www.youknowbookpeople.com WE HAVE MOVED!

If you have followed us for a while here you will have noticed that nothing has been posted in many months. I have debated closing the website forever but couldn’t part ways, this has become a very valuable part of my life and I enjoy reading and reviewing all of the wonderful novels that are sent to me. So with this in mind I did not close the blog, instead I opened my own domain. And here we are, You Know Book People, is now live and will be posting reviews and author interviews.


www.youknowbookpeople.com



Please go check us out there, we will no longer e posting on this website but I will leave it open.

AUTHORS if you would like your review moved to the new website please e-mail us.

Happy reading everybody,

Rebecca

Anatomy Of A Single Girl- Daria Snadowsky

From the Back of the Book
After everything that happened—my first boyfriend, my first time, my first breakup—jumping back into the dating game seemed like the least healthy thing I could do. It’s not that I didn’t want to fall in love again, since that’s about the best feeling ever. But as a busy college premed still raw from heartbreak, which is the worst feeling ever, I figured I’d lie low for a while. Of course, as soon as I stopped looking for someone, an impossibly amazing—and devastatingly cute—guy came along, and I learned that having a new boyfriend is the quickest way to recover from losing your old one.

The moment we got together, all my preconceptions about romance and sex were turned upside down. I discovered physical and emotional firsts I never knew existed. I learned to let go of my past by living in the present. It was thrilling. It was hot. It was just what the doctor ordered.

But I couldn’t avoid my future forever.

In Daria Snadowsky’s daring sequel to Anatomy of a Boyfriend, eighteen-year-old Dominique explores the relationship between love and lust, and the friendships that see us through.



Review
We've all read and enjoyed books on summer love and growing up, I know I have at least. But this books isn't just another one of those novels. Bringing a new spin to summer romance the author- Daria Snadowsky- has once again pulled you into a romance you don't want to end.

After reading the first book in this series you are left with a deep sadness for the main female character who has had her heart shattered and believes that nothing will ever fix it. You pick up where after that break up and she's had time to recover but is still hurting. I enjoy that while following the same character and story line you can pick up this book without having read the first book in the series "Anatomy of a Boyfriend" before reading this, I can't tell you how many times I've bought a book and not realized it was the third in a series I've never read before!

While I love the style that this book is written in I don't love the way that the main character some times, the way she thinks of some things, that I'm not going to reveal - read the book to find out anything, like love and relationships and marriage seems to young for how old she is. The way she speaks sometimes was worked more... nerdy, for lack of better words, but it seems to fit with her character so once you get you to it I really enjoy the different way to see somebody speak.



Rate
I recommend this book to fans of summer romances and strong friendships backed by a great writing style that makes you love the story.I rate this book from 1, I couldn't finish it to 10, unputdownable, an 9.

Last Kiss In Venice- Martin Chu Shui

From the Back of the Book
Beside a bridge over a canal in Venice, Charlie is spellbound not only by Caitlin’s absolute beauty but also by what seems like a mythical bond between them. The more he knows about her, the more mysterious she becomes. As they finally admit their love to each other in Paris, then move to settle down in Australia together, it looks like the start of Happily Ever After. But neither of them realizes that this is just the start of a heart-wrenching journey.

After a lifetime of searching, Caitlin finally finds her true love, settles down in the beautiful rolling countryside of outback Australia, and starts to raise a family, but her enemy is never far away. She loves Charlie deeply and is certain he is her soul mate, but she knows she can never reveal her secret; he must never know who she really is, and that is her downfall. Information in the hands of her enemy brings her life crashing down around her. To save all she has worked for, she must fight for her love and the right to survive.

“Last Kiss in Venice” is a reinterpretation of one of China’s most famous love stories, ‘Legend of the White Snake’. It is a supernatural love epic that encompasses both eastern and western culture to tell a story of love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, revenge and justice. This cocktail of oriental magic, vampires, and sword fights is a legend not easily forgotten


Review
Being a snake is one thing, a pretty cool thing if you are that snake. But being a century old snake that leaned to become a human to find it's true love's reincarnated spirit in a different century is a really cool thing and that's what this story is all about.

