Lenobia's Vow by PC and Kristin Cast

I have been counting the days until LENOBIA’S VOW would be released because she is one of my favourite characters in the HOUSE OF NIGHT series. There hasn’t been much information or background about Lenobia within the series and I felt that she had the most to reveal but I could be wrong, but there’s a saying in my family that sometimes what happens in the past helps shape you as a person.

One of the things I love about the novellas is the illustrations which happen to depict one of the keys emotions or scenes within in that particular chapter. For me it adds more to the emotional side of the story and sometimes word can’t express as much but as many people say “pictures say a 1000words”, with that I have to agree. Lenobia’s story begins in small southern country and ends in stunning New Orleans. After reading DESTINED I have a better understanding why she reacted the way she did within the 9^th book of the series. I have a strong feeling that readers should read DESTINED before they sink their teeth into this breath taking second novella.

As a fan of the series I have developed a deep love for the series and the characters and sometimes there a few that I’m able to connect more with and have a need to know their back story so I can better understand them and the choices they have made to get this point in their lives. DRAGON’S OATH was a story of love and loss, but sometimes I feel that as reader I didn’t get a better understanding of him, but after reading DESTINED some things came to light, we saw the old Dragon before his beloved was taken from him, but with LENOBIA’S VOW I feel that I know how a lot better and can’t wait to learn more.

The novella has a bitter sweet ending for me, she is finally marked and protected from the Bishop but it seems to have come with a price that she would rather give her life for than see the person she loves sacrifice his to protect her. I had tissues piling up at the end and I know that you will not be disappointed. It’s a love story with a lot of twists and turns but also has evil (which explains her aversion to Neferet when her darkness is revealed) mixed with a healthy dose of sadness.

I’m hoping that the next instalment NEFERET’S CURSE will hold some interesting facts about who she is and how she becomes that way. I for one am not a fan of hers but there is always something interesting about her that draws you into her world even if you’re looking forward to her downfall.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian

xxx

EB.com Lenobia's Vow by PC and Kristin Cast

Destined by Jessie Harrell

Firstly I would like to congratulate Jessie on her debut novel and I'm hoping to the writing Gods that Jessie will pen another novel :)

My first comment on DESTINED is wow! What an amazing novel, I was on my toes the entire time I was reading the novel. I have to admit that I had to do a little background history with regard to the storyline which is a retelling of the Greek myth of Psyche and Eros and truth be told I enjoyed my novel more than the actual myth. DESTINED is very lighthearted and full of fun, adventure, sibling rivalry and of course a healthy dose of romance.

Psyche is an interesting character, when we first meet her she is innocent and naive but as the storyline progresses she grows into a beautiful young woman who puts others before herself in order to protect them. Near the beginning she is faced with a difficult choice that could have destroyed her but for the love her family she is able to make the journey and comes out stronger than when she started.

Apart from Psyche, Aphrodite and Eros kept me on the edge of my seat. Aphrodite has tones of spank, she's stubborn but as the saying goes like mother like son, true she is the Goddess of Love but what she feels for her son had my heart melting in some places and it others I just wanted to say to her, "Please mind your own business, let him learn on his own!"-there's a scene in the novel that left me shocked to my core considering what Aphrodite had done that I couldn't even pick DESTINED up because I was so afraid of what I might read....

Now for a little Eros dish :) Stubborn seems to come to mind considering how he entered into the storyline and maybe even throughout the novel but it does come with love, devotion, kind and dreamy. He did a full 180 from the first moment we meet him up until the final chapters of the book. I have to confess that there was a section within the novel where I though that this was going to be a devastating ending where I had a box of tissues to help me through the pages...

I don't want to spoil the book and I have a strong feeling that its going to happen soon...
Hopefully you come across DESTINED in your nearest bookstore, give it a chance because I know that you will enjoy the novel as much as I did.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx

EB.com Destined by Jessie Harrell

Eve by Anna Carey

Congrats to Anna on her debut novel.
I have to admit what grabbed me was the cover and when I finally reached EVE the content within the pages was well worth the pages. I find it complementary how the cover fits perfectly with the ending of the novel as well as one of the key themes within the pages-the constant running.

We often joke as women that all we are good for is becoming wives and mothers, but Anna has put this joke into a pretty scary thought. I could never imagine having my child treated as human incubator to help repopulate the planet after a devastating plague wiped a fair amount of the population. Its fascinating how if people are "brainwashed" enough they will believe what one person says as gold. The girls are taught in the Schools that boys and men are evil and will do anything in their power to make their lives miserable, I wouldn't throw the word around but maybe within their brains they could see it as slavery-I could be so off on this point but its something that struck me at the beginning of the novel.

