Review: Destined - Aprilynne Pike

Author: Aprilynne Pile
Series: Wings #4
Pages: 307
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 5/1/12
ISBN-10: 0061668125

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The conclusion to the bestselling Wings series. Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful--and deadly--of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face.

I am a jumble of emotion right now, on one hand I loved this book. It was everything I hoped it would be and more, but at the same time I am so sad that this series is over! I wasn't a huge fan of book 1 but I do plan on re reading them, and I'm pretty sure that will change. But I am a huge fan of this series as a whole, I loved laurel, Tamani, Chelsea and David. The extended cast of characters even have a piece of my heart.


I'm not sure how to go about discussing this book without spoiling anything but I'm going to try very hard to cover some of my favorite things. This book started on a bang and never stopped, once the action started it never stopped. Right up to the end there was anger in the air. One of the things that I loved whole heartedly is the loyalty between laurel and her friends. No matter what they always had each others backs.


Another thing I loved was seeing Avalon again. I loved all of laurels time spent there, even in this book. The fae and Avalon always came to life for me in this series, I don't know he Mrs pike did it but it seemed to just dance off the page for me. I as much as I will miss having a new story featuring this world I am glad that I can always go back for a visit.


Again this whole book was bittersweet for me, but I still loved the ending, I felt closure, and happy with the resolution. I felt that everyone who needed to be touched upon. I finished this book with a smile on my lips and a tear in my eye. Thank you Mrs pike for sharing this world, it's characters, and their story's with us. I give this book 5 stars, and I strongly urge everyone to give this series a try!

Review: Spells (Book 2)

Review: Illusions (Book 3)

Review: The Treachery of Beautiful Things - Ruth Frances Long

Publisher: Dial Books
Page Length: 363 pages
Release Date: August 16th 2012
Rating: YA 14+

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The trees swallowed her brother whole, and Jenny was there to see it. Now seventeen, she revisits the woods where Tom was taken, resolving to say good-bye at last. Instead, she's lured into the trees, where she finds strange and dangerous creatures who seem to consider her the threat. Among them is Jack, mercurial and magnetic, with secrets of his own. Determined to find her brother, with or without Jack's help, Jenny struggles to navigate a faerie world where stunning beauty masks some of the most treacherous evils, and she's faced with a choice between salvation or sacrifice--and not just her own.

I am a sucker for a good fairy story, and even more so when they take place in faerie. This was a beautifully woven story from start to finish. One of my favorite things about they fey is they are beautiful but so dangerous and I think that truly came through in this story. I also love that every authors take on the fey is different. The realm as it was described here was a beautiful place, yet no matter where you looked there was some hidden danger.


Jenny, Jack, and Puck were all so awesome. Jack and Puck did there best to help Jenny even though they were bound to others. And Jenny, so amazingly stubborn. She was awesome she never backed down even when the opportunity to escape was in her grasp. She refused to abandon anyone and always seemed to look for the good in others even though there betrayals were screaming at her.


This was a complex story that was well written and captivated me from the start. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of a good story about the fey. I hope that you will give this a chance and that you enjoy it as much as I have. I give this one 4 stars!

Review: Shadow Heir - Richelle Mead

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Bantam (February 1, 2012)
Language: English

 Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld...
The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice.

I never tried to hid the fact that I am a huge Mead fangirl. I can't get enough of her books. And his was always my favorite series. Eugenie seemed to just have impossible situations continually thrust in front of her. I did enjoy seeing he pregnancy unfold, and how she kept herself safe. Watching her make the decision to go to the otherworld to save her people from the blight that is plaguing only certain areas of the otherworld. he whole situation broke my heart. The journey through the otherworld bothered me no because the action or adventure weren't there but because everyday was another day away from the twins. I will say that the ending of this book has me on the fence. I loved this book, and I was mostly happy with the ending because it gave me hope that one day she might write more, maybe not about Eugenie, maybe about the twins either is fine with me. But even if she doesn't ever come back to this series I am still happy with the ending it wasn't all tied up, but it was wrapped up enough to give me closure. I give this book and this series 5 stars!

Review: Illusions - Aprilynne Pike

Author: Aprilynne Pile
Series: Wings #3
Pages: 375
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 5/3/11
ISBN-10: 0061668095

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"I don't do patrols, I don't go hunting, I just stick close to you. You live your life. I'll keep you safe," Tamani said, sweeping a lock of hair from her face. "Or die trying."

Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.