A story about a love that really does overcome everything; Magic, time, people and even being the same species. This book really has you falling in love right along side the characters and at the same time knowing what they are keeping from each other. While I loved the romance I couldn't connect with the characters and I am interested to read the legend that inspired this novel.

I recommend this book to anybody who enjoys modern day legends with a flare for romance.


Rate
I rate this book from 1, I couldn't finish it to 10, unputdownable, an 8.The plot held my interest but I didn't connect the characters as much as I like to. I am on a look out for the original legend though.

Perverse- Larry Rodness

From the Back of the Book
19 year old Emylene Stipe is a 2nd generation Goth who, like every teenage girl, is trying to find her place in the world. One night she comes upon an old painting in an antique store and is compelled to purchase it. When she brings it home an image of a young woman appears in the sketch and then magically materializes in her apartment. Emylene nick-names her 'Poinsettia' and they soon become fast friends. But Poinsettia has an ulterior motive for her sudden and strange intrusion into her host's life which causes Emylene to question her whole belief system.


Review
A picture says a thousand words, but a picture is just that, a still frame, an image of one time, something that will fade but never change. What happens when a picture comes to life. A simple snowy scene but what's weird is footsteps that will appear and disappear. If that's not weird what about a girl that slips from the very same picture's frame.

This book is far from normal with plot twists where you least expect them. Romance is heavily hinted at but the plot doesn't depend on it to keep it going. I struggled with the first half of this book, reading a few pages and then putting it down, forgetting about it for a month and then reading a few more pages. I am few glad that I kept reading and because this book is smoking from the middle right to the very end.

I would recommend this book to romance readers even though there's not much romance, fantasy lovers and anybody who enjoys a good plot twist or two.



Rate
I rate this book from 1, I couldn't finish it to 10, unputdownable, an 8, because of the hard to get into opening, but I promise it is totally worth it to keep reading.

Along the River Styx- Ashley Cooley

From the Back of the Book

Sixteen year old Delphi Andrews lives by one rule: no physical contact with mortals, or they’ll die.

But when Delphi makes the mistake of giving into desires and breaks the rule; Dale Henrys falls down dead. As if being a demigod and having Death for a father isn’t complicated enough, Delphi is forced to exist in the mortal world. It’s too bad her existence leaves a trail of bodies...

Dodging revenge seeking Cheerleaders, cowering Football players, and hallways full of whispers Delphi never expected to stumble upon the most unlikely group of friends and to be welcomed into their ranks. They don’t understand her “no-touch policy” but they don’t ask questions either. For once Normalcy seems to be within her grasp, until Dale makes his grand reappearance as a….Reaper? With a taste for the River Styx. 

Review
Be warned if you read this book you will fall in love with the daughter of death, all it takes is one touch, one page and you've been pulled into a world full of Greek myth set in a modern day world. Grabbed Right away by the main character Delphi, you can feel her struggles to live in the mortal world. If you thought getting up early for high school was bad, try being a demi- god of death. Delphi can't touch anybody or she kills them, and she still has to wake up early like everybody else. I loved that as the plot got darker and more intense Delphi's struggles begin to not only include her fearing her own touch will kill somebody, but being stalked by a reaper who has it out for her and a mortal that wants to go out with her.

This book is a great read for those looking for a book to sink into and get lost in, it is jarring to come back to reality once you have started this book, it really pulls you into Delphi's world and her life. Romance, fantasy, gods, lots of boys, death, this book has it all!


Rate
And so with all this being said I rate this book from 1, I couldn't finish it to 10, unputdownable, a absolute deathly 10.


This book has been released today, this is a must buy! please support self- published authors and do not download and please do not share copies of books. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/442518

Author Interview- Ashley Cooley

I have been given the privilege of announcing to you that fellow reviewer Ashley Cooley is publishing her novel ‘Along the River Styx’ available May 28th on Smashwords and its distributors. She has been kind enough to answer a few questions about herself, her writing style and Along the Rive Styx!

B: First of all, tell us a little about your debut novel.
A:Thanks for having me. Along the River Styx is about the half-mortal teenage daughter of the god of death, Thanatos, who has inherited her father’s ability to kill people with her touch. But her ability gets her into some trouble when she kills the highschool quarterback Dale Henrys, who comes back to haunt her as a Reaper with a taste for the river Styx and ruling the Underworld.