I loved the romance and watching Eve become someone stronger, she still has a lot more growth before she will become the woman she dreams of. Eve has an amazing heart that only seems to grow as she meets new people along her journey to Califia. Arden is a trouble maker in a sense but the friendship that is developed between the 2 girls leaves me in tears when they have to spilt up to save themselves from the King's army.

Caleb sounds dreamy but I'm not sure I'm bug on the hair but that isn't the point. He comes with his baggage but has compassion bigger than his heart could possibly hold. I had by doubts about him throughout EVE but what he does at the end of the novel left me speechless and begging for a different ending because it just couldn't end like that.
I find it hard to describe Caleb because he's so complex and we're only just covering the basics with him, I know that Anna has more installed for us with ONCE and I can't wait to see what happens.

Grab a copy of EVE and let me know what you guys think of it because I know that I loved any minute of the novel even if I was surprised by what I was reading.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx
EB.com Eve by Anna Carey

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

My first order of business is to congratulate Jocelyn and her debut novel and praise her for such an outstanding novel. The cover alone speaks volume and at one point had me thinking that what I was reading could not possibly relate until further reading finally switched the light on for me.

I'm a huge sucker for angel novels and truth be told I didn't see that coming which grabbed me even more that I had my book glued to my hand everywhere that I went, if I had my way and the ability I would have stuck my copy under my pillow in the hopes that my brain could absorb the story while I slept (that would be an awesome power to have) just to help with my obsession to know what was going to happen.

I can't believe that I was completely off on the 2 very sexy strangers that walked into Skye's life and turned everything upside down. I'm not used to the feeling of having things go pear shaped on the guy that I'm backing. After reading the final pages I was gobsmacked that I had to read the chapter again.

Asher and Devin are 2 very different people playing for opposite teams that have similar plans for Skye but as I realised at the end of the novel that the one side was never going to let Skye go if she refused to join them.

I'm leaving my review right her because I can see that I'm heading into very dangerous territory of ruining A BEAUTIFUL DARK for those who have not yet read this amazing novel.
I cannot wait to see what happens in A FRACTURED LIGHT.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx

EB.com A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

First I would like to congratulate Amy on her debut novel. Absolutely stunning on so many levels for me.

I have to admit that I was a little confused when I first started reading COLD KISS but as I got into the novel everything started making sense and I could feel more of what was being expressed on the pages. I have this strong feeling that Amy's background as an editor added to the quality of her debut novel and for me it made an excellent read.

Amy has this amazing ability to have emotion so raw on the pages that you can't help but feel your heart being twisted in so many directions as Wren struggles with what she has done, keeping secrets from her mother, sister and aunt not to mention Danny's family and friends, her friends, falling in love with someone else that can also read her like book and the freshness of the wound for loosing Danny. I doubt there is a page in COLD KISS that does not have rawness between the lines or enveloped in the words.

Sure enough the novel is among the greats in the YA paranormal shelves but I don't think it was that apparent in the novel which for me was interesting. Sure Wren's family comes with powers of their own as well as Gabrielle and his sister but it didn't play a vital part of the story, maybe that is the wrong statement because with her powers Wren brought Danny back from the dead because she couldn't imagine her life without the one guy that knew everything about her. That does play a strong part in the novel but it isn't in your face paranormal.

I was so engrossed in Wren's battle over what she had done to Danny and the life that he now had to "live" that I found myself sneaking reading sessions during work and any other free time that I could get. At one point my mother asked if i had fallen asleep in the tub because I had been in there forever. It was one of those novels that you find hard to put down and if you don't have it in your hand or bag you feel like you're missing apart of yourself.

The final pages of COLD KISS had my on the edge of my seat and unable to talk to anyone until I knew how the novel ended. My heart was torn into a million pieces at the end but it left me speechless and in awe all at once. It was worth the endless hours of tears, laughs and even a bit of blue days thrown in for good measure.

I cannot wait to see what else Amy has under sleeve and I for one will keep an eye out for any of her novels that I can only hope she will write in the future.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian

xxx

EB.com Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Congrats to Jennifer on her debut novel :)

After reading DAIMON I knew that I couldn't let it finish there, the need to get HALF BLOOD was pretty scary and that's not even mentioning how I devoured the book at work and home. I recall begging my sister to tell how the book ended because I had reached such a climax in the book that I was afraid to turn the page and have my hopes shattered. She refused and told me to keep reading and she forgot having read HALF BLOOD last year.

I have admit that I loved the Greek mythology, it explained more than DAIMON and went even further into the history and makings of Hamatois, Pures, Half Bloods, Pures and the Daimons. It was interesting to see how Alex questioned her own upbringing to the point of believing in the Gods-its like most teenagers today.

