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!

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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

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.

Lies Beneath- Anne Greenwood Brown

Title: Lies Beneath
Author: Anne Greenwood Brown

Publisher: Delacourt Book for young readers
Pages/Format I read it in: Audio Book
Available: NOW

From the Back: Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, killing them to absorb their energy. But this summer the underwater clan targets Jason Hancock out of pure revenge. They blame Hancock for their mother's death and have been waiting a long time for him to return to his family's homestead on the lake. Hancock has a fear of water, so to lure him in, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter, Lily. Easy enough—especially as Calder has lots of practice using his irresistable good looks and charm on ususpecting girls. Only this time Calder screws everything up: he falls for Lily—just as Lily starts to suspect that there's more to the monsters-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined. And just as his sisters are losing patience with him [[from goodreads]]

Review: Let me start this off by saying. I have never read a book that involved mermaids where the narrator was male. Now, maybe that's just because I don't read a lot of mermaid books to begin with. I was a little tentative about getting into a mermaid book, there are a lot of them out right now it seems, but I was still hesitant. And man am I glad that I started with Lies Beneath! Not only did I find it extremely enticing because of the perspective of a male protagonist, but he's also a merman or sorts. He has three seriously dangerous sisters, who give me chills. And, then there is Lily, a human that he falls for even though he's supposed to kill her father. Ok, so that part might be used in a lot of other books, but I didn't even mind it in this one. Plus, +5 for all the names! I love the names in this book especially Calder.
Another thing that I loved about this book was how the words flowed, how Calder's dialogue and internal thoughts were totally male. And, it made me laugh with some of its witty dialogue.

Reviewer: Ashe

Sizzling Sixteen- Janet Evanovich

Title:  Sizzling Sixteen
Author:  Janet Evanovich

Publisher: Random House
Pages/Format I read it in: Audio Book
Available: Now

From the Back: Trenton, New Jersey, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has inherited a “lucky” bottle from her Uncle Pip. Problem is, Uncle Pip didn’t specify if the bottle brought good luck or bad luck. . . .

BAD LUCK:

Vinnie, of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, has run up a gambling debt of $786,000 with mobster Bobby Sunflower and is being held until the cash can be produced. Nobody else will pay to get Vinnie back, leaving it up to Stephanie, office manager Connie, and file clerk Lula to raise the money if they want to save their jobs.

GOOD LUCK:

Being in the business of tracking down people, Stephanie, Lula, and Connie have an advantage in finding Vinnie. If they can rescue him, it will buy them some time to raise the cash.

BAD LUCK:

Finding a safe place to hide Vinnie turns out to be harder than raising $786,000. Vinnie’s messing up Mooner’s vibe, running up pay-per-view porn charges in Ranger’s apartment, and making Stephanie question genetics.

GOOD LUCK:

Between a bonds office yard sale that has the entire Burg turning out, Mooner’s Hobbit-Con charity event, and Uncle Pip’s lucky bottle, they just might raise enough money to save the business, and Vinnie, from ruin.

BAD LUCK:

Saving Vincent Plum Bail Bonds means Stephanie can keep being a bounty hunter. In Trenton, this involves hunting down a man wanted for polygamy, a turnpike toilet paper bandit, and a drug dealer with a pet alligator named Mr. Jingles.

GOOD LUCK:

The job of bounty hunter comes with perks in the guise of Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, and the dark and dangerous security expert, Ranger. With any luck at all, Uncle Pip’s lucky bottle will have Stephanie getting lucky---the only question is . . . with whom? [[from goodreads]]
Review: Vinny is in trouble again. That was the first thought I had while listening to the audio book and shaking my head and chuckling all the same. These books are dangerous to listen to while you're on public transit, let me tell you! I got quiet a few funny looks from my random bursts of laughter. And my fits of laughter only got worse once Mooner and the Hobits get involved (because you know he hosts a Hobit convention and lives in a RV and bakes from pretty...interesting brownies). And oh, you do know I love me some Ranger and Morelli and there is plenty so fret not! As always the dialogue is positively witty, the banter is hilarious and situations are down right head shake worthy. Stephanie always finds herself in trouble, Sizzling Sixteen, is no exception.