B: There’s a lot of Greek mythology and Gods in your novel, what kind of research did you do?
A: I’ve always been into mythology and religion actually. So, I already had a ton of books (I have an encyclopedia and a dictionary of mythology!) and tons of printed out and hand written notes. So when I was working on AtRS there was not a ton that I had to do. One of the main things I do remember looking up is entities/deities of death for several cultures to figure out how to blend them all together. I did a little bit of research on Delphi (the place), and on classic images of the Underworld.

B: How long did it take you to write this novel?
A: Well, the first draft I wrote in two weeks thanks to many, many word wars and several 10k word days. It’s probably the most dedication I’ve had to writing a first draft ever, it became a job. I would start writing at 8 am and I wouldn’t stop until 11pm. I did a bit of editing after that, and set it aside for a few years. Then after the characters wouldn’t leave my head, and on day out of the blue discovering what was wrong with the main plot, I started working on it again, that took roughly another year. All together from first draft to publication day, it’s been four years.

B: Did you base any of the characters in your book to anybody you know in real life?
A: The easy answer here is no, but I’ll expand a little. My characters always end up coming to me before the full fleshed out plot, and I never intentionally base any of my characters off of people I know. In my head my characters need to have a distinct image in order for me to write them well, and if I based them off of anyone, looks or personality, they would eventually mold into that person, and that’s not something I want for them. So, there might be similarities, but ultimately I didn’t have anyone in mind while writing AtRS.

B: How much planning goes into your novels?
A: I’m what they call a Pantser, meaning I write by the seat of my pants. I used to be a plotter but practise has taught me that my writing often turns out better the less I plot. When I start writing I have pretty complete characters in my head already, and the most basic plot with the biggest plot line and no sub plots. The more in depth planning happens after the first draft, with the first draft I’m just trying to get all the ideas out of my head as quickly and coherently as possible.

B: What made you come up with the idea for Along the River Styx?
A: Honestly, I can’t remember. The earliest thing I can remember is that I was watching a show about prophets, and the show mentioned the oracles of Delphi. At that point, I already had the daughter of Death character, but that’s really when Delphi’s whole identity filled out.

B: What is your writing process?
A: Put some headphones on, have some coffee or tea or both even within arm’s reach, sit down, turn music up, and write for six to ten hours…or until my hands give out.

B: What was the hardest part of getting ready to publish?
A: Getting ready to self-publish is hard in general if you put any effort into it. Meeting my self-set deadlines was probably that hardest, some days I really had to push myself to get my blogging, or editing or marketing done for the day.

B: Where is your favorite place to curl up and write?
A: I don’t think I have a favourite place to write, I can write almost anywhere as long as I have the ability to tune out distracting noises around me. For the first draft, I wrote at a desk but for pretty much every draft after that I wrote while sitting in bed.

B: If you had to be one of your characters for a week, who would you choose to be?
A: That’s a hard one…hmm…it’s a tie between one of Delphi’s brothers, Auggie and Percy, and her mortal best friend Kaizzie. The twins because hello they can phase through walls and floors and I’d never have to worry about running into anything ever again, or ever being late to anything ever again. Kaizzie because she is really her own person, she has a distinct style and doesn’t care what people think about her.

B: What’s next for you? Should we be holding our breath for a sequel?
A: I wouldn’t hold your breath for a sequel, that’s not to say that one maybe won’t happen sometime in the future. I’m just not currently working on one, though I do have a few ideas for a sequel I can’t really give you a concrete answer.

B: Do you have any writing advice for aspiring writers?
A: I don’t think I’m quite qualified to be giving any writing advice just yet. But if I had to it would be to read, read anything and everything. Be gluttonous with your reading.

On Par With A Fairy- Lyla Bardan

When sixteen-year-old Travis meets enchanting fairy Lark, legend speaks of a fated union, but his parents disagree. Can fairy legend prove stronger than parents, prejudice and the inevitable parting that must come with summer's end?