Jennifer has strong characters in this series, but Alex screamed to me from the pages, not because she's the main character but for who she is as a person. She's remarkably strong, stubborn, funny, smart, fierce and extremely courageous. Alex will fight to the death for what she believes in, even if it means questioning her superiors. Alex faces a lot in HALF BLOOD and if it had been anyone else i have a strong feeling they would not have come out still fighting like she did. She still has a lot of growth which I'm looking forward to. Alex has left a strong impression on me, one which I hope to share with fellow readers.

Aiden, now he is definitely something to write home about. From the moment he was introduced to me in DAIMON I could feel me knees go weak. The way Jennifer describes his stormy grey eyes and his dark, wavy hair had me hooked. He has his own demons to fight but is one of the strongest male characters in HALF BLOOD. He has so many sides to him that it makes connecting with him fun. Aiden doesn't like to go against what the Covenant has set in place but there's this indescribable pull towards Alex that he knows is wrong beyond so many reasons but trying to deny it I think is even worse for him. I doubt many Pures would have done what he had, which for makes him on the perfect gentleman in YA novels. There's a line in HALF BLOOD that still sticks with me, "I remember you too..." It had my heart pounding and talking to my pages like anyone could actually hear me.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the forbidden romance between Alex and Aiden play out. I believe it could leave me sitting on the edge of bed.

What book would be complete without a "love triangle"? Seth is the Apollyon, I'm not so sure about him because he still has this dark cloak of mystery surrounding him, but I do believe that he could be a contender for Alex's heart; but then again I'll have to wait and see what transpires in the following novels.
I look forward to learning more about Seth in PURE.

Alex is lucky to have a supportive circle of friends around her, especially Caleb who I believe would jump in front of a train if that could stop Alex from doing something stupid.

I thoroughly enjoyed to the forbidden romance in HALF BLOOD, not to mention the mandatory training sessions with Aiden. With each session things become more complicated. This novel has kept me on toes from the moment I read the first page. I believe that this book has a lot to offer with romance, competition, heartache and confusion. For me it was an epic read and if you're looking for one of those I cannot put it down reads then you've found the right book.

I'm counting the days until PURE's release day. I promise you will not go wrong with HALF BLOOD, i do however recommend that you get the prequel DAIMON before because I feel it will help explain what lead to the events in HALF BLOOD.

Happy Reading

Gillian
xxx

Book Depository UK-Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I recall last year when I first came across Jennifer how I started bugging her whether DAIMON would be available in paperback because I didn't have a Kindle *BLUSH* and I couldn't read the PDF format off my laptop. She was patient and sent a link to me for Book Depository and I tracked that page until the release date and I couldn't get my order in quick enough :)

DAIMON explained the events that lead to HALF BLOOD and I found it pretty helpful and tearful too. I found the prequel gave the base of the COVENANT series a base to work from and in my point of view  carries some vital information. I love how snarky Alex is, but she has this incredible ability to love with more than her entire heart and I wonder if it could be a fault of hers later.

In the first few chapters she has to face something that I'm not sure many people would be able to carry on from but she does. When she sets her mind to do something there is no stopping no matter what the costs may be. I cannot what to see what Alex has planned :)

I loved DAIMON for the Greek mythology which I found to be refreshing because it was a new take on the demigods. I would never have thought to have it explained in this way or even written into what can only be leading to an amazing series.

Aiden, makes a rather memorable entrance into the book, and I'm sure that he will leave a lasting impression on all of us. There's something about him that I cannot wait to explore in HALF BLOOD.

Jennifer has left a lasting impression on me and I'm positive that the COVENANT series will be one of my favourites.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx

Book Depository: Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Congrats to Elizabeth on her debut novel FURY :)
I was hooked from the moment I saw the cover, the fiery red of her hair to her pale complexion first made me envious but I had a feeling that FURY would be one of the books that I wouldn't be able to put down :)

I don't think that I've ever read a book that's carried two main characters and its was actually exciting for me. Chase and Emily are literally from different sides of the track, their paths meet put in the end that isn't what brings them together in a sense. There's a famous saying in my house, "What goes around comes around", I personally think that explains this book to a very well defined T.

Chase and Emily have done a few questionable things that draw the attention of the Furies whom make it their mission to ensure that they pay for their mistakes no matter what the cost is. I found it interesting how real life drama was thrown into the mix. I've seen some reviews and not everyone agrees that FURY is a true Paranormal, but I tend to disagree. It's like a fresh pot of tea. For example, Chase struggles with his inner demons, because he's afraid that one slip up will cost him everything that he has worked so hard to build. I think in the end everything catches up to him but for me it was a bitter sweet battle. Chase had everything going for him, and could have shown the snobs in his life what really matters. No matter what level of the ladder you are, everything is in reach as long as you work hard to be the man that you want to be.

