Review: Destined - P.C & Kristin Cast

Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (October 25, 2011)

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet—which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx’s gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together—if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father’s shadow...
But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia’s handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there’s the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more—or possibly less—than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there’s something strangely familiar about him...
Will Neferet’s true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox’s humanity in time to protect him—and everyone—from his own fate? Find out what’s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

Once again we are back in Tulsa. It seems like so much happens in such a short time in these books. Zoey found out her mother was murdered, the gang is still grieveing over Jack's death. Dragon refuses to accept Rephaim even though Nyx has forgiven him and giving him the gift of a human body at night, but during the day he turns into a bird. stevie Ray will take what she can get though and stands stead fast at his side. Kalona however seems to be truly upset at having let Rephim go to live his life with Steve Rae. The Twins for the first time in this whole series are not acting very twin like. We learn a little about Shaunee's family and past. My opinion of Erin was cast in a very shallow, negative light. I still love Stark though, he just makes me melt. 

Neferet is as evil, depraved, and creepy as ever. The real shocker for me was Aurox/Heath. I liked how they handled him, in the last book I had my doubts at how this story line would play out. Overall I enjoyed this addition to the series. I finally feel like we might be seeing character growth. Hopefully that continues into the next book. I know some people are giving up on thsi series, but I'm not read to walk away yet. I give this one 4 stars.

Review: Bloodlines - Richelle Mead

Reading level: Ages 12 and up

Hardcover: 432 pages

Publisher: Razorbill (August 23, 2011)

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning. 
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

My Thoughts...

Have I ever mentioned what a Mead fangirl I am? I jump at the oppertunity to read anything this woman writes. I am happy with the characters that this story centers around. I really loved Sydney in Vampire Academy and love her more in Bloodlines. Eddy, Jill and Adrien all brought something to this story and I am so glad Richelle decided to write this spin off. These were some characters I wasn't ready to let go of, and a world that I loved.  I loved the look we go into Sydneys head and her life. I also really liked seeing Eddy he had it rough but he is so dedicated to Jill and his job. I hope as this story continues that things get better for him.  The relationship between Jill and Adrien is kinda cool too (don't go jumping to confusions) lol. Sydney has a lot going on, trying to protect her sister, and do her job while not seeming to friendly with the others, and dealing with another alchemist that is trying to ruin her. I think she managed to handle herself well and I for one can't wait for the next book and more Adrian..Oh how I love him! I give this one 5 stars and strongly urge you guys to read it.

Review: Hard Bitten - Chloe Neill

• Reading level:
 Ages 18 and up

• Paperback:
 368 pages

• Publisher:
 New American Library; 1 edition (May 3, 2011)

Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals-and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are...tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else. Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in the heady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society-a world full of vampires who seem ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands... 

My Thoughts... 

I think this has to be one of my favorite series. I love everything about these books! Merit is one of my favorite characters. I really enjoyed watching Merit try to figure out what was wrong with the vampires and who was causing the problem. Her first reaction was Celina, but the GP has basically put her out of bounds for Merit. But she was tough, tenacious, and pretty kick ass. In the end I think you will be shocked by the conclusion of this mystery. I loved Eathen! What I wouldn't give to have him "chase" me the way he "chased" Merit. The ending to this book left me flabbergasted, but at the same time I can't wait to read the next book to see just where this is all going. I give this one 5 stars! 

Review: Twisted - Gena Showalter

• Reading level:
 Young Adult

• Hardcover:
 304 pages

• Publisher:
 Harlequin (August 30, 2011)

His vampire girlfriend might have brought him back to life, but he's never felt more out of control. There's a darkness within him, something taking over…changing him. Worse, because he was meant to die, death now stalks him at every turn. Any day could be his last.Once upon a time, the three souls trapped inside his head could have helped him. He could have protected himself. But as the darkness grows stronger, the souls grow weaker—just like his girlfriend. The more vampire Aden becomes, the more human Victoria becomes, until everything they know and love is threatened.Life couldn't get any worse. Could it?

My Thoughts...

I absolutely adore this series. I love everything about it.  Aden by himself is pretty awesome, once you add in the souls he is just like the perfect character. Mary Anne, Victoria, and Riley are a great cast too! I feel that there has been a great deal of character growth for all the characters.  They have all been through so much. I think that this book alone tested them each in many different ways, and I can't wait to see where they go from here. The over arching story for this series  has been great thus far and I am dying for the next taste all ready! But the major story plots in this book really seemed to turn everyone upside down and inside out before everything was said and done.  It was an amazing emotional trip that I am so glad I took.  I look forward to more in this series and hope that you guys will give it a try if you haven't already. I give this one 4 stars!

Review: Born at Midnight - C.C. Hunter

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (March 29, 2011)

Don’t miss this spectacular new series that will steal your heart and haunt your dreams,  Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever.  Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.”  Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either.  Or does she?  They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason.  As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas.  Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past.  Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart. 

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

My Thoughts...

