ARC Review: On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

Expected publication: 12.27.2011 (Harlequin Teen)

Pages: 384

Final Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Source:  E-ARC from NetGalley

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online:  Website | Twitter

Five years ago Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her lucky break came at the expense of her mother’s life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death—by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky—she would never be normal again.

Now she’s the target of Death’s Ravens and an innocent boy’s life is on the line. When Nate Holden—Abbey’s secret crush—starts to climb Alaska’s Denali, the Angel of Death is with him because of her.

Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets.

My Review

In On a Dark Wing, we meet Abbey, a girl whose life has been irrevocably touched by death – starting with her mother’s demise during a car accident involving Abbey, and continuing into her father’s work as a mortician.  It’s been five years since her mother’s death, and it’s clear that losing her mother has marked Abbey’s life in a major way.  My heart went out to Abbey because of the way Jordan Dane showed us Abbey’s grief; it was palpable, it was real, and it breathed life into Abbey’s character.  However, I remain conflicted about this book, for several reasons. 

I think the main issue I had with On A Dark Wing was that, unfortunately, I never clicked with any of the characters, save for Tanner, perhaps.  Abbey was a likeable enough character, and I could certainly understand her, but I never sympathized with her, never really found myself connecting with her, nor with Nate, whose point of view we saw as often as we saw Abbey’s.  The lack of kinship I felt with the main characters was a disappointment for me, but try as I might, I couldn’t do it, and because of that, although yes, I wanted to know what happened next, and ultimately how the book ended, I had to force myself to finish it. 

The multiple points of view threw me off in a big way; I thought the book would have flowed much better solely from Abbey’s point of view, instead, Jordan Dane gives us chapters from Abbey, Nate, Tanner, and even occasionally, Nate’s parents.  Instead of moving along the story or being effective, for me, this was majorly jarring.  About the time I got used to where we were with one character, the book careened into a different point of view, which I think added to my inability to connect with the characters. 

That’s not to say that I didn’t like anything about On a Dark Wing.  Abbey’s crush on Nate was endearing, because I think at some point, every girl was her – unsure of themselves, but sure that if that one certain guy will just give them a chance, life will improve.  Abbey was searching for that validation in Nate, but I was relieved with the direction Jordan Dane took that arc in the end of the book.   I also really loved Abbey and Tanner’s friendship, and how loyal they were to one another.  At times I felt incredibly bad for him, and wanted to shake Abbey, because it was obvious how much Tanner cared for her, while all she could see was Nate.  However, when Abbey finally opened her eyes to Tanner, it felt rushed and forced. 

I wanted more interaction between Abbey and her dad; interestingly enough, of all the points of view we saw, his was never included, and I was intrigued by him.  I really enjoyed what scenes we did get between Abbey and her father, and though those were the most powerful of the novel.  

Overall, although I so wanted to love On a Dark Wing, I couldn’t.  Jordan Dane has a very down-to-earth writing style, that’s easy to follow and enjoy.  I accepted the premise to this book easily enough but felt it lacked follow-through.  Characters were under-developed at times, and unfortunately, because I couldn’t form a connection with the main characters, I couldn’t enjoy this book nearly as much as I wanted to. 

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading.

Review: Eve by Anna Carey

Eve by Anna Carey

Published:10.04.2011

Pages: 318

Series: Eve (1)

Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Further info:  Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online:  site | twitter

The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

My Review

The night before her graduation, sheltered Eve has an eye-opening experience: she discovers what waits beyond the walls of her school.   And for the first time in her life, Anna Carey's sheltered heroine has to make a decision for herself that will profoundly affect her future.  I admired Eve's courage...the bravey it takes to leave behind the only life she's ever known, but I wanted to cringe reading about her on her own, because of how ill-prepared she is to cope with the situation she's in.  Eve doesn't know how to make a fire or hunt, or gather any food.  She simply has never been taught anything; the school and the Teachers have always provided everything she needed.  

Eve loses a little of her doe-eyed innocence throughout the book, but her naive view of the world colored the book for me, and I never really connected with her as a character.  I couldn't help but sympathize with her to an extent - everything she's ever believed is in question.  She's being forced to ask herself if the people who have always taken care of her ever had her best interest at heart, if the King of New America can really be trusted, and so forth.  But I think I kept waiting for her to take some major steps forward, which didn't really happen until the very end of the book, for me.  

I found a lot about this book interesting though.  I thought Arden, a secondary character, was fascinating.  I am really hoping she will show up in the sequel.  I enjoyed her both as a foil to Eve, and as an individual.  I also loved Caleb.  He was a rather swoon-worthy love interest (and I could kiss Anna Carey for NOT including a love triangle.)  Caleb and Eve gravitate toward one another a little quickly, but much more slowly than in some books I have read.  To me, their connection felt sweet and genuine, and was one of my favorite things about the books, as well as Eve's time with the group of refugee boys.  