Review

Perfect book for a light read out on the dock with a glass of pink lemonade. Or at least that is how I enjoyed with short novel. If you are looking for a cute romance story that you can read in a few hours and enjoy then this is the book for you.
The plot was set at the perfect pace and left no strings at the end that needed to be tied up, no lingering questions that needed to be answered. But even if it was a perfect ending I wouldn’t mind a sequel to following the characters and their love grows as do their experiences of being in love for the first time and the challenges they may face.

Rate

And so with all this being said I rate this book from 1, I couldn't finish it to 10, unputdownable, a 9, I thought that the book could have been a longer and had more plot twists then it did, but I'm still hoping that there will be a sequel.

SpellBound - Rachel Hawkins

Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies--the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that's what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery.

The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn't as confident.

Sophie's bound for one hell of a ride--can she get her powers back before it's too late?

Review

Brilliant, heartbreaking, and beautiful the conclusion to the Hex Hall series is great. This is another case of me not wanting to let the characters go. I mean, if Rachel wanted to write a book that was Sophie and Archer in college and making out, I'd read it. Who wouldn't?
Honestly, this book made my heart stop in parts and speed up in others, I needed to read this all the way through in one sitting or I was going to explode, and if you're a super fan of the other Hell Hall books you'll understand.
A great conclusion to the series, but I'm glad that the world isn't entirely closed off, I'm looking forward to reading School Spirits.

The 5th Wave - Rick Yancey

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains.

After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th Wave, just one rule applies: trust no one.

Now it's the dawn of the 5th Wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother--or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

Review

Full of suspense and survival The 5th Wave is an excellent start to the series.
What turned me onto this book was the book trailers that were released, I believe there were four or five of them and at first I didn't even know they were for a book, but they intrigued me. I kept watching them. Then as soon as this book came out I snatched up a copy.
I didn't put it down for two days, not until I finished reading it. Though the ending did seem to just stop, which disappointed me as soon as I found out that this is just a book 1, I can't wait for more.
It's a tale of survival, and trust, and well, aliens. And who doesn't love a good alien invasion book? I certainly do.
Cassie is written with such accuracy as a teenager girl that I had to look it up and make sure the author was a guy. I found her perspective even better than the male perspectives in the novel. There were a few times however, that I did have to reread a few parts when Cassie is thinking about the past.
Overall, I great read. I recommend it. 

With All My Soul - Rachel Vincent

What does it mean when your school is voted the most dangerous in America?

It's time to kick some hellion butt...

After not really surviving her junior year (does "undead" count as survival?), Kaylee Cavanaugh has vowed to take back her school from hellions causing all the trouble. She's going to find a way to turn the incarnations of Avarice, Envy and Vanity against one another in order to protect her friends and finish this war, once and forever.

But then she meets Wrath and understands that she's closer to the edge than she's ever been. And when one more person close to her is taken, Kaylee realizes she can't save everyone she loves without risking everything she has...

Review

Stunning conclusion to the Soul Screamer series, I loved this book like most of the books in this series from the moment I opened the cover from the moment I closed it. It was harder for me than I thought to let go of these characters at the end after everything I've been through with them. And I'm not going to lie, there was one point in the book that I closed it and shoved it under a pillow because I didn't want to know the fate of some of the characters. That lasted oh...ten minutes.
This is one of my favourite book series, and I have to say that this final book does it justice in my books.
And don't fear! There is PLENTY of Todd. 

Ripple - Mandy Hubbard

Title: Ripple
Author: Mandy Hubbard

Publisher: Razorbill
Pages:260
Format I read it in: Paperback
Release Date: July 21 2011

From the back of the book:

Lexi is cursed with a dark secret. The water calls to her, draws her in, forces her to sing her deadly song to unsuspecting victims. If she succumbs, she kills. If she doesn't, the pain is unbearable. To keep herself and those she cares about safe, she shuts herself off, refusing to make friends or fall in love--again.

Then Lexi finds herself torn. Against her better judgment, she's opening up again, falling for Cole--the best friend of her first love--who sees through her icy facade. But when a new boy at school with a secret of his own offers her the chance to finally life a normal life, she learns that the price she must pay to be free of her curse is giving up the one who believes in her most.

Review: I'm a little late to the game for reviewing Ripple, but then again, there aren't really any late to the game reviews when it comes to books now is there? Didn't think so.