This book left me craving more! I need to know what happens next! This book focuses on Kylie, a normal girl who is just trying to deal with divorcing parents and the heartbreak of being dumped. After the cops raid a party where Kylie's only crime was being there her mother decides to send her to Camp Shadowfalls.  Kylie goes thinking this is a camp for juvenile delinquents. Quickly Kylie learns that everything isn't what it seems. Kylie finds out why she is really at this camp but is sure that someone somewhere is wrong and she doesn't belong there. While trying to figure out the truth Kylie meets some new friends and we get reintroduced to Della. Watching Kylie try to figure everything out while coming to terms with all the new things happening around her. We also meet Derek and Lucas. *Swoon* This is one triangle I can't seem to settle on one side or the other,. Now I said this book left me wanting more...We learn just enough about Kylie to resolve this book, but not enough to fully satisfy! I loved the characters, the setting, and the story was told very well. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I give this one 4 stars!

Review: Turned at Dark - C.C. Hunter

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 132 KB
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (March 15, 2011)

Independent and strong-willed Della Tsang hadn’t believed in ghosts until she saw her dead cousin darting into the shadows of an alley. She hadn’t believed in vampires until in the dark of that same night she is turned into one. Introduced to a strange world of supernaturals, she struggles to accept this new reality. Unfortunately, the boy she loves senses something different about her and can’t accept her. Should she follow her vampire cousin’s lead–walk away from everything she’s knows and loves—and fake her own death? Or should she set her pride aside and ask for help from the camp leader of Shadow Falls—a camp where supernaturals go to learn how to cope with their powers. Either way, her life as she knows it, will never be the same.

My Thoughts...

This novella took us along for a ride with Della, a normal teenager, who is happy at home, has friends, and a boyfriend she is crazy about.  All until one night she thinks she sees the ghost of her cousin. She ends up in the middle of a gang fight and from there life gets really strange. She finds out that her cousin isn't dead, but a vampire and that he has activated the vampire virus in her, after a very sick few days she wakes up and starts to learn about the new Della, while trying to figure everything out she finds the phone number for Camp Shadow Falls. That is where we leave Della.  This was a cool short story, Della is pretty cool, and the whole take on vampires seems just different enough to be a fresh take on the subject. When I finished this I quickly jumped into Born at Midnight, and while this didn't feel like a required read to understand Born at Midnight I am glad I read it first.  I give this novella 4 stars!

Review: This Side of the Grave - Jeaniene Frost

Reading Level: Adult
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (February 22, 2011)

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance...
With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing.  A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"--the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war. ...to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

                    

I was a little nervous to read this book, I've heard mixed reviews about it. By mixed reviews I don't mean any bad reviews just people saying they didn't feel the normal Cat and Bones connection that we had in the past.  I personally have to disagree. I thought the vulnerability we saw from Cat at the thought of facing a life without Bones was very touching.  I enjoyed seeing them not arguing like we have in previous books, and I also enjoyed the time they spend apart, it served as a reminder that Cat can stand alone without Bones to hold her up.  Now while I find Bones totally mouth watering I loved all the face time that Vlad got (still not so patiently waiting for a Vlad novel) I was a little disappointed at the lack of Ian though!  I feel that the story was well presented and wrapped up for this book, and after reading the first chapter of the next I am curious for where we are headed. I only wish someone would have told me to keep some tissues handy! Overall I would say that this addition to the series was as enjoyable and fulfilling as the ones that came before it.  If you are a fan of the series or are simply looking for a new series  I would suggest it/them highly. This is one that I must award 5 stars!

Previous Books in the Series:


Halfway to the Grave
One Foot in the Grave
At Grave's End
Destined for an Early Grave

Review: Demon Song - Cat Adams

Reading Level: Adult
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Tor Books; First Edition edition (March 1, 2011)

In a world where magic is real and the supernatural is almost normal, bodyguard Celia Graves has survived a vampire attack which made her a half-vampire and awakened her latent Siren abilities. She's battled a Siren Queen to the death and twice faced down a demon that wants to kill her--slowly. She's also had her heart broken--twice--by her old flame, magician Bruno DeLuca.
Perhaps the worst thing was the discovery that Celia's life has been warped by a curse laid on her during childhood--the cause of everything from the death of her little sister to the murder of her best friend the same night that Celia became an Abomination.
An ancient rift between the demonic dimension and our own--sealed during the destruction of Atlantis--begins to open, threatening to loose all the demons of hell on humanity (including the one personally bent on destroying Celia). Celia's hellish recent experiences have given her the unique combination of abilities needed to close the rift. But to overcome the curse, which nearly guarantees her failure, she'll need to join forces with people she no longer trusts...and put people she has come to care about directly in harm's way.

                                      

This is yet another series that I am totally in love with. As the only series I have read by this team of writers I didn't have any expectations for the writing or the story. But alas I fell in love with the cover so I gave it a chance and I fell in love with everything else about this book. Now fast forward through the really good second book to Demon Song. I really liked how this book was a little different than the other two, as in it wasn't just one major catastrophic event after another, You get to see Celia try on some "girl time" which after her change seem to be a little awkward for her but it is refreshing to see her have some time with the girls or to breathe between crises. There were plenty of action pact events through out the book and some meaningful family time too. Overall I think it was a good mix of emotion, good fun and action, and all that is before we introduce the love triangle. I like that her love interest wasn't the main focus of the story it was more of an underlying story amidst all the action. I also appreciate the look into Celia's self discovery and growth throughout the book. Add in some great secondary characters and we have a winner folks. I highly suggest this series to anyone who hasn't read it yet.

I give this book 4 stars!

Previous books in this series:

Blood Song

Siren Song