Emily does one questionable thing that she knows is one of the worst mistakes she could make. We all have our inner devil that nags to us that it couldn't be any worse than denying what is inside. I believe that Emily paid a far worse price than Chase and has to imagine what could have been for the rest of her life.

FURY is a must read if you love Greek mythology but be warned there isn't a lot thrown in, but its there and it had be running to my laptop to see what everything meant. Like I said before, its like a fresh pot of tea. I'm looking forward to see what ENVY and ETERNITY will have in store for me.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx

eB.com Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

Firstly I would like to congratulate Tessa Gratton on her debut book.

When BLOOD MAGIC first came out I was drawn to the cover but not so sure it would be something I would enjoy reading, everyone one that I know encouraged the read but stubbornly refused. I think I got tired of everyone suggesting the book that I actually went out and bought it. I guess they had the correct notion about the book :)

I found the beginning a little slow, but the pace picked up quickly which I thought was awesome, I'm not a fan of slow books. I found that BLOOD MAGIC has a few themes running through the pages but its not over-powering. As with all YA novels romance is a key aspect, loss, pain, the undying need for power, forgiveness and strength.

I would love to have gotten more background to Silla's family instead of just the tragedy of losing her parents. Its remarkable to see how 2 siblings can take losing their parents differently, Silla held strong to the fact that her father would not kill his wife no matter what he was going through, but on the other hand her brother felt deeply that he was a sick and twisted man. The loss of their parents changed a lot of things for them and for me that makes a very strong story line. I loved reading how they discovered the magic, getting closer to how things were before the horrific murder. Don't get me wrong, things take another nasty turn again, that left me in tears at work.

Nick is the new guy from the city and has a few secrets of his own. I don't want to ruin the book for anyone and I know that the path I'm running on will. I'm going to do my best not to spoil too much. 

I believe that because of a secret that draws Silla to him and vice verse. Their relationship isn't always so smooth but they try to get over the obstacles and come out on the other end stronger. They both helped each other grow and even master their darkest fears.

I believe that BLOOD MAGIC is not for the faint hearted with the description of the blood rituals but with a strong stomach I think its a good read.

Looking forward to the next instalment, THE BLOOD KEEPERS because I feel that there is more to explained and I'm hoping to dive into Phillip's past to learn more than what was available in BLOOD MAGIC.

Happy Reading

Gillian

xxx

EB.com Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton 

Awake At Dawn by C.C Hunter

C.C Hunter has out done herself with the sequel to BORN AT MIDNIGHT. She was able to carry across everything I loved from the first novel straight into AWAKE AT DAWN causing everything to run smoothly with no hiccups or lingering questions as to what happened in BORN AT MIDNIGHT. I was not able to put the book down for a second and found it glued to my hand everywhere that I went.

AWAKE AT DAWN  is an amazing read with a storyline that is full of twists and turns, lingering questions and even new ones but I personally don't think that changes the well written storyline. The emotions in this book are extremely genuine that you can feel your heartstrings being tugged along with Kylie, it adds to the realness of what is being expressed on the pages. The characters bring new depth and discovering with them, not one of them seem to be out of place and fit perfectly into the life of Kyle whether they be positive or negative. Exploring how the characters grow made AWAKE AT DAWN that more enjoyable for me.

I cannot forget to mention Miranda and Della, they keep me on my toes with their constant bickering, but they add a new level to the book and we discover another side to them that is a lot deeper and at times even darker than we're use to. I would love to have them as friends because sometimes I wonder with their dislike of the spirits when they are going to bolt? I get a sense that they're in this for a very long time and will do anything to help Kylie.

Holiday and Burnett are two very strong role models for the campers even with their chemistry notable to everyone. I find that Burnett has grown on me and at times like Holiday I would love to give him a beat down but with this novel he has grown from this dark and foreboding vampire to someone that Kylie can turn to and count on for when she reaches a very bad place and can't get out. I'm hoping to see more of him and maybe even the Holiday and Burnett romance spark a little more in TAKEN AT DUSK.

Kylie has grown immensely since BORN AT MIDNIGHT and I know that she has a lot more to do but there's something about her that has me doing air pumps every time she discovers another part of her. For instance not trusting her biological father in the beginning to loving him deeply now that she has been able to learn from him and bond. Daniel makes a confession in this book, that had my heart breaking and I think it struck a chord with Kylie too, but there still is a lingering of regret, which leads her on a mission that to be honest has me a little worried.

