Review: Stained by Ella James

Stained by Ella James
Published: September 14, 2011
Source: Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: Beam-worthy

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After a fire destroys seventeen-year-old Julia’s home and kills her foster parents, she chases the half-demon responsible across the country and back, determined to avenge her family and discover why a host of celestial baddies want her dead. 

With Julia is enigmatic hottie - Cayne, who has his own score to settle with the half-demon, and who might be just as dangerous as the creature he and Julia hunt.

Memorable Quote

She'd known what his face looked like when he was mad and glad and everything in between, what he sounded like moving around the room, what it felt like to sit by him, and the way his voice sounded at every octave - except the one he used to whisper in her ear.  he was like a beautiful painting she'd seen from every angle, except on the wall in her house.  And viewed that way, it was almost another work entirely. 

  

My Review

Stained was a wild ride, that I savored, because I didn't want Julia and Cayne's story to end.  I fell hard for this unlikely couple - the girl who was more than she seemed, and the half-demon with a good heart.  While the beginning was a bit shaky, by the time I finished this paranormal thriller, I had grown to like both of the main characters, and felt invested in their struggles and in their quest.  

Author Ella James has a talent at telling an engrossing story that is layered, and definitely more than it seems.  I enjoyed the way she worked in Julia's talents, Cayne's history, and the various angel-vs-demon mythology - all without making any of it feel tired, or like too much was going on.  There was a real sense of danger, and the character treatment was such that I felt enough of a connection to these characters to care what happened to them next, and to want to know more about the greater dangers they faced.  

Carried by two strong characters from very different lives, Stained is a breathless read.  Despite a few issues I had with how fast the relationship between the mysterious, sexy Cayne, and bruised Julia developed, ultimately there was a depth of feeling between them that I could believe in, and enough of a enigma left as Stained wound down to make me want to read more, and know more: about Julia's healing, about Cayne's past, about who is hunting down people like Julia. 
 
Other books by this author:

Stolen (Stained #2) 
Here (Here #1)
 
You're sure to fall for:

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

About Ella

I'm a 20-something sci-fi nerd with a journalism degree and a serious York Peppermint Pattie addiction. I spend my days baby-wrangling and dog-chasing and my nights tapping on my laptop and hanging out with my writer/editor husband. A fun day for me involves lots of writing, running, and researching topped off with some quality Kindle time. My life's goal is to find an empty cottage in an enchanted forest, install a solar panel for my laptop, and move in - never to be seen again - except in sweatpants.

Visit her online at: Her Website | Her Facebook

Shop for Stained online at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble  

Review: Inbetween by Tara Fuller

Inbetween by Tara Fuller
Published: August 28, 2012 (Entangled Teen)
Source: E-ARC from the publisher
Rating: Squee-worthy
Add It/Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Connect with the author: Website | Twitter

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Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky — and unending — lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left…his soul.

My Review

I wanted to read Inbetween for some time; I love paranormal books, and there was something special about this one, or so I hoped.  Immediately upon starting author Tara Fuller's debut novel, I realized I was falling for the story and for the characters.  Inbetween is one of those books that you just want to hug, because it's full of emotions, and "feel-good" moments, despite the various perils the characters are in; there's definitely something incredibly sweet and touching about this novel. 

I'm not sure what to rave about first: the characters or the author's writing style.  Fuller writes beautifully - the writing is both easy to follow, and also vividly descriptive.  The characters are awesomely genuine - teenage boys and girls who would fit in anywhere, but they're all unique, too.   They have their own burdens, but they bear them well.  Emma doesn't let her father's death crush her; Cash doesn't let his home life get the best of him.  And Finn is honorable despite his situation and surroundings.  I never expected to find so many gems in a book about death.   Emma, Finn, Cash, and even Easton (who I wanted more of!) all stand out in Inbetween.  

I also enjoyed the attention and thought given to the Inbetween and to the rules for reaping, as well as that there were consequences for everyone's actions, and that the characters knew it.  Inbetween was a difficult book at times because of Finn and Emma's pasts, and Finn's line of work.  But every sad moment was balanced out by a happier one, as we saw how many people Emma had around her who cared about her.  I loved the progression of her relationship with Finn - TOO CUTE.

Inbetween is fast-paced, but not TOO much so; Fuller strikes the right pace and delivers a breath-taking, enjoyable novel of first love, and life after death.  Some powerful secrets were revealed in Inbetween when it came to Finn and Emma, and the ending definitely surprised me in a good way - so bring on the sequel!


Other books by this author:

Perigee Moon

You're sure to fall for:

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

Review: Death and the Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones

Death and the Girl Next Door (Darklight #1) by Darynda Jones
Published: October 2, 2012 (St Martin's Press)
Pages: 320
Source: e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Rating: Beam-worthy
Add it/Purchase: Goodreads | B&N | Amazon
Connect with the author: Twitter |  Website

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Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace.  Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home.  For Lorelei, life goes on.

High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be.  Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it,  standing outside her house in the dark, night after night.  Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school.  

Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity.  What does Jared know about her parents?  Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei?  And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real? 

My Review

When I received my copy of Death and the Girl Next Door, I was expecting a fun, sexy thrill ride; however, what I got was something quite different - a book that, despite a fabulous premise, never delivers anything beyond a mediocre read.  While I did enjoy some of the characters, and thought parts of the plot were really interesting, overall Darynda Jone's first YA book was a let down for me.  

Main character Lorelei starts off promising - she's sassy around her friends, yet melts into the mold seen too often in a YA lead female - uninteresting and insecure, who makes consistently rash decisions in order to have the guy she knows isn't good for her.  I was really disappointed in Lorelei, but still willing to give her a chance.  But as soon as Jared (the love interest) entered the picture, she went weak-kneed and never recovered.  The flashes of spirit and vivaciousness were gone, and Lorelei lacked anything, any character trait, to set her apart. Her romance with Jared, while definitely forbidden, felt cardboard and stereotypical.  I never cheered for them, never feared they wouldn't overcome their obstacles; they're THAT  vanilla romance that you know, unfortunately, will prevail.  They had a great deal of conflict, but it was just forced, fast, and undeveloped, just like their feelings for each other.  The one good thing I can say is, at least there was no love triangle; ironically, I felt Lorelei was SO much better matched with the one guy who WASN'T falling all over her. 