This was a quick read for me, I finished it in a couple of hours. When I picked it up at the bookstore, I didn't know anything about it, the cover is gorgeous and the author is also an agent, that's it. I knew nothing about the actual story, I was expecting something mermaid-y from the title, I was not expecting Sirens and a Nix. A pleasant surprise, not to mention the romance the peeks through even though Lexi is standoff-ish, and she has a right to be.

When I started I couldn't put it down. I'd definitely recommend it for your summer reading lists

Reviewer: Ashe

What's next on my list?: The Kissing Booth - Beth Reckles

The Selection - Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages:327
Format I read it in: Audio and Paperback
Release Date: April 24th 2012

From the back of the book:

For thirty-five girls, 

the Selection is the change of a lifetime.

The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

 But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she brings to realize that the life she's dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Review: On the back of the book there is also a blurb from Kiersten White author of Paranormalcy, she says The Selection is " Charming, captivating, and filled with just the right amount of swoon!" and I agree wholeheartedly with this, though as to not be a lazy reviewer, I'll give you my review.

I found out about The Selection over a year ago, by Kiera's youtube channel actually, and it's her personality and enthusiasm that turned me onto the book. But, it took me forever to get around to reading it, partly because of school, partly because I was afraid it would disappoint me. Spoiler? It didn't.

This is when I switched to the audio book, which is amazing by the way. Then I was captivated by America's story, about her secret love with Aspen and her blooming friendship with the Prince. Turns out my putting it off was a good thing, because now I can tear right into The Elite!

America is funny, guarded and true to not only to herself but to those around her in the Selection. I can see why Aspen and Maxon both want her.

Reviewer: Ashe

What's next on my list?: Ripple by Mandy Hubbard

The Program - Suzanne Young

Title: The Program
Author: Suzanne Young

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 405
Format I read it in: Hardback
Release Date: April 30th 2013

From the back of the book:

I look back at James one last time, and he gives me his signature smile, wide and cocky. But it's not real. Sometimes I think it's never real. James is the best at hiding the pain, disguising the feelings. He knows what it takes to stay out of The Program. He'll keep us safe.

He promised. 

Review: This is possibly one of the most touching and suspenseful and down right frustrating book I've read recently. I am in love with it.

From the first chapter I knew this book had me, no from the first page. I tore through most of the book in just a few hours, only stopping to catch a little bit of sleep before getting at it again. It didn't take me long to finish it, needless to say.

There were times while reading The Program that I was rocking back and forth trying not to cry, and then there were times where I got so mad at two characters being so close but not knowing, that was the frustrating part. There was also a time where I had a brilliant AHA! moment. I'm trying not to give away so much of this book with this review, you'll have to read it for yourself, but it's so incredibly hard because I love it so much.

This is not just a book about teenage depression and suicide, it is a tale of meant to be, and love, and perseverance, and loss. It is so entirely captivating, and pulls at my feels with everyone page, and leaves me wondering if The Program is truly helping or harming.

I'm waiting on the second one!

Reviewer: Ashe

What's Up Next On My List?: The Selection - Kiera Cass

The Duke's Trumpet

Now, I don't usually post things like this, but I couldn't help it. This post is copied over from my personal writing blog, but I couldn't help but share it here as well, because truth is, I'm SO excited for her!

-------

It is my amazing friends release day, that friend is Claire E. Smith, you can find her in any of the links I've posted below.

Basically, I just wanted to say how proud I am of you for pushing through all your obstacles and publishing Time & Heart book one: The Duke's Trumpet.

You know how much I love Bas, and now I'm super excited that so many other people get to enjoy him and Mimi and the entire cast of characters you have created and worked on for so long.

If you want to check out The Duke's Trumpet, you can find it on Amazon HERE

The Duke's Trumpet from Amazon. com

Going from shy bookworm to butt-kicking avenger isn’t easy, but somebody’s gotta do it….

All Mimi Mockel wants to do is read books 24/7. With nothing else to do on New Years Eve, she pays a visit to the New York City Public Library only to find they are closed for the evening. Spying an open window, she sneaks in and finds a mysterious book that appears to beckon to her.