What can I say about the boys? When I first met Derek I was his biggest fan but as BORN AT MIDNIGHT progressed I had my doubts about his intentions with Kylie but that slowly changed. He's grown as a person and at the end of AWAKE AT DAWN makes an extremely dangerous decision but one I;m hoping will help him grow even further into the man I know he can be. Lucas the ever charming werewolf leaves a few girls with their blood a little above normal but the way he cares for Kylie, the honesty in his eyes makes me jump on the Kylie-Lucas romance waggon. Truthfully I did think he was a bad boy looking for something at the beginning but it never amazes me how he will get himself into a tight spot just to make sure that she will be okay.

If you haven't picked up AWAKE AT DAWN I think you should. C. C Hunter has out done herself and I'm counting the days until TAKEN AT DUSK is released.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx

EB.com Awake at Dawn by C.C Hunter 

Muse by Rebecca Lim

I have to admit this before I begin my review, Rebecca Lim has every emotion possible in her books and MUSE left my with an emotional tornado. I loved it! My favourite so far in the MERCY series.  Having said that, I think I need to go into more detail as to why the book is one of my favourites, it has a lot more of the paranormal element, the angels seemed to share the spotlight with Mercy and finally Mercy was finding out who she was before she become a "body snatcher". Answers are ripe for the taking but some may still leave you wanting a more in depth answer, I found that I still have questions but I know without a doubt Rebecca will have everything tied up with FURY.

I think the life that Mercy is inhabiting in MUSE, Irina fits her perfectly this particular point in her life. Irina is a supermodel who just so happens to be in a pretty bad spot in her life too, everyone wants to know what she's up to and whether or not she will stuff up again and in doing so end her career with a massive bang. If you think about it, up until now that describes Mercy to a T, what she goes through on a daily basis trying to figure out what happened to her and who she is relates a lot to what Irina seems to be going through in terms of her struggles.
Mercy is finding it easier to remember and in doing so piecing her life together a lot quicker, this adds to the pace of the storyline and with it comes a few momentous revelations. One thing though is still consent, her love for Ryan. Will this go anywhere now that Mercy knows what she is and she came to be a "body snatcher"?

MERCY and EXILE had some action written into them but MUSE is full of it and sometimes I wonder if its bursting at the seams. With the action is compelled me to keep turning the pages. If I could sneak a few pages at work to help with the need to know what Mercy was going through I would.

On a very teary note I have to say that it ends with an explosion. I had to re-read the ending to make sure that it didn't end the way I thought. I remember inboxing Rebecca when I had finished my book and told her how I sobbed at the ending even trying to find out if there was a positive outcome early into FURY but all she would reveal was how FURY was her favourite book in the series and that it ends with a bang. Everything will come together.
I cannot wait until FURY is available.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx

EB.com Muse by Rebecca Lim

Lost In Time by Melissa De La Cruz

Finally I was able to read LOST IN TIME, the 6th book in the BLUE BLOODS series and it is not a disappointed. As usual when it comes to this particular series my sister watches my bookshelf to see when it will be added to the rest of the series, to be imagined an argument broke out as to whom was going to read LOST IN TIME first. I'm proud to say that I drew the longer straw :)

I loved the romance between Schuyler and Jack, they way he looks at her only cements their love further. Don't get me wrong their love doesn't come without certain consequences and one might be the greatest obstacle they have to overcome. We've learnt through the series that all actions have a consequence to match and it is explained a little further when Jack discusses his wife's fate with a fellow Blue Blood.
Jack has to make one of the toughest decisions of his existence and I have to admit that I'm actually afraid of what might happen at the end.

BLUE BLOODS is not the same without a little Mimi interaction, I've never been a fan of her and watching her with Oliver as they descend to save Kingsley makes me question her as a person and whether or not she actually has heart. Love can do strange things to a person and possibly even change them-I think that is true with Mimi and I'm looking forward to seeing where this new Mimi goes.

Some of our questions are answered when it comes to Charles and Allegra, we see their past and what Allegra went through while growing up in this particular cycle. I loved reading how her love blossomed with Schuyler's father. She went against everything to be with him and for a fraction of time they where happy but something happened to changed that. Fingers crossed in the last instalment we will have that missing clue along with what happened in Florence.