Some things that got under my skin: the King's ulterior motive.  It was tossed out there, but never really fleshed out.  I assume that will be explained in the sequel.  Also, it bugged me that at one point Eve clearly stated she didn't have many memories of her mother, but then throughout the book, she has vivid flashbacks.  And I was kind of dismayed that there wasn't more information about the plague. I feel like the world-building could have been a little more fleshed out.  

Otherwise, this was an interesting look at a rebuilt America, and I am definitely intrigued enough to look into the sequel when it is available.  

Disclaimer

This book was provided to me from the author in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any kind changed hands.  

Memorable Quote

I opened my eyes to the face I'd imagined so many times.  Caleb smiled, his hair tickling my forehead.  I pressed my hands to his cheeks, wondering if I was having a waking dream.  His skin was warm against my fingers.  I wasn't sure whether to cry or laugh. 

Instead, I just hugged him.  Our bodies pressed into one, our arms pulled the other nearer and nearer still, until nothing was between us, not even air. 

Review + ARC Giveaway: Half-Blood by Jennifer Armentrout

Half-Blood by Jennifer Armentrout

Expected publication: 10.18.2011 (Spencer Hill Press)

Pages: 281

Series: The Covenant (1)

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Find the author online: twitter | blog

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. 

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:
 
Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. 

Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

{ This book was sent to me by the publisher, Spencer Hill Press, in exchange for an honest review.  No money changed hands.  I review books because I adore reading. }

My Review

Alexandria Andros is my kind of heroine: shoot first, ask questions later - a no-nonsense kind of girl.  And when she is dragged, half-gratefully, half-reluctantly back to the South Carolina Covenant her mother, Rachelle, took her away from three years ago, Alex, reeling from a tragic loss, needs every bit of her spunk to re acclimate to the world she left.  I liked Alex right away, for all the qualities I mentioned, and for the fact that her quirks only made her more human, and a incredibly sympathetic character.  In creating Alex, Jennifer Armentrout reaches out and grabs the reader, pulling you headfirst into the world she has created. 

Put on a sort of probation, Alex only has a few months to prove herself worthy of staying at the Covenant as a student.  Her other choice is a life of servitude, or living with her step-father - each are equally horrible to her.  Grieving her mother, drained by daimons, Alex sets her course: she wants to become a Sentinel, a half-blood who trains to find and fight daimons.  Half-bloods like Alex can see through the elemental magic that cloaks daimons from Pures.  And right away, I fell for her trainer, Aiden St Delphi, who vouches for the fact he can have her ready by fall term.  I loved their interaction and their exchanges, and the way Jennifer Armentrout slowly developed their relationship, showing us there is more to both characters, as individuals, and as friends and possibly more, than what meets the eye.  The two of them together, as partners in training, as friends, and as two people who are drawn together, was for me, the most genuine and heart-felt theme of the novel.

I thought the plot was solid, and I am definitely, definitely interested in the idea of absentee gods.  While some characters, like Alex, scorn the idea of being guided by them, others are still quite devout, and I admit, I am very curious as to see what, if any kind of role the gods will play in the second book. 

Things I was not a fan of: several of the characters seemed a little flat, like Lea, and Zarek, and the ones who I really craved seeing more of, like Deacon, and Caleb, weren't given near enough time or attention.  I especially found Deacon appealing, and feel like Jennifer only scratched at his surface.  

I also thought the book was too short.  The pacing was spotty in places, building a little slowly in the first half of the book, and then rushing toward the climax.  However I think this book has a lot of potential that I truly think Jennifer Armentrout will fully explore in the sequel, Pure.  And again, let me say, I adored Aiden, and Alex, and thought they were just truly amazing together.  I think Jennifer has created a (possible) couple who compliment one another very well.  And I am excited for the sequel, to see where she takes these characters! 

Memorable Quote

I shook my head, doubtful that I could believe in anything at this point, and started to slip away, but Aiden's hand tightened around my shoulders.  And instant later, he gathered me close to him.  I hesitated, because being this close to him was possibly the sweetest kind of torture.  

I needed to break away...move as far away as possible, but his arms circled my shoulders.  Slowly, carefully, I rested my head against his chest.  My hands fell to the curve of his back, and I inhaled deeply.  His scent, a mixture of the sea, and soap, filled me.  The steady beat of his heart under my cheek warmed and comforted me.  It was just a hug, but gods it meant so much.  It meant everything.  - Alex

 

Review: Twilight's Child

Twilight's Child / V.C. Andrews

Published: 1992 (Pocket Books)

Pages: 410

Originally read: 2000

Re-read: June 28 2011 - July 3 2011

As Mrs. James Gary Longchamp, Dawn is blissfully happy. But a legacy of deceit and betrayal still haunts her...