Reviewer: Ashe

Matched- Ally Condie

Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Pages: Audio book
Release Date: Available

From the back: Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow

Review: I've been told before that some of my own plot ideas sound a lot like Matched, but I'd never read it. So, after having it written on my TBR list for almost as long as it's been out, I got my hands on the audio book (because you know my new love for them is huge right?) This was one of the ones that I found something to do just so I could listen to it, or laid in bed listening to it. It's a little bit slow at first, but as the story progresses it got increasingly more interesting, especially as Cassia got more willing to do things she wasn't supposed to be doing, things against the Society.
The relationships between Cassia, Xander, and Ky are excellently written, nothing is over night. They all have a history which is built on and explored and revealed piece by piece throughout the story. The idea that the Society is infallible is something that is common with all Dystopians, but it doesn't seem tired in Matched.
Over all I enjoyed it, it's a great listen :)




Reviewer: Ashe

Smokin Seventeen- Janet Evanovich

Title: Smokin Seventeen
Author: Janet Evanovich


Publisher: Random House
Pages: Audio Book
Release Date: Available


From the Back: Dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction lot of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. No one is sure who the killer is, or why the victims have been offed, but what is clear is that Stephanie’s name is on the killer’s list. Short on time to find the murderer, Stephanie is also under pressure from family and friends to choose between her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Trenton cop Joe Morelli, and the bad boy in her life, security expert Ranger. Stephanie’s mom wants her to dump them both for a former high school football star who’s just returned to town. Stephanie’s sidekick, Lula, suggests a red-hot boudoir “bake-off.” And Joe’s old-world grandmother gives Stephanie “the eye,” which may mean that it’s time to get out of town.

With a cold-blooded killer after her, a handful of hot men, and a capture list that includes a dancing bear and a senior citizen vampire, Stephanie’s life looks like it’s about to go up in smoke. [[from Random House.com]]

My Review:  This is an adult novel, not young adult.


My second audio book review. Steph is at it again, and three people are out to kill her this time. All I can do is shake my head, this book is full of hilarity as I am coming to believe is classic for the series. I find it hilarious every time her mother tries to set her up with guys that she think would bring her grandbabies. Stephanie and Lula working together always has me in fits of laughter. Morelli I think has gotten hotter, is that possible? I'm starting to shift from the Ranger train to the Morelli express. 


I realize I am reading these totally out of order, but I'm not finding any difficulty with reading them from the most recent to less recent of the books. The way all the characters are introduced it doesn't get old and lets new readers know about them. I feel like I can just jump in anywhere in this large series of books and be right at home there. Did I mention that I love the romance and the complicatedness of it in these books? Well, I do. Not much to complain about in these books, except they always seem to end too soon. They should just stretch on and on and on in one huge super book! Hey, that's not a bad idea...


Reviewer: Ashe

Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich

Title: Explosive Eighteen
Author: Janet Evanovich

Publisher: Random House
Pages: Audio Book
Release Date: Available 


From The Back: Before Stephanie can even step foot off Flight 127 Hawaii to Newark, she’s knee deep in trouble. Her dream vacation turned into a nightmare, and she’s flying back to New Jersey solo. Worse still, her seatmate never returned to the plane after the L.A. layover. Now he’s dead, in a garbage can, waiting for curbside pickup. His killer could be anyone. And a ragtag collection of thugs and psychos, not to mention the FBI, are all looking for a photograph the dead man was supposed to be carrying.
 
Only one other person has seen the missing photo—Stephanie Plum. Now she’s the target, and she doesn’t intend to end up in a garbage can. With the help of an FBI sketch artist Stephanie re-creates the person in the photo. Unfortunately the first sketch turns out to look like Tom Cruise, and the second sketch like Ashton Kutcher. Until Stephanie can improve her descriptive skills, she’ll need to watch her back.
 
Over at the bail bonds agency things are going from bad to worse. The bonds bus serving as Vinnie’s temporary HQ goes up in smoke. Stephanie’s wheelman, Lula, falls in love with their largest skip yet. Lifetime arch nemesis Joyce Barnhardt moves into Stephanie’s apartment. And everyone wants to know what happened in Hawaii?
 