She soon discovers the book is a rogue time-traveler’s diary and learns she has been chosen as the Prodigy. Suddenly, life is more complicated than Mom grounding her from her favorite library. Now she and her thirteen-year-old-brother Albert are thrust in a world where heroes aren’t read about, they’re made. And it’s up to her to save the future of 4218 from the terrible King Noctria who is winning a worldwide civil war.

When she learns that their-time traveling host, Sebastian “Bas” Barkley, is a notorious time thief, Mimi urges him to return everything he’s stolen from history, beginning with the trumpet of the legendary Duke Ellington. But Bas will only agree if she will learn alchemy as the Prodigy.

Soon she discovers a new world completely different from her own. Along the way, Mimi befriends others who are fighting for the cause. But when the cruel Ambassador of Time, Captain Deatherage, murders one of her friends, suddenly becoming the Prodigy just got personal.

Claire can be found around the internet:
Blog
Website
Twitter

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Maybe these release date celebrations should become a blog feature? What do you think?

-Ashe

Hell's Game- Teresa Lo

Title: Hell’s Game
Author: Teresa Lo
Publisher: Stull Printing
Pages: 268
Format I read it in: Ebook

From the back of the book: On Halloween night in Deer Creek, Kansas, Jake Victor, Ashley and Ashton Gemini, and Kristin Grace convince Ronnie Smalls to meet them at the town cemetery, which local folklore has always rumored to be the Gateway to Hell. Their intention was only to scare him, but soon the wicked prank becomes actual horror as the group learns the Gateway is all too real. After demons snatch Ronnie and drag him to Hell, the terrified foursome vow to keep what they had seen a secret.
Two years later, the group receives a mysterious letter, an invite to play a high-stakes game in Hell. If they win, they release Ronnie’s soul as well as their own from eternal damnation. If they lose, they are stuck in Hell forever. Choosing to play, they face nightmare after nightmare as each level escalates in intensity and forces them to face the seven deadly sins.
Inspired by the legends of the Gateway to Hell in Stull, Kansas, Hell’s Game explores the cruelty that teenagers can inflict upon each other as well as the horrors that exist amongst mankind. It is a dark, action-packed young adult novel that will both scare its readers and make them question the true meaning of evil.

Review: At the beginning as I was reading this book I was very worried, sure that I had read this somewhere else but as I read on I realized why I felt this way. The game that they are playing kind of reminded me of the forbidden game by L.J Smith but as I read on the game was nowhere near the same. I love the book and I wish that there was more to it. I want to know what happens after the game! This book kept my attention and I finished it super fast. The opening was a little slow but as soon as they get their marks I was on the edge of my desk chair not able to read fast enough!

Rate: For the reasons I have stated above I give this book from 1, I couldn't finish it to 10, unputdownable, I rank this book a 7!

Reviewer: Bec

Enchanted Glass - Diana Wynne Jones

[first book review since public school! Advice and pointers are very welcome!]

Title: Enchanted Glass
Author: Diana Wynne Jones

Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages/Format: 332
Released: September 3^rd, 2010

From the Back: When Andrew Hope’s magician grandfather dies, he leaves his house and field-of-care to his grandson who spent much of his childhood at the house. Andrew has forgotten much of this, but he remembers the very strong-minded staff and the fact that his grandfather used to put the inedibly large vegetables on the roof of the shed, where they’d have vanished in the morning. He also remembers the very colourful stained glass window in the kitchen door, which he knows it is important to protect.
Into this mix comes young Aidan Cain, who turns up from the orphanage asking for safety. Exactly who he is and why he’s there is unclear, but a strong connection between the two becomes apparent.
There is a mystery to be solved, and nothing is as it appears to be. But nobody can solve the mystery, until they find out exactly what it is!

Review: I first read a book by DWJ last summer, and I’m certain she’s got me hooked for good. I’m sad that I found out about her a little too late, as she passed away in March last year. As of August 16^th she would have been 78, so to honor her memory, I hope I convince you to read this book! (or any book by her, for that matter) 

It has every great element that a book by her has; fantastic characters with unforgettable personalities, unique magic, and several plots that somehow mash together to suddenly make sense in the end. It’s set in a world that is similar to ours, except that it contains magic and many folk that the characters call “those that don’t use iron” (fairies and the like). In the beginning, I was a little confused about everything, because it bombarded me with names of things and I didn’t know what they were, and so many characters pop up. What I love so much about that is as the story progresses, all is explained in its own time and everything wraps up quite nicely. It has a great twist at the end, but not the kind of twist you are expecting! 