But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

I feel compelled to start this off by saying that Aprilynn Pike is an evil genusis! I wasn't sold when I read Wings, but Spells hooked me and Illusions reeled me in. I loved Tamani in this book he was awesome and I totally love him. I actually really liked watching everyone try to deal with Tamani's new role in their lives. I also thought Laurel's struggle with her feelings between David and Tamani was very well done. I love Chelsea in this addition. She really seems to be coming into her own now that she isn't in the dark. I really really need the next book! Little Miss Troll Hunter Klea made another appearance, only this time she was the one asking for a favor. She brings Yuki with her and asks Laurel to keep an eye on her since she is new and also "different". Klea describes Yuki as a dryad, Laurel and crew sped the book trying to figure out who Yuki really is and Klea's true intentions. I loved ever second I spent reading this book, and I am sure I will mope about until I have the next one in my hands because this ending was killer! I give this one 5 stars! If you haven't read this series yet what are you waiting for...go...read it!

Review: Spells - Aprilynne Pike

Author: Aprilynne Pile
Series: Wings #2
Pages: 359
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 5/4/10
ISBN-10: 0061668060

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Although Laurel has come to accept her true identity as a faerie, she refuses to turn her back on her human life - and especially her boyfriend, David - to return to the faerie world.

But when she is summoned to Avalon, Laurel's feelings for the charismatic faerie sentry Tamani are undeniable. She is forced to make a choice - a choice that could break her heart.

I put off reading this for a long time because I wasn't a huge fan of Wings, but I have seen such good things said about this series that I felt I had to give them another chance. Let me just say I am so glad I did! I enjoyed gong into Avalon with Laurel, and getting to see what fairey life will be like if/when she decides to live in Avalon for good. I also loved Tamani I love him in the first book and still do, I enjoyed that we saw so much of him in this book. Watching Laurel's mom struggle with the fact that her daughter is a faerie added a touch of realism to this story in my opinion. I never was a huge David fan and really wish Laurel would decide to be with Tamani, but for the most part David is sweet and supportive of Laurel and her Faerie ways. I am dying to get started on Illusions to see what happens next. I give this one 4 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: Sirensong - Jenna Black

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Original edition (July 5, 2011)

When Dana is invited to Faerie to be officially presented at the Seelie Court, it’s no easy decision. After all, everyone knows Titania, the Seelie Queen, wants her dead. But Titania claims not to be the one behind the death threats; and her son, Prince Henry, makes the decision a whole lot easier when he suggests Dana might be arrested for (supposedly) conspiring with her aunt Grace to usurp the Seelie throne. So she and her father better do as they're told…

The journey through Faerie is long – and treacherous. Dana thought it would be a good idea to have friends along, but her sort-of-boyfriend Ethan and her bodyguard’s son, Keane, just can’t seem to get along, and Kimber’s crush on Keane isn’t making things any easier. When a violent attack separates Dana from their caravan, the sexy Erlking saves her just in the nick of time… and makes it clear that he hasn’t given up on making her his own.

Arriving at Titania’s beautiful palace should be a relief. But Dana is soon implicated in an assassination attempt against Titania’s niece, and is suddenly a fugitive, forced to leave her father behind as she and her friends flee for her lives. Will she be able to prove her innocence before the forces of the Seelie Court catch up with her? Or, worse, the Erlking? And will she save her father before he pays the ultimate price in her stead?

My Thoughts...

I am a huge fan of the fae, and I love how every author has a different portrayal of them.  Jenna Black happens to have a veiw of the fae that I really enjoy.  I have loved the other books in this series, but I think what really did it for me was that this book mostly took place in Faerie.  All the usual suspects were here, Keane, Ethen, and Kimber. There were also some new editions, we got to meet a faerie queen and prince.  This story kept moving and yelled at me every time I tried to put it down! Dana has always been pretty high on my loveable heroins list and this book moved her up a little higher!  Her need to help people while admeriable, has a tendency to get her in trouble. I thought her and Ethen were pretty cute throughout the book but I personally prefer Kean. All in all this was a great addition to the series and an awesome story that will have you saying "oh snap" as you read it.  I give this one 4.5 stars!

Review: Summer's Crossing - Julie Kagawa

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 213 KB
• Publisher: Harlequin Teen (June 1, 2011)

A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.

An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

My Thoughts...

I adore this series! I am totally team Puck, so when I heard we were getting a Puck novella I was thrilled to say the least.  This was a great story, watching Puck and Ash together you can really see that they use to be friends, and despite all the tough talks that they easily fall back into the patterns of friendship. This is one of those series that I hope will continue for a few more books, the settings and characters dazzle me, the writing is great, and the storys have never left me wanting anything but more.  This novella is no exception. I give this one 5 stars, and give many thanks to Julie Kagawa for giving us something to nibble on while we wait for the release of the Iron Knight!