Morelli, Trenton’s hottest cop, isn’t talking about Hawaii. Ranger, the man of mystery, isn’t talking about Hawaii.  And all Stephanie is willing to say about her Hawaiian vacation is . . . It’s complicated. [[from Amazon]]
My Review: This is an adult book, and definitely not young adult


 I've always known audio books were out there, but I never really thought I'd get into them. I couldn't see myself sitting there and just listening. Well, I borrowed my mom's ipod for a day, cleaned the basement, and my room, and walked around with the headphones in my ears giggling to myself at a large majority of Lula's lines, or swooning over Ranger and Morelli. Needless to say, I have been converted to audio book loving. I'm going this review first, simply because this was the first book in the Stephanie Plum series that I've read...er...listened too. Actually it's my first Janet Evanovich novel. 
So although I am eighteen and several holiday novels late onto the scene I loved it. I love all the dialogue, the humour, just the way the characters spoke and how things were described. The reader of the audio book was fantastic with the voices and I think that was one thing that enhanced my enjoyment of it. 
I was literally giggling as I listened. I don't read many adult books, or things that don't have fantasy elements to them, but Explosive Eighteen grabbed me and pulled me in until the very end and left me wanting more.

Reviewer: Ashe

Delirium- Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver

Publisher:HarperTeen
Pages: Audio book
Release Date:Available

From The Back: Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love

Review: I've been meaning to pick up this book for a while, the cover always catches my eye. Okay, it's not just the cover, the whole premise of the book caught my attention back when it came out, only for whatever reason I never picked it up, until I got the audio book from the library this week. The idea that love is a disease, just instantly made me to one of those head turning things that almost cause whiplash.

Well I can tell you that it does not disappoint. I love Lena's character, how she starts off so timid and seemingly afraid of everything in the world that isn't what she's been told by the scientists and family members, and how she grows throughout the entire novel. Turning from what she's lead to believe is true, and following what she feels. The ending was heartbreaking and triumphant, it was a mix of emotions and it was tied up so well that I felt satisfied. I definitely recommend this book as a novel or as an audio book, the audio book is great too.

Reviewer: Ashe

Ascend- Amanda Hocking

Title: Ascend
Author:  Amanda Hocking

Publisher:  St. Martin's
Pages: 326
Release Date: Available 


From The Back: Wendy Everly is facing an impossible choice. The only way to save the Trylle from their deadliest enemy is by sacrificing herself. If she doesn't surrender to the Vittra, her people will be thrust into a brutal war against an unbeatable foe. But how can Wendy leave all her friends behind...even if it's the only way to save them?


The stakes have never been higher, because her kingdom isn't the only thing she stands to lose. After falling for both Finn and Loki, she's about to make the ultimate choice...who to love forever. One guy has finally proven to be the love of her life--and now all their lives might be coming to an end.


Everything has been leading to this moment. The future of her entire world rests in ehr hands--if she's ready to fight for it.


My Review:  I picked up Ascend a few days after I finished Torn. I needed this book so badly, I was hooked. Ascend certainly does not disappoint. I loved it just as much as I loved Torn, more probably because of the ending. Though, the final battle seemed like it was over too quickly, to me. But I enjoyed it none the less. There were heart breaking scenes and scenes that really did make me cry. I didn't want the series to end, but if it had too, this book was the icing on the cake. 

Reviewer: Ashe

Torn- Amanda Hocking

Title: Torn (A Trylle novel, book 2)
Author: Amanda Hocking

Publisher: St. Martin's
Pages: 324
Release Date: Available 


From The Back:  When Wendy Everly first discovered the truth about herself--that she's a changeling switched at birth--she knew her life would never be the same. Now she's about to learn that there's more to the story...


Wendy shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined--and they'll stop at nothing to lure her to their side. With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to master her magical powers--and marry an equally powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who's strictly off-limits...and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.


Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything--and everybody--she's ever wanted...in both worlds.


My Review:  Right off the bat I'm going to tell you that no, there isn't a review for Switched (book one) because, I haven't actually read it. I picked up Torn, when I was at the mall one day, and I had absolutely no problems reading it. Ms. Hocking does a great job with the recap and filling in the reader of what happened in the first book while moving the plot of the second book along. Though, I suspect my not having read the first book was why I didn't really have an attachment to the Wendy/Finn romance, okay, I might have had a little attachment but I was more Loki right from the get go. I love that this isn't a typical fairy book, and that it's actually about Trolls, or at least the descendants of them. I love the characters, and the writing, and I have fallen absolutely in love with this series. 

Reviewer: Ashe

Firelight - Sophie Jordan

Title: Firelight
Author: Sophie Jordan

Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 323
Release Date: Available 


From The Back: A hidden truth. 

Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide. [[from Goodreads]]

My Review: I've had this book sitting on my shelf for a while, not because I didn't want to read it but because it's one of the books I bought during a book buying splurge and I hadn't gotten around to it yet. Boy, and I GLAD I did! Holy man. I devoured this book in four hours--yea, it surprised even me--it was amazing. I mean, who doesn't love dragon people who can turn into humans? And one Draki falling in love with probably her worst enemy? COMEON, it's awesome, you know it is. Nod you're heads. Do it now. Now go buy this book if you haven't already. The MC was totally easy to relate to, even though she isn't exactly human, her emotions are written out so well that you can feel them. And the writing! Oh the writing, I love the way this was written...and the romance, oh yes there is romance! Loving the romance. This is the first book in a series.

Reviewer: Ashe

Forty Things I Want To Tell You - Alice Kuipers

Title:40 Things I Want To Tell You

Author: Alice Kuipers

Publisher: Harper Trophy Canada
Pages: 256

Release Date: Available now (Feb 10th 2012)


From The Back:  Amy (a.k.a. Bird) seems to have the perfect life: loving parents, a hot boyfriend, the best friend ever. She even writes an online advice column, full of Top Tips, to help other teens take control of their lives. But after a new guy shows up at school, Bird can’t seem to follow her own wisdom. 

Pete is the consummate bad boy. He’s everything Bird is not: wild, unambitious and more than a little dangerous. Although she knows he’s trouble, Bird can’t stay away. And the more drawn she is to Pete, the more cracks are revealed in her relationship with Griffin, her doting boyfriend. Meanwhile, her parents’ marriage is also fracturing, possibly for good. 

Bird is way out of her comfort zone. All it takes is one mistake, one momentary loss of control, for her entire future to be blown away . . . (From Good Reads)


My Review: I was lucky enough to win this book during a chat with the author, she's fabulous by the way. And so is this book. I was pulled in immediately, and couldn't put the book down. There are parts in this book that I believe every girl is able to relate to, mainly the advice column that Bird writes, the little bites of questions and advice are things that even in the past I've found myself looking for help on.  The book also touches on how one thing can make your world spin out of control, but also that you can no control everything even if you try to. I loved this book, right down to the very last page and it made me feel things as I read. Truly it is a good book, and I highly recommend it. 


Reviewer: Ashe

Dark of the Moon-Tracy Barrett

Title: Dark of the Moon

Author: Tracy Barrett

Publisher:Harcourt
Pages:310

Release Date: Available now


From The Back:It isn't true what they say about my brother--that he ate those children. He never did; he didn't even mean to hurt them. He wept as he held out their broken bodies, his soft brown eyes pleading with me to fix them the way I always fixed his dolls and toys. I couldn't fix the children, of course. They were dead, their heads flopping on their necks, their arms and legs pale and limp. My mother ordered the slaves to take them away and give them a decent burial, and I held my brother as he sobbed over the loss of his playmates. When the replacement children died as well, my mother said: No more playmates. My brother wailed and roared in his loneliness, deep beneath the palace, until the Minos took pity and said: Just once more. But not children from Krete. The people would stand for it no more, he said. And so they came in their long ships.


My Review: I thought I would love this book, it's a new twist on a myth, and I LOVE me some retellings of myths. Although I loved the concept of the Minotaur just being a misshapen boy with a loving sister, I don't think he was in the book enough. A lot of the time I stumbled over the names in this book, unsure at how to pronounce them--there are some that are easy others that left me clueless. I felt Dark of the Moon was slow, and I couldn't really get into it until the last 75-pages or so.  


Reviewer: Ashe

Grave Mercy- Robin LaFevers

Title: Grave Mercy

Author: Robin LaFevers

Publisher:Houghton Mifflin
Pages:509

Release Date: 4/2012 


From The Back: Escaping from the brutality of an arranged marriage, seventeen-year-old Ismae finds sanctuary at the convent of St. Mortain. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts--and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must be willing to take the lives of others. Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany where she finds herself woefully underprepared--for how can she deliver Death's vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?


My Review: I have been meaning to sit down and finish reading this book for a while. I got it as an ARC, so the cover I had was different than the one I have above. But I must say, it is a stunningly gorgeous cover. I sat down to restart this book, expecting to read for a few hours and that would be it, that didn't happen. The language in Grave Mercy is beautiful, lyrical prose. The characters are so fluid and believable that I literally want to hug them all, or curtsey. I loved the character's dearly in this book, Esmae, Duval...Duval mostly, cuz he's just plain sexy. The romance which in entwined within the words, very carefully, and very well, made me so happy I could burst. Extremely well written. 


I will definitely be waiting on the second.


Reviewer: Ashe