The plot held some originality, which I really liked, but over the course of Death,  faded into familiar tropes, and the big "reveals" were things I could have predicted.  And while there were some great, witty portions of this novel, by the end, I had to refrain from sighing in disappointment.  For such a short novel, I felt like the climax was really rushed.  I did like the secondary characters - Cameron, Brooke, and Glitch, and look forward to finding out more about them.  I'll read the sequel...but I hope it's a library book.  

  

Other books by this author:

First Grave on the Right

You're sure to fall for:

Velveteen by Daniel Marks     

Review: Silver by Talia Vance

Silver by Talia Vance
Pages: 384
Expected publication: September 8, 2012 (Flux)
Source: E-ARC from the publisher
Rating: Beam-worthy
Add it/Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Connect with the author: Twitter | Blog

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"As I step into the room, a silver flash blurs my vision. Before I can take a breath, the world falls away."

Brianna has always felt invisible. People stare right past her, including the one boy she can't resist, Blake Williams. But everything changes at a house party where Brianna's charm bracelet slips off and time stands still. In that one frozen, silver moment, Blake not only sees her, he recognizes something deep inside her she's been hiding even from herself.

Discovering she is descended from Danu, the legendary Bandia of Celtic myth, Brianna finds herself questioning the truth of who she is. And when she accidentally binds her soul to Blake, their mutual attraction becomes undeniable.

But Blake has his own secret, one that could prove deadly for them both.

Bound together by forbidden magic, Brianna and Blake find themselves at the heart of an ancient feud that threatens to destroy their lives and their love.

My Review

When I began Silver, my immediate reaction was: "I hope this book is different, isn't just another okay read."  And while there were some elements to Talia Vance's debut novel that I wasn't enthusiastic about, overall it is a well-written, heart-pounding novel with a lush mythology and a sweet yet tormented romance that will definitely leave you emotional in the end, and waiting anxiously for the sequel. 


Brianna is your everyday teenager, with one noticeable difference: no one ever notices her.  Literally.  With a hook like this, I had to know more - and luckily, there was definitely much more once you looked past the surface of Silver.  As Brianna discovered truths about herself and her family lineage, I couldn't help but feel for her, as the girl no one ever looked at became the girl everyone wanted - and not always for the best reasons.  Mixed in with undercurrent of danger in this book was also the budding romance between Brianna and her crush, Blake.  When their souls became bound and tangled together, was when Silver really took off, for me. 

I think the reason I dug the romance between Brianna and Blake was that there was so much conflict between them, both external and internal.  A romance where everything falls into place is just boring, but for these two, nothing was simple, and yet there was a depth of attraction and more than that, caring between them, genuine feelings that developed over the course of Silver.  And I also loved that these two actually keenly felt being apart, to the point of sharing emotions and knowing when the other was in danger.  Without all that, I would have brushed this aside as another book that capitalized on insta-love, but Vance set her romance apart from others. Between Brianna and Blake's own loyalties being tested, as well as their personal issues, Silver was rife with the kind of conflict that can make or break a couple.  And I found myself really cheering for Blake and Brianna! 

So, while I did love the mythology and discovering what and who both  Brianna and Blake were, I have to say, I wasn't keen on how MUCH Silver focused on appearance.  Blake didn't notice Brianna until she was unhidden, and of course, beautiful.  Brianna's friends were pretty and popular.  Blake and supporting characters Austin and Jonah were "hot."  Silver has a superficial air to it that I really wish Vance had toned down, made appearance a bit less important.  And while I liked several of the supporting characters, and some even surprised me when things about them were revealed, I also wish several of them were more developed and fleshed-out; instead, they felt somewhat flat. 

However, I DID really like Silver, and became completely invested in Blake and Brianna over the course of the novel.  Even with their lives in danger, they shared some very sweet moments, and they were definitely not your typical couple in a YA novel.  Based on that, and on the awesome mythos and that I want to see where it all goes next, I will definitely read the sequel!


Other books by this author:

Gold (Bandia #2, 2013)
Spies and Prejudice (2013)

You're sure to fall for:

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Review + Giveaway: Cursed by Jennifer L Armentrout

Cursed by Jennifer L Armentrout
Pages: 312
Expected publication: September 18, 2012 (Spencer Hill Press)
Source: ARC from the publisher
Rating: Squee-worthy
Add it/Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Connect with the author: Website | Twitter

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Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?

But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

My Review

Once again, Jennifer L Armentrout has written a book that captivated me from beginning to end!  In Cursed, I met and instantly clicked with Ember McWilliams.  Ember is the type of character who feels SO REAL that you can't doubt how genuine she is, and you're at once completely involved in her thoughts, feelings, and her journey.  Once I connected with Ember, I was emotionally invested in what happened to her, and in Cursed.  I couldn't look away, and there were times that I felt exactly what Ember was feeling.  

I think my favorite part of JLA's writing is how amazingly true-to-life her characters seem.  Whether she's writing about a damaged, lost girl (Ember) or a swoon-worthy-yet-flawed guy (Hayden) or the equally gifted-yet-troubled members of his "family," these characters FEEL like teenagers.  They're relatable.  They make choices - good and bad.  Despite what's going on around them, they have their own issues, and that's understandable.  Armentrout's "voice" is flawlessly and seamlessly what it should be; being in Ember's head felt totally realistic.  

Plotwise, Cursed is different from JLA's other novels, because it isn't steeped in mythology, or touching on the extra-terrestrial.  Instead, there is a mythos of another kind, a thoroughly creepy world that Ember slowly realizes is closing in around her.  When she's brought into Hayden's existence and his home, she learns she isn't the only "gifted" person in the world (although she thinks of herself as cursed, hence the title.)  I loved trying to guess what would happen next, as I, like Ember, realized that the stakes were higher than she'd ever imagined, and that there was so much more going on than she'd dreamed.  Cursed just pulses with mystery and danger, as Ember starts to realize she isn't alone, but she also isn't safe.  Like Ember, I never REALLY knew who to trust, or where to turn.  I love a book that keeps me on my toes, and JLA definitely did that with Cursed!

And then there's Hayden!  Ohhh, Hayden.  Along with a cast of secondary characters that I'm anxious to know more about (more Kurt, please!) there is Hayden...this spectacular, amazing guy who sees so much in Ember, and really proves his worth time and time again, as a friend to Ember, and possibly more.  I adored their chemistry, and wanted A LOT more scenes with them.  I loved how tender Hayden is with Ember, and how he brings out the good in her, and slowly helps her see it in herself.  In another book this might have rankled me - I don't really dig the plot of a guy teaching the girl how to "be something," but this was different, because there WAS that deep bond and friendship between Hayden and Ember, and their feelings for one another developed naturally, as Ember learned to trust herself, and her "gift."  

I also loved a lot of the side characters.  I think I've mentioned Kurt.  *coughs*I'll take him*coughs*  I also fell really hard for Olivia, Ember's little sister.  And I'd love to know more about the aloof Parker, and Gabe, who I sort of warmed up to over the course of Cursed.  

I'm definitely hoping Jennifer has a sequel up her sleeve, because all Cursed really did was get me hooked on this new world she's created!  Cursed never lets up on the action, danger, or romance.  If I wasn't guessing, I was holding my breath, or clapping at another awesome exchange between Ember and Hayden, or Ember and one of the side characters.  There's SO much potential for a series, and I hope JLA delivers!  If you want a prime example of why she's becoming one of my favorite authors, look no further than Cursed!

I want to give away not one but TWO ARCs of Cursed to TWO lucky winners! 

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Review: Team Human by Sarah Rees Brennan and Justin Larbalestier

Team Human by Sarah Rees Brennan and Justine Larbalestier
Pages: 344
Expected publication: July 3, 2012 (Harper Teen)
Source: ATW ARC Tours
Rating: Beam-worthy
Add it/Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Connect with the authors online: Justine's website | Sarah's website


Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she stays in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

Acclaimed authors Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan team up to create a witty and poignant story of cool vampires, warm friendships, and the changes that test the bonds of love.

My Review

True story: I almost didn't want to read this book.  I'll go ahead and admit it: I didn't think I'd like a book that so clearly parodies all things vampires, even, at many points, directly spoofing Twilight.  But co-authors Sarah Rees Brennan and Justine Larbalestier absolutely changed my mind with the first few chapters of this hilarious inside look at the life of one level headed girl - Mel - caught between her swoon-y best friend and the vampire she loves.  


Mel is an amazingly practical, out-spoken, and fierce heroine, one that I loved.  There was never a moment in Team Human where I felt ambivalent about her.  Larbalestier and Brennan developed her SO well, and she was the perfect choice to narrate this tongue-in-cheek vampire spoof.  Mel is the character that was missing from Twilight!  Living in a vampire-heavy town is a challenge for Mel, who has a strictly "live and let live" policy when it comes to vampires, but when the refined Francis shows up to attend her high school, all bets are off.  I laughed out loud SO often at Mel and Francis's exchanges.  I'm not sure which author brought that brand of humor to the table, or if it was both of them combined, but it was genius, watching Francis struggle to remain a gentleman toward Mel (whom he obviously didn't know what to do with) and watching Mel get in her little digs.  

The characters were all stand-outs in Team Human, from Mel's scatter-brained mother to her caring dad and her younger brother, Lancelot (yes, that's his real name, and no, Mel's is NOT Melanie.)  I really liked Ty, Mel and Cathy's friend, and actually found myself cheering for him throughout the book - there was just something irresistible about him.  I fell hard for Kit, a secondary character and possible love interest for Mel, and in fact, was far more interested in the friendship developing between him and Mel than I was the gooey, over-done "relationship" between Cathy and Francis.  They were insta-love to the nth degree, which of course was very deliberate, and I knew that...and yes, I STILL wanted to shake them both, especially poor, dopey Cathy.  

Watching her fall for Francis was almost painful.  I hate to bring up the T-word again, but it was VERY a la Edward and Bella, which is one of my most hated pairings ever (and a long, rant-y story I will not go into today!)  But I still enjoyed the parody aspects of Team Human, and in fact, I actually liked these vampires a lot.  They were weird and totally marching to the beat of their own drum, and several, like Francis and some of his other "family members" were really kind of fascinating.  Ironically, I would have loved to have gotten to know a few of them better! 


Team Human is a side-splitting story, for sure.  I read it in a matter of hours, because I just couldn't put it down.  I found the plot at times to be a bit weak, but this is not a deep or new story, and I don't mean that in a negative way.  Larbalestier and Brennan have crafted a very funny, witty, sardonic tale of love between a vampire and a human, and the voice of reason stuck in the middle.  If you read Team Human for what it is, you will find that that is a very enjoyable read. It didn't resonate emotionally with me, but it DID make me laugh, and cheer for Team Human. 

Review: Wake by Amanda Hocking

Wake by Amanda Hocking
Pages: 309
Expected publication: August 7, 2012 (St Martin's)
Source: ATW ARC Tours
Rating: Beam-worthy
Add it/Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Connect with the author: Twitter | Blog


Beautiful. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Thea, and Lexi have caught everyone's attention, including the eye of practical Harper. But it's her sister, Gemma, they've chosen to be part of their group.

Sixteen-year-old Gemma seems to have it all - carefree, pretty, and falling in love with the boy next door. But her greatest passion has always been the water. She craves late night swims under the stars, where she can be alone yet belong to the sea. Lately she's had company. Penn, Thea, and Lexi spend their nights dancing, singing, and partying on the cove--and one night Gemma joins them. When she wakes up groggy on the beach the next morning, she knows something has changed.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. As she uncovers the truth about her new mythical powers, Gemma is forced to choose between staying with those she loves or entering a dark world brimming with unimaginable secrets.

My Review

After finishing Wake, the first book in sucessful author Amanda Hocking's new Watersong series, despite extremely high hopes, I have incredibly mixed feelings about this novel.  While I liked it enough to want to read the next book in the series, I also had some problems connecting with the characters, or really delving beneath the surface layer of this story about three beautiful, dangerous girls.  This one also felt entirely TOO rushed, like Hocking wrote it without taking a breath to pause.  I feel as if I had barely met the characters when the action started, and never stopped.  I closed Wake feeling as if perhaps I was not the target audience.  

I found the main character, Gemma, to be very flat; in fact, I found myself wishing that Wake had been told from her sister, Harper's point of view.  Harper was a fascinating character, and she was the one I clicked with immediately.  Gemma seemed TOO perfect, and honestly, a bit spoiled.  Harper took over the role of Mom after an accident left their mother incapacitated, and it was her I wanted to know more about.  Yes, Gemma had it hard, too, but I felt like she had everything handed to her - the awesome boy next door (more on him in a minute), being the star of the swim team, etc - and I felt like she didn't really appreciate any of it.  

Luckily for Wake, there were several minor characters who saved the story for me - including Alex (the boy next door) who was so sweet and amazingly supportive, and Daniel, who lives and works at the marina where Harper and Gemma's father works.  Daniel was mysterious and fascinating - the type of layered, complex character I adore.  I really loved watching his interactions with Harper.  She's very dedicated and practical, and he's very NOT practical, and they just absolutely were oil and water in the most delightful way.  Their chemistry was one of my favorite parts of Wake.  

Normally I love Amanda Hocking's books but this one fell flat; instead of being drawn to Penn, Lexi, and Thea, I was repulsed by them.  Their actions were incredibly selfish, and they never took into consideration what Gemma wanted or didn't want.   I did enjoy the glimpses into their pasts, and the mythology that Hocking spun into Wake, but again, the pacing felt incredibly like going 0 - 60 in about a minute. There was, however, a cliffhanger ending, which left me on the edge of my seat to know where the series goes next.

Overall, with the shaky, jumpy pacing, and the fact that I didn't connect with the main character, and didn't get enough time with the characters I DID like, I can't rate Wake as high as I would like to, but I do encourage you to read it for yourself and see what you think!

Review: Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore
Published: May 29, 2012 (Thomas Nelson)
Pages: 320
Rating: Squee-worthy
Source: ARC from the publisher
Further Info/Purchase: Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Find the author online: Twitter | Website

Once you’ve seen, you can’t unsee. Everything changes when you’ve looked at the world through...  ANGEL EYES

Brielle’s a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake.

Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

A realm that only angels and demons—and Brielle—can perceive.

My Review 

When I first started Angel Eyes, I was hesitant: here was another book about angels; however, shortly into Shannon Dittemore's debut novel, I was happily devouring Brielle's story.  Ballerina Brielle has returned home to her small town after a few years away at a school where she pursued her love of dancing.  Following the death of her best friend, Brielle is shocked and grief-stricken, and I thought that Dittemore portrayed Brielle's heart-ache very poignant and realistically.  I connected instantly with Brielle because of this, knowing that if I were to lose one of my best friends, I would be right there with Brielle.  She doesn't stop living, but she does have her issues, fears and doubts that go a long way to humanize her.  Brielle is sad, but very likeable - she's independent and curious and the kind of girl I'd like to know.  I liked Brielle, and I really liked her father, and was really glad to see a supportive parental figure in a YA novel. 

When Brielle meets Jake - the only person who has made her feel warm, comfortable, or safe in some time - sparks fly, but in an absolutely heart-melting way.  From their unorthodox first few meetings, to their growing relationship, to the revelation of what Jake can do, and who he becomes to Brielle, I adored them.  (And personally, I was glad to FINALLY read a book without a love triangle.  I'd forgotten how amazingly awesome it was just to get to watch one girl fall in love with one boy.)  Normally I would label a couple like this as "insta love," considering that in some ways, they did move fast, yet there was something so appealing, so fantastically believable about Jake and Brielle, that I couldn't help but fall for them.  There is a question further into Angel Eyes that makes you wonder: can Fate really bring two people together?  For Jake and Brielle, there weren't any easy answers - nothing was easily wrapped up with a bow for them, and you definitely got the sense that these two people will have to fight for their happiness...but are prepared to go about that fight together, stronger for having known one another.  

Shannon Dittemore has a lovely writing style, and a way of leaving the reader with questions.  She doesn't over-explain; rather, she gives you clues enough so that you aren't lost, but  makes you work for answers.  And I liked that.  Angel Eyes is told in various points of view, and while sometimes it switched too fast for me, I also thought for the most part, that worked for this book.  Largely because of the different view points - including one of the villains - the sense of danger is magnified in a heart-pounding way. There's a great deal at stake, and I absolutely adored all the angel mythos and look forward to seeing where it all goes in the sequel. 

Finally, yes, there are religious overtones in Angel Eyes.  I was somewhat wary of that aspect of this book, yet I knew I HAD to read it, and I am very glad that I did.  Some authors make the mistake of becoming "preachy," and yet, Dittemore doesn't.  Instead, there is a peace to Angel Eyes that made me want to wrap my arms around this book.  Personally, I know I struggle with religion, as do many people I know.  But somehow, you could feel an intense sort of love in this book, a light that yearned to break through and combat the dark, a sense that somehow, someday good WOULD triumph over evil.  And yes, good, evil, God, and angels are all scattered across the battlefield here, and it's clear that a fight is coming, but it's equally clear that Jake and Brielle are on the right side.  Bravo to Shannon Dittemore for daring to put forth such a brave story, and I cannot wait to read the sequel, Broken Wings.    

With a phenomenal cast of characters - both major, and secondary - and a love story you won't soon forget or dismiss, Angel Eyes isn't a debut novel that you want to miss. 

Review: Fated by Alyson Noel

Fated by Alyson Noel
Published: May 22, 2012 (St Martin's Griffin)
Pages: 352
Source: ARC from ATW ARC Tours
Rating: Beam-worthy
Further info/purchase: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Find the author online: Website | Twitter

 
Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.

There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. 

Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.

My Review

Fated was the first book I had the chance to read by Alyson Noel, and I was really excited for it for a few reasons - mostly because of the amazing-sounding synopsis, absolutely gorgeous cover, and those names: Daire and Dace.  How adorable, right?  And Fated started off really promisingly, and I settled into it thinking I was going to enjoy it a great deal; unfortunately, I ended up feeling as if this is, regrettably, one of those books that despite the fantastic premise, never lives up to its potential. 

First I want to talk about what I DID like: the mythos, woven into Fated in the form of legends and wisdom imparted by Paloma, Daire's grandmother.  Daire's mother sends her to live with Paloma - a woman Daire has never met - when Daire's visions become too much to handle, and she is labeled as mentally unstable.  Paloma is able to help Daire, and to teach her, and I thought she was a terrific character and mentor, and I loved watching the relationship between Paloma and Daire develop.  The New Mexico setting came alive in Fated, and I look forward to reading more about the Santos family's heritage.  I also liked the rivalry between the Santos and Richter families, and am curious to see where that goes in the future books in this series, especially between Cade and Dace. 

Unfortunately that's where my enjoyment stopped, due to the writing style.  Alyson Noel isn't a bad writer.  But it's as if she deliberately chooses the oddest ways of phrasing her sentences.  I don't have Fated with me anymore but an example is, instead of having Daire say "I see my mother standing in the kitchen, looking at me.  I know from the expression on her face that I'm in trouble," it was, "I see my mother standing in the kitchen, looking at me.  Knowing from the expression on her face that I'm in trouble."  At first I thought it was an odd technique we'd see scattered throughout the book, but no, it was like that throughout Fated, and after awhile, that started to drive me insane with annoyance, and finally completely jolted me out of the story several times, making it more and more difficult to connect with the characters and story.  After that, as much as I tried to like Fated, I just wanted it to be over. 

Finally, the romance took me by surprise, and not in a good way.  From some of the lead-up to Daire and Dace's interactions, I was hoping for something more...epic, really.  Daire's dreams led me to believe I would end up rooting for her and Dace as a couple, but instead, all I felt was let-down.  I hope in the other books in this series, that Noel spends a LOT of time developing their relationship, because as it stands, they definitely feel like insta-love to me, and their shared dreams feel like a cheap plot device.  I'd also like to see a great deal of character growth on Daire's end, because she came across (to me) as a spoiled kid throughout most of Fated.  Something does happen near the end that makes me think we'll see her grow up some; if not, I'm not sure I'll continue past the second book, Echo. 

Overall, there were some elements of Fated that I really quite enjoyed, but not enough to make me love this one.

Review: A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young

A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young
Pages: 288
Expected publication: June 26, 2012 (Balzer + Bray) (Happy birthday to me!)
Source: ATW ARC Tours
Rating: Swoon-worthy
Series or stand-alone: A Need So Beautiful (2)
Further info/purchase: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Find the author online: Twitter | Blog


Elise is a normal seventeen-year-old girl until the day she wakes up in a desert park, with no idea who she is.

After that episode, her life takes a bizarre turn. She’s experiencing unexpected flashes of insight into people’s lives—people she’s never met before. Strangers frighten her with warnings about the approaching Shadows. And although Elise has never had a boyfriend, she suddenly finds herself torn between two handsome but very different young men: Abe, the charming bad boy whose affect on her both seduces and frightens her, and the mysterious Harlin, who’s new to town but with whom Elise feels an urgent, elemental connection—almost as if they are soul mates.

Now Elise begins to question everything about her life. Why do these guys both want her so desperately? What are the Shadows? Why does the name Charlotte inspire a terrifying familiarity? And who is Elise, really?

My Review 

Once I was a few pages in to A Want So Wicked - which I eagerly anticipated for months before I received my copy through an ARC tour - I immediately fell back in love, hard, with Suzanne Young's writing.  It should be noted that I ADORED A Need So Beautiful, which brought me to tears and sealed the fact that Harlin is one of my favorite book boyfriends ever.  I expected A Want So Wicked to be just a beautiful as its predecessor and Suzanne did NOT let me down in any way.  This book is different in that whereas before we had an entire book to get to know Charlotte - and an amazingly breath-taking cliffhanger to sob over for way too long in my case - this time around, we're introduced to Elise, who doesn't recall her previous life, or anyone from it.  Elise is a friendly, loving normal seventeen year old girl, but early on in WANT, things start changing for her.  Ordinarily, Elise's life is pretty standard, between living with her older sister, Lucy, and her caring father, but suddenly, Elise is surrounded by people: people who want her, people who are afraid for her, people who seem to know things about her even she doesn't understand.  

I liked Elise right off the bat, and admired Suzanne Young's ability to not only create a memorable and awesome narrator in Elise, but also convey Elise's fright and confusion so realistically.  Who are these people that she is drawn to, people she feels an inexplicable, undeniable Need to help?  Like Elise, I was definitely taken aback and curious to understand what was going on; even though I had prior knowledge of Elise's life as Charlotte, Elise was clueless and Suzanne Young was able to seamlessly blend Elise's journey in with the reader's.  That didn't mean I wasn't ceaselessly crossing my fingers for Elise to remember her other life and everyone there who loved her, but at the same time, I was glad that Suzanne took the time to build slowly to Elise's discoveries.  Nothing about A Want So Wicked was rushed or forced; Elise figuring out who and what she was was natural.  Young has a way of binding the reader's emotions into the character's journey - I know that was certainly true for me.  

Everything about A Want So Wicked was fraught with meaning and emotion, from Elise's realizations about herself, to the depth Suzanne Young wound into the amazing mythos she's created, between the Forgotten and the Shadows, to the new stakes to the theme of good versus evil.  Any time I thought I knew what was happening, I was proven wrong in the most fascinating ways.  

I really loved so many aspects of this book, but probably the main part was the romance.  While bad boy Abe had his moments, ultimately he couldn't compare in any way to my love for Harlin.  I adore how brave Harlin is, and for all that he does sometimes hide his feelings, when he does open up, he's absolutely fearless and unguarded.  He isn't perfect, but he IS very much a real-seeming, genuine character.  And his love for both Charlotte and Elise made the book what it was, in my opinion.  Watching Elise and Harlin interact tore at my heart in a violently passionate way.  I wanted to reach into the pages and guide them together, but the path their relationship took was blindingly beautiful.  Many, many tears were shed over them, and throughout A Want so Wicked, Harlin and Elise became one of my all-time favorite couples as they proved over and over again how meant to be they are. 

A Want So Wicked meant so much to me.  I laughed a few times, and I cried oh so many tears.  Don't believe me?  I even tweeted Suzanne about it as I finished her book.   See?  Told you this book really affected and impacted me emotionally!  As emotionally satisfied and overwhelmed as I was when I finished this book, I was also devastated, because it was the last part of the duology.  And yet, Suzanne Young makes it clear in a heart-pounding, hope-infused way that Elise and Harlin's journey isn't over - it's just beginning.  And even though Elise may be a Forgotten, I know I won't forget her story anytime soon. 

Review: The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
Pages: 326
Published: April 10, 2012 (HarperCollins)
Source: ATW ARC Tours
Rating: Squee-worthy
Series or Stand-alone: Darkness Rising (2)
Further info/Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
Find the author online: Website | Twitter 



Maya Delaney’s paw-print birthmark is the sign of what she truly is—a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly anyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it’s only a matter of time before she’s able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.


Now, Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they’re kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home. Plentiful action and romance in this second installment in the Darkness Rising series will keep readers enthralled to the last page.

 My Review

By now it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that I am a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong.  Her Darkest Powers trilogy is partially what catapulted me back into reading YA novels and I am always super excited to read a new novel by her.  With The Calling, the second book in her Darkness Rising series, Kelley begins to further bridge the gap between trilogies in a heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, stake-rising way.  Picking up exactly where The Gathering left off, with The Calling, we're immediately plunged right back into the action as Maya and her assorted, eccentric group crash land on Vancouver Island.  Struggling to maintain some sort of calm amidst the undeniable danger surrounding them, Maya, Daniel, and the others carry this impressive novel.  Kelley Armstrong is so gifted at creating an atmosphere of peril, and this overtone is present throughout the story.  Even when the group thinks they're safe, Armstrong has only fooled them and us into a false sense of security.  

Not only is The Calling a thrill-ride with a side of uncertainty, in this installment we also get to see several characters take on bigger, more important roles, both in each other's lives, and as individual characters.  Secondary characters from the first book, like Nicole, Sam, Corey, and Haley are bumped up a notch as to how they play into the bigger story being told, and it was really refreshing to see that Kelley Armstrong didn't let me down, in that aspect.  I always find myself drawn not just to her main characters, but her minor characters, as well, because they're always memorable, which just seems - to me - to go hand-in-hand with her clear, concise, yet descriptive writing style.  I am still not a fan of a few of the characters, but I loved getting inside Sam's motivations and seeing that there is more to her and to Corey than meets the eye.  I look forward to learning a lot more about them!  I think it should be really fascinating learning more about everyone's powers and how they play off one another.  This group has a LOT of potential to do some great things!  There are some serious trust issues brought up in The Calling that I hope they can all work through, though, but I found it to be really fascinating, sort of moment where the tables were turned on what they all thought of each other. 

Another aspect of this book that I loved is that Kelley Armstrong even found a way to work in a bit of romantic tension, between Maya and Rafe, and unless I'm imagining it, between Maya and Daniel.  I may be the only one here, on a little deserted island called Denial, but...I am REALLY cheering for Maya and Daniel.  They have this incredibly strong friendship and bond, and I love that so much.  Rafe and Maya are intense and powerful, and there was definitely that tense vibe there, but I just...for the first time ever, I'm disappointed in one of Kelley's couples.  Always before, I BELIEVED in the couple she was writing about, because she showed us why they were good for one another, showed that they were in love.  With Rafe and Maya, I don't feel anything, other than a detached sort of, "oh, okay, they're interesting."  And maybe this is my preference for the boy-next-door showing, but I feel like Daniel and Maya have a lot of potential to be an amazing pairing.  They may never go there, and if they don't, it's cool - they work so well as friends that as long as they're always at least friends, I'm going to be happy.  Rafe and Maya happened so fast - they went from 0 - 60, in my opinion, and because of the circumstances surrounding them as a couple, I just can't get behind them.  I do love me some Daniel though, and I adored watching him figure out what his abilities were, and seeing him being there for Maya.  I definitely expect him to continue to be completely awesome in the third book.  And really, Maya is such a strong, kick-ass character that even if she ends up alone, I'd be okay with that, too.  I definitely wouldn't call Rafe/Maya/Daniel a love triangle, because Daniel has never said anything to really make a case for himself, but everyone but Maya seems to think that he's crazy for her, so we'll see!

The Calling is a terrific addition to Kelley Armstrong's Darkness Rising series.  The characters are never able to slow down, so neither is the reader.  You will not be bored while reading this novel; if anything, you'll be like me - seeing how fast you can turn the pages to discover what happens next.  Between the character growth and the secrets revealed, and most especially, the links to and hints about Chloe and the others from the Darkest Powers trilogy, I genuinely cannot wait for the third and final book!

 

Review: Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Pages: 342

Published: 10.04.11 (Harper Teen)

Series: Carrier Trilogy (1)

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online:  Twitter | Website

From the moment she sets foot at her new school in Ireland, Megan is inexplicably drawn to the darkly handsome Adam DeRis. But Megan soon discovers that her feelings for Adam are tied to a supernatural fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that unites them could be their ultimate destruction.

This electrifying debut novel was first discovered on inkpop.com. the online community for aspiring writers. THE CARRIER OF THE MARK sizzles with unbridled romance, a unique supernatural hook, and a breathtaking Irish setting, and will entice fans of the Need series by Carrie Jones and the House of Night series by P. C. and Kristin Cast.

My Review

I went into this book only knowing the synopsis; so, I was at once excited and nervous.  There was and is a great deal of hype surrounding Leigh Fallon's debut novel.  Carrier of the Mark lived up to a few aspects of that buzz for me, but let me down slightly in others.  The book was paced fairly well, and while some of the twists were too predictable for my taste, for the most part, it was a fast, enjoyable read, though I do want to go more in depth on a couple of my likes and dislikes, and my reasons why.  

Leigh Fallon introduces us to Megan Rosenberg, a teenage girl who moves to Ireland with her father.  Megan's dad has lived a sort of nomadic life ever since Megan's mother died some years back in a car crash, but when they settle in Kinsale, Ireland, they both seem to feel an instant sort of kinship to the land.  I liked Megan right away - she had a personality, wasn't just a cardboard cut-out of a character, and her relationship with her dad made me want to laugh and hug them both, but, and this is just a personal hang-up of mine, I wanted MORE to their relationship, more interaction.  Her dad seemed to care a lot about her but in some ways it was like he just wasn't there.  But so, we meet Megan, who starts at her new school, and makes some fairly awesome friends right off the bat, then garners the attention of the anti-social/gorgeous Adam DeRis.  

I hate to do this, but I feel like I can't review this book without mentioning Twilight.  Normally I don't make a big show of comparing one book to another, but there are similarities here.  Megan is a lot more self-aware than Bella, but under Adam's "come-closer-no-stay-away" vibes, she kind of melts into a puddle of goo, a la Bella around Edward.  Adam's siblings somewhat reminded me of some of the members of the Cullen family.  And some of the events that happened in the book strikingly parallel Twilight.  The difference though, is that Carrier of the Mark is not Twilight.  Megan is not Bella - her choices, in my opinion, are more intelligent than Bella's.  For example, instead of instantly decided to join Adam's world, she asks questions, wants to know their history, etc, then makes an informed decision.  Adam is not Edward, even if he does have his moments where you want to shake, or perhaps slap him, but he has a personality all his own.  And Carrier of the Mark brings up a heart-wrenching question that Twilight, to the best of my memory, never asked its version of: what if Megan and Adam's attraction/bond is only brought on by their ties to the elements? 

The mythos in this series was my absolute favorite part of the book.  I'm not so sure about the whole prophecy thing that is revealed further in the book, but I think Leigh Fallon has done a fabulous job of building her world, so to speak.  There's enough that is hinted at in Carrier of the Mark to whet the reader's appetites, while leaving room for much more in the following two books. 

The characters was all strong, well-fleshed out for the most part, and I really enjoyed their relationships in the book.  Megan was self-confident, although I'd have absolutely loved her to be more spirited.  Caitlin was a sweetheart and immediately likeable.  Aine and Rian probably stood out to me the most - Aine with her vivacious, ethereal nature, and Rian, with his tortured nature.  For some reason, I gravitated toward him more than I realized, until I was finished with the book.  I saw another reviewer who pointed out that, given the nature of the DeRis family, Rian's reactions and thoughts seemed the most genuine.  I think I agree with that!

And, while I won't spoil, I had a lot of issues with the ending.  I am not a fan (as y'all have probably noticed by now) of books where the ending is wrapped up too neatly, or too quickly, and I feel like in some ways, that happened in both cases with this book.   I don't think the book would have suffered from another 30 -50 pages or so added in closer to the end as a pay-off to the suspense that built before the rushed ending. 

Overall, while I had my issues with this book, it was a quick and fun read, which left me with some questions answered, and still more unanswered.  I am normally not a fan of the "insta-love" plot device which seems to be a favorite of far too many authors, but for the most part in this book, I thought it worked, though I would like to see more of the sequel devoted to building Adam and Megan's relationship.  Carrier of the Mark held my attention, and I feel like Leigh Fallon has a lot of potential for her future books with her debut.  

Memorable Quote

He brought his other hand up to the other side of my face and held it there, as if memorizing it.  Slowly, he bent toward me and kissed my left cheek, then my right.  His breath was so warm it sent tingles down my spine.  I sat perfectly still, delighting in every sensation.  - Megan

Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Published: 10.13.2009 (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing)

Pages: 391

Series: Hush, Hush (1)

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: website | twitter

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. 

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. 

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

My Review

When I started Hush, Hush, I wasn't sure at first if this was the book for me.  With several parallels to Twilight, I was a little wary of the story; luckily, Becca Fitzpatrick quickly put all my fears to rest as she crafted a darkly thrilling novel that ended on a satisfying note, yet left me anxious for the sequel, to see if it answered the questions Hush, Hush, raised.  Yes, there is a lead female who is inexperienced when it comes to romance; yes, there is an instant attraction between the lead characters, and yes; there is the supernatural element with a threatening undercurrent.  But in no way does any of this detract from the story as the talented Ms Fitzpatrick waltzes toward a stunning finish.


While there were some areas I felt could use improvement, I found the story so enjoyable, and it definitely held my attention.  (I read most of it in one sitting.)  Nora and Patch's relationship was definitely what really hooked me.  From the start, Patch just exudes that "stay-away-from-me-I'm-not-good-for-you" vibe that I find appealing.  Added to that is the tortured side he reveals as the book unfolds.  That's pretty much a knock-out punch for me - bad-boy-with-a-good-heart is always going to make me swoon.  And Patch does have a heart though Becca Fitzpatrick had me wondering at points!  I love what Nora brings out in him, as well as what he makes her feel.  And I especially loved that their relationship was not unorthodox, that despite that instant spark of attraction, Nora fights it.  (Which led to some HOT moments!)


I was also a huge fan of the fact that Nora was a little more outgoing and confident than some YA heroines.  All too often authors just don't take the time to truly flesh out their lead female.  Nora wasn't quite as fierce as I wanted her to be (there were a couple moments I wanted her to punch Patch!) but she was pretty cool, and easily sympathetic.  I loved that she is able to keep a clear head about her own self-worth, and that even when she's falling for Patch, she is still able to make decision (good or bad) and that she remains her own person.  


I also loved all the humor in the book, especially Patch's darker humor.  All the characters had some good one-liners, even in unexpected moments.  Nora and Patch's banter had me cracking up at times.  And while I really dug the history and the reasoning behind what was happening to Nora, I also wished Becca Fitzpatrick had given us a little more depth.  I hope there will be more in Crescendo!  And this is really picky but some of the wording, like descriptive phrases and such seemed redundant.  Other than that, my only other gripe is that the prologue felt totally out of place.  I get why it was what it was, but I was hoping for more pay-off from what was begun there!  


Otherwise, I'm starting Crescendo soon, and for anyone who hasn't read Hush, Hush...why haven't you?  

Memorable Quote

“...I'm not good," he said, piercing me with eyes that absorbed all light but reflected none, "but I was worse.”- Patch

Review: The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Published: 08.02.2011

Pages: 288

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: site | blog | twitter

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget. 

My Review

Sixteen year old Lexi Harris lives in the small town of Near - a town on the edge of the moor that could be anywhere and nowhere.  The Near Witch starts us out by slipping unobtrusively into her life, introducing us to headstrong Lexi, who is caught between trying to be the person who family wants her to be, and assuming the responsibility of taking care of her mother and younger sister, Wren, after her father's death.  Victoria Schwab then propels the story forward when a stranger appears in the anachronistic town of Near, stirring everyone's suspicions.  Near, it seems, has always been just what it is: a place where everyone knows one another, where an outsider is unheard of.  When the first child disappears shortly after the stranger's appearance, everyone except Lexi leaps to the conclusion that "the stranger" is to blame.

This is where the story really picks up, and Victoria introduces us to the colorful and vivid cast of characters who inhabit the town: her mother, who is more of a ghost than a person since Lexi's father's death, the Thorne sisters, Magda and Dreska (who were by far the most fascinating additions to the story), Otto, Lexi's uncle, Tyler, her would-be suitor, and her best friend Helena, among others.  Victoria does a very solid job of inter-weaving all these characters into the story, and fleshes them out well for the most part, although I think there were a few whom I wish she had devoted more attention to, especially Tyler, who sometimes seems a little flat. 

Nevertheless, the story holds up to the premise, as Lexi and Cole, as she names the stranger, begin a frustrating quest for the town's missing children.  I was immediately just as drawn to Cole as Lexi was, and just as loathe to suspect him of any wrong-doings.  As the clock ticked away, narrowing Lexi's chances of locating the children before her uncle's suspicions fasten on Cole, my heart definitely pounded at the delicious sense of mystery Schwab creates.  I enjoyed Lexi and Cole's interactions, as well as their connection.  The bond they develop is actually one of my favorite things about this book, as well as the fact that thankfully, there is no love triangle, and what romance there is is given time to flourish and grow, though it never overshadows the looming mystery of the whearabouts of the missing children.

The climax of the book was pretty much what I imagined it would be, and yet, in no way was it disappointing.  I did feel like it was all wrapped up just a little too quickly (ie with only about ten pages to spare), but it was very spooky really, which I loved.  This book was part historical fiction (I say that because with Near, while it wasn't geographically or historically pinpointed, I got the sense we were reading about "the old days,"), part folk lore, part scary story, and part romance.  I also loved the author's writing style - very dreamy and whimsical, very lilting, I do wish it had been a bit longer, so that Victoria could have spent more time on Lexi's relationship with her father, and possibly also the Thorne sisters too, but overall The Near Witch was a fantastic read, definitely one everyone should have on their bookshelves!
  

Memorable Quote

If the moor wind ever sings, you musn't listen, not with all of your ears.  Use only the edges.  Listen the way you'd look out of the corners of your eyes.  The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

Review: A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Published: 06.21.2011

Pages: 272

Series: A Need So Beautiful (1)

Rating:  4 of 5 books

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: blog | twitter 

We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

My Review

When I first picked up this book and started reading, I was a little unsure.  I had seen a few reviews around Goodreads and Lisa @ Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me had told me how wonderful it was; even so, I went into this book with a little trepidation - and Suzanne Young proved my fears unfounded with the first few chapters!  I was immediately swept into the story, and into the life of the main character, Charlotte. 

Charlotte is, on the surface, a normal teenage: she goes to school.  She hangs out with her best friend.   She loves her boyfriend.  But she also has the Need, a term she uses to describe the compulsions to help others, compulsions that wash over her randomly, leading her to complete strangers.  If she ignores the Need, the symptoms - and the results - are not good.  So Charlotte juggles her everyday life with her confusion over the Need, and the complications it creates.  Charlotte is torn in two, and I really felt for her, and her struggle.  She wants more time with Harlin, her boyfriend, but she has this other task to perform, and as the book continues, and she begins to understand more about the Need, and her destiny, my sympathy for Charlotte increased twofold.  

I really came to love the premise of this book.  It's definitely unique, and Suzanne Young did a really admirable job with the pacing of the book.  I definitely did not get bored with the story that was unfolding.  However, my heart absolutely broke for Charlotte, as she started to comprehend what being a Forgotten means: she will, in time, only exist to her Seer.  Everyone she loves will eventually forget her, even those she has helped, whose lives she has changed.  And her choice: embrace or deny that destiny, really gutted me. 

I'm also anxious to see the sequel, because well, I loved several of the characters, including Monroe, Charlotte's doctor and friend, Alex, her adopted brother, Sarah, her best friend, and Harlin.  Oh, Harlin.  What can I say except WOW.  I loved loved loved his devotion to Charlotte, and their relationship, to me, was really unique and heartfelt.  I loved the extra special connection given to them in the latter part of the book.  And I enjoyed the fact that these characters were well-developed, and not stereotypical.  

I definitely need A Want So Wicked!  This book was heart-pounding - literally - and so emotional at the end, that it brought me to tears.  I finished it late one night and woke up thinking about it, and it has lingered with me.  I think I wanted it to be a little longer, and to be a little more in depth on some of the history of the Forgotten and the Seers, etc, but overall, definitely a read to move up on your TBR list!

Memorable Quote

His mouth twitched with a smile, and his dimples deepened. "Where were you running to, Miss Cassidy?"

My stomach fluttered as I stood there, forgetting where I was going.  Where I was supposed to be.  Instead, like it wasn't even my choice, I moved forward to stand incredibly close to him.

"I was running here," I said, sounding confident.   - Charlotte and Harlin's first meeting