All in all, if you love fairies and magic, you will love this book! Added into the mix is beautiful countryside, some romance, an adorable dog that isn’t quite a dog, rainy weather, and giant vegetables. What’s not to love? 

If you enjoyed Spiderwick, definitely check it out.

Reviewer: Kirsten

Shadow Sight- E.J. Stevens

Title: Shadow Sight
Author: E. J Stevens

Publisher: Sacred Oaks Press
Pages: 145
Format I read it in: Ebook
Release Date: July 24, 2012

From the back of the book: Welcome to Harborsmouth, where monsters walk the streets unseen by humans…except those with second sight, like Ivy Granger.
Some things are best left unseen...

Ivy Granger's second sight is finally giving her life purpose. Ivy and her best friend Jinx may not be raking in the dough, but their psychic detective agency pays the bills--most of the time. Their only worry is the boredom of a slow day and the occasional crazy client--until a demon walks through their door.

Demons are never a good sign...

A demon attorney representing the water fae? Stranger things have happened. And things are about to get very, very strange as a bloodthirsty nightmare hunts the city of Harborsmouth.

There's blood in the water...

Kelpies have a reputation for eating humans. Unfortunately, Kelpies are the clients. When an Unseelie faerie this evil stalks the waterways of your city, you have to make hard choices.

The lesser of two evils...



Review: I loved the series ‘She Smells the Dead’ also by E. J, it is one of my favorite werewolf series I have read. So when I saw an e-mail about this new series… well my internet couldn’t load fast enough for me to send an e-mail. I wanted this series and I am very lucky to have been able to read it as an ARC. This is the first in the new Ivy Granger series.

I started this book before I had to run into work, so I only read the first page before I had to go. And boy I regret starting this book before I had to go because I found myself staring at the clock waiting until I got off so I could rush home and read the rest of the book. And that is exactly what I did. I finished this book the day I started reading it. It was filled with motion, no huge fighting action until the end, but motion where I wasn’t waiting for the next thing to happen. I never felt like there were filler chapters.

I wish there had been more romance in this book, that really would have sold this book for me, but the hint of romance that might be in the next book has left me waiting until I can get my hands on the next one.

This is a very different read from ‘She Smells the Dead’ but it is still an amazing read so if you liked SSTD I highly recommend you read this series as well.



Rate: Over all I give this book from 1, I couldn't finish it to 10, unputdownable, I rank this book an 9 ½ .


Reviewer: Bec

Beatifully Broken- Sherry Soule

Title: Beautifully Broken
Author: Sherry Soule

Publisher: Moonlight Publishing
Pages: 329 pages
Format I read it in: Ebook

Release date: Available now

From the back of the book: Thirteenth Daughter. Heritage Witch. Demon Slayer.

They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Whispering Pines. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse.

When sixteen-year-old Shiloh Ravenwolf takes a summer job at Ravenhurst Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan. But Trent may be the next victim on the supernatural hit list, and Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him. Complicated much?

After receiving cryptic messages from a creepy wraith and frightening threats from a demon, Shiloh finally begins to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist. Now Shiloh must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.

Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.


Review: When I read the back blurb I was really into this book, not about vampires or wolves, yes witches are becoming another thing that when you walk into a book store that is all you see but I was just so happy to be getting a break from vampires that I couldn’t care if I was going from one overused topic to the next.
As I got into this book I was really hooked, I was a bit worried when the first few paragraphs reminded me of the book I had just read before it but was glad that that didn’t last very long. It was a good opening and I was really enjoying the read.
Enter Trent, sound super cute but when I’m reading a book with romance in it and I can’t believe the romance between the two characters it kind of ruins the story for me. I didn’t believe they really liked each other for a second, maybe on Shiloh’s part but certainly NOT on Trent’s.
Moving on from the romance that I don’t think was there, as we got closer to the ending I was getting more and more confused, when it came time to read the “big battle” at the end I didn’t know what was going on. I found that scene very hard for myself to picture which it again one of the main things I look for in a good book, being able to see what is being written about. None of that in the end. There was a rushed ‘gotta finish this book up’ in the last few pages that just left me unsatisfied.
Overall I found this book to be really good in some parts but other just left me not believing the story and others left me totally clueless! None the less I was still hooked enough that I read the whole book.

Rate: For the reasons I have stated above I give this book from 1, I couldn't finish it to 10, unputdownable, I rank this book a 4.

Reviewer: Bec

Legend of Witchtrod Roads- E. J Stevens

Title: Legend of Witchtrot Road
Author: E. J. Stevens


Publisher: Scared Oaks Press
Pages: 180
Format I read it in: Ebook
Release date: Available now


From the back of the book: Surviving agitated ghosts, irritated witches, angry werewolves, and the horrors of high school has never been so hard.

The night of Samhain may be behind them, but Yuki and her friends have only begun to face the challenges of their paranormal gifts. Tensions are rising--in the pack, at school, and within their tightly knit group of friends.

The tragic death of Wakefield High student Dylan Jacobs has emotions boiling over. The J-Team, Yuki's arch nemesis, have turned the entire football team against her. They claim that Yuki is a witch and blame her for the death of their fellow teammate. Will Yuki be able to solve the mystery of Dylan's death, and the legend of Witchtrot Road, before tempers flare and things turn violent?

Emma is the friend that Yuki turns to when things get tough, but she's been behaving strangely. Emma has been acting distant and seems to be coming down with a mysterious illness. What will Yuki and her friends do if their healer is truly sick?

Calvin has become Alpha and wants the best for his pack. He is a dedicated and compassionate leader willing to do anything for the good of his people, but will Cal be able to hold the pack together when a fiery, young werewolf comes seeking revenge?

Simon may still be a roguish playboy, but he is taking his role as Calvin's second in command deadly serious. Simon is prepared to do anything to defend his Alpha and his pack, but will he be willing to give all that up to avoid a battle within the pack?


Review: I was expecting so much from this book, really I was. I had loved the last two books in the series and had been super excited to read this book. But I found this book to not hold my attention the way the others had. I found that this one was not as attention grabbing or keeping as the other books and I was not enjoying this read. I forgot I had even read this book until I went through my e-mail list saw this one and began re-reading it thinking I hadn’t read it before. I got halfway through it went I finally realised that yes I had read it.
This book was not my favorite by E.J and I was extremely disappointed but yet I still loved Yuki and her character and her romance with Cal, and the other promised romances that I am sure may bud and blossom in the next book.


Rate: For the reasons I have stated above I give this book from 1, I couldn't finish it to 10, unputdownable, I rank this book a 6.


Reviewer: Bec

The Forest Of Hands and Teeth - Carrie Ryan

Title: The Forest Of Hands and Teeth
Author: Carrie Ryan

Publisher: Random House
Pages/Format: Audio Book
Available: NOW

From the Back: In Mary's world, there are simple truths. 

The Sisterhood always knows best. 

The Guardians will protect and serve. 

The Unconsecrated will never relent. 

And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. 

But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. 

Now she must choose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death?  [[From Carrieryan.com]]
Review: I actually have the paperback of this book sitting up on my shelf, and I'd tried to read it a few times and I'd chicken out. Because, hello zombies? And, me with an over active imagination there was no telling that was going to go right down nightmare road. But listening to the audio book, allowed me to focus less on the Unconsecrated (zombies) and more on the story--even though they are a major part of the story. I fell in love with the main character Mary, and how she is always seeming to crave more, even when she's gotten the guy she wants, she still has that dream of the ocean. It is that dream that pushes her forward throughout the entire novel.
There are times when my heart dropped into my stomach, and times when it was beating so fast that I didn't want to go to sleep until they'd gotten out of that situation. And you know what? the Unconsecrated didn't bother me as much as I thought they would.
I cannot wait to dive into Dead-Tossed Waves! Book 2.

Reviewer: Ashe

p.s. Have you checked out the trailer?  Because, it is awesome.