I found LOST IN TIME to have a little of everything; heartbreak, action, suspense and the key aspect love. If you've loved the BLUE BLOODS series so far you will not be disappointed at all. Just get ready for a long wait because THE GATES OF PARADISE will only be released in 2013.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx

EB.com Lost in Time by Melissa De La Cruz

Unleashed Wolf Springs Chronicles #1 by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

I've read the WICKED series by Nancy and Debbie and the moment I came across UNLEASHED I was pretty sure that the book would be another fantastic read to add to their shelf. I was not disappointed.
I would rate UNLEASHED as a classical paranormal book, it's dark, thrilling and even at times a bit romantic. I couldn't get enough of the book.

I find that the girls have a good insight on how to leave their readers begging more. With this book I found their writing to be a blend of mystery, suspense, passion, love and loyalty that made the book hard to put down. There was never a dull moment within the pages and as each page is turned I was left biting my nails trying to see if I could picture what was hanging around the next corner. I haven;;t come across many novels this year that have left me on the edge of my seat and a bit suspicious of 90% of the characters within the story line.

What I found to be one of the key points within the book was how there was a rich history with both the legend, and the town's residents whom for generations have protected the secrets that lie within the borders of their secluded, wooded town. I liked that the wolf lore in this story comes from the Fenrir lore, and even the Fenner Family in this story pay tribute to that. I enjoyed finding those secrets with Katelyn and at a point I just couldn't believe how so much vibrant and even destructive history could be kept in the dark.
There's a saying that people will do anything to keep their secrets and there is a passage in the book that proves that saying without a doubt.

I've read various reviews before I bought UNLEASHED to see what everyone had to say and a few have mentioned how Katelyn isn't the strongest of characters, everyone thinks differently; but I feel that she is quite a strong character given what she has gone through in such a short time. Her life has been uprooted and everything she has known for most of her life gone up in smoke. I'm not sure I would be able to put on a brave face in the hopes of returning to my old life.
Even the turmoil she has a strong support system that I think will see her through one of the toughest times in her life, maybe not everyone in her life has the best intention for her. Don't get me wrong there is room for growth and I'm so excited to see where Katelyn will be by the end of the series.

I mentioned earlier about how some of the characters leave a funny taste in my mouth and Katelyn's gun yielding grandfather and the neighbour next door Trick are a few to keep an eye on. There's some secret that they aren't willing to share. To them keeping her in the dark and well protected leaves me with a million questions that I need answered. What are they hiding?
I love watching how the romance between Trick and Katelyn slowly blossom, its endearing to see how he looks at her and would even battle the world to protect her (that statement is debatable during some chapters). True to any great book there is the dark and mysterious Justin who can send sparks flying when he comes into close range with Katleyn-I think they could set the pages alight but he's not at all who he says is. One minute he is this sweet person and the next someone I wold love to wrap my hands around and shake some major sense into.
This love triangle looks to hold something that will be fun to see unravel.

I'm going to sign off here, because I'm sure that I could spoil everything if I carry on.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx

EB.com Unleashed Wolf Springs Chronicles #1 by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Just a little warning to start the review off, be prepared to cry though about 20% of the book. I know that I spent the last few chapters crying. Kami and Margaret have this amazing ability to bring their readers to the brink of tears. Not many authors can leave me crying right until the last words of the book.

Things have changed since the Seventeen Moon, not everything is as it should be. We see the gang trying to come to terms with the changes and figure out the next song given to Ethan by his mom. Not only has the natural world changed but the characters are either going down darker paths than we're use to seeing them.

There was a line in the book that caught my attention and please forgive me if I don't get it exactly right; "Evil does not always equate to dark and Light does not always equate to good..." I'm not a hundred percent sure if that is correct but it seems to be a theme throughout the book. I found it astonishing to see that it was not a false saying and people can change given the right motivation.

We say good bye to one of the main characters and its a very teary good bye.

I wonder why Kami and Margaret love to leave us with this huge cliff hanger? BEAUTIFUL CHAOS is the mother load of all cliff hangers in the CASTER CHRONICLES so far and I'm not so sure I can wait until the next book is released. Any chance we can get a sneak peek?

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx

EB.com Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Abandon by Meg Cabot

When I first came across ABANDON on Meg's website it was a must for me, but as time goes by we tend to forget about certain books that we said we would get. A friend of mine asked if I had read ABANDON because she couldn't put it down, it dawned on me that I wanted to read it. I told her I hadn't but was getting in the car to grab myself a copy.
As she said I would not be disappointed and she was 100% correct.

I love how Meg retold the story of Persephone. I haven't read the classic tale to truly compare but I don't think it's really necessary (not a very good blogger of me). This is one of the first books that I've read written by Meg and I cannot believe that I waited so long.

Its amazing how sometimes during the book I got a little confused and then later in the book I lost the confusion because everything was explained to me through some twisted tale.
I kept jumping between I can trust you and then not. Seems my gut was right with a few characters and then one that I never saw coming left me with a bit of a fish mouth in the office. I remember sending my sister a message when I reached that OMG part and she just laughed and explained that she dropped the book because she thought that could not be possible.

Pierce is a bit of a strange character and sometimes I wonder about the red that she sees when she's pissed. It wasn't fully answered in ABANDON and I'm hoping to get an answer in UNDERWORLD. I guess the weirdness comes from having your life turned upside down and not being able to get back to the way things where. Sometimes that is better but I'm not sure about that when it comes to Pierce.
Its amazing how she lets herself love completely after things have been explained to her and she doesn't feel like the only crazy person the small coastal town.

Be prepared to hold tight to your book because it's pretty hard to put down and when reaching the end leaves you begging for more just know the sequel is on the way :)

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx

EB.com Abandon by Meg Cabot

Fallen 3: End of Days by Thomas E. Sniegoski

I was over the moon when I saw that Thomas had written another book in the FALLEN series, considering how book 4 finished off. I kept asking my sister how could it just end like that? I have to know what happens...
Thank heavens there was another book to help feed my need for what had happened to Aaron and the gang.

I would have thought that after Aaron had defeated the Dark Powers I thought that would be the end of them and the Nephilim could live in peace not having to keep looking over their shoulders in fear that they might be killed because the Powers had this dark and twisted notion that they were an abomination, did not deserve the right live.
There's a darker evil in this book, what I loved was seeing how the Nephilim had grown has a team and more so as a family. I missed the other characters from the previous book but that added to the emotional side of the book because I don't think I was the only one.

Love is a tricky thing especially when a love triangle is formed, we don't see it grow in this book but I'm hoping if Thomas writes another installment to see where it goes and how things change between the characters.

I found it astonishing to see how much Gabriel had changed since the first book. He is a lot more expressive and feels things more deeply now. There's a scene in the END OF DAYS where Gabriel comes to the rescue in a sense and that tugged on my heart strings. His development has been extraordinary to watch, he has grown in strength from the first time we met him. I'm hoping for only good things to come for him.

This book is filled with plenty of action, love, tears and even some twists within the shoreline. I suggest you pick up the previous books or else a little confusion will settle in.
I'm hoping that Thomas will continue with the series considering how the book ended. It just cannot end like that.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx

EB.com Fallen 3: End of Days by Thomas E. Sniegoski

Vampire Diaries: The Hunters Vol. 1: Phantom

I was shocked like most VAMPIRE DIARES fans to hear that L.J Smith would no longer be writing the series and that a ghost writer would now take over from where she left off. 

I ask this question, how can the publishers take a story from the author when it first began with her and not them? Sure they helped get her published but it's her baby, VD is best told through the imagination and words of L.J Smith not some ghost writer who hasn't been apart of the "birthing" process.

As part of an inquiry to see how this writer compares to the original I ordered myself a copy and I'm ashamed to mention this but I did enjoy the book to an extent but I could feel that it was not written by the original author and missing some key emotions and even some aspects that where hinted at in the MIDNIGHT, I was looking forward to seeing how that shoreline would unfold only to find out that it had been wiped clean almost as if it never happened. Something interesting occurred to me when I was reading how it kept coming back to the fact that the past cannot be forgotten and I thought isn't that just a little ironic.

I shed a few tears here and there but so many things that happened between MIDNIGHT and PHANTOM and have left me utterly confused and surely there could have been some way that the writer might be able to explain what has taken place so that we aren't as confused or maybe more so than Elena and the rest of the gang.

Maybe the next installment will not be almost as disappointing as PHANTOM.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian

xxx

EB.com The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters Vol.1: Phantom

Destined by Kristen and PC Cast

After I finished reading AWAKENED I couldn't wait for the release of DESTINED because for me the book ended with a cliff-hanger, I guess that is amazing writing but it drives me insane. I guess I'm one of those readers that needs to know what happens-I've never been good with good waiting :)

The main plot for the HOUSE OF NIGHT series has been the battle between good and evil and each time the books end I'm thinking could Zoey and her friends finally defeated the evil within the books but it never fails to see the new and dark ways that Nerefet will go to destroy Zoey.  I've always wondered what her obsession with Zoey is? Could it be her closeness to the Goddess or her powers manifesting so early? Maybe those questions will be answered within the next book or maybe even the final book of the series.

The evil in DESTINED seems to be gaining some control but in the end it's the love that can put the brakes on and even help show that sometimes evil does not always equate to evil. 

What I found interesting was that the death of Zoey's mother played a crucial part within the book, it didn't give the characters the sense of depression or make the book somber it helped discover a few things and even bring unknown allies together. For me reading how the death took place as well as watching what unfolded during the ritual had me on the end of my seat and in tears until the end of the book.

A great sacrifice was made for one of the main the characters and it was amazing  considering the path that he was and maybe that path was the one he was going to continue walking. I was grateful that he had the change in heart to step away from that dark and unknown path to the one that his love had helped walk which ultimately lead him back to the Goddess.

I for one am looking forward to the end of the battle of good and evil to see how it ends. If the other books are anything to go by I know that the Cast duo will have us on the edge of our seats and maybe even shedding a few tears. Looking for ward to the next book!

Happy Reading :)

Gillian

xxx

EB.com Destined by PC Cast and Kristen Cast

Fateful by Claudia Gray

I feel in love with FATEFUL immediately. Talking some people about the book I noticed how they weren't sure about the Titanic element, but I thought it would make a wonderful shoreline and backdrop-the book did and stood out on its own. The book is full of romance, action, suspense, plenty of tear inducing scenes and even some slight rebellion. 

Seeing as the Titanic has been used as the backdrop will it shadow the tragic ending of the Titanic or could there be a silver lining out there?

Tess is a pretty strong person even though she has been through a lot in such a short space of time. I found it remarkable how she was still able to keep a positive outlook on life even though working for the Lisle family was not easy and pretty much getting your head taken off my the ever enchanting Lady Lisle. Most people would expect the class difference to show thought the family but it doesn't, seeing how Irene treats Tess with pure tenderness and friendship I think helps Tess get through the day no matter what obstacles she has to overcome.

I have to admit that while reading FATEFUL I was tempted to throw 98% of the Lisle family overboard. 

Tess seems to keep running into Alec and Mikhail, lets just say they each bring their own danger to the story and one more than the other. 

I'm tying my best not to ruin the book for those of you who have not read the book but its pretty hard. I'm thinking of finishing off my review here with a few more words and then hoping that those that haven't read FATEFUL will go and pick up a copy at your nearest book store.

The Titanic did play a rather huge role in the book and true to history and the movie it does sink, but is it the same tragedy for our couple? Only time will tell.

i have to admit that after reading FATEFUL and hoping for a sequel I found out that it was a stand-alone book, I think my heart shattered again. Always leaving us on a cliff hanger and wondering what would have happened. Claudia stayed true to all writings-another captivating novel :)

Happy Reading :)

Gillian

xxx

Exclusivebooks.com Fateful by Claudia Gray

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

The wait is finally over :) I'm pretty sure that all the HUSH HUSH fans have been waiting very patiently i say the least for the arrival for SILENCE. I for one have been calling the local bookstore to see when they would have the novel in store.

Becca started SILENCE with a punch and what better way to get a book started by causing the reader to gasp and think "How could you do that?" Becca has this amazing writing ability that absorbs the reader from the first sentence read and SILENCE is no difference, maybe that's why I found the opening prologue pretty grasping.

SILENCE takes a different path but still stays true to the series. Without giving away too many aspects of the novel away but we join Nora after she wakes up in a cemetery without any knowledge of how she got there and why she's there in the first place. It is brought to her attention that she has been missing for 3 months and along with that Nora has no memory of where she's been or what has happened to her.
Now I leave it there to continue with my review with hopefully not too spoilers ahead. Feel free to kill me if you if do...

I found it interesting that Becca would take the novel on this path, with the ending of CRESCENDO it could have gone  a few ways but I think this was different route and not many people would see it coming, The reason for Nora's memory loss is explained in the novel and I found it endearing but also so frustrating. At times I wanted to kill everyone around Nora and shake some sense into her, maybe even loan her my first books so she get her life back and not feel like someone different, not herself and stop the wondering of what her kidnapper cod have done to her.

Hank Millar is back with a vengeance in this novel and has he only got a few nasty plans up his sleeve. There was alway something about him that gave me the creeps. What really got to me is how he acted around his daughter even if he refused to accept her as such or maybe he gave that air of "I don't care whether she's my daughter or not..." to throw people off his trail for tasks he needed to accomplish.
We also learn something interesting about him that would explain his later actions in the novel. Get ready to see an even darker side to Hank, I'm not going to finish my thought because it will ruin a very climatic part in SILENCE.

I'm going to end off my review here because so many spoilers are running rapid in the head and I'm pretty sure that if I don't put the brakes on the rest of the review will contain big spoilers.

I cannot wait for the fourth book in the series and I know with the ending of SILENCE we are in for a very interesting book staying true to Becca's writing.

Happy Reading :)

Gillian
xxx

Exclusivebooks.com Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick