Anna was originally written in third person. I am very glad that Nicole changed the viewpoint to first person as I loved, loved, loved reading through Anna's perspective. I felt like she a relatable yet dark character. Who can blame her with her past? I am ever so glad that I am not a dreamer!

Then, we had Liam. Personally, I felt like Liam was a pretty awesome character. His chapters were distinctly different than Anna's, which I felt compelled to point out after all the controversy about a certain book's (Allegiant's) changing POVs that were confusing and blended together. The voice of Liam was considerably brighter than Anna's and I always knew who was narrating.

I feel like the quote below sums up Liam perfectly and I also must add that he has some pretty humorous lines. Here is Liam in Nicole's words:

"Liam is a very unique individual... He compliments Anna's darker scenes with ones that give readers a chance to digest what's just happened. I also adore his personality."

Now, I must compliment the utter brilliance of the ideas presented in Dreamer. The author's creativity is astounding and the idea of Dreamers intrigued me from the very beginning. Also, the action and revelations just keep on coming, so the reader is never bored. I especially liked the ending. I am anxiously awaiting the next book!

If Dreamer sounds up your alley, you should most definitely pick it up today. October 28th is indeed the release date!

4/5 Stars

3.5 Stars

This was such a cute read :) I wish we saw a bit more of Bryce redeeming himself though, as I still wasn't satisfied with his efforts at the end! (Yeah, maybe I am being hard on the poor kid.) I do know some people liked the unusual and impacting ending and, for the most part, I did too! I still really liked Bryce's character, and I especially liked the grandpa! I can't wait to see the movie.

3.5 Stars

The Faerie War was absolutely amazing! I devoured it and loved every second. I am so sad it is over though. The Creepy Hollow series is one you all should be thinking of adding to your library!

The Faerie War starts off with Violet... only she is a little different. Yep, she lost her memory. Everyone is preparing to go into hiding from the mysterious being destroying Creepy Hollow. The beginning was very exciting as you are plunged straight into the world with no time to be bored! Also, lucky for us, we get the second section from Ryn's point of view. I loved reading from his perspective, especially since he is such a unique and awesome character. We all fell for him in The Faerie Prince, but I promise he will impress you even more in this conclusion!

I can not not mention the wonderful humor. I laughed and smiled countless times. The banter between Ryn and Violet is so entertaining! Also, the readers were introduced to some awesome characters such as Em of the London Guild. She was so cool! Her job is to provide comic relief for the team, as she put it! Em perfectly balances out Fin, who is very serious and subdued. Also, we meet Jamon, a Repticilla, in the beginning. At first, he is kind of unlikable, as he has an understandable-ish grudge against Violet. Eventually I grew to really enjoy his character.

We also meet Tilly, who has an important part in the book, but I won't tell you why in fear of spoiling the book! Tilly is also a pretty awesome character who, like Em, had some pretty awesome lines. Here is one I could relate to, this is said while she is welcoming Ryn and Violet into the house: "My mom would probably say 'Please excuse the mess' but, honestly, I think it looks fine." That line made me laugh inside. (Also, that line is from my memory so it may not be the exact quote.) In the beginning, we are led to believe that Tilly might not exactly be all there upstairs. Yeah, that scene was very entertaining!

The ending was epic. My mind was blown by the excellence of the final scenes. My emotions were running high as the darkness and climax approached and the very, very last chapters were so sweet and powerful. Overall, The Faerie War is an action packed read with an amazing romance and unique characters that have a special place in my heart. I know I will reread the series again and again!

*I received this book for free in exchange for a honest review. My thoughts above are 100% honest*

4.5/5 Stars

I always love picking up novellas, but I am rarely left feeling as I do. How do I feel? Well, I could give you a long list. A very, very long list. I feel shocked and emotionally drained. I feel that hollowness you feel after reading an amazing, soul sucking read. My mind keeps on coming back to this novella and its contents. There are many ideas presented here and many characters, old and new.

There will be no spoilers in this review, not even for the first book, The Darkest Minds. I promise. Spoilers would ruin the novella. In Time starts off with introducing us to Gabe. Gabe shows us that everyone was effected by the epidemic of dying and supernatural kids. He is now living in a total dump of America and feels as if he has no other option than to become a skip tracer, a hunter who brings in supernatural kids for a reward. There is a lack of gas, food, and people are becoming more savage everyday.