At last Dawn can create a haven of warmth and love for her beautiful baby girl, Christie, and her darling Jimmy. Dawn is a huge success as the new owner of the Cutler's Cove hotel...and soon she and Jimmy will be blessed with a child of their own.

Yet Dawn cannot quell her forebodings of evil. She can sense Grandmother Cutler's presence everywhere...can feel her bitter hatred as if the old lady plotted her vengeance from the grave. When Dawn discovers that her brother, Philip, still clings to his mad, shameful passion for her, she is heartstricken. Her spiteful, jealous sister, Clara, is far easier to ignore...until the day Clara's childish rage explodes into violence, destroying Dawn's most cherished, precious dream.

Then Christie's father, debonair singing star Michael Sutton, returns. Now, as the heartaches and scandals of the past threaten to engulf her, Dawn must fight for her steadfast Jimmy...for only with Jimmy's love can she find the rainbow at the end of the storm. 

The long story short:  Married to her sweetheart, Dawn Cutler Longchamp struggles to acclimate to life as the new owner of the Cutler's Cove hotel.  Dawn's growing pains as a business owner and as a young wife and mother felt realistic and believable; unfortunately, the side arcs of the return of Christie's father and Dawn's brother, Philip's unwavering passion for her did not.  At time the author seemed as if he was reaching for enough material to fill the pages of a book that could have easily been shortened by about 100 pages and still have told the same story.  



Final rating: 3 of 5 stars

_______

This book started off with Dawn engaging in a brief but poignant legal battle to reclaim her infant daughter, whom Grandmother Cutler had secretly arranged for a childless couple to adopt, proving to Dawn that although she is dead, her grandmother’s machinations are not yet finished.  Returning to Cutler's Cove with her young child, Dawn is thrown headlong into a new world - that of owner of her family's business.  The truth of her parentage has been revealed and Dawn struggles with it - she now understands much more, and also, much less about the Cutler's and their history - and herself.  Her search for the truth, and for self-awareness resonated with me. 

As the various skeletons in the closet plague Dawn's new life, the calm amidst the storm is her relationship with Jimmy Longchamp.  One of the best things about the series, for me, was their unorthodox courtship and subsequent marriage.  I was not a fan of the lack of transition in the first book, from their belief they were siblings, to, after finding out they weren’t, giving in to so-called long buried romantic yearnings, but there is something undeniably heart-warming about them, for me.  Jimmy puts up with a hell of a lot - clearly, he adores Dawn, but what worked for me was that he let her know what he thought.  He wasn't a mindless robot like so many of the author's latter male characters became.  He and Dawn communicated and made decisions together.  Their love felt real - I felt like I was there with them, as they learned how to be a husband and wife. 

Sadly, another love was that of Philip for Dawn.  Having never let go of his romantic yearnings for his half-sister, Philip wavers between brotherly devotion and a lover's passion in this novel.  At times, even though I knew what would happen, I hoped he had changed.  But in the end the reader can tell he still harbors his mad hopes that he and Dawn will be lovers.  What bothered me most about this is that Dawn knew, Jimmy knew even if he didn't say, even selfish Clara Sue knew, and yet...no one addressed the issue.  Everyone just stuck their heads in the sand and hoped Philip marrying (his wife is a plain girl, easily molded in his eyes, into a substitute for Dawn) would make the problem go away. 

My biggest complaint with the series to date is the Cutler family's "if I don't think about it, it isn't happening," attitude.  Everyone, even Dawn, is guilty of this from time to time.  Through the first three books this was a recurring theme, one that I never understood. 

I also was not a fan of the passage of time in this novel.  Maybe it's because I am used to reading books where events occur more in "real time," but when time passed in great leaps and bounds in this book, it felt awkward and as if I was missing important things.  It's hard to believe that six years passes in this novel, a book that feels more like a bunch of haphazardly thrown together little arcs than a cohesive novel. 

A lot happened that I didn't like, luckily, I love Dawn Cutler Longchamp enough to overlook most of that.  She makes some bad choices in this book, but continues to grow up and mature.  At the end of the day, she is a character with heart, a character who feels believable and sympathetic, except when Neiderman, writing as V.C. Andrews delves a little too far into his attempt at writing for a female (words like "bosom" are thrown around a little too frequently, and at times Dawn's "voice" is a little hysterical.)