In Time, while intense, was also very heartwarming. You get to know the poor kids impacted by the "disease" and I felt so much sympathy for them. What is even more amazing is the fact that some still remain strong and kind despite all the terrible events and trials they have undergone. Also, the reader gets to see Gabe's changes as he meets the kids. My heart just kept on melting throughout the entire novella. And then the ending happened...

Overall, I must say I found In Time's whole new view of the world intriguing and terrifying. Everyone is suffering from the turn of events that had children doing strange things. This heart wrencing novella is a must read for anyone reading The Darkest Minds trilogy. You get important info on the new world and information on what's up with old characters, or as I say, old friends.

4.5/5 Stars

Review to come :) I just reread Throne of Glass a couple days ago.

Wow! Poison Dance was an amazing novella that left me salivating for Midnight Thief. The story is one you don't want to miss!

For those of you just hearing about this novella, Poison Dance is a novella surrounding James, a supporting character in the upcoming Midnight Thief. Also note, the novel Midnight Thief will be published by Disney-Hyperion in Summer 2014, so you can read this novella now to excite you about the release and get a early look into the world Livia Blackburne has created.

High Fantasy is my absolute favorite genre, earning itself the position after I devoured Tamora Pierce and Jessica Day George's many series, so needless to say, I had high expectations. Thankfully, my flying hopes were met. James's story was powerful, intriguing, and a great introduction to this new world.

Within the mere 54 pages, I actually felt like I connected to James, Thalia, and the rest of the cast. James had this cool and fascinating demeanor... I immediately wanted to know his story and secrets! Thalia was a very well written character, with her air of confidence and determination to murder a certain nobleman.

There is never a dull moment. Within the Assassin's Guild, many things are happening. Thalia is plotting a murder, James is teaching her, and there is a new leader that may just make James' and his friends lives more complicated.

You would think a novella, being a good but shorter than a 350 page book, wouldn't leave much of an impact on you. Wrong. By the end of Poison Dance, I definitely was filled with emotion, and I will report that the author ends James's story with a bang.

Overall, the superb world building, characters, amazing ending, dialogue, and writing in Poison Dance makes this novella a satisfying read. I know that myself and many others are anxiously awaiting Midnight Thief. Who wouldn't be counting the days 'till Midnight Thief after reading Poison Dance?

4.5/5 Stars (rounded up to five!)

*Received for free in exchange for a 100% honest review*

Review to come :)

Before: Wow, Kelsey Ketch has got Egyptian Mythology down! Full review to come on my tour date :)

Full Review: Daughter of Isis was an addicting and enthralling read brimming with Egyptian mythology. I was pulled into the story after simply reading a page. Also, I was surprised that Daughter of Isis turned out to be very dark and unique!

The premise surrounds Natti and Seth. Natti has just moved to a new town, and it seems like a group of powerful, mean boys have a lot of control over the people. Thankfully, Natti sees the actions of the group as wrong, unlike the rest of the town who seem (magically?) oblivious to all the chaos.

To be honest, I wasn't expecting this book to be so... dark. There is enslavement, sacrifice of the human variety, and other old traditions that sickened me. However, I am pretty sure the author meant for the reader to feel the ways I just stated. It was part of the main points/plots of the book.

Unfortunately, I did not like Seth, except for maybe at the end. In the beginning, he is a terrible person, although that can easily be blamed on his dad. Also, there is a magical force that is often described in Seth that hungers for power. I think that if he had different parents and culture, he would have been a good person to begin with. I hope that he turns out to be a very awesome person in the next book.

I loved all the Egyptian mythology incorporated into Natti's story. I have always been a fan of myths, although I normally read about the descendants of Greece, not Egypt, which is a good change of pace.

Now, I will mention the characters I hate and love. Well, who do I hate? Seth's dad wins the prize here. He is a cold, manipulative, and totally despicable. Ketch knows how to create a villain! And, actually, I disliked almost all of the Sons of Set. Although, you can expect to loathe them just from their title. Set is a big, bad, evil god after all! I will warn you that the author is very forward and blunt about all terrible customs of the bad guys. I loved the character of Wanda, Natti's sweet friend she meets at her new school. Wanda lightened the book up for me!

Overall, for me, the book wasn't about the "romance". Which, to me, felt more like a chase on Seth's part. It wasn't until the end that Seth even realized how he really felt for Natti! The aspects that enthralled me were the mystery, mythology, and egyptian customs. I am, however, looking forward to seeing Seth in the next book, and he better kick his